Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a technique for accurately detecting a residual amount of liquid such as ink.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a liquid discharge head for discharging supplied liquid; storage means for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head; a turning member which is immersed in the liquid in the storage means and capable of turning according to an amount of the liquid, in the storage means; and detection means for detecting an amount of the liquid by using the turning member. An arrangement position of the detection means differs according to a specific gravity of the liquid stored in the storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus that can be widely used, for example, as an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with a recording head capable of ejecting ink by an inkjet method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for detecting the amount of ink remaining in a storage chamber by rotatably providing a member equipped with a float within the storage chamber for storing ink and detecting the rotation of this member with a sensor. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 utilizes the buoyancy generated in the float by the stored ink to rotate the rotating member according to the amount of ink remaining. In order to generate buoyancy in the float, the float is designed to have a specific gravity lighter than the specific gravity of the stored ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-25818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a recording device that ejects multiple types of ink requires a separate storage chamber for each ink. The buoyancy generated in the float varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink. Therefore, if a recording device uses multiple types of ink that are heavier than the float but have different specific gravities, the buoyancy generated in the float will differ depending on the specific gravity of the ink. As a result, the amount of rotation of the rotating member corresponding to the remaining amount of ink will differ depending on the type of ink, which may make it impossible to accurately detect the remaining amount of ink.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique that can accurately detect the remaining amount of liquid such as ink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid ejection device comprising a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid to be supplied, a storage means that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head, a rotating member in the storage means that is immersed in the stored liquid and can rotate according to the amount of the liquid, and a detection means that detects the amount of the liquid using the rotating member, wherein the position of the detection means differs according to the specific gravity of the liquid stored in the storage means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the remaining amount of ink can be detected accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a recording apparatus that is a liquid ejection apparatus [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the ink storage section [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the movement of the rotating member when ink is reduced. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the height of the liquid surface that is determined to be below a predetermined level for inks with different specific gravities. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the sensor placement position when using ink with low specific gravity [Figure 6] Diagram showing the sensor placement position when using ink with a high specific gravity [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ink storage unit provided with a rotating member as a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of a liquid ejection device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present invention. Furthermore, the positions, shapes, and the like of the components described in the present embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those alone.

[0010] (Configuration of recording device) The configuration of a liquid ejection device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In this specification, a recording device that ejects ink onto a recording medium to record will be described as an example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording device according to this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a diagram showing the configuration centered on the recording unit inside the device. Note that the recording device 10 in FIG. 1 is an example of a recording device to which this embodiment can be applied, and recording devices to which this embodiment can be applied are not limited to the recording device 10 shown in FIG. 1. In other words, this embodiment can be applied to various devices that have various known recording functions that eject ink to record.

[0011] The recording device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called multifunction device that includes a reading unit 12 that can read a document set on a document table, and a recording unit 14 that records information read by the reading unit 12 or information input from an external device onto a recording medium.

[0012] The reading unit 12 is located at the top of the recording device 10, and the recording unit 14 is located at the bottom of the recording device 10. The recording unit 14 includes a storage tray 16 that stores recording media M, a feed roller 18 that feeds the recording media M stored in the storage tray 16, and a guide unit 20 that guides the fed recording media M to a recording position by a recording head 26 (described later). The recording unit 14 also includes a transport roller 22 that transports the recording media M fed via the guide unit 20, a platen 24 that supports the recording media M transported by the transport roller 22, and a recording head 26 that ejects ink onto the recording media M supported by the platen 24. The recording unit 14 also includes a discharge roller 30 that discharges the recorded recording media M to a discharge tray 28, and an ink storage unit 32 as storage means that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 26 via a tube (not shown).

[0013] The recording head 26 may be capable of ejecting ink of multiple colors, or may be capable of ejecting ink of only one color. It may also be configured to be capable of ejecting treatment liquid for imparting a predetermined effect to the recorded image. When ejecting multiple types of ink (including treatment liquid), multiple ink reservoirs 32 are provided, each storing a different type of ink. The recording head 26 is mounted on a carriage 34. The carriage 34 is configured to be able to move back and forth in the X direction. The recording medium M accommodated in the storage tray 16 is transported in the -Y direction by the feed roller 18, makes a U-turn by the guide unit 20, and is transported in the +Y direction by the transport roller 22.

[0014] In the recording device 10, as the recording head 26 moves in the X direction via the carriage 34, ink is ejected onto the recording medium M supported by the platen 24, performing a recording operation to record one scan's worth of data on the recording medium M. Next, a transport operation is performed in which the recording medium is transported a predetermined distance in the +Y direction, and an area on the recording medium M that has not yet been printed is positioned opposite the recording head 26. After that, the recording operation is performed again. In this way, the recording device 10 records an image on the recording medium M by alternately and repeatedly executing the recording operation and the transport operation.

[0015] (Configuration of ink reservoir) Next, we will explain the configuration of the ink storage unit 32. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ink storage unit 32, where (a) shows a state in which the ink accommodating member 36 is not attached to the ink storage chamber 38, and (b) shows a state in which the ink accommodating member 36 is attached to the ink storage chamber 38.

[0016] The ink storage section 32 includes an ink storage member 36 that stores ink, and an ink storage chamber 38 that stores the ink stored in the ink storage member 36. The ink storage member 36 is configured to be detachable from the ink storage chamber 38. In the recording device 10, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 38 reaches a certain amount, the user replaces the ink storage member 36 with a new one.

[0017] An ink storage section 32 is provided for each type of ink ejected from the recording head 26. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the ink storage chambers 38 have a partial configuration that differs depending on the type (specific gravity) of ink. In the ink storage section 32, ink stored in the ink storage chambers 38 is supplied to the recording head 26 via a tube (not shown). When ink is supplied from the ink storage chambers 38 to the recording head 26 and the amount of ink in the ink storage chambers 38 decreases, ink is supplied to the ink storage chambers 38 from the connected ink accommodating member 36.

[0018] The ink storage member 36 comprises a main body 40 and a lid 42. Ink is stored inside the main body 40. A supply unit 44 is provided at the bottom of the main body 40, and is connected to a connecting member 47 (described later) in the ink storage chamber 38 to supply ink to the ink storage chamber 38. That is, in this embodiment, the ink storage member 36 is configured to be detachable from the ink storage chamber 38 via the supply unit 44. The supply unit 44 is equipped with an opening / closing mechanism such as a valve spring structure. An atmosphere communication port 46 is formed in the lid 42, which connects the inside of the ink storage member 36 to the outside.

[0019] The ink storage chamber 38 includes a connecting member 47 that connects to the ink accommodating member 36 via the supply portion 44. A rotating member 48 is provided on a bottom 38a within the ink storage chamber 38. The rotating member 48 is rotatably supported at the bottom 38a by a support member 50. Therefore, when ink is supplied to the ink storage chamber 38, the rotating member 48 is immersed in the ink. A sensor 52 capable of detecting the rotation of the rotating member 48 is provided above the rotating member 48 in the ink storage chamber 38. While the sensor 52 is provided in the ink storage chamber 38, this is not a limitation, and the sensor 52 may be provided separately from the ink storage chamber 38 as long as it is capable of detecting the rotation of the rotating member 48. An air communication port 54 that communicates the interior of the ink storage chamber 38 with the outside is formed in the ink storage chamber 38 at a position not reached by the liquid level of the stored ink.

[0020] The rotating member 48 includes a float 56 extending in the Y direction, an arm 58 extending upward (approximately in the Z direction) from the float 56, and a detectable portion 60 located at the tip of the arm 58. The float 56 has a predetermined width in the X direction and is made of a material with a lower specific gravity than the ink contained in the ink containing member 36. The float 56 is rotatably supported on a shaft 62 extending in the X direction on the support member 50 at a lower portion on one side (downstream side in the +Y direction) in the extension direction (Y direction). The detectable portion 60 is located above the float 56 via the arm 58. Therefore, the detectable portion 60 is configured to move in response to the rotation of the float 56. The detectable portion 60 is made of a material that can be detected by the sensor 52. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the sensor 52 is an optical sensor including a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. Therefore, the detectable portion 60 is made of a material that blocks or attenuates light from the light-emitting portion. The arm portion 58 and the detected portion 60 may be made of the same material as the float 56, for example.

[0021] The sensor 52 is a detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotating member 48 and optically detects whether the ink level stored in the ink storage chamber 38 has fallen below a predetermined level. When the ink level falls below the predetermined level, the recording device 10 determines that the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 38 has fallen below a predetermined level. More specifically, the sensor 52 includes a light-emitting element (not shown) and a light-receiving element (not shown). In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged to face each other with a gap in the X direction. When the rotating member 48 rotates, the detected element 60 passes between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The sensor 52 outputs a different detection signal depending on the light received by the light-receiving element from the light-emitting element.

[0022] Specifically, for example, when the light emitted from the light-emitting element cannot be received by the light-receiving element, that is, when the intensity of the received light is below a predetermined intensity, the sensor 52 outputs a low-level signal indicating that the signal level is below a threshold level. The output low-level signal is received by a control unit (not shown) mounted on a main board (not shown). The control unit that receives the low-level signal detects that the height of the ink liquid surface is above a predetermined level.

[0023] On the other hand, when the light emitted from the light-emitting element can be received by the light-receiving element, that is, when the intensity of the received light is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity, the sensor 52 outputs a high-level signal indicating that the signal level is equal to or greater than a threshold level. The output high-level signal is received by the control unit, which detects that the height of the ink liquid level is below a predetermined level.

[0024] When the ink storage member 36 is connected via the supply unit 44 to the connection member 47 of the ink storage chamber 38 (see FIG. 2(a)) in a state where no ink is stored, the ink in the ink storage member 36 flows into the ink storage chamber 38 via the supply unit 44 and the connection member 47. When a certain amount of ink is stored in the ink storage chamber 38, the buoyancy acting on the float 56, which has a smaller specific gravity than the ink, overcomes gravity, and the rotating member 48 (float 56) rotates in the direction of arrow A. This rotation of the rotating member 48 in the direction of arrow A moves the detected part 60 in the direction of arrow B.

[0025] When the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level due to further ink inflow, the detected portion 60 moves in the direction of arrow B and is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor 52. The ink level reaching or exceeding the predetermined level in the ink storage chamber 38 means that a predetermined amount of ink is stored in the ink storage chamber 38. While the ink level is at or above the predetermined level, the detected portion 60 remains between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion (see FIG. 2(b)). Thus, when the ink level reaches or exceeds the predetermined level, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the detected portion 60 is not received by the light-receiving portion (or is attenuated before reaching the light-receiving portion), and the sensor 52 outputs a low-level signal to the control unit. This allows the control unit to detect that the ink level is at or above the predetermined level.

[0026] (Operation of rotating member when ink is low) Next, we will explain the operation of the rotating member 48 when the ink in the ink storage chamber 38 decreases. Figure 3 is a diagram that explains the operation of the rotating member 48 when the ink in the ink storage chamber 38 decreases. Figure 3(a) is a diagram that shows the rotating member 48 when the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 is above a predetermined level, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram that shows the rotating member 48 when the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 is below the predetermined level.

[0027] As ink is supplied from the ink storage chamber 38 to the recording head 26, the ink in the ink storage chamber 38 and the ink accommodating member 36 decreases, causing the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 to drop (see FIG. 3(a)). When the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 38 decreases and the stored ink falls below a certain level, gravity overcomes the buoyancy acting on the float 56. This causes the rotating member 48 (float 56) to rotate in the direction of arrow C. This rotation of the rotating member 48 in the direction of arrow C moves the detected portion 60 in the direction of arrow D.

[0028] When the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 drops below a predetermined level due to further ink supply to the recording head 26, the detected portion 60 moves in the direction of arrow D to a position retracted from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor 52. While the ink level remains below the predetermined level, the detected portion 60 remains in the retracted position from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion, i.e., remains retracted from the sensor 52 (see FIG. 3(b)). Thus, when the ink level is below the predetermined level, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion by the detected portion 60 can be received by the light-receiving portion (or reaches the light-receiving portion without being attenuated), and the sensor 52 outputs a high-level signal to the control unit. This allows the control unit to detect that the ink level is below the predetermined level.

[0029] Here, when the recording device 10 detects that the ink level has fallen below a predetermined level, a notification is displayed on the display unit 17 (see FIG. 1(a)) provided on the recording device 10, for example, urging the user to replace the ink containing member 36. The user will usually confirm the notification displayed on the display unit 17 and replace the ink containing member 36. However, a small amount of ink still remains in the ink storage chamber 38, and a certain number of sheets can be recorded after detecting that the ink level has fallen below the predetermined level. Therefore, the recording device 10 counts the number of ink droplets ejected from the time it detects that the ink level has fallen below the predetermined level. Then, when the count value reaches a point where ink will no longer be supplied from the ink storage chamber 38 to the recording head 26, a notification is issued that the ink is empty.

[0030] In recent years, the types of ink used in recording devices have become more diverse, and a single recording device can be configured to use multiple types of ink. Therefore, if a recording device has ink reservoirs 32 with identical configurations arranged to accommodate each type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink varies depending on the type of ink, resulting in differences in the buoyancy exerted on the float. This can make it difficult to accurately detect when the ink level has fallen below a predetermined level.

[0031] The inability to accurately detect that the ink level has fallen below a predetermined level due to differences in ink specific gravity will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates the state of the rotating member and the remaining amount of ink when inks of different specific gravities are used. FIG. 4(a) illustrates the case where ink with a specific gravity lower than a reference specific gravity by a certain amount is used, FIG. 4(b) illustrates the case where ink with the reference specific gravity is used, and FIG. 4(c) illustrates the case where ink with a specific gravity higher than the reference specific gravity by a certain amount is used. Note that in the explanation using FIG. 4, a rotating member 48 with a specific gravity that can accurately detect that the ink level of the ink 400 in the ink storage chamber 38 has fallen below a predetermined level when ink 400 with the reference specific gravity is used is used. Furthermore, the rotating member 48 (float 56) has a specific gravity lower than that of ink 402, which has a specific gravity lower than that of ink 400 with the reference specific gravity by a certain amount. Figure 4 shows the liquid level at the time when the detected part 60 retracts from the sensor 52, but to make it easier to understand, the positions of the sensor 52 and the detected part 60 at this time are shown with the detected part 60 clearly spaced apart from the sensor 52.

[0032] When ink 400 with a reference specific gravity is used, when the liquid level Ls of the ink 400 in the ink storage chamber 38 reaches a height hr, the detectable portion 60 of the rotated rotating member 48 is retracted from the sensor 52 (see FIG. 4(b)). At this time, the recording device 10 detects that the ink liquid level has fallen below a predetermined position. In other words, in this case, the buoyancy generated in the rotating member 48 at the height hr is smaller than the gravity acting on the rotating member 48. In the explanation using FIG. 4, this case means that the liquid level Ls that has fallen below the predetermined position has been properly detected. In other words, in the explanation using FIG. 4, the proper height for the liquid level Ls to fall below the predetermined position is height hr.

[0033] When ink 402 having a lower specific gravity than ink 400 having a reference specific gravity is used, when the liquid level Ls of ink 402 reaches height hl in ink storage chamber 38, the detectable portion 60 of the rotated rotating member 48 is retracted from sensor 52 (see FIG. 4A). That is, in this case, when height hl is higher than the appropriate height hr, the buoyancy generated on the rotating member 48 (float 56) is smaller than gravity acting on the rotating member 48. Therefore, when the liquid level Ls reaches height hl, which is higher than height hr, recording device 10 detects that the ink liquid level has fallen below the predetermined position. Here, the specific gravity of ink 402 is lower than that of ink 400. Therefore, in ink storage chamber 38, the buoyancy generated on the rotating member 48 (float 56) by ink 402 is smaller than the buoyancy generated on the rotating member 48 by ink 400. As a result, when the remaining ink amount is greater and the liquid level reaches height hl, the detected part 60 is retracted from the sensor 52.

[0034] When ink 404 having a higher specific gravity than ink 400 having a reference specific gravity is used, when the liquid level Ls of ink 404 reaches height hh in ink storage chamber 38, detected portion 60 of rotated rotating member 48 retracts from sensor 52 (see FIG. 4(c)). That is, in this case, when the liquid level Ls is at height hh, which is lower than the appropriate height hr, the buoyancy acting on rotating member 48 is smaller than gravity acting on rotating member 48. Therefore, when liquid level Ls reaches height hh, which is lower than height hr, recording device 10 detects that the ink liquid level has fallen below the predetermined position. Here, ink 404 has a higher specific gravity than ink 400. Therefore, in ink storage chamber 38, the buoyancy acting on rotating member 48 by ink 404 is greater than the buoyancy acting on rotating member 48 by ink 400. As a result, when the remaining amount of ink is low and the liquid level reaches height hh, the detected part 60 is retracted from the sensor 52.

[0035] In this way, when ink storage chambers 38 of the same configuration are used for inks of different specific gravities, the liquid level at which it is detected that the liquid level is below a predetermined level, i.e., the liquid level at which the detected portion 60 is retracted from the sensor 52, varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink. The recording device 10 is configured to count the number of ejected ink droplets after issuing a notification urging the user to replace the ink accommodating member 36, and notify the user that the ink is empty when the count reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, there is a risk that the ink will run out before the notification that the ink is empty is issued, or that there may still be an amount of ink available for recording at that time.

[0036] (Characteristic configuration of this embodiment) Therefore, in this embodiment, the arrangement position of the sensor 52 is changed depending on the specific gravity of the ink. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the position of the sensor when ink with a low specific gravity is used. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor and the detected portion when the ink level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor and the detected portion when the ink level is below the predetermined level. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the position of the sensor when ink with a high specific gravity is used. FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor and the detected portion when the ink level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor and the detected portion when the ink level is below the predetermined level.

[0037] As described above, the buoyancy of the ink 402, which has a specific gravity lower than that of the ink 400 having the reference specific gravity, exerts on the rotating member 48 a smaller force than the buoyancy of the ink 400 exerts on the rotating member 48. Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotating member 48 increases as the ink decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the sensor 52 is moved toward the direction of movement of the detected portion 60 as the ink decreases. That is, in the ink storage chamber 538 that stores the ink 402 having a low specific gravity, the position of the sensor 52 is positioned upstream in the +Y direction from the position of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 38 that stores the ink 400 having the reference specific gravity (see FIGS. 4(b) and 5).

[0038] Specifically, in the ink storage chamber 538, the sensor 52 is disposed at a position where the detected portion 60 retreats from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion when the liquid level of the ink 402 with a low specific gravity reaches a height hr (see FIG. 5(b)). Note that the amount of displacement in the Y direction of the arrangement position P1 of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 538 relative to the arrangement position P0 of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 38 varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink 402 relative to the ink 400 with a reference specific gravity.

[0039] Furthermore, as described above, the buoyancy exerted on the rotating member 48 by the ink 404 having a higher specific gravity than the ink 400 having the reference specific gravity is greater than the gravity force exerted on the rotating member 48 by the ink 400. Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotating member 48 decreases as the ink decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the sensor 52 is moved in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the detected portion 60 when the ink decreases. That is, in the ink storage chamber 638 that stores the ink 404 having a higher specific gravity, the position of the sensor 52 is positioned downstream in the +Y direction from the position of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 38 that stores the ink 400 having the reference specific gravity (see FIG. 6).

[0040] Specifically, in the ink storage chamber 638, the sensor 52 is disposed at a position where the detected portion 60 retreats from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion when the liquid level of the ink 404, which has a high specific gravity, reaches a height hr (see FIG. 6(b)). Note that the amount of displacement in the Y direction of the arrangement position P2 of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 638 relative to the arrangement position P0 of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber 38 varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink 404 relative to the ink 400, which has a reference specific gravity.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the arrangement position of the sensor 52 varies in the Y direction depending on the specific gravity of the ink. Therefore, to accommodate these differences in the arrangement position of the sensor 52 in the Y direction, the detectable portion 60 of the rotating member 48 has a shape that extends in the Y direction. Specifically, the detectable portion 60 is formed to extend from the connection portion of the arm portion 58 to the upstream side and the downstream side in the +Y direction. Then, at each arrangement position of the sensor 52 depending on the specific gravity of the ink, the detectable portion 60 is shaped so that it is retracted from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor 52 when the ink level is equal to or lower than height hr, and is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion when the ink level is higher than height hr.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the position of the sensor 52, which can detect the detectable portion 60 that moves in accordance with the height of the ink surface in the ink storage chamber, is changed in accordance with the specific gravity of the stored ink. Specifically, the position of the sensor 52 is made closer to the direction of movement of the detectable portion 60 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member 48 as the ink decreases, as the specific gravity of the ink decreases. This allows the recording device 10 to detect, with the sensor 52, that the ink surface has fallen below a predetermined position at the same ink surface height, regardless of the specific gravity of the ink, and to accurately detect the remaining amount of ink.

[0043] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (8).

[0044] (1) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the sensor 52 is disposed integrally with the ink storage chamber, for example. However, the arrangement of the sensor 52 in the ink storage chamber is not limited to this. For example, the ink storage chamber may be formed with a plurality of notches along the Y direction, and the sensor 52 may be fixed in a predetermined notch corresponding to the specific gravity of the ink to be stored. In this way, by configuring the sensor 52 to be fixed at a plurality of fixing positions provided in the ink storage chamber, the ink storage chamber can be formed using the same parts regardless of the specific gravity of the ink, thereby suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0045] (2) In the above embodiment, the shape of the detected portion 60 of the rotating member 48 is such that it extends from the connecting position of the arm portion 58 to both the upstream side in the +Y direction and the downstream side in the +Y direction, but this is not limited to this. That is, for example, the shape of the detected portion 60 may be such that it extends from the connecting position of the arm portion 58 to the upstream side in the +Y direction (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a rotating member as a modified example is provided in an ink storage chamber that stores ink with a high specific gravity. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing a state in which a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink storage chamber. FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid level of the stored ink is below a predetermined position, which is equal to or less than the height hr.

[0046] By shaping the detected portion 60 so that it extends biased toward the upstream side in the +Y direction, the bottom surface 56a of the float 56 does not come into contact with the bottom 638a of the ink storage chamber 638 when the liquid level of the ink 404 reaches a height hr at which it is determined that the liquid level is below the predetermined level. This allows the position of the shaft 62 in the support member 50, which serves as the rotation axis of the rotating member 48, to be lower in the height direction (Z direction), in other words, the shaft 62 can be positioned closer to the bottom 638a. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the ink storage chamber 638 in the height direction.

[0047] (3) In the above embodiment, the rotating member 48 is provided in the ink storage chamber 38, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the rotating member 48 may be provided in the ink accommodating member 36. In this case, the sensor 52 is provided so as to be able to detect the rotating member 48 provided in the ink accommodating member 36 when the ink accommodating member 36 is connected to the ink storage chamber 38. In this case, the sensor 52 is disposed at a position corresponding to the specific gravity of the ink, as in the above embodiment.

[0048] (4) The above embodiment is not limited to a recording device that ejects ink from a recording head to record on a recording medium, but can be widely applied to a liquid ejection device that ejects various liquids from a liquid ejection head to perform various processes. In addition, in the above embodiment, the recording device 10 is a so-called serial scan type recording device that ejects ink from a recording head moving in the X direction onto a recording medium transported in the Y direction, but is not limited to this. In other words, the recording device may be a so-called full line type recording head that uses a long recording head that spans the entire width of the recording area on the recording medium.

[0049] (5) In the above embodiment, the rotating member 48 and the sensor 52 are used to determine whether the ink level in the ink storage chamber 38 is below a predetermined level. However, the configuration for detecting the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 38 is not limited to this. For example, a sensor capable of detecting the amount of movement of the detection target 60 from a reference position may be provided, and the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink storage chamber 38 may be detected in stages or continuously based on the amount of movement of the detection target 60. As described in the above embodiment, the buoyancy acting on the rotating member 48 varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink. Therefore, the amount of movement of the detection target 60 also varies depending on the specific gravity of the ink. Therefore, in this case, the remaining amount of ink may be calculated by preparing a coefficient corresponding to the specific gravity of the ink and multiplying the coefficient by the amount of movement of the detection target 60 from the reference position.

[0050] (6) In the above embodiment, the detectable portion 60 is provided via the arm portion 58 on one end side (downstream side in the +Y direction) of the float 56 of the rotating member 48. However, this is not limited to this. That is, the detectable portion 60 may be provided via the arm portion 58 on the other end side (upstream side in the +Y direction) of the float 56 of the rotating member 48. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detectable portion 60 of the rotating member 48 is retracted from between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the sensor 52 when the ink level falls below a predetermined position. However, this is not limited to this. That is, the detectable portion 60 of the rotating member 48 may be positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the sensor 52 when the ink level falls below a predetermined position. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink storage section 32 is configured from two components, the ink storage chamber 38 and the ink storage member 36, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be configured from a single component equipped with a rotating member 48 and a sensor 52.

[0051] (7) The above embodiment and the various configurations shown in (1) and (6) above may be combined as appropriate.

[0052] (8) The disclosure of the above embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0053] (Configuration 1) a liquid ejection head that ejects the supplied liquid; a reservoir for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head; a rotating member in the storage means that is immersed in the stored liquid and that is rotatable according to the amount of the liquid; a detection unit that detects the amount of the liquid using the rotating member, A liquid ejection device, wherein the detection means is disposed at a different position depending on the specific gravity of the liquid stored in the storage means.

[0054] (Configuration 2) The detection means detecting that the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage means has fallen below a predetermined level due to the rotation of the rotating member; A liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the rotating member is positioned at a position where it can be detected that the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage means has fallen below the predetermined position, depending on the specific gravity of the liquid.

[0055] (Configuration 3) The rotating member is a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the storage means and rotatably supported by the storage means; a detection target portion that is provided on the float via an arm portion and that can be detected by the detection means, 3. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the detecting means is arranged at different positions in the direction of movement of the detected part that moves in response to the rotation of the rotating member.

[0056] (Configuration 4) The liquid ejection device described in configuration 3 is characterized in that the detection means is located on one side of the movement direction of the detected part in response to the rotation of the rotating member due to the decrease in liquid, the smaller the specific gravity of the liquid stored in the storage means.

[0057] (Configuration 5) 5. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the detected portion is formed extending in the movement direction from a connection position with the arm portion.

[0058] (Configuration 6) The liquid ejection device described in configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that the detected portion is formed extending from the connection position with the arm portion to one side of the movement direction of the detected portion in response to the rotation of the rotating member due to a decrease in liquid.

[0059] (Configuration 7) 7. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 3 to 6, wherein the detection means is fixed at a plurality of fixing positions provided along the movement direction.

[0060] (Configuration 8) the storage means includes a storage chamber for storing a liquid, and a storage member that is detachably attached to the storage chamber and stores the liquid to be supplied to the storage chamber; 8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the liquid stored in the storage member flows into the storage chamber by attaching the storage member to the storage chamber.

[0061] (Configuration 9) 9. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 8, wherein the rotating member is provided in the storage chamber.

[0062] (Configuration 10) 9. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 8, wherein the rotating member is provided in the storage member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 Recording Device 26 Recording head 32 Ink reservoir 48 Rotating member 52 Sensors

Claims

1. a liquid ejection head that ejects the supplied liquid; A liquid ejection device including a plurality of storage means, the storage means including a rotating member that is immersed in the stored liquid and can rotate according to the amount of the liquid, and a detection means that detects the amount of the liquid using the rotating member, the plurality of storage means include a first storage means for storing a first liquid and a second storage means for storing a second liquid different from the first liquid, A liquid ejection device, characterized in that the arrangement positions of the detection means in the first storage means and the second storage means differ depending on the difference in specific gravity between the first liquid and the second liquid.

2. The detection means is detecting, by the rotation of the rotating member, that the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage means falls below a predetermined level; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating member is disposed at a position where it is possible to detect when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage means in which the rotating member is disposed falls below the predetermined position, depending on the specific gravity of the liquid.

3. The rotating member is a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the storage means and rotatably supported by the storage means; a detection target portion that is provided on the float via an arm portion and that can be detected by the detection means; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection means is arranged at different positions in a moving direction of the detected portion which moves in response to the rotation of the rotating member.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection means is positioned on one side of the movement direction of the detected portion in response to the rotation of the rotating member due to a decrease in liquid, the smaller the specific gravity of the liquid stored in the storage means.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the detected portion is formed extending in the movement direction from a connection position with the arm portion.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the detected portion is formed extending from a connection position with the arm portion to one side of the movement direction of the detected portion in response to the rotation of the rotating member due to a decrease in liquid.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the detection means is fixed at a plurality of fixing portions provided along the movement direction.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection means comprises a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and the detected portion is located between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion while the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage means is above a predetermined level.

9. The storage means includes a storage chamber for storing liquid, and a storage member that is detachably attached to the storage chamber and stores liquid to be supplied to the storage chamber; 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid stored in the storage member flows into the storage chamber by mounting the storage member in the storage chamber.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9 , wherein the rotating member is provided in the storage chamber.

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9 , wherein the rotating member is provided on the housing member.

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