Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide means that can reduce time required until initial processing for flowing liquid from a second liquid chamber into a head is executed after a cartridge is mounted on a mounting case.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge starts initial processing operation in response to the fact that a low-level signal is received after a high-level signal is received from an attached sensor 154 and the fact that a low-level signal is received after the high-level signal is received from a liquid-level sensor 155.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid discharging device for discharging liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an inkjet printer that includes a detachable main tank, a subtank that stores ink supplied from the attached main tank, and an image recording unit that records an image by ejecting the ink stored in the subtank (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in the inkjet printer, the internal spaces of the main tank and the subtank are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the main tank is attached to the inkjet printer, the ink moves due to the head pressure so that the liquid levels in the main tank and the subtank are aligned at the same height due to the difference in head between the internal space of the main tank and the internal space of the subtank (hereinafter referred to as the "head difference"). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-213162 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The initial operation of the inkjet printer includes an initial ink processing. The initial processing is an operation for causing ink to flow from the subtank to the recording head after the main tank is mounted on the inkjet printer, thereby making the recording head ready to eject ink. In the initial processing, it is desirable that ink is stored in the subtank to an extent that air does not enter the ink flow path from the subtank to the recording head. Therefore, it is considered that the initial processing is started after the main tank is mounted on the inkjet printer, ink flows from the main tank to the subtank due to the head pressure, and the liquid levels in the main tank and the subtank are aligned to the same height.

[0005] However, if it takes a long time from when the main tank is attached to the inkjet printer until the initial process is executed, there is a risk of the user having to wait a long time before the inkjet printer can be used.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a means for shortening the time between when a cartridge is attached to an attachment case and when an initial process is performed to cause liquid to flow from the second liquid chamber into the head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A liquid discharging device according to the present invention comprises: an attachment case in which a cartridge is attached, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end connected to the outside and the other end connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path connecting the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; a fourth flow path having one end located below the third flow path and connected to the second liquid chamber; and a fifth flow path having one end connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path, a liquid level sensor, and a controller. The controller receives from the liquid level sensor a first signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined position, receives from the liquid level sensor a second signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position, determines whether the cartridge is attached to the mounting case, and performs an initial process to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path in response to determining that the cartridge is attached to the mounting case and receiving the first signal from the liquid level sensor after receiving the second signal.

[0008] According to the above configuration, after the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, the time until the initial process is performed can be shortened without air entering from the second liquid chamber into the fourth flow path.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the controller interrupts the initial processing in response to receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor while executing the initial processing, and executes the interrupted initial processing in response to receiving the first signal from the liquid level sensor after interrupting the initial processing.

[0010] According to the above configuration, when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls below a predetermined position while the initial process is being performed due to poor liquid flow from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber, the initial process is interrupted and air is prevented from entering the fourth flow path from the second liquid chamber.

[0011] (3) Preferably, the controller does not execute the initial process when a first elapsed time from the time it is determined that the cartridge is attached to the attachment case to the time the first signal is received from the liquid level sensor reaches a first time, and executes the initial process when a second elapsed time from the time the first signal is received from the liquid level sensor reaches a second time.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is low, the timing of starting the initial process after the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case can be delayed, thereby preventing air from entering the fourth flow path from the second liquid chamber.

[0013] (4) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes an alarm, and the controller activates the alarm in response to a third elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the cartridge is attached to the mounting case reaching a third time longer than the first time, and in response to receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor without receiving the first signal.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the flow rate of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber becomes even smaller, the user is notified that there is an abnormality in the inflow of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber.

[0015] (5) A liquid discharging device according to the present invention comprises: an attachment case in which a cartridge is attached, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end connected to the outside and the other end connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path connecting the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; a fourth flow path having one end located below the third flow path and connected to the second liquid chamber; and a fifth flow path having one end connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path; and a controller. The controller determines whether the cartridge is attached to the attachment case, and when the elapsed time from the time when the attachment sensor determines that the cartridge is attached reaches a fourth hour, executes an initial process to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path.

[0016] According to the above configuration, after the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, the time until the initial process is performed can be shortened without air entering from the second liquid chamber into the fourth flow path.

[0017] (6) Preferably, the liquid discharging device further includes a temperature sensor, and the controller sets a fifth time, which is longer than the fourth time, instead of the fourth time in response to a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined temperature, and executes the initial process in response to the elapsed time reaching the fifth time.

[0018] According to the above configuration, if the flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is low due to a low temperature and high viscosity of the liquid, the timing for executing the initial processing after the cartridge is attached to the mounting case is delayed, thereby preventing air from entering the fourth flow path from the second liquid chamber.

[0019] (7) Preferably, the liquid discharging device further includes an interface, and the controller executes the initial process on condition that identification information indicating that an initial volume of liquid is stored in the first liquid chamber is read from a cartridge memory of the cartridge via the interface.

[0020] According to the above configuration, when a cartridge that does not store an initial volume of liquid is attached to the attachment case, the initial process is not executed, and therefore, air is prevented from entering the fourth flow path from the second liquid chamber.

[0021] (8) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises: an attachment case in which a cartridge is attached, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end connected to the outside and the other end connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path connecting the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; a fourth flow path having one end located below the third flow path connected to the second liquid chamber; and a fifth flow path having one end connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path, an interface, and a controller. The controller determines whether the cartridge is attached to the mounting case, and after determining that the cartridge is attached to the mounting case, reads out the liquid volume Vc of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber from the cartridge memory of the cartridge through the interface, determines a flow rate Qc at which liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on the read liquid volume Vc, multiplies the flow rate Qc by the elapsed time from the time it is determined that the cartridge is attached to the mounting case to calculate the liquid volume Vs stored in the second liquid chamber, and performs an initial process to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path depending on whether the flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the liquid volume Vs is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0022] According to the above configuration, after the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, the time until the initial process is performed can be shortened without air entering from the second liquid chamber into the fourth flow path.

[0023] (9) Preferably, the controller calculates a third threshold by adding the second threshold to a liquid volume Vth obtained by multiplying the difference between the first threshold and the flow rate Qc by a time for which the initial process is executed, on condition that the flow rate Qc is less than the first threshold, and executes an initial process to discharge liquid through the head or the fourth flow path if the liquid volume Vs is equal to or greater than the third threshold.

[0024] According to the above-described configuration, the time from when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case until the initial process is executed can be shortened according to the flow rate Qc.

[0025] (10) Preferably, the controller reads out the volume Vc of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber from the cartridge memory via the interface, determines the volume Vc of liquid to be stored in the first liquid chamber and the volume Vs of liquid to be stored in the second liquid chamber after executing the initial processing based on the read volume Vc, and writes the determined volume Vc of liquid to the cartridge memory via the interface.

[0026] (11) Preferably, the liquid discharging device further includes a memory, and the controller executes the initial process on condition that a first value corresponding to the initial process not being executed is read from the memory, and updates the first value to a second value corresponding to the initial process being executed upon completion of the initial process. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time from when a cartridge is attached to the attachment case until the initial process is performed to cause liquid to flow from the second liquid chamber to the head, without air entering from the second liquid chamber toward the head. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer 10, in which (A) shows a state in which a cover 87 is in a covering position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in an exposing position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printer 10. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the initial process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 for the first time, and Figure 8(B) shows the state after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 for the first time and the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 has reached a predetermined position P. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the initial process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the initial process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. In addition, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the use posture in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used, the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as the front, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the printer 10 is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, in the use posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] [First embodiment] [Printer 10 Overview] The printer 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a liquid discharging device that records an image on a sheet by an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 14. The printer 10 may also be a so-called "multifunction machine" that has functions such as a facsimile function, a scanning function, and a copying function.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, inside the housing 14 are located a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, a platen 26 facing the head 21, an ejection roller 27, an ejection tray 16, an attachment case 150 to which the cartridge 200 is attached and detached, and a tube 32 that connects the head 21 and the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150.

[0032] The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported on the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink, which is supplied from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the tube 32, through the nozzle 29. This causes the ink to land on the sheet supported by the platen 26, and an image is recorded on the sheet. The printer 10 then drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image has been recorded to the discharge tray 16.

[0033] More specifically, the head 21 may be mounted on a carriage that moves back and forth in a main scanning direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the sheet by the conveying roller 25. Then, the printer 10 may cause the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage from one side to the other in the main scanning direction. This causes an image to be recorded on a portion of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "one pass"). Next, the printer 10 may cause the conveying roller 25 to convey the sheet so that the area on which the next image is to be recorded faces the head 21. Then, an image is recorded on one sheet by alternately and repeatedly executing these processes.

[0034] In this embodiment, the ejection of ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during image recording is referred to as "ejection", while the ejection of ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during purging is not referred to as "ejection", although "ejection" is a concept included in "ejection".

[0035] [Cover 87] As shown in Fig. 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 further includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covered position (position shown in Fig. 1(A)) where the opening 85 is closed and an exposed position (position shown in Fig. 1(B)) where the opening 85 is opened. The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14, for example, near the lower end of the housing 14 in the up-down direction 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the left-right direction 9. An attachment case 150 is located in an accommodation space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85.

[0036] [Cover sensor 88] The printer 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see FIG. 6). The cover sensor 88 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch that the cover 87 contacts or separates, or an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the cover 87. The cover sensor 88 outputs a signal according to the position of the cover 87 to the controller 130. More specifically, the cover sensor 88 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at the covered position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at a position different from the covered position. In other words, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at the exposed position.

[0037] [Mounting Case 150] 3, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, an attachment sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to the colors black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, four rods 153, four attachment sensors 154, and four liquid level sensors 155 corresponding to each of the four cartridges 200. Note that the number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one, or may be five or more.

[0038] The mounting case 150 is box-shaped with an internal space that houses the mounted cartridge 200. The internal space of the mounting case 150 is defined by a top wall that defines the upper end, a bottom wall that defines the lower end, a rear wall that defines the rear end in the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-right direction 9. Meanwhile, a position of the mounting case 150 facing the rear wall is an opening 85. That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is placed in the exposed position.

[0039] Then, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14, and is removed from the mounting case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 and is attached to the mounting case 150. The cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0040] [Contact 152] The contact 152 is located on the top wall of the attachment case 150. The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the attachment case 150. The contact 152 is located at a position where it contacts an electrode 248 (described later) of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The contact 152 is conductive, and furthermore is elastically deformable in the up-down direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to the controller 130. The contact 152 is an example of an interface.

[0041] [Rod 153] The rod 153 protrudes forward from the back wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located above a joint 180, which will be described later, on the back wall of the mounting case 150. During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through an atmospheric vent port 221, which will be described later, of the cartridge 200. When the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214, the atmospheric valve chamber 214, which will be described later, is connected to the atmosphere.

[0042] [Wearing Sensor 154] The mounting sensor 154 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a light-shielding rib 245 (described later) of the cartridge 200 is located between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 are located opposite each other with the light-shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 in between.

[0043] The wearing sensor 154 outputs a different signal (in the figure, this is indicated as a "wearing signal") depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light-emitting unit in the left-right direction 9 is received by the light-receiving unit. For example, the wearing sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the wearing sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit being equal to or greater than the threshold intensity. The high-level signal is an example of a third signal, a non-wearing signal. The low-level signal is an example of a fourth signal, a wearing signal.

[0044] [Liquid level sensor 155] The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detection target portion 194 of the actuator 190, which will be described later, is located at a detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 155 are located facing each other with the detection target portion 194 located at the detection position in between. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (in the figure, this is written as a "liquid level signal") depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting portion is received by the light receiving portion. For example, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the light receiving intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion being less than a threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal having a signal intensity higher than that of the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the light receiving intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion being equal to or greater than the threshold intensity. The low level signal is an example of a first signal. The high level signal is an example of a second signal.

[0045] [Lock pin 156] The lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the internal space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85. Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces capable of accommodating four cartridges 200. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 attached to the mounting case 150 in the attachment position shown in FIG. 5. The cartridge 200 engages with the lock pin 156 when attached to the mounting case 150.

[0046] [Tank 160] The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The tanks 160 are located further rearward than the back wall of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 160 is composed of an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). The front wall 162 is composed of a plurality of walls each of which is offset in the front-rear direction 8. A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

[0047] Of the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 has translucency. This allows the light output by the liquid level sensor 155 to pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155. At least a part of the rear wall 164 may be a film welded to the end faces of the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the side walls. In addition, the side walls of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150, or may be independent from the mounting case 150. Furthermore, the tanks 160 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction 9 are separated by a partition wall (not shown). The four tanks 160 generally have the same configuration.

[0048] The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through the outlet 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines the lower end of the liquid chamber 171. The outlet 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the up-down direction 7. The ink flow path (not shown) that communicates with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 32 (see FIG. 2). This allows the liquid chamber 171 to communicate with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. That is, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. The ink flow path and tube 32 connected to the outlet 174 is an example of a fourth flow path having one end (outlet 174) connected to the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 33 (see FIG. 2) connected to the head 21.

[0049] The liquid chamber 171 is in communication with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 penetrating the front wall 162. The through hole 176 is closed by a semipermeable membrane 178. The semipermeable membrane 178 allows the atmosphere to pass through but does not allow ink to pass through or provides a resistance to the passage of ink that is greater than that of the atmosphere. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177. That is, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a fifth flow path in which one end (through hole 176) is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmosphere communication port 177) is in communication with the outside of the printer 10. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[0050] [Joint 180] As shown in FIG. 3, the joint 180 includes a needle 181 and a guide 182. The needle 181 is a tube having a flow path formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward from a front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the protruding tip of the needle 181. The internal space of the needle 181 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 that penetrates the front wall 162. The needle 181 is an example of a third flow path in which one end (the opening 183) communicates with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (the through hole 184) communicates with the liquid chamber 171. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member disposed around the needle 181. The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 and has an open protruding end.

[0051] A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are positioned in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 is movable in the internal space of the needle 181 between a closed position and an open position along the front-rear direction 8. When the valve 185 is positioned at the closed position, it closes the opening 183. When the valve 185 is positioned at the open position, it opens the opening 183. The coil spring 186 biases the valve 185 in a direction that moves the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position, i.e., forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0052] [Actuator 190] An actuator 190 is positioned in the liquid chamber 171. The actuator 190 is supported by a support member (not shown) disposed within the liquid chamber 171 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The actuator 190 can rotate between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow 198 from the position indicated by the solid line by a stopper (not shown, for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). The actuator 190 includes a float 191, a shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detection target portion 194.

[0053] The float 191 is formed of a material having a smaller specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The shaft 192 protrudes in the left-right direction 9 from the right and left faces of the float 191. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in a support member. This allows the actuator 190 to be supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192. The arm 193 extends substantially upward from the float 191. The detection target portion 194 is located at the protruding tip of the arm 193. The detection target portion 194 is a plate-shaped member extending in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8. The detection target portion 194 is formed of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155.

[0054] When the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, the actuator 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by buoyancy and is held at the detection position shown by the solid line in Fig. 3 by a stopper. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the predetermined position P, the actuator 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the descent of the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 moves to a position away from the detection position. In other words, the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

[0055] The predetermined position P is at the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7, and at the same height as the center of an ink supply port 234 described below. However, the predetermined position P is not limited to the above-mentioned position as long as it is a position above the outlet 174 in the vertical direction 7. As another example, the predetermined position P may be at the height of the upper end or lower end of the internal space of the needle 181, or may be at the height of the upper end or lower end of the ink supply port 234.

[0056] When the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, the light output from the light-emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detection portion 194. As a result, the light from the light-emitting portion does not reach the light-receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 155, and so the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130. On the other hand, when the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is lower than the predetermined position P, the light output from the light-emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155 reaches the light-receiving portion, and so the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130. In other words, the controller 130 can detect whether the level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155.

[0057] [Cartridge 200] The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 2) capable of storing ink, which is an example of liquid. The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a resin wall. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimensions in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 are greater than the dimensions in the left-right direction 9. The outer shapes of the cartridges 200 storing inks of different colors may be the same or different. At least a part of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 is translucent. This allows the user to visually check the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200.

[0058] The cartridge 200 includes a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 is composed of a rear wall 202, a front wall 203, an upper wall 204, a lower wall 205, and a pair of side walls 206, 207. The rear wall 202 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the front-rear direction 8. The upper wall 204 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the up-down direction 7. The lower wall 205 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the up-down direction 7.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmospheric valve chamber 214 are formed in the internal space of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an internal space of the supply tube 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

[0060] The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that separates the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are communicated with each other by a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 217 that separates the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are communicated with each other by a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. The ink valve chamber 213 is also communicated with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219.

[0061] The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper part of the cartridge 200. That is, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 is an example of a second flow path in which one end (through hole 218) is connected to the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211) and the other end (atmosphere communication port 221) is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is connected to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 221. A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are also located in the atmospheric valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 222 is located at the closed position, it closes the atmospheric communication port 221. When the valve 222 is located at the open position, it opens the atmospheric communication port 221. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction to move the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8 .

[0062] The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is divided into two chambers in the front-rear direction 8 by a partition wall 224. The chamber located at the rear in the front-rear direction 8 is provided with a valve 222 and a coil spring 223, and communicates with the outside through an atmosphere communication port 221. The chamber located at the front in the front-rear direction 8 communicates with the upper liquid chamber 211 through a through hole 218. A through hole 225 is formed in the partition wall 224. The through hole 225 communicates with the two chambers separated in the front-rear direction 8. The through hole 225 is closed by a semipermeable membrane 226. The semipermeable membrane 226 allows the atmosphere to pass through but does not allow ink to pass through, or provides a resistance to the passage of ink that is greater than that of the atmosphere.

[0063] In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221. The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222, which is in the closed position, forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223. Then, the valve 222 moves to the open position, thereby connecting the upper liquid chamber 211 to the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, the rod 153 may break through a film that seals the atmosphere communication port 221.

[0064] The supply tube 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the lower part of the housing 201. The protruding end (i.e., the rear end) of the supply tube 230 is open. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates between the liquid chamber 210, which is communicated through the through hole 219, and the outside of the cartridge 200. The ink valve chamber 213 is an example of a first flow path, one end (the through hole 219) of which is communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212) and the other end (an ink supply port 234 described later) of which is communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200. In addition, a packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213.

[0065] An ink supply port 234 is formed at the center of the packing 231, penetrating in the front-rear direction 8. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is located at the closed position, it comes into contact with the packing 231 to close the ink supply port 234. When the valve 232 is located at the open position, it moves away from the packing 231 to open the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 in a direction that moves the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8. The biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186.

[0066] In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the supply tube 230 enters the guide 182, and then the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234. At this time, the needle 181 elastically deforms the packing 231 and comes into liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the ink supply port 234. When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233. In addition, the valve 232 moves the valve 185, which protrudes from the opening 183 of the needle 181, backward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

[0067] 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply tube 230 communicates with the internal space of the needle 181. In other words, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the mounting case 150, the ink valve chamber 213 and the internal space of the needle 181 form a flow path that communicates between the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

[0068] Furthermore, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, a part of the liquid chamber 210 and a part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed from the horizontal direction. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the connected supply pipe 230 and joint 180 due to the head difference.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, a protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204. The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243. The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are located above the upper wall 204. The locking surface 242 faces forward in the front-rear direction 8 and extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the upper wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward in the up-down direction 7 and rearward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0070] The locking surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the locking pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the locking pin 156 to a position where it comes into contact with the locking surface 242 during the process of attaching the cartridge 200 to the attachment case 150. When the locking surface 242 and the locking pin 156 come into contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held in the attachment position shown in FIG. 5 against the biasing forces of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

[0071] A flat plate-like member is formed so as to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the locking surface 242. The upper surface of this flat plate-like member is an operating section 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 and the cover 87 is located at the exposed position, the operating section 244 can be operated by the user. When the operating section 244 is pressed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates, and the locking surface 242 moves downward from the locking pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

[0072] A light-shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the protrusion 241. The light-shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The light-shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154. The light-shielding rib 245 is located on an optical path from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cartridge 200 being mounted in the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cartridge 200 not being mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 or not by the signal output from the mounting sensor 154.

[0073] An IC board 247 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 between the light-shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. An electrode 248 is formed on the IC board 247. The IC board 247 also includes a memory (not shown). The electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of the IC board 247. The electrode 248 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC board 247 so as to be conductive with the contact 152. That is, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the electrode 248 is electrically conductive with the contact 152. The controller 130 can read information from the memory of the IC board 247 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248, and can write information to the memory of the IC board 247 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248. The memory of the IC board 247 is an example of a cartridge memory.

[0074] The memory of the IC board 247 stores the initial ink amount Vc0, the ink amount Vc, and identification information for identifying individual cartridges 200. The initial ink amount Vc0 indicates the amount of ink stored in a new cartridge 200. Hereinafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC board 247 may be collectively referred to as "CTG information." Furthermore, "new" refers to a so-called unused product, and indicates a state in which ink within the cartridge 200 has never leaked out from the cartridge 200 that has been manufactured and sold. An initial cartridge is one in which ink has not leaked out from the liquid chamber 210. In an initial cartridge, the initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the IC board 247.

[0075] [Controller 130] 6, the controller 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135. The ROM 132 stores programs and the like for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 131 executes the programs, or as a working area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The ROM 132, the RAM 133, and the EEPROM 134 are examples of memories.

[0076] The ASIC 135 is for operating the feed roller 23, the transport roller 25, the discharge roller 27, and the head 21. The controller 130 rotates the feed roller 23, the transport roller 25, and the discharge roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC 135. The controller 130 also outputs a drive signal to a drive element of the head 21 through the ASIC 135, thereby causing the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29. The ASIC 135 is capable of outputting a plurality of types of drive signals according to the amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzles 29.

[0077] A display 17 and an operation panel 22 are also connected to the ASIC 135. The display 17 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and has a display surface for displaying various information. The display 17 is an example of an alarm. However, specific examples of the alarm are not limited to the display 17, and may be a speaker, an LED lamp, or a combination of these. The operation panel 22 outputs an operation signal to the controller 130 in response to an operation by a user. The operation panel 22 may have, for example, a push button, or a touch sensor superimposed on the display.

[0078] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is electrically connected to a contact 152, a cover sensor 88, an attachment sensor 154, and a liquid level sensor 155. The controller 130 accesses the memory of the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 through the contact 152. The controller 130 detects the position of the cover 87 through the cover sensor 88. The controller 130 also detects the insertion and removal of the cartridge 200 through the attachment sensor 154. Furthermore, the controller 130 detects through the liquid level sensor 155 whether the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than a predetermined position P.

[0079] The EEPROM 134 stores various information in association with each of the four cartridges 200 mounted in the mounting case 150, in other words, in association with each of the tanks 160 in communication with the cartridges 200. The various information includes, for example, ink amounts Vc and Vs, which are an example of liquid amounts, a function F, an initial processing flag, threshold values ​​T1, T2, and T3, and waiting times Tw1, Tw2, and Tw3. The time T1 is an example of a first time. The waiting time Tw1 is an example of a second time. The time T2 is an example of a third time.

[0080] The ink amount Vc and the identification information are information that is read by the controller 130 from the memory of the IC board 247 via the contacts 152 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The function F may be stored in the ROM 132 instead of the EEPROM 134.

[0081] The ink amount Vc indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. The ink amount Vs indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. The ink amounts Vc and Vs are calculated, for example, by a function F. The function F is information indicating the correspondence between the total amount of ink Vt, the ink amount Vc, and the ink amount Vc. The ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are in equilibrium when the positions of the ink liquid levels in the up-down direction 7 match. That is, in the equilibrium state, the movement of ink between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 stops. For example, the relationship between the total amount of ink Vt and the ink amount Vs can be approximated by the function F. Therefore, when the total amount of ink Vt is calculated, the ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc are obtained. Note that the ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc are not limited to the form of the function F, and may be obtained by a table corresponding to each total amount Vt.

[0082] The initial process flag is information indicating whether or not initial process has been performed in the printer 10. The initial process flag is set to a value of "ON" corresponding to initial process having been performed, or a value of "OFF" corresponding to initial process not having been performed. The initial process flag is set to "OFF" at the time of product shipment.

[0083] [Printer 10 Operation] The operation of the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The initial process shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the CPU 131 of the controller 130. Note that each of the following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 reading out a program stored in the ROM 132, or may be realized by a hardware circuit mounted on the controller 130. Also, the execution order of each of the following processes may be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] The controller 130 executes an initial process when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10 for the first time. As shown in FIG. 8A, in an unused printer 10, ink is not stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. In addition, the space from the outlet 174 of the liquid chamber 171 to the tube 32 and the head 21 is in a state where no ink exists, but where air exists, or where the space is filled with a storage liquid other than ink. Therefore, when the printer 10 is used for the first time, it is necessary to execute an initial process for introducing ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the liquid chamber 171 to the tube 32 and the head 21. For example, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 is introduced into the tube 32 and the head 21 through the liquid chamber 171 by suction or discharge from the nozzle 29 of the head 21 by a pump or the like.

[0085] 7, the controller 130 determines whether it has acquired a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then acquired a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S10). Then, in response to acquiring a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then acquiring a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S10: Yes), the controller 130 stores the time in the EEPROM 134 when the cartridge 200 is first mounted in the mounting case 150.

[0086] Next, the controller 130 reads out the CTG information, such as the identification information and the ink amount Vc0, from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S11). The read out CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0087] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial process flag from the EEPROM 134 (S12). If the initial process flag is "ON" (S12: No), the controller 130 ends the initial process. This is because if the initial process flag is "ON", the initial process has already been executed.

[0088] If the initial process flag is "OFF" (S12: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 is a low level signal (S13). As shown in Fig. 8(B), for example, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171, and after a certain time has passed, the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches a predetermined position P, causing the liquid level sensor 155 to output a low level signal.

[0089] In response to determining that a low level signal has not been received from the liquid level sensor 155 (S13: No), the controller 130 determines whether the time ΔT1 from the time when the low level signal was received from the mounting sensor 154 to the current time has reached time T2 (S14). In response to determining that the time ΔT1 has not reached time T2 (S14: No), the controller 130 executes S13. In response to determining that the time ΔT1 has reached time T2 (S14: Yes), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display a screen indicating that the initial processing is an error (S15), and ends the initial processing. The time T2 is, for example, preset to be longer than the time T1 described below.

[0090] In response to receiving a low level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S13: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the time ΔT1 from the time when the low level signal was received from the mounting sensor 154 to the present, i.e., the time when the low level signal was received from the liquid level sensor 155, is equal to or longer than the time T1 (S16). In response to determining that the time ΔT1 is shorter than the time T1 (S16: No), the controller 130 starts an initial processing operation (S17). That is, it starts a suction operation through the nozzle 29 of the head 21. The time ΔT1 is an example of the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time.

[0091] In response to determining that the time ΔT1 is equal to or longer than the time T1 (S16: Yes), the controller 130 waits for the time Tw1 (S18) and then starts the initial processing operation (S17). Waiting for the time Tw1 is an example of the second elapsed time reaching the second time. The time T1 is preset as a time longer than the time required for the ink to flow from the ink chamber 210 to the empty ink chamber 171 and for the position of the liquid surface of the ink chamber 171 to reach a predetermined position P after the cartridge 200, in which the ink of the initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the ink chamber 210, is mounted in the mounting case 150. When the time ΔT1 is equal to or longer than the time T1, it is estimated that the speed (flow rate Qc) at which the ink flows from the ink chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the ink chamber 171 of the tank 160 is slowed down due to a flow failure or the like, and it takes longer than usual. Therefore, the flow rate Qc of the ink to the ink chamber 171 after the initial processing operation is started is also smaller than usual. In such a state, by waiting for a further time Tw1 after the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches the predetermined position P, a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171, and even if the initial processing operation is then performed at a predetermined flow rate Qip, it is possible to prevent the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 from reaching a position directly above the outlet 174. Note that, in the design stage, the initial processing operation is set so that when the cartridge 200 is mounted in which the initial ink amount Vc0 of ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210 in a reference environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), the speed (flow rate Qc) at which ink flows out from the liquid chamber of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal is faster than the speed at which ink flows out of the liquid chamber 171 to the tank 160 by the initial processing operation after the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal.

[0092] After starting the initial processing operation, the controller 130 determines whether or not a high-level signal has been received from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19). If the controller 130 determines that the initial processing operation has ended (S20: Yes) without receiving a high-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19: No), the controller 130 sets the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to "ON" (S21) and ends the initial processing.

[0093] After starting the initial processing operation, the controller 130 stops the initial processing operation in response to determining that a high level signal has been received from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19: Yes), (S22). The controller 130 also stores the time when the high level signal was received from the liquid level sensor 155 in the RAM 133. Then, the controller 130 determines whether a low level signal has been received from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23).

[0094] The initial process operation causes ink to flow out of the liquid chamber 171 into the tube 32 and the head 21. Meanwhile, ink flows into the liquid chamber 171 from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. If the amount of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 is greater than the amount of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 may drop and become less than the predetermined position P. When the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 falls below the predetermined position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal. If the situation continues in which the amount of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 is greater than the amount of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171, there is a risk that the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 will eventually reach a position immediately above the outlet 174, so the initial process operation is temporarily stopped to wait for the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 to rise.

[0095] In response to receiving a low level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23: Yes), the controller 130 waits for a time Tw2 (S24) and then resumes the stopped initial process operation (S25). Because the initial process operation causes the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 to drop, by waiting for a further time Tw2 after the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches the predetermined position P, a sufficient amount of ink can be stored in the liquid chamber 171. Then, the controller 130 executes S19.

[0096] In response to determining that a low level signal has not been received from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23: No), the controller 130 determines whether the time ΔT2 from the time when a high level signal was received from the mounting sensor 154 (the time of S19: Yes) to the current time has reached time T3 (S26). In response to determining that the time ΔT2 has not reached time T3 (S26: No), the controller 130 executes S19. In response to determining that the time ΔT2 has reached time T3 (S26: Yes), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display a screen indicating that the initial processing is an error (S27), and ends the initial processing. The time T3 is, for example, preset to be longer than the time T1 described below.

[0097] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to the first embodiment described above, after the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the initial processing operation is started in response to receiving a low level signal from the liquid level sensor 155, so that the time until the initial processing operation is started can be shortened without air entering the tube from the liquid chamber 171.

[0098] In addition, if the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 falls below the predetermined position P while the initial processing operation is being performed due to poor ink flow from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171, and a high level signal is received from the liquid level sensor 155, the initial processing operation is stopped and air is prevented from entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0099] Furthermore, when the ink flow rate Qc from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is small, the timing to start the initial process operation can be delayed by waiting for the time Tw1 after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. This prevents air from entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0100] Furthermore, when the ink flow rate Qc from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is even smaller, the user is notified via the display 17 that there is an abnormality in the initial processing, i.e., that there is an abnormality in the flow of ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171.

[0101] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. The printer according to the second embodiment does not include the liquid level sensor 155 in the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, and includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor outputs an electric signal to the controller 130 according to the environmental temperature at which the printer is set. The EEPROM 134 also stores a threshold value C0 for a predetermined temperature, and times T4 and T5 set as the waiting time Tk. The time T4 is an example of the fourth time. The time T5 is an example of the fifth time. In the second embodiment, an initial process different from that in the first embodiment is executed. Other than that, the printer configuration is the same as that of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0102] As in the first embodiment, the controller 130 executes an initial process when the cartridge 200 is first mounted in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then determines whether it has obtained a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S30).

[0103] Next, the controller 130 reads out the CTG information, such as the identification information and the ink amount Vc0, from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S31). The read out CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0104] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial process flag from the EEPROM 134 (S22). If the initial process flag is "ON" (S22: No), the controller 130 ends the initial process. This is because if the initial process flag is "ON", the initial process has already been executed.

[0105] If the initial process flag is "OFF" (S22: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the initial ink amount Vc0 has been read from the CTG information (S33). The initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the memory of the IC board 247 of the new cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is used, for example, after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, when ink is discharged through the head 21, such as image recording or purging, the controller 130 erases the initial ink amount Vc0 stored in the memory of the IC board 247. Therefore, the cartridge 200 from which the controller 130 has read the initial ink amount Vc0 is a new cartridge. Note that instead of the initial ink amount Vc0, a value or information such as a flag indicating that the cartridge is a new cartridge may be stored in the CTG information, and the controller 130 may determine whether the cartridge is a new cartridge by reading out the value or information.

[0106] The controller 130 ends the initial process in response to determining that the initial ink amount Vc0 cannot be read from the memory of the IC board 247 (S33: No). When a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171. The flow rate Qc at this time is the fastest among cartridges of the same type because the head difference, which is the difference between the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 and the liquid level of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, is the largest. However, when a cartridge 200 that has already been used and has an ink amount stored in the liquid chamber 210 that is less than the initial ink amount Vc0 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the head difference becomes smaller, and the flow rate Qc decreases accordingly. As a result, there is a risk that the flow rate Qc will be smaller than the flow rate Qip of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 in the initial process operation. If the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 may drop during the initial processing operation and reach a position immediately above the outlet 174. Therefore, when a cartridge 200 that is not a new product is mounted in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation is not performed.

[0107] In response to reading out the initial ink amount Vc0 from the memory of the IC board 247 (S33: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the temperature output by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold value C0 (S34). In response to determining that the temperature output by the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold value C0 (S34: No), the controller 130 sets the standby time Tk to time T4 (S35). On the other hand, in response to determining that the temperature output by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold value C0 (S34: Yes), the controller 130 sets the standby time Tk to time T5. Time T5 is longer than time T4.

[0108] If the environmental temperature in which the printer 10 is installed is low, it is estimated that the temperature of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is also low. The lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity of the ink. Therefore, as the environmental temperature decreases, the ink flow rate Qc from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 tends to decrease, so if the temperature C is less than the threshold value C0, a time T5 longer than the time T4 is set as the standby time Tk.

[0109] Then, after waiting for the standby time Tk (S37), the controller 130 executes an initial processing operation (S38). During the standby time Tk, ink flows out from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, and the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 increases. As the standby time Tk becomes longer, the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 increases.

[0110] After executing the initial processing operation, the controller 130 sets the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to "ON" (S39), and ends the initial processing.

[0111] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment described above, after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation is executed when the waiting time Tk has elapsed, so that the time until the initial processing operation is executed can be shortened without air entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0112] Furthermore, if the flow rate Qc from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 decreases due to a low environmental temperature in which the printer 10 is installed and high ink viscosity, a time T5 longer than the time T4 is set as the waiting time Tk until the initial processing operation is performed after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, and the timing at which the initial processing operation is performed becomes delayed. This prevents air from entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171 during the initial processing operation.

[0113] Furthermore, when a cartridge 200 that does not store the initial ink amount Vc0 of ink is attached to the attachment case 150, the initial processing operation is not executed, so that air is prevented from entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0114] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below. The printer according to the third embodiment does not have a liquid level sensor 155, like the printer according to the second embodiment. In addition, the EEPROM 134 stores a flow rate Qip (an example of a first threshold) as a threshold, an execution time Tip of the initial processing operation, a threshold Vth1 (an example of a second threshold), and a function or table showing the relationship between the ink amount Vc and the flow rate Qc. In the third embodiment, an initial processing different from that in the first and second embodiments is executed. Other configurations of the printer are the same as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, the controller 130 executes the initial process when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10 for the first time. As shown in Fig. 10, the controller 130 determines whether it has acquired a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then acquired a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S50). Then, in response to acquiring a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then acquiring a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S50: Yes), the controller 130 stores the time in the EEPROM 134 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 for the first time, that is, when the controller 130 has acquired a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then acquired a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S50: Yes).

[0116] Next, the controller 130 reads out CTG information such as the identification information, the initial ink amount Vc0, and the ink amount Vc from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S51). The read CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0117] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial process flag from the EEPROM 134 (S52). If the initial process flag is "ON" (S52: No), the controller 130 ends the initial process. This is because if the initial process flag is "ON", the initial process has already been executed.

[0118] If the initial process flag is "OFF" (S52: Yes), the controller 130 determines the flow rate Qc from the ink amount Vc or the initial ink amount Vc0 included in the CTG information (S53). The initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the memory of the IC board 247 of a brand new cartridge 200. Then, when the cartridge 200 is used, for example, after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, and ink is discharged through the head 21, such as by image recording or purging, the controller 130 erases the initial ink amount Vc0 (an example of a first value) stored in the memory of the IC board 247, and stores the currently stored ink amount Vc (an example of a second value) in the memory of the IC board 247. It should be noted that, instead of the initial ink amount Vc0, a value or information such as a flag indicating that it is a new cartridge is stored in the CTG information, and the controller 130 may determine the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 by reading out that value or information and reading out the initial ink amount previously stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0119] The flow rate Qc of ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 varies depending on the difference between the height of the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 210 from a reference position (e.g., a predetermined position P) and the height of the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 210 from the reference position (e.g., a predetermined position P) (i.e., a head difference). Before the initial processing operation, since no ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171, the flow rate Qc depends on the height of the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 210 (i.e., the ink volume Vc). Therefore, if a function or table showing the relationship between the ink volume Vc and the flow rate Qc is stored in the EEPROM 134, the flow rate Qc can be determined based on the ink volume Vc or the initial ink volume Vc0 read from the IC board 247.

[0120] Next, the controller 130 multiplies the determined flow rate Qc by the time ΔT1 from the time when a low-level signal was received from the mounting sensor 154 to the present to calculate the amount of ink Vs stored in the liquid chamber 171 (S54). Then, in response to judging that the determined flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold flow rate Qip (S55: Yes), the controller 130 judges whether the calculated ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56). If the controller 130 judges that the calculated ink amount Vs is less than the threshold Vth1 (S56: No), it repeats S56 at a predetermined time interval. The calculated ink amount Vs increases as the current time becomes later, and therefore will eventually be equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56: Yes). Then, in response to judging that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56: Yes), the controller 130 starts the initial processing operation (S57).

[0121] After executing the initial processing operation, the controller 130 sets the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to "ON" (S58). Then, it calculates the ink amounts Vc and Vs after executing the initial processing operation, and stores them in the EEPROM 134 (S59). It also stores the calculated ink amount Vc in the memory of the IC board 247 (S60), and ends the initial processing.

[0122] In response to determining in S55 that the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip (S55: No), the controller 130 calculates a threshold value Vth2 (an example of a third threshold value) (S61). The threshold value Vth2 is calculated as a value obtained by multiplying the difference between the flow rate Qip and the flow rate Qc by the time Tip for performing the initial processing operation. If the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 decreases while the initial processing operation is being performed. The difference between the flow rate Qip and the flow rate Qc corresponds to the amount of ink decreased from the liquid chamber 171 per unit time in the initial processing operation. The value multiplied by the time Tip corresponds to the total amount of ink decreased from the liquid chamber 171 in the initial processing operation.

[0123] The controller 130 determines whether the calculated ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the sum of thresholds Vth1 and Vth2 (S62). If the controller 130 determines that the calculated ink amount Vs is less than the sum of thresholds Vth1 and Vth2 (S62: No), it repeats S62 at predetermined time intervals. The calculated ink amount Vs increases as the current time becomes later, and therefore eventually becomes equal to or greater than threshold Vth2 (S62: Yes). Then, in response to determining that the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than the sum of thresholds Vth1 and Vth2 (S62: Yes), the controller 130 starts an initial processing operation (S57) and also executes S58 to S60.

[0124] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to the third embodiment, if the flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than the flow rate Qip and the ink amount Vs is equal to or greater than Vth1 after the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the initial process operation is executed. This makes it possible to shorten the time until the initial process operation is executed without air entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0125] Furthermore, if the flow rate Qipc is less than the flow rate Qip, and the ink amount Vs is greater than the sum of the threshold value Vth1 and the threshold value Vth2, the initial processing operation is executed. This makes it possible to shorten the time from when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 until the initial processing operation is executed, depending on the flow rate Qc.

[0126] [Variations] In addition, in the above embodiment, the ejection of ink through the head 21 is described as image recording onto a sheet, but the ejection of ink through the head 21 may also be a so-called purge in which ink is forcibly ejected from the nozzles 29 of the head 21.

[0127] In the embodiment described above, the controller 130 detects whether the detection target portion 194 of the actuator 190 is located at the detection position based on the signal output by the liquid level sensor 15, but the configuration of the liquid level sensor 155 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the ink level in the liquid chamber 171. For example, the controller 130 may be a sensor for optically detecting the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 by using a prism having a reflectance that varies depending on whether the ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171. The liquid level sensor 155 may also be an electrode bar inserted into the liquid chamber 171.

[0128] In the embodiment described above, the controller 130 executes the process shown in S15 in response to acquiring a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then acquiring a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then acquiring a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S14: Yes). The controller 130 executes the process shown in S15 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 in which no cartridge 200 exists. That is, the controller 130 may execute the process shown in S15 in response to determining that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. Note that the controller 130 acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, which is an example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case 150. Another example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 will be described below.

[0129] For example, the controller 130 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from the cover sensor 88. Then, the controller 130 reads out the identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134. In response to determining that the identification information read out from the memory of the IC board 247 and the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134 are different, the controller 130 may execute the process shown in S15. That is, "the controller 130 reads out the identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134. As a result, it is determined that the identification information read out from the memory of the IC board 247 and the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134 are different" is an example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. In this case, the controller 130 reads out the identification information from the memory of the IC board 247, compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134, and stores in the EEPROM the time at which it is determined that the identification information read out from the memory of the IC board 247 differs from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134 as the time to be stored in S15. Alternatively, the time at which a low level signal is received after a high level signal is received from the cover sensor 88 may be stored in the EEPROM in S15.

[0130] Also, for example, the controller 130 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from the cover sensor 88. Then, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display a confirmation screen indicating to the user whether a new cartridge 200 has been mounted in the mounting case 150. While the controller 130 is causing the display 17 to display the confirmation screen, the controller 130 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen via the operation panel 22. In response to the received input corresponding to the mounting of a new cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the controller 130 executes the process shown in S15. That is, "the controller 130 receives a low level signal after receiving a high level signal from the cover sensor 88. Then, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display a confirmation screen indicating whether a new cartridge 200 has been mounted in the mounting case 150. While the controller 130 is displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17, the controller 130 receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen through the operation panel 22. The received input corresponds to the mounting of a new cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150" is an example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 has been mounted in the mounting case 150. In this case, the controller 130 stores in the EEPROM the time at which the input corresponding to the confirmation screen was received through the operation panel 22 as the time to be stored in S15.

[0131] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, ink is described as an example of a liquid, but the liquid may be, for example, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto paper or the like prior to the ink during image recording, or water for cleaning the head 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10 Printer (liquid ejection device) 17 Display (alarm) 21 Head 32 Tube (fourth flow path) 130...Controller 132···ROM (memory) 133...RAM (Memory) 134···EEPROM (memory) 150···Mounting case 155 Liquid level sensor 160···Tank 171...Liquid chamber (2nd liquid chamber) 175 Atmospheric communication chamber (5th flow path) 181 Needle (third flow path) 200 Cartridges 210...Liquid chamber (1st liquid chamber) 213 Ink valve chamber (first flow path) 214 Atmospheric valve chamber (second flow path)

Claims

1. a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; A tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path, one end of which is connected to the outside and the other end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case; a fourth flow path, one end of which is located below the third flow path and communicates with the second liquid chamber; a fifth flow path, one end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end of which is connected to the outside; The tank having a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path; A liquid level sensor; A liquid ejection device comprising: The above controller is receiving a first signal from the liquid level sensor in response to the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than a predetermined level; receiving a second signal from the liquid level sensor in response to the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being lower than the predetermined position; determining whether the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; A liquid ejection device that performs an initial process to introduce liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path in response to determining that the cartridge is attached to the attachment case and receiving the first signal from the liquid level sensor after receiving the second signal.

2. The controller interrupts the initial process in response to receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor while the initial process is being performed; 2. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein after the initial process is interrupted, the interrupted initial process is executed in response to receiving the first signal from the liquid level sensor.

3. the controller, in response to a first elapsed time from a time when it is determined that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case to a time when the first signal is received from the liquid level sensor, does not execute the initial process; 3. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the initial process is executed in response to a second elapsed time having elapsed since the first signal was received from the liquid level sensor reaching a second time.

4. It is further equipped with an alarm, The liquid discharge device of claim 3, wherein the controller activates the alarm in response to a third elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the cartridge is attached to the attachment case reaching a third time longer than the first time, and in response to receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor without receiving the first signal.

5. a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; A tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path, one end of which is connected to the outside and the other end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case; a fourth flow path, one end of which is located below the third flow path and communicates with the second liquid chamber; a fifth flow path, one end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end of which is connected to the outside; The tank having a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path; A liquid ejection device comprising: The above controller is determining whether the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; A liquid discharge device that executes an initial process to introduce liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path in response to the elapsed time from the time when the installation sensor determines that the cartridge is installed reaching a fourth time.

6. Further comprising a temperature sensor, the controller sets a fifth time, which is longer than the fourth time, instead of the fourth time, in response to the temperature according to the signal received from the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined temperature; The liquid discharging device according to claim 5 , wherein the initial process is executed in response to the elapsed time reaching the fifth time.

7. It further comprises an interface, The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller executes the initial processing on the condition that identification information indicating that an initial volume of liquid is stored in the first liquid chamber is read from a cartridge memory possessed by the cartridge via the interface.

8. a mounting case in which a cartridge is mounted, the cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, and a second flow path having one end connected to the first liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside; A tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path, one end of which is connected to the outside and the other end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber, the third flow path constituting, together with the first flow path, a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case; a fourth flow path, one end of which is located below the third flow path and communicates with the second liquid chamber; a fifth flow path, one end of which is connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end of which is connected to the outside; The tank having a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path; An interface; A liquid ejection device comprising: The above controller is determining whether the cartridge is attached to the attachment case; After it is determined that the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, a liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber is read from a cartridge memory of the cartridge through the interface; determining a flow rate Qc of the liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on the read liquid volume Vc; multiplying the flow rate Qc by the elapsed time from when it was determined that the cartridge was attached to the attachment case to calculate the amount of liquid Vs stored in the second liquid chamber; A liquid discharge device that performs an initial process to introduce liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path when the flow rate Qc is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the liquid volume Vs is greater than or equal to a second threshold value.

9. the controller calculates a third threshold by adding a liquid volume Vth obtained by multiplying a difference between the first threshold and the flow rate Qc by a time for which the initial process is performed to the second threshold, on the condition that the flow rate Qc is less than the first threshold; The liquid discharging device according to claim 8 , further comprising: an initial process for discharging liquid through the head or the fourth flow path when the liquid volume Vs is equal to or greater than the third threshold value.

10. The above controller is a liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber is read from the cartridge memory through the interface; determining a volume Vc of liquid to be stored in the first liquid chamber and a volume Vs of liquid to be stored in the second liquid chamber after the initial process is executed based on the read volume Vc of liquid; 10. The liquid discharging device according to claim 7, wherein the determined liquid volume Vc is written into the cartridge memory through the interface.

11. The device further includes a memory. The above controller is executing the initial process on condition that a first value corresponding to the initial process not being executed is read from the memory; 11. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the first value is updated to a second value corresponding to execution of the initial process in response to completion of the initial process.

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