Liquid ejection device and control method for liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a liquid ejection device that is able to improve a function related to an amount of accommodation of waste liquid in a waste liquid container and to provide a control method for the liquid ejection device.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid, and a control unit. The control unit performs: a calculation process of calculating an amount of evaporation of the waste liquid from the waste liquid container provided with an atmosphere opening hole; and an estimation process of estimating an amount of accommodation of the waste liquid in the waste liquid container, based on an amount of addition of the waste liquid obtained by adding the liquid, ejected by the liquid ejecting unit, to the waste liquid container as the waste liquid and based on a calculation result of the calculation process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus and a method for controlling the liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device to which a waste liquid container can be attached, and liquid ejected from a liquid ejection unit is stored in the waste liquid container as waste liquid. In such a liquid ejection device, a liquid volume detection unit can detect when the amount of stored waste liquid reaches the upper limit.

[0003] Furthermore, among such liquid ejection devices, there is also known a device that calculates the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container and notifies the user of the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container. For example, by notifying the user that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a specified amount, which is less than the upper limit, it is possible to notify the user in advance that the waste liquid container needs to be replaced.

[0004] Some waste liquid containers are provided with an air vent hole to increase the amount of waste liquid that can be stored. When such a waste liquid container is used, the air vent hole can promote evaporation of the waste liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-145793 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in such a liquid ejection device, although the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container is estimated, the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container decreases due to the amount of waste liquid evaporated, which may result in a decrease in the accuracy of the estimation of the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid, a liquid volume detection unit that detects when the volume of waste liquid contained in a waste liquid container that can store the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit as waste liquid has reached a threshold value, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a calculation process that calculates the amount of waste liquid evaporated when the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container evaporates from the waste liquid container, which has an atmospheric vent hole, and an estimation process that estimates the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the additional amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid, which is the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit, and the calculation result of the calculation process.

[0008] A control method for a liquid ejection device that solves the above problem is a control method for a liquid ejection device that controls the amount of waste liquid stored in a waste liquid container, where the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit is used as waste liquid, and includes the following steps: a determination process that determines whether the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached a threshold value based on the detection result from a liquid volume detection unit; a calculation process that calculates the amount of waste liquid evaporated when the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container evaporates from the waste liquid container, which is provided with an atmospheric vent; and an estimation process that estimates the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid, where the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit is used as waste liquid, and the calculation result from the calculation process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the waste liquid container of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the waste liquid container of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the waste liquid control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the amount of waste liquid stored and time in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a waste liquid container according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the waste liquid control process of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a liquid ejection device and a method for controlling the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of liquid ejection device 10> 1, the liquid ejection device 10 is configured to perform printing by ejecting a liquid onto a medium 90. The liquid ejection device 10 may be an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 90. The medium 90 may be, for example, paper, fabric, vinyl, a plastic part, a metal part, or the like.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a liquid ejection unit 11. The liquid ejection unit 11 is configured to eject liquid onto a medium 90. The liquid ejection unit 11 includes a liquid ejection head 12. The liquid ejection head 12 ejects liquid onto the medium 90. The liquid ejection head 12 is configured to eject liquid contained in a liquid container 50, which will be described later.

[0013] The liquid ejection head 12 has a plurality of nozzles 13. The liquid ejection head 12 prints by ejecting liquid from each of the plurality of nozzles 13 onto the medium 90. The liquid ejection head 12 may be of either a serial type or a line type. The serial type prints by ejecting liquid onto the medium 90 while the liquid ejection head 12 moves. The line type prints by ejecting liquid onto the medium 90, with the liquid ejection head 12 being provided elongated in the width direction of the medium 90.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a transport unit 14. The transport unit 14 is configured to transport a medium 90. The transport unit 14 transports the medium 90 from a medium storage unit (not shown) to the liquid ejection head 12. The transport unit 14 transports the medium 90 printed by the liquid ejection head 12 to the outside of the liquid ejection device 10. The transport unit 14 may include a roller.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 10 may include an attachment portion 20. A liquid container 50 can be attached and detached to the attachment portion 20. The attachment portion 20 may be capable of attaching a plurality of liquid containers 50 corresponding to different liquid colors. The liquid container 50 contains the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head 12. The liquid container 50 may be an ink cartridge.

[0016] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a supply flow path 22. The liquid ejection device 10 may include a plurality of supply flow paths 22 corresponding to the colors of the liquid. The supply flow path 22 is a flow path for supplying liquid from the liquid container 50 to the liquid ejection head 12 when the liquid container 50 is attached to the attachment part 20. When the liquid container 50 is attached to the attachment part 20, the upstream end of the supply flow path 22 is connected to the liquid container 50. The downstream end of the supply flow path 22 is connected to the liquid ejection head 12.

[0017] The supply flow path 22 may be configured to be able to discharge the liquid contained in the liquid container 50 by inserting the supply needle 23 into the liquid container 50 attached to the attachment part 20. The supply flow path 22 may supply the liquid by a hydraulic head. The liquid ejection device 10 may include a pump (not shown) that supplies the liquid from the liquid container 50 to the liquid ejection head 12.

[0018] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a cap 30. The cap 30 is capable of receiving liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 12. The cap 30 may be movable between a contact position shown in FIG. 1 and a spaced position (not shown). The contact position is a position where the cap 30 contacts the liquid ejection head 12. The spaced position is a position where the cap 30 is spaced from the liquid ejection head 12.

[0019] When the cap 30 is in the contact position, it forms a closed space 31 in which each of the plurality of nozzles 13 is open. Maintenance in which the cap 30 forms the closed space 31 so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 13 is also called capping.

[0020] When the cap 30 is in the separated position, it may receive the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 12. Maintenance in which liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head 12 is also called flushing.

[0021] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a cleaning unit 32. The cleaning unit 32 is capable of performing cleaning. Cleaning is maintenance that forcibly ejects liquid from each of the multiple nozzles 13 through the closed space 31. In this way, the cleaning unit 32 is capable of forcibly ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 12.

[0022] The cleaning unit 32 may include a waste liquid flow path 33 and a suction pump 34. The waste liquid flow path 33 is a flow path for discharging liquid as waste liquid from the cap 30 to the waste liquid container 51, which will be described later, when the waste liquid container 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment unit 35. The upstream end of the waste liquid flow path 33 is connected to the cap 30. The downstream end of the waste liquid flow path 33 is connected to the waste liquid container 51 when the waste liquid container 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment unit 35. The waste liquid flow path 33 may be configured to be able to guide the liquid as waste liquid to the waste liquid container 51 by inserting a discharge needle 36 into the waste liquid container 51 attached to the waste liquid attachment unit 35.

[0023] The suction pump 34 is capable of reducing the pressure in the space within the cap 30 via the waste liquid flow path 33. The cleaning unit 32 performs cleaning by driving the suction pump 34 with the cap 30 positioned at the contact position. That is, the cleaning unit 32 reduces the pressure in the closed space 31. As a result, the liquid is discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 13, and the liquid is supplied from the supply flow path 22 to the liquid ejection head 12.

[0024] The cleaning unit 32 may discharge the liquid inside the cap 30 by driving the suction pump 34 while the cap 30 is positioned at the separated position. Maintenance in which the liquid inside the cap 30 is sent to the waste liquid container 51, which will be described later, is also called empty suction.

[0025] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a waste liquid mounting section 35. A waste liquid container 51 is detachably attached to the waste liquid mounting section 35. The waste liquid container 51 is capable of storing liquid as waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head 12 by the cleaning section 32.

[0026] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a liquid volume detection unit 37. The liquid volume detection unit 37 detects, with respect to the waste liquid container 51, whether the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 is a threshold value. The liquid volume detection unit 37 detects whether the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 is an upper limit volume as a threshold value. The liquid volume detection unit 37 may be a sensor or the like. The upper limit volume is a threshold value for the volume of waste liquid that can be contained in the waste liquid container 51.

[0027] More specifically, the liquid volume detection unit 37 may be an optical sensor. The liquid volume detection unit 37 includes a light-emitting unit 37A and a light-receiving unit 37B. The light-emitting unit 37A emits light toward a reflecting unit 55 of the waste liquid container 51, which will be described later. The light-receiving unit 37B receives the light reflected by the reflecting unit 55. The liquid volume detection unit 37 detects, based on the light received by the light-receiving unit 37B, that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the upper limit capacity.

[0028] The liquid ejection device 10 may include a storage type detection unit 38. The storage type detection unit 38 is capable of detecting whether or not a waste liquid container 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment unit 35. The storage type detection unit 38 is capable of detecting the type of waste liquid container 51 attached to the waste liquid attachment unit 35. The storage type detection unit 38 may be a sensor or the like.

[0029] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a control unit 40 and an input unit 41. The liquid ejection device 10 may also include a notification unit 42. The control unit 40 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid ejection device 10, and controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 10.

[0030] The control unit 40 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0031] The input unit 41 is capable of inputting predetermined instructions. The input unit 41 is capable of inputting various instructions related to the liquid ejection device 10. The input unit 41 is configured as an operation unit that can be operated by a user, but may also be configured so that predetermined instructions are input via a terminal device (not shown). In this case, the input unit 41 may be configured separately from the control unit 40, or may be configured to be included in the control unit 40.

[0032] The notification unit 42 issues notifications regarding the liquid ejection device 10. The notification unit 42 may be at least one of a display unit capable of displaying images, an audio output unit capable of outputting audio, and a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light in a predetermined light-emitting mode. The notification unit 42 may not be provided in the liquid ejection device 10, but may also be provided in a terminal device (not shown). In this case, the control unit 40 may output a notification instruction to the terminal device (not shown), and the notification unit 42 may issue a notification based on the notification instruction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the liquid ejection unit 11, the transport unit 14, the cap 30, and the cleaning unit 32. The control unit 40 can recognize the detection results based on detection signals from the liquid volume detection unit 37 and the storage type detection unit 38. The control unit 40 performs control based on instructions input by the input unit 41. The control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to issue notifications regarding the liquid ejection device 10.

[0034] <Configuration of waste liquid container 51> 2, the waste liquid container 51 is configured to store the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit 11 as waste liquid. The waste liquid container 51 is replaceable with respect to the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 may be provided with the waste liquid container 51.

[0035] The waste liquid container 51 includes a waste liquid container case 52 and a waste liquid container cover 53. The waste liquid container case 52 is configured to contain waste liquid. The waste liquid container cover 53 is configured to cover the waste liquid container case 52 from above.

[0036] The waste liquid storage case 52 has an injection hole 54. The injection hole 54 is configured to inject the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit 11 as waste liquid into the waste liquid storage body 51. By inserting the discharge needle 36 into the injection hole 54, the liquid as waste liquid can be injected into the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0037] The waste liquid storage case 52 includes a reflecting section 55. The reflecting section 55 is exposed from the waste liquid storage case 52. The reflecting section 55 is provided at a position opposite the liquid volume detection section 37. The reflecting section 55 is a member for detecting whether waste liquid is stored in a first storage section 61 described below. The reflecting section 55 changes its light reflection state depending on the waste liquid stored in the first storage section 61. The reflecting section 55 may be a prism.

[0038] The waste liquid storage case 52 has an air vent hole 56. That is, the waste liquid storage body 51 has an air vent hole 56. The air vent hole 56 may be provided on the outer bottom surface side of the waste liquid storage case 52.

[0039] The atmosphere vent hole 56 communicates with the inside of the waste liquid container 51. The atmosphere vent hole 56 is a hole for opening the inside of the waste liquid container 52 to the atmosphere. The atmosphere vent hole 56 is provided to promote evaporation of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51. In other words, the atmosphere vent hole 56 allows the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 to evaporate. The atmosphere vent hole 56 reduces the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 as the waste liquid evaporates. This increases the amount of waste liquid that can be contained in the waste liquid container 51.

[0040] 3, the waste liquid storage case 52 includes a waste liquid storage section 60, a first storage section 61, and an air-open section 63. In other words, the waste liquid storage body 51 includes the waste liquid storage section 60, the first storage section 61, and an air-open section 63.

[0041] The waste liquid storage section 60 can store the waste liquid injected from the injection hole 54. In other words, the waste liquid storage section 60 can store the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 11 as waste liquid. The waste liquid storage section 60 includes a waste liquid storage chamber in the waste liquid storage body 51 that stores the waste liquid.

[0042] The waste liquid storage case 52 includes an absorbent material 57. The absorbent material 57 is placed in the waste liquid storage section 60. In the drawing, only a portion of the absorbent material 57 is shown. The absorbent material 57 is made of a material that absorbs waste liquid. The absorbent material 57 absorbs the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section 60.

[0043] The waste liquid storage case 52 includes a first partition wall 64. The first partition wall 64 is provided between the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first storage section 61. The first partition wall 64 separates the waste liquid storage section 60 from the first storage section 61. The first partition wall 64 is provided between the waste liquid storage section 60 and the atmosphere open section 63. The first partition wall 64 separates the waste liquid storage section 60 from the atmosphere open section 63.

[0044] The first partition wall 64 is lower than the outer wall 52A of the waste liquid storage case 52. Therefore, a gap is provided between the first partition wall 64 and the waste liquid storage cover 53. This allows the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first reservoir section 61 to communicate with the atmosphere open section 63, and evaporation of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first reservoir section 61 is promoted via the atmosphere open hole 56.

[0045] The first partition 64 includes a first communication portion 65. The first communication portion 65 is provided so as to communicate between the waste liquid storage body 51 and the first reservoir 61. The first communication portion 65 is provided at a position higher than the inner bottom surface 52B of the waste liquid storage case 52. The first communication portion 65 may be concave.

[0046] The first reservoir 61 is provided in a flow path that communicates between the waste liquid storage section 60 and the atmospheric vent hole 56. The first reservoir 61 is capable of storing waste liquid. That is, the first reservoir 61 includes a first storage chamber that is capable of storing waste liquid. The first reservoir 61 is provided with a reflector 55. The liquid volume detection section 37 detects that a first volume of waste liquid has been stored in the first reservoir 61 by receiving light reflected by the reflector 55. The first volume is the upper limit volume that can be stored in the first reservoir 61, but may be less than the upper limit volume. The volume of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first reservoir 61 corresponds to the upper limit volume of waste liquid in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0047] The waste liquid collection case 52 includes a second partition wall 66. The second partition wall 66 is provided between the first storage section 61 and the atmosphere vent hole 56. The second partition wall 66 separates the first storage section 61 from the atmosphere vent section 63.

[0048] The second partition wall 66 is lower than the outer wall 52A of the waste liquid storage case 52. Therefore, a gap is provided between the second partition wall 66 and the waste liquid storage cover 53. This allows the first storage section 61 and the atmosphere open section 63 to communicate with each other, and evaporation of the waste liquid stored in the first storage section 61 is promoted via the atmosphere open hole 56.

[0049] The atmosphere vent portion 63 is provided with an atmosphere vent hole 56. The atmosphere vent portion 63 is provided with a water-repellent breathable film 58. The water-repellent breathable film 58 is provided in the atmosphere vent hole 56. The water-repellent breathable film 58 is a film that is water-repellent but allows gas to pass through.

[0050] The use of the water-repellent and breathable film 58 allows for efficient evaporation of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51. The use of the water-repellent and breathable film 58 makes it possible to prevent the waste liquid from leaking out of the waste liquid container 51 through the air vent hole 56, even if a certain amount of waste liquid has entered the air vent portion 63.

[0051] In this way, the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection part 11 is injected into the waste liquid container 51 through the injection hole 54. The waste liquid injected into the waste liquid container 51 is stored in the waste liquid storage part 60. The waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage part 60 is absorbed by the absorbent material 57.

[0052] The waste liquid that is no longer absorbed by the absorbent material 57 in the waste liquid storage section 60 enters the first reservoir 61 through the first communication section 65. The liquid amount detection section 37 can detect whether waste liquid is stored in the first reservoir 61 through the reflecting section 55. In other words, the liquid amount detection section 37 can detect whether the upper limit capacity of waste liquid is stored in the waste liquid storage body 51 through the reflecting section 55.

[0053] If more waste liquid is poured into the waste liquid container 51 after the waste liquid container 60 and the first reservoir 61 have contained the upper limit amount of waste liquid, the waste liquid that overflows from the waste liquid container 60 and the first reservoir 61 will seep into the atmospheric open section 63. For this reason, when the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 reaches the upper limit amount, the waste liquid container 51 needs to be replaced.

[0054] <Waste liquid control treatment> The waste liquid control process will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The waste liquid control process is a process that is executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 40. The waste liquid control process is a process that controls the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S10, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the waste liquid condition is met. The waste liquid condition is met when maintenance is performed to discharge waste liquid into the waste liquid container 51. As a specific example, the waste liquid condition may be met when cleaning is performed. If the control unit 40 determines that the waste liquid condition is not met, it ends the waste liquid control process. If the control unit 40 determines that the waste liquid condition is met, it proceeds to step S11.

[0056] In step S11, the control unit 40 executes an evaporation amount calculation process. In this process, the control unit 40 reads from memory the elapsed time since the waste liquid condition was met the last time. The control unit 40 reads from memory the evaporation rate. The evaporation rate indicates the amount of evaporation per unit time. The control unit 40 calculates the evaporation amount of the waste liquid based on the elapsed time and the evaporation rate. Specifically, the control unit 40 calculates the product of the elapsed time and the evaporation rate as the evaporation amount of the waste liquid.

[0057] In this way, the control unit 40 calculates the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid that evaporates from the waste liquid container 51 provided with the atmospheric vent hole 56. Such evaporation amount calculation processing corresponds to an example of calculation processing.

[0058] In step S12, the control unit 40 executes an estimation process. In this process, the control unit 40 reads from memory the amount of waste liquid storage estimated the previous time the waste liquid condition was met. The control unit 40 subtracts the amount of evaporation of waste liquid from the previous amount of waste liquid storage. In this way, the control unit 40 estimates the current amount of waste liquid storage, which does not include the amount of additional waste liquid. In this way, the control unit 40 estimates the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51 based on the calculation results. Hereinafter, the amount of waste liquid storage estimated by the control unit 40 will be referred to as the estimated storage amount.

[0059] In step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether the estimated storage volume estimated by the current establishment of the waste liquid condition is less than the estimated lower limit volume. The control unit 40 calculates the product of the accumulated storage volume and the lower limit coefficient as the estimated lower limit volume. The accumulated storage volume is the accumulated storage volume added to the waste liquid storage body 51 since the waste liquid storage body 51 was attached to the waste liquid attachment section 35. The estimated lower limit volume is the lower limit volume of waste liquid estimated to remain without evaporating from the accumulated storage volume. The lower limit coefficient is a coefficient indicating the lower limit proportion of waste liquid that will not evaporate.

[0060] The waste liquid contains ink, water, and solvent in a predetermined ratio. When the waste liquid evaporates, the water contained in the waste liquid evaporates, while the ink and solvent do not evaporate at room temperature. Therefore, a lower limit coefficient is set to correspond to the ratio of components other than water contained in the waste liquid. The lower limit coefficient may be, for example, 0.6.

[0061] If the control unit 40 determines that the estimated storage capacity is equal to or greater than the estimated lower limit, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S15. If the control unit 40 determines that the estimated storage capacity is less than the estimated lower limit, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S14.

[0062] In step S14, the control unit 40 executes an estimated capacity correction process. In this process, the control unit 40 corrects the estimated lower limit amount as the estimated capacity. The control unit 40 stores the time when the waste liquid condition is met and the estimated capacity in memory.

[0063] In step S15, the control unit 40 executes a cumulative storage capacity addition process. In this process, the control unit 40 calculates the amount of waste liquid to be added when the waste liquid condition is met. The amount of waste liquid to be added is the amount corresponding to the maintenance for which the waste liquid condition is met. To give a specific example, when one cleaning is performed, the amount of waste liquid to be added is the amount corresponding to one cleaning. The control unit 40 adds the calculated amount of waste liquid to the cumulative storage capacity and records the result as the current cumulative storage capacity in memory.

[0064] In this way, the control unit 40 calculates the additional amount of waste liquid to be added to the waste liquid container 51, using the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit 11 as waste liquid. Such an estimated storage amount addition process corresponds to an example of calculation processing.

[0065] In step S16, the control unit 40 executes an estimated storage capacity addition process. In this process, the control unit 40 adds the calculated additional amount of waste liquid to the estimated storage capacity, and records the result in memory as the current estimated storage capacity. In this way, the control unit 40 estimates the storage capacity of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51 based on the calculation result and the additional amount of waste liquid. Such estimation process and estimated storage capacity addition process correspond to an example of estimation process.

[0066] In step S17, the control unit 40 determines whether an error condition has been established. The error condition is established when the estimated capacity is equal to or greater than the upper limit determination amount, but the liquid volume detection unit 37 detects that the estimated capacity is not equal to or greater than the upper limit determination amount. The upper limit determination amount is the amount by which it can be assumed that the estimated capacity has reached the upper limit determination amount. The upper limit determination amount may be equal to or greater than the upper limit determination amount, or may be less than the upper limit determination amount.

[0067] The error condition is established when the estimated capacity is equal to or less than the lower limit judgment amount, but the liquid volume detection unit 37 detects that it is equal to or greater than the upper limit capacity. The lower limit judgment amount is the amount by which it can be assumed that the estimated capacity has not reached the upper limit capacity. The lower limit judgment amount is less than the upper limit capacity.

[0068] If the control unit 40 determines that the error condition is met, the process proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 40 determines that the error condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0069] In step S18, the control unit 40 executes an error notification process. In this process, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid. In this way, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37 and the estimation result in step S12. In other words, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to issue a notification regarding the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the estimation result in step S12. This error notification process corresponds to an example of a notification process.

[0070] In step S19, the control unit 40 determines whether the estimated storage capacity is equal to or greater than the specified storage capacity. The specified storage capacity is a storage capacity threshold that is less than the upper limit storage capacity. The specified storage capacity is a storage capacity threshold that is close to the upper limit storage capacity and is an amount that allows a replacement waste liquid storage body 51 to be prepared.

[0071] If the control unit 40 determines that the estimated storage capacity is less than the specified storage capacity, it ends the waste liquid control process. If the control unit 40 determines that the estimated storage capacity is equal to or greater than the specified storage capacity, it proceeds to step S20.

[0072] In step S20, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the upper limit capacity has been detected as the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51, based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37. That is, the control unit 40 determines that the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the threshold value, based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37. This process corresponds to an example of the determination process.

[0073] If the control unit 40 determines that the upper limit capacity has been detected, the process proceeds to step S21. If the control unit 40 determines that the upper limit capacity has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0074] In step S21, the control unit 40 executes an upper limit capacity notification process. In this process, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the upper limit capacity has been reached. In this way, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the upper limit capacity, based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37. In other words, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify about the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51, based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37. This upper limit capacity notification process corresponds to an example of a notification process.

[0075] In step S22, the control unit 40 executes a specified capacity notification process. In this process, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the specified capacity has been reached, even though the upper limit capacity has not been reached. In this way, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the specified capacity, based on the estimation result in step S12. In other words, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify about the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51, based on the estimation result in step S12. This specified capacity notification process corresponds to an example of a notification process.

[0076] The control unit 40 initializes the cumulative storage volume and estimated storage volume when the waste liquid container 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment section 35, but may also initialize the cumulative storage volume and estimated storage volume when the waste liquid container 51 is removed from the waste liquid attachment section 35.

[0077] <Estimated Capacity Transition> The transition of the estimated capacity will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In particular, the relationship between the estimated capacity and time will be described as the transition of the estimated capacity. In Fig. 5, graph 70 is a graph showing a comparative example showing an estimated capacity estimated without taking into account the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid. In other words, graph 70 is a graph corresponding to the calculation result of the cumulative capacity. Graph 71 is a graph showing an example showing an estimated capacity estimated taking into account the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid.

[0078] 5, in a graph 70 serving as a comparative example, the waste liquid container 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment portion 35 at the timing indicated by reference symbol T10. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T11, waste liquid is added to the waste liquid container 51, and the estimated amount of waste liquid stored is calculated as storage volume C13. Thereafter, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T12, more waste liquid is added to the waste liquid container 51, and the estimated amount of waste liquid stored is calculated as storage volume C16. Thereafter, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T13, more waste liquid is added to the waste liquid container 51, and the estimated amount of waste liquid stored is calculated as storage volume C17.

[0079] In the graph 71 as an example, after the timing indicated by reference symbol T11, the estimated storage volume of the waste liquid is subtracted due to evaporation of the waste liquid, and as a result, the estimated storage volume of the waste liquid is calculated as storage volume C11 at the timing indicated by reference symbol T12. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T12, more waste liquid is added to the waste liquid storage body 51, and as a result, the estimated storage volume of the waste liquid is calculated as storage volume C14.

[0080] After the timing indicated by reference symbol T12, the estimated amount of stored waste liquid is subtracted due to evaporation of the waste liquid, and as a result, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T13, the estimated amount of stored waste liquid is calculated as storage amount C12.

[0081] After the timing indicated by reference symbol T13, the estimated capacity falls below the estimated lower limit. In this case, the waste liquid does not evaporate, and the estimated capacity of the waste liquid is maintained at capacity C12. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T14, more waste liquid is added to the waste liquid container 51, and the estimated capacity of the waste liquid is calculated as capacity C15.

[0082] In this way, the embodiment in which the evaporation of waste liquid is taken into consideration can improve the estimation accuracy of the estimated capacity compared to the comparative example in which the evaporation of waste liquid is not taken into consideration. More specifically, when the capacity C17 is the upper limit capacity, in the comparative example, the estimated capacity has reached the upper limit capacity, and it becomes necessary to replace the waste liquid container 51, which is in a state where the waste liquid can be stored. On the other hand, in the embodiment, the estimated capacity has not reached the upper limit capacity, and it becomes unnecessary to replace the waste liquid container 51, which is in a state where the waste liquid can be stored.

[0083] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The liquid volume detection unit 37 detects that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the upper limit. The control unit 40 calculates the amount of waste liquid evaporated from the waste liquid container 51 through the air vent hole 56 provided in the waste liquid container 51. The control unit 40 estimates the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container 51 and the calculation result. With this configuration, when a waste liquid container 51 provided with the air vent hole 56 is used, even if the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 decreases due to the evaporation of waste liquid, it is possible to determine that the volume of waste liquid has reached the threshold based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37. In addition, the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 can be estimated based on the amount of waste liquid added and the amount of waste liquid evaporated. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of stored waste liquid has reached the threshold, while improving the accuracy of estimating the amount of stored waste liquid by taking the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid into consideration, thereby improving the functionality related to the amount of stored waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0084] (1-2) Based on the estimation result, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify the user of the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51. This configuration makes it possible to notify the user of the amount of waste liquid stored that is estimated based on the amount of added waste liquid and the amount of evaporated waste liquid. This makes it possible to provide the user with information about the amount of waste liquid stored with improved estimation accuracy. This improves the function of the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0085] (1-3) Based on the estimation result, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the specified capacity. With this configuration, the liquid volume detection unit 37 can detect that the amount of waste liquid has reached the upper limit capacity, and can notify that the amount of waste liquid has reached the specified capacity, which is lower than the upper limit capacity. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of waste liquid has reached the upper limit capacity, while improving the accuracy of estimating that the amount of waste liquid has reached the specified capacity. Therefore, the function related to the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 can be improved.

[0086] (1-4) The control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit 37 and the estimation result. With this configuration, it is possible to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 using both the detection result with increased reliability and the estimation result with improved estimation accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the function regarding the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51.

[0087] (1-5) The waste liquid container 51 is replaceable. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably recognize that the amount of stored waste liquid has reached the threshold, and to replace the waste liquid container 51 in accordance with the amount of stored waste liquid with improved estimation accuracy. This improves the functionality of the waste liquid container 51 in terms of the amount of stored waste liquid.

[0088] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as in the already described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and only the configuration different from the already described embodiment will be described.

[0089] <Configuration of waste liquid container 51> 6, in the second embodiment, the waste liquid storage case 52 includes a second storage section 62. That is, the waste liquid storage body 51 includes the second storage section 62. The second storage section 62 is provided in a flow path that communicates between the first storage section 61 and the atmosphere vent hole 56. The second storage section 62 is capable of storing the waste liquid. That is, the second storage section 62 includes a second storage chamber that is capable of storing the waste liquid.

[0090] The second reservoir 62 can store a predetermined amount of waste liquid. The predetermined amount is the upper limit amount minus the specified waste amount. The amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 60, the first reservoir 61, and the second reservoir 62 corresponds to the upper limit amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0091] The first partition 64 is provided between the waste liquid storage section 60 and the second storage section 62. The first partition 64 separates the waste liquid storage section 60 from the second storage section 62. This allows the waste liquid storage section 60, the first storage section 61, and the atmosphere open section 63 to communicate with the second storage section 62, and evaporation of the waste liquid stored in the second storage section 62 is promoted via the atmosphere open hole 56.

[0092] The second partition 66 is provided between the first storage section 61 and the second storage section 62. The second partition 66 separates the first storage section 61 from the second storage section 62. The second partition 66 includes a second communication section 67. The second communication section 67 is provided to communicate between the first storage section 61 and the second storage section 62. The second communication section 67 is provided at a position higher than the inner bottom surface 52B of the waste liquid storage case 52. The second communication section 67 may be concave.

[0093] The first reservoir 61 is provided in a flow path that connects the waste liquid storage section 60 and the atmospheric vent hole 56. More specifically, the first reservoir 61 is provided in a flow path that connects the waste liquid storage section 60 and the second reservoir 62. The liquid volume detection section 37 detects that the amount of waste liquid stored has reached a specified storage volume as a threshold value. The amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first reservoir 61 corresponds to the specified storage volume of waste liquid in the waste liquid storage body 51.

[0094] The waste liquid collection case 52 includes a third partition wall 68. The third partition wall 68 is provided between the second storage section 62 and the atmosphere vent hole 56. The third partition wall 68 separates the second storage section 62 from the atmosphere vent section 63.

[0095] The third partition wall 68 is lower than the outer wall 52A of the waste liquid storage case 52. Therefore, a gap is provided between the third partition wall 68 and the waste liquid storage cover 53. This allows the second storage section 62 and the atmosphere open section 63 to communicate with each other, and evaporation of the waste liquid stored in the second storage section 62 is promoted via the atmosphere open hole 56.

[0096] Liquid volume detection unit 37 can detect whether waste liquid is stored in first reservoir 61 via reflector 55. In other words, liquid volume detection unit 37 can detect whether a specified amount of waste liquid is stored in waste liquid storage body 51 via reflector 55.

[0097] After the specified amount of waste liquid has been stored in the waste liquid storage section 60 and the first storage section 61, when further waste liquid is injected into the waste liquid storage body 51, the waste liquid stored in the first storage section 61 will seep into the second storage section 62 through the second communication section 67.

[0098] If more waste liquid is poured into the waste liquid container 51 after the waste liquid container 60, the first reservoir 61, and the second reservoir 62 have contained the upper limit capacity of the waste liquid, the waste liquid overflowing from the waste liquid container 60, the first reservoir 61, and the second reservoir 62 will seep into the atmospheric open section 63. For this reason, when the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 reaches the upper limit capacity, the waste liquid container 51 needs to be replaced.

[0099] <Waste liquid control treatment> As shown in Fig. 7, in steps S12 to S17 of the waste liquid control process, the control unit 40 controls the estimated capacity of the first embodiment as the first estimated capacity. In particular, in step S12, the control unit 40 executes the first estimation process in the same manner as the estimation process of the first embodiment. In step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether the first estimated capacity estimated by the establishment of the current waste liquid condition is less than the estimated lower limit, in the same manner as the first embodiment. In step S14, the control unit 40 executes the first estimated capacity correction process in the same manner as the estimated capacity correction process of the first embodiment. In step S16, the control unit 40 executes the first estimated capacity addition process in the same manner as the estimated capacity addition process of the first embodiment.

[0100] In step S17 of the waste liquid control process, the error condition is met when the first estimated capacity is equal to or greater than the upper limit judgment amount but the liquid volume detection unit 37 detects that it is not equal to or greater than the specified capacity. The upper limit judgment amount is the amount by which it can be assumed that the first estimated capacity has reached the specified capacity. The upper limit judgment amount may be equal to or greater than the specified capacity, or may be less than the specified capacity. The error condition is met when the first estimated capacity is equal to or less than the lower limit judgment amount but the liquid volume detection unit 37 detects that it is equal to or greater than the specified capacity. The lower limit judgment amount is the amount by which it can be assumed that the first estimated capacity has not reached the specified capacity. The lower limit judgment amount is less than the specified capacity. If the control unit 40 determines that the error condition is not met, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S30.

[0101] In step S30, the control unit 40 determines whether or not it has detected that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 is equal to or greater than the specified amount, based on the detection result from the liquid amount detection unit 37. If the control unit 40 determines that it has not detected that the amount of waste liquid contained is equal to or greater than the specified amount, it ends the waste liquid control process. If the control unit 40 determines that it has detected that the amount of waste liquid contained is equal to or greater than the specified amount, it proceeds to step S31.

[0102] In step S31, the control unit 40 executes a second estimation process. In this process, the control unit 40 reads from memory the second estimated capacity of the waste liquid estimated the previous time the waste liquid condition was met. The second estimated capacity is the total capacity of the waste liquid obtained by adding the specified capacity and the capacity of the waste liquid added to the waste liquid container 51 after detecting that the capacity of the waste liquid is equal to or greater than the specified capacity. The control unit 40 subtracts the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid from the previous second estimated capacity of the waste liquid. As a result, the control unit 40 estimates the current second estimated capacity, which does not include the added amount of waste liquid. In this way, the control unit 40 estimates the capacity of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the calculation results.

[0103] In step S32, the control unit 40 executes a second estimated capacity addition process. In this process, the control unit 40 adds the calculated additional amount of waste liquid to the second estimated capacity, and records the result in memory as the current second estimated capacity.

[0104] In this way, based on the calculation result and the additional amount of waste liquid, the control unit 40 estimates the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51. The second estimation process and the estimated amount addition process correspond to an example of the estimation process.

[0105] In step S33, the control unit 40 determines whether the second estimated capacity is equal to or greater than the upper limit capacity. If the control unit 40 determines that the second estimated capacity is less than the upper limit capacity, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S22. If the control unit 40 determines that the second estimated capacity is equal to or greater than the upper limit capacity, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S21.

[0106] Thus, in step S22, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the specified amount, based on the detection result by the liquid amount detection unit 37. That is, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51, based on the detection result by the liquid amount detection unit 37. Such a specified amount notification process corresponds to an example of a notification process.

[0107] In step S21, after the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 reaches the specified amount, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 has reached the upper limit amount based on the estimation result in step S31. That is, the control unit 40 causes the notification unit 42 to notify the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the estimation result in step S31. Such a specified amount notification process corresponds to an example of a notification process.

[0108] The control unit 40 initializes the second estimated storage capacity when the waste liquid storage body 51 is attached to the waste liquid attachment section 35, but may also initialize the second estimated storage capacity when the waste liquid storage body 51 is removed from the waste liquid attachment section 35.

[0109] <Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The liquid volume detection unit 37 can detect when the amount of waste liquid stored has reached the specified volume, and can also notify the user that the amount of waste liquid has reached the specified volume and the upper limit. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of waste liquid has reached the specified volume, while improving the accuracy of estimating that the amount of waste liquid has reached the upper limit. Therefore, the function related to the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body 51 can be improved.

[0110] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0111] The control unit 40 may execute the waste liquid control process before the liquid to be used as waste is ejected from the liquid ejection unit 11, or may execute the waste liquid control process after the liquid to be used as waste is ejected from the liquid ejection unit 11.

[0112] The control unit 40 may select an evaporation rate that corresponds to the installation environment of the liquid ejection device 10 from among multiple evaporation rates. The installation environment may include at least one of temperature and humidity. The liquid ejection device 10 may be equipped with an environment detection unit that detects at least one of temperature and humidity. The control unit 40 may select an evaporation rate that corresponds to the installation environment of the liquid ejection device 10 by referring to at least one of the installation environment when the previous liquid discharge condition was met and the installation environment when the current liquid discharge condition is met.

[0113] The control unit 40 may select, from among a plurality of evaporation rates, an evaporation rate that corresponds to the type of waste liquid container 51 attached to the waste liquid container 35. The control unit 40 may determine the type of waste liquid container 51 attached to the waste liquid container 35 based on the detection result by the container type detection unit 38. The control unit 40 may select an evaporation rate that corresponds to the shape of the atmosphere vent hole 56 provided in the waste liquid container 51. The control unit 40 may select an evaporation rate that corresponds to whether or not the atmosphere vent hole 56 is provided in the waste liquid container 51. When attaching a waste liquid container 51 that has an atmosphere vent hole 56, the control unit 40 may select a faster evaporation rate than when attaching a waste liquid container 51 that does not have an atmosphere vent hole 56.

[0114] The waste liquid condition may be satisfied when flushing is performed. The control unit 40 may select different amounts of waste liquid to be added depending on whether the waste liquid condition is satisfied by cleaning or flushing.

[0115] The liquid ejection device 10 may include an additional amount detection unit that detects the additional amount of waste liquid discharged to the waste liquid container 51. This allows the control unit 40 to obtain the additional amount of waste liquid based on the detection result by the additional amount detection unit.

[0116] Although the liquid volume detection unit 37 is configured to include one prism, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to include, for example, two or more prisms. The liquid volume detection unit 37 does not have to be an optical sensor. The liquid volume detection unit 37 may detect the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the passage of current between electrodes. The liquid volume detection unit 37 may detect the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container 51 based on the vibration waveform of the liquid detected by a piezoelectric sensor.

[0117] The liquid ejection device 10 may be configured to include a waste liquid container 51. In this case, the liquid ejection device 10 may have the waste liquid container 51 detachable from the waste liquid attachment section 35, or the waste liquid container 51 may be non-detachable.

[0118] The medium 90 may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, clothing, or the like.

[0119] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium 90 to record on the medium 90. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0120] The liquid ejection device 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may be a dot impact printer. The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0121] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0122] (A) A liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid, a liquid volume detection unit that detects whether the volume of waste liquid stored in a waste liquid container that can store the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit as waste liquid has reached a threshold value, and a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a calculation process that calculates the amount of waste liquid evaporated when the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container evaporates from the waste liquid container, which is provided with an atmospheric vent, and an estimation process that estimates the volume of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container based on the additional amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid, which is the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit, and the calculation result of the calculation process.

[0123] According to this configuration, when a waste liquid container provided with an atmospheric vent is used, even if the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container decreases due to evaporation of the waste liquid, it is possible to determine that the amount of waste liquid contained has reached the threshold based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit. In addition, the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container can be estimated based on the amount of added waste liquid and the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the threshold, while also improving the accuracy of estimating the amount of waste liquid by taking the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid into account. Therefore, the functionality related to the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container can be improved.

[0124] (B) In the above liquid ejection device, the control unit may execute a notification process that causes the notification unit to notify the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the estimation results of the estimation process.

[0125] This configuration makes it possible to notify the user of the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container, which is estimated based on the amount of added waste liquid and the amount of evaporation of the waste liquid. This makes it possible to provide the user with information on the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container with improved estimation accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the functionality of the waste liquid storage capacity.

[0126] (C) In the above liquid ejection device, the liquid volume detection unit detects that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached an upper limit volume as the threshold value, and the control unit may execute the notification process to notify the notification unit that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a specified volume that is less than the upper limit volume, based on the estimation result of the estimation process.

[0127] With this configuration, the liquid volume detection unit can detect when the amount of waste liquid stored has reached the upper limit, and can also notify when the amount of waste liquid has reached a specified capacity, which is lower than the upper limit. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of waste liquid has reached the upper limit, while also improving the accuracy of estimating that the amount of waste liquid has reached the specified capacity. Therefore, the functionality related to the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container can be improved.

[0128] (D) In ​​the above liquid discharge device, the waste liquid container may have a waste liquid container capable of containing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharger as waste liquid, a first reservoir capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path connecting the waste liquid container with the atmosphere vent, and a reflector whose light reflection state changes depending on the waste liquid stored in the first reservoir, the liquid volume detection unit may be an optical sensor having a light emitting unit that emits light toward the reflector and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the reflector, and the optical sensor may detect that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the upper limit based on the light received by the light receiving unit. This configuration provides the same effect as (C).

[0129] (E) In the above liquid ejection device, the liquid volume detection unit detects that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a specified volume as the threshold value, which is lower than the upper limit volume, and the control unit, based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit, causes the notification unit to notify that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the specified volume, and after the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the specified volume, the control unit may execute the notification process to notify the notification unit that the volume of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the upper limit volume based on the estimation result by the estimation process.

[0130] With this configuration, the liquid volume detection unit can detect when the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached a specified capacity, which is less than the upper limit, and can notify the user that the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached both the specified capacity and the upper limit. This increases the reliability of recognizing that the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached the specified capacity, while also improving the accuracy of estimating that the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached the upper limit. Therefore, the functionality related to the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container can be improved.

[0131] (F) In the above liquid ejection device, the waste liquid container has a waste liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid, a first storage section capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path connecting the waste liquid storage section and the atmospheric vent hole, a second storage section capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path connecting the first storage section and the atmospheric vent hole, and a reflecting section whose light reflection state changes depending on the waste liquid stored in the first storage section, the second storage section being capable of storing a predetermined amount of waste liquid, the predetermined amount being the amount obtained by subtracting the specified amount from the upper limit amount, the liquid amount detection section being an optical sensor, the optical sensor having an emitting section that emits light toward the reflecting section and a light receiving section that receives light reflected by the reflecting section, and the optical sensor may detect that the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached the specified amount based on the light received by the light receiving section. This configuration provides the same effect as (E).

[0132] (G) In the above liquid ejection device, the control unit may execute the notification process to cause the notification unit to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the detection results by the liquid volume detection unit and the estimation results by the estimation process.

[0133] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify an error regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container by using both the detection result with increased reliability and the estimation result with increased estimation accuracy, thereby improving the function regarding the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container.

[0134] (H) In the liquid ejection device, the waste liquid container may be replaceable. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably recognize that the amount of waste liquid stored has reached the threshold, and to replace the waste liquid container in accordance with the amount of waste liquid stored with improved estimation accuracy, thereby improving the functionality related to the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container.

[0135] (I) The liquid ejection device may include a waste liquid container that stores the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit as waste liquid, and the waste liquid container may have the air vent hole that allows the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container to evaporate. This configuration provides the same effect as (A).

[0136] (J) A control method for a liquid ejection device controls the amount of waste liquid stored in a waste liquid container, the amount of waste liquid being ejected by a liquid ejection unit, and includes the following steps: a determination step for determining whether the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container has reached a threshold value based on the detection result from a liquid volume detection unit; a calculation step for calculating the amount of waste liquid evaporated from the waste liquid container, which has an air vent hole; and an estimation step for estimating the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid container based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid, the amount of waste liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit, and the calculation result from the calculation step. This configuration achieves the same effect as (A). [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10...liquid ejection device, 11...liquid ejection section, 12...liquid ejection head, 13...nozzle, 14...transport section, 20...mounting section, 22...supply flow path, 23...supply needle, 30...cap, 31...closed space, 32...cleaning section, 33...waste liquid flow path, 34...suction pump, 35...waste liquid mounting section, 36...discharge needle, 37...liquid volume detection section, 37A...light emitting section, 37B...light receiving section, 38...contained type detection section, 40...control section, 41...input section, 42...notification section, 50...liquid container, 51 ...waste liquid storage body, 52...waste liquid storage case, 52A...outer wall, 52B...inner bottom surface, 53...waste liquid storage cover, 54...injection hole, 55...reflecting portion, 56...atmospheric vent hole, 57...absorbent material, 58...water-repellent and breathable film, 60...waste liquid storage portion, 61...first storage portion, 62...second storage portion, 63...atmospheric vent portion, 64...first partition wall, 65...first connecting portion, 66...second partition wall, 67...second partition wall, 68...second connecting portion, 69...third partition wall, 70...graph, 71...graph, 90...medium.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid; a liquid volume detection unit that detects whether the volume of the waste liquid contained in a waste liquid container that can contain the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit as waste liquid has reached a threshold value; a control unit, The control unit a calculation process for calculating an evaporation amount of the waste liquid when the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body evaporates from the waste liquid storage body having an air vent hole; an estimation process for estimating the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid by the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit and the calculation result of the calculation process; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , the control unit executes a notification process to cause a notification unit to notify the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on an estimation result of the estimation process. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

3. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, the liquid volume detection unit detects that the volume of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached an upper limit volume as the threshold value; the control unit executes the notification process to notify the notification unit that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a specified amount that is less than the upper limit amount, based on the estimation result of the estimation process. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, The waste liquid container is a waste liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; a first reservoir capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path that communicates between the waste liquid storage portion and the atmospheric vent; a reflecting section whose light reflection state changes depending on the waste liquid stored in the first storage section, the liquid volume detection unit is an optical sensor, the optical sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the reflecting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the reflecting unit; the optical sensor detects, based on the light received by the light receiving unit, that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the upper limit amount. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

5. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, the liquid volume detection unit detects that the volume of the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a specified volume as the threshold value, which is smaller than an upper limit volume; the control unit notifies the notification unit that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the specified amount based on the detection result by the liquid amount detection unit, and after the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the specified amount, executes the notification process to notify the notification unit that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the upper limit amount based on the estimation result by the estimation process. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

6. 6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, The waste liquid container is a waste liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; a first reservoir capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path that communicates between the waste liquid storage portion and the atmospheric vent; a second reservoir capable of storing waste liquid in a flow path that connects the first reservoir and the air vent hole; a reflecting section whose light reflection state changes depending on the waste liquid stored in the first storage section, the second reservoir is capable of storing a predetermined amount of waste liquid; the predetermined storage capacity is the amount obtained by subtracting the specified storage capacity from the upper limit storage capacity, the liquid volume detection unit is an optical sensor, the optical sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the reflecting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the reflecting unit; the optical sensor detects, based on the light received by the light receiving unit, that the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached the specified amount. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

7. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the control unit executes the notification process to cause the notification unit to issue an error notification regarding the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the detection result by the liquid volume detection unit and the estimation result by the estimation process. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The waste liquid container is replaceable. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

9. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a waste liquid container that stores the liquid discharged by the liquid discharger as waste liquid; the waste liquid container has the air vent hole through which the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container can evaporate; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

10. A method for controlling a liquid ejection device that controls the amount of waste liquid ejected by a liquid ejection unit and stored in a waste liquid storage container, comprising: a determination process for determining whether the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container has reached a threshold based on a detection result by a liquid amount detection unit; a calculation process for calculating an evaporation amount of the waste liquid when the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid storage body evaporates from the waste liquid storage body having an air vent hole; an estimation process for estimating the amount of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid container based on the amount of waste liquid added to the waste liquid container as waste liquid by the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit and the calculation result of the calculation process; A method for controlling a liquid ejection device.

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