Storage device and liquid ejection device

Abstract

The present application relates to a storage device and a liquid ejection device, which are used to improve the detection accuracy of the storage amount of an object. The storage device comprises: a storage portion, including a plurality of walls, storing an object in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode, disposed at a first portion of a first wall among the plurality of walls; and a second electrode, disposed at a second portion of a second wall among the plurality of walls, the first portion having a first outer surface on which the first electrode is disposed and a first inner surface on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the second portion having a second outer surface on which the second electrode is disposed and a second inner surface on the opposite side of the second outer surface, and a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device and a liquid ejecting device. Background Art

[0002] A technique for detecting the storage amount of an object stored in a storage device has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the contents of a container. This remaining amount detection sensor includes a detection electrode disposed opposite to the container and a shielding electrode disposed opposite to the detection electrode. In addition, the remaining amount detection sensor uses the potential of the shielding electrode as a reference potential and detects the remaining amount of the contents of the container based on the electrostatic capacitance measured by the detection electrode.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-230227

[0004] In addition, according to the purpose of the device for detecting the storage amount of objects stored in the storage device, it is required to improve the detection accuracy of the storage amount of objects stored in the storage device. In the conventional storage device, from the perspective of improving the detection accuracy of the storage amount of objects, there is room for further improvement. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the storage device involved in the present invention comprises: a storage portion, including a plurality of walls, storing objects in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode, arranged at a first part of a first wall among the plurality of walls; and a second electrode, arranged at a second part of a second wall among the plurality of walls, the first portion having a first outer surface on which the first electrode is arranged and a first inner surface on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the second portion having a second outer surface on which the second electrode is arranged and a second inner surface on the opposite side of the second outer surface, and a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion.

[0006] In addition, the liquid ejection device involved in the present invention comprises: a storage device for storing liquid; a detection circuit for detecting the storage amount of the liquid stored in the storage device; and a ejection part for ejecting the liquid supplied by the storage device, the storage device comprising: a storage part including a plurality of walls for storing objects in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode arranged at a first part of a first wall among the plurality of walls; and a second electrode arranged at a second part of a second wall among the plurality of walls, the first part having a first outer surface on which the first electrode is arranged and a first inner surface on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the second part having a second outer surface on which the second electrode is arranged and a second inner surface on the opposite side of the second outer surface, and a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the first inner surface of the first part and the second inner surface of the second part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the liquid ejecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an example of an ink tank.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank viewed from the +Y direction.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an example of a schematic internal structure of an ink tank.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank viewed from the -Z direction.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank viewed from the -X direction and the ink tank viewed from the +Z direction.

[0013] Figure 7 is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the ink tank and the flexible printed circuit board taken along line A1 - A2 shown.

[0014] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a method for detecting the amount of ink stored in an ink tank.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram used to explain the relationship between the liquid level of ink in the ink tank and the detection signal.

[0016] Fig.10 is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit.

[0017] Fig.11This is a plan view showing an example of a flexible printed circuit board.

[0018] Fig.12 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance between the input electrode and the detection electrode, and the size of the detection electrode.

[0019] Fig.13 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance between the input electrode and the detection electrode, and the size of the detection electrode.

[0020] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit.

[0021] Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a tank unit.

[0022] Fig.16 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of detection of the ink storage amount when the ink tank is tilted.

[0023] Fig.17 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the ink tank involved in the first comparative example.

[0024] Fig.18 This is a plan view showing an example of a flexible printed circuit board according to a first modification.

[0025] Fig.19 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the flexible printed circuit board according to the second modification.

[0026] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.19 A top view of an example of a flexible printed substrate is shown.

[0027] Fig.21 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of an ink tank and a flexible printed circuit board according to a third modification.

[0028] Fig. 22 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of an ink tank and a flexible printed circuit board according to a fourth modification.

[0029] Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 A top view of an example of an ink tank is shown.

[0030] Fig.24 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the ink tank and the flexible printed circuit board involved in the fifth modification.

[0031] Description of Reference Numerals

[0032] 1… inkjet printer, 2… management unit, 4… control unit, 10… tank unit, 20… detection circuit, 21… selection circuit, 22… bias circuit, 23… buffer circuit, 24… BPF, 25… SH circuit, 26… LPF, 27… amplifier circuit, 28… ADC, 30… head unit, 30a… ejection unit, 32… carriage, 40… timing belt, 42… carriage guide shaft, 43… carriage conveying mechanism, 44… conveying roller, 45… medium conveying mechanism, 46… platen, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100Z… ink tank, 120… outer wall, 122…partition wall, 130…support portion, 132…rod portion, 134…plate portion, 136…auxiliary support portion, 140…auxiliary portion, 150…discharge portion, 160…supply port, 170…connection portion, 180…adjustment port, 190…installation portion, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C…FPC, 201…first covering film layer, 202…first conductor layer, 203…base material layer, 204…second conductor layer, 205…second covering film layer, 210…input electrode, 212…wiring, 220…detection electrode, 220a…detection Electrode, 220b…Detection electrode, 220c…Detection electrode, 222a, 222b, 222c…Wiring, 240, 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, 240f…Shielding wiring, 242c, 242d, 242e…Lead-out wiring, 260…Double-sided tape, 262…First adhesive layer, 264…Base material, 266…Second adhesive layer, BP1, BP2…Bending portion, ET1, ET1a, ET1d, ET1e, ET2, ET2a, ET2b, ET2c, ET2d, ET2e…Extension portion Points, IF1, IF1a, IF2, IF2a...inner surface, OF1, OF1a, OF2, OF2a...outer surface, PP1...first configuration part, PP2...second configuration part, PT10, PT12, PT18, PT19, PT20, PT22, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, PT26, PT28, PT29...positioning part, TH1, TH2a, TH2b, TH4a, TH4b, TH4c...through hole, TW1, TW2a, TW2b, TW4a, TW4b, TW4c...through wiring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Below, the mode for implementing the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in each figure, the size and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual situation. In addition, the embodiment described below is a preferred specific example of the present invention, and therefore, various technically preferred limitations are added. However, as long as there is no description in the following description indicating that the present invention is particularly limited, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these modes.

[0034] 1. Implementation Method

[0035] First, refer to Figure 1 The configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0036] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the structure of the inkjet printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 2 shows an example of a partial structure of the inkjet printer 1. The inkjet printer 1 is an example of a “liquid ejecting device”.

[0037] For example, the inkjet printer 1 ejects ink INK to form an image on a printing medium P such as printing paper. Specifically, printing data representing the image that the inkjet printer 1 should form is provided to the inkjet printer 1 from a host computer such as a personal computer or a digital camera. Then, the inkjet printer 1 performs a printing process to form the image represented by the printing data provided by the host computer on the printing medium P. It should be noted that the printing medium P is not limited to printing paper. For example, the printing medium P can also be a medium of any material such as a resin film or cloth. In addition, ink INK is an example of an "object" and a "liquid". In this embodiment, it is assumed that the inkjet printer 1 is a serial printer. It should be noted that in addition to the printing function, the inkjet printer 1 can also have any of the functions of a copying function, a scanning function, a fax sending function, and a fax receiving function. That is, the inkjet printer 1 can also be equivalent to a so-called "multifunctional machine".

[0038] The inkjet printer 1 includes, for example, a management unit 2, a control unit 4, and a discharge unit 6. The management unit 2 includes, for example, a tank unit 10 storing ink INK and a detection circuit 20 detecting the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the tank unit 10. For example, the management unit 2 is a storage amount management device that manages the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the tank unit 10.

[0039] The tank unit 10 includes, for example, a plurality of ink tanks 100 corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of different types of inks INK and a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards 200 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of ink tanks 100. The tank unit 10 is an example of a "storage device" and the ink tanks 100 are an example of a "storage unit".

[0040] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the types of ink INK are cyan, magenta, yellow, and two types of black, a total of five colors. In this case, the tank unit 10 has five ink tanks 100 corresponding to the five types of ink INK one by one. It should be noted that the types of ink INK are not limited to five. That is, the number of ink tanks 100 in the tank unit 10 is not limited to five. For example, when the type of ink INK is one, the tank unit 10 may also have one ink tank 100.

[0041] Each ink tank 100 stores a corresponding ink INK among the plurality of inks INK. In addition, each flexible printed circuit board 200 is fixed to a corresponding ink tank 100 among the plurality of ink tanks 100. Hereinafter, the flexible printed circuit board is also referred to as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). It should be noted that the details of the ink tank 100 and the FPC 200 will be described later. Figure 2 In addition, the details of the detection circuit 20 will be described later. Fig.10 Described in.

[0042] The control unit 4 is, for example, a processor that controls each part of the inkjet printer 1. For example, the control unit 4 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) not shown in the figure. The control unit 4 functions as a control unit for controlling the management unit 2 and the ejection unit 6, for example, by operating according to a control program. It should be noted that all or part of the elements realized by the control unit 4 executing the control program may also be realized by hardware through electronic circuits such as FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (Application Specific IC). Alternatively, all or part of the various functions of the control unit 4 may also be realized through the collaboration of software and hardware. The control program may also be stored in a storage device not shown in the figure of the control unit 4, and may also be sent from other devices via a network.

[0043] The ejection unit 6 includes, for example, a plurality of head units 30 corresponding to the plurality of ink tanks 100 in a one-to-one manner, a carriage 32, a timing belt 40, a carriage guide shaft 42, a carriage conveying mechanism 43, a conveying roller 44, a medium conveying mechanism 45, and a platen 46. Each head unit 30 includes a plurality of ejection parts 30a, and the plurality of ejection parts 30a eject the ink INK supplied from the tank unit 10 through the tube 14. For example, under the control of the control unit 4, the ejection unit 6 conveys the printing medium P in the sub-scanning direction SD2, and moves the plurality of head units 30 back and forth along the main scanning direction SD1 intersecting the sub-scanning direction SD2, while ejecting the ink INK from the ejection parts 30a. Thus, dots corresponding to the printing data are formed on the printing medium P.

[0044] It should be noted that the plurality of head units 30 are mounted on the carriage 32. For example, when the ejection unit 6 performs printing processing, the carriage 32 moves back and forth along the main scanning direction SD1 and conveys the printing medium P in the sub-scanning direction SD2, thereby changing the relative position of the printing medium P with respect to each head unit 30. Thus, the ejection unit 6 can land the ink INK on the entire printing medium P.

[0045] The carriage guide shaft 42 supports the carriage 32 so that it can freely reciprocate along the main scanning direction SD1. The timing belt 40 is fixed to the carriage 32 and driven by the carriage conveying mechanism 43. Thus, the ejection unit 6 can make the plurality of head units 30 reciprocate along the carriage guide shaft 42 together with the carriage 32. In addition, the conveying roller 44 rotates according to the drive of the medium conveying mechanism 45, and conveys the printing medium P on the platen 46 in the sub-scanning direction SD2. It should be noted that the printing medium P is located between the platen 46 and the carriage 32.

[0046] It should be noted that the structure of the inkjet printer 1 is not limited to Figure 1 For example, in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the tank unit 10 is provided outside the carriage 32, but the tank unit 10 may be accommodated as an ink cartridge in the carriage 32. In addition, for example, the inkjet printer 1 may be a line printer.

[0047] Figure 2 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the ink tank 100. It should be noted that, below, the structure of the tank unit 10 is described with one of the multiple ink tanks 100 in the tank unit 10 and the FPC 200 fixed to the ink tank 100 as the center. Figure 2 , one ink tank 100 among a plurality of ink tanks 100 included in the tank unit 10 and an FPC 200 fixed to the ink tank 100 are shown.

[0048] Below, for the convenience of explanation, an orthogonal coordinate system with three axes of mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis is appropriately introduced. In addition, below, the direction indicated by the arrow of the X-axis is called the +X direction, and the opposite direction of the +X direction is called the -X direction. The direction indicated by the arrow of the Y-axis is called the +Y direction, and the opposite direction of the +Y direction is called the -Y direction. In addition, the direction indicated by the arrow of the Z-axis is called the +Z direction, and the opposite direction of the +Z direction is called the -Z direction. In addition, below, sometimes the +X direction and the -X direction are not particularly distinguished and are referred to as the X direction, and the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not particularly distinguished and are referred to as the Y direction. In addition, sometimes the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not particularly distinguished and are referred to as the Z direction. In addition, below, sometimes the +Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the -Z direction is referred to as the lower side. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the -Z direction is the direction of gravity. For example, the -Z direction is equivalent to the direction in which the ink INK decreases. In addition, below, sometimes observing an object from a specified direction is referred to as a top view.

[0049] The ink tank 100 includes, for example, a plurality of outer walls 120, a discharge portion 150 for discharging ink INK from the ink tank 100, a supply port 160 for supplying ink INK to the ink tank 100, a connection portion 170, an adjustment port 180, and a mounting portion 190. The tube 14 is connected to the connection portion 170. The adjustment port 180 is an intake port for taking in air for adjusting the pressure inside the ink tank 100. In addition, the mounting portion 190 is a mechanism for mounting the ink tank 100 on the inkjet printer 1.

[0050] The plurality of outer walls 120 include, for example, outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e. Figure 2 In order to facilitate viewing of the drawings, illustration of reference numerals of some of the outer walls 120 among the plurality of outer walls 120 is omitted.

[0051] The material of the plurality of outer walls 120 is not particularly limited as long as it is a dielectric material that does not transmit the ink INK. For example, the material of the plurality of outer walls 120 may be various resin materials such as polyolefin, polycarbonate, and polyester, or various glass materials. In addition, the material of the plurality of outer walls 120 may be either a hard material or a soft material. Alternatively, a portion of the plurality of outer walls 120 may be a hard material, and the other portion may be a soft material.

[0052] For example, among the plurality of outer walls 120, the outer wall 120a may be formed of a soft material such as a film, and the outer walls 120 other than the outer wall 120a may be formed of a hard material such as plastic. The elastic modulus of the hard material is, for example, greater than the elastic modulus of the soft material. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the outer wall 120a among the plurality of outer walls 120 is formed of a nylon film, and the outer walls 120 other than the outer wall 120a among the plurality of outer walls 120 are formed of a plastic having an elastic modulus greater than that of the nylon film. In this case, for example, the outer wall 120a thinner than the outer wall 120b can be easily formed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the elastic modulus of the outer wall 120b is greater than the elastic modulus of the outer wall 120a, and therefore, compared with the case where the elastic modulus of the outer wall 120b is the same as that of the outer wall 120a, for example, the deformation of the outer wall 120b due to the pressure inside the ink tank 100 can be suppressed.

[0053] In this embodiment, all the outer walls 120 except the outer wall 120a are formed of plastic among the plurality of outer walls 120, so that the ink tank 100 that is difficult to deform can be easily manufactured. For example, in this embodiment, the ink tank 100 can be easily manufactured by bonding the outer wall 120a formed of a nylon film to the outer wall 120 formed of plastic.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer walls 120a and 120b are configured to be separated from each other in the Y direction, and constitute the side walls of the ink tank 100 that are roughly parallel to the XZ plane. It should be pointed out that "roughly parallel", "roughly orthogonal" and "roughly right angles" described later are concepts that include errors. For example, "roughly parallel" means that they are parallel in design. In addition, the outer walls 120c and 120d are configured to be separated from each other in the X direction, and constitute the side walls of the ink tank 100 that are roughly parallel to the YZ plane. For example, the outer wall 120c is configured between the outer walls 120a and 120b, and is connected to a portion of the outer wall 120a and a portion of the outer wall 120b at the edge portion of the outer walls 120a and 120b in the +X direction. In addition, for example, the outer wall 120d is configured between the outer walls 120a and 120b, and is connected to a portion of the outer wall 120a and a portion of the outer wall 120b at the edge portion of the outer walls 120a and 120b in the -X direction.

[0055] In addition, the outer wall 120e includes a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane, and constitutes the bottom of the ink tank 100. For example, the outer wall 120e is disposed between the outer walls 120a and 120b, and is connected to a portion of the outer wall 120a and a portion of the outer wall 120b at the edge portions of the outer walls 120a and 120b in the -Z direction. The outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e constitute a box that opens in the +Z direction. The opening of the box is blocked by, for example, an outer wall 120 other than the outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e among the plurality of outer walls 120.

[0056] It should be noted that the outer walls 120a and 120b may also be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the XZ plane. Similarly, the outer walls 120c and 120d may also be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the YZ plane.

[0057] The outer wall 120a includes, for example, a first configuration portion PP1 where an input electrode 210 is provided, and the input electrode 210 is input with an AC signal for detecting the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100. For example, in the outer wall 120a, a portion including a target configuration portion where the input electrode 210 is to be provided and a peripheral portion of the target configuration portion corresponds to the first configuration portion PP1. For example, even if the installation position of the FPC 200 relative to the outer wall 120a deviates from a predetermined position due to an installation error or the like, when viewed from above from the -Y direction, the first configuration portion PP1 includes the peripheral portion of the target configuration portion of the input electrode 210 in a manner that includes the entirety of the input electrode 210.

[0058] For example, the width WP1x of the first configuration portion PP1 in the X direction is greater than the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction, and the width WP1z of the first configuration portion PP1 in the Z direction is greater than the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction.

[0059] A portion of the FPC 200 is mounted on the outer surface OF1 of the outer wall 120a. Note that in this embodiment, a lowercase letter "a" is added to the end of the reference numeral of the outer surface OF1 of the first arrangement portion PP1 in the outer surface OF1 of the outer wall 120a.

[0060] The FPC 200 includes, for example, an input electrode 210 provided on the outer surface OF1a of the first arrangement portion PP1, a wiring 212 connected to the input electrode 210 and extending in the X direction, and two shield wirings 240 maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage. Figure 2In order to distinguish the two shielding wirings 240 from each other, a lowercase letter "a" or "b" is added to the end of each reference numeral of the two shielding wirings 240. For example, the shielding wiring 240a is the shielding wiring 240 disposed closer to the -Z direction than the input electrode 210, and the shielding wiring 240b is the shielding wiring 240 disposed closer to the +Z direction than the input electrode 210. Figure 3 In the shield wiring 240 shown in the following figures, a lower case letter is added to the end of the reference numeral of the shield wiring 240 in order to distinguish it from other shield wirings 240 .

[0061] It should be noted that the input electrode 210, the wiring 212, and the shield wirings 240a and 240b are examples of the elements provided on the outer surface OF1 of the outer wall 120a among the plurality of elements of the FPC 200. Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the FPC 200 also includes elements other than the input electrode 210 , the wiring 212 , and the shield wirings 240 a and 240 b .

[0062] The input electrode 210, the wiring 212, and the shield wirings 240a and 240b are formed of a conductive material. The conductive material may be a metal material such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, iron, nickel, and cobalt, or an alloy including one or more metal materials. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the input electrode 210 and the wiring 212 are formed integrally. In this case, the wiring 212 is directly connected to the input electrode 210.

[0063] The input electrode 210 is formed such that, for example, the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction is smaller than the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction. For example, the input electrode 210 may also be formed in a rectangular shape with the X direction as the long side direction. It should be noted that the shape of the input electrode 210 is not limited to a rectangular shape. In addition, in the present embodiment, the input electrode 210 is located between the shielding wiring 240a extending in the X direction and the shielding wiring 240b extending in the X direction. In addition, when viewed from above from the -Y direction, the input electrode 210 includes a portion of the center CXa in the X direction of the outer wall 120a.

[0064] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, in addition to the input electrode 210, a portion of the shield wiring 240a and a portion of the shield wiring 240b are also provided on the outer surface OF1a of the first configuration portion PP1. Therefore, for example, the width WP1z of the first configuration portion PP1 is greater than the width W40ab in the Z direction of the portion including the input electrode 210 and the shield wirings 240a and 240b in the FPC 200.

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 3 Among the plurality of elements included in the FPC 200 , the elements facing the outer wall 120 b will be described.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 3 In the description, among the multiple elements of the FPC 200, the elements provided on the outer surface OF2 of the outer wall 120b that can be understood when the ink tank 100 is viewed from the +Y direction are mainly described.

[0067] The outer wall 120b includes, for example, a second configuration portion PP2 where two detection electrodes 220 are provided. The two detection electrodes 220 are used to detect the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100. Figure 3 In order to distinguish the two detection electrodes 220 from each other, a lowercase letter "a" or "b" is added to the end of the reference numerals of the two detection electrodes 220. For example, the detection electrode 220a is the detection electrode 220 disposed closer to the -Z direction than the detection electrode 220b.

[0068] It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the sizes of the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are the same as each other. In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the two detection electrodes 220a and 220b are provided in the second configuration part PP2 of the outer wall 120b, but the number of the detection electrodes 220 provided in the second configuration part PP2 is not limited to two. For example, the number of the detection electrodes 220 provided in the second configuration part PP2 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0069] The second arrangement portion PP2 corresponds to, for example, a portion of the outer wall 120b that includes the target arrangement portion where the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are to be arranged and the peripheral portion of the target arrangement portion. For example, even if the installation position of the FPC 200 relative to the outer wall 120b deviates from the predetermined position due to an installation error, when viewed from the +Y direction, the second arrangement portion PP2 includes the peripheral portion of the target arrangement portion of the detection electrode 220 in a manner that includes the entirety of the detection electrode 220. It should be noted that the entirety of the detection electrode 220 includes the entirety of the detection electrode 220a and the entirety of the detection electrode 220b.

[0070] For example, the width WP2x of the second arrangement portion PP2 in the X direction is larger than both the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction. In addition, the width WP1z of the second arrangement portion PP2 in the Z direction is larger than the width W20ab of the portion including the detection electrodes 220a and 220b in the FPC 200 in the Z direction.

[0071] A portion of the FPC 200 is mounted on the outer surface OF2 of the outer wall 120b. Note that in this embodiment, a lowercase letter "a" is added to the end of the reference numeral of the outer surface OF2 of the second arrangement portion PP2 in the outer surface OF2 of the outer wall 120b.

[0072] The FPC 200, for example, includes detection electrodes 220a and 220b disposed on the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration portion PP2, a wiring 222a connected to the detection electrode 220a and extending in the X direction, and a wiring 222b connected to the detection electrode 220b and extending in the X direction. Furthermore, the FPC 200 includes a shield wiring 240c maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage. The shield wiring 240c is a shield wiring 240 located between the detection electrode 220a and the detection electrode 220b. Therefore, a portion of the shield wiring 240c is disposed on the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration portion PP2. In addition, in the present embodiment, a portion of the shield wiring 240a and a portion of the shield wiring 240b are also disposed on the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration portion PP2.

[0073] For example, the detection electrode 220a is located between the shield wiring 240a extending in the X direction and the shield wiring 240c extending in the X direction, and the detection electrode 220b is located between the shield wiring 240b extending in the X direction and the shield wiring 240c extending in the X direction. It should be noted that the shield wiring 240c is located between the shield wiring 240a and the shield wiring 240b.

[0074] In addition, when viewed from the +Y direction, the detection electrode 220a includes a portion that overlaps with the center CXb of the outer wall 120b in the X direction. Similarly, when viewed from the +Y direction, the detection electrode 220b includes a portion that overlaps with the center CXb of the outer wall 120b in the X direction. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the center CXb of the outer wall 120b in the X direction is substantially consistent with the center CXa of the outer wall 120a in the X direction. In addition, the position of the supply port 160 in the X direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction. Similarly, the position of the supply port 160 in the X direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction.

[0075] Thus, in the present embodiment, the detection electrodes 220a and 220b and a part of the shield wiring 240a, a part of the shield wiring 240b, and a part of the shield wiring 240c are provided on the outer surface OF2a of the second arrangement portion PP2. Therefore, for example, the width WP2z of the second arrangement portion PP2 is larger than the width W40cd in the Z direction of the portion of the FPC 200 including the detection electrodes 220a and 220b and the shield wirings 240a, 240b, and 240c.

[0076] The overall overview of FPC200 will be given later. Fig.11 However, for example, the detection electrode 220a is formed so that the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction. Similarly, the detection electrode 220b is formed so that the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction. In this embodiment, when viewed from the +Y direction, it can be seen that the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are rectangular in shape with the X direction as the long side direction. It should be noted that the shape of the detection electrodes 220a and 220b is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0077] In addition, the detection electrodes 220a and 220b, the wirings 222a and 222b, and the shield wiring 240c are formed of the same material as the input electrode 210. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the detection electrode 220a and the wiring 222a are formed integrally, and the detection electrode 220b and the wiring 222b are formed integrally. In this case, the wiring 222a is directly connected to the detection electrode 220a, and the wiring 222b is directly connected to the detection electrode 220b.

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 4 The internal structure of the ink tank 100 is described.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic internal structure of the ink tank 100 .

[0080] The ink tank 100 has, for example, a plurality of partition walls 122, a plurality of support portions 130, and a plurality of auxiliary portions 140. Figure 4 In order to distinguish the plurality of supporting parts 130 from each other, a lowercase letter "a", "b" or "c" is added to the end of each reference numeral of the plurality of supporting parts 130. Similarly, a lowercase letter "a", "b", "c", "d" or "e" is added to the end of each reference numeral of the plurality of auxiliary parts 140. It should be noted that the number of supporting parts 130 and the number of auxiliary parts 140 are not limited to Figure 4For example, the number of the supporting parts 130 may be one or two. Alternatively, the number of the supporting parts 130 may be four or more. In addition, the plurality of partition walls 122 include, for example, partition walls 122a and 122b.

[0081] For example, the partition wall 122a is arranged to be separated from the outer wall 120d in the -X direction so as to be opposed to the outer wall 120d. The partition wall 122a is located near the outer wall 120d relative to the outer wall 120a. Air for adjusting the pressure inside the ink tank 100 is taken into the space between the outer wall 120d and the partition wall 122a, for example, through the adjustment port 180. Ink INK is stored in the space SP surrounded by the partition wall 122a and the outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120e, for example.

[0082] The partition wall 122b, for example, separates a flow path (not shown) of the ink INK supplied from the supply port 160 from the space SP. For example, the partition wall 122b is disposed apart from the outer wall 120e in the +Z direction so as to face the outer wall 120e. In the present embodiment, the partition wall 122b is located closer to the +Z direction than the second arrangement portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b.

[0083] In this way, the space SP storing the ink INK is partitioned by the outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c and 120e and the partition walls 122a and 122b. Note that the outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c and 120e and the partition walls 122a and 122b are examples of "a plurality of walls".

[0084] The support portion 130a supports the outer walls 120a and 120b, for example. For example, the support portion 130a includes a plurality of rod portions 132 supporting the outer walls 120a and 120b, a plurality of plate portions 134 supporting the outer walls 120a and 120b, and an auxiliary support portion 136. Figure 4 In the figure, in order to distinguish the plurality of rod parts 132 from each other, a lowercase letter "a", "b" or "c" is added to the end of the reference numeral of each of the plurality of rod parts 132. Similarly, a lowercase letter "a", "b" or "c" is added to the end of the reference numeral of each of the plurality of plate parts 134.

[0085] Each rod portion 132 is, for example, a column extending in the Y direction. Figure 4 In the example shown, each rod portion 132 is a cylinder, but each rod portion 132 may be a prism. A plurality of rod portions 132 are arranged, for example, in the Z direction. In addition, an end portion E1 as one end of each rod portion 132 is bonded to the outer wall 120a, and an end portion E2 as the other end of each rod portion 132 is bonded to the outer wall 120b.

[0086] In addition, each plate portion 134 includes, for example, a plane that is substantially parallel to the YZ plane. That is, each plate portion 134 includes a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the outer wall 120b. The two edge portions of the plate portion 134a along the Z direction are connected to the outer walls 120a and 120b, respectively, and the two edge portions of the plate portion 134a along the Y direction are connected to the rod portions 132a and 132b, respectively. In addition, the two edge portions of the plate portion 134b along the Z direction are connected to the outer walls 120a and 120b, respectively, and the two edge portions of the plate portion 134b along the Y direction are connected to the rod portions 132b and 132c, respectively.

[0087] For example, when viewed from the +Z direction, the auxiliary support portion 136 is roughly in the shape of a right triangle. For example, two edge portions of the auxiliary support portion 136 corresponding to the two sides other than the hypotenuse of the right triangle are connected to the outer wall 120b and the rod portion 132b respectively. The rod portion 132b is stably fixed to the outer wall 120b through the auxiliary support portion 136.

[0088] It should be noted that the structure of the support parts 130b and 130c is the same as that of the support part 130a. For example, the support parts 130b and 130c also support the outer walls 120a and 120b in the same way as the support part 130a. Figure 4 In the figure, the reference numerals of the elements such as the rod portion 132 included in the support parts 130b and 130c are omitted, but the elements included in the support parts 130b and 130c can also be referred to using the same reference numerals as the elements included in the support part 130a.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the support parts 130a and 130b are respectively arranged at two edge parts of the first configuration part PP1 along the Z direction. For example, the support parts 130a and 130b extend in the direction from the first configuration part PP1 toward the second configuration part PP2, that is, in the +Y direction, and support the first configuration part PP1 and the second configuration part PP2. It should be noted that Figure 4 In the figure, the first configuration part PP1 of the outer wall 120a is omitted, so the positional relationship between the support parts 130a and 130b and the first configuration part PP1 will be described later. Figure 5 Described in.

[0090] For example, when viewed from the +X direction, it can be seen that the plurality of auxiliary parts 140 are roughly in the shape of a right triangle. For example, in the edge portion of the auxiliary part 140a, two edge portions corresponding to the two sides other than the hypotenuse of the right triangle are connected to the outer walls 120b and 120e, respectively. In the auxiliary parts 140b and 140c, similarly to the auxiliary part 140a, two edge portions corresponding to the two sides other than the hypotenuse of the right triangle are connected to the outer walls 120b and 120e, respectively. Through the auxiliary parts 140a, 140b and 140c, the outer walls 120b and 120e are stably fixed to each other. In addition, in the edge portion of the auxiliary part 140d, two edge portions corresponding to the two sides other than the hypotenuse of the right triangle are connected to the outer wall 120c and the partition wall 122b, respectively. In the auxiliary part 140e, similarly to the auxiliary part 140d, two edge portions corresponding to the two sides other than the hypotenuse of the right triangle are connected to the outer wall 120c and the partition wall 122b, respectively. The outer wall 120c and the partition wall 122b are stably fixed to each other by the auxiliary portions 140d and 140e.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the support portion 130 and the auxiliary portion 140 are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment. However, a part or all of the support portion 130 and the auxiliary portion 140 may not be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

[0092] The discharge portion 150 is provided with a discharge port Hd, which penetrates the discharge portion 150 and the outer wall 120e and discharges the ink INK from the space SP. The discharge port Hd is located near the center of the outer wall 120e in the X direction, for example. It should be noted that the positional relationship between the discharge port Hd and the first configuration portion PP1 and the second configuration portion PP2 will be described later. Figure 5 Described in.

[0093] The supply port 160 opens in the +Z direction, for example. For example, the opening Hf of the supply port 160 communicates with the space SP via a flow path (not shown). Thus, the ink INK is supplied from the supply port 160 to the space SP.

[0094] As in Figure 2 As described in the figure, the tube 14 is connected to the connection part 170. The ink INK stored in the space SP is discharged from the discharge port Hd of the discharge part 150, for example, and reaches the connection part 170 through a flow path not shown. In addition, the ink INK reaching the connection part 170 is supplied to the ejection part 30a of the head unit 30 through the tube 14 connected to the connection part 170.

[0095] Next, refer to Figure 5 The positional relationship between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the discharge port Hd will be described.

[0096] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 viewed from the -Z direction. Figure 5 The positional relationship between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the discharge port Hd is described in detail. Figure 5 In order to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the discharge port Hd, the shield wiring 240 and the like are omitted. Figure 5 In order to explain the positional relationship between the first arrangement portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a and the second arrangement portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b and the support portions 130a and 130b, the support portions 130a and 130b are shown by dotted lines.

[0097] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated example, when the discharge port Hd is viewed from the -Z direction, the entire discharge port Hd is located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220. Thus, in the present embodiment, the amount of ink INK stored can be detected near the discharge port Hd.

[0098] It should be noted that when the discharge port Hd is observed from the -Z direction, the discharge port Hd may include a portion located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and a portion not located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220. In this case, compared with a case where the entire discharge port Hd is not located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 when the discharge port Hd is observed from the -Z direction, the storage amount of the ink INK can also be detected near the discharge port Hd. In addition, when the discharge port Hd is observed from the -Z direction, at least a portion of the discharge port Hd may be located between the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a and the second configuration portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b. In this case, compared with a case where the entire discharge port Hd is not located between the first configuration portion PP1 and the second configuration portion PP2 when the discharge port Hd is observed from the -Z direction, the storage amount of the ink INK can also be detected near the discharge port Hd.

[0099] Details will be given later. Fig.16 However, in this embodiment, compared with the method of the first comparative example in which the storage amount of the ink INK is detected at a position far from the discharge port Hd, the storage amount of the ink INK can be detected with high accuracy by detecting the storage amount of the ink INK near the discharge port Hd.

[0100] In addition, with regard to the position of the discharge port Hd, the discharge port Hd is formed near the center of the outer wall 120e in the X direction. For example, the discharge port Hd is formed so that the center CXs in the X direction of the space SP of the ink tank 100 is located inside the discharge port Hd when viewed from the -Z direction. Figure 5In the example shown, the outlet Hd is formed so that the center CP of the space SP of the ink tank 100 is located inside the outlet Hd when viewed from the -Z direction. Thus, in this embodiment, for example, when the ink tank 100 is used in a tilted state, the amount of ink INK that is not discharged from the outlet Hd and remains in the space SP can be reduced.

[0101] In addition, the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction and the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction are greater than the width WHx of the discharge port Hd in the X direction. Fig.16 As described in , even when the ink tank 100 is tilted, it is possible to accurately detect whether the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined lower limit value.

[0102] In addition, the support parts 130a and 130b are respectively arranged at two edge parts of the first arrangement part PP1 of the outer wall 120a along the Z direction. For example, the end E1 of each rod part 132 of the support part 130a is fixed to one edge part of the two edge parts of the first arrangement part PP1 along the Z direction, and the end E1 of each rod part 132 of the support part 130b is fixed to the other edge part of the two edge parts of the first arrangement part PP1 along the Z direction. In addition, the end E2 of each rod part 132 of the support part 130a is fixed to one edge part of the two edge parts of the second arrangement part PP2 along the Z direction, and the end E2 of each rod part 132 of the support part 130b is fixed to the other edge part of the two edge parts of the second arrangement part PP2 along the Z direction.

[0103] Thus, in the present embodiment, the range of the positions in the X direction including the rod portions 132 of the support portion 130a and the rod portions 132 of the support portion 130b in the outer wall 120a can be regarded as the range of the first arrangement portion PP1 in the X direction. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the range of the positions in the X direction including the rod portions 132 of the support portion 130a and the rod portions 132 of the support portion 130b in the outer wall 120b can be regarded as the range of the X direction of the second arrangement portion PP2.

[0104] The thickness T1 of the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a is thinner than the thickness T2 of the second configuration portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b. In addition, the thickness T1 of the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a is thinner than the thickness T3 of the outer wall 120d. Moreover, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the outer wall 120a is formed of a nylon film having a smaller elastic modulus than the outer wall 120b and the like, and therefore, the outer wall 120a is easily deformed compared with the outer wall 120b and the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, support portions 130a and 130b are provided to support the first configuration portion PP1 and the second configuration portion PP2. As a result, in the present embodiment, the deformation of the first configuration portion PP1 can be suppressed. In addition, in the present embodiment, in addition to the support portions 130a and 130b, a support portion 130c is provided to support the portion other than the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a and the portion other than the second configuration portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b, and therefore, the deformation of the outer wall 120a can be suppressed.

[0105] It should be noted that, for example, each rod portion 132 of the support portion 130a and each rod portion 132 of the support portion 130b may be arranged outside the first arrangement portion PP1 as long as the deformation of the first arrangement portion PP1 can be suppressed. Specifically, each rod portion 132 of the support portion 130a may be located closer to the -X direction than the first arrangement portion PP1. Similarly, each rod portion 132 of the support portion 130b may be located closer to the +X direction than the first arrangement portion PP1. In addition, for example, the support portion 130 may be provided near the center of the first arrangement portion PP1 in the X direction.

[0106] In addition, for example, the plate portion 134 may be formed into a lattice shape having through holes through which the ink INK passes. Alternatively, the plate portion 134 may be omitted. In addition, the support portion 130 may have a plurality of columns extending in the Z direction instead of the plate portion 134. In this case, the support portion 130 may be formed into a lattice shape having openings through which the ink INK passes by a plurality of columns extending in the Z direction and a plurality of rod portions 132 extending in the Y direction. Alternatively, a triangular or L-shaped support portion may be provided to support the outer walls 120a and 120e. In addition, for example, a plate-shaped support portion may be provided that has a surface parallel to the inner surface IF3 of the outer wall 120e and supports the outer walls 120a and 120b.

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 6 , an overview of the ink tank 100 as viewed from the -X direction is described.

[0108] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 viewed from the -X direction and the ink tank 100 viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 6In the figure, the top view shown on the upper side is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 observed from the -X direction, and the top view shown on the lower side is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 observed from the +Z direction. Figure 6 In order to facilitate the observation of the drawings, the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 are omitted.

[0109] As shown in the schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 observed from the -X direction, the ink tank 100 has, for example, positioning parts PT10 and PT12. For example, the positioning parts PT10 and PT12 are formed integrally with the outer wall 120d by the same material as the outer wall 120d. That is, in the present embodiment, the positioning parts PT10 and PT12 are provided on the outer wall 120d, which is a part formed by a material harder than the first configuration part PP1. The positioning parts PT10 and PT12 are formed, for example, in a convex shape protruding from the outer wall 120d toward the -X direction. In addition, for example, when viewed from above from the -X direction, the positioning part PT10 is recognized as a rectangle. In addition, for example, when viewed from above from the -X direction, the positioning part PT12 is recognized as a triangle. The positioning parts PT10 and PT12 are provided on the outer wall 120d, and the positioning part PT10 is located closer to the +Z direction than the positioning part PT12.

[0110] Furthermore, the FPC 200 includes a positioning portion PT20 that determines the position of the FPC 200 by being connected to the positioning portion PT10 , and a positioning portion PT22 that determines the position of the FPC 200 by being connected to the positioning portion PT12 .

[0111] For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 observed from the -X direction, on the edge portion in the +Z direction of the two edge portions along the Y direction of the FPC 200, a notch that opens in the +Z direction and fits with the positioning portion PT10 is formed as the positioning portion PT20. That is, when viewed from the -X direction, the area inside the notch formed as the positioning portion PT20 is recognized as a rectangle. In addition, on the edge portion in the -Z direction of the two edge portions along the Y direction of the FPC 200, a notch that opens in the -Z direction and fits with the positioning portion PT20 is formed as the positioning portion PT22. That is, when viewed from the -X direction, the area inside the notch formed as the positioning portion PT22 is recognized as a triangle.

[0112] It should be noted that the positioning portions PT20 and PT22 are not limited to notches. For example, the positioning portion PT20 may be formed by a through hole that penetrates the FPC 200 in the X direction and engages with the positioning portion PT10. Similarly, the positioning portion PT22 may be formed by a through hole that penetrates the FPC 200 in the X direction and engages with the positioning portion PT12.

[0113] In the present embodiment, when the FPC 200 is mounted on the ink tank 100, the positioning portion PT20 of the FPC 200 is connected to the positioning portion PT10 of the ink tank 100, and the positioning portion PT22 of the FPC 200 is connected to the positioning portion PT12 of the ink tank 100. Thus, in the present embodiment, when the FPC 200 is mounted on the ink tank 100, the position of the FPC 200 relative to the ink tank 100 can be suppressed from deviating from a predetermined position.

[0114] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shape of the positioning portion PT10 is different from the shape of the positioning portion PT12. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce, for example, the positioning portion PT22 being incorrectly engaged with the positioning portion PT10, or the positioning portion PT20 being incorrectly engaged with the positioning portion PT12. Therefore, it is possible to reduce, for example, the FPC 200 being installed in the ink tank 100 in an incorrect orientation.

[0115] It should be noted that the positioning portions PT10 and PT12 may be formed so that one or both of the shapes and sizes of the positioning portions PT10 and PT12 are different. For example, when the size of the positioning portion PT10 is different from the size of the positioning portion PT12, the shape of the positioning portion PT10 and the shape of the positioning portion PT12 may be the same as each other. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the possibility that the FPC 200 is installed in the ink tank 100 in the wrong orientation. Hereinafter, the positioning portions PT10, PT12, PT20 and PT22 are sometimes collectively referred to as the positioning portion PT.

[0116] In addition, FPC200 has a terminal TMt1 electrically connected to the input electrode 210, a terminal TMr1 electrically connected to the detection electrode 220a, and a terminal TMr2 electrically connected to the detection electrode 220b. Moreover, FPC200 has a plurality of terminals TMg1 to TMg6 that are maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage. Below, the terminals TMg1 to TMg6 are sometimes collectively referred to as terminals TMg. It should be noted that the number of terminals TMg is not limited to six. For example, the number of terminals TMg may be more than two and less than five, or more than seven. In addition, below, the terminals TMt1, TMr1, TMr2, and TMg are sometimes collectively referred to as terminals TM. The plurality of terminals TMg are formed, for example, from the same material as the input electrode 210.

[0117] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the plurality of terminals TMg are maintained at a ground voltage, however, the plurality of terminals TMg may also be maintained at a constant voltage other than the ground voltage. Alternatively, the plurality of terminals TMg may also include a terminal TMg maintained at a first constant voltage such as a ground voltage and a terminal TMg maintained at a second constant voltage other than the first constant voltage. The plurality of terminals TMg1 to TMg6 are respectively electrically connected to one or more shielded wirings 240 among the plurality of shielded wirings 240. It should be noted that, in the case of focusing on the plurality of shielded wirings 240, the plurality of shielded wirings 240 are respectively electrically connected to one or more terminals TMg among the plurality of terminals TMg1 to TMg6.

[0118] In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the interference between two terminals TM among the terminals TMt1, TMr1 and TMr2, one or more terminals TMg among the plurality of terminals TMg are arranged between the two terminals TM. The interference between the two terminals TM refers to, for example, a situation where a signal transmitted to one of the two terminals TM is transmitted to the other terminal TM as noise. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, for example, when viewed from above from the -X direction, a terminal TMg overlapping a straight line connecting an arbitrary position in one of the two terminals TM and an arbitrary position in the other terminal TM is equivalent to a terminal TMg located between the two terminals TM.

[0119] For example, terminals TMg1, TMg2 and TMg3 among the plurality of terminals TMg are arranged between terminal TMt1 and terminal TMr1. Furthermore, terminals TMg3 and TMg6 are arranged between terminal TMr1 and terminal TMr2. Furthermore, terminals TMg1, TMg2, TMg4 and TMg5 are arranged between terminal TMr2 and terminal TMt1.

[0120] In addition, for example, the terminal TMt1 contacts the first external contact point outside the FPC 200, the terminal TMr1 contacts the second external contact point outside the FPC 200, and the terminal TMr2 contacts the third external contact point outside the FPC 200. For example, the first external contact point contacts the second external contact point outside the FPC 200. Fig.10 In addition, for example, the second external contact is electrically connected to the AC power source ACP described in the following Fig.10 The third external contact is electrically connected to the input terminal IN1 of the selection circuit 21 described in , and the third external contact is electrically connected to the input terminal IN2 of the selection circuit 21 .

[0121] The plurality of terminals TMg1 to TMg6 are in contact with, for example, a plurality of constant voltage contacts outside the FPC 200. The plurality of constant voltage contacts are maintained at, for example, a constant voltage such as a ground voltage. That is, the plurality of terminals TMg1 to TMg6 are maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage by contacting the plurality of constant voltage contacts maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage.

[0122] In this embodiment, for example, Figure 8 The external contact CTt1 shown corresponds to the first external contact, the external contact CTr1 corresponds to the second external contact, the external contact CTr2 corresponds to the third external contact, and the external contacts CTg1 to CTg6 correspond to the constant voltage contacts. Hereinafter, the external contacts CTt1, CTr1, CTr2, and CTg1 to CTg6 are sometimes collectively referred to as the external contact CT. In addition, the external contact CT is also used as a general term for the first external contact, the second external contact, the third external contact, and a plurality of constant voltage contacts.

[0123] The connection between the plurality of terminals TM and the plurality of external contacts CT is realized, for example, by a spring contact. For example, the plurality of external contacts CT are provided on an external substrate that is detachable from the ink tank 100. In addition, when the external substrate is mounted on the ink tank 100, a force that presses the external contact CT in the +X direction is applied to each of the plurality of external contacts CT provided on the external substrate, for example, by a repulsive force of a spring or the like.

[0124] Here, in view of the positional relationship between the plurality of terminals TM and the positioning portions PT20 and PT22, in the FPC 200, at least a portion of the terminal configuration area AR including the plurality of terminals TM is located between the positioning portions PT20 and PT22. In the portion of the FPC 200 that is closer to the positioning portions PT20 and PT22, the deviation of the installation position of the FPC 200 relative to the ink tank 100 is smaller than that of the portion that is farther from the positioning portions PT20 and PT22.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the plurality of terminals TM are arranged near the positioning portions PT20 and PT22, and thus, the plurality of terminals TM can be reduced from deviating from a predetermined position relative to the ink tank 100. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the connection between the plurality of terminals TM and the plurality of external contacts CT from becoming an erroneous connection. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the plurality of terminals TM from a predetermined position relative to the ink tank 100, and thus, the stability of the connection between the plurality of terminals TM and the plurality of external contacts CT can be improved.

[0126] In addition, as shown in the schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 observed from the +Z direction, the FPC 200 is bent along the outer periphery of the ink tank 100 at the bent portions BP1 and BP2. In addition, when the ink tank 100 is observed from the +Z direction, a plurality of terminals TM are provided at the edge portion EP1 of the two edge portions EP1 and EP2 of the ink tank 100, and the supply port 160 is located near the edge portion EP2 relative to the edge portion EP1. The two edge portions EP1 and EP2 of the ink tank 100 are edge portions separated from each other in the X direction among the edge portions observed when the ink tank 100 is observed from the +Z direction. It should be noted that when the ink tank 100 is observed from the +Z direction, the X direction corresponds to the long side direction of the ink tank 100. In the following, the edge portion of the outer wall 120e in the edge portion EP1 of the ink tank 100 is sometimes referred to as the edge portion EP1 of the outer wall 120e. Similarly, the edge portion of the outer wall 120e in the edge portion EP2 of the ink tank 100 is sometimes referred to as the edge portion EP2 of the outer wall 120e.

[0127] Thus, in the present embodiment, the supply port 160 is located near the edge portion EP2 relative to the edge portion EP1 where the plurality of terminals TM are provided. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the ink INK leaks from the supply port 160 when the ink INK is supplied, it is possible to prevent the plurality of terminals TM from being stained by the leaked ink INK. In the case where the plurality of terminals TM are stained by the ink INK leaking from the supply port 160, there is a possibility that the plurality of terminals TM are short-circuited. In the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the plurality of terminals TM from being stained by the ink INK leaking from the supply port 160, and thus it is possible to prevent the plurality of terminals TM from being short-circuited.

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 7 The cross sections of the ink tank 100 and the FPC 200 are described.

[0129] Figure 7 is shown along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of an example of the cross-section of the ink tank 100 and the FPC 200 taken along the line A1-A2 shown in FIG. Figure 7 In order to facilitate the understanding of the drawings, the elements located closer to the +Z direction than the partition wall 122b and the support portion 130 are omitted from illustration.

[0130] The FPC 200 includes, for example, a non-conductive first cover film layer 201, a conductive first conductor layer 202, a non-conductive base layer 203, a conductive second conductor layer 204, and a non-conductive second cover film layer 205. For example, the base layer 203 is disposed between the first cover film layer 201 and the second cover film layer 205. In addition, the first conductor layer 202 is disposed between the first cover film layer 201 and the base layer 203, and the second conductor layer 204 is disposed between the second cover film layer 205 and the base layer 203.

[0131] The first conductive layer 202 includes an input electrode 210, detection electrodes 220a and 220b, and shield wirings 240a, 240b, and 240c. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second conductor layer 204 includes shielding wirings 240d and 240e which are maintained at a constant voltage such as a ground voltage. Figure 6 The terminals TMt1, TMr1, TMr2, and TMg1 to TMg6 are shown. The shield wirings 240d and 240e are formed of the same material as the input electrode 210, for example.

[0132] The first cover film layer 201 and the second cover film layer 205 are formed of, for example, a polyimide film. It should be noted that the first cover film layer 201 and the second cover film layer 205 can also be formed of materials other than polyimide films.

[0133] In addition, the tank unit 10 has a double-sided tape 260 for bonding the FPC 200 to the ink tank 100. For example, the first cover film layer 201 is provided between the second cover film layer 205 and the ink tank 100, and is bonded to the ink tank 100 by the double-sided tape 260. It should be noted that the double-sided tape 260 includes, for example, a base material 264, a first adhesive layer 262 formed on a first surface SF1 of the base material 264, and a second adhesive layer 266 formed on a second surface SF2 of the base material 264 on the opposite side of the first surface SF1.

[0134] For example, the FPC 200 is bonded to the Figure 6The position of the ink tank 100 is determined by the positioning parts PT10, PT12, PT20 and PT22 shown. As a result, the input electrode 210 included in the FPC200 is arranged on the outer surface OF1a of the first configuration part PP1 of the outer wall 120a, and the detection electrodes 220a and 220b included in the FPC200 are arranged on the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration part PP2 of the outer wall 120b. For example, when viewed from the -Y direction, the input electrode 210 is arranged at a position where the entire input electrode 210 overlaps with the outer surface OF1a of the first configuration part PP1. In addition, when viewed from the +Y direction, the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are arranged at a position where the entire detection electrode 220a and the entire detection electrode 220b overlap with the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration part PP2.

[0135] In this embodiment, when viewed from the +Y direction, the FPC 200 is mounted on the ink tank 100 so that the entire detection electrode 220a and the entire detection electrode 220b overlap the input electrode 210. The detection electrodes 220a and 220b are arranged at different positions in the Z direction.

[0136] For example, in the Z direction, the detection electrode 220a is configured so that the center of the detection electrode 220a is at position H1, and the detection electrode 220b is configured so that the center of the detection electrode 220b is at position H2. It should be noted that positions H1 and H2 are positions in the Z direction when the inner surface IF3 of the outer wall 120e is used as the starting point, and position H2 is a position closer to the +Z direction than position H1. Therefore, the detection electrode 220b is configured closer to the +Z direction than the detection electrode 220a. In the following, a position closer to the +Z direction than a specified position is also referred to as a position higher than the specified position, and a position closer to the -Z direction than a specified position is also referred to as a position lower than the specified position.

[0137] It should be noted that the detection electrode 220a can also be configured so that the side in the -Z direction of the two sides along the X direction of the detection electrode 220a is at position H1, and can also be configured so that the side in the +Z direction of the detection electrode 220a is at position H1. Similarly, the detection electrode 220b can also be configured so that the side in the -Z direction of the two sides along the X direction of the detection electrode 220b is at position H2, and can also be configured so that the side in the +Z direction of the detection electrode 220b is at position H2.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the shielded wirings 240d and 240e are provided on the FPC 200, so that interference between the plurality of FPCs 200 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of ink tanks 100 of the tank unit 10 can be reduced. Interference between the FPCs 200 refers to, for example, a situation in which a signal of one of the two FPCs 200 is transmitted as noise to one or both of the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 of the other FPC 200.

[0139] In addition, a large amplitude signal of about 42 V is supplied to the piezoelectric element of the ejection portion 30a of the drive head unit 30. In the present embodiment, since the shielded wirings 240d and 240e are provided on the FPC 200, it is possible to reduce the large amplitude signal supplied to the piezoelectric element from being transmitted to one or both of the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 as noise.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the FPC 200 is fixed to the ink tank 100 by means of a double-sided tape 260 of substantially uniform thickness, and therefore, the distance between the input electrode 210 and the outer surface OF1a of the first configuration portion PP1 and the distance between the detection electrode 220 and the outer surface OF2a of the second configuration portion PP2 are substantially constant. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the uneven distribution of the adhesive can be suppressed compared to the case where the FPC 200 is fixed to the ink tank 100 by means of a general curing adhesive. That is, in the present embodiment, the deviation of the distance between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 due to the position in the detection electrode 220 can be suppressed compared to the case where the FPC 200 is fixed to the ink tank 100 by means of a general curing adhesive. As a result, in the present embodiment, the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100 can be improved.

[0141] In addition, in the present embodiment, a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the inner surface IF1 on the opposite side of the outer surface OF1 of the outer wall 120a and the inner surface IF2 on the opposite side of the outer surface OF2 of the outer wall 120b. Specifically, a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the portion of the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a exposed in the space SP and the portion of the inner surface IF2 of the outer wall 120b exposed in the space SP. That is, a hydrophobic treatment is applied to the portion of the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a that is not bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d and 120e and the portion that is bonded to the partition walls 122a and 122b. The hydrophobic treatment is, for example, a hydrophobic treatment based on a silicone coating. It should be pointed out that the hydrophobic treatment is not limited to a hydrophobic treatment based on a silicone coating. For example, the hydrophobic treatment may also be a hydrophobic treatment based on a fluorine coating.

[0142] Here, in the present embodiment, a lowercase letter "a" is marked at the end of the reference mark of the inner surface IF1 of the first configuration portion PP1 in the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a. Similarly, a lowercase letter "a" is marked at the end of the reference mark of the inner surface IF2 of the second configuration portion PP2 in the inner surface IF2 of the outer wall 120b.

[0143] It should be noted that the scope of the hydrophobic treatment is not limited to the above example as long as the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration part PP1 of the outer wall 120a and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration part PP2 of the outer wall 120b are hydrophobic. For example, the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration part PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration part PP2 may be hydrophobic by a fluorine coating or by a silicone coating.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration portion PP2 are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, so that the hydrophobicity of the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration portion PP2 can be improved. Therefore, in the present embodiment, compared with the case where the inner surfaces IF1a and IF2a are not subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, the ink INK can be suppressed from adhering to the inner surfaces IF1a and IF2a.

[0145] For example, when the ink INK adheres to the inner surfaces IF1a and IF2a, there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100 is reduced compared to the case where the ink INK does not adhere to the inner surfaces IF1a and IF2a. In the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the ink INK from adhering to the inner surfaces IF1a and IF2a, so the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100 can be improved.

[0146] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the portion of the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a that is bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e and the portion that is bonded to the partition walls 122a and 122b are not subjected to hydrophobic treatment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the strength of the bonding between the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e and the outer wall 120a and the strength of the bonding between the partition walls 122a and 122b and the outer wall 120a.

[0147] Here, when the ink INK is ejected from the ejection portion 30a of the head unit 30, the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 decreases, and therefore the liquid level L of the ink INK decreases. In the present embodiment, the management unit 2 having the tank unit 10 and the detection circuit 20 can detect the liquid level L of the ink INK by the detection circuit 20, thereby being able to grasp the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100, that is, the remaining amount of the ink INK. It should be noted that the management unit 2 may also have a notification portion for notifying the user of the inkjet printer 1 of the remaining amount of the ink INK. For example, the notification portion may also notify the user of the inkjet printer 1 of the remaining amount of the ink INK by displaying the remaining amount of the ink INK. In the embodiment in which the management unit 2 has a notification portion, by notifying the user of the inkjet printer 1 of the remaining amount of the ink INK, it is possible to prevent the ink INK from running out at an unintended timing.

[0148] Next, refer to Figure 8 An outline of a method for detecting the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 will be described.

[0149] Figure 8 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of a method for detecting the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100. Figure 8 In the figure, it is shown that Figure 2 The cross section of the ink tank 100 and the FPC 200 along the line A1-A2 is shown. Figure 8 In order to facilitate the observation of the attached drawings, Figure 7 Similarly, illustration of elements located closer to the +Z direction than the partition wall 122 b and the support portion 130 and the like are omitted.

[0150] The capacitor CCa is formed by the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a and the dielectric present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. The main dielectric present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a is, for example, the double-sided tape 260, the outer wall 120a, one or both of the ink INK and the air, and the outer wall 120b. The electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor CCa is represented by the combined capacitance of a plurality of capacitors divided by the plurality of dielectrics present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a.

[0151] exist Figure 8 In the figure, it is assumed that the capacitor CCa is divided into capacitors Ca1 and Ca5 using the double-sided tape 260 as a dielectric, capacitor Ca2 using the outer wall 120a as a dielectric, capacitor Ca3, and capacitor Ca4 using the outer wall 120b as a dielectric. It should be noted that the capacitor Ca3 is a capacitor using one or both of the ink INK and the air as a dielectric in the dielectric between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a.

[0152] In addition, the capacitor CCb is formed by the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b and the dielectric present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b. The dielectric present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b is the same as the dielectric present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. For example, the capacitor CCb is divided into capacitors Cb1 and Cb5 using the double-sided tape 260 as a dielectric, capacitor Cb2 using the outer wall 120a as a dielectric, capacitor Cb3, and capacitor Cb4 using the outer wall 120b as a dielectric.

[0153] For example, the capacitance CC of each of capacitors CCa and CCb is expressed by equation (1) using capacitances C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 of a plurality of capacitors obtained by dividing capacitors CCa and CCb, respectively.

[0154] CC=1 / (1 / C1+1 / C2+1 / C3+1 / C4+1 / C5)…(1)

[0155] It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the sizes of the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are the same size as each other, so C1 in formula (1) represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors Ca1 and Cb1, and C2 represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors Ca2 and Cb2. In addition, C4 in formula (1) represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors Ca4 and Cb4, and C5 represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors Ca5 and Cb5. In addition, when formula (1) represents the electrostatic capacitance C of capacitor CCa, C3 represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor Ca3, and when formula (1) represents the electrostatic capacitance C of capacitor CCb, C3 represents the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor Cb3.

[0156] In addition, below, the electrostatic capacitances CC, C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 may be collectively referred to as electrostatic capacitance C. For example, the electrostatic capacitance C [F] is represented by the formula (2).

[0157] C=ε0*ε1*S / d…(2)

[0158] It should be noted that the “*” in formula (2) represents a multiplication operation. In addition, S in formula (2) represents the area of ​​the detection electrode 220a or 220b, and d represents the distance between the electrodes of the capacitor. Figure 8 In the example shown, the length of the dielectric of the capacitor in the Y direction corresponds to the distance d. In the formula (2), ε0 represents the dielectric constant of a vacuum, and ε1 represents the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric of the capacitor.

[0159] As shown in formula (2), the electrostatic capacitance C increases in proportion to the relative dielectric constant ε1 of the dielectric of the capacitor. It should be noted that, in the capacitors other than capacitors Ca3 and Cb3 among capacitors Ca1 to Ca5 and Cb1 to Cb5, the relative dielectric constant ε1 does not change even if the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100 changes. In contrast, in capacitors Ca3 and Cb3 that use one or both of ink INK and air as dielectrics, the relative dielectric constant ε1 varies depending on the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100.

[0160] For example, in the capacitor Ca3, the relative dielectric constant ε1 changes depending on the ratio of the ink INK and the air between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. The relative dielectric constant ε1 of the ink INK is greater than the relative dielectric constant ε1 of the air. For example, the relative dielectric constant ε1 of the ink INK varies depending on the material of the ink INK, but is about 80 if a relative dielectric constant close to water is considered. In addition, the relative dielectric constant ε1 of the air is approximately 1.

[0161] Thus, in capacitors Ca3 and Cb3, the electrostatic capacitance C3 changes due to the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100. For example, when the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitors other than capacitor Ca3 is large, the change in the electrostatic capacitance C3 of capacitor Ca3 has a greater influence on capacitor CCa than when the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitors other than capacitor Ca3 is small. Similarly, when the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitors other than capacitor Cb3 is large, the change in the electrostatic capacitance C3 of capacitor Cb3 has a greater influence on capacitor CCb than when the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitors other than capacitor Cb3 is small.

[0162] For example, the electrostatic capacitance C increases in proportion to the inverse of the distance d between the electrodes of the capacitor. That is, compared with the case where the length of the dielectric in the Y direction of the capacitor is large, the electrostatic capacitance C becomes larger when the length of the dielectric in the Y direction of the capacitor is small. Therefore, in this embodiment, Figure 7 As described in the figure, the thickness T1 of the first arrangement portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a is thinner than the thickness T2 of the second arrangement portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b and the thickness T3 of the outer wall 120d. The thickness T1 of the first arrangement portion PP1 is not particularly limited as long as the thickness T1 is thinner than one of the thicknesses T2 and T3. For example, the thickness T1 of the first arrangement portion PP1 may be about 0.01 mm, and the thickness T2 of the second arrangement portion PP2 may be about 1 mm.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first configuration portion PP1 is thinner than the thickness T2 and T3. Therefore, compared with the case where the thickness T1 of the first configuration portion PP1 is the same as the thickness T2 or the thickness T3, the electrostatic capacitance C1 of the capacitors Ca1 and Cb1 can be increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the change in the electrostatic capacitance C3 of each of the capacitors Ca3 and Cb3 can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, in the present embodiment, the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 can be improved.

[0164] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the dielectric constant of the first arrangement portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a is higher than the dielectric constant of the second arrangement portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b and the dielectric constant of the outer wall 120d. In this case, for example, compared with the case where the outer wall 120a is formed of a material having the same dielectric constant as the dielectric constant of the outer wall 120b or 120d, the electrostatic capacitance C1 of the capacitors Ca1 and Cb1 can be increased.

[0165] It should be pointed out that Figure 8 In the example shown, in order to reduce the transmission of noise to the input electrode 210 and the detection electrodes 220 a and 220 b , etc., the terminal TMg of the shield wiring 240 is grounded via any one of the external contacts CTg1 to CTg6 .

[0166] In addition, the terminal TMt1 of the input electrode 210 is electrically connected to the AC power supply ACP through the external contact CTt1. The AC power supply ACP outputs, for example, an AC signal including a pulse with an amplitude of 3.3 [V] as the input signal Vin for the input electrode 210. The input signal Vin is transmitted to the detection electrode 220a as the detection signal Vout1 through the capacitor CCa, and is transmitted to the detection electrode 220b as the detection signal Vout2 through the capacitor CCb. The terminal TMr1 of the detection electrode 220a is connected to the detection electrode 220b through the external contact CTr1. Fig.10 The terminal TMr2 of the detection electrode 220b is electrically connected to the input terminal IN1 of the selection circuit 21 described in the figure, and the terminal TMr2 of the detection electrode 220b is electrically connected to the input terminal IN2 of the selection circuit 21 through the external contact CTr2. Thus, the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 are input to the selection circuit 21. The detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 are examples of "electrical signals".

[0167] It should be noted that, compared with the case where the electrostatic capacitance CC of the capacitor CCa is small, the amplitude of the detection signal Vout1 becomes larger when the electrostatic capacitance CC of the capacitor CCa is large. For example, compared with the case where the electrostatic capacitance C3 of the capacitor Ca3 is small, the amplitude of the detection signal Vout1 becomes larger when the electrostatic capacitance C3 of the capacitor Ca3 is large. That is, compared with the case where the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a is filled with air, the amplitude of the detection signal Vout1 becomes larger when the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a is filled with ink INK. Similarly, compared with the case where the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b is filled with air, the amplitude of the detection signal Vout2 becomes larger when the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b is filled with ink INK.

[0168] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the liquid level L of the ink INK is located between the liquid level range LV1 and the liquid level range LV2, so the amplitude of the detection signal Vout1 is greater than the amplitude of the detection signal Vout2. It should be noted that the liquid level range LV1 corresponds to the position of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction, and is the range from the side in the -Z direction to the side in the +Z direction of the two sides along the X direction of the detection electrode 220a. In addition, the liquid level range LV2 corresponds to the position of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction, and is the range from the side in the -Z direction to the side in the +Z direction of the two sides along the X direction of the detection electrode 220b.

[0169] Next, refer to Fig. 9 The relationship between the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 and the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 will be described.

[0170] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 and the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2. Below, the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 are sometimes collectively referred to as the detection signal Vout. The horizontal axis in the figure represents the position of the liquid level L of the ink INK in the Z direction. For example, position H2 is a position closer to the +Z direction than position H1. In addition, the liquid level range LV2 is located closer to the +Z direction than the liquid level range LV1. That is, the liquid level range LV2 is located on the upper side than the liquid level range LV1. In addition, the vertical axis in the figure represents the size of the detection signal Vout as the voltage of the detection electrode 220. The size of the detection signal Vout may be, for example, the amplitude of the detection signal Vout, or the effective value of the detection signal Vout. The voltage VH may also be greater than the voltage Vth, and the voltage Vth may also be greater than the voltage VL.

[0171] It should be noted that the voltage Vth is a threshold voltage when the magnitude of the detection signal Vout is expressed by a binary value such as a high level and a low level. For example, the voltage Vth may be a voltage in the middle between the voltages VL and VH, a voltage between the voltages VL and VH that is closer to the voltage VL than to the voltage VH, or a voltage between the voltages VL and VH that is closer to the voltage VH than to the voltage VL.

[0172] When the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a is filled with air and there is no ink INK between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, the magnitude of the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 is the voltage VL. In addition, when the proportion of the ink INK existing between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a increases, the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 increases. For example, when the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 is the voltage Vth, it can be considered that the liquid level L of the ink INK exists in the liquid level range LV1, and the liquid level range LV1 includes the position H1 where the detection electrode 220a is arranged. In addition, when the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a is filled with ink INK and there is no air between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 is the voltage VH.

[0173] It should be noted that when the proportion of ink INK existing between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b increases, the magnitude of the detection signal Vout2 increases. For example, when the magnitude of the detection signal Vout2 is the voltage Vth, it can be considered that the liquid level L of the ink INK exists in the liquid level range LV2, and the liquid level range LV2 includes the position H2 where the detection electrode 220b is arranged. In addition, when the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b is full of ink INK and there is no air between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220b, the magnitude of the detection signal Vout2 is the voltage VH.

[0174] Next, refer to Fig.10 The detection circuit 20 will be described.

[0175] Fig.10 2 is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit 20. It should be noted that Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing a portion of the management unit 2 that manages the storage amount of ink INK in one of the plurality of ink tanks 100 included in the tank unit 10. Fig.10 In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the tank unit 10 is illustrated as an equivalent circuit represented by capacitors CCa and CCb.

[0176] The detection circuit 20 has a selection circuit 21 , a bias circuit 22 , a buffer circuit 23 , a BPF (Band Pass filter) 24 , an SH (Sample and Hold) circuit 25 , an LPF (Low Pass Filter) 26 , an amplifier circuit 27 , and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) 28 .

[0177] The selection circuit 21 has input terminals IN1 and IN2 and an output terminal OT. The selection circuit 21 electrically connects one of the input terminals IN1 and IN2 to the output terminal OT and grounds the other of the input terminals IN1 and IN2 under the control of the control unit 4 .

[0178] For example, the input terminal IN1 of the selection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the external contact CTr1 in contact with the terminal TMr1, and the input terminal IN2 of the selection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the external contact CTr2 in contact with the terminal TMr2. That is, the input terminal IN1 of the selection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the detection electrode 220a through the external contact CTr1 and the terminal TMr1, and the input terminal IN2 of the selection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the detection electrode 220b through the external contact CTr2 and the terminal TMr2. The output terminal OT of the selection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the buffer circuit 23 through the bias circuit 22.

[0179] That is, the selection circuit 21 outputs the detection signal Vout selected according to the control of the control unit 4 from the detection signal Vout1 received through the input terminal IN1 and the detection signal Vout2 received through the input terminal IN2 to the buffer circuit 23 from the output terminal OT. In this way, the selection circuit 21 switches the detection signal Vout output to the buffer circuit 23 between the detection signal Vout1 and the detection signal Vout2.

[0180] The bias circuit 22 biases the output terminal OT of the selection circuit 21, that is, the input of the buffer circuit 23, to a predetermined bias voltage between the power supply voltage and the ground voltage. It should be noted that the bias circuit 22 may bias the input of the buffer circuit 23 with a predetermined bias current.

[0181] The buffer circuit 23 outputs the detection signal Vout output from the selection circuit 21 to the BPF 24. It should be noted that, as described above, the detection signal Vout output from the selection circuit 21 is biased to a predetermined bias voltage by the bias circuit 22. In the buffer circuit 23, for example, the input impedance is higher than the output impedance. For example, the buffer circuit 23 is used for impedance conversion.

[0182] The BPF 24 selectively passes a component in a predetermined frequency range and removes other components. For example, the BPF 24 outputs a signal of a component in a predetermined frequency range among the detection signal Vout output from the buffer circuit 23 to the SH circuit 25 .

[0183] The SH circuit 25 receives, for example, an input signal Vin output from the AC power source ACP and a signal output from the BPF 24. In addition, the SH circuit 25 samples the signal output from the BPF 24 at a cycle based on the cycle of the input signal Vin, and holds the voltage value of the sampled signal until the operation of the ADC 28 is completed. In addition, the SH circuit 25 outputs the sampled signal to the LPF 26.

[0184] LPF26 removes components with frequencies higher than a predetermined threshold value, and allows components with frequencies below the predetermined threshold value to pass through. For example, LPF26 removes components with frequencies higher than a predetermined threshold value from the signal output from SH circuit 25, and outputs the signal with components with frequencies below the predetermined threshold value to amplifier circuit 27. Therefore, the signal after passing through LPF26 is a signal from which noise and the like of components with frequencies higher than the predetermined threshold value are removed.

[0185] The amplifier circuit 27 amplifies the signal output from the LPF 26 at a predetermined amplification factor, and outputs the amplified signal to the ADC 28. It should be noted that the signal output from the amplifier circuit 27 to the ADC 28 is an analog signal.

[0186] ADC28 converts the analog signal output from the amplifier circuit 27 into a digital signal. In addition, ADC28 outputs the digital signal converted from the analog signal as an output signal Do to the control unit 4. The output signal Do is a digital signal indicating the size of the detection signal Vout selected by the selection circuit 21 among the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2. In this way, the detection circuit 20 detects the size of the detection signals Vout1 and Vout2 to detect the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100. The details will be described later. Fig.14 , but, for example, the control unit 4 determines the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 based on the output signal Do output from the detection circuit 20.

[0187] It should be noted that the structure of the detection circuit 20 is not limited to Fig.10Example shown. For example, the detection circuit 20 may also have a comparator that compares whether the output voltage of the amplifier circuit 27 is above a predetermined value instead of ADC28. In addition, for example, when the number of detection electrodes 220 is one, the selection circuit 21 may be omitted. Alternatively, when the number of detection electrodes 220 is three or more, for example, the selection circuit 21 has three or more input terminals IN that correspond one-to-one to the three or more detection electrodes 220. In addition, the selection circuit 21 electrically connects one of the three or more input terminals IN to the output terminal OT, and grounds the other input terminals IN.

[0188] Next, refer to Fig.11 The overall structure of the FPC 200 will be described.

[0189] Fig.11 2 is a top view showing an example of FPC 200. It should be noted that Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a top view of the FPC 200 when it is not bonded to the ink tank 100. Fig.11 In order to facilitate and Figure 3 Correspondingly, the +X direction, +Y direction and +Z direction relative to the detection electrode 220 are Figure 3 In addition, Fig.11 In order to facilitate the understanding of the drawings, the FPC 200 is divided into a diagram of the first cover film layer 201 and the first conductor layer 202 , a diagram of the base material layer 203 , and a diagram of the second conductor layer 204 and the second cover film layer 205 .

[0190] The FPC 200 is, for example, an FPC in which components can be mounted on both sides of a base layer 203. For example, a first conductive layer 202 is provided on one side of the base layer 203, and a second conductive layer 204 is provided on the other side of the base layer 203.

[0191] The first conductive layer 202 includes, for example, an input electrode 210, a wiring 212 of the input electrode 210, a detection electrode 220a, a wiring 222a of the detection electrode 220a, a detection electrode 220b, a wiring 222b of the detection electrode 220b, and shield wirings 240a, 240b, and 240c. The input electrode 210, the detection electrodes 220a and 220b, the wirings 212, 222a, and 222b, and the shield wirings 240a, 240b, and 240c extend in the X direction, respectively.

[0192] For example, the distance D12 between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 is greater than the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction. In addition, for example, the width W12z of the wiring 212 of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction is smaller than the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction, and the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction is smaller than the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction. In addition, the width W20az of the wiring 222a of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction, and the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction. Likewise, the width W20bz of the wiring 222b of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction, and the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction is smaller than the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction.

[0193] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are of substantially the same shape, and the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are of substantially the same size. For example, the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction is substantially equal to the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction, and the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction is substantially equal to the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction. In the case where the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are of substantially the same shape, it can be considered that the electrical characteristics of the capacitor CCa including the detection electrode 220a and the capacitor CCb including the detection electrode 220b are substantially equal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detection circuit 20 for the detection signal Vout1 input from the detection electrode 220a and the detection circuit 20 for the detection signal Vout2 input from the detection electrode 220b can be shared. As a result, in the present embodiment, the number of detection circuits 20 corresponding to one ink tank 100 or the increase in the circuit scale can be suppressed.

[0194] It should be noted that, as long as the detection circuit 20 can be shared by the detection electrodes 220a and 220b, for example, the size of the detection electrode 220a may be different from the size of the detection electrode 220b. For example, the difference between the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction and the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction may be less than a first value, and the difference between the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction may be less than a second value. The first value and the second value are, for example, allowable values ​​of the difference in the size of the detection electrodes 220a and 220b when the detection circuit 20 is shared by the detection electrodes 220a and 220b. In addition, when the detection circuit 20 is separately provided in the detection electrodes 220a and 220b, the detection electrodes 220a and 220b may not have substantially the same shape, and may not have substantially the same size.

[0195] Hereinafter, the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction and the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction are sometimes collectively referred to as width W20z, and the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction are sometimes collectively referred to as width W20x.

[0196] In addition, the shielding wiring 240c is arranged between the detection electrode 220a and the detection electrode 220b and between the wiring 222a and the wiring 222b. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the width W40cz of the shielding wiring 240c in the Z direction is greater than the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction and greater than the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction. Compared with the case where the width W40cz of the shielding wiring 240c is less than the width W20 of the detection electrode 220, when the width W40cz of the shielding wiring 240c is greater than the width W20 of the detection electrode 220, the interference between the two detection electrodes 220a and 220b can be reduced.

[0197] In addition, the bent portion BP1 includes a portion of the wiring 212 of the input electrode 210, a portion of the shield wiring 240a, and a portion of the shield wiring 240b, but does not include the input electrode 210. Similarly, the bent portion BP2 includes a portion of the wiring 222a of the detection electrode 220a, a portion of the wiring 222b of the detection electrode 220b, a portion of the shield wiring 240a, and a portion of the shield wiring 240b, but does not include the detection electrodes 220a and 220b. That is, the FPC 200 is bent along the outer periphery of the ink tank 100 at the portion where the wiring 212 and the portion where the wiring 222a are configured.

[0198] Thus, the bent portion BP1 does not include the input electrode 210 having a width wider than the wiring 212. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stiffness of the bent portion BP1 can be made lower than the portion where the input electrode 210 is arranged. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the stiffness of the bent portion BP2 can be made lower than the portion where the detection electrode 220 is arranged. As a result, in the present embodiment, the FPC 200 can be easily bent along the outer periphery of the ink tank 100 at the bent portions BP1 and BP2.

[0199] The second conductive layer 204 includes, for example, a shield wiring 240d, a lead wiring 242d of the shield wiring 240d, a shield wiring 240e, a lead wiring 242e of the shield wiring 240e, and a plurality of terminals TM. The shield wiring 240d is electrically connected to one or more terminals TMg among the plurality of terminals TMg through the lead wiring 242d, and the shield wiring 240e is electrically connected to one or more terminals TMg among the plurality of terminals TMg through the lead wiring 242e. For example, the shield wiring 240d is electrically connected to terminals TMg4 and TMg5 through the lead wiring 242d. In addition, for example, the shield wiring 240e is electrically connected to terminal TMg6 through the lead wiring 242e.

[0200] The lead wirings 242d and 242e are formed of the same material as the input electrode 210. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the shield wiring 240d is formed integrally with the lead wiring 242d, and the shield wiring 240e is formed integrally with the lead wiring 242e. In this case, the lead wiring 242d is directly connected to the shield wiring 240d, and the lead wiring 242e is directly connected to the shield wiring 240e. It should be noted that the shield wiring 240d and the lead wiring 242d may be formed integrally with the terminals TMg4 and TMg5. Similarly, the shield wiring 240e and the lead wiring 242e may be formed integrally with the terminal TMg6.

[0201] For example, when viewed from the +Y direction, the shield wiring 240d includes an area that overlaps the entire input electrode 210 and at least a portion of the wiring 212. For example, the width W40dx of the shield wiring 240d in the X direction is greater than the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction. In addition, the width W40dz of the shield wiring 240d in the Z direction is greater than the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction. That is, the shield wiring 240d extends in the X direction with a constant width W40dz. It should be noted that the shield wiring 240d may also extend in the X direction with a substantially constant width W40dz including an error.

[0202] exist Fig.11In the example shown, the bent portion BP1 is located between the two edge portions EP3d and EP4d of the shield wiring 240d. The two edge portions EP3d and EP4d of the shield wiring 240d are, for example, edge portions separated from each other in the X direction among the edge portions observed when viewed from the +Y direction. It should be noted that, when viewed from the +Y direction, the edge portion EP4d located closer to the +X direction than the edge portion EP3d may also be located closer to the -X direction than the bent portion BP1 within the range including the region where the shield wiring 240d and the input electrode 210 overlap as a whole.

[0203] For example, when viewed from above from the +Y direction, the shielding wiring 240e includes an area overlapping with the entirety of the detection electrode 220a, the entirety of the detection electrode 220b, at least a portion of the wiring 222a, and at least a portion of the wiring 222b. For example, the width W40ex of the shielding wiring 240e in the X direction is greater than both the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction. In addition, the width W40ez of the shielding wiring 240e in the Z direction is greater than the sum of the width W20az of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction and the width W20bz of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction. That is, the shielding wiring 240e extends in the X direction with a constant width W40ez. It should be noted that the shielding wiring 240e may also extend in the X direction with a substantially constant width W40ez that includes an error.

[0204] exist Fig.11 In the example shown, the bent portion BP2 is located between the two edge portions EP3e and EP4e of the shield wiring 240e. The two edge portions EP3e and EP4e of the shield wiring 240e are edge portions separated from each other in the X direction among the edge portions observed when viewed from the +Y direction. It should be noted that when viewed from the +Y direction, the edge portion EP4e located closer to the -X direction than the edge portion EP3e may also be located closer to the +X direction than the bent portion BP2 within the range including the region where the shield wiring 240e and the detection electrode 220 overlap as a whole.

[0205] Here, in Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the +Y direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to a surface facing the outer wall 120 a of the input electrode 210 and a direction perpendicular to a surface facing the outer wall 120 b of the detection electrode 220 . The X direction corresponds to an extending direction of the FPC 200 .

[0206] Furthermore, in the terminal arrangement in which the terminals TMt1 , TMr1 , TMg1 , TMg2 , and TMg3 are arranged, the terminal TMt1 is located at one end of the terminal arrangement, and the terminal TMr1 is located at the other end of the terminal arrangement.

[0207] Furthermore, the number of terminals TMg located between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2 is greater than the number of terminals TMg located between the terminals TMr1 and TMr2. Fig.11 In the example shown, the number of terminals TMg located between the terminals TMr1 and TMr2 is two, namely, terminals TMg3 and TMg6. The number of terminals TMg located between the terminal TMt1 and the terminal TMr1 is three, namely, terminals TMg1, TMg2 and TMg3. In addition, the number of terminals TMg located between the terminal TMt1 and the terminal TMr2 is four, namely, terminals TMg1, TMg2, TMg4 and TMg5. In the present embodiment, by increasing the number of terminals TMg located between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2, the interference between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2 can be reduced.

[0208] It should be noted that, when focusing on the distance between the terminals TM rather than the number of terminals TMg, the distance between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2 is greater than the distance between the terminals TMr1 and TMr2. The distance between the terminals TM may also be the distance between the center of one terminal TM and the center of the other terminal TM of the two terminals TM, or may be the shortest distance between the two terminals TM. In this case, by increasing the distance between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2, the interference between the terminal TMt1 and one of the terminals TMr1 and TMr2 can be reduced.

[0209] The base material layer 203 has through holes TH1, TH2a, TH2b, TH4a, TH4b, and TH4c that penetrate the base material layer 203. Hereinafter, the through holes TH1, TH2a, TH2b, TH2a, TH4a, TH4b, and TH4c are sometimes collectively referred to as through holes TH. Fig.11 In the illustrated example, the number of through holes TH is ten, but the number of through holes TH is not limited to ten.

[0210] The through wiring TW1 inserted through the through hole TH1 connects the terminal TMt1 and the wiring 212. The wiring 212 connects the through wiring TW1 and the input electrode 210. That is, the input electrode 210 is electrically connected to the terminal TMt1 through the through wiring TW1. The through wiring TW2a inserted through the through hole TH2a connects the terminal TMr1 and the wiring 222a. The wiring 222a connects the through wiring TW2a and the detection electrode 220a. That is, the detection electrode 220a is electrically connected to the terminal TMr1 through the through wiring TW2a. The through wiring TW2b inserted through the through hole TH2b connects the terminal TMr2 and the wiring 222b. The wiring 222b connects the through wiring TW2b and the detection electrode 220b. That is, the detection electrode 220b is electrically connected to the terminal TMr2 through the through wiring TW2b.

[0211] In addition, the shielding wiring 240a is electrically connected to the terminals TMg1, TMg2, and TMg3 via the through wiring TW4a inserted through the through hole TH4a. The shielding wiring 240b is electrically connected to the terminals TMg4, TMg5, and TMg6 via the through wiring TW4b inserted through the through hole TH4b. The shielding wiring 240c is electrically connected to the terminal TMg6 via the through wiring TW4c inserted through the through hole TH4c. Hereinafter, the through wirings TW1, TW2a, TW2b, TW4a, TW4b, and TW4c are sometimes collectively referred to as through wirings TW.

[0212] Here, the second conductive layer 204 including the shield wiring 240d and 240e and the plurality of terminals TM is covered by the second cover film layer 205 except for the plurality of terminals TM. That is, the plurality of terminals TM are exposed to the outside of the FPC 200. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize contact between the plurality of terminals TM and the plurality of external contacts CT based on spring contacts or the like. It should be noted that in the FPC 200, at least a portion of the terminal configuration area AR including the plurality of terminals TM is located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. For example, in the FPC 200, the input electrode 210 is located closer to the -X direction than the terminal configuration area AR, and the detection electrode 220 is located closer to the +X direction than the terminal configuration area AR. In the present embodiment, since the plurality of terminals TM are concentrated between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, it is possible to reduce the size of the external substrate or the like on which the plurality of external contacts CT in contact with the plurality of terminals TM are provided.

[0213] Thus, in the present embodiment, the input electrode 210 and the detection electrodes 220a and 220b are provided on one FPC 200. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, compared with a method in which the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 are provided on two different FPCs, the FPC 200 can be easily installed on the ink tank 100. In addition, for example, in a method in which the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 are provided on two different FPCs, when the two FPCs are installed on the ink tank 100, there is a possibility that the deviation of the position of the detection electrode 220 relative to the input electrode 210 becomes larger. In view of this, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient to install one FPC 200 on the ink tank 100, and therefore, the situation in which the deviation of the position of the detection electrode 220 relative to the input electrode 210 becomes larger when the FPC 200 is installed on the ink tank 100 can be reduced.

[0214] It should be noted that the configuration of the plurality of positioning portions PT is not limited to Fig.11 The example shown. For example, the ink tank 100 may also have a fifth positioning portion PT and a seventh positioning portion PT in addition to the positioning portions PT10 and PT12. In this case, the FPC200 has a sixth positioning portion PT engaged with the fifth positioning portion PT and an eighth positioning portion PT engaged with the seventh positioning portion PT. For example, in the X direction, at least a portion of the terminal configuration area AR may also be located between the sixth positioning portion PT and the eighth positioning portion PT. That is, on the FPC200, the two positioning portions PT that pass through the FPC200 may also be formed in the X direction at positions that clamp the terminal configuration area AR. In this case, since the positioning portion PT is configured in a manner that surrounds the terminal configuration area AR, when the ink tank 100 is installed on the FPC200, the deviation of multiple terminals TM from a predetermined position relative to the ink tank 100 can be further reduced.

[0215] Next, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 The relationship between the electrostatic capacitance between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the size of the detection electrode 220 will be described.

[0216] Fig.12 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the size of the detection electrode 220. The horizontal axis of the diagram represents the position of the liquid surface L of the ink INK in the Z direction, and the vertical axis of the diagram represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitors CCa and CCb. The solid line in the diagram represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor CCa, and the dotted line in the diagram represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor CCb. It should be noted that Fig.12The simulation results are shown for three modes: "α", "2*α", and "3*α" for the width W20z of the detection electrode 220 in the Z direction. α is a positive value. The width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is the same in the three simulation modes.

[0217] Compared with the case where the width W20z of the detection electrode 220 in the Z direction is small, when the width W20z of the detection electrode 220 in the Z direction is large, the electrostatic capacitance when the space between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 is filled with the ink INK becomes larger. It should be noted that even if the width W20z of the detection electrode 220 in the Z direction changes, the change in electrostatic capacitance relative to the predetermined change in the ratio of the ink INK present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 is substantially constant.

[0218] Fig.13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 and the size of the detection electrode 220. and Fig.12 Similarly, the horizontal axis of the figure represents the position of the liquid surface L of the ink INK in the Z direction, and the vertical axis of the figure represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitors CCa and CCb. The solid line in the figure represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor CCa, and the dotted line in the figure represents the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor CCb. It should be noted that Fig.13 The simulation results are shown for three patterns of "β", "2*β", and "3*β" in which the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is β. β is a positive value. The width W20z of the detection electrode 220 in the Z direction is the same in the three simulation patterns.

[0219] Compared with the case where the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is small, when the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is large, the electrostatic capacitance when the ink INK is filled between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 becomes larger. That is, compared with the case where the area of ​​the detection electrode 220 is small, when the area of ​​the detection electrode 220 is large, the electrostatic capacitance when the ink INK is filled between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 becomes larger.

[0220] Furthermore, when the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is larger, the amount of change in electrostatic capacitance relative to a predetermined amount of change in the ratio of the ink INK present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 becomes larger than when the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is smaller. That is, when the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is larger, the change in electrostatic capacitance relative to the change in the ratio of the ink INK present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 becomes more sensitive than when the width W20x of the detection electrode 220 in the X direction is smaller. In the case where the electrostatic capacitance is sensitive to the change in the ratio of the ink INK present between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220, the amount of ink INK stored in the ink tank 100 can be detected with high accuracy, compared to when the electrostatic capacitance is not sensitive. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in Fig.11 As described in , etc., the detection electrodes 220 a and 220 b are formed so that the width W20 x in the X direction is larger than the width W20 z in the Z direction.

[0221] Next, refer to Fig.14 An example of the operation of the control unit 4 will be described.

[0222] Fig.14 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit 4. It should be noted that Fig.14 This is an example of the operation of the control unit 4 when the control unit 4 determines the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 .

[0223] First, in step S100, the control unit 4 starts to output the input signal Vin to the input electrode 210 and the SH circuit 25 by controlling the AC power supply ACP. For example, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the AC power supply ACP to instruct the start of outputting the input signal Vin, the input signal Vin including a pulse with an amplitude of 3.3 [V]. As a result, the AC power supply ACP outputs the input signal Vin to the input electrode 210 and the SH circuit 25.

[0224] Next, in step S200, the control unit 4 causes the selection circuit 21 to select the detection electrode 220a at a position H1 lower than the detection electrode 220b among the detection electrodes 220a and 220b. As a result, a digital signal indicating the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 is output from the detection circuit 20 to the control unit 4 as an output signal Do. The detection signal Vout1 is input to the detection circuit 20 from the detection electrode 220a selected by the selection circuit 21.

[0225] Next, in step S300, the control unit 4 determines whether the value of the output signal Do is less than a determination threshold. The determination threshold is, for example, Fig. 9The threshold value corresponding to the voltage Vth shown is, for example, a threshold value for determining whether the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 is at a position lower than the position corresponding to the detection electrode 220 .

[0226] If the result of the determination in step S300 is positive, the control unit 4 advances the process to step S400. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S300 is negative, the control unit 4 advances the process to step S420.

[0227] In step S400, the control unit 4 determines that the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 exists at a position lower than the position of the detection electrode 220 selected by the selection circuit 21. After executing the process of step S400, the control unit 4 advances the process to step S700.

[0228] Furthermore, in step S420, the control unit 4 determines that the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 exists at a height above the position of the detection electrode 220 selected by the selection circuit 21. After executing the process of step S420, the control unit 4 advances the process to step S500.

[0229] In step S500, the control unit 4 determines whether the detection electrode 220b at the position H2 higher than the detection electrode 220a has been selected. If the result of the determination in step S500 is positive, the control unit 4 proceeds to step S700. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S500 is negative, the control unit 4 proceeds to step S600.

[0230] In step S600, the control unit 4 causes the selection circuit 21 to select the detection electrode 220b at a position H2 higher than the detection electrode 220a among the detection electrodes 220a and 220b. Thus, a digital signal indicating the magnitude of the detection signal Vout2 is outputted from the detection circuit 20 to the control unit 4 as an output signal Do, and the detection signal Vout2 is inputted to the detection circuit 20 by the detection electrode 220b selected from the selection circuit 21. After executing the process of step S600, the control unit 4 returns the process to step S300. Thus, it is determined whether the liquid level L of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 is at a position lower than the position corresponding to the detection electrode 220b.

[0231] In addition, in step S700, the control unit 4 stops outputting the input signal Vin to the input electrode 210 and the SH circuit 25 by controlling the AC power supply ACP. For example, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the AC power supply ACP to instruct to stop outputting the input signal Vin. Thus, the AC power supply ACP stops outputting the input signal Vin. After executing the process of step S700, the control unit 4 ends the process of determining the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100.

[0232] It should be noted that the actions of the control unit 4 are not limited to Fig.14 The example shown. For example, the control unit 4 may also cause the process to enter step S500 after executing the process of step S400. That is, even in the case where it is determined that the liquid level L of the ink INK is at a position lower than the position corresponding to the detection electrode 220a, the control unit 4 may select the detection electrode 220b at a position H2 higher than the detection electrode 220a to perform the determination of step S300. In addition, for example, in the case where the determination result of step S300 when the detection electrode 220b is selected is inconsistent with the determination result of step S300 when the detection electrode 220a is selected, the control unit 4 may also determine that the measurement is wrong.

[0233] For example, when the value of the output signal Do indicating the size of the detection signal Vout1 of the detection electrode 220a is less than the determination threshold, the liquid level L of the ink INK is at a position lower than the position corresponding to the detection electrode 220a. Therefore, the liquid level L of the ink INK is at a position lower than the position corresponding to the detection electrode 220b, and the detection electrode 220b is at a position H2 higher than the detection electrode 220a. Therefore, when no measurement error occurs, the value of the output signal Do indicating the size of the detection signal Vout2 of the detection electrode 220b is less than the determination threshold. Therefore, when the value of the output signal Do indicating the size of the detection signal Vout1 of the detection electrode 220a is less than the determination threshold, and the value of the output signal Do indicating the size of the detection signal Vout2 of the detection electrode 220b is greater than the determination threshold, the control unit 4 may also determine that it is a measurement error.

[0234] Furthermore, the control unit 4 may select the detection electrode 220b in step S200 and the detection electrode 220a in step S600. In this case, the determination of step S500 is omitted, and the determination of whether the detection electrode 220a is selected is performed after at least step S400 of steps S400 and S420.

[0235] Furthermore, the control unit 4 may determine whether the value of the output signal Do is equal to or greater than a determination threshold value in step S300 .

[0236] Next, refer to Fig.15An example of a method for manufacturing the tank unit 10 will be described.

[0237] Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the tank unit 10 .

[0238] First, in step P100 , the first adhesive layer 262 of the double-sided tape 260 is bonded to the FPC 200 .

[0239] Next, in step P200, the position of FPC200 relative to ink tank 100 is determined by fitting positioning portion PT10 and positioning portion PT20 and fitting positioning portion PT12 and positioning portion PT22. That is, the position of FPC200 relative to ink tank 100 is determined by fitting positioning portion PT10 provided on outer wall 120d and positioning portion PT20 provided on FPC200.

[0240] Next, in the FPC bonding step of step P300 , the second adhesive layer 266 of the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the FPC 200 is bonded to the ink tank 100 .

[0241] In more detail, first, in step P320, FPC200 is bonded to the second configuration portion PP2 of the ink tank 100. In the present embodiment, the second configuration portion PP2 corresponds to a portion of the plurality of outer walls 120 having an elastic modulus greater than that of the first configuration portion PP1. That is, in step P320, a portion of the plurality of outer walls 120 having an elastic modulus greater than that of the first configuration portion PP1 is bonded to the second adhesive layer 266 of the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the FPC200. Therefore, step P320 includes a step of bonding the second adhesive layer 266 of the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the FPC200 to the outer wall 120d. In addition, in step P340, FPC200 is bonded to the first configuration portion PP1 of the ink tank 100. More specifically, the first configuration portion PP1 is bonded to the second adhesive layer 266 of the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the FPC200. Therefore, step P340 includes a step of bonding the second adhesive layer 266 of the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the FPC 200 and the outer wall 120a. Thus, in this embodiment, step P300 includes steps P320 and P340.

[0242] It should be noted that the ink tank 100 is formed by fixing the outer wall 120a formed by the nylon film to a portion formed by a plastic having a larger elastic modulus than the nylon film, such as the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e. The process of fixing the outer wall 120a to the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e can be performed before the process P200, and can be performed before the process P100 or after the process P100.

[0243] For example, in the manufacturing method of the comparative example in which the FPC 200 is bonded to the outer wall 120a and then the outer wall 120a is bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e, there is a risk of damage to the FPC 200 due to the pressing process of the roller used for crimping, etc. In view of this, in the present embodiment, after the process of bonding the outer wall 120a to the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e, etc., the FPC 200 is bonded to the outer wall 120a, so that damage to the FPC 200 can be suppressed.

[0244] In addition, in the manufacturing method of other comparative examples in which the double-sided tape 260 and the FPC 200 are bonded after the double-sided tape 260 is bonded to the ink tank 100, the FPC 200 is bonded to the double-sided tape 260 bonded to the ink tank 100. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the other comparative examples described above, it is difficult to correctly bond the FPC 200 to the double-sided tape 260 compared to the present embodiment, and therefore, there is a possibility that the installation position of the FPC 200 deviates from the predetermined position. In the case where the installation position of the FPC 200 deviates from the predetermined position, there is a possibility that the FPC 200 floats from the ink tank 100.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the step P300 of bonding the double-sided tape 260 and the ink tank 100 is performed after the step P100 of bonding the FPC 200 and the double-sided tape 260, so that the FPC 200 can be correctly bonded to the double-sided tape 260. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing the step P300 after the step P100, the tank unit 10 can be easily manufactured while suppressing the installation position of the FPC 200 relative to the ink tank 100 from deviating from the predetermined position.

[0246] Next, refer to Fig.16 An example of detecting the storage amount of the ink INK when the ink tank 100 is tilted will be described.

[0247] Fig.16 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of detecting the storage amount of the ink INK when the ink tank 100 is tilted. Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100 when viewed from the +Y direction. Fig.16 , the ink tank 100 is schematically shown when the edge portion EP1 of the outer wall 120e is located closer to the +Z direction than the edge portion EP2 of the outer wall 120e. Fig.16 In order to make the drawing easier to see, illustration of elements other than the detection electrodes 220a and 220b among the plurality of elements included in the FPC 200 is omitted.

[0248] exist Fig.16In the example shown, the liquid surface L of the ink INK indicated by the double-dashed line is located closer to the +Z direction than the discharge port Hd. In this case, since the ink INK exists between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, the detection signal Vout1 is input to the detection circuit 20, and the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 corresponds to the ratio of the ink INK existing between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a.

[0249] It should be noted that, for example, when the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a is smaller than the width WHx of the discharge port Hd, the ink INK does not exist between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a of the width exW. In this case, even if the ink INK that can be used for printing processing remains in the ink tank 100, it will be erroneously determined that the storage amount of the ink INK is less than the predetermined lower limit value. The ink INK that can be used for printing processing refers to, for example, the ink INK that can be discharged from the discharge port Hd when the printing process is performed. In the present embodiment, the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a is larger than the width WHx of the discharge port Hd, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the erroneous determination that the storage amount of the ink INK is less than the lower limit value.

[0250] Fig.16 The liquid level L of the ink INK indicated by the dotted line corresponds to the liquid level L of the ink INK that is not discharged from the discharge port Hd due to the tilt of the ink tank 100 and remains in the space SP. In this case, since there is no ink INK between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, it is determined that the storage amount of the ink INK is less than the lower limit value. In this way, in this embodiment, since the detection electrode 220a is formed near the discharge port Hd, it is possible to prevent the ink INK that is not discharged from the discharge port Hd and remains in the space SP from being erroneously detected as ink INK that can be used for printing processing. For example, in the following Fig.17 In the first comparative example described in , the detection electrode 220a is formed at a position far from the discharge port Hd, so there is a possibility that the ink INK remaining in the space SP without being discharged from the discharge port Hd is erroneously detected as the ink INK that can be used for printing.

[0251] Next, refer to Fig.17 An outline of the ink tank 100Z according to the first comparative example in which the detection electrode 220 a is formed at a position far from the discharge port Hd will be described.

[0252] Fig.17 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the ink tank 100Z involved in the first comparative example. Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 100Z viewed from the +Y direction. Fig.17 In, with Fig.16Similarly, the ink tank 100Z is schematically shown when the edge portion EP1 of the outer wall 120e is located closer to the +Z direction than the edge portion EP2 of the outer wall 120e. In the ink tank 100Z involved in the first comparative example, the discharge port Hd is provided near the edge portion EP1 of the outer wall 120e, and the detection electrodes 220a and 220b and Fig.17 The input electrode 210 not shown in the figure is arranged at a position closer to the edge portion EP1 of the outer wall 120e relative to the discharge port Hd. Figures 1 to 16 The structure of the ink tank 100 described in is the same.

[0253] Fig.17 The liquid surface L of the ink INK indicated by the dotted line corresponds to the liquid surface L of the ink INK remaining in the space SP without being discharged from the discharge port Hd due to the inclination of the ink tank 100Z. Fig.17 In the example shown, since there is ink INK between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a, the detection signal Vout1 is input to the detection circuit 20, and the magnitude of the detection signal Vout1 corresponds to the ratio of the ink INK between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. Therefore, in the first comparative example, there is a possibility that the ink INK that is not discharged from the discharge port Hd and remains in the space SP is erroneously detected as the ink INK that can be used for printing. In view of this, in the present embodiment, as Fig.16 As described in , since the detection electrode 220a is formed near the discharge port Hd, even when the ink tank 100 is tilted, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the storage amount of the ink INK.

[0254] Furthermore, in the first comparative example, when the ink tank 100Z is tilted so that the edge portion EP1 near the discharge port Hd is located closer to the +Z direction than the edge portion EP2 farther from the discharge port Hd, the amount of ink INK remaining in the space SP without being discharged from the discharge port Hd increases compared to the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, since the discharge port Hd is provided near the center of the outer wall 120e, even when the ink tank 100 is used in a tilted state, the amount of ink INK remaining in the space SP without being discharged from the discharge port Hd can be reduced.

[0255] As described above, in this embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 includes the tank unit 10 storing the ink INK, the detection circuit 20 detecting the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the tank unit 10 , and the discharge unit 30 a discharging the ink INK supplied from the tank unit 10 .

[0256] The tank unit 10 has an ink tank 100, an input electrode 210, and a detection electrode 220a. The ink tank 100 includes a plurality of outer walls 120 and a plurality of partition walls 122, and stores ink INK in a space SP surrounded by the plurality of outer walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e and the plurality of partition walls 122a and 122b. The input electrode 210 is provided at a first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120a. The detection electrode 220a is provided at a second configuration portion PP2 of the outer wall 120b. The first configuration portion PP1 has an outer surface OF1a on which the input electrode 210 is provided and an inner surface IF1a on the opposite side of the outer surface OF1a. The second configuration portion PP2 has an outer surface OF2a on which the detection electrode 220a is provided and an inner surface IF2a on the opposite side of the outer surface OF2a. Hydrophobic treatment is applied to the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration portion PP2.

[0257] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the outer wall 120a is an example of a "first wall", and the outer wall 120b is an example of a "second wall". The first configuration portion PP1 is an example of a "first portion", and the second configuration portion PP2 is an example of a "second portion". In addition, the input electrode 210 is an example of a "first electrode", and the detection electrode 220a is an example of a "second electrode". The outer surface OF1a is an example of a "first outer surface", the inner surface IF1a is an example of a "first inner surface", the outer surface OF2a is an example of a "second outer surface", and the inner surface IF2a is an example of a "second inner surface". The portion of the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a that is bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d and 120e and the portion that is bonded to the partition walls 122a and 122b are examples of a "third portion".

[0258] Thus, in the present embodiment, the inner surface IF1a and the inner surface IF2a of the first arrangement portion PP1 where the input electrode 210 is provided and the second arrangement portion PP2 where the detection electrode 220a is provided are subjected to hydrophobic treatment. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the ink INK from being attached to the inner surface IF1a of the first arrangement portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second arrangement portion PP2.

[0259] When ink INK is attached to the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration part PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration part PP2, there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100 is reduced. In this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of ink INK to the inner surface IF1a of the first configuration part PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second configuration part PP2, so the detection accuracy of the storage amount of ink INK in the ink tank 100 can be improved.

[0260] In this embodiment, at least one of the plurality of outer walls 120 includes a third portion that is not subjected to hydrophobic treatment. The third portion corresponds to, for example, a portion of the inner surface IF1 of the outer wall 120a that is bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d, and 120e and a portion that is bonded to the partition walls 122a and 122b.

[0261] That is, in the present embodiment, the portion bonded to the outer wall 120a among the plurality of outer walls 120 is the third portion. In the present embodiment, the portion bonded to the outer wall 120a among the plurality of outer walls 120 is not subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, and thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of bonding between the outer walls 120 other than the outer wall 120a among the plurality of outer walls 120 and the outer wall 120a.

[0262] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the inner surface IF1a of the first arrangement portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second arrangement portion PP2 may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment using a fluorine coating.

[0263] Alternatively, in the present embodiment, a hydrophobic treatment using a silicone coating may be performed on the inner surface IF1a of the first arrangement portion PP1 and the inner surface IF2a of the second arrangement portion PP2.

[0264] Alternatively, in the present embodiment, a hydrophobic treatment using a silicone coating may be performed on a portion of the surface of the outer wall 120 a that is exposed in the space SP.

[0265] In the present embodiment, by performing the hydrophobic treatment according to the purpose, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100 while suppressing the difficulty in manufacturing the ink tank 100 .

[0266] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ink tank 100 has a discharge port Hd for discharging the ink INK from the space SP. When the discharge port Hd is viewed from the direction in which the ink INK decreases in the ink tank 100, the center of the space SP is located inside the discharge port Hd. Thus, in the present embodiment, for example, when the ink tank 100 is used in a tilted state, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK in the ink tank 100.

[0267] 2. Modifications

[0268] The above methods can be modified in various ways. The following examples illustrate specific modification methods. Two or more methods arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within the scope of non-contradiction. It should be noted that in the modification examples shown below, for elements with the same effects and functions as those in the implementation method, the reference numerals in the above description are used and the description of each detailed situation is appropriately omitted.

[0269] First Modification

[0270] In the above embodiment, the FPC 200 is extended in the X direction with a substantially constant width, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the width of the bent portions BP1 and BP2 of the FPC 200 in the Z direction may be smaller than the width of the portion of the FPC 200 other than the bent portions BP1 and BP2 in the Z direction.

[0271] Fig.18 FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of FPC 200A according to the first modification. Fig.18 In the figure, it is shown that Fig.11 Similarly, the top view of the FPC 200A in a state where it is not bonded to the ink tank 100. Fig.18 In order to facilitate the viewing of the drawings, the FPC 200A is divided into a diagram of the first cover film layer 201 and the first conductor layer 202, and a diagram of the base material layer 203, the second conductor layer 204, and the second cover film layer 205. Figures 1 to 17 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

[0272] In FPC200A, the width WB1z of the bent portion BP1 in the Z direction is smaller than the width WE1z of the portion where the input electrode 210 is provided. Similarly, the width WB2z of the bent portion BP2 in the Z direction is smaller than the width WE2z of the portion where the detection electrode 220 is provided. Therefore, in this modification, the rigidity of the bent portions BP1 and BP2 of FPC200A can be made lower than both the rigidity of the portion where the input electrode 210 is provided and the rigidity of the portion where the detection electrode 220 is provided.

[0273] In addition, since the width WB1z of the bent portion BP1 and the width WB2z of the bent portion BP2 are different from those of FPC200, the shapes of the wirings 212, 222a, 222b, etc. are different from those of FPC200. For example, in FPC200A, the lead wiring 242c and the input electrode 210 that connect the shield wiring 240c and the through wiring TW4c are formed with the same material. In this modification, it is assumed that the shield wiring 240c and the lead wiring 242c are formed integrally. In addition, FPC200A has positioning parts 22A and PT22B instead of positioning part PT22. Moreover, FPC200A has positioning parts PT24 and PT26. The other structures of FPC200A are the same as those of FPC200.

[0274] For example, when viewed from the +Y direction, the shield wiring 240d includes an area overlapping the entire input electrode 210 and at least a portion of the wiring 212. In this modification, for example, the width W40dx of the shield wiring 240d in the X direction is greater than the width W10x of the input electrode 210 in the X direction. In addition, the width W40dz of the shield wiring 240d in the Z direction is greater than the width W10z of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction. It should be noted that in the FPC 200A, the two edge portions EP3d and EP4d of the shield wiring 240d are located closer to the -X direction than the bent portion BP1. Therefore, the width W42dz of the bent portion BP1 in the Z direction of the lead wiring 242d of the shield wiring 240d is smaller than the width W40dz of the shield wiring 240d in the Z direction.

[0275] In addition, for example, when viewed from the +Y direction, the shield wiring 240e includes an area overlapping with the entire detection electrode 220a, the entire detection electrode 220b, at least a portion of the wiring 222a, and at least a portion of the wiring 222b. For example, the width W40ex of the shield wiring 240e in the X direction is larger than both the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a in the X direction and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b in the X direction. It should be noted that in FPC200A, the two edge portions EP3e and EP4e of the shield wiring 240e are located closer to the +X direction than the bent portion BP2. Therefore, the width W42ez of the bent portion BP2 in the Z direction of the lead-out wiring 242e of the shield wiring 240e is smaller than the width W40ez of the shield wiring 240e in the Z direction.

[0276] The width W42cz of the lead wiring 242c in the Z direction is smaller than the width W40cz of the shield wiring 240c in the Z direction. In this modification, it is assumed that the width W40cz of the shield wiring 240c, the width W20ax of the detection electrode 220a, and the width W20bx of the detection electrode 220b are substantially the same.

[0277] In addition, when viewed from the +Y direction, the positioning portions PT20, PT22A, and PT22B are configured so that the line connecting the positioning portions PT20, PT22A, and PT22B is recognized as a triangle. For example, in FPC200A, the positioning portion PT22B has a center at a position deviated from the line passing through the center of the positioning portion PT20 and the center of the positioning portion PT22A.

[0278] Furthermore, in the FPC 200A, the positioning portion PT24 is formed at the edge portion EP5 on the side where the input electrode 210 is provided, and the positioning portion PT26 is formed at the edge portion EP6 on the side where the detection electrode 220 is provided.

[0279] For example, similar to the positioning portion PT20, the plurality of positioning portions PT20, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, and PT26 are formed by forming notches on the edge portions of the FPC 200A. It should be noted that the plurality of positioning portions PT20, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, and PT26 are not limited to notches. For example, a part or all of the plurality of positioning portions PT20, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, and PT26 may also be through holes that penetrate the FPC 200A in the X direction.

[0280] It should be noted that in the ink tank 100 to which the FPC 200A is mounted, a plurality of positioning portions PT are provided that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of positioning portions PT20, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, and PT26. The plurality of positioning portions PT provided in the ink tank 100 are respectively formed into, for example, convex shapes that fit with corresponding positioning portions PT among the plurality of positioning portions PT20, PT22A, PT22B, PT24, and PT26.

[0281] It should be noted that the configuration of the plurality of positioning portions PT is not limited to Fig.18 For example, in the FPC 200A, two positioning portions PT penetrating the FPC 200A may be formed at positions sandwiching the terminal arrangement region AR in the X direction.

[0282] As described above, in this variant, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. In addition, in this variant, the second conductor layer 204 includes a lead-out wiring 242d connected to the shielding wiring 240d and a lead-out wiring 242e connected to the shielding wiring 240e. The lead-out wiring 242d includes a bending portion BP1 whose width W42dz in the Z direction is smaller than the width W40dz of the shielding wiring 240d in the Z direction. In addition, the lead-out wiring 242e includes a bending portion BP2 whose width W42ez in the Z direction is smaller than the width W40ez of the shielding wiring 240e in the Z direction. FPC200A is bent along the periphery of the ink tank 100 at the bending portions BP1 and BP2. Thus, in this variant, the rigidity of the bending portion BP1 can be made lower than the portion where the shielding wiring 240d is configured. Similarly, in this variant, the rigidity of the bending portion BP2 can be made lower than the portion where the shielding wiring 240e is configured.

[0283] Furthermore, in this modification, in FPC200A, the positioning portion PT22B has a center at a position deviated from a line passing through the center of the positioning portion PT20 and the center of the positioning portion PT22A. In this case, when viewed from the +Y direction, the positioning portions PT20, PT22A, and PT22B are configured so that the line connecting the positioning portions PT20, PT22A, and PT22B is recognized as a triangular shape. Therefore, in this modification, for example, compared with the case where the positioning portion PT is only the positioning portions PT10 and PT20, the deviation of the position of the FPC200 relative to the ink tank 100 from the predetermined position can be further reduced.

[0284] In this modification, FPC 200A has a positioning portion PT24. Positioning portion PT24 is located at edge portion EP5 on one side where input electrode 210 is provided. In addition, ink tank 100 has a positioning portion PT that fits with positioning portion PT24. In this case, the position of input electrode 210 relative to ink tank 100 can be reduced from deviating from a predetermined position.

[0285] In this modification, FPC 200A has a positioning portion PT26. Positioning portion PT26 is located at edge portion EP6 on the side where detection electrode 220 is provided. In addition, ink tank 100 has a positioning portion PT that fits with positioning portion PT26. In this case, the position of detection electrode 220 relative to ink tank 100 can be reduced from deviating from the predetermined position.

[0286] Second Modification

[0287] In the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, the case where the position of the wiring 222a overlaps with the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction is shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, the position of a part of the wiring 222a and the position of the detection electrode 220a may be different from each other in the Z direction.

[0288] Fig.19 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the FPC 200B involved in the second modification. Fig.19 This is a top view of the ink tank 100 and FPC 200B viewed from the +Y direction. Fig.19 In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the shield wiring 240e and the like are omitted. Figures 1 to 18 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

[0289] In the FPC 200B, except that the wirings 222a and 222b are formed to extend in the X direction through a position closer to the -Z direction than the detection electrode 220a, all the wirings are similar to the detection electrode 220a. Fig.18The FPC 200A shown is the same. For example, the wiring 222a includes an extension portion ET2a extending in the X direction, and the wiring 222b includes an extension portion ET2b extending in the X direction. In addition, the lead wiring 242c includes an extension portion ET2c extending in the X direction. In addition, the shield wiring 240a includes an extension portion ET2d extending in the X direction, and the shield wiring 240b includes an extension portion ET2e extending in the X direction. Hereinafter, the extension portions ET2a, ET2b, ET2c, ET2d, and ET2e are sometimes collectively referred to as extension portions ET2.

[0290] For example, all the extension portions ET2 are located closer to the -Z direction than the detection electrode 220a. Fig.19 In the example shown, the extension portion ET2a of the wiring 222a is located closer to the discharge port Hd than the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction. Similarly, the extension portion ET2b of the wiring 222b is located closer to the discharge port Hd than the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction.

[0291] For example, when the liquid level L of the ink INK changes from a position within the range of the wiring 222a in the Z direction to a position closer to the -Z direction than the wiring 222a or a position closer to the +Z direction than the wiring 222a, the wiring 222a sometimes detects a change in the remaining amount of the ink INK.

[0292] When the range of the wiring 222a in the Z direction overlaps with the range of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction, the timing at which the detection electrode 220a detects the change in the remaining amount of ink INK sometimes overlaps with the timing at which the wiring 222a detects the change in the remaining amount of ink INK. In this case, there is a possibility that an error corresponding to the detection result of the wiring 222a is included in the detection result of the detection electrode 220a. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that the wiring 222a is mainly routed through a position closer to the -Z direction than the detection electrode 220a, or a position closer to the +Z direction than the detection electrode 220a.

[0293] In this variation, wirings 222a and 222b are routed through a position closer to the -Z direction than the detection electrode 220a, and thus the detection accuracy of the storage amount of ink INK can be improved compared to the case where the Z direction range of wiring 222a overlaps with the Z direction range of detection electrode 220a.

[0294] Next, refer to Fig. 20 The overall structure of the FPC 200B will be described.

[0295] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of FPC 200B. Fig. 20 It is shown in Fig.18 Similarly, the top view of the FPC 200B in a state where it is not bonded to the ink tank 100. Fig. 20 In, with Fig.18 Similarly, the FPC 200B is described as a diagram of the first cover film layer 201 and the first conductor layer 202, and a diagram of the base material layer 203, the second conductor layer 204, and the second cover film layer 205. Figures 1 to 19 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

[0296] In the FPC 200B, the wirings 212 , 222 a , and 222 b and the shield wirings 240 a and 240 b are routed through positions closer to the −Z direction than both the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 a .

[0297] For example, the wiring 212 includes an extension portion ET1a extending in the X direction. In addition, the shield wiring 240a includes an extension portion ET1d extending in the X direction, and the shield wiring 240b includes an extension portion ET1e extending in the X direction. Hereinafter, the extension portions ET1a, ET1d, and ET1e are sometimes collectively referred to as an extension portion ET1.

[0298] For example, the extension portion ET1 of the wiring 212 and the shield wirings 240a and 240b extends through the bend portion BP1 in the X direction. Similarly, for example, the extension portion ET2 of the wirings 222a and 22b and the shield wirings 240a, 240b, and 240c extends through the bend portion BP2 in the X direction.

[0299] In addition, the extension portions ET1 of the wiring 212 and the shield wirings 240a and 240b are located closer to the -Z direction than the input electrode 210. For example, the extension portion ET1a of the wiring 212 and the shield wirings 240a and 240b are located closer to the -Z direction than the input electrode 210. Fig.19 The extension portion ET2a of the wiring 222a described in FIG. 2 is similarly located closer to the discharge port Hd than the input electrode 210 in the Z direction.

[0300] In addition, for example, when viewed from the top in the +Y direction, the lead wiring 242d of the shield wiring 240d is formed in a shape including a region overlapping with the wiring 212 and the respective extension portions ET1 of the shield wirings 240a and 240b. Similarly, when viewed from the top in the +Y direction, the lead wiring 242e of the shield wiring 240e is formed in a shape including a region overlapping with the wirings 222a and 222b and the respective extension portions ET2 of the shield wirings 240a and 240b.

[0301] In FPC200B, the width WB1z of the bent portion BP1 in the Z direction may be smaller than the width WE1z of the portion where the input electrode 210 is provided, and the width WB2z of the bent portion BP2 in the Z direction may be smaller than the width WE2z of the portion where the detection electrode 220 is provided. Therefore, in this modified example, the rigidity of the bent portions BP1 and BP2 of FPC200A can be made lower than both the rigidity of the portion where the input electrode 210 is provided and the rigidity of the portion where the detection electrode 220 is provided.

[0302] It should be noted that the configuration of the FPC 200B involved in the second modification is not limited to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 For example, the extension portion ET1 of the wiring 212 and the shield wirings 240a and 240b may be located closer to the +Z direction than the input electrode 210. Similarly, the extension portion ET2 of the wirings 222a and 222b and the shield wirings 240a and 240b may be located closer to the +Z direction than the detection electrode 220b. In this case, for example, in the wiring 222a, the portion overlapping with the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction can be reduced, so the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK can be improved.

[0303] As described above, in this modification, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment and modification can be obtained. In addition, in this modification, the wiring 212 includes an extension portion ET1a extending in the X direction. In addition, the wiring 222a includes an extension portion ET2a extending in the X direction, and the wiring 222b includes an extension portion ET2b extending in the X direction. The position of the extension portion ET1a of the wiring 212 in the Z direction is different from the position of the input electrode 210 in the Z direction. The position of the extension portion ET2a of the wiring 222a in the Z direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220a in the Z direction, and the position of the extension portion ET2b of the wiring 222b in the Z direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction.

[0304] For example, in this modification, the extension portion ET1a of the wiring 212 is located closer to the input electrode 210 in the -Z direction, and the extension portion ET2a of the wiring 222a is located closer to the detection electrode 220a in the -Z direction. In addition, the extension portion ET2b of the wiring 222b is located closer to the detection electrode 220b in the -Z direction.

[0305] In this modification, the extension portion ET1a of the wiring 212 is located closer to the discharge port Hd than the input electrode 210 in the Z direction. The extension portion ET2a of the wiring 222a is located closer to the discharge port Hd than the detection electrode 220b in the Z direction.

[0306] Thus, in this modification, the wirings 212, 222a and 222b and the shield wirings 240a and 240b are routed through positions closer to the -Z direction than both the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a. Therefore, in this modification, for example, compared with a case where the Z-direction range of the wiring 222a overlaps the Z-direction range of the detection electrode 220a, the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK can be improved.

[0307] Third Modification

[0308] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the outer wall 120a is formed entirely of nylon film, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the outer wall 120a other than the first configuration portion PP1 may be formed of plastic having a greater elastic modulus than the nylon film.

[0309] Fig.21 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the ink tank 100A and the FPC 200 according to the third modified example. Fig.21 The ink tank 100A and FPC 200 are shown in cross section and along Figure 2 The cross section of the line A1-A2 shown in the figure corresponds to the cross section of the line A1-A2. Fig.21 middle, also harmonious Figure 7 Similarly, elements located closer to the +Z direction than the partition wall 122b and the support portion 130 are omitted from illustration. Figures 1 to 20 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed description is omitted.

[0310] The ink tank 100A has an outer wall 120Aa to replace Figure 7 The outer wall 120a shown is Figure 7 The ink tank 100 shown is the same. The outer wall 120Aa includes a film portion FL formed of a film such as a nylon film and a plastic portion PL formed of a plastic having a larger elastic modulus than the film portion FL. For example, the material of the plastic portion PL is the same as that of the outer wall 120b.

[0311] In addition, the membrane FL and Figure 7 The outer wall 120a shown is the same. However, the film portion FL is bonded to the plastic portion PL. The plastic portion PL is bonded to the Figure 7The outer wall 120a shown is similarly bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d and 120e, etc. That is, the plastic portion PL is located on the inner side than the membrane portion FL. In addition, in the plastic portion PL, a through hole Hpp1 that penetrates the plastic portion PL is formed in the first configuration portion PP1. When the outer wall 120Aa is observed from the -Y direction, the shape of the peripheral edge portion of the through hole Hpp1 is recognized as the same shape as the first configuration portion PP1, for example, it is recognized as a rectangle. Therefore, the thickness T1 of the membrane portion FL is the thickness of the first configuration portion PP1 where the input electrode 210, etc. is set. The thickness T1 of the membrane portion FL is, for example, thicker than the thickness T2 or T3 of the outer wall 120b formed by the plastic. Figure 5 The thickness T3 of the outer wall 120d is shown to be thin.

[0312] It should be noted that the structure of the ink tank 100A is not limited to Fig.21 For example, as long as the film portion FL can ensure the strength of bonding with the plastic portion PL, it can also be formed to include the first configuration portion PP1 and the peripheral portion of the first configuration portion PP1. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole Hpp1 can also be subjected to hydrophobic treatment. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole Hpp1 near the outer wall 120e can also be inclined in a manner that the opening in the +Y direction is larger than the opening in the -Y direction. In this case, it is possible to suppress the ink INK from remaining in the through hole Hpp1.

[0313] In addition, for example, the outer wall 120b may also be connected to the outer wall 120Aa or the outer wall 120Aa described later. Fig. 22 The outer wall 120Ba shown in the figure also has a film portion FL and a plastic portion PL. In this case, in the plastic portion PL formed as a part of the outer wall 120b, a through hole penetrating the plastic portion PL is formed in the second arrangement portion PP2. In this case, the influence of the electrostatic capacitance C5 of the second arrangement portion PP2 on the electrostatic capacitance CC between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a can be reduced.

[0314] As described above, in this variation, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments and variations can be obtained. In addition, in this variation, the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120Aa is thinner than the portion other than the first configuration portion PP1 in the outer wall 120Aa. In other words, the portion other than the first configuration portion PP1 in the outer wall 120Aa is thicker than the first configuration portion PP1. Therefore, in this variation, for example, compared with a method in which the outer wall 120a as a whole is approximately the same thinness as the first configuration portion PP1, it is possible to prevent the outer wall 120Aa from being deformed due to the internal pressure of the ink tank 100 or the like. That is, in this variation, it is possible to manufacture an ink tank 100 that is difficult to deform.

[0315] In addition, in this modification, the second configuration portion PP2 may also be thinner than at least one portion other than the first configuration portion PP1 of the plurality of outer walls 120. That is, the outer wall 120b may also include the second configuration portion PP2 as a third portion, which is thinner than at least one portion other than the first configuration portion PP1 of the plurality of outer walls 120. It should be noted that the detection electrode 220a is provided in the second configuration portion PP2. In this case, the first configuration portion PP1 of the outer wall 120Aa is thinner than the portions other than the first configuration portion PP1 and the second configuration portion PP2 of the plurality of outer walls 120.

[0316] When the first arrangement portion PP1 and the second arrangement portion PP2 in the plurality of outer walls 120 are thinner than other portions, the influence of the electrostatic capacitance C1 of the first arrangement portion PP1 and the electrostatic capacitance C5 of the second arrangement portion PP2 on the electrostatic capacitance CC between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a becomes smaller. Therefore, when the first arrangement portion PP1 and the second arrangement portion PP2 in the plurality of outer walls 120 are thinner than other portions, the detection accuracy of the storage amount of the ink INK can be improved compared to the case where the second arrangement portion PP2 is not thinner than the other portions.

[0317] Fourth Modification

[0318] In the third modification, the plastic part PL of the film part FL and the plastic part PL included in the outer wall 120Aa is located inside, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the film part FL of the film part FL and the plastic part PL included in the outer wall 120Aa may be located inside.

[0319] Fig. 22 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the ink tank 100B and the FPC 200 according to the fourth modification. Fig. 22 The ink tank 100B and FPC 200 are shown in cross section along Figure 2 The cross section of the line A1-A2 shown in the figure corresponds to the cross section of the line A1-A2. Fig. 22 middle, also harmonious Figure 7 Similarly, elements located closer to the +Z direction than the partition wall 122b and the support portion 130 are omitted from illustration. Figures 1 to 21 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed description is omitted.

[0320] The ink tank 100B has an outer wall 120Ba to replace Figure 7 The outer wall 120a shown is Figure 7The ink tank 100 shown is the same. The outer wall 120Ba includes a film portion FL formed of a film such as a nylon film and a plastic portion PL formed of a plastic having a larger elastic modulus than the film portion FL. For example, the material of the plastic portion PL is the same as that of the outer wall 120b.

[0321] In addition, the membrane part FL is Figure 7 The same is true for the outer wall 120a shown in FIG. Figure 7 The outer wall 120a shown is similarly bonded to the outer walls 120c, 120d and 120e. However, the surface on the opposite side of the inner surface IF1 of the membrane portion FL is bonded to the plastic portion PL. That is, the membrane portion FL is located on the inner side than the plastic portion PL. In addition, in the plastic portion PL, a through hole Hpp1 that penetrates the plastic portion PL is formed in the first configuration portion PP1. When the outer wall 120Aa is observed from the -Y direction, the shape of the peripheral edge portion of the through hole Hpp1 is recognized as the same shape as the first configuration portion PP1, for example, a rectangle. Therefore, the thickness T1 of the membrane portion FL is the thickness of the first configuration portion PP1 where the input electrode 210 and the like are provided. The thickness T1 of the membrane portion FL is, for example, greater than the thickness T2 or T3 of the outer wall 120b formed by the plastic. Figure 5 The thickness T3 of the outer wall 120d is shown to be thin.

[0322] In addition, if Fig.23 As shown, in the inner peripheral surface of the through hole Hpp1, the inner peripheral surface SLP to which the bonding FPC 200 is attached is inclined so that the opening in the -Y direction is larger than the opening in the +Y direction.

[0323] Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of an ink tank 100B. It should be noted that Fig. 22 is a top view of the ink tank 100B when viewed from the -Y direction. Fig.16 In order to make the drawings easier to see, the FPC 200 is omitted.

[0324] In the inner peripheral surface of the through hole Hpp1 of the plastic part PL included in the through outer wall 120Ba, the inner peripheral surface SLP to which the FPC 200 is bonded is tilted in such a manner that the opening in the -Y direction is larger than the opening in the +Y direction. The designated dot portion in the figure shows the inner peripheral surface SLP tilted in such a manner that the opening in the -Y direction is larger than the opening in the +Y direction. In this modified example, compared with the case where the inner peripheral surface SLP is substantially at a right angle to the first configuration portion PP1 of the membrane part FL, it is possible to easily bond the FPC 200 to the first configuration portion PP1 of the membrane part FL.

[0325] It should be noted that the structure of the ink tank 100B is not limited to Fig. 22 and Fig.23For example, the film portion FL may be formed to have a size including the first arrangement portion PP1 and the peripheral portion of the first arrangement portion PP1 as long as the strength of adhesion with the plastic portion PL can be ensured.

[0326] In addition, for example, the outer wall 120b may also be connected to the outer wall 120Ba or Fig.21 The outer wall 120Aa shown in the figure also has a film portion FL and a plastic portion PL. In this case, in the plastic portion PL formed as a part of the outer wall 120b, a through hole penetrating the plastic portion PL is formed in the second arrangement portion PP2. In this case, the influence of the electrostatic capacitance C5 of the second arrangement portion PP2 on the electrostatic capacitance CC between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220a can be reduced.

[0327] As described above, also in this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and modification can be obtained.

[0328] Fifth Modification

[0329] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the case where the number of the detection electrodes 220 is two is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the number of the detection electrodes 220 may be one, or three or more.

[0330] Fig.24 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the ink tank 100C and the FPC 200C involved in the fifth modification. It should be noted that Fig.24 This is a top view of the ink tank 100 and the FPC 200 as viewed from the +Y direction. Fig.24 In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the shield wiring 240e and the like are omitted. Figures 1 to 18 The same elements as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed description is omitted.

[0331] The tank unit 10 has an ink tank 100C and an FPC 200C to replace Figure 3 Except for the ink tank 100 and FPC 200 shown, all Figure 3 The tank unit 10 shown is the same as the ink tank 100C except that the FPC 200C is installed instead of the FPC 200 and the positioning part PT18 and the positioning part PT19 are provided. Figure 3 The ink tank 100 shown is identical.

[0332] For example, a positioning portion PT18 that determines the position of the lower side of the FPC 200C and a positioning portion PT19 that determines the position of the edge portion of the FPC 200C are provided on the outer wall 120b of the ink tank 100C. The positioning portions PT18 and PT19 protrude, for example, in the +Y direction. In addition, the positioning portion PT18 extends in the X direction, and the positioning portion PT19 extends in the Z direction.

[0333] Of the two sides of the FPC 200C along the X direction, a portion of the side in the −Z direction functions as the positioning portion PT28 . Also, of the two sides of the FPC 200C along the Z direction, a portion of the side close to the detection electrode 220 functions as the positioning portion 29 .

[0334] It should be noted that the FPC 200C has, in addition to the detection electrode 220c provided in the second configuration portion PP2, the wiring 222c connected to the detection electrode 220c, and the shielding wiring 240f. Figure 3 The FPC 200 shown is the same. For example, the detection electrode 220c, the wiring 222c, and the shield wiring 240f are formed on the first conductive layer 202 using the same material as the input electrode 210. For example, the wiring 222c is formed integrally with the detection electrode 220c.

[0335] The shield wiring 240f is located between the wiring 222c and the detection electrode 220c, which are formed integrally, and the wiring 222b and the detection electrode 220b, which are formed integrally. The shield wiring 240f can reduce interference between the detection electrodes 220b and 220c.

[0336] The detection electrode 220c is located between the shielded wiring 240f and the shielded wiring 240fb. In addition, the detection electrode 220c is the detection electrode 220 that is closest to the supply port 160 among the detection electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c. For example, the detection electrode 220c functions as an upper limit electrode, which is used to detect whether the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100C is the upper limit storage amount. In this modification, the detection electrode 220c extends in the X direction. In addition, the position of the discharge port Hd in the X direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220c in the X direction. For example, the range of the discharge port Hd in the X direction does not overlap with the range of the detection electrode 220c in the X direction. In addition, at least a portion of the range of the detection electrode 220c in the X direction overlaps with at least a portion of the range of the supply port 160 in the X direction. Therefore, in the present modification, when the storage amount of the ink INK exceeds the storage amount of the upper limit during supply of the ink INK, it is possible to reduce a delay in detecting that the storage amount of the ink INK exceeds the storage amount of the upper limit.

[0337] It should be noted that the structure of the ink tank 100C and the FPC 200C is not limited to Fig.24 For example, the positioning parts PT18 and PT19 may be omitted. In addition, for example, the detection electrode 220c may be arranged so that the position in the X direction is the same as that of the detection electrodes 220a and 220b.

[0338] As described above, in this modification, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment and modification can be obtained. In addition, in this modification, the tank unit 10 has the detection electrode 220c provided in the second arrangement portion PP2. Thus, in this modification, the storage amount of the ink INK can be detected in multiple stages.

[0339] In addition, in this modification, the ink tank 100C has a supply port 160 for supplying ink INK to the space SP. The detection electrodes 220b and 220c include an upper limit electrode for detecting whether the storage amount of the ink INK stored in the ink tank 100C is the upper limit storage amount. The detection electrode 220 that functions as the upper limit electrode among the detection electrodes 220a, 220b, and 220c is closest to the supply port 160. In this modification, the detection electrode 220c can detect that the storage amount of the ink INK is the upper limit storage amount.

[0340] In addition, in this modification, the detection electrode 220c extends in the X direction. In addition, the position of the discharge port Hd in the X direction is different from the position of the detection electrode 220c in the X direction. At least a portion of the range of the detection electrode 220c in the X direction overlaps with at least a portion of the range of the supply port 160 in the X direction. Therefore, in this modification, when the storage amount of the ink INK exceeds the upper limit storage amount when the ink INK is supplied, the detection delay of the storage amount of the ink INK exceeding the upper limit storage amount can be reduced.

[0341] Sixth Modification

[0342] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, a film such as a nylon film may be bonded to the outer surface OF2 of the outer wall 120b. That is, a film may be provided between the outer wall 120b and the FPC 200. In addition, the outer walls 120a and 120b may be formed of a film such as a nylon film. Alternatively, the outer wall 120b may be formed of a film such as a nylon film, and the outer wall 120a may be formed of a plastic having a greater elastic modulus than the outer wall 120b.

[0343] Seventh Modification

[0344] In the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, an inkjet printer 1 in which the tank unit 10 is not mounted on the carriage 32 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, the tank unit 10 may be mounted on the carriage 32, or may be mounted on an ink server that supplies ink INK to the printing device. In addition, the "liquid ejection device" is not limited to the inkjet printer 1, but may be other printing devices. In addition, the "storage device" is not limited to the tank unit 10 that stores ink INK. For example, the "storage device" may also be a device that stores an object other than ink INK. That is, the "object" is not limited to ink INK. For example, the "object" may also be a liquid other than ink INK, or may be a fluid. For example, the "object" may also be oil.

[0345] Eighth Modification

[0346] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the support portion 130 may be omitted. In addition, a flexible cable may be used instead of the FPC 200 .

[0347] Ninth Modification

[0348] In the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the case where the discharge outlet Hd is located near the center of the outer wall 120e is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, the discharge outlet Hd may also be formed near one of the edge portions EP1 and EP2 of the outer wall 120e. In addition, a method may be adopted in which the discharge outlet Hd is not located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 when the discharge outlet Hd is observed from the -Z direction. In addition, even in the case where the discharge outlet Hd is located near the center of the outer wall 120e, a method may be adopted in which the discharge outlet Hd is not located between the input electrode 210 and the detection electrode 220 when the discharge outlet Hd is observed from the -Z direction.

Claims

1. A storage device, It is characterized in that have: A storage portion including a plurality of walls for storing objects in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode disposed on a first portion of a first wall among the plurality of walls; as well as a second electrode disposed at a second portion of a second wall of the plurality of walls, The first portion has a first outer surface on which the first electrode is disposed and a first inner surface opposite to the first outer surface. The second portion has a second outer surface on which the second electrode is disposed and a second inner surface opposite to the second outer surface. A hydrophobic treatment is applied to the first inner surface of the first part and the second inner surface of the second part, At least one of the plurality of walls includes a third portion that is not subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, The portion of the plurality of walls bonded to the first wall is the third portion.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment using a fluorine coating.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A hydrophobic treatment based on a silicone coating is performed on the first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion.

4. The storage device according to claim 3, It is characterized in that A portion of the surface of the first wall exposed to the space is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment using a silicone coating.

5. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The storage portion has a discharge port for discharging the object from the space, When the discharge port is viewed from a direction in which the objects in the storage portion decrease, the center of the space is located inside the discharge port.

6. A liquid ejection device, It is characterized in that have: a storage device for storing liquid; a detection circuit for detecting the storage amount of the liquid stored in the storage device; and a discharge unit for discharging the liquid supplied by the storage device, The storage device comprises: A storage portion including a plurality of walls for storing objects in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode disposed on a first portion of a first wall among the plurality of walls; as well as a second electrode disposed at a second portion of a second wall of the plurality of walls, The first portion has a first outer surface on which the first electrode is disposed and a first inner surface opposite to the first outer surface. The second portion has a second outer surface on which the second electrode is disposed and a second inner surface opposite to the second outer surface. A hydrophobic treatment is applied to the first inner surface of the first part and the second inner surface of the second part, At least one of the plurality of walls includes a third portion that is not subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, The portion of the plurality of walls bonded to the first wall is the third portion.

Images