JP2008207359A - Fluid consumption apparatus and fluid quantity diagnosis method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid consuming apparatus and a fluid amount diagnosis method capable of diagnosing a fluid amount in a fluid storage container or a fluid storage part more appropriately.
A printer includes an ink cartridge having an ink discharge port, a recording head, an ink detection unit, and a control unit. The ink detection unit 36A includes an ink inflow port 48 and an ink outflow port 49 connected to the ink discharge port 41, and includes a sensor chamber 45 whose internal volume is configured to be variable in response to the amount of ink contained therein. The mold sensor 53 is configured to execute a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. When the control unit diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning, after performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the ink in the sensor chamber 45, the detection operation by the ink detection unit 36A is executed.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid consuming apparatus and a fluid amount diagnosis method capable of diagnosing a fluid amount in a fluid storage container or a fluid storage portion.

  For example, an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) is known as a fluid consuming device that consumes fluid stored in a fluid container. In such a printer, if printing is performed in a state where ink (fluid) is not supplied from an ink cartridge as a fluid storage container, there is a possibility that a so-called idling is performed and an appropriate printing result cannot be obtained. Therefore, various detection mechanisms for diagnosing the presence or absence of the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge have been proposed.

  As such a detection mechanism, for example, a sensor chamber (fluid detection chamber) is provided between an ink chamber (fluid containing portion) of an ink cartridge and a recording head (fluid consuming portion) that consumes ink, and the sensor chamber is formed on a wall surface. There is one in which a piezoelectric element is provided via a diaphragm so as to seal the formed recess (for example, Patent Document 1). In this detection mechanism, the ink amount is diagnosed from the change in residual vibration accompanying the change in the ink level in the sensor chamber.

Also, a sensor chamber (fluid detection chamber) is provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the ink delivery port of the ink cartridge and the ink storage chamber (fluid storage chamber) for storing ink, and responds to changes in the volume of the sensor chamber. A detection mechanism for diagnosing the amount of ink by providing a contact-type switch that opens and closes has also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-160371 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-351871

  However, the detection mechanism described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the amount of ink cannot be properly diagnosed when bubbles or ink accumulates in a recess formed in the wall surface constituting the sensor chamber. It was. When the recess is formed on the side wall surface of the sensor chamber, air and ink can flow in and out through the narrow groove communicating with the upper and lower sides of the recess relatively easily. When formed, bubbles and ink were particularly liable to accumulate.

  For this reason, if the detection operation is performed with air bubbles remaining in the recesses, it will be diagnosed that there is no ink even though there is ink, or if the detection operation is performed with ink remaining in the recesses, the ink will be removed. In spite of the absence, there was a risk of being diagnosed with ink.

  Further, in the detection mechanism described in Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that the presence of ink may be diagnosed even when bubbles accumulate in the sensor chamber, the sensor chamber is entirely air, and there is no ink.

In such a detection mechanism, there is a possibility that the amount of ink cannot be properly diagnosed even when foreign matter, thickened ink, or the like is mixed in the concave portion or the sensor chamber, not limited to bubbles.
In addition, not only the above-described ink jet printer but also the fluid consumption apparatus that consumes the fluid stored in the fluid storage container or the fluid storage section, this situation is generally common.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fluid consumption device and a fluid amount diagnosis method capable of more appropriately diagnosing the amount of fluid in a fluid storage container or fluid storage section. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fluid consuming apparatus according to the present invention includes a fluid storage unit having a fluid discharge port for discharging a stored fluid, a fluid inlet connected to the fluid discharge port, and a fluid for supplying fluid. A fluid detection chamber having an outlet and a fluid detection chamber whose internal volume is variably configured in response to the amount of fluid contained, and capable of performing a detection operation for detecting the fluid amount in the fluid detection chamber. A fluid consuming device having a mechanism and a fluid consuming unit that is detachably mounted and that consumes fluid, and a controller for diagnosing the amount of fluid in the fluid containing container, After performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber, the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed, and the amount of fluid in the fluid container is diagnosed based on the detection result.

  According to this configuration, when bubbles are mixed in the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism, the bubbles and the like can be discharged together with the fluid by performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber. . By performing the detection operation after such a maintenance operation and diagnosing the fluid amount, the fluid amount in the fluid container can be diagnosed more appropriately.

In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, the fluid detection mechanism can execute a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less than a predetermined amount.
According to this configuration, the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container can be diagnosed by detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less than a predetermined amount.

  In addition, the fluid consuming device of the present invention includes a fluid containing part that contains fluid, a fluid consuming part that consumes fluid, and a fluid discharge port of the fluid containing part in order to diagnose the amount of fluid in the fluid containing part. A fluid detection chamber having a fluid flow inlet connected to the fluid consumption portion and a fluid flow outlet for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption portion; A fluid consuming device having a fluid detection mechanism configured to execute a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less, wherein the fluid in the fluid detection chamber is forcibly discharged After performing the maintenance operation to be performed, the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed.

  According to this configuration, when bubbles are mixed in the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism, the bubbles and the like can be discharged together with the fluid by performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber. . By performing the detection operation for diagnosing the fluid amount after such a maintenance operation, the fluid amount in the fluid storage unit can be diagnosed more appropriately.

  Further, the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention is configured to diagnose a fluid storage container having a fluid discharge port for discharging the stored fluid, a fluid consuming unit that consumes the fluid, and a fluid amount in the fluid storage container. A fluid inflow port connected to the fluid discharge port and a fluid outflow port for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit; and a fluid detection chamber configured to be variable in volume in response to a fluid capacity. A fluid detection device configured to perform a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less, wherein the fluid detection mechanism When the operation is diagnosed as malfunctioning, a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber is performed, and then the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed.

  According to this configuration, when bubbles are mixed in the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism and malfunction occurs, the maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber is performed, so that bubbles and the like are removed together with the fluid. It is possible to eliminate the malfunction of the fluid detection mechanism by discharging the fluid. Then, by performing a detection operation for diagnosing the fluid amount after such a maintenance operation, the fluid amount in the fluid container can be diagnosed more appropriately. At this time, the consumption of fluid can be suppressed by performing a maintenance operation after diagnosing that a malfunction has occurred. Also, if the malfunction of the fluid detection mechanism is resolved by the maintenance operation, it will be determined that the malfunction of the fluid detection mechanism is not due to a mechanical failure, etc. Can be avoided.

  In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism is not less than a predetermined amount when the fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit is not driven. When it is detected that the fluid is detected, the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning.

  According to this configuration, the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning by detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount even though the fluid supply mechanism is not driven. be able to.

  In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, the fluid detection mechanism includes a space forming portion that partitions and forms a detection space in the fluid detection chamber, and a free vibration state associated with the applied vibration while applying vibration to the space forming portion. And a piezoelectric type detecting means for detecting the vibration, wherein the piezoelectric type detecting means is in a free vibration state different from the case where the space forming part is filled with fluid and the case where the space forming part is filled with gas. Is detected, the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning.

  According to this configuration, the piezoelectric detection means detects the free vibration state different from the case where the space forming portion is filled with fluid and the case where the space forming portion is filled with gas. It is possible to diagnose that the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning because bubbles or the like are mixed in the fluid.

  In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, the fluid detection mechanism further includes a moving member accommodated in the fluid detection chamber in a state of being movable in response to a fluid capacity of the fluid detection chamber. Are provided with at least two flow paths that communicate with the space forming portion and communicate the detection space with the fluid detection chamber when the amount of fluid contained in the fluid detection chamber becomes a predetermined amount or less.

  According to this configuration, when the amount of fluid contained in the fluid detection chamber becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount, at least two flow paths provided in the moving member communicate with the space forming unit to make the detection space into the fluid detection chamber. For communication, for example, even when the detection space is provided at the bottom of the fluid detection chamber, bubbles or the like mixed in the detection space are easily discharged by the maintenance operation.

  The fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention further includes a control unit that diagnoses the amount of fluid in the fluid container based on the detection result of the fluid detection mechanism, and the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning by the control unit. Diagnose whether or not.

  According to this configuration, since it is possible to diagnose whether or not the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning by the control unit that diagnoses the fluid amount, a new control unit is provided to detect malfunction of the fluid detection mechanism. There is no need.

  In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, if the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning after performing the maintenance operation, the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning.

  According to this configuration, if the malfunction of the fluid detection mechanism is not resolved even after performing the maintenance operation, measures such as replacement / repair of the fluid detection mechanism can be performed by diagnosing that the fluid detection mechanism has failed. Can be done appropriately.

  In the fluid consuming apparatus of the present invention, the maintenance operation is a suction operation for sucking the fluid detection chamber in a state where a fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the fluid consuming unit is not driven.

According to this configuration, bubbles and the like in the fluid detection chamber can be forcibly discharged by sucking the fluid detection chamber in a state where the fluid supply mechanism is not driven.
In the fluid consuming apparatus according to the present invention, the maintenance operation may be performed by driving the fluid supply mechanism that pressurizes and supplies the fluid to the fluid consuming portion by applying pressure, and then stopping the drive of the fluid supply mechanism and leaving it for a predetermined time. This is a standing operation after stopping the pressurization.

  According to this configuration, when the fluid supply mechanism that pressurizes and supplies the fluid to the fluid consumption unit is driven, the pressure in the fluid storage container (or fluid storage unit) and the fluid detection chamber increases. Immediately after the drive of the fluid supply mechanism is stopped, the pressure in the fluid storage container (or the fluid storage portion) whose pressurized state has been released prior to the fluid detection chamber is relatively low. By allowing the fluid to flow back into the fluid container (or fluid container), bubbles or the like mixed in the detection space can be discharged.

In the fluid consumption device of the present invention, the maintenance operation is performed a plurality of times.
According to this configuration, air bubbles and the like can be discharged more reliably by performing the maintenance operation a plurality of times.

The fluid quantity diagnostic method of the present invention is a fluid quantity diagnostic method for diagnosing a fluid quantity in a fluid container that contains a fluid supplied to a fluid consumption unit based on a detection result by a fluid detection mechanism,
The fluid container includes a fluid outlet that discharges the contained fluid, and the fluid detection mechanism includes a fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet and a fluid outlet that supplies fluid to the fluid consumption unit. And a fluid detection chamber having a variable internal volume in response to the amount of fluid contained, and performing a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. After performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber, the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed, and the fluid amount is diagnosed based on the detection result.

According to this structure, the same effect as the said fluid consumption apparatus can be acquired.
The fluid quantity diagnostic method of the present invention is a fluid quantity diagnostic method for diagnosing a fluid quantity in a fluid container that contains a fluid supplied to a fluid consumption unit based on a detection result by a fluid detection mechanism, The fluid container includes a fluid outlet that discharges the contained fluid, and the fluid detection mechanism includes a fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet and a fluid outlet that supplies fluid to the fluid consumption unit, Provided with a fluid detection chamber whose internal volume is variably configured in response to the amount of fluid contained, a detection operation can be performed to detect that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less When the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning, a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber is performed, and then the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed. Diagnosing fluid amount based on the detection result.

  According to this structure, the same effect as the said fluid consumption apparatus can be acquired.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 11 as a fluid consuming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a main body case 12 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a platen 13 is disposed in the main scanning direction in a lower front portion of the main body case 12. It is constructed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) of the main body case 12 which becomes. The platen 13 is a support for supporting the paper P, and the paper P is fed onto the platen 13 along a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by a paper feeding mechanism (not shown). ing.

  A rod-shaped guide shaft 14 is installed in the main body case 12 above the rear portion of the platen 13 along the main scanning direction, and a carriage 15 is inserted and supported by the guide shaft 14. A driving pulley 16 and a driven pulley 17 are rotatably supported at positions corresponding to both end portions of the guide shaft 14 on the rear side surface in the main body case 12. A carriage motor 18 is connected to the drive pulley 16, and an endless timing belt 19 that supports the carriage 15 is hung between the pair of pulleys 16 and 17. Therefore, the carriage 15 can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 14 by driving the carriage motor 18.

  A box-shaped cartridge holder 20 is provided on one end side (the right end side in FIG. 1) in the main body case 12. A plurality (four in this embodiment) of ink cartridges 21 as fluid containers are detachably mounted on the cartridge holder 20 for each color of ink as fluid.

  Each ink cartridge 21 is connected to the upstream end of the ink supply path 22 when mounted in the cartridge holder 20. The downstream end of each ink supply path 22 is connected to the upstream side of the valve unit 23 mounted on the carriage 15, and the downstream side of the valve unit 23 is a fluid consumption provided on the lower surface side of the carriage 15. It is connected to a recording head 24 as a unit. A plurality of nozzle openings (not shown) are formed on a nozzle forming surface (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the recording head 24.

  The valve unit 23 is a valve mechanism provided to stably supply ink from the ink cartridge 21 to the recording head 24. The valve unit 23 is normally closed, but a predetermined amount of ink is supplied from the nozzle opening. When the ink is ejected, the valve is opened and ink is supplied to the recording head 24 side.

  A home position HP serving as a standby position for the carriage 15 is provided between the cartridge holder 20 and the platen 13, that is, in a non-printing area where the paper P does not reach, when the printer 11 is powered off or when the recording head 24 is maintained. It has been. A maintenance unit 25 for performing maintenance of the recording head 24 is provided at a lower position when the carriage 15 is disposed at the home position HP.

  The maintenance unit 25 includes a cap 26 for sealing the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 24 moved to the home position HP. An upstream end of an ink suction tube (not shown) is connected to the bottom surface of the cap 26. The downstream end of the ink suction tube is a suction pump 27 (see FIG. 4) that sucks ink in the recording head 24 for cleaning. Connected). After the recording head 24 is moved to the home position HP, when the cap 26 is moved upward by the elevating device 28 (see FIG. 4), the cap opens the nozzle opening on the nozzle forming surface with respect to the recording head 24. So as to surround. When the suction pump 27 is driven in such a state where the cap 26 is in contact with the recording head, suction cleaning in which thickened ink or bubbles in the ink supply path 22 and the recording head 24 are sucked and discharged from the nozzles. Is done.

  A pressure unit 29 is disposed on the upper side of the cartridge holder 20. The pressurizing unit 29 includes a pressurizing pump 30 as a fluid supply mechanism. Pressurized air generated by driving the pressurizing pump 30 is pumped into the ink cartridge 21 through the air supply path 31. Yes. In the pressurization unit 29, a pressure detector 32 and an atmosphere release valve 33 are connected to an air supply path 31 on the downstream side of the pressurization pump 30.

  When the pressurization pump 30 is driven, the pressure detector 32 detects the pressure of the pressurization air in the air supply path 31, and drive control of the pressurization pump 30 is performed based on the detected value. In addition, when the pressure in the air supply path 31 becomes excessive due to some circumstances, the atmosphere release valve 33 is opened to release the pressure in the air supply path 31 to the atmosphere.

  The air supply path 31 is branched in the same number as the number of ink cartridges 21 with a distributor 34 disposed downstream of the atmosphere release valve 33 as a boundary. Each branched air supply path 31 is connected to the corresponding ink cartridge 21 at each downstream end.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each ink cartridge 21 includes a container body 35 having a box shape. The inside of the container main body 35 is divided into two front and rear by a partition wall 35a, the rear side (left side in FIGS. 2 and 3) is a sensor housing chamber 36, and the front side (right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) is A pressurizing chamber 37 is provided. In the container body 35, a pressurized air inlet 38 to which the downstream end of the air supply path 31 is connected is provided on the upper side of the pressurized chamber 37.

  In the pressurizing chamber 37 of the container main body 35, an ink pack 39 as a fluid storage portion is stored. The ink pack 39 overlaps two rectangular flexible films and heat-welds the three sides in a U-shape, and the remaining one side (the left side in FIGS. 2 and 3) from the center. It is comprised by heat-welding in the state arrange | positioned so that the derivation | leading-out member 40 may protrude.

  A head portion 40a having an enlarged diameter is formed at the protruding end portion (the left end portion in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the outlet member 40, and the outlet member 40 has an ink discharge function as a fluid discharge port. An outlet 41 is formed through.

  Therefore, when the pressurizing pump 30 is driven, the pressurized air fed from the pressurizing pump 30 is introduced into the pressurizing chamber 37 through the air supply path 31 and the ink pack is used by the air pressure of the pressurized air. 39 is crushed. Then, the ink stored in the ink pack 39 is discharged from the ink discharge port 41 of the outlet member 40.

  On the other hand, a substantially disc-shaped detector main body 42 having a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction is housed in the sensor housing chamber 36. A concave portion 43 having an upper opening is formed in the detection unit main body 42, and the flexible film 44 is bent at the upper end of the detection unit main body 42 so as to seal the opening of the concave portion 43. It is fixed. A sensor chamber 45 as a fluid detection chamber is enclosed in the detection unit main body 42 by the recess 43 and the flexible film 44 of the detection unit main body 42.

  An inflow side protrusion 46 projects from one end side (the right end side in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the detection unit main body 42, and the other end side (FIG. 2) faces the inflow side protrusion 46 of the detection unit main body 42. And the outflow side protrusion 47 protrudes from the left end side in FIG. A through hole 36a is formed in the partition wall 35a that divides the sensor storage chamber 36 and the pressurizing chamber 37, and in the rear side wall (the left side wall in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the front-rear direction with the through hole 36a. A through hole 36b is formed at the corresponding position.

  Then, the inflow side protrusion 46 and the outflow side protrusion 47 are fitted in the front and rear through holes 36a and 36b, respectively, so that the detector main body 42 is supported by the container main body 35. Further, an ink inlet 48 as a fluid inlet is formed in the inflow side protrusion 46 in the detection unit main body 42 so as to communicate with the inside of the sensor chamber 45, and a fluid outlet is provided in the outflow side protrusion 47. The ink outlet 49 is formed so as to penetrate the sensor chamber 45.

  In addition, the inflow side protrusion 46 of the detection unit main body 42 is fitted in the through hole 36 a so that the tip of the inflow side protrusion 46 protrudes into the pressurizing chamber 37 from the through hole 36 a. It has become. Therefore, when the head portion 40a of the ink pack 39 is connected to the inflow side protruding portion 46 protruding into the pressurizing chamber 37, the ink discharge port 41 and the ink inflow port 48 communicate with each other.

  On the other hand, when the ink pack 39 is separated from the container main body 35, the detection unit main body 42 is disconnected from the inflow side protrusion 46 and the head portion 40 a of the ink pack 39, and the ink discharge port 41 and the ink flow are separated. The inlet 48 is not in communication with each other. In addition, a packing 50 is provided between the head portion 40 a of the lead-out member 40 and the inflow side protrusion 46 for airtight connection between the ink discharge port 41 and the ink inflow port 48. Further, the ink outlet 49 is a valve that opens a flow path to the ink supply path 22 by inserting an ink supply needle (not shown) provided in the cartridge holder 20 when the ink cartridge 21 is mounted in the cartridge holder 20. A mechanism (not shown) is equipped.

  In addition, a pressure detection unit 51 is provided below the detection unit main body 42. The pressure detector 51 includes a bottom plate 52 at a position corresponding to the bottom of the recess 43, and a piezoelectric sensor 53 as a piezoelectric detector is provided below the bottom plate 52. In addition, an ink guide path 54 is provided as a space forming portion in such a manner that two openings 54 a and 54 b (see FIG. 2) open on the upper surface of the bottom plate 52 while penetrating the bottom plate 52 and the piezoelectric sensor 53. Yes. The piezoelectric sensor 53 applies vibration to the detection space defined in the ink guide path 54 in the sensor chamber 45, detects the state of free vibration associated with this vibration, and outputs the detection result as a detection signal. It has become.

  A moving member 55 is fixed to the lower surface side of the flexible film 44 at a position facing the pressure detection unit 51. Further, a compression coil that elastically biases the moving member 55 and the flexible film 44 in a direction to reduce the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 between the upper surface of the flexible film 44 and the inner wall upper surface of the sensor housing chamber 36. A spring 56 is interposed. In this embodiment, the above-described members housed in the sensor housing chamber 36, that is, the detection unit main body 42, the flexible film 44, the piezoelectric sensor 53, the moving member 55, and the compression coil spring 56, An ink detection unit 36A serving as a fluid detection mechanism for detecting the internal volume of the chamber 45 is configured.

  Two flow paths 57 and 58 are formed through the moving member 55, and the opening 57 a and 58 a (see FIG. 2) of the flow paths 57 and 58 is configured so that the moving member 55 is biased by the compression coil spring 56. Thus, when they contact the bottom plate 52, they are connected to the openings 54a and 54b, respectively. On the other hand, the other openings 57b and 58b (see FIG. 2) of the flow paths 57 and 58 are extended to the vicinity of the ink inlet 48 and the ink outlet 49, respectively.

  In a state where the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven, the moving member 55 comes into contact with the bottom plate 52 in close contact with the bottom plate 52 by the urging force of the compression coil spring 56, as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the pressurizing pump 30 is driven, the ink stored in the ink pack 39 flows into the sensor chamber 45 through the ink inlet 48 and the pressure in the sensor chamber 45 increases. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the moving member 55 moves in the direction of increasing the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 56. That is, the inner volume of the sensor chamber 45 is variable as the moving member 55 moves according to the amount of ink contained.

  Therefore, when the pressurizing pump 30 is driven, the ink stored in the ink pack 39 that has been pressurized by the pressure of the pressurized air is transferred to the ink discharge port 41, the ink inflow port 48, the sensor chamber 45, The ink is supplied to the recording head 24 through the ink outlet 49 and the ink supply path 22. The supplied ink is ejected from the nozzle opening toward the paper P, so that printing is performed.

  However, even if the pressurizing pump 30 is driven and the inside of the pressurizing chamber 37 is in a predetermined pressurizing state, if the amount of ink stored in the ink pack 39 is reduced, the ink is supplied from the ink pack 39 to the sensor chamber 45. The amount of ink is reduced. Then, since the pressure in the sensor chamber 45 decreases, the moving member 55 approaches the bottom plate 52 having the ink guide path 54. In this embodiment, when the pressure in the sensor chamber 45 decreases, the moving member 55 comes into contact with the bottom plate 52 and the ink guide path 54 and the flow paths 57 and 58 communicate with each other. The ink pack 39 is set in a state where the ink has run out as being less than the predetermined amount. The timing when the moving member 55 contacts the bottom plate 52 can be arbitrarily changed by adjusting the urging force of the compression coil spring 56.

Next, the detection operation of the ink detection unit 36A for diagnosing the ink amount and a method for diagnosing the fluid amount based on the detection result will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the moving member 55 comes into contact with the bottom plate 52, the flow paths 57 and 58 communicate with the ink guide path 54 and the detection space in the ink guide path 54 communicates with the sensor chamber 45. It is like that. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the moving member 55 is separated from the bottom plate 52, the ink guide path 54 is opened to the sensor chamber 45 through the openings 54a and 54b.

  The piezoelectric sensor 53 has different free vibrations when the ink guiding path 54 is filled with air (gas) without being filled with ink and when the ink guiding path 54 is filled with filled ink. The state of can be detected.

  The piezoelectric sensor 53 includes a case where the ink guide path 54 communicates with the flow paths 57 and 58 in a state where the ink guide path 54 is filled with ink, and a case where the ink sensor path 45 is opened to the sensor chamber 45. Thus, different free vibration states can be detected. That is, the ink detection unit 36A performs a detection operation for detecting whether or not the moving member 55 is in contact with the bottom plate 52 and the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. The ink amount is detected, and a detection result for diagnosing the ink amount in the ink pack 39 is output.

  Note that when a predetermined amount or more of bubbles are mixed in the ink guide path 54 and the ink guide path 54 is in a state where ink and gas are mixed, the ink guide path 54 is filled with ink. It is possible to detect a state of free vibration different from the case of being filled with air.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the piezoelectric sensor 53 can communicate with a control unit 59 provided in the printer 11. The communication between the piezoelectric sensor 53 and the control unit 59 may be performed without contact between the piezoelectric sensor 53 and the control unit 59 with an antenna or the like, or when the ink cartridge 21 is mounted. 53 and the control unit 59 may be electrically connected.

  The control unit 59 includes a CPU 60, a ROM 61, a RAM 62, a digital computer having an input side interface (not shown) and an output side interface (not shown), and a drive circuit for driving each mechanism (the pressure pump 30 and the like). (Not shown). The pressure detector 32 is electrically connected to the input side interface of the control unit 59, and the pressurization pump 30, the suction pump 27, the lifting device 28, and the display panel 63 are respectively connected to the output side interface. Electrically connected.

  The ROM 61 of the control unit 59 stores a control program for controlling each mechanism (such as the pressurizing pump 30), a vibration pattern as a state of each free vibration described above, and the like. The RAM 62 stores various types of information (such as detection results indicated by detection signals from the piezoelectric sensor 53 and the pressure detector 32) that are appropriately rewritten while the printer 11 is being driven. The CPU 60 reads out each vibration pattern stored in the ROM 61 and compares it with the vibration pattern detected by the piezoelectric sensor 53.

  In addition, the control unit 59 determines the driving state of the pressurizing pump 30 based on the detection signal from the pressure detector 32. That is, when the pressure detector 32 detects a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that the pressurizing pump 30 is driven, while the pressure in the air supply path 31 is less than the predetermined value. When the pressure detector 32 detects, it judges that the pressurization pump 30 is not driven.

  Then, based on the state of free vibration detected by the piezoelectric sensor 53 and the driving state of the pressure pump 30, the control unit 59 determines whether the ink amount or the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning as shown in FIG. It is supposed to be diagnosed.

  In FIG. 5, “with ink” indicates a diagnosis result that the ink in the ink pack 39 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and “no ink” indicates that the ink in the ink pack 39 is less than the predetermined value. Indicates the diagnosis result. In the case of “with ink” or “without ink”, the ink detection unit 36A indicates that the ink amount is not properly diagnosed and the ink amount is appropriately diagnosed. Further, the “operation failure” indicates a diagnosis result indicating that the ink amount cannot be properly diagnosed for some reason, such as mixing of bubbles into the ink guide path 54 or failure of the ink detection unit 36A.

  Further, “contact” indicates that the detection result by the ink detection unit 36A indicates that the moving member 55 is in contact with the bottom plate 52, that is, the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. . “Non-contact” means that the moving member 55 is not in contact with the bottom plate 52 and the ink guide path 54 is open to the sensor chamber 45, that is, the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is a predetermined amount. The detection result when it exceeds is shown. “Air” indicates a detection result when ink is not filled in the ink guide path 54 but is filled with air. “Bubble” indicates a bubble of a predetermined amount or more in the ink guide path 54. Shows a detection result in a case where ink and gas are mixed in the ink guide path 54.

  That is, a “contact” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurization pump 30 is not driven, and a “non-contact” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurization pump 30 is driven. In the case of the ink pack 39, the ink pack 39 is diagnosed as having a predetermined amount or more of ink.

  On the other hand, the “abutting” free vibration state is detected when the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven, and the “abutting” free vibration state is also detected when the pressurizing pump 30 is driven. In the case of the ink pack 39, it is diagnosed that the ink in the ink pack 39 is less than a predetermined amount.

  On the other hand, regardless of whether the “non-contact” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven, or whether the pressurizing pump 30 is driven, When the free vibration state of “bubble” is detected, it is diagnosed that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning for some reason.

  Note that the cause of the malfunction when the “non-contact” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven is that the movement of the moving member 55 is hindered due to a failure of the compression coil spring 56 or the like. For example, a foreign object is sandwiched between the moving member 55 and the bottom plate 52, and the contact of the moving member 55 with the bottom plate 52 is prevented.

  In addition, as a cause of the malfunction when the free vibration state of “bubbles” is detected, bubbles mixed in when the ink cartridge 21 is replaced or bubbles that penetrate through the ink supply path 22 enter the ink guide path 54. It is mentioned that it was mixed in.

  Further, the cause of the malfunction when the free vibration state of “air” is detected is the same as when the free vibration state of “bubbles” is detected. It can be mentioned that bubbles equal to or larger than the volume were mixed. Alternatively, even when a small amount of bubbles are mixed in the ink guide path 54 and left for a long time and the bubbles grow to be equal to or larger than the volume in the ink guide path 54, the free vibration state of the “bubbles” is detected. It is thought that it is done.

Next, the operation of the printer 11 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
When the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning based on the detection result by the ink detection unit 36A and the detection signal from the pressure detector 32, the control unit 59 turns each mechanism (the pressure pump 30 or the like). Control and perform maintenance operations.

  Specifically, the elevating device 28 is driven to bring the cap 26 into contact with the recording head 24 while the pressure pump 30 is not driven. Then, the suction pump 27 is driven in a state where the nozzle opening on the nozzle forming surface is surrounded by the cap 26, and the inside of the sensor chamber 45 is sucked. Then, as indicated by a dotted arrow in FIG. 3, the ink in the ink pack 39 is sucked to the recording head 24 side through the flow paths 57 and 58 and the ink guide path 54, and the inside of the sensor chamber 45 and the ink guide of the ink detection unit 36A. The thickened ink or bubbles in the passage 54 are sucked and discharged from the nozzle together with the ink.

  After performing the maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the ink in the sensor chamber 45 in this way, the detection operation by the ink detection unit 36A is executed, and the control unit 59 diagnoses the ink amount and the like again based on the detection result.

  As a result of the diagnosis after the maintenance operation, when the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is defective again, the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is out of order. That is, the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A is not eliminated by the maintenance operation, and the ink amount cannot be diagnosed appropriately, so that a message indicating that the ink detection unit 36A has failed is displayed on the display panel 63. In response to the displayed message, the user takes measures such as replacement or repair of the ink cartridge 21.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, by performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the ink in the sensor chamber 45 when bubbles are mixed into the sensor chamber 45 of the ink detection unit 36A and a malfunction occurs, for example, It is possible to eliminate the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A by discharging bubbles and the like together with the ink. Then, the ink amount in the ink cartridge 21 (ink pack 39) can be diagnosed more appropriately by executing the detection operation by the ink detection unit 36A after such a maintenance operation. At this time, by performing a maintenance operation after diagnosing that a malfunction has occurred, it is possible to suppress ink consumption. Further, when the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A is resolved by the maintenance operation, it becomes clear that the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A is not due to a mechanical failure or the like. Repairs can be avoided.

  (2) In the above embodiment, if the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A is not resolved even after performing the maintenance operation, the ink cartridge 21 is replaced or repaired by diagnosing that the ink detection unit 36A has failed. Such measures can be taken appropriately.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the ink detection unit 36A malfunctions by detecting that the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 exceeds a predetermined amount even though the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven. Can be diagnosed.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor 53 is in a free vibration state different from the case where the ink guide path 54 is filled with ink and the case where the ink guide path 54 is filled with gas (air). By detecting this, it is possible to diagnose that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning because air bubbles or the like are mixed in the ink guide path 54.

  (5) In the above embodiment, when the amount of ink stored in the sensor chamber 45 is less than or equal to the predetermined amount, the flow paths 57 and 58 provided in the moving member 55 communicate with the ink guide path 54 to define the detection space. Since the sensor chamber 45 is communicated, bubbles or the like mixed in the detection space are easily discharged by the maintenance operation.

  (6) In the above embodiment, since it is possible to diagnose whether or not the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning by the control unit 59 that diagnoses the ink amount, a new one is detected to detect the malfunction of the ink detection unit 36A. There is no need to provide a simple control unit.

  (7) In the above embodiment, since the ink cartridge 21 includes the ink detection unit 36A, when the ink cartridge 21 is replaced, the ink detection unit 36A is also newly replaced. Reliability is improved.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, the air in the sensor chamber 45 can be forcibly discharged by sucking the sensor chamber 45 while the pressure pump 30 is not driven. Further, since the suction pump 27 and the like that perform the suction operation are provided for performing the suction cleaning, it is not necessary to newly provide a device for performing the maintenance operation.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Since this embodiment also embodies the fluid consuming apparatus according to the present invention in an ink jet printer, as in the first embodiment, the following description will focus on parts that are different from the first embodiment. Explained.

  In the present embodiment, when the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning based on the detection result from the ink detection unit 36A and the detection signal from the pressure detector 32, the following maintenance is performed. Perform the action.

  That is, after the pressurizing pump 30 is driven to bring the pressurizing chamber 37 into a pressurized state, the driving of the pressurizing pump 30 is stopped and left for a predetermined time. At this time, since ink is not discharged from the nozzles, the valve unit 23 communicating with the recording head 24 is in a closed state. Accordingly, ink does not flow out from the ink outlet 49, and the pressure in the sensor chamber 45 increases.

  Therefore, immediately after the drive of the pressurization pump 30 is stopped, the pressure in the pressurization chamber 37 that has been released from the pressurization state prior to the sensor chamber 45 becomes relatively low, as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. The ink in the sensor chamber 45 flows back into the ink pack 39, and bubbles and the like mixed in the ink guide path 54 are discharged into the sensor chamber 45.

  After performing the leaving operation after the pressurization stop as the maintenance operation, the detection operation by the ink detection unit 36A is executed again, and the control unit 59 diagnoses the ink amount and the like based on the detection result. As a result of the diagnosis after the maintenance operation, when the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is defective again, the control unit 59 diagnoses that the ink detection unit 36A is out of order.

Depending on the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1) to (7) described above.
(9) In the above embodiment, the air bubbles mixed in the ink guide path 54 can be discharged by causing the ink in the sensor chamber 45 to flow backward into the ink pack 39 by the leaving operation after stopping the pressurization. it can. Further, since the pressurizing pump 30 that performs pressurization is provided for supplying ink to the recording head 24, it is not necessary to newly provide a device for performing a maintenance operation.

In addition, you may change said each embodiment into another embodiment as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, it is detected that the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is a predetermined amount or less, but it is detected that the internal volume of the sensor chamber 45 is a predetermined amount or more. It may be.

  In each of the above embodiments, the maintenance operation is performed when the ink detection unit 36A is diagnosed as malfunctioning. However, the first detection operation and the diagnosis such as the ink amount (the presence or absence of ink and the ink detection) Diagnosis of whether the part 36A is malfunctioning may be omitted. That is, after the maintenance operation is performed in advance, the detection operation by the ink detection unit 36A and the diagnosis of the ink amount or the like may be performed. Even with this configuration, when bubbles are mixed in the sensor chamber 45 of the ink detection unit 36A, the maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the ink in the sensor chamber 45 is performed to discharge the bubbles and the like together with the ink. Can do. Then, by diagnosing the ink amount and the like after such a maintenance operation, the ink amount in the ink cartridge 21 can be diagnosed more appropriately.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink cartridge 21 includes the ink detection unit 36A. However, the ink detection unit 36A may be provided on the printer 11 side. According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to provide the ink detection unit 36A in the ink cartridge 21, the manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge 21 can be suppressed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the fluid container (or fluid container) may not be attached to and detached from the printer 11. For example, the fluid storage unit (or fluid storage container) may be a sub tank or an external tank that is not removed from the printer 11 (fluid consumption device).

  In each of the above embodiments, a message is displayed on the display panel 63 when it is diagnosed that the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning. However, after the ink detection unit 36A is diagnosed as malfunctioning. A message to that effect may be displayed. In this case, the user who has received the message may manually perform the maintenance operation, or may perform only the message display and automatically perform the maintenance operation.

  In each of the above embodiments, when it is diagnosed that the operation is defective again after performing the maintenance operation, the ink detection unit 36A is diagnosed as malfunctioning. May be diagnosed. In addition, a message to that effect may be displayed on the display panel 63.

  In each of the above embodiments, a message is displayed on the display panel 63 when it is diagnosed that the ink detection unit 36A is out of order. However, the means for notifying the user of the diagnosis result is such a display. It is not restricted to the case where the panel 63 is used. For example, it may be notified by a sound such as a buzzer, a failure lamp may be turned on, or a diagnosis result may be transmitted to a computer or the like connected to the printer 11.

  In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 59 provided in the printer 11 diagnoses whether or not the ink detection unit 36A is malfunctioning. However, a control unit that performs this diagnosis is separately provided. Also good. For example, the ink cartridge 21 (fluid storage container) is provided with a control unit when the replacement frequency due to exhaustion is low due to a large storage amount or when ink is replenished without replacement. Also good. In this case, the control unit on the ink cartridge 21 side detects the driving state of the pressure pump 30 (fluid supply mechanism) by communicating with the control unit on the printer 11 (fluid consuming device) side, and the ink cartridge 21 side A drive signal for performing a maintenance operation or the like based on the diagnosis result of the control unit may be transmitted to the control unit on the printer 11 side.

  In each of the above embodiments, a maintenance device that forcibly discharges the ink in the sensor chamber 45 and a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 37 may be provided separately. Such a maintenance device, a pressure sensor, and a control unit may be provided in the ink cartridge 21 (fluid container). In this case, without using the function of the printer 11, the control unit provided in the ink cartridge 21 drives the pressurizing pump 30 when the pressure in the pressurizing chamber 37 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. And a maintenance operation can be executed by driving the maintenance device based on the diagnosis result.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the maintenance operation of the ink detection unit 36A is not limited to the suction operation or the leaving operation after stopping the pressurization. Also good.

  In each of the above embodiments, the maintenance operation of the ink detection unit 36A may be performed a plurality of times as necessary, or may be performed a plurality of times by combining different maintenance operations. According to this configuration, air bubbles and the like can be discharged more reliably by performing the maintenance operation a plurality of times. In this case, the number of maintenance operations and the maintenance method may be arbitrarily set by the user, or the number and maintenance method may be changed according to the detected free vibration state (that is, the cause pattern of the malfunction). It may be. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform a maintenance operation with a more appropriate number of times and method.

  In each of the above embodiments, the detection operation for diagnosing the ink amount is executed by the piezoelectric sensor 53, but the detection mechanism for diagnosing the ink amount is not limited to such a piezoelectric detection means. . For example, the detection operation may be performed by providing a contact-type switch that detects that the internal volume of the sensor chamber has become a predetermined amount or more or a predetermined amount or less. Also in this case, bubbles in the sensor chamber can be discharged by the maintenance operation.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, only when the “non-contact” free vibration state is detected and the “bubble” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven, the malfunction is not caused. You may make it diagnose that it is. Alternatively, when a “non-contact” free vibration state is detected in a state where the pressurizing pump 30 is not driven, it is diagnosed as a failure, and the operation is performed only when a “bubble” free vibration state is detected. You may make it diagnose with it being defective.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink is supplied by bringing the pressurizing chamber 37 into a pressurized state by the pressurizing pump 30, but the ink cartridge 21 is disposed at a position higher than the recording head 24. Thus, the ink may be supplied by the position head difference. For example, by mounting the ink cartridge 21 on the carriage 15, a position head for supplying ink to the recording head 24 can be obtained. In this case, it is preferable to provide an open / close valve between the ink pack 39 and the sensor chamber 45. Then, with this valve closed, the suction pump 27 is driven in a state where the cap 26 surrounds the nozzle opening and is in contact with the recording head 24 to suck the inside of the sensor chamber 45 (so-called choke cleaning). ) To discharge bubbles and the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the moving member 55 is formed to pass through the two flow paths 57 and 58, but the flow path that communicates with the ink guide path 54 when the moving member 55 contacts the bottom plate 52. There may be more than two. According to this configuration, even when one flow path is closed by thickened ink or the like, the plurality of flow paths can be communicated with the ink guide path 54 when the moving member 55 contacts the bottom plate 52. .

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink guide path 54 may be formed in a shape such as a recess having one opening instead of a tubular passage having two openings 54a and 54b. In such a case, a single flow path communicating with the ink guide path 54 formed in the moving member 55 may be provided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the fluid consuming apparatus according to the present invention is embodied in an ink jet printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and fluid other than ink (liquid or particles of functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid). And a fluid consuming device that injects and consumes a liquid material, a fluid such as a gel, and the like. For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, a transparent resin liquid such as UV curable resin is used to form liquid injection devices that inject lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (eg, physical gel) It may be. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid consuming devices. In the present specification, the term “fluid” is a concept that does not include a fluid consisting only of gas. Examples of the fluid include liquid (inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, liquid metal (metal melt), etc. ), Liquids, fluids, and the like.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiments and modified examples will be described below together with their effects.
(Technical Thought 1) A fluid quantity diagnostic method for diagnosing a fluid quantity in a fluid container that contains a fluid supplied to a fluid consumption unit based on a detection result by a fluid detection mechanism,
The fluid storage container includes a fluid discharge port for discharging the stored fluid,
The fluid detection mechanism includes a fluid inflow port connected to the fluid discharge port and a fluid outflow port for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit, and a fluid whose internal volume is configured to be variable in response to a fluid capacity. A detection chamber, configured to detect a fluid amount in the fluid detection chamber, and capable of performing a detection operation;
A fluid quantity diagnosis method, comprising: performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging a fluid in the fluid detection chamber, causing the fluid detection mechanism to perform the detection operation, and diagnosing a fluid quantity based on the detection result.

  According to this configuration, when bubbles are mixed in the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism, the bubbles and the like can be discharged together with the fluid by performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber. . By performing the detection operation after such a maintenance operation and diagnosing the fluid amount, the fluid amount in the fluid container can be diagnosed more appropriately.

1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment, showing a state where ink is supplied from the inside of the ink cartridge. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment, showing a state when a suction operation for sucking inside the sensor chamber is performed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer. The figure which showed what kind of diagnosis is performed by the state of the free vibration which the piezoelectric sensor detected, and the drive state of a pressurization pump. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the ink cartridge in 2nd Embodiment, and shows the state when leaving operation is performed after a pressurization stop.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printer as fluid consumption apparatus, 21 ... Ink cartridge as fluid container, 24 ... Recording head as fluid consumption part, 30 ... Pressure pump as fluid supply mechanism, 36A ... Ink detection part as fluid detection mechanism 39... Ink pack as a fluid container, 41... Ink discharge port as a fluid discharge port, 45... Sensor chamber as a fluid detection chamber, 48... Ink inlet as a fluid inlet, 49. Ink outlet, 53... Piezoelectric sensor as piezoelectric detecting means, 54... Ink guiding path as space forming part, 55... Moving member, 57, 58.

Claims (14)

A fluid container having a fluid outlet for discharging the contained fluid;
A fluid detection chamber having a fluid inlet connected to the fluid outlet and a fluid outlet for supplying a fluid; and a fluid detection chamber configured to be variable in volume in response to a fluid capacity. A fluid storage container having a fluid detection mechanism configured to execute a detection operation for detecting the fluid amount of
A fluid consuming device having a fluid consuming unit for consuming a fluid and a control unit for diagnosing the amount of fluid in the fluid container,
After performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber, the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed, and the amount of fluid in the fluid container is diagnosed based on the detection result. Fluid consuming device. The fluid consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid detection mechanism is capable of performing a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount or less than a predetermined amount. . A fluid container containing fluid;
A fluid consuming unit that consumes fluid;
In order to diagnose the amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit, the fluid storage unit includes a fluid inlet connected to a fluid discharge port of the fluid storage unit and a fluid outlet for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit. The fluid detection chamber is configured to be variable in response to the internal volume, and is configured to perform a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less. A fluid consuming device having a fluid detection mechanism,
A fluid consuming apparatus that performs the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism after performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber. A fluid storage container having a fluid discharge port for discharging the stored fluid;
A fluid consuming unit that consumes fluid;
In order to diagnose the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container, a fluid inflow port connected to the fluid discharge port and a fluid outflow port for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit are provided. A fluid detection mechanism comprising a fluid detection chamber having a variable internal volume and capable of performing a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount or less. A fluid consuming device comprising:
When the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning, a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber is performed, and then the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed. Fluid consumption device. In a state where the fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit is not driven, when it is detected that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber of the fluid detection mechanism is a predetermined amount or more, The fluid consumption device according to claim 4, wherein the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning. The fluid detection mechanism includes:
A space forming section for defining a detection space in the fluid detection chamber;
A piezoelectric detection means for applying a vibration to the space forming portion and detecting a free vibration state associated with the applied vibration;
When the piezoelectric detection means detects a free vibration state different from the case where the space forming portion is filled with fluid and the case where the space forming portion is filled with gas, the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning. The fluid consuming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fluid consuming apparatus is diagnosed as being. The fluid detection mechanism further includes a moving member accommodated in the fluid detection chamber in a movable state in response to a fluid capacity of the fluid detection chamber,
The moving member is provided with at least two flow paths that communicate with the space forming portion and communicate the detection space with the fluid detection chamber when the fluid accommodation amount of the fluid detection chamber becomes a predetermined amount or less. The fluid consuming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein A control unit for diagnosing the amount of fluid in the fluid container based on the detection result of the fluid detection mechanism;
The fluid consumption device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control unit diagnoses whether or not the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning. 9. After performing the maintenance operation, if the fluid detection mechanism is diagnosed as malfunctioning, it is diagnosed that the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning. The fluid consuming apparatus according to claim 1. The maintenance operation is a suction operation of sucking the fluid detection chamber in a state where a fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit is not driven. The fluid consumption apparatus according to any one of the above. The maintenance operation is a post-pressurization leaving operation in which the fluid supply mechanism is driven to pressurize and supply a fluid to the fluid consumption unit by applying pressure, and then the drive of the fluid supply mechanism is stopped and left for a predetermined time. The fluid consumption apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The fluid consumption apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance operation is performed a plurality of times. A fluid quantity diagnostic method for diagnosing the amount of fluid in a fluid container that contains fluid supplied to a fluid consumption unit based on a detection result by a fluid detection mechanism,
The fluid storage container includes a fluid discharge port for discharging the stored fluid,
The fluid detection mechanism includes a fluid inflow port connected to the fluid discharge port and a fluid outflow port for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit, and a fluid whose internal volume is configured to be variable in response to a fluid capacity. Comprising a detection chamber, configured to be able to perform a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is a predetermined amount or more or a predetermined amount or less,
A fluid quantity diagnosis method, comprising: performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging a fluid in the fluid detection chamber, causing the fluid detection mechanism to perform the detection operation, and diagnosing a fluid quantity based on the detection result. A fluid quantity diagnostic method for diagnosing the amount of fluid in a fluid container that contains fluid supplied to a fluid consumption unit based on a detection result by a fluid detection mechanism,
The fluid storage container includes a fluid discharge port for discharging the stored fluid,
The fluid detection mechanism includes a fluid inflow port connected to the fluid discharge port and a fluid outflow port for supplying fluid to the fluid consumption unit, and a fluid whose internal volume is configured to be variable in response to a fluid capacity. Comprising a detection chamber, configured to be able to perform a detection operation for detecting that the internal volume of the fluid detection chamber is a predetermined amount or more or a predetermined amount or less,
When it is diagnosed that the fluid detection mechanism is malfunctioning, after performing a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging the fluid in the fluid detection chamber, the detection operation by the fluid detection mechanism is executed, and the detection result A fluid quantity diagnosis method characterized by diagnosing a fluid quantity on the basis of the fluid quantity.

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