JP7131270B2 - 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 includes a tank, a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, a head communicating with the tank, a device memory, and a controller. The cartridge has a first liquid chamber that stores liquid. The tank has a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid, a liquid flow path and a gas flow path that communicate with the second liquid chamber, and an atmosphere communication path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. ing. The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected mounted state, the first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening, and the second liquid chamber has a portion positioned below the third opening. have. 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 is read out, and 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, and the like are obtained from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory. and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path, 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 determined based on the height Hc and the read flow path resistance Rn, and after the first period Δt1 has passed based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc and determining the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δt1 has passed based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, and determining the determined liquid amount Vs The liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is updated with the liquid amount Vs obtained, and the liquid stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory is updated with the determined liquid amount Vc. Update the quantity Vc.

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 further reads the height Hs from the reference position to the second liquid chamber from the device memory, and height Hs from the first liquid chamber to the above height during the determined first period Δt1. An outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out to the second liquid chamber is determined based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the read flow path resistance Rn.

(3) Preferably, the controller further reads the height Hs from the reference position to the second liquid chamber from the device memory, and determines the liquid amount Vc after the elapse of the determined first period Δt1, Based on determining Vs, 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. Then, the height Hc corresponding to the determined liquid amount Vc is determined, and the height stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory of the cartridge is determined at the determined height Hc. updating the height Hc, determining whether the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height, determining that the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height, and receiving the first signal or based on the determination that the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height and the determination that the specific action is started, the determined first period Δt1 is A period from determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse to receiving the first signal or determining to start the specific operation is determined as a second period Δt2, and is read from the device memory. , reading the updated 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 based on the updated height Hc and flow path resistance Rn. , based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, determine the liquid amount Vc after the second period Δt2 has passed, and determine the read liquid amount Vs Based on the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vs after the second period Δt2 has elapsed is determined, and the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is determined based on the determined liquid amount Vs and updates 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 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.

(4) Preferably, the controller determines 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, based on the updated height Hc, It is determined based on Hs and the flow path resistance Rn.

(5) Preferably, the controller controls the outflow amount Qc and The process of determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs and storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(6) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a tank, a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, a head communicating with the tank, a device memory, and a controller. The cartridge has a first liquid chamber that stores liquid. The tank has a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid, a liquid flow path and a gas flow path that communicate with the second liquid chamber, and an atmosphere communication path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. ing. The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected mounted state, the first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening, and the second liquid chamber has a portion positioned below the third opening. have. 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 is read out, the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path are read out from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, and the determined first liquid flow path resistance Rn is read out. An outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during one period Δt1 is determined based on the read liquid amount Vc, and the read liquid amount Vc and Based on the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the elapse of the first period Δt1 is determined, and based on the read out liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc , determining the liquid amount Vs after the first period Δt1 has passed, updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid amount Vs, and determining the liquid amount Vc updates the liquid volume Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory.

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.

(7) Preferably, the controller determines an 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 using the read liquid amount Vc. , Vs.

(8) Preferably, the controller determines that the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amount Vc , Vs and the process of storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(9) 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.

(10) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a tank, a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, a head communicating with the tank, a device memory, and a controller. The cartridge has a first liquid chamber that stores liquid. The tank has a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid, a liquid flow path and a gas flow path that communicate with the second liquid chamber, and an atmosphere communication path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. ing. The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected mounted state, the first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening, and the second liquid chamber has a portion positioned below the third opening. have. 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 second liquid chamber 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, and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path are read, and the liquid flow path from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is read out during the discharge period Δth. is determined based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rn, and the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc and based on the read liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount Qa, determining the liquid amount Vs after the elapse of the discharge period Δth, updating the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid amount Vs, and updating the liquid amount Vs with the determined liquid amount 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 determining the determined height Hs 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 updating the height Hc stored in at least one of the cartridge memories of the cartridge; determining whether or not the updated height Hs is less than a threshold height; Based on determining that the height is less than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or upon determining that the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height and starting the specific operation. Based on the determination, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined discharge period Δth are determined until the first signal is received, or the specific operation is started. is determined as a first period Δth1 after ejection, the updated liquid amount Vs and the updated height Hs are read from the device memory, and the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge , the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc are read out, and the outflow of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge Amount Qc is determined based on the updated height Hc and the flow path resistance Rn, and based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, the first after-discharging The liquid amount Vc after the period Δth1 has passed is determined, and the liquid after the first period Δth1 after the discharge has passed is determined based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc. determining a volume Vs; updating the liquid volume Vs stored in the device memory with the determined liquid volume Vs; and updating at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory with the determined liquid volume Vc It updates the liquid amount Vc stored in one.

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.

(11) Preferably, the controller measures 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 according to the read heights Hc, Hs, and the flow path resistance Rn, and 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 changed from the updated It is determined based on the heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rn.

(12) 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 whether or not the updated height Hs is equal to or less than a threshold height. based on the determination that the updated height Hs is equal to or less than the threshold height and that the first signal has been received, or that the updated height Hs is equal to or lower than the threshold Based on the determination that it is below the height and the determination that the specific operation is to be started, the liquid amounts Vc and Vs after the elapse of the determined first period Δth1 after discharge are determined, and then the first A period until a signal is received or a period until it is determined that the specific operation is started is determined as a post-ejection second period Δth2, and the updated liquid amount Vs and the updated height Hs are obtained from the device memory. , reads out the updated liquid amount Vc and the updated height Hc from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge, and reads the first liquid during the determined second period Δth2 after discharge An outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the chamber to the second liquid chamber is determined based on the updated height Hc and the flow path resistance Rn, and the read liquid amount Vc and the determined liquid amount Vc are determined. Based on the outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vc after the passage of the second period Δth2 after discharge is determined, and based on the read out liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, the above determining the amount of liquid Vs after a second period Δth2 has elapsed after discharge, updating the amount of liquid Vs stored in the device memory with the determined amount of liquid Vs, and determining the amount of liquid Vc updates the liquid volume 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.

(13) Preferably, the controller updates 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 by the updated height It is determined based on Hc, Hs, and the flow path resistance Rn.

(14) Preferably, the controller controls the outflow amount Qc and The process of determining the liquid amounts Vc and Vs and storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(15) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a tank, a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, a head communicating with the tank, a device memory, and a controller. The cartridge has a first liquid chamber that stores liquid. The tank has a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid, a liquid flow path and a gas flow path that communicate with the second liquid chamber, and an atmosphere communication path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. ing. The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. is doing. The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected mounted state, the first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening, and the second liquid chamber has a portion positioned below the third opening. have. 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 second liquid chamber 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. read out the liquid amount Vs stored in the cartridge, read out the liquid amount Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, and read out the discharge period The outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during Δth is determined based on the read liquid amount Vc, and determined as the read liquid amount Vc. The liquid amount Vc after the elapse of the discharge period Δth is determined based on the outflow amount Qc thus obtained, and the read out liquid amount Vs, the determined outflow amount Qc, and the determined outflow amount are determined. Based on the amount Qa, the liquid amount Vs after the discharge period Δth has passed is determined, the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is updated with the determined liquid amount Vs, and the determined liquid amount Vs is updated. The liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory is updated with the liquid amount Vc obtained, and it is determined whether or not the updated liquid amount Vs is less than a threshold value. based on determining that the liquid amount Vs is less than the threshold value and that the first signal has been received, or determining that the updated liquid amount Vs is less than the threshold value and performing the specific operation 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 when the specific operation is started A period until determination is determined as a first period Δth1 after discharge, the updated liquid amount Vs is read from the device memory, and the updated liquid amount Vc is read from the device memory or the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge. is determined based on the updated liquid amount Vc, and an outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge is determined; Based on the read liquid amount Vc and the determined outflow amount Qc, the above-mentioned liquid after the first period Δth1 after the discharge has passed A liquid amount Vc is determined, and based on the read liquid amount Vs and the determined outflow amount Qc, the liquid amount Vs after the passage of the first period Δth1 after the discharge is determined, and the determined liquid amount Vs is determined. The liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is updated with the liquid amount Vs obtained, and the liquid stored in at least one of the device memory and the cartridge memory is updated with the determined liquid amount Vc. Update the quantity 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.

(16) Preferably, the controller adjusts the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth to the read liquid amounts Vc and Vs. based on the updated liquid amounts Vc and Vs. to decide.

(17) Preferably, the controller determines that the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amount Vc , Vs and the process of storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped.

(18) 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. Vc and Vs are determined, the liquid amount Vs stored in the device memory is updated with the determined liquid amount Vs, and the determined liquid amount Vc is used in the apparatus memory and the cartridge memory. The liquid amount Vc stored in at least one of them 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.

(19) 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 and receives a first signal output by the communication interface based on the reception from an external device through the communication interface.

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

(21) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further has an interface, and the controller stores the determined liquid amount Vc in the cartridge memory held in the cartridge through the interface based on the determination of the liquid amount Vc. be memorized.

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.

(22) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a display, and the controller displays information indicating the determined liquid amounts Vc, Vs or the sum of the liquid amounts Vc and the liquid amounts Vs on the display. to display.

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.

(23) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes an alarm, and the controller activates the alarm when the determined liquid amount Vs becomes less than a threshold amount.

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

(24) Preferably, the controller prohibits discharge 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.

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 multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 48 is in the closed position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 48 is in the open position. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer section 11. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 23 and the ink supply device 15. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink supply device 15 as seen from the front left. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4 with the ink cartridge 50 removed. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4, showing the peripheral portion of the sub-tank 100. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sub-tank 100 and the buffer tank 90 as seen from the front left. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIA-XIIA in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIB-XIIB in FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of cartridge mounting processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of image recording processing. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of counting processing. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of remaining amount update processing. 18A and 18B are schematic diagrams of the state in which the sub-tank 100 and the ink cartridge 50 are in communication, (A) in which the sub-tank 100 in which no ink is stored is in communication with the new ink cartridge 50, and (B). indicates equilibrium. FIG. 19 shows a cartridge empty state in which the sub-tank 100 and the ink cartridge 50 are in communication. FIG. 20 is an example of the remaining ink screen. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of cartridge mounting processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of remaining amount update processing according to the second embodiment.

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. In addition, the orientation in which the MFP 10 and the ink cartridge 50 attached to the MFP 10 are installed on a horizontal plane for use (the orientation in FIG. 1 and may be referred to as “usage orientation”) is used as a reference. A vertical direction 7 is defined, a front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface of the MFP 10 having an opening 13 as the front surface, and a left-right direction 9 is defined when the MFP 10 is viewed from the front. 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.

[First embodiment]
The multifunction device 10 and the ink supply device 15 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[Overall Configuration of MFP 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-function device 10 (an example of a liquid ejection device) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The MFP 10 has a printer section 11 , a scanner section 12 and an operation panel 22 . The printer unit 11 is located in the lower part of the multifunction device 10, and records an image on a sheet 28 (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method. The scanner section 12 is a device having a scanning function and is positioned above the printer section 11 . The printer unit 11 includes a housing 14 having an opening 13 that opens forward, and an ink supply device 15 positioned to the right of the opening 13 inside the housing 14 .

The operation panel 22 is positioned in front of the scanner section 12 . The operation panel 22 is operated by the user to cause the multifunction device 10 to perform image recording by the printer section 11 and image reading by the scanner section 12 . The operation panel 22 has a display 17 . 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 230 according to the operation by the user. The operation panel 22 may have, for example, push buttons, or may have a touch sensor superimposed on the display.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 14 includes a feeding unit 16, a feeding tray 20, a discharge tray 21, a conveying roller pair 45, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller pair 46, A platen 42 and are arranged.

[Feed tray 20, discharge tray 21]
As shown in FIG. 1 , the feed tray 20 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 14 along the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13 . The opening 13 is located on the front surface of the multi-function device 10 and at the center in the left-right direction 9 . As shown in FIG. 2, feed tray 20 is capable of supporting a plurality of stacked sheets 28 . The discharge tray 21 is arranged above the feed tray 20 and is inserted and removed along the front-rear direction 8 together with the feed tray 20 . The discharge tray 21 supports the paper 28 discharged by the discharge roller pair 46 .

In this embodiment, the feed tray 20 is configured to be detachable from the housing 14 . The MFP 10 has a tray sensor 29 . The tray sensor 29 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch that causes the feed tray 20 to contact or separate, or may be an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the feed tray 20 . The tray sensor 29 outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the feed tray 20 to the controller 230 . More specifically, tray sensor 29 outputs a low level signal to controller 230 in response to attachment of feed tray 20 to housing 14 . On the other hand, the tray sensor 29 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller 230 in response to the removal of the feed tray 20 from the housing 14 . A low level signal and a high level signal are examples of the first signal.

[Feeding unit 16]
The feeding section 16 feeds the paper 28 supported by the feeding tray 20 to the transport path 38 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the feeding section 16 includes a feeding roller 25 , a feeding arm 26 and a shaft 27 . The feeding roller 25 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 26 . The feeding roller 25 is driven by a feeding motor (not shown). The feeding arm 26 is rotatably supported by a shaft 27 supported by the frame of the printer section 11 . The feed arm 26 is urged to rotate toward the feed tray 20 by its own weight or elastic force of a spring or the like.

Hereinafter, the rotation of the feed roller 25, the transport roller 34, and the discharge roller 36 involved in the transport of the paper 28 in the direction of transporting the paper 28 in the transport direction 38A is referred to as "forward rotation".

[Conveyance path 38]
As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying path 38 refers to a space partially formed inside the printer section 11 by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other at a predetermined interval. The transport path 38 is a path extending rearward from the rear end of the feed tray 20 . The transport path 38 extends upward at the rear of the printer section 11 , makes a U-turn forward, passes through the space between the recording section 24 and the platen 42 , and reaches the discharge tray 21 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport path 38 between the transport roller pair 45 and the discharge roller pair 46 is provided approximately in the center of the multifunction machine 10 in the left-right direction 9 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. ing. A conveying direction 38A of the paper 28 in the conveying path 38 is indicated by an arrow in FIG.

[Transport roller pair 45]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller pair 45 is positioned upstream of the recording unit 24 in the transport direction 38A. The transport roller pair 45 has a transport roller 34 and a pinch roller 35 facing each other. The conveying roller 34 rotates forward or backward by being driven by a conveying motor (not shown). The pinch roller 35 rotates together with the rotation of the conveying roller 34 . The paper 28 is nipped between a transport roller 34 and a pinch roller 35 rotating forward and transported in a transport direction 38A.

[Discharge roller pair 46]
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge roller pair 46 is arranged downstream of the recording unit 24 in the transport direction 38A. The discharge roller pair 46 has a discharge roller 36 and a spur 37 facing each other. The discharge roller 36 rotates forward or backward by being driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 37 rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 36 . The paper 28 is nipped between the forwardly rotating discharge roller 36 and the spur 37 and transported in the transport direction 38A.

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is positioned between the transport roller pair 45 and the discharge roller pair 46 in the transport direction 38A. The recording unit 24 faces the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 38 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23 and a recording head 39 mounted on the carriage 23 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the carriages 23 are separated in the front-rear direction 8 and supported by guide rails 43 and 44 extending in the left-right direction 9, respectively. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by a frame (not shown). Carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on guide rails 44 . The belt mechanism is driven and rotated by a carriage driving motor (not shown). The carriage 23 is guided by guide rails 43 and 44 and reciprocates in the left-right direction 9 as the belt mechanism rotates. The movement range of the carriage 23 extends to the right and left of the width 38B of the transport path 38, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

The recording head 39 and four sub-tanks 100 provided in the ink supply device 15 are connected by four ink tubes 32 . The recording head 39 is connected to a control board (not shown) via a flexible flat cable 33 .

The four sub-tanks 100 are a magenta sub-tank 100M, a cyan sub-tank 100C, a yellow sub-tank 100Y, and a black sub-tank 100B. The magenta sub-tank 100M, the cyan sub-tank 100C, the yellow sub-tank 100Y, and the black sub-tank 100B are collectively referred to as the sub-tank 100 in this specification unless they need to be distinguished from each other.

The four ink tubes 32 consist of a yellow ink tube 32Y, a cyan ink tube 32C, a magenta ink tube 32M and a black ink tube 32B. The yellow ink tube 32Y, the cyan ink tube 32C, the magenta ink tube 32M, and the black ink tube 32B are collectively referred to as the ink tube 32 in this specification unless they need to be distinguished from each other. The four ink tubes 32 are bundled together.

The flexible flat cable 33 electrically connects the control board on which the control section is mounted and the recording head 39 . A flexible flat cable 33 transmits a control signal output from the control unit to the recording head 39 .

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzles 40 are arranged on the bottom surface of the recording head 39 . Tips of the plurality of nozzles 40 are exposed from the bottom surface of the recording head 39 . The recording head 39 ejects ink from nozzles 40 as minute ink droplets. While the carriage 23 is moving, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets onto the paper 28 supported by the platen 42 . An image is thus recorded on the paper 28 . In addition, this consumes the ink stored in the four sub-tanks 100 .

[Platen 42]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platen 42 is arranged between the transport roller pair 45 and the discharge roller pair 46 in the transport path 38 . The platen 42 is arranged to face the recording section 24 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 38 interposed therebetween. The platen 42 supports the paper 28 transported by the transport roller pair 45 from below.

[Cover 48]
As shown in FIG. 1B, an opening 47 is formed in the front right portion of the housing 14 . The housing 14 accommodates the ink supply device 15 , and the front surface of the ink supply device 15 is exposed through the opening 47 . A cover 48 capable of opening and closing the opening 47 is attached to the housing 14 . A lower end portion of the cover 48 is supported by the housing 14 below the opening 47 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the left-right direction 9 . The cover 48 is rotatable between a closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1A) that closes the opening 47 and an open position that opens the opening 47 (the position shown in FIG. 1B). be.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cover 48 has a translucent portion 49 . The translucent portion 49 has translucency such that the internal configuration can be visually recognized from the outside of the cover 48 . When the cover 48 is in the closed position, the front surface of the ink cartridge 50 attached to the ink supply device 15 can be seen through the translucent portion 49 .

[Cover sensor 88]
The MFP 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see FIG. 13). The cover sensor 88 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch that the cover 48 contacts or separates, or an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the cover 48 . Cover sensor 88 outputs a signal corresponding to the position of cover 48 to controller 230 . More specifically, cover sensor 88 outputs a low level signal to controller 230 in response to cover 48 being positioned in the closed 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 230 in response to the cover 48 being positioned at a position different from the closed position. In other words, cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal to controller 230 in response to cover 48 being positioned at the open position.

[Ink supply device 15]
As shown in FIG. 4, the ink supply device 15 includes four ink cartridges 50, a mounting case 71, four sub-tanks 100, and an atmosphere communicating portion 70 (see FIGS. 5 and 11). .

[Ink cartridge 50]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the four ink cartridges 50 (an example of cartridges) consist of a magenta ink cartridge 50M, a cyan ink cartridge 50C, a yellow ink cartridge 50Y, and a black ink cartridge 50B. The magenta ink cartridge 50M, the cyan ink cartridge 50C, the yellow ink cartridge 50Y, and the black ink cartridge 50B are collectively referred to as the ink cartridge 50 in this specification unless they need to be distinguished from each other.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which only the magenta ink cartridge 50</b>M positioned on the leftmost side in the left-right direction 9 among the four ink cartridges 50 is accommodated in the mounting case 71 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ink cartridge 50 has a cartridge main body 51 and a joint receiving portion 52 . The cartridge main body 51 has a first storage chamber 53 (an example of a first liquid chamber) that stores ink (an example of liquid).

The cartridge main body 51 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped box shape. The cartridge body 51 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 . The cartridge body 51 has a protrusion 65 protruding downward at the front end of the cartridge body 51 . The cartridge body 51 has an upper wall 54 , a sub-lower wall 55 , a right wall 56 (see FIG. 4), a left wall 57 (see FIG. 4), a rear wall 58 , a front wall 59 and a lower wall 60 . The lower wall 60 is positioned at the front and lower end of the cartridge main body 51 and positioned below the sub-lower wall 55 . The sub-lower wall 55 is located behind the lower wall 60 . The cartridge main body 51 has a communication port 61 that opens rearward (an example in the horizontal direction) at a convex portion 65 . The communication port 61 is an opening defined by the sub-lower wall 55 , the lower wall 60 , the right wall 56 and the left wall 57 .

The upper wall 54 is provided with a contact portion 64 protruding upward at the central portion in the front-rear direction 8 . The contact portion 64 is a portion that contacts a lock lever 79 (described later) of the mounting case 71 .

An IC chip 66 (an example of a cartridge memory) is positioned on the upper surface of the contact portion 64 . An IC chip 66 is formed on the IC chip 66 . The IC chip 66 also includes a memory (not shown). The IC chip 66 is electrically connected to the memory of the IC chip 66 . The IC chip 66 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 66 so as to be electrically conductive with the contacts 152 . That is, the IC chip 66 is electrically connected to the contacts 152 when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 . Controller 230 can read information from the memory of IC chip 66 through contacts 152 and IC chip 66 and write information to the memory of IC chip 66 through contacts 152 and IC chip 66 .

The memory of the IC chip 66 stores the maximum ink amount Vc0, viscosity ρ, ink amount Vc, height Hc, and function Fc, which will be described later. The memory of the IC chip 66 is an example of cartridge memory. The maximum ink amount Vc0 is an example of a maximum liquid amount indicating the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the ink cartridge 50 . In other words, the ink amount Vc0 indicates the amount of ink stored in the new ink cartridge 50 . The viscosity ρ indicates the viscosity of ink stored in the ink cartridge 50 . Hereinafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC chip 66 may be collectively referred to as "CTG information". Also, "new" indicates a state in which the ink in the ink cartridge 50 has never flowed out from the ink cartridge 50 .

The memory storage area of the IC chip 66 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 230 . On the other hand, the second area is an area in which information can be overwritten by the controller 230 . 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.

The upper surface of the sub-lower wall 55 defining the bottom surface of the first storage chamber 53 is inclined downward toward the convex portion 65 along the front-rear direction 8 .

The joint receiving portion 52 has a cylindrical shape extending rearward from a portion of the cartridge body 51 surrounding the communication port 61 . The joint receiving portion 52 is a portion into which a joint 102 (described later) of the sub-tank 100 is inserted.

FIG. 5 shows an installed state in which the ink cartridge 50 is installed in the sub-tank 100 . FIG. 6 shows the separated state in which the ink cartridge 50 is separated from the sub-tank 100 . Mounting states are described in more detail below.

The joint receiving portion 52 is provided with a plug member 62 that can close the communication port 61 and a spring 63 that biases the plug member 62 backward. As shown in FIG. 6, the plug member 62 is positioned to close the communication port 61 when no external force is applied to the ink cartridge 50 . The spring 63 extends along the front-rear direction 8 between the plug member 62 and the front wall 59 and is compressible in the front-rear direction 8 . As shown in FIG. 5 , when a forward external force larger than the elastic force of the spring 63 is applied to the plug member 62 by the joint 102 , the plug member 62 moves forward and separates from the communication port 61 .

[Mounting case 71]
The mounting case 71 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open front. The mounting case 71 has an upper wall 72 , a lower wall 73 , a right wall 74 , a left wall 75 , a rear wall 76 and three partition walls 77 . The upper wall 72 , lower wall 73 , right wall 74 , left wall 75 , and rear wall 76 define an internal space 78 with an open front. The three partition walls 77 are walls parallel to the right wall 74 and the left wall 75, and divide the internal space 78 into four spaces. Each of the four ink cartridges 50 is housed in each of the four partitioned spaces. The mounting case 71 includes a lock lever 79, a contact 152, a mounting sensor 154, and a liquid level sensor 155, as shown in FIGS.

[Lock lever 79]
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the mounting case 71 is provided with a lock lever 79 that holds the ink cartridge 50 within the internal space 78. As shown in FIGS. The lock lever 79 is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction. A center portion of the lock lever 79 is provided on the upper wall 72 so as to be rotatable around an axis in the left-right direction 9 . The lock lever 79 rotates between a rearwardly inclined locked position and a forwardly inclined unlocked position. When no external force is applied, the lock lever 79 tilts rearward due to its own weight to reach the locked position. At the locked position, the rear end of the lock lever 79 contacts the front surface of the contact portion 64 of the ink cartridge 50 in the internal space 78 to restrict the forward movement of the ink cartridge 50 in the front-rear direction 8 . When the front end of the lock lever 79 at the lock position is pressed downward by a user's finger or the like, the lock lever 79 rotates from the lock position to the unlock position. At the unlocked position, the rear end portion of the lock lever 79 is located above the front surface of the contact portion 64 . Since the lock lever 79 at the unlock position does not contact the contact portion 64 of the ink cartridge 50 moving forward in the front-rear direction 8 , the ink cartridge 50 can be removed from the mounting case 71 .

[Contact 152]
A contact 152 (an example of an interface) is located on the upper wall 72 of the mounting case 71 . The contact 152 protrudes downward from the upper wall 72 toward the inner space 78 of the mounting case 71 . The contact 152 is located at a position where it contacts an IC chip 66 (described later) of the ink cartridge 50 when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 . The contact 152 is conductive and elastically deformable in the vertical direction 7 . Contact 152 is electrically connected to controller 230 .

[Wearing sensor 154]
The mounting sensor 154 is positioned on the upper wall 72 of the mounting case 71 . The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 . The mounting sensor 154 has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . When the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 , the detected portion (not shown) of the ink cartridge 50 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 detected portion of the ink cartridge 50 mounted in the mounting case 71 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 230, 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 230 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 is an example of a third signal, and a low level signal is an example of a fourth signal.

[Sub tank 100]
4 to 11 show a sub-tank 100 (an example of a tank). The sub-tank 100 is positioned below the lower wall 73 of the mounting case 71 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-tank 100 includes a tank main body 101 and joints 102 . A second storage chamber 105 (an example of a second liquid chamber) that stores ink is formed inside the tank main body 101 . The sub-tank 100 has a liquid channel 103 and a gas channel 104 communicating with the second storage chamber 105 . The liquid channel 103 and the gas channel 104 are formed inside the tank body 101 and inside the joint 102 . The sub-tank 100 also has an air communication port 106 (see FIGS. 9, 10, and 12A) that communicates the second storage chamber 105 with the outside.

[Liquid channel 103 and gas channel 104]
As shown in FIG. 7, liquid channel 103 and gas channel 104 are positioned in parallel.

Liquid channel 103 has a first opening 131 , a second opening 132 , a vertical portion 133 and a horizontal portion 134 . The first opening 131 is an opening that is formed on one end side (rear end side) of the liquid channel 103 and communicates with the second storage chamber 105 . The first opening 131 opens along the vertical direction 7 . The second opening 132 is an opening that is formed on the other end side (front end side) opposite to the one end side of the liquid channel 103 and opens to the outside. The second opening 132 opens along the front-rear direction 8 . The second opening 132 is located inside the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 when the ink cartridge 50 is installed. The vertical portion 133 is a portion extending upward from the first opening 131 in the liquid channel 103 . The horizontal portion 134 is a portion extending rearward from the second opening 132 in the liquid channel 103 . The upper end of vertical portion 133 is connected to the rear end of horizontal portion 134 .

The gas channel 104 has a third opening 141 , a fourth opening 142 , a vertical portion 143 and a horizontal portion 144 . The third opening 141 is an opening that is formed on one end side (rear end side) of the gas flow path 104 and communicates with the second storage chamber 105 . The third opening 141 opens along the vertical direction 7 . The fourth opening 142 is an opening that is formed on the other end side (front end side) opposite to the one end side of the gas flow path 104 and opens to the outside. The fourth opening 142 opens along the front-rear direction 8 . The fourth opening 142 communicates with the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 when the ink cartridge 50 is installed. The vertical portion 143 is a portion extending upward from the third opening 141 in the gas flow path 104 . The horizontal portion 144 is the portion extending rearward from the fourth opening 142 in the gas flow path 104 . The upper end of vertical portion 143 is connected to the rear end of horizontal portion 144 .

[Tank body 101]
The tank main body 101 has an outer wall that is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The tank body 101 has a substantially T-shape (see FIGS. 9 and 10) when viewed in the vertical direction 7, a substantially rectangular shape (see FIG. 8) when viewed in the front-rear direction 8, and an L shape when viewed in the left-right direction 9. It is a character shape (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the outer wall of the tank body 101 includes a rear upper wall 107, a curved upper wall 130, a front upper wall 108, a lower wall 109, two rear side walls 110, two front curved side walls. 111 , a rear wall 112 and a front wall 113 . The rear upper wall 107 is a wall extending forward from the rear end while being inclined upward with respect to the horizontal plane. The bent upper wall 130 is a wall extending from the front end of the rear upper wall 107 and is bent upward from the front. The front upper wall 108 extends forward from the upper end of the curved upper wall 130 parallel to the horizontal plane. The lower wall 109 extends in the front-rear direction 8 parallel to the horizontal plane. The lower wall 109 has a T shape when viewed from the vertical direction 7 . The rear side wall 110 connects the rear upper wall 107 and the lower wall 109 in the vertical direction 7 . The rear side wall 110 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the left-right direction 9 . As shown in FIG. 9, the rear side wall 110 is shared by adjacent tank bodies 101 of different inks. The front bent side wall 111 connects the bent upper wall 130 and the front upper wall 108 to the lower wall 109 in the vertical direction 7 . The front curved side wall 111 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the left-right direction 9 and an L-shape with curved corners when viewed in the up-down direction 7 . The rear wall 112 extends upward from the rear end of the lower wall 109 and is connected to the two rear side walls 110 located on the left and right and the rear upper wall 107 . The front wall 113 extends upward from the front end of the lower wall 109 and is connected to the two front curved side walls 111 located on the left and right.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the lower wall 109 is formed with a communication port 129 that communicates with the second storage chamber 105 . One end of the ink tube 32 is connected to the communication port 129 , and the second storage chamber 105 and the recording head 39 are communicatively connected via the ink tube 32 .

A cylindrical inner cylinder portion 114 extending in the front-rear direction 8 is provided at the front end portion and upper portion of the tank body 101 . The interior of the inner cylindrical portion 114 communicates with an opening formed by the front wall 113 , the two front curved side walls 111 positioned on the left and right, and the front upper wall 108 . A rear end portion of the joint 102 can be attached to the inner cylindrical portion 114 . In the mounted state in which the joint 102 is attached to the inner tubular portion 114, the inside of the inner tubular portion 114 and the inside of the joint 102 communicate with each other.

[Wide part 150 and narrow part 151]
As shown in FIG. 10 , the tank body 101 has a wide portion 150 and a narrow portion 151 arranged along the front-rear direction 8 . The wide portion 150 is located at the rear portion of the tank body 101 in the front-rear direction 8 and includes two rear side walls 110 and a rear wall 112 . The narrow portion 151 is located at the front end in the front-rear direction 8 (an example of one end in the first direction) of the tank body 101 and includes two front curved side walls 111 and a front wall 113 . The width of the narrow portion 151 in the left-right direction 9 (an example of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction) is smaller than the width of the wide portion 150 in the left-right direction 9 . The second storage chamber 105 is formed across the wide portion 150 and the narrow portion 151 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the width of the wide portion 150 in the left-right direction 9 is substantially equal to the width of the ink cartridge 50 in the left-right direction 9 . Therefore, the width of the narrow portion 151 in the left-right direction 9 is smaller than the width of the ink cartridge 50 in the left-right direction 9 .

[Vertical wall 115 and horizontal wall 116]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 , the tank body 101 has a vertical wall 115 and a horizontal wall 116 on the front and top of the tank body 101 .

The vertical wall 115 is a wall extending in the vertical direction 7 and positioned between the front wall 113 and the curved upper wall 130 in the front-rear direction 8 . The vertical wall 115 connects the two front curved side walls 111 located on the left and right, and divides the space defined by the front wall 113, the front upper wall 108, and the two front curved side walls 111 into the front and rear. The lower end position of the vertical wall 115 is the position in the vertical direction 7 of the first opening 131 of the liquid channel 103 and the position in the vertical direction 7 of the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104 . The lower end position of the vertical wall 115 is equal to the lower end position of the front end of the rear upper wall 107 . In other words, the upper surface of the second storage chamber 105 is defined by the imaginary plane passing through the lower end position of the vertical wall 115 and parallel to the horizontal plane, and the lower surface of the rear upper wall 107 .

The horizontal wall 116 is a wall extending forward from the upper end of the vertical wall 115 . The horizontal wall 116 extends to the inside of the inner tubular portion 114 . The horizontal wall 116 connects the two front curved side walls 111 located on the left and right, and also connects the inner surface of the inner tubular portion 114 in the left-right direction 9 . The horizontal wall 116 vertically divides a space defined by the front upper wall 108 and the two front curved side walls 111 and a space defined by the inner tubular portion 114 .

As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical portion 133 of the liquid channel 103 is formed by a vertical wall 115, a front wall 113 and two front curved side walls 111. As shown in FIG. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction 7 in the vertical portion 133 of the liquid channel 103 is rectangular. A vertical portion 133 of the liquid channel 103 continues flush with the two front curved side walls 111 that partition the second storage chamber 105 . Therefore, the width in the left-right direction 9 of the vertical portion 133 of the liquid channel 103 is the same as the width in the left-right direction 9 of the second storage chamber 105 defined by the narrow portion 151 .

As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical portion 143 of the gas channel 104 is formed by a curved top wall 130, a vertical wall 115, and two front curved side walls 111. As shown in FIG. The shape of the cross section orthogonal to the vertical direction 7 in the vertical portion 133 of the gas channel 104 is rectangular. The vertical portion 133 of the gas flow path 104 continues flush with the two front curved side walls 111 that partition the second storage chamber 105 . Therefore, the width in the left-right direction 9 of the vertical portion 143 of the gas channel 104 is the same as the width in the left-right direction 9 of the second storage chamber 105 defined by the narrow portion 151 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the length 149 of the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104 along the front-rear direction 8 (an example of the horizontal direction) 148 along the example direction). The length of the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104 along the left-right direction 9 is equal to the length of the first opening 131 of the liquid channel 103 along the left-right direction 9 . Therefore, the opening area of the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104 is larger than the opening area of the first opening 131 of the liquid channel 103 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , in the vertical portion 143 of the gas channel 104 , the opening area of the gas channel 104 increases as it approaches the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104 . In the vertical portion 133 of the liquid channel 103 , the opening area of the liquid channel 103 is constant in the vertical direction 7 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the horizontal portion 134 of the liquid channel 103 within the tank body 101 is formed by the front upper wall 108 , the horizontal wall 116 , the two front curved side walls 111 and the inner cylindrical portion 114 . A horizontal portion 144 of the gas flow path 104 inside the tank body 101 is formed by the horizontal wall 116 , the two front curved side walls 111 and the inner cylindrical portion 114 .

[First rib 117]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 , the tank body 101 has a first rib 117 continuous with the vertical wall 115 . A first rib 117 protrudes from the front curved side wall 111 and extends downward from the vertical wall 115 . A space is provided between the first rib 117 and the lower wall 109 . A first rib 117 is provided on each of the two front curved side walls 111 positioned on the left and right sides, and two first ribs 117 are positioned apart in the left-right direction 9 in one second storage chamber 105 . there is

[Liquid level sensor 155]
As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the liquid level in the second storage chamber 105 of the tank body 101 is equal to or higher than a predetermined position B. As shown in FIG. The predetermined position B is a position below the virtual line L extending horizontally through the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 . The liquid level sensor 155 detects the amount of ink at a predetermined position B of the second storage chamber 105 using a prism having a different reflectance depending on whether ink is in contact with the predetermined position B of the rear wall 112 of the tank body 101 . It is a sensor for optically detecting the liquid level.

The liquid level sensor 155 has a light emitting part and a light receiving part spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . 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. In this embodiment, when the liquid level in the second storage chamber 105 of the tank body 101 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position B, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal. If the liquid level in the second storage chamber 105 of the tank body 101 is below the predetermined position B, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal. A low level signal is an example of a first signal. A high level signal is an example of the second signal.

[Joint 102]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 and 11, the joint 102 includes a joint body 118, an inner wall 119, a plug member 120 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and a spring 121 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). ing.

[Joint body 118]
As shown in FIG. 7, the joint body 118 connects an outer cylinder portion 122 located at the rear end, a tip portion 123 located at the front end, and the outer cylinder portion 122 and the tip portion 123 . and a main body portion 124 that The outer tube portion 122 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the front-rear direction 8 . The outer tubular portion 122 is fitted into the inner tubular portion 114 of the tank body 101 . Thereby, the joint body 118 is fixed to the tank body 101 . The distal end portion 123 has a disk shape with an axis extending in the front-rear direction 8 as an axis. The body portion 124 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the front-rear direction 8 . An upper opening 125 and a lower opening 126 are formed at the front end of the main body 124 to open upward and downward, respectively.

[Partition wall 127 and second rib 128]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner wall 119 is located inside the joint body 118 . The inner wall 119 extends rearwardly beyond the outer tube portion 122 from the tip portion 123 . The inner wall 119 has a partition wall 127 and second ribs 128 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the inner wall 119 has a T shape when viewed from the front-rear direction 8 . A rear end surface of the partition wall 127 is in contact with a front end surface of the horizontal wall 116 inside the tank body 101 . The partition wall 127 and the horizontal wall 116 partition the internal space of the connecting portion between the joint body 118 and the tank body 101 into the liquid channel 103 and the gas channel 104 .

The partition wall 127 is a wall extending in the left-right direction 9 inside the joint body 118 . Partition wall 127 extends rearward from tip 123 . The internal space of the joint body 118 is partitioned into upper and lower parts by a partition wall 127 .

The second rib 128 protrudes downward from the central portion of the partition wall 127 in the left-right direction 9 . The second rib 128 extends rearward from the tip portion 123 . There is a gap between the second rib 128 and the inner surface of the joint body 118 .

A horizontal portion 134 of the liquid flow path 103 within the joint 102 is formed by the inner surface of the joint body 118 and the lower surface of the inner wall 119 . The cross section of the horizontal portion 134 of the liquid channel 103 within the joint 102 is substantially semicircular. More precisely, in the cross section of the horizontal portion 134, the semicircular upper portion is divided into left and right by the second rib 128, and the semicircular lower portion is connected without being divided into left and right. A horizontal portion 144 of gas flow path 104 within joint 102 is formed by the inner surface of joint body 118 and the upper surface of inner wall 119 . The cross-section of the horizontal portion 144 of the gas flow path 104 within the joint 102 is semicircular.

[Plug member 120 and spring 121]
The plug member 120 is a cylindrical member positioned outside the body portion 124 of the joint body 118 . The plug member 120 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 along the body portion 124 . The front end of the spring 121 is fixed to the rear end of the plug member 120 , and the rear end of the spring 121 is in contact with the buffer tank 90 of the atmosphere communicating portion 70 and the outer cylindrical portion 122 of the joint main body 118 . A spring 121 biases the plug member 120 forward. When no external force is applied, the plug member 120 is positioned at the front end of the joint body 118 and closes the upper opening 125 and the lower opening 126 . When a rearward external force greater than the elastic force of the spring 121 is applied to the plug member 120, the plug member 120 moves rearward and the upper opening 125 and the lower opening 126 are opened. When the ink cartridge 50 is attached, the joint receiving portion 52 of the ink cartridge 50 abuts against the plug member 120 . The external force applied when the ink cartridge 50 is attached causes the plug member 120 that contacts the joint receiving portion 52 to move rearward.

[Installation state of ink cartridge 50]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, when the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the sub-tank 100, the joint main body 118 of the sub-tank 100 is inserted into the joint receiving portion 52 of the ink cartridge 50 along the front-rear direction 8. and inserted into the communication port 61 . In this mounted state, the second opening 132 of the liquid channel 103 and the fourth opening 142 of the gas channel 104 of the sub-tank 100 enter the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink cartridge 50 can be separated and mounted in the sub-tank 100 along the front-rear direction 8 .

[Layout of Ink Cartridge 50 and Sub Tank 100]
A layout of the ink cartridge 50 and the sub-tank 100 will be described. The layout will be described assuming that the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 and that the ink cartridge 50 and the sub-tank 100 are in the usage posture shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 65 of the ink cartridge 50 is at substantially the same position as the joint 102 in the vertical direction 7, but the portion above the convex portion 65 of the ink cartridge 50 is above the joint 102. It is in. Therefore, most of the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 is located above the second opening 132 . The upper portion of the sub-tank 100, that is, the portion above the bent upper wall 130 is at substantially the same position as the joint 102, but the portion below the bent upper wall 130 of the sub-tank 100 is below the joint 102. . Therefore, most of the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 is below the third opening 141 joint 102 .

A portion of the first storage chamber 53 above the projection 65 is located above the horizontal portion 134 of the liquid channel 103 and the horizontal portion 144 of the gas channel 104 . The second storage chamber 105 is located below the horizontal portion 134 of the liquid channel 103 and the horizontal portion 144 of the gas channel 104 . The lower portion of the first storage chamber 53 and the upper portion of the second storage chamber 105 are coaxially aligned in the front-rear direction 8 . The volume of the first storage chamber 53 is larger than the volume of the second storage chamber 105 .

The horizontal portion 144 of the gas channel 104 is located above the horizontal portion 134 of the liquid channel 103 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the first opening 131 of the liquid channel 103, the third opening 141 of the gas channel 104, and the air communication port 106 are arranged in order from the communication port 61 of the first storage chamber 53 toward the rear. positioned. The position in the vertical direction 7 of the communication port 61 of the first storage chamber 53 corresponds to the position in the vertical direction 7 where the first storage chamber 53 communicates with the liquid channel 103, and the communication port 61 is located at the position in the vertical direction 7. is the direction away from the first storage chamber 53 .

[Atmosphere communication part 70]
As shown in FIGS. 5, 11, and 12, the atmosphere communication portion 70 includes a buffer tank 90, a communication channel 145, and an atmosphere communication channel 147. As shown in FIGS.

[Buffer tank 90]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the buffer tank 90 is positioned below the mounting case 71 and above the sub-tank 100 .

5 and 11, the buffer tank 90 comprises a top wall 91, a bottom wall 92, two side walls 93, three partition walls 94, a rear wall 95 and a projecting wall 96. As shown in FIGS. The upper wall 91 is a wall that extends along a plane that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The lower wall 92 is a wall that extends parallel to the horizontal plane from the rear and bends upward toward the front. The front end of the lower wall 92 connects to the front end of the upper wall 91 . The two side walls 93 are walls that connect both ends of the upper wall 91 and the lower wall 92 in the left-right direction 9 in the up-down direction 7 . The three partition walls 94 are walls arranged in parallel with the two side walls 93 in the left-right direction 9 . The rear wall 95 is a wall that connects the rear ends of the upper wall 91 and the lower wall 92 . The projecting wall 96 is a wall extending upward from the rear end of the upper wall 91 . A gap is formed in the front-rear direction 8 between the rear wall 95 and the projecting wall 96 .

A lower wall 73 of the mounting case 71 is positioned above the upper wall 91 of the buffer tank 90 . A top wall 91 of the buffer tank 90 supports a bottom wall 73 of the mounting case 71 . Therefore, the upper wall 91 of the buffer tank 90 can support the ink cartridge 50 accommodated in the mounting case 71 via the lower wall 73 of the mounting case 71 .

[Buffer room 97]
An internal space defined by an upper wall 91 , a lower wall 92 , two side walls 93 and a rear wall 95 is divided into four buffer chambers 97 by three partition walls 94 . The four buffer chambers 97 are connected to the four sub-tanks 100, respectively. The four buffer chambers 97 are spaces capable of storing air sent to the first storage chamber 53 as ink in the first storage chamber 53 is supplied to the second storage chamber 105 by air-liquid replacement. The four buffer chambers 97 are positioned above the recording section 24 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the buffer chamber 97 is located below the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 is located below the buffer chamber 97 . A portion of the first storage chamber 53 and a portion of the buffer chamber 97 formed in the convex portion 65 are coaxially arranged in the front-rear direction 8 (an example of the horizontal direction). Further, a portion of the convex portion 65, a portion of the joint 102, and a portion of the buffer tank 90 are coaxially arranged in the front-rear direction 8 (an example of the horizontal direction). A portion of the first storage chamber 53 and a portion of the buffer chamber 97 are coaxially arranged in the vertical direction 7 .

[Communication channel 145]
As shown in FIG. 12A, the lower wall 92 of the buffer tank 90 has an opening 98 communicating with the buffer chamber 97 . The ink supply device 15 has a connection pipe 99 that connects the atmosphere communication port 106 of the tank body 101 and the opening 98 of the buffer tank 90 . The connecting pipe 99 has a cylindrical shape. A communicating channel 145 that connects the second storage chamber 105 and the buffer chamber 97 is formed by the inner surface of the connecting pipe 99 . The communication channel 145 extends in the vertical direction 7 .

[Atmospheric communication passage 147]
As shown in FIG. 12B, an opening 146 is formed in each buffer chamber 97 at the rear end of the upper wall 91 . The top wall 91 has four openings 146 behind the projecting wall 96 . The lower surface of the upper wall 91 is inclined upward along the front-rear direction 8 (an example of the horizontal direction) toward the opposite side (rearward) of the opening 98 . The opening 146 opens into the upper wall 91 at the highest position in the vertical direction 7 of the lower surface of the upper wall 91 . Here, the front surface of the rear wall 95 and the rear surface of the projecting wall 96 form an air communication passage 147 extending in the vertical direction 7 . The atmosphere communication path 147 extends upward from the buffer chamber 97 through the opening 146 and communicates with the outside of the housing 14 of the multifunction device 10 .

[Operation of this embodiment]
First, the flow of ink and air when the ink cartridge 50 is first installed in the empty sub-tank 100 will be described.

In the state before the initial introduction (pre-state) shown in FIG. 6, the ink cartridge 50 is separated from the sub-tank 100 . In the previous state, the communication port 61 of the ink cartridge 50 is closed by the plug member 62 and the first storage chamber 53 is sealed by the ink cartridge 50 . Therefore, the ink filled in the first storage chamber 53 will not leak to the outside. On the other hand, in the previous state, the upper opening 125 and the lower opening 126 (see FIG. 7) of the sub-tank 100 are closed by the plug member 120 . Therefore, the second opening 132 of the liquid channel 103 and the second opening of the gas channel 104 communicating with the second storage chamber 105 are closed to the outside. The second storage chamber 105 has an air communication port 106 (see FIG. 7) and a communication port 129 (see FIG. 7) as portions communicating with the outside in addition to the liquid channel 103 and the gas channel 104 . The atmosphere communication port 106 communicates with the outside air of the multifunction device 10 via the buffer chamber 97 . The communication port 129 communicates with the recording head 39 through the ink tube 32, but ink does not flow out from the communication port 129 when the recording head 39 is in a resting state. Here, the second storage chamber 105 is not filled with ink, and the second storage chamber 105 is empty.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, when the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the sub-tank 100, the plug member 62 closing the communication port 61 retracts forward against the urging force of the spring 63 and opens upward. The plug member 120 that closes the portion 125 and the lower opening 126 retreats backward against the biasing force of the spring 121 . As a result, the first storage chamber 53 communicates with the second storage chamber 105 via the liquid channel 103 and the gas channel 104 . Then, the ink in the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 naturally falls through the liquid flow path 103 and is introduced into the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 . Since the atmosphere communication port 106 is open to the outside air, the same volume of air as the amount of ink introduced into the second storage chamber 105 flows through the atmosphere communication port 106 and the gas flow path 104 into the first storage chamber 53 . introduced into In this way, the ink in the first storage chamber 53 is supplied to the second storage chamber 105 by replacing the ink in the first storage chamber 53 with air (air-liquid replacement).

As the gas-liquid replacement progresses, the ink level in the second storage chamber 105 rises. When the ink level rises and reaches the lower end position of the vertical wall 115, the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 is closed. Then, gas-liquid replacement cannot be performed, so the supply of ink from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 is stopped. In this way, ink is supplied at the time of initial introduction.

Next, the flow of ink and air when the printing operation is performed by the printer section 11 with the ink cartridge 50 installed will be described.

When ink is ejected from the recording head 39 during a recording operation, the ink in the second storage chamber 105 is sucked into the recording head 39 through the communication port 129 . As the amount of ink decreases, the ink level in the second storage chamber 105 drops, so that the closed third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 is opened. When the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 is opened, gas-liquid replacement is performed as described above, and ink is supplied from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 . Ink is supplied from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 so as to compensate for the consumption of ink in the recording head 39 , and the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 105 is controlled by the gas flow path 104 . is maintained at the position of the third opening 141 of

When the first storage chamber 53 runs out of ink, the empty ink cartridge 50 is replaced with another ink cartridge 50 filled with ink, so that the multi-function device 10 can continue the printing operation. can run.

[Controller 230]
The controller 230 includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, an EEPROM 234, and an ASIC 235, as shown in FIG. The ROM 232 stores programs and the like for the CPU 231 to control various operations. The RAM 233 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 231 executes the above programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 234 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. ROM 232, RAM 233, and EEPROM 234 are examples of device memory.

The ASIC 235 is for operating the feed roller 25 , the transport roller 34 , the discharge roller 36 and the recording head 39 . The controller 230 rotates the feed roller 25 , the transport roller 34 and the discharge roller 36 by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC 235 . Further, the controller 230 outputs drive signals to the drive elements of the recording head 39 through the ASIC 235 to cause the recording head 39 to eject ink through the nozzles 40 . The ASIC 235 can output multiple types of drive signals according to the amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzles 40 .

The ASIC 235 is also connected to the display 17, the operation panel 22, and the communication interface 89 (communication I/F 89). A communication interface 89 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 89 is not particularly limited, but Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, can be adopted. The communication interface 89 may be a USB interface with a detachable USB cable. The communication interface 89 outputs a received signal to the controller 230 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.

Furthermore, the contact 152 , the tray sensor 29 , the cover sensor 88 , the mounting sensor 154 and the liquid level sensor 155 are electrically connected to the ASIC 235 . The controller 230 accesses the memory of the IC chip 66 of the ink cartridge 50 mounted in the mounting case 71 through the contact 152 . The controller 230 detects attachment/detachment of the feed tray 20 through the tray sensor 29 . Controller 230 detects the position of cover 87 through cover sensor 88 . Also, the controller 230 detects insertion/removal of the ink cartridge 50 through the mounting sensor 154 . Further, the controller 230 detects through the liquid level sensor 155 whether or not the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 105 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position B. FIG.

The ROM 232 stores threshold times Th1 and Th2 used in determinations executed by the controller 230 in the cartridge mounting process and remaining amount update process, 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 234 stores various information associated with each of the four ink cartridges 50 mounted in the mounting case 71 , in other words, with each of the sub-tanks 100 communicating with the ink cartridges 50 . 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 resistance Rn, functions Fc and Fs, a C_Empty flag, and S_Empty A flag, a first first-time flag, a second first-time flag, and a count value N are included.

The maximum ink amount Vc0, the ink amount Vc, the height Hc, and the function Fc are information read from the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 by the controller 230 while the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71. be. Also, the flow path resistance Rn and the function Fs may be stored in the ROM 232 instead of the EEPROM 234 .

The ink amount Vc indicates the amount of ink stored in the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 . The ink amount Vs indicates the amount of ink stored in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 . The ink amounts Vc and Vs are calculated by Equations 3 and 4, which will be described later, for example.

The height Hc indicates the height in the vertical direction 7 between the liquid surface of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 50 and the reference position. The height Hs indicates the height in the vertical direction 7 between the liquid surface of the ink stored in the sub-tank 100 and the bottom surface of the storage chamber 105 . As an example, the reference position may be the position of an imaginary line L passing through the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 and extending in the horizontal direction (more specifically, the front-rear direction 8). The heights Hc and Hs are calculated by Equations 5 and 6, for example.

The channel resistance Rn indicates the magnitude of resistance that ink passing through the internal space of the liquid channel 103 receives.

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 first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 changes in the vertical direction 7, the function Fc is determined in advance when the ink cartridge 50 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 second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 changes in the vertical direction 7, the function Fs is determined in advance when the sub-tank 100 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.

When there is ink in the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 that can flow out to the sub-tank 100 , the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 is an imaginary It becomes the position of the line L. This state is called the equilibrium state. That is, in the equilibrium state, movement of ink between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 stops. The ink amount Vs in the equilibrium state is the volume _Vth of the second storage chamber 105 below the imaginary line L.

The count value N is the ink discharge amount Dh instructed to discharge to the recording head 39 after the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal (that is, the ink amount indicated by the drive signal). , and is updated in the direction of approaching the threshold value _Nth . 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 second storage chamber 105 between the upper end of the communication port 129 and the predetermined position B. 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) instructing the recording head 39 to discharge after the signal output from the mounting sensor 154 changes from a high level signal to a low level signal. This is a corresponding value, which is counted up with an initial value of "0".

When there is ink in the first storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 that can flow out to the sub-tank 100 , the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 is an imaginary It becomes the position of the line L. This state is called the equilibrium state. That is, in the equilibrium state, movement of ink between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 stops. The ink amount Vs in the equilibrium state is the volume _Vth of the second storage chamber 105 below the imaginary line L.

The C_Empty flag is information indicating whether the ink cartridge 50 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 ink cartridge 50 (more specifically, the first storage chamber 53). In other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which ink does not move from the connected ink cartridge 50 to the sub-tank 100 . In other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which the liquid surface of the sub-tank 100 communicating with the ink cartridge 50 is below the predetermined position B.

The S_Empty flag is information indicating whether the sub-tank 100 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 surface of the ink stored in the sub-tank 100 (more specifically, the second storage chamber 105) reaches the upper end of the communication port 129. 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 recording head 39 continues to eject ink after the ink is empty, the nozzles 40 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 recording head 39 must be prohibited.

The first initial flag is information used by the controller 230 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 230 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 MFP 10]
The operation of the multifunction device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG. Each process shown in FIGS. 7 to 17 is executed by the CPU 131 of the controller 230. FIG. Note that each of the following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 reading out a program stored in the ROM 232 , or may be implemented by a hardware circuit mounted on the controller 230 . 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 230 executes the cartridge mounting process shown in FIG. 14 in response to receiving a high level signal from cover sensor 88 . In the cartridge mounting process, the controller 230 waits for the mounting of the ink cartridge 50 in response to the opening of the cover 87, and the controller 230 reads the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234. This is the process of updating the Note that the controller 230 independently executes the cartridge mounting process for each of the four ink cartridges 50 . Since the cartridge mounting process for each ink cartridge 50 is common, only the cartridge mounting process corresponding to one ink cartridge 50 will be described. Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 18A, the mounting case 71 in which no ink is stored in the sub-tank 100 is new (that is, the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored). It is assumed that the ink cartridge 50 is attached.

First, the controller 230 receives a signal output by the mounting sensor 154 (S11). Controller 230 then determines whether the signal received from mounting sensor 154 is a high level signal or a low level signal (S12). Then, the controller 230 controls S11 at predetermined time intervals until the signal output from 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 230 repeats the processes of S11 and S12 until the ink cartridge 50 is removed from the mounting case 71 and a new ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 .

Then, the controller 230 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 230 reads the CTG information from the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152, and stores the read CTG information in the EEPROM 234 (S13). Specifically, the controller 230 reads the maximum ink amount Vc0, the viscosity ρ, the ink amount Vc, the height Hc, and the function Fc from the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152, and stores them in the EEPROM 234 (S13). The controller 230 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 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 sets the set value of the first initial flag to "ON" (S16).

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the current ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the post-replacement ink amount Vs1, and stores the ink amount Vc stored in the memory of the IC chip 66 of the ink cartridge 50 after replacement. It is stored in the EEPROM 234 as the post ink amount Vc1 (S17).

Subsequently, the controller 230 determines whether or not the controller 230 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S18). Specifically, controller 230 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 230 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 230 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 29 . Controller 230 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 230 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 89 . Controller 230 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 230 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 230 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 onwards is executed. Specifically, when the controller 230 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 230 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 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 29 (S18: Yes), it executes the processing from S19 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received the operation signal from the operation panel 22 (S18: Yes), it executes the processing from S19 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received the reception signal from the communication interface 89 (S18: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onward. When the controller 230 determines to start the purge process (S18: Yes), the controller 230 executes the process from S19 onwards. When the controller 230 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S18: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes after S19.

The controller 230 determines the set value of the first initial flag (S19). In response to determining that the setting value of the first initial flag is "ON" (S19: ON), the controller 230, based on the start time of the elapsed time T1 stored in the RAM 233 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 233 (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 230 determines that the set value of the first initial flag is "OFF" (S19: OFF), the controller 230 calculates the elapsed time T2 from the current time and the start time of the elapsed time T2 stored in the RAM 233 in S27 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 233 (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 230 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 233 (S20, S21). The time t _k−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 230 calculates the outflow amounts Qa, Qc, the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and the heights Hc, 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 second storage chamber 105 through the communication port 129 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 calculates the outflow amount Qa using Equation 1 (S22). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the recording head 39 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 first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 through the liquid flow path 103 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 reads the height Hc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the height Hc' at time tk _-1 . Also, the controller 230 reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistance Rn from the EEPROM 234 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the information read from the EEPROM 234 and the gravitational acceleration g into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S22).

As shown in Equation 2, the outflow Qc increases as the height Hc' increases, and decreases as the height Hc' decreases. In addition, the outflow amount Qc decreases as the flow path resistance Rn of the internal space of the liquid flow path 103 increases, and increases as the flow path resistance Rn decreases.

Also, when the ink moves from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 , the same volume of gas as the moved ink flows from the second storage chamber 105 into the first storage chamber 53 through the gas flow path 104 .

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc' read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

In S23, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the sub-tank 100 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , and The ink amount Vs at time _tk is calculated by adding the outflow amount Qc of the ink that has flowed out to the second storage chamber 105 .

Also, in S23, the controller 230 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 234. FIG. Then, the controller 230 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 230 compares the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 with the volume _Vth . Then, the controller 230 outputs the function Fs from the EEPROM 234 in response to determining that the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 is equal to or less than the volume _Vth (that is, the liquid level of the second storage chamber 105 is equal to or less than the virtual line L). read out. Then, the controller 230 assigns the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 to the function Fs as shown by Equation 6 to specify the height Hs at time _tk (S23).

Next, the controller 230 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S23 in the EEPROM 234 (S24). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S23 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S23 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S25). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S23 immediately before.

Then, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display the 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. 20 shows an example of the remaining ink screen. The remaining ink amount screen in the illustrated example has objects 274M, 274C, 274Y, and 274B that indicate the ink amounts Vc of the respective ink cartridges 50 of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The size of these objects in the vertical direction 271 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 sub-tank 100 of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The size of these objects in the vertical direction 271 indicates the ink amount Vs of each color. The sum of the vertical size 271 of the object 274M and the vertical size 271 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 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 sets the setting value of the first initial flag to "OFF" (S28).

Next, the controller 230 compares the ink amount Vs calculated in S23 with the volume _Vth (S35). As shown in FIG. 18B, the liquid surface in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 reaches the imaginary line L when the ink amount Vs reaches the volume _Vth . As a result, the ink blocks the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 , and the ink does not move between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 . A state in which ink does not substantially move between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 is defined as an equilibrium state.

When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S29: No), the controller 230 executes the processes after S18. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S29: Yes), the cartridge mounting process ends.

When the controller 230 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 233 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 230 executes the process of S18 again.

When the controller 230 determines that the elapsed time T1 has exceeded the threshold time Th1 (S30: Yes), the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and liquid level Heights Hc and Hs are calculated (S31).

First, the controller 230 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amounts Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 234 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, if the total amount Vt is greater than the volume V _th , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vs to the volume V _th , and sets the ink amount Vc to a value obtained by subtracting V _th from the total amount Vt (Vc=Vt−V _th ). and On the other hand, if the total amount Vt is smaller than the volume _Vth , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vc to zero and the ink amount Vs to the total amount Vt. Subsequently, the controller 230 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 234 by the same process as S23.

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S31 (S32). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S31 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S31 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S33). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S31 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 230 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 230 then ends the cartridge mounting process.

[Image recording process]
The controller 230 executes the image recording process shown in FIG. 15 in response to the recording instruction being input to the MFP 10 . The recording instruction is an example of a discharge instruction for causing the multi-function device 10 to execute a recording process of recording 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 230 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 230 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 sub-tank 100 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 sub-tank 100 in the ink-empty state.

Subsequently, the controller 230 executes the cartridge mounting process described above for each of the ink cartridges 50 corresponding to the S_Empty flag set to "ON" (S43). Then, after the S_Empty flag is set to "OFF" (S14), the controller 230 executes the processes after S41 again in parallel with the cartridge mounting process. Then, in response to all four S_Empty flags being set to "OFF" (S41: OFF), the controller 230 receives signals currently output from the four liquid level sensors 155 ( S44). Furthermore, in S44, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 prints the image indicated by the image data included in the print instruction on the sheet (S45). More specifically, the controller 230 causes the sheet on the feed tray 20 to be conveyed by the feed roller 23 and the conveying roller 25, causes the recording head 39 to eject ink, and discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded to the discharge roller 27. Eject to tray 16 . That is, the controller 230 permits ink ejection when all four S_Empty flags are set to "OFF". On the other hand, the controller 230 prohibits ink ejection when at least one of the four S_Empty flags is set to "ON".

Next, the controller 230 receives the signals currently output from the four liquid level sensors 155 in response to the printing of the image on the sheet according to the printing instruction (S46). In S46, similarly to S44, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 causes the RAM 233 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 sheets of the second and subsequent pages is performed (S45), the controller 230 does not restart the third timer or store the start time (S47), and measures the elapsed time T3. to continue.

The controller 230 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 230 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 230 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 230 updates the ink amounts Vc and Vs and the heights Hc and Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 in response to ejection of ink from the recording head 39 . Details of the remaining amount update processing will be described later with reference to FIG. The controller 230 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 230 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 230 causes the display 17 to display the S_Empty notification screen (S53). In addition, the controller 230 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 ink cartridge 50 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 ink cartridge 50 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 230 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 40 or the like. Controller 230 executes the same process as in FIG. 15 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 230 drives a maintenance mechanism (not shown) to discharge ink through the nozzles 40 . In addition, the controller 230 executes the processes after S50 without executing the process of S49 after executing the counting process.

[Count processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the details of the counting process executed by the controller 230 in S48 will be described. Note that the controller 230 independently executes the counting process for each of the four ink cartridges 50 . Since the counting process for each ink cartridge 50 is common, only the counting process for one ink cartridge 50 will be described.

First, the controller 230 compares the information indicating the signal of the liquid level sensor 155 stored in the RAM 233 in S44 and S46 (S61). That is, the controller 230 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 230 responds that the information stored in the RAM 233 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 230 counts up the count value TN with a value corresponding to the amount of ink instructed to be discharged in S45 immediately before. Controller 230 then ends the counting process.

In the controller 230, the information stored in the RAM 233 in S44 indicates a low level signal, and the information stored in the RAM 233 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).

Also, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 with a predetermined value (=0) (S64). Similarly, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 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 230 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 sub-tank 100 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.

Also, the controller 230 substitutes the discharged ink amount Dh for the count value N stored in the EEPROM 234 (S65). That is, the controller 230 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 230 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 230 compares the count value N updated in _S65 with the threshold value Nth (S66). When the controller 230 determines that the count value N updated in S65 is less than the threshold value _Nth (S66: No), the controller 230 ends the counting process. On the other hand, when the controller 230 determines that the count value N updated in S65 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Nth (S66: Yes), it sets the _{S_Empty} flag to "ON" (S67), and ends the counting process. do.

In addition, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 in response to the information stored in the RAM 233 in S44 and S46 both indicating a high level signal (S61: H→H). Then, the controller 230 subtracts the discharged ink amount Dh from the read ink amount Vs, and stores the result in the EEPROM 234 again (S68). Controller 230 also reads count value N stored in EEPROM 234 . Then, the controller 230 adds the discharged ink amount Dh to the read count value N and stores the result in the EEPROM 234 again (S69). That is, the controller 230 updates the ink amount Vs and the count value N stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink discharge amount Dh instructed to be discharged in the previous S45.

Next, the controller 230 compares the count value N updated in S69 with the threshold value Nth (S66). When the controller 230 determines that the count value N updated in S69 is less than the threshold value Nth (S66: No), the controller 230 ends the counting process. 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 230 sets the S_Empty flag to "ON" (S67), and ends the counting process. .

[Remaining amount update process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, details of the remaining amount update process executed by the controller 230 in S50 will be described. Note that the controller 230 independently executes the remaining amount update process for each of the four ink cartridges 50 . Since the remaining amount update process for each ink cartridge 50 is common, only the remaining amount update process for one ink cartridge 50 will be described.

First, the controller 230 determines the set value of the C_Empty flag (S71). When the controller 230 determines that the setting value of the C_Empty flag is "ON" (S71: ON), the remaining amount update process ends. 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 level in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 reaches a predetermined position B during the process of S45, as shown in FIG. After that, since the ink does not move between the ink cartridge 50 and the sub-tank 100, there is no need to update the ink amount Vc. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the controller 230 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 230 determines that the setting value of the C_Empty flag is "OFF" (S71: OFF), the controller 230 determines the calculation period Δt (S72). Specifically, the controller 230 controls the operation from the start of discharging ink from the recording head 39 for image recording of the first page sheet in S45 to the end of image recording of all pages of sheets (S49: No). is determined as the calculation period Δt and stored in the RAM 233 (S72). Further, the controller 230 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 233 . Time tk _-1 is the time when ink discharge from the recording head 39 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 230 calculates the outflow amounts Qa, Qc, the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and the heights Hc, Hs using the above-described formulas 1 to 6 (S73, S74). First, the controller 230 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 recording head 39 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 . , 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 230 uses Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc of ink from the first reservoir 53 to the second reservoir 105 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 reads the height Hc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the height Hc' at time tk _-1 . Also, the controller 230 reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistance Rn from the EEPROM 234 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the information read from the EEPROM 234 and the gravitational acceleration g into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S73).

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc' read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

In S74, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the sub-tank 100 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , and The ink amount Vs at time _tk is calculated by adding the outflow amount Qc of the ink that has flowed out to the second storage chamber 105 .

Also, in S74, the controller 230 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 234. FIG. Then, the controller 230 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, the controller 230 reads the function Fs from the EEPROM234. Then, the controller 230 assigns the ink amount Vs calculated by Equation 4 to the function Fs as shown by Equation 6 to identify the height Hs at time _tk (S74).

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 (S75). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S74 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S76). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S74 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 230 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 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "ON" (S79).

When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S80: No), the controller 230 executes the processes after S81. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S80: Yes), the remaining amount update process ends.

The controller 230 determines whether or not the controller 230 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S81). Specifically, controller 230 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 230 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 230 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 29 . Controller 230 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 230 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 89 . Controller 230 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 230 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 230 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 230 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 230 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 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 29 (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 230 executes the processes from S82 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that the reception signal has been received from the communication interface 89 (S81: Yes), it executes the processes from S82 onwards. In response to determining to start the purge process (S81: Yes), the controller 230 executes the process from S82 onwards. When the controller 230 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S81: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes after S82.

The controller 230 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 230, based on the start time of the elapsed time T4 stored in the RAM 233 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 233 (S83). Here, the elapsed time T4 is the time from the determination of No in S80 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 230 determines that the set value of the second initial flag is "OFF" (S82: OFF), the controller 230 calculates the elapsed time T5 from the start time and the current time stored in the RAM 233 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 233 (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.

Also, in S83 and S84, the controller 230 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 233 (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 230 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 230 uses Equation 1 to calculate the outflow amount Qa during the calculation period Δt (S85). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the recording head 39 during the calculation period Δt, such as recording of an image on the sheet (S46) or purge processing.

Next, the controller 230 uses Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc of ink from the first reservoir 53 to the second reservoir 105 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 reads the height Hc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the height Hc' at time tk _-1 . Also, the controller 230 reads the viscosity ρ and the flow path resistance Rn from the EEPROM 234 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the information read from the EEPROM 234 and the gravitational acceleration g into Equation 2 to calculate the outflow amount Qc (S85).

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc' read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

Also, in S86, the controller 230 reads the function Fc stored in the EEPROM 234. FIG. Then, the controller 230 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, the controller 230 reads the function Fs from the EEPROM234. Then, the controller 230 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 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S86 (S87). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S74 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S86 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S88). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S86 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 230 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 230 causes the RAM 233 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 230 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "OFF" (S91).

When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S92: No), the controller 230 executes the processes after S81 again. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S92: Yes), the remaining amount update process ends.

When the controller 230 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 233 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 230 executes the process of S81 again.

When the controller 230 determines that the elapsed time T3 has exceeded the threshold time Th2 (S93: Yes), the ink amounts Vc, Vs, and liquid level Heights Hc and Hs are calculated (S94).

First, the controller 230 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amounts Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 234 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, the controller 230 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). Next, if the total amount Vt is greater than the volume V _th , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vs to the volume V _th , and sets the ink amount Vc to a value obtained by subtracting V _th from the total amount Vt (Vc=Vt−V _th ). and On the other hand, if the total amount Vt is smaller than the volume _Vth , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vc to zero and the ink amount Vs to the total amount Vt. Subsequently, the controller 230 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 234 by the same process as S23.

Next, the controller 230 stores the ink amounts Vc, Vs and the heights Hc, Hs calculated in S94 in the EEPROM 234 (S95). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc, Vs and heights Hc, Hs calculated in S94 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc and the height Hc calculated in S94 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S96). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc and height Hc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc and height Hc calculated in S94 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 230 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 230 then ends the remaining amount update process.

[Action and effect of the first embodiment]
According to the first embodiment, after the signal from the mounting sensor 154 changes from a high level signal to a low level signal, the ink amount Vc, Processing for determining Vs and liquid level heights Hc and Hs is performed. That is, the process of determining the amount of ink is performed when some kind of operation is received from the user or when the MFP 10 operates. If the determined ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth , the user's operation or printer operation is awaited, and the process of determining the ink amounts Vc and Vs is performed again. 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-described embodiment, after the ink is discharged from the recording head 39, the controller 230 receives the first signal or performs a specific operation when the ink amount Vs after discharge is less than the volume _Vth . Based on the start, processing for determining ink amounts Vc, Vs and liquid level heights Hc, Hs is performed. If the determined ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth , the user's operation or printer operation is awaited, and the process of determining the ink amounts Vc and Vs is performed again. Therefore, it is possible to individually grasp the ink amounts Vc and Vs while suppressing an increase in the processing load.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described below. The configuration of the MFP 10 in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted here. Also, the image recording process (FIG. 15) and the count process (FIG. 16) in the operation of the MFP 10 are the same as in the first embodiment. The cartridge mounting process and remaining amount update process of the second embodiment will be described below.

In the second embodiment, the outflow amount Qc is calculated without being based on the height Hc. Therefore, the memory of the IC chip 66 stores the maximum ink amount Vc0, the ink amount Vc, the ink amount Vc, and the flow rate FR (flow from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 through the liquid flow path 103 per unit time). and a table or function showing the relationship with the amount of ink). In a specific ink cartridge 50, the shape of the first storage chamber 53 and the viscosity of the ink are constant. The MFP 10 to which the specific ink cartridge 50 is attached is specified. The flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path 103 is constant in that particular multifunction machine 10 . Also, if the ink amount Vc in the first storage chamber 53 is specified, the height Hc can be uniquely determined. Therefore, by setting factors such as temperature to approximately 25° C., it is possible to set a table or function specifying the relationship between the ink amount Vc and the flow rate FR.

Various information stored in the EEPROM 234 includes, for example, the ink amounts Vc and Vs, the maximum ink amount Vc0, the C_Empty flag, the S_Empty flag, the first initial flag, the second initial flag, and the count value N. including.

[Cartridge loading process]
Controller 230 executes the cartridge mounting process shown in FIG. 21 in response to receiving a high level signal from cover sensor 88 . In the cartridge mounting process, the controller 230 waits for the mounting of the ink cartridge 50 in response to the opening of the cover 87, and further updates the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234. . Note that the controller 230 independently executes the cartridge mounting process for each of the four ink cartridges 50 . Since the cartridge mounting process for each ink cartridge 50 is common, only the cartridge mounting process corresponding to one ink cartridge 50 will be described. Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 18A, the mounting case 71 in which no ink is stored in the sub-tank 100 is new (that is, the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored). It is assumed that the ink cartridge 50 is attached.

First, the controller 230 receives a signal output by the mounting sensor 154 (S111). Controller 230 then determines whether the signal received from mounting sensor 154 is a high level signal or a low level signal (S112). Then, the controller 230 controls S111 at predetermined time intervals until the signal output from 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 (S112: No). , S112 are repeatedly executed. In other words, the controller 230 repeats the processes of S111 and S112 until the ink cartridge 50 is pulled out from the mounting case 71 and a new ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the mounting case 71 .

Then, the controller 230 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 (S112: Yes), the process after S113 is executed. First, the controller 230 reads CTG information from the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152, and stores the read CTG information in the EEPROM 234 (S113). Specifically, the controller 230 reads the maximum ink amount Vc0 and the ink amount Vc from the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 and stores them in the EEPROM 234 (S113). The controller 230 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" (S114).

Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T1, and starts measuring the elapsed time T1 (S115).

Next, the controller 230 sets the set value of the first initial flag to "ON" (S116).

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the current ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the post-replacement ink amount Vs1, and stores the ink amount Vc stored in the memory of the IC chip 66 of the ink cartridge 50 after replacement. It is stored in the EEPROM 234 as the post ink amount Vc1 (S117).

Subsequently, the controller 230 determines whether or not the controller 230 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S118). Specifically, controller 230 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 230 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 230 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 29 . Controller 230 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 230 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 89 . Controller 230 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 230 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 230 determines that it has received one of the above signals, or that it determines to start the purge process, or that it determines that it starts transitioning to the sleep state (S118: Yes). , the processing from S119 onward is executed. Specifically, when the controller 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the cover sensor 88 (S118: Yes), it executes the processes from S119 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S118: Yes), it executes the processes from S119 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 29 (S118: Yes), it executes the processes from S19 onwards. Upon determining that the operation signal has been received from the operation panel 22 (S118: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes from S19 onward. When the controller 230 determines that the reception signal has been received from the communication interface 89 (S118: Yes), it executes the processes from S119 onwards. When the controller 230 determines to start the purge process (S118: Yes), it executes the processes from S119 onwards. When the controller 230 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S118: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes from S119 onwards.

The controller 230 determines the set value of the first initial flag (S119). In response to determining that the set value of the first initial flag is "ON" (S119: ON), the controller 230, based on the start time of the elapsed time T1 stored in the RAM 233 in S115 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 233 (S120). Here, the elapsed time T1 is the time from the determination of YES in S112 to the determination of YES for the first time in S118. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the first period Δt1.

When the controller 230 determines that the set value of the first initial flag is "OFF" (S119: OFF), the controller 230 determines the elapsed time T2 from the start time and the current time to be stored in the RAM 233 in S127, 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 233 (S121). Here, the elapsed time T2 is the time from the determination of YES in S118 to the determination of YES in S118. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the second period Δt2.

Further, in S120 and S121, the controller 230 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 233 (S120, S121). The time t _k−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 S119 was executed.

Subsequently, the controller 230 determines the outflow amounts Qa, Qc and the ink amounts Vc, Vs (S122, S123).

First, the outflow amount Qa indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the second storage chamber 105 through the communication port 129 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 calculates the outflow amount Qa using Equation 1 (S122). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the recording head 39 during the calculation period Δt, such as recording of an image on the sheet (S146) or purge processing.

The outflow amount Qc indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 through the liquid flow path 103 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 obtains the flow rate FR from a table or function of the ink amount Vc and the flow rate FR stored in the IC chip 66 . Then, the controller 230 calculates the outflow amount Qc by multiplying the flow amount FR by the calculation period Δt (Qc=FR×Δt).

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc′ read from the EEPROM 234 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time _tk (S123). That is, the controller 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

In S123, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the sub-tank 100 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , and The ink amount Vs at time _tk is calculated by adding the outflow amount Qc of the ink that has flowed out to the second storage chamber 105 .

Next, the controller 230 stores the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S123 in the EEPROM 234 (S124). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S123 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc calculated in S123 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S125). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc calculated in S123 immediately before.

Then, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display the ink remaining amount screen (S126). The ink remaining amount screen is a screen for notifying the user of both the calculated ink amount Vc and ink amount Vs. The ink remaining amount screen is, for example, the screen shown in FIG.

Next, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T2, and starts measuring the elapsed time T2 (S127).

Subsequently, the controller 230 sets the setting value of the first initial flag to "OFF" (S128).

Next, the controller 230 compares the ink amount Vs calculated in S123 with the volume _Vth (S135). As shown in FIG. 18B, the liquid surface in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 reaches the imaginary line L when the ink amount Vs reaches the volume _Vth . As a result, the ink blocks the third opening 141 of the gas flow path 104 , and the ink does not move between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 . A state in which ink does not substantially move between the first storage chamber 53 and the second storage chamber 105 is defined as an equilibrium state.

In response to determining that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S129: No), the controller 230 executes the processes from S118. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S129: Yes), the cartridge mounting process ends.

When the controller 230 determines in S118 that it has not received any signal, does not start the purge process, and does not start transitioning to the sleep state (S118: No), It is determined whether or not the elapsed time T1 exceeds the threshold time Th1 (S130). The elapsed time T1 is the difference between the start time of the elapsed time T1 stored in the RAM 233 in S115 and the current time. In response to determining that the elapsed time T1 has not exceeded the threshold time Th1 (S130: No), the controller 230 executes the process of S118 again.

When the controller 230 determines that the elapsed time T1 has exceeded the threshold time Th1 (S130: Yes), the controller 230 calculates the ink amounts Vc and Vs when the ink has completely flowed from the ink cartridge 50 to the sub-tank 100. (S131).

First, the controller 230 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amounts Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 234 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, if the total amount Vt is greater than the volume V _th , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vs to the volume V _th , and sets the ink amount Vc to a value obtained by subtracting V _th from the total amount Vt (Vc=Vt−V _th ). and On the other hand, if the total amount Vt is smaller than the volume _Vth , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vc to zero and the ink amount Vs to the total amount Vt.

Next, the controller 230 stores the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S131 in the EEPROM 234 (S132). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S131 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc calculated in S131 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S133). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc calculated immediately before at S131.

Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S134). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S126. The controller 230 then ends the cartridge mounting process.

[Remaining amount update process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, details of the remaining amount update process executed by the controller 230 in S50 will be described. Note that the controller 230 independently executes the remaining amount update process for each of the four ink cartridges 50 . Since the remaining amount update process for each ink cartridge 50 is common, only the remaining amount update process for one ink cartridge 50 will be described.

First, the controller 230 determines the set value of the C_Empty flag (S171). When the controller 230 determines that the setting value of the C_Empty flag is "ON" (S171: ON), it ends the remaining amount update process. C_Empty is set to "ON" (S163) when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from a low level signal to a high level signal (S: 151: L→H). At this time, the liquid level in the second storage chamber 105 of the sub-tank 100 reaches a predetermined position B during the process of S45, as shown in FIG. After that, since the ink does not move between the ink cartridge 50 and the sub-tank 100, there is no need to update the ink amount Vc. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the controller 230 terminates the remaining amount update process in response to the C_Empty flag being set to "ON" (S171: 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 230 determines that the set value of the C_Empty flag is "OFF" (S171: OFF), the controller 230 determines the calculation period Δt (S172). Specifically, the controller 230 controls the operation from the start of discharging ink from the recording head 39 for image recording of the first page sheet in S45 to the end of image recording of all pages of sheets (S49: No). is determined as the calculation period Δt and stored in the RAM 233 (S172). Further, the controller 230 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 233 . Time tk _-1 is the time when ink discharge from the recording head 39 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 S172 is executed. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the discharge period Δth.

Next, the controller 230 calculates outflow amounts Qa, Qc and ink amounts Vc, Vs (S173, S174). First, the controller 230 uses Equation 1 to calculate the outflow amount Qa during the calculation period Δt (S173). 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 recording head 39 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 . , 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.

The outflow amount Qc indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 through the liquid flow path 103 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 obtains the flow rate FR from a table or function of the ink amount Vc and the flow rate FR stored in the IC chip 66 . Then, the controller 230 calculates the outflow amount Qc by multiplying the flow amount FR by the calculation period Δt (Qc=FR×Δt).

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc′ read from the EEPROM 234 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time _tk (S174). That is, the controller 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

In S174, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vs' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vs′ read from the EEPROM 234 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 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qa of the ink flowing out of the sub-tank 100 during the calculation period Δt from the ink amount Vs′ at the time tk ₋₁ , and The ink amount Vs at time _tk is calculated by adding the outflow amount Qc of the ink that has flowed out to the second storage chamber 105 .

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S174 (S175). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S174 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc calculated in S174 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S176). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc calculated immediately before at S174.

Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S177). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S126.

Next, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T4, and starts measuring the elapsed time T4 (S178).

Subsequently, the controller 230 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "ON" (S179).

When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S180: No), it executes the processes from S181 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S180: Yes), the remaining amount update process ends.

The controller 230 determines whether or not the controller 230 has received the signal and whether or not to start the specific operation (S181). Specifically, controller 230 determines whether a high level signal or a low level signal is received from cover sensor 88 . Controller 230 determines whether it receives a high level signal or a low level signal from mounting sensor 154 . Controller 230 determines whether it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from tray sensor 29 . Controller 230 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from operation panel 22 . Controller 230 determines whether or not a reception signal has been received from communication interface 89 . Controller 230 determines whether to start the purge process. The controller 230 determines whether or not to initiate transition to the sleep state.

The controller 230 determines that it has received any one of the above signals, or determines that it starts the purge process, or determines that it starts transitioning to the sleep state (S181: Yes). , the processing from S182 onward is executed. More specifically, when the controller 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the cover sensor 88 (S181: Yes), it executes the processes from S182 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received a high-level signal or a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S181: Yes), it executes the processes from S182 onwards. When the controller 230 determines that it has received a high level signal or a low level signal from the tray sensor 29 (S181: Yes), it executes the processes from S182 onwards. Upon determining that the operation signal has been received from the operation panel 22 (S181: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes from S182 onward. When the controller 230 determines that the reception signal has been received from the communication interface 89 (S181: Yes), it executes the processes from S182 onwards. When the controller 230 determines to start the purge process (S181: Yes), the process from S182 onwards is executed. When the controller 230 determines to start transitioning to the sleep state (S181: Yes), the controller 230 executes the processes from S182 onward.

The controller 230 determines the set value of the second initial flag (S182). In response to determining that the set value of the second initial flag is "ON" (S182: ON), the controller 230, based on the start time of the elapsed time T4 stored in the RAM 233 in S178 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 233 (S183). Here, the elapsed time T4 is the time from the determination of No in S180 to the determination of Yes for the first time in S181. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the first post-ejection period Δth1.

When the controller 230 determines that the set value of the second initial flag is "OFF" (S182: OFF), the controller 230 calculates the elapsed time T5 from the start time and the current time to be stored in the RAM 233 in S190, 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 233 (S184). Here, the elapsed time T5 is the time from when it is determined as YES in S181 to when it is determined as YES in S181 next time. The determined calculation period Δt is an example of the post-ejection second period Δth2.

Further, in S183 and S184, the controller 230 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 233 (S183, S184). 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 S182 was executed.

Next, the controller 230 calculates outflow amounts Qa, Qc and ink amounts Vc, Vs (S185, S186). First, the controller 230 uses Equation 1 to calculate the outflow amount Qa during the calculation period Δt (S185). Qa=0 when ink is not discharged through the recording head 39 during the calculation period Δt, such as recording of an image on the sheet (S46) or purge processing.

The outflow amount Qc indicates the amount of ink that flows out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 through the liquid flow path 103 during the calculation period Δt. The controller 230 obtains the flow rate FR from a table or function of the ink amount Vc and the flow rate FR stored in the IC chip 66 . Then, the controller 230 calculates the outflow amount Qc by multiplying the flow amount FR by the calculation period Δt (Qc=FR×Δt).

Next, the controller 230 reads the ink amount Vc stored in the EEPROM 234 as the ink amount Vc' at time tk _-1 . Then, the controller 230 substitutes the ink amount Vc' read from the EEPROM 234 and the outflow amount Qc calculated immediately before into Equation 3 to calculate the ink amount Vc at time tk ( _S186 ). That is, the controller 230 subtracts the outflow amount Qc of the ink flowing out from the first storage chamber 53 to the second storage chamber 105 during the calculation period _Δt from the ink amount Vc′ at the time tk ₋₁ , , the ink amount Vc is calculated.

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S186 (S187). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S174 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc calculated in S186 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S188). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc calculated immediately before in S186.

Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S189). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S26.

Next, the controller 230 causes the RAM 233 to store the current time as the start time of the elapsed time T5, and starts measuring the elapsed time T5 (S190).

Subsequently, the controller 230 sets the setting value of the second initial flag to "OFF" (S191).

When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is less than the volume _Vth (S192: No), the controller 230 executes the processes after S181 again. When the controller 230 determines that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the volume _Vth (S192: Yes), the remaining amount update process ends.

When the controller 230 determines in S181 that it has not received any signal, does not start the purge process, and does not start transitioning to the sleep state (S181: No), It is determined whether or not the elapsed time T3 exceeds the threshold time Th2 (S193). The elapsed time T3 is the difference between the start time of the elapsed time T3 stored in the RAM 233 in S47 and the current time. In response to determining that the elapsed time T3 has not exceeded the threshold time Th2 (S193: No), the controller 230 executes the process of S181 again.

When the controller 230 determines that the elapsed time T3 has exceeded the threshold time Th2 (S193: Yes), the controller 230 calculates the ink amounts Vc and Vs when the ink has completely flowed from the ink cartridge 50 to the sub-tank 100. (S194).

First, the controller 230 calculates the sum of the post-replacement ink amounts Vc1 and Vs1 stored in the EEPROM 234 in S17 as the post-replacement total amount Vt1 (Vt1=Vc1+Vs1). Next, the controller 230 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). Next, if the total amount Vt is greater than the volume V _th , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vs to the volume V _th , and sets the ink amount Vc to a value obtained by subtracting V _th from the total amount Vt (Vc=Vt−V _th ). and On the other hand, if the total amount Vt is smaller than the volume _Vth , the controller 230 sets the ink amount Vc to zero and the ink amount Vs to the total amount Vt.

Next, the controller 230 causes the EEPROM 234 to store the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S194 (S195). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amounts Vc and Vs stored in the EEPROM 234 with the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in S194 immediately before.

Also, the controller 230 stores the ink amount Vc calculated in S194 in the memory of the IC chip 66 through the contact 152 (S196). More specifically, the controller 230 overwrites the ink amount Vc stored in the second area of the memory of the IC chip 66 with the ink amount Vc calculated in S194 immediately before.

Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display an ink remaining amount screen (S197). The remaining ink screen may be the same as the remaining ink screen displayed on the display 17 in S126. The controller 230 then ends the remaining amount update process.

[Modification]
In each of the above embodiments, the first opening 131 of the liquid channel 103 is above the predetermined position B, but the first opening 131 is below the predetermined position B and near the bottom surface of the second storage chamber 105. good too. In this case, the ink stored in the first storage chamber 53 and the ink stored in the second storage chamber 105 are connected by the liquid channel 103 . Therefore, the flow rate Qc is calculated based on the difference between the liquid level of the ink stored in the first storage chamber 53 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the second storage chamber 105, that is, the water head difference. That is, it is calculated based on the sum of the height Hc' at time tk _-1 , the difference Hsl' between the height Hs' and the reference position (virtual line L), the viscosity ρ, the flow path resistance Rn, and the gravitational acceleration g be done. The outflow amount Qc increases as the sum of the height Hc' and the difference Hsl' increases. Also, the outflow amount Qc becomes smaller as the channel resistance Rn of the liquid channel 103 increases.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the controller 230 determines that the equilibrium state is established based on determination that the calculated ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the capacity _Vth in the cartridge mounting process and the remaining amount update process. Alternatively, the controller 230 may determine the equilibrium state by detecting whether the liquid level in the second storage chamber 105 reaches the imaginary line L with the liquid level sensor 155 . Further, instead of S30, S93, S130, and S193, S31, S94, S131, and S194 are executed based on the fact that the liquid level sensor 155 detects that the liquid level of the second storage chamber 105 has reached the virtual line L. may be executed.

In each of the above embodiments, the outflow amount Qc is calculated (S73, S173) and the ink amounts Vc and Vs are calculated (S74, S174) in the remaining amount update process. The ink amounts Vc and Vs in equilibrium may be calculated without calculating Qc.

That is, in the remaining amount update process, the controller 230 does not calculate the outflow amount Qc, and similarly to S94 and S194, calculates the total amount Vt and the ink amount when the ink has completely flowed from the ink cartridge 50 to the sub-tank 100. Calculate Vc and Vs. Then, the controller 230 stores the calculated ink amounts Vc and Vs in the EEPROM 234 as in S95 and S195. Also, the controller 230 causes the memory of the IC chip 66 to store the calculated ink amount Vc through the contact 152 as in S94 and S194. Subsequently, the controller 230 causes the display 17 to display the remaining ink amount screen similarly to S97 and S197, and ends the remaining amount updating process.

In each of the above-described embodiments, examples of signals (first signals) used for the determination of S18, S81, S118, and S181 include a signal output by the cover sensor 88, a signal output by the mounting sensor 154, and a signal output by the tray sensor 29. , the signal output by the operation panel 22, and the signal output by the communication interface 89 are illustrated, but other signals received by the controller 230 may be used. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, 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, S81, S118, and S181. may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the controller 230 responds to receiving a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then receiving a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then receiving a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154. (S12, S112: Yes), the processing shown in S13, S113 was executed. The reason why the controller 230 executes the processes shown in S13 and S113 is that the ink cartridge 50 is installed in the installation case 71 where the ink cartridge 50 is not present. In other words, the controller 230 may execute the processes shown in S13 and S113 in response to determining that the ink cartridge 50 is installed in the installation case 71 . It should be noted that controller 230 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 71 . Another example in which the controller 230 determines that the ink cartridge 50 is installed in the installation case 71 will be described below.

For example, controller 230 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from cover sensor 88 . The controller 230 then reads the identification information from the memory of the IC chip 66 and compares it with the identification information of the ink cartridge 50 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 234 . In response to determining that the identification information read from the memory of the IC chip 66 is different from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 234, the controller 230 may execute the processing shown in S17. That is, "the controller 230 reads the identification information from the memory of the IC chip 66 and compares it with the identification information of the ink cartridge 50 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 234. As a result, the identification information read from the memory of the IC chip 66 is is different from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 234 ” is an example of the controller 230 determining that the ink cartridge 50 is installed in the installation case 71 .

Also, for example, the controller 230 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from the cover sensor 88 . Then, the controller 230 causes the user to display a confirmation screen through the display 17 as to whether or not a new ink cartridge 50 has been installed in the installation case 71 . While displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17 , the controller 230 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen through the operation panel 22 . When the received input corresponds to the installation of the new ink cartridge 50 in the installation case 71, the controller 230 executes the process shown in S17. In other words, "the controller 230 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from the cover sensor 88. Then, the controller 230 instructs the user via the display 17 to mount a new ink cartridge 50 in the mounting case 71." While displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17, the controller 230 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen through the operation panel 22. If the received input is , and that a new ink cartridge 50 has been installed in the installation case 71” is an example of the controller 230 determining that the ink cartridge 50 has been installed in the installation case 71.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the controller 230 prohibits the discharge of ink through the recording head 39 if the S_Empty flag is "ON". Alternatively, the controller 230 may only display the S_Empty notification screen on the display 17 if the S_Empty flag is "ON".

Also, the IC chip 66 contacts the contact 152 and is electrically connected, but instead of this, it reads and writes data 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.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the ink is described as an example of the liquid. It can also be water for

10... compound machine (liquid ejection device)
17... Display (annunciator)
39... Recording head 53... First storage chamber (first liquid chamber)
66 IC chip (cartridge memory)
71... Mounting case 88... Cover sensor 100... Sub-tank 103... Liquid channel 104... Gas channel 105... Second storage chamber (second liquid chamber)
106...Atmospheric communication port 131...First opening 132...Second opening 141...Third opening 142...Fourth opening 147...Atmospheric communication path 152...Contact point (interface)
154 Mounted sensor 155 Liquid level sensor 230 Controller 234 EEPROM (apparatus memory)

Claims (24)

a tank;
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
a head in communication with the tank;
a device memory;
A liquid ejection device comprising a controller,
The above cartridge
having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid,
The tank above
a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid;
a liquid channel and a gas channel communicating with the second liquid chamber;
an atmosphere communication passage that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside,
The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected wearing state,
The first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening,
The second liquid chamber has a portion located below the third opening,
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 the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber from the device memory;
From the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory, the amount of liquid Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, and the size of the liquid flow path reading the flow path resistance Rn,
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 height Hc and the read flow path resistance. determined based on 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
further reading the height Hs from the reference position to the second liquid chamber from the device memory;
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. 2. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made based on the road resistance Rn. The above controller is
further reading the height Hs from the reference position to the second liquid chamber from the device memory;
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 updated height Hs is less than the threshold height,
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is less 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;
Based on the updated heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rn, the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined second period Δt2 is calculated. 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;
3. 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 of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined second period Δt2 by using the updated heights Hc, Hs and the flow path. 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the determination is based on the resistance Rn. Based on the determination that the height Hs is equal to or greater than the height Hth from the reference position to the third opening of the gas flow path, the controller determines that the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs 5. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the process of determining and storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped. a tank;
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
a head in communication with the tank;
a device memory;
A liquid ejection device comprising a controller,
The above cartridge
having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid,
The tank above
a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid;
a liquid channel and a gas channel communicating with the second liquid chamber;
an atmosphere communication passage that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside,
The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected wearing state,
The first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening,
The second liquid chamber has a portion located below the third opening,
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 the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber from the device memory;
reading out the amount of liquid Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory;
determining an outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 based on the read liquid amount Vc;
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 controller determines an outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δt1 based on the read liquid amounts Vc and Vs. 7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6. The controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc and Vs based on determination that the liquid amount Vs is equal to or greater than the liquid amount Vth that closes the third opening of the gas flow path, and 8. The liquid discharging device according to claim 6, wherein the process of storing the determined liquid amounts 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;
9. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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 tank;
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
a head in communication with the tank;
a device memory;
A liquid ejection device comprising a controller,
The above cartridge
having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid,
The tank above
a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid;
a liquid channel and a gas channel communicating with the second liquid chamber;
an atmosphere communication passage that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside,
The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected wearing state,
The first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening,
The second liquid chamber has a portion located below the third opening,
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 second liquid chamber 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 amount of liquid Vc stored in the first liquid chamber, the height Hc from the reference position to the liquid surface of the first liquid chamber, and the size of the liquid flow path reading the flow path resistance Rn,
determining the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth based on the read height Hc and the flow path resistance 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 updated height Hs is less than the threshold height,
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is less than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is less 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 flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge is calculated based on the updated height Hc and the flow path resistance 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
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 determined based on the read heights Hc and Hs and the flow path resistance Rn. death,
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 Rn. 11. The liquid ejection device of claim 10, wherein the determination is based on: 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 updated height Hs is equal to or less than the threshold height,
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is equal to or less than the threshold height and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the updated height Hs is equal to or less 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 second period Δth2 after discharge is calculated based on the updated height Hc and the flow path resistance 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;
12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10, 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 of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined second period Δth2 after discharge, using the updated heights Hc, Hs, and the 13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 12, wherein the determination is made based on the flow path resistance Rn. Based on the determination that the height Hs is equal to or greater than the height Hth from the reference position to the third opening of the gas flow path, the controller determines that the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc, Vs 14. The liquid discharge device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the process of determining and storing the determined liquid amounts Vc and Vs is stopped. a tank;
a mounting case in which the cartridge is mounted;
a head in communication with the tank;
a device memory;
A liquid ejection device comprising a controller,
The above cartridge
having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid,
The tank above
a second liquid chamber that stores the liquid;
a liquid channel and a gas channel communicating with the second liquid chamber;
an atmosphere communication passage that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside,
The liquid channel has a first opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a second opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The gas flow path has a third opening formed at one end side communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fourth opening formed at the other end side opposite to the one end side and opening to the outside. and
The cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge communicates with the second opening of the liquid channel and the fourth opening of the gas channel of the tank. In the connected wearing state,
The first liquid chamber has a portion positioned above the second opening,
The second liquid chamber has a portion located below the third opening,
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 second liquid chamber toward the head during a discharge period Δth during liquid discharge through the head based on the determined discharge amount Dh;
reading the liquid amount Vs stored in the second liquid chamber from the device memory;
reading out the amount of liquid Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the flow path resistance Rn of the liquid flow path from the cartridge memory provided in the cartridge or the device memory;
determining the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth based on the read liquid amount Vc;
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 whether or not the updated liquid amount Vs is less than a threshold;
based on determining that the updated liquid volume Vs is less than the threshold and determining that the first signal has been received, or
Based on determining that the updated liquid amount Vs is less than the threshold value and determining to start the specific operation,
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 from the device memory;
reading the updated liquid amount Vc 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 first period Δth1 is obtained from the updated liquid amounts Vc and Vs and the flow path resistance Rn determined based on
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 the outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the discharge period Δth based on the read liquid amounts Vc and Vs;
wherein an outflow amount Qc of the liquid flowing out from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber during the determined first period Δth1 after discharge is determined based on the updated liquid amounts Vc and Vs. 16. The liquid ejection device according to 15. The controller determines the outflow amount Qc and the liquid amounts Vc and Vs based on determination that the liquid amount Vs is equal to or greater than the liquid amount Vth that closes the third opening of the gas flow path, and 17. The liquid discharge device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the process of storing the determined liquid amounts 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;
18. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, 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
19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, configured to receive a first signal output by said communication interface based on receiving an instruction to discharge liquid from said head from an external device through said communication interface. liquid discharger. The above controller is
20. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the specific operation is configured to start ejection of liquid from the head or to initiate transition to a sleep state. further having an interface;
The above controller is
21. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, 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
22. The liquid discharging device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, 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
23. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the alarm is activated when the determined liquid amount Vs becomes less than a threshold amount. The above controller is
24. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein ejection of the liquid through the head is prohibited when the determined liquid amount Vs becomes less than a threshold amount.

Images