JP7222439B2 - Liquid consumption and delivery system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a liquid consuming device, a liquid consuming system, and a delivery system for ordering cartridges storing liquid.

A method, a control device, and a program for ordering cartridges in which liquid such as ink is stored are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). A cartridge is attached to a liquid consuming device such as a printer or a multi-function peripheral, and supplies liquid to the liquid consuming device.

In the conventional ordering method, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge is obtained, and the date when the liquid stored in the cartridge will run out is estimated. The estimated days are then used to determine the predetermined days that the cartridge has liquid left. Further, a new cartridge is ordered on the determined date. As a result, a new cartridge will be delivered to the user of the liquid consuming device before the liquid stored in the cartridge attached to the liquid consuming device runs out.

JP 2017-47537 A JP-A-2003-15477

In the above-described conventional ordering method and the like, the remaining amount information, which is the basis for determining the order date, indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge attached to the liquid consuming device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means for determining the date for ordering cartridges based on information including information other than the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge.

A liquid consumption system according to the present invention includes a mounting case to which a cartridge having a first liquid chamber storing liquid is mounted, and a tank having a second liquid chamber, one of which is in communication with the second liquid chamber. , a channel communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge the other of which is mounted in the mounting case, a head communicating with the second liquid chamber, a first communication interface, and a controller system. . The controller system determines a remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank, determines whether the determined remaining amount reaches a predetermined amount, and determines whether the determined remaining amount reaches the predetermined amount. Based on the fact that it is determined that the quantity has been reached, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface.

Another liquid consumption system according to the present invention includes a mounting case to which a cartridge having a first liquid chamber storing liquid is mounted, a tank having a second liquid chamber, and one of which communicates with the second liquid chamber. a channel communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case, a head communicating with the second liquid chamber, a liquid level sensor, and a first communication interface. , a controller system. The controller system receives a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position, and detects the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber. receives a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to being below the predetermined position, and receives the second signal from the liquid level sensor after receiving the first signal and transmitting first information instructing ordering of the cartridge through the first communication interface.

A delivery system of the present invention includes any of the liquid consumption systems described above and a server. The server has a controller and a communication interface. The controller of the server receives the first information transmitted by the liquid consuming system through the communication interface of the server, and, in response to receiving the first information, transmits information for arranging delivery of the cartridge. create.

According to the present invention, the date for placing an order for the cartridge can be determined based on information including information other than the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a delivery system 5 according to the first embodiment. 2A and 2B are external perspective views of the printer 10, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the cover position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the open position. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. FIG. 5A and 5B show the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical sectional view. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of print processing according to the first embodiment. 8A is a flow chart of the first update process, FIG. 8B is a flow chart of the second update process, and FIG. 8C is a flow chart of the third update process. (D) is a flowchart of a fourth update process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of contact information transmission processing. FIG. 10A is a flowchart of order information transmission processing, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart of shipping information generation processing. FIG. 11A is a flowchart of print processing according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a flowchart of fifth update processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of contact information transmission processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of contact information transmission processing according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of contact information transmission processing according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of contact information transmission processing according to the third modification.

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. Also, the execution order of each process to be described later can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
In this embodiment, the delivery system 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The delivery system 5 includes a printer 10 and an information collection server 40 that collects information from one or more printers 10 . The printer 10 and the information collection server 40 are connected by a communication line 6 such as the Internet. The printer 10 and the information collection server 40 can communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as TCP/IP. In addition, the information collection server 40 can transmit information via the communication line 6 to the shipping server 50 that accepts orders. The printer 10 and information collection server 40 are examples of the liquid consumption system of the present invention. Printer 10 is an example of a liquid consuming device. The information collection server 40 is an example of an information processing device. The shipping server 50 is an example of a server.

[Overview of printer 10]
The printer 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an inkjet printer that prints an image on a sheet by ejecting ink droplets. The printer 10 may be a multifunction device having functions such as facsimile, scan, and copy functions.

Below, the vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to a usage posture in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal plane so that it can be used. A left-right direction 9 is defined as viewed from the That is, in the usage posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

The printer 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 14 . Inside the housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, a platen 26, A discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, a mounting case 150, and a tank 160 are located.

The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported by the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26 . Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink supplied through the tube 19 from the tank 160 through the nozzles 29 . As a result, the ink lands on the sheet supported by the platen 26 and an image is printed on the sheet. The printer 10 then drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image is printed to the discharge tray 16 .

More specifically, the head 21 is mounted on a carriage 20 that reciprocates along a main scanning direction (parallel to the left-right direction 9 ) that intersects the conveying direction of the sheet by the conveying roller 25 . The carriage 20 is transmitted with the driving force of a motor (not shown) and moves along the main scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3). The printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage 20 along the main scanning direction while the transport of the sheet by the transport rollers 25 is stopped. As a result, an image is printed on a partial area (hereinafter referred to as “one pass”) of the sheet facing the head 21 . Next, the printer 10 causes the transport rollers 25 to transport the sheet so that the area where the image is to be printed next faces the head 21 . By alternately and repeatedly executing these processes, an image is printed on one sheet.

[Display 28]
The housing 14 has a display 28 . A display 28 is located on the front surface of the housing 14 . The display 28 is a so-called touch panel in which a touch sensor is arranged on the display panel. However, instead of the display 28 or together with the display 28, a display panel and push buttons may be located on the front surface of the housing 14. FIG. The display 28 accepts input from the user.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. Housing 14 further includes a cover 87 . The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (position shown in FIG. 3A) covering the opening 85 and an opening position (position shown in FIG. 3B) opening the opening 85. be. For example, the cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 in the vicinity of the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis along the horizontal direction 9 . A mounting case 150 in which the cartridge 200 is mounted is positioned in a housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85 .

[Mounting case 150]
The mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 32, a liquid level sensor 33, and a lock pin 156, as shown in FIG. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, rods 153, mounting sensors 32, and liquid level sensors 33 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one or five or more.

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

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

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

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

[Wearing sensor 32]
The mounting sensor 32 is positioned on the top wall of the mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 32 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , a light shielding rib 245 (described later) of the cartridge 200 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32 . In other words, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32 are positioned facing each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

The mounting sensor 32 outputs different signals (hereinafter referred to as "mounting signals") 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 32 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving portion being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Liquid level sensor 33]
The liquid level sensor 33 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detected portion 194 of the actuator 190, which will be described later, is positioned at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 33 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . In other words, when the detected portion 194 is positioned at the detection position, the detected portion 194 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 33 . On the other hand, when the detected portion 194 is not positioned at the detection position, the detected portion 194 is not positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 33 . The liquid level sensor 33 outputs different signals depending on whether the light output from the light emitting section is received by the light receiving section. For example, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

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

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 has four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200 respectively. Specifically, a tank 160 storing magenta ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 storing magenta ink, and a tank 160 storing cyan ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 storing cyan ink. Corresponding to the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 storing yellow ink, black ink is stored corresponding to the tank 160 storing yellow ink and the cartridge 200 storing black ink. a tank 160; Since the configuration of the four tanks 160 is generally common, one tank 160 will be described below.

The tank 160 is positioned further rearward than the inner wall of the mounting case 150 . As shown in FIG. 4, the tank 160 is composed of an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). In addition, the front wall 162 is configured by a plurality of walls that are shifted in the front-rear direction 8 . A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160 . The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

Of the walls forming the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 33 is translucent. As a result, the light output from the liquid level sensor 33 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 33 . At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film that is welded to the top wall 161, the bottom wall 163, and the end faces of the side walls. Also, the sidewall of the tank 160 may be shared with the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150 . Further, the tanks 160 adjacent in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by partition walls (not shown).

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through an outlet 174 . A lower end of the outflow port 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines a lower end of the liquid chamber 171 . The outflow port 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184). An ink flow path (not shown) communicating with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 19 . As a result, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 19 . In other words, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 19 . One end (outflow port 174 ) of the ink channel and tube 19 communicating with the outflow port 174 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 , and the other end 89 (see FIG. 3 ) communicates with the head 21 .

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

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

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

[Actuator 190]
As shown in FIG. 4, an actuator 190 is positioned in the liquid chamber 171 . The actuator 190 is rotatably supported along the directions of arrows 198 and 199 by a support member (not shown) arranged inside the liquid chamber 171 . Actuator 190 can pivot between a first state shown in solid lines and a second state shown in dashed lines in FIG. Further, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of the arrow 198 from the solid line position by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). Actuator 190 includes float 191 , shaft 192 , arm 193 , and detected portion 194 . Actuator 190 is an example of a detected object.

The float 191 is made of a material having a lower specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 . The shafts 192 protrude from the right and left surfaces of the float 191 along the left-right direction 9 . The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the actuator 190 is supported by the supporting member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192 . Arm 193 extends substantially upward from float 191 . The detected portion 194 is positioned at the tip of the arm 193 . That is, the arm 193 is positioned between the detected portion 194 and the shaft 192 . The detected portion 194 is a plate-shaped member extending along the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 . The detected part 194 is made of a material or color that blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part of the liquid level sensor 33 .

When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is higher than the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by the buoyant force is held at the detection position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4 by the stopper. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotates in the direction of the arrow 199 following the fall of the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 of the actuator 190 moves to a position different from the detection position. Since the detected portion 194 is a part of the actuator 190 , the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 .

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

When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P, the light output from the light emitting section of the liquid level sensor 33 is blocked by the detected section 194 positioned at the detection position. As a result, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 because the light from the light emitting section does not reach the light receiving section. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is below the reference position P, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 because the light output from the light emitting section reaches the light receiving section. do. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 33 . The reference position P is an example of a predetermined position. A low level signal "L" is an example of a first signal, and a high level signal "H" is an example of a second signal. Below, a low level signal may be described as "L" and a high level signal as "H".

[Cartridge 200]
The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 3) that stores liquid ink therein. Liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, resin walls. As shown in FIG. 5A, the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimension along the vertical direction 7 and the longitudinal direction 8 is larger than the dimension along the lateral direction 9 . It should be noted that the outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least part of the walls that constitute the cartridge 200 are translucent. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200 .

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

In the internal space of the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 5B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmosphere valve chamber 214 are formed. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212 . The upper liquid chamber 211 , the lower liquid chamber 212 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201 . On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is the internal space of the supply pipe 230 . The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200 .

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

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

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221 . The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222 in the closed position forward in the front-rear direction 8 against the biasing force of the coil spring 223 . By moving the valve 222 to the open position, the upper liquid chamber 211 is communicated with the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, a configuration in which the rod 153 breaks through the film that seals the air communication port 221 may be used.

The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward along the front-rear direction 8 from the rear wall 202 at the lower portion of the housing 201 . The supply pipe 230 is open at its rear end. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 with the outside of the cartridge 200 . The ink valve chamber 213 has one end (through hole 219 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212 ) and the other end (an ink supply port 234 described later) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200 . there is A packing 231 , a valve 232 and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213 .

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

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

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 communicate with each other.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper wall 204 is formed with a protrusion 241 . The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243 . The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are positioned above the top wall 204 . The locking surface 242 faces forward along the front-rear direction 8 and extends along each of the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (that is, substantially perpendicular to the top wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward and rearward.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5, a light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 behind the protrusion 241 . The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The light shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that shields light output from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 32 . The light shielding rib 245 is positioned on the optical path from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 32 to the light receiving portion when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 (FIG. 1) in response to the mounting of the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150 . On the other hand, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the fact that the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on the signal output from the attachment sensor 32 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip 34 is positioned on the outer surface of the top wall 204 and between the light shielding ribs 245 and the projections 241 in the front-rear direction 8 . An electrode 248 is formed on the IC chip 34 . The IC chip 34 also includes a memory (not shown). Electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of IC chip 34 . The electrodes 248 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 34 so as to be electrically conductive with the contacts 152 . That is, the electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the contacts 152 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . Controller 130 can read information from the memory of IC chip 34 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 and write information to the memory of IC chip 34 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 .

The memory of the IC chip 34 stores the type information of the cartridge 200, the serial number, and the cartridge remaining amount value. The type information is information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, the color of the stored ink, and the like. A serial number is information for individually identifying a cartridge 200 . The cartridge remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 . It should be noted that in the unused cartridge 200, as the cartridge remaining amount value, the initial remaining amount value indicating the initial ink remaining amount is stored in the memory.

[Controller 130]
The printer 10 has a controller 130 . The controller 130 includes a CPU 35, a storage unit 36, and a communication bus 39, as shown in FIG. The storage unit 36 has a ROM 37 , an EEPROM 61 and a RAM 62 . Controller 130 is an example of a first controller.

The ROM 37 stores an OS (Operating System) program 37A, a control program 37B, a communication program 37C, and the like. The control program 37B is a program for performing print processing and the like, which will be described later. The communication program 37C is a program that controls communication with an external device such as the information collection server 40. FIG. It is a program different from the OS program 37A and the control program 37B, and is a program that controls operations different from the operations controlled by the communication program 37C. The OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C are executed by the CPU 35 by processing instructions written in addresses. Below, operations processed by executing the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C may be described as operations of the controller 130 . Note that the controller 130 may have a hardware circuit using an IC that realizes part or all of the operations executed by the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C.

The EEPROM 61 stores device information of the printer 10 . The device information includes identification information of the printer 10 . The identification information of the printer 10 is the MAC address, serial number, etc. of the printer 10 .

The EEPROM 61 also stores a first discharge value, a second discharge value, an initial cartridge remaining amount value, an initial tank remaining amount value, an S_Empty flag, a C_Empty flag, an emergency flag, and a transmitted flag. Details will be described later in the printing process.

The communication bus 39 includes a head 21, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a communication I/F) 31, a mounting sensor 32, a liquid level sensor 33, a contact 152, a clock 30, a display 28, and (not shown). motors, etc. are connected. The clock 30 outputs date and time information. Communication I/F 31 is connected to communication line 6 . Communication I/F 31 is an example of a second communication interface.

The controller 130 rotates the feed roller 23 , the transport roller 25 and the discharge roller 27 by driving motors (not shown) through the communication bus 39 . In addition, the controller 130 causes the head 21 to eject ink droplets by outputting drive signals to the drive elements of the head 21 through the communication bus 39 .

Also, the controller 130 detects through the mounting sensor 32 whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . Furthermore, the controller 130 detects whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P through the liquid level sensor 33 .

The controller 130 also reads out the type information, the serial number, and the cartridge remaining amount stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrodes 248 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 and the contacts 152 . Further, the controller 130 updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 .

[Information collection server 40]
The information collection server 40 may be installed on the communication line 6 such as the Internet by the vendor of the printer 10, or may be installed by an operator other than the vendor. The information collection server 40 includes a CPU 41, a storage unit 42, a printer communication interface 43 (hereinafter referred to as communication I/F 43), a shipping server communication interface 44 (hereinafter referred to as communication I/F 44), and a clock. 48 and a communication bus 49 . The CPU 41 , storage unit 42 and communication bus 49 constitute a controller 45 . A clock 48 outputs date and time information. The communication I/F 43 is connected to the communication line 6 and communicates with the printer 10 and the shipping server 50 . The controller 130 of the printer 10 and the controller 45 of the information collection server 40 are an example of a controller system. The controller 45 of the information collection server 40 is an example of a second controller. Communication I/F 43 is an example of a first communication interface.

The storage unit 42 has a program storage area 46 and a data storage area 47 . The program storage area 46 is a hard disk or the like. The data storage area 47 is a RAM, hard disk, or the like.

The program storage area 46 stores programs such as an OS program 46A, a control program 46B, and a communication program 46C. The control program 46B executes processing described later. The communication program 46C controls communication with the printer 10 and the shipping server 50. FIG. The OS program 46A is a program different from the control program 46B, and is a program for performing control different from the communication program 46C. Below, the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C are copied from the hard disk to the RAM, and executed by the CPU 41 sequentially executing the instructions copied to the RAM. Below, operations processed by executing the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C may be described as operations of the controller 45 and the information collection server 40. FIG.

[Shipping server 50]
The shipping server 50 may be installed on the communication line 6 such as the Internet by the vendor of the printer 10, or may be installed by an operator other than the vendor. The shipping server 50 provides a service of shipping the cartridge 200 to the user of the printer 10 in response to a request from the information collecting server 40 .

The shipping server 50 includes a CPU 51 , a storage unit 52 , a communication interface 53 (hereinafter referred to as communication I/F 53 ), and a communication bus 54 . The CPU 51 , storage unit 52 and communication bus 54 constitute a controller 55 . Communication I/F 53 communicates with information collection server 40 . The configurations of the CPU 51 , the storage unit 52 , the communication I/F 53 and the communication bus 54 are the same as the configurations of the CPU 41 , the storage unit 42 , the communication I/F 43 and the communication bus 49 of the information collecting server 40 .

[Ink management by delivery system 5]
In the delivery system 5, the information collection server 40 collects management information including remaining ink amount information from the printer 10, and orders the cartridge 200 from the delivery server 50 when the remaining amount of ink becomes low. In this way, the information collection server 40 manages the remaining ink amount and orders the cartridge 200 , thereby saving the user of the printer 10 the trouble of managing the remaining ink amount and purchasing the cartridge 200 .

Specifically, the user of the printer 10 concludes a contract with a manufacturer that manages the remaining amount of ink and provides an ordering service for the cartridge 200 . The remaining ink management and cartridge 200 ordering service is a contracted service for each printer. The user information is information on the destination such as the name and address of the user to whom the cartridge 200 is to be delivered. The identification information is information for individually identifying the contracted printer 10 , such as the serial number and MAC address of the printer 10 .

Also, the identification information of the printer 10 and the user information are associated and registered in the information collection server 40 . Processing of the printer 10, the information collection server 40, and the shipping server 50 regarding the ordering of the cartridge 200 will be described in detail below.

[Processing Executed by Controller 130 of Printer 10]
Processing executed by the controller 130 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. Note that the execution order of each process described below can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

[Print processing]
Controller 130 executes the printing process shown in FIG. 7 in response to a print instruction being input to printer 10 . The print instruction may be obtained from any source without particular limitation. A print instruction is an example of an ejection instruction. The print instruction includes image data representing an image. The image data is stored in the RAM 62 of the printer 10 .

First, the controller 130 determines whether the value of the S_Empty flag stored in the EEPROM 61 is "ON" or "OFF" (S11). The controller 130 stores “ON” in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 before the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 reaches the upper end of the outflow port 174 through which the ink flows out from the tank 160 . The value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 stores "OFF" until "ON" is stored. Note that when the ink surface reaches the upper end of the outlet 174 , air may enter the nozzles of the head 21 . If the air that has entered the nozzles of the head 21 stays in the nozzles, there is a risk that the entry of ink into the nozzles will be hindered, or the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles will be hindered.

That is, the S_Empty flag is for preventing air from entering the nozzles of the head 21 . The controller 130 stores "OFF" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 in step S14 described later, and stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 in step S65. Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 130 prohibits ejection of ink through the head 21 in response to the S_Empty flag value of the EEPROM 61 being "ON". Further, the controller 130 permits ejection of ink through the head 21 in response to the S_Empty flag value of the EEPROM 61 being "OFF".

When the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 is "ON" (S11: ON), it acquires a mounting signal from the mounting sensor 32 at predetermined time intervals. Next, the controller 130 changes the acquired mounting signal from a low level signal (hereinafter referred to as “L”) to a high level signal (hereinafter referred to as “H”), and furthermore, the acquired mounting signal changes to “H”. ” to “L” (S12). That is, it is determined whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted based on the change in the mounting signal. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the controller 130 determines whether the acquired wearing signal has changed from "L" to "H" and furthermore whether the acquired wearing signal has changed from "H" to "L". determines whether the cartridge 200 is attached. In addition, the controller 130 determines whether the acquired wearing signal has changed from "L" to "H" and whether the acquired wearing signal has changed from "H" to "L" (S12: Yes). , the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is attached.

When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is not mounted (S12: No), it continues to acquire the mounting signal from the mounting sensor 32 periodically. When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is attached (S12: Yes), it executes the first update process (S13). Although the process of step S12 has been given as a specific example in which the controller 130 determines whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the serial number may be used to determine whether the cartridge 200 has been installed. Controller 130 reads the serial number of cartridge 200 from the memory of IC chip 34 of cartridge 200 . The controller 130 then determines whether or not the read serial number matches the serial number stored in the EEPROM 61 . The serial number stored in the EEPROM 61 is the serial number stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 installed in the installation case 150 before the new cartridge 200 was installed in the installation case 150 . In this case, the controller 130 determines that the serial number read from the memory of the IC chip 34 and the serial number stored in the EEPROM 61 do not match. It is to be.

[First update process]
In the first update process shown in FIG. 8A, the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value and initial tank remaining amount value stored in the EEPROM 61 with the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200. This is the process of updating the

First, the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the contact 152 (S31). The controller 130 stores the read cartridge remaining amount value in the EEPROM 61 as an initial cartridge remaining amount value (S32).

Also, the controller 130 reads out the tank remaining amount value from the RAM 62 (S33). Note that when the tank remaining amount value is not stored in the RAM 62 due to the power being turned off, etc., the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount value in the same manner as the fourth updating process described later, and sets the calculated tank remaining amount value to Store in RAM 62 . The tank remaining amount value read from the RAM 62 indicates the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 is attached. In other words, the tank remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is removed. The controller 130 causes the EEPROM 61 to store the tank remaining amount value read from the RAM 62 as the initial tank remaining amount value (S33).

The controller 130 adds the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink (S34). The controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and tank remaining amount value from the calculated total remaining amount value (S35).

Specifically, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , part of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 flows into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 . leak. The flow of ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 depends on the head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Stop when the difference is almost gone. In the new cartridge remaining amount value and the new tank remaining amount value, the difference between the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 has almost disappeared. Indicates the amount of ink remaining in the state.

The cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined, for example, by the controller 130 calculating based on calculation formulas stored in the EEPROM 61 or ROM 37 . Alternatively, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined by the controller 130 based on a table stored in the EEPROM 61 or ROM 37, for example. Specifically, the shape of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the shape of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are predetermined by design. Therefore, if the total remaining amount of ink is known, the cartridge remaining amount and the tank remaining amount when the difference between the head of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the head of the ink stored in the tank 160 has almost disappeared. I understand. The EEPROM 61 and ROM 37 pre-store calculation formulas for calculating the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value. Alternatively, the EEPROM 61 and ROM 37 pre-store a table showing the correspondence between the total remaining amount, the cartridge remaining amount, and the tank remaining amount. The controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value based on the total remaining amount of ink and the calculation formula and table.

The controller 130 causes the RAM 62 to store the determined new cartridge remaining amount value, and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 (S36). Further, the controller 130 causes the RAM 62 to store the determined new tank remaining amount value (S37). Next, the controller 130 causes the EEPROM 61 to store the date and time information output by the clock 30 as the mounting date and time (S38), and ends the first update process.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first update process ends (S13), the controller 130 stores "OFF" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61, stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61, and stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61. Zero is stored as the first discharge value and the second discharge value, "OFF" is stored in the emergency flag of the EEPROM 61, and "OFF" is stored in the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 (S14). After executing the process of step S14, the controller 130 executes the process of step S11 again. The C_Empty flag, first emission value, second emission value, emergency flag, and transmitted flag will be described later.

When the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it acquires a signal (hereinafter referred to as a liquid level signal) from the liquid level sensor 33 (S15). After that, the controller 130 prints on a sheet according to the image data stored in the RAM 62 (S16). Ink is discharged through the head 21 by printing an image on the sheet. As the ink is discharged, the ink level in the tank 160 is lowered. After executing printing (S16), the controller 130 acquires a liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor 33 (S17). Next, the controller 130 determines between the liquid level signal acquired in step S15 and the liquid level signal acquired in step S17 (S18). Hereinafter, the low-level signal obtained by the controller 130 from the liquid level sensor 33 may be referred to as "L". Also, the high level signal that the controller 130 acquires from the liquid level sensor 33 may be described as "H".

When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signals obtained in steps S15 and S17 are both "L" (S18: L→L), it executes the second update process (S19). When the controller 130 determines in step S18 that the liquid level signals obtained in steps S15 and S17 are both "L", the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is in the following state. That is, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before execution of printing (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 is "L"). Also, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after execution of printing (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "L"). That is, after execution of printing (S16), ink exists in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 when the liquid level signal obtained by the controller 130 in step S17 is "L".

[Second update process]
In the second update process shown in FIG. 8B, the controller 130 converts the first ejection value indicating the amount of ink ejected through the head 21 during printing or maintenance to new cartridge remaining amount value and tank remaining amount value. is a process for determining The first ejection value is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one ink droplet to be ejected by the head 21 by the number of times the one ink droplet is ejected. Each time the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, the controller 130 counts the first discharge value according to the instruction. The controller 130 counts the first ejection value corresponding to the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 from the time the cartridge 200 was installed to the present. That is, the first ejection value is an integrated value of the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 from the installation of the cartridge 200 to the present. The EEPROM 61 stores this first emission value. The first emission value is an example of an emission amount.

First, the controller 130 reads the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value from the EEPROM 61 (S41). Next, the controller 130 adds the read initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value to calculate the total remaining amount value (S42). The controller 130 subtracts the first discharge value from the calculated total remaining amount value to calculate a new total remaining amount value (S43). After that, the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value using a calculation formula and a table in the same manner as described above (S44).

The controller 130 causes the RAM 62 to store the determined new cartridge remaining amount value, and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 (S45). Further, the controller 130 causes the RAM 62 to store the determined new tank remaining amount value (S46), and ends the second update process.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the second update process (S19) ends, the controller 130 determines whether or not the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23). When the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23: Yes), the process of step S11 is executed again. When the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is not stored in the RAM 62 (S23: No), it ends the printing process.

It should be noted that the method for determining the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value described above is an example, and the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined by other methods.

When the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), the processing from steps S15 to S18 is executed again. When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal acquired in step S15 is "L" and the liquid level signal acquired in step S17 is "H" (S18: L→H), the third update process ( S20) is executed. In step S18, when the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal acquired in step S15 is "L" and the liquid level signal acquired in S17 is "H", the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 The stored ink is in the following states. That is, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before execution of printing (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 is "L"). Also, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after execution of printing (S16) is below the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "H"). That is, the ink that was in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 disappeared during the execution of printing (S16). In other words, it means that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up during the execution of printing (S16).

[Third update process]
The third update process shown in FIG. 8C is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value to the first predetermined value and updates the initial tank remaining amount value to the second predetermined value. Specifically, the first ejection value indicating the amount of ink ejected through the head 21 by printing or the like includes an error. For example, even if the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to eject a certain amount of ink, there is a difference between the amount of ink actually ejected from the head 21 and the specific amount instructed to the head 21 . may occur. This difference may be caused, for example, by the temperature when the ejection of the ink is instructed. This is because the lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity of the ink, making it more difficult for the ink to be discharged through the nozzles 29 . Furthermore, when the controller 130 repeatedly issues the above instructions to the head 21, the difference between the amount of ink actually ejected through the head 21 repeatedly and the amount of repeated specific amounts may increase. In other words, there is a possibility that an error is accumulated between the amount indicated by the calculated first ejection value and the amount actually ejected through the head 21 each time printing is performed.

Since the cartridge remaining amount value is determined according to the first ejection value, an error occurs between the ink remaining amount indicated by the cartridge remaining amount value and the actual ink remaining amount stored in the liquid chamber 210 . Further, since the tank remaining amount value is determined according to the first discharge value, an error occurs between the ink remaining amount indicated by the tank remaining amount value and the ink remaining amount actually stored in the liquid chamber 171 . Therefore, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value, which are determined each time printing is performed, include accumulated errors. The third update process is a process of resetting the accumulated error.

More specifically, the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 with the first predetermined value (S51). The first predetermined value is, for example, "zero". Further, the controller 130 stores the initial tank remaining amount value in the RAM 62 and the EEPROM 61 as the second predetermined value (S52). The second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the reference position P. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are pre-stored in the ROM 37, for example.

Next, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 (S53). Next, the controller 130 acquires the date and time information output by the clock 30 as the cartridge empty date and time (S54). Then, the controller 130 calculates the elapsed time from the installation date and time stored in the EEPROM 61 in step S38 to the cartridge empty date and time acquired in step S54 (S55). Cartridge empty indicates that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up.

Controller 130 determines whether the calculated elapsed time is less than the first time stored in ROM 37 or EEPROM 61 (S56). When the controller 130 determines that the calculated elapsed time is less than the first time (S56: Yes), it stores "ON" in the emergency flag of the EEPROM 61, and ends the third update process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the calculated elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time (S56: No), it skips the process of step S57 and ends the third update process. That is, when the calculated elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time, the emergency flag of the EEPROM 61 remains "OFF" stored in step S14.

The first time is a threshold for the controller 130 to determine whether or not the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. More specifically, the fact that the elapsed time, which is the time from when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 until the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up, is due to the fact that the liquid chambers 210 of the cartridge 200 This means that the discharge speed of the ink stored in is fast. Based on whether the elapsed time is less than the first time, it is determined whether the ejection speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. That is, the emergency flag of the EEPROM 61 stores "ON" in accordance with the fact that the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. On the other hand, the emergency flag of EEPROM 61 stores "OFF" in response to the fact that the discharge speed of the ink stored in liquid chamber 210 of cartridge 200 is not fast.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the third update process (S20) ends, the controller 130 notifies a cartridge empty indicating that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up (S22). . Specifically, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display a cartridge empty image indicating that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up or that the cartridge 200 should be replaced. Note that the notification of cartridge empty is executed until, for example, "OFF" is stored in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 in step S14. That is, the cartridge empty image is displayed on the display 28 after the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up until the new cartridge 200 is installed.

The display 28 is an example of an annunciator. Note that the printer 10 may have a speaker instead of the display 28 or in addition to the display 28 . In this case, in step S22, the controller 130 causes the speaker to output a warning sound. A speaker is an example of an annunciator. Instead of the display 28, or together with the display 28, the printer 10 may be provided with lamps such as LEDs. In this case, in step S22, the controller 130 causes a lamp such as an LED to flash or light up. A lamp is an example of an alarm.

After executing the process of step S22, the controller 130 determines whether or not the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23). When the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23: Yes), the process of step S11 is executed again. When the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is not stored in the RAM 62 (S23: No), it ends the printing process.

When the controller 130 determines in the process of step S11 that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), the process of steps S15 to S18 is executed again. When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signals obtained in steps S15 and S17 are both "H" (S18: H→H), it executes the fourth update process (S21). When the controller 130 determines in step S18 that the liquid level signals obtained in steps S15 and S17 are both "H", the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is in the following states. That is, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before execution of printing (S16) is below the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 is "H"). Also, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after execution of printing (S16) is below the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "H"). That is, the controller 130 detects that there is no ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 before and after the execution of printing (S16).

[Fourth update process]
The fourth update process shown in FIG. 8D is a process in which the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount value and determines whether or not to prohibit printing. First, the controller 130 reads from the EEPROM 61 the initial tank remaining amount value updated to the second predetermined value (S61). The controller 130 subtracts the second discharge value from the read initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a new tank remaining amount value (S62). Like the first ejection value, the second ejection value is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one ink droplet to be ejected by the head 21 by the number of times the one ink droplet is ejected. Each time the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, the controller 130 counts the second discharge value according to the instruction. The controller 130 counts a second ejection value indicating the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 up to the present after the liquid level signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H". That is, the second ejection value is an integrated value of the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 after the liquid level signal acquired from the liquid level sensor 33 changed from "L" to "H" to the present. The EEPROM 61 stores this second discharge value.

The controller 130 causes the RAM 62 to store the calculated new tank remaining amount value (S63). Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not the counted second emission value reaches the threshold value (S64). The threshold is a value pre-stored in the ROM 37 or EEPROM 61 . When the controller 130 determines that the counted second discharge value has not reached the threshold value (S64: Yes), it ends the fourth update process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the counted second discharge value has reached the threshold value (S64: No), the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 stores "ON" (S65), and ends the fourth update process. Although not shown in the flowchart, when the controller 130 determines that "ON" is stored in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61, it prohibits ejection of ink through the head 21, including printing and maintenance.

The threshold value is set such that the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is slightly above the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value. More specifically, there may be an error between the design reference position P detected by the liquid level sensor 33 and the reference position P actually detected by the liquid level sensor 33 . This error may occur, for example, due to malfunction of the actuator 190 or the like. The threshold is such that even if the error is the maximum error that can be assumed at the time of design, the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 reaches the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold. A value that does not overlap. By prohibiting the discharge of ink through the head 21 by the controller 130 , entry of air into the head 21 is suppressed. In addition to the error described above, the threshold is determined by considering that the printer 10 is placed on an inclined surface. The value may be set such that the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outflow port 174 when the pressure reaches . Also, the second emission value may contain an error like the first emission value. Even if the second discharge value has the maximum error, the threshold is such that the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold. It may be set to a value such as

As shown in FIG. 7, when the fourth update process (S21) ends, the controller 130 determines whether or not the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23). When the controller 130 determines that the next page is stored in the RAM 62 (S23: Yes), the process of step S11 is executed again. When the controller 130 determines that the next page is not stored in the RAM 62 (S23: No), it ends the print process.

As described above, the controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value according to the amount of ink used for printing each time printing in step S16 is executed. In the above description, an example has been described in which the controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value each time one page is printed. Alternatively, the controller 130 may determine the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value each time one pass of printing is executed. In addition, the controller 130 executes the second update process, the third update process, and the fourth update process each time ink is discharged through the head 21 not only for printing but also for maintenance or the like. A maintenance execution instruction is an example of a discharge instruction.

[Process of sending contact information]
The controller 130 of the printer 10 periodically executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. Specifically, when the date and time information output by the clock 30 reaches the predetermined time stored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 61, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing. The predetermined time is, for example, each time of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing at predetermined times. Note that the controller 130 may execute the contact information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing when the time measured by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour).

The contact information transmission process is a process in which the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 . The contact information is information for determining whether or not the information collection server 40 transmits order information for ordering the cartridge 200 to the shipping server 50 . Details of the contact information transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the controller 130 determines whether or not the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100). When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S100: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process. When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100: Yes), it acquires the liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor 33, and determines whether the acquired liquid level signal is "H". It is determined whether or not (S101).

That is, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up by the time the current contact information transmission process is executed. When the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is not "H" (S101: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is "H" (S101: Yes), the process shown in step S102 is executed. At step S102, the controller 130 determines whether or not the emergency flag stored in the EEPROM 61 is "ON" (S102). When the value of the emergency flag stored in the EEPROM 61 is "ON", the elapsed time from the mounting of the cartridge 200 until the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 reaches the reference position P is compared. It's a short time. That is, when the value of the emergency flag stored in the EEPROM 61 is "ON", it indicates that the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast.

When controller 130 determines that the value of the emergency flag stored in EEPROM 61 is "ON" (S102: Yes), it generates contact information including emergency information (S103). Specifically, the controller 130 reads the type information of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 , and further reads the device information and emergency information of the printer 10 from the EEPROM 61 . Controller 130 generates contact information including the read type information, device information, and emergency information. Note that the controller 130 may store the type information read from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 in the EEPROM 61, read the type information from the EEPROM 61, and include it in the contact information.

The type information of the cartridge 200 is, for example, information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, the color of ink to be stored, and the like. The device information of the printer 10 includes identification information of the printer 10 such as the MAC address and serial number of the printer 10 . Identification information of the printer 10 is stored in the EEPROM 61 .

The emergency information is information indicating that the ejection speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. The emergency information may be the emergency flag value (ON) itself stored in the EEPROM 61 .

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the emergency flag stored in the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S102: No), it determines whether the date and time information output by the clock 30 has reached the predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM 61. (S104). The predetermined transmission time is, for example, a fixed time every day such as 0:00 or 12:00.

When the controller 130 determines that the date and time information output by the clock 30 has not reached the predetermined transmission time (S104: No), it ends the contact information transmission process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the date and time information output by the clock 30 has reached the predetermined transmission time (S104: Yes), it generates contact information that does not include emergency information (S105).

When the controller 130 generates the contact information (S103, S105), it transmits the contact information to the information collection server 40 through the communication I/F 31 (S106), stores "ON" in the sent flag of the EEPROM 61, End the contact information transmission process. The contact information sent from the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40 .

[Order information transmission process]
The details of the order information transmission process executed by the controller 45 of the information collection server 40 that has received the contact information will be described with reference to FIG. 10(A). The controller 45 of the information collection server periodically executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. 10(A). Specifically, the controller 45 executes order information transmission processing when the date and time information output by the clock 48 reaches the predetermined time stored in the storage unit 42 . The predetermined time is, for example, each time of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 45 executes order information transmission processing at predetermined time intervals. Note that the controller 45 may execute the order information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 45 executes order information transmission processing when the time measured by the clock 48 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour). Note that the controller 45 may execute the order information transmission process during a time period that includes the time at which the printer 10 transmits the contact information.

First, the controller 45 of the information collection server 40 determines whether contact information has been received through the communication I/F 43 (S401). When the controller 45 determines that the contact information has not been received (S401: No), it terminates the order information transmission process. On the other hand, when the controller 45 determines that it has received contact information through the communication I/F 43 (S401: Yes), it generates order information (S402).

The order information includes the type information of the cartridge 200 included in the contact information, user information including the address and address to which the cartridge 200 is to be delivered, and the like. The controller 45 reads the user information corresponding to the identification information of the printer 10 included in the contact information from the storage unit 42 and includes the user information in the order information.

Although not shown in the figure, the controller 45 determines whether or not the received contact information includes emergency information, or whether or not the contact information includes an emergency flag whose value is "ON". to judge whether If the controller 45 determines that the received contact information includes emergency information or that the contact information includes an emergency flag whose value is "ON", it includes the specified information in the order information. The specified information is information indicating delivery such as express delivery, which requires fewer delivery days than normal delivery. Order information is an example of the first information. The designation information is an example of second information. On the other hand, when the controller 45 determines that the received contact information does not contain emergency information or that the contact information does not contain an emergency flag with a value of "ON", it includes the specified information in the ordering information. I don't.

Note that the designation information may always be included in the order information. In this case, if the controller 45 determines that the received contact information contains emergency information or that the contact information contains an emergency flag with a value of "ON", the controller 45 determines that the contact information will be delivered faster than normal delivery such as express delivery. The order information also includes designation information indicating delivery in a short delivery period. On the other hand, when the controller 45 determines that the received contact information does not contain emergency information or that the contact information does not contain an emergency flag whose value is "ON", the controller 45 outputs designation information indicating normal delivery. Include in ordering information.

When the controller 45 generates the order information (S402), the generated order information is stored in the storage unit 42 and transmitted to the shipping server 50 through the communication I/F 44 (S403). The order information transmitted by the information collection server 40 is received by the shipping server 50 through the communication I/F 53 .

[Shipping information generation process]
The shipping information generating process executed by the controller 55 of the shipping server 50 that has received the order information will be described with reference to FIG. 10(B). The controller 55 of the shipping server 50 periodically executes order information generation processing. Note that the controller 55 may execute the order information generation process during a time period including the time when the information collection server 40 transmits the contact information. The controller 55 of the shipping server 50 determines whether order information has been received through the communication I/F 53 (S501). When the controller 55 determines that the order information has not been received, it ends the shipping information generation process (S501: No). On the other hand, when the controller 55 determines that the order information has been received (S501: Yes), it generates shipping information (S502), and ends the shipping information generating process.

The shipping information is information indicating that the cartridge 200 indicated by the type information included in the order information is to be shipped to the address and address indicated by the user information included in the order information. When the received order information includes designation information, the controller 55 generates shipping information so that the cartridge 200 is shipped by the type of delivery (express delivery or normal delivery) designated by the designation information. The generated shipping information is used for shipping the cartridge 200 .

[Effect of the first embodiment]
In this embodiment, the liquid surface sensor 33 detects that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately detect that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up, compared to the case where the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up based on the first discharge value. Based on the detection by the liquid level sensor 33, the shipping server 50 receives the transmitted order information. As a result, there is a high possibility that a new cartridge 200 will be delivered to the user after the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up. Therefore, the possibility that the cartridge 200 with remaining ink is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and the ink is wasted is reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, a tank 160 into which ink flows from inside the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is provided. Therefore, even if the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up, printing can be continued with the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 .

Further, in this embodiment, the controller 130 calculates the elapsed time from when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 until the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up. Based on the calculated elapsed time, the controller 130 determines whether or not the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. When the controller 130 determines that the ink discharge speed is fast, the controller 130 transmits the order information including emergency information or an "ON" emergency flag to that effect. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a new cartridge 200 will be delivered to the user before the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up. As a result, it is less likely that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 will be used up before the new cartridge 200 reaches the user, and printing will not be able to continue. It should be noted that "the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 has been used up" means that the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is at a position slightly above the outflow port 174 as described above. That's what it means.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the order information includes designation information indicating the speed of delivery, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up before the new cartridge 200 reaches the user. The risk of not being able to continue is further reduced.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when the controller 130 determines that the contact information has not been transmitted after the cartridge 200 is mounted (FIG. 9, S100: Yes) and the acquired liquid level signal is "H" (FIG. 9, S101: Yes), the example in which the controller 130 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 has been described. That is, an example in which the printer 10 transmits contact information based on the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 has been described. In the second embodiment, when the new total remaining amount value calculated in the fifth update process (FIG. 11B) becomes less than the first predetermined remaining amount value, the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collecting server 40. example. That is, in the second embodiment, the printer 10 may not have the liquid level sensor 33 .

Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the controller 130 of the printer 10 executes the printing process shown in FIG. 11A instead of the printing process shown in FIG. Instead of the contact information sending process shown in FIG. 12, the contact information sending process is executed. Processing other than the processing described below is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment. In the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the same processing as in the first embodiment is given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

The controller 130 of the printer 10 according to the second embodiment executes print processing shown in FIG. 11(A). The controller 130 executes the processes from steps S11 to S14 and the process of step S16 as in the first embodiment. When the controller 130 determines in step S11 that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it executes the process of step S16 and then executes the fifth update process (S24).

The fifth update process will be described with reference to FIG. The controller 130 executes the processes from steps S41 to S46 in the same manner as the second update process (FIG. 8B) described in the first embodiment. After executing step S46, the controller 130 determines whether or not the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is less than the second predetermined remaining amount (S71). The second predetermined remaining amount value is a theoretical value of the ink remaining amount when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up, and is stored in the ROM 37 or EEPROM 61 in advance.

When the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining capacity value calculated in step S43 is less than the second predetermined remaining capacity value (S71: Yes), it causes the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 to store "ON" (S72). 5 End the update process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is not less than the second predetermined remaining amount (S71: No), the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 becomes the first predetermined amount. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount is less than the remaining amount (S73).

The first predetermined remaining amount value is a theoretical value of the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up. This first predetermined remaining amount value is prestored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 61 . The new total remaining amount value calculated in step S43 is an example of the remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank. The first predetermined remaining amount value is an example of a predetermined amount.

Note that the controller 130 determines whether the first discharge value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value instead of determining whether the new total remaining amount value calculated in step S43 is less than the first predetermined remaining amount value. may The predetermined value is, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the first predetermined remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value, which is the sum of the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value. Since the new total remaining amount value is a value calculated using the first discharge value, whether or not the total remaining amount value is less than the first predetermined value is determined by determining whether the first discharge value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. It is synonymous with the judgment of Other determinations equivalent to the determination of whether the total remaining amount value is less than the first predetermined remaining amount value are included in the determination of whether the total remaining amount value is less than the first predetermined remaining amount value.

When the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is not less than the first predetermined remaining amount (S73: No), it ends the fifth update process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is less than the first predetermined remaining amount (S73: Yes), it stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 61 (S74). . Next, the controller 130 executes the processes from steps S54 to S57, as in the first embodiment. After that, the fifth update process is terminated in response to the execution of the process of step S57.

The printer 10 of the second embodiment executes processing shown in FIG. Specifically, when the date and time information output by the clock 30 reaches the predetermined time stored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 61, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. The predetermined time is, for example, each time of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing at predetermined times. Note that the controller 130 may execute the contact information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing when the time measured by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour).

The contact information transmission process is a process in which the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 . Contact information is the same as in the first embodiment. Details of the contact information transmission process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . Note that the same processing as the contact information transmission processing (FIG. 9) described in the first embodiment is assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether or not the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100). When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S100: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process. When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100: Yes), the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 of the fifth updating process is less than the first predetermined remaining amount. (S111).

When the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is not less than the first predetermined remaining amount (S111: No), it ends the contact information transmission process. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount value calculated in step S43 is less than the first predetermined remaining amount value (S111: Yes), steps S102 to S106 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. and send the contact information to the information collection server 40 .

The contact information sent by the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40 . The information collection server 40 that has received the contact information executes an order information transmission process (FIG. 10A) similar to that of the first embodiment. In addition, the shipping server 50 receives the order information transmitted by the information collection server 40 by the order information transmission processing shown in FIG. FIG. 10(B)) is executed.

[Effect of Second Embodiment]
In this embodiment, whether or not the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up is determined by the total remaining amount value calculated based on the first discharge value instead of the liquid level sensor 33. .

Further, in this embodiment, since the tank 160 into which the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is provided, even if the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up, the ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. With the ink applied, printing can continue.

In this embodiment, the controller 130 determines the time from when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 to when it is assumed that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up (cartridge empty date and time). Elapsed time is calculated. Based on the calculated elapsed time, the controller 130 determines whether or not the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. When the controller 130 determines that the ink discharge speed is fast, the controller 130 transmits the order information including emergency information or an "ON" emergency flag to that effect. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a new cartridge 200 will be delivered to the user before the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up. As a result, it is less likely that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 will be used up before the new cartridge 200 reaches the user, and printing will not be able to continue.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the order information includes designation information indicating the speed of delivery, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up before the new cartridge 200 reaches the user. The risk of not being able to continue is further reduced.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described first embodiment, when the controller 130 determines that the communication information has not been transmitted after the cartridge 200 is mounted (FIG. 9, S100: Yes) and the acquired liquid level signal is "H", ( FIG. 9 , S101: Yes), an example in which the controller 130 transmits contact information has been described. In Modified Example 1, an example will be described in which, when the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is “H”, communication information is transmitted based on the amount of ink discharged through the head 21 .

In Modified Example 1, the printer 10 executes the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. 13 instead of the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. Processing other than the processing shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment.

In Modified Example 1, the printer 10 executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. Specifically, when the date and time information output by the clock 30 reaches the predetermined time stored in the ROM 37 or EEPROM 61, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. The predetermined time is, for example, each time of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing at predetermined times. Note that the controller 130 may execute the contact information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing when the time measured by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour).

The contact information transmission process is a process in which the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 . Contact information is the same as in the first embodiment. Details of the contact information transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same processing as the contact information transmission processing (FIG. 9) described in the first embodiment is assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether or not the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100). When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S100: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process. When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100: Yes), it executes the process of step S101 as in the first embodiment. When the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is not "H" (S101: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is "H" (S101: Yes), it executes the process of step S121. The process of step S121 is a process of determining whether or not the second emission value is less than the predetermined emission value. The second ejection value is the amount of ink ejected through the head 21 after the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H".

Note that instead of determining whether the second discharge value is less than the predetermined discharge value, the controller 130 determines whether the remaining tank amount value calculated in the fourth update process (FIG. 8D) is equal to or greater than the threshold. You can judge. Since the tank remaining amount value is a value calculated using the second discharge value, the determination of whether the tank remaining amount value is equal to or greater than the threshold is the same as the determination of whether the second discharge value is less than the predetermined discharge value. Synonymous. Other determinations equivalent to determining whether the second emission value is less than the predetermined emission value are included in determining whether the second emission value is less than the predetermined emission value.

The predetermined discharge value is set, for example, according to the level of ink detected by the level sensor 33 and stored in advance in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 61 . For example, when the position of the ink level detected by the liquid level sensor 33 is above the reference position P, when the liquid level sensor 33 detects the ink level, the ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 . A predetermined amount of ink remains in the cartridge 200 before the ink is used up. The predetermined discharge value is set to a value corresponding to the predetermined amount.

When the controller 130 determines that the second discharge value is not less than the predetermined discharge value (S121: No), the contact information transmission process ends. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the second emission value is less than the predetermined emission value (S121: Yes), the processing from steps S102 to S106 is executed as in the first embodiment, and the contact information transmission processing is executed. finish. That is, the controller 130 generates communication information when the obtained liquid level signal is "H" and the second discharge value is less than the predetermined discharge value (S103, S105). After that, the controller 130 transmits the contact information, and stores "ON" in the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 (S106).

The contact information sent by the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40 . The information collection server 40 that has received the contact information executes an order information transmission process (FIG. 10A) similar to that of the first embodiment. The order information transmitted by the information collection server 40 through the order information transmission process shown in FIG. 10A is received by the shipping server 50 through the communication I/F 53. A shipping information generation process (FIG. 10B) similar to that of the first embodiment is executed.

[Effect of Modification 1]
In Modified Example 1, the controller 130 outputs contact information according to the second discharge value, which is the discharge amount of ink discharged through the head 21, after the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes to "H". Send. Therefore, the detection position of the liquid level sensor 33 of the printer 10 having the controller 130 can be freely selected.

Further, the controller 130 transmits contact information according to the second ejection value, which is the ejection amount of ink ejected through the head 21 after the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes to "H". Therefore, by changing the value of the predetermined ejection value, it is possible to freely change the timing at which the printer 10 transmits the communication information.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described first embodiment, when the controller 130 determines that the communication information has not been transmitted after the cartridge 200 is mounted (FIG. 9, S100: Yes) and the acquired liquid level signal is "H", ( FIG. 9 , S101: Yes), an example in which the controller 130 transmits contact information has been described. In Modified Example 2, even if the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 does not change from "L" to "H" due to a failure of the liquid level sensor 33 or the actuator 190, the controller 130 can be used as the information collection server. 40 illustrates an example of sending contact information.

In Modified Example 2, the printer 10 executes the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. 14 instead of the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. Processing other than the processing shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment.

In Modified Example 2, the printer 10 executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. Specifically, when the date and time information output by the clock 30 reaches the predetermined time stored in the ROM 37 or EEPROM 61, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing shown in FIG. The predetermined time is, for example, each time of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing at predetermined times. Note that the controller 130 may execute the contact information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 130 executes contact information transmission processing when the time measured by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour).

The contact information transmission process is a process in which the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 . Contact information is the same as in the first embodiment. Details of the contact information transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same processing as the contact information transmission processing (FIG. 9) described in the first embodiment is assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether or not the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100). When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S100: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process. When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100: Yes), it executes the process of step S101 as in the first embodiment. When the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is "H" (S101: Yes), the processing from steps S102 to S106 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the contact information transmission processing ends. .

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the acquired liquid level signal is not "H" (S101: No), it executes the process of step S131. The process of step S131 is a process of determining whether or not the new total remaining capacity value calculated in step S43 of the second updating process (FIG. 8B) is less than the lower limit remaining capacity value.

The lower limit remaining amount value is determined as follows. If the liquid level sensor 33 or the actuator 190 were to fail, the liquid level position of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 would move from above the reference position P to below the reference position P due to execution of printing or maintenance. Even if the level drops, the level signal output by the level sensor 33 does not change from "L" to "H". Then, in the determination process of step S18 shown in FIG. 7, the controller 130 does not determine that the liquid level signal has changed from "L" to "H". In this case, the second update process of step S19 is continuously executed. The lower limit remaining amount value is such that the liquid level position of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is below the reference position P by an amount corresponding to the detection error of the liquid level sensor 33, the error of the first discharge value, or the like. It is set as the value of the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the That is, when the new total remaining amount calculated in the second update process is less than the lower limit remaining amount, it is highly likely that the liquid level sensor 33 or the actuator 190 is out of order. The new total remaining amount value calculated in the second update process is an example of the remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank. The lower limit remaining amount value is an example of a predetermined remaining amount.

Note that the controller 130 may determine whether the first discharge value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value instead of determining whether the new total remaining amount value calculated in step S43 is less than the lower limit remaining amount value. The predetermined value is, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the lower limit remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value, which is the sum of the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value. Since the total remaining amount value is a value calculated using the first discharge value, whether or not the total remaining amount value is less than the lower limit remaining amount value is determined based on whether the total remaining amount value is less than the lower limit remaining amount value. It is synonymous with the judgment of Other determinations equivalent to the determination of whether the total remaining capacity value is less than the lower limit remaining capacity value are included in the determination of whether the total remaining capacity value is less than the lower limit remaining capacity value.

When the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is not less than the lower limit remaining amount (S131: No), the contact information transmission process ends. On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in step S43 is less than the lower limit remaining amount (S131: Yes), it generates contact information including emergency contact information (S103). Controller 130 transmits the generated contact information to information collection server 40 through communication I/F 31, stores "ON" in the transmitted flag of EEPROM 61 (S106), and terminates the contact information transmission process.

The contact information sent by the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40 . The information collection server 40 that has received the contact information executes an order information transmission process (FIG. 10A) similar to that of the first embodiment. In addition, the shipping server 50 receives the order information transmitted by the information collection server 40 by the order information transmission processing shown in FIG. FIG. 10(B)) is executed.

[Effect of modification 2]
In Modified Example 2, contact information is transmitted to the information collection server 40 even if the liquid level sensor 33 or the actuator 190 fails. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a new cartridge 200 will be delivered to the user before the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is used up. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 will be used up and printing will not be able to continue.

Further, in Modified Example 2, when the controller 130 determines that the total remaining amount is less than the lower limit remaining amount (S131: Yes), it generates contact information including emergency information, and sends the contact information to the information collection server 40. Send to Therefore, the new cartridge 200 can be delivered to the user more quickly than when contact information not including emergency information is sent to the information collection server 40 . As a result, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 will be used up and printing will not be able to continue.

Note that when the controller 130 determines that the total remaining amount is less than the lower limit remaining amount (S131), the controller 130 may generate contact information that does not include emergency information.

[Modification 3]
The printer 10 of the second embodiment described above may include the liquid level sensor 33 as in the first embodiment described above.

In modification 3, the printer 10 executes the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. 15 instead of the contact information transmission process shown in FIG. Processing other than the processing shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing described in the first and second embodiments. Note that the same processing as in the first and second embodiments is denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether or not the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100). When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S100: No), it terminates the contact information transmission process. When the controller 130 determines that the value of the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 61 is "OFF" (S100: Yes), the process of step S111 is executed as in the second embodiment. When the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount calculated in the fifth update process (FIG. 11B) is not less than the first predetermined remaining amount (S111: No), it ends the contact information transmission process.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the new total remaining amount value calculated in the fifth update process is less than the first predetermined remaining amount value (S111: Yes), steps S101 to S106 are performed as in the first embodiment. Execute the process up to

The contact information sent by the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40 . The information collection server 40 that has received the contact information executes an order information transmission process (FIG. 10A) similar to that of the first embodiment. The order information transmitted by the information collection server 40 through the order information transmission process shown in FIG. 10A is received by the shipping server 50 through the communication I/F 53. A shipping information generation process (FIG. 10B) similar to that of the first embodiment is executed.

[Effect of Modification 3]
In this modification, the controller 130 transmits contact information to the information collection server 40 regardless of the error in the calculated total remaining amount. This further reduces the possibility that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 will be used up before the new cartridge 200 reaches the user, and printing will not be able to continue.

[Other variations]
In the above-described first embodiment, the elapsed time from the mounting of the cartridge 200 until the liquid level signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H" is the time in step S55 (FIG. 8(D)). ) was calculated as an example. Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the elapsed time from when the cartridge 200 is attached until the total remaining amount value becomes less than the first predetermined remaining amount value is calculated in step S55 (FIG. 11B). explained. However, if the new total remaining amount value calculated in the second updating process or the fifth updating process is less than the first predetermined value (for example, the same as the first predetermined remaining amount value) stored in the ROM 37 or EEPROM 61, The elapsed time may be calculated as the time from when the remaining amount reaches a second predetermined value (greater than the second predetermined remaining amount value) which is smaller than the first predetermined value. That is, whether or not the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast depends on whether the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is increased from the remaining amount indicated by the first predetermined value to the second predetermined value. The determination may be made based on the elapsed time until the remaining amount indicated by the predetermined value is reached. The date and time information when the total remaining capacity value reaches the first predetermined value is an example of a predetermined point in time.

Further, in the above description, the point in time when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 is described as an example of the predetermined point in time, which is the starting point for calculating the elapsed time. However, the predetermined point of time that serves as the starting point for calculating the elapsed time can be various points of time, such as the point at which ink is discharged through the head 21 for the first time after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, or the point at which printing is executed for the first time. can be the predetermined point in time.

Also, in the above description, an example (S56) of determining whether or not to store "ON" in the emergency flag based on the calculated elapsed time has been described. However, based on the calculated elapsed time, it may be determined whether to send the contact information immediately or later. Specifically, the controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether the elapsed time is less than the first time. The first time in this case is an example of the predetermined time.

When the controller 130 determines that the elapsed time is less than the first time, after the determination process of step S101 (S101: Yes) or after the determination process of step S111 (S111: Yes), the contact information is promptly sent. Send (S106). Prompt transmission of the contact information means, for example, transmission without waiting for the date and time information output by the clock 30 to arrive on time. On the other hand, not sending the contact information promptly means, for example, sending the contact information after waiting for the date and time information output by the clock 30 to arrive on time. That is, if the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is slow, the communication information is sent at a fixed time every day or every week, and the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is fast. contact information will be sent without waiting until the scheduled time each day or week. When the discharge speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is high, the communication information is quickly transmitted. This further reduces the risk of running out of ink and being unable to continue printing.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the printer 10 transmits the contact information, and the information collection server 40 that has received the contact information transmits the order information to the shipping server 50 via the communication I/F 44 . However, each process executed by the controller 45 of the information collection server 40 may be executed by the controller 130 of the printer 10 . That is, printer 10 transmits order information to shipping server 50 through communication I/F 31 instead of transmitting contact information. In this case, the printer 10 is an example of a liquid ejection system, and the printer 10 and shipping server 50 are an example of a delivery system. Also, the controller 130 of the printer 10 is an example of a controller system.

In the above description, an example was described in which the ink flows out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 due to the head difference. However, the ink may flow from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 by gravity, a pump, or the like. That is, the present invention can also be used in printers that supply ink from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 by gravity or a drive source.

In the above description, the controller 130 is configured to detect whether the detected portion 194 of the actuator 190 is in the first state or the second state based on the signal output by the liquid level sensor 33. The configuration of the liquid level sensor 33 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 . For example, the liquid level sensor 33 optically detects the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 using a prism having a different reflectance depending on whether the ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171. It may be a sensor. Alternatively, the liquid level sensor 33 may be an electrode rod inserted into the liquid chamber 171 .

Further, in the above description, the ink is described as an example of the liquid, but for example, the pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the ink during printing may be stored in the cartridge. Also, water for cleaning the head 21 may be stored in the cartridge.

5 Delivery system 10 Printer 21 Head 30 Clock 31 Communication I/F
33... Liquid level sensor 36... Storage unit 40... Information collection server 42... Storage unit 43... Communication I/F
44 Communication I/F
45 Controller 46 Program 48 Clock 50 Shipping server 53 Communication I/F
55 Controller 130 Controller 150 Mounting case 160 Tank 171 Liquid chamber 190 Actuator 200 Cartridge 210 Liquid chamber

Claims (13)

A mounting for mounting a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored and a supply pipe having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and configured to communicate with the atmosphere. a case;
a second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the second liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside; a tank configured to be communicable with the atmosphere, having a channel for communicating with the liquid chamber, and an outlet positioned vertically below the channel;
a liquid level sensor;
a head communicating with the second liquid chamber through the outlet;
a first communication interface;
a controller system;
The controller system includes:
receiving a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position;
receiving a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being below the predetermined position;
After receiving the first signal, based on the fact that the second signal is received from the liquid level sensor, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface;
The controller system includes:
determining a remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber of the tank;
measuring the elapsed time from a predetermined time until it is determined that the remaining amount has reached a predetermined amount;
determining whether the elapsed time has reached a first time;
In response to determining that the elapsed time has not reached the first time, the first information and the second information indicating that the consumption rate of the liquid is high are transmitted through the first communication interface. liquid consumption system. A mounting for mounting a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored and a supply pipe having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and configured to communicate with the atmosphere. a case;
a second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the second liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside; a tank configured to be communicable with the atmosphere, having a channel for communicating with the liquid chamber, and an outlet positioned vertically below the channel;
a liquid level sensor;
a head communicating with the second liquid chamber through the outlet;
a first communication interface;
a controller system;
The controller system includes:
receiving a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position;
receiving a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being below the predetermined position;
After receiving the first signal, based on the fact that the second signal is received from the liquid level sensor, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface;
The controller system includes:
determining a remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber of the tank;
measuring the elapsed time from a predetermined time until it is determined that the remaining amount has reached a predetermined amount;
determining whether the elapsed time has reached a first time;
In response to determining that the elapsed time has not reached the first time, the first information and the second information indicating the delivery speed of the cartridge are transmitted through the first communication interface. liquid consumption system. A mounting for mounting a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored and a supply pipe having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and configured to communicate with the atmosphere. a case;
a second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the second liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside; a tank configured to be communicable with the atmosphere, having a channel for communicating with the liquid chamber, and an outlet positioned vertically below the channel;
a liquid level sensor;
a head communicating with the second liquid chamber through the outlet;
a first communication interface;
a controller system;
The controller system includes:
receiving a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position;
receiving a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being below the predetermined position;
After receiving the first signal, based on the fact that the second signal is received from the liquid level sensor, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface;
The controller system includes:
measuring the elapsed time from a predetermined time to the time when the second signal is received;
determining whether the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time;
A liquid consumption system that transmits the first information through the first communication interface in response to determining that the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time. A mounting for mounting a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored and a supply pipe having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and configured to communicate with the atmosphere. a case;
a second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the second liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside; a tank configured to be communicable with the atmosphere, having a channel for communicating with the liquid chamber, and an outlet positioned vertically below the channel;
a liquid level sensor;
a head communicating with the second liquid chamber through the outlet;
a first communication interface;
a controller system;
The controller system includes:
receiving a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position;
receiving a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being below the predetermined position;
After receiving the first signal, based on the fact that the second signal is received from the liquid level sensor, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface;
part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case,
The liquid consuming system, wherein the predetermined position is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case. a mounting case to which is mounted a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored and a supply pipe having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside;
a second liquid chamber, one end of which communicates with the second liquid chamber and the other end of which communicates with the outside; a tank having a channel for communicating the liquid chambers, and an outlet positioned vertically below the channel;
a liquid level sensor;
a head communicating with the second liquid chamber through the outlet;
a first communication interface;
a controller system;
The controller system includes:
receiving a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to a position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position;
receiving a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the supply pipe and in the second liquid chamber being below the predetermined position;
After receiving the first signal, based on the fact that the second signal is received from the liquid level sensor, the first information instructing to place an order for the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface;
part of the second liquid chamber is positioned below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case,
The liquid consuming system, wherein the predetermined position is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case. The controller system includes:
receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head after receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor;
discharging the liquid through the head in response to receiving the discharge instruction;
counting the discharge amount of the liquid instructed by the discharge instruction in response to receiving the discharge instruction;
Judging whether the counted discharge amount of liquid has reached a predetermined discharge amount,
4. The liquid consumption according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first information is transmitted through the first communication interface in response to determining that the counted discharge amount of liquid has reached the predetermined discharge amount. system. The controller system includes:
determining a remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid chamber of the tank;
determining whether the determined remaining amount has reached a predetermined remaining amount that is smaller than the amount of liquid when the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is at the predetermined position;
7. The liquid according to claim 6 , wherein said first information is transmitted through said first communication interface in response to said first signal being received and said determined remaining amount reaching said predetermined remaining amount. consumption system. It is also equipped with an alarm,
The controller system includes:
8. A liquid consumption system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 7, wherein said alarm is activated based on receiving said second signal after receiving said first signal. The tank has a detection object,
The detection object is in the first state when the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position, and the detection object is in the first state when the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is below the predetermined position. It becomes a second state different from the 1 state,
The liquid level sensor outputs the first signal in response to detection of the detection object in the first state, and outputs the second signal in response to detection of the detection object in the second state. 9. A liquid consumption system according to any of claims 1-3 and 6-8 . part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case,
10. The liquid consuming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, wherein said predetermined position is located below said first liquid chamber of said cartridge mounted in said mounting case. Equipped with a liquid consumption device and an information processing device,
The liquid consuming device includes the mounting case, the tank, the head, a first controller, and a second communication interface,
The information processing device has the first communication interface and a second controller,
The controller system comprises the first controller and the second controller,
The first controller is
determining whether the second signal is received after receiving the first signal;
After receiving the first signal, in response to determining that the second signal has been received, information indicating that the second signal has been received after receiving the first signal is transmitted through the second communication interface. Send to the information processing device,
The second controller is
receiving the information through the first communication interface;
11. The liquid consumption system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein said first information is transmitted through said first communication interface based on said information being received. 12. A liquid consumption system according to any preceding claim, comprising the cartridge. A liquid consumption system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a server,
The server has a controller and a communication interface,
The controller of the server is configured to:
receiving the first information transmitted by the liquid consumption system through the communication interface of the server;
A delivery system that creates information for arranging delivery of the cartridge in response to receiving the first information.

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