JP6464875B2 - Liquid cartridge and liquid consumption apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge in which a liquid whose viscosity can change with time is stored.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by discharging ink stored in an ink container from a nozzle is known. In the ink jet recording apparatus having the above configuration, when the viscosity of the ink in the ink container changes, the nozzle may be clogged or the image recording quality may be affected.

  Thus, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet recording apparatus that calculates the ink viscosity in an ink container and performs an optimal preliminary ejection operation according to the calculation result. Specifically, the ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 calculates the viscosity of ink based on the elapsed time after the ink container is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus and the remaining amount of ink in the ink container. doing.

JP 09-277560 A

  However, the change in the viscosity of the ink in the ink container may vary greatly depending on the type of ink in the ink container, the temperature of the environment in which the ink container is placed, and the like. Further, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is impossible to calculate the viscosity of the ink in the ink container that has been left without being mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid cartridge capable of more directly estimating the viscosity of the liquid in the storage chamber.

  (1) A liquid cartridge according to the present invention includes a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored, a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge, and the liquid storage chamber. A float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid, a detection position that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, a detection member that can move between a standby position different from the detection position, and the detection target in the liquid storage chamber A partition that defines a movement space of the resistance portion that is at least a part of the member, a restriction position that restricts movement of the detected member in a moving direction from the standby position toward the detection position, and movement of the detected member And a restricting member that is movable between permissible positions. The partition wall defines at least a part of an opening that allows the moving space and the liquid storage chamber to communicate with each other. The float that moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in a use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position moves the detected member from the standby position to the detection position, and the resistance The part is moved away from the opening.

  According to the above configuration, when the restriction member moves from the restriction position to the allowable position, the detected member moves from the standby position to the detection position. Since the member to be detected that moves in the liquid receives viscosity resistance and inertial resistance from the liquid, the moving speed changes according to the viscosity of the liquid. Therefore, the viscosity of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be estimated by measuring the time from when the regulating member is moved to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position.

  Here, since the resistance portion that moves in the moving space surrounded by the partition wall receives larger viscous resistance and inertial resistance, the resistance member moves to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position. The time becomes longer and the accuracy of estimating the liquid viscosity is improved. Further, the volume of the moving space closer to the opening than the resistance portion is smaller when the detected member is disposed at the standby position than when the detected member is disposed at the detected position. This makes it difficult for bubbles to enter the moving space from the liquid storage chamber in a state where the detected member is disposed at the standby position. As a result, it is possible to suppress a change in the moving speed of the detected member due to the bubbles adhering.

  As a result, for example, the degree of deterioration of the liquid in the liquid cartridge that has been left unattended for a long time without being attached to the liquid consuming apparatus is estimated, or multiple types of liquid cartridges in which liquids of different viscosities are stored In the case where the cartridge can be mounted on the apparatus, the type of the mounted liquid cartridge can be specified.

  Note that the usage posture of the liquid cartridge refers to, for example, the posture of the liquid cartridge mounted on the liquid consuming apparatus or the posture of the liquid cartridge when checking the movement of the detected part in the manufacturing process. Further, the float and the member to be detected may be configured as separate bodies or may be configured as an integral unit. Further, a part of the detected member may function as a float, or the detected member itself may function as a float.

  (2) Preferably, the said partition is extended along the movement locus | trajectory of the said resistance part.

  According to the said structure, the viscous resistance and inertial resistance which a resistance part receives from the liquid in movement space become large. As a result, the movement time of the detected member from the standby position to the detection position becomes longer, so that the liquid viscosity estimation accuracy is further improved.

  (3) Preferably, the opening is provided in the partition wall facing the liquid supply unit.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid in the moving space can easily flow into the liquid supply unit through the opening.

  (4) Preferably, irregularities are formed on the surface of the partition wall facing the moving space.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the resistance portion moving in the moving space from being in surface contact with the partition wall, and thus it is possible to suppress the movement of the resistance portion from being inhibited. The unevenness may be a rib, a protrusion, a dent, a texture, or the like.

  (5) Preferably, the detected member is rotatable between the standby position and the detection position, and is detected from outside the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position. A detection unit, a first arm extending from the rotation center and supporting the detected portion outside the movement space, and extending from the rotation center in a direction different from the first arm in the movement space. And a second arm that supports the float that is the resistance portion.

  According to the said structure, it becomes difficult for a bubble to adhere to the float arrange | positioned in movement space. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in liquid viscosity estimation accuracy.

  (6) Preferably, the partition is provided between the rotation center and the float. The surface of the float facing the partition is a curved surface having a first radius of curvature. The surface of the partition wall facing the float is a curved surface having a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

  (7) More preferably, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature.

  According to the said structure, it is further suppressed that a resistance part and a partition contact surface.

  (8) Preferably, the opening is disposed at a lower end of the partition wall in a use posture of the liquid cartridge.

  (9) For example, the partition is connected to a lower wall that defines the lower end of the liquid storage chamber. The opening is defined by the partition wall and the lower wall.

  (10) Further, the float and the lower wall may directly face each other.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of liquid remaining in the moving space can be reduced.

  (11) Preferably, the partition wall closes the upper end of the moving space with respect to the liquid storage chamber in a use posture of the liquid cartridge.

  According to the above configuration, bubbles are less likely to enter the moving space from the liquid storage chamber.

  (12) For example, the liquid cartridge includes a closing member that closes or opens a liquid supply port formed in the liquid supply unit, and a biasing member that biases the closing member in a direction to close the liquid supply port. Is further provided. The detected member is arranged at a position shifted from the urging member in the urging direction of the urging member.

  (13) Preferably, the restricting member moves the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricting position.

  According to the above configuration, the movement of the detected member is restricted again at the standby position by returning the restricting member from the allowable position to the restricting position. As a result, the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be estimated repeatedly.

  (14) For example, in the process in which the restriction member contacts the detected member at the restricted position, moves away from the detected member at the allowed position, and is moved from the allowed position to the restricted position. The detected member is moved to the standby position in contact with the detected member.

  (15) As an example, the member to be detected at the standby position enters the opening.

  (16) As another example, the restricting member at the restricting position enters the moving space from the liquid storage chamber through the opening, and restricts the movement of the detected member at the standby position.

  According to each configuration described above, the area of the opening can be reduced when the detected member is in the standby position (in other words, the restriction member is the restriction position). As a result, the bubbles are less likely to enter the moving space from the liquid storage chamber.

  (17) For example, the opening is a notch formed in the partition wall.

  (18) A liquid consuming apparatus according to the present invention consumes liquid supplied from a liquid cartridge having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored. The liquid cartridge has a specific gravity from the liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored, a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber. A detection member that has a small float and can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge; and a detection member that can move between a standby position different from the detection position; and A partition that defines a movement space of at least a part of the resistance portion, a restriction position that restricts movement of the detected member in a moving direction from the standby position toward the detection position, and allows movement of the detected member And a restricting member that is movable between permissible positions. The partition wall defines at least a part of an opening that allows the moving space and the liquid storage chamber to communicate with each other. The float that moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in a use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position moves the detected member from the standby position to the detection position, and the resistance The part is moved away from the opening. The liquid consuming device includes a mounting unit on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted, a liquid consuming unit for consuming liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit through the liquid supply unit, and the covered unit. A detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detection member is present at the detection position.

  (19) Preferably, it further includes a control unit that determines whether or not an elapsed time from when the restriction member is moved to the allowable position until the detection signal is output by the detection unit is included in a threshold range. .

  According to the above configuration, the viscosity of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be estimated by measuring the time from when the regulating member is moved to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position. . Here, since the resistance portion that moves in the moving space surrounded by the partition wall receives larger viscous resistance and inertial resistance, the resistance member moves to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position. The time becomes longer and the accuracy of estimating the liquid viscosity is improved. Further, the volume of the moving space closer to the opening than the resistance portion is smaller when the detected member is disposed at the standby position than when the detected member is disposed at the detected position. Thereby, it becomes difficult for bubbles to enter the moving space from the liquid storage chamber, and a change in the moving speed of the detected member due to the bubbles adhering can be suppressed.

  The “threshold range” in the present specification does not necessarily require that both the upper limit value and the lower limit value are specified, and it is sufficient that at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value is specified. For example, the threshold range in which only the upper limit value is specified includes all values less than or equal to the upper limit value. Similarly, the threshold range in which only the lower limit value is specified includes all values greater than or equal to the lower limit value.

  According to the present invention, the viscosity of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be estimated by measuring the time from when the regulating member is moved to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position. . Moreover, the time required for the member to be detected to reach the detection position is lengthened by the resistance portion arranged in the movement space, and the liquid viscosity estimation accuracy is improved. Furthermore, since it becomes difficult for bubbles to enter the moving space from the liquid storage chamber, it is possible to suppress a change in the moving speed of the detected member due to the bubbles adhering.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a printer 10 provided with a cartridge mounting portion 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ink container 32. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the printer 10. 5A and 5B are diagrams of the ink container 32 in a state in which the regulating member 88 is in the regulated position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position, (A) is a right side view, and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view. 6A and 6B are diagrams of the ink container 32 in a state in which the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position, FIG. 6A is a right side view, and FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view. 7A and 7B are diagrams of the ink container 32 in a state where the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is in the detection position. FIG. 7A is a right side view and FIG. 7B is a longitudinal sectional view. 8A is a perspective view of the member 59 to be detected, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the valve body 77, the sealing member 78, and the regulating member 88. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether there is an abnormality in the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36, which is executed by the control unit 130. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit 130 on the condition that the processing shown in FIG. 9 is completed and the cover of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of remaining amount determination processing executed by the control unit 130. 12A and 12B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the ink container 32 in Modification 1. FIG. 12A is a state in which the regulating member 88 is in the regulated position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position, and FIG. The member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in Modification 1. FIG. 13A is a state where the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is between the standby position and the detection position. (B) is a state in which the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is in the detection position. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the first modification, in which the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 is reduced from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a right side view of the ink container 32 having a configuration in which the curvature radius of the surface 63A is larger than the curvature radius of the surface 44A. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the ink container 32 having the fourth inner wall 159. FIG. 17 is a right side view of the ink container 32 having a configuration in which the float 63 passes through the opening 155. FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the cartridge mounting part 110 provided with the sensor 103 and the second sensor 148 and the ink cartridge 30 provided with the convex part 149. FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the cartridge mounting part 110 provided with the sensor 103 and the ink cartridge 30 provided with the convex part 149.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is defined as the insertion direction 51. The direction opposite to the insertion direction 51 and with which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the removal direction 52. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 are horizontal directions, but the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 may not be horizontal directions. Further, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, that is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in a use posture, the gravity direction is defined as the downward direction 53, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction is defined as the upward direction 54. The In addition, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the removal direction 52, directions orthogonal to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53 are defined as a right direction 55 and a left direction 56. In the following description, the ink cartridge 30 is assumed to be in a use posture unless otherwise specified.

[Overview of Printer 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 records an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an ink jet recording method. The printer 10 (an example of a liquid consuming device) includes a recording head 21 (an example of a liquid consuming unit), an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20 that connects the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting part 110 (an example of a mounting part). An ink cartridge 30 (an example of a liquid cartridge) can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. An opening 112 is provided on one surface of the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 through the opening 112 or is extracted from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52.

  The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of a liquid) that can be used by the printer 10. In a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed, the ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 is provided with a sub tank 28. The sub tank 28 temporarily stores the ink supplied through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects the ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by the ink jet recording method. Specifically, a drive voltage is selectively applied from the head control board 21A provided on the recording head 21 to the piezo elements 29A provided corresponding to the nozzles 29. Thereby, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzles 29.

  The recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24 by the paper feed roller 23 is transported onto the platen 26 by the transport roller pair 25. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto a recording sheet that passes over the platen 26. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper. The recording paper that has passed through the platen 26 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 24 by a discharge roller pair 27.

[Ink supply apparatus 100]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply device 100 is provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 supplies ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. The cartridge mounting unit 110 includes a case 101, an ink needle 102, a sensor 103 (an example of a detection unit), and a mounting sensor 107.

  FIG. 1 shows a state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely installed in the cartridge mounting unit 110. That is, a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the use posture is shown. The cartridge mounting portion 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Further, four ink needles 102, sensors 103, and mounting sensors 107 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30.

[Ink needle 102]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 112 is formed in the case 101. The case 101 includes a back surface 151 positioned opposite to the opening 112. The ink needle 102 protrudes in the removal direction 52 from the back surface 151 of the case 101. The ink needle 102 is disposed on the back surface 151 of the case 101 at a position where it can face the ink supply unit 60 (an example of a liquid supply unit) of the ink cartridge 30. The ink needle 102 is a tubular resin needle in which a liquid flow path is formed. An opening is provided in the vicinity of the protruding end, and the ink tube 20 is connected to the proximal end. The ink in the ink chamber 36 (an example of a liquid storage chamber) flows out to the ink tube 20 through the ink needle 102 that has entered the ink supply unit 60. That is, the ink in the ink chamber 36 is supplied from the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110 to the recording head 21 through the ink supply unit 60.

  The printer 10 includes a cover (not shown) that covers or exposes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110. The cover is supported by the case 101 so as to be opened and closed, or is supported by the casing (not shown) of the printer 10 so as to be opened and closed. The opening 112 when the cover is open is exposed to the outside of the printer 10. In this state, the user can insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112, or can pull out the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110. On the other hand, the opening 112 when the cover is closed covers the outside of the printer 10. In this state, the ink cartridge 30 cannot be inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.

  In the present specification, “the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110” means at least a part of the ink positioned in the cartridge mounting unit 110 (more specifically, in the case 101). The cartridge 30 is meant. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 30 in the process of being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is also the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  On the other hand, in this specification, the state where “mounting of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed” is a state where ink can be supplied from at least the ink cartridge 30 to the recording head 21. For example, in this state, the ink cartridge 30 is locked so that the ink cartridge 30 does not move with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110, or the ink is not contained in the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a state where the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 is closed. It means a state of the ink cartridge 30 in which image recording by the printer 10 is possible, such as a state where the cartridge 30 is located. The ink cartridge 30 that has been inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is in a use posture.

[Sensor 103]
As shown in FIG. 1, the case 101 includes a top surface 152 that extends from the upper end of the back surface 151 toward the opening 112. The sensor 103 protrudes downward from the top surface 152 of the case 101. The sensor 103 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit is provided in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 of the light receiving unit with a space from the light receiving unit. The convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is disposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. In other words, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed to face each other with the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 being interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the optical path of the light output from the light emitting unit coincides with the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.

  The sensor 103 outputs different detection signals depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a low level signal (“a signal with a signal level less than a threshold level” on condition that the light output from the light emitting unit cannot be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the received light intensity is less than a predetermined intensity). ").) Is output. On the other hand, the sensor 103 receives a high level signal (“the signal level is equal to or higher than the threshold level” on condition that the light output from the light emitting unit can be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the received light intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity). "Signal") is output. Note that the light emitting unit in the present embodiment transmits, for example, light that passes through the wall of the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 (that is, a frame 31 described later) and does not transmit ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 (for example, visible light). Light or infrared light).

[Mounting sensor 107]
As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting sensor 107 is provided on the back surface 151 of the case 101 in the upward direction 54 from the ink needle 102. The mounting sensor 107 is disposed at a mounting detection position on the insertion path of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting unit 110. The mounting sensor 107 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 30 at the mounting detection position to the control unit 130 (see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the mounting sensor 107 is arranged so that the ink cartridge 30 is positioned at the mounting detection position when the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed.

  Specifically, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal on the condition that it is not pressed against the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal on the condition that it is pressed against the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33. Note that the mounting sensor 107 in the present embodiment is a mechanical sensor that outputs a different detection signal depending on whether the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 is pressed or not, but a specific example of the mounting sensor 107 is limited to this. Alternatively, an optical sensor or the like may be used.

[Ink cartridge 30]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink cartridge 30 includes an ink container 32 and a cartridge cover 33 that covers the ink container 32. The cartridge cover 33 is composed of two members that can be fitted to each other, and covers the ink container 32 so as to sandwich the ink container 32. As shown in FIG. 2, two openings 34 and 35 are formed in the cartridge cover 33. The opening 34 is formed in the upper surface 57 of the cartridge cover 33. A convex portion 37 protrudes from the opening 34. The opening 35 is formed in the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33. An ink supply unit 60 protrudes from the opening 35.

  In the present embodiment, the cartridge cover 33 has the projection 37 and the ink supply unit 60 protruding from the openings 34 and 35, respectively. However, the other part of the ink container 32 may be partially exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink container 32 includes an ink chamber 36, an ink supply unit 60, and a frame 31. The ink container 32 is formed of a transparent resin, and supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to the outside through the ink supply unit 60. The ink cartridge 30 is in the upright state shown in FIG. And it is inserted and extracted along the removal direction 52.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, is thin in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and the dimensions of the down direction 53 and the up direction 54, the insertion direction 51, and the removal direction 52 are in the right direction. It is a flat shape larger than the dimension of 55 and the left direction 56. The frame 31 overlaps at least partially with the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 that overlap at least partially when viewed in plan from the insertion direction 51 or the withdrawal direction 52 and when viewed from below in the downward direction 53 or the upward direction 54. The upper wall 39 and the lower wall 42, the first inner wall 43 erected from the center of the lower wall 42 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 toward the upper wall 39, and the first inner wall 43 toward the right direction 55. And a third inner wall 153 that is connected to the second inner wall 44 and is erected from the first inner wall 43 in the lower wall 42 toward the upper wall 39 from the right direction 55. It is configured. The first inner wall 43, the second inner wall 44, and the third inner wall 153 are examples of partition walls. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front wall 40 faces in the front direction (in other words, in the insertion direction 51), and faces in the rear direction (in other words, the removal direction 52). The rear wall 41 is directed to the rear wall 41.

  The upper wall 39 connects the upper ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. The lower wall 42 connects the lower ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. The upper wall 39 is formed with a convex portion 37 protruding upward. Of the above walls, the upper wall 39 on which at least the convex portion 37 is formed transmits light output from the light emitting portion of the sensor 103.

  The surfaces of the frame 31 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are open. The surface of the opened frame 31 is sealed with a film (not shown). The outer shape of the film that seals the surface in the right direction 55 of the frame 31 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed from the right direction 55. The outer shape of the film that seals the surface in the left direction 56 of the frame 31 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed from the left direction 56. Each film constitutes the right wall and the left wall of the ink chamber 36. Each film is heat-welded to the right end surface and the left end surface of the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42.

  The upper wall 39 defines the upper end of the ink chamber 36. The front wall 40 defines the front end of the ink chamber 36. The rear wall 41 defines the rear end of the ink chamber 36. The lower wall 42 defines the lower end of the ink chamber 36. Each film defines a right end and a left end of the ink chamber 36. Ink can be stored in the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, the lower wall 42, and the ink chamber 36 defined by each film.

  The ink container 32 includes a protrusion 48 that extends in the right direction 55 from the first inner wall 43 in the frame 31. A detected member 59 is provided in the ink chamber 36, and the protrusion 48 supports the detected member 59.

[First inner wall 43, second inner wall 44, and third inner wall 153]
The first inner wall 43, the second inner wall 44, and the third inner wall 153 are walls formed in the ink chamber 36.

  The first inner wall 43 extends from the rear wall 41 to the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The first inner wall 43 is connected to the lower wall 42, and is erected from the lower wall 42 to the center portion of the ink chamber 36 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54.

  The third inner wall 153 extends from the rear wall 41 to the center of the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 in the ink chamber 36. The third inner wall 153 is connected to the lower wall 42 and is erected from the lower wall 42 to substantially the same height as the first inner wall 43. The third inner wall 153 is disposed so as to face the first inner wall 43 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. In addition, in FIG.5, FIG.6, FIG.7, FIG.15 and FIG. 17, illustration of the 3rd inner wall 153 is abbreviate | omitted.

  The second inner wall 44 extends in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The second inner wall 44 is formed in the removal direction 52 with respect to the ink supply unit 60, and faces the ink supply unit 60. The second inner wall 44 is connected to the lower wall 42 and is erected from the lower wall 42 to substantially the same height as the first inner wall 43 and the third inner wall 153. The left end of the second inner wall 44 is connected to the first inner wall 43. The right end of the second inner wall 44 is connected to the third inner wall 153.

  The second inner wall 44 extends from the lower wall 42 while being curved. Specifically, the second inner wall 44 is curved with the surface in the removal direction 52 as the curved outer side and the surface in the insertion direction 51 as the curved inner side. The bending direction of the second inner wall 44 substantially coincides with the movement locus of the float 63 described later. In other words, the second inner wall 44 extends along the movement locus of the float 63.

  The first inner wall 43, the second inner wall 44, the third inner wall 153, and the lower wall 42 define a space 154 (an example of a moving space) whose upper end is opened. The space 154 communicates with the ink chamber 36 through the opened upper end and the two openings 155 and 156 formed in the second inner wall 44.

  The first inner wall 43 to the third inner wall 153 are preferably formed of a rigid plate-like resin component or the like. By using a plate-like member, the pressure in the ink cartridge 30 is difficult to be deformed with respect to the change, so the distance from the float 63 can be kept constant, and the change in resistance caused by the float 63 to the environment is suppressed. it can.

  The opening 155 is provided at the lower end of the second inner wall 44. That is, the opening 155 is a notch cut out upward from the lower end of the second inner wall 44. The opening 155 is defined by the second inner wall 44 and the lower wall 42. Note that the opening 155 may be disposed at a position other than the lower end of the second inner wall 44. For example, the opening 155 may be disposed slightly above the lower end of the second inner wall 44. In this case, the opening 155 is defined only by the second inner wall 44. As described above, the second inner wall 44 defines at least a part of the opening 155. The size of the opening 155 is preferably such that bubbles do not enter the space 154. Specifically, the opening is preferably the same as or smaller than the opening 46 </ b> A connecting the ink chamber 36 and the valve chamber 64.

  The position of the opening 155 is preferably provided at the same height as the opening 46A of the ink supply unit 60 or at a position lower than the opening 46A. By adopting such a positional relationship, it is possible to suppress that ink at least in the water level higher than the opening 46A among the ink accumulated in the space 154 is not used and remains in the space 154.

  The opening 156 is formed above the opening 155 in the second inner wall 44. The opening 156 is defined by the second inner wall 44. A second arm 72 described later is inserted through the opening 156.

[Ink chamber 36]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink chamber 36 is formed between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. Ink is stored in the ink chamber 36. The ink chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 before being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 is maintained at a negative pressure. The ink chamber 36 is communicated with the atmosphere through the first atmosphere communication path 66 and the second atmosphere communication path 67 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. Ink in the ink chamber 36 flows out of the ink cartridge 30 through the ink supply unit 60 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110. The convex portion 37 has an internal space, and the internal space constitutes a part of the ink chamber 36.

[Ink supply unit 60]
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply unit 60 is formed near the lower end of the front wall 40. The ink supply unit 60 includes a cylindrical tube wall 46 in which a valve chamber 47 is formed, and a seal member 76 and a cap 79 attached to the tube wall 46.

  The cylinder wall 46 extends from the inside of the ink chamber 36 to the outside. An opening 46 </ b> A for guiding ink in the ink chamber 36 into the valve chamber 47 is formed at the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the removal direction 52. An opening 46 </ b> B (an example of a liquid supply port) is formed at the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51. Accordingly, the ink chamber 36 is communicated with the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via the valve chamber 47. That is, the ink supply unit 60 supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. A seal member 76 and a cap 79 are attached to the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51, that is, the tip of the cylindrical wall 46.

  In the present embodiment, the opening 46A is provided at the same height as the valve chamber 47, but the opening 46A may be provided at the same height as the opening 154. At this time, the opening 46 </ b> A may form an ink flow path communicating with the ink supply unit 60 so that the ink in the ink chamber 36 flows into the ink supply unit 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, the valve chamber 47 is connected with a first atmosphere communication path 66 and a second atmosphere communication path 67. The first atmosphere communication path 66 is a flow path for allowing gas to flow between the valve chamber 47 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the first atmosphere communication passage 66 allows the valve chamber 47 to communicate with the atmosphere. The first atmosphere communication path 66 includes a hole 66A that connects the inner surface and the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 46, a groove 66B that has one end communicating with the hole 66A, and a hole 66C that connects the other end of the groove 66B and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. It consists of and.

  The second atmosphere communication path 67 is a flow path for allowing a gas to flow between the valve chamber 47 and the ink chamber 36. The second atmosphere communication path 67 includes a hole 67A that connects the inner surface and the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 46, a groove 67B that has one end communicating with the hole 67A, and a hole 67C that connects the other end of the groove 67B and the ink chamber 36. It is configured. The hole 67A is disposed at a position displaced in the removal direction 52 from the hole 66A. The hole 67C is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 of the unused ink cartridge 30. In other words, the hole 67 </ b> C is positioned above the ink level in a state where the maximum amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 36. The first atmosphere communication path 66 and the second atmosphere communication path 67 are sealed in a liquid-tight manner by a film that forms the right wall of the ink cartridge 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the seal member 76 is a disk-shaped member whose outer diameter dimension substantially matches the outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical wall 46. The seal member 76 is in liquid tight contact with the tip of the cylindrical wall 46. A through hole 68 that penetrates the seal member 76 in the insertion direction 51 is formed at the center of the seal member 76. The through hole 68 communicates the inside and outside of the valve chamber 47. The diameter of the through hole 68 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102. The seal member 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example.

  The cap 79 is attached to the tip of the cylindrical wall 46 and sandwiches the seal member 76 between the cylindrical wall 46. A through hole 69 that penetrates the cap 79 in the thickness direction is formed at the center of the cap 79. The diameter of the through hole 69 is larger than the through hole 68. The cap 79 is formed with an engaging portion (not shown) protruding in the removal direction 52. The engaging portion is engaged with an engaged portion 81 provided on the front wall 40. The cap 79 holds the seal member 76 at the tip of the cylindrical wall 46.

[Valve 77, sealing member 78, coil spring 87]
As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8B, a valve body 77 (an example of a moving member), a sealing member 78, and a coil spring 87 (an urging member) are disposed inside the cylindrical wall 46 of the ink supply unit 60. An example) is housed. The valve body 77, the sealing member 78, and the coil spring 87 indicate the state of the ink supply unit 60, the state in which ink flows out of the ink cartridge 30 from the ink chamber 36 via the ink supply unit 60, and the ink supply unit. This is for selectively switching between the state in which the ink does not flow out of the ink chamber 30 from the ink chamber 36 via 60. Further, the valve body 77, the sealing member 78, and the coil spring 87 communicate the state of the ink supply unit 60 via the ink supply unit 60 so that gas can pass between the ink chamber 36 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. This is for selectively switching between the state and the state where the ink chamber 36 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 are not communicatively communicated via the ink supply unit 60.

  The valve body 77 includes a disc-shaped valve 83, a convex portion 84 extending from the valve 83 in the removal direction 52, and a first protruding portion 85 and a second protruding portion that protrude from the convex portion 84 in the radial direction of the convex portion 84. Part 86. The valve body 77 is disposed in the valve chamber 47 so as to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52 in a state where the valve 83 faces the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51. The tip of the protrusion 84 in the removal direction 52 protrudes from the valve chamber 47 to the ink chamber 36. That is, the valve body 77 is disposed in the ink supply unit 60 and the ink chamber 36. The convex portion 84 may not protrude from the valve chamber 47 to the ink chamber 36. In this case, the valve body 77 is disposed in the ink supply unit 60.

  The outer diameter dimension of the valve body 77 is smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical wall 46. Thereby, the valve body 77 is movable in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. Specifically, the valve body 77 is between the first position shown in FIG. 5B and the second position shown in FIG. 6B that is closer to the rear wall 41 than the first position. Is movable.

  Further, the outer dimension of the valve 83 is slightly larger than the through hole 68 of the seal member 76. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the valve body 77 is in the first position, the valve 83 is pushed into the through hole 68 of the seal member 76, and the through hole 68 is liquidated. It can be sealed tightly. As a result, the opening 46B is closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the valve 83 is separated from the seal member 76 when the valve body 77 is in the second position. Thereby, the opening 46B is opened.

  Further, the outer diameter dimension of the convex portion 84 is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the valve 83.

  The first projecting portion 85 and the second projecting portion 86 are formed at four locations with a space in the circumferential direction of the convex portion 84. The first protrusion 85 is disposed at a position shifted from the second protrusion 86 in the insertion direction 51 and from the valve 83 in the removal direction 52.

  The sealing member 78 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example. 5 and 8B, the sealing member 78 includes a cylindrical portion 95 having a cylindrical shape, a flange-shaped first sealing portion 96 that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 95, and The second sealing portion 97 is configured.

  The cylindrical portion 95 is disposed between the first protruding portion 85 and the second protruding portion 86 in a state where the convex portion 84 is penetrated. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 95 is larger than the outer diameter of the convex portion 84. Therefore, a space is formed between the cylindrical portion 95 and the convex portion 84 in a state where the convex portion 84 is passed through the cylindrical portion 95. Further, the inside of the cylindrical portion 95 is exposed through the gap between the two adjacent first protrusions 85 and the gap between the two adjacent second protrusions 86. Thereby, the space continuing to the opening 46 </ b> A in the valve chamber 47 and the space continuing to the opening 46 </ b> B in the valve chamber 47 are communicated with each other by the internal space of the cylindrical portion 95.

  One end of the cylindrical portion 95 is in contact with the first protruding portion 85, and the other end of the cylindrical portion 95 is in contact with the second protruding portion 86. Accordingly, the sealing member 78 moves in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 in the valve chamber 47 together with the valve body 77.

  The first sealing portion 96 is disposed at a position shifted from the second sealing portion 97 in the insertion direction 51.

  The sealing portions 96 and 97 are tightly adhered to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 46. In a state where the sealing member 78 is not inserted into the valve chamber 47, the outer diameter size of each sealing portion 96, 97 is slightly larger than the inner diameter size of the cylindrical wall 46. Thereby, each sealing part 96 and 97 closely_contact | adhered to the inner surface of the cylinder wall 46 is elastically deformed in the direction which reduces an outer diameter dimension. Each sealing part 96 and 97 slides with respect to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 46 by moving the valve body 77.

  The coil spring 87 is disposed between the opening 46A and the second protrusion 86. The coil spring 87 urges the valve body 77 toward the insertion direction 51. That is, the coil spring 87 biases the valve body 77 from the second position toward the first position. That is, the coil spring 87 urges the valve body 77 in a direction to close the opening 46B. Thereby, in the valve chamber 47, the valve body 77 is held in a state of contacting the seal member 76 (see FIG. 5B). Instead of the coil spring 87, another urging member such as a leaf spring may be used. Further, the biasing member such as the coil spring 87 is not necessarily provided.

[Detected member 59]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the detected member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31. The frame 31 of the ink container 32 includes a protrusion 48 extending in the right direction 55 from the first inner wall 43. The detected member 59 includes a rotation center portion 61 that is a rotation center of the detected member 59. The rotation center portion 61 has a cylindrical shape, but may have a shape other than the cylindrical shape. In the detected member 59, the protrusion 48 of the frame 31 is inserted into the rotation center 61. Thereby, the detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8 </ b> A, the ink cartridge includes a detected member 59 and a float 63. In the present embodiment, the float 63 is configured as a part of the detected member 59. The detected member 59 includes a rotation center portion 61, a first arm 71, a second arm 72, a third arm 73, a detected portion 62, a float 63 (an example of a resistance portion), and a restricted portion 64. Yes.

  The rotation center portion 61 is provided at a position shifted in the insertion direction 51 from the second inner wall 44. The first arm 71 extends from the rotation center 61 in the radial direction of the rotation center 61. The second arm 72 extends from the rotation center portion 61 in the radial direction and in a direction different from the first arm 71. The second arm 72 extends from the rotation center portion 61 through the opening 156 to the space 154 formed in the removal direction 52 from the second inner wall 44. The third arm 73 extends from the rotation center portion 61 in the radial direction and in a direction different from the first arm 71 and the second arm 72. The third arm 73 is shorter than the second arm 72.

  The detected portion 62 is provided at the extending end of the first arm 71 and is supported by the first arm 71 in the ink chamber 36. That is, the detected part 62 is supported by the first arm 71 outside the space 154. The detected part 62 has a plate shape. The detected part 62 is formed of a material that blocks light output from the light emitting part.

  More specifically, when the light output from the light emitting unit reaches one of the right and left surfaces of the detected unit 62, the light that exits from the other right and left surfaces of the detected unit 62 and reaches the light receiving unit Is less than a predetermined strength, for example, zero. The detected unit 62 may completely block the light from traveling in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56, may partially absorb the light, or may bend the traveling direction of the light. The light may be totally reflected. For example, the detected portion 62 may be a resin containing a pigment, or may be transparent or translucent, but may have a prism shape and bend the light traveling direction, or aluminum. A reflective film such as a film may be provided on the surface.

  The float 63 is provided at the extending end of the second arm 72 and is supported by the second arm 72 in the space 154. The float 63 is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  The float 63 is disposed in the space 154. That is, the second inner wall 44 is disposed between the float 63 and the rotation center portion 61. No other member is disposed between the float 63 and the lower wall 42. In other words, there is ink stored in the space 154 between the float 63 and the lower wall 42. That is, the float 63 and the lower wall 42 face each other directly.

  The regulated portion 64 is provided at the extended end of the third arm 73. The regulated portion 64 is a part of the third arm 73 and is an extended end portion of the third arm 73. The regulated portion 64 has a flat surface at the extended end portion, and the regulated portion 64 is brought into contact with and separated from a regulating member 88 described later. The regulated portion 64 may be a separate member from the third arm 73, and in this case, the regulated portion 64 is supported by the third arm 73.

  The detected member 59 includes the ink chamber 36 in a state where the first arm 71 is directed generally upward 54, the second arm 72 is generally directed in the removal direction 52, and the third arm 73 is generally directed in the insertion direction 51. Placed inside. In such an arrangement, most of the detected member 59 is located in the removal direction 52 relative to the coil spring 87. That is, the detected member 59 is disposed at a position shifted from the coil spring 87 in the insertion direction 51 that is the biasing direction of the coil spring 87. The second arm 72 of the detected member 59 is located in the removal direction 52 with respect to the coil spring 87. That is, both the opening 155 through which the second arm 72 is inserted and the second inner wall 44 in which the opening 155 is formed are arranged at positions shifted from the coil spring 87 in the insertion direction 51.

  The detected member 59 can rotate between a detection position shown in FIG. 7 and a standby position which is a position shown in FIG. 5 and different from the detection position. When the detection member 59 is in the detection position in the state where the ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110, the detected section 62 is positioned between the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the sensor 103 (see FIG. 1). To do. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit is blocked by the detected unit 62 and therefore does not reach the light receiving unit. Thereby, the detected part 62 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detected member 59 is at the detection position. On the other hand, when the detected member 59 is at a position other than the detection position in the state where the ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110, the detected section 62 is positioned between the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the sensor 103. do not do. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit.

[Regulating member 88]
As shown in FIG. 5, the regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The restriction member 88 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the frame 31 of the ink container 32 is positioned at a position shifted in the removal direction 52 from the protrusion 48 on the first inner wall 43 and at a position shifted in the insertion direction 51 from the second inner wall 44. A pair of guide members 49 are provided. The pair of guide members 49 are provided in a region above the valve body 77 in the ink chamber 36 and below the protrusion 48, and are provided with an interval in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. The pair of guide members 49 are extended in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The restriction member 88 is disposed between the pair of guide members 49. Thereby, the regulating member 88 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the restricting member 88 has a first portion 89 and a second portion 90. A convex portion 91 protruding in the right direction 55 is formed at the center of the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 of the second portion 90. The convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 is at a position protruding in the right direction 55 from the guide member 49. On the other hand, the portion other than the convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 is disposed between the pair of guide members 49 and does not protrude in the right direction 55 with respect to the guide member 49.

  The first portion 89 extends in the downward direction 53 from the convex portion 91 of the second portion 90. A through hole 92 facing the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 is formed at the tip of the first portion 89. A distal end portion 77A of the valve body 77 in the removal direction 52 is inserted into the through hole 92. The diameter of the through hole 92 is slightly smaller than the tip portion 77A. Therefore, the tip 77A and the through hole 92 are fitted. Thereby, the first portion 89 of the restricting member 88 is engaged with the valve body 77. By being configured in this way, the regulating member 88 moves in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52 integrally with the valve body 77.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between the restricting position shown in FIG. 5 and the position shown in FIG. 6 and an allowable position that is closer to the rear wall 41 than the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the restriction member 88 is in the restriction position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the restriction member 88 moves from the restriction position to the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the allowable position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the upward facing surface of the convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 of the restricting member 88 contacts the restricted portion 64 from below to the restricted portion 64. As a result, the restricted portion 64 receives an upward biasing force, thereby restricting the rotation of the detected member 59 in the direction of the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B). That is, the rotation of the detected member 59 in the moving direction from the standby position to the detection position is restricted. Here, the regulation means that the rotation of the detected member 59 from the standby position is restricted, while the detected member 59 is allowed to move to the extent that it is rattling. Further, the regulating member 88 does not necessarily regulate the rotation of the detected member 59 in the direction opposite to the moving direction (clockwise in FIG. 5B).

  On the other hand, when the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position, the convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 of the restricting member 88 is separated from the restricted portion 64 of the detected member 59 and is in the removal direction 52 more than the restricted portion 64. It is arranged at a position shifted to. Thereby, the rotation of the detected member 59 in the direction of the arrow 74 is allowed. That is, rotation of the detected member 59 from the standby position to the detection position is allowed.

[Control unit 130]
The printer 10 includes a control unit 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, which are connected by an internal bus 137. The ROM 132 stores a program for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off. Note that the CPU 131, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, the EEPROM 134, and the ASIC 135 may be partially or entirely configured by one IC chip or may be configured by being divided into a plurality of IC chips.

  The controller 130 rotates the paper feed roller 23, the transport roller pair 25, and the discharge roller pair 27 by driving a motor (not shown). The control unit 130 controls the recording head 21 to cause the nozzles 29 to eject ink. Specifically, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal indicating the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A to the head control board 21A. The head control board 21 </ b> A causes the nozzles 29 to eject ink by applying a drive voltage having a magnitude indicated by the control signal acquired from the control unit 130 to the piezo elements 29 </ b> A provided in the nozzles 29. The control unit 130 causes the display unit 109 to display information about the printer 10 and the ink cartridge 30 and various messages.

  The control unit 130 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 103, the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107, the signal output from the temperature sensor 106, and the signal output from the cover sensor 108. The temperature sensor 106 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature. The temperature measurement position by the temperature sensor 106 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the inside of the cartridge mounting unit 110 or the surface of the printer 10. The cover sensor 108 outputs different signals when the cover that opens and closes with respect to the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is open and when the cover is closed.

[Operation for Mounting Ink Cartridge 30 to Cartridge Mounting Unit 110]
Hereinafter, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detected member 59 in the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is larger than that in the near empty state described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the ink cartridge 30 before being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve body 77 is in the first position by the biasing force of the coil spring 87.

  The valve body 77 at the first position is in contact with the seal member 76 by the biasing force of the coil spring 87. In this state, the valve 83 is in liquid-tight contact with the peripheral portion of the through hole 68 of the seal member 76. Thereby, the through hole 68 is closed. As a result, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is blocked.

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the hole 66A is located between the first sealing portion 96 and the second sealing portion 97. Thereby, the communication between the first atmosphere communication path 66 and the second atmosphere communication path 67 is blocked by the second sealing portion 97. As a result, the pressure in the ink chamber 36 is maintained at a negative pressure.

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the restriction member 88 is in the restriction position. When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the detected member 59 is in the standby position. Due to the buoyant force acting on the float 63, a force to rotate in the direction of the arrow 74 is acting on the detected member 59, and thus a force to move in the downward direction 53 is acting on the regulated portion 64. . At this time, the convex portion 91 of the regulating member 88 is in contact with the regulated portion 64 of the detected member 59 from below the regulated portion 64. As a result, the restriction member 88 at the restriction position applies an external force in the direction opposite to the arrow 74, which is the direction of rotation of the member 59 to be detected, to the detection position. In other words, when the regulating member 88 is arranged at the allowable position, the regulated portion 64 is arranged in the region where the regulating member 88 moves. However, since the restricting member 88 is arranged on the rotation locus of the restricted portion 64 at the restricting position, the restricted portion 64 cannot move into the movement region of the restricting member 88. As a result, the rotation of the detected member 59 from the standby position is restricted.

  In this embodiment, the restricting member 88 restricts the detected member 59 from moving to the permissible position by abutting from below the restricted portion 64, but unlike the present embodiment, the restricting member 88 The convex portion 91 may contact the regulated portion 64 from the withdrawal direction 52 to regulate the rotation of the detected member 59 from the standby position.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the float 63 is positioned in the vicinity of the lower wall 42. That is, the float 63 is in a state of sinking in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the detected unit 62 is not positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the sensor 103. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Therefore, when the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130.

  Since the ink cartridge 30 is not yet mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the mounting sensor 107 is not pressed against the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is opened, and the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is started. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the usage posture.

  When the ink cartridge 30 moves in the insertion direction 51 to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 presses the mounting sensor 107. Then, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detected member 59 described later is started.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 30 moves in the insertion direction 51 to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve 83 of the valve body 77 contacts the ink needle 102. When the ink cartridge 30 further moves in the insertion direction 51 in this state, the valve body 77 is pushed by receiving a reaction force from the ink needle 102. Thereby, the valve body 77 moves in the removal direction 52 from the first position toward the second position against the urging force of the coil spring 87.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the valve body 77 in the second position is in a state of being separated from the seal member 76. Thereby, the through hole 68 is opened. As a result, the distribution of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is allowed.

  When the valve body 77 is in the second position, both the hole 66A and the hole 67A are located between the first sealing portion 96 and the second sealing portion 97. Thereby, the first atmosphere communication path 66 and the second atmosphere communication path 67 are communicated with each other. As a result, the ink chamber 36 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure in the ink chamber 36 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

  When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position in the removal direction 52, the regulating member 88 moves in the removal direction 52 together with the valve body 77. That is, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the allowable position. Thereby, the convex part 91 of the regulating member 88 is separated from the regulated part 64 of the detected member 59. As a result, the detected member 59 becomes rotatable from the standby position.

  When the detected member 59 is in a freely rotatable state, the float 63 that has been regulated in a state where it is submerged in the ink is rotated in the direction of an arrow 75 that is a direction in which it floats by buoyancy. That is, the detected member 59 is in a standby state by the float 63 that moves upward in response to the use posture, which is the posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, and the restriction member 88 is moved to the allowable position. It rotates from the position to the detection position.

  Note that when the detected member 59 is located at the detection position, the restricted portion 64 has entered the movement region of the restricting member 88.

  The float 63 rotates in the upward direction 54, which is the direction of the arrow 75, by buoyancy. That is, the float 63 moves in a direction away from the opening 155 formed at the lower end of the second inner wall 44. The float 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow 75 until the second arm 72 contacts the surface 156A (see FIGS. 3 and 6A) that defines the opening 156 of the second inner wall 44. When the second arm 72 comes into contact with the surface 156A, the detected member 59 is located at the detection position that is the position shown in FIG.

  When the detected member 59 is at the detection position, the detected portion 62 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit does not reach the light receiving unit. Therefore, when the detected member 59 is at the detection position, the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130. In other words, the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal (an example of a detection signal) indicating that the detected member 59 is present at the detection position. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detected member 59 described later is ended. Through the above process, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detected member 59 in the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is larger than that in the near empty state described later.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the mounting to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the valve body 77 is in the second position by the pressing force of the ink needle 102. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position. When the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position, the detected member 59 is allowed to rotate. The detected member 59 is in the detection position by the buoyancy of the float 63.

  When removal of the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is started and the ink cartridge 30 moves in the removal direction 52, the valve body 77 is separated from the ink needle 102. Thereby, the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the coil spring 87. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restriction member 88 moves from the allowable position to the restriction position together with the valve body 77. In the process in which the restricting member 88 moves from the allowable position to the restricting position, the convex portion 91 of the restricting member 88 contacts the restricted portion 64 of the detected member 59 that has entered the movement region of the restricting member 88 at the detection position. Touch. Specifically, the surface of the restricted portion 64 that intersects the surface that has been in contact with the convex portion 91 of the restriction member 88 at the restriction position abuts the surface of the restriction member 88 that faces the insertion direction 51. Thereby, the regulated portion 64 is pushed by the convex portion 91 in the direction from the detection position to the standby position. As a result, the detected member 59 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B). That is, the detected member 59 rotates from the detection position to the standby position. That is, the restricting member 88 rotates the detected member 59 to the standby position in the process of moving from the allowable position to the restricting position.

  Next, in a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the ink is consumed in the recording head 21, whereby the valve body 77 when the ink storage amount in the ink chamber 36 is reduced. The movement of the regulating member 88 and the detected member 59 will be described.

  When the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is consumed by being discharged from the nozzles 29 of the recording head 21, and the liquid level of the ink falls below the float 63, the float 63 Follow the surface and move downward. Accordingly, the detected member 59 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B). That is, the detected member 59 rotates from the detection position toward the standby position. Thereby, the detected part 62 is not positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Therefore, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 recognizes that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has reached a predetermined amount due to the output of the high level signal from the sensor 103.

[Abnormal Judgment of Ink Viscosity by Control Unit 130]
Hereinafter, the process for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36, which is executed by the control unit 130, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. FIG.

  The control unit 130 starts counting the movement time of the detected member 59 on condition that the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: Yes) ( S12). The control unit 130 refers to the detection signal at a predetermined cycle, and the detection signal is switched when the detection signal at a certain timing is different from the detection signal at the timing immediately before the certain timing. to decide. On the other hand, when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 does not switch from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: No), the control unit 130 executes a process of step S20 described later. The case where the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 does not switch from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: No) is, for example, a case where the new ink cartridge 30 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. .

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the start of measurement of the travel time exceeds a predetermined maximum time (S13). When the maximum time has already passed (S13: Yes), the control unit 130 executes a process of step S15 described later. The case where the maximum time elapses before the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the high level signal to the low level signal (S13: Yes) is a case where the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is extremely high. .

  On the other hand, when the maximum time has not yet elapsed (S13: No), the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched from the high level signal to the low level signal (S14). When it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has not been switched (S14: No), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S13 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched (S14: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the measurement of the movement time and determines the movement time of the detected member 59 (S15). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the maximum time has elapsed (S13: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the maximum time as the movement time of the detected member 59.

  The movement time is from when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level (S11: Yes) until the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the high level signal to the low level signal. It took time.

  Strictly speaking, the timing at which the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 switches from the low level signal to the high level is rotated from the standby position to the detection position by the detection of the restriction by the restriction member 88. It may not be the same as the timing when it can move. However, since the former timing and the latter timing are close in time, the latter timing can be simulated by the former timing. Therefore, the control unit 130 determines the time from the acquisition of the high level signal from the mounting sensor 107 to the acquisition of the low level signal from the sensor 103 as the movement time, that is, the detected member 59 from the standby position to the detection position. Measured as the time required to move.

  Next, the control unit 130 resets the abnormality flag (that is, sets “OFF”) (S16). The abnormality flag is set to “ON” when the travel time is not within the threshold range (S18: No) as a result of travel time determination (S18) described later. The abnormality flag is a value set for each ink cartridge 30. The control unit 130 stores the abnormality flag in the EEPROM 134.

  Next, the control unit 130 determines a threshold range based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 (S17). The threshold range is compared with the movement time measured in step S15 in order to estimate the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The control unit 130 decreases at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the threshold range as the temperature specified by the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 is higher. In other words, the control unit 130 increases at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the threshold range as the temperature specified by the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 is lower.

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the travel time measured in step S15 is included in the threshold range determined in step S17 (S18). If the moving time is below the lower limit of the threshold range, it is estimated that the ink viscosity is too low than the normal ink viscosity. On the other hand, when the moving time exceeds the upper limit value of the threshold range, it is estimated that the viscosity of the ink is too higher than the viscosity of the normal ink. Then, the control unit 130 sets “ON” in the abnormality flag (S19) on condition that the movement time is out of the threshold range (S18: No). On the other hand, the control unit 130 skips the process of step S19 on condition that the movement time is included in the threshold range (S18: Yes).

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed is output from the cover sensor 108 (S20). When it is determined that the cover is open (S20: No), the control unit 130 executes the processes after step S11 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cover is closed (S20: Yes), the control unit 130 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined in step S20 that the cover was closed (S21). .

  When it is determined that the predetermined time has already passed (S21: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (S21: No), the control unit 130 executes the processes after step S11 again. In addition, when it is determined that the cover is open in the process of repeating the processing after step S11 (S20: No), the control unit 130 determines the time started when it is determined that the cover is closed (S20: Yes). End measurement.

  After the process shown in FIG. 9 is completed, the control unit 130 is provided on the condition that a signal indicating that the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed is output from the cover sensor 108. The processing shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

  First, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a high level signal (S31). When the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a low level signal (S31: No), the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted (S38), and ends the process of FIG. . Although the specific method of alerting | reporting is not specifically limited, For example, a message may be displayed on the display part 109 mounted in the printer 10, and a guide audio | voice may be output from a speaker (not shown).

  On the other hand, when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a high level signal (S31: Yes), the control unit 130 determines whether “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32). When “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes), the control unit 130 notifies information about the ink cartridge 30 (S37), and ends the process of FIG. Although the specific content of the notification is not particularly limited, for example, it may be notified that the ink in the ink chamber 36 has deteriorated or the replacement of the ink cartridge 30 is recommended. A specific method of notification may be the same as the method of step S38.

  On the other hand, when “OFF” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: No), the control unit 130 executes a remaining amount determination process which is the process shown in FIG. 11 (S33). The remaining amount determination process will be described later. After the remaining amount determination process, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the empty flag is set to “ON” (S34). The empty flag is a flag that is set to “ON” when it is determined that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is small enough to execute image recording.

  When the empty flag is set to “ON” (S34: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when “ON” is not set in the empty flag (S34: No), the control unit 130 determines whether an image recording instruction has been acquired (S35). When the image recording instruction has not been acquired (S35: No), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when the image recording instruction is acquired (S35: Yes), the control unit 130 directly and indirectly controls the recording head 21, the paper feed roller 23, the transport roller pair 25, the discharge roller pair 27, and the like. An image is recorded on the recording paper (S36), and the processing of FIG. Note that the processing in step S36 may end as one process until the time when the image recording process for one recording sheet ends, or until the time when the image recording process corresponding to all acquired image data ends. May be terminated as one process.

  As described above, the control unit 130 does not perform the image recording process in step S36 when “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes). That is, the control unit 130 skips step S36. That is, the control unit 130 does not cause the recording head 21 to eject ink.

  Hereinafter, the remaining amount determination process which is the process illustrated in FIG. 11 will be described. First, the control unit 130 determines whether or not “ON” is set in the near empty flag (S41). The near empty flag is a flag that is set to “ON” when it is determined that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is small enough to perform image recording, but the remaining amount is small. That is, the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 when the near empty flag is set to “ON” is stored in the ink chamber 36 when the empty flag is set to “ON”. More than the amount of ink.

  When “ON” is not set in the near empty flag (S41: No), the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal (S42). ). When it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has not been switched (S42: No), the remaining amount determination process is terminated, and the control unit 130 executes the process of step S34 of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched (S42: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the near empty flag to “ON” (S43). Next, the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is in the near empty state (S44), and ends the process of FIG. Then, the control part 130 performs the process of step S34 of FIG. The near empty state described above is a state in which the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is an amount that can execute image recording, but the remaining amount is small.

  In step S41, when the near empty flag is set to “ON” (S41: Yes), the control unit 130 has a soft count value equal to or greater than a predetermined value after the near empty flag is set to “ON”. Whether or not (S45). The soft count value is a value calculated based on data when the control unit 130 issues an ink ejection command to the recording head 21. Specifically, the soft count value is a cumulative value of the product of the number of ink droplets commanded by the control unit 130 to eject from the recording head 21 and the ink amount of each ink droplet designated by the control unit 130. The value to be counted. The predetermined value is a value that is compared with the soft count value.

  If the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to “ON” is less than the predetermined value (S45: No), that is, the ink consumption by the recording head 21 after the near empty flag is set to “ON”. Is less than the predetermined amount (S45: No), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S44 described above.

  On the other hand, if the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to “ON” is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (S45: Yes), that is, the ink by the recording head 21 after the near empty flag is set to “ON”. When the consumption amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S45: Yes), the control unit 130 sets “ON” in the empty flag. Next, the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is in an empty state (S47), and ends the process of FIG. Then, the control part 130 performs the process of step S34 of FIG. The above-mentioned empty state is a state in which the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is so small that it is insufficient to execute image recording.

  The specific method of notification in steps S44 and S47 is not particularly limited. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 109 mounted on the printer 10, or a guide voice is output from a speaker (not shown). May be.

[Effects of Embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, when the regulating member 88 moves from the regulated position to the allowed position, the detected member 59 moves from the standby position to the detected position. Since the detected member 59 that moves in the ink receives viscosity resistance and inertial resistance from the ink, the moving speed changes according to the viscosity of the ink. Therefore, the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 can be estimated by measuring the time from when the regulating member 88 is moved to the allowable position until the detected member 59 reaches the detection position.

  Here, the float 63 moving in the space 154 surrounded by the first inner wall 43, the second inner wall 44, and the third inner wall 153 receives larger viscous resistance and inertial resistance. The time until the detected member 59 reaches the detection position after being moved becomes longer, and the estimation accuracy of the ink viscosity is improved. Further, the volume of the space 154 closer to the opening 155 than the float 63 is smaller when the detected member 59 is disposed at the standby position than when the detected member 59 is disposed at the detected position. This makes it difficult for bubbles to enter the space 154 from the ink chamber 36 in a state where the detected member 59 is disposed at the standby position. As a result, it is possible to suppress a change in the moving speed of the detected member 59 due to air bubbles adhering.

  Accordingly, for example, the degree of deterioration of the ink in the ink cartridge 30 that has been left for a long time without being attached to the printer 10 is estimated, or a plurality of types of ink cartridges 30 in which inks of different viscosities are stored are used. 10 can be specified, the type of the mounted ink cartridge 30 can be specified.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the second inner wall 44 extends along the movement locus of the float 63. Therefore, the viscous resistance and inertial resistance that the float 63 receives from the ink in the space 154 increases. As a result, the movement time of the detected member 59 from the standby position to the detection position becomes longer, so that the ink viscosity estimation accuracy is further improved.

  According to the present embodiment, the opening 155 is provided in the second inner wall 44 facing the ink supply unit 60. Therefore, the ink in the space 154 easily flows into the ink supply unit 60 through the opening 155.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the float 63 that functions as a resistance portion is disposed in the space 154. And it becomes difficult for bubbles to adhere to the float 63. As a result, since the change in the moving speed of the detected member 59 can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the estimation accuracy of the ink viscosity.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the float 63 and the lower wall 42 are directly opposed to each other, the amount of ink remaining in the space 154 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the movement of the detected member 59 is restricted again at the standby position by returning the restricting member 88 from the allowable position to the restricting position. As a result, the viscosity of the ink in the ink cartridge 30 can be repeatedly estimated.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described embodiment, the detected member 59 moves between the detection position and the standby position by rotating, but the detected member 59 may move between the detection position and the standby position by other than rotation. .

  For example, the detected member 59 may move in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. An example of a configuration in which the detected member 59 can move up and down will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the detected member 59 is arranged in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be movable up and down. The frame 31 of the ink container 32 includes a guide member 113 that protrudes upward from the lower wall 42. The guide member 113 is a hollow and quadrangular prism-shaped member. The float 114 of the member to be detected 59 is disposed in the internal space of the guide member 113. As a result, the detected member 59 can move up and down along the guide member 113, but only the movement of the backlash degree in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. It becomes possible. That is, the guide member 113 moves the detected member 59 linearly along the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54. As described above, the detected member 59 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be movable up and down.

  The guide member 113 includes a bottom 113A, a first side 113B projecting upward from an end 51 in the insertion direction 51 of the bottom 113A, and a second side projecting upward 54 from an end 52 in the removal direction of the bottom 113A. 113C, a third side portion (not shown) that protrudes upward 54 from the right end 55 of the bottom 113A, and a fourth side portion (not shown) that protrudes upward 54 from the left end 56 of the bottom 113A. As shown). The first side portion 113B connects the ends in the insertion direction 51 of the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The second side portion 113C connects the end portions in the removal direction 52 of the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The upper end of the guide member 113 is opened.

  The internal space of the guide member 113 defined by the bottom 113A, the first side 113B, the second side 113C, the third side, and the fourth side is an example of a moving space. The bottom part 113A, the first side part 113B, the second side part 113C, the third side part, and the fourth side part that define the internal space of the guide member 113 are an example of a partition wall.

  A through hole 157 penetrating in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 is formed in the bottom 113A. A through hole 158 (an example of an opening) that penetrates in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 is formed in the vicinity of the lower end of the second side portion 113C. The through hole 158 allows the ink chamber 36 and the internal space of the guide member 113 to communicate with each other.

  The detected member 59 includes a float 114, an arm 115, and a detected part 116.

  The float 114 is restricted by the guide member 113 so that the movement other than the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 is rattling. The float 114 is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The float 114 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  A recess 117 that is recessed in the insertion direction 51 is formed on the surface of the float 114 that faces the removal direction 52.

  The arm 115 extends in the upward direction 54 from the float 114. The detected part 116 is provided at the extending end of the arm 115 and is supported by the arm 115. The detected part 116 has a plate shape. The detected part 116 is formed of a material that blocks light output from the light emitting part. The detected unit 116 blocks the light output from the light emitting unit in the same manner as the detected unit 62.

  The detected member 59 is movable between the detection position shown in FIG. 13B and the standby position shown in FIG. 12A while being guided by the guide member 113. The detection position and the standby position are separated from each other in the vertical direction. The detection position is a position shifted in the upward direction 54 from the standby position. The guide member 113 linearly moves the detected member 59 between the detection position and the standby position.

  When the detected member 59 is at the detection position, the detected portion 116 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. That is, the detected part 116 is positioned on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit is blocked by the detected unit 116 and does not reach the light receiving unit. Thereby, the detected part 116 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detected member 59 is at the detection position. On the other hand, when the detected member 59 is at a position other than the detection position, the detected part 116 is not positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit.

  When the member 59 to be detected is in the standby position, the recess 117 faces the through hole 158 and is continuous with the through hole 158. In other words, the recess 117 and the through hole 158 are aligned along the insertion direction 51.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The regulating member 88 is connected to the end 120 of the convex portion 84 of the valve body 77 opposite to the valve 83. For this reason, the restricting member 88 moves in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 together with the valve body 77.

  The regulating member 88 includes a first portion 88A extending from the end portion 120 in the removal direction 52, a second portion 88B extending from the first portion 88A in the downward direction 53, and a second portion. A third portion 88C extending from 88B in the removal direction 52, a fourth portion 88D extending from the third portion 88C in the upward direction 54, and a fourth portion 88D extending in the insertion direction 51. And a fifth portion 88E that has been taken out.

  The third portion 88C passes through the through hole 157. The fourth portion 88D is provided at a position in the removal direction 52 with respect to the guide member 113. The fifth portion 88E is provided at a position where it can be inserted into the concave portion 117 of the float 114 at the standby position via the through hole 158.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between a restricting position shown in FIG. 12A and a permissible position shown in FIGS. 12B and 13 and closer to the rear wall 41 than the restricting position. is there. When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the restriction member 88 is in the restriction position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the restriction member 88 moves from the restriction position to the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the allowable position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the fifth portion 88E is inserted into the recess 117 through the through hole 158. That is, the restriction member 88 at the restriction position enters the space 154 from the ink chamber 36 through the through hole 158. As a result, the upward movement of the detected member 59 is restricted. That is, the movement of the detected member 59 from the standby position is restricted. Here, the restriction means that the movement of the detected member 59 from the standby position to the upward direction 54 is restricted, while the movement of the detected member 59 is allowed to be loose. The restricting member 88 does not necessarily restrict the detected member 59 from moving from the standby position to the downward direction 53.

  On the other hand, when the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position, the fifth portion 88E comes out of the recess 117 (see FIG. 12B). As a result, the upward movement of the detected member 59 is allowed. That is, the detected member 59 is allowed to move from the standby position to the detection position.

  In the first modification, when the restriction member 88 moves from the restriction position to the allowable position while the float 114 is submerged in the ink, the detected member 59 moves from the standby position to the detection position. On the other hand, even if the restricting member 88 moves from the allowable position to the restricting position with the float 114 floating on the ink, the fifth member 88E is not inserted into the recess 117, so the detected member 59 does not become the standby position. .

  Hereinafter, in Modification 1, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detected member 59 in the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is larger than that in the near empty state.

  In the ink cartridge 30 before being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the state of the valve body 77 is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the restriction member 88 is in the restriction position. When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the detected member 59 is in the standby position. At this time, the fifth portion 88E of the regulating member 88 is inserted into the recess 117 through the through hole 158. As a result, the movement of the detected member 59 from the standby position in the upward direction 54 is restricted.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the float 114 is in contact with the bottom 113A of the guide member 113. That is, the float 114 is in a state of sinking in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the detected part 116 is not positioned on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Therefore, when the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130.

  Since the ink cartridge 30 is not yet mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the mounting sensor 107 is not pressed against the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is opened, and the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is started. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the usage posture.

  When the ink cartridge 30 moves in the insertion direction 51 to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting unit 110, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130 as in the above-described embodiment. As a result, the counting of the movement time of the detected member 59 is started. Further, the valve body 77 moves from the first position toward the second position. Thereby, the circulation of the ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is allowed. Further, the ink chamber 36 is communicated with the atmosphere, and the pressure in the ink chamber 36 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, when the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position in the removal direction 52, the restriction member 88 moves from the restriction position to the allowable position. As a result, the fifth portion 88E of the restricting member 88 comes out of the recess 117 of the float 114 of the detected member 59. As a result, the detected member 59 becomes movable from the standby position in the upward direction 54.

  When the member 59 to be detected is movable, the float 114 that has been regulated so as to sink in the ink moves upward 54 by buoyancy. In other words, the detected member 59 is in a standby state by the float 114 that moves upward in response to the use posture that is the posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the restriction member 88 is moved to the allowable position. Move from position to detection position.

  The float 114 moves in the upward direction 54 until the detected portion 116 comes into contact with the surface 37A that partitions the internal space of the convex portion 37. FIG. 13A shows a state after the float 114 starts moving in the upward direction 54 and before contacting the surface 37A. When the detected portion 116 comes into contact with the surface 37A, the detected member 59 is located at the detection position that is the position shown in FIG. The detected member 59 may be positioned at the detection position when it comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 117.

  When the detected member 59 is at the detection position, the detected portion 116 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. That is, the detected part 116 is positioned on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit does not reach the light receiving unit. Therefore, when the detected member 59 is at the detection position, the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detected member 59 is ended. Through the above process, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed.

  Next, in a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the ink is consumed in the recording head 21, whereby the valve body 77 when the ink storage amount in the ink chamber 36 is reduced. The movement of the regulating member 88 and the detected member 59 will be described.

  When the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is consumed by being discharged from the nozzles 29 of the recording head 21 and the liquid level of the ink falls below the float 114, the float 114 becomes liquid. Follow the surface and move downward. As a result, the detected member 59 moves in the downward direction 53 from the detection position toward the standby position (see FIG. 14). Then, the detected part 116 is no longer positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. For this reason, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Therefore, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 recognizes that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has reached a predetermined amount due to the output of the high level signal from the sensor 103.

  According to the configuration of the first modification, the restriction member 88 at the restriction position enters the internal space of the guide member 113 from the ink chamber 36 through the through hole 158 and restricts the movement of the detected member 59 at the standby position. Therefore, when the detected member 59 is in the standby position (in other words, the restriction member 88 is the restriction position), the area of the through hole 158 can be reduced. As a result, bubbles are less likely to enter the internal space of the guide member 113 from the ink chamber 36.

[Other variations]
In the above embodiment, the float 63 that is a part of the detected member 59 corresponds to the resistance portion, but a portion other than the float 63 in the detected member 59 may correspond to the resistance portion. For example, the detected portion 62 may function as a resistance portion by being provided in a space provided separately from the ink chamber 36 and surrounded by a wall. Further, the entire detected member 59 may function as a resistance portion by being provided in a space provided separately from the ink chamber 36 and covered with a wall. From the above, it is sufficient that at least a part of the detected member 59 functions as a resistance portion.

  In addition, unevenness may be formed on the surface 44A (see FIG. 15) of the second inner wall 44 facing the space 154. Examples of the unevenness include a plurality of ribs formed on the surface 44A. The plurality of ribs are provided at predetermined intervals in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 and extend along the moving direction of the float 63. The plurality of ribs may be provided at predetermined intervals in the moving direction of the float 63 and may extend along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. As another example of the unevenness, there are a plurality of protrusions, dents, wrinkles and the like formed on the surface 44A at intervals.

  According to the above configuration, since the float 63 moving in the space 154 can be prevented from making surface contact with the second inner wall 44, the movement of the float 63 can be inhibited from being inhibited.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the surface 63A of the float 63 facing the second inner wall 44 is a curved surface having a first curvature radius, and the surface 44A of the second inner wall 44 facing the float 63 has a second curvature radius. In the case of a curved surface, the first radius of curvature is preferably larger than the second radius of curvature. Of course, the first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature, and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be the same size.

  When the first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature, the surface contact between the float 63 and the second inner wall 44 is suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the upper end of the space 154 is opened with respect to the ink chamber 36, but the upper end of the space 154 may be closed with respect to the ink chamber 36 as described in detail below. . As shown in FIG. 16, a fourth inner wall 159 that connects the upper ends of the first inner wall 43, the second inner wall 44, and the third inner wall 153 is formed in the ink chamber 36. The fourth inner wall 159 is also connected to the rear wall 41. Accordingly, the upper end of the space 154 is closed with respect to the ink chamber 36 by the fourth inner wall 159.

  According to the above configuration, it is difficult for bubbles to enter the space 154 from the ink chamber 36.

  In the above embodiment, the second arm 72 extends from the ink chamber 36 to the space 154 through the opening 156 formed in the second inner wall 44. However, the second arm 72 may extend from the ink chamber 36 to the space 154 through an opening formed at the upper end of the space 154. Further, when the upper end of the space 154 is closed with respect to the ink chamber 36 by the fourth inner wall 159, an opening may be formed in the fourth inner wall 159. The second arm 72 only needs to extend from the ink chamber 36 to the space 154 through the opening.

  Further, the detected member 59 at the standby position may enter the opening 155 of the second inner wall 44. For example, the lengths of the opening 155 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are configured to be longer than the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 of the float 63 of the detected member 59. And as FIG. 17 shows, the float 63 is extended in the insertion direction 51 rather than the thing in the above-mentioned embodiment. When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the end of the float 63 in the insertion direction 51 passes through the opening 155 and is positioned in the ink chamber 36. On the other hand, when the detected member 59 rotates from the standby position to the detection position, the end portion of the float 63 in the insertion direction 51 moves out of the opening 155 and moves to the space 154.

  In the above embodiment, the detected portion 62 is located in the ink chamber 36 regardless of the position of the detected member 59. However, the detected portion 62 may have another configuration on condition that the light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion of the sensor 103 is shielded when the detected member 59 is at the detection position. For example, the detected portion 62 is disposed outside the ink chamber 36 when the detected member 59 is in the standby position, and enters the ink chamber 36 in the process in which the detected member 59 moves from the standby position to the detection position. May be. Further, the detected portion 62 may be disposed outside the ink chamber 36 regardless of the position of the detected member 59.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the measurement of the movement time is started at the timing when the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 (in other words, when the high level signal is output from the mounting sensor 107). explained. As described above, by using the existing mounting sensor 107, it is possible to realize the process for estimating the viscosity of the ink without greatly changing the configuration of the ink supply apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any timing that can be recognized by the control unit 130.

  For example, the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink cartridge 30 may be configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 18, a second sensor 148 is provided on the top surface 152 of the case 101 of the cartridge mounting unit 110. The second sensor 148 is provided in the vicinity of the back surface 151. On the other hand, the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 has a convex portion 149 made of a material that blocks light. The convex part 149 blocks light output from the light emitting part in the same manner as the detected part 62. The convex portion 149 is formed at a position shifted from the convex portion 37 in the insertion direction 51. Then, the control unit 130 determines the movement time at the timing at which the second sensor 148 is shielded from light by the convex portion 149 (the timing at which the ink cartridge 30 changes from the position in FIG. 18A to the position in FIG. 18B). The counting of the measurement is started, and the counting of the measurement of the moving time is completed at the timing when the sensor 103 is shielded from light by the detected unit 62.

  For example, the cartridge mounting part 110 and the ink cartridge 30 may be configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is formed with a convex portion 149 made of a material that blocks light. The convex part 149 blocks light output from the light emitting part in the same manner as the detected part 62. The convex portion 149 is formed at a position shifted from the convex portion 37 in the insertion direction 51. Then, the control unit 130 detects the timing at which the sensor 103 is shielded from light by the convex portion 149 and then the shielding is released (the timing at which the ink cartridge 30 changes from the position in FIG. 19A to the position in FIG. 19B). The counting of the moving time is started, and the counting of the moving time is finished at the timing when the sensor 103 is shielded from light by the detected unit 62. When the counting of the movement time is completed, the ink cartridge 30 is at the position shown in FIG.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, on the condition that the moving time is out of the threshold range (S18: No), the operation of the recording head 21 is restricted, that is, step S36 is skipped. Thereby, troubles of the recording head 21 due to ejection of ink whose viscosity has greatly changed can be prevented. However, the process of skipping step S36 is not essential. That is, the control unit 130 may execute only the process for notifying the abnormality of the ink viscosity (S37), and it may be left to the user's judgment whether or not to operate the recording head 21. Note that the control flow of the control unit 130 at that time is different from that shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Alternatively, when the control unit 130 determines that “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes), in the image recording process in step S36 without skipping the processes in steps S35 and S36, The head control board 21A may be controlled so that the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element of the nozzle 29 is adjusted.

  Specifically, the control unit 130 determines that the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 29 is approximately the same when the movement time is included in the threshold range and when the movement time is out of the threshold range. The control signal output to the head control board 21A may be changed so as to adjust the magnitude of the drive voltage to be applied to the element 29A. That is, when the movement time is below the lower limit value of the threshold range (that is, the ink viscosity is too low), the control unit 130 decreases the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A compared to the case where the movement time is within the threshold range. That's fine. On the other hand, when the moving time exceeds the upper limit value of the threshold range (that is, the ink viscosity is too high), the control unit 130 increases the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A more than when the moving time is within the threshold range. That's fine.

  According to the above configuration, when a plurality of types of ink cartridges 30 storing different viscosity inks can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the piezo element 29A is driven with an appropriate driving voltage according to the type of ink. be able to. In the above-described embodiment, the piezo element 29A is used as an example of the actuator. However, a specific example of the actuator is not limited to this, and for example, bubbles are generated in the ink by heat to generate ink from the nozzles 29. It may be a thermal actuator that discharges water.

  Further, the viscosity of the ink changes under the influence of the ambient temperature. Specifically, the higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity, and the lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity. The control unit 130 controls the head control board 21A so that the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A is adjusted according to the temperature. More specifically, when the temperature is high, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal to the head control board 21A so that a low driving voltage is applied to the piezo element 29A. When the temperature is low, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal to the head control board 21A so that a high drive voltage is applied to the piezo element 29A. In addition, there is an optimum threshold value of ink viscosity corresponding to the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A. Therefore, it is preferable to set a threshold range of ink viscosity according to temperature. Therefore, in the above embodiment, an appropriate threshold range corresponding to the temperature is determined. The method for determining the threshold range is not particularly limited, but a threshold range corresponding to the temperature may be selected from a plurality of threshold ranges stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like, and the threshold value may be determined using a function using the temperature as an input parameter. An upper limit value or a lower limit value of the range may be calculated. Further, when the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A is not adjusted according to the temperature, the step S17 for determining the threshold range based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 may be omitted. A fixed threshold range may be used.

  Moreover, the control part 130 in said embodiment measured the moving time of the to-be-detected member 59 as follows. That is, the control unit 130 starts counting in response to the mounting sensor 107 outputting a high level signal, ends counting in response to the sensor 103 outputting a low level signal, and from the start to the end of counting. Is the moving time of the member 59 to be detected. However, the measurement of the movement time of the detected member 59 by the control unit 130 is not limited to counting. For example, the control unit 130 may use the difference between the time when the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal and the time when the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal as the movement time of the detected member 59.

  Further, although the control unit 130 in the above embodiment stores the abnormality flag in the EEPROM 134, it may be stored in a memory in an IC chip mounted on the ink cartridge 30. Moreover, although the control part 130 in said embodiment was provided with CPU131 and ASIC135, the structure of the control part 130 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 130 does not include the ASIC 135, and all the processes illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 may be executed when the CPU 131 reads a program from the ROM 132. Conversely, the control unit 130 may not include the CPU 131 and may be configured only by hardware such as the ASIC 135 or the FPGA. The control unit 130 may include a plurality of CPUs 131, a plurality of ASICs 135, and the like.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink is described as an example of the liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of ink, a pretreatment liquid ejected onto a recording sheet prior to ink at the time of printing may be a liquid.

10 ... Printer (Liquid consumption device)
21 ... Recording head (liquid consumption part)
30 ... Ink cartridge (liquid cartridge)
36: Ink chamber (liquid storage chamber)
43 ... 1st inner wall (partition wall)
44 ... 2nd inner wall (partition wall)
59 ... detected member 60 ... ink supply part (liquid supply part)
63 ... Float (resistance part)
88 ... Regulating member 103 ... Sensor (detector)
110 ... cartridge mounting part 130 ... control part 153 ... third inner wall (partition wall)
155 ... Opening

Claims (19)

A liquid cartridge,
A liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A float having a smaller specific gravity than the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
A detection position that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detected member that can move between a standby position different from the detection position;
In the liquid storage chamber, a partition wall that defines a movement space of a resistance portion that is at least a part of the detected member;
A restricting position for restricting movement of the detected member in a moving direction from the standby position toward the detecting position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position for allowing movement of the detected member. And
The partition wall defines at least a part of an opening for communicating the moving space and the liquid storage chamber,
The float that moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in a use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position moves the detected member from the standby position to the detection position, and the resistance A liquid cartridge that moves the part away from the opening.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall extends along a movement locus of the resistance portion.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided in the partition wall facing the liquid supply unit.   4. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein unevenness is formed on a surface of the partition wall facing the moving space. The detected member is rotatable between the standby position and the detection position,
A detected portion that is detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position;
A first arm extending from the center of rotation and supporting the detected portion outside the moving space;
5. The liquid according to claim 1, further comprising: a second arm extending from a rotation center in a direction different from that of the first arm and supporting the float that is the resistance portion in the moving space. cartridge. The partition wall is provided between the rotation center and the float.
The surface of the float facing the partition is a curved surface having a first radius of curvature.
The liquid cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a surface of the partition wall facing the float is a curved surface having a second curvature radius different from the first curvature radius.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the opening is disposed at a lower end of the partition wall in a usage posture of the liquid cartridge. The partition wall is connected to a lower wall that defines a lower end of the liquid storage chamber,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the opening is defined by the partition wall and the lower wall.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the float and the lower wall are directly opposed to each other.   The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the partition wall closes an upper end of the moving space with respect to the liquid storage chamber when the liquid cartridge is used. A closing member for closing or opening the liquid supply port formed in the liquid supply unit;
An urging member that urges the closing member in a direction to close the liquid supply port;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the detected member is disposed at a position shifted from the biasing member in a biasing direction of the biasing member.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member moves the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the regulating position. The regulating member is
In the restricted position, contact the detected member,
At the permissible position, separated from the detected member,
14. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein in the process of moving from the permissible position to the restriction position, the detected member is moved to the standby position by contacting the detected member.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the member to be detected at the standby position enters the opening.   The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member at the restricting position enters the moving space from the liquid storage chamber through the opening and restricts movement of the detected member at the standby position. cartridge.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a notch formed in the partition wall. A liquid consuming device for consuming liquid supplied from a liquid cartridge having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored,
The liquid cartridge is
A liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A detection member that has a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, and that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detection member that is movable between a standby position different from the detection position; ,
In the liquid storage chamber, a partition wall that defines a movement space of a resistance portion that is at least a part of the detected member;
A restricting position for restricting movement of the detected member in a moving direction from the standby position toward the detecting position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position for allowing movement of the detected member. And
The partition wall defines at least a part of an opening for communicating the moving space and the liquid storage chamber,
The float that moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in a use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position moves the detected member from the standby position to the detection position, and the resistance Move the part away from the opening,
The liquid consuming device is:
A mounting portion on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted;
A liquid consuming unit for consuming liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit through the liquid supply unit;
A liquid consumption apparatus comprising: a detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detected member is present at the detection position.   The control unit according to claim 18, further comprising: a control unit that determines whether or not an elapsed time from when the restriction member is moved to the permissible position to when the detection signal is output by the detection unit is included in a threshold range. Liquid consuming equipment.

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