Image Recording Device

Abstract

To provide an image recorder which can be used also for detection of liquid stored in a cartridge.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes: a cartridge 200 having an ink supply port 234 through which ink in an atmosphere-communicating liquid chamber 210 flows out; and a housing 14 to which the cartridge 200 is mounted. The housing 14 includes: a tank 160 which can be connected to the cartridge 200, and has an open hole 184 through which the ink having flown out from the ink supply port 234 of the connected cartridge 200 flows into an atmosphere-communicating liquid chamber 171; a first sensor 61 which outputs a low level signal when a liquid level of ink in the liquid chamber 171 is higher than a first position P1, and outputs a high level signal when the liquid level is lower than the first position P1; and a second sensor 62 which outputs a low level signal when a liquid level of ink in the liquid chamber 171 is higher than a second position P2 located above the first position P1 and the open hole 184, and outputs a high level signal when the liquid level is lower than the second position P2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device including a cartridge and a tank into which the cartridge is attached and through which liquid flows from the cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an image recording device that includes a cartridge and a tank into which the cartridge is attached and into which liquid flows. In such an image recording device, when the amount of liquid stored in the tank becomes low or runs out, a new cartridge is attached to the tank. This causes the liquid to be supplied from the new cartridge to the tank.

[0003] In such an image recording device, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of liquid stored in the tank is conventionally provided in the tank. In addition, by providing a plurality of sensors, the remaining amount of liquid stored in the tank can be detected in detail. For example, in the recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1, three electrodes of the sensor are arranged in the tank, so that it is possible to detect when the ink in the tank is full and when the ink in the tank has run out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-213754 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if the recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of sensors, the sensors cannot accurately detect the ink stored in the cartridge.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device in which a plurality of sensors arranged in a tank can also be used for detecting liquid stored in a cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image recording device according to the present invention includes a cartridge having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid, an outlet through which the liquid in the first liquid chamber flows out, and a first atmosphere communication part for communicating the first liquid chamber with the atmosphere, and an attachment body to which the cartridge is attached. The attachment body includes a tank connectable to the cartridge, the tank having a second liquid chamber for storing liquid, an inlet through which the liquid flowing out from the outlet of the connected cartridge flows in, and a second atmosphere communication part for communicating the second liquid chamber with the atmosphere, a first sensor that outputs a first signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than a first position and outputs a second signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the first position, and a second sensor that outputs a third signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than the first position and a second position above the inlet, and outputs a fourth signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the second position.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the cartridge has the first atmosphere communication part and the tank has the second atmosphere communication part, the liquid flows between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber due to the head difference, and the liquid levels of the liquid in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are the same. Therefore, the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid chamber can be detected by the first sensor and the second sensor that detect the liquid level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the multiple sensors disposed in the tank can also be used to detect the liquid stored in the cartridge. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a delivery system 5 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printer 10, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the covering position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the open position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mounting case 150 with the cartridge 200 mounted therein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the printing process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a table showing the mounting result of the cartridge 200 with respect to the signals from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. In FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the update process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a flowchart of the first update process, FIG. 10(B) is a flowchart of the second update process, FIG. 10(C) is a flowchart of the third update process, and FIG. 10(D) is a flowchart of the fourth update process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the fifth update process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the contact information sending process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(A) is a flowchart of the order information transmission process, and FIG. 13(B) is a flowchart of the shipping information generation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the execution order of each process described below can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0012] In this embodiment, a delivery system 5 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. The delivery system 5 includes a printer 10 and an information collecting server 40 that collects information from one or more printers 10. The printer 10 and the information collecting server 40 are connected by a communication line 6 such as the Internet. The printer 10 and the information collecting server 40 can communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The information collecting server 40 can transmit information via the communication line 6 to a shipping server 50 that accepts orders. The printer 10 is an example of an image recording device.

[0013] [Printer 10 Overview] The printer 10 shown in Fig. 2 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink droplets to print an image on a sheet. Ink is an example of a liquid. The printer 10 may be a multifunction machine that has functions such as a facsimile function, a scanning function, and a copying function.

[0014] In the following, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the usage posture in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used, the front-to-back direction 8 is defined with the surface of the printer 10 on which the opening 13 is formed being the front, and the left-to-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the printer 10 from the front. That is, in the usage posture, the up-to-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal directions. The front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9 are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] The printer 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 14 (an example of an attachment body). Inside the housing 14, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, a platen 26, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, an attachment case 150, and a tank 160 are located.

[0016] The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported on the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink, which is supplied from the tank 160 through the tube 19, through the nozzle 29. As a result, the ink lands on the sheet supported on the platen 26, and an image is printed on the sheet. The printer 10 then drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image has been printed onto the discharge tray 16.

[0017] More specifically, the head 21 is mounted on a carriage 20 that moves back and forth along a main scanning direction (parallel to the left-right direction 9) that intersects with the conveying direction of the sheet by the conveying roller 25. The carriage 20 moves along the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3) by transmitting a driving force of a motor (not shown). While the conveying roller 25 stops conveying the sheet, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage 20 along the main scanning direction. As a result, an image is printed on a partial area of ​​the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter, referred to as "one pass"). Next, the printer 10 causes the conveying roller 25 to convey the sheet so that the area where the image is to be printed next faces the head 21. Then, these processes are alternately and repeatedly executed, whereby an image is printed on one sheet.

[0018] [Display 28] 2, the housing 14 has a display 28. The display 28 is located on the front surface of the housing 14. The display 28 is a so-called touch panel in which a touch sensor is disposed on a display panel. However, instead of or together with the display 28, a display panel and a push button may be located on the front surface of the housing 14. The display 28 accepts input from a user.

[0019] [Cover 87] As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 further includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (position shown in FIG. 2(A)) where the opening 85 is covered and an opening position (position shown in FIG. 2(B)) where the opening 85 is opened. The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14, for example, near the lower end of the housing 14 in the up-down direction 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the left-right direction 9. An attachment case 150, in which the cartridge 200 is attached, is located in an accommodation space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85.

[0020] [Mounting Case 150] 4, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, an attachment sensor 32, a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62, and a lock pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to the colors black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four of each of the contacts 152, the rod 153, the attachment sensor 32, the first sensor 61, and the second sensor 62 corresponding to each of the four cartridges 200. Note that the number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one, or may be five or more.

[0021] The mounting case 150 is box-shaped with an internal space that houses the mounted cartridge 200. The internal space of the mounting case 150 is defined by a top wall that defines the upper end, a bottom wall that defines the lower end, a rear wall that defines the rear end in the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-right direction 9. Meanwhile, a position of the mounting case 150 facing the rear wall is an opening 85. That is, the opening 85 opens the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is in the open position.

[0022] The cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and removed from the attachment case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 and is attached to the attachment case 150. The cartridge 200 removed from the attachment case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0023] [Contact 152] As shown in Fig. 4, the contact 152 is located on the top wall of the attachment case 150. The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the attachment case 150. The contact 152 is located at a position where it contacts an electrode 248 (see Fig. 5), described later, of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The contact 152 is conductive, and furthermore is elastically deformable in the up-down direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to the controller 130.

[0024] [Rod 153] 4, the rod 153 protrudes forward from the back wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located above a joint 180 (described later) on the back wall of the mounting case 150. During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through an atmospheric vent port 221 (described later) of the cartridge 200. When the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 (described later) is connected to the atmosphere.

[0025] [Wearing Sensor 32] As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting sensor 32 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, i.e., whether the cartridge 200 is connected to the tank 160. The mounting sensor 32 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a light-shielding rib 245 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, of the cartridge 200 is located between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32 are located opposite each other with the light-shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 in between.

[0026] The wearing sensor 32 outputs a different signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "wearing signal") depending on whether or not the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit along the left-right direction 9 is received by the light-receiving unit. For example, the wearing sensor 32 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the wearing sensor 32 outputs a high-level signal, the signal intensity of which is higher than the low-level signal, to the controller 130 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit being equal to or greater than the threshold intensity.

[0027] [Lock pin 156] As shown in Fig. 4, the lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the internal space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85. Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces capable of accommodating four cartridges 200. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 attached to the mounting case 150 in the mounting position shown in Fig. 6. The cartridge 200 is fixed to the lock pin 156 when attached to the mounting case 150.

[0028] [Tank 160] The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. In detail, the printer 10 includes a tank 160 for storing magenta ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 for storing magenta ink, a tank 160 for storing cyan ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 for storing cyan ink, a tank 160 for storing yellow ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 for storing yellow ink, and a tank 160 for storing black ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 for storing black ink. Since the four tanks 160 generally have the same configuration, the following will explain one tank 160.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4, the tank 160 is located further rearward than the back wall of the mounting case 150. The tank 160 is composed of an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). The front wall 162 is composed of a plurality of walls each of which is offset in the front-rear direction 8. A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

[0030] Of the walls constituting the tank 160, a portion corresponding to a first position P1 in the vertical direction 7, which will be described later, constitutes a prism 61A of the first sensor 61. Moreover, of the walls constituting the tank 160, a portion corresponding to a second position P2 in the vertical direction 7, which will be described later, constitutes a prism 62A of the second sensor 62. Light outputted from the light-emitting section 61B of the first sensor 61 can pass through the prism 61A. Light outputted from the light-emitting section 62B of the second sensor 62 can pass through the prism 62A.

[0031] At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film welded to the end faces of the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the side walls. The side walls of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150, or may be independent of the mounting case 150. Furthermore, the tanks 160 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction 9 are separated by a partition wall (not shown).

[0032] The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through the outlet 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines the lower end of the liquid chamber 171. The outlet 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184). The ink flow path (not shown) that communicates with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 19. This allows the liquid chamber 171 to communicate with the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 19 from the outlet 174. In other words, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 19. The ink flow path and the tube 19 that communicates with the outlet 174 has one end (outlet 174) that communicates with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 89 (see FIG. 3) that communicates with the head 21.

[0033] The liquid chamber 171 is in communication with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 penetrating the front wall 162. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177. That is, one end (the through hole 176) of the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171, and the other end (the atmosphere communication port 177) is in communication with the outside of the printer 10. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown). The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a second atmosphere communication section.

[0034] [Joint 180] As shown in FIG. 4, the joint 180 is provided in the tank 160. The joint 180 includes a needle 181 and a guide 182. The needle 181 is a tube having a flow path formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward from a front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the front end of the needle 181. The internal space of the needle 181 is connected to the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 (an example of an inlet) that penetrates the front wall 162. One end (the opening 183) of the needle 181 is connected to the outside of the tank 160, and the other end (the through hole 184) is connected to the liquid chamber 171. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member disposed around the needle 181. The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162, and has an open front end.

[0035] A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are positioned in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 is movable in the internal space of the needle 181 between a closed position and an open position along the front-rear direction 8. When the valve 185 is positioned at the closed position, it closes the opening 183. When the valve 185 is positioned at the open position, it opens the opening 183. The coil spring 186 biases the valve 185 in a direction that moves the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position, i.e., forward along the front-rear direction 8.

[0036] [First sensor 61] The first sensor 61 shown in FIG. 4 detects that the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 has reached a first position P1 by using a prism 61A that has a reflectance that varies depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the prism.

[0037] The first position P1 is at the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the up-down direction 7, and is also at the same height as the center of an ink supply port 234, which will be described later.

[0038] The first sensor 61 is provided in the housing 14. The first sensor 61 includes a prism 61A, a light-emitting unit 61B, and a light-receiving unit (not shown). The light-emitting unit 61B and the light-receiving unit are disposed behind the prism 61A and facing the prism 61A. The light-emitting unit 61B irradiates light toward the prism 61A. The light-receiving unit receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 61B and reflected by the prism 61A, and outputs a signal based on the intensity of the received light to the controller 130.

[0039] When the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is higher than the first position P1, the ink comes into contact with the prism 61A on the optical path of the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 61B. At this time, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 61B to the prism 61A passes through the prism 61A and enters the liquid chamber 171, and does not reach the light receiving unit. At this time, the light receiving unit outputs a low level signal (an example of a first signal) to the controller 130. On the other hand, when the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or lower than the first position P1, the ink does not come into contact with the prism 61A on the optical path of the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 61B. At this time, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 61B to the prism 61A is reflected by the prism 61A and reaches the light receiving unit. At this time, the light receiving unit outputs a high level signal (an example of a second signal) to the controller 130. In the following, the low level signal may be described as "L" and the high level signal as "H". In addition, the light receiving unit may output a high level signal when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is above the first position P1, and output a low level signal when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is lower than the first position P1.

[0040] [Second sensor 62] The second sensor 62 shown in FIG. 4 detects that the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 has reached the second position P2 by using a prism 62A that has a different reflectance depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the prism 62A.

[0041] The second position P2 is a position above the through-hole 184. That is, in this embodiment, the second position P2 is a position above the first position P1.

[0042] The second sensor 62 is provided in the housing 14. The second sensor 62 includes a prism 62A, a light-emitting unit 62B, and a light-receiving unit (not shown). The light-emitting unit 62B and the light-receiving unit are disposed behind the prism 62A and facing the prism 62A. The light-emitting unit 62B irradiates light toward the prism 62A. The light-receiving unit receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 62B and reflected by the prism 62A, and outputs a signal based on the intensity of the received light to the controller 130.

[0043] When the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is higher than the second position P2, the ink comes into contact with the prism 62A on the optical path of the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 62B. At this time, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 62B to the prism 62A passes through the prism 62A and enters the liquid chamber 171, and does not reach the light receiving unit. At this time, the light receiving unit outputs a low level signal (an example of a third signal) to the controller 130. On the other hand, when the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or lower than the second position P2, the ink does not come into contact with the prism 62A on the optical path of the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 62B. At this time, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 62B to the prism 62A is reflected by the prism 62A and reaches the light receiving unit. At this time, the light receiving unit outputs a high level signal (an example of a fourth signal) to the controller 130. In the following, the low level signal may be described as "L" and the high level signal as "H". In addition, the light receiving unit may output a high level signal when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is above the second position P2, and output a low level signal when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is lower than the second position P2.

[0044] [Cartridge 200] The cartridge 200 shown in Fig. 5 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see Fig. 3) that stores liquid ink therein. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

[0045] The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a resin wall. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimensions in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 are greater than the dimensions in the left-right direction 9. The outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least a part of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 is translucent. This allows the user to visually check the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from outside the cartridge 200.

[0046] The cartridge 200 includes a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 is composed of a rear wall 202, a front wall 203, an upper wall 204, a lower wall 205, and a pair of side walls 206, 207. The rear wall 202 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the front-rear direction 8. The upper wall 204 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the up-down direction 7. The lower wall 205 is composed of a plurality of walls each offset in the up-down direction 7.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5(B), a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmospheric valve chamber 214 are formed in the internal space of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an internal space of the supply tube 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200.

[0048] The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that separates the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are in communication with each other via a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated by a partition wall 217 that separates the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are in communication with each other via a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. Furthermore, the ink valve chamber 213 is in communication with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 via a through hole 219.

[0049] The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper part of the cartridge 200. That is, one end (through hole 218) of the atmospheric valve chamber 214 is connected to the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (atmosphere communication port 221) is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is connected to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 221. A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are also located in the atmospheric valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 222 is located at the closed position, it closes the atmospheric communication port 221. When the valve 222 is located at the open position, it opens the atmospheric communication port 221. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction that moves the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward along the front-rear direction 8. The atmosphere valve chamber 214, the valve 222, and the coil spring 223 are an example of a first atmosphere communication portion.

[0050] In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221. The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222, which is in the closed position, forward along the front-rear direction 8 against the biasing force of the coil spring 223. Then, the valve 222 moves to the open position, thereby connecting the upper liquid chamber 211 to the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, the rod 153 may break through a film that seals the atmosphere communication port 221.

[0051] The supply tube 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 in the front-rear direction 8 at the bottom of the housing 201. The supply tube 230 has an open rear end. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates between the liquid chamber 210, which communicates through the through hole 219, and the outside of the cartridge 200. One end (the through hole 219) of the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (an ink supply port 234, described later) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. In addition, a packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are positioned in the ink valve chamber 213.

[0052] An ink supply port 234 (an example of an outlet) is formed in the center of the packing 231, penetrating in the front-rear direction 8. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is located at the closed position, it abuts against the packing 231 to close the ink supply port 234. When the valve 232 is located at the open position, it moves away from the packing 231 to open the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 in a direction that moves the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward along the front-rear direction 8. The biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186.

[0053] In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the supply tube 230 enters the guide 182, and then the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234. At this time, the needle 181 elastically deforms the packing 231 and comes into liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the ink supply port 234. When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233. In addition, the valve 232 moves the valve 185, which protrudes from the opening 183 of the needle 181, backward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

[0054] As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply tube 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other.

[0055] Furthermore, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a part of the liquid chamber 210 and a part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed from the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the bottom of the liquid chamber 171 is located lower than the bottom of the liquid chamber 210. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 flows out of the ink supply port 234 through the connected supply tube 230 and joint 180 due to the difference in water head between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171, and flows into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the through hole 184.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 5, a protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204. The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243. The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are located above the upper wall 204. The locking surface 242 faces forward along the front-rear direction 8 and extends along each of the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the upper wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward and rearward.

[0057] The locking surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the locking pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the locking pin 156 to a position where it comes into contact with the locking surface 242 during the process of attaching the cartridge 200 to the attachment case 150. When the locking surface 242 and the locking pin 156 come into contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held in the attachment position shown in FIG. 6 against the biasing forces of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

[0058] A flat plate-like member is formed so as to extend upward from the upper wall 204 forward of the locking surface 242. The upper surface of this flat plate-like member is an operating section 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 and the cover 87 is located in the open position, the operating section 244 can be operated by the user. When the operating section 244 is pressed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates, and the locking surface 242 moves downward beyond the locking pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, a light-shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the protrusion 241. The light-shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The light-shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting portion of the mounting sensor 32. The light-shielding rib 245 is located on an optical path from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 (FIG. 1) in response to the cartridge 200 being mounted in the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cartridge 200 not being mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 or not by the signal output from the mounting sensor 32.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip 34 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 between the light-shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. The IC chip 34 has electrodes 248 formed thereon. The IC chip 34 also includes a memory (not shown). The electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the memory of the IC chip 34. The electrodes 248 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 34 so as to be conductively connected to the contacts 152. That is, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the electrodes 248 are conductively connected to the contacts 152. The controller 130 can read information from the memory of the IC chip 34 through the contacts 152 and the electrodes 248, and can write information to the memory of the IC chip 34 through the contacts 152 and the electrodes 248.

[0061] The memory of the IC chip 34 stores type information, a serial number, and a cartridge remaining amount value of the cartridge 200. The type information is information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, the color of ink stored therein, and the like. The serial number is information for individually identifying the cartridge 200. The cartridge remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200. Note that for an unused cartridge 200, the initial remaining amount value indicating the initial amount of ink remaining is stored in the memory.

[0062] [Controller 130] The printer 10 includes a controller 130. As shown in Fig. 1, the controller 130 includes a CPU 35, a storage unit 36, and a communication bus 39. The storage unit 36 ​​includes a ROM 37, an EEPROM 56, and a RAM 57. The storage unit 36 ​​is an example of a memory.

[0063] The ROM 37 stores an OS (abbreviation of Operating System) program 37A, a control program 37B, a communication program 37C, and the like. The control program 37B is a program that performs a printing process, etc., which will be described later. The communication program 37C is a program that controls communication with an external device, such as the information collecting server 40. The OS program 37A is a program different from the control program 37B, and is a program that controls an operation different from the operation controlled by the communication program 37C. The OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C are executed by the CPU 35 processing an instruction written in an address. Hereinafter, the operation processed by executing the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C may be described as the operation of the controller 130. The controller 130 may have a hardware circuit using an IC that realizes a part or all of the operations executed by the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C.

[0064] The EEPROM 56 stores device information of the printer 10. The device information includes identification information of the printer 10. The identification information of the printer 10 is the MAC address and serial number of the printer 10, for example.

[0065] The EEPROM 56 also stores a first discharge value, a second discharge value, an initial cartridge remaining amount value, an initial tank remaining amount value, an S_Empty flag, a C_Empty flag, a C_NEmpty flag, a transmitted flag, and a consumption rate flag, which will be described in detail later in the printing process.

[0066] The head 21, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F) 31, an attachment sensor 32, a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62, a contact 152, a clock 30, a display 28, a motor (not shown), etc. are connected to the communication bus 39. The clock 30 outputs date and time information. The communication I / F 31 is connected to a communication line 6.

[0067] The controller 130 drives a motor (not shown) via the communication bus 39 to rotate the feed roller 23, the transport roller 25, and the discharge roller 27. The controller 130 also outputs a drive signal to a drive element of the head 21 via the communication bus 39 to cause the head 21 to eject ink droplets.

[0068] Furthermore, the controller 130 detects through the mounting sensor 32 whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 .

[0069] The controller 130 also detects whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is higher than the first position P1 through the first sensor 61. Specifically, when the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 is "H", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is equal to or lower than the first position P1. On the other hand, when the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 is "L", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is higher than the first position P1. When the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 changes from "L" to "H", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 has moved downward and become lower than the first position P1. In addition, when the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 changes from "H" to "L", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 has moved upward and become higher than the first position P1.

[0070] The controller 130 also detects whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is equal to or higher than the second position P2 through the second sensor 62. Specifically, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is equal to or lower than the second position P2. On the other hand, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "L", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 is higher than the second position P2. When the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 changes from "L" to "H", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 has moved downward and become lower than the second position P2. In addition, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 changes from "H" to "L", the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chambers 210, 171 has moved upward and become higher than the second position P2.

[0071] As described below, the controller 130 not only determines the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, but also determines the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 based on the liquid level signals obtained from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62.

[0072] The controller 130 also reads out the type information, serial number, and cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrodes 248 and contacts 152 of the cartridge 200 attached to the mounting case 150. Furthermore, the controller 130 updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrodes 248 and contacts 152 of the cartridge 200 attached to the mounting case 150.

[0073] [Information Collection Server 40] The information collecting server 40 shown in FIG. 1 may be installed on a communication line 6 such as the Internet by the vendor of the printer 10, or may be installed by a business entity different from the vendor. The information collecting server 40 includes a CPU 41, a storage unit 42, a printer communication interface 43 (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F 43), a shipping server communication interface 44 (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F 44), a clock 48, and a communication bus 49. The CPU 41, the storage unit 42, and the communication bus 49 constitute a controller 45. The clock 48 outputs date and time information. The communication I / F 43 is connected to the communication line 6, and communicates with the printer 10 and the shipping server 50. The controller 130 of the printer 10 and the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 are examples of controllers.

[0074] The storage unit 42 has a program storage area 46 and a data storage area 47. The program storage area 46 is a hard disk or the like. The data storage area 47 is a RAM, a hard disk or the like.

[0075] The program storage area 46 stores programs such as an OS program 46A, a control program 46B, and a communication program 46C. The control program 46B executes the process described below. The communication program 46C controls communication with the printer 10 and the delivery server 50. The OS program 46A is a program different from the control program 46B, and is a program that performs control different from that of the communication program 46C. In the following, the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C are copied from the hard disk to the RAM, and are executed by the CPU 41 sequentially executing the instructions copied to the RAM. In the following, the operations processed by executing the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C may be described as the operations of the controller 45 and the information collecting server 40.

[0076] [Shipping Server 50] The delivery server 50 may be installed on a communication line 6 such as the Internet by the vendor of the printer 10, or may be installed by a business entity different from the vendor. The delivery server 50 provides a service of delivering the cartridge 200 to the user of the printer 10 in response to a request from the information collecting server 40.

[0077] The shipping server 50 includes a CPU 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53 (hereinafter, referred to as communication I / F 53), and a communication bus 54. The CPU 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication bus 54 configure a controller 55. The communication I / F 53 communicates with the information collecting server 40. The configurations of the CPU 51, the storage unit 52, the communication I / F 53, and the communication bus 54 are the same as the configurations of the CPU 41, the storage unit 42, the communication I / F 43, and the communication bus 49 of the information collecting server 40.

[0078] [Ink management by delivery system 5] In the delivery system 5, the information collecting server 40 collects management information including remaining ink amount information from the printer 10, and when the remaining ink becomes low, places an order for the cartridge 200 with the shipping server 50. In this way, by having the information collecting server 40 manage the remaining ink amount and order the cartridge 200, it is possible to eliminate the trouble for the user of the printer 10 of managing the remaining ink amount and purchasing the cartridge 200.

[0079] Specifically, a user of printer 10 enters into a contract with a manufacturer that provides a service for managing the remaining ink level and ordering cartridges 200. The service for managing the remaining ink level and ordering cartridges 200 is a service that is contracted for on a printer-by-printer basis, and at the time of contracting, user information and identification information of the printer 10 that is the subject of the contract are registered in information collection server 40. The user information is information relating to the destination, such as the user's name and address to which the cartridge 200 is to be delivered. The identification information is information for individually identifying the printer 10 that is the subject of the contract, such as the serial number or MAC address of the printer 10.

[0080] Furthermore, the identification information of the printer 10 and the user information are associated with each other and registered in the information collecting server 40. The processes of the printer 10, the information collecting server 40, and the shipping server 50 relating to the ordering of the cartridge 200 will be described in detail below.

[0081] [Processing Executed by the Controller 130 of the Printer 10] The process executed by the controller 130 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 7, 9 to 12, and the table shown in Figure 8. Note that the order of execution of each process below can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0082] [Printing process] 7 in response to a print instruction being input to the printer 10. The source of the print instruction is not particularly limited, but for example, a user operation corresponding to the print instruction may be accepted via the operation panel 22 or the display 28 (see FIG. 2), or may be received from an external device via the communication I / F 31. The print instruction includes image data indicating an image. The image data is stored in the RAM 57 of the printer 10.

[0083] First, the controller 130 judges whether the value of the S_Empty flag stored in the EEPROM 56 is "ON" or "OFF" (S11). The controller 130 stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 before the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 reaches the upper end of the outlet 174 through which the ink flows out of the tank 160. The value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 stores "OFF" until it stores "ON". When the liquid level of the ink reaches the upper end of the outlet 174, there is a risk that air will enter the nozzle of the head 21. If the air that has entered the nozzle of the head 21 remains in the nozzle, there is a risk that the entry of ink into the nozzle or the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzle will be hindered.

[0084] That is, the S_Empty flag is for preventing air from entering the nozzles of the head 21. In step S18 described below, the controller 130 stores "OFF" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56, and in steps S19 and S65, stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56. Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of ink through the head 21 in response to the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 being "ON". Also, the controller 130 allows the discharge of ink through the head 21 in response to the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 being "OFF".

[0085] When the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 is "ON" (S11: ON), it acquires an attachment signal from the attachment sensor 32 at a predetermined time interval. Next, the controller 130 determines whether the acquired attachment signal has changed from a low level signal (hereinafter, referred to as "L") to a high level signal (hereinafter, referred to as "H"), and further whether the acquired attachment signal has changed from "H" to "L" (S12). That is, whether the cartridge 200 has been attached is determined based on the change in the attachment signal. Hereinafter, the controller 130's determination of whether the cartridge 200 has been attached will be defined as the controller 130's determination of whether the cartridge 200 has been attached, where the controller 130 determines whether the acquired attachment signal has changed from "L" to "H", and further whether the acquired attachment signal has changed from "H" to "L". In addition, when the controller 130 determines that the acquired mounting signal has changed from "L" to "H" and further determines whether the acquired mounting signal has changed from "H" to "L" (S12: Yes), the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 has been mounted.

[0086] When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is not mounted (S12: No), it continues to periodically obtain the mounting signal from the mounting sensor 32.

[0087] When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is mounted (S12: Yes), it determines whether or not to release the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21. This will be described in detail below. In a state in which discharge of ink through the head 21 is prohibited (a state in which the value of the S_Empty flag is "ON") (S11: ON), when the cartridge 200 is mounted (S12), the controller 130 refers to the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 (S13). If the liquid level signal is "L" (S13: L), the controller 130 determines that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the newly mounted cartridge 200 is at a height equal to or higher than the second position P2 and a sufficient amount of ink is stored. In this case, the controller 130 sets the value of the S_Empty flag to "OFF" and releases the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21, in other words, allows the discharge of ink through the head 21 (S14). On the other hand, when the liquid level signal is "H", the controller 130 maintains the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21. In this case, the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21 is released on the condition that the value of the S_Empty flag becomes "OFF" (S18).

[0088] After determining whether or not the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21 has been released, the controller 130 executes a first update process (S15). Although the process of step S12 has been given as a specific example of the controller 130 judging whether or not the cartridge 200 has been mounted, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 130 may judge whether or not the cartridge 200 has been mounted using a serial number. The controller 130 reads the serial number of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200. The controller 130 then judges whether or not the read serial number matches the serial number stored in the EEPROM 56. The serial number stored in the EEPROM 56 is the serial number stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 that was mounted in the mounting case 150 before the new cartridge 200 was mounted in the mounting case 150. In this case, a specific example of the controller 130 judging that the cartridge 200 has been mounted is as follows. In other words, the controller 130 determines that the serial number read from the memory of the IC chip 34 does not match the serial number stored in the EEPROM 56 .

[0089] [First update process] The first update process shown in FIG. 10(A) is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value stored in the EEPROM 56 and the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200.

[0090] First, the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 through the contacts 152 (S31). The controller 130 stores the read cartridge remaining amount value in the EEPROM 56 as an initial cartridge remaining amount value (S32).

[0091] The controller 130 also reads out the tank remaining amount value from the RAM 57 (S33). If the tank remaining amount value is not stored in the RAM 57 due to power off or the like, the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount value in the same manner as in a fourth update process described below, and stores the calculated tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57. The tank remaining amount value read out from the RAM 57 is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 was attached. In other words, the tank remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 was removed. The controller 130 stores the tank remaining amount value read out from the RAM 57 in the EEPROM 56 as an initial tank remaining amount value (S33).

[0092] The controller 130 adds the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink (S34). The total remaining amount value is the sum of the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 and the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 171, and is an example of a total liquid amount value. The total remaining amount value may be stored in the RAM 57 or the like, or may be calculated as necessary from the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value stored in the RAM 57. In this embodiment, the total remaining amount value is stored in the RAM 57. The controller 130 determines new cartridge remaining amount value and tank remaining amount value from the calculated total remaining amount value (S35).

[0093] Specifically, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a portion of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 flows out from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. The outflow of ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 stops when the difference between the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 becomes almost zero. The new cartridge remaining amount value and the new tank remaining amount value indicate the remaining ink amount in a state where the difference between the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 becomes almost zero.

[0094] The cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined by, for example, the controller 130 performing calculations based on a calculation formula stored in the EEPROM 56 or ROM 37. Alternatively, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined by, for example, the controller 130 based on a table stored in the EEPROM 56 or ROM 37. To be more specific, the shape of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the shape of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are predetermined by design. Therefore, if the total remaining amount value of ink is known, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value in a state where the difference between the head of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the head of the ink stored in the tank 160 is almost zero can also be known. The EEPROM 56 or ROM 37 stores in advance a calculation formula for calculating the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value. Alternatively, the EEPROM 56 or ROM 37 stores in advance a table showing the correspondence between the total remaining amount value, the cartridge remaining amount value, and the tank remaining amount value. The controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value based on the total remaining amount value of ink and the calculation formula or table.

[0095] The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM 57, and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 (S36). The controller 130 also stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57 (S37). Next, the controller 130 stores the date and time information output by the clock 30 in the EEPROM 56 as the mounting date and time (S38), and ends the first update process.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, when the first updating process ends (S15), the controller 130 executes a cartridge remaining amount determination process (S16).

[0097] In the cartridge remaining amount determination process, the controller 130 stores "ON" or "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag. The controller 130 keeps the S_Empty flag "ON" when the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 remains "H", and records "OFF" in the S_Empty flag when the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 is "L" or has changed to "L".

[0098] The C_Empty flag is for indicating that no ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. When no ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210, "ON" is stored in the C_Empty flag, and when ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210, "OFF" is stored in the C_Empty flag. In this embodiment, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "L", the controller 130 determines that ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210 and records "OFF" in the C_Empty flag. On the other hand, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that no ink is stored in the liquid chamber 210 and records "ON" in the C_Empty flag.

[0099] The C_NEmpty flag is for indicating that the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is low. When the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 is low, "ON" is stored in the C_NEmpty flag, and when the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 is not low, "OFF" is stored in the C_NEmpty flag. In this embodiment, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "L", the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 is not low and records "OFF" in the C_NEmpty flag. On the other hand, when the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 is low and records "ON" in the C_NEmpty flag.

[0100] In the cartridge remaining amount determination process, the controller 130 determines the result according to the table in Fig. 8, and stores "ON" or "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag. In other words, the controller 130 refers to the liquid level signals acquired from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 during a predetermined period of mounting of the cartridge 200, determines the mounting result of the cartridge 200 based on the referred liquid level signals, and stores "ON" or "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag.

[0101] The predetermined period of time for mounting the cartridge 200 refers to, for example, a period before the cartridge 200 is mounted and a period after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge 200 is mounted. The predetermined period of time for mounting the cartridge 200 is not limited to a period before or after the cartridge 200 is mounted, but may refer to a period from the time the cartridge 200 is mounted to a period after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge 200 is mounted. The predetermined period of time is set to a period of time sufficient for ink to flow between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 due to the difference in the head of the liquid chamber 210 and the head of the liquid chamber 171 after the cartridge 200 is mounted, so that the liquid level of the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 become equal.

[0102] A detailed description will be given below with reference to Fig. 8. If the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 during a predetermined period of time during which the cartridge 200 is mounted is "L" and the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "L", or if the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 during a predetermined period of time during which the cartridge 200 is mounted is "L" and the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 changes from "H" to "L", or if the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 during a predetermined period of time during which the cartridge 200 is mounted changes from "H" to "L" and the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 changes from "H" to "L", the controller 130 determines that a normal cartridge 200 with a large amount of remaining ink (for example, a new cartridge 200) has been mounted, and stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag.

[0103] Furthermore, if the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 during a specified period of time while the cartridge 200 is installed is "L" and the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "H", or if the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 during a specified period of time while the cartridge 200 is installed changes from "H" to "L" and the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that a cartridge 200 with a low amount of ink remaining (i.e., a cartridge 200 that is not new) has been installed, and stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and stores "ON" in the C_NEmpty flag.

[0104] Furthermore, if the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 during a specified period of time during which the cartridge 200 is installed is "H" and the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that an empty cartridge 200 containing no ink (i.e., a cartridge 200 that is not a new cartridge) has been installed, and stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag.

[0105] Furthermore, if the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 during a predetermined period of mounting of the cartridge 200 is "L" and the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 changes from "L" to "H", the controller 130 determines that ink has flowed back from the liquid chamber 171 to the liquid chamber 210 when the cartridge 200 was mounted. At this time, the controller 130 stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag and stores "ON" in the C_NEmpty flag.

[0106] Furthermore, if the liquid level signals acquired from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 during a predetermined period of mounting the cartridge 200 have a pattern other than the above, the controller 130 determines that at least one of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 has failed. At this time, the controller 130 determines which of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 has failed. For example, the controller 130 grasps the remaining ink amount by counting, and determines that the sensor that outputs a signal that contradicts the remaining ink amount by counting has failed. Also, for example, the controller 130 determines that the first sensor 61 has failed when the signal input from the first sensor 61 is a signal that changes irregularly and cannot be determined to be a low level signal or a high level signal. Similarly, the controller 130 determines that the second sensor 62 has failed when the signal input from the second sensor 62 is a signal that cannot be determined to be a low level signal or a high level signal.

[0107] When the controller 130 determines that only the first sensor 61 of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 is malfunctioning, the controller 130 performs a cartridge remaining amount determination process based only on the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62. In this case, when the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "L", the controller 130 determines that a non-empty cartridge 200 has been installed and stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag, and when the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "H", the controller 130 determines that an empty cartridge 200 has been installed and stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag.

[0108] Furthermore, when the controller 130 determines that only the second sensor 62 of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 is malfunctioning, it performs a cartridge remaining amount determination process based only on the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61. In this case, when the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 is "L", the controller 130 determines that a non-empty cartridge 200 has been installed and stores "OFF" in the C_Empty flag, and when the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 is "H", it determines that an empty cartridge 200 has been installed and stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag.

[0109] Furthermore, the controller 130 notifies the user of a failed sensor (only the first sensor 61, only the second sensor 62, or both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62) (a sensor failure). Specifically, the controller 130 causes the display 28 (an example of an alarm) to display an image indicating a sensor failure. That is, the controller 130 notifying refers to the controller 130 causing the display 28 (or a speaker or an LED, which will be described later) to notify the user. The notification of the sensor failure is continued, for example, until a normal sensor is attached in place of the failed sensor.

[0110] It should be noted that instead of the display 28, or in addition to the display 28, the printer 10 may be provided with a speaker. In this case, the controller 130 makes the above-mentioned notification by outputting an alarm sound from the speaker. It should be noted that instead of the display 28, or in addition to the display 28, the printer 10 may be provided with a lamp such as an LED. In this case, the controller 130 makes the above-mentioned notification by causing the lamp such as the LED to blink or light up. The same applies to the other notifications described below, which may be made by something other than the display 28. In these cases, the speaker or LED corresponds to an alarm.

[0111] When the controller 130 stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag in the cartridge remaining amount determination process, it notifies the user that there is no ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, i.e., that ink cannot be supplied from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171, that is, that the cartridge is empty. Specifically, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display a cartridge empty image indicating that there is no ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 or indicating that the cartridge 200 should be replaced. The notification of the cartridge empty is continued until "OFF" is stored in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56.

[0112] When the controller 130 stores "ON" in the C_NEmpty flag in the cartridge remaining amount determination process, it notifies the user that the ink remaining in the ink chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is low, that is, that the cartridge is near empty. Specifically, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display a cartridge empty image indicating that the ink remaining in the ink chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is low. The notification that the cartridge is near empty is continued until "OFF" is stored in the C_NEmpty flag of the EEPROM 56.

[0113] When "ON" is stored in both the C_Empty flag and the C_NEmpty flag, the controller 130 does not notify that the cartridge is near empty, but rather notifies that the cartridge is empty.

[0114] When the controller 130 determines in the cartridge remaining amount determination process that ink has flowed back from the liquid chamber 171 to the liquid chamber 210, it notifies the display 28, etc. Furthermore, when it determines that a cartridge 200 that is not new has been attached, it notifies the display 28, etc.

[0115] When the cartridge remaining amount determination process is completed (S16), the controller 130 executes a tank remaining amount determination process (S17 to S19). The tank remaining amount determination process determines the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 171, and stores "ON" or "OFF" in the S_Empty flag based on the determination result.

[0116] The controller 130 determines (S17) whether the new tank remaining amount value stored (S37) in the RAM 57 in the first update process (S15) is greater than a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is a value that indicates the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the first position P1. The second predetermined value is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 37. The threshold value will be described in detail later.

[0117] If the new tank remaining amount value is greater than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the second predetermined value (S17: Yes), the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is slightly higher than the outlet 174. At this time, since no air enters the nozzles of the head 21, the controller 130 stores "OFF" in the S_Empty flag (S18).

[0118] On the other hand, if the new tank remaining amount value is equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the second predetermined value (S17: No), the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 becomes equal to or less than the outlet 174. At this time, since there is a risk of air entering the nozzles of the head 21, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag (S19).

[0119] When the controller 130 stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag in the tank remaining amount determination process, it notifies the user that the tank is empty, indicating that there is no ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Specifically, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display a tank empty image indicating that there is no ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 (and therefore that a new cartridge 200 should be attached). The tank empty notification is continued until "OFF" is stored in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56.

[0120] When the tank remaining amount determination process is completed (S17 to S19), the controller 130 stores zero as the first discharge value and the second discharge value in the EEPROM 56, and stores "OFF" in the transmission flag in the EEPROM 56 (S20). After executing the process of step S20, the controller 130 executes the process of step S11 again. The first discharge value, the second discharge value, and the transmission flag will be described later.

[0121] When the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag in the EEPROM 56 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it acquires liquid level signals from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 (S21). Thereafter, the controller 130 performs printing on a sheet according to the image data stored in the RAM 57 (S22). As the image is printed on the sheet, ink is discharged through the head 21. As the ink is discharged, the ink level in the tank 160 drops. After printing (S22), the controller 130 acquires liquid level signals from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 (S23). Next, the controller 130 executes an update process (S24).

[0122] [Update process] The update process shown in FIG. 9 is a process for determining the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value by executing any one of the second update process to the fifth update process based on the signals obtained from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62.

[0123] The controller 130 judges whether the liquid level signal of the first sensor 61 acquired in step S21 is the same as the liquid level signal of the first sensor 61 acquired in step S23 (S101). Based on the result of the judgment in step S101, the controller 130 judges whether the liquid level signal of the second sensor 62 acquired in step S21 is the same as the liquid level signal of the second sensor 62 acquired in step S23 (S102 to S104).

[0124] When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signals acquired from the first sensor 61 in steps S21 and S23 are both “L” (S101: L→L), it executes step S102. At this time, a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before and after printing.

[0125] The controller 130 executes a second update process (S105) described below when the liquid level signals acquired from the second sensor 62 in steps S21 and S23 are both "L" or when the liquid level signals acquired from the second sensor 62 in steps S21 and S23 are both "H" (S102: L→L, H→H). When the liquid level signals acquired from the second sensor 62 in steps S21 and S23 are both "H", the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is less than a predetermined amount (for example, the remaining amount when the cartridge is near empty).

[0126] When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 in step S21 is "L" and that the liquid level signal obtained from the second sensor 62 in step S23 is "H" (S102: L→H), it executes a fifth update process (S106) described below. At this time, the remaining amount of ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is a predetermined amount (for example, a remaining amount when the cartridge is near empty).

[0127] Furthermore, if the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 in step S21 is "L" and that the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 in step S23 is "H" (S101: L→H), and if the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 in step S23 is "H" regardless of the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 in step S21 (S103: H→H, L→H), it executes a third update process (S107) described below. At this time, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 has been used up during the execution of printing (S22).

[0128] Furthermore, when the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signals acquired from the first sensor 61 in steps S21 and S23 are both "H" (S101:H→H), and when the liquid level signals acquired from the second sensor 62 in steps S21 and S23 are both "H" (S104:H→H), it executes a fourth update process (S108) described below. At this time, before and after printing, there is no ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, but the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 has decreased.

[0129] In steps S101 to S104, if the liquid level signals of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 acquired in step S21 and the liquid level signals of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 acquired in step S23 are in a pattern other than those described above, the controller 130 determines that at least one of the first sensor 61 or the second sensor 62 has failed, as in the cartridge remaining amount determination process (S16), and determines which sensor has failed. Also, the controller 130 notifies the fact (sensor failure) of the failed sensor (only the first sensor 61, only the second sensor 62, or both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62) as in the cartridge remaining amount determination process (S16).

[0130] When the controller 130 determines that only the first sensor 61 of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 is broken, it updates the total remaining amount value to a first set value equal to or less than the first volume value, regardless of the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61. The first volume value is the sum of the volume of the liquid chamber 210 below the first position P1 and the volume of the liquid chamber 171 below the first position P1. The first set value is set to a different value based on the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62. For example, when the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "L", the first set value is set to the above-mentioned second predetermined value, and when the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62 is "H", the first set value is set to "zero". The first volume value and the first set value are stored in advance in the ROM 37, for example.

[0131] When the controller 130 determines that only the second sensor 62 of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 is broken, it updates the total remaining amount value to a second set value equal to or less than the second volume value, regardless of the liquid level signal acquired from the second sensor 62. The second volume value is the sum of the volume of the liquid chamber 210 below the second position P2 and the volume of the liquid chamber 171 below the second position P2. The second set value is set to a different value based on the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61. For example, when the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 is "L", the second set value is set to the above-mentioned second predetermined value, and when the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 is "H", the second set value is set to "zero". The second volume value and the second set value are stored in advance in the ROM 37, for example.

[0132] After executing the update process (S24), the controller 130 determines whether the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 57 (S25). If the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is stored in the RAM 57 (S25: Yes), it executes the process of step S11 again. If the controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it executes the processes of steps S21 to S24 again. If the controller 130 determines that the image data of the next page is not stored in the RAM 57 (S25: No), it ends the print process.

[0133] The controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value in the second update process to the fifth update process of the update process according to the amount of ink used in printing each time printing is performed in step S22. Note that in the above description, the controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value each time printing of one page is performed. Alternatively, the controller 130 may determine the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value each time printing of one pass is performed. Also, the controller 130 performs the second update process to the fifth update process not only for printing but also each time ink is discharged through the head 21 for maintenance or the like.

[0134] [Second update process] The second update process shown in FIG. 10B is a process in which the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a tank remaining amount value from a first discharge value indicating the amount of ink discharged through the head 21 during printing or maintenance. The first discharge value is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one ink droplet to be discharged from the head 21 by the number of times the ink droplet is discharged. The first discharge value is an example of a count value. The controller 130 counts the first discharge value according to the command every time the controller 130 commands the head 21 to discharge ink. The controller 130 counts the first discharge value corresponding to the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 from the time the cartridge 200 is mounted to the present. In other words, the first discharge value is an integrated value of the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 from the time the cartridge 200 is mounted to the present. This first discharge value is stored in the EEPROM 56.

[0135] First, the controller 130 reads out the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value from the EEPROM 56 (S41). Next, the controller 130 adds the read out initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a total remaining amount value (S42). The controller 130 subtracts the first discharge value from the calculated total remaining amount value to calculate a new total remaining amount value (S43). The calculated total remaining amount value is stored in the RAM 57. Thereafter, the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value using a formula or a table in the same manner as described above (S44).

[0136] The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM 57, and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 (S45). The controller 130 also stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57 (S46), and ends the second update process.

[0137] The above-mentioned method for determining the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value is merely an example, and the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined by other methods.

[0138] [Third update process] The third update process shown in FIG. 10C is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value to a first predetermined value and updates the initial tank remaining amount value to a second predetermined value. To be more specific, the first discharge value indicating the amount of ink discharged through the head 21 by printing or the like includes an error. For example, even if the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to discharge a certain amount of ink, a difference may occur between the amount of ink actually discharged from the head 21 and the specific amount instructed to the head 21. This difference may occur, for example, due to the temperature at the time when the ink discharge is instructed. This is because the lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity of the ink becomes, making it more difficult for the ink to be discharged through the nozzle 29. Furthermore, when the controller 130 repeatedly instructs the head 21, the difference may become larger between the amount of ink actually discharged through the head 21 and the amount of the specific amount repeated. That is, each time printing is performed, there is a possibility that an error will accumulate between the amount indicated by the calculated first discharge value and the amount actually discharged through the head 21.

[0139] Since the cartridge remaining amount value is determined according to the first discharge value, an error occurs between the remaining amount of ink indicated by the cartridge remaining amount value and the actual remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210. Also, since the tank remaining amount value is determined according to the first discharge value, an error occurs between the remaining amount of ink indicated by the tank remaining amount value and the actual remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. Therefore, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value determined each time printing is performed include an accumulated error. The third update process is a process for resetting the accumulated error.

[0140] Specifically, the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 with a first predetermined value (S51). The first predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 when the ink level is at the first position P1. When the ink level is at the first position P1, the ink below the first position P1 in the ink chamber 210 is not supplied to the ink chamber 171 and is therefore considered to be absent. Therefore, in this case, the first predetermined value is "zero." The controller 130 also stores the initial tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57 and the EEPROM 56 as a second predetermined value (S52). As described above, the second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the first position P1. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 37.

[0141] Next, the controller 130 calculates a total remaining amount value by adding the initial cartridge remaining amount value (first predetermined value) updated in step S51 and the initial tank remaining amount value (second predetermined value) stored in step S52 (S53). That is, in step S53, the controller 130 updates the total remaining amount value to the first volume value.

[0142] Next, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the C_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 (S54), and notifies the user that the cartridge is empty (S55) in the same manner as in the cartridge remaining amount determination process (S16).

[0143] [Fourth update process] The fourth update process shown in FIG. 10(D) is a process in which the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount value and further determines whether to prohibit printing. First, the controller 130 reads out the initial tank remaining amount value updated to the second predetermined value from the EEPROM 56 (S61). The controller 130 subtracts the second discharge value from the read initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a new tank remaining amount value (S62). The second discharge value, like the first discharge value, is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one ink droplet to be ejected from the head 21 by the number of times the ink droplet is ejected. The second discharge value, like the first discharge value, is an example of a count value. Each time the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, it counts the second discharge value according to the instruction. The controller 130 counts the second discharge value indicating the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 up to the present time after the liquid level signal acquired from the first sensor 61 changes from "L" to "H". That is, the second discharge value is an integrated value of the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 from after the liquid level signal obtained from the first sensor 61 changed from "L" to "H" until the present. This second discharge value is stored in the EEPROM 56.

[0144] The controller 130 stores the calculated new tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57 (S63). Next, the controller 130 judges whether the counted second discharge value has reached a threshold value (S64). The threshold value is a value previously stored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 56. If the controller 130 judges that the counted second discharge value has not reached the threshold value (S64: Yes), the controller 130 ends the fourth update process. On the other hand, if the controller 130 judges that the counted second discharge value has reached the threshold value (S64: No), the controller 130 stores "ON" in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56 (S65), notifies the tank empty in the same manner as in the tank remaining amount judgment process (S17 to S19) (S66), and ends the fourth update process. Although not shown in the flowchart, if the controller 130 judges that "ON" is stored in the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 56, the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of ink through the head 21, including printing and maintenance.

[0145] The threshold value is set so that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is slightly above the outlet 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value. To explain in detail, there may be an error between the designed first position P1 detected by the first sensor 61 and the first position P1 actually detected by the first sensor 61. The threshold value is set so that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outlet 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value, even if the error is the maximum error that can be assumed at the time of design. By the controller 130 prohibiting the discharge of ink through the head 21, the intrusion of air into the head 21 is suppressed. In addition to the above-mentioned error, the threshold value may be set to a value that takes into consideration the fact that the printer 10 is placed on an inclined surface, so that even if the printer 10 is placed on a surface at a predetermined inclination angle, the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outlet 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value. Also, the second discharge value may include an error, similar to the first discharge value. The threshold value may be set to a value that takes into consideration the fact that the printer 10 is placed on an inclined surface, so that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outlet 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value, even if the error of the second discharge value is maximum.

[0146] [5th ​​update process] The fifth update process shown in FIG. 11 is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value to a third predetermined value, and updates the initial tank remaining amount value to a fourth predetermined value.

[0147] The third predetermined value is a value that indicates the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 when the ink level is at the second position P2. The third predetermined value is stored in the ROM 37, for example, in advance.

[0148] The fourth predetermined value is a value that indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the second position P2. The third predetermined value is stored in the ROM 37, for example, in advance.

[0149] The controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 with the third predetermined value (S71).

[0150] Next, the controller 130 stores the initial tank remaining amount value in the RAM 57 and the EEPROM 56 as a fourth predetermined value (S72).

[0151] Next, the controller 130 calculates a total remaining amount value by adding the initial cartridge remaining amount value (third predetermined value) updated in step S71 and the initial tank remaining amount value (fourth predetermined value) stored in step S72 (S73). That is, in step S73, the controller 130 updates the total remaining amount value to the second volume value.

[0152] Next, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the C_NEmpty flag of the EEPROM 56 (S74), and notifies the user that the cartridge is near empty (S75) in the same manner as in the cartridge remaining amount determination process (S16), and then ends the fifth update process.

[0153] [Contact information sending process] The controller 130 of the printer 10 periodically executes the contact information transmission process shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, the controller 130 executes the contact information transmission process when the date and time information output by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time stored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 56. The predetermined time is, for example, every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 130 executes the contact information transmission process at each predetermined time. The controller 130 may execute the contact information transmission process at predetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 130 executes the contact information transmission process when the time measured by the clock 30 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour).

[0154] The contact information transmission process is a process in which the printer 10 transmits contact information to the information collecting server 40. The contact information is information for the information collecting server 40 to determine whether or not to transmit order information for ordering the cartridge 200 to the shipping server 50. The contact information transmission process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0155] First, the controller 130 judges whether the value of the transmitted flag in the EEPROM 56 is "OFF" or not (S201). If the controller 130 judges that the value of the transmitted flag in the EEPROM 56 is not "OFF", that is, is "ON" (S201: No), the controller 130 ends the contact information transmission process. If the controller 130 judges that the value of the transmitted flag in the EEPROM 56 is "OFF" (S201: Yes), the controller 130 refers to the EPROM 61 and judges whether the first information or the second information is stored in the EEPROM 56 (S202).

[0156] The first information is information indicating that the ink consumption rate in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 is fast. The second information is information indicating that the ink consumption rate in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 is slower than the consumption rate of the first information. The controller 130 selectively stores the first information and the second information in the EEPROM 56. When the value of a consumption speed flag in the EEPROM 56, which will be described later, is "ON", it is considered that the first information is stored in the EEPROM 56, and when the value of the consumption speed flag in the EEPROM 56 is "OFF", it is considered that the second information is stored in the EEPROM 56. That is, in step S202, the controller 130 determines whether the value of the consumption speed flag in the EEPROM 56 is "ON" or not.

[0157] The contents of the first information and the second information are not limited to "ON" or "OFF" stored in the consumption rate flag, but may be any information as long as the consumption rate can be distinguished.

[0158] In this embodiment, the controller 130 stores "OFF" as an initial value in the consumption speed flag. The controller 130 calculates the consumption speed in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 as described in detail below. When the calculated consumption speed is higher than a predetermined speed previously stored in the EEPROM 56, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the consumption speed flag, and when the calculated consumption speed is lower than the predetermined speed, the controller 130 stores "OFF" in the consumption speed flag. Note that, in this embodiment, when the calculated consumption speed is the same as the predetermined speed, the controller 130 stores "ON" in the consumption speed flag, but may store "OFF".

[0159] The consumption rate is calculated as follows.

[0160] The controller 130 stores in the EEPROM 56 the total remaining amount value (initial total remaining amount value) when the cartridge 200 is mounted (S12). The initial total remaining amount value is the sum of the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the RAM 36 in step S36 of the first update process (S15) and the tank remaining amount value stored in the RAM 36 in step S37 of the first update process (S15). Every time the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value are updated, the controller 130 calculates the total remaining amount value at that time and stores it in the EEPROM 56. The EEPROM 56 stores the initial total remaining amount value and the updated total remaining amount value.

[0161] Next, the controller 130 counts the elapsed time from the mounting date and time stored in the EEPROM 56 in step S38 of the first update process using the clock 30. When the counted elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time previously stored in the EEPROM 56, the controller 130 reads out from the EEPROM 56 the total remaining amount value at that time (updated total remaining amount value) and the total remaining amount value when the cartridge 200 was mounted (initial total remaining amount value). Then, the controller 130 divides the difference between the two total remaining amount values ​​by the predetermined time. In this way, the ink consumption speed is calculated. The predetermined time is a threshold value for the controller 130 to determine whether the consumption speed of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 is fast or not, and is set to, for example, one day, one week, or one month.

[0162] In this embodiment, the consumption speed flag is stored as "ON" or "OFF" based on the calculated actual ink consumption speed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the consumption speed flag may be stored as "ON" or "OFF" based on the number of printed sheets per predetermined period (e.g., month) determined when the user of the printer 10 enters into a contract with the manufacturer. For example, the consumption speed flag may be stored as "ON" when the number of printed sheets per predetermined period is greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 5,000 sheets), and the consumption speed flag may be stored as "OFF" when the number of printed sheets per predetermined period is equal to or less than the predetermined number.

[0163] If "ON" is stored in the consumption rate flag (S202: Yes), the controller 130 judges whether the value of the C_NEmpty flag is "ON" or not (S203). That is, the controller 130 judges whether the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is low or not. If the controller 130 judges that the value of the C_NEmpty flag is "ON" (S203: Yes), it generates contact information (S205). Specifically, the controller 130 reads the type information of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200, and further reads the device information of the printer 10 from the EEPROM 56. The controller 130 generates contact information including the read type information and device information. The controller 130 may store the type information read from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 in the EEPROM 56, and may read the type information from the EEPROM 56 to include it in the contact information.

[0164] The type information of the cartridge 200 is, for example, information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, the color of ink stored therein, etc. The device information of the printer 10 includes identification information of the printer 10, such as the MAC address and serial number of the printer 10. The identification information of the printer 10 is stored in the EEPROM 56.

[0165] When the controller 130 generates the contact information (S205), it transmits the contact information to the information collecting server 40 via the communication I / F 31 (S206), and further stores "ON" in the transmitted flag of the EEPROM 56 (S207), and ends the contact information transmission process. The contact information transmitted from the printer 10 is received by the information collecting server 40.

[0166] On the other hand, if the controller 130 determines that the value of the C_NEmpty flag is “OFF” (S203: No), it ends the contact information sending process without creating contact information (S205), sending the contact information (S206), or storing “ON” in the sent flag (S207).

[0167] If "ON" is not stored in the consumption rate flag (S202: Yes), the controller 130 judges whether the value of the C_Empty flag is "ON" or not (S204). In other words, the controller 130 judges whether there is no ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. If the controller 130 judges that the value of the C_Empty flag is "ON" (S204: Yes), it creates contact information (S205), sends the contact information (S206), and stores "ON" in the sent flag (S207), and ends the contact information sending process. On the other hand, if the controller 130 judges that the value of the C_Empty flag is "OFF" (S204: No), it ends the contact information sending process without creating contact information (S205), sending the contact information (S206), and storing "ON" in the sent flag (S207).

[0168] [Order information sending process] The details of the order information transmission process executed by the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 that has received the contact information will be described with reference to FIG. 13(A). The controller 45 of the information collecting server periodically executes the shipping information transmission process shown in FIG. 13(A). Specifically, the controller 45 executes the order information transmission process when the date and time information output by the clock 48 reaches a predetermined time stored in the storage unit 42. The predetermined time is, for example, every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The controller 45 executes the order information transmission process at each predetermined time. The controller 45 may execute the order information transmission process at a predetermined time interval. For example, the controller 45 executes the order information transmission process when the time measured by the clock 48 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour). The controller 45 may execute the order information transmission process in a time period that includes the time when the printer 10 transmits the contact information.

[0169] First, the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 judges whether or not contact information has been received through the communication I / F 43 (S401). If the controller 45 judges that contact information has not been received (S401: No), it ends the order information transmission process. On the other hand, if the controller 45 judges that contact information has been received through the communication I / F 43 (S401: Yes), it generates order information (S402).

[0170] The order information includes type information of cartridge 200 included in the contact information, and user information including the name and address of the recipient of cartridge 200. Controller 45 reads out user information corresponding to the identification information of printer 10 included in the contact information from storage unit 42, and includes the user information in the order information.

[0171] When the controller 45 generates the order information (S402), it stores the generated order information in the storage unit 42 and transmits the order information to the shipping server 50 via the communication I / F 44 (S403). The order information transmitted by the information collecting server 40 is received by the shipping server 50 via the communication I / F 53.

[0172] [Shipping information generation process] With reference to FIG. 13(B), the shipping information generation process executed by the controller 55 of the shipping server 50 that has received the order information will be described. The controller 55 of the shipping server 50 periodically executes the order information generation process. The controller 55 may execute the order information generation process during a time period that includes the time when the information collecting server 40 transmits contact information. The controller 55 of the shipping server 50 judges whether or not the order information has been received through the communication I / F 53 (S501). If the controller 55 judges that the order information has not been received, it ends the shipping information generation process (S501: No). On the other hand, if the controller 55 judges that the order information has been received (S501: Yes), it generates shipping information (S502) and ends the shipping information generation process.

[0173] The shipping information is information indicating that the cartridge 200 indicated by the type information included in the order information is to be shipped to the name and address indicated by the user information included in the order information. The generated shipping information is used for the shipping operation of the cartridge 200.

[0174] [Effects of the embodiment] According to this embodiment, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are connected to the atmosphere, so that ink flows between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 due to the hydraulic head difference, and the ink liquid levels in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 are the same. Therefore, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 that detect the ink liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 can detect the ink liquid level in the liquid chamber 210.

[0175] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first sensor 61 can detect when ink in the liquid chamber 210 cannot be supplied to the liquid chamber 171.

[0176] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second sensor 62 can accurately notify the user that the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 is low.

[0177] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to order the cartridge 200 before the ink in the liquid chamber 210 cannot be supplied to the liquid chamber 171 .

[0178] In addition, for example, when a new cartridge 200 is installed, a notification is given by the display 28, so that the user can know that at least a portion of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 has flowed into the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200.

[0179] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if an error occurs in the total remaining amount value updated by the first discharge value or the second discharge value, the error can be corrected by updating the total liquid amount value to the first volume value or the second volume value.

[0180] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if one of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 breaks down, the total liquid volume value can be determined by the other sensor.

[0181] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the attached cartridge 200 is a new one or not.

[0182] [Variations] In the above description, the positions shown in Fig. 6 have been described as examples of the first position P1 and the second position P2. However, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are not limited to the positions shown in Fig. 6, and the first position P1 can be set to any position between the upper end and the lower end of the liquid chamber 210, and the second position P2 can be set to any position that is below the upper end of the liquid chamber 171 and above the first position P1 and the through-hole 184. For example, the first position P1 may be located above the through-hole 184, and the second position P2 may be located above the first position P1.

[0183] In the above description, the mounting case 150 has two sensors, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. This allows detection of two positions, the first position P1 and the second position P2. However, the mounting case 150 may have three or more sensors. For example, in addition to the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62, the mounting case 150 may have a third sensor that detects that the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 has reached a third position P3 that is higher than the second position P2.

[0184] In the above description, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are sensors that optically detect the ink levels in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 by using a prism that has a different reflectance depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the liquid chamber. However, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are not limited to sensors that use a prism as long as they detect the ink levels in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171. For example, an actuator that rotates according to the ink level position may be disposed in the liquid chamber 171, and the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 may be sensors that detect the position of the actuator. Also, for example, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 may be an electrode rod inserted in the liquid chamber 171.

[0185] In the above description, an example has been described in which the printer 10 transmits contact information, and the information collecting server 40, having received the contact information, transmits the order information to the shipping server 50 via the communication I / F 44. However, each process executed by the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 may also be executed by the controller 130 of the printer 10. In other words, the printer 10 may transmit the order information to the shipping server 50 via the communication I / F 31, instead of transmitting the contact information.

[0186] In the above description, ink is used as an example of liquid, but the cartridge may store a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto paper prior to the ink during printing. Also, the cartridge may store water for cleaning the head 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 10 Printer (image recording device) 14... Housing (attachment) 61... First sensor 62 Second sensor 160···Tank 171...Liquid chamber (2nd liquid chamber) 175 Atmospheric communication chamber (second atmospheric communication section) 184...Through hole (inlet) 200 Cartridges 210...Liquid chamber (1st liquid chamber) 214: Atmospheric valve chamber (first atmospheric communication part) 222 valve (first atmosphere communication part) 223... Coil spring (first atmosphere communication part) 234 Ink supply port (outlet)

Claims

1. a cartridge including a first liquid chamber for storing liquid, an outlet through which liquid in the first liquid chamber flows out, and a first atmosphere communication part for communicating the first liquid chamber with the atmosphere; a mounting body to which the cartridge is mounted, The above-mentioned mounting body is a tank connectable to the cartridge, the tank having a second liquid chamber for storing liquid, an inlet into which liquid flowing out from the outlet of the connected cartridge flows, and a second atmosphere communication part for communicating the second liquid chamber with the atmosphere; a first sensor that outputs a first signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than a first position, and outputs a second signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the first position; a second sensor that outputs a third signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than the first position and a second position above the inlet, and outputs a fourth signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the second position, The wearable body includes a controller and an alarm. The above controller is causing the alarm to execute a first alarm after receiving the second signal from the first sensor; causing the alarm to execute a second notification different from the first notification based on a signal received from the second sensor; An image recording device that, after receiving the first signal from the first sensor and the fourth signal from the second sensor, causes the alarm to issue an alert indicating that the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber is low.

2. The wearable device includes a communication interface, The above controller is 2. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein after receiving the fourth signal from the second sensor, ordering information instructing to order the cartridge is transmitted through the communication interface.

3. A cartridge having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid, an outlet through which the liquid in the first liquid chamber flows out, and a first atmosphere communication part for connecting the first liquid chamber to the atmosphere; a mounting body to which the cartridge is mounted, The above-mentioned mounting body is a tank connectable to the cartridge, the tank having a second liquid chamber for storing liquid, an inlet into which liquid flowing out from the outlet of the connected cartridge flows, and a second atmosphere communication part for communicating the second liquid chamber with the atmosphere; a first sensor that outputs a first signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than a first position, and outputs a second signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the first position; a second sensor that outputs a third signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than the first position and a second position above the inlet, and outputs a fourth signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the second position, The wearable device includes a controller, an alarm, and a communication interface. The above controller is causing the alarm to execute a first alarm after receiving the second signal from the first sensor; causing the alarm to execute a second notification different from the first notification based on a signal received from the second sensor; the image recording device transmitting, after receiving the fourth signal from the second sensor, ordering information instructing to order the cartridge via the communication interface.

4. the mounting body includes a head that is in communication with the second liquid chamber, An image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller, when replacing the cartridge, causes the alarm to issue an alarm indicating that liquid has flowed out from the second liquid chamber to the first liquid chamber when the head is not driven and the controller receives the fourth signal after receiving the third signal from the second sensor.

5. A cartridge having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid, an outlet through which the liquid in the first liquid chamber flows out, and a first atmosphere communication part for connecting the first liquid chamber to the atmosphere; a mounting body to which the cartridge is mounted, The above-mentioned mounting body is a tank connectable to the cartridge, the tank having a second liquid chamber for storing liquid, an inlet into which liquid flowing out from the outlet of the connected cartridge flows, and a second atmosphere communication part for communicating the second liquid chamber with the atmosphere; a first sensor that outputs a first signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than a first position, and outputs a second signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the first position; a second sensor that outputs a third signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than the first position and a second position above the inlet, and outputs a fourth signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the second position, the mounting body includes a controller, an alarm, and a head that is in communication with the second liquid chamber; The above controller is causing the alarm to execute a first alarm after receiving the second signal from the first sensor; causing the alarm to execute a second notification different from the first notification based on a signal received from the second sensor; An image recording device that, when the head is not driven and the fourth signal is received after receiving the third signal from the second sensor when the cartridge is replaced, causes the alarm to issue an alert indicating that liquid has flowed from the second liquid chamber to the first liquid chamber.

6. The above-mentioned mounting body is a head connected to the second liquid chamber; a memory in which a total liquid amount value, which is the sum of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber, a first volume value, which is the volume of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber below the first position, and a second volume value, which is the volume of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber below the second position, are stored; The above controller is Based on the count value counted in response to the discharge of liquid from the head, Update the total fluid volume value. updating the total liquid volume value to the first volume value when the second signal is received from the first sensor after the first signal is received; 6. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein when the fourth signal is received from the second sensor after the third signal is received, the total liquid amount value is updated to the second volume value.

7. A cartridge having a first liquid chamber for storing liquid, an outlet through which the liquid in the first liquid chamber flows out, and a first atmosphere communication part for connecting the first liquid chamber to the atmosphere; a mounting body to which the cartridge is mounted, The above-mentioned mounting body is a tank connectable to the cartridge, the tank having a second liquid chamber for storing liquid, an inlet into which liquid flowing out from the outlet of the connected cartridge flows, and a second atmosphere communication part for communicating the second liquid chamber with the atmosphere; a first sensor that outputs a first signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than a first position, and outputs a second signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the first position; a second sensor that outputs a third signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is higher than the first position and a second position above the inlet, and outputs a fourth signal when the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is lower than the second position, the attachment body comprises a controller, an alarm, a head connected to the second liquid chamber, and a memory in which a total liquid volume value which is the sum of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber, a first volume value which is the volume of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber below the first position, and a second volume value which is the volume of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber below the second position, The above controller is causing the alarm to execute a first alarm after receiving the second signal from the first sensor; causing the alarm to execute a second notification different from the first notification based on a signal received from the second sensor; updating the total liquid amount value based on a count value counted in response to the discharge of liquid from the head; updating the total liquid volume value to the first volume value when the second signal is received from the first sensor after the first signal is received; an image recording device that updates the total liquid volume value to the second volume value when the fourth signal is received from the second sensor after the third signal is received;

8. The above controller is determining whether the first sensor has a failure; 8. An image recording device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein, on the condition that it is determined that the first sensor has failed, the total liquid volume value is updated to be equal to or less than the first volume value regardless of the signal received from the first sensor.

9. The above controller is determining whether the second sensor has failed; An image recording device as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, on the condition that it is determined that the second sensor has failed, the total liquid volume value is updated to be equal to or less than the second volume value regardless of the signal received from the second sensor.

Images