JP6531459B2 - Liquid cartridge and liquid consumption device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge containing a liquid whose viscosity can change with time.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an inkjet recording apparatus which records an image on a recording medium by discharging ink stored in an ink container from a nozzle. In the ink jet recording apparatus having the above configuration, when the viscosity of the ink in the ink container changes, the nozzles may be clogged, and the image recording quality may be affected.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet recording apparatus which calculates the ink viscosity in the ink container and performs an optimum preliminary discharge operation according to the calculation result. Specifically, the ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 calculates the viscosity of the ink based on the elapsed time after the ink container is attached to the ink jet recording apparatus and the remaining amount of ink in the ink container. doing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-277560

  However, the change in the viscosity of the ink in the ink container may greatly vary 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, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to calculate the viscosity of the ink in the ink container which has been left without being attached to the ink jet recording apparatus.

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

  A liquid cartridge according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first wall, a second wall, a liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall, in which liquid is stored, and the first A liquid supply unit which is formed on a wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge, a float whose specific gravity is smaller than the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, and the outside of the liquid cartridge A detectable position which can be detected, a detection member which is disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between standby positions different from the detection position, and a restriction position which restricts the movement of the detection member from the standby position. And a restricting member capable of moving between the allowable positions for allowing movement of the detected member, a first position, and a movable member capable of moving between the second position closer to the second wall than the first position; Equipped with The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float which moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position. The restricting member is moved from the restricting position to the allowable position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force, and is moved from the allowable position to the restricting position. The detected member is moved to the standby position.

  According to the above configuration, when the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the permitting position, the detected member moves from the standby position to the detecting position. Since the detected member moves in the liquid while receiving viscous resistance and inertial resistance from the liquid, the moving speed of the detected member depends on the viscosity of the liquid. Therefore, the viscosity of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be estimated by measuring the time from the movement of the restricting member to the allowable position until the detected member reaches the detection position. Further, according to the liquid cartridge having the above configuration, the movement of the detection target member is restricted again at the standby position by returning the restriction member from the allowable position to the restricted position. As a result, the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be repeatedly estimated.

  Thereby, for example, the degree of deterioration of the liquid in the liquid cartridge which has been left for a long time without being attached to the liquid consuming apparatus can be estimated, or plural types of liquid cartridges in which liquids having different viscosities are stored In the case where the apparatus can be mounted, the type of liquid cartridge mounted can be identified.

  The use posture of the liquid cartridge refers to, for example, the posture of the liquid cartridge attached to the liquid consumption apparatus, or the posture of the liquid cartridge at the time of confirming the movement of the detection target in the manufacturing process. Further, the float and the detection target member may be configured separately or may be configured integrally. Further, a part of the detected member may function as a float, or the detected member itself may function as a float.

  A liquid cartridge according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first wall, a second wall, and a liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall, in which liquid is stored, A liquid supply portion formed on one wall and supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge, a weight having a specific gravity greater than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, and the outside of the liquid cartridge A detection position which can be detected from the detection position, and a detection member which is disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between the detection position and the standby position, and a regulated position which regulates movement of the detection member from the standby position. And a restricting member movable between a permitted position for permitting movement of the detected member, a first position, and a movable member movable between a second position closer to the second wall than the first position And The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the weight which moves downward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use position and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position. The restricting member is moved from the restricting position to the allowable position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force, and is moved from the allowable position to the restricting position. The detected member is moved to the standby position.

  The weight and the detection target member may be configured separately or may be configured integrally. In addition, a part of the detected member may function as a weight, or the detected member itself may function as a weight.

  The liquid consumption apparatus according to the present invention consumes the liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge having the liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored. The liquid cartridge is formed between the first wall, the second wall, the first wall and the second wall, and is formed in the liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored, and the first wall. A liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a float having a smaller specific gravity than the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, which can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge Detection position, a detection target member disposed in the liquid storage chamber movably between the detection position and a standby position different from the detection position, a control position for restricting movement of the detection target member from the standby position, and The control device includes a restricting member movable between allowable positions for allowing movement of the detected member, and a movable member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position. . The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float which moves upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the allowable position. The restricting member is moved from the restricting position to the allowable position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force, and is moved from the allowable position to the restricting position. The detected member is moved to the standby position. The liquid consumption device includes: a mounting portion to which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted; a liquid consumption portion that consumes the liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted to the mounting portion through the liquid supply portion; And a detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detection member is present at the detection position.

  Note that the “threshold range” in the present specification does not necessarily need to specify both the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value may be specified. For example, the threshold range in which only the upper limit value is specified includes all values equal to or less than the upper limit value. Similarly, the threshold range in which only the lower limit value is specified includes all values equal to or higher than the lower limit value.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to estimate the viscosity of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge by measuring the time from the movement of the regulating member to the allowable position to the arrival of the detected member at the detection position. . Further, the viscosity of the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be repeatedly estimated by returning the restricting member from the allowable position to the restricted position.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a printer 10 provided with a cartridge mounting portion 110. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the ink cartridge 30. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ink container 32. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the printer 10. 5A and 5B are views of the ink container 32 when the regulating member 88 is at the regulating position and the detected member 59 is at the standby position, where (A) is a right side view and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view. 6A and 6B are views of the ink container 32 when the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position, where (A) is a right side view, and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view. 7A and 7B are views of the ink container 32 in the state where the restricting member 88 is at the allowable position and the detected member 59 is at the detecting position, where (A) is a right side view and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view. 8A is a perspective view of the detection target member 59, 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 the process of 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. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 130 on condition that the process shown in FIG. 9 is completed and the cover of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the remaining amount determination process executed by the control unit 130. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the first modification, in which (A) is a state where the regulating member 88 is at the regulating position and the detected member 59 is at the standby position, and (B) is regulating The member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the modification 1. FIG. 13A shows a state where the regulating member 88 is at the allowable position and the detected member 59 is between the standby position and the detection position. In the state (B), the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the detected position. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the first modification, which is a state in which the amount of ink remaining in the ink chamber 36 is reduced from the state shown in FIG. 13 (B). FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the second modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position and the detected member 59 is at the standby position, and (B) is restricting. The member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position. FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the second modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the allowable position and the detected member 59 is between the standby position and the detection position. In the state (B), the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the detected position. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the second modification, showing a state in which the amount of ink remaining in the ink chamber 36 has decreased from the state shown in FIG. 16 (B). FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the third modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position and the detected member 59 is at the standby position, and (B) is restricting. The member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the third modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the allowable position and the detected member 59 is between the standby position and the detection position. In the state (B), the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the detected position. FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the fourth modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position and the detected member 59 is at the standby position; The member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the standby position. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the ink container 32 in the fourth modification, in which (A) is a state where the restricting member 88 is at the allowable position and the detected member 59 is between the standby position and the detection position. In the state (B), the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position and the detected member 59 is in the detected position. FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the cartridge mounting portion 110 including the sensor 103 and the second sensor 148 and the ink cartridge 30 including the convex portion 149. As shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the cartridge mounting portion 110 including the sensor 103 and the ink cartridge 30 including the convex portion 149. As shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it goes without saying that the embodiment can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, in the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the insertion direction 51. Further, a direction opposite to the insertion direction 51 and in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as a 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 the use posture, the gravity direction is defined as downward direction 53, and the opposite direction to the gravity direction is defined as upward direction 54. Ru. Further, 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 the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. In the following description, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use position unless otherwise specified.

[Overview of Printer 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 records an image by selectively discharging ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 (an example of a liquid consumption device) includes a recording head 21 (an example of a liquid consumption unit), an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20 connecting the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting unit 110 (an example of a mounting unit). The ink cartridge 30 (an example of a liquid cartridge) can be attached to the cartridge attachment unit 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 is provided with an opening 112 on one surface thereof. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 through the opening 112 or is withdrawn from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52.

  The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of liquid) usable in the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20 in a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed. 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 discharges the ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by an inkjet recording method. Specifically, a drive voltage is selectively applied from the head control substrate 21A provided in the recording head 21 to the piezo elements 29A provided corresponding to the respective nozzles 29. Thereby, the ink is selectively discharged from the nozzles 29.

  The recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding tray 15 to the conveyance path 24 by the sheet feeding roller 23 is conveyed onto the platen 26 by the conveyance roller pair 25. The recording head 21 selectively discharges the ink onto the recording sheet passing over the platen 26. Thus, the image is recorded on the recording sheet. The recording sheet having passed through the platen 26 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 27 to the discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the conveyance path 24.

[Ink supply device 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 is provided with a cartridge mounting portion 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.

  Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed. That is, the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is in the use posture is shown. The cartridge mounting portion 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the respective colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Further, four ink needles 102, four sensors 103, and four mounting sensors 107 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30, respectively.

[Ink needle 102]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 112 is formed in the case 101. The case 101 has a back surface 151 located opposite to the opening 112. The ink needle 102 protrudes from the back surface 151 of the case 101 in the removal direction 52. The ink needle 102 is disposed on the back surface 151 of the case 101 at a position that 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, and an opening is provided in the vicinity of the projecting 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 to the recording head 21 from the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 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 so as to be openable and closable by a case 101 or is supported so as to be openable and closable by a housing (not shown) of the printer 10. 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 withdraw the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110. On the other hand, the opening 112 when the cover is closed is covered with respect to the outside of the printer 10. In this state, the ink cartridge 30 can not be inserted into or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.

  In the present specification, the “ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110” is an ink in which at least a portion is positioned in the cartridge mounting portion 110 (more specifically, in the case 101). The cartridge 30 is meant. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30 in the process of being inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is also the ink cartridge 30 mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.

  On the other hand, in the present specification, the state “completion of the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110” is a state in which the ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the recording head 21 at least. For example, in this state, the ink cartridge 30 is locked so as not to move with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110, or the ink in the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a state in which a cover that opens and closes the opening 112 is closed. This means the state of the ink cartridge 30 in which image recording by the printer 10 is possible, such as the state in which the cartridge 30 is positioned. The ink cartridge 30 that has been completely inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is in the 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 at an interval from the light receiving unit in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 of the light receiving unit. The convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 which has been completely 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 opposite to each other with the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 which has been completely mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. 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 a different detection signal depending on whether the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. For example, under the condition that the light output from the light emitting unit can not be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the light receiving intensity is less than the predetermined intensity), the sensor 103 is a low level signal (“signal having a signal level below the threshold level Point out). On the other hand, on the condition that the light output from the light emitting unit can be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the light receiving intensity is equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity), the sensor 103 sets the high level signal Output signal). The light emitting portion in the present embodiment is, for example, light (for example, visible light which transmits through the wall of the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 (that is, the frame 31 described later) and does not transmit ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. Output light and infrared light).

[Attachment 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 of 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 portion 110. Then, 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 disposed such that the ink cartridge 30 is positioned at the mounting detection position when the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed.

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

[Ink cartridge 30]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink cartridge 30 has 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, the cartridge cover 33 is formed with two openings 34 and 35. The opening 34 is formed in the upper surface 57 of the cartridge cover 33. A protrusion 37 protrudes from the opening 34. The opening 35 is formed in the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33. The ink supply unit 60 protrudes from the opening 35.

  Note that, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 37 and the ink supply portion 60 protrude from the openings 34 and 35, respectively, but the cartridge cover 33 may partially expose the other portions of the ink container 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink container 32 has 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. 2, that is, with the surface in the lower direction 53 of FIG. 2 as the bottom and the surface in the upper direction 54 of FIG. And, it is inserted and withdrawn along the removal direction 52.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and is thin in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and the dimensions of the downward direction 53 and upward direction 54 and the insertion direction 51 and removal direction 52 are right direction The flat shape is larger than the dimensions of 55 and the left direction 56. The frame 31 has a front wall 40 (an example of a first wall) and a rear wall 41 (an example of a second wall) overlapping at least partially when viewed in plan from the insertion direction 51 or the removal direction 52, and the downward direction 53 or An upper wall 39 and a lower wall 42 which at least partially overlap in a plan view from the upper direction 54, and a first portion of the lower wall 42 erected toward the upper wall 39 from the center of the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 An inner wall 43 and a second inner wall 44 protruding from the first inner wall 43 in the right direction 55 are formed. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front wall 40 faces in the forward direction (in other words, in the insertion direction 51) and faces in the rear direction (in other words, the removal direction 52). Is 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 lower ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 to each other. The upper wall 39 is formed with a projection 37 projecting in the upward direction 54. The upper wall 39 formed with at least the convex portion 37 among the above-mentioned walls 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 open frame 31 is sealed by a film (not shown). The outer shape of the film sealing the surface of the frame 31 in the right direction 55 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed in plan from the right direction 55. The outer shape of the film that seals the left direction 56 of the frame 31 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed in plan from the left direction 56. Each film constitutes the right and left walls of the ink chamber 36. Each film is heat-welded to the right end face and the left end face of the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42. Thereby, the 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 partitioned by the respective films.

  The ink container 32 is provided with a protrusion 48 extending in the right direction 55 from the first inner wall 43 in the frame 31. A detection member 59 is provided in the ink chamber 36, and the projection 48 supports the detection member 59.

[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 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is maintained at a negative pressure. The ink chamber 30 communicates with the atmosphere through the first atmosphere communication passage 66 and the second atmosphere communication passage 67 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. The 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 on 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 cylindrical wall 46 in which a valve chamber 47 is formed, and a seal member 76 and a cap 79 attached to the cylindrical wall 46.

  The cylindrical wall 46 extends from the inside to the outside of the ink chamber 36. An opening 46A is formed at an end of the removal direction 52 of the cylindrical wall 46. An opening 46 </ b> B (an example of a liquid supply port) is formed at an end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51. Thus, the ink chamber 36 is in communication 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 cylinder wall 46 in the insertion direction 51, that is, the tip of the cylinder wall 46.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, the valve chamber 47 is connected to a first atmosphere communication passage 66 and a second atmosphere communication passage 67. The first air communication passage 66 is a flow passage for passing a gas between the valve chamber 47 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the first atmosphere communication passage 66 causes the valve chamber 47 to communicate with the atmosphere. The first air communication passage 66 has a hole 66A connecting the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinder wall 46, a groove 66B one end of which is in communication with the hole 66A, and a hole 66C connecting the other end of the groove 66B and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. And consists of.

  The second air communication passage 67 is a flow passage for passing a gas between the valve chamber 47 and the ink chamber 36. The second air communication passage 67 includes a hole 67A connecting the inner surface and the outer surface of the cylinder wall 46, a groove 67B one end of which communicates with the hole 67A, and a hole 67C connecting the other end of the groove 67B and the ink chamber 36. It is configured. The hole 67A is disposed at a position shifted from the hole 66A in the removal direction 52. The hole 67 </ b> C is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 in the unused state. In other words, the hole 67 </ b> C is located above the liquid surface of the ink in a state in which the ink is stored in the ink chamber 36 in the maximum amount. The first atmosphere communication passage 66 and the second atmosphere communication passage 67 are sealed in a liquid-tight manner by a film that constitutes 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 size is substantially the same as the outer diameter size of the cylindrical wall 46. The seal member 76 is in close contact with the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in a fluid-tight manner. A through hole 68 which penetrates the seal member 76 in the insertion direction 51 is formed at the central portion of the seal member 76. The through hole 68 brings the inside and the outside of the valve chamber 47 into communication with each other. The diameter of the through hole 68 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102. The seal member 76 is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber.

  The cap 79 is attached to the tip of the cylindrical wall 46 and sandwiches the seal member 76 with the cylindrical wall 46. At a central portion of the cap 79, a through hole 69 penetrating the cap 79 in the thickness direction is formed. 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) projecting in the removal direction 52. The engaging portion is engaged with the 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 FIGS. 5 and 8B, the valve body 77 (an example of a moving member), the sealing member 78, and the coil spring 87 (an urging member) An example is accommodated. The valve body 77, the sealing member 78, and the coil spring 87 indicate the state of the ink supply unit 60 in a state where the ink flows out from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via the ink supply unit 60; This is for selectively switching between the state in which the ink is not discharged from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through 60. Further, the valve body 77, the sealing member 78, and the coil spring 87 allow the gas to communicate between the ink chamber 36 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via the ink supply unit 60 in the state of the ink supply unit 60. This is for selectively switching between the state and the state in which the ink chamber 36 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 are not communicatively communicated with each other via the ink supply unit 60.

  The valve body 77 includes a disc-shaped valve 83, a projection 84 extending from the valve 83 in the removal direction 52, and a first projection 85 and a second projection projecting from the projection 84 in the radial direction of the projection 84. And a unit 86. The valve body 77 is disposed in the valve chamber 47 so as to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 with the valve 83 directed to the end of the cylinder 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 of the valve body 77 is smaller than the inner diameter 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. 5 (B) and the second position shown in FIG. 6 (B) at a position closer to the rear wall 41 than the first position. It is movable.

  Also, 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 It can be sealed tightly. Thereby, the opening 46B is closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), when the valve body 77 is in the second position, the valve 83 is separated from the seal member 76. 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 places at intervals in the circumferential direction of the projecting portion 84. The first projecting portion 85 is disposed at a position shifted from the second projecting portion 86 in the insertion direction 51 and in the removal direction 52 from the valve 83.

  The sealing member 78 is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8B, the sealing member 78 includes a cylindrical portion 95 having a cylindrical shape, and a first sealing portion 96 having a flange shape projecting radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 95. A second sealing portion 97 is provided.

  The cylindrical portion 95 is disposed between the first projecting portion 85 and the second projecting 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 penetrates 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. Thus, the space in the valve chamber 47 that is continuous with the opening 46A and the space in the valve chamber 47 that is continuous with the opening 46B are communicated by the internal space of the cylindrical portion 95.

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

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

  Each sealing portion 96, 97 is in close contact with 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 dimension of each sealing portion 96, 97 is slightly larger than the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical wall 46. As a result, the sealing portions 96 and 97 in close contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 46 are elastically deformed in the direction in which the outer diameter dimension is reduced. Each sealing portion 96, 97 slides relative to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 46 by the movement of the valve body 77.

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

[Detected member 59]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31. The detection target member 59 includes a rotation center portion 61 which is a rotation center of the detection target member 59. The rotation center portion 61 has a cylindrical shape, but may have a shape other than the cylindrical shape. The projection 48 of the frame 31 is inserted into the rotation center 61 of the detection member 59. Thus, the detection target member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31.

  As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 8A, the ink cartridge has 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 detection target member 59 includes a rotation center 61, a first arm 71, a second arm 72, a third arm 73, a detection target 62, a float 63, and a control target 64.

  The rotation center portion 61 is provided at a position deviated 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 61 in the radial direction and a direction different from that of the first arm 71. The second arm 72 extends in the removal direction 52 more than the second inner wall 44 through the recess 45 which is recessed in the left direction 56 from the right end of the second inner wall 44 from the rotation center portion 61. The third arm 73 extends from the rotation center 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 detection target portion 62 is provided at the extension end of the first arm 71 and is supported by the first arm 71. The to-be-detected part 62 is plate shape. The to-be-detected part 62 is formed of a material that shields the light output from the light emitting part. The detection target portion 62 is supported by the first arm 71 at a position separated by a distance L1 from the rotation center of the detection target member 59 (see FIG. 5B). The detection target portion 62 may be provided at a position other than the extension end of the first arm 71, for example, at an intermediate position between the extension end and the base end of the first arm 71.

  More specifically, when the light output from the light emitting portion reaches one of the right surface and the left surface of the detected portion 62, the light which exits from the other surface of the right surface and the left surface of the detected portion 62 and reaches the light receiving portion Is less than a predetermined intensity, eg, zero. The to-be-detected part 62 may completely block the light from traveling rightward 55 or leftward 56, may partially absorb the light, or may bend the traveling direction of the light. , Light may be totally reflected. For example, the detection portion 62 may be a resin containing a pigment, or may be a transparent or translucent but prism-like shape to bend the traveling direction of light, or aluminum A reflective film such as a film may be provided on the surface.

  The float 63 is provided at the extension end of the second arm 72 and is supported by the second arm 72. 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 supported by the second arm 72 at a position separated by a distance L2 shorter than the distance L1 from the rotation center of the detection target member 59 (see FIG. 5A). The float 63 may be provided at a position other than the extension end of the second arm 72, for example, at an intermediate position between the extension end and the base end of the second arm 72.

  The regulated portion 64 is provided at the extension end of the third arm 73. The controlled 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 extending end portion, and the regulated portion 64 is brought into contact with or separated from the regulating member 88 described later. The regulated portion 64 may be a separate member from the third arm 73. In this case, the regulated portion 64 is supported by the third arm 73.

  In the detection member 59, the ink chamber 36 with the first arm 71 substantially facing upward 54, the second arm 72 generally facing the removal direction 52, and the third arm 73 generally facing the insertion direction 51. Placed inside.

  The detection target member 59 is pivotable between a detection position shown in FIG. 7 and a position shown in FIG. 5 and a standby position which is a position different from the detection position. In the state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, 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 (see FIG. 1). Do. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit is blocked by the detected unit 62 and does not reach the light receiving unit. Thus, the detection target portion 62 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detection target member 59 is at the detection position. On the other hand, when the detection member 59 is at a position other than the detection position in a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the detection portion 62 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion do not do. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit.

[Restriction member 88]
As shown in FIG. 5, a regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The restricting member 88 is movably supported by the frame 31 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the frame 31 of the ink container 32 is provided with a pair of guide members 49 at a position shifted from the protrusion 48 of the first inner wall 43 in the removal direction 52. The pair of guide members 49 are provided in an area above the valve body 77 in the ink chamber 36 and below the projection 48, and are provided at intervals in the upper direction 54 and the lower direction 53. The pair of guide members 49 is extended in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The restricting member 88 is disposed between the pair of guide members 49. Thus, the restricting member 88 is movably supported by the frame 31 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the restricting member 88 has a first portion 89 and a second portion 90. At a central portion of the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 of the second portion 90, a convex portion 91 protruding in the right direction 55 is formed. The convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 is located at a position projecting in the right direction 55 relative to 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 downward 53 from the projection 91 of the second portion 90. At the tip of the first portion 89, a through hole 92 is formed which faces the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The tip 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 that of the tip 77A. Therefore, the tip end portion 77A and the through hole 92 are fitted. Thereby, the first portion 89 of the regulating member 88 is engaged with the valve body 77. By being configured in this manner, the regulating member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52.

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

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the surface of the convex portion 91 of the second portion 90 of the restricting member 88 that faces upward contacts the restricted portion 64 from the lower side of the restricted portion 64 toward the upper side. As a result, when the restricted portion 64 receives the upward biasing force, the rotation of the detected member 59 in the direction of the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B) is restricted. That is, the rotation of the detection target member 59 in the direction of the arrow 74 from the standby position is restricted. Here, the regulation means that the movement of the detection member 59 is allowed to move about while the rotation of the detection member 59 from the standby position is restricted. Further, the regulating member 88 does not necessarily regulate rotation of the detected member 59 from the standby position in the direction opposite to the arrow 74 (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 controlled portion 64 of the detected member 59, and the removal direction 52 than the controlled portion 64. It is placed at a position shifted to Thereby, the rotation of the detected member 59 in the direction of the arrow 74 is permitted. That is, the rotation of the detection target member 59 from the standby position to the detection position is permitted.

[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 programs for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals and the like used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings and flags that should be held even after the power is turned off. Note that part or all of the CPU 131, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, the EEPROM 134, and the ASIC 135 may be configured by one IC chip, or may be divided into a plurality of IC chips.

  The control unit 130 rotates the feed roller 23, the conveyance 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 21A applies a drive voltage of a magnitude indicated by the control signal acquired from the control unit 130 to the piezo element 29A provided in each nozzle 29, thereby causing the nozzle 29 to eject ink. The control unit 130 causes the display unit 109 to display information and various messages related to the printer 10 and the ink cartridge 30.

  The control unit 130 acquires a detection signal output from the sensor 103, a detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107, a signal output from the temperature sensor 106, and a signal output from the cover sensor 108. The temperature sensor 106 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature. The measurement position of the temperature 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 the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is open and closed.

[Operation of Mounting Ink Cartridge 30 to Cartridge Mounting Section 110]
Hereinafter, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detected member 59 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in 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 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 in the first position is in a state of being in contact with the seal member 76 by the biasing force of the coil spring 87. In this state, the valve 83 is in close contact with the peripheral portion of the through hole 68 of the seal member 76 in a fluid-tight manner. 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 shut off.

  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. Thus, the communication between the first atmosphere communication passage 66 and the second atmosphere communication passage 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 at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position, the detected member 59 is at the standby position. Due to the buoyancy acting on the float 63, a force to turn in the direction of the arrow 74 acts on the detected member 59, and hence a force to move downward 53 acts 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 the lower side of the regulated portion 64. Thus, the restricting member 88 at the restricting position applies an external force in the opposite direction to the arrow 74 which is the turning direction of the detection target member 59 to the detection position, to the controlled portion 64. In other words, when the restricting member 88 is disposed at the allowable position, the restricted portion 64 is disposed in the moving area of the restricting member 88. However, since the restricting member 88 is disposed on the turning locus of the restricted portion 64 at the restricted position, the restricted portion 64 can not move into the movement region of the restricting member 88. As a result, the rotation of the detection target member 59 from the standby position is restricted.

  In the present embodiment, the restricting member 88 restricts movement of the detected member 59 to the allowable position by coming into contact with the restricted portion 64 from the lower side. However, unlike the present embodiment, the restricting member 88 The protruding portion 91 may contact the controlled portion 64 in the removal direction 52 to restrict the rotation of the detection target member 59 from the standby position.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the float 63 is located near the lower wall 42. That is, the float 63 is sunk in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  When the detection target member 59 is in the standby position, the detection target portion 62 is not located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, 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.

  The mounting sensor 107 is not pressed by the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 since the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover for opening and closing 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 portion 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use posture.

  When the ink cartridge 30 moves in the insertion direction 51 near 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, counting of measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 described later is started.

  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 abuts on the ink needle 102. When the ink cartridge 30 further moves in the insertion direction 51 in this state, the valve body 77 receives a reaction force from the ink needle 102 and is pushed. Thus, the valve body 77 moves in the removal direction 52 from the first position to the second position against the biasing 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 flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is permitted.

  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. Thus, the first atmosphere communication passage 66 and the second atmosphere communication passage 67 communicate with each other. As a result, the ink chamber 36 is in communication 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 restricting member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 in the removal direction 52. That is, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the allowable position. Thereby, the convex portion 91 of the regulating member 88 is separated from the regulated portion 64 of the sensed member 59. As a result, the detection target member 59 is pivotable from the standby position.

  When the detection member 59 is in a rotatable state, the float 63, which has been restricted to sink in the ink, is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 75, which is the direction in which it floats by buoyancy. That is, the detection member 59 is on standby by the float 63 which moves upward in response to the control member 88 being moved to the allowable position in the use posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110. Rotate from position to detection position.

  When the detection target member 59 is located at the detection position, the control target portion 64 enters the movement area of the control member 88.

  The float 63 pivots in the direction of the arrow 75 until the second arm 72 abuts on the surface 45 A (see FIGS. 3 and 6A) defining the recess 45 of the second inner wall 44. When the second arm 72 abuts on the surface 45A, the detected member 59 is located at the detection position which is the position shown in FIG.

  When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target 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 counting of the measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 described later is ended. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed through the above process.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detection member 59 in the process of removing the ink cartridge 30 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 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 regulating member 88 is in the permissible position. When the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position, the rotation of the detected member 59 is permitted. The to-be-detected member 59 is at 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 separates from the ink needle 102. Thus, 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 regulating member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 from the permitted position to the regulated position. In the process of moving the restricting member 88 from the allowable position to the restricting position, the convex portion 91 of the restricting member 88 contacts the controlled portion 64 of the detected member 59 entering the moving area of the restricting member 88 at the detection position. Contact. Specifically, the surface intersecting with the surface of the regulated portion 64 that is in contact with the convex portion 91 of the regulating member 88 at the regulating position abuts the surface of the regulating member 88 facing the insertion direction 51. Thereby, the restricted portion 64 is pushed by the convex portion 91 in the direction from the detection position to the standby position. As a result, the detection target member 59 rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B). That is, the detection target member 59 pivots from the detection position to the standby position. That is, in the process of being moved from the permitted position to the restricted position, the restricting member 88 rotates the detected member 59 to the standby position.

  Next, in a state in which the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the ink is consumed in the recording head 21 to reduce the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36; The movement of the restricting member 88 and the detected member 59 will be described.

  When the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is consumed by being ejected 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. Thereby, the detection target member 59 is rotated in the opposite direction to the arrow 74 (see FIG. 5B). That is, the detection target member 59 pivots from the detection position to the standby position. As a result, the detected part 62 is not located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Thus, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 recognizes that the remaining amount of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has become a predetermined amount by the high level signal being output from the sensor 103.

[Abnormal determination of ink viscosity by control unit 130]
Hereinafter, the process of determining whether or not the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is abnormal, which is executed by the control unit 130, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.

  The control unit 130 starts counting the movement time of the detection target member 59 (S11: Yes) on condition that the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 has 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 and the detection signal at a timing immediately before the certain timing have different levels. 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 the 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, the case where the new ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. .

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the measurement of the moving time exceeds a predetermined maximum time (S13). If the maximum time has already passed (S13: Yes), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S15 described later. When the maximum time elapses before the detection signal output from the sensor 103 switches from the high level signal to the low level signal (S13: Yes), the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is extremely high. .

  On the other hand, when the maximum time has not passed yet (S13: No), the control unit 130 determines whether the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has switched from the high level signal to the low level signal (S14). If 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 count of 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 detection target member 59.

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

  Strictly speaking, when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 switches from the low level signal to the high level, the detection target member 59 rotates from the standby position to the detection position by releasing the restriction by the restriction member 88. It may not be simultaneous with the timing of becoming movable. However, since the former timing and the latter timing are close in time, the latter timing can be simulated with the former timing. Therefore, the control unit 130 obtains the low level signal from the sensor 103 after obtaining the high level signal from the attachment sensor 107 by the moving time, that is, from the standby position of the detected member 59 to the detection position. Measured as the time taken 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 movement time is not within the threshold range (S18: No) as a result of the judgment of the movement time (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 to be 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 reduces 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 the moving time measured in step S15 is included in the threshold range determined in step S17 (S18). If the moving time falls below the lower limit of the threshold range, it is estimated that the viscosity of the ink is too lower than the viscosity of the normal ink. 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 the abnormality flag to "ON" (S19), on the condition that the moving time has deviated from 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 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). If it is determined that the cover is open (S20: No), the control unit 130 executes the process 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 a predetermined time has elapsed after determining that the cover is closed in step S20 (S21) .

  If 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 passed yet (S21: No), the control unit 130 executes the processing after step S11 again. When it is determined that the cover is open in the process of repeating step S11 and subsequent steps (S20: No), the control unit 130 determines that the cover is closed (S20: Yes). End the measurement.

  The control unit 130 outputs a signal indicating that the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed from the cover sensor 108 after the process illustrated in FIG. 9 is finished. The process shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

  First, the control unit 130 determines whether 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 processing of FIG. . Although the specific method of notification is not particularly limited, for example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 109 mounted in the printer 10, or a guide 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 to the abnormality flag (S32). If the abnormality flag is set to “ON” (S32: Yes), the control unit 130 notifies information on 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 is deteriorated, or the replacement of the ink cartridge 30 is recommended. The specific method of notification may be the same as the method of step S38.

  On the other hand, when the abnormality flag is set to “OFF” (S32: No), the control unit 130 executes the 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 "ON" is set to the empty flag (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 perform image recording.

  If 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 to 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 obtained (S35: Yes), the control unit 130 directly and indirectly controls the recording head 21, the sheet feeding roller 23, the conveyance roller pair 25, the discharge roller pair 27 and the like. The image is recorded on the recording sheet (S36), and the processing of FIG. 10 is ended. Note that the process of step S36 may be completed as one process up to the time when the image recording process for one recording sheet is completed, or until the time when the image recording process corresponding to all the acquired image data is completed. May be ended as one process.

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

  Hereinafter, the remaining amount determination process which is the process shown in FIG. 11 will be described. First, the control unit 130 determines whether “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 execute 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 to the near empty flag (S41: No), the control unit 130 determines whether the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has 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 is not switched (S42: No), the remaining amount determination process is ended, 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 is switched (S42: Yes), the control unit 130 sets "ON" to the near empty flag (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. Thereafter, the control unit 130 executes 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 the 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 determines that the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to "ON" is a predetermined value or more. It is determined whether or not (S45). The soft count value is a value calculated based on data when the control unit 130 issues an ink discharge instruction to the recording head 21. Specifically, the soft count value is a cumulative value of the number of ink droplets instructed by the controller 130 to be ejected from the recording head 21 and the ink amount of each ink droplet designated by the controller 130. It is a value to be counted. The predetermined value is a value to be compared with the soft count value.

  When 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 smaller than the predetermined amount (S45: No), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S44 described above.

  On the other hand, when the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to "ON" is equal to or more than 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 more than the predetermined amount (S45: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the empty flag to “ON”. Next, the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is empty (S47), and ends the process of FIG. Thereafter, the control unit 130 executes the process of step S34 of FIG. The above-described empty state is a state in which the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is so small that it is insufficient for performing image recording.

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

[Operation and effect of the embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, when the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position, the detected member 59 moves from the standby position to the detecting position. The detected member 59 moves in the ink while receiving viscous resistance and inertial resistance from the ink, so the moving speed of the detected member 59 depends on 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 the movement of the restricting member 88 to the allowable position until the detected member 59 reaches the detection position. Further, according to the ink cartridge 30 of the present embodiment, the movement of the detection target member 59 is restricted again at the standby position by returning the restriction member 88 from the allowance position to the restriction position. As a result, the viscosity of the ink in the ink cartridge 30 can be repeatedly estimated. In particular, in the present embodiment, the regulated portion 64 enters the movement region of the regulating member 88 at the detection position, so when the regulating member 88 is returned from the allowed position to the regulated position, the regulated member 88 is moved to the regulated portion 64. It is easy to make it work.

  Thereby, for example, the degree of deterioration of the ink in the ink cartridge 30 which has been left for a long time without being attached to the printer 10 can be estimated, or a plurality of ink cartridges 30 in which inks of different viscosities are stored In the case where the ink cartridge 10 can be attached, the type of the attached ink cartridge 30 can be specified.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the restricting member 88 at the restricting position contacts the detected member 59 at the standby position, the movement of the detected member 59 at the standby position can be surely restricted.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the distance L1 is longer than the distance L2, when the detection target member 59 rotates between the standby position and the detection position, the movement distance of the detection target 62 is the movement of the float 63. It will be longer than the distance. As a result, in the case of measuring the movement time, for example, the influence of the component tolerance of each component and the mounting error can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the third arm 73 is shorter than the second arm 72. Therefore, since the turning radius of the restricted portion 64 is reduced, the moving distance of the restricting member 88 for releasing the restricted movement of the restricted portion 64 (that is, the distance from the restricting position to the allowable position) may be shortened. it can. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 can be miniaturized or increased in capacity. Further, since the moving distance of the float 63 becomes long, the time until the detected member 59 reaches the detection position becomes long. As a result, for example, the estimation accuracy of the viscosity of the ink described above is improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the regulating member 88 is engaged with the valve body 77. That is, the valve body 77 moving between the first position and the second position and the restricting member 88 moving between the restricting position and the permitting position have the same distance in the same direction (insertion direction 51 and withdrawal direction 52) Only will move. As a result, the configuration of the ink cartridge 30 can be simplified. However, the moving direction and the moving distance between the valve body 77 and the regulating member 88 are not limited to the above-described example. When the moving direction or the moving distance between the valve body 77 and the regulating member 88 is different, a link mechanism or the like may be interposed between the valve body 77 and the regulating member 88.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the coil spring 87 for biasing the valve body 77 from the second position to the first position is disposed, the external force for moving the valve body 77 to the second position is removed. Thus, the valve body 77 is automatically moved to the first position, the restricting member 88 to the restricting position, and the detected member 59 to the standby position.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the valve body 77 closes the opening 46B at the first position and opens the opening 46B at the second position. Therefore, the valve body 77 can be made to function as a valve for opening and closing the opening 46B, so that an increase in the number of parts of the ink cartridge 30 can be suppressed.

[Modification 1]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the to-be-detected member 59 moved between the detection position and the standby position by rotating, the to-be-detected member 59 may move between the detection position and the standby position by other than the rotation. .

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

  As shown in FIG. 12, the detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detection target member 59 is vertically movably supported by the frame 31. The frame 31 of the ink container 32 is provided with a guide member 113 protruding upward from the lower wall 42. The guide member 113 is a hollow and square pole-shaped member. The float 114 of the detection target member 59 is disposed in the inner space of the guide member 113. As a result, the detection target member 59 can move up and down along the guide member 113, but only movement with a rattling 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 linearly moves the detection target member 59 along the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54. As described above, the detection target member 59 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be vertically movable.

  The detection target member 59 includes the float 114, the arm 115, and the detection target portion 116.

  The movement of the float 114 other than the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 is restricted by the guide member 113 to the extent of 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 is generally rectangular in shape. The float 114 is formed with a recess 117 opened upward. The recess 117 is formed from the right surface to the left surface of the float 114. The concave portion 117 is continuous with the first surface 118 (an example of the inclined surface) which is inclined downward toward the removal direction 52 which is the direction from the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, and is upward It is defined by a second surface 119 which extends to 54.

  The arm 115 extends upward 54 from the float 114. The detected portion 116 is provided at the extension end of the arm 115 and is supported by the arm 115. The to-be-detected part 116 is plate shape. The to-be-detected part 116 is formed of the material which shields the light output from the light emission part. The detected part 116 blocks the light output from the light emitting part in the same manner as the detected part 62.

  The detection target member 59 is movable while being guided by the guide member 113 between the detection position shown in FIG. 13B and the standby position shown in FIG. 12A. The detection position and the standby position are vertically separated from each other. The detection position is a position shifted upward 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 detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target 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 located on the optical axis 111 which is 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. Accordingly, the detection target portion 116 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detection target 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 portion 116 is not located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The restriction member 88 has a curved surface at the tip end portion in the removal direction 52. The restricting member 88 is formed at an end 120 opposite to the valve 83 in the convex portion 84 of the valve body 77. Therefore, the restricting member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The valve body 77 is disposed at a position shifted in the right direction 55 relative to the detection target member 59 and the guide member 113. The regulating member 88 extends from the end 120 in the left direction 56. Thus, the restricting member 88 is disposed in the recess 117.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between the restricting position shown in FIG. 12A and the allowable position shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 13 and closer to the rear wall 41 than the restricting position. is there. When the valve body 77 is at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 87, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the permitting position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the restricting member 88 contacts the first surface 118 of the float 114 of the detected member 59 from above. At this time, the restricting member 88 receives the component of the removal direction 52 component from the first surface 118 of the recess 117 with the buoyancy of the float 114, but the biasing force of the coil spring 87 in the insertion direction 51 is the removal direction Since the force to 52 is larger, the movement of the regulating member 88 in the removal direction 52 is suppressed. Thereby, the movement in the upward direction 54 of the detection target member 59 is restricted. That is, the movement of the detection target member 59 from the standby position is restricted. Here, the regulation means that the movement of the detection member 59 in the up direction 54 is restricted while the movement of the detection member 59 is rattling while the movement of the detection member 59 is restricted. Further, the regulating member 88 does not necessarily regulate the movement of the detected member 59 in the downward direction 53 from the standby position. The restricting member 88 at the restricting position may abut on the top surface 114A of the float 114 from above, instead of contacting the first surface 118.

  On the other hand, when the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position, the restricting member 88 is separated from the first surface 118 (see FIG. 12B). The tip end of the restricting member 88 in the removal direction 52 is located above the most indented portion of the recess 117 of the float 114 at the allowable position. Thus, the upward movement of the detection target member 59 is permitted. That is, movement of the detection target member 59 from the standby position to the detection position is permitted.

  Hereinafter, in the first modification, movements of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detection member 59 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in 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 the near empty state.

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

  When the valve body 77 is at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position, the detected member 59 is at the standby position. At this time, the restricting member 88 is in contact with the first surface 118 of the float 114 of the detected member 59 from above. Thereby, the movement of the detection target member 59 in the upward direction 54 from the standby position is restricted.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the float 114 is located near the lower wall 42. That is, the float 114 is sunk in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the detected portion 116 is not located on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, 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.

  The mounting sensor 107 is not pressed by the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 since the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover for opening and closing 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 portion 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use 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 embodiment. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is started. Also, the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position. Thus, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is permitted. Further, the ink chamber 36 communicates 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 restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. Thereby, the regulating member 88 is separated from the first surface 118 of the float 114 of the detected member 59. As a result, the detection target member 59 is movable in the upward direction 54 from the standby position.

  When the detection member 59 becomes movable, the float 114, which has been restricted to sink in the ink, is moved upward 54 by the buoyancy. That is, the detection member 59 is on standby by the float 114 which moves upward in response to the control member 88 being moved to the allowable position in the use posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. Move from the position to the detection position.

  The float 114 moves in the upward direction 54 until the detected portion 116 abuts on the surface 37 A that divides the internal space of the convex portion 37. FIG. 13A shows a state after the float 114 starts moving upward 54 and before coming into contact with the surface 37A. When the to-be-detected part 116 abuts on the surface 37A, the to-be-detected member 59 is located at the detection position which is the position shown in FIG. 13 (B). The detection target member 59 may be positioned at the detection position when in contact with the bottom surface of the concave portion 117.

  When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target 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 located on the optical axis 111 which is 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 measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is ended. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed through the above process.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detection member 59 in the process of removing the ink cartridge 30 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 the near empty state.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the ink cartridge 30 in the 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 regulating member 88 is in the permissible position. When the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position, the movement of the detected member 59 is permitted. The detection member 59 is at the detection position by the buoyancy of the float 114.

  Preferably, a part of the detected member 59 is in contact with the guide member 113 also at the detection position.

  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 separates from the ink needle 102. Thus, 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 regulating member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 from the permitted position to the regulated position. The restricting member 88 abuts on the first surface 118 of the float 114 of the detected member 59 in the process of moving from the allowable position to the restricted position. The restricting member 88 is moved from the allowed position to the restricted position while in contact with the first surface 118 from above. Thereby, the float 114 is pushed downward 53 by the regulating member 88. As a result, the detection target member 59 moves from the detection position to the standby position.

  Next, in a state in which the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the ink is consumed in the recording head 21 to reduce the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36; The movement of the restricting member 88 and the detected member 59 will be described.

  When the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is consumed by being ejected from the nozzles 29 of the recording head 21 and the liquid level of the ink falls below the float 114, the float 114 is Follow the surface and move downward. Accordingly, the detection target member 59 moves downward from the detection position to the standby position 53 (see FIG. 14). Then, the detected part 116 is not located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Thus, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 recognizes that the remaining amount of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has become a predetermined amount by the high level signal being output from the sensor 103.

[Modification 2]
In the second modification, another example of the configuration in which the detection target member 59 can move up and down is described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detection target member 59 is vertically movably supported by the frame 31. The frame 31 of the ink container 32 is provided with a guide member 113 protruding upward from the lower wall 42. The guide member 113 is disposed so as to surround the detected member 59 from the removal direction 52 of the detected member 59, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. A restricting member 88 described later is disposed in the insertion direction 51 of the detected member 59. As a result, the detected member 59 can move up and down along the guide member 113, but can only move about to the extent of rattling in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. It becomes. That is, the guide member 113 linearly moves the detection target member 59 along the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54. As described above, the detection target member 59 is supported by the frame 31 so as to be vertically movable.

  The detected member 59 has the same configuration as that of the first modification. However, the concave portion 117 is not formed on the float 114 of the detection target member 59 of the second modification.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The regulating member 88 is disposed between the valve body 77 and the detected member 59.

  The restricting member 88 has a main body 123 having an inclined surface 122 inclined downward toward the removal direction 52 which is a direction from the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, and a convex portion 124 protruding from the main body 123 in the removal direction 52. And have.

  A coil spring 121 (an example of a biasing member) is disposed between the regulating member 88 and the upper wall 39 of the ink container 32. One end of the coil spring 121 is connected to the regulating member 88. The other end of the coil spring 121 is connected to the upper wall 39. Thus, the restricting member 88 can move up and down by expanding and contracting the coil spring 121. Note that, instead of the coil spring 121, another biasing member such as a leaf spring may be used.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between a restricting position shown in FIG. 15A and a position shown in FIG. 16B, which is an allowable position above the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the permitting position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the convex portion 124 of the restricting member 88 abuts on the upper surface 114 A of the float 114 of the detected member 59 from above. Thereby, the movement in the upward direction 54 of the detection target member 59 is restricted. That is, the movement of the detection target member 59 from the standby position is restricted. Here, the regulation means that the movement of the detection member 59 in the up direction 54 is restricted while the movement of the detection member 59 is rattling while the movement of the detection member 59 is restricted. Further, the regulating member 88 does not necessarily regulate the movement of the detected member 59 in the downward direction 53 from the standby position.

  On the other hand, when the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position, the restricting member 88 is separated from the inclined surface 114A. Thus, the upward movement of the detection target member 59 is permitted. That is, movement of the detection target member 59 from the standby position to the detection position is permitted.

  Hereinafter, in the second modification, movements of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detection member 59 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in 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 the near empty state.

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

  The valve body 77 is separated from the regulating member 88 at the first position. The restricting member 88 at this time is a restricting position. When the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position, the detected member 59 is at the standby position. At this time, the restricting member 88 is in contact with the upper surface 114A of the float 114 of the detected member 59 from above. Thereby, the movement of the detection target member 59 in the upward direction 54 from the standby position is restricted.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the float 114 is located near the lower wall 42. That is, the float 114 is sunk in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  When the detected member 59 is in the standby position, the detected portion 116 is not located on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, 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.

  The mounting sensor 107 is not pressed by the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 since the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover for opening and closing 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 portion 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use 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 embodiment. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is started. Also, the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position. Thus, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is permitted. Further, the ink chamber 36 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure in the ink chamber 36 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, when the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position in the removal direction 52, the inclined surface 122 of the regulating member 88 is pushed by the valve body 77. That is, the valve body 77 is moved from the first position to the second position in a state of being in contact with the inclined surface 122 from below. Thus, the restricting member 88 moves upward from the restricting position toward the allowable position against the biasing force of the coil spring 121. At this time, the coil spring 121 biases the regulating member 88 vertically downward toward the regulating position. The restriction member 88 is separated from the detection target member 59 in the standby position by moving toward the allowable position. As a result, the detection target member 59 is movable in the upward direction 54 from the standby position.

  When the detection member 59 becomes movable, the float 114, which has been restricted to sink in the ink, is moved upward 54 by the buoyancy. That is, the detection member 59 is on standby by the float 114 which moves upward in response to the control member 88 being moved to the allowable position in the use posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. Move from the position to the detection position.

  The float 114 moves upward 54 until the upper surface 114 A abuts against the projection 124 of the restricting member 88 in the allowable position. FIG. 16A shows a state after the float 114 starts moving upward 54 and before coming into contact with the convex portion 124. When the upper surface 114A of the float 114 abuts on the protrusion 124 from below, the detection member 59 is located at the detection position, which is the position shown in FIG.

  When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target 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 located on the optical axis 111 which is 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 measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is ended. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed through the above process.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, and the detection member 59 in the process of removing the ink cartridge 30 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 the near empty state.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, in the ink cartridge 30 in the 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 regulating member 88 is in the permissible position. When the restricting member 88 is in the permitted position, the movement of the detected member 59 is permitted. The detection member 59 is at the detection position by the buoyancy of the float 114.

  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 separates from the ink needle 102. Thus, the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the coil spring 87 and separates from the regulating member 88. When the valve body 77 separates from the restricting member 88, the restricting member 88 moves downward from the allowed position toward the restricted position 53 by the biasing force of the coil spring 121. The convex portion 124 of the regulating member 88 moving in the downward direction 53 pushes the upper surface 114 A of the float 114 of the detected member 59 in the downward direction 53. As a result, the detection target member 59 moves from the detection position to the standby position.

  Next, in a state in which the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the ink is consumed in the recording head 21 to reduce the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36; The movement of the restricting member 88 and the detected member 59 will be described.

  When the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is consumed by being ejected from the nozzles 29 of the recording head 21 and the liquid level of the ink falls below the float 114, the float 114 is Follow the surface and move downward. Accordingly, the detection target member 59 moves downward from the detection position to the standby position 53 (see FIG. 17). Then, the detected part 116 is not located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. Thus, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 recognizes that the remaining amount of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has become a predetermined amount by the high level signal being output from the sensor 103.

[Modification 3]
In the embodiment described above, the detection member 59 is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float 114 floating. However, the detection target member 59 may move from the standby position to the detection position as the weight 125 sinks, as described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31. The detection target member 59 includes a rotation center portion 126, a first arm 127, a second arm 128, a detection target portion 129, and a control target portion 138.

  The first arm 127 extends from the rotation center portion 126 in the radial direction of the rotation center portion 126. The second arm 128 extends from the rotation center portion 126 in the radial direction and in a direction different from that of the first arm 127.

  The detection target portion 129 is provided at the extension end of the first arm 127, and is supported by the first arm 127. The to-be-detected part 129 is plate shape. The detected part 129 is formed of a material that shields the light output from the light emitting part. The detected part 129 shields the light output from the light emitting part in the same manner as the detected part 62.

  The regulated portion 138 is provided at the extension end of the second arm 128. In other words, the controlled portion 138 is a part of the second arm 128 and is an extended end portion of the second arm 128. The regulated portion 138 is in contact with and separated from a weight 125 described later. The regulated portion 138 may be a separate member from the second arm 128. In this case, the regulated portion 138 is supported by the second arm 128.

  The detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36 with the first arm 127 facing upward 54 and the removal direction 52 and the second arm 128 facing upward 54 and the insertion direction 51.

  The detection target member 59 is rotatable between the detection position shown in FIG. 19B and the position shown in FIG. 18A, which is a standby position different from the detection position. When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target portion 129 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. That is, the detected part 129 is located on the optical axis 111 which is 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 129 and does not reach the light receiving unit. Accordingly, the detection target portion 129 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detection target member 59 is at the detection position. On the other hand, when the detection target member 59 is at a position other than the detection position, the detection target portion 129 is not located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit.

  The detection target member 59 is formed of a material having a specific gravity larger than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. Also, the first arm 127 is longer than the second arm 128. Thus, when the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the first arm 127 pivots in the direction of the arrow 127A, which is the direction in which the ink sinks. On the other hand, the second arm 128 pivots in the direction of the arrow 128A, which is the direction of floating in the ink. The second arm 128 pivoting in the direction of the arrow 128 A abuts on the lower surface 125 A of the weight 125. The detected member 59 at this time is a standby position.

  The weight 125 is formed of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The weight 125 is supported by the regulating member 88 in the ink chamber 36.

  The frame 31 of the ink container 32 includes a guide member 139 which protrudes downward from the upper wall 39. The guide member 139 is disposed so as to surround the weight 125 from the insertion direction 51 of the weight 125, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. While the weight 125 can be moved up and down along the guide member 139 by the guide member 139, only movement of rattling is possible in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. It becomes. That is, the guide member 139 linearly moves the weight 125 along the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54.

  The weight 125 is disposed above the second arm 128 in the vertical direction. Thus, the weight 125 can abut on the second arm 128 from above.

  The weight 125 is movable between an upper position shown in FIG. 18A and a position shown in FIG. 19B and shifted downward 53 from the upper position. In the present embodiment, the weight 125 is disposed at a position shifted in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 with respect to the valve body 77, and the valve body 77 moves in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 of the weight 125. It is arranged so as not to interfere.

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the weight 125 is in the upper position. The weight 125 at the upper position holds the detection target member 59 in the standby position by coming into contact with the second arm 128 from above. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the weight 125 is in the lower position. The weight 125 at the lower position holds the detection target member 59 in the detection position by coming into contact with the second arm 128 from above. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the weight 125 moves from the upper position to the lower position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the weight 125 moves from the lower position to the upper position.

  The weight 125 is formed with a recess 140 opened downward. The recess 140 is formed from the right surface to the left surface of the weight 125. The concave portion 140 is continuous with the first surface 141 (an example of the inclined surface) which is inclined upward toward the removal direction 52 which is the direction from the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, and is downward. It is defined by a second surface 142 extending to 53.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The restricting member 88 is formed at an end 143 opposite to the valve 83 in the convex portion 84 of the valve body 77. Therefore, the restricting member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The valve body 77 is located to the right 55 more than the weight 125. The restriction member 88 extends from the end 143 in the left direction 56. Thus, the regulating member 88 is disposed in the recess 140.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between the restricted position shown in FIG. 18A and the allowable position shown in FIGS. 18B and 19 and closer to the rear wall 41 than the restricted position. is there. When the valve body 77 is at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the permitting position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the restricting member 88 contacts the first surface 141 of the weight 125 from below to support the weight 125. As a result, the movement of the weight 125 from the upper position to the lower direction 53 is restricted. Here, restriction means that movement of the weight 125 from the upper position to the downward direction 53 is restricted, while movement of the weight 125 to the extent of rattling is permitted. Further, the restricting member 88 does not necessarily restrict the movement of the weight 125 in the upward direction 54 from the upper position. Since the movement of the weight 125 is restricted, the detected member 59 does not move from the standby position. That is, the restricting member 88 indirectly restricts the movement of the detected member 59 from the standby position. The restricting member 88 at the restricting position may contact the lower surface 125 A of the weight 125 from below to support the weight 125 instead of contacting the first surface 141.

  On the other hand, when the restricting member 88 is in the allowable position, the restricting member 88 is separated from the first surface 141 of the weight 125 in the upper position. As a result, the weight 125 moves downward 53 by gravity. That is, the restricting member 88 allows the weight 125 to move from the upper position to the lower position in the allowable position. The detection target member 59 is pushed by the weight 125 moving from the upper position to the lower position and pivots from the standby position to the detection position. That is, the restricting member 88 permits the movement of the detected member 59 at the allowable position.

  Hereinafter, in the third modification, movements of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, the weight 125, and the detection member 59 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in 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 the near empty state.

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

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the weight 125 is maintained at the upper position by being supported by the regulating member 88. When the weight 125 is at the upper position, the detection member 59 is at the standby position. At this time, the lower surface 125 </ b> A of the weight 125 is in contact with the controlled portion 138 of the second arm 128 of the detected member 59.

  When the detection target member 59 is in the standby position, the detection target portion 129 is not located on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, 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.

  The mounting sensor 107 is not pressed by the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 since the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover for opening and closing 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 portion 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use 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 embodiment. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is started. In addition, the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position by being pushed by the ink needle 102 and applying an external force. Thus, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is permitted. Further, the ink chamber 36 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure in the ink chamber 36 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, when the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position in the removal direction 52, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. Thus, the regulating member 88 is separated from the first surface 141 of the weight 125 in the upper position. As a result, the weight 125 moves downward from the upper position to the lower position 53 by gravity.

  The weight 125 pushes the detected portion 129 of the detected member 59 downward in the process of being moved from the upper position to the lower position. As a result, the detection target member 59 pivots from the standby position toward the detection position.

  The weight 125 moves downward 53 until the first surface 141 abuts on the regulating member 88. FIG. 19A shows a state after the weight 125 has started to move downward 53 and before the first surface 141 comes in contact with the regulating member 88. When the first surface 141 abuts on the restricting member 88, the detected member 59 is located at the detecting position, which is the position shown in FIG. 19 (B).

  When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target portion 129 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. That is, the detected part 129 is located on the optical axis 111 which is 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 measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is ended. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed through the above process.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the restricting member 88, the weight 125, and the detected member 59 in the process of removing the ink cartridge 30 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 the near empty state.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, in the ink cartridge 30 in the 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 regulating member 88 is in the permissible position. When the regulating member 88 is in the permitted position, the weight 125 is in the lower position by sinking by gravity. When the weight 125 is at the lower position, the detection member 59 is at the detection position.

  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 separates from the ink needle 102. Thus, 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 regulating member 88 moves integrally with the valve body 77 from the permitted position to the regulated position. The restricting member 88 is moved from the allowed position to the restricted position in a state of being in contact with the first surface 141 of the weight 125 from below. Thus, the weight 125 is pushed upward by the restriction member 88. As a result, the weight 125 moves from the lower position to the upper position. When the weight 125 moves away from the detection target member 59 by moving toward the upper position, the detection target member 59 pivots from the detection position to the standby position. As described above, the restricting member 88 rotates the detected member 59 to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position.

[Modification 4]
In the fourth modification, another example of the configuration in which the detection target member 59 moves from the standby position to the detection position by the sedimentation of the weight 125 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the detection member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31. The detected member 59 has the same configuration as that of the third modification. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

  The weight 125 is formed of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The weight 125 is supported by the regulating member 88 in the ink chamber 36. The weight 125 has the same configuration as that of the third modification except that the recess 140 is not formed. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted. The guide member 139 for moving the weight 125 linearly along the vertical direction is also the same as that of the third modification. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a regulating member 88 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The regulating member 88 is disposed between the valve body 77 and the detected member 59.

  The restriction member 88 has a main body 145 having an inclined surface 144 which is inclined upward toward the removal direction 52 which is a direction from the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, and a convex portion 146 protruding from the main body 145 in the removal direction 52. And have.

  A coil spring 147 (an example of a biasing member) is disposed between the regulating member 88 and the lower wall 42 of the ink container 32. One end of the coil spring 147 is connected to the regulating member 88. The other end of the coil spring 147 is connected to the lower wall 42. Thus, the restricting member 88 can move up and down by expanding and contracting the coil spring 121. Note that, instead of the coil spring 121, another biasing member such as a leaf spring may be used.

  The restricting member 88 is movable between a restricting position shown in FIG. 20A and a position shown in FIG. 21B, which is a lower position than the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is at the first position, the restricting member 88 is at the restricting position. When the valve body 77 is in the second position, the regulating member 88 is in the allowable position. When the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position, the restricting member 88 moves from the restricting position to the permitting position. When the valve body 77 moves from the second position to the first position, the restricting member 88 moves from the permitting position to the restricting position.

  When the restricting member 88 is in the restricting position, the restricting member 88 contacts the lower surface 125 A of the weight 125 from below to support the weight 125. As a result, the movement of the weight 125 from the upper position to the lower direction 53 is restricted. Here, restriction means that movement of the weight 125 from the upper position to the downward direction 53 is restricted, while movement of the weight 125 to the extent of rattling is permitted. Further, the restricting member 88 does not necessarily restrict the movement of the weight 125 in the upward direction 54 from the upper position. Since the movement of the weight 125 is restricted, the detected member 59 does not move from the standby position. That is, the restricting member 88 indirectly restricts the movement of the detected member 59 from the standby position.

  On the other hand, when the regulating member 88 is in the permitted position, the regulating member 88 is separated from the lower surface 125A of the weight 125 in the upper position. As a result, the weight 125 moves downward 53 by gravity. That is, the restricting member 88 allows the weight 125 to move from the upper position to the lower position in the allowable position. The detection target member 59 is pushed by the weight 125 moving from the upper position to the lower position and pivots from the standby position to the detection position. That is, the restricting member 88 permits the movement of the detected member 59 at the allowable position.

  Hereinafter, in the fourth modification, movements of the valve body 77, the regulating member 88, the weight 125, and the detected member 59 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in 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 the near empty state.

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

  When the valve body 77 is in the first position, the weight 125 is maintained at the upper position by being supported by the regulating member 88. When the weight 125 is at the upper position, the detection member 59 is at the standby position. At this time, the lower surface 125 </ b> A of the weight 125 is in contact with the controlled portion 138 of the second arm 128 of the detected member 59.

  When the detection target member 59 is in the standby position, the detection target portion 129 is not located on the optical axis 111 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, 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.

  The mounting sensor 107 is not pressed by the front surface 58 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 since the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In the above state, the cover for opening and closing 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 portion 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 is in the use 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 embodiment. Thereby, the count of the measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is started. In addition, the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position by being pushed by the ink needle 102 and applying an external force. Thus, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is permitted. Further, the ink chamber 36 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure in the ink chamber 36 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, when the valve body 77 moves from the first position to the second position in the removal direction 52, the inclined surface 144 of the regulating member 88 is pushed by the valve body 77. That is, the valve body 77 is moved from the first position to the second position in a state of being in contact with the inclined surface 144 from above. Thus, the restricting member 88 moves downward from the restricting position toward the permitting position against the biasing force of the coil spring 147. At this time, the coil spring 147 biases the regulating member 88 vertically upward toward the regulating position. The restricting member 88 is separated from the weight 125 in the upper position by moving toward the allowable position. As a result, the weight 125 moves downward from the upper position to the lower position 53 by gravity.

  The weight 125 pushes the detected portion 129 of the detected member 59 downward in the process of being moved from the upper position to the lower position. As a result, the detection target member 59 pivots from the standby position toward the detection position.

  The weight 125 moves downward 53 until the lower surface 125 A abuts on the convex portion 146 of the regulating member 88. FIG. 21A shows a state after the weight 125 has started to move downward 53 and before the lower surface 125A comes in contact with the regulating member 88. FIG. When the lower surface 125A abuts on the regulating member 88, the detected member 59 is located at the detection position, which is the position shown in FIG. 21 (B).

  When the detection target member 59 is at the detection position, the detection target portion 129 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. That is, the detected part 129 is located on the optical axis 111 which is 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 measurement of the movement time of the detection target member 59 is ended. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed through the above process.

  Next, the movement of the valve body 77, the restricting member 88, the weight 125, and the detected member 59 in the process of removing the ink cartridge 30 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 the near empty state.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, in the ink cartridge 30 in the 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 regulating member 88 is in the permissible position. When the regulating member 88 is in the permitted position, the weight 125 is in the lower position by sinking by gravity. When the weight 125 is at the lower position, the detection member 59 is at the detection position.

  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 separates from the ink needle 102. Thus, 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 restricting member 88 moves upward from the permitted position to the restricted position by the biasing force of the coil spring 121. The convex portion 146 of the regulating member 88 moving in the upward direction 54 pushes the lower surface 125 A of the weight 125 in the upward direction 54. As a result, the weight 125 moves from the lower position to the upper position. When the weight 125 moves away from the detection target member 59 by moving toward the upper position, the detection target member 59 pivots from the detection position to the standby position. As described above, the restricting member 88 rotates the detected member 59 to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position.

[Other modifications]
In the above embodiment, the detection target portion 62 is located in the ink chamber 36 regardless of the position of the detection target member 59. However, the detection target portion 62 may have another configuration on the condition that the light from the light emitting portion of the sensor 103 to the light reception portion is blocked when the detection target member 59 is at the detection position. For example, the detection target portion 62 is disposed outside the ink chamber 36 when the detection target member 59 is in the standby position, and enters the ink chamber 36 in the process of moving the detection target member 59 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 has been completely mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 (in other words, 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 processing for estimating the viscosity of the ink without largely changing the configuration of the ink supply device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any timing that can be recognized by the control unit 130 may be used.

  For example, the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink cartridge 30 may have the following configurations. As shown in FIG. 22, 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 near the back surface 151. On the other hand, the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 has a convex portion 149 formed of a material that shields light. The convex portion 149 shields the light output from the light emitting portion in the same manner as the detected portion 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 sets the movement time at the timing when the second sensor 148 is shielded from light by the convex portion 149 (the timing when the ink cartridge 30 becomes the position of FIG. 22B from the position of FIG. 22A). The counting of the measurement is started, and the counting of the measurement of the movement time is ended at the timing when the sensor 103 is shielded from light by the detected portion 62.

  Also, for example, the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink cartridge 30 may have the following configurations. As shown in FIG. 23, the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is formed with a convex portion 149 formed of a material that shields light. The convex portion 149 shields the light output from the light emitting portion in the same manner as the detected portion 62. The convex portion 149 is formed at a position shifted from the convex portion 37 in the insertion direction 51. Then, at the timing at which the sensor 103 is shielded from light by the convex portion 149 and then the light shielding is released (at the timing when the ink cartridge 30 becomes the position of FIG. 23B from the position of FIG. 23A). The counting of the moving time measurement is started, and the counting of the moving time measurement is ended at the timing when the sensor 103 is shielded by the detection unit 62. The ink cartridge 30 is at the position shown in FIG. 23C when the count of the movement time measurement is completed.

  In the above embodiment, the operation of the recording head 21 is restricted, that is, step S36 is skipped, on condition that the movement time is out of the threshold range (S18: No). As a result, it is possible to prevent the trouble of the recording head 21 by discharging the ink whose viscosity has largely changed. However, the process of skipping step S36 is not essential. That is, the control unit 130 may execute only the process (S37) of notifying the abnormality of the ink viscosity, and whether or not to operate the recording head 21 may be left to the user's judgment. The control flow of the control unit 130 at that time is different from those shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, but the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Alternatively, when the control unit 130 determines that the abnormality flag is set to "ON" (S32: Yes), the process of steps S35 and S36 is not skipped in the image recording process in step 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 performs piezo processing so that the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 29 is substantially the same between the case where the movement time is included in the threshold range and the case where the movement time deviates from 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 moving time is below the lower limit value of the threshold range (that is, the viscosity of the ink is too low), the control unit 130 decreases the driving voltage applied to the piezo element 29A compared to the case where the moving time is within the threshold range. Just do it. On the other hand, when the moving time exceeds the upper limit of the threshold range (that is, the viscosity of the ink is too high), the control unit 130 increases the driving voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 29A more than the moving time is within the threshold range. Just do it.

  According to the above configuration, when the plurality of types of ink cartridges 30 in which the inks having different viscosities are stored can be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the piezo element 29A is driven with an appropriate driving voltage according to the type of ink. be able to. In the above embodiment, the piezoelectric element 29A is used as an example of the actuator, but a specific example of the actuator is not limited to this. For example, air bubbles are generated in the ink by heat and the ink is discharged from the nozzle 29 It may be a thermal type actuator that discharges

  Also, 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 piezoelectric 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 such that a low drive 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 such that a high drive voltage is applied to the piezo element 29A. In addition, there is an optimum threshold value of the ink viscosity corresponding to the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A. Therefore, it is preferable to set the threshold range of the ink viscosity according to the temperature. Therefore, in the above embodiment, an appropriate threshold range corresponding to the temperature is determined. Although the method of determining the threshold range is not particularly limited, the threshold range corresponding to the temperature may be selected from among a plurality of threshold ranges stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like, or the threshold using a function having temperature as an input parameter The upper limit value or the lower limit value of the range may be calculated. Further, when the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 29A is not adjusted according to the temperature, the step S17 of determining the threshold range based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 may be omitted, in which case, A fixed threshold range may be used.

  Further, the control unit 130 in the above embodiment measures the moving time of the detection target member 59 as follows. That is, the control unit 130 starts counting in response to the attachment 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. The movement time of the detection target member 59 was set as However, measurement of the movement time of the detection target 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 detection target member 59.

  Further, although the control unit 130 in the above-described embodiment stores the abnormality flag in the EEPROM 134, the control unit 130 may store the abnormality flag in the memory in the 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 have the ASIC 135, and all the processing illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 may be executed by the CPU 131 reading 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 an ASIC 135 or an FPGA. Further, 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 thereto. For example, instead of the ink, a pretreatment liquid discharged onto the recording sheet prior to the ink during printing may be used as the liquid.

10 ・ ・ ・ Printer (liquid consumption device)
21 ・ ・ ・ Recording head (liquid consumption unit)
30 ・ ・ ・ Ink cartridge (liquid cartridge)
36 ・ ・ ・ Ink chamber (liquid storage chamber)
40 ... front wall (first wall)
41 · · · back wall (second wall)
59 ... detected member 60 ... ink supply unit (liquid supply unit)
63 ・ ・ ・ float 77 ・ ・ ・ valve body (moving member)
88 ... regulatory member 103 ... sensor (detection unit)
110: Cartridge mounting unit 130: Control unit

Claims (29)

A liquid cartridge,
The first wall,
The second wall,
A liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall and in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit which is formed on the first wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
A detection position which can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detection member disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between standby positions different from the detection position;
A restricting position which restricts the movement of the detected member from the standby position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position which permits the movement of the detected member;
A moving member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position;
The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float moving upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the permission position.
The restriction member is
Moved from the restricted position to the permitted position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force;
Moving the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position ;
The liquid cartridge which restricts the movement of the detection target member by contacting the detection member at the standby position with the restriction member at the restriction position. A liquid cartridge,
The first wall,
The second wall,
A liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall and in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit which is formed on the first wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
A detection position which can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detection member disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between standby positions different from the detection position;
A restricting position which restricts the movement of the detected member from the standby position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position which permits the movement of the detected member;
A moving member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position;
The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float moving upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the permission position.
The restriction member is
Moved from the restricted position to the permitted position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force;
Moving the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position;
The moving member, the liquid cartridge that is disposed in or on the liquid storage chamber above the liquid supply unit. The detected member is rotatable between the standby position and the detection position,
A detected portion detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position;
Liquid cartridge according to claim 1 or 2 having, a first arm supporting the detectable portion is extended from the rotation center. The liquid cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the detection target member further includes a second arm extending from the rotation center in a direction different from the first arm to support the float. The detected portion is supported by the first arm at a position separated by a distance L1 from the rotation center,
5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein the float is supported by the second arm at a position separated by a distance L2 shorter than the distance L1 from the rotation center. The detected member is
A controlled portion which is brought into contact with or separated from the restricting member;
And a third arm extending from the rotation center in a direction different from the first arm and the second arm to support the restricted portion.
The restriction member is
In the restricting position, an external force in a direction to restrict the rotation of the detected member to the detecting position is applied to the restricted portion,
At the allowable position, separated from the restricted portion,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position, the liquid cartridge is brought into contact with the restricted portion to rotate the detected member to the standby position. The float is provided at the extension end of the second arm,
The controlled portion is provided at the extension end of the third arm,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein the third arm is shorter than the second arm. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the restricting member is moved from the allowed position to the restricted position by the moving member moved from the second position to the first position. The allowable position is a position closer to the second wall than the restricted position,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 8 , wherein the restriction member is engaged with the moving member. The restriction member is
A first portion engaged with the moving member;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 9 , further comprising: a second portion that abuts on the detected member in the restricted position and is separated from the detected member in the allowed position. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10 , further comprising: a biasing member that biases the moving member from the second position to the first position. A liquid cartridge,
The first wall,
The second wall,
A liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall and in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit which is formed on the first wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
A detection position which can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detection member disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between standby positions different from the detection position;
A restricting position which restricts the movement of the detected member from the standby position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position which permits the movement of the detected member;
A movable member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position;
And a biasing member for biasing the moving member from the second position to the first position,
The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float moving upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the permission position.
The restriction member is
Moved from the restricted position to the permitted position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force;
The movable member moved from the second position to the first position is moved from the allowable position to the restricted position,
Moving the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position;
The liquid supply port is formed with a liquid supply port,
The moving member, said occlude the liquid supply port in the first position, the second liquid cartridge you opening the liquid supply port in position. The liquid cartridge further includes a guide member for linearly moving the detection target between the standby position and the detection position which are separated in the vertical direction in the use posture of the liquid cartridge.
Said first wall and said second wall in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the liquid cartridge according to claim 1 or 2 at least partially overlap. The restricted position is a position closer to the first wall than the allowable position,
The detection target member has an inclined surface which is inclined downward from the first wall to the second wall in the use posture of the liquid cartridge,
The regulating member when the liquid cartridge is in the use position is
Contact from above with the inclined surface at the restricted position,
In the allowable position, apart from the inclined surface of the detection target member in the standby position,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the liquid cartridge is moved from the allowable position to the restricted position in a state of being in contact with the inclined surface from above. The float is formed with a recess opened upward,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the restriction member is disposed in the recess. 16. A liquid cartridge according to claim 15 , wherein the inclined surface defines the recess. The liquid cartridge further includes an urging member urging the restriction member vertically downward toward the restriction position in the use posture of the liquid cartridge.
The restriction member is
In the use posture of the liquid cartridge, the liquid cartridge has an inclined surface which is inclined downward from the first wall to the second wall,
Contacting the detected member from above at the restricted position,
In the allowable position, apart from the detected member in the standby position,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position in a state where the moving member is in contact with the inclined surface from below. The liquid cartridge according to claim 17 , wherein the restricting member abuts on the detected member at the detection position from above. A liquid cartridge,
The first wall,
The second wall,
A liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall and in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit which is formed on the first wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
A weight whose specific gravity is larger than the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
A detection position which can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a detection member disposed in the liquid storage chamber so as to be movable between standby positions different from the detection position;
A restricting position which restricts the movement of the detected member from the standby position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position which permits the movement of the detected member;
A moving member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position;
The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the weight which moves downward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the permission position.
The restriction member is
Moved from the restricted position to the permitted position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force;
A liquid cartridge for moving the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position. 20. The liquid cartridge according to claim 19 , wherein the restricting member at the restricting position contacts the detected member at the standby position to restrict the movement of the detected member. The moving member, the liquid cartridge according to claim 19 or 20 is disposed in or on the liquid storage chamber above the liquid supply unit. The weight is movable between an upper position for holding the detected member in the standby position and a lower position vertically below the upper position.
The restriction member is
Restricting movement of the weight from the upper position at the restricting position;
Allowing movement of the weight from the upper position to the lower position in the allowable position;
The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the weight moving from the upper position to the lower position. The liquid cartridge further includes a guide member which linearly moves the weight along the vertical direction between the upper position and the lower position in the use posture of the liquid cartridge,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein the first wall and the second wall at least partially overlap in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The detected member is rotatable between the standby position and the detection position,
A detected portion detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position;
A first arm extended from the rotation center and supporting the detected portion;
And a second arm extending from the center of rotation in a direction different from the first arm,
The weight comes in contact with the second arm,
At the upper position, the detected member is held at the standby position,
In the process of being moved to the lower position from the upper position, the liquid cartridge according to claim 22 or 23 is rotated the object detecting member to the detection position from the standby position. The restriction member is
In the restricting position, the weight abuts on the weight at the upper position from below,
25. A liquid cartridge according to any of claims 22 to 24 , spaced apart from the weight in the upper position in the permitted position. The weight is formed with a recess opened downward,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 25 , wherein the restriction member is disposed in the recess. A part of the recess is defined by an inclined surface which is inclined upward from the first wall to the second wall in the use posture of the liquid cartridge,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 26 , wherein the restricting member is moved from the allowable position to the restricting position in a state where the restricting member is in contact with the inclined surface from below in the use posture of the liquid cartridge. The liquid cartridge further includes an urging member for urging the restriction member vertically upward toward the restriction position in the use posture of the liquid cartridge,
The restriction member has an inclined surface which is inclined upward from the first wall to the second wall in the use posture of the liquid cartridge,
26. The liquid cartridge according to claim 25 , wherein the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position while in contact with the inclined surface from above. A liquid consuming apparatus for consuming a liquid supplied from a liquid cartridge having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored,
The above liquid cartridge is
The first wall,
The second wall,
A liquid storage chamber formed between the first wall and the second wall and in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply unit which is formed on the first wall and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid cartridge;
The liquid storage chamber has a float whose specific gravity is smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, and the liquid storage chamber can move between a detection position detectable from the outside of the liquid cartridge and a standby position different from the detection position. A detected member disposed on the
A restricting position which restricts the movement of the detected member from the standby position, and a restricting member movable between an allowable position which permits the movement of the detected member;
A moving member movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second wall than the first position;
The detection target member is moved from the standby position to the detection position by the float moving upward in response to the liquid cartridge being in the use posture and the restriction member being moved to the permission position.
The restriction member is
Moved from the restricted position to the permitted position by the moving member moved from the first position to the second position by an external force;
Moving the detected member to the standby position in the process of being moved from the allowable position to the restricted position;
The liquid consumption device
A mounting portion on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted;
A liquid consumption unit that consumes the liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit through the liquid supply unit;
A detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detection target member is present at the detection position;
A control unit configured to determine whether an elapsed time from when the restricting member is moved to the allowable position to when the detection unit outputs the detection signal is included in a threshold range .

Images