JP7290059B2 - image recorder - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus having a tank in which a cartridge is mounted and consumables are distributed from the cartridge.

2. Description of the Related Art An image recording apparatus is known that includes a tank in which a cartridge is mounted and liquid, which is an example of a consumable material, circulates from the cartridge (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-100003). In such an image recording apparatus, when the liquid stored in the cartridge runs out, a new cartridge is attached to the tank while the liquid stored in the tank is being consumed. This supplies liquid from a new cartridge to the tank.

JP 2017-213754 A

In an image recording apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges can be installed, a plurality of cartridges may be purchased together. If a user has a plurality of new cartridges, there is a risk that when the cartridge that has run out of liquid is replaced, the cartridge that still contains liquid will also be replaced. In particular, a limit number of sheets that can be printed in a predetermined period is set, and a contract is concluded between the user and the service provider that does not charge for the purchase of a new cartridge within the range of the limit number of sheets. In some embodiments, the service provider may provide the user with a new cartridge before the liquid in the tank is exhausted. A user who is not charged for a new cartridge will not suffer any economic loss even if he or she replaces a cartridge that still contains liquid. However, it is not desirable to replace and discard cartridges that still have liquid in them because the liquid is wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide means for reducing the amount of liquid that is wasted due to replacement while the liquid remains in the cartridge.

Various disclosures are made herein. The image recording apparatus of the disclosed example is a tank connectable to a first cartridge having a first chamber for storing consumables and a first outlet through which the consumables in the first chamber flow out. and a first tank having a first inlet into which consumables flowing out from the first outlet of the connected first cartridge flow; a second chamber for storing the consumables; A tank connectable to a second cartridge having a second outlet through which the consumables in the two chambers flow out, the fourth chamber storing the consumables and the second outlet of the connected second cartridge. A second tank having a second inlet into which discharged consumables flow, and a controller. The controller detects that the consumable stored in the first chamber of the first cartridge connected to the first tank is exhausted or less than a first threshold, and the consumable is stored in the first tank. The second chamber of the second cartridge at a predetermined timing after it is detected that the consumables stored in the first chamber of the connected first cartridge are exhausted or less than the first threshold value. is less than the second threshold, and if it is determined that the amount of consumables stored in the second chamber is less than the second threshold, the consumables that can be stored in the fourth chamber Increase the critical storage amount, which is the storage amount of consumables.

The user replaces the first cartridge when it is determined that at least one of the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the first chamber and the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the third chamber is less than the first threshold value. is assumed. When it is determined that the remaining amount in the second chamber is less than the second threshold value, the limit storage amount of consumable materials that can be stored in the fourth chamber increases, so the printing material in the second chamber moves to the fourth chamber. . As a result, even if the user replaces the second cartridge together with the first cartridge, it is possible to reduce the amount of consumables remaining in the replaced second cartridge.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid that is wasted due to replacement while remaining in the cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a printer 10 according to an embodiment. 2A is a perspective view of the printer 10 with the cover 22 closed, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the printer 10 with the cover 22 opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the pump 87 and the valve 88. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of main processing. FIG. 6A is a flow chart of notification processing, and FIG. 6B is a flow chart of CTG exchange processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of notification processing in Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a standby screen. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation in Modification 2. As shown in FIG. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation in Modification 3. FIG.

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 modified 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.

In this embodiment, the printer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. Note that the information processing device 11 and the drive motor 86 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in Modifications 1 and 2. FIG.

[Printer 10]
The printer 10 includes a housing 20, a panel unit 21 held by the housing 20, a cover 22, a paper feed tray 23, and a paper discharge tray 24, as shown in FIG.

The panel unit 21 includes a panel body 41 , and a touch panel 42 and a plurality of operation switches 45 held by the panel body 41 . The panel main body 41 has a rectangular plate shape and is attached to one surface of the housing 20 . In the following description, when the printer 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, one surface of the housing 20 on which the panel body 41 is positioned is defined as the front-rear direction 8 , and the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction 7 . Further, left and right when the printer 10 is viewed from the front is defined as a left and right direction 9 for description. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are parallel to the horizontal plane, perpendicular to the vertical direction 7, and also perpendicular to each other.

The touch panel 42 has, as shown in FIG. 1 , a display panel 43 that displays an image, and a transparent film-like touch sensor 44 superimposed on the display panel 43 . The touch sensor 44 outputs position information indicating the position on the display panel 43 touched by the user. The display panel 43 and the touch sensor 44 of the touch panel 42 are connected to a later-described controller 51 (FIG. 1) by a cable or the like. The controller 51 outputs image data to the display panel 43 and causes the display panel 43 to display an image. The controller 51 also receives the position information output by the touch sensor 44 . Note that only one of the touch sensor 44 and the operation switch 45 may be provided on the panel unit 21 .

The paper feed tray 23 is positioned below the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 2 and is detachably held by the housing 20 . The paper discharge tray 24 is positioned below the housing 20 and above the paper feed tray 23 and is held by the paper feed tray 23 or the housing 20 .

The cover 22 is positioned on the front right portion of the housing 20 and is rotatably held by the housing 20 . The cover 22 rotates between a closed position for closing an opening provided on the right side of the housing 20 and an open position for opening the opening. A mounting unit 30 is arranged at the back of the opening and held by the housing 20 . The mounting unit 30 detachably holds the cartridge 13 . Details will be described later.

A cover sensor 46 (FIG. 1) that detects opening and closing of the cover 22 is attached to the housing 20 . The cover sensor 46 is, for example, a photointerrupter having a light emitting diode and a photodiode. The cover 22 has a detection piece (not shown) positioned on the optical path of the light emitting diode at the closed position and out of the optical path at the open position. The cover sensor 46 outputs different detection signals depending on whether the cover 22 is in the closed position or in the open position. In the following description, the cover sensor 46 outputs a first detection signal when the cover 22 is in the closed position, and outputs a second detection signal when the cover 22 is in the open position. Note that the cover sensor 46 may be a mechanical switch such as a tact switch having a pressing portion. In that case, the cover 22 has a protruding piece that presses the pressing portion in the closed position instead of the detecting piece.

The cover sensor 46 is connected to a later-described controller 51 (FIG. 1) by a cable or the like. That is, the detection signal output by the cover sensor 46 is input to the controller 51 . The controller 51 determines whether the cover 22 is open or closed depending on whether the detection signal input from the cover sensor 46 is the first detection signal or the second detection signal.

The housing 20 internally holds the print engine 40 shown in FIG. The print engine 40 includes a paper feed roller 25 , a transport roller 26 , a paper discharge roller 27 , a platen 28 and a recording unit 29 . The paper feed roller 25 is held by a frame (not shown) provided inside the housing 20 so as to be able to come into contact with the sheet 6 placed on the paper feed tray 23 . The paper feed roller 25 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The rotating paper feed roller 25 feeds the sheet 6 to the conveying path 37 . The transport path 37 is a space defined by a guide member (not shown). In the illustrated example, the transport path 37 extends curvedly from the rear end of the paper feed tray 23 to a position above the paper feed tray 23, and then extends forward.

The transport roller 26 is positioned downstream of the paper feed tray 23 in the direction in which the sheet 6 is transported. The conveying roller 26 forms a roller pair together with the driven roller 35 . The transport roller 26 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The conveying roller 26 and the driven roller 35 that rotate nip and convey the sheet 6 sent out to the conveying path 37 by the paper feeding roller 25 . The discharge roller 27 is located downstream of the transport roller 26 in the transport direction of the sheet 6 . The discharge roller 27 forms a roller pair together with the driven roller 36 . The discharge roller 27 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The rotating paper discharge rollers 27 and driven rollers 36 convey the sheet 6 while nipping it, and discharge it to the paper discharge tray 24 . The platen 28 is positioned between the transport roller 26 and the discharge roller 27 in the front-rear direction 8 , downstream of the transport roller 26 and upstream of the discharge roller 27 in the transport direction of the sheet 6 .

The recording unit 29 is positioned above the platen 28 . The recording unit 29 may be held movably in the left-right direction 9 by guide rails that are part of the frame, or may be fixed to the frame. That is, the printer may be a so-called serial printer or a so-called line printer.

The recording unit 29 has a head 31 . The head 31 has therein a channel through which ink flows. The channel communicates with the internal space of a sub-tank 72 to be described later by a tube 32 . That is, the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 is supplied to the head 31 of the recording unit 29 through the tube 32 . The head 31 has drive elements such as piezoelectric elements and heaters. A drive element is provided in the flow path described above. The piezoelectric element is deformed by being supplied with a DC voltage, and ejects an ink droplet from a nozzle, which is an opening of the flow path. When supplied with a DC voltage, the heater causes the ink to boil and eject ink droplets from the nozzle.

The mounting unit 30 includes a mounting case 71 held by the housing 20, as shown in FIG. The mounting case 71 detachably holds a plurality of cartridges 13 . In the illustrated example, the mounting case 71 detachably holds four cartridges 13 . The four cartridges 13 each store ink of one color among magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks, for example. That is, the printer 10 is a so-called color inkjet printer. However, the mounting case 71 may detachably hold a plurality of cartridges containing toner instead of ink. That is, the printer 10 may be a so-called color laser printer. Ink and toner are examples of consumables.

As shown in FIG. 3, one sub-tank 72, one pump 87, one valve 88, one liquid level sensor 33, one cartridge I/F 74, and one needle 75 are associated with one cartridge 13. , and one channel member 70 are provided. That is, the four sets are provided in the mounting case 71 . Since the configuration of each set is substantially the same, one set will be described below.

Cartridge I/F 74 is a terminal. "I/F" is an abbreviation for interface. The cartridge I/F 74 is provided at a position in contact with an electrode (not shown) of the IC chip 14 of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . The cartridge I/F 74 is connected to the later-described controller 51 by a cable (not shown). Note that the cartridge I/F 74 may be an antenna, a light emitting diode, a photodiode, or the like. That is, the cartridge I/F 74 may transmit and receive information and data to and from the IC chip 14, which will be described later, using radio waves or light.

The needle 75 is held by the mounting case 71 . One end of the needle 75 is inserted through the outflow port 16 provided in the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . That is, one end of the needle 75 is located inside the internal space of the cartridge 13 . The other end of needle 75 is connected to pump 87 . That is, ink stored in the cartridge 13 flows out to the pump 87 through the needle 75 . Further, the needle 75 is provided near the lower end of the mounting case 71 . That is, one end of the needle 75 is positioned near the inner bottom surface of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . Locating one end of the needle 75 near the inner bottom surface of the cartridge 13 reduces the amount of ink that remains in the cartridge 13 and cannot be used for printing.

The pump 87 is, for example, a tube pump or a pump having an impeller. The pump 87 is driven to move the ink stored in the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 through the flow path member 70 . Details will be described later.

The pump 87 is connected to the sub-tank 72 by the channel member 70 . The flow path member 70 is a tube, pipe, or the like. One end of the channel member 70 is connected to the pump 87 . The other end of the channel member 70 is connected to the sub-tank 72 .

A valve 88 is provided in the channel member 70 . The valve 88 may be an electromagnetic valve having a solenoid, or may be a mechanical open/close valve that is opened and closed by a motor or the like. The solenoid or motor is connected to a controller 51, which will be described later. The controller 51 opens and closes the valve 88 by inputting a drive signal to a solenoid or motor drive circuit. By opening the valve 88, the internal space of the sub-tank 72 and the internal space of the cartridge 13 are communicated.

The sub-tank 72 is held by the housing 20 . The sub-tank 72 stores ink in a liquid chamber 79, which is an internal space. One sub-tank 72 is an example of a first tank. The liquid chamber 79 of one sub-tank 72 is an example of a third chamber. Another sub-tank 72 is an example of a second tank. A liquid chamber 79 of another sub-tank 72 is an example of a fourth chamber.

The sub-tank 72 has a box-shaped upper portion 76 extending along the vertical direction 7 and a box-shaped lower portion 77 extending along the front-rear direction 8 . A front end of the lower portion 77 in the front-rear direction 8 is connected to a lower end of the upper portion 76 .

The other end of the flow path member 70 described above is inserted through the inlet 34 provided in the front wall of the lower portion 77 . The inlet 34 of one sub-tank 72 is an example of a first inlet. The inlet 34 of the other sub-tank 72 is an example of a second inlet.

The upper portion 76 has an atmospheric vent 78 in its upper wall. The atmosphere communication port 78 communicates the internal space of the sub-tank 72 with the outside. That is, the internal space of the sub-tank 72 is open to the atmosphere. Further, the internal space of the cartridge 13 is also open to the atmosphere, although details will be described later. When the ink is ejected from the head 31, the internal space of the tube 32 becomes a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. Then, the ink flows out from the internal space of the sub-tank 72 to the tube 32 due to the atmospheric pressure. When the ink flows out from the sub-tank 72 to the tube 32, the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 is lowered. Then, the ink stored in the cartridge 13 is pushed by the needle so that the level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 and the level of the ink stored in the cartridge 13 are approximately equal to each other due to the atmospheric pressure. It flows out into the internal space of the sub-tank 72 through 75 and the flow path member 70 .

In order to prevent the ink flowing from the cartridge 13 from overflowing from the air communication port 78, the upper end of the upper portion 76 is positioned higher than or substantially at the same height as the upper end of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71. ing.

The upper end of the lower portion 77 is at a position slightly higher than the arrangement position of the needle 75 described above. Also, the lower end of the lower portion 77 is located below the lower end of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . Therefore, immediately after the cartridge 13 is emptied, the sub-tank 72 stores ink. That is, the printer 10 can print using the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 even after the cartridge 13 is empty. The user replaces the empty cartridge 13 with a new cartridge 13 after the cartridge 13 becomes empty until the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 is used up. That is, by providing the sub-tank 72, the printer 10 can reduce the possibility that the printer 10 will run out of ink and become unable to print. The state in which the cartridge 13 is empty means the state in which the ink stored in the cartridge 13 has completely run out, or the state in which the ink has run out to such an extent that the ink does not move from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 . .

The liquid level sensor 33 is, for example, a photointerrupter having a light emitting diode and a photodiode. The light-emitting diode and the photodiode are arranged on both left and right sides of the sub-tank 72 so as to face each other. That is, the sub tank 72 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted by the light emitting diode. The sub-tank 72 is, for example, a resin molded product molded with a transparent resin that transmits light. The liquid level sensor 33 outputs a signal with a different voltage value depending on whether there is ink on the optical path or when there is no ink. In the following description, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a first detection signal when there is ink on the optical path, and outputs a second detection signal when there is no ink on the optical path. The configuration of the liquid level sensor 33 is not limited to the configuration described above. The liquid level sensor 33 may have any configuration as long as it can output a detection signal corresponding to the amount of ink and the position of the liquid level.

The arrangement position of the liquid level sensor 33 in the vertical direction 7 is the same as the height position of the needle 75 in the vertical direction 7 . That is, the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from the first detection signal to the second detection signal when the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 reaches the needle 75 .

The liquid level sensor 33 is connected to the controller 51 by a cable or the like. That is, the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 is input to the controller 51 . The controller 51 can determine whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 has reached the needle 75 based on the detection signal input from the liquid level sensor 33 . That is, the controller 51 can determine whether or not the cartridge 13 is empty based on the detection signal input from the liquid level sensor 33 .

The cartridge 13 is box-shaped and has an internal space for storing ink. The cartridge 13 stores ink in a liquid chamber 18, which is an internal space. The one cartridge 13 is an example of a first cartridge. The liquid chamber 18 of one cartridge 13 is an example of a first chamber. Another cartridge 13 is an example of a second cartridge. The liquid chamber 18 of the other cartridge 13 is an example of the second chamber.

The cartridge 13 has an outlet 16 at the lower end of the side wall, through which one end of the needle 75 is inserted. The outflow port 16 of one cartridge 13 is an example of a first outflow port. The outflow port 16 of the other cartridge 13 is an example of a second outflow port.

The cartridge 13 has an air communication port 17 on its upper wall. That is, the internal space of the cartridge 13 is open to the atmosphere. The cartridge 13 also has an IC chip 14 . In the illustrated example, the IC chip 14 is attached to the upper surface of the cartridge 13 . The IC chip 14 has an electrode (not shown) in contact with the cartridge I/F 74, which is a terminal, and the IC memory 15 (FIG. 1) electrically connected to the electrode. The IC chip 14 may have an antenna, a light emitting diode, a photodiode, etc. instead of the electrodes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the IC memory 15 stores cartridge information. The cartridge information includes the model number of the cartridge 13, type information, initial remaining amount value, CTG serial number, and the like. The type information is, for example, information indicating whether the cartridge is a normal cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, ink type information indicating whether the stored ink is pigment ink or dye ink, and indicates the color of the stored ink. Including color information, etc. The initial remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 when not in use. The CTG serial number is identification information that distinguishes the cartridge 13 from other cartridges 13 . The CTG serial number is used to determine whether the cartridge 13 has been replaced. Details will be described later. Note that "CTG" is an abbreviation for "cartridge".

Printer 10 further includes controller 51 and communication I/F 47 shown in FIG. Communication I/F 47 is connected to communication line 12 . The communication line 12 is, for example, a local network such as a wired LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN, and the Internet connected to the local network via a router (not shown).

The controller 51 has a CPU 52 as a central processing unit, a memory 53 and a communication bus 54 . The CPU 52 , memory 53 , cover sensor 46 , touch panel 42 , operation switch 45 , pump 87 , valve 88 , communication I/F 47 , liquid level sensor 33 and cartridge I/F 74 are connected to communication bus 54 . That is, the CPU 52 exchanges information, data, and signals with the memory 53, the cover sensor 46, the touch panel 42, the operation switch 45, the drive motor 86, the communication I/F 47, the liquid level sensor 33, and the cartridge I/F 74 via the communication bus 54. Connected to be passable.

The memory 53 has a ROM 55 , a RAM 56 and an EEPROM 57 . The ROM 55 stores in advance an OS 58 that is an operating system and a control program 59 . Instructions written in the OS 58 and the control program 59 are executed by the CPU 52 . That is, the OS 58 and control program 59 are executed by the CPU 52 . The OS 58 and the control program 59 executed by the CPU 52 display images on the display panel 43 and receive user input through the touch sensor 44 and the operation switches 45 . Also, the OS 58 and the control program 59 executed by the CPU 52 transmit and receive information and data through the communication I/F 47 and the cartridge I/F 74 and store the received information and data in the memory 53 .

The control program 59 may be a single program or a program composed of multiple modules. The control program 59 has, for example, a UI module, a communication module, and a print control module. Each module is pseudo-parallelly executed by so-called multitasking. The UI module is a program that inputs image data to the display panel 43 , displays images including objects such as icons on the display panel 43 , and receives signals output from the touch sensor 44 and the operation switches 45 . A communication module is a program which transmits/receives information and data according to the communication protocol of the communication line to which communication I/F47 is connected. The print control module is a program that generates and outputs a drive signal to be input to the drive circuit of the motor and the drive circuit of the drive element of the head 31 based on the print data.

The RAM 56 is used for executing the OS 58 and the control program 59, and temporarily stores information and data when the OS 58 and the control program 59 are executed. The EEPROM 57 preliminarily stores fixed storage values, MAC addresses (not shown), serial numbers (not shown), empty thresholds (not shown), determination thresholds, and the like. The EEPROM 57 also stores the CTG serial number read from the IC memory 15 of the IC chip 14 of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71, the calculated initial storage value, and the like. Details will be described later.

Processing executed by the control program 59 will be described below. Specifically, processing such as main processing executed by the control program 59 when ink is used in printing will be described. In addition, below, the processing executed by the control program 59 will be described as processing executed by the controller 51 .

The controller 51 executes the main processing shown in FIG. The controller 51 first determines whether or not a print instruction has been acquired (S11). A print instruction is input from a personal computer to the printer 10 via the communication line 12, for example. Alternatively, the print instruction is input to the printer 10 via the touch panel 42 or the operation switch 45 . Although not shown in the flow chart, print data is input to the printer 10 together with a print instruction. The print data is input to the printer 10 from the personal computer described above, or input to the printer 10 from a portable storage medium such as a USB memory attached to the printer 10 .

When the controller 51 determines that the print instruction has not been acquired (S11: No), it executes notification processing (S28). The notification processing will be described later. When the controller 51 determines that the print instruction has been acquired (S11: Yes), it determines whether the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" or "OFF" (S12). The ink empty flag has an initial value of "OFF", is turned "ON" in step S26 described later, and is turned "OFF" when the cartridge 13 is replaced. The ink empty flag is turned "ON" in step S26 when the controller 51 determines that the remaining amount of ink has decreased to such an extent that printing cannot be continued. An ink empty flag is set for each color of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.

When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" (S12: ON), it executes notification processing (S28) and ends the main processing. That is, if the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" and there is no ink in the sub-tank 72, printing will not be executed. Note that when the controller 51 determines that even one of the ink empty flags set for magenta, cyan, yellow, and black is "ON" (S12: ON), it does not execute printing.

When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "OFF" (S12: OFF), it acquires a detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 (S13). The detection signal acquired by the controller 51 in step S13 is used to determine whether the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 has changed between before and after printing. Details will be described later.

Next, the controller 51 executes print processing (S14). Specifically, a drive signal is generated based on the acquired print data, and the generated drive signal is output. A drive signal output from the controller 51 is input to a drive circuit for driving the drive elements of the head 31 and a drive circuit for the above-described motors for rotating the paper feed roller 25 , the transport roller 26 and the paper discharge roller 27 . That is, the sheet 6 is conveyed, ink is ejected onto the conveyed sheet 6 , and the sheet 6 on which an image is recorded by the ink ejection is ejected to the paper ejection tray 24 .

Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 51 determines the number of times the drive elements are driven, that is, the number of times ink droplets are ejected, based on the drive signal output to the drive circuit that drives the drive elements of the head 31. to count. In the following description, the number of times ink droplets are ejected is referred to as an ink dot count value. The ink dot count value indicates the amount of ink used for printing. Note that the controller 51 counts the ink dot count value for each color of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.

The controller 51 adds the counted ink dot count value to the value stored in the predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 (S15). Hereinafter, the value stored in the predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 57 will be described as the total count value. The total count value is reset in step S45 of the CTG exchange process (FIG. 6B), which will be described later. That is, the total count value indicates the total amount of ink used after the cartridge 13 is replaced. Note that even when ink is sucked from the head 31 by a pump of a maintenance mechanism (not shown), the controller 51 converts the amount of sucked ink into an ink dot count value and adds it to the total count value.

Next, the controller 51 determines whether the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 has changed before and after printing (S16). That is, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the level of the ink has decreased to the height position where the level sensor 33 is installed due to the use of the ink in printing. Specifically, the controller 51 acquires the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 after executing printing, and compares the acquired detection signal with the detection signal acquired in step S13. The controller 51 acquires the first detection signal in step S13, and when determining that the second detection signal has been acquired after executing printing (S16: Yes), resets the total count value (S17). That is, the total count value is reset not only when the cartridge 13 is replaced but also when the ink level reaches the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33 .

Next, the controller 51 turns the CTG empty flag "ON" (S18). Specifically, the controller 51 stores the value "ON" in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 57 set as the CTG empty flag. Next, the controller 51 sets the value of the confirmation flag to "ON" (S19). The confirmation flag will be described later. A CTG empty flag and a confirmation flag are set for each color of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. After executing the process of step S19, the controller 51 determines whether or not there is a next page, which is the page to be printed next (S27). When the controller 51 determines that there is a next page (S27: Yes), the process after step S12 is executed again.

The controller 51 obtains the first detection signal in step S13 and determines that the first detection signal is obtained after executing printing, or obtains the second detection signal in step S13 and outputs the second detection signal after executing printing. is acquired (S16: No), it is determined whether the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 after execution of printing is the first detection signal or the second detection signal (S20). When the controller 51 determines that the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 after execution of printing is the first detection signal (S20: first detection signal), the controller 51 performs the processes of steps S21 and S22 for calculating the remaining amount of ink. Execute. That is, when ink remains in the cartridge 13, the processes of steps S21 and S22 are executed. Specifically, first, the controller 51 reads the initial storage value from the EEPROM 57 (S21). The initial storage value is the total remaining amount value calculated and stored in the EEPROM 57 in step S44 of the CTG replacement process (FIG. 6B), which will be described later. That is, the initial storage value is a value indicating the total amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 and the sub-tank 72 immediately after the cartridge 13 is replaced.

The controller 51 calculates the total remaining amount, the CTG remaining amount, and the sub-tank remaining amount based on the read initial storage value and the total count value stored in the EEPROM 57 (S22). The total remaining amount value is a value indicating the total amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 and the sub-tank 72 . The CTG remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 . The sub-tank remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank 72 . Note that the processes after step S20 are executed for each color ink of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. That is, the total remaining amount, the CTG remaining amount, and the sub-tank remaining amount are calculated for each color.

Calculation of the total remaining amount, the CTG remaining amount, and the sub-tank remaining amount will be described in detail. First, the controller 51 subtracts the total count value from the initial storage value to calculate the total remaining amount value. Then, the controller 51 calculates the CTG remaining amount value and the sub-tank remaining amount value from the calculated total remaining amount value. For example, the memory 53 stores in advance a formula for calculating the CTG remaining amount value and the sub-tank remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value. The controller 51 calculates the CTG remaining amount value and the sub-tank remaining amount value based on the calculation formula and the total remaining amount value stored in the memory 53 . Although not shown in the flowchart, the total remaining amount, the CTG remaining amount, and the sub-tank remaining amount calculated by the controller 51 are stored in the RAM 56 of the memory 53 . The CTG remaining amount value is also stored in the IC memory 15 of the cartridge 13 .

When the controller 51 determines that the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 after execution of printing is the second detection signal (S20: second detection signal), the controller 51 performs the processes of steps S23 and S24 for calculating the remaining amount of ink. Execute. That is, when the cartridge 13 is empty, the processes of steps S23 and S24 are executed. Specifically, first, the controller 51 reads the fixed storage value from the EEPROM 57 (S23). The fixed storage value is a value pre-stored in the EEPROM 57 as the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank 72 when the ink level is at the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33 . Next, the controller 51 calculates the total remaining capacity value by subtracting the total count value stored in the EEPROM 57 from the read fixed storage value (S24). After the ink level reaches the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33, the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 is zero. Therefore, the calculated total remaining amount value is also the sub-tank remaining amount value stored in the sub-tank 72 .

Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 51 causes the RAM 56 to store the calculated total remaining amount and sub-tank remaining amount. Also, the controller 51 causes the RAM 56 to store the CTG remaining amount value as zero. The sub-tank remaining amount value and CTG remaining amount value calculated in step S24 are used to display the remaining amount of ink indicated by the "ink" icon 90 on the standby screen (FIG. 8). Details will be described later. In step S20, the determination that the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 is the second detection signal (S20: second detection signal) is made when the consumables stored in the first chamber of the first cartridge are exhausted. This is an example of detecting that

Next, the controller 51 determines whether or not the total count value is greater than or equal to the empty threshold (S25). The empty threshold is a threshold prestored in the EEPROM 57 . That is, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the total count value indicating the amount of ink used after the ink level has fallen to the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33 has reached the empty threshold.

In step S25, instead of determining whether or not the total count value is equal to or greater than the empty threshold value, it may be determined whether or not the sub-tank remaining amount value calculated in step S24 is less than the threshold value. That is, instead of determining whether the amount of used ink is equal to or greater than the threshold, it may be determined whether the remaining amount of ink stored in the sub-tank 72 is less than the threshold.

When the controller 51 determines that the total count value is greater than or equal to the empty threshold value (S25: Yes), it sets the value of the ink empty flag to "ON" (S26). Specifically, a value of "ON" is stored in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 57 set as an ink empty flag. The controller 51 determines whether or not there is a next page after executing the processing of steps S19, S22, S25: No, S26 (S27). When the controller 51 determines that there is a next page (S27: Yes), the process after step S12 is executed again. When the controller 51 determines that there is no next page (S27: No), it executes notification processing according to the set flag (S28). The notification process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the controller 51 determines whether the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" or "OFF" (S31). When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" (S31: ON), the controller 51 notifies the ink empty (S32), and terminates the notification process. Specifically, the controller 51 causes the display panel 43 to display the standby screen shown in FIG. 8(C).

The standby screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8C. The standby screen shown in FIG. 8A is a screen displayed on the display panel 43 when the printer 10 can operate normally. Specifically, the standby screen shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the display panel 43 when the values of the ink empty flag and the CTG empty flag are both "OFF". The standby screen has a plurality of icons such as a 'fax' icon, a 'copy' icon, a 'scan' icon, and an 'ink' icon 90 . The "ink" icon 90 is an icon indicating the remaining amount of ink. Specifically, the "ink" icon 90 has four sets of bars arranged in the horizontal direction. The four sets of bars indicate the remaining amount of ink of "magenta", "cyan", "yellow", and "black" from the left. A set of bars consists of two bars, one above the other. The upper bar indicates the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 13 . The lower bar indicates the amount of ink remaining in the sub-tank 72 . The remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 and subtank 72 is the value calculated in steps S22 and S24 described above and stored in the RAM 56 .

The standby screen shown in FIG. 8C has a notification icon 91 and an "x" object 92 in addition to the icons described above. The “x” object 92 is superimposed on the set of bars with no ink out of the four sets of bars included in the “ink” icon 90 . In the illustrated example, an "x" object 92 is displayed overlaid on the second set of bars from the right indicating the amount of yellow ink remaining. The notification icon 91 includes a character “!”, a character indicating the ink color, and a character “cartridge”. In the illustrated example, "Y" is displayed as a letter indicating the ink color. "Y" indicates yellow. The "x" object 92 and the notification icon 91 make the user aware that the yellow ink has run out.

Note that in step S31 of the notification process in FIG. 6A, the controller 51 selects " ON", the standby screen shown in FIG. 8C is displayed on the display panel 43 (S32).

When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "OFF" in step S31 of the notification process shown in FIG. 6A (S31: OFF), the value of the CTG empty flag is "ON". or "OFF" (S33). When the controller 51 determines that the value of the CTG empty flag is "OFF" (S33: OFF), it causes the display panel 43 to display the standby screen shown in FIG. 8A (S40), and terminates the notification process. .

When the controller 51 determines in step S33 that the value of the CTG empty flag is "ON" (S33: ON), it determines whether the value of the confirmation flag is "ON" or "OFF" (S34). ). The confirmation flag is a flag that is set so that the pump 87 is not driven redundantly. The confirmation flag has an initial value of "OFF" and is turned "ON" when the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from the first detection signal to the second detection signal (S19). It is a flag that is turned "OFF" in response to being driven (S36).

When the controller 51 determines that the value of the confirmation flag is "OFF" and that the sub-tank storage amount increasing process (S36) has already been executed (S34: OFF), the process from steps S35 to S37 is skipped. When the controller 51 determines that the value of the confirmation flag is "ON" and the sub-tank storage amount increase process (S36) is not yet driven (S34: ON), it determines that the CTG empty flag is "ON". It is determined whether or not the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold value for the colors other than the selected color (S35). The determination threshold value is set to a value that does not cause ink to overflow from the atmosphere communication port 78 of the sub-tank 72 even if the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is executed to move the ink from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 . It is a pre-stored value. The timing of executing the process of step S35 is an example of predetermined timing.

When the controller 51 determines that there is a color whose CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold for colors other than the color whose CTG empty flag is determined to be "ON" (S35: Yes), the sub-tank storage amount increase processing is performed. Execute (S36). More specifically, the controller 51 drives the pump 87 corresponding to the color whose CTG remaining amount value is less than the judgment threshold for a predetermined period of time, and then closes the valve 88 that has been opened. . The predetermined time is pre-stored in the EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 as a time sufficient for all of the ink in the amount corresponding to the determination threshold to move from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 . The controller 51 drives the pump 87 and causes the timer counter to start counting down with the predetermined time as an initial value. Then, the controller 51 stops driving the pump 87 when the timer counter times out. By the process of step S36, in addition to the first empty cartridge 13, the remaining ink cartridges 13 are forcibly emptied. For example, when the cartridge 13 storing yellow ink becomes empty due to the execution of printing, the cartridge 13 storing cyan ink, which has run out of ink at that time, is also emptied.

If the controller 51 determines that there is no color for which the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold for colors other than the color for which the CTG empty flag is determined to be "ON" (S35: No), the controller 51 performs steps S36 to S37. Skip processing. Since the process of step S37 is also skipped, the value of the confirmation flag remains "ON" unless the sub-tank storage amount increase process is executed. Therefore, when printing is executed using the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 after one cartridge 13 becomes empty, the CTG remaining amount value is determined for the cartridges 13 other than the empty cartridge 13. When it becomes less than the threshold value, the sub-tank storage amount increase processing is executed and the cartridge 13 is forcibly emptied. On the other hand, if the controller 51 determines that there is no color for which the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold for colors other than the color for which the CTG empty flag is determined to be "ON" (S35: No), the sub tank of step S36 is executed. Alternatively, the storage amount increasing process may be skipped and the value of the confirmation flag may be set to "OFF" in step S37. This is effective when ordering two cartridges at the same time as shown in FIG. 7 which will be described later.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the mounting unit 30 before the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is executed, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the mounting unit 30 after the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is executed. It is a figure which shows. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the ink stored in the cartridge 13 is moved to the sub-tank 72 by driving the pump 87, and the cartridge 13 is emptied. Forcibly moving ink from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 by the pump 87 is an example of increasing the limit storage amount.

As shown in FIG. 6A, after executing the process of step S36, the controller 51 turns the confirmation flag "OFF" so as not to drive the pump 87 redundantly (S37).

Next, the controller 51 notifies CTG empty (S38). Specifically, the controller 51 causes the display panel 43 to display the standby screen shown in FIG. 8B. The standby screen shown in FIG. 8B has a notification icon 93 and a "!" object 94 in addition to the above-described icons of the standby screen shown in FIG. The “!” object 94 is superimposed on the bar indicating the empty cartridge 13 among the four sets of bars included in the “ink” icon 90 . In the illustrated example, the "!" object 94 is superimposed on the second set of bars representing yellow ink and the second set of bars from the left representing cyan ink. The notification icon 93 includes a character “!”, a character indicating the ink color, and a character “cartridge”. In the illustrated example, "C" and "Y" are displayed as letters indicating ink colors. "C" indicates cyan and "Y" indicates yellow. The "!" object 94 and the notification icon 93 make the user aware that the cartridge 13 storing yellow and cyan ink is empty. The "!" character, the "Y" character, and the "cartridge" character are examples of the first notification. The "!" character, the "C" character, and the "cartridge" character are examples of the second notification.

The user who visually recognizes the notification icon 93 replaces the empty cartridge 13 storing yellow ink and the empty cartridge 13 storing cyan ink with new cartridges 13 . That is, the user can simultaneously replace a plurality of cartridges 13 by forcibly emptying the cartridges 13 that have stored cyan ink. Alternatively, even if the user replaces the cyan cartridge 13 together with the yellow cartridge 13 by forcibly emptying the cartridge 13 storing cyan ink, the cyan cartridge 13 remains empty. , cyan ink is not wasted.

In step S35, instead of determining whether the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold value, it may be determined whether the total count value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, instead of determining whether the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 13 is less than the threshold, it may be determined whether the used ink is equal to or greater than the threshold.

Next, the CTG replacement process executed by the controller 51 when the cartridge 13 is replaced by the user will be described with reference to FIG. 6B.

The controller 51 periodically executes CTG exchange processing, for example. First, the controller 51 determines whether or not the cover 22 has been opened to replace the cartridge 13 (S41). Specifically, the controller 51 determines whether the signal input from the cover sensor 46 is the second detection signal. When the controller 51 determines that the signal input from the cover sensor 46 is the first detection signal and the cover 22 is not opened (S41: No), it ends the CTG replacement process. When the controller 51 determines that the signal input from the cover sensor 46 is the second detection signal and that the cover 22 has been opened (S41: Yes), it determines whether the replacement of the cartridge 13 has been completed and the cover 22 has been closed. (S42). Specifically, the controller 51 determines whether the signal input from the cover sensor 46 is the first detection signal. The controller 51 periodically acquires the signal output from the cover sensor 46 until the signal input from the cover sensor 46 becomes the first detection signal (S42: No).

When the controller 51 determines that the signal output by the cover sensor 46 is the second detection signal (S42: Yes), the controller 51 reads out and acquires the CTG serial number from the IC memory 15 of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . Then, the controller 51 determines whether the acquired CTG serial number matches the CTG serial number stored in the EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 (S43). The CTG serial number stored in the EEPROM 57 is the serial number of the cartridge 13 before replacement. That is, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the cartridge 13 has been replaced. When the cover 22 is opened and closed without replacing the cartridge 13, the acquired CTG serial number and the CTG serial number stored in the EEPROM 57 match.

When the controller 51 determines that the acquired CTG serial number matches the CTG serial number stored in the EEPROM 57 (S43: Yes), it ends the CTG exchange process. When the controller 51 determines that the obtained CTG serial number does not match the CTG serial number stored in the EEPROM 57 (S43: No), it calculates the total remaining amount, CTG remaining amount, and sub-tank remaining amount. (S44). More specifically, first, the controller 51 reads out from the RAM 56 the sub-tank remaining amount value calculated in steps S22 and S24 and stored in the RAM 56 to obtain the value. Next, the controller 51 reads and acquires the initial remaining amount value from the IC memory 15 of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 71 . Then, the controller 51 adds the obtained sub-tank remaining amount value and the initial remaining amount value to calculate the total remaining amount value. Based on the calculated total remaining amount, the controller 51 calculates the CTG remaining amount and the sub-tank remaining amount in the same manner as in step S22 described above. The controller 51 stores the calculated total remaining amount in the EEPROM 57 as an initial storage value. Further, the controller 51 causes the RAM 56 to store the calculated CTG remaining amount value and sub-tank remaining amount value. The CTG remaining amount value and the sub-tank remaining amount value stored in the RAM 56 are used to display the remaining amount in the "ink" icon 90 displayed on the standby screen.

Next, the controller 51 resets the total count value (S45). The controller 51 also turns the ink empty flag and the CTG empty flag "OFF" (S46, S47). Then, the controller 51 executes sub-tank storage amount return processing (S48). Specifically, the controller 51 opens the valve 88 that was closed in step S37 of the notification process described above. FIG. 4C shows the mounting unit 30 immediately after the cartridge 13 that has been forcibly emptied by driving the pump 87 as the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is replaced with a new cartridge 13 . FIG. 4D is a diagram showing the mounting unit 30 after the valve 88 is opened as the sub-tank storage amount increasing process. When the valve 88 is opened, the level of the liquid level of the ink stored in the cartridge 13 and the level of the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 are made substantially the same by the atmospheric pressure. Then, the ink moves from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 through the needle 75 , the pump 87 and the channel member 70 . Note that the processing of step S49 in the CTG exchange processing will be described in Modification 1.

[Action and effect of the embodiment]
In this embodiment, as described above, on the condition that one cartridge 13 is empty, the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is executed to forcibly empty the other one or more cartridges 13 . Therefore, a plurality of cartridges 13 can be emptied simultaneously. As a result, the printer 10 allows the user to replace multiple cartridges 13 at the same time. That is, the printer 10 can reduce the user's trouble of exchanging the cartridges 13 compared to the case of exchanging a plurality of cartridges 13 separately.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, when one cartridge 13 becomes empty, the sub-tank storage amount increasing process is executed to forcibly empty one or more other cartridges 13. do. Therefore, even if the user replaces the empty cartridge 13 and also replaces the other cartridge 13 with less ink, the other cartridge 13 is empty and the ink is wasted. never be

Further, in this embodiment, the display panel 43 displays the letter “Y” indicating the empty cartridge 13 and the letter “C” indicating the empty cartridge 13 . Therefore, the printer 10 can prompt the user to replace multiple cartridges 13 at the same time.

[Modification 1]
In this modified example, a printer 10 provided to users by a service provider will be described. The service provider provides the user with services such as maintenance of the printer 10 and arrangement of orders for the cartridge 13, which will be described later. An information processing device 11 (FIG. 1) that a service provider has usage rights for is connected to the Internet. The printer 10 is used by being connected to the communication line 12 . Note that the communication line 12 is a local network and the Internet. The printer 10 transmits order information and the like to the information processing device 11 through the communication line 12 . A detailed description will be given below. Configurations and processes other than those described below are the same as those described in the embodiments.

The EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 of the printer 10 stores URLs published by the information processing device 11 . For example, the controller 51 of the printer 10 causes the EEPROM 57 to store the URL input by the user or the service provider from the touch panel 42 or the operation switch.

The controller 51 of the printer 10 executes notification processing shown in FIG. The notification process is a process of notifying the information processing apparatus 11 of order information that causes the service provider to place an order for the empty cartridge 13 . A detailed description will be given below.

First, the controller 51 determines whether the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" or "OFF" (S51). When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "OFF" (S51: OFF), it skips the process of step S52. When the controller 51 determines that the value of the ink empty flag is "ON" (S51: ON), the controller 51 includes the ink empty information in the transmission data to be transmitted to the information processing device 11 (S52). The ink empty information is information indicating that the printer 10 has run out of ink and cannot print.

Next, the controller 51 determines whether the value of the CTG empty flag is "ON" or "OFF" (S53). When the controller 51 determines that the value of the CTG empty flag is "OFF" (S53: OFF), it skips the processing from steps S54 to S57. When the controller 51 determines that the value of the CTG empty flag is "ON" (S54: ON), it determines whether the value of the notified flag is "ON" or "OFF". The notified flag is a flag for preventing duplicate order information, which will be described later, from being transmitted to the information processing apparatus 11 . The initial value of the notified flag is "OFF". The notified flag is turned “ON” when the order information is transmitted to the information processing device 11 . Then, the notified flag is set to "OFF" when the cartridge 13 is replaced in the CTG replacement process shown in FIG. 6B (S49).

As shown in FIG. 7, when the controller 51 determines that the value of the notified flag is "ON" (S54: ON), it skips the processing from steps S55 to S57. When the controller 51 determines that the value of the notified flag is "OFF" (S54: OFF), it includes the first order information in the transmission data (S55). The first order information is information indicating that the cartridge 13 of the color whose CTG empty flag value is "OFF" is empty. The first order information is, for example, the model number of the cartridge 13 .

Next, the controller 51 determines whether or not there is a cartridge 13 that has been forcibly emptied by executing the sub-tank storage amount increasing process (S56). Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 51 forcibly empties the tank in response to driving the pump 87 in the sub-tank storage amount increase process (S36) of the notification process shown in FIG. The EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 stores the information indicating the cartridge 13 that has been set. The controller 51 determines whether or not there is a forcibly emptied cartridge 13 based on the information stored in the EEPROM 57 (S56). When the controller 51 determines that there is no cartridge 13 that is forcibly emptied (S56: No), it skips the process of step S57. When the controller 51 determines that there is a forcibly emptied cartridge 13 (S56: Yes), the second order information is included in the transmission data (S57). The second order information is information indicating the cartridge 13 forcibly emptied by executing the sub-tank storage amount increasing process. The second order information is, for example, the model number of the cartridge 13 .

The controller 51 transmits the generated transmission data to the information processing apparatus 11 indicated by the URL stored in the EEPROM 57 through the communication I/F 47 (S58). Then, the controller 51 determines whether or not the ACK (acknowledgement) transmitted by the information processing device 11 has been received (S59). When the controller 51 determines that ACK has not been received (S59: No), it performs a retry to resend the transmission data (S58). When determining that ACK has been received (S59: Yes), the controller 51 sets the value of the notified flag to "ON" (S60), and terminates the notification process.

Although not shown in the flowchart, the information processing apparatus 11 returns an ACK indicating that the transmission data has been received to the printer 10 in response to receiving the transmission data. The information processing device 11 also stores ink empty information, first order information, and second order information included in the received transmission data in a memory (not shown). The service provider arranges shipment of the cartridge 13 based on the first order information and the second order information stored in the memory. Specifically, the service provider collectively arranges shipping of the plurality of cartridges 13 according to the fact that the first order information and the second order information are stored in the memory. A plurality of shipped new cartridges 13 are delivered to the user. The user installs the delivered new cartridges 13 into the printer 10 to replace the cartridges 13 .

Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 51 sends management information such as the CTG remaining amount, the sub tank remaining amount, and the number of prints each time printing is executed or at a fixed time every day. 11. The information processing device 11 stores the received management information in the memory.

[Action and effect of Modification 1]
In this modification, the controller 51 executes the sub-tank storage amount increasing process using the fact that one cartridge 13 has become empty as a trigger, and forcibly empties the other one or more cartridges 13 . Then, the second order information indicating the empty cartridge 13 is transmitted to the information processing device 11 together with the first order information. Therefore, the printer 10 can have the service provider collectively arrange for shipping of the plurality of cartridges 13 .

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the sub-tank storage amount increasing process, the pump 87 is used to increase the storage amount (limit storage amount) of ink stored in the sub-tank 72 . In this modified example, as another example of the sub-tank storage amount increasing process, an example in which the storage amount (limit storage amount) of ink stored in the sub-tank 72 is increased by changing the shape of the sub-tank 72 will be described. Configurations and processes other than those described below are the same as those described in the embodiments.

The sub-tank 72 of this modification includes a lower portion 80 shown in FIG. 9 instead of the lower portion 77 described in the embodiment. The lower portion 80 has a front portion 81 positioned forward in the front-rear direction 8 , a rear portion 82 positioned rearward, and a bellows portion 83 connecting the front portion 81 and the rear portion 82 . The front portion 81 is connected to the lower end of the upper portion 76 . A front end of the bellows portion 83 in the front-rear direction 8 is connected to a rear end of the front portion 81 . A rear end of the bellows portion 83 in the front-rear direction 8 is connected to a front end of the rear portion 82 . The bellows portion 83 is expandable and contractable along the front-rear direction 8 . The lower portion 80 can be changed between a contracted state in which the bellows portion 83 is contracted (FIG. 9A) and an expanded state in which the bellows portion 83 is expanded (FIG. 9B).

The mounting unit 30 further includes a slide device 73 . The slide device 73 is a device for changing the state of the lower portion 80 of the sub-tank 72 from the contracted state to the expanded state and from the expanded state to the contracted state. Specifically, the slide device 73 includes a rack gear 84, a pinion gear 85, and a drive motor 86 (FIG. 1). A rack gear 84 is secured to the rear portion 82 of the lower portion 80 . The rack gear 84 has a plurality of teeth arranged in the front-rear direction 8 . The pinion gear 85 has a plurality of teeth that mesh with the teeth of the rack gear 84 . The pinion gear 85 is rotatably held by the housing 20, the frame described above, or the like. A pinion gear 85 is rotated by a drive motor 86 . The drive motor 86 is connected to the controller 51 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 51 controls the rotation and stop of the drive motor 86 and the direction of rotation. When the drive motor 86 is rotated in one direction (hereinafter referred to as forward rotation), the pinion gear 85 rotates forward, and the rack gear 84 meshing with the pinion gear 85 rotating forward moves rearward together with the rear portion 82 . do. As a result, the bellows portion 83 expands, and the lower portion 80 of the sub-tank 72 changes from the contracted state (FIG. 9A) to the expanded state (FIG. 9B). When the drive motor 86 is rotated in the other direction (hereinafter referred to as reverse rotation), the pinion gear 85 rotates in the reverse direction, and the rack gear 84 meshing with the reversely rotating pinion gear 85 moves forward. As a result, the state of the lower portion 80 of the sub-tank 72, which was in the extended state, changes to the contracted state. The rear portion 82 moved by the slide device 73 is an example of a moving portion. One end of the tube 32 described above is connected to the bottom of the front portion 81 which does not move.

The controller 51 changes the state of the lower portion 80 from the retracted state to the expanded state in the sub-tank storage amount increase processing of step S36 of the notification processing shown in FIG. 6(A). Specifically, when the controller 51 determines that the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold value (S35: Yes), the drive motor 86 rotates forward for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time is a time pre-stored in the EEPROM 57 of the memory 53 . By executing the expansion process, the ink stored in the cartridge 13 (FIG. 9A) is moved to the sub-tank 72 by the atmospheric pressure, and the cartridge 13 is emptied (FIG. 9B). That is, the controller 51 forcibly empties the cartridge 13 by rotating the drive motor 86 forward, as in the embodiment.

Moving ink from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 by changing the state of the sub-tank 72 from the contracted state to the expanded state is an example of an increase in the limit storage amount.

In addition, the controller 51 executes reduction processing for rotating the drive motor 86 in reverse for a predetermined time as sub-tank storage amount return processing in step S48 of the CTG replacement processing shown in FIG. 6B. By executing the reduction process, part of the ink stored in the sub-tank 72 ((C) in FIG. 9) is moved to the cartridge 13 by the atmospheric pressure ((D) in FIG. 9). The volume of the internal space of the upper portion 76 of the sub-tank 72 is sufficiently large so that the ink does not overflow from the atmosphere communication port 78 of the sub-tank 72 . In addition, the mounting height position of the cartridge 13 is sufficiently higher than the sub-tank 72 so that the ink does not overflow from the atmosphere communication port 17 of the cartridge 13 .

Note that the reduction process may be executed in response to the total count value becoming equal to or greater than the threshold. The threshold is a value corresponding to the volume of the internal space of the sub-tank 72 that increases as the sub-tank 72 changes from the contracted state to the expanded state. That is, the reduction process may be executed in response to the amount of ink reduced by printing by the amount corresponding to the amount of ink reduced when the sub-tank 72 is changed from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[Action and effect of modification 2]
In this modified example as well, the emptying of one cartridge 13 can be used as a trigger to forcibly empty one or more other cartridges 13 . Therefore, the printer 10 allows the user to replace multiple cartridges 13 at the same time. Even if the user replaces the empty cartridge 13 and replaces another cartridge 13 with less ink, the other cartridge 13 is empty and the ink is wasted. never be

In this modified example, the slide device 73 is used to change the state of the sub-tank 72 between the contracted state and the expanded state. However, the state of the sub-tank 72 may be changed between the contracted state and the expanded state manually or by a slide device having another configuration. Also, an example in which the state of the sub-tank 72 is changed by the bellows portion 83 has been described. However, instead of the bellows portion 83, the sub-tank 72 may be provided with a flexible member such as a film.

[Modification 3]
In this modified example, an example in which the printer 10 is provided with a mounting unit 100 shown in FIG. 10 instead of the mounting unit 30 will be described. The configuration other than the mounting unit 100 is the same as the configuration described in the embodiment. Note that configurations other than the configuration and processing described below are the same as the configuration and processing described in the embodiment.

The mounting unit 100 includes a mounting case 101 held by the housing 20 . The mounting case 101 is box-shaped with an opening on the top surface. The cartridge 110 is inserted/extracted through the opening. The mounting case 101 detachably holds four cartridges 110 . One set consisting of one sub-tank 102, one liquid level sensor 33, one cartridge I/F 74, one drive motor 107, and two needles 103, 104 is provided in association with one cartridge 110. there is That is, the four sets are provided in the mounting unit 100 . Since each set has the same configuration, one set will be described below.

The cartridge 110 is box-shaped and has an internal space for storing ink. The cartridge 110 stores ink in a liquid chamber 18, which is an internal space. The one cartridge 110 is an example of a first cartridge. Another cartridge 110 is an example of a second cartridge. Further, the cartridge 110 has an outlet 112 at the bottom through which the needles 103 and 104 are inserted. The outflow port 112 of one cartridge 110 is an example of a first outflow port. The outflow port 112 of the other cartridge 110 is an example of a second outflow port.

The liquid level sensor 33 is installed at a height slightly above the inner bottom surface of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 101 .

Needles 103 and 104 are held by mounting case 101 . Upper parts of the needles 103 and 104 protrude upward from the inner bottom surface of the mounting case 101 . Upper portions of the needles 103 and 104 are inserted through an outlet 112 of a cartridge 110 attached to the attachment case 101 . That is, the upper ends of the needles 103 and 104 are located in the internal space of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 101 . Lower portions of the needles 103 and 104 protrude downward from the bottom of the mounting case 101 . The lower ends of the needles 103 and 104 are located in the internal space of the sub-tank 102 which will be described later. That is, the internal space of the sub-tank 102 and the internal space of the cartridge 13 mounted in the mounting case 101 are communicated by needles 103 and 104 . Needle 104 is an example of a second cylinder. The internal space of needle 104 is an example of a second flow path.

The needle 103 has an outer cylinder 105 and an inner cylinder 106 inside the outer cylinder 105 . The inner cylinder 106 is held by the outer cylinder 105 so as to be slidable along the central axis of the outer cylinder 105 . The inner cylinder 106 is positioned between an accommodation position (FIG. 10B) where the inner cylinder 106 is accommodated in the outer cylinder 105 and a projecting position where the lower end projects downward from the lower end of the outer cylinder 105 (FIG. 10A). slide. The inner cylinder 106 is slid between a retracted position and a projected position by a drive motor 107 . Needle 103 is an example of a first cylinder. The internal space of the needle 103 is an example of a first channel. The opening at the lower end of needle 103 is an example of a through hole.

The sub-tank 102 is box-shaped. The sub-tank 102 can store ink in a liquid chamber 79, which is an internal space. One end of the tube 32 described above is connected to the bottom of the sub-tank 102 . That is, the internal space of the sub-tank 102 communicates with the flow path of the head 31 through the tube 32 . Also, the sub-tank 102 has an air communication port 108 on its upper wall. That is, the internal space of the sub-tank 102 is open to the atmosphere. The internal space of the cartridge 110 described above is not open to the atmosphere.

A phenomenon in which the ink stored in the cartridge 110 moves to the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 will be described. When the cartridge 110 storing ink is attached to the attachment case 101 with the sub-tank 102 empty, the ink stored in the cartridge 110 flows out to the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 . Air in the sub-tank 102 then flows into the cartridge 110 through the needle 103 . That is, ink and air are exchanged between the cartridge 110 and the sub-tank 102 .

Ink flowing out from the cartridge 110 into the sub-tank 102 accumulates in the internal space of the sub-tank 102 . When the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 reaches the lower end of the needle 103 , air cannot move through the needle 103 into the internal space of the cartridge 110 . Then, the outflow of ink from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 is stopped. In other words, the ink flows out from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 until the liquid surface reaches the lower end of the needle 103 . When the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 decreases due to printing and the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 becomes lower than the lower end of the needle 103, the needle 103 flows from the sub-tank 102 to the cartridge 110. air moves. Ink flows out from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 by movement of the air. Then, when the liquid surface of the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 reaches the lower end of the needle 103, the outflow of the ink from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 stops as described above.

When the controller 51 determines that the CTG remaining amount value is less than the determination threshold value in the notification process (FIG. 6A) (S35: Yes), it drives the drive motor 107 in the sub-tank storage amount increase process of step S36. By driving the drive motor 107, the inner cylinder 106 of the needle 103 slides from the protruded position toward the accommodated position. That is, the lower end of needle 103 moves upward. Air flows from the sub-tank 102 into the cartridge 110 through the needle 103 , and ink flows out of the cartridge 110 into the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 . When the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 reaches the lower end of the needle 103, the outflow of ink from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 stops. That is, by moving the lower end of the needle 103 upward, the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank 102 increases. The flow of ink from the cartridge 13 into the sub-tank 72 due to the upward movement of the lower end of the needle 103 is an example of an increase in the limit storage amount.

FIG. 10C shows a state in which the empty cartridge 110 has been replaced with a new cartridge 110 . Even if a new cartridge 110 storing ink is attached to the attachment case 101, the ink does not flow out from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102. - 特許庁That is, the ink does not overflow from the atmosphere communication port 108 of the sub-tank 102 . When the ink is used for printing and the liquid level of the ink stored in the sub-tank 102 becomes lower than the lower end of the needle 103, the ink flows out from the cartridge 110 to the sub-tank 102 through the needle 104 (see FIG. 10). (D)).

[Action and effect of modification 3]
In this modified example as well, the emptying of one cartridge 110 can be used as a trigger to forcibly empty one or more other cartridges 110 . Therefore, the printer 10 allows the user to replace multiple cartridges 110 at the same time. Also, even if the user replaces the empty cartridge 110 and replaces another cartridge 110 with less ink, the other cartridge 110 is empty and the ink is wasted. never be An electromagnet or the like may be used instead of the drive motor 107 .

[Other Modifications]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, when ink is used for printing, the ink is moved from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 by gravity and atmospheric pressure. However, pump 87 may move ink from cartridge 13 to sub-tank 72 as ink is used by printing. As an example, when printing is executed, the ink level drops and the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from the first detection signal to the second detection signal. The controller 51 supplies ink from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72 by driving the pump 87 until the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from the second detection signal to the first detection signal. In the sub-tank storage amount increasing process, even if the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from the second detection signal to the first detection signal, the pump 87 is continuously driven for a predetermined time to increase the amount of liquid from the cartridge 13 to the sub-tank 72. Supply more ink. This is also an example of an increase in marginal storage.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the confirmation flag is turned "ON" (S19) due to a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor 33, and the sub-tank storage amount increase processing (S36) is performed when the confirmation flag is "ON". However, the signal change of the liquid level sensor 33 may not be used. For example, when the total count value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value stored in advance in the EEPROM 57, or when the calculated CTG remaining amount value becomes less than a threshold value stored in advance in the EEPROM 57, a confirmation flag is set. You may make it "ON". The above threshold is an example of the first threshold. By processing in this way, it is possible to place an order at the same time before one cartridge 13 becomes empty, thereby widening the range of utilization.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33 is set at the same height position as the installation position of the needle 75 . That is, an example in which the detection signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes when the cartridge 13 is empty has been described. However, the installation position of the liquid level sensor 33 may be a height position above the installation position of the needle 75 . In this case, for example, the CTG remaining amount value of the cartridge 13 may be calculated using the count value from the signal change of the liquid level sensor 33 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the storage amounts of the sub-tanks 72 of all colors are increased. However, the configuration may be such that the storage amount is increased only in the sub-tanks 72 of some colors. For example, as a configuration in which only the black sub-tank 72 has an increased storage amount, the storage amount of the black sub-tank 72 may be increased as necessary when the yellow, magenta, or cyan cartridge 13 is empty.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Printer 13 Cartridge 18 Liquid chamber 16 Outflow port 34 Inflow port 72, 102 Sub-tank 79 Liquid chamber 87 Pump

Claims (6)

A tank connectable to a first cartridge having a first chamber for storing a consumable material and a first outlet through which the consumable material in the first chamber flows out, the tank being connectable to a third chamber for storing the consumable material and a connected a first tank having a first inlet into which the consumable material flowing out from the first outlet of the first cartridge flows;
A tank connectable to a second cartridge having a second chamber for storing a consumable material and a second outlet through which the consumable material in the second chamber flows out, the tank being connectable to a fourth chamber for storing the consumable material and a connected a second tank having a second inlet into which the consumable material flowing out from the second outlet of the second cartridge flows;
a controller;
The above controller is
Detecting that the consumables stored in the first chamber of the first cartridge connected to the first tank are exhausted or less than a first threshold;
at a predetermined timing after detecting that the consumable material stored in the first chamber of the first cartridge connected to the first tank is exhausted or less than a first threshold value, the second cartridge Determining whether the consumables stored in the second chamber of is less than the second threshold,
An image recording apparatus for increasing a limit storage amount, which is a storage amount of consumables that can be stored in the fourth chamber, when it is determined that the amount of consumables stored in the second chamber is less than a second threshold value. The above controller is
Acquiring the remaining amount of consumables stored in the first room,
announcing a first notification in response to determining that the acquired remaining amount of the first chamber is zero or less than the first threshold;
Acquiring the remaining amount of consumables stored in the second room,
2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second notification is issued in response to determination that the acquired remaining amount of the second chamber is zero or less than the second threshold. The image recording device further comprises a communication interface,
The above controller is
Instructing to order the first cartridge and the second cartridge on the condition that the obtained remaining amount of the first chamber is determined to be zero or less than the first threshold value and that the limit storage amount is increased. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order information to be ordered is transmitted through the communication interface. The image recording device comprises a pump for circulating the consumable material from the second chamber to the fourth chamber,
4. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said controller changes said limit storage amount by means of said pump. The second tank has a moving part that partitions and moves the fourth chamber,
4. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller increases the limit storage amount by increasing the capacity of the fourth chamber by moving the moving section. The second tank is
an atmosphere communication port that communicates the fourth chamber with the atmosphere;
When the second cartridge is connected, a first passage is formed which communicates with the second chamber and communicates with the fourth chamber via the through-hole, and at least the through-hole is an upwardly movable first passage. 1 cylinder,
a second cylinder that forms a second flow path that communicates with the second chamber when the second cartridge is connected and communicates with the fourth chamber via the second inlet; prepared,
The through hole is located below the air communication port,
The limit storage amount is the volume of the portion of the fourth chamber below the through hole,
4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller increases the limit storage amount by raising the through hole.

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