JP6950462B2 - Liquid supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid supply device including a tank capable of injecting liquid through an inlet.

As an example of the liquid supply device as described above, an inkjet recording device including a tank having a storage chamber for storing ink and an optical sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber is known. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the inkjet recording apparatus, the portion of the wall partitioning the storage chamber that is exposed to the light emitted from the optical sensor has translucency. As a result, the amount of light received from the optical sensor changes according to the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber. Specifically, when the remaining amount of ink is large and the liquid level of the ink is located above the optical sensor, it is difficult for the light emitted from the optical sensor to pass through the ink. Therefore, the amount of received light is small. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink is low and the liquid level of the ink is located below the optical sensor, the light emitted from the optical sensor is not blocked by the ink. Therefore, the amount of received light is large. It is possible to detect whether or not the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber has decreased depending on the amount of received light.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-199261

The tank is equipped with an inlet. When the inkjet recording device is used by a user for the first time, or when the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber is low, the ink stored in the bottle is injected into the storage chamber through the injection port.

At this time, depending on the material and color of the ink to be injected, it may not be possible to accurately detect whether or not the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber is low by the optical sensor. For example, when the ink to be injected is diluted with water or the like, the light emitted from the optical sensor passes through the ink even though the ink is sufficiently stored in the storage chamber, and the ink is stored. There is a risk of false detection that the ink stored in the room is low.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a liquid supply device capable of accurately detecting the remaining amount of ink regardless of the quality of the ink stored in the storage chamber of the tank. Is to provide.

(1) The liquid supply device according to the present invention is for injecting a liquid into a storage chamber for storing the liquid, a translucent wall that partitions at least a part of the storage chamber and has translucency, and the storage chamber. A tank having an inlet and an outlet through which the liquid stored in the storage chamber flows out, a light emitting unit that irradiates the light emitting portion with a light amount corresponding to the first signal toward the translucent wall, and the light emitting unit irradiate the light emitting unit. It includes an optical sensor that has a light receiving unit that receives the light received and outputs a second signal according to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, a controller, and a non-volatile memory. The controller outputs the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in a preset predetermined range to the optical sensor on condition that it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber. Further, the controller has a first range in which the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal is one of a range equal to or more than a preset threshold value or a range below the threshold value. The first signal corresponding to a value smaller than the current value is output to the optical sensor on condition that Further, the controller at the present time is provided with the condition that the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal is in the second range other than the first range. The set value based on the value corresponding to the first signal is stored in the memory.

According to this configuration, different set values can be stored in the memory depending on the ease of light transmission of the liquid injected into the storage chamber. Here, the set value can be used as a value corresponding to the first signal output to the light emitting unit when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is detected by the optical sensor. As a result, for example, when the liquid injected into the storage chamber is diluted with water to easily transmit light, when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is detected by the optical sensor, the light emitting unit The set value corresponding to the first signal output to the light emitting unit can be set small so that the amount of light emitted toward the translucent wall is reduced.

(2) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes an operation unit that outputs a third signal indicating that the injection of the liquid into the storage chamber has been confirmed by being operated to the controller. The controller outputs the first signal corresponding to the minimum value in the predetermined range to the optical sensor, and the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor according to the output is the second range. It is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber on the condition that the third signal is received from the operation unit.

When it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber only by the value corresponding to the second signal being in the second range, the following problems may occur. For example, when it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber by the value corresponding to the second signal, if the value corresponding to the first signal output by the controller to the optical sensor is small, the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit is small. Become. Then, the light emitted by the light emitting part is blocked by the liquid adhering to the translucent wall after the liquid stored in the storage chamber is consumed, and the liquid is not stored in the storage chamber. , There is a risk of false detection that liquid is stored in the storage chamber.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber only by receiving the third signal, the following problems may occur. In this case, when the user determines that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber, the user can operate the operation unit to notify the controller of the completion of the liquid injection by the third signal. However, for example, when the liquid is attached to the translucent wall after the liquid stored in the storage chamber is consumed, the user visually determines whether or not a predetermined amount (for example, a full amount) of the liquid has been injected. It can be difficult to do. In addition, the user may make a mistake in operating the operation unit.

Therefore, according to this configuration, the controller determines that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber on the condition that the value of the second signal is in the second range and that the third signal is received. do. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem can be reduced.

(3) The set value is a value corresponding to the first signal at the time when the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor according to the output of the first signal is in the second range. , The value is half of the total with the minimum value in the above predetermined range.

If the value corresponding to the first signal at the time when the value corresponding to the second signal is in the second range is used as the set value as it is, a slight environment such as temperature characteristics of the elements constituting the optical sensor and deterioration over time will occur. Due to the change, the remaining amount of liquid stored in the storage chamber may be erroneously detected. Therefore, as in this configuration, by setting a value that is half of the total of the value corresponding to the first signal and the minimum value in the predetermined range as the set value, there is a possibility of false detection due to the above-mentioned slight environmental change. Can be lowered.

(4) The controller searches for a value corresponding to the first signal in which the value corresponding to the second signal is in the second range by a binary search method.

According to this configuration, by using the binary search method, it is possible to quickly search for the value corresponding to the first signal in which the value corresponding to the second signal is in the second range.

(5) The memory has a first value indicating that the initial introduction in which the liquid is injected for the first time into the storage chamber in which the liquid has never been injected has never been executed, and the initial introduction has been executed at least once. It stores the initial introduction flag in which any of the second values indicating that the data is set is set. The initial introduction flag is set to the first value when the liquid supply device is shipped from the factory. The controller determines that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber, and on the condition that the initial introduction flag is the first value, the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in the predetermined range is sent to the optical sensor. Output. Further, the controller sets the initial introduction flag to the second value on condition that the set value is stored in the memory.

If the set value is set before the liquid supply device is shipped from the factory, the liquid once stored in the storage chamber for setting the set value is stored between the setting of the set value and the shipment. You need to pull it out of the room. At this time, it is difficult to completely drain the liquid from the storage chamber. Then, there is a possibility that the liquid remaining in the storage chamber dries between the time of shipment and the time of delivery to the user. Therefore, according to this configuration, the set value is set at the time of initial introduction after the liquid supply device is shipped from the factory. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring.

(6) The controller is subject to the condition that the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in the predetermined range is in the second range. , Half of the total of the minimum value of the predetermined range and the maximum value of the predetermined range is stored in the memory as the set value.

According to this configuration, the set value is set even when the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor according to the output of the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in the predetermined range is in the second range. Can be set appropriately.

(7) The liquid supply device according to the present invention detects an opening / closing cover that can be moved to an open position that exposes the injection port to the outside, a closed position that closes the injection port from the outside, and a position of the opening / closing cover. It is equipped with an open / close sensor. On the condition that the open / close sensor detects that the open / close cover is in the open position and then the open / close sensor detects that the open / close cover is in the closed position, the controller is placed in the storage chamber. Performs a determination as to whether or not a liquid has been injected.

In order to inject the liquid into the storage chamber, it is necessary to open the opening / closing cover to expose the injection port to the outside. Therefore, if the open / close cover is in the open position and then in the closed position, it is highly possible that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber. In this configuration, it is determined whether or not the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber in a state where there is a high possibility that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a useless determination (for example, a determination executed when it is clear that the liquid is not injected into the storage chamber) is made.

According to the present invention, the remaining amount of ink can be accurately detected regardless of the quality of the ink stored in the storage chamber of the tank.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the multifunction device 10. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the cover 70 is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the cover 70 is in the open position. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 23, the platen 42, the guide rails 43 and 44, and the ink tank 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink tank 100. FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the ink tank 100B, and FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the ink tank 100B. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the printer unit 11. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the light amount adjustment process. FIG. 8A is a graph showing the characteristics of the value VS2 with respect to the value VS1 in a certain ink, and FIG. 8B is a value with respect to the value VS1 in an ink of a type different from that of the ink according to FIG. 8A. It is a graph which showed the characteristic of VS2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, in the following description, the direction from the start point to the end point of the arrow is expressed as the direction, and the traffic on the line connecting the start point and the end point of the arrow is expressed as the direction. In other words, orientation is a component of direction. Further, based on the posture in which the multifunction device 10 and the ink tank 100 installed in the multifunction device 10 are installed on a horizontal surface so that they can be used (the posture shown in FIG. 1 may be referred to as "use posture"). The vertical direction 7 is defined, the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface of the multifunction device 10 where the opening 13 is provided as the front surface, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction device 10 is viewed from the front. The vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, in the usage posture, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the horizontal direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction.

[Overall configuration of multifunction device 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 10 (an example of a liquid supply device) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction device 10 has a printer unit 11 at the bottom, which records an image on paper 12 (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method. The printer unit 11 has a housing 14 having an opening 13 formed in the front wall 14A.

The multifunction device 10 has an operation unit 16 above the printer unit 11. The operation unit 16 has a display panel 28 capable of displaying an image and an input key 17 for operation input. The display panel 28 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a touch panel. When the display panel 28 is a touch panel, the input key 17 may be a touchable button displayed on the display panel 28.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 14, the feeding section 15, the feeding tray 20, the discharging tray 21, the transport roller section 54, the recording section 24, the discharging roller section 55, and the like, A platen 42, an ink tank 100, an optical sensor 125 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and a controller 130 (see FIG. 6) are arranged. The multifunction device 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function.

[Feeding tray 20, discharge tray 21]
As shown in FIG. 1, the feed tray 20 is inserted and removed from the multifunction device 10 along the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13. The opening 13 is located on the front surface of the multifunction device 10 and at the center of the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeding tray 20 can support a plurality of stacked sheets 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge tray 21 is arranged above the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 supports the paper 12 discharged from between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 by the discharge roller unit 55.

[Feeding section 15]
The feeding unit 15 feeds the paper 12 supported by the feeding tray 20 to the transport path 65. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeding unit 15 includes a feeding roller 25, a feeding arm 26, and a shaft 27. The feeding roller 25 is rotatably supported by the tip of the feeding arm 26. The feeding roller 25 is driven by a feeding motor 172 (see FIG. 6). The feeding arm 26 is rotatably supported by a shaft 27 supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26 is rotationally urged toward the feeding tray 20 by its own weight or an elastic force due to a spring or the like.

[Transport path 65]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 65 refers to a space in which a part thereof is formed by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other at predetermined intervals inside the printer unit 11. The transport path 65 is a path extending rearward from the rear end of the feed tray 20. The transport path 65 is a path that extends upward at the rear portion of the printer unit 11 and makes a U-turn forward, passes through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42, and reaches the discharge tray 21. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport path 65 between the transport roller portion 54 and the discharge roller portion 55 is provided in the substantially central portion of the multifunction device 10 in the left-right direction 9, and is provided in the front-rear direction 8. It is extending. The transport direction 29 of the paper 12 in the transport path 65 is indicated by the arrow of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

[Conveying roller unit 54]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller portion 54 is arranged in the transport path 65. The transport roller unit 54 has a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that face each other. The transfer roller 60 is driven by a transfer motor 171 (see FIG. 6). The pinch roller 61 rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 60. The paper 12 is sandwiched between a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that are driven by a transport motor 171 and rotate, and is transported in the transport direction 29.

[Discharge roller section 55]
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge roller portion 55 is arranged downstream of the transport roller portion 54 in the transport path 65 in the transport direction 29. The discharge roller portion 55 has a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63 that face each other. The discharge roller 62 is driven by a transport motor 171 (see FIG. 6). The spur 63 rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 62. The paper 12 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 that are driven by the transport motor 171 and rotate, and is transported in the transport direction 29.

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is arranged between the transport roller portion 54 and the discharge roller portion 55 in the transport path 65. The recording unit 24 is arranged so as to face the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 65 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44 extending in the left-right direction 9 at positions separated from each other in the front-rear direction 8. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 44. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage drive motor 173 (see FIG. 6). The carriage 23 connected to the belt mechanism reciprocates along the left-right direction 9 by driving the carriage motor. The moving range of the carriage 23 extends from the transport path 65 to the right and left as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

An ink tube 32 and a flexible flat cable 33 extend from the carriage 23.

The ink tube 32 connects the ink tank 100 and the recording head 39. The ink tube 32 records ink (an example of a liquid) stored in four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M (these may be collectively referred to as “ink tank 100”) as a recording head 39. Supply to. The ink tank 100 is an example of a tank. In detail, four ink tubes 32B, 32Y, 32C, and 32M (these are collectively referred to as "ink tube 32") in which inks of each color (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) are distributed may be referred to as "ink tube 32". ) Are extended from the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M, respectively, and are connected to the carriage 23 in a bundled state.

The flexible flat cable 33 electrically connects the control board on which the controller 130 (see FIG. 6) is mounted and the recording head 39. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits a control signal output from the controller 130 to the recording head 39.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 23 is equipped with a recording head 39. A plurality of nozzles 40 are arranged on the lower surface of the recording head 39. The tips of the plurality of nozzles 40 are exposed from the lower surface of the recording head 39. The recording head 39 ejects ink from the nozzle 40 as minute ink droplets. In the process of moving the carriage 23, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets toward the paper 12 supported by the platen 42. As a result, the image is recorded on the paper 12. Further, as a result, the ink stored in the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M is consumed.

[Platen 42]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platen 42 is arranged between the transport roller portion 54 and the discharge roller portion 55 in the transport path 65. The platen 42 is arranged so as to face the recording unit 24 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 65 interposed therebetween. The platen 42 supports the paper 12 conveyed by the conveying roller portion 54 from below.

[Cover 70]
As shown in FIG. 1 (B), an opening 22 is formed in the right portion of the front wall 14A of the housing 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, a cover 70 (an example of an opening / closing cover) is attached to the housing 14 so as to cover the opening 22. The cover 70 is rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening 22 (the position shown in FIG. 1A) and an open position that opens the opening 22 (the position shown in FIG. 1B). be. As shown in FIG. 1 (A), when the cover 70 is in the closed position, the injection port 112 (see FIGS. 1 (B) and 4) of the ink tank 100 is closed from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1 (B), when the cover 70 is in the open position, the injection port 112 of the ink tank 100 is exposed from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1 (A), the cover 70 is formed with an opening 97. A space is expanded in the portion of the inside of the housing 14 located behind the opening 22. The ink tank 100 is arranged in this space.

[Open / close sensor 126]
As shown in FIG. 6, the multifunction device 10 includes an open / close sensor 126. The open / close sensor 126 is arranged, for example, on the peripheral edge of the opening 22 of the housing 14. The open / close sensor 126 detects the position of the cover 70. In this embodiment, the open / close sensor 126 is a mechanical switch. The open / close sensor 126 is turned on when it comes into contact with the cover 70 at the closed position, and outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 (see FIG. 6). That is, at this time, the open / close sensor 126 detects that the cover 70 is in the closed position. On the other hand, the open / close sensor 126 is turned off when the cover 70 rotates away from the closed position, and outputs a low level signal to the controller 130. That is, at this time, the open / close sensor 126 detects that the cover 70 is in the open position.

The open / close sensor 126 may output a low level signal in the ON state and output a high level signal in the OFF state. Further, as the open / close sensor 126, various known sensors (proximity sensor, optical sensor, etc.) can be adopted in addition to the mechanical switch.

[Ink tank 100]
The ink tank 100 shown in FIG. 4 is provided in the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 supplies ink to the recording unit 24 included in the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 includes four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

Ink of different colors is stored in each ink tank 100. Specifically, black ink is stored in the ink tank 100B, yellow ink is stored in the ink tank 100Y, cyan ink is stored in the ink tank 100C, and magenta ink is stored in the ink tank 100M. However, the number of ink tanks 100 and the color of ink are not limited to the above examples.

In each configuration of the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C and 100M, the length of the ink tank 100B in the left-right direction 9 is longer than the length of each of the other three ink tanks 100Y, 100C and 100M in the left-right direction 9. Except for, the configuration is almost the same. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the ink tank 100B will be described, and the description of the configurations of the other ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ink tank 100B includes a frame 141 and films 142, 143, and 139.

The frame 141 includes a front wall 101, a rear wall 110, an upper wall 104, a lower wall 105, and an inner wall 107.

The film 142 is attached to the opening formed on the right side of the frame 141. The film 143 is attached to the opening formed on the left side of the frame 141. The film 139 is attached to an opening formed in the protrusion 167, which will be described later. As a result, the ink chamber 111 (an example of the storage chamber) partitioned by the frame 141 and the films 142, 143, and 139 is formed.

The presence / absence and the attachment position of the films 142, 143, and 139 are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 5, the film 142 is attached to the rear portion of the right end of the ink tank 100B, and the front portion of the right end of the ink tank 100B is composed of a right wall which is a part of the frame 141. However, contrary to FIG. 5, the film 142 is attached to the front portion of the right end of the ink tank 100B, and the rear portion of the right end of the ink tank 100B is composed of a right wall which is a part of the frame 141. It is also good. Further, for example, the ink tank 100B may not include the film 143. In this case, the frame 141 has a left wall that partitions the left end of the ink chamber 111 instead of the film 143.

The frame 141 is integrally formed of a resin having a translucency such that the ink in the ink chamber 111 can be visually recognized from the outside of the ink tank 100. The frame 141 is made of polypropylene, for example. The frame 141 is integrally molded, for example, by injection molding of a resin material. The rigidity of the frame 141 is higher than that of the films 142 and 143. The frame 141 may be made of a material other than resin. Further, the frame 141 may have a configuration in which a plurality of members are combined.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front wall 101 of the frame 141 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction device 10 through the opening 97 of the cover 70 and the opening 22 of the housing 14. The front wall 101 of the frame 141 is visible from the front of the multifunction device 10, and the user can check the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111.

As shown in FIG. 5, the front wall 101 is composed of a standing wall 102 and a sloping wall 106. The vertical wall 102 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9. The inclined wall 106 is a wall connecting the upper end of the vertical wall 102 and the front end of the upper wall 104. The inclined wall 106 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8.

The ink tank 100B includes an injection port 112 for injecting ink into the ink chamber 111. The inlet 112 is formed on the sloping wall 106. The injection port 112 penetrates the inclined wall 106 in the thickness direction and communicates the ink chamber 111 with the outside of the ink tank 100B. A bottle (not shown) in which ink is stored is inserted into the ink chamber 111 via the injection port 112. As a result, the ink stored in the bottle is injected into the ink chamber 111.

The ink tank 100B includes a first line 146 and a second line 147. The first line 146 and the second line 147 are formed on the vertical wall 102.

The first line 146 extends in the left-right direction 9. The position of the first line 146 in the vertical direction 7 is the same height as the liquid level of the ink when the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the ink chamber 111.

The second line 147 extends in the left-right direction 9. The second line 147 is located below the first line 146. The position of the second line 147 in the vertical direction 7 is the same height as the liquid level of the ink when an amount of ink smaller than the maximum amount is stored in the ink chamber 111. In the present embodiment, the position 7 in the vertical direction of the second line 147 is the same height as the liquid level of the ink when the minimum amount of ink that needs to be replenished is stored in the ink chamber 111. ..

The ink tank 100B includes an air communication hole 113. The air communication hole 113 is formed in the upper wall 104. The air communication hole 113 is a hole that communicates the air outside the ink tank 100B with the air communication passage 145 inside the ink tank 100B. The atmospheric passage 145 is a space partitioned by an upper wall 104, an inner wall 107, and the like. One end of the atmospheric communication passage 145 communicates with the atmospheric communication hole 113. The other end of the atmospheric communication passage 145 communicates with the ink chamber 111. That is, the ink chamber 111 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication passage 145 and the atmospheric communication hole 113. A semipermeable membrane 114 is attached to the atmospheric passage 145. The semipermeable membrane 114 is a porous membrane having minute pores that block the passage of ink and allow the passage of gas.

The ink tank 100B includes an outlet 115 through which the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 flows out. The outlet 115 is an opening formed at the tip of a hollow protrusion 157 protruding rearward from the rear wall 110. The internal space of the protrusion 157 communicates with the ink chamber 111 via the ink outflow path 116. The ink outflow path 116 is a space partitioned by a rear wall 110, an inner wall 107, and the like. An ink tube 32 is connected to the tip of the protrusion 157 (see FIG. 3). The ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is supplied to the recording head 39 via the ink outflow passage 116, the internal space of the protrusion 157, the outlet 115, and the ink tube 32.

The frame 141 of the ink tank 100B includes a protrusion 167 protruding rearward from the rear wall 110. The protrusion 167 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As for the protruding portion 167, at least the right wall 167A and the left wall 167B facing each other in the left-right direction 9 have translucency. The right wall 167A and the left wall 167B are examples of translucent walls. The right wall 167A and the left wall 167B partition the internal space of the protrusion 167. An opening is formed at the rear end (tip) of the protrusion 167. A film 139 is attached to the opening. As a result, the internal space of the protrusion 167 is closed by the film 139. The internal space of the protruding portion 167 forms a part of the ink chamber 111. That is, ink can flow between the internal space of the protrusion 167 and the other portion of the ink chamber 111. In the present embodiment, the ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M do not have the protruding portion 167, but the ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M may have the protruding portion 167.

[Optical sensor 125]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B, the printer unit 11 includes an optical sensor 125. The optical sensor 125 includes a light emitting unit 125A and a light receiving unit 125B. The light emitting portion 125A and the light receiving portion 125B are arranged so as to sandwich the protruding portion 167 in the left-right direction 9. In the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 125A is located on the right side of the protruding portion 167, and the light receiving portion 125B is located on the left side of the protruding portion 167. The light emitting unit 125A faces the right wall 167A. The light receiving unit 125B faces the left wall 167B. Contrary to the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 125A may be located on the left side of the protruding portion 167, and the light receiving portion 125B may be located on the right side of the protruding portion 167.

The light emitting unit 125A irradiates the light receiving unit 125B with a light amount corresponding to the PWM signal S1 (an example of the first signal) received from the outside (controller 130 in this embodiment) by the optical sensor 125. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 125A irradiates a larger amount of light as the duty ratio of the received PWM signal S1 is larger, and irradiates a smaller amount of light as the duty ratio of the received PWM signal S1 is smaller.

The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A.

The optical sensor 125 outputs a signal S2 (an example of a second signal) at a level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B to the outside (controller 130 in this embodiment). In the present embodiment, in the optical sensor 125, the higher the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B, the lower the level of the signal S2 is sent to the controller 130, and the smaller the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B, the higher the level. Signal S1 is sent to the controller 130.

The light emitted by the light emitting portion 125A passes through the right wall 167A of the protruding portion 167 and enters the internal space of the protruding portion 167. The translucent state of the protruding portion 167 changes depending on whether or not ink is stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167 and the quality of the ink stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167 (for example, the shade and color of the ink). ..

For example, when ink is stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A may be blocked by the ink stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167 and may not reach the light receiving unit 125B. Alternatively, the light intensity is greatly attenuated by the ink and reaches the light receiving unit 125B. At this time, in the present embodiment, a high level signal S2 is sent from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130.

On the other hand, when the ink is not stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167, or when the ink stored in the internal space of the protruding portion 167 is thin, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 125A is the internal space of the protruding portion 167. It reaches the light receiving unit 125B without being blocked by the ink stored in the light receiving unit 125B, or the light intensity is attenuated by the ink to reach the light receiving unit 125B. At this time, in the present embodiment, a low level signal S2 is sent from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130.

[Controller 130]
The configuration of the controller 130 will be described with reference to FIG. The controller 130 controls the overall operation of the multifunction device 10. The controller 130 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, an EEPROM 74 (an example of a memory), an ASIC 76, and an internal bus 75 that connects them to each other.

The ROM 72 stores programs for the CPU 71 to control various operations including recording processing and light intensity adjustment processing. The RAM 73 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used by the CPU 71 when executing the program. The EEPROM 74 is a non-volatile memory, and stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

A transport motor 171, a feed motor 172, and a carriage drive motor 173 are connected to the ASIC 76. Further, the ASIC 76 incorporates a drive circuit that controls each motor. When a drive signal for rotating each motor is input from the CPU 71 to a drive circuit corresponding to a predetermined motor, a drive current corresponding to the drive signal is output from the drive circuit to the corresponding motor. This causes the corresponding motor to rotate. That is, the controller 130 controls each of the motors 171, 172, and 173.

The ASIC 76 transmits PWM signals S1 having various due diligence ratios to the optical sensor 125. The ASIC 76 determines the duty ratio of the PWM signal S1 to be transmitted based on the value VS1. In the present embodiment, the larger the value VS1, the larger the duty ratio PWM signal S1 is transmitted. The range of the value VS1 (an example of a predetermined range) is preset and stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74. For example, the minimum value MIN in the range and the maximum value MAX in the range are stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74.

Various levels of signals S2 output from the optical sensor 125 are input to the ASIC 76. The value VS2 determined based on the level of the signal S2 is stored in the RAM 73. In the present embodiment, the larger the level of the signal S2, the larger the value of the value VS2 is set.

The controller 130 determines the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100B based on the value VS2. In the present embodiment, the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100B is low when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH, and when the value VS2 is equal to or more than the threshold value, the ink in the ink tank 100B Judge that the remaining amount is sufficiently large. The threshold value TH is set in advance and is stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74.

A high level signal or a low level signal output from the open / close sensor 126 is input to the ASIC 76. The controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is in the closed position when the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 is at a high level. The controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is in the open position when the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 is at a low level.

A display panel 28 is connected to the ASIC 76. The controller 130 displays various information on the display panel 28.

For example, the controller 130 outputs the determined information regarding the remaining amount of ink from the ASIC 76 to the operation unit 16. The operation unit 16 displays a message based on the information, for example, a message indicating that the remaining amount of ink is low on the display panel 28. Note that the notification of the message may be executed by means other than the display on the display panel 28, for example, voice from a speaker, light emission of an LED, or the like.

Various signals are input to the ASIC 76 from the input key 17. A signal corresponding to the input key 17 to be operated among the plurality of input keys 17 is sent to the ASIC 76. One of the various signals is signal S3 (an example of a third signal). The signal S3 is a signal indicating the answer "Ink has been injected into the ink tank" in response to the message "Did you inject ink into the ink tank?" Displayed on the display panel 28 by the instruction of the controller 130. be. The signal S3 is sent to the ASIC 76 by operating a specific input key 17 by a user who has referred to the message "Did you inject ink into the ink tank?".

A recording head 39 is connected to the ASIC 76. The recording head 39 operates by being fed by the controller 130 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 130 controls the power supply to the recording head 39, and selectively ejects ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles 40.

[Light intensity adjustment processing]
Hereinafter, the light amount adjusting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the graph of FIG. The light quantity adjusting process is a process of determining a set value according to the quality of the ink injected into the ink tank 100. The set value is a first value corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting portion 125A of the optical sensor 125 toward the protruding portion 167 when determining whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. It is a value that is the source of the signal S1 (specifically, a value that is the source of determining the duty ratio of the first signal S1).

FIG. 8A is a graph showing the characteristics of the value VS2 with respect to the value VS1 in a certain ink. FIG. 8B is a graph showing the characteristics of the value VS2 with respect to the value VS1 in an ink of a type different from the ink shown in FIG. 8A.

In the present embodiment, the light amount adjusting process is executed at the following two timings. The first timing is the timing when the power supply of the multifunction device 10 is turned from OFF to ON for the first time after the multifunction device 10 is shipped from the factory where the multifunction device 10 is manufactured. The second timing is a timing at which a predetermined period has elapsed from the first timing. The predetermined period is a period in which the optical sensor 125 may deteriorate over time to the extent that the detection of the remaining amount of ink is affected, and is set to, for example, half a year or one year. The predetermined period is counted by a timer (not shown) included in the multifunction device 10. Further, the light amount adjusting process may be executed at a timing other than the above two timings. For example, the light amount adjusting process may be executed every time the power supply of the multifunction device 10 is turned from OFF to ON.

The controller 130 refers to the value of the initial introduction flag F stored in the EEPROM 74 (S10). The value of the initial introduction flag F indicates whether or not the initial introduction has been performed in the multifunction device 10 in the past. The initial introduction is a process in which the ink is injected for the first time into the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100 in which the ink has never been injected.

When the initial introduction has never been executed for the multifunction device 10, the initial introduction flag F is set to "0" (an example of the first value). When the initial introduction has been executed for the multifunction device 10, "1" (an example of the second value) is set in the initial introduction flag F.

When the initial introduction flag F is set to "0" (S10: "0"), the controller 130 sets the value VS1 to the minimum value MIN (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) and minimizes the value VS1. The value VS1 set in the value MIN is stored in the RAM 73 (S20).

When "1" is set in the initial introduction flag F (S10: "1"), the controller 130 sets the value VS1 as the adjustment value and stores the value VS1 set in the adjustment value in the RAM 73 (S10: "1"). S30). The adjustment value is a set value set in the light amount adjustment process executed in the past. The fact that "1" is set in the initial introduction flag F means that the initial introduction was executed in the past and the light amount adjustment process was executed at the time of the initial introduction. Then, in the light amount adjusting process, a set value is set and stored in the EEPROM 74. In step S30, the set value stored in the EEPROM 74 in the light amount adjustment process at the time of the initial initial introduction in the past is set to the value VS1 as the adjustment value.

In the present embodiment, the initial introduction flag F is set to "0" at the time of shipment from the factory where the multifunction device 10 is manufactured.

Next, the controller 130 refers to the signal input from the open / close sensor 126. When the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 is low level (S40: Yes) and then changes from low level to high level (S50: Yes), the controller 130 is in the open position of the cover 70 and then in the closed position. It is determined that The fact that the cover 70 is in the open position and then in the closed position means that it is highly possible that ink was injected into the ink tank 100 while the cover 70 was in the open position. In this case, the controller 130 executes the process of determining whether or not the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 in steps S60 to S100.

When the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 is at a high level (S40: No), the controller 130 waits until the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 becomes low level. Further, when the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 does not change from the low level to the high level (S50: No), the controller 130 waits until the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 reaches the high level.

Next, the controller 130 transmits the PWM signal S1 corresponding to the value VS1 set to the minimum value MIN or the adjustment value to the optical sensor 125 (S60). The duty ratio of the PWM signal S1 at this time is determined based on the value VS1 set in step S20 or S30.

The light emitting unit 125A of the optical sensor 125 that has received the PWM signal S1 irradiates the light receiving unit 125B with the amount of light corresponding to the PWM signal S1. The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A. The optical sensor 125 transmits a signal S2 at a level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B to the controller 130. The controller 130 receives the signal S2 (S70).

The controller 130 determines the value VS2 based on the level of the received signal S2, and stores the determined value VS2 (value VS2 corresponding to the received signal S2) in the RAM 73. The controller 130 compares the value VS2 stored in the RAM 73 with the threshold value TH (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74 (S80).

When the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes), the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100 is sufficiently large. That is, the controller 130 determines that the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111. Among the ranges that the value VS2 can take, the range of the threshold value TH or higher is an example of the second range. In this case, the controller 130 causes the display panel 28 to display the ink injection confirmation screen (S90). The ink injection confirmation screen is a screen including a message confirming ink injection such as "Did you inject ink into the ink tank?". The ink injection confirmation screen is displayed until the input key 17 corresponding to Yes for the message or the input key 17 corresponding to No for the message is pressed.

On the other hand, when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH (S80: No), the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100 is low or there is no ink in the ink tank 100. That is, the controller 130 determines that the ink is not injected into the ink chamber 111. Of the ranges that the value VS2 can take, the range that is less than the threshold TH is an example of the first range. In this case, the controller 130 displays the ink injection urging screen on the display panel 28 and waits until the cover 70 is opened (S40). The ink injection reminder screen is a screen including a message urging ink injection such as "Please inject ink into the ink tank." In the present embodiment, the ink injection urging screen is displayed until the cover 70 is opened (S40: Yes) and then the cover 70 is closed (S50: Yes).

When the input key 17 corresponding to No is pressed by the user on the ink injection confirmation screen (S100: No), the controller 130 displays the ink injection reminder screen on the display panel 28, and the cover 70 is opened (S40). Wait until.

When the input key 17 corresponding to Yes is pressed by the user on the ink injection confirmation screen, the circuit (not shown) corresponding to the pressed input key 17 outputs the signal S3 to the controller 130 (S100: Yes).

The controller 130 determines that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100 on condition that the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes) and the signal S3 is received (S100: Yes). Then, the processes after step S110 are executed.

After receiving the signal S3 (S100: Yes), the controller 130 sets the value VS1 to the maximum value MAX (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), and sets the value VS1 set to the maximum value MAX to the RAM 73. It is stored in (S110).

Next, the controller 130 transmits the PWM signal S1 corresponding to the value VS1 set to the maximum value MAX to the optical sensor 125 (S120). The duty ratio of the PWM signal S1 at this time is determined based on the value VS1 set in step S110.

The light emitting unit 125A of the optical sensor 125 that has received the PWM signal S1 irradiates the light receiving unit 125B with the amount of light corresponding to the PWM signal S1. The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A. The optical sensor 125 transmits a signal S2 at a level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B to the controller 130. The controller 130 receives the signal S2 (S130).

The controller 130 determines the value VS2 based on the level of the received signal S2, and stores the determined value VS2 (value VS2 corresponding to the received signal S2) in the RAM 73. The controller 130 compares the value VS2 stored in the RAM 73 with the threshold value TH (S140).

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (VS2 = V1 in FIG. 8A) (S140: Yes), the controller 130 calculates the set value (S150). The set value in step S150 in the present embodiment is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the minimum value MIN and the maximum value MAX by 2 (see FIG. 8A). The controller 130 stores the calculated set value in the EEPROM 74. After that, the controller 130 sets the value of the initial introduction flag F to "1" (S220), and ends the series of processes.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH (VS2 = V2 in FIG. 8B) (S140: No), the controller 130 sets the value VS1 by a predetermined number t from the present time. Set to a smaller value (S160). The predetermined number t is appropriately set according to the accuracy of the required set value.

When the value VS1 set in step S160 is less than the minimum value MIN (S170: Yes), the controller 130 causes the display panel 28 to display a message indicating that the light intensity adjustment has failed (S230), and performs a series of processes. To finish. In this case, the controller 130 may display a message or the like prompting the display panel 28 to inject an ink of a type different from the ink currently injected.

When the value VS1 set in step S160 is equal to or greater than the minimum value MIN (S170: No), the controller 130 transmits the PWM signal S1 corresponding to the value VS1 set in step S160 to the optical sensor 125 (S180). .. The duty ratio of the PWM signal S1 at this time is determined based on the value VS1 set in step S160.

The light emitting unit 125A of the optical sensor 125 that has received the PWM signal S1 irradiates the light receiving unit 125B with the amount of light corresponding to the PWM signal S1. The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A. The optical sensor 125 transmits a signal S2 at a level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B to the controller 130. The controller 130 receives the signal S2 (S190).

The controller 130 determines the value VS2 based on the level of the received signal S2, and stores the determined value VS2 (value VS2 corresponding to the received signal S2) in the RAM 73. The controller 130 compares the value VS2 stored in the RAM 73 with the threshold value TH (S200).

As shown in FIG. 8 (B), when the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (VS2 = TH in FIG. 8 (B)) (S200: Yes), the controller 130 determines the current value VS1 (FIG. 8 (B)). In B), the set value is calculated based on VS1 = V3) (S210). The set value in step S210 in the present embodiment is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the minimum value MIN and the current value VS1 (value VS1 set in step S160, that is, V3) by 2. The controller 130 stores the calculated set value in the EEPROM 74. After that, the controller 130 sets the value of the initial introduction flag F to "1" (S220), and ends the series of processes.

When the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH (S200: No), the controller 130 executes step S160 again to set the value VS1 to a value smaller than the current value by a predetermined number of t (S160). That is, the controller 130 repeats the process of transmitting the PWM signal S1 corresponding to the value VS1 to the optical sensor 125 while reducing the value VS1 until the value VS2 based on the signal S2 received in step S190 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1. (S160 to S200).

[Action and effect of the embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, different set values can be stored in the EEPROM 74 according to the ease of light transmission of the ink injected into the ink chamber 111. Here, the set value can be used as the value VS1 corresponding to the PWM signal S1 output to the light emitting unit 125A when the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is detected by the optical sensor 125. As a result, for example, when the ink injected into the ink chamber 111 is diluted with water to easily transmit light, the optical sensor 125 detects the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111. The set value corresponding to the PWM signal S1 output to the light emitting unit 125A can be set small so that the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 125A toward the right wall 167A of the protruding portion 167 is small.

Further, when it is determined that the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 only by the value VS2 corresponding to the signal S2 being equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes), the following problems may occur. For example, when it is determined that ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 by the value VS2 corresponding to the signal S2, if the value VS1 corresponding to the PWM signal S1 output to the optical sensor 125 by the controller 130 is small, the light emitting unit 125A irradiates. The amount of light is reduced. Then, the light emitted by the light emitting unit 125A is blocked by the ink adhering to the right wall 167A and the left wall 167B of the protruding portion 167 after the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is consumed, and the ink chamber 111 Even though the ink is not stored in the ink chamber 111, it may be erroneously detected that the ink is stored in the ink chamber 111.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 only by receiving the signal S3 (S100: Yes), the following problems may occur. In this case, when the user determines that the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111, the user can operate the operation unit 16 to notify the controller 130 of the completion of the ink injection by the signal S3. However, for example, when the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is consumed and then the ink adheres to the right wall 167A and the left wall 167B of the protrusion 167, a predetermined amount (for example, full amount) of the ink is injected. It may be difficult for the user to visually determine whether or not the ink has been removed. In addition, the user may make a mistake in operating the operation unit 16.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the controller 130 satisfies both that the value of the signal S2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes) and that the signal S3 is received (S100: Yes). , It is determined that the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem can be reduced.

Further, if the value VS1 corresponding to the PWM signal S1 at the time when the value corresponding to the signal S2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S200: Yes) is set as the set value, the temperature characteristics of the elements constituting the optical sensor 125 are used. There is a possibility that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 may be erroneously detected due to a slight change in the environment such as deterioration over time. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the set value is set to half the total value (V3 + MIN) / 2 of the value VS1 (V3 in FIG. 8B) corresponding to the PWM signal S1 and the minimum value MIN in the predetermined range. As a result, the possibility of false detection due to a slight change in the environment as described above can be reduced.

If the setting value is set (light intensity adjustment processing) before the multifunction device 10 is shipped from the factory, the ink chamber is used to set the set value between the setting of the set value and the shipment. It is necessary to remove the ink once stored in the 111 from the ink chamber 111. At this time, it is difficult to completely remove the ink from the ink chamber 111. Then, there is a possibility that the ink remaining in the ink chamber 111 dries between the time of shipment and the time of delivery to the user. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the setting value is set at the time of initial introduction after the multifunction device 10 is shipped from the factory. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the value VS2 corresponding to the signal S2 received from the optical sensor 125 in response to the output of the PWM signal S1 corresponding to the maximum value MAX in the predetermined range is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S140: Yes). ), The set value can be set appropriately (S150).

Further, in order to inject ink into the ink chamber 111, it is necessary to open the cover 70 to expose the injection port 112 to the outside (see FIG. 1B). Therefore, when the cover 70 is in the open position (S40: Yes) and then in the closed position (S50: Yes), it is highly possible that ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111. In the present embodiment, in a state where there is a high possibility that ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111, determination (S60 to S100) of whether or not ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a useless determination (for example, a determination executed when it is clear that ink is not injected into the ink chamber 111) is performed.

[Modification example]
In the above embodiment, the controller 130 searches for a value VS1 such that the value VS2 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value TH in step S200 while setting the value VS1 to a value smaller by a predetermined number of t in step S160. However, the search means for the value VS1 is not limited to the means in the above embodiment.

For example, the predetermined number t may be a variable value such that the value becomes larger as the number of executions of step S160 increases.

Further, for example, the controller 130 may search for the value VS1 such that the value VS2 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value TH in step S200 by the binary search method. In this case, for example, the controller 130 sets the value VS1 in step S160 to the median value ((VS1 + MIN) / 2) of the current value VS1 and the minimum value MIN, while the value VS2 is the threshold TH in step S200. The value VS1 that becomes the above is searched.

According to the above example, by using the binary search method, it is possible to quickly search for the value VS1 corresponding to the PWM signal S1 in which the value VS2 corresponding to the signal S2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 transmits the PWM signal S1 having a larger duty ratio as the value VS1 is larger. However, contrary to the above embodiment, the controller 130 may transmit the PWM signal S1 having a larger duty ratio as the value VS1 is smaller.

The magnitude of the level of the signal S2 transmitted from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130 may be opposite to that of the above embodiment. Specifically, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A is blocked by the ink and does not reach the light receiving unit 125B, or is greatly attenuated and reaches the light receiving unit 125B, the optical sensor 125 reaches the controller 130 at a low level. The signal S2 may be sent. Further, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A reaches the light receiving unit 125B without being blocked by the ink or is attenuated slightly and reaches the light receiving unit 125B, a high level signal S2 from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130. May be sent.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 sets the value of the value VS2 to be larger as the level of the signal S2 is larger. However, contrary to the above embodiment, the controller 130 may set the value of the value VS2 to be smaller as the level of the signal S2 is larger.

The magnitude of the level of the signal S2 sent from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130 is opposite to that of the above embodiment, and the larger the level of the signal S2 in the controller 130 as in the above embodiment, the larger the value of the value VS2 is set. If so, the relationship between the value VS2 and the threshold value TH is opposite to that of the above embodiment. Further, the magnitude of the level of the signal S2 sent from the optical sensor 125 to the controller 130 is the same as that of the above embodiment, and the larger the level of the signal S2 is that the controller 130 conversely of the above embodiment, the higher the value of the value VS2. When set to a small value, the relationship between the value VS2 and the threshold value TH is opposite to that of the above embodiment.

In these cases, the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100B is low when the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH, and the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 100B when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value. Judge that the amount is sufficiently large.

Further, in these cases, the range above the threshold value TH is the first range, and the range below the threshold value TH is the second range. Therefore, in steps S80, S140, and S200 of FIG. 7, the determinations of "Yes" and "No" are reversed. Specifically, in step S80, when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH, the ink injection confirmation screen is displayed (S90). Further, in steps S140 and S200, when the value VS2 is less than the threshold value TH, the set value is set (S150, S210).

The controller 130 may refer to the value of the initial introduction flag F between step S100 and step S110. When the initial introduction flag F is set to "1", the controller 130 performs a series of processes (shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7) without executing the processes after step S110, that is, without executing the light intensity adjustment. The processed process) may be terminated. On the other hand, when the initial introduction flag F is set to "0", the controller 130 may execute the processes after step S110.

In the above embodiment, the set value is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the minimum value MIN and the maximum value MAX by 2 in step S150. The set value was the sum of the minimum value MIN and the current value VS1 (value VS1 set in step S160) in step S210 divided by two. However, the set values are not limited to these values. For example, the set value may be a value obtained by multiplying the sum of the minimum value MIN and the maximum value MAX by 2/3 in step S150, or may be the maximum value MAX. Further, for example, the set value may be a value obtained by multiplying the total of the minimum value MIN and the current value VS1 (value VS1 set in step S160) in step S210 by 2/3, or the value at the present time. The value may be VS1 (value VS1 set in step S160).

In the above embodiment, the set value was calculated by a predetermined formula (S150, S210). However, the set value may be determined by means other than calculation. For example, a LUT (look-up table) composed of a plurality of values VS1 and setting values corresponding to each of the plurality of values VS1 may be stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74. Then, the controller 130 may determine the set value corresponding to the current value VS1 by referring to the LUT in step S210.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 determines that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100 on the condition that the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes) and the signal S3 is received (S100: Yes). However, the determination that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100 is not limited to the determination according to the above embodiment. For example, the controller 130 may determine that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100 only on condition that the value VS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH (S80: Yes). Further, for example, the controller 130 may determine that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100 only on the condition that the signal S3 is received (S100: Yes). As a result, it is possible to quickly determine that the ink has been injected into the ink tank 100.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 is triggered by the cover 70 in the open position (S40: Yes) and then in the closed position (S50: Yes) (the signal input from the open / close sensor 126 is at a low level). Then, with the change from the low level to the high level as a trigger), the process of determining whether or not the ink was injected into the ink chamber 111 (steps S60 to S100) was executed. However, the trigger for the controller 130 to execute the process (steps S60 to S100) of determining whether or not the ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 is not limited to the trigger described in the above embodiment. For example, the controller 130 determines whether or not ink has been injected into the ink chamber 111 with the reception of a predetermined signal output when the input key 17 is pressed by the user as a trigger, that is, with the user's instruction as a trigger. Processing (steps S60 to S100) may be executed.

In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, instead of the ink, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the ink during printing, or water that is sprayed in the vicinity of the nozzle 40 of the recording head 39 to prevent the nozzle 40 of the recording head 39 from drying out. , May be an example of a liquid.

10 ... Multifunction device (liquid supply device)
74 ... EEPROM (memory)
100 ... Ink tank (tank)
111 ... Ink chamber (storage chamber)
112 ... Injection port 115 ... Outlet 125 ... Optical sensor 125A ... Light emitting part 125B ... Light receiving part 130 ... Controller 167 ... Protruding part 167A ... Right wall (translucency) Wall)
167B ・ ・ ・ Left wall (translucent wall)
S1 ... PWM signal (first signal)
S2 ... Signal (second signal)
TH ... Threshold

Claims (7)

A storage chamber for storing liquid, a translucent wall that partitions at least a part of the storage chamber and has translucency, an injection port for injecting liquid into the storage chamber, and a liquid stored in the storage chamber. And a tank with an outflow port
It has a light emitting unit that irradiates the light emitting portion with a light amount corresponding to the first signal toward the translucent wall, and a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit, and a second light receiving unit corresponding to the light receiving amount of the light receiving unit. An optical sensor that outputs a signal and
With the controller
With non-volatile memory,
The above controller
On condition that it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber, the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in the preset predetermined range is output to the optical sensor.
The condition is that the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal is in the first range, which is one of a range equal to or more than a preset threshold value or a range below the threshold value. , Output the first signal corresponding to a value smaller than the present time to the optical sensor,
Corresponding to the first signal at the present time, provided that the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal is in the second range other than the first range. A liquid supply device that stores a set value based on the value in the above memory. It is provided with an operation unit that outputs a third signal indicating that the injection of the liquid into the storage chamber has been confirmed by being operated to the controller.
The above controller
The first signal corresponding to the minimum value in the predetermined range is output to the optical sensor, and the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor according to the output is in the second range. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber on condition that the third signal is received from the operation unit. The set value is a value corresponding to the first signal at the time when the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor according to the output of the first signal is in the second range, and the predetermined value. The liquid supply device according to claim 1 or 2, which is a value that is half the sum of the minimum value of the range. The above controller
The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a value corresponding to the second signal is searched for a value corresponding to the first signal in the second range by a binary search method. The memory is the first value indicating that the initial introduction in which the liquid is injected for the first time into the storage chamber where the liquid has never been injected has never been performed, and that the initial introduction has been performed at least once. It stores the initial introduction flag in which one of the second values indicating is set.
The initial introduction flag is set to the first value when the liquid supply device is shipped from the factory.
The above controller
On condition that it is determined that the liquid has been injected into the storage chamber and the initial introduction flag is the first value, the first signal corresponding to the maximum value in the predetermined range is output to the optical sensor.
The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the initial introduction flag is set to the second value on condition that the set value is stored in the memory. The above controller
The minimum value of the predetermined range, provided that the value corresponding to the second signal received from the optical sensor in response to the output of the first signal corresponding to the maximum value of the predetermined range is the second range. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein half of the total of the maximum value in the predetermined range and the maximum value in the predetermined range is stored in the memory as the set value. An opening / closing cover that can be moved to an open position that exposes the injection port to the outside and a closed position that closes the injection port from the outside.
It is equipped with an open / close sensor that detects the position of the open / close cover.
The above controller
Liquid is injected into the storage chamber on condition that the open / close sensor detects that the open / close cover is in the open position and then the open / close sensor detects that the open / close cover is in the closed position. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination of whether or not the liquid is present is performed.

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