JP7131031B2 - Liquid ejector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device for discharging liquid.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an inkjet printer including a detachable main tank, a sub-tank for storing ink supplied from the attached main tank, and an image recording unit for recording an image by ejecting the ink stored in the sub-tank. (For example, Patent Document 1). Also, the internal spaces of the main tank and the sub-tank are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the main tank is attached to the inkjet printer, the liquid levels of the main tank and the sub tank are the same due to the difference between the water head in the internal space of the main tank and the water head in the internal space of the sub tank (hereinafter referred to as "head difference"). Ink moves to align with height.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-213162

When the image recording unit ejects ink, the amount of liquid stored in each of the main tank and the sub-tank changes. For example, it is desirable to inform the user that the cartridge needs to be replaced when the amount of ink stored in the cartridge is near zero. On the other hand, when the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank approaches zero, it is desirable to notify the user or prohibit image recording so that air does not enter the image recording unit from the sub-tank. Therefore, it is desirable to know the amount of ink in each of the main tank and sub-tank. Here, in order to grasp the amount of ink, it is conceivable to calculate the amount of ink in the main tank and the sub-tank at predetermined time intervals while the ink flows from the main tank to the sub-tank. However, this method has the problem of increasing the processing load on the printer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to individually grasp the amounts of liquids stored in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber while suppressing an increase in the processing load. To provide a liquid discharge device capable of

(1) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and A mounting case to which a cartridge having a second flow path communicating with the first liquid chamber and communicating with the outside at the other end is mounted; and a tank having the second liquid chamber, one end communicating with the outside and the other a third flow channel having an end communicating with the second liquid chamber; a fourth flow channel having one end located below the third flow channel communicating with the second liquid chamber; The tank includes a fifth flow path that communicates with the liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside, a head that communicates with the other end of the fourth flow path, a device memory, and a controller. At least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case. The controller determines whether or not the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and based on the determination that the cartridge is mounted, determines whether or not a first signal is received, or performs a specific operation. and based on the determination that the first signal has been received or based on the determination that the specific operation is to be started, it is determined that the cartridge has been attached to the attachment case. A period from determination to reception of the first signal or determination to start the specific operation is determined as a first period Δt1, and stored in the second liquid chamber from the device memory. The liquid amount Vs and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber are read out, and the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the above The height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the flow path resistance Rc of the second flow path, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, the first flow path and the third flow The flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the paths, is read, and the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 is calculated as follows: determined based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the read flow path resistances Rc, Rs and Rn, and based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc to determine the liquid amount Vc after the first period Δt1 has passed, and based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, after the first period Δt1 has passed , updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid amount Vs, and updating the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of

According to the above configuration, after the cartridge is mounted, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. The first signal is, for example, a signal from various sensors or a user interface. The specific action is, for example, an action automatically performed by the liquid ejection device. That is, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined when some operation is received from the user or when the liquid ejection device is operated. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber can be individually grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(2) Preferably, the controller determines the height corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vs based on the determination of the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δt1. determining Hs and updating said height Hs stored in said device memory with said determined height Hs; determining and determining said height Hc corresponding to said determined liquid volume Vc; The height Hc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge is updated with the height Hc, and the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height. based on the determination that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and that the first signal has been received, or the updated Based on the determination that the difference between the heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and the determination that the specific operation is to be started, the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the first period Δt1 has passed is determined as a second period Δt2, and the updated liquid amount Vs and updated read out the height Hs, read out the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge, and read out the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc during the determined second period Δt2 The outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is determined based on the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs and Rn, and is read out. Based on the liquid amount Vc obtained and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the second period Δt2 has elapsed is determined, and the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount are determined. determining the liquid amount Vs after the second period Δt2 has elapsed based on the amount Qc, updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid amount Vs, and The determined liquid amount Vc is used to update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory.

According to the above configuration, after the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined again based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. As a result, the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber can be continuously grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(3) Preferably, the controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs based on determination that the updated difference between the heights Hc, Hs is less than the threshold height. Then, the process of storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(4) Preferably, the controller determines that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, before determining that the first signal has been received, and before determining that the specific operation is to be started. and, based on determination that a first predetermined time has passed since it was determined that the cartridge was mounted in the mounting case, the liquid amount Vs is read from the device memory, and the device memory or the cartridge is loaded. The amount of liquid Vc is read from the provided cartridge memory, and based on the read amounts of liquid Vc and Vs, the liquid when the flow of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is completed. determining the amounts Vc and Vs; updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory according to the determined liquid amount Vs; and updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the apparatus memory and the cartridge memory according to the determined liquid amount Vc The liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of them is updated.

After a certain amount of time has passed after the cartridge is attached, the liquid from the cartridge stops flowing into the tank. According to the above configuration, when the predetermined time has passed since the cartridge was mounted, the flow from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is performed based on the fact that the first signal has not been received or the specific operation has not been determined to start. The liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined and stored in the memory when the inflow of the liquid is finished. Therefore, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined to the amounts in which the liquid has finished flowing from the cartridge to the tank, and are stored in the memory without any user operation or device operation. As a result, the amounts of liquid in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber can be updated to more appropriate values while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(1) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and A mounting case to which a cartridge having a second flow path communicating with the first liquid chamber and communicating with the outside at the other end is mounted; and a tank having the second liquid chamber, one end communicating with the outside and the other a third flow channel having an end communicating with the second liquid chamber; a fourth flow channel having one end located below the third flow channel communicating with the second liquid chamber; a head communicating with the other end of the fourth channel; a device memory; and a controller. . At least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case. The controller receives a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid, causes the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction, determines a liquid discharge amount Dh indicated in the discharge instruction, and discharges the liquid through the head during discharge. An outflow amount Qa of the liquid that flows out from the fourth flow path toward the head during the period Δth is determined based on the determined discharge amount Dh, and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber is determined from the device memory. The liquid amount Vs stored in the first liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid level in the second liquid chamber are read out, and the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber is read from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory. , the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the flow path resistance Rc of the second flow path, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, the first flow path and the first flow path The flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the three flow paths, is read, and the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth is read. determined based on the heights Hc and Hs determined, the determined outflow amount Qa, and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn, and the read out liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc based on the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has passed, and based on the read liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount Qa, the determining the amount of liquid Vs after the discharge period Δth has passed, updating the amount of liquid Vs stored in the device memory with the determined amount of liquid Vs, and using the determined amount of liquid Vc, updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory, determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vs, and setting the determined height Hs to to update the height Hs stored in the device memory, determine the height Hc corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vc, and update the device memory and the cartridge at the determined height Hc. update the height Hc stored in at least one of the cartridge memories, determine whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height, and receive the first signal or determines whether to start a specific operation, determines that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height, and receives the first signal or update Based on the determination that the difference between the heights Hc and Hs determined is equal to or greater than the threshold height and that the specific operation is to be started, the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has elapsed is determined. , Vs until receiving the first signal or determining that the specific operation is to be started is determined as a post-ejection first period Δth1, and the updated liquid is stored from the device memory. read out the amount Vs and the updated height Hs; read out the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge; Based on the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs and Rn, the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during one period Δth1 is calculated. Based on the determined and read out liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge is determined, and the read out liquid amount Vc is determined. Based on the amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δth1 after the discharge has passed is determined, and the determined liquid amount Vs is stored in the device memory. and updating the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc.

According to the above configuration, after the liquid is discharged from the head, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. The first signal is, for example, a signal from various sensors or a user interface. The specific operation is, for example, an operation that the liquid ejection device automatically executes at predetermined time intervals. That is, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined when some operation is received from the user or when the liquid ejection device is operated. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber can be individually grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(6) Preferably, the controller determines the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δth1 after discharge, and calculates the liquid amount Vs corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vs. determining a height Hs and updating said height Hs stored in said device memory with said determined height Hs, determining said height Hc corresponding to said determined liquid volume Vc; The height Hc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge is updated with the determined height Hc, and the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is used as a threshold height. or not, based on the determination that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and that the first signal has been received, or the updated Based on the determination that the difference between the heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and that the specific operation is to be started, the liquid A period from when the amounts Vc and Vs are determined to when the first signal is received or when it is determined that the specific operation is to be started is determined as a post-ejection second period Δth2, and the updated reading the liquid amount Vs and the updated height Hs, reading the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge, and determining the discharge The outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the post-second period Δth2 is set to the updated heights Hc, Hs and flow path resistances Rc, Rs, Rn. Based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the second period Δth2 after the discharge is determined and read Based on the liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vs after the passage of the second period Δth2 after the discharge is determined, and the determined liquid amount Vs is stored in the device memory. The stored liquid amount Vs is updated, and the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory is updated with the determined liquid amount Vc.

According to the above configuration, after the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined again based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. As a result, the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber can be continuously grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(7) Preferably, the controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs based on determination that the updated difference between the heights Hc, Hs is less than the threshold height. Then, the process of storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(8) Preferably, the controller causes the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction, before determining that the first signal has been received, and before determining that the specific operation is to be started. and, based on determination that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the liquid was discharged from the head according to the discharge instruction, the liquid amount Vs is read from the device memory, and stored in the device memory or the cartridge. The amount of liquid Vc is read from the cartridge memory, and based on the read amounts of liquid Vc and Vs, the amount of liquid when the flow of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is completed. determine Vc, Vs;
The liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is updated according to the determined liquid amount Vs, and the liquid amount Vs stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory is updated according to the determined liquid amount Vc. The liquid amount Vc is updated.

After a certain amount of time has passed after the liquid is discharged from the head, the liquid from the cartridge stops flowing into the tank. According to the above configuration, the flow from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is performed on the basis that the first signal is not received or the specific operation is not started when the predetermined time has elapsed since the liquid was discharged from the head. The liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined and stored in the memory when the inflow of the liquid is finished. Therefore, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined to the amounts in which the liquid has finished flowing from the cartridge to the tank, and are stored in the memory without any user operation or device operation. As a result, the amounts of liquid in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber can be updated to more appropriate values while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(9) Preferably, the controller receives a first signal output by a cover sensor based on opening or closing of a cover that opens and closes the opening of the mounting case, or receives the first signal from the mounting case. receiving a first signal output by a mounting sensor based on the fact that the cartridge has been mounted or the fact that the cartridge has been removed, or that the feed tray has been mounted or removed receiving a first signal output by the tray sensor based on the received operation from the user, or receiving a first signal output by the user interface based on acceptance of an operation from the user, or receiving an instruction to discharge the liquid from the head through the communication interface is configured to receive a first signal output by the communication interface based on the reception from an external device through the communication interface.

(10) Preferably, the controller is configured to start discharging liquid from the head or start transitioning to a sleep state as the specific operation.

(11) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further has an interface. Based on the determination of the liquid amount Vc, the controller stores the determined liquid amount Vc in the cartridge memory of the cartridge through the interface.

According to the above configuration, when the cartridge removed from the liquid discharge device is attached to another liquid discharge device, the other liquid discharge device can appropriately grasp the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber. can be done.

(12) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further has a display. The controller causes the display to display information indicating the determined liquid amounts Vc, Vs or the sum of the liquid amounts Vc and the liquid amounts Vs.

According to the above configuration, the appropriately determined liquid amounts Vc, Vs, or the sum of Vc and Vs can be displayed on the display.

(13) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further has an alarm. The controller activates the annunciator based on the determined liquid volume Vs becoming less than a threshold volume.

According to the above configuration, the annunciator can be activated based on the appropriately determined liquid amount Vs.

(14) Preferably, the controller prohibits ejection of liquid through the head based on the determined liquid amount Vs becoming less than a threshold amount.

According to the above configuration, liquid discharge can be prohibited based on the appropriately determined liquid amount Vs.

(15) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and A cartridge having a second flow path communicated with the first liquid chamber and having the other end communicated with the outside, a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted, and a tank having the second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the outside. a third flow path that communicates with the second liquid chamber at the other end; a fourth flow path that is positioned below the third flow path and has one end that communicates with the second liquid chamber; is in communication with the second liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside; a head in communication with the other end of the fourth flow path; a device memory; and a controller and At least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case. The controller determines whether or not the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and based on the determination that the cartridge is mounted, determines whether or not a first signal is received, or performs a specific operation. and based on the determination that the first signal has been received or based on the determination that the specific operation is to be started, it is determined that the cartridge has been attached to the attachment case. A period from determination to reception of the first signal or determination to start the specific operation is determined as a first period Δt1, and stored in the second liquid chamber from the device memory. The liquid amount Vs and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber are read out, and the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the above The height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the flow path resistance Rc of the second flow path, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, the first flow path and the third flow The flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the paths, is read, and the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 is calculated as follows: determined based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the read flow path resistances Rc, Rs and Rn, and based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc to determine the liquid amount Vc after the first period Δt1 has passed, and based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, after the first period Δt1 has passed , updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid amount Vs, and updating the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of

According to the above configuration, after the cartridge is mounted, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. The first signal is, for example, a signal from various sensors or a user interface. The specific action is, for example, an action automatically performed by the liquid ejection device. That is, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined when some operation is received from the user or when the liquid ejection device is operated. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber can be individually grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

(16) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and A cartridge having a second flow path communicated with the first liquid chamber and having the other end communicated with the outside, a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted, and a tank having the second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the outside. a third flow path that communicates with the second liquid chamber at the other end; a fourth flow path that is positioned below the third flow path and has one end that communicates with the second liquid chamber; is in communication with the second liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside; a head in communication with the other end of the fourth flow path; a device memory; and a controller and At least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case. The controller receives a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid, causes the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction, determines a liquid discharge amount Dh indicated in the discharge instruction, and discharges the liquid through the head during discharge. An outflow amount Qa of the liquid that flows out from the fourth flow path toward the head during the period Δth is determined based on the determined discharge amount Dh, and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber is determined from the device memory. The liquid amount Vs stored in the first liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid level in the second liquid chamber are read out, and the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber is read from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory. , the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the flow path resistance Rc of the second flow path, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, the first flow path and the first flow path The flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the three flow paths, is read, and the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth is read. determined based on the heights Hc and Hs determined, the determined outflow amount Qa, and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn, and the read out liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc based on the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has passed, and based on the read liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount Qa, the determining the amount of liquid Vs after the discharge period Δth has passed, updating the amount of liquid Vs stored in the device memory with the determined amount of liquid Vs, and using the determined amount of liquid Vc, updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory, determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vs, and setting the determined height Hs to to update the height Hs stored in the device memory, determine the height Hc corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vc, and update the device memory and the cartridge at the determined height Hc. update the height Hc stored in at least one of the cartridge memories, determine whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height, and receive the first signal or determines whether to start a specific operation, determines that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height, and receives the first signal or update Based on the determination that the difference between the heights Hc and Hs determined is equal to or greater than the threshold height and that the specific operation is to be started, the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has elapsed is determined. , Vs until receiving the first signal or determining that the specific operation is to be started is determined as a post-ejection first period Δth1, and the updated liquid is stored from the device memory. read out the amount Vs and the updated height Hs; read out the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge; Based on the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs and Rn, the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during one period Δth1 is calculated. Based on the determined and read out liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge is determined, and the read out liquid amount Vc is determined. Based on the amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δth1 after the discharge has passed is determined, and the determined liquid amount Vs is stored in the device memory. and updating the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc.

According to the above configuration, after the liquid is discharged from the head, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined based on the reception of the first signal or the start of the specific operation. The first signal is, for example, a signal from various sensors or a user interface. The specific operation is, for example, an operation that the liquid ejection device automatically executes at predetermined time intervals. That is, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined when some operation is received from the user or when the liquid ejection device is operated. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber can be individually grasped while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

According to the present invention, it is possible to individually grasp the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the printer 10, in which (A) shows the cover 87 in the covered position, and (B) shows the cover 87 in the exposed position. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical sectional view. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of cartridge mounting processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of image recording processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of counting processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of remaining amount update processing. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams of the state in which the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 are in communication, and FIG. A part of the ink stored in the tank 200 has moved to the tank 160 . 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of a state in which the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 are in communication with each other. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the liquid surfaces of the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 are aligned, and FIG. 12B shows a state in which the cartridge is empty. FIG. 13 is an example of an ink remaining amount screen.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. A vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to a usage posture in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal plane so that it can be used. A left-to-right direction 9 is defined as viewed. In this embodiment, in the usage posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

[Overview of printer 10]
A printer 10 according to the present embodiment is an example of a liquid discharge device that records an image on a sheet using an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 14 . Further, the printer 10 may be a so-called "multifunction machine" having functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a copy function.

Inside the housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, and a head 21 facing the head 21. A platen 26, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, a mounting case 150 in which the cartridge 200 is mounted and detached, and a tube 32 for communicating the head 21 and the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 are positioned.

The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported by the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26 . Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject the ink supplied through the tube 32 from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the nozzles 29 . As a result, the ink lands on the sheet supported by the platen 26 and an image is recorded on the sheet. The printer 10 then drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image is recorded to the discharge tray 16 .

More specifically, the head 21 may be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in a main scanning direction that intersects the conveying direction of the sheet by the conveying rollers 25 . The printer 10 may cause the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 in the process of moving the carriage from one side of the main scanning direction to the other side. As a result, an image is printed on a partial area of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "1 pass"). Next, the printer 10 may cause the transport rollers 25 to transport the sheet so that the area where the image is to be recorded next faces the head 21 . By alternately and repeatedly executing these processes, an image is recorded on one sheet.

In the present embodiment, discharging ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during image recording is referred to as "ejection," whereas discharging ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during purging is not referred to as "ejection." However, "discharge" is a concept included in "discharge".

In this embodiment, the feed tray 15 is configured to be detachable from the housing 14 . Printer 10 has a tray sensor 19 . The tray sensor 19 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch that causes the feed tray 15 to contact or separate, or an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the feed tray 15 . The tray sensor 19 outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the feed tray 15 to the controller 130 . More specifically, the tray sensor 19 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 when the feed tray 15 is attached to the housing 14 . On the other hand, the tray sensor 19 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the removal of the feed tray 15 from the housing 14 . A low level signal and a high level signal are examples of the first signal.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. Housing 14 further includes a cover 87 . The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (the position shown in FIG. 1(A)) covering the opening 85 and an exposing position (the position shown in FIG. 1(B)) exposing the opening 85. . For example, the cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 in the vicinity of the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis along the horizontal direction 9 . A mounting case 150 is positioned in a housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends rearward from the opening 85 .

[Cover sensor 88]
The printer 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see FIG. 6). The cover sensor 88 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch with which the cover 87 contacts and separates, or an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the cover 87 . Cover sensor 88 outputs a signal corresponding to the position of cover 87 to controller 130 . More specifically, cover sensor 88 outputs a low level signal to controller 130 in response to cover 87 being positioned at the covering position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the fact that the cover 87 is positioned at a position different from the covering position. In other words, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being positioned at the exposed position.
A low level signal and a high level signal are examples of the first signal.

[Mounting case 150]
The mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156, as shown in FIG. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, rods 153, mounting sensors 154, and liquid level sensors 155 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The number of cartridges 200 to be mounted in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one, five or more.

The mounting case 150 has a box shape having an internal space for accommodating the mounted cartridge 200 . The interior space of the mounting case 150 is composed of a ceiling wall that defines the upper end, a bottom wall that defines the lower end, an inner wall that defines the rear end in the front-rear direction 8 , and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-right direction 9 . defined. On the other hand, an opening 85 is provided at a position facing the back wall of the mounting case 150 . That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is placed at the exposed position.

Then, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and removed from the mounting case 150 . More specifically, the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 by passing through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 . The cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 passes forward in the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 85 .

[Contact 152]
Contact 152 is located on the top wall of mounting case 150 . The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the mounting case 150 . The contact 152 is positioned to contact an electrode 248 (described later) of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The contact 152 is conductive and elastically deformable in the vertical direction 7 . Contact 152 is electrically connected to controller 130 .

[Rod 153]
The rod 153 protrudes forward from the inner wall of the mounting case 150 . The rod 153 is located on the back wall of the mounting case 150 above a joint 180 which will be described later. The rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the later-described atmosphere communication port 221 of the cartridge 200 in the process of attaching the cartridge 200 to the attachment case 150 . When the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214, the later-described atmosphere valve chamber 214 is communicated with the atmosphere.

[Wearing sensor 154]
The mounting sensor 154 is located on the ceiling wall of the mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 154 has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , a light shielding rib 245 (described later) of the cartridge 200 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 . In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 are positioned facing each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

The mounting sensor 154 outputs a different signal (denoted as "mounting signal" in the drawing) depending on whether the light emitted from the light emitting section along the horizontal direction 9 is received by the light receiving section. . The mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving portion being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity. A high level signal and a low level signal are examples of a first signal.

[Liquid level sensor 155]
The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detected portion 194 of the actuator 190, which will be described later, is positioned at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 has a light emitting part and a light receiving part spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 155 are positioned facing each other with the detected portion 194 positioned at the detection position in between. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (denoted as "liquid level signal" in the figure) depending on whether the light output from the light emitting section is received by the light receiving section. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller 130 when the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion is equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Lock pin 156]
The lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member extending along the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the inner space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85 . Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150 . The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces in which four cartridges 200 can be stored. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 at the mounting position shown in FIG. The cartridge 200 is engaged with the lock pin 156 while being attached to the attachment case 150 .

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 has four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200 respectively. The tank 160 is positioned further rearward than the inner wall of the mounting case 150 . As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 160 includes an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). In addition, the front wall 162 is configured by a plurality of walls that are shifted in the front-rear direction 8 . A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160 . The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

Of the walls forming the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 is translucent. As a result, the light output from the liquid level sensor 155 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 . At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film that is welded to the top wall 161, the bottom wall 163, and the end faces of the side walls. Also, the sidewall of the tank 160 may be shared with the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150 . Further, the tanks 160 adjacent in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by partition walls (not shown). The configuration of the four tanks 160 is generally common.

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through an outlet 174 . A lower end of the outflow port 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines a lower end of the liquid chamber 171 . The outflow port 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the vertical direction 7. As shown in FIG. An ink flow path (not shown) communicating with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 32 . As a result, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32 . In other words, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied from the outlet 174 to the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 32 . The ink channel and the tube 32 communicating with the outlet 174 is a fourth channel having one end (outlet 174) communicated with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 33 (see FIG. 2) communicated with the head 21. An example.

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175 . More specifically, the atmospheric communication chamber 175 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 passing through the front wall 162 . The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177 . That is, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a fifth flow channel having one end (through hole 176 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmosphere communication port 177 ) communicated with the outside of the printer 10 . The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[Joint 180]
The joint 180 comprises a needle 181 and a guide 182, as shown in FIG. The needle 181 is a tube with a channel formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward from a front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171 . An opening 183 is formed at the projecting tip of the needle 181 . Further, the internal space of the needle 181 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 passing through the front wall 162 . The needle 181 is an example of a third channel having one end (opening 183 ) communicated with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (through hole 184 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 171 . Guide 182 is a cylindrical member arranged around needle 181 . The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 and has an open end.

A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the internal space of the needle 181 . The valve 185 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position in the inner space of the needle 181 . Valve 185 closes opening 183 when in the closed position. Also, the valve 185 opens the opening 183 when positioned in the open position. The coil spring 186 urges the valve 185 forward in the front-rear direction 8 to move the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position.

[Actuator 190]
An actuator 190 is positioned in the liquid chamber 171 . The actuator 190 is rotatably supported in the directions of arrows 198 and 199 by a support member (not shown) arranged inside the liquid chamber 171 . Actuator 190 can pivot between the position shown in solid lines and the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. Further, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of the arrow 198 from the solid line position by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). Actuator 190 includes float 191 , shaft 192 , arm 193 , and detected portion 194 .

The float 191 is made of a material having a lower specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 . The shaft 192 protrudes in the left-right direction 9 from the right and left surfaces of the float 191 . The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the actuator 190 is supported by the supporting member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192 . Arm 193 extends substantially upward from float 191 . The detected portion 194 is located at the projecting tip of the arm 193 . The detected portion 194 is a plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 . The detected portion 194 is made of a material or color that blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155 .

When the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is above the boundary position P, the actuator 190 rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by the buoyant force is held at the detection position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 by the stopper. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the boundary position P, the actuator 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the fall of the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 moves to a position away from the detection position. That is, the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 .

The boundary position P is at the same height as the axis center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7 and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234 described later. However, the boundary position P is not limited to the position described above as long as it is a position above the outflow port 174 in the vertical direction 7 . As another example, the boundary position P may be the height of the upper end or the lower end of the inner space of the needle 181 or the height of the upper end or the lower end of the ink supply port 234 .

When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is at or above the boundary position P, the light output from the light emitting section of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detected section 194 . As a result, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 because the light from the light emitting portion does not reach the light receiving portion. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is below the boundary position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 because the light output from the light emitting section reaches the light receiving section. do. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the boundary position P from the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155 .

[Cartridge 200]
The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 2) capable of storing ink, which is an example of liquid. The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, resin walls. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimension along the vertical direction 7 and the longitudinal direction 8 is larger than the dimension along the lateral direction 9 . It should be noted that the outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least part of the walls that constitute the cartridge 200 are translucent. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200 .

Cartridge 200 includes housing 201 and supply tube 230 . The housing 201 is composed of a rear wall 202 , a front wall 203 , an upper wall 204 , a lower wall 205 and a pair of side walls 206 and 207 . In addition, the rear wall 202 is composed of a plurality of walls that are shifted in the front-rear direction 8 . Also, the upper wall 204 is composed of a plurality of walls that are displaced in the vertical direction 7 . Furthermore, the lower wall 205 is composed of a plurality of walls that are offset in the vertical direction 7 .

In the internal space of the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmosphere valve chamber 214 are formed. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212 . The upper liquid chamber 211 , the lower liquid chamber 212 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201 . On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is the internal space of the supply pipe 230 . The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200 . Liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

An upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 communicate with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 217 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicate with each other through a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217 . Furthermore, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219 .

The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper portion of the cartridge 200 . That is, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 has one end (through hole 218 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211 ) and the other end (atmosphere communication port 221 ) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200 . It is an example of a second flow path. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 221 . A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the atmosphere valve chamber 214 . The valve 222 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. The valve 222 closes the atmosphere communication port 221 when positioned at the closed position. Also, the valve 222 opens the atmosphere communication port 221 when positioned at the open position. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8 .

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221 . The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222 in the closed position forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223 . By moving the valve 222 to the open position, the upper liquid chamber 211 is communicated with the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, a configuration in which the rod 153 breaks through the film that seals the air communication port 221 may be used.

The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the bottom of the housing 201 . The supply pipe 230 is open at its protruding end (that is, rear end). That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 with the outside of the cartridge 200 . One end (through hole 219) of the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (an ink supply port 234 described later) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. It is an example of a first channel. A packing 231 , a valve 232 and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213 .

An ink supply port 234 penetrating in the front-rear direction 8 is formed in the center of the packing 231 . The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181 . The valve 232 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is positioned at the closed position, it abuts against the packing 231 to close the ink supply port 234 . Further, when the valve 232 is positioned at the open position, the valve 232 is separated from the packing 231 to open the ink supply port 234 . The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8 . Also, the biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186 .

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the supply pipe 230 enters the guide 182 and the needle 181 eventually enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234 . At this time, the needle 181 elastically deforms the packing 231 and liquid-tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 234 . When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150 , the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233 . Also, the valve 232 causes the valve 185 projecting from the opening 183 of the needle 181 to move backward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186 .

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other. That is, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , the inner space of the ink valve chamber 213 and the needle 181 constitutes a channel that connects the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 .

Further, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, part of the liquid chamber 210 and part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed in the horizontal direction. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 due to the difference in water head through the connected supply pipe 230 and joint 180 .

A protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204 . The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243 . The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are positioned above the top wall 204 . The lock surface 242 faces forward in the front-rear direction 8 and extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (that is, substantially perpendicular to the top wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward in the up-down direction 7 and backward in the front-rear direction 8 .

The lock surface 242 is a surface that abuts on the lock pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the lock pin 156 to a position where it contacts the lock surface 242 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 . When the lock surface 242 and the lock pin 156 are in contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held at the mounting position shown in FIG.

A flat plate member is formed to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the lock surface 242 . The upper surface of this flat plate-shaped member is an operation portion 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150 . When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the cover 87 is positioned at the exposed position, the operation section 244 can be operated by the user. When the operation portion 244 is pushed downward, the lock surface 242 moves downward from the lock pin 156 by rotating the cartridge 200 . As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150 .

A light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the projection 241 . The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The light shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that shields light output from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154 . The light shielding rib 245 is positioned on the optical path from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154 to the light receiving portion when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the fact that the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on the signal output from the attachment sensor 154 .

An IC chip 247 is positioned on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and between the light shielding ribs 245 and the protrusions 241 in the front-rear direction 8 . An electrode 248 is formed on the IC chip 247 . The IC chip 247 also includes a memory (not shown). Electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of IC chip 247 . The electrode 248 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 247 so as to be electrically conductive with the contact 152 . That is, the electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the contacts 152 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . Controller 130 can read information from the memory of IC chip 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 and write information to the memory of IC chip 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 .

The memory of the IC chip 247 stores the maximum ink amount Vc0, viscosity ρ, ink amount Vc, height Hc, flow path resistance Rc, and function Fc, which will be described later. The memory of the IC chip 247 is an example of cartridge memory. The maximum ink amount Vc0 indicates the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the cartridge 200 . In other words, the ink amount Vc0 indicates the amount of ink stored in the new cartridge 200 . Viscosity ρ indicates the viscosity of ink stored in cartridge 200 . Hereinafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC chip 247 may be collectively referred to as "CTG information". Also, "new" indicates a state in which the ink in the cartridge 200 has never flowed out of the cartridge 200 .

The memory storage area of the IC chip 247 includes, for example, a first area, a second area, and a third area. The first area, the second area, and the third area are memory areas different from each other. The first area and the third area are areas where information is not overwritten by the controller 130 . On the other hand, the second area is an area in which information can be overwritten by the controller 130 . The first area stores the channel resistance Rc and the function Fc, the second area stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc, and the third area stores the maximum liquid amount Vc0.

[Controller 130]
The controller 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, as shown in FIG. The ROM 132 stores programs and the like for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 131 executes the above programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. ROM 132, RAM 133, and EEPROM 134 are examples of device memory.

The ASIC 135 is for operating the feed roller 23 , the transport roller 25 , the discharge roller 27 and the head 21 . The controller 130 rotates the feeding roller 23 , the conveying roller 25 and the discharging roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC 135 . In addition, the controller 130 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 by outputting drive signals to the drive elements of the head 21 through the ASIC 135 . The ASIC 135 can output multiple types of drive signals according to the amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzles 29 .

The ASIC 135 is also connected to the display 17, the operation panel 22, and the communication interface 95 (communication I/F 95). The display 17 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and has a display surface for displaying various information. The display 17 is an example of an annunciator. However, a specific example of the annunciator is not limited to the display 17, and may be a speaker, an LED lamp, or a combination thereof. The operation panel 22 outputs an operation signal to the controller 130 according to the operation by the user. The operation panel 22 may have push buttons, or may have a touch sensor superimposed on the display 17, for example. A communication interface 95 is an interface capable of communicating with an external device through a communication network or the like. A specific communication means of the communication interface 95 is not particularly limited, but Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, can be adopted. The communication interface 95 may be a USB interface with a detachable USB cable. The communication interface 95 outputs a received signal to the controller 130 according to the information received from the external device. The operation panel 22 is an example of a user interface. The operation signal is an example of the first signal. The received signal is an example of the first signal.

Further, a contact 152 , a tray sensor 19 , a cover sensor 88 , an attachment sensor 154 and a liquid level sensor 155 are electrically connected to the ASIC 135 . The controller 130 accesses the memory of the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the contacts 152 . The controller 130 detects attachment/detachment of the feed tray 15 through the tray sensor 19 . Controller 130 detects the position of cover 87 through cover sensor 88 . Also, the controller 130 detects insertion/removal of the cartridge 200 through the mounting sensor 154 . Furthermore, the controller 130 detects whether or not the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than a predetermined position P through the liquid level sensor 155 .

The ROM 132 stores threshold times Th1 and Th2 used in determinations executed by the controller 130 in cartridge mounting processing and remaining amount update processing, which will be described later. The threshold time Th1 is an example of a first predetermined time. The threshold time Th2 is an example of a second predetermined time.

The EEPROM 134 stores various information associated with each of the four cartridges 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 , in other words, associated with each of the tanks 160 communicating with the cartridges 200 . The various information includes, for example, ink amounts Vc and Vs, which are examples of liquid amounts, maximum ink amount Vc0, heights Hc and Hs, flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn, functions Fc and Fs, and functions F1, F2, threshold value Vh, C_Empty flag, S_Empty flag, first initial flag, second initial flag, and count value N are included.

The maximum ink amount Vc0, the ink amount Vc, the height Hc, the flow path resistance Rc, and the function Fc are obtained by the controller 130 from the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 while the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. This is the information that is read. Also, the flow path resistances Rc and Rn and the function Fs may be stored in the ROM 132 instead of the EEPROM 134 .

The ink amount Vc indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 . The ink amount Vs indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 . The ink amounts Vc and Vs are calculated by Equations 3 and 4, which will be described later, for example. Also, the ink amount Vs is calculated by the function F1 or the function F2. The ink amount Vc is calculated from the ink amount Vs calculated by the function F1 or the function F2 and the total amount Vt.

The height Hc indicates the vertical height between the liquid surface of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the reference position. The height Hs indicates the vertical height between the liquid surface of the ink stored in the tank 160 and the reference position. As an example, the reference position may be the position of an imaginary line passing through the center of the internal space of the needle 181 and extending in the horizontal direction (more specifically, the front-rear direction 8). As another example, the reference position may be the same position as the boundary position P. The heights Hc and Hs are calculated by Equations 5 and 6, for example.

The flow path resistance Rc indicates the amount of resistance that the air passing through the atmosphere valve chamber 214 receives. More specifically, the channel resistance Rc indicates the resistance when air passes through the semipermeable membrane located in the channel from the air communication port 221 to the through hole 218 . The flow path resistance Rs indicates the magnitude of the resistance that the air passing through the air communication chamber 175 receives. More specifically, the channel resistance Rs indicates the resistance when air passes through the semipermeable membrane located in the channel from the air communication port 177 to the through hole 176 . The flow path resistance Ra indicates the magnitude of resistance received by the ink passing through the internal space of the ink valve chamber 213 and the needle 181 that are in communication with each other. More specifically, the flow path resistance Ra indicates one or both of the amount of resistance received by the ink passing through the ink valve chamber 213 and the amount of resistance received by the ink passing through the internal space of the needle 181 .

A function Fc indicates the correspondence relationship between the ink amount Vc and the height Hc. When the horizontal cross-sectional area Dc of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 changes in the vertical direction 7, the function Fc is determined in advance when the cartridge 200 is designed using the ink amount Vc and the height Hc as variables. On the other hand, when the horizontal cross-sectional area Dc in the vertical direction 7 is constant, the function Fc=Vc/Dc. A table containing a plurality of sets of corresponding ink amounts Vc and heights Hc may be used instead of the function Fc.

A function Fs indicates the correspondence relationship between the ink amount Vs and the height Hs. When the horizontal cross-sectional area Ds of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 changes in the vertical direction 7, the function Fs is determined in advance when the tank 160 is designed using the ink amount Vs and the height Hs as variables. On the other hand, when the horizontal cross-sectional area Ds in the vertical direction 7 is constant, the function Fs=Vs/Ds. A table containing a plurality of sets of corresponding ink amounts Vs and heights Hs may be used instead of the function Fs.

The function F1 and the function F2 are information indicating the correspondence relationship between the total ink amount Vt and the ink amount Vs. The ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are in equilibrium when the positions of the respective ink surfaces in the vertical direction 7 match. In other words, in the equilibrium state, movement of ink between the liquid chambers 210 and 171 stops. The relationship between the total ink amount Vt and the ink amount Vs in the equilibrium state can be approximated by a function of actual measurements.

For example, the relationship between the ink amount Vs and the total amount Vt can be approximately represented by two functions F1 and F2. A function F1 indicates the relationship between the total amount Vt and the ink amount Vs when the total amount Vt is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vh, and is represented by, for example, Vs=a×Vt+b (a and b are constants). A function F2 indicates the relationship between the total amount Vt and the ink amount Vs when the total amount Vt is less than the threshold value Vh, and is represented by, for example, Vs=c×Vt+d (c and d are constants).

The threshold value Vh is a value corresponding to the total amount Vt when the liquid surface of the ink stored in the upper liquid chamber 211 of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 contacts the upper surface 215U or the lower surface 215L of the partition wall 215 . Therefore, when the ink surface is above the partition wall 215 in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, that is, when the total amount Vt is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vh, the ink amount Vs is calculated by the function F1. In the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, when the ink surface is in contact with the partition wall 215 or is below the partition wall 215, that is, when the total amount Vt is less than the threshold value Vh, the ink amount Vs is calculated by the function F2. be. The ink amount Vc is calculated as the difference between the total amount Vt and the ink amount Vs.

The count value N corresponds to the ink discharge amount Dh (that is, the ink amount indicated by the drive signal) instructed to discharge the head 21 after the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal. It is a value that is updated in the direction of approaching the threshold _Nth with a corresponding value. The count value N is a value that is counted up with an initial value of "0". Also, the threshold value N _th corresponds to the volume V _th of the liquid chamber 171 between the upper end of the outflow port 174 and the boundary position P. However, the count value N may be a value counted down from a value corresponding to the volume _Vth as an initial value. The threshold _Nth in this case is zero.

The count value TN corresponds to the ink discharge amount Dh (that is, the ink amount indicated by the drive signal) instructed to discharge the head 21 after the signal output from the mounting sensor 154 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal. It is a value that is counted up with an initial value of "0".

The C_Empty flag is information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is in a cartridge empty state. The C_Empty flag is set to the value "ON" corresponding to the cartridge empty state or the value "OFF" corresponding to the non-cartridge empty state. The cartridge empty state is a state in which substantially no ink is stored in the cartridge 200 (more specifically, the liquid chamber 210). In other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which ink does not move from the connected cartridge 200 to the tank 160 . In other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which the liquid level of the tank 160 communicating with the cartridge 200 is below the boundary position P.

The S_Empty flag is information indicating whether the tank 160 is in an ink empty state. The S_Empty flag is set to the value "ON" corresponding to the ink empty state or the value "OFF" corresponding to the non-ink empty state. The ink empty state is, for example, a state in which the liquid level of ink stored in the tank 160 (more specifically, the liquid chamber 171 ) reaches the upper end of the outflow port 174 . In other words, the ink-empty state is a state in which the count value N is equal to or greater than the threshold value _Nth . If the head 21 continues to eject ink after the ink is empty, the nozzles 29 may not be filled with ink and air may enter (so-called air-in). That is, the ink-empty state is a state in which discharge of ink through the head 21 must be prohibited.

The first initial flag is information used by the controller 130 to determine the calculation period in the cartridge mounting process. The first initial flag is set with a value "ON" corresponding to the first determination of the calculation period in the cartridge mounting process, or a value "OFF" corresponding to the second or later determination. The second initial flag is information used by the controller 130 to determine the calculation period in the remaining amount update process. The second initial flag is set with a value "ON" corresponding to the first determination of the remaining amount update processing calculation period, or a value "OFF" corresponding to the second or later determination.

[Operation of printer 10]
The operation of the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. Each process shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is executed by the CPU 131 of the controller 130. FIG. Note that each of the following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 reading out a program stored in the ROM 132 , or may be implemented by a hardware circuit mounted on the controller 130 . Also, the execution order of the following processes can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

[Cartridge loading process]
Controller 130 executes the cartridge mounting process shown in FIG. 7 in response to receiving a high level signal from cover sensor 88 . In the cartridge mounting process, the controller 130 waits for mounting of the cartridge 200 in response to the opening of the cover 87, and the controller 130 reads the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134. This is the process of updating. Note that the controller 130 independently executes the cartridge mounting process for each of the four cartridges 200 . Since the cartridge mounting process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the cartridge mounting process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described. Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 11A, the mounting case 150 in which no ink is stored in the tank 160 is new (that is, the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored). It is assumed that the cartridge 200 is attached.

First, the controller 130 receives a signal output by the mounting sensor 154 (S11). Controller 130 then determines whether the signal received from mounting sensor 154 is a high level signal or a low level signal (S12). Then, the controller 130 controls S11 at predetermined time intervals until the signal output by the mounting sensor 154 changes from a low level signal to a high level signal and again changes from a high level signal to a low level signal (S12: No). , S12 are repeatedly executed. In other words, the controller 130 repeats the processes of S11 and S12 until the cartridge 200 is pulled out of the mounting case 150 and a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 .

Then, the controller 130 receives a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then receives a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then receives a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S12: Yes), the process after S13 is executed. First, the controller 130 reads CTG information from the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152, and stores the read CTG information in the EEPROM 134 (S13). Specifically, the controller 130 reads the maximum ink amount Vc0, the viscosity ρ, the ink amount Vc, the height Hc, the flow path resistance Rc, and the function Fc from the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152, and stores them in the EEPROM 134 ( S13). The controller 130 also sets the C_Empty flag to the initial value "OFF", sets the S_Empty flag to the initial value "OFF", and sets the count value N to the initial value "0" (S14).

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T1, and starts measuring the elapsed time T1 (S15).

Next, the controller 130 sets the set value of the first initial flag to "ON" (S16).

Next, the controller 130 causes the EEPROM 134 to store the current ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 as the post-replacement ink amount Vs1, and stores the ink amount Vc stored in the memory of the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200 as the post-replacement ink amount Vs1. It is stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vc1 (S17).

Subsequently, the controller 130 determines whether or not the controller 130 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S18). Specifically, controller 130 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 130 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 130 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 19 . Controller 130 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 130 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 95 . Controller 130 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 130 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 130 determines that it has received one of the above signals, or determines that it starts the purge process, or determines that it starts transitioning to the sleep state (S18: Yes). , the processing from S19 onward is executed. Specifically, when the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the cover sensor 88 (S18: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S18: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 19 (S18: Yes), it executes the processing from S19 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received the operation signal from the operation panel 22 (S18: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that the reception signal has been received from the communication interface 95 (S18: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onwards. When the controller 130 determines to start the purge process (S18: Yes), the process from S19 onwards is executed. When the controller 130 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S18: Yes), the controller 130 executes the processes from S19 onwards.

The controller 130 determines the set value of the first initial flag (S19). In response to determining that the set value of the first initial flag is "ON" (S19: ON), the controller 130, based on the start time of the elapsed time T1 stored in the RAM 133 in S15 and the current time, The elapsed time T1 is calculated, the calculated elapsed time T1 is determined as the calculation period Δt, and stored in the RAM 133 (S20). Here, the elapsed time T1 is the time from the determination of YES in S12 to the determination of YES in S18 for the first time. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the first period Δt1.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the first initial flag is "OFF" (S19: OFF), the controller 130 calculates the elapsed time T2 from the current time and the start time of the elapsed time T2 stored in the RAM 133 in S27, which will be described later. , the elapsed time T2 is calculated, the calculated elapsed time T2 is determined as the calculation period Δt, and stored in the RAM 133 (S21). Here, the elapsed time T2 is the time from the determination of YES in S18 to the determination of YES in S18. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the second period Δt2.

Further, in S20 and S21, the controller 130 determines the start time of the calculation period Δt as time t _k−1 and the end time as time tk, and stores them in the RAM 133 (S20, S21). The time tk-1 is the start time of the elapsed time T1 or the start time of the elapsed time T2. Time tk is the current time, that is, the time when the process of S19 was executed.

Subsequently, the controller 130 calculates the outflow amounts Qa and Qc, the ink amounts Vc and Vs, and the heights Hc and Hs using the following formulas 1 to 6 (S22, S23).

First, the outflow amount Qa indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the liquid chamber 171 through the outflow port 174 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 130 calculates the outflow amount Qa using Equation 1 (S22). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the head 21 during the calculation period Δt, such as recording of an image on the sheet (S46) or purge processing.

Next, the outflow amount Qc indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt through the communicating internal space of the needle 181 and the ink valve chamber 213 . Controller 130 reads heights Hc and Hs stored in EEPROM 134 as heights Hc' and Hs' at time tk _-1 . The controller 130 also reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn from the EEPROM 134 . Then, the controller 130 converts the information read from the EEPROM 134, the gravitational acceleration g, and the outflow amount Qa calculated immediately before (Qa=0 when the ink is not discharged through the head 21) into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S22).

As shown in Equation 2, the outflow Qc increases as the difference between the heights Hc' and Hs' (that is, the water head difference) increases, and decreases as the water head difference decreases. Also, the outflow amount Qc decreases as the flow path resistance Rn of the internal space of the ink valve chamber 213 and the needle 181 through which ink actually passes increases, and increases as the flow path resistance Rn decreases.

Further, when the ink moves from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171, the liquid chamber 210 is temporarily decompressed from the atmospheric pressure, and the liquid chamber 171 is temporarily pressurized from the atmospheric pressure. The pressure difference between the pressure inside the liquid chamber 210 and the atmospheric pressure is eliminated by air flowing into the liquid chamber 210 through the atmospheric valve chamber 214 . Furthermore, when the outflow amount Qa=0, the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid chamber 171 and the atmospheric pressure is eliminated by the air flowing out from the liquid chamber 171 through the atmospheric communication chamber 175 .

These pressure differences impede movement of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 . That is, the outflow amount Qc decreases as the flow path resistance Rc increases, and increases as the flow path resistance Rc decreases. Further, the outflow amount Qc when the outflow amount Qa=0 decreases as the flow path resistance Rs increases, and increases as the flow path resistance Rs decreases.

Next, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vc′ read from the EEPROM 134 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time _tk (S23). That is, the controller 130 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time t _k−1 to obtain the ink amount Vc at the time t _k Calculate

In S23, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 134 and the outflow amounts Qa and Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 4 to calculate the ink amount Vs at time _tk . That is, the controller 130 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the tank 160 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , The outflow amount Qc of the outflowing ink is added to 171 to calculate the ink amount Vs at the time _tk .

Also, in S23, the controller 130 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 134. FIG. Then, the controller 130 assigns the ink amount Vc calculated by Equation 3 to the function Fc, as shown by Equation 5, to specify the height _Hc at time tk. Furthermore, in S23, the controller 130 compares the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 with the volume _Vth . Then, the controller 130 determines that the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 is equal to or less than the volume _Vth (that is, the liquid surface of the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or less than the boundary position P as shown in FIG. 11A). , specify the height Hs=0 at time t _k as shown in Equation 6. On the other hand, the controller 130 determines that the ink amount Vs is greater than the volume _Vth (that is, the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is higher than the boundary position P as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12A). Function Fs is read from EEPROM 134 according to the operation. Then, the controller 130 assigns the ink amount Vs calculated by the formula 4 to the function Fs as shown by the formula 6 to specify the height Hs at the time _tk (S23).

Next, the controller 130 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S23 in the EEPROM 134 (S24). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S23 immediately before.

Also, the controller 130 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S23 in the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 (S25). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 247 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S23 immediately before.

Then, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S26). The ink remaining amount screen is a screen for notifying the user of both the calculated ink amount Vc and ink amount Vs. FIG. 13 shows an example of the ink remaining amount screen. The remaining ink amount screen in the illustrated example has objects 274M, 274C, 274Y, and 274B indicating the ink amounts Vc of the cartridges 200 of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The size of these objects in the vertical direction 71 indicates the ink amount Vc of each color. The remaining ink screen has objects 275M, 275C, 275Y, and 275B indicating the ink remaining amount Vs of each tank 160 of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The size of these objects in the vertical direction 71 indicates the ink amount Vs of each color. The sum of the vertical size 71 of the object 274M and the vertical size 71 of the object 275M indicates the sum of the remaining magenta ink amounts Vc and Vs, that is, the total magenta ink amount Vt. The same is true for cyan, yellow, and black.

Next, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T2, and starts measuring the elapsed time T2 (S27).

Subsequently, the controller 130 sets the setting value of the first initial flag to "OFF" (S28).

Next, the controller 130 compares the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs calculated in the previous S23 with the threshold height Hth (S29). The threshold height H _th represents a water head difference between the liquid chambers 210 and 171 at which ink does not substantially move. The threshold height H _th is 0, for example. A state in which ink does not substantially move between the liquid chambers 210 and 171 is defined as an equilibrium state. That is, in this equilibrium state, the head difference between the liquid chambers 210 and 171 is substantially zero. When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth (S29: No), the controller 130 executes the processes after S18 again. When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is less than the threshold height Hth (S29: Yes), it ends the cartridge mounting process.

When the controller 130 determines in S18 that it has not received any signal, does not start the purge process, and does not start transitioning to the sleep state (S18: No), It is determined whether or not the elapsed time T1 exceeds the threshold time Th1 (S30). The elapsed time T1 is the difference between the start time of the elapsed time T1 stored in the RAM 133 in S15 and the current time. In response to determining that the elapsed time T1 has not exceeded the threshold time Th1 (S30: No), the controller 130 executes the process of S18 again.

When the controller 130 determines that the elapsed time T1 has exceeded the threshold time Th1 (S30: Yes), the ink amounts Vc and Vs and the liquid level when the ink has completely flowed from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 Calculation of Hc and Hs (S31).

First, the controller 130 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amounts Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 134 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, based on the calculated total amount Vt and the function F1 or F2 read from the EEPROM 134, the controller 130 determines the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs when the movement of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is completed. Calculate When the cartridge is replaced, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the new cartridge 200 flows through the ink needle 181 into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 . As a result, the ink amount Vc in the liquid chamber 210 decreases, and the ink amount Vs in the liquid chamber 171 increases. Then, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are balanced in a state where the positions of the respective liquid surfaces in the vertical direction 7 match.

The controller 130 determines whether the calculated total amount Vt is greater than or equal to the threshold value Vh. For example, when a new cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the total amount Vt is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vh. If the total amount Vt is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vh, the controller 130 uses the function F1 to calculate the ink amount Vs from the total amount Vt. That is, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vs according to Vs=a*Vt+b indicated by the function F1. The controller 130 then subtracts the calculated ink amount Vs from the current total amount Vt to calculate the ink amount Vc. That is, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vc according to Vc=Vt-Vs. Subsequently, the controller 130 determines the heights Hc and Hs based on the calculated ink amounts Vc and Vs and the functions Fc and Fs read from the EEPROM 134 by the same process as S23.

Next, the controller 130 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S31 in the EEPROM 134 (S32). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S31 immediately before.

Also, the controller 130 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S31 in the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 (S33). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 247 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S31 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S34). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S26. The controller 130 then ends the cartridge mounting process.

[Image recording process]
Controller 130 executes the image recording process shown in FIG. 8 in response to a recording instruction being input to printer 10 . A print instruction is an example of a discharge instruction for causing the printer 10 to execute a print process of printing an image indicated by image data on a sheet. A method of acquiring the recording instruction is not particularly limited, but for example, a user operation corresponding to the recording instruction may be received through the operation panel 22, or may be received from an external device through a communication interface (not shown).

First, the controller 130 determines the set values of the four S_Empty flags (S41). Then, in response to determining that at least one of the four S_Empty flags is set to "ON" (S41: ON), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display the S_Empty notification screen (S42). The S_Empty notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that the corresponding tank 160 has become ink empty. The S_Empty notification screen may include, for example, information indicating the ink color and ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the tank 160 when the ink is empty.

Subsequently, the controller 130 executes the cartridge mounting process described above for each of the cartridges 200 corresponding to the S_Empty flag set to "ON" (S43). Then, after the S_Empty flag is set to "OFF" (S14), the controller 130 executes the processes after S41 again in parallel with the cartridge mounting process. Then, in response to all the four S_Empty flags being set to "OFF" (S41: OFF), the controller 130 receives signals currently output from the four liquid level sensors 155 ( S44). Furthermore, in S44, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store information indicating whether the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 is a high level signal or a low level signal.

Then, the controller 130 prints the image indicated by the image data included in the print instruction on the sheet (S45). More specifically, the controller 130 causes the sheet on the feed tray 15 to be conveyed by the feed roller 23 and the conveying roller 25, causes the head 21 to eject ink, and sends the sheet on which an image is recorded to the discharge roller 27 to the discharge tray. Drain to 16. That is, the controller 130 permits ink ejection when all four S_Empty flags are set to "OFF". On the other hand, the controller 130 prohibits ink ejection when at least one of the four S_Empty flags is set to "ON".

Next, the controller 130 receives the signals output from the four liquid level sensors 155 at this time in response to printing the image on the sheet according to the printing instruction (S46). In S46, similarly to S44, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store information indicating whether the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 is a high level signal or a low level signal.

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T3, and starts measuring the elapsed time T3 (S47). Further, when the image recording on the second and subsequent pages (S45) is performed, the controller 130 does not restart the third timer or store the start time (S47), and measures the elapsed time T3. to continue.

Controller 130 then executes a count process (S48). The counting process is a process of updating the count value N, the C_Empty flag, and the S_Empty flag based on the signals received from the liquid level sensor 155 in S44 and S46. Details of the counting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the controller 130 repeats the processes of S41 to S48 until all the images indicated by the print instruction are printed on the sheet (S49: Yes). Then, the controller 130 executes the remaining amount update process (S50) in response to printing all the images indicated by the printing instruction on the sheet (S49: No). The remaining amount update process is a process in which the controller 130 updates the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 in accordance with ink ejection from the head 21 . Details of the remaining amount update processing will be described later with reference to FIG. The controller 130 executes the processes after S51 in parallel with the remaining amount update process or in response to completion of the remaining amount update process.

The controller 130 determines the set values of the four S_Empty flags and the set values of the four C_Empty flags (S51, S52).

When at least one of the four S_Empty flags is set to "ON" (S51: ON), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display the S_Empty notification screen (S53). In addition, the controller 130 responds that all four S_Empty flags are set to "OFF" and at least one of the four C_Empty flags is set to "ON" (S51: OFF & S52: ON ), the C_Empty notification screen is displayed on the display 17 (S54). The processing of S53 and S54 is an example of activating an alarm.

The S_Empty notification screen displayed in S53 may be the same as that in S42. The C_Empty notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that the cartridge 200 corresponding to the C_Empty flag set to "ON" is in the cartridge empty state. The C_Empty notification screen may include, for example, information indicating the ink color and ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the cartridge 200 in the cartridge empty state. On the other hand, in response to all four S_Empty flags and four C_Empty flags being set to "OFF" (S52: OFF), the controller 130 performs the image recording process without executing the processes of S53 and S54. exit.

A specific example of the discharge instruction is not limited to a recording instruction, and may be a maintenance instruction for instructing maintenance of the nozzles 29, or the like. Controller 130 executes the same processing as in FIG. 8 in response to receiving a maintenance instruction, for example. Differences from the above-described processing when receiving a maintenance instruction are as follows. First, in S<b>45 , the controller 130 drives a maintenance mechanism (not shown) to discharge ink through the nozzles 29 . In addition, the controller 130 executes the processes after S50 without executing the process of S49 after executing the counting process.

[Count processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the details of the counting process executed by the controller 130 in S48 will be described. Note that the controller 130 independently executes the counting process for each of the four cartridges 200 . Since the counting process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the counting process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

First, the controller 130 compares the information indicating the signal of the liquid level sensor 155 stored in the RAM 133 in S44 and S46 (S61). That is, the controller 130 determines whether or not the signals of the four liquid level sensors 155 have changed between before and after executing the processing of S45 immediately before executing the count processing (S48).

The controller 130 responds that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S44 and S46 both indicate a low level signal (that is, the signal output of the liquid level sensor 155 does not change before and after the process of S45) (S61: L→L), and update the count value TN (S62). That is, the controller 130 counts up the count value TN with a value corresponding to the amount of ink instructed to be discharged in S45 immediately before. Controller 130 then terminates the counting process.

In the controller 130, the information stored in the RAM 133 in S44 indicates a low level signal, and the information stored in the RAM 133 in S46 indicates a high level signal (that is, the signal output of the liquid level sensor 155 before and after the process of S45 is changed. changed) (S61: L→H), the C_Empty flag is set to "ON" (S63).

Further, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 134 with a predetermined value (=0) (S64). Similarly, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 with a predetermined value (=volume V _th -ink discharge amount Dh) (S64). Since the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in the first remaining amount update process include errors, the more the calculation is repeated, the larger the error accumulated in the ink amounts Vc and Vs. Therefore, the controller 130 substitutes predetermined values for the ink amounts Vc and Vs at the timing when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from a low level signal to a high level signal, and resets the accumulated error.

As described above, the discharged ink amount Dh corresponds to the amount of ink ejected onto one sheet in S45 immediately before. On the other hand, it is during the process of S45 that the signal output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes. That is, the amount of ink Vs overwritten in S64 is slightly different from the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 at the moment the signal output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes. However, since this deviation is slight, the ink amount Vs overwritten in S64 is treated as the ink amount Vs at the time when the signal output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes.

Further, the controller 130 substitutes the discharged ink amount Dh for the count value N stored in the EEPROM 134 (S65). That is, the controller 130 starts counting up the count value N with a value corresponding to the amount of ink instructed to be discharged in S45 immediately before. In other words, the controller 130 starts updating the count value N in response to the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changing from the low level signal to the high level signal.

Next, the controller 130 compares the count value N updated in _S65 with the threshold value Nth (S66). Then, when the controller 130 determines that the count value N updated in S65 is less than the threshold value _Nth (S66: No), it ends the counting process. On the other hand, in response to determining that the count value N updated in S65 is equal to or greater than the threshold Nth (S66: Yes), the controller 130 sets the _{S_Empty} flag to "ON" (S67), and ends the counting process. do.

In addition, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 in response to both the information stored in the RAM 133 in S44 and S46 indicating a high level signal (S61: H→H). Then, the controller 130 subtracts the discharged ink amount Dh from the read ink amount Vs, and stores the result in the EEPROM 134 again (S68). Controller 130 also reads count value N stored in EEPROM 134 . Then, the controller 130 adds the discharged ink amount Dh to the read count value N and stores the result in the EEPROM 134 again (S69). That is, the controller 130 updates the ink amount Vs and the count value N stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink discharge amount Dh instructed to be discharged in S45 immediately before.

Next, the controller 130 compares the count value N updated in S69 with the threshold value Nth (S66). Then, when the controller 130 determines that the count value N updated in S69 is less than the threshold value Nth (S66: No), the counting process ends. On the other hand, in response to determining that the count value N updated in S69 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Nth (S66: Yes), the controller 130 sets the S_Empty flag to "ON" (S67), and ends the counting process. .

[Remaining amount update process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, details of the remaining amount update process executed by the controller 130 in S50 will be described. Note that the controller 130 independently executes the remaining amount update process for each of the four cartridges 200 . Since the remaining amount update processing for each cartridge 200 is common, only the remaining amount update processing for one cartridge 200 will be described.

First, the controller 130 determines the set value of the C_Empty flag (S71). When the controller 130 determines that the setting value of the C_Empty flag is "ON" (S71: ON), the controller 130 ends the remaining amount update process. C_Empty is set to "ON" (S63) when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from a low level signal to a high level signal (S:51:L→H). At this time, the liquid surface of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 reaches the boundary position P during the processing of S45, as shown in FIG. 12(B). After that, since the ink does not move between the cartridge 200 and the tank 160, there is no need to update the ink amount Vc. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 130 terminates the remaining amount update process in response to the C_Empty flag being set to "ON" (S71: ON). Note that the ink amount Vs is updated in S68 of the counting process after the C_Empty flag is set to "ON".

When the controller 130 determines that the setting value of the C_Empty flag is "OFF" (S71: OFF), the controller 130 determines the calculation period Δt (S72). Specifically, the controller 130 controls the time from the start of discharging ink from the head 21 for image recording of the first page sheet in S45 to the end of image recording of all pages (S49: No). The period is determined as the calculated period Δt and stored in the RAM 133 (S72). Further, the controller 130 determines the start time of the calculation period Δt as time t _k−1 and the end time as time t _k , and stores them in the RAM 133 . Time tk _-1 is the time when ink discharge from the head 21 is started for image recording of the first page sheet in S45. Time _tk is the time when image recording of all pages of sheets is completed (S49: No), and the time when the process of S72 is executed. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the discharge period Δth.

Next, the controller 130 calculates the outflow amounts Qa, Qc, the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and the heights Hc, Hs using the above-described Equations 1 to 6 (S73, S74). First, the controller 130 uses Equation 1 to calculate the outflow amount Qa during the calculation period Δt (S73). The ink discharge amount Dh(t _k−1 ) corresponds to the ink amount instructed to be discharged by the start of S45 of the current image recording process. Note that the time tk _-1 is the time when ink discharge from the head 21 is started in order to record an image on the sheet of the first page in S45, and the ink is not yet discharged at the time tk _-1 . Therefore, the ink discharge amount Dh(t _k−1 ) is zero. The ink discharge amount Dh(tk) corresponds to the ink amount instructed to be discharged by the time image recording of all pages in the current image recording process is completed.

Next, the controller 130 uses Equation 2 to calculate the amount Qc of ink flowing from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt. Controller 130 reads heights Hc and Hs stored in EEPROM 134 as heights Hc' and Hs' at time tk _-1 . The controller 130 also reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn from the EEPROM 134 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the information read from the EEPROM 134, the gravitational acceleration g, and the outflow amount Qa calculated immediately before into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S73).

Next, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vc′ read from the EEPROM 134 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time _tk (S74). That is, the controller 130 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time t _k−1 to obtain the ink amount Vc at the time t _k Calculate

In S74, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 134 and the outflow amounts Qa and Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 4 to calculate the ink amount Vs at time _tk . That is, the controller 130 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the tank 160 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , The outflow amount Qc of the outflowing ink is added to 171 to calculate the ink amount Vs at the time _tk .

Also, in S74, the controller 130 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 134. FIG. Then, the controller 130 assigns the ink amount Vc calculated by Equation 3 to the function Fc, as shown by Equation 5, to specify the height _Hc at time tk. Furthermore, in S74, controller 130 reads function Fs from EEPROM 134. FIG. Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 into the function Fs as shown by Equation 6 to identify the height Hs at time _tk (S74).

Next, the controller 130 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 in the EEPROM 134 (S75). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 immediately before.

Also, the controller 130 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S74 in the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 (S76). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 247 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S74 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S77). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S26.

Next, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T4, and starts measuring the elapsed time T4 (S78).

Subsequently, the controller 130 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "ON" (S79).

Next, the controller 130 compares the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs calculated in S74 immediately before with the threshold height Hth (S80). When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth (S80: No), the controller 130 executes the processes after S81. When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is less than the threshold height Hth (S80: Yes), it ends the remaining amount update process.

The controller 130 determines whether or not the controller 130 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S81). Specifically, controller 130 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 130 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 130 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 19 . Controller 130 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 130 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 95 . Controller 130 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 130 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 130 determines that it has received one of the above signals, or determines that it starts the purge process, or determines that it starts transitioning to the sleep state (S81: Yes). , S82 and subsequent steps are executed. Specifically, when the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the cover sensor 88 (S81: Yes), it executes the processes from S82 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S81: Yes), it executes the processes from S82 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 19 (S81: Yes), it executes the processes from S82 onwards. Upon determining that the operation signal has been received from the operation panel 22 (S81: Yes), the controller 130 executes the processes from S82 onwards. When the controller 130 determines that it has received the reception signal from the communication interface 95 (S81: Yes), it executes the processes from S82 onwards. When the controller 130 determines to start the purge process (S81: Yes), the process from S82 onwards is executed. When the controller 130 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S81: Yes), the controller 130 executes the processes after S82.

The controller 130 determines the set value of the second initial flag (S82). In response to determining that the set value of the second initial flag is "ON" (S82: ON), the controller 130, based on the start time of the elapsed time T4 stored in the RAM 133 in S78 and the current time, The elapsed time T4 is calculated, the calculated elapsed time T4 is determined as the calculation period Δt, and stored in the RAM 133 (S83). Here, the elapsed time T4 is the time from the determination of No in S40 to the determination of Yes for the first time in S81. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the first post-ejection period Δth1.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the second initial flag is "OFF" (S82: OFF), the controller 130 calculates the elapsed time T5 from the current time and the start time of the elapsed time T5 stored in the RAM 133 in S90, which will be described later. , the elapsed time T5 is calculated, the calculated elapsed time T5 is determined as the calculation period Δt, and stored in the RAM 133 (S84). Here, the elapsed time T5 is the time from when it is determined as YES in S81 to when it is determined as YES in S81 next time. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the post-ejection second period Δth2.

Further, in S83 and S84, the controller 130 determines the start time of the calculation period Δt as time t _k−1 and the end time as time t _k , and stores them in the RAM 133 (S83, S84). Time t _k−1 is the start time of elapsed time T4 or the start time of elapsed time T5. Time _tk is the current time, that is, the time when the process of S82 was executed.

Next, the controller 130 calculates the outflow amounts Qa, Qc, the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and the heights Hc, Hs using the above-described formulas 1 to 6 (S85, S86). First, the controller 130 uses Equation 1 to calculate the outflow amount Qa during the calculation period Δt (S85). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the head 21 during the calculation period Δt, such as recording of an image on the sheet (S46) or purge processing.

Next, the controller 130 uses Equation 2 to calculate the amount Qc of ink flowing from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt. Controller 130 reads heights Hc and Hs stored in EEPROM 134 as heights Hc' and Hs' at time tk _-1 . The controller 130 also reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistances Rc, Rs, and Rn from the EEPROM 134 . Then, the controller 130 converts the information read from the EEPROM 134, the gravitational acceleration g, and the outflow amount Qa calculated immediately before (Qa=0 when the ink is not discharged through the head 21) into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S85).

Next, the controller 130 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 134 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vc′ read from the EEPROM 134 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time tk ( _S86 ). That is, the controller 130 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time t _k−1 to obtain the ink amount Vc at the time t _k Calculate

Also, in S86, the controller 130 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 134. FIG. Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vc calculated immediately before using Equation 3 into the function Fc, as shown in Equation 5, to specify the height _Hc at time tk. Furthermore, in S74, controller 130 reads function Fs from EEPROM 134. FIG. Then, the controller 130 substitutes the ink amount Vs calculated by the formula 4 into the function Fs as shown by the formula 6 to specify the height Hs at the time tk ( _S86 ).

Next, the controller 130 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S86 in the EEPROM 134 (S87). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 immediately before.

Also, the controller 130 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S86 in the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 (S88). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 247 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S86 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S89). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S26.

Next, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T5, and starts measuring the elapsed time T5 (S90).

Subsequently, the controller 130 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "OFF" (S91).

Next, the controller 130 compares the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs calculated in S86 immediately before with the threshold height Hth (S92). When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth (S92: No), the controller 130 executes the processes after S81 again. When the controller 130 determines that the difference between the heights _Hc and Hs is less than the threshold height Hth (S92: Yes), it ends the remaining amount update process.

When the controller 130 determines in S81 that it has not received any signal, does not start the purge process, and does not start transitioning to the sleep state (S81: No), It is determined whether or not the elapsed time T3 exceeds the threshold time Th2 (S93). The elapsed time T3 is the difference between the start time of the elapsed time T3 stored in the RAM 133 in S47 and the current time. In response to determining that the elapsed time T3 has not exceeded the threshold time Th2 (S93: No), the controller 130 executes the process of S81 again.

When the controller 130 determines that the elapsed time T3 has exceeded the threshold time Th2 (S93: Yes), the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and the liquid surface Then, Hc and Hs are calculated (S94).

First, the controller 130 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amount Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 134 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, the controller 130 calculates the current total amount Vt by subtracting the ink amount corresponding to the count value TN from the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt=Vt1−TN). Based on the calculated total amount Vt and the function F1 or F2 read from the EEPROM 134, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs when the movement of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is completed. calculate.

The controller 130 determines whether the calculated total amount Vt is greater than or equal to the threshold value Vh. If the total amount Vt is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vh, the controller 130 uses the function F1 to calculate the ink amount Vs from the total amount Vt. That is, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vs according to Vs=a*Vt+b indicated by the function F1. If the total amount Vt is less than the threshold value Vh, the controller 130 uses the function F2 to calculate the ink amount Vs from the total amount Vt. That is, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vc according to Vc=Vt-Vs. The controller 130 then subtracts the calculated ink amount Vs from the current total amount Vt to calculate the ink amount Vc. Subsequently, the controller 130 determines the heights Hc and Hs based on the calculated ink amounts Vc and Vs and the functions Fc and Fs read from the EEPROM 134 by the same process as S23.

Next, the controller 130 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S94 in the EEPROM 134 (S95). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 134 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S31 immediately before.

Also, the controller 130 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S94 in the memory of the IC chip 247 through the contact 152 (S96). More specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 247 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S94 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S97). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S26. The controller 130 then ends the remaining amount update process.

[Effect]
According to the above embodiment, after the signal from the mounting sensor 154 changes from a high level signal to a low level signal, the controller 130 receives the first signal or starts a specific operation to determine the ink amounts Vc and Vs. , liquid level heights Hc and Hs are determined. That is, the ink amount determination process is performed when some operation is received from the user or when the printer 10 operates. If the determined difference between the liquid level heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth, the user's operation or printer operation is awaited, and the process of determining the ink amounts Vc and Vs is resumed. done. Therefore, it is possible to individually grasp the ink amounts Vc and Vs while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

Further, according to the above embodiment, after the ink is discharged from the head 21, the controller 130 receives the first signal when the difference between the liquid surface heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth. Alternatively, based on the start of the specific operation, the process of determining the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the liquid level heights Hc, Hs is performed. If the determined difference between the liquid level heights _Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height Hth, the user's operation or printer operation is awaited, and the process of determining the ink amounts Vc and Vs is resumed. done. Therefore, it is possible to individually grasp the ink amounts Vc and Vs while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, examples of the signal (first signal) used for determination in S18 and S81 include a signal output by the cover sensor 88, a signal output by the mounting sensor 154, a signal output by the tray sensor 19, and a signal output by the operation panel 22. Although the signal output and the signal output by the communication interface 95 are illustrated, other signals received by the controller 130 may be used. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the start of the purge process and the start of transition to the sleep state were exemplified as examples of specific operations used for the determination of S18 and S81. good too.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 responds to receiving a low signal from the mounting sensor 154, followed by a high signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then a low signal from the mounting sensor 154. (S12: Yes), the process shown in S13 was executed. The reason why the controller 130 executes the processing shown in S13 is that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 where the cartridge 200 is not present. In other words, the controller 130 may perform the processing shown in S13 in response to determining that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. FIG. It should be noted that controller 130 receives a low level signal from mounting sensor 154, then receives a high level signal from mounting sensor 154, and then receives a low level signal from mounting sensor 154. This is an example of determining that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case 150 . Another example in which the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 will be described below.

For example, controller 130 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from cover sensor 88 . The controller 130 then reads the identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134 . In response to determining that the identification information read from the memory of the IC board 247 is different from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134, the controller 130 may execute the processing shown in S17. That is, "the controller 130 reads the identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134. As a result, the identification information read from the memory of the IC board 247 and the , and the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134 ” is an example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 .

Also, for example, the controller 130 receives a low level signal from the cover sensor 88 after receiving a high level signal. Then, the controller 130 causes the user to display a confirmation screen through the display 17 as to whether or not a new cartridge 200 has been installed in the installation case 150 . While displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17 , the controller 130 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen through the operation panel 22 . If the received input corresponds to the installation of a new cartridge 200 in the installation case 150, the controller 130 executes the process of S17. That is, "the controller 130 receives a low-level signal after receiving a high-level signal from the cover sensor 88. Then, the controller 130 informs the user through the display 17 that a new cartridge 200 has been mounted in the mounting case 150. While displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17, the controller 130 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen through the operation panel 22. The received input is "corresponding to the installation of a new cartridge 200 in the installation case 150" is an example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 has been installed in the installation case 150. FIG.

In the above embodiment, the ink supply port 234 provided in the supply pipe 230 and the opening 183 of the needle 181 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 communicate with each other. was explained. The ink supply port 234 may be provided in the rear wall 202 of the cartridge 200 . For example, as the ink supply port 234 , a through hole penetrating the rear wall 202 in the thickness direction may be formed in the rear wall 202 . The internal space of the ink supply port 234 is an example of a first flow path. In this modification, in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the needle 181 enters the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 through the ink supply port 234 , and one end (opening 183 ) of the needle 181 reaches the liquid of the cartridge 200 . It will be in a state of being located inside the chamber 210 . Thereby, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other. That is, in the state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , the internal space of the needle 181 forms a channel that connects the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 .

An opening 183 may also be provided in the front wall 162 of the tank 160 . For example, as the opening 183 , a through hole penetrating the front wall 162 in the thickness direction may be formed in the front wall 162 . The internal space of the opening 183 is an example of a first channel. In this modification, in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150, the supply pipe 230 enters the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the opening 183, and the other end of the supply pipe 230 (ink supply port 234) is connected to the tank. 160 is positioned inside the liquid chamber 171 . Thereby, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other. That is, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , the ink valve chamber 213 forms a channel that allows the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 to communicate with each other.

In the above embodiment, the controller 130 prohibits ink ejection through the head 21 if the S_Empty flag is "ON". 130 may only display the S_Empty notification screen on the display 17 if the S_Empty flag is "ON".

Also, the IC substrate 247 is in contact with the contact 152 and is electrically connected, but instead of this, data is read and written without contact using radio waves such as NFC (near field communication) and RFID (radio frequency identification). An information medium and an interface may be employed.

Further, in the above embodiments, the ink is described as an example of the liquid. However, the liquid may be, for example, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto paper prior to the ink during image recording, or may be a pretreatment liquid that is used to clean the head 21 . water can be used.

10 Printer (liquid ejection device)
17... Display (annunciator)
19 Tray sensor 21 Head 22 Operation panel (user interface)
32 Tube (fourth channel)
88... cover sensor 95... communication interface 130... controller 132... ROM (memory)
133 RAM (memory)
134 EEPROM (memory)
150: Mounting case 152: Contact (interface)
154 Mounted sensor 155 Liquid level sensor 160 Tank 171 Liquid chamber (second liquid chamber)
175: Atmospheric communication chamber (fifth flow path)
181 Needle (third flow path)
200 Cartridge 210 Liquid chamber (first liquid chamber)
213... Ink valve chamber (first channel)
214: atmosphere valve chamber (second flow path)

Claims (16)

a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside a mounting case in which a cartridge having a second flow path communicating with is mounted;
A tank having a second liquid chamber,
a third channel having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fourth channel having one end located below the third channel and communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fifth channel having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside;
and
a head communicating with the other end of the fourth channel;
a device memory;
a controller;
at least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
The above controller is
determining whether or not the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
determining whether or not the first signal has been received, or whether or not to start a specific operation, based on the determination that the cartridge has been mounted;
Based on determining that the first signal is received, or based on determining that the specific action is started,
determining a period from when it is determined that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case until when the first signal is received or when it is determined that the specific operation is to be started, as a first period Δt1;
reading from the device memory the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber;
From the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the height of the second flow path reading the flow path resistance Rc, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, and the flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the first flow path and the third flow path;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 is calculated based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the read flow rate. determined based on the road resistances Rc, Rs, Rn;
determining the liquid amount Vc after the first period Δt1 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δt1 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
A liquid ejection device for updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory according to the determined liquid volume Vc. The above controller is
Based on the determination of the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δt1,
determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vs and updating the height Hs stored in the device memory with the determined height Hs;
determining the height Hc corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vc, and determining the height Hc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge at the determined height Hc; and update
Determining whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height,
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining to start the specific action,
A second period is a period from when the liquid amounts Vc and Vs are determined after the determined first period Δt1 has passed to when the first signal is received or when it is determined that the specific operation is to be started. determined as Δt2,
reading the updated liquid volume Vs and the updated height Hs from the device memory;
reading the updated liquid volume Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined second period Δt2 is calculated using the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistances Rc and Rs. , Rn, and
determining the liquid amount Vc after the second period Δt2 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the second period Δt2 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the determined liquid amount Vc is used to update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory. The controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs based on the determination that the difference between the updated heights Hc, Hs is less than the threshold height, and determines the liquid amount 3. The liquid discharge device according to claim 2, wherein the process of storing Vc and Vs is stopped. After determining that the cartridge is attached to the mounting case, before determining that the first signal has been received, and before determining that the specific operation is to be started, the controller attaches the cartridge to the mounting case. Based on determining that the first predetermined time has elapsed after determining that the cartridge is attached,
reading the liquid amount Vs from the device memory;
reading the liquid amount Vc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs when the inflow of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is completed based on the read liquid amounts Vc and Vs;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
4. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determined liquid amount Vc is used to update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory. a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside a mounting case in which a cartridge having a second flow path communicating with is mounted;
A tank having a second liquid chamber,
a third channel having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fourth channel having one end located below the third channel and communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fifth channel having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside;
and
a head communicating with the other end of the fourth channel;
a device memory;
a controller;
at least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
The above controller is
Receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid,
causing the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction;
Determining the liquid discharge amount Dh indicated in the discharge instruction,
determining an outflow amount Qa of the liquid flowing out from the fourth flow path toward the head during a discharge period Δth during liquid discharge through the head based on the determined discharge amount Dh;
reading from the device memory the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber;
From the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the height of the second flow path reading the flow path resistance Rc, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, and the flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the first flow path and the third flow path;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth is calculated using the read heights Hc and Hs, the determined outflow amount Qa, and the flow determined based on the road resistances Rc, Rs, Rn;
determining the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the discharge period Δth has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount Qa;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
updating the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc;
determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vs, updating the height Hs stored in the device memory with the determined height Hs, and determining the liquid volume Vc determining the height Hc corresponding to and updating the height Hc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge with the determined height Hc;
Determining whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height,
Determining whether or not the first signal has been received, or determining whether or not to start a specific action,
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining to start the specific action,
A period from the determination of the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined discharge period Δth to the reception of the first signal or the determination to start the specific operation is defined as a first post-discharge period. Determined as the period Δth1,
reading the updated liquid volume Vs and the updated height Hs from the device memory;
reading the updated liquid volume Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge is calculated using the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rc. , Rs, Rn, and
determining the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
A liquid ejection device for updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory according to the determined liquid volume Vc. The above controller is
determining and determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vs based on determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δth1 after discharge; update the height Hs stored in the device memory at the height Hs; determine the height Hc corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vc; updating the height Hc stored in at least one of a device memory and a cartridge memory of the cartridge;
Determining whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height,
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining to start the specific action,
A period from the determination of the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δth1 after ejection to the reception of the first signal or the determination that the specific operation is to be started is ejected. determined as the second period Δth2,
reading the updated liquid volume Vs and the updated height Hs from the device memory;
reading the updated liquid volume Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined post-discharge second period Δth2 is calculated using the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rc. , Rs, Rn, and
determining the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the second period Δth2 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the passage of the second period Δth2 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, wherein the determined liquid amount Vc is used to update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory. The controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs based on the determination that the difference between the updated heights Hc, Hs is less than the threshold height, and determines the liquid amount 7. The liquid discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the process of storing Vc and Vs is stopped. After causing the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction, before determining that the first signal has been received, and before determining that the specific operation is to be started, the controller follows the discharge instruction. Based on the determination that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the liquid was discharged from the head,
reading the liquid amount Vs from the device memory;
reading the liquid amount Vc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs when the inflow of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is completed based on the read liquid amounts Vc and Vs;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the determined liquid amount Vc is used to update the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory. The above controller is
receiving a first signal output by a cover sensor based on opening or closing of a cover that opens and closes the opening of the mounting case; or
receiving a first signal output by a mounting sensor based on the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case or the removal of the cartridge; or
Receiving a first signal output by the tray sensor based on whether the feed tray is attached or removed, or
Receiving a first signal output by the user interface based on acceptance of an operation from the user, or
Receiving a first signal output by the communication interface based on receiving an instruction to discharge the liquid from the head from an external device through the communication interface;
9. A liquid ejection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 configured to. The above controller is
10. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific operation is to start ejecting liquid from the head or to initiate transition to a sleep state. further having an interface;
The above controller is
11. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the determined liquid amount Vc is stored in a cartridge memory of the cartridge through the interface based on the determination of the liquid amount Vc. further having a display;
The above controller is
12. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein information indicating the determined liquid amounts Vc, Vs or the sum of the liquid amounts Vc and the liquid amounts Vs is displayed on the display. further comprising an alarm;
The above controller is
13. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the alarm is activated when the determined liquid amount Vs becomes less than a threshold amount. The above controller is
14. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein ejection of the liquid through the head is prohibited when the determined liquid amount Vs becomes less than a threshold amount. a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside a cartridge having a second flow path in communication with
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
A tank having a second liquid chamber,
a third channel having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fourth channel having one end located below the third channel and communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fifth channel having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside;
and
a head communicating with the other end of the fourth channel;
a device memory;
a controller;
at least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
The above controller is
determining whether or not the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
determining whether or not the first signal has been received, or whether or not to start a specific operation, based on the determination that the cartridge has been mounted;
Based on determining that the first signal is received, or based on determining that the specific action is started,
determining a period from when it is determined that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case until when the first signal is received or when it is determined that the specific operation is to be started, as a first period Δt1;
reading from the device memory the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber;
From the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the height of the second flow path reading the flow path resistance Rc, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, and the flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the first flow path and the third flow path;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 is calculated based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the read flow rate. determined based on the road resistances Rc, Rs, Rn;
determining the liquid amount Vc after the first period Δt1 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δt1 has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
A liquid ejection device for updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory according to the determined liquid volume Vc. a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside a cartridge having a second flow path in communication with
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
A tank having a second liquid chamber,
a third channel having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fourth channel having one end located below the third channel and communicating with the second liquid chamber;
a fifth channel having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside;
and
a head communicating with the other end of the fourth channel;
a device memory;
a controller;
at least one of the first flow path and the third flow path communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;
The above controller is
Receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid,
causing the head to discharge the liquid according to the discharge instruction;
Determining the liquid discharge amount Dh indicated in the discharge instruction,
determining an outflow amount Qa of the liquid flowing out from the fourth flow path toward the head during a discharge period Δth during liquid discharge through the head based on the determined discharge amount Dh;
reading from the device memory the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber and the height Hs from the reference position to the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber;
From the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, the height of the second flow path reading the flow path resistance Rc, the flow path resistance Rs of the fifth flow path, and the flow path resistance Rn, which is the resistance of both or one of the first flow path and the third flow path;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth is calculated using the read heights Hc and Hs, the determined outflow amount Qa, and the flow determined based on the road resistances Rc, Rs, Rn;
determining the liquid amount Vc after the discharge period Δth has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the discharge period Δth has elapsed based on the read liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount Qa;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
updating the liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid amount Vc;
determining the height Hs corresponding to the determined liquid volume Vs, updating the height Hs stored in the device memory with the determined height Hs, and determining the liquid volume Vc determining the height Hc corresponding to and updating the height Hc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge with the determined height Hc;
Determining whether the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than a threshold height,
Determining whether or not the first signal has been received, or determining whether or not to start a specific action,
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the difference between the updated heights Hc and Hs is equal to or greater than the threshold height and determining to start the specific action,
A period from the determination of the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined discharge period Δth to the reception of the first signal or the determination to start the specific operation is defined as a first post-discharge period. Determined as the period Δth1,
reading the updated liquid volume Vs and the updated height Hs from the device memory;
reading the updated liquid volume Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge;
The outflow amount Qc of the liquid that flows out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge is calculated using the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rc. , Rs, Rn, and
determining the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc;
determining the liquid amount Vs after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc;
updating the liquid quantity Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid quantity Vs;
A liquid ejection device for updating the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory according to the determined liquid volume Vc.

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