Liquid ejection device and liquid reservoir

Abstract

To provide means for downsizing an ink supply system while increasing a bulk ratio of an ink stored in a cartridge, and for preventing air bubbles from mixing into a head after using up the ink in the cartridge.SOLUTION: A combination machine 10 is equipped with a head 38, a sub tank 210 that is coupled to the head 38 and can store an ink 90, and a carriage 40 that is mounted with the head 38 and the sub tank 210 and moves in a left-and-right direction 9. A cartridge 220 storing the ink 90 can be attached / detached to / from the sub tank 210. While the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210, an inner space 219 of the sub tank 210 and an inner space 229 of the cartridge 220 are communicated by a liquid channel 201 and a gas channel 202. The sub tank 210 has an atmosphere communication hole 213 communicating the inner space 219 and atmosphere.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device having a liquid reservoir that stores liquid and a head that ejects the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir. [Background technology]

[0002] In inkjet printers, it is necessary to maintain the meniscus formed in the nozzle of the head in order to maintain a desirable ink ejection state. One known method for maintaining the meniscus is to provide a back pressure control mechanism in the cartridge that contains the ink.

[0003] In relation to the present invention, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet pen that records images by ejecting ink stored in a subtank from a nozzle. In this inkjet pen, the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink cartridge is above the nozzle opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 55-065560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Cartridges containing ink are equipped with backpressure control mechanisms, such as foam or differential pressure valves. However, providing foam in a cartridge reduces the ink volume ratio and leaves foam behind when the cartridge is discarded. Furthermore, providing a differential pressure valve in a cartridge increases the size of the ink supply system, including the cartridge. Furthermore, if ink is supplied from the cartridge to the head without storing it along the way, there is a risk of air bubbles getting into the head after the ink contained in the cartridge has been used up. The above issues can also occur in printers that store ink in a tank that can be attached to a sub-tank.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a means for increasing the volumetric ratio of liquid contained in a liquid reservoir such as a cartridge while miniaturizing a liquid supply system including the liquid reservoir, and preventing air bubbles from being mixed into the head after the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir has been used up. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A liquid ejection device according to the present invention includes a head having nozzles for ejecting liquid, a storage unit connected to the head and capable of storing liquid, and a carriage carrying the head and the storage unit and moving in a first direction. The liquid ejection device allows a liquid reservoir containing liquid to be attached to and detached from the storage unit. When the liquid reservoir is attached to the storage unit, the internal space of the storage unit and the internal space of the liquid reservoir communicate with each other via a liquid flow path and a gas flow path, and the storage unit has a communication part that communicates the internal space of the storage unit with the atmosphere.

[0008] In the liquid ejection device, when the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir, the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir is stored in the reservoir. The liquid stored in the reservoir is then supplied to the head, preventing air bubbles from entering the head and allowing the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir to be ejected until only a small amount remains. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide a backpressure control mechanism in the liquid reservoir, the volumetric ratio of the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir can be increased while the liquid supply system including the liquid reservoir can be made smaller.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the storage section has a first valve located in the liquid flow path and a second valve located in the gas flow path, and when the liquid storage device changes from a separated state in which it is not attached to the storage section to the attached state, the first valve and the second valve change from a closed state to an open state, and when the liquid storage device changes from the attached state to the separated state, the first valve and the second valve change from an open state to a closed state.

[0010] According to the above configuration, in the separated state, the first valve is closed, thereby preventing leakage of liquid from the reservoir. In the separated state, the internal space of the liquid reservoir is not connected to the atmosphere, thereby preventing leakage of liquid from the liquid reservoir alone. In addition, since there is no need to provide the liquid reservoir with a labyrinth structure or semipermeable membrane, the structure of the liquid reservoir is simplified.

[0011] (3) Preferably, the communication section further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, and the third valve may be in a closed state in a detached state in which the liquid reservoir is not attached to the reservoir section.

[0012] According to the above configuration, in the separated state, the internal space of the reservoir does not communicate with the atmosphere, so that leakage of liquid from the reservoir can be prevented.

[0013] (4) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a controller, and in response to receiving a command to replace the liquid reservoir, the controller moves the carriage to a liquid reservoir replacement position, and as the carriage moves to the liquid reservoir replacement position, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, and as the carriage moves away from the liquid reservoir replacement position, the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the state of the third valve can be switched in accordance with the movement of the carriage, so that it is possible to switch whether the internal space of the reservoir is in communication with the atmosphere.

[0015] (5) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a controller, and the controller may change the third valve from an open state to a closed state in response to receiving a command to replace the liquid reservoir.

[0016] (6) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a cover that covers the liquid reservoir, and when the cover moves from a first position that covers the liquid reservoir to a second position that is spaced apart from the liquid reservoir, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, and when the cover moves from the second position to the first position, the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state.

[0017] (7) Preferably, the third valve may change from an open state to a closed state in response to a change from the attached state to the separated state, and the third valve may change from a closed state to an open state in response to a change from the attached state to the separated state.

[0018] (8) Preferably, the communication section includes a semipermeable membrane, and the semipermeable membrane may be located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section after the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section and the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid contained in the liquid reservoir reach equilibrium.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the semipermeable membrane is provided above the liquid level stored in the storage section, so malfunction of the semipermeable membrane can be prevented.

[0020] (9) Preferably, the communication section may include a semipermeable membrane and a labyrinth structure located between the internal space of the storage section and the semipermeable membrane.

[0021] According to the above configuration, evaporation of the liquid stored in the storage section can be suppressed.

[0022] (10) Preferably, the liquid reservoir has a second communication part that directly communicates the internal space of the liquid reservoir with the atmosphere, and the communication part may be located in the gas flow path.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the internal space of the reservoir communicates with the atmosphere via the internal space of the liquid reservoir.

[0024] (11) Preferably, when the liquid reservoir changes from a separated state in which it is not attached to the storage portion to the attached state, the communicating portion changes from a closed state to an open state, and when the liquid reservoir changes from the attached state to the separated state, the communicating portion changes from an open state to a closed state.

[0025] According to the above configuration, when the liquid reservoir is attached or detached, the state of the communication part can be switched to switch whether the internal space of the reservoir communicates with the atmosphere via the internal space of the liquid reservoir.

[0026] (12) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached horizontally to the reservoir portion.

[0027] (13) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached vertically to the reservoir portion.

[0028] (14) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached obliquely to the reservoir portion.

[0029] (15) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a detection unit that detects the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage unit, and a portion of the detection unit may be located within the storage unit.

[0030] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide the liquid reservoir with a function for detecting the liquid level, so the liquid reservoir can be made smaller.

[0031] (16) Preferably, the storage section has a first base and a first extension section extending from an upper portion of the first base, and the liquid storage device may have a second base and a second extension section extending from a lower portion of the second base.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the air space in the liquid reservoir can be made smaller, thereby increasing the amount of liquid that can be stored in the liquid reservoir.

[0033] (17) Preferably, the storage section has a first base and a first extension section extending from a lower portion of the first base, and the liquid storage device may have a second base and a second extension section extending from an upper portion of the second base.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the period during which liquid can be ejected after the amount of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir becomes low can be extended.

[0035] (18) Preferably, the reservoir has an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the reservoir, and the outlet may be located below the liquid flow path.

[0036] According to the above configuration, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir can be reduced.

[0037] (19) Preferably, when the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir, the gas flow path may be in communication with the liquid flow path before or simultaneously with the liquid flow path.

[0038] According to the above configuration, when the pressure inside the liquid reservoir is high, the movement of liquid into the reservoir portion can be suppressed, and the movement of liquid or bubbles near the communication portion can be prevented.

[0039] (20) Preferably, when the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir, the gas flow path may be brought into communication with the liquid flow path after the liquid flow path.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the possibility of liquid leakage from elements on the liquid flow path can be reduced.

[0041] (21) Preferably, when the liquid reservoir is removed from the reservoir, the gas flow path may be brought into a non-communicating state after the liquid flow path or simultaneously with the liquid flow path.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the liquid reservoir can be removed from the reservoir after the pressure inside the liquid reservoir has been reduced to atmospheric pressure.

[0043] (22) Preferably, when the liquid reservoir is removed from the reservoir, the gas flow path may be brought into a non-communicating state before the liquid flow path.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the possibility of liquid leakage from elements on the liquid flow path can be reduced.

[0045] (23) A liquid reservoir according to the present invention is a liquid reservoir that contains liquid and is detachably attached to a reservoir section of a liquid ejection device, wherein, in an attached state in which the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir section, an internal space of the reservoir section and an internal space of the liquid reservoir are connected by a liquid flow path and a gas flow path, and the liquid reservoir is equipped with a fourth valve located in the liquid flow path and a fifth valve located in the gas flow path. When the liquid reservoir changes from a separated state in which it is not attached to the reservoir section to the attached state, the fourth valve and the fifth valve change from a closed state to an open state, and when the attached state changes to the separated state, the fourth valve and the fifth valve change from an open state to a closed state.

[0046] (24) Preferably, the liquid reservoir further includes a second communication part that communicates the internal space of the liquid reservoir with the atmosphere, and the second communication part may include a semipermeable membrane.

[0047] (25) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may further include an identification chip.

[0048] (26) A liquid ejection device according to the present invention comprises a head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid, a storage section connected to the head and capable of storing liquid, and a liquid reservoir that contains liquid and is attached to the storage section, and the liquid reservoir is detachable from the storage section. In an attached state in which the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir part, the internal space of the reservoir part and the internal space of the liquid reservoir are connected by a liquid flow path and a gas flow path, the reservoir part has a communication part that connects the internal space of the reservoir part with the atmosphere, a first valve located in the liquid flow path, and a second valve located in the gas flow path, the liquid reservoir has a fourth valve located in the liquid flow path and a fifth valve located in the gas flow path, and as the liquid reservoir changes from a separated state in which it is not attached to the reservoir part to the attached state, the first valve, the second valve, the fourth valve, and the fifth valve change from a closed state to an open state, and as the attached state changes to the separated state, the first valve, the second valve, the fourth valve, and the fifth valve change from an open state to a closed state.

[0049] (27) Preferably, in the attached state, gas moves from the internal space of the storage section to the internal space of the liquid storage container via the gas flow path, and liquid moves from the internal space of the liquid storage container to the internal space of the storage section via the liquid flow path, and when an equilibrium state is reached, the movement of gas and liquid stops.

[0050] (28) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a cover covering the liquid reservoir, and the communication portion further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, and when the cover moves from a first position covering the liquid reservoir to a second position away from the liquid reservoir, the third valve changes from the open state to the closed state, and when the cover moves from the second position to the first position, the third valve changes from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] (29) Preferably, the communication portion further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, and the third valve changes from the open state to the closed state upon a change from the attached state to the separated state, and the third valve changes from the closed state to the open state upon a change from the attached state to the separated state.

[0052] (30) Preferably, the communication section includes a semipermeable membrane, and the semipermeable membrane may be located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section after the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section and the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid contained in the liquid reservoir reach equilibrium.

[0053] (31) Preferably, the communication portion may change from a closed state to an open state in response to a change from the separated state to the attached state, and the communication portion may change from an open state to a closed state in response to a change from the attached state to the separated state.

[0054] (32) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached horizontally to the reservoir portion.

[0055] (33) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached vertically to the reservoir portion.

[0056] (34) Preferably, the liquid reservoir may be attached obliquely to the reservoir portion.

[0057] (35) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a detector that detects the level of the liquid stored in the storage section, and a portion of the detector may be located within the storage section.

[0058] (36) Preferably, the reservoir has an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the reservoir, and the outlet may be located below the liquid flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0059] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the volume ratio of the liquid contained in a liquid reservoir such as a cartridge while miniaturizing the liquid supply system including the liquid reservoir, and to prevent air bubbles from being mixed into the head after the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir has been used up. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction peripheral 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic internal structure of the printer unit 11. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the recording unit 24 cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of valves 211 and 221, where Figure 4(A) shows the separated state, Figure 4(B) shows the transition from the separated state to the attached state, and Figure 4(C) shows the attached state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction device 10. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of image recording control by the controller 130. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing valves provided in the subtank 210 according to the first modified example, where FIG. 7A shows the configuration of a valve 251 and FIG. 7B shows the configuration of a valve 261. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the valve 271 provided in the subtank 210 according to the first modified example, and shows the state when the cover 275 is in the first position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the valve 271 provided in the subtank 210 according to the first modified example, and shows the state when the cover 275 is in the second position. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of a valve 281 provided in a subtank 210 according to a first modified example, with FIG. 10A showing the separated state and FIG. 10B showing the attached state. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a second modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a cross section of the recording unit 24 according to another modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9, in which FIG. 12A shows a state in which an actuator 301 and a transmission type sensor are provided, and FIG. 12B shows a state in which a transmission type sensor is provided. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a third modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a recording unit 24 according to another modified example cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9, where Figure 14(A) shows the attached state and Figure 14(B) shows the separated state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a fourth modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a recording unit 24 according to another modified example cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9, where Figure 16(A) shows the attached state and Figure 16(B) shows the separated state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a fifth modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of valves 211 and 221, where Figure 18(A) shows the separated state, Figure 18(B) shows the transition from the separated state to the attached state, and Figure 18(C) shows the attached state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a sixth modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a recording unit 24 according to a seventh modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a subtank 210 and a cartridge 220 according to the eighth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the following description, the direction from the start point of an arrow to the end point is expressed as a direction, and the movement on the line connecting the start point and end point of an arrow is expressed as a direction. In the following description, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the state in which the multifunction device 10 is installed and ready for use (the state in FIG. 1 ), the front-rear direction 8 is defined based on the surface in which the opening 13 is provided as the front surface 23, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction device 10 is viewed from the front. The up-down direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are perpendicular to one another.

[0062] [Overall structure of the multifunction device 10] As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 10 (an example of a liquid ejection device) has a housing 14 having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. A printer unit 11 is provided at the bottom of the housing 14. The multifunction device 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function. The print function of the multifunction device 10 is to record an image on one side of paper 12 (see FIG. 2) using an inkjet method. Note that the multifunction device 10 may also record images on both sides of the paper 12. An operation unit 17 is provided at the top of the housing 14. The operation unit 17 is composed of buttons that are operated to issue image recording instructions and for various settings, an LCD display that displays various information, and the like. In this embodiment, the operation unit 17 is composed of a touch panel that functions as both a button and an LCD display.

[0063] 2, the printer unit 11 includes a feed tray 20, a feed unit 16, an outer guide member 18, an inner guide member 19, a transport roller pair 59, a discharge roller pair 44, a platen 42, a recording unit 24, an encoder 35 (see FIG. 5), a rotary encoder 65 (see FIG. 5), a controller 130 (see FIG. 5), and a memory 140 (see FIG. 5). These are arranged inside the housing 14. Inside the housing 14, various status sensors (not shown) are arranged that detect the status of the multifunction device 10 and output signals according to the detection results.

[0064] [Feed Tray 20] As shown in Fig. 1, an opening 13 is formed in the front surface 23 of the printer unit 11. The feed tray 20 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 14 through the opening 13 by moving in the front-to-rear direction 8. The feed tray 20 can be moved between a feed position (the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2) where it is attached to the housing 14, and a non-feed position where it is removed from the housing 14. The feed tray 20 moves to the feed position by being inserted rearward into the housing 14, and moves to the non-feed position by being pulled forward relative to the housing 14.

[0065] The feed tray 20 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top and stores the sheets of paper 12. As shown in FIG. 2 , the sheets of paper 12 are supported in a stacked state on a bottom plate 22 of the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 is disposed above the front part of the feed tray 20. The sheets of paper 12 that have had images recorded on them by the recording unit 24 and have been discharged are supported on the upper surface of the discharge tray 21. When the feed tray 20 is in the feed position, the sheets of paper 12 supported by the feed tray 20 can be fed to the transport path 64.

[0066] [Feeding section 16] As shown in Fig. 2, the feed unit 16 is disposed below the recording unit 24 and above the bottom plate 22 of the feed tray 20. The feed unit 16 includes a feed roller 25, a feed arm 26, a drive transmission mechanism 27, and a shaft 28. The feed roller 25 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feed arm 26. The feed arm 26 rotates in the direction of arrow 29 around the shaft 28 provided at the base end. This allows the feed roller 25 to come into contact with and separate from the feed tray 20 or the paper 12 supported by the feed tray 20.

[0067] The feed roller 25 rotates by receiving the driving force of the feed motor 102 (see FIG. 5) via a drive transmission mechanism 27 made up of multiple gears meshed together. As a result, of the sheets 12 supported on the bottom plate 22 of the feed tray 20 at the feed position, the uppermost sheet 12 in contact with the feed roller 25 is fed to the conveyance path 64. Note that the drive transmission mechanism 27 is not limited to a configuration in which multiple gears mesh together, and may be, for example, a belt stretched between the shaft 28 and the shaft of the feed roller 25.

[0068] [Transport Path 64] As shown in Figure 2, a conveying path 64 extends from the rear end of the feed tray 20. The conveying path 64 includes a curved portion 33 and a straight portion 34. The curved portion 33 extends upward, making a U-turn from rear to front. The straight portion 34 extends generally along the front-rear direction 8.

[0069] The curved portion 33 is formed by an outer guide member 18 and an inner guide member 19 that face each other at a predetermined distance. The outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 extend in the left-right direction 9. The straight portion 34 is formed by the recording unit 24 and a platen 42 that face each other at a predetermined distance at the position where the recording unit 24 is located.

[0070] The paper 12 supported on the feed tray 20 is transported along the curved portion 33 by the feed roller 25 and reaches the pair of transport rollers 59. The paper 12 sandwiched between the pair of transport rollers 59 is transported forward along the straight portion 34 toward the recording unit 24. When the paper 12 reaches directly below the recording unit 24, an image is recorded by the recording unit 24. The paper 12 with the image recorded is transported forward along the straight portion 34 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. As described above, the paper 12 is transported along the transport direction 15 indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2.

[0071] [Transport roller pair 59 and discharge roller pair 44] 2, a pair of conveying rollers 59 is disposed in the straight section 34. A pair of discharge rollers 44 is disposed downstream of the pair of conveying rollers 59 in the straight section 34 in the conveying direction 15.

[0072] The conveying roller pair 59 includes a conveying roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 disposed below the conveying roller 60 so as to face the conveying roller 60. The pinch roller 61 is pressed against the conveying roller 60 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a coil spring. The conveying roller pair 59 can pinch the paper 12.

[0073] The discharge roller pair 44 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur roller 63 disposed above the discharge roller 62 so as to face the discharge roller 62. The spur roller 63 is pressed toward the discharge roller 62 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a coil spring. The discharge roller pair 44 is capable of sandwiching the paper 12.

[0074] The conveying roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 are rotated by a driving force applied from a conveying motor 101 (see FIG. 5). When the conveying roller 60 rotates while the sheet 12 is sandwiched between the pair of conveying rollers 59, the sheet 12 is conveyed in the conveying direction 15 by the pair of conveying rollers 59 and conveyed onto the platen 42. When the discharge roller 62 rotates while the sheet 12 is sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers 44, the sheet 12 is conveyed in the conveying direction 15 by the pair of discharge rollers 44 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. Note that a common motor may be used as the conveying motor 101 and the feeding motor 102. In this case, the drive transmission path from the common motor to each roller is configured to be switchable.

[0075] It should be noted that the means for transporting the paper 12 is not limited to the above-described roller pair. For example, instead of the transport roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44, a transport belt may be provided.

[0076] [Platen 42] 2, the platen 42 is disposed in the straight section 34 of the transport path 64. The platen 42 faces the recording unit 24 in the up-down direction 7. The platen 42 supports the paper 12 transported along the transport path 64 from below. The paper 12 transported along the transport path 64 passes through an area between the right and left ends of the platen 42 in the left-right direction 9 (hereinafter referred to as the medium passing area).

[0077] [Records 24] 2, the recording unit 24 is disposed above the platen 42 and facing the platen 42. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 40, a head 38, and a subtank 210 (an example of a reservoir). A cartridge (an example of a liquid reservoir) 220 containing ink 90 is detachably attached to the subtank 210.

[0078] The carriage 40 is supported by two guide rails 56, 57 spaced apart in the front-rear direction 8 so as to be movable along a left-right direction 9 (an example of a first direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction 15. The carriage 40 is movable in the left-right direction 9 from the right of the medium passing area to the left of the medium passing area. The movement direction of the carriage 40 is not limited to the left-right direction 9, and may be any direction that intersects with the conveying direction 15.

[0079] Guide rail 56 is disposed upstream of head 38 in conveying direction 15. Guide rail 57 is disposed downstream of head 38 in conveying direction 15. Guide rails 56, 57 are supported by a pair of side frames (not shown) disposed outside straight portion 34 of conveying path 64 in left-right direction 9. Carriage 40 moves when a driving force is applied from a carriage drive motor 103 (see FIG. 5).

[0080] An encoder 35 (see FIG. 5) is disposed on guide rail 56 or guide rail 57. Encoder 35 includes an encoder strip extending in left-right direction 9 and an optical sensor provided at a position on carriage 40 facing the encoder strip. The encoder strip has a pattern in which light-transmitting sections that transmit light and light-blocking sections that block light are alternately arranged at equal intervals in left-right direction 9. A pulse signal is detected by the optical sensor detecting the light-transmitting sections and the light-blocking sections. The pulse signal is a signal corresponding to the position of carriage 40 in left-right direction 9. The pulse signal is output to controller 130 (see FIG. 5).

[0081] The head 38 is supported by the carriage 40. A lower surface 68 of the head 38 is exposed downward and faces the platen 42. The head 38 includes a plurality of nozzles 39, ink flow paths 37, and piezoelectric elements 45 (see FIG. 5).

[0082] The plurality of nozzles 39 are opened on the lower surface 68 of the head 38. The ink flow path 37 connects the sub-tank 210 and the plurality of nozzles 39. The piezoelectric element 45 (see FIG. 5) ejects ink droplets downward from the nozzle 39 by deforming a part of the ink flow path 37. The piezoelectric element 45 is operated by being supplied with power by the controller 130 (see FIG. 5). In this way, the head 38 has the nozzles 39 that eject ink (an example of liquid).

[0083] 3, the subtank 210 has an internal space 219, and the cartridge 220 has an internal space 229. The internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 contains a predetermined amount of ink 90. ​​The internal space 219 of the subtank 210 stores the ink 90 supplied from the cartridge 220.

[0084] In this embodiment, the recording unit 24 includes one subtank 210, and one cartridge 220 is attached to one subtank 210. The cartridge 220 contains black ink 90, and the subtank 210 stores the black ink 90. ​​Note that the color of the ink 90 contained in the cartridge 220 and later stored in the subtank 210 is not limited to black. The cartridge 220 may also include an identification chip (not shown).

[0085] The subtank 210 is located above the head 38. In this embodiment, the entire subtank 210 is located above the head 38, but a portion of the subtank 210 may be located above the head 38, with the remaining portion of the subtank 210 located at a height equal to or lower than the head 38. An outlet 215 is provided in the bottom wall 210b of the subtank 210, through which the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 flows out. The outlet 215 is connected to one end of the ink flow path 37. An internal space 219 of the subtank 210 communicates with a plurality of nozzles 39 via the ink flow path 37. This allows the ink 90 to be supplied from the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 to the nozzles 39.

[0086] [Ink supply system] The cartridge 220 is attached horizontally to the subtank 210. Hereinafter, the state in which the cartridge 220 is attached will be referred to as the "attached state," and the state in which the cartridge 220 is not attached will be referred to as the "detached state." Figure 3 schematically shows a vertical cross section of the recording unit 24 in the attached state.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 3, the size of the subtank 210 in the up-down direction 7 is the same as the size of the cartridge 220 in the up-down direction 7. The subtank 210 has a first base 217 and a first extension 218. The first base 217 has a bottom surface that is located at a relatively low position and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first extension 218 has a bottom surface that is located at a relatively high position and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first extension 218 extends from an upper part of the first base 217.

[0088] The cartridge 220 has a second base portion 227 and a second extension portion 228. The second base portion 227 is a portion whose upper surface is at a relatively high position and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second extension portion 228 is a portion whose upper surface is at a relatively low position and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second extension portion 228 extends from the lower part of the second base portion 227.

[0089] The size of the first extending portion 218 in the front-to-rear direction 8 is approximately the same as the size of the second extending portion 228 in the front-to-rear direction 8. The sum of the size of the first extending portion 218 in the up-to-down direction 7 and the size of the second extending portion 228 in the up-to-down direction 7 is approximately the same as the size of the subtank 210 in the up-to-down direction 7 and the size of the cartridge 220 in the up-to-down direction 7. In the attached state, the second extending portion 228 fits below the first extending portion 218. In this way, the cartridge 220 has a shape that makes it easy to attach to the subtank 210.

[0090] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the subtank 210 has an extended upper portion and the cartridge 220 has an extended lower portion, but the shapes of the subtank and cartridge shown in Fig. 3 are merely examples. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the subtank 310 may have an extended lower portion and the cartridge 320 may have an extended upper portion. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 14, the subtank 410 and the cartridge 420 may not have extended portions.

[0091] The subtank 210 has valves 211 and 212 therein. The valve 211 is an example of a first valve, and the valve 212 is an example of a second valve. The cartridge 220 has valves 221 and 222 therein. The valve 221 is an example of a fourth valve, and the valve 222 is an example of a fifth valve. The valve 211 is provided at a lower front position in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. The valve 212 is provided at an upper front position in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. The valve 221 is provided at a lower rear position in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. The valve 222 is provided at an upper rear position in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. The valves 211 and 221 are located in a liquid flow path 201 that is in a communication state in the attached state. The valves 212 and 222 are located in a gas flow path 202 that is in a communication state in the attached state. In the installed state, valves 211 and 221 face each other, and valves 212 and 222 face each other. Note that cartridge 220 does not have a back pressure control mechanism. Also, the above-mentioned installation positions of valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are merely an example.

[0092] In the separated state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all closed. When the separated state is changed to the attached state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all changed from closed to open. As a result, the liquid flow path 201 via the valves 211 and 221 and the gas flow path 202 via the valves 212 and 222 are connected between the subtank 210 and the cartridge 220. The internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 are connected by the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202. When the attached state is changed to the separated state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all changed from open to closed. As a result, the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202 are not connected, and the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 are no longer connected.

[0093] An atmosphere communication hole 213 (an example of a communication portion) is provided in the upper wall 210a of the subtank 210. A semipermeable membrane 214 is attached to the atmosphere communication hole 213 to close the atmosphere communication hole 213. The semipermeable membrane 214 is a porous membrane with minute pores that blocks the passage of ink but allows the passage of gas. For example, the semipermeable membrane 214 is made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, or tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. As a result, the ink 90 stored in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 is blocked by the semipermeable membrane 214 and does not move to the outside of the subtank 210 through the atmosphere communication hole 213. On the other hand, air can move freely between the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the outside.

[0094] Air enters the portions of the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 where no ink 90 is present. The portion into which air enters is called a gas layer. The atmosphere communication hole 213 connects the internal space 219 (gas layer) of the subtank 210 with the atmosphere. A labyrinth structure may be provided between the internal space 219 and the semipermeable membrane 214. By providing a labyrinth structure, evaporation of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 can be suppressed.

[0095] In the initial state, no ink 90 is stored in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. A predetermined amount of ink 90 is contained in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. When the separated state is changed to the attached state (when the cartridge 220 is attached to the subtank 210), the liquid flow path 201 passing through the valves 211 and 221 and the gas flow path 202 passing through the valves 212 and 222 become connected. As a result, air moves from the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 to the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 via the gas flow path 202. Furthermore, the ink 90 contained in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 moves to the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 via the liquid flow path 201. The ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 220 to the subtank 210 until the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 become the same. A state in which the movement of the ink 90 and air between the subtank 210 and the cartridge 220 is balanced (a state in which movement has stopped) is called an equilibrium state.

[0096] When image recording is performed in the attached state, and the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 flows out from the outlet 215, almost simultaneously, air passes through the atmosphere communication hole 213 and the semipermeable membrane 214 and moves into the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. Some of the moved air moves via the gas flow path 202 to the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. As a result, the ink 90 contained in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 moves via the liquid flow path 201 to the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. The ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 220 to the subtank 210 until an equilibrium state is reached. Once the equilibrium state is reached, the movement of air and ink 90 stops.

[0097] The semipermeable membrane 214 is located above the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 after the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 and the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the cartridge 220 reach equilibrium. The outlet 215 is located below the liquid flow path 201.

[0098] When the cartridge 220 is attached to the subtank 210, the gas flow path 202 may be brought into communication before the liquid flow path 201, or at the same time as the liquid flow path 201. With this configuration, when the pressure inside the cartridge 220 is high, it is possible to suppress the movement of ink 90 to the subtank 210 and prevent the ink 90 and bubbles from moving near the atmosphere communication hole 213. Alternatively, when the cartridge 220 is attached to the subtank 210, the gas flow path 202 may be brought into communication after the liquid flow path 201. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ink leakage from elements on the liquid flow path 201.

[0099] When the cartridge 220 is removed from the subtank 210, the gas flow path 202 may be disconnected after the liquid flow path 201, or at the same time as the liquid flow path 201. With this configuration, the cartridge 220 can be removed from the subtank 210 after the pressure inside the cartridge 220 has been set to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, when the cartridge 220 is removed from the subtank 210, the gas flow path 202 may be disconnected before the liquid flow path 201. With this configuration, the possibility of ink leakage from elements on the liquid flow path 201 can be reduced.

[0100] When the cartridge 220 is attached to or detached from the subtank 210, which of the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202 is first brought into a connected or disconnected state depends on the detailed configuration of the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222, etc.

[0101] [Configuration of valves 211 and 221] Valves 211 and 212 have the same configuration, and valves 221 and 222 have the same configuration. The configurations of valves 211 and 221 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. Valve 221 has a needle 231, a spring 232, a fixing portion 233, and a packing 234, and is provided inside a cylindrical housing 237 located below subtank 210. Needle 231 has a contact portion, a front portion that protrudes forward from the contact portion, and a rear portion that protrudes rearward from the contact portion. Housing 237 has a side surface and an end surface 238 that is perpendicular to the side surface. A hole is provided in the center of end surface 238, and the front portion of needle 231 passes through this hole.

[0102] The front part and the abutment part of the needle 231 are hollow. A hole 235 that connects to the hollow part of the needle 231 is provided on the side surface near the tip of the front part of the needle 231. A hole 236 that connects to the hollow part of the needle 231 is also provided on a surface 240 of the abutment part of the needle 231 on the end face 238 side.

[0103] The rear portion of needle 231 is connected to one end of spring 232. The other end of spring 232 is connected to fixed portion 233. The position of fixed portion 233 is fixed relative to housing 237. Gasket 234 has an annular shape and is attached to the inner surface of end face 238 at a position facing hole 236. Spring 232 urges needle 231 toward end face 238. Therefore, in the separated state, the abutment portion of needle 231 abuts against gasket 234, and hole 236 is closed by gasket 234 (see FIG. 4(A)). Therefore, in the separated state, valve 211 is in a closed state.

[0104] Valve 221 has a movable part 241, a spring 242, a fixed part 243, and a packing 244, and is provided inside a cylindrical housing 247 located below cartridge 220. Spring 242 is stronger than spring 232. Housing 247 has a side surface and an end surface 248 perpendicular to the side surface. End surface 248 is provided with a hole 249 into which the front part of needle 231 can be inserted. One end of housing 247 is provided with a receiving part 239 that fits with housing 247, and housing 237 and housing 247 fit together.

[0105] Movable portion 241 has a disk-shaped abutment portion and a rear portion that protrudes rearward from the abutment portion. The rear portion of movable portion 241 is connected to one end of spring 242. The other end of spring 242 is connected to fixed portion 243. The position of fixed portion 243 is fixed with respect to housing 247. Gasket 244 has an annular shape and is attached around hole 249 on the inner surface of end face 248.

[0106] The contact portion of movable part 241 has a size that allows it to close hole 249. Spring 242 biases movable part 241 toward end surface 248. Therefore, in the separated state, the contact portion of movable part 241 comes into contact with packing 244, and hole 249 is closed by movable part 241 (see FIG. 4(A)). Therefore, in the separated state, valve 221 is also closed.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 4(B), during the transition from the separated state to the attached state, the front portion of the needle 231 abuts against the movable portion 241. When the subtank 210 and the cartridge 220 become closer to each other, the front portion of the needle 231 pushes the movable portion 241 forward. Because the spring 232 is weaker than the spring 242, the spring 232 compresses before the spring 242 compresses. When the spring 232 compresses, the abutting portion of the needle 231 separates from the packing 234. As a result, the valve 211 enters an open state. However, the hole 235 provided on the side surface of the needle 231 is blocked by the packing 244.

[0108] 4(C), in the attached state, the force with which the front part of needle 231 presses movable part 241 becomes stronger, and not only spring 232 but also spring 244 compresses. When spring 242 compresses, the abutting part of movable part 241 moves away from packing 244. Hole 235 provided on the side surface of needle 231 also moves away from packing 244. As a result, valve 221 enters an open state.

[0109] Valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all closed in the separated state, and all open in the attached state. When the separated state is changed to the attached state, valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from closed to open. When the attached state is changed to the separated state, valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from open to closed. Note that valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 may have configurations other than those shown in FIG. 4, as long as they change states in this manner.

[0110] [Rotary Encoder 65] The rotary encoder 65 shown in FIG. 5 is composed of an encoder disk that is attached to the shaft of the conveyor motor 101 (see FIG. 5) and rotates together with the conveyor motor 101, and an optical sensor. The encoder disk has a pattern in which light-transmitting portions and light-blocking portions are alternately arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As the encoder disk rotates, a pulse signal is generated each time the optical sensor detects a light-transmitting portion or a non-transmitting portion. The generated pulse signal is output to the controller 130 (see FIG. 5). The controller 130 calculates the amount of rotation of the conveyor motor 101 based on the pulse signal. The rotary encoder 65 may be attached to a device other than the conveyor motor 101, such as the feed motor 102 or the conveyor rollers 60.

[0111] [Controller 130 and Memory 140] The configurations of the controller 130 and memory 140 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. The controller 130 controls the overall operation of the multifunction peripheral 10. The controller 130 includes a CPU 131 and an ASIC 135. The memory 140 includes a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an EEPROM 134. The CPU 131, ASIC 135, ROM 132, RAM 133, and EEPROM 134 are connected via an internal bus 137.

[0112] The ROM 132 stores programs and the like for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 131 executes the programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

[0113] The ASIC 135 is connected to the conveyance motor 101, the feed motor 102, and the carriage drive motor 103. The ASIC 135 incorporates a drive circuit for controlling each motor. The CPU 131 outputs a drive signal for rotating each motor to the drive circuit corresponding to each motor. The drive circuit outputs a drive current corresponding to the drive signal acquired from the CPU 131 to the corresponding motor. This causes the corresponding motor to rotate. In other words, the controller 130 controls the feed motor 102 to cause the feed unit 16 to feed the paper 12. The controller 130 also controls the conveyance motor 101 to cause the conveyance roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the paper 12. The controller 130 also controls the carriage drive motor 103 to move the carriage 40.

[0114] The ASIC 135 is also connected to an optical sensor of the rotary encoder 65. The controller 130 calculates the amount of rotation of the conveyor motor 101 based on the electrical signal received from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 65. The ASIC 135 is also connected to an encoder 35. The controller 130 recognizes the position of the carriage 40 and whether or not it is moving based on the pulse signal received from the encoder 35.

[0115] A piezoelectric element 45 is also connected to the ASIC 135. The piezoelectric element 45 is operated by receiving power from the controller 130 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 130 controls the power supply to the piezoelectric element 45 and causes ink droplets to be selectively ejected from the plurality of nozzles 39. A status sensor (not shown) is also connected to the ASIC 135. Based on a signal received from the status sensor, the controller 130 performs the image recording process and abnormality process described below.

[0116] When recording an image on the paper 12, the controller 130 alternately executes a conveying process and a printing process. The conveying process is a process in which the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 convey the paper 12 by a predetermined line feed amount. The controller 130 controls the conveying motor 101 to cause the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to execute the conveying process. The printing process is a process in which the carriage 40 is moved in the left-right direction 9 while controlling the power supply to the piezoelectric element 45 to cause the head 38 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 39. During the printing process, the carriage 40 is positioned in a medium passing area (an area between the right and left ends of the platen 42) and faces the platen 42.

[0117] The controller 130 stops the paper 12 for a certain period between the current transport process and the next transport process. Then, while the paper 12 is stopped, the printing process is performed. That is, in the printing process, the controller 130 performs one pass in which ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles 39 while moving the carriage 40 rightward or leftward. In this way, one pass of image recording is performed on the paper 12.

[0118] The controller 130 alternately and repeatedly executes the transport process and the printing process, thereby making it possible to record an image on the entire image-recordable area of ​​the paper 12. In other words, the controller 130 records an image on one sheet of paper 12 in multiple passes. In this manner, in the multifunction device 10, the carriage 40 moves while carrying the head 38, the subtank 210, and the cartridge 220 attached to the subtank 210. The carriage 40 moves in the left-right direction 9, and the head 38 ejects ink while the carriage 40 moves in the left-right direction 9.

[0119] The controller 130 is not limited to the above, and may be one in which only the CPU 131 performs various processes, or one in which only the ASIC 135 performs various processes, or one in which the CPU 131 and the ASIC 135 work together to perform various processes. Furthermore, the controller 130 may be one in which one CPU 131 performs processes independently, or one in which multiple CPUs 131 share the processes. Furthermore, the controller 130 may be one in which one ASIC 135 performs processes independently, or one in which multiple ASICs 135 share the processes.

[0120] [Image Recording Control by Controller 130] In the printer unit 11 configured as described above, the controller 130 executes a series of image recording controls, in which paper 12 is fed and an image is recorded on the fed paper 12. The image recording control by the controller 130 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0121] When image recording control is not being executed, the carriage 40 is positioned outside the medium passing area in the left-right direction 9 (this position is called the maintenance position), and does not face the platen 42.

[0122] A print command is sent to the controller 130 from the operation unit 17 of the multifunction device 10 (see FIG. 1) or an external device connected to the multifunction device 10. The print command includes a command to start image recording control, information about the size of the paper 12, and print data to be recorded as an image on the paper 12.

[0123] When the controller 130 receives a print command (S10: Yes), it feeds the paper 12 supported on the paper feed tray 20 (S20).

[0124] In step S20, the controller 130 drives the feeding motor 102. As a result, the feeding roller 25 feeds the paper 12 supported on the feeding tray 20 to the conveying path 64. The controller 130 also drives the conveying motor 101. As a result, when the leading edge of the paper 12 fed to the conveying path 64 by the feeding roller 25 reaches the pair of conveying rollers 59, the pair of conveying rollers 59 conveys the paper 12 in the conveying direction 15.

[0125] Next, the controller 130 drives the carriage drive motor 103 to move the carriage 40 from the maintenance position to the start position. The start position is the movement start position of the carriage 40 when the printing process (S30) is executed, and is determined based on the print data. In step S20, the feeding operation of the paper 12 and the movement operation of the carriage 40 are executed in parallel.

[0126] Next, the controller 130 executes the printing process (S30). In the printing process of step S30, the controller 130 executes one pass. That is, the controller 130 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 39 while moving the carriage 40 from the start position. Note that the carriage 40, which started moving from the maintenance position in step S20, may continue moving for the printing process without stopping at the start position. Of course, the carriage 40 may stop temporarily at the start position.

[0127] Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not image recording on the current sheet 12 has been completed based on the information about the size of the sheet 12 included in the print command and the print data (S40).

[0128] In step S40, if image recording on the current paper 12 has not been completed (S40: No), a conveying process is executed (S50). In the conveying process of step S50, the controller 130 drives the conveying motor 101 to cause the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the paper 12 by a predetermined line feed amount. Thereafter, the control of the controller 130 proceeds to step S30.

[0129] In step S40, if image recording on the current paper 12 is completed (S40: Yes), the controller 130 causes the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the paper 12 in the conveying direction 15 and discharge it onto the discharge tray 21 (S60).

[0130] Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not the image data included in the print command contains image data that has not yet been recorded on the paper 12, that is, whether or not there is image recording for the next page (S70).

[0131] If there is image recording for the next page (S70: Yes), the control of the controller 130 proceeds to step S20. In this case, the controller 130 feeds the subsequent paper 12 from the feed tray 20 to the conveying path 64 (S20). Note that the feeding of the subsequent paper 12 (S20) may be performed in parallel with the ejection of the preceding paper 12 (S60). If there is no image recording for the next page (S70: No), the controller 130 ends the series of image recording controls.

[0132] Here, we have described the case where the controller 130 normally performs image recording control, but the controller 130 may also perform a process to detect an abnormality and a process to be performed when an abnormality is detected (neither of which is shown in the figures) while performing image recording control.

[0133] [Effects of the embodiment] In the multifunction device 10 according to this embodiment, when the cartridge 220 is attached to the subtank 210, the ink 90 contained in the cartridge 220 is stored in the subtank 210. The ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is then supplied to the head 38, preventing air bubbles in the ink 90 from entering the head 38 and allowing the ink 90 contained in the cartridge 220 to be ejected until the remaining amount is low. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide a back pressure control mechanism in the cartridge 220, the volume ratio of the ink 90 contained in the cartridge 220 can be increased while the ink supply system including the cartridge 220 can be made smaller.

[0134] Furthermore, the valves 211, 212 inside the subtank 210 change from a closed state to an open state when the cartridge 220 is changed from the separated state to the attached state, and change from an open state to a closed state when the cartridge 220 is changed from the attached state to the separated state. In the separated state, the valve 211 is closed, preventing ink leakage from the subtank 210. In addition, in the separated state, the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 is not in communication with the atmosphere, preventing ink leakage from the cartridge 220 alone. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a labyrinth structure or semipermeable membrane in the cartridge 220, the structure of the cartridge 220 is simplified.

[0135] Furthermore, since the semipermeable membrane 214 is located above the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 in an equilibrium state, malfunction of the semipermeable membrane 214 can be prevented. Furthermore, the subtank 210 has a first base 217 and a first extension 218 extending from an upper part of the first base 217, and the cartridge 220 has a second base 227 and a second extension 228 extending from a lower part of the second base 227, so that the air space in the cartridge 220 can be reduced and the amount of liquid that can be stored in the cartridge 220 can be increased. Furthermore, since the outlet 215 is located below the liquid flow path 201, the amount of ink 90 remaining in the cartridge 220 can be reduced.

[0136] [First Modification] Various modifications can be made to the multifunction device 10 according to the above embodiment. In the multifunction device according to the first modification, a valve that is closed in the separated state is provided in the atmosphere communication hole 213 of the subtank 210. An example of a valve that is closed in the separated state (an example of a third valve) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0137] In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), the atmosphere communication hole 213 is provided in the right wall 210c of the subtank 210. The valve 251 has a movable part 252, a spring 253, and a packing 254, and is provided at a position outside the right wall 210c of the subtank 210 so as to be able to block the atmosphere communication hole 213. The movable part 252 has a flat plate shape. One surface of the movable part 252 is connected to one end of the spring 253. The other end of the spring 253 is connected to the outer surface of the right wall 210c of the subtank 210. The packing 254 has an annular shape and is attached to the periphery of the atmosphere communication hole 213 on the outer surface of the right wall 210c of the subtank 210.

[0138] In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to a cartridge replacement position. The cartridge replacement position is, for example, the rightmost position in the left-right direction 9 within the range in which the carriage 40 can move. When the carriage 40 is positioned other than the cartridge replacement position, the movable part 252 is positioned away from the packing 254, and therefore the valve 251 is in an open state.

[0139] A protrusion 256 that protrudes in the left-right direction 9 is provided on the frame 255 near the cartridge replacement position. The position of the protrusion 256 in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 is a position where it can abut against the movable part 252. When the carriage 40 is located at the cartridge replacement position, the protrusion 256 abuts against the movable part 252. At this time, the spring 253 contracts until the movable part 252 abuts against the packing 254, and the valve 251 is in a closed state.

[0140] The cartridge 220 is always replaced at the cartridge replacement position, in which the valve 251 is closed. Therefore, the valve 251 is closed in the separated state.

[0141] In the example shown in FIG. 7(B), the atmosphere communication hole 213 is provided in the right wall 210c of the subtank 210. The valve 261 is an electromagnetic valve having a movable part 262, a solenoid 263, and a packing 264. The valve 261 is provided at a position outside the right wall 210c of the subtank 210 where it can close the atmosphere communication hole 213. The movable part 252 has a flat abutment part and a shaft part that protrudes rightward from the abutment part. The shaft part of the movable part 252 is connected to the solenoid 263. The solenoid 263 is supported by a support part 265 provided on the right wall 210c of the subtank 210.

[0142] An electric current is supplied to the solenoid 263 by means not shown. The controller 130 controls whether or not an electric current is passed through the solenoid 263. When no electric current is passing through the solenoid 263, the movable part 262 is positioned at a distance from the packing 264 (position indicated by the dashed line) due to the action of the solenoid 263. At this time, the valve 261 is in an open state. When an electric current is passing through the solenoid 263, the movable part 262 is positioned at a position where it abuts against the packing 264 due to the action of the solenoid 263. At this time, the valve 261 is in a closed state.

[0143] In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position and controls the solenoid 263 to supply current. At this time, the valve 261 is in a closed state. Therefore, the valve 261 is in a closed state in the separated state.

[0144] 8 and 9, the atmosphere communication hole 213 is provided in the upper wall 210a of the subtank 210. The valve 271 has a movable part 272 and a fixed part 273. An atmosphere communication passage 274 connected to the atmosphere communication hole 213 is located between the movable part 272 and the fixed part 273. The atmosphere communication passage 274 is a tube made of a flexible material. The atmosphere communication hole 213 and the atmosphere communication passage 274 are examples of a communication part.

[0145] The cover 275 covers the front and top surfaces of the cartridge 220. The cover 275 is rotatable about an axis 276 between a first position shown in FIG. 8 and a second position shown in FIG. 9. The first position is a position where the cover covers the cartridge 220. The second position is a position where the cover is spaced apart from the cartridge 220. The cartridge 220 is replaced with the cover 275 in the second position.

[0146] The movable part 272 rotates around a shaft 276 together with the cover 275. When the cover 275 is located at the first position, the movable part 272 does not abut against the atmosphere communication passage 274. Therefore, the atmosphere communication passage 274 is in a connected state, and the communication portion consisting of the atmosphere communication hole 213 and the atmosphere communication passage 274 is in an open state. When the cover 275 is located at the second position, the movable part 272 abuts against the atmosphere communication passage 274 and approaches the atmosphere communication passage 274 and the fixed part 273. Therefore, the atmosphere communication passage 274 is sandwiched between the movable part 272 and the fixed part 273, is deformed, and is in a disconnected state, and the communication portion is in a closed state.

[0147] In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position. When the carriage 40 is located at the cartridge replacement position, the cover 275 is movable between a first position and a second position. As the cover 275 moves from the first position to the second position, the valve 271 changes from an open state to a closed state. As the cover 275 moves from the second position to the first position, the valve 271 changes from a closed state to an open state.

[0148] The cartridge 220 is replaced in the cartridge replacement position with the cover 275 in the second position. With the cover 275 in the second position, the valve 271 is closed. Therefore, the valve 271 is closed in the separated state. A labyrinth structure or a semipermeable membrane may be provided near the atmosphere opening of the atmosphere communication passage 274.

[0149] In the example shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the atmosphere communication hole 213 is provided in the front wall 210d of the subtank 210. The valve 281 has a movable part 282, a spring 283, a fixed part 284, and a packing 285. The movable part 282 has a contact part and a front part that protrudes forward from the contact part. The front part of the movable part 282 is inserted into the atmosphere communication hole 213. The contact part of the movable part 282 is connected to one end of the spring 283. The other end of the spring 283 is fixed to the fixed part 284. The packing 285 is attached to the periphery of the atmosphere communication hole 213 on the inner surface of the front wall 210d of the subtank 210.

[0150] The spring 283 biases the movable part 282 toward the front wall 210d. Therefore, in the separated state, the contact portion of the movable part 282 contacts the packing 285, and the atmosphere communication hole 213 is closed by the movable part 282 (see FIG. 10(A)). Therefore, in the separated state, the valve 281 is in a closed state. Also, in the separated state, a part of the front portion of the movable part 282 protrudes from the front wall 210d of the subtank 210.

[0151] In the attached state, the front portion of the movable portion 282 abuts against the housing of the cartridge 220. As a result, the movable portion 282 moves rearward against the restoring force of the spring 283, and the abutting portion of the movable portion 282 moves away from the packing 285. At this time, a space is created between the movable portion 282 and the packing 285, and air moves into the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 via the atmosphere communication hole 213 and this space. Therefore, in the attached state, the valve 281 is in an open state.

[0152] In this way, the valve 281 changes from an open state to a closed state when the attached state is changed to a detached state, and changes from a closed state to an open state when the attached state is changed to a detached state. Note that a labyrinth structure or a semipermeable membrane may be provided between the internal space 219 of the subtank 210 and the atmosphere communication hole 213.

[0153] The four types of valves 251, 261, 271, and 281 are closed in the detached state. Of these, valve 271 changes state in response to the opening and closing of cover 275, and valve 281 changes state in response to the attachment and detachment of a cartridge. Controller 130 does not control the states of valves 271 and 281.

[0154] On the other hand, because the valve 261 is an electromagnetic valve, the controller 130 can control the state of the valve 261 at any timing by controlling the current flowing through the solenoid 263. In response to receiving a cartridge replacement command, the controller 130 changes the valve 261 from an open state to a closed state. If the valve 261 is in a closed state when the controller 130 receives a cartridge replacement command, the controller 130 leaves the valve 261 in a closed state. At other times, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to an open state or a closed state.

[0155] For example, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to an open state during image recording. In this case, in response to receiving a cartridge command, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to a cartridge replacement position and controls the valve 261 to change from an open state to a closed state. Alternatively, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to a closed state as a general rule during image recording, and control the valve 261 to an open state in response to determining that the valve 261 needs to be opened to supply ink 90. ​​In this case, the cartridge replacement position is a position different from the position at which the valve 261 is controlled to an open state. Alternatively, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to an open state during a standby state in which image recording is not being performed. In this case, the cartridge replacement position is a position different from the standby position.

[0156] The state of the valve 251 changes depending on whether the carriage 40 is located at the cartridge replacement position under the control of the controller 130. Therefore, the controller 130 can control the state of the valve 251 at any timing by moving the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position.

[0157] In the multifunction peripheral according to the first modification, a valve is provided in the atmosphere communication hole 213, and this valve is in a closed state in the separated state. Therefore, in the separated state, the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 does not communicate with the atmosphere, so it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the cartridge 220. Furthermore, by controlling this valve to be in a closed state during image recording, it is possible to generate negative pressure in the subtank 210 and the cartridge 220.

[0158] [Other variations] In the multifunction peripheral according to the second modified example, a portion of a detection unit that detects the liquid level of ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is provided within the subtank 210. As shown in FIG. 11 , the detection unit 291 includes a prism 292, a light-emitting element 293, and a light-receiving element 294. The prism 292 is provided below the inner surface of the rear wall 210e of the subtank 210. The light-emitting element 293 and the light-receiving element 294 are provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 210e of the subtank 210. The positions of the prism 292 in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the positions of the light-emitting element 293 and the light-receiving element 294 in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9. The rear wall 210e of the subtank 210 is transparent or translucent at the positions of the light-emitting element 293 and the light-receiving element 294. The prism 292 is an example of a portion of the detection unit 291.

[0159] When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is lower than the position 7 of the detection unit 291 in the vertical direction, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 293 is reflected by the prism 292 and enters the light-receiving element 294. At this time, the detection unit 291 outputs, for example, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is higher than the position 7 of the detection unit 291 in the vertical direction, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 293 is scattered by the ink 90, and the detection level at the light-receiving element 294 becomes low. At this time, the detection unit 291 outputs, for example, a low-level signal to the controller 130.

[0160] Therefore, the controller 130 can detect the height of the liquid surface of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 based on the output signal of the detection unit 291. Furthermore, by providing a part of the detection unit 291 inside the subtank 210, it is not necessary to provide the cartridge 220 with a function for detecting the liquid surface of the ink 90, and therefore the cartridge 220 can be made smaller.

[0161] It should be noted that the multifunction device may be provided with a detection unit other than those described above. In the example shown in FIG. 12(A), an actuator 301 is provided in the internal space 219 of the subtank 210. The actuator 301 has a head and a float, and rotates around an axis 302. A protrusion 210f is provided on the rear wall 210e of the subtank 210. A transmission sensor (not shown) is provided at position P1 shown in FIG. 12(A), sandwiched between the left wall (not shown) and right wall (not shown) of the protrusion 210f. The protrusion 210f is transparent or translucent.

[0162] When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is higher than a predetermined level, the actuator 301 is in an upright position. At this time, the transmission sensor receives the emitted light and outputs, for example, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is lower than a predetermined level, the actuator 301 rotates about its axis, and the head of the actuator 301 enters the protrusion 210f. At this time, the light emitted from the transmission sensor is blocked by the head of the actuator 301, and the transmission sensor outputs, for example, a low-level signal. In this way, the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 can be detected using the actuator 301 and the transmission sensor.

[0163] In the example shown in Figure 12(B), a protrusion 210f is provided on the rear wall 210e of the subtank 210, and a transmission sensor (not shown) is provided at position P2 shown in Figure 12(B), sandwiched between the left wall (not shown) and right wall (not shown) of the protrusion 210f.

[0164] When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is lower than a predetermined level, the transmission sensor receives the emitted light and outputs, for example, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 is higher than a predetermined level, the emitted light from the transmission sensor is scattered by the ink 90, and the detection level of the transmission sensor becomes low. In this case, the transmission sensor outputs, for example, a low-level signal. In this way, the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 210 can be detected using the transmission sensor.

[0165] The multifunction device according to the third modification differs from the multifunction device 10 according to the above embodiment in the shapes of the subtank and cartridge. In the multifunction device according to the third modification, as shown in FIG. 13 , the subtank 310 has a first base 317 and a first extension 318. The first base 317 has a relatively high upper surface. The first extension 318 has a relatively low upper surface and extends from the lower part of the first base 317. The cartridge 320 has a second base 327 and a second extension 328. The second base 227 has a relatively low bottom surface. The second extension 228 has a relatively high bottom surface and extends from the upper part of the second base 227. This configuration extends the period during which ink 90 stored in the cartridge 320 is able to be ejected after it runs low.

[0166] The subtank does not necessarily have to have the first extension portion, and the cartridge does not necessarily have to have the second extension portion. In the example shown in Figure 14, the subtank 410 does not have the first extension portion and has only the first base portion. The cartridge 420 does not have the second extension portion and has only the second base portion.

[0167] In the multifunction peripheral according to the fourth modification, the cartridge is attached vertically to the subtank. As shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge 340 is attached vertically (in the up-down direction 7) to the subtank 330. The valve 211 is provided at an upper front position in the internal space 339 of the subtank 330. The valve 212 is provided at an upper rear position in the internal space 339 of the subtank 330. The valve 221 is provided at a lower front position in the internal space 349 of the cartridge 340. The valve 222 is provided at a lower rear position in the internal space 349 of the cartridge 340. The valves 211 and 221 are located in a liquid flow path 201 that is in a communication state in the attached state. The valves 212 and 222 are located in a gas flow path 202 that is in a communication state in the attached state. In the attached state, the valves 211 and 221 face each other, and the valves 212 and 222 face each other.

[0168] 16, the surfaces of the sub-tank 430 and cartridge 440 facing each other are inclined. The cartridge 440 is attached to the sub-tank 430 at an angle.

[0169] In the multifunction peripheral according to the fifth modified example, the atmosphere communication hole is provided in the cartridge, not in the sub-tank. As shown in FIG. 17 , the sub-tank 350 has valves 211 and 212 therein. The cartridge 360 ​​has valves 221 and 222 therein. The sub-tank 350 does not have an atmosphere communication hole. The upper wall 360a of the cartridge 360 ​​has an atmosphere communication hole 363. A semipermeable membrane 364 is attached to the atmosphere communication hole 363 to close the atmosphere communication hole 363. The atmosphere communication hole 363 is an example of a second communication portion.

[0170] As the state changes from the separated state to the attached state, valves 211 and 221 change from a closed state to an open state as shown in Figures 18(A) to 18(C). In the fifth modified example, spring 242 is weaker than spring 232. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 18(B), spring 242 compresses before spring 232 compresses. When spring 242 compresses, the contact portion of movable part 241 separates from packing 244, and valve 221 enters the open state. Thereafter, when the state shown in Figure 18(C) is reached, valve 211 enters the open state.

[0171] As the state changes from the separated state to the attached state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from a closed state to an open state, and the internal space 359 of the subtank 350 and the internal space 369 of the cartridge 360 ​​communicate with each other via the liquid flow path 201 that passes through the valves 211 and 221 and the gas flow path 202 that passes through the valves 212 and 222. Because the cartridge 360 ​​has an atmosphere communication hole 363, the internal space 359 of the subtank 350 communicates with the atmosphere via the gas flow path 202 and the atmosphere communication hole 363. Therefore, the ink 90 contained in the cartridge 360 ​​moves to the internal space 359 of the subtank 350 via the liquid flow path 201.

[0172] The multifunction peripheral according to the sixth modified example supplies ink by a so-called chicken feed method. As shown in FIG. 19 , the cartridge 380 is attached vertically to the subtank 370. A first flow path 371 is provided below the valve 211, and a second flow path 372 is provided below the valve 221. The lower end of the first flow path 371 is located higher than the lower end of the second flow path 372. In this case, the flow path connected to the first flow path 371 via the valve 211 functions as the liquid flow path 201, and the flow path connected to the second flow path 372 via the valve 212 functions as the gas flow path 202.

[0173] When image recording is performed and the ink 90 stored in the subtank 370 flows out from the outlet 215, the liquid level of the ink 90 stored in the subtank 370 drops. When the liquid level becomes lower than the position of the lower end of the second flow path 372, air moves into the second flow path 372. The moved air moves through the gas flow path 202 into the internal space 389 of the cartridge 380. As a result, the ink 90 stored in the internal space 389 of the cartridge 380 moves through the liquid flow path 201 into the internal space 379 of the subtank 370. In this way, the ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 380 to the subtank 370.

[0174] When ink 90 is supplied from cartridge 380, the liquid level of ink 90 stored in subtank 370 rises. When the liquid level becomes higher than the position of the lower end of first flow path 371, movement of ink 90 via liquid flow path 201 stops. In this way, an appropriate amount of ink 90 is supplied from cartridge 380 to subtank 370.

[0175] 20, in the multifunction peripheral according to the seventh modification, the head 38 is mounted on a carriage (not shown), but the sub-tank 210 and cartridge 220 are not mounted on the carriage. The head 38 and the sub-tank 210 are connected using a flexible tube 47. The sub-tank 210 is in communication with the head 38 via the tube 47.

[0176] The sub-tank 210 and the cartridge 220 are disposed at a predetermined position that is not on the carriage. As shown in Figure 20, the sub-tank 210 and the cartridge 220 may be disposed at a position lower than the head 38.

[0177] The multifunction peripheral according to the eighth modification has multiple sub-tanks. For example, as shown in Fig. 21, the recording unit 24 may include four sub-tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B. The sub-tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B are arranged side by side in the left-right direction 9. An atmosphere communication hole 213 and a semipermeable membrane 214 are provided in each of the sub-tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B.

[0178] A cartridge 220M containing magenta ink (not shown) is detachably mountable to the subtank 210M. A cartridge 220C containing cyan ink (not shown) is detachably mountable to the subtank 210C. A cartridge 220Y containing yellow ink (not shown) is detachably mountable to the subtank 210Y. A cartridge 220B containing black ink (not shown) is detachably mountable to the subtank 210B.

[0179] The arrangement order of the sub-tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B is not limited to the order shown in Figure 21. The sizes of the sub-tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B may be the same or different.

[0180] So far, we have described an ink cartridge, which is removed by the user when the ink runs out, as an example of a liquid reservoir. However, the liquid reservoir may also be a tank that is not removed by the user when the ink runs out. A liquid ejection device equipped with a tank can continue printing by the user refilling ink through an inlet provided in the tank. Even in a liquid ejection device equipped with such a tank, by providing a sub-tank between the tank and the head and configuring the tank to be detachable from the sub-tank, manufacturers of liquid ejection devices can offer multiple product lineups by replacing different types of tanks with different shapes, volumes, etc., with the liquid ejection device. Furthermore, modularizing the components and increasing the number of detachable parts makes it easier to provide products that can be used for a long period of time by simply replacing damaged parts. By making the tank detachable from the sub-tank, a liquid ejection device that can be used for a long period of time can be provided by replacing the damaged tank with a new tank. Note that a multifunction device without a liquid reservoir (cartridge or tank) is an example of a liquid ejection device, and a multifunction device with a liquid reservoir attached is also an example of a liquid ejection device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 9...Left and right direction (first direction) 10...Multifunction device (liquid discharge device) 38...head 39 Nozzle 40···Carriage 90···Ink (liquid) 130 Controller 201 Liquid flow path 202 Gas flow path 210, 310, 330, 350, 370, 410, 430... Subtank (storage section) 220, 320, 340, 360, 380, 420, 440 Cartridges (liquid reservoirs) 211··· valve (first valve) 212··· valve (second valve) 213 Atmospheric vent (communication part) 214, 364...Semi-permeable membrane 215...outlet 217, 317...1st base 218, 318...1st extension part 221··· valve (4th valve) 222··· valve (5th valve) 227, 327...2nd base 228, 328...Second extension part 251, 261, 271, 281 valves (third valves) 274... Atmospheric communication passage (communication part) 275···Cover 291...Detection unit 292 Prism (part of the detection unit) 301 Actuator (part of the detection unit) 363 Atmospheric vent (second vent)

Claims

1. a head having a nozzle for ejecting a liquid; a reservoir connected to the head and capable of storing liquid; a carriage that carries the head and the storage unit and moves in a first direction; a liquid reservoir containing a liquid can be attached to and detached from the reservoir; When the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir section, an internal space of the reservoir section and an internal space of the liquid reservoir communicate with each other via a liquid flow path and a gas flow path; the storage section has a communication section that communicates an internal space of the storage section with the atmosphere, In the above mounting state, a first liquid-filled region in the internal space of the reservoir communicates with a second liquid-filled region in the internal space of the liquid reservoir via the liquid flow path; a second gas-filled region in the internal space of the liquid reservoir communicates with a first gas-filled region in the internal space of the reservoir portion via the gas flow path, and also communicates with the atmosphere via the communication portion of the reservoir portion; A liquid discharger in which no liquid-filled region is interposed between the second gas-filled region and the atmosphere.

2. the reservoir has a first valve located in the liquid flow path and a second valve located in the gas flow path; As the liquid reservoir changes from a detached state in which it is not attached to the storage portion to the attached state, the first valve and the second valve change from a closed state to an open state, 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first valve and the second valve change from an open state to a closed state when the state changes from the attached state to the separated state.

3. the communication section further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the third valve is in a closed state when the liquid reservoir is not attached to the reservoir portion.

4. Further comprising a controller; the controller, in response to receiving a command to replace the fluid reservoir, moves the carriage to a fluid reservoir replacement position; As the carriage moves to the liquid reservoir replacement position, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state when the carriage moves away from the liquid reservoir replacement position.

5. Further comprising a controller; The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the controller changes the third valve from an open state to a closed state in response to receiving a command to replace the liquid reservoir.

6. Further provided is a cover for covering the liquid reservoir, When the cover moves from a first position covering the liquid reservoir to a second position away from the liquid reservoir, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state when the cover moves from the second position to the first position.

7. As the state changes from the attached state to the detached state, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state in response to the change from the attached state to the detached state.

8. The communication part includes a semipermeable membrane, 8. A liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the semipermeable membrane is positioned above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section after the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section and the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid contained in the liquid reservoir reach equilibrium.

9. 8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the communication section comprises a semipermeable membrane and a labyrinth structure located between the internal space of the storage section and the semipermeable membrane.

10. the liquid reservoir has a second communication part that communicates an internal space of the liquid reservoir with the atmosphere, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication portion is located in the gas flow path.

11. As the liquid reservoir changes from a detached state where it is not attached to the storage portion to the attached state, the communication portion changes from a closed state to an open state, 11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion changes from an open state to a closed state when the attached state is changed to the separated state.

12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir is attached horizontally to the reservoir portion.

13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir is attached in a vertical direction to the reservoir portion.

14. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir is attached obliquely to the reservoir portion.

15. Further provided is a detection unit that detects the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage unit, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein a part of the detection unit is located inside the storage unit.

16. The storage section has a first base section and a first extension section extending from an upper portion of the first base section, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir has a second base portion and a second extension portion that extends from a lower portion of the second base portion.

17. The storage section has a first base section and a first extension section extending from a lower portion of the first base section, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir has a second base portion and a second extension portion that extends from an upper portion of the second base portion.

18. the reservoir has an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the reservoir, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet is positioned below the liquid flow path.

19. 19. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir, the gas flow path is brought into communication with the liquid flow path before or simultaneously with the liquid flow path.

20. 19. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir, the gas flow path is brought into communication with the liquid flow path after the liquid flow path.

21. 21. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the liquid reservoir is removed from the reservoir, the gas flow path is disconnected after the liquid flow path or simultaneously with the liquid flow path.

22. 21. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when the liquid reservoir is removed from the reservoir, the gas flow path is disconnected before the liquid flow path.

23. a head having a nozzle for ejecting a liquid; a reservoir portion that communicates with the head and is capable of storing liquid; a liquid reservoir attached to the reservoir and configured to contain a liquid; the liquid reservoir is detachable from the reservoir; When the liquid reservoir is attached to the reservoir section, an internal space of the reservoir section and an internal space of the liquid reservoir communicate with each other via a liquid flow path and a gas flow path; the reservoir has a communication part that communicates an internal space of the reservoir with the atmosphere, a first valve located in the liquid flow path, and a second valve located in the gas flow path; the liquid reservoir has a fourth valve located in the liquid flow path and a fifth valve located in the gas flow path; As the liquid reservoir changes from a detached state in which it is not attached to the storage portion to the attached state, the first valve, the second valve, the fourth valve, and the fifth valve change from a closed state to an open state, As the state changes from the attached state to the separated state, the first valve, the second valve, the fourth valve, and the fifth valve change from an open state to a closed state, In the above mounting state, a first liquid-filled region in the internal space of the reservoir communicates with a second liquid-filled region in the internal space of the liquid reservoir via the liquid flow path; a second gas-filled region in the internal space of the liquid reservoir communicates with a first gas-filled region in the internal space of the reservoir portion via the gas flow path, and also communicates with the atmosphere via the communication portion of the reservoir portion; A liquid discharger in which no liquid-filled region is interposed between the second gas-filled region and the atmosphere.

24. A liquid ejection device as described in claim 23, wherein in the attached state, gas moves from the internal space of the storage section to the internal space of the liquid storage container via the gas flow path, and liquid moves from the internal space of the liquid storage container to the internal space of the storage section via the liquid flow path, and when an equilibrium state is reached, the movement of gas and liquid stops.

25. Further provided is a cover for covering the liquid reservoir, the communication section further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, When the cover moves from a first position covering the liquid reservoir to a second position away from the liquid reservoir, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, 25. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state when the cover moves from the second position to the first position.

26. the communication section further includes a third valve that changes between an open state and a closed state, As the state changes from the attached state to the detached state, the third valve changes from an open state to a closed state, 25. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the third valve changes from a closed state to an open state in response to the change from the attached state to the detached state.

27. The communication part includes a semipermeable membrane, A liquid ejection device as described in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the semipermeable membrane is positioned above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section after the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage section and the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid contained in the liquid reservoir reach equilibrium.

28. As the state changes from the separated state to the attached state, the communication portion changes from a closed state to an open state, 28. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the communication portion changes from an open state to a closed state in response to the change from the attached state to the separated state.

29. 29. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the liquid reservoir is attached horizontally to the reservoir portion.

30. 29. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the liquid reservoir is attached in a vertical direction to the reservoir portion.

31. 29. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the liquid reservoir is attached obliquely to the reservoir portion.

32. Further provided is a detection unit that detects the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage unit, 32. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein a part of the detection unit is located inside the storage unit.

33. the reservoir has an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the reservoir, 33. The liquid ejection device according to claim 23, wherein the outlet is positioned below the liquid flow path.

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