Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide means that can reduce time required until initial processing for flowing liquid from a second liquid chamber into a head is executed after a cartridge is mounted on a mounting case.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge starts initial processing operation in response to the fact that a low-level signal is received after a high-level signal is received from an attached sensor 154 and the fact that a low-level signal is received after the high-level signal is received from a liquid-level sensor 155.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device that discharges a liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet printer including a detachable main tank, a sub-tank that stores ink supplied from the attached main tank, and an image recording unit that discharges the ink stored in the sub-tank to record an image has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in the inkjet printer, the internal spaces of the main tank and the sub-tank are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the main tank is attached to the inkjet printer, the ink moves due to the head pressure so that the liquid levels of the main tank and the sub-tank are aligned at the same height according to the difference in the heads of the internal spaces of the main tank and the sub-tank (hereinafter referred to as "head difference").

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As part of the initial operation of the above inkjet printer, an initial ink treatment is set. This initial treatment is performed after the main tank is installed in the inkjet printer, by allowing ink to flow from the sub-tank to the recording head, so that the recording head is ready to eject ink. In the initial treatment, it is desirable that the sub-tank contains enough ink to prevent air from entering the ink flow path from the sub-tank to the recording head. Therefore, it is conceivable that after the main tank is installed in the inkjet printer, ink flows from the main tank to the sub-tank due to hydrostatic pressure, and the initial treatment begins after the liquid levels in the main tank and sub-tank are at the same height.

[0005] However, if there is a long time between the installation of the main tank in the inkjet printer and the execution of the initial processing, it may result in the inconvenience of making users wait for a long time before the inkjet printer becomes usable.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a means that can shorten the time from when the cartridge is installed in the mounting case until the initial processing to allow liquid to flow from the second liquid chamber to the head is performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a mounting case into which a cartridge is mounted having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and a second flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber, which together with the first flow path forms a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, a fourth flow path located below the third flow path, with one end communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fifth flow path having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, a head communicating with the other end of the fourth flow path, a liquid level sensor, and a controller. The controller receives a first signal from the liquid level sensor when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is above a predetermined position, and a second signal from the liquid level sensor when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is below the predetermined position. The controller determines whether the cartridge has been installed in the mounting case, and, in response to the determination that the cartridge has been installed in the mounting case and the receipt of the first signal from the liquid level sensor after receiving the second signal, performs initial processing to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path.

[0008] With the above configuration, the time from when the cartridge is installed in the mounting case until the initial treatment is performed without air entering from the second liquid chamber to the fourth flow path can be shortened.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the controller interrupts the initial processing when it receives the second signal from the liquid level sensor while it is performing the initial processing, and then, after interrupting the initial processing, it resumes the interrupted initial processing when it receives the first signal from the liquid level sensor.

[0010] According to the above configuration, if the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls below a predetermined position during the initial treatment due to poor liquid flow from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber, the initial treatment is interrupted, and the entry of air from the second liquid chamber into the fourth flow path is suppressed.

[0011] (3) Preferably, the controller does not perform the initial processing when the first elapsed time from the time it determines that the cartridge has been installed in the mounting case until the first signal is received from the liquid level sensor reaches the first hour, and performs the initial processing when the second elapsed time from the time the first signal is received from the liquid level sensor reaches the second hour.

[0012] With the above configuration, when the liquid flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is low, the timing of starting the initial processing after the cartridge is installed in the mounting case can be delayed. This suppresses the entry of air from the second liquid chamber into the fourth flow path.

[0013] (4) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further comprises an alarm, and the controller activates the alarm when the third elapsed time from the time it determined that the cartridge was installed in the mounting case reaches a third time that is longer than the first time, and when the controller receives the second signal from the liquid level sensor without receiving the first signal.

[0014] According to the above configuration, if the flow rate of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is even lower, the user will be notified that there is an abnormality in the inflow of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber.

[0015] (5) The liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a mounting case into which a cartridge is mounted having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and a second flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber, which together with the first flow path forms a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, a fourth flow path located below the third flow path and having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber, and a fifth flow path having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, a head communicating with the other end of the fourth flow path, and a controller. The controller determines whether the cartridge has been installed in the mounting case, and when the mounting sensor determines that the cartridge has been installed, it performs an initial process to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path.

[0016] With the above configuration, the time from when the cartridge is installed in the mounting case until the initial treatment is performed without air entering from the second liquid chamber to the fourth flow path can be shortened.

[0017] (6) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a temperature sensor, and the controller sets a fifth time that is longer than the fourth time in place of the fourth time in response to the temperature signal received from the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined temperature, and executes the initial processing in response to the elapsed time reaching the fifth time.

[0018] According to the above configuration, if the temperature is low and the viscosity of the liquid is high, the flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber will be reduced. This delays the timing of the initial processing after the cartridge is installed in the mounting case, thereby suppressing the entry of air from the second liquid chamber to the fourth flow path.

[0019] (7) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further comprises an interface, and the controller performs the initial processing on the condition that it has read identification information from the cartridge memory of the cartridge having an initial volume of liquid stored in the first liquid chamber via the interface.

[0020] According to the above configuration, when a cartridge that does not store the initial volume of liquid is installed in the mounting case, the initial processing is not performed, thus preventing air from entering the fourth flow path from the second liquid chamber.

[0021] (8) The liquid discharge device according to the present invention comprises a mounting case into which a cartridge is mounted having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and a second flow path having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside; a tank having a second liquid chamber, a third flow path having one end communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the second liquid chamber, which together with the first flow path forms a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case; a fourth flow path located below the third flow path, with one end communicating with the second liquid chamber; and a fifth flow path having one end communicating with the second liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside; a head communicating with the other end of the fourth flow path; an interface; and a controller. The controller determines whether the cartridge is installed in the mounting case, and after determining that the cartridge is installed in the mounting case, reads the liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber from the cartridge memory of the cartridge via the interface, determines the flow rate Qc of the liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on the read liquid volume Vc, multiplies the flow rate Qc by the time elapsed since it was determined that the cartridge is installed in the mounting case to calculate the liquid volume Vs stored in the second liquid chamber, and executes initial processing to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path, depending on whether the flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the liquid volume Vs is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0022] With the above configuration, the time from when the cartridge is installed in the mounting case until the initial treatment is performed without air entering from the second liquid chamber to the fourth flow path can be shortened.

[0023] (9) Preferably, on the condition that the flow rate Qc is less than the first threshold value, the controller calculates a third threshold value obtained by adding a liquid volume Vth, which is obtained by multiplying the difference between the first threshold value and the flow rate Qc by the time during which the initial process is executed, to the second threshold value, and executes an initial process of discharging the liquid through the head or the fourth flow path in response to the liquid volume Vs being greater than or equal to the third threshold value.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the time from when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case until the initial process is executed can be shortened according to the flow rate Qc.

[0025] (10) Preferably, the controller reads out the liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber from the cartridge memory through the interface, determines the liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber and the liquid volume Vs of the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber after the initial process is executed based on the read liquid volume Vc, and writes the determined liquid volume Vc into the cartridge memory through the interface.

[0026] (11) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a memory. The controller executes the initial process on the condition that the controller reads out a first value corresponding to the fact that the initial process has not been executed from the memory, and updates the first value to a second value corresponding to the fact that the initial process has been executed in response to the completion of the initial process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the time from when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case until the initial process for flowing the liquid from the second liquid chamber into the head is executed without air entering from the second liquid chamber into the head can be shortened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the printer 10, where (A) shows the cover 87 in the covering position and (B) shows the cover 87 in the exposed position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the printer 10. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mounting case 150. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the structure of cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a longitudinal section view. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cartridge 200 installed in the mounting case 150. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram of printer 10. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the initial processing of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the cartridge 200 is first installed in the mounting case 150, and Figure 8(B) shows the state after the cartridge 200 has been first installed in the mounting case 150 and the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 has reached a predetermined position P. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the initial processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the initial processing of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and that embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the usage posture in which the printer 10 is placed on a horizontal surface for use, the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as the front, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the printer 10 from the front. In this embodiment, in the usage posture, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and left-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

[0030] [First Embodiment] [Overview of Printer 10] The printer 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a liquid discharge device that records images on a sheet using an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a housing 14 that is generally rectangular in shape. The printer 10 may also be a so-called "multifunction device" that has functions such as facsimile, scanning, and copying.

[0031] Inside the housing 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are a feeding tray 15, a feeding roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having multiple nozzles 29, a platen 26 facing the head 21, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, a mounting case 150 into which the cartridge 200 is attached and detached, and a tube 32 connecting the head 21 and the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150.

[0032] 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 ejects ink supplied from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the tube 32 to the head 21 through the nozzle 29. As a result, the ink lands on the sheet supported on the platen 26, and an image is recorded on the sheet. Then, the printer 10 drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet with the recorded image into the discharge tray 16.

[0033] More specifically, the print head 21 may be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in a main scanning direction intersecting the direction in which the sheet is transported by the transport rollers 25. The printer 10 may eject ink through the nozzles 29 to the print head 21 as it moves the carriage from one direction to the other in the main scanning direction. This records an image on a portion of the sheet facing the print head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "1 pass"). Next, the printer 10 may transport the sheet on the transport rollers 25 so that the next area to be recorded faces the print head 21. By repeatedly performing these processes alternately, an image is recorded on a single sheet.

[0034] In this embodiment, the discharge of ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during image recording is referred to as "discharge," while the discharge of ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 during purging is not referred to as "discharge." However, "discharge" is a concept included within "discharge."

[0035] [Cover 87] As shown in Figure 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14, at the rightmost end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 is further equipped with a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position that closes the opening 85 (the position shown in Figure 1(A)) and an exposed position that opens the opening 85 (the position shown in Figure 1(B)). The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis along the left-right direction 9, for example, near the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7. The mounting case 150 is located in the housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85.

[0036] [Cover Sensor 88] The printer 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see Figure 6). The cover sensor 88 may be a mechanical sensor such as a switch that moves the cover 87 into or out of contact with it, or it may be an optical sensor that blocks or transmits light depending on the position of the cover 87. The cover sensor 88 outputs a signal to the controller 130 according to the position of the cover 87. More specifically, the cover sensor 88 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 when the cover 87 is in the covering position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high-level signal with a higher signal strength than the low-level signal to the controller 130 when the cover 87 is in a position other than the covering position. In other words, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 when the cover 87 is in the exposed position.

[0037] [Mounting Case 150] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a locking pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200, one for each of the four colors: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Specifically, the mounting case 150 has four contacts 152, four rods 153, four mounting sensors 154, and four liquid level sensors 155, corresponding to each of the four cartridges 200. Note that the number of cartridges 200 that can be housed in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four; it may be one or more than five.

[0038] The mounting case 150 is a box-shaped structure with an internal space for housing the mounted cartridge 200. The internal space of the mounting case 150 is defined by a top wall defining the upper end, a bottom wall defining the lower end, a rear wall defining the rear end in the front-to-back direction 8, and a pair of side walls defining both ends in the left-to-right direction 9. On the other hand, the position opposite the rear wall of the mounting case 150 is an opening 85. 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 placed in the exposed position.

[0039] The cartridge 200 is then inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and removed from the mounting case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 in the rearward direction 8 and is mounted into the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150, it passes through the opening 85 in the forward direction 8.

[0040] [Contact point 152] The contact 152 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall into the internal space of the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the contact 152 is positioned to contact the electrode 248 of the cartridge 200, which will be described later. The contact 152 is conductive and is also elastically deformable along the vertical direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to the controller 130. The contact 152 is an example of an interface.

[0041] [Rod 153] The rod 153 protrudes forward from the rear wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located above the joint 180, which will be described later, on the rear wall of the mounting case 150. During the process of the cartridge 200 being mounted in the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through the atmospheric communication port 221 of the cartridge 200, which will be described later. 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.

[0042] [Mounted Sensor 154] The mounting sensor 154 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the light-shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200, which will be described later, is located between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the mounting sensor 154. In other words, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the mounting sensor 154 are located facing each other with the light-shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 in between.

[0043] The mounting sensor 154 outputs different signals (referred to as "mounting signal" in the figure) depending on whether or not light emitted from the light-emitting unit along the left-right direction 9 has been received by the light-receiving unit. For example, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 if the received intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit is below the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal with a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 if the received intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit is above the threshold intensity. The high-level signal is an example of the third signal, the non-mounting signal. The low-level signal is an example of the fourth signal, the mounting signal.

[0044] [Liquid level sensor 155] The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the detected part 194 of the actuator 190, which will be described later, is located at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the liquid level sensor 155 are positioned facing each other, with the detected part 194 located at the detection position in between. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs different signals (referred to as "liquid level signals" in the figure) depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light-emitting part has been received by the light-receiving part. For example, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 depending on whether the received intensity of the light received by the light-receiving part is less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal with a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 depending on whether the received intensity of the light received by the light-receiving part is equal to or greater than the threshold intensity. The low-level signal is an example of the first signal. A high-level signal is an example of a second signal.

[0045] [Lock pin 156] The locking pin 156 is a rod-shaped member that extends along 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 locking pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The locking pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces capable of housing four cartridges 200. The locking pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 in the mounting position shown in Figure 5. The cartridge 200 engages with the locking pin 156 while mounted in the mounting case 150.

[0046] [Tank 160] The printer 10 is equipped with four tanks 160, each corresponding to one of the four cartridges 200. The tanks 160 are located further back than the rear wall of the mounting case 150. As shown in Figure 3, the tank 160 consists of an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). The front wall 162 is composed of multiple walls, each offset 8 in the front-rear direction. Inside the tank 160, a liquid chamber 171 is formed. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

[0047] Of the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 is translucent. This allows the light emitted 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 upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the end faces of the side walls. The side walls of the tank 160 may be shared with the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150. Furthermore, adjacent tanks 160 in the left-right direction 9 are separated by partition walls (not shown). The configuration of the four tanks 160 is generally the same.

[0048] The liquid chamber 171 is connected to an ink channel (not shown) through an 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 7 units below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the vertical direction. The ink channel (not shown) connected to the outlet 174 is connected to a tube 32 (see Figure 2). Thus, the liquid chamber 171 is connected to the print head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink channel and the tube 32. In other words, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the print head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink channel and the tube 32. The ink channel and tube 32 connected to the outlet 174 is an example of a fourth channel in which one end (outlet 174) is connected to the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 33 (see Figure 2) is connected to the head 21.

[0049] The liquid chamber 171 is connected to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmospheric communication chamber 175 is connected to the liquid chamber 171 through a through-hole 176 that penetrates the front wall 162. The through-hole 176 is closed by a semipermeable membrane 178. The semipermeable membrane 178 allows air to pass through but not ink, or provides greater resistance to ink passage than the atmosphere. The atmospheric communication chamber 175 is also connected to the outside of the printer 10 through an atmospheric communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmospheric communication port 177. In other words, the atmospheric communication chamber 175 is an example of a fifth flow path in which one end (through-hole 176) is connected to the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmospheric communication port 177) is connected to the outside of the printer 10. The atmospheric communication chamber 175 is connected to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[0050] [Joint 180] As shown in Figure 3, the joint 180 comprises a needle 181 and a guide 182. The needle 181 is a tube with a flow path formed inside. The needle 181 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the protruding tip of the needle 181. The internal space of the needle 181 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 that penetrates the front wall 162. The needle 181 is an example of a third flow path in which one end (opening 183) is in communication with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (through hole 184) is in communication with the liquid chamber 171. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member arranged around the needle 181. The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162, with an opening at its protruding end.

[0051] A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position within the internal space of the needle 181. When the valve 185 is in the closed position, it closes the opening 183. When the valve 185 is in 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, that is, in the forward direction 8.

[0052] [Actuator 190] An actuator 190 is located in the liquid chamber 171. The actuator 190 is supported by a support member (not shown) located within the liquid chamber 171 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The actuator 190 can rotate between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. Furthermore, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow 198 from the position shown by the solid line by a stopper (not shown) (e.g., the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). The actuator 190 comprises a float 191, a shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detection unit 194.

[0053] The float 191 is made of a material with a specific gravity lower than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The shaft 192 protrudes from the right and left sides of the float 191 in the left-right direction 9. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the actuator 190 is supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192. The arm 193 extends substantially upward from the float 191. The detected part 194 is located at the protruding tip of the arm 193. The detected part 194 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8. The detected part 194 is made of a material or color that blocks the light output from the light-emitting part of the liquid level sensor 155.

[0054] When the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is above a predetermined position P, the actuator 190, which is rotated in the direction of arrow 198 by buoyancy, is held by the stopper at the detection position shown by the solid line in Figure 3. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the predetermined position P, the actuator 190 rotates in the direction of arrow 199 to follow the descent of the liquid level. As a result, the detected part 194 moves to a position away from the detection position. That is, the detected part 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

[0055] The predetermined position P is at the same height as the axis center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7, and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234, which will be described later. However, the predetermined position P is not limited to the above position as long as it is 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.

[0056] When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is above a predetermined position P, the light emitted from the light-emitting part of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detection part 194. As a result, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 because the light from the light-emitting part does not reach the light-receiving part. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is below the predetermined position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 because the light emitted from the light-emitting part reaches the light-receiving part. In other words, the controller 130 can detect whether the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is above a predetermined position P based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155.

[0057] [Cartridge 200] The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see Figure 2) capable of storing ink, which is an example of a liquid, inside. The liquid chamber 210 is defined, for example, by a resin wall. As shown in Figure 4(A), the cartridge 200 has a flattened shape in which the dimensions along the vertical direction 7 and the front-to-back direction 8 are larger than the dimensions along the left-to-right direction 9. The external shapes of cartridges 200 that store different colored inks may be the same or different. At least a portion of the walls that make up the cartridge 200 is translucent. This allows the user to see the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200.

[0058] The cartridge 200 comprises a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 consists 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 offset 8 units in the front-to-back direction. The upper wall 204 is composed of multiple walls that are offset 7 units in the up-to-down direction. Furthermore, the lower wall 205 is composed of multiple walls that are offset 7 units in the up-to-down direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(B), the internal space of the cartridge 200 contains a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmospheric valve chamber 214. 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 the internal space of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is the 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.

[0060] The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated vertically by a partition wall 215 that divides the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are connected by a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated vertically by a partition wall 217 that divides the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are connected by a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. Furthermore, the ink valve chamber 213 is connected to the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219.

[0061] The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is located at the top of the cartridge 200 and communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202. In other words, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 is an example of a second flow path in which one end (through hole 218) communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211) and the other end (atmospheric communication port 221) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 221. A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the atmospheric valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 222 is in the closed position, it closes the atmospheric communication port 221. When the valve 222 is in the open position, it opens the atmospheric communication port 221. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction that moves it from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the rearward direction 8.

[0062] Furthermore, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 is divided into two chambers in the front-to-back direction 8 by a partition wall 224. The chamber located at the rear in the front-to-back direction 8 is equipped with a valve 222 and a coil spring 223, and communicates with the outside through an atmospheric communication port 221. The chamber located at the front in the front-to-back direction 8 communicates with the upper liquid chamber 211 through a through hole 218. A through hole 225 is formed in the partition wall 224. The through hole 225 connects the two chambers that are divided in the front-to-back direction 8. The through hole 225 is closed by a semipermeable membrane 226. The semipermeable membrane 226 allows air to pass through but does not allow ink to pass through, or provides greater resistance to ink passage than air.

[0063] During the process of mounting the cartridge 200 into the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through the atmospheric communication port 221. Once inside the atmospheric valve chamber 214, the rod 153 moves the valve 222, which is in the closed position, forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223. As the valve 222 moves to the open position, the upper liquid chamber 211 is opened to the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmospheric communication port 221 is not limited to the example described above. As another example, the rod 153 may pierce a film that seals the atmospheric communication port 221.

[0064] The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the lower part of the housing 201. The supply pipe 230 has an open end (i.e., rear end). That is, the ink valve chamber 213 connects the liquid chamber 210, which is connected through the through hole 219, to the outside of the cartridge 200. The ink valve chamber 213 is an example of a first flow path in which one end (through hole 219) is connected to the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically to the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (ink supply port 234, described later) is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200. The ink valve chamber 213 also contains a packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233.

[0065] An ink supply port 234 is formed in the center of the packing 231, penetrating in the front-to-back direction 8. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable along the front-to-back direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is in the closed position, it contacts the packing 231 and closes the ink supply port 234. When the valve 232 is in the open position, it moves away from the packing 231 and opens 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, that is, backward in the front-to-back direction 8. The biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186.

[0066] As the cartridge 200 is installed 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 makes liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 234, while elastically deforming the packing 231. 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. The valve 232 also moves the valve 185 protruding from the opening 183 of the needle 181 backward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

[0067] As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are connected. That is, when the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, the ink valve chamber 213 and the internal space of the needle 181 form a flow path that connects the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

[0068] Furthermore, when the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, a portion of the liquid chamber 210 and a portion of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed from the horizontal. 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 difference in water head.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, a projection 241 is formed on the upper wall 204. The projection 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The projection 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-rear direction 8 and extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (i.e., is roughly perpendicular to the upper wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward in the up-down direction 7 and backward in the front-rear direction 8.

[0070] The locking surface 242 is the surface that contacts the locking pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The inclined surface 243 is the surface that guides the locking pin 156 to a position where it contacts the locking surface 242 during the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150. When the locking surface 242 and the locking pin 156 are in contact, the cartridge 200 is held in the mounting position shown in Figure 5 against the biasing force of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

[0071] A flat plate-shaped member is formed in front of the locking surface 242, extending upward from the upper wall 204. The upper surface of this flat plate-shaped member is an operating part 244 that the user operates when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 and the cover 87 is in the exposed position, the operating part 244 becomes operable to the user. When the operating part 244 is pushed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates, causing the locking surface 242 to move below the locking pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

[0072] A light-shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the projection 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 made of a material or color that shields the light emitted from the light-emitting part of the mounting sensor 154. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the light-shielding rib 245 is located in the optical path from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part of the mounting sensor 154. That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 depending on whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 depending on whether the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 based on the signal output from the mounting sensor 154.

[0073] An IC substrate 247 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204, between the light-shielding ribs 245 and projections 241 in the front-rear direction 8. Electrodes 248 are formed on the IC substrate 247. The IC substrate 247 also includes memory (not shown). Electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the memory on the IC substrate 247. Electrodes 248 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC substrate 247 so as to be electrically connected to contacts 152. That is, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, electrodes 248 are electrically connected to contacts 152. The controller 130 can read information from the memory on the IC substrate 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248, and write information to the memory on the IC substrate 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248. The memory on the IC substrate 247 is an example of a cartridge memory.

[0074] The memory of the IC board 247 stores the initial ink amount Vc0, the ink amount Vc, and identification information for identifying individual cartridges 200. The initial ink amount Vc0 indicates the amount of ink stored in a new cartridge 200. Hereafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC board 247 may be collectively referred to as "CTG information." "New" refers to an unused product, meaning that the ink inside the cartridge 200 has never leaked out since it was manufactured and sold. An initial cartridge is one in which ink has not leaked out of the liquid chamber 210. In an initial cartridge, the initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the IC board 247.

[0075] [Controller 130] As shown in Figure 6, the controller 130 includes a CPU 131, ROM 132, RAM 133, EEPROM 134, and ASIC 135. ROM 132 stores programs for the CPU 131 to control various operations. RAM 133 is used as a temporary storage area for data and signals used by the CPU 131 when executing the above programs, or as a working area for data processing. EEPROM 134 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. ROM 132, RAM 133, and EEPROM 134 are examples of memory.

[0076] The ASIC135 is used to operate the feed roller 23, transport roller 25, discharge roller 27, and head 21. The controller 130 rotates the feed roller 23, transport roller 25, and discharge roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC135. The controller 130 also outputs a drive signal to the drive element of the head 21 through the ASIC135, causing the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzle 29. The ASIC135 can output multiple types of drive signals depending on the amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzle 29.

[0077] Furthermore, the ASIC135 is connected to a display 17 and an operation panel 22. The display 17 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., and has a display surface for displaying various information. The display 17 is an example of an alarm device. However, the specific example of an alarm device is not limited to the display 17, and may also be a speaker, an LED lamp, or a combination thereof. The operation panel 22 outputs operation signals to the controller 130 in response to user operations. The operation panel 22 may have, for example, push buttons or a touch sensor superimposed on the display.

[0078] Furthermore, the ASIC135 is electrically connected to contact 152, cover sensor 88, mounting sensor 154, and liquid level sensor 155. The controller 130 accesses the memory of the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 via contact 152. The controller 130 detects the position of the cover 87 via cover sensor 88. The controller 130 also detects the insertion or removal of the cartridge 200 via mounting sensor 154. In addition, the controller 130 detects whether the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is above a predetermined position P via liquid level sensor 155.

[0079] The EEPROM 134 stores various information, corresponding to each of the four cartridges 200 installed in the mounting case 150, or in other words, corresponding to each of the tanks 160 that communicate with the cartridges 200. This information includes, for example, ink amounts Vc and Vs, which are examples of liquid amounts, a function F, an initial processing flag, and threshold values ​​T1, T2, T3 and waiting times Tw1, Tw2, Tw3. Time T1 is an example of the first time. Waiting time Tw1 is an example of the second time. Time T2 is an example of the third time.

[0080] The ink quantity Vc and identification information are read by the controller 130 from the memory of the IC board 247 via contact 152 when the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150. Function F may be stored in ROM 132 instead of EEPROM 134.

[0081] The ink volume Vc represents the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of cartridge 200. The ink volume Vs represents the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of tank 160. The ink volumes Vc and Vs are calculated, for example, by function F. Function F is information that shows the correspondence between the total ink volume Vt, the ink volume Vc, and the ink volume Vc. The ink in the liquid chamber 210 of cartridge 200 and the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of tank 160 are in equilibrium when the vertical positions of their respective ink levels coincide. In other words, in the equilibrium state, the movement of ink between liquid chamber 210 and liquid chamber 171 stops. For example, the relationship between the total ink volume Vt and the ink volume Vs can be approximated by function F. Therefore, once the total ink volume Vt is calculated, the ink volumes Vs and Vc can be determined. Note that the ink volumes Vs and Vc are not limited to the form of function F, but may also be determined by a table associated with each total volume Vt.

[0082] The initial processing flag indicates whether or not initial processing has been performed on printer 10. The initial processing flag can be set to a value of "ON" which indicates that initial processing has been performed, or a value of "OFF" which indicates that initial processing has not been performed. The initial processing flag is set to "OFF" when the product is shipped.

[0083] [Printer 10 Operation] The operation of the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. The initial processing shown in Figure 7 is executed by the CPU 131 of the controller 130. Note that each of the following processes may be read and executed by the CPU 131 from a program stored in the ROM 132, or it may be implemented by hardware circuits mounted on the controller 130. Furthermore, the execution order of each of the following processes can be changed as appropriate without altering the essence of the present invention.

[0084] The controller 130 performs initial processing when the cartridge 200 is first installed in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10. As shown in Figure 8(A), in an unused printer 10, no ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Furthermore, the space from the outlet 174 of the liquid chamber 171 to the tube 32 and the head 21 is either filled with air or a storage liquid different from ink, and does not contain ink. Therefore, when the printer 10 is used for the first time, it is necessary to perform initial processing to introduce ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 installed in the mounting case 150 to the tube 32 and the head 21 through the liquid chamber 171. For example, by sucking or discharging from the nozzle 29 of the head 21 using a pump or the like, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 is introduced to the tube 32 and the head 21 through the liquid chamber 171.

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, the controller 130 determines whether it has acquired a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and subsequently acquired a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S10). The controller 130 then stores the time when the cartridge 200 was first mounted in the mounting case 150, that is, the time when it acquired a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and subsequently acquired a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S10: Yes), in the EEPROM 134.

[0086] Next, the controller 130 reads CTG information such as identification information and ink quantity Vc0 from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S11). The read CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0087] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial processing flag of the EEPROM 134 (S12). If the initial processing flag is "ON" (S12: No), the controller 130 terminates the initial processing. This is because if the initial processing flag is "ON", the initial processing has already been executed.

[0088] If the initial processing flag is "OFF" (S12:Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 is a low-level signal (S13). As shown in Figure 8(B), for example, when a new cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171, and after some time has passed, the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches a predetermined position P, causing the liquid level sensor 155 to output a low-level signal.

[0089] If the controller 130 determines that it has not received a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S13: No), it determines whether the time ΔT1, which is the time from when it received a low-level signal from the mounted sensor 154 to the current time, has reached time T2 (S14). If the controller 130 determines that time ΔT1 has not reached time T2 (S14: No), it executes S13. If the controller 130 determines that time ΔT1 has reached time T2 (S14: Yes), it displays a screen on the display 17 indicating that the initial processing has failed (S15), and terminates the initial processing. Time T2 is, for example, pre-set to be longer than time T1, which will be described later.

[0090] In response to receiving a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S13: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the time ΔT1 from the time the low-level signal was received from the attached sensor 154 to the present, i.e., the time the low-level signal was received from the liquid level sensor 155, is greater than or equal to time T1 (S16). In response to determining that time ΔT1 is less than time T1 (S16: No), the controller 130 starts the initial processing operation (S17). That is, it starts the suction operation through the nozzle 29 of the head 21. Time ΔT1 is an example of the first and second elapsed times.

[0091] The controller 130, upon determining that time ΔT1 is greater than or equal to time T1 (S16: Yes), waits for time Tw1 (S18) and then starts the initial processing operation (S17). Waiting for time Tw1 is an example of the second elapsed time reaching the second time. Time T1 is preset as a time longer than the time required from when the cartridge 200, in which the initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the liquid chamber 210, is installed in the mounting case 150, until the ink flows out from the liquid chamber 210 into the empty liquid chamber 171 and the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches a predetermined position P. When time ΔT1 is greater than or equal to time T1, it is estimated that the rate at which ink flows out from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 (flow rate Qc) is slowed down due to reasons such as poor flow, and takes longer than usual. Therefore, the flow rate Qc of ink into the liquid chamber 171 after the initial processing operation is started will also be less than usual. In such a state, after the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches a predetermined position P, waiting for an additional time Tw1 allows a sufficient amount of ink to be stored in the liquid chamber 171. Even if the initial processing operation is then performed at a predetermined flow rate Qip, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 will not reach the vicinity of the outlet 174. In the design stage, when a cartridge 200 with an initial ink amount Vc0 stored in the liquid chamber 210 is installed under standard environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), the initial processing operation is set such that, after the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal, the rate at which ink flows from the liquid chamber of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 (flow rate Qc) is faster than the rate at which ink flows from the liquid chamber 171 to the tank 160 due to the initial processing operation after the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low-level signal.

[0092] After starting the initial processing operation, the controller 130 determines whether it has received a high-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19). If the controller 130 determines that the initial processing operation has finished without receiving a high-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19: No) (S20: Yes), it assigns "ON" to the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 (S21) and terminates the initial processing.

[0093] After starting the initial processing operation, the controller 130 stops the initial processing operation (S22) if it determines that it has received a high-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S19: Yes). The controller 130 also stores the time when it received the high-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 in the RAM 133. Then, the controller 130 determines whether it has received a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23).

[0094] During the initial processing operation, ink flows from the liquid chamber 171 to the tube 32 and the print head 21. Meanwhile, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 into the liquid chamber 171. If the amount of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 exceeds the amount of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 may drop below the predetermined position P. When the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 falls below the predetermined position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high-level signal. If the amount of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 continues to exceed the amount of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 may eventually reach the vicinity of the outlet 174. Therefore, the initial processing operation is temporarily stopped, and the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 is allowed to rise.

[0095] In response to receiving a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23: Yes), the controller 130 waits for a time Tw2 (S24) and then resumes the stopped initial processing operation (S25). Since the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 is lowered by the initial processing operation, after the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 reaches a predetermined position P, the controller waits for another time Tw2 to store a sufficient amount of ink in the liquid chamber 171. Then, the controller 130 executes S19.

[0096] If the controller 130 determines that it has not received a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S23: No), it determines whether the time ΔT2 from the time when it received a high-level signal from the mounted sensor 154 (S19: Yes) to the current time has reached time T3 (S26). If the controller 130 determines that time ΔT2 has not reached time T3 (S26: No), it executes S19. If the controller 130 determines that time ΔT2 has reached time T3 (S26: Yes), it displays a screen on the display 17 indicating that the initial processing has failed (S27), and terminates the initial processing. Time T3 is, for example, preset to be longer than time T1, which will be described later.

[0097] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the first embodiment described above, after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation is started in response to the reception of a low-level signal from the liquid level sensor 155. Therefore, air does not enter the tube from the liquid chamber 171, and the time until the initial processing operation is started can be shortened.

[0098] Furthermore, if the liquid level in liquid chamber 171 falls below a predetermined position P during the initial processing operation due to poor ink flow from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171, and a high-level signal is received from the liquid level sensor 155, the initial processing operation is stopped, and air entering the tube 32 from liquid chamber 171 is suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, when the ink flow rate Qc from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171 is low, the timing of starting the initial processing operation can be delayed by waiting for time Tw1 after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150. This suppresses the entry of air from liquid chamber 171 into tube 32.

[0100] Furthermore, if the ink flow rate Qc from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171 is even lower, the user will be notified via the display 17 that there is an abnormality in the initial processing, that is, an abnormality in the ink flow from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171.

[0101] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is described below. The printer according to the second embodiment does not have the liquid level sensor 155 of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, and is equipped with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor outputs an electrical signal to the controller 130 according to the ambient temperature set for the printer. The EEPROM 134 stores a threshold C0 for a predetermined temperature, and times T4 and T5 which are set as waiting times Tk. Time T4 is an example of the fourth time. Time T5 is an example of the fifth time. In the second embodiment, a different initial processing is performed than in the first embodiment. The rest of the printer configuration is the same as that of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0102] Similar to the first embodiment, the controller 130 performs initial processing when the cartridge 200 is first installed in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10. As shown in Figure 9, the controller 130 acquires a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then determines whether a low-level signal has been acquired from the mounting sensor 154 (S30).

[0103] Next, the controller 130 reads CTG information such as identification information and ink quantity Vc0 from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S31). The read CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0104] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial processing flag of the EEPROM 134 (S22). If the initial processing flag is "ON" (S22: No), the controller 130 terminates the initial processing. This is because if the initial processing flag is "ON", the initial processing has already been executed.

[0105] If the initial processing flag is "OFF" (S22:Yes), the controller 130 determines whether it has read the initial ink amount Vc0 from the CTG information (S33). The initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the memory of the IC board 247 of the new cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is used, for example, after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, when ink is ejected through the head 21, such as for image recording or purging, the controller 130 erases the initial ink amount Vc0 stored in the memory of the IC board 247. Therefore, the cartridge 200 from which the controller 130 reads the initial ink amount Vc0 is a new cartridge. Alternatively, instead of the initial ink amount Vc0, the CTG information may store values ​​or information such as a flag indicating that it is a new cartridge, and the controller 130 may determine whether or not it is a new cartridge by reading those values ​​or information.

[0106] The controller 130 terminates the initial processing in response to its determination that it cannot read the initial ink amount Vc0 from the memory of the IC board 247 (S33: No). When a new cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171. At this time, the flow rate Qc is the fastest among cartridges of the same type because the head difference, which is the difference between the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 and the liquid level in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200, is at its maximum. However, when a cartridge 200 that has already been used and has less ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 than the initial ink amount Vc0 is installed in the mounting case 150, the flow rate Qc decreases as the head difference decreases. As a result, there is a risk that the flow rate Qc will be less than the flow rate Qip of ink flowing out of the liquid chamber 171 during the initial processing operation. If the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip, the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 may drop during the initial processing operation and reach the vicinity of the outlet 174. Therefore, when a non-new cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation will not be performed.

[0107] In response to reading the initial ink amount Vc0 from the memory of the IC board 247 (S33: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the temperature output by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold C0 (S34). In response to determining that the temperature output by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold C0 (S34: No), the controller 130 sets the waiting time Tk to time T4 (S35). On the other hand, in response to determining that the temperature output by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold C0 (S34: Yes), the controller 130 sets the waiting time Tk to time T5. Time T5 is longer than time T4.

[0108] If the ambient temperature in which the printer 10 is installed is low, it is presumed that the temperature of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 installed in the mounting case 150 is also low. The viscosity of ink increases as the temperature decreases. Therefore, as the ambient temperature decreases, the flow rate Qc of ink from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171 tends to decrease, so if the temperature C is below the threshold C0, a time T5 longer than time T4 is set as the waiting time Tk.

[0109] Then, after waiting for the standby time Tk (S37), the controller 130 performs an initial processing operation (S38). While waiting for the standby time Tk, ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, increasing the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. As the standby time Tk increases, the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 increases.

[0110] After executing the initial processing operation, the controller 130 assigns "ON" to the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 (S39) and terminates the initial processing.

[0111] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment described above, after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation is performed after the waiting time Tk has elapsed. Therefore, the time until the initial processing operation is performed without air entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171 can be shortened.

[0112] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature where the printer 10 is installed is low and the ink viscosity is high, the flow rate Qc from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171 will decrease. As a result, the waiting time Tk between the time the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150 and the execution of the initial processing operation will be set to a time T5 that is longer than time T4, thus delaying the timing of the execution of the initial processing operation. This suppresses the entry of air from liquid chamber 171 into tube 32 during the initial processing operation.

[0113] Furthermore, when a cartridge 200 that does not store ink with an initial ink amount Vc0 is installed in the mounting case 150, the initial processing operation is not performed, thus preventing air from entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0114] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is described below. The printer according to the third embodiment does not have a liquid level sensor 155, similar to the printer according to the second embodiment. The EEPROM 134 stores a flow rate Qip as a threshold (an example of a first threshold), an execution time Tip for the initial processing operation, a threshold Vth1 (an example of a second threshold), and a function or table showing the relationship between the ink amount Vc and the flow rate Qc. In the third embodiment, a different initial processing is performed than in the first and second embodiments. The rest of the printer configuration is the same as the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0115] Similar to the first embodiment, the controller 130 performs initial processing when the cartridge 200 is first installed in the mounting case 150 of the printer 10. As shown in Figure 10, the controller 130 determines whether it has acquired a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and subsequently acquired a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S50). Then, depending on the time when the cartridge 200 was first installed in the mounting case 150, that is, whether it acquired a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and subsequently acquired a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S50: Yes), the controller 130 stores that time in the EEPROM 134.

[0116] Next, the controller 130 reads CTG information such as identification information, initial ink amount Vc0, and ink amount Vc from the IC board 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 (S51). The read CTG information is stored in the EEPROM 134.

[0117] Then, the controller 130 reads the initial processing flag from the EEPROM 134 (S52). If the initial processing flag is "ON" (S52: No), the controller 130 terminates the initial processing. This is because if the initial processing flag is "ON", the initial processing has already been executed.

[0118] If the initial processing flag is "OFF" (S52: Yes), the controller 130 determines the flow rate Qc from the ink amount Vc or initial ink amount Vc0 included in the CTG information (S53). The initial ink amount Vc0 is stored in the memory of the IC board 247 of the new cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is used, for example, after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, when ink is discharged through the head 21, such as for image recording or purging, the controller 130 erases the initial ink amount Vc0 (an example of a first value) stored in the memory of the IC board 247 and stores the currently stored ink amount Vc (an example of a second value) in the memory of the IC board 247. Alternatively, instead of the initial ink amount Vc0, the CTG information may store values ​​and information such as a flag indicating that it is a new cartridge. The controller 130 may read these values ​​and information and read the initial ink amount previously stored in the EEPROM 134 to determine the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200.

[0119] The ink flow rate Qc from liquid chamber 210 to liquid chamber 171 after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150 fluctuates depending on the difference between the liquid level height of liquid chamber 210 and the liquid level height of liquid chamber 171 from a reference position (e.g., predetermined position P), i.e., the head difference. Before the initial processing operation, no ink is stored in liquid chamber 171, so the flow rate Qc depends on the liquid level height of liquid chamber 210, i.e., the ink amount Vc. Therefore, if a function or table showing the relationship between the ink amount Vc and the flow rate Qc is stored in the EEPROM 134, the flow rate Qc can be determined based on the ink amount Vc or initial ink amount Vc0 read from the IC board 247.

[0120] Next, the controller 130 calculates the amount of ink Vs stored in the liquid chamber 171 by multiplying the determined flow rate Qc by the time ΔT1 from the time a low-level signal was received from the attached sensor 154 to the present (S54). Then, depending on whether the controller 130 has determined that the determined flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold flow rate Qip (S55:Yes), it determines whether the calculated amount of ink Vs is equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56). If the controller 130 determines that the calculated amount of ink Vs is less than the threshold Vth1 (S56:No), it repeats S56 at predetermined time intervals. The calculated amount of ink Vs increases as the current time gets later, and eventually becomes equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56:Yes). Then, depending on whether the controller 130 has determined that the amount of ink Vs is equal to or greater than the threshold Vth1 (S56:Yes), it starts the initial processing operation (S57).

[0121] After executing the initial processing operation, the controller 130 sets the initial processing flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to "ON" (S58). Then, it calculates the ink amounts Vc and Vs after the initial processing operation and stores them in the EEPROM 134 (S59). Finally, it stores the calculated ink amount Vc in the memory of the IC board 247 (S60) and terminates the initial processing.

[0122] In S55, the controller 130 determines that the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip (S55: No), and calculates a threshold Vth2 (an example of a third threshold) (S61). The threshold Vth2 is calculated as the difference between the flow rate Qip and the flow rate Qc multiplied by the time Tip used to execute the initial processing operation. If the flow rate Qc is less than the flow rate Qip, the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 decreases while the initial processing operation is being executed. The difference between the flow rate Qip and the flow rate Qc corresponds to the amount of ink that decreases from the liquid chamber 171 per unit time during the initial processing operation. The value obtained by multiplying this by the time Tip corresponds to the total amount of ink that decreases from the liquid chamber 171 during the initial processing operation.

[0123] The controller 130 determines whether the calculated ink amount Vs is greater than or equal to the sum of threshold Vth1 and threshold Vth2 (S62). If the controller 130 determines that the calculated ink amount Vs is less than the sum of threshold Vth1 and threshold Vth2 (S62: No), it repeats S62 at predetermined time intervals. The calculated ink amount Vs increases as the current time gets later, and eventually becomes greater than or equal to threshold Vth2 (S62: Yes). Then, in response to the controller 130's determination that the ink amount Vs is greater than or equal to the sum of threshold Vth1 and threshold Vth2 (S62: Yes), it starts the initial processing operation (S57) and executes S58 to S60 again.

[0124] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] According to the third embodiment described above, after the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, if the flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than the flow rate Qip, and the ink volume Vs is equal to or greater than Vth1, the initial processing operation is executed. This shortens the time until the initial processing operation is executed without air entering the tube 32 from the liquid chamber 171.

[0125] Furthermore, if the flow rate Qipc is less than the flow rate Qip, the initial processing operation is executed if the amount of ink Vs exceeds the sum of threshold Vth1 and threshold Vth2. This shortens the time from when the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150 until the initial processing operation is executed, depending on the flow rate Qc.

[0126] [Differentiation] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discharge of ink through the head 21 is described as image recording onto a sheet, but the discharge of ink through the head 21 may also be a so-called purge, which involves forcibly discharging ink from the nozzle 29 of the head 21.

[0127] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the controller 130 detects whether the detected part 194 of the actuator 190 is in the detection position based on the signal output by the liquid level sensor 15. However, the configuration of the liquid level sensor 155 is not particularly limited as long as the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 can be detected. For example, the controller 130 may use a sensor that optically detects the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 by utilizing a prism having different reflectivity depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171. Alternatively, the liquid level sensor 155 may be an electrode rod inserted into the liquid chamber 171.

[0128] In the embodiment described above, the controller 130 obtained a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S14: Yes), and in response, executed the process shown in S15. The controller 130 executes the process shown in S15 when the cartridge 200 is installed in the mounting case 150, which previously did not contain the cartridge 200. In other words, the controller 130 should execute the process shown in S15 when it determines that the cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150. Note that the controller 130 obtaining a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154, then a high-level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then a low-level signal from the mounting sensor 154 is one example of the controller 130 determining that a cartridge has been installed in the mounting case 150. Another example of the controller 130 determining that the cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150 is described below.

[0129] For example, the controller 130 receives a low-level signal after receiving a high-level signal from the cover sensor 88. The controller 130 then reads identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134. Depending on whether the controller 130 determines that the identification information read from the memory of the IC board 247 is different from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134, the controller 130 may execute the process shown in S15. In other words, "the controller 130 reads identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 and compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134. As a result, it determines that the identification information read from the memory of the IC board 247 is different from the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134" is one example of how the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150. In this case, the controller 130 reads identification information from the memory of the IC board 247 as the time to be stored in S15, compares it with the identification information of the cartridge 200 before replacement stored in the EEPROM 134, and stores in the EEPROM the time when it is determined that the identification information read from the memory of the IC board 247 and the identification information stored in the EEPROM 134 are different. Alternatively, the time when a low-level signal is received after a high-level signal is received from the cover sensor 88 may be stored in the EEPROM in S15.

[0130] For example, the controller 130 receives a low-level signal after receiving a high-level signal from the cover sensor 88. The controller 130 then displays a confirmation screen to the user via the display 17, indicating whether a new cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150. While the controller 130 is displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17, it receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen via the operation panel 22. Depending on whether the received input corresponds to a new cartridge 200 being installed in the mounting case 150, the controller 130 executes the process shown in S15. In other words, "The controller 130 receives a low-level signal after receiving a high-level signal from the cover sensor 88. The controller 130 then displays a confirmation screen to the user via the display 17 indicating whether a new cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150. While the controller 130 is displaying the confirmation screen on the display 17, it receives an input corresponding to the confirmation screen via the operation panel 22. The received input corresponds to the installation of a new cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150." This is one example of how the controller 130 determines that a cartridge 200 has been installed in the mounting case 150. In this case, the controller 130 stores the time at which it received the input corresponding to the confirmation screen via the operation panel 22 in the EEPROM as the time to be stored in S15.

[0131] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains ink as an example of a liquid, the liquid may be, for example, a pre-treatment liquid that is dispensed onto paper or the like before the ink during image recording, or water for cleaning the head 21. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 10. Printer (liquid discharge device) 17. Display (alarm) 21...head 32...Tube (Fourth channel) 130... Controller 132···ROM (Memory) 133...RAM (Memory) 134...EEPROM (memory) 150... Mounting Case 155... Liquid level sensor 160... tank 171...Liquid chamber (2nd liquid chamber) 175...Atmospheric communication chamber (5th channel) 181... Needle (Third channel) 200 cartridges 210...Liquid chamber (1st liquid chamber) 213...Ink valve chamber (first flow path) 214... Atmospheric valve chamber (second flow path)

Claims

1. A mounting case into which a cartridge is fitted having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, and a second channel having one end communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside, A tank having a second liquid chamber, A third flow path having one end in communication with the outside and the other end in communication with the second liquid chamber, wherein when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, the third flow path, together with the first flow path, constitutes a flow path that connects the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber. A fourth channel, located below the third channel described above, has one end that communicates with the second liquid chamber, A fifth channel having one end connected to the second liquid chamber and the other end connected to the outside, The above-mentioned tank having, A head that communicates with the other end of the fourth channel described above, Interface and A liquid discharge device comprising a controller, The above controller is Determine whether the above cartridge is installed in the above mounting case. After determining that the cartridge has been installed in the mounting case, the liquid volume Vc of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber is read from the cartridge memory of the cartridge through the interface. The flow rate Qc of liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is determined based on the read liquid volume Vc. The amount of liquid Vs stored in the second liquid chamber is calculated by multiplying the elapsed time from the moment it is determined that the cartridge has been installed in the above mounting case by the flow rate Qc. A liquid discharge device that performs an initial treatment to introduce the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber into the head and the fourth flow path, depending on whether the flow rate Qc is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the liquid volume Vs is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

2. The controller, provided that the flow rate Qc is less than the first threshold, calculates a third threshold by multiplying the difference between the first threshold and the flow rate Qc by the time it takes to perform the initial processing. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein an initial process is performed to discharge the liquid through the head or the fourth flow path, depending on whether the liquid volume Vs is greater than or equal to the sum of the second threshold and the third threshold.

3. The above controller is From the above cartridge memory, the above liquid volume Vc is read through the above interface, Based on the liquid volume Vc read out, the liquid volume Vc stored in the first liquid chamber and the liquid volume Vs stored in the second liquid chamber after the initial processing are determined. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determined liquid volume Vc is written to the cartridge memory via the interface.

Images