Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide means that can accurately sense a timing at which liquid level in a second liquid chamber becomes less than a predetermined position.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: a cartridge 200 having a liquid chamber 210; a tank 160 having a liquid chamber 171 communicating with the liquid chamber 210 in a fitting state where the cartridge 200 is fitted thereto; a turning member 190, positioned at the liquid chamber 171, which turns; a liquid level sensor 155 that detects the turning member 190; a head 21 that discharges ink; and an attenuating wall 187, positioned at the liquid chamber 171, which attenuates a flow velocity of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a liquid ejection device has been known that includes a removable ink storage member, an ink storage chamber that stores ink supplied from the attached ink storage member, and a recording head that ejects the ink stored in the ink storage chamber to record an image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The internal space of the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber are connected, the ink moves so that the liquid levels in the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber are aligned at the same height due to the difference in the hydraulic head between the internal space of the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "hydraulic head difference"). A rotating member provided in the ink storage chamber rotates according to the liquid level in the ink storage chamber. When a new ink storage member is connected while the ink storage chamber is empty, the rotating member rotates due to the jet of ink flowing from the ink storage member into the ink storage chamber. Therefore, the rotating member rotates reliably even if the rotation of the rotating member is hindered by the viscosity of the ink, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-160323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, when the liquid level in the ink storage chamber falls below a predetermined level, the detectable portion of the rotating member moves out from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor. When ink is consumed in the recording head in this state, ink flows from the ink accommodating member into the ink storage chamber. This ink jet exerts a force that rotates the rotating member in a direction that positions the detectable portion between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor. This force may cause the rotating member to rotate, causing the detectable portion to move in and out of position between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor. As a result, it becomes impossible to accurately detect when the liquid level in the ink storage chamber falls below the predetermined level.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a means for accurately detecting the timing when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls below a predetermined position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a liquid container having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a tank to which the liquid container can be attached and having a second liquid chamber that communicates with the first liquid chamber through a liquid flow path when the liquid container is attached, a rotating member located in the second liquid chamber and rotating about a rotation axis along a second direction that intersects with a first direction in which the liquid flow path extends, a sensor that detects the rotating member, a head that ejects liquid flowing out of the second liquid chamber, and a damping unit located in the second liquid chamber and damping the flow rate of liquid flowing through the liquid flow path to the second liquid chamber. The rotating member has a float and a detectable unit, and is in a first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined level due to the buoyancy of the float relative to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber, and in a second state different from the first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is below the predetermined level. The sensor outputs a detection signal based on detection of the detected portion in the first state. The damping portion is located between the float and an opening of the liquid flow path in the second liquid chamber in the first direction. A first range occupied by the float in the first state in the vertical direction at least partially overlaps with a second range occupied by the damping portion in the vertical direction.

[0007] In the mounted state, when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is above a predetermined level and liquid is consumed in the head, the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path. The flow rate of the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber is attenuated by the attenuation portion, so that the rotational member in the first state is prevented from rotating due to the flow rate of the liquid.

[0008] (2) The damping portion may have a wall located between the float in the first state and the opening of the liquid flow path in the first direction.

[0009] The wall reduces the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber.

[0010] (3) The attenuation portion may have a lower opening facing downward.

[0011] The liquid attenuated by the attenuation section flows downward through the lower opening. The downward flow of liquid agitates the liquid accumulating near the bottom of the second liquid chamber.

[0012] (4) The attenuation portion may have an upper opening facing upward.

[0013] Air bubbles in the liquid passing through the attenuation section flow upward through the upper opening.

[0014] (5) The attenuation portion may be a flow path having a tapered shape that widens in the first direction toward the second liquid chamber.

[0015] (6) The second direction may be along the horizontal direction.

[0016] (7) The first range may overlap the entire second range.

[0017] (8) The liquid container may have a first gas flow path that connects the first liquid chamber to the outside, and the tank may have a second gas flow path that connects the second liquid chamber to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the timing when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls below a predetermined position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 10, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the covering position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the exposing position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the attachment case 150. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the joint 180 and the tank 160 at a predetermined position P. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mounting case 150 showing a damping wall 187 according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a joint 180 and a tank 160 according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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 of the present invention. Furthermore, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the use position in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used, the front-to-back direction 8 is defined with the surface of the printer 10 on which the opening 13 is formed as the front, and the left-to-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the printer 10 from the front. In this embodiment, in the use position, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9 are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] [Printer 10 Overview] The printer 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a liquid ejection device that records an image on a sheet using an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 14. The printer 10 may also be a so-called "multifunction device" that has functions such as a facsimile function, a scanning function, and a copying function.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, inside the housing 14 are located a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a conveying roller 25, a head 21 having multiple nozzles 29, a platen 26 facing the head 21, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, an attachment case 150 to which the cartridge 200 is attached and detached, and a tube 32 that connects the head 21 and the cartridge 200 (an example of a liquid container) attached to the attachment case 150.

[0023] The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported on the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink, which is supplied from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the tube 32, through the nozzles 29. This causes the ink to land on the sheet supported by the platen 26, recording an image on the sheet. The printer 10 then drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image has been recorded onto the discharge tray 16.

[0024] More specifically, the head 21 may be mounted on a carriage that moves back and forth in a main scanning direction that intersects with the direction of sheet transport by the transport rollers 25. The printer 10 may then cause the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage from one side to the other in the main scanning direction. This causes an image to be recorded on a portion of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "one pass"). Next, the printer 10 may cause the transport rollers 25 to transport the sheet so that the area on which the next image is to be recorded faces the head 21. These processes are then alternately and repeatedly performed, thereby recording an image on one sheet.

[0025] [Cover 87] As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 further includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covered position (position shown in FIG. 1(A)) in which the opening 85 is closed and an exposed position (position shown in FIG. 1(B)) in which the opening 85 is open. The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14, for example, near the lower end of the housing 14 in the up-down direction 7, so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the left-right direction 9. An attachment case 150 is located in an accommodation space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85.

[0026] [Mounting Case 150] 3, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, an attachment sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to the colors black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, four rods 153, four attachment sensors 154, and four liquid level sensors 155, one for each of the four cartridges 200. Note that the number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one, or five or more.

[0027] The mounting case 150 is box-shaped and has an internal space that accommodates the mounted cartridge 200. The internal space of the mounting case 150 is defined by a top wall that defines the upper end, a bottom wall that defines the lower end, a rear wall that defines the rear end in the front-to-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-to-right direction 9. Meanwhile, an opening 85 is formed at a position facing the rear wall of the mounting case 150. That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is in the exposed position.

[0028] The cartridge 200 is inserted into the attachment case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14, and is removed from the attachment case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 and is attached to the attachment case 150. The cartridge 200 removed from the attachment case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0029] [Contact 152] The contact 152 is located on the top wall of the attachment case 150. The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the attachment case 150. When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the contact 152 is located in a position that contacts an electrode 248 of the cartridge 200, which will be described later. The contact 152 is conductive and can be elastically deformed in the up-down direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to a controller (not shown).

[0030] [Rod 153] The rod 153 protrudes forward from the rear wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located on the rear wall of the mounting case 150 above a joint 180, which will be described later. During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through an atmospheric vent port 221, which will be described later, of the cartridge 200. When the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214, the atmospheric valve chamber 214, which will be described later, is connected to the atmosphere.

[0031] [Wearing Sensor 154] The attachment sensor 154 is located on the top wall of the attachment case 150. The attachment sensor 154 is a sensor that allows the controller to detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The attachment sensor 154 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, a light-shielding rib 245 (described later) of the cartridge 200 is located between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the attachment sensor 154. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the attachment sensor 154 are located opposite each other, with the light-shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 in between.

[0032] The wearing sensor 154 outputs a different signal (referred to as a "wearing signal" in the drawing) depending on whether or not light emitted from the light-emitting unit in the left-right direction 9 is received by the light-receiving unit. For example, the wearing sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller when the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit is less than a threshold intensity. On the other hand, the wearing sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal, the signal intensity of which is higher than the low-level signal, to the controller when the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit is equal to or greater than the threshold intensity.

[0033] [Liquid level sensor 155] The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor that allows the controller to detect whether a detection target portion 194 of the pivotable member 190 (described later) is located at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 155 are positioned facing each other, sandwiching the detection target portion 194 located at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (referred to as a "liquid level signal" in the figure) depending on whether light emitted from the light-emitting portion is received by the light-receiving portion. For example, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal to the controller when the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving portion is less than a threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal, the signal intensity of which is higher than the low-level signal, to the controller when the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving portion is equal to or greater than the threshold intensity.

[0034] [Lock pin 156] The lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the internal space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85. Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces capable of accommodating four cartridges 200. The lock pin 156 is used to hold the cartridge 200 attached to the mounting case 150 in the attached position shown in FIG. 5. When attached to the mounting case 150, the cartridge 200 engages with the lock pin 156.

[0035] [Tank 160] The printer 10 is equipped with four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The tanks 160 are located further rearward than the rear wall of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 160 is composed of an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and side walls 165 and 166 (see FIG. 6). The front wall 162 is composed of multiple walls that are each offset in the front-to-rear direction 8. A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

[0036] Of the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 is translucent. This allows light output by the liquid level sensor 155 to pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155. At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film welded to the end surfaces of the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the side walls 165, 166. Furthermore, the side walls 165, 166 of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150, or may be independent from the mounting case 150. Furthermore, adjacent tanks 160 in the left-right direction 9 are separated by a partition wall (not shown). The four tanks 160 generally have the same configuration.

[0037] 3 and 6, in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, a damping wall 187 is located behind a through-hole 184 (an example of an opening of a liquid flow path) that communicates with the internal space of the joint 180. The damping wall 187 extends from the side wall 165 to the right in the left-right direction 9, with the extending end separated from the side wall 166. In the front-rear direction 8, the damping wall 187 is located between the through-hole 184 and the float 191 in the first state.

[0038] The upper end of the damping wall 187 is spaced apart from the wall of the tank 160. Therefore, the space defined by the damping wall 187 and the front wall 162 has an upper opening 188 facing upward. The lower end of the damping wall 187 is spaced apart from the lower wall 163 of the tank 160. Therefore, the space defined by the damping wall 187 and the front wall 162 has a lower opening 189 facing downward. In other words, the space defined by the damping wall 187 and the front wall 162 is continuous with the space behind the damping wall 187 in the liquid chamber 171 through the upper opening 188 and the lower opening 189.

[0039] 3, range R1 (an example of a first range) occupied by float 191 in the first state in the vertical direction 7 overlaps with range R2 (an example of a second range) occupied by damping wall 187 in the vertical direction 7 so as to be included therein. Range R1 is the range between the uppermost and lowermost positions of float 191 in the first state in the vertical direction 7. Range R2 is the range between the uppermost and lowermost positions of damping wall 187 in the vertical direction 7.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, ink flowing from the cartridge 200 through the joint 180 flows into the liquid chamber 171 through the through-hole 184. The flow direction of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 through the through-hole 184 is generally backward in the front-to-rear direction 8. The flow of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 from the through-hole 184 hits the damping wall 187 and is guided in the up-down direction 7, and flows into the rear space of the liquid chamber 171 where the float 191 is located through the upper opening 188 and the lower opening 189. The damping wall 187 damps the flow rate of the ink flowing backward through the through-hole 184 into the liquid chamber 171. The ink flowing downward into the liquid chamber 171 through the lower opening 189 agitates ink components that have settled to the bottom in the liquid chamber 171. Furthermore, the air bubbles that have flowed into the liquid chamber 171 through the through-hole 184 proceed toward the upper portion of the liquid chamber 171 through the upper opening 188 .

[0041] The liquid chamber 171 is connected to an ink flow path (not shown) through the outlet 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines the lower end of the liquid chamber 171. The outlet 174 is located lower in the up-down direction 7 than the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through-hole 184). The ink flow path (not shown) that is connected to the outlet 174 is connected to the tube 32 (see FIG. 2). This allows the liquid chamber 171 to communicate with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. In other words, ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32.

[0042] The liquid chamber 171 is in communication with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through a through-hole 176 that penetrates the front wall 162. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is also in communication with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177. In other words, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a second gas flow path having one end (through-hole 176) in communication with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmosphere communication port 177) in communication with the outside of the printer 10. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[0043] [Joint 180] As shown in FIG. 3, the joint 180 includes a needle 181 and a guide 182. The needle 181 is a tube having a flow path formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward in the front-rear direction 8 from a front wall 162 that defines a liquid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the protruding tip of the needle 181. The internal space of the needle 181 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 via a through-hole 184 that penetrates the front wall 162. The needle 181 is an example of a liquid flow path in which one end (the opening 183) communicates with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (the through-hole 184) communicates with the liquid chamber 171. Therefore, the front-rear direction 8 is an example of a first direction in which a liquid flow path extends. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member disposed around the needle 181. The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 and has an open protruding end.

[0044] A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are positioned in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 is movable in the internal space of the needle 181 between a closed position and an open position along the front-to-rear direction 8. When the valve 185 is positioned at the closed position, it closes the opening 183. When the valve 185 is positioned at the open position, it opens the opening 183. The coil spring 186 biases the valve 185 in a direction that moves it from the open position to the closed position, i.e., forward.

[0045] [Rotating member 190] A rotating member 190 is positioned in the liquid chamber 171. The rotating member 190 is supported by a support member (not shown) disposed within the liquid chamber 171 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The rotating member 190 can rotate between the position indicated by the solid line and the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the rotating member 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow 198 from the position indicated by the solid line by a stopper (not shown, for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). The rotating member 190 includes a float 191, a shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detection target portion 194.

[0046] The float 191 is made of a material with a lower specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The shaft 192 protrudes in the left-right direction 9 from the right and left surfaces of the float 191. The left-right direction 9 is aligned with the horizontal direction when the printer 10 is in use. Therefore, the left-right direction 9 is an example of a second direction. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the pivoting member 190 is supported by the support member so that it can pivot around the shaft 192. The arm 193 extends substantially upward from the float 191. The detection target 194 is located at the protruding tip of the arm 193. The detection target 194 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8. The detection target 194 is made of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting element of the liquid level sensor 155.

[0047] When the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, the rotating member 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by buoyancy and is held by the stopper at the detection position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 (an example of a first state). On the other hand, when the ink level is lower than the predetermined position P, the rotating member 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the drop in the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 moves to a position away from the detection position (an example of a second state). In other words, the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

[0048] The predetermined position P is indicated by an imaginary line extending horizontally at the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7 and at the same height as the center of an ink supply port 234 (described later). However, the predetermined position P is not limited to the above-mentioned position as long as it is located above the outlet 174 in the vertical direction 7. As another example, the predetermined position P may be at the height of the upper or lower end of the internal space of the needle 181, or at the height of the upper or lower end of the ink supply port 234.

[0049] When the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, the light output from the light-emitting element of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detection target portion 194. As a result, the light from the light-emitting element does not reach the light-receiving element of the liquid level sensor 155, and so the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal to the controller. On the other hand, when the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is lower than the predetermined position P, the light output from the light-emitting element of the liquid level sensor 155 reaches the light-receiving element, and so the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal to the controller. In other words, the controller can detect whether the level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155.

[0050] [Cartridge 200] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (an example of a first liquid chamber) capable of storing ink, which is an example of a liquid. The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a resin wall. The cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimensions along the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 are greater than the dimensions along the left-right direction 9. The outer shapes of the cartridges 200 storing different colors of ink may be the same or different. At least a portion of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 is translucent. This allows the user to visually check the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from outside the cartridge 200.

[0051] The cartridge 200 includes a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 is composed of a rear wall 202, a front wall 203, an upper wall 204, a lower wall 205, and a pair of side walls 206 and 207. The rear wall 202 is composed of multiple walls that are each offset in the front-to-rear direction 8. The upper wall 204 is composed of multiple walls that are each offset in the up-down direction 7. The lower wall 205 is composed of multiple walls that are each offset in the up-down direction 7.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4(B), a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmospheric valve chamber 214 are formed in the internal space of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an internal space of the supply pipe 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 connects the liquid chamber 210 to the outside of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

[0053] The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are connected to each other by a through-hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 217 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. An upper surface 215U of the partition wall 215 partitions the upper liquid chamber 211. A lower surface 215L of the partition wall 215 partitions the lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are connected to each other by a through-hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. The ink valve chamber 213 is connected to the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 via a through-hole 219.

[0054] The atmosphere valve chamber 214 is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmosphere communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the top of the cartridge 200. That is, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 is an example of a first gas flow path, one end (through-hole 218) of which is connected to the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211) and the other end (atmosphere communication port 221) of which is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 is connected to the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 221. A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the atmosphere valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 222 is located in the closed position, it closes the atmosphere communication port 221. When the valve 222 is located in the open position, it opens the atmosphere communication port 221. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction that moves the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the rearward direction.

[0055] During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221. The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222, which is in the closed position, forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223. Then, the valve 222 moves to the open position, thereby connecting the upper liquid chamber 211 to the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the example described above. As another example, the rod 153 may break through a film that seals the atmosphere communication port 221.

[0056] The supply tube 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the bottom of the housing 201. The protruding end (i.e., the rear end) of the supply tube 230 is open. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates between the liquid chamber 210, which is communicated through the through-hole 219, and the outside of the cartridge 200. A packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are positioned in the ink valve chamber 213.

[0057] An ink supply port 234 is formed in the center of the packing 231, penetrating in the front-to-rear direction 8. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable in the front-to-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is located in the closed position, it abuts against the packing 231 to close the ink supply port 234. When the valve 232 is located in the open position, it moves away from the packing 231 to open the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 in a direction that moves it from the open position to the closed position, i.e., backward. The biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186.

[0058] During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the supply tube 230 enters the guide 182, and eventually the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234. At this time, the needle 181 elastically deforms the packing 231 and comes into liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the ink supply port 234. As the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233. Furthermore, the valve 232 moves the valve 185, which protrudes from the opening 183 of the needle 181, rearward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

[0059] 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply tube 230 communicates with the internal space of the needle 181. In other words, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the ink valve chamber 213 and the internal space of the needle 181 form a flow path that communicates the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 with the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

[0060] Furthermore, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, a portion of the liquid chamber 210 and a portion of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed horizontally. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the connected supply pipe 230 and joint 180 due to the hydraulic head difference.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 , a protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204. The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-to-rear direction 8. The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243. The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are located above the upper wall 204. The locking surface 242 faces forward in the front-to-rear direction 8 and extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-to-right direction 9 (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the upper wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward and rearward.

[0062] The locking surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the locking pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the locking pin 156 to a position where it comes into contact with the locking surface 242 during the process of attaching the cartridge 200 to the attachment case 150. When the locking surface 242 and the locking pin 156 come into contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held in the attachment position shown in FIG. 5 against the biasing forces of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

[0063] A flat plate-shaped member is formed in front of the locking surface 242 and extending upward from the upper wall 204. The upper surface of this flat plate-shaped member is an operating portion 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the attachment case 150. When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the cover 87 is positioned in the exposed position, the operating portion 244 can be operated by the user. When the operating portion 244 is pressed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates, and the locking surface 242 moves downward beyond the locking pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the attachment case 150.

[0064] A light-shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204, behind the protrusion 241. The light-shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The light-shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting portion of the attachment sensor 154. When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the light-shielding rib 245 is located on the optical path from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion of the attachment sensor 154. That is, the attachment sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller in response to the cartridge 200 being attached to the attachment case 150. On the other hand, the attachment sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal to the controller in response to the cartridge 200 not being attached to the attachment case 150. That is, the controller can detect whether the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on the signal output from the attachment sensor 154.

[0065] An IC board 247 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204, between the light-shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. Electrodes 248 are formed on the IC board 247. The IC board 247 also includes a memory (not shown). The electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the memory of the IC board 247. The electrodes 248 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC board 247 so as to be electrically conductive with the contacts 152. That is, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the electrodes 248 are electrically conductive with the contacts 152. The controller can read information from the memory of the IC board 247 via the contacts 152 and the electrodes 248, and can write information to the memory of the IC board 247 via the contacts 152 and the electrodes 248.

[0066] The memory of the IC board 247 stores information such as the amount of ink and identification information for identifying individual cartridges 200. When the cartridge 200 is new, the memory of the IC board 247 stores the initial ink amount as the ink amount. This initial ink amount indicates the amount of ink stored in a new cartridge 200. Hereinafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC board 247 may be collectively referred to as "cartridge information" or "CTG information." Furthermore, "new" refers to a so-called unused product, a state in which the ink inside the cartridge 200 has never leaked out of a cartridge 200 that has been manufactured and sold.

[0067] The storage area of ​​the memory of the IC board 247 has, for example, an area where information is not overwritten by the controller and an area where information can be overwritten by the controller. For example, identification information is stored in the area that is not overwritten, and ink amount is stored in the area that can be overwritten.

[0068] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, in the mounted state, when ink is consumed in the head 21 while the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the joint 180. The backward flow velocity of the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 is attenuated by the attenuation wall 187, so that the rotating member 190 in the first state is prevented from rotating in the direction of the arrow 199 due to the ink flow velocity. This makes it possible to accurately detect the timing when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 falls below the predetermined position P.

[0069] Furthermore, the ink attenuated by the attenuation wall 187 flows downward through the lower opening 189, stirring up ink components remaining near the bottom of the liquid chamber 171. Furthermore, air bubbles in the ink flow upward through the upper opening 188.

[0070] [Variations] In the foregoing embodiment, the damping wall 187 extends from the side wall 165 toward the right in the left - right direction 9. However, the damping wall 187 may extend from the side wall 166 toward the left in the left - right direction 9. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the damping wall 187 may extend from the upper wall near the through - hole 184 downward in the up - down direction 7. In this case, there may be no upper opening 188 and only the lower opening 189.

[0071] Also, instead of the damping wall 187 in the foregoing embodiment, the backward flow velocity of the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the joint 180 may be attenuated by the flow - path shape near the through - hole 184.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the through - hole 184 has a tapered shape that expands in the backward direction of the front - rear direction 8 with respect to the inner diameter D1 of the flow path 197, which is the internal space of the joint 180. The inner diameter D2 of the rear end of the tapered through - hole 184, that is, the opening of the liquid chamber 171, is larger than the inner diameter D1 (D1 < D2). Due to the through - hole 184 having a tapered shape that expands backward, the backward flow velocity of the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 through the flow path 181 is attenuated.

[0073] In the foregoing embodiment, the range R1 occupied by the float 191 in the up - down direction 7 overlaps with the range R2 occupied by the damping wall 187 in the up - down direction 7 such that R1 is included in R2. However, the ranges R1 and R2 only need to overlap at least partially.

[0074] Also, in the space partitioned by the damping wall 187 and the front wall 162, the upper opening 188 facing upward and the lower opening 189 facing downward do not necessarily need to open along the up - down direction 7. For example, they may face a direction that intersects both the up - down direction 7 and the front - rear direction 8, such as upward and rearward or downward and rearward.

[0075] Also, in the foregoing embodiment, the damping wall 187 does not allow ink to pass through. However, the damping wall 187 may be a mesh structure or the like that allows ink to pass through, either entirely or partially.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, both the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are connected to the outside, and ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 due to the difference in liquid level between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171. However, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 does not have to be connected to the outside. In this case, the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 are connected in a vertical direction 7 with the cartridge 200 on top, and two flow paths, a liquid flow path and a gas flow path, are formed in the joint 180. Ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 through the liquid flow path of the joint 180, and gas flows from the gas layer of the liquid chamber 171 to the liquid chamber 210 through the gas flow path.

[0077] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, ink is described as an example of a liquid, but the liquid may be, for example, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto paper or the like prior to ink during image recording, or water for cleaning the head 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10. Printer (liquid discharge device) 21...head 155 Liquid level sensor 160... Tank 171...Liquid chamber (2nd liquid chamber) 177 Atmospheric communication port (second gas flow path) 184...Through hole (damping section) 185 Damping wall (damping section) 186···Top opening 187···Bottom opening 190 Rotating member 191···Float 194...Detected part 200 cartridge (liquid container) 210...Liquid chamber (1st liquid chamber) 214 Atmospheric valve chamber (first gas flow path)

Claims

1. a liquid container having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored; a tank to which the liquid container can be attached, the tank having a second liquid chamber that communicates with the first liquid chamber through a liquid flow path when the liquid container is attached; a rotating member located in the second liquid chamber and rotating around a rotation axis along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the liquid flow path extends; a sensor for detecting the rotating member; a head that ejects the liquid flowing out of the second liquid chamber; an attenuation portion located in the second liquid chamber and attenuating the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path to the second liquid chamber, the rotating member has a float and a detected portion, and is in a first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined level due to the buoyancy of the float relative to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber, and in a second state different from the first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is below the predetermined level; the sensor outputs a detection signal based on detection of the detected portion in the first state; the damping portion is located between the float and an opening of the liquid flow path in the second liquid chamber in the first direction, A liquid discharge device in which a first range occupied by the float in the first state in the vertical direction at least partially overlaps with a second range occupied by the damping portion in the vertical direction.

2. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the damping portion has a wall located between the float in the first state and the opening of the liquid flow path in the first direction.

3. 3. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the attenuation portion has a lower opening facing downward.

4. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1 , wherein the attenuation portion has an upper opening facing upward.

5. 2. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the attenuation portion is a tapered flow path that widens in the first direction toward the second liquid chamber.

6. 6. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is along a horizontal direction.

7. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first range is included in the second range.

8. the liquid container has a first gas flow path that connects the first liquid chamber with the outside, 7. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a second gas flow path that connects the second liquid chamber with the outside.

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