Liquid discharge apparatus and method of controlling liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device or the like capable of urging a user to perform an appropriate operation when a liquid supply failure occurs.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid, a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid, and a supply path that connects the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine a remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid containing portion, the liquid containing portion includes a storage unit configured to store information on the remaining amount of the liquid, and a control unit configured to, when the determination unit determines that there is no remaining amount of the liquid, cause a display unit capable of notifying a state of the liquid ejection apparatus to notify that there is no liquid or a liquid supply failure according to the information on the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

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] Inkjet recording devices eject ink from a recording head to record an image on a recording medium. The ink is supplied to the recording head from the ink cartridge through an ink supply path. Inkjet recording devices equipped with multiple ink cartridges of the same color can switch to ink supply from another ink cartridge when the ink in one cartridge runs out, allowing for continuous recording.

[0003] There is a known method for determining whether ink is present in an ink cartridge by determining whether ink has been drawn into the ink supply path. However, if the supply port, which is the connection between the ink cartridge and the ink supply path, is clogged due to ink adhesion or if foreign matter has formed in the ink supply path, even if ink is present in the cartridge, it will not be drawn into the ink supply path and the cartridge will be determined to be out of ink. There is also a known method for determining whether there is a defect in the ink supply path (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-64029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although Patent Document 1 describes that the ink filling operation is stopped when a malfunction occurs in the ink supply path, it does not describe anything about prompting the user to take appropriate action.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejection device that can prompt a user to take appropriate action in the event of a liquid supply failure, and a method for controlling the liquid ejection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object is achieved by the present invention, which is described below. That is, a liquid ejection device according to the present invention is a liquid ejection device having a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid, and a supply path that connects the liquid storage unit and the liquid ejection head, and is characterized in that it comprises a determination unit that determines the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit, the liquid storage unit comprises a storage unit that stores information about the remaining amount of liquid, and when the determination unit determines that there is no remaining amount of liquid, it comprises a control unit that causes a display unit that can notify the status of the liquid ejection device to notify that there is no liquid or that there is a liquid supply problem, in accordance with the information about the remaining amount of liquid stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection device that can prompt a user to take appropriate action in the event of a liquid supply failure, and a method for controlling a liquid ejection device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ink supply control unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a supply pump. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a connection state between an ink supply control unit and an ink cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply state in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for determining an ink supply state in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply state in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply state in a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart for determining the ink supply state in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a panel display in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus (liquid ejection apparatus) is shown as having only a printing function, but is not limited to this. For example, the inkjet recording apparatus may be further equipped with a reading unit that reads an image on an original document and function as a copier, or may be a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has other functions added.

[0011] In this specification, in the flow path through which ink flows from the ink cartridge to the recording head, upstream refers to the ink cartridge side, and downstream refers to the recording head side.

[0012] 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 can be connected to a host computer 190 via a network 191. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 has an input / output unit I / F 122, a ROM I / F 125, a memory controller 126, a host I / F 127, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 128, and an image processing unit 130, which are connected via a system bus 132. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 further has a flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124, which are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I / F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively.

[0013] The CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer) and is a control means that controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 by executing programs and activating hardware. The flash ROM 123 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 128 and various data necessary for various operations of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The RAM 124 is used as a work area for the CPU 128, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and stores various setting data.

[0014] The image processing unit 130 performs various types of image processing, such as converting (expanding) print data (e.g., data expressed in a page description language) handled by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 into image data (bitmap image data), and other image processing. The image processing unit 130 also converts the color space (e.g., YCbCr) of the image data included in the input print data into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). The image processing unit 130 also performs various image processing on the image data as needed, such as syntax analysis, resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels (which the inkjet recording apparatus 100 can print), image analysis, and image correction. The image data obtained by the image processing is stored in the RAM 124.

[0015] The input / output unit 121 includes hard keys and a panel for the user to perform various operations such as print settings, and a display unit as a display means for displaying (notifying) various information to the user. Here, the print settings include a setting for enabling / disabling manual cutting, which will be described later. The input / output unit 121 is controlled by the CPU 128 via the input / output unit I / F 122. The input / output unit 121 may also display information to the user by outputting a sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator.

[0016] In this embodiment, the input / output unit 121 is present inside the inkjet recording apparatus 100, but this is not limiting and the inkjet recording apparatus 100 may be connected as an external component via a network 191, for example. The host computer 190 may also function as the input / output unit 121. In addition to the input / output unit 121, the inkjet recording apparatus may be connectable to other input / output units via the network 191 or the like.

[0017] The host computer 190 is, for example, an external device that supplies print data, and may have a printer driver installed. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 may be provided with a data providing device that supplies print data, such as an image reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone, instead of the host computer 190. The host I / F 127 receives print data from the host computer 190 via stream communication, and the supplied print data is stored in the RAM 124 via the memory controller 126. The connection between each device and the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is not limited to via the network 191, and may be directly connected, for example, via wireless communication.

[0018] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a liquid ejection head 151 and is connected to a system bus 132 via a head I / F 152. The liquid ejection head 151 is controlled by the CPU 128 via the head I / F 152, and prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The liquid ejection head 151 ejects ink in synchronization with the transport of the recording paper and the operation of the carriage of the liquid ejection head 151, thereby recording an image on the recording medium.

[0019] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a transport control unit 161 and a carriage control unit 162, which are connected to the system bus 132. The transport control unit 161 and the carriage control unit 162 are controlled by the CPU 128. The transport control unit 161 feeds roll paper, which is used as recording paper in this embodiment, from a roll paper core and transports it in coordination with the carriage operation of the liquid ejection head 151. The transport control unit 161 also cuts the roll paper once image formation on the recording paper is complete. Note that in this embodiment, roll paper is used as recording paper, but this is not limited to this, and cut paper that has been cut to a predetermined size in advance may also be used. The carriage control unit 162 operates the carriage of the liquid ejection head 151 in a direction perpendicular to the transport of the recording paper by the transport control unit 161.

[0020] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes an ink supply control unit 200, which is connected to a system bus 132. Under the control of a CPU 128, the ink supply control unit 200 supplies ink to the liquid ejection head 151 from ink cartridges that can be attached or detached by the user. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a receiving unit (mounting unit) configured to allow the above-mentioned ink cartridges to be attached or detached. The detailed configuration of the ink supply control unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ink supply control unit 200 of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Using Fig. 2, the flow paths for supplying ink from the ink cartridges, which are liquid storage units, to the liquid ejection head 151 will be described. In Fig. 2, thick straight lines connecting components represent ink flow paths, and dotted lines represent electrical connections. Note that Fig. 2 shows the flow paths for one color, but multiple identical configurations may be provided for different colors.

[0022] The first ink cartridge (first storage section) 201 and the second ink cartridge (second storage section) 204 are filled with ink of the same color and have the same configuration. In this embodiment, two ink cartridges of the same color can be installed, but this is not limited to this, and three or more ink cartridges of the same color may be installed. The first ink cartridge 201 and the second ink cartridge 204 are detachably connected to the ink supply control section 200 upstream of the check valve 202 and the check valve 205, respectively. The check valve 202 and the check valve 205 are intended to prevent ink in the flow path from flowing back into the installed ink cartridge. The first selection valve 203 and the second selection valve 206, which correspond to the flow path switching means communicating with the ink cartridges, are provided downstream of the check valve 202 and the check valve 205, respectively. As long as the flow path can be switched, the number of selection valves is not limited to two and may be one, three, or more. The flow paths merge downstream of the first selection valve 203 and the second selection valve 206, and the selection valve allows ink to be supplied from the first ink cartridge 201 or the second ink cartridge 204. The first selection valve 203 and the second selection valve 206 are configured so that a single cam switches between opening and closing the valve, so that when one is open, the other is closed. This cam is rotated by a single selection valve motor 207. A supply pump 208 is provided downstream of where the flow paths merge. When the supply pump 208 is operated, ink is supplied from the side of the open selection valve. Then, by operation of the supply pump 208, ink is sent from the ink supply control unit 200 to the liquid ejection head 151 via downstream mechanisms. This ink supply operation may be performed at any timing. For example, it may be performed when an ink cartridge is connected or when a recording operation is performed.

[0023] The ink cartridge may be in the form of a bag. That is, the ink cartridge may have a bag made of a flexible material. The material of this bag may be a material having a multi-layer structure, such as PET, polyethylene, or aluminum.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supply pump 208. When the pump 301 is driven, the expandable portion 302 expands and contracts, drawing ink from one of the ink cartridges. The ink is then delivered to the liquid ejection head 151. The upstream check valve 304 and downstream check valve 305 prevent ink from flowing back upstream. The remaining ink amount detection sensor 303, which corresponds to a determining unit, detects whether the expandable portion 302 has expanded due to the supply pump 208 drawing in sufficient ink. In other words, it is possible to determine whether ink (liquid) has been supplied to the supply channel. The remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 can confirm that sufficient ink has been drawn in, i.e., that there is sufficient pressure within the supply channel. On the other hand, if the ink cartridge in the channel whose selection valve is open is empty, the pressure within the supply channel drops, and the supply pump 208 is unable to draw ink. In this case, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 cannot detect the expandable portion 302 even when ink is drawn in. As described above, the remaining amount detection sensor 303 can indirectly detect whether the ink cartridge that supplies ink to the liquid ejection head 151 is empty.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the ink supply control unit 200 and the first ink cartridge 201 are connected. While FIG. 4 describes the connection between the ink supply control unit 200 and the first ink cartridge 201, the connection between the ink supply control unit 200 and the second ink cartridge 204 is similar. A user can install the first ink cartridge 201 into a cartridge mounting unit 401 of the ink supply control unit 200 and remove the first ink cartridge 201 from the cartridge mounting unit 401. When the first ink cartridge 201 is installed in the cartridge mounting unit 401, an ink flow path from the first ink cartridge 201 to the ink supply control unit 200 is connected via a connection port 402 of the first ink cartridge 201. When the first selection valve 203 is opened in this state, ink can be supplied from the first ink cartridge 201 to the liquid ejection head 151 by the supply pump 208.

[0026] Meanwhile, the first ink cartridge 201 includes a memory 403. In this embodiment, the memory 403 is configured as an EEPROM, but is not limited to this as long as it is a non-volatile memory. When the user installs the first ink cartridge 201 into the cartridge mounting portion 401, the memory 403 and memory I / F 404 are connected. At this time, the CPU 128 can read and write information from the memory 403 via the memory I / F 404. For example, the CPU 128 can record the amount of ink ejected by the liquid ejection head 151 (ink consumption amount) in the memory 403 and read this information from the memory 403. Furthermore, the CPU 128 can detect whether the memory 403 and memory I / F 404 are connected, thereby detecting whether the first ink cartridge 201 has been installed in or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 401. The method of detecting whether the first ink cartridge 201 is attached or detached is not limited to this, and for example, a sensor that detects the first ink cartridge 201 may be provided in the ink supply control unit 200.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates the ink supply operation from the ink cartridges in the first embodiment. In FIG. 5(a), the first ink cartridge 201 and the second ink cartridge 204 are connected to the inkjet recording device. As described above, the selection valve must be opened to supply ink from the ink cartridges. In FIG. 5(a), the first selection valve 203 is open, thereby opening the flow path between the first ink cartridge 201 and the first ink supply path 501. Also, the second selection valve 206 is closed, thereby blocking the flow path between the second ink cartridge 204 and the second ink supply path 502. In other words, the first ink supply path 501 (first supply path) is connected to the main supply path that communicates with the liquid ejection head 151, while the second ink supply path 502 (second supply path) is not connected. Furthermore, the diagram illustrates the occurrence of ink adhesion 503 at the connection point between the first ink cartridge and the first ink supply path 501.

[0028] When attempting to draw ink using the supply pump 208 in the state shown in FIG. 5(a), ink cannot be drawn in due to the passage blockage caused by solidified ink 503. Therefore, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 is not detected. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the first selection valve 203 is closed and the second selection valve 206 is opened to switch to ink supply from the second ink cartridge 204. As shown in FIG. 5(c), no ink has solidified at the attachment port of the second ink cartridge 204, so the supply pump 208 can draw ink. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(d), ink can be pushed from the supply pump 208 to the liquid ejection head. Furthermore, at the stage shown in FIG. 5(c), the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 can also detect when the supply pump 208 is drawing ink, so it is determined that there is ink in the second ink cartridge 204, and various operations, such as recording, can be performed.

[0029] Even if the flow path is not completely blocked by the solidified ink 503, it is possible to detect a state where the flow path is about to become blocked. If the time it takes from when the supply pump 208 starts drawing ink until the remaining amount detection sensor 303 detects that there is ink tends to increase more than the normal time, it can be determined that the flow path is about to become blocked. As the flow path becomes more blocked, the flow resistance during ink supply increases, and the time it takes for the supply pump 208 to draw ink also increases, so in this embodiment, it is possible to confirm not only whether the flow path is blocked, but also the degree of blockage.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for determining the ink supply status in this embodiment. When the ink supply control unit 200 executes ink supply operation S601 from the cartridge under the control of the CPU 128, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 determines whether ink has been supplied to the main supply channel in S602. If ink has been supplied, the determination ends. Note that if the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 detects the supply pump when the supply pump is operated, it is determined that ink has been supplied; if it does not detect the supply pump, it is determined that ink has not been supplied. If ink has not been supplied, the CPU 128 checks the remaining ink amount information stored in the ink cartridge memory 403 in S603. If the remaining ink amount (liquid amount) is 0%, the input / output unit 121 issues an error indicating no ink (no liquid) under the control of the CPU 128 in S604. If the remaining ink amount is greater than 0%, it is determined that ink is present but ink could not be supplied, and the input / output unit 121 issues an error indicating poor ink supply under the control of the CPU 128 in S605. The remaining ink amount information is calculated based on the amount of droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head and the number of ejections, and there may be an error in the remaining ink amount information stored in the cartridge. Therefore, it is preferable to take this error into account and change the remaining ink amount threshold as appropriate (for example, between 0% and 20%).

[0031] As described above, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to determine whether the ink is out or the ink supply is insufficient, and to issue an error to prompt the user to take appropriate action.

[0032] (Second embodiment) FIG. 7 illustrates the ink supply operation from the ink cartridge in this embodiment. FIG. 7(a) illustrates a state in which the second selection valve 206 is open, connecting the flow path between the second ink cartridge 204 and the second ink supply path 502. Also, FIG. 7(a) illustrates a state in which the first selection valve 203 is closed, disconnecting the flow path between the first ink cartridge 201 and the first ink supply path 501. FIG. 7(a) illustrates a state after ink has been used continuously since FIG. 5(d), in which the ink in the second ink cartridge 204 has run out. When ink runs out, the supply pump 208 cannot draw ink even if it attempts to do so. Therefore, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 cannot detect the supply pump 208, and it is determined that there is no ink. Furthermore, if the remaining ink amount, which is information stored in the memory 403 of the second ink cartridge 204, is, for example, 0%, the second ink cartridge 204 is determined to be out of ink. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the user removes the second ink cartridge 204 from the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0033] When the user removes the second ink cartridge 204, the second selection valve 206 connected to the second ink cartridge 204 is closed, disconnecting it from the second ink supply path 502. Figure 7(c) shows the first ink cartridge 201 connected to the supply port where the second ink cartridge 204 was installed. As described above, the flow path connected to the first ink supply path 501 and the first selection valve 203 is blocked, but the first ink cartridge 201 itself may still be usable, so it was repositioned. If there is no problem with the first ink cartridge 201, the second selection valve 206 can be opened as shown in Figures 7(d) and (e), allowing the supply pump 208 to draw in and push out ink, allowing the inkjet recording device to continue operating. The second selection valve 206 may be opened based on information stored in the ink cartridge. In other words, if the ink cartridge has information indicating a liquid supply defect, as described below, the second selection valve 206 may not be opened.

[0034] From the above, it was possible to determine whether the ink cartridge was out of ink or had an ink supply problem, and by replacing the ink cartridge that was out of ink, it was possible to maintain a state in which the printing operation could be continued.

[0035] (Third embodiment) FIG. 8 illustrates the ink supply operation from the ink cartridge in this embodiment. Figures 8(a) to 8(d) show the same conditions as Figures 7(a) to 7(d), so differences from Figure 7 will be explained. This embodiment illustrates the ink supply operation when the second ink cartridge 204 is removed and replaced, but a malfunction in the first ink cartridge 201 itself blocks the flow path, preventing ink from being supplied. Even if the first ink cartridge 201 is moved to the position of the second ink cartridge 204, as shown in Figure 8(c), ink cannot be supplied. Therefore, even if the second selection valve 206 is opened as shown in Figure 8(d), the supply pump 208 cannot draw or push ink, resulting in poor ink supply. However, if the flow path is blocked only by the first ink cartridge 201, ink may be able to be supplied from the position where the first ink cartridge 201 was originally installed. Figure 8(e) illustrates the state in which a new third ink cartridge 504 containing sufficient ink is connected to the first ink supply path 501. If the cause of the blockage of the flow path is only the first ink cartridge 201, as shown in Figures 8(f) to (h), the first selection valve 203 can be opened and ink can be drawn in and pushed out by the supply pump 208, that is, ink can be supplied to the liquid ejection head. Whether the ink cartridge is new can be determined from the remaining ink amount information stored in the memory 403 attached to the ink cartridge. Also, the third ink cartridge 504, which corresponds to the third storage section, does not have to be a new ink cartridge; even an ink cartridge with a low remaining ink amount can be used as long as the memory does not contain information about a cartridge with poor ink supply, as will be described later.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for determining the ink supply status in this embodiment. When the ink supply control unit 200 executes ink supply operation S901 from the ink cartridge under the control of the CPU 128, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 determines whether ink has been supplied to the main supply channel in S902. If ink has been supplied, the determination ends. If ink has not been supplied, the CPU 128 checks the remaining ink amount information stored in the ink cartridge in S903. If the remaining ink amount is 0%, the input / output unit 121 issues an out-of-ink error under the control of the CPU 128 in S904, and the determination ends. Here, this remaining ink amount threshold may be changed as appropriate to take into account errors, as in the flow of FIG. 6. If the remaining ink amount is greater than 0%, it is determined that ink is present but has not been supplied, and the input / output unit 121 issues an ink supply failure error under the control of the CPU 128 in S905. After issuing the ink supply failure error, the input / output unit 121 prompts the user to change the installation position of the ink cartridge under the control of the CPU 128 (S906). Specifically, if the ink cartridge experiencing the supply problem is connected to, for example, the first ink supply path, the input / output unit 121, under the control of the CPU 128, prompts the user to change it to the second ink supply path. When the user changes the installation position of the ink cartridge (S907), the ink supply control unit, under the control of the CPU 128, again executes the ink supply operation from the ink cartridge (S908). Then, in S909, the remaining ink amount detection sensor 303 determines whether ink has been supplied to the main supply path. If ink has been supplied, the CPU 128 determines that the ink supply problem in the first ink supply path is caused by the ink supply path (ink supply port) (S910). Then, the CPU 128 disables the supply path with the supply problem (in this case, the first ink supply path) (S911), ends the determination operation, and ink is supplied only through the second ink supply path. If the remaining amount detection sensor 303 determines in S909 that ink has not been supplied, the CPU 128 determines that the ink supply failure is caused by the ink cartridge (S912). The CPU 128 writes information indicating that the cartridge has an ink supply failure (information regarding a liquid supply failure) to the memory 403 of the ink cartridge (S913).Thereafter, under the control of the CPU 128, the input / output unit 121 prompts the user to replace the ink cartridge with a new one (S914), and the determination operation ends.

[0037] If the ink cartridge is not replaced with a new one, the cartridge with the defective ink supply remains installed. Therefore, the selection valve is switched open and closed, allowing ink to be supplied by another ink cartridge installed separately. After that, when the cartridge with the defective ink supply is replaced, the selection valve is switched open and closed, and it is possible to determine whether ink can be supplied using the same flow as above. The selection valve does not necessarily need to be switched open and closed at the timing when the cartridge with the defective ink supply is replaced; the timing may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, if ink cannot be supplied, the selection valve may be switched open and closed again. If the replaced ink cartridge is an ink cartridge that was able to supply ink (e.g., the second container), steps such as S910 and S911 can be performed. Of course, step S906 may be performed again to identify the defective part.

[0038] As described above, it is possible to identify the cause of the ink supply failure, and it is also possible to continue the printing operation even if there is a failure in the supply path or the ink cartridge itself.

[0039] (Fourth embodiment) 10 is a schematic diagram of the display screen when an out-of-ink or poor ink supply error occurs in the first to third embodiments. The inkjet recording device has a panel as a display means for displaying the status of the device. Here, the display means does not have to be a panel, and may instead notify the user of the status of the recording device by sound or light.

[0040] FIG. 10(a) shows a diagram when an ink supply problem is detected. Multiple ink cartridges of the same color are displayed, with an X marking the cartridge with the ink supply problem. FIG. 10(a) is, for example, a screen displayed in the state shown in FIG. 5(a). It is also an image displayed in S605 of FIG. 6 and S905 of FIG. 9.

[0041] Figure 10(b) shows that one of the two ink cartridges has an ink supply problem and the other is out of ink. When the ink is out of ink, the displayed ink cartridge has no ink and an x ​​mark is displayed above the cartridge. Figure 10(b) is the screen displayed in the situations shown in Figures 7(a) and 8(a). It is also an image displayed in S604 of Figure 6 and S904 of Figure 9. This image prompts the user to connect the ink cartridge with the ink supply problem to the supply port of the ink cartridge that has run out of ink.

[0042] If the user is able to draw ink into the supply pump 208 after performing the operations described on the screen in Figure 10(b), an image like that shown in Figure 10(c) is displayed. This image is the image displayed in S910 of Figure 9. This image informs the user that ink cannot be supplied in the installed position of one of the cartridges due to a blockage in the ink supply path, and that only the other cartridge can be used. After this image is displayed, even if the ink cartridge connected to the ink supply path with the supply problem is replaced, ink will only be supplied from the other cartridge.

[0043] On the other hand, if the user is able to draw ink into the supply pump 208 after performing the operations described on the screen of FIG. 10(b), an image like that of FIG. 10(d) is displayed. This image is the image displayed in S912 of FIG. 9. Because it is determined that the ink cartridge itself is the cause of the ink supply problem, the x mark displayed on the cartridge disappears if the ink cartridge is subsequently removed. Even if the same ink cartridge is set again in the same installation position, the information about the problem has been written to memory as described in S911 of FIG. 9, and an image like that of FIG. 10(d) is displayed again. The images of FIGS. 10(a) to (d) are examples of notifications to the user, and do not need to be the same images as long as they can prompt the user to take appropriate action.

[0044] As a result, it is possible to not only notify the user of the device status, such as an out-of-ink state or an ink supply failure state, but also to prompt the user to take appropriate action.

[0045] The present embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0046] (Configuration 1) A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid can be detachably attached; a supply path connecting the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head, a determination unit for determining whether the liquid is supplied to the supply path, the liquid storage unit includes a storage means for storing information about the remaining amount of liquid; When the determining means determines that the liquid is not supplied from the liquid storage portion, According to the information on the remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, A liquid ejection device comprising: a control means for causing a display means to notify that there is no liquid or that the liquid supply is insufficient.

[0047] (Configuration 2) The liquid storage section includes a first storage section and a second storage section, The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, wherein the supply path includes a main supply path communicating with the liquid ejection head, a first supply path connected to the first storage section, and a second supply path connected to the second storage section.

[0048] (Configuration 3) The liquid ejection device according to Configuration 2, further comprising a switching means capable of switching the supply path communicating with the main supply path between the first supply path and the second supply path.

[0049] (Configuration 4) A liquid ejection device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage section and there is a remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, the control means causes the display means to notify that the liquid supply is insufficient.

[0050] (Configuration 5) A liquid ejection device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage section and there is no liquid remaining in the storage means, the control means causes the display means to notify that there is no liquid.

[0051] (Configuration 6) A liquid ejection device according to configuration 3, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the first storage unit and there is a remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, the switching means switches the supply path connected to the main supply path to the second storage unit.

[0052] (Configuration 7) A liquid ejection device according to Configuration 6, wherein when a user connects the first storage unit to the second supply path, if the determination means determines that the liquid is being supplied from the liquid storage unit, the control means prohibits the switching means from switching the supply path connected to the main supply path to the first supply path.

[0053] (Configuration 8) A liquid ejection device according to configuration 6, wherein when a user connects the first storage unit to the second supply path, if the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage unit, the control means provides information about poor liquid supply to the first storage unit.

[0054] (Configuration 9) A liquid ejection device according to configuration 6, wherein the switching means switches to the first supply path when a user replaces the first storage unit with a third storage unit that does not have information about poor liquid supply.

[0055] (Configuration 10) A liquid ejection device according to Configuration 9, wherein, when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the third storage section, the control means prohibits the switching means from switching the supply path connected to the main supply path to the first supply path.

[0056] (Configuration 11) A liquid ejection device according to configuration 3, in which when the first container unit to which information indicating poor liquid supply has been given is removed and replaced with another liquid container unit, the switching means switches to the first flow path.

[0057] (Configuration 12) The liquid ejection device according to Configuration 11, wherein the switching means switches to the second supply path when the determining means determines that the liquid is not supplied from the other container.

[0058] (Configuration 13) The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the display means includes a display unit that displays different images when there is no liquid and when there is poor liquid supply.

[0059] (Configuration 14) The display means includes a display unit that displays different images in a state where there is no liquid and a state where the liquid supply is insufficient, The image displayed by the display unit when the first container is in the state of the liquid supply failure is The liquid ejection device according to configuration 2 or 3, further comprising an image that prompts the user to replace the first container with the second container.

[0060] (Configuration 15) The display means includes a display unit that displays different images in a state where there is no liquid and a state where the liquid supply is insufficient, The image displayed by the display unit when the first container is in the state of the liquid supply failure is The liquid ejection device according to configuration 2 or 3, further comprising an image that prompts the user to replace the second container with the position of the first container.

[0061] (Configuration 16) The liquid ejection device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein the liquid storage container is flexible.

[0062] (Configuration 17) A pump is provided for supplying the liquid to the supply path, 17. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the determining means determines whether the liquid is supplied to the supply path by driving the pump.

[0063] (Method 1) A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid can be detachably attached; a supply path connecting the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head, determining whether the liquid is supplied to the supply channel; the liquid storage unit stores information about the remaining amount of liquid; When it is determined that the liquid is not supplied from the liquid storage portion, According to the information on the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion, A method for controlling a liquid ejection device, characterized in that it notifies the user that there is no liquid or that the liquid supply is insufficient.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid can be detachably attached; a supply path connecting the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head, a determination unit for determining whether the liquid is supplied to the supply path, the liquid storage unit includes a storage means for storing information about the remaining amount of liquid; When the determining means determines that the liquid is not supplied from the liquid storage portion, According to the information on the remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, A liquid ejection device comprising: a control means for causing a display means to notify that there is no liquid or that the liquid supply is insufficient.

2. the liquid storage portion includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply path includes a main supply path communicating with the liquid ejection head, a first supply path connected to the first storage portion, and a second supply path connected to the second storage portion.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , further comprising a switching unit that can switch the supply path that communicates with the main supply path between the first supply path and the second supply path.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage section and there is a remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, the control means causes the display means to notify that the liquid supply is insufficient.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage section and there is no liquid remaining in the storage means, the control means causes the display means to notify that there is no liquid.

6. A liquid ejection device as described in claim 3, wherein when the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the first storage unit and there is a remaining amount of liquid in the storage means, the switching means switches the supply path connected to the main supply path to the second storage unit.

7. 7. A liquid ejection device as described in claim 6, wherein when a user connects the first storage unit to the second supply path, if the determination means determines that the liquid is being supplied from the liquid storage unit, the control means prohibits the switching means from switching the supply path connected to the main supply path to the first supply path.

8. 7. A liquid ejection device as described in claim 6, wherein, when a user connects the first storage unit to the second supply path, if the determination means determines that the liquid is not being supplied from the liquid storage unit, the control means provides information about poor liquid supply to the first storage unit.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6, wherein the switching means switches to the first supply path when a user replaces the first storage unit with a third storage unit that does not have information about a liquid supply failure.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein, when the determination means determines that the liquid is not supplied from the third storage section, the control means prohibits the switching means from switching the supply path connected to the main supply path to the first supply path.

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the switching means switches to the first supply path when the first container unit to which information indicating a liquid supply defect has been given is removed and replaced with another liquid container unit.

12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 11, wherein the determining unit determines that the liquid is not supplied from the other container unit, and the switching unit switches to the second supply path.

13. 2. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display means includes a display unit that displays different images when there is no liquid and when there is a liquid supply problem.

14. the display means includes a display unit that displays different images in a state where there is no liquid and a state where there is poor liquid supply, The image displayed by the display unit when the first container is in the liquid supply failure state is The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , further comprising an image that prompts the user to replace the first container with the second container.

15. the display means includes a display unit that displays different images in a state where there is no liquid and a state where there is poor liquid supply, The image displayed by the display unit when the first container is in the liquid supply failure state is The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , further comprising an image that prompts the user to replace the second container with the position of the first container.

16. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid storage portion is flexible.

17. a pump for supplying the liquid to the supply path; 2. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines whether the liquid is supplied to the supply path by driving the pump.

18. a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid can be detachably attached; a supply path connecting the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head, determining whether the liquid is supplied to the supply channel; the liquid storage unit stores information about the remaining amount of liquid; When it is determined that the liquid is not supplied from the liquid storage portion, According to the information on the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion, A method for controlling a liquid ejection device, characterized in that it notifies the user that there is no liquid or that the liquid supply is insufficient.

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