JP2019177498A - Liquid consumption system - Google Patents

Abstract

A new cartridge is prevented from reaching a user until a display indicating replacement of a cartridge is displayed, and a cartridge in which ink remains is suppressed from being replaced with a new cartridge. A PC instructs a server to order a new cartridge before ink in a cartridge mounted in a mounting case is used up. After an instruction to order a new cartridge is given, the ordered object 61 and the non-replaceable object 62 are displayed on the display 28 of the printer until the ink in the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is used up. When the ink in the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is used up, the replacement instruction object is displayed on the display 28 of the printer. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid consumption system that instructs shipping of a cartridge in which liquid is stored.

  Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that switches toner near empty detection timing in accordance with print history data. According to this image forming apparatus, the toner near empty can be displayed on the display unit according to the usage conditions of the user.

  Patent Document 2 describes a management system that inquires of a management apparatus whether or not to display toner near empty when the image forming apparatus detects toner near empty. The management device should deliver the replacement toner cartridge to the toner cartridge delivery management device to the user of the image forming device without displaying the toner near empty on the image forming device on condition that the management conditions are met. The delivery instruction signal is output.

JP 2011-191433 A JP 2011-197293 A

  Automatic delivery instructing delivery of replacement cartridges based on a signal indicating the remaining amount of cartridges output from the image forming apparatus, instead of being ordered by the user, as in the system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561. There is a system. In the automatic delivery system, when a message for replacing a cartridge is displayed on the image forming apparatus, if the replacement cartridge does not reach the user, the user who sees the display cannot immediately replace the cartridge.

  On the other hand, if a replacement cartridge arrives at the user before the image forming apparatus displays that the cartridge is to be replaced, the user may replace the cartridge without waiting for the display. In this case, the cartridge in which the usable printing material still remains is replaced and discarded, which is not desirable from the viewpoint of effective use of resources.

  An object of the present invention is to provide means for suppressing replacement of a cartridge in which a replacement cartridge is delivered to a user when a cartridge replacement is displayed and a usable printing material still remains. There is to do.

  (1) A liquid consumption system according to the present invention includes a mounting case to which a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which a liquid is stored is mounted, a tank having a second liquid chamber, and one of which communicates with the second liquid chamber. The other is connected to the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case, the head is connected to the second liquid chamber and discharges the liquid, and the first communication. An interface, a display, and a controller; The controller determines a remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge, determines whether the determined remaining amount has reached the first amount, and the determined remaining amount is the first amount. Based on the determination that the first amount has been reached, the first information for instructing the shipment of the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface, and it is determined whether the determined remaining amount has reached the second amount, When the first information is transmitted through the first communication interface and the determined remaining amount has reached the second amount, the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is replaced. A prompt message is displayed on the display.

  According to the above configuration, since the cartridge is instructed to be sent before the display for prompting the replacement of the cartridge is displayed on the display, the replacement cartridge is delivered to the user by the time the replacement of the cartridge is displayed. obtain. In addition, since the display prompting the replacement of the cartridge is displayed on the display after the shipment of the cartridge is instructed, the replacement of the cartridge that still has usable liquid is suppressed.

  (2) Preferably, the first amount may be a value that can be changed by a user, and the second amount may be a predetermined value.

  According to the above configuration, when the first amount is changed by the user, the user can change the timing at which the cartridge is instructed according to the consumption speed of the liquid stored in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge. .

  (3) Preferably, the controller may display on the display a display indicating that the cartridge has been instructed to be shipped in response to the transmission of the first information through the first communication interface.

  According to the configuration, the user can know through the display that the replacement cartridge has been sent out.

  (4) Preferably, the controller transmits the first information through the first communication interface, and determines that the determined remaining amount has not reached the second amount. An indication that the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is not replaced may be displayed on the display.

  According to the above configuration, it can be noted to the user that the cartridge is not exchanged until a display prompting the exchange of the cartridge is displayed on the display.

  (5) Preferably, the liquid consumption system according to the present invention may further include a wearing sensor. The controller transmits the first information through the first communication interface, determines that the determined remaining amount has not reached the second amount, and further mounts the cartridge mounted in the mounting case In response to receiving a first signal indicating that the cartridge is not detected from the mounting sensor, an indication to return the cartridge to the mounting case is displayed on the display.

  According to the above configuration, when the cartridge is removed from the mounting case before the remaining amount of the cartridge reaches the second remaining amount, it can be noted to the user that the cartridge is returned to the mounting case.

  (6) Preferably, the controller displays a display of returning the cartridge to the mounting case on the display, and a second signal indicating that the cartridge mounted on the mounting case has been detected. May be erased from the display in response to receiving from the mounting sensor.

  According to the above configuration, when the cartridge removed from the mounting case is returned to the mounting case, the display for returning the cartridge to the mounting case is erased from the display.

  (7) Preferably, the controller displays an indication to return the cartridge to the mounting case on the display, and an exchange instruction is received in response to receiving an instruction to discharge the liquid from the head. Second information indicating that the cartridge has been replaced may be transmitted through the first communication interface.

  According to the above configuration, the history of attempting to use the replaced cartridge can be stored even though the display of returning the cartridge to the mounting case is displayed on the display.

  (8) Preferably, the liquid consumption system according to the present invention may further include a liquid level sensor. The controller outputs the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being equal to or greater than a predetermined position corresponding to the second amount of the liquid including at least the second liquid chamber. The third signal is received, the fourth signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position, and the fourth signal is received. Accordingly, it is determined that the remaining amount has reached the second amount.

  (9) Preferably, the tank has a detection object, and the detection object is in the first state when the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined position, and the second liquid chamber When the position of the liquid level is less than the predetermined position, the second state is different from the first state, and the liquid level sensor detects the detection object in the first state according to the detection of the third object. A signal may be output, and the fourth signal may be output in response to detecting the detection object in the second state.

  (10) Preferably, the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case communicates with the outside, the second liquid chamber of the tank communicates with the outside, and a part of the second liquid chamber is The predetermined position is positioned below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case, and is positioned below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case. You may do it.

  (11) Preferably, the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case communicates with the outside, the second liquid chamber of the tank communicates with the outside, and a part of the second liquid chamber is The cartridge mounted in the mounting case may be positioned below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge.

  (12) Preferably, the controller receives a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, and in response to receiving the discharge instruction, discharges the liquid through the head and receives the discharge instruction. Accordingly, the discharge amount of the liquid instructed by the discharge instruction may be counted, and it may be determined whether or not the remaining amount determined based on the counted discharge amount of the liquid has reached the first amount.

  (13) The present invention may be a liquid consuming device including a liquid consuming device and an information processing device. The liquid consuming device includes the mounting case, the tank, the head, a first controller, and a second communication interface. The information processing apparatus includes the first communication interface and a second controller. The controller includes the first controller and the second controller. The first controller determines whether the remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge has reached the first amount, and determines that the remaining amount has reached the first amount. Based on this, information indicating that the remaining amount has reached the first amount is transmitted through the second communication interface. The second controller receives the information through the first communication interface, and transmits the first information through the first communication interface based on the reception of the information.

  According to the present invention, the replacement cartridge is delivered to the user when the replacement of the cartridge is displayed, and the replacement of the cartridge that still has usable printing material is suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a delivery system 5 according to the first embodiment. 2A and 2B are external perspective views of the printer 10. FIG. 2A shows a state where the cover 87 is in the covering position, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the cover 87 is in the open position. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the structure of the cartridge 200, where FIG. 5A is a front perspective view and FIG. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150 with the cartridge 200 mounted. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the printing process. 8A is a flowchart of the first update process, FIG. 8B is a flowchart of the second update process, and FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the third update process. (D) is a flowchart of the fourth update process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of status information transmission processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the remaining amount display process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the display / order processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a remaining amount display screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. Moreover, the execution order of each process mentioned later can be changed suitably in the range which does not change the summary of this invention.

  In this embodiment, the system 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The system 5 includes a printer 10, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 40, and a server 50. In the illustrated example, only one printer 10 and one PC 40 are shown. However, a plurality of printers 10 and PCs 40 may be provided.

  The printer 10 and the PC 40 are connected to each other by a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, a WAN, a combination thereof, a USB cable, a printer cable, or the like. The printer 10 and the PC 40 can communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The printer 10 and the PC 40 transmit and receive printing instructions and status information. Specifically, the PC 40 transmits a print instruction including print data and a print command to the printer 10 and causes the printer 10 to execute printing. In addition, the printer 10 transmits status information indicating its own state to the PC 40. The PC 40 displays the received status information on the display 48. Details will be described later.

  The PC 40 and the server 50 are connected by a communication line 6 such as the Internet. The PC 40 and the server 50 can communicate with each other using a communication protocol such as the Internet protocol. Based on the status information received from the printer 10, the PC 40 transmits to the server 50 ordering information relating to the ordering of a cartridge 200 (described later) used for the printer 10. The server 50 arranges the shipment of the cartridge 200 based on the received ordering information. That is, the system 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system in which the server 50 collects information related to ordering of the cartridge 200 used for the printer 10 and orders the cartridge 200.

  The system 5 is operated by, for example, an operator that provides the user with the printer 10 by lending. More specifically, the business operator provides the user with a printer 10 installed in the user's office or the like and a program such as a status monitor installed on the PC 40 or the user-owned PC 40. The server 50 installed on the communication line 6 collects print number information and order information regarding the number of prints from the PC 40. The server 50 charges based on the collected print number information. Further, the server 50 arranges the delivery of a new cartridge 200 to a destination indicating the place where the printer 10 is installed based on the collected ordering information. The business operator uses the system 5 to provide a service in which the user performs printing using the printer 10.

  Hereinafter, each configuration of the printer 10, the PC 40, and the server 50, and each process that the printer 10, the PC 40, and the server 50 respectively execute will be described. The printer 10 is an example of a liquid consuming device, and the PC 40 is an example of an information processing device. The printer 10 and the PC 40 are an example of a liquid consumption system.

[Overview of Printer 10]
The printer 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an ink jet printer that prints an image on a sheet by ejecting ink droplets. The printer 10 may be a multifunction machine having functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a copy function.

  In the following, the vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to a usage posture installed on a horizontal plane so that the printer 10 can be used, and the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as the front surface. A left-right direction 9 is defined. That is, in the usage posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

  The printer 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 14. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, inside the housing 14, a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, a platen 26, The discharge roller 27, the discharge tray 16, the mounting case 150, and the tank 160 are located.

  The printer 10 drives the feeding roller 23 and the conveying roller 25 to convey the sheet supported on the feeding tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject the ink supplied from the tank 160 through the tube 19 through the nozzle 29. As a result, ink is landed on the sheet supported by the platen 26, and an image is printed on the sheet. Then, the printer 10 drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image is printed to the discharge tray 16.

  More specifically, the head 21 is mounted on a carriage 20 that reciprocates along a main scanning direction (parallel to the left-right direction 9) that intersects the sheet conveyance direction by the conveyance roller 25. The carriage 20 is moved along the main scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3) by receiving a driving force of a motor (not shown). While the conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance roller 25 is stopped, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage 20 along the main scanning direction. As a result, an image is printed in a partial region of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as “one pass”). Next, the printer 10 causes the conveyance roller 25 to convey the sheet so that the area where the image is to be printed next faces the head 21. An image is printed on one sheet by repeatedly executing these processes alternately.

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

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 85 is formed at the front surface 14 </ b> A of the housing 14 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 further includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (a position shown in FIG. 3A) covering the opening 85 and an open position (a position shown in FIG. 3B) opening the opening 85. is there. The cover 87 is supported by the casing 14 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the left-right direction 9 in the vicinity of the lower end of the casing 14 in the vertical direction 7, for example. A mounting case 150 in which the cartridge 200 is mounted is located in the housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends to the back of the opening 85.

[Cover sensor 88]
The printer 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see FIG. 6). The cover sensor 88 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch that contacts and separates the cover 87, or 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 corresponding to the position of the cover 87 to the controller 130. More specifically, the cover sensor 88 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at the covering position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal having a signal intensity higher than that of the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at a position different from the covering position. In other words, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at the exposure position.

[Mounting case 150]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 32, a liquid level sensor 33, and a lock pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to each color of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, rods 153, mounting sensors 32, and liquid level sensors 33 corresponding to the four cartridges 200. The number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one or five or more.

  The mounting case 150 has a box shape having an internal space for accommodating the mounted cartridge 200. The inner space of the mounting case 150 includes a top wall that defines an upper end, a bottom wall that defines a lower end, a rear wall that defines a rear end of the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls that define both ends of the left-right direction 9. Defined. On the other hand, the position facing the inner wall of the mounting case 150 is an opening 85. That is, the opening 85 opens the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is located at the open position.

  Then, the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and is removed from the mounting case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 and is mounted on the mounting case 150. The cartridge 200 withdrawn from the mounting case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[Contact 152]
The contact 152 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the mounting case 150. The contact 152 is located at a position in contact with an electrode 248 (described later) of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The contact 152 has conductivity, and can be elastically deformed along the vertical direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to the controller 30.

[Rod 153]
The rod 153 protrudes forward from the back wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located above the joint 180 described later on the back wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214 through an atmospheric communication port 221 (to be described later) of the cartridge 200 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150. When the rod 153 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 214, an atmospheric valve chamber 214 described later is communicated with the atmosphere.

[Mounting sensor 32]
The mounting sensor 32 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 32 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150, a light shielding rib 245 described later of the cartridge 200 is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the mounting sensor 32. In other words, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the mounting sensor 32 are positioned in a state of facing each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

  The mounting sensor 32 outputs a different signal (hereinafter referred to as “mounting signal”) depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting unit along the left-right direction 9 is received by the light receiving unit. For example, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a low level signal to the controller 30 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high level signal having a signal intensity higher than the low level signal to the controller 30 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity. The high level signal output from the mounting sensor 32 is an example of a first signal. The low level signal output from the mounting sensor 32 is an example of a second signal.

[Liquid level sensor 33]
The liquid level sensor 33 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detected portion 194 of an actuator 190 described later is located at a detection position. The liquid level sensor 33 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In other words, when the detected part 194 is located at the detection position, the detected part 194 is located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the liquid level sensor 33. On the other hand, when the detected part 194 is not located at the detection position, the detected part 194 is not located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the liquid level sensor 33. The liquid level sensor 33 outputs a different signal depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. For example, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 30 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal having a signal intensity higher than the low level signal to the controller 30 in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Lock pin 156]
The lock pin 156 is a bar-like member extending along the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the internal space of the mounting case 150 and in the vicinity of the opening 85. Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 over four spaces in which the four cartridges 200 can be accommodated. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 in the attachment position shown in FIG. The cartridge 200 is fixed to the lock pin 156 in a state where it is mounted on the mounting case 150.

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. Specifically, cyan ink is stored corresponding to the cartridge 160 storing magenta ink and the cartridge 200 storing cyan ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 storing magenta ink. Corresponding to the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 storing yellow ink, the black ink is stored corresponding to the tank 160 storing yellow ink and the cartridge 200 storing black ink. A tank 160. Since the configuration of the four tanks 160 is generally common, only one tank 160 will be described below.

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

  Of the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 33 has translucency. Thereby, the light output from the liquid level sensor 33 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 33. At least a part of the rear wall 164 may be a film welded to the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the end surfaces of the side walls. Further, the side wall of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150. Further, the tanks 160 adjacent in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by a partition wall (not shown).

  The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink channel (not shown) through the outflow port 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines the lower end of the liquid chamber 171. The outlet 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184). An ink flow path (not shown) connected to the outflow port 174 is connected to the tube 19. Thus, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 19. That is, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied from the outlet 174 to the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 19. The ink flow path and the tube 19 communicated with the outflow port 174 have one end (outflow port 174) communicated with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 89 (see FIG. 3) communicated with the head 21.

  The liquid chamber 171 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 that penetrates the front wall 162. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177. In other words, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 has one end (through hole 176) communicated with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmosphere communication port 177) communicated with the outside of the printer 10. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

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

  A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 can move along the front-rear direction 8 between the closed position and the open position in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 closes the opening 183 when positioned at the closed position. The valve 185 opens the opening 183 when positioned at the open position. The coil spring 186 biases the valve 185 in a direction to move the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position, that is, forward in the front-rear direction 8. The internal space of the needle 181 is an example of a flow path.

[Actuator 190]
As shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 190 is located in the liquid chamber 171. The actuator 190 is supported by a support member (not shown) disposed in the liquid chamber 171 so as to be rotatable along the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The actuator 190 can rotate between a first state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 and a second state indicated by a broken line. Further, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of the arrow 198 from the position of the solid line by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). The actuator 190 includes a float 191, a shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detected part 194. The actuator 190 is an example of a detection object.

  The float 191 is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The shaft 192 protrudes along the left-right direction 9 from the right and left surfaces of the float 191. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. Accordingly, 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 tip of the arm 193. That is, the arm 193 is located between the detected part 194 and the shaft 192. The detected part 194 is a plate-like member extending along the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8. The detected part 194 is formed of a material or color that blocks light output from the light emitting part of the liquid level sensor 33.

  When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by buoyancy is held at the detection position indicated by the solid line in FIG. On the other hand, when the ink level is less than the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotates in the direction of the arrow 199 following the drop of the level. As a result, the detected portion 194 of the actuator 190 moves to a non-detection position different from the detection position. Since the detected part 194 is a part of the actuator 190, the detected part 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The state where the actuator 190 is at the detection position is an example of the first state. The state where the actuator 190 is in the non-detection position is an example of the second state.

  The reference position P is the same height as the axis center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7 and the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234 described later. However, the reference position P is not limited to the above position as long as it is a position above the outlet 174 in the vertical direction 7. As another example, the reference position P may be the height of the upper end or the lower end of the internal space of the needle 181, or the height of the upper end or the lower end of the ink supply port 234.

  When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P, the light output from the light emitting part of the liquid level sensor 33 is blocked by the detected part 194 located at the detection position. Thus, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 30 because the light from the light emitting unit does not reach the light receiving unit. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is less than the reference position P, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal to the controller 30 because the light output from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit. To do. That is, the controller 30 can detect whether or not the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P by the signal output from the liquid level sensor 33. The reference position P is an example of a predetermined position. The low level signal output from the liquid level sensor 33 is an example of a third signal. The high level signal output from the liquid level sensor 33 is an example of a fourth signal. Hereinafter, the low level signal may be described as “L” and the high level signal as “H”.

[Cartridge 200]
The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 3) for storing ink, which is liquid. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

  The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a resin wall. As shown in FIG. 5A, the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimensions along the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 are larger than the dimensions along the left-right direction 9. Note that the outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which different color inks are stored may be the same or different. At least a part of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 has translucency. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200.

  The cartridge 200 includes a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 includes 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 a plurality of walls each shifted in the front-rear direction 8. Further, the upper wall 204 is constituted by a plurality of walls each shifted in the vertical direction 7. Further, the lower wall 205 is constituted by a plurality of walls each shifted in the vertical direction 7.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmospheric valve chamber 214 are formed in the internal space of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an internal space of the supply pipe 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmospheric valve chamber 214 makes the liquid chamber 210 communicate with the outside of the cartridge 200.

  The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are communicated with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated by a partition wall 217 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are communicated with each other through a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. Further, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through the through hole 219.

  The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200 through the atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper part of the cartridge 200. That is, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 has one end (through hole 218) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (atmospheric communication port 221) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200. ing. Note that 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 located at the closed position, the atmospheric communication port 221 is closed. Further, when the valve 222 is located at the open position, the air communication port 221 is opened. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction to move the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the backward direction along the front-rear direction 8.

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

  The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward along the front-rear direction 8 from the rear wall 202 at the lower part of the housing 201. The supply pipe 230 has an open rear end. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 and the outside of the cartridge 200. The ink valve chamber 213 has one end (through hole 219) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (ink supply port 234 described later) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200. Yes. Further, a packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213.

  In the center of the packing 231, an ink supply port 234 that penetrates in the front-rear direction 8 is formed. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is located at the closing position, the ink supply port 234 is closed by contacting the packing 231. Further, when the valve 232 is located at the open position, it is separated from the packing 231 and opens the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 in a direction to move the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the rearward direction along the front-rear direction 8. Further, the biasing force of the coil spring 233 is larger than the coil spring 186.

  In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the supply pipe 230 enters the guide 182, and the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234 before long. At this time, the needle 181 is in fluid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface defining the ink supply port 234 while elastically deforming the packing 231. When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233. Further, the valve 232 moves the valve 185 protruding from the opening 183 of the needle 181 backwards against the urging force of the coil spring 186.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 communicate with each other.

  Further, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a part of the liquid chamber 210 and a part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed in the horizontal direction. Further, the bottom of the liquid chamber 171 is positioned below the bottom of the liquid chamber 210. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 flows out to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the connected supply pipe 230 and the joint 180 due to the difference between the head of the liquid chamber 210 and the head of the liquid chamber 171.

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

  The lock surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the lock pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the lock pin 156 to a position in contact with the lock surface 242 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 on the mounting case 150. When the lock surface 242 and the lock pin 156 are in contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held at the mounting position shown in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

  A flat plate-like member is formed so as to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the lock surface 242. The upper surface of the flat plate member is an operation unit 244 that is operated by the user when the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 and the cover 87 is in the open position, the operation unit 244 can be operated by the user. When the operation unit 244 is pressed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates to move the lock surface 242 downward from the lock pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

  As shown in FIG. 5, light shielding ribs 245 are formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the protrusions 241. The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The light shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or a color that shields light output from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 32. The light shielding rib 245 is located on the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit of the mounting sensor 32 in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. That is, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a low level signal to the controller 30 (FIG. 1) in response to the mounting of the cartridge 200 on the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high level signal to the controller 30 in response to the cartridge 200 not being mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller 30 can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 by the signal output from the mounting sensor 32.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip 34 is located between the light shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and in the front-rear direction 8. An electrode 248 is formed on the IC chip 34. Further, the IC chip 34 includes a memory (not shown). The electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of the IC chip 34. The electrode 248 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 34 so as to be conductive with the contact 152. That is, the electrode 248 is electrically connected to the contact 152 in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The controller 30 can read information from the memory of the IC chip 34 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248, and can write information into the memory of the IC chip 34 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248.

  The memory of the IC chip 34 stores the cartridge 200 type information, serial number, and cartridge remaining amount value. The type information is information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, and the color of ink to be stored. The serial number is information for identifying each cartridge 200 individually. The cartridge remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200.

[Controller 30]
The printer 10 includes a controller 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 30 includes a CPU 35, a storage unit 36, and a communication bus 39. The storage unit 36 includes a ROM 37, an EEPROM 81, and a RAM 82. The controller 30 is an example of a first controller.

  The ROM 37 stores an OS (abbreviation for operating system) 37A, a control program 37B, a communication program 37C, and the like. The control program 37B is a program that performs a printing process described later. The communication program 37C is a program for controlling communication with an external device such as the PC 40. The OS 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C are executed by the CPU 35 by processing instructions described in addresses. Hereinafter, an operation processed by executing the OS 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C may be described as an operation of the controller 30. The controller 30 may include a hardware circuit using an IC that implements part or all of the operations executed by the OS 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C.

  The control program 37B may be a single program or a set of a plurality of programs. For example, the control program 37B is a UI control module that controls driving of the motor, the head 21, and the like, and a UI module that displays a screen on the display 28 and receives a user input using the display 28 that is a touch panel. You may be comprised with a certain display control program.

  The EEPROM 81 stores identification information of the printer 10. The identification information of the printer 10 is the MAC address or serial number of the printer 10.

  The EEPROM 81 stores a first discharge value, a second discharge value, an initial cartridge remaining amount value, an initial tank remaining amount value, an S_Empty flag, a C_Empty flag, a replacement flag, and an order flag. Details will be described later.

  The communication bus 39 includes a head 21, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a communication I / F) 31, a mounting sensor 32, a liquid level sensor 33, a contact 152, a display 28, a motor (not shown), and the like. Is connected. The communication I / F 31 is connected to a LAN, WAN, or USB cable. The communication I / F 31 is an example of a second communication interface.

  The controller 30 rotates the feed roller 23, the transport roller 25, and the discharge roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) through the communication bus 39. Further, the controller 30 discharges ink droplets from the head 21 by outputting a drive signal to the drive element of the head 21 through the communication bus 39.

  Further, the controller 30 detects whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 through the mounting sensor 32. Further, the controller 30 detects through the liquid level sensor 33 whether or not the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P.

  Further, the controller 30 reads out the type information, serial number, and remaining cartridge value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrode 248 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 and the contact 152. Further, the controller 30 updates the value of the remaining cartridge value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrode 248 of the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 and the contact 152.

[PC40]
The PC 40 includes a CPU 41, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a communication I / F) 43, a display 48, and a communication bus 49. The CPU 41, the storage unit 42, and the communication bus 49 constitute a controller 45. The communication I / F 43 is connected to the communication line 6. The controller 30 of the printer 10 and the controller 45 of the PC 40 are examples of controllers. The controller 45 of the PC 40 is an example of a second controller. The communication I / F 43 is an example of a first communication interface.

  The storage unit 42 includes a program storage area 46 and a data storage area 47. The program storage area 46 is a hard disk or the like. The data storage area 47 is a RAM or a hard disk.

  The program storage area 46 stores programs such as the OS 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C. The control program 46B is a so-called status monitor, and displays the remaining ink amount of the printer 10 on the display 48. Details will be described later. The communication program 46C controls communication with the printer 10 and the server 50. The OS 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C are copied from the hard disk to the RAM, and executed by the CPU 41 sequentially executing the instructions copied to the RAM. Hereinafter, operations executed by executing the OS 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C may be described as operations of the controller 45 and the PC 40.

  The data storage area 47 stores status information transmitted from the printer 10 to the PC 40 and an ordered flag. Details will be described later.

[Server 50]
The server 50 includes a controller 51 and a communication I / F (not shown). The controller 51 includes a CPU 52 having the same configuration as the PC 40, a storage unit 53, and a communication bus (not shown). The communication I / F of the server 50 is connected to the communication line 6. The server 50 communicates with the PC 40 through the communication I / F. A control program (not shown) is stored in the storage unit 53 of the controller 51. Hereinafter, a process executed by the CPU 52 of the controller 51 by the control program may be described as a process executed by the controller 51.

  The storage unit 53 stores a user management list. The user management list includes, for example, a user ID, printer identification information, and destination information as items. The user ID is, for example, a customer code for identifying the user. The printer identification information is the MAC address or serial number of the printer 10 installed in the user's office or the like. The destination information is information indicating the location where the printer 10 is installed, that is, the destination of the delivery location of the cartridge 200 used in the printer 10, and is, for example, an address, a postal code, a telephone number, or an address.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the controller 30 of the printer 10, processing executed by the controller 45 of the PC 40, and processing executed by the controller 51 of the server 50 will be described.

[Processes executed by the controller 30 of the printer 10]
Processing executed by the controller 30 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. The execution order of the following processes can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Print processing]
The controller 30 executes the printing process shown in FIG. 7 in response to a print instruction being input to the printer 10. Although the acquisition source of the print instruction is not particularly limited, for example, a user operation corresponding to the print instruction may be received through the operation panel 22 or the display 28, or received from an external device such as the PC 40 or a portable terminal through the communication I / F 31. May be.

  First, the controller 30 determines whether the value of the S_Empty flag stored in the EEPROM 81 is “ON” or “OFF” (S11). The S_Empty flag is a flag that is turned on in step S55 described later and turned off in step S14. As will be described in detail later, the S_Empty flag is a flag that is turned on when the ink in the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 runs out, and turned off when the cartridge 200 that has run out of ink is replaced with a new cartridge 200. That is, in step S11, it is determined whether there is ink in the printer 10 that can perform printing. Step S11 and each process described below are executed for each color cartridge 200 of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow mounted on the mounting case 150 of the printer 10. That is, each flag described later is set for each color cartridge 200.

  If the controller 30 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag of the EEPROM 81 is “ON” (S11: ON), that is, if the printer 30 determines that there is not enough ink in the printer 10 to perform printing, the new cartridge 200 storing the ink is used. It is determined whether it is attached to the attachment case 150 (S12). Specifically, the controller 30 determines whether or not the signal input from the cover sensor 88 has changed from a low level signal to a high level signal. That is, the controller 30 determines whether or not the cover 87 that covers the mounting case 150 has been opened. When the controller 30 determines that the cover 87 is opened, the controller 30 acquires a mounting signal from the mounting sensor 32 at predetermined time intervals, and the acquired mounting signal is converted from a low level signal (hereinafter referred to as “L”) to a high level signal (hereinafter referred to as “L”). Hereinafter, it is determined whether or not the acquired mounting signal has changed from “H” to “L”. That is, the controller 30 determines whether or not the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 is removed from the attachment case 150 and a new cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150.

  When the controller 30 determines that the cartridge 200 is not attached to the attachment case 150 (S12: No), the controller 30 continues to periodically acquire the attachment signal from the attachment sensor 32. When the controller 30 determines that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 (S12: Yes), the controller 30 executes a first update process (S13).

[First update process]
In the first update process shown in FIG. 8A, the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value stored in the EEPROM 81 and the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 are updated. It is processing.

  First, the controller 30 reads the cartridge remaining amount value from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150 through the contact 152 (S31). The controller 30 stores the read cartridge remaining amount value in the EEPROM 81 as the initial cartridge remaining amount value (S32).

  Further, the controller 30 reads the tank remaining amount value from the RAM 82 (S33). If the tank remaining value is not stored in the RAM 82 due to power off or the like, the controller 30 calculates the tank remaining value in the same manner as the fourth update process described later, and calculates the calculated tank remaining value. Store in the RAM 82. The tank remaining amount value read from the RAM 82 is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 is mounted. In other words, the tank remaining amount value is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. The controller 30 stores the tank remaining value read from the RAM 82 in the EEPROM 81 as the initial tank remaining value (S33).

  The controller 30 adds the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value, and calculates the total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink (S34). The controller 30 determines a new cartridge remaining value and tank remaining value from the calculated total remaining value (S35). The total remaining amount value and the cartridge remaining amount value are examples of “the remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge”.

  When a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a part of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 flows out from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. The outflow of ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is caused by the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Stop when the difference is almost gone. The difference between the new cartridge remaining amount value and the new tank remaining amount value between the ink head stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the ink head stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is almost eliminated. Indicates the remaining amount of ink in the state.

  The cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined, for example, by the controller 30 performing calculations based on calculation formulas stored in the EEPROM 81 or the ROM 37. Alternatively, the remaining cartridge value and the remaining tank value may be determined by the controller 30 based on a table stored in the EEPROM 81 or the ROM 37, for example. More specifically, the shape of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the shape of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are determined in advance by design. Therefore, if the total ink remaining value is known, the new cartridge remaining value and tank remaining value can also be known. The EEPROM 81 and the ROM 37 prestore a calculation formula for calculating a new cartridge remaining amount value and a tank remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value. Alternatively, the EEPROM 81 or the ROM 37 stores in advance a table showing the correspondence between the total remaining amount value, the new cartridge remaining amount value, and the new tank remaining amount value. The controller 30 determines a new cartridge remaining value and a new tank remaining value based on the total remaining ink value and the calculation formula or table.

  The controller 30 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM 82 and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 (S36). Further, the controller 30 stores the determined new tank remaining value in the RAM 82 (S37), and ends the first update process.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the first update process ends (S13), the controller 30 sets the S_Empty flag to “OFF”, sets the C_Empty flag to “OFF”, sets the replacement flag to “ON”, and performs the first discharge. The value and the second discharge value are set to zero (S14).

  Next, the controller 30 transmits an exchange flag “ON” to the PC 40 through the communication I / F 31 (S24). The communication program 37C performs communication with the PC 40 according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. After executing the process of step S24, the controller 30 executes the process of step S11 again.

  Note that the processes in steps S12 to S14 and S24 are executed even when the printing process is not being executed. That is, when determining that the cover 87 covering the mounting case 150 is opened and the cartridge 200 has been replaced, the controller 30 executes the processes of steps S14 and S24.

  If the controller 30 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag is “OFF” (S11: OFF), that is, if the controller 30 determines that the printer 10 has enough ink to perform printing, it executes a one-page printing process (S16). A signal (hereinafter referred to as a liquid level signal) from the liquid level sensor 33 before the acquisition is acquired (S15).

  Thereafter, the controller 30 executes a printing process for one page for printing an image on the sheet (S16). When the image is printed on the sheet, the ink in the tank 160 is consumed. As the ink is consumed, the ink level in the tank 160 is lowered. After executing the printing process for one page (S16), the controller 30 acquires a liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor 33 (S17). That is, the controller 30 acquires the liquid level signal before and after executing the printing process for one page (S15, S17).

  Next, the controller 30 determines a change in the liquid level signal based on the liquid level signal acquired in step S15 and the liquid level signal acquired in step S17 (S18). Hereinafter, the low level signal of the liquid level sensor 33 will be described as “L”, and the high level signal of the liquid level sensor 33 will be described as “H”.

  When the controller 30 determines that both of the liquid level signals acquired in steps S15 and S17 are “L” (S18: L → L), the controller 30 executes the second update process (S19). That is, the second update process is executed when the position of the liquid level in the tank 160 is equal to or higher than the reference position P even if the one-page printing process (S16) is executed.

[Second update process]
The second update process shown in FIG. 8B is a process of determining new cartridge remaining value and tank remaining value from the first discharge value indicating the amount of ink consumed in the printing process. The first discharge value is, for example, a value calculated by multiplying a value indicating the amount of one ink droplet to be ejected by the head 21 by the number of ink ejections. Each time the controller 30 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, the controller 30 integrates (counts) the first discharge value. That is, the first discharge value corresponds to the amount of ink ejected by the head 21 from when the cartridge 200 is mounted to the mounting case 150 to the present. The first emission value is an example of the emission amount.

  First, the controller 30 reads the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value from the EEPROM 81 (S41). Next, the controller 30 adds the read initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value, and calculates the total remaining amount value before the execution of the one-page printing process (S16) (S42). The controller 30 subtracts the first discharge value from the calculated total remaining amount value, and calculates a new total remaining amount value after execution of the one-page printing process (S16) (S43). Thereafter, the controller 30 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value using a calculation formula and a table in the same manner as described above (S44).

  The controller 30 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM 82 and updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 (S45). Further, the controller 30 stores the determined new tank remaining value in the RAM 82 (S46), and ends the second update process.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the controller 30 determines in step S18 that the liquid level signal has changed from “L” to “H” (S18: L → H), the controller 30 executes the third update process (S20). To do. That is, the third update process is executed when the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up due to the execution of the one-page printing process (S16).

[Third update process]
The third update process shown in FIG. 8C is a process for resetting the error. More specifically, the first discharge value described above includes an error. Therefore, the remaining cartridge value and the remaining tank value calculated based on the first discharge value also include errors. The third update process is performed according to the ink level in the tank 160 being less than the reference position P, that is, in response to the ink in the cartridge 200 being used up. Is set to zero, and the initial tank remaining amount value is set to a predetermined second predetermined value.

  First, the controller 30 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 with the first predetermined value (S47). The first predetermined value is, for example, “zero”. Further, the controller 30 stores the initial tank remaining amount value in the RAM 82 and the EEPROM 81 as the second predetermined value (S48). The second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the reference position P. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are stored in advance in the ROM 37, for example. Next, the controller 30 sets the C_Empty flag to “ON” (S49), and ends the third update process. The C_Empty flag indicates whether or not the ink in the cartridge 200 has been used up. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are examples of the second amount.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the controller 30 determines that both of the liquid level signals are “H” in step S18 (S18: H → H), the controller 30 executes a fourth update process (S20). That is, the fourth update process is executed when the printing process for one page (S16) is performed while the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up.

[Fourth update process]
The fourth update process shown in FIG. 8D is a process in which the controller 30 calculates the tank remaining amount value and further determines whether printing is prohibited. First, the controller 30 reads the initial tank remaining amount value updated to the second predetermined value from the EEPROM 81 (S51). The controller 30 subtracts the second discharge value from the read initial tank remaining value to calculate a new tank remaining value (S52). The second discharge value is a value calculated by multiplying the amount of one drop of ink ejected by the head 21 by the number of ejections. Each time the controller 30 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, the controller 30 integrates (counts) the second discharge value. That is, the second discharge value is an integrated value of the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 from when the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up to the present.

  The controller 30 stores the calculated new tank remaining value in the RAM 82 (S53). Next, the controller 30 determines whether or not the counted second discharge value has reached a threshold value (S54). The threshold value is a value stored in advance in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 81. When the controller 30 determines that the counted second discharge value has not reached the threshold value (S54: Yes), the fourth update process ends. On the other hand, when determining that the counted second discharge value has reached the threshold value (S54: No), the controller 30 sets the S_Empty flag to “ON” (S55) and ends the fourth update process. Although not shown in the flowchart, the controller 30 prohibits the discharge of ink through the head 21 including printing and maintenance in response to the S_Empty flag being “ON”.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the second update process, the third update process, and the fourth update process (S21) are completed, the controller 30 executes a status information transmission process (S25). The status information transmission process is a process of transmitting status information including remaining amount information to the PC 40. As will be described in detail later, the PC 40 that has received the status information displays the remaining amount of ink of the printer 10 on the display 48, and transmits an ordering instruction for ordering a new cartridge 200 to the server 50.

[Status information transmission process]
The controller 30 determines whether the total remaining amount value calculated in the second update process, the third update process, or the fourth update process is less than the order determination value (S61). The order determination value is a value that serves as a reference for determining whether to instruct the cartridge 200 to be ordered. The order determination value is a value that can be set by the user. More specifically, for example, the controller 30 causes the display 28 to display a setting screen for accepting input of an order determination value. The controller 30 stores the order determination value input on the setting screen in the EEPROM 81.

  The initial value of the order determination value is a value larger than the second predetermined value. The second predetermined value corresponds to the total remaining amount value when the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up. When the order determination value is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, for example, when delivery of the cartridge 200 is delayed or the printer 10 is used frequently, the cartridge 200 is stored in the tank 160 before reaching the user. There is a risk that all the ink is consumed and printing cannot be performed. In order to prevent printing from being disabled, the initial value of the order determination value is set to a value larger than the second predetermined value. By setting the initial value of the order determination value to a value larger than the second predetermined value, an order for a new cartridge 200 is instructed before the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up. As a result, a new cartridge 200 is delivered to the user before the printer 10 runs out of ink. The user changes the order determination value according to the usage frequency of the printer 10, the frequency of delivery delay of the cartridge 200, and the like. The order determination value can be changed within a range that is larger than the second predetermined value so that the user can continue printing. Further, the order determination value can be changed within a predetermined range from the second predetermined value so that the new cartridge 200 does not reach the user too early. The order determination value may be a fixed value that cannot be set by the user, or may be a value that can be changed only by an administrator of the system 5. The order determination value is an example of a first amount.

  When the controller 30 determines that the total remaining amount value is less than the order determination value (S61: Yes), the controller 30 sets the order flag to “ON”. On the other hand, when determining that the total remaining amount value is not less than the order determination value (S61: No), the controller 30 sets the replacement flag to “OFF” (S62), and then sets the order flag to “OFF” (S63). The order flag is a flag for placing an order for the cartridge 200. The replacement flag is a flag for preventing the cartridge 200 from being ordered twice. Details will be described later.

  After executing the processes of steps S62 and S64, the controller 30 transmits status information to the PC 40 via the communication I / F 31 (S65), and ends the status information transmission process. The status information includes a total remaining amount value, a cartridge remaining amount value, a tank remaining amount value (hereinafter referred to as remaining amount information) updated in the second updating process, the third updating process, and the fourth updating process, and an order flag. And an exchange flag, printer identification information for identifying the printer 10, and cartridge identification information such as a product number and a serial number indicating the type of the cartridge 200. The order flag and the replacement flag are transmitted in association with the cartridge identification information. For example, the cartridge identification information of the cartridge 200 indicating black and the order flag and replacement flag set for the cartridge 200 indicating black are transmitted in association with each other. The status information including the order flag “ON” corresponds to “information indicating that the remaining amount has reached the first amount”.

  After executing the status information transmission process, the controller 30 determines whether or not there is a next page as shown in FIG. 7 (S23). When determining that there is a next page (S23: Yes), the controller 30 executes the process of step S11 again. If the controller 30 determines that there is no next page (S23: No), the printing process is terminated.

  In the above description, the example in which the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value are determined each time the one-page printing process (S16) is executed has been described. However, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value may be determined every time one-pass printing is executed. Further, the controller 30 may execute the second update process, the third update process, and the fourth update process every time ink is consumed not only for printing but also for maintenance. The instruction to execute printing and maintenance is an example of a discharge instruction.

[Display / Order Processing]
Upon receiving the status information transmitted in step S65 (FIG. 9) or the exchange flag transmitted in step S24, the controller 45 of the PC 40 executes the display / order processing shown in FIG. In the display / order processing, the remaining amount information included in the status information is displayed on the display 48, or the order completion flag is set to “ON” or “OFF”, and an order instruction for ordering the cartridge 200 is communicated. This is a process of transmitting to the server 50 through / F43.

  The controller 45 determines whether the received information is status information or an “ON” exchange flag (S91). When the controller 45 determines that the “ON” exchange flag has been received (S91: exchange flag), the controller 45 sets the order completion flag to “OFF” (S92) and ends the display / order processing. The replacement flag is a flag that is set to “ON” when the cartridge 200 is replaced in the printer 10 (FIG. 7: S14), and is set to “OFF” when the total remaining amount value is greater than or equal to the order determination value (FIG. 9). : S62). That is, the replacement flag is transmitted to the PC 40 as an “ON” value only when the cartridge 200 is replaced. The ordered flag is set to “OFF” when the cartridge 200 is replaced in the printer 10 (S92), and is set to “ON” when an order for the cartridge 200 is instructed (S96) as described later (S97). ). That is, the ordered flag is a flag that is set to “ON” until the cartridge 200 is replaced in the printer 10 after the cartridge 200 is ordered. The ordered flag is used to prevent the cartridge 200 from being ordered twice.

  On the other hand, when the controller 45 determines that the status information has been received (S91: status information), the controller 45 displays the remaining amount information on the display 48 (S93). For example, the controller 45 causes the display 48 to display a screen similar to the remaining amount display screen (FIG. 12A) that the printer 10 displays on the display 28. As will be described in detail later, the remaining amount display screen is a screen that displays the remaining amount of ink of the printer 10 and the like.

  Next, the controller 45 determines whether or not the order flag included in the status information is “ON” (S94). That is, in step S94, the printer 10 determines whether or not the total remaining amount value is less than the order determination value. If the controller 45 determines that the order flag is not “ON” (S94: No), that is, if the controller 45 determines that the total remaining amount value is not less than the order determination value, the display / order processing ends. On the other hand, if the controller 45 determines that the order flag is “ON” (S94: Yes), that is, if the controller 45 determines that the total remaining amount value is less than the order determination value, is the order completion flag “OFF”? It is determined whether or not (S95). That is, in step S95, it is determined whether or not an order for the cartridge 200 has already been instructed.

  If the controller 45 determines that the ordered flag is not “OFF” (S95: No), that is, if it is determined that the cartridge 200 has already been ordered, the display / order processing is terminated. That is, it is possible to prevent the cartridge 200 from being ordered twice. On the other hand, if the controller 45 determines that the ordered flag is “OFF” (S95: Yes), that is, if the controller 45 determines that the cartridge 200 has not been ordered, an ordering instruction is sent to the server 50 via the communication I / F 43. Transmit (S96). The communication program 46C executes communication with the server 50 using a communication protocol such as the Internet protocol. The ordering instruction transmitted to the server 50 is an example of first information.

  The ordering instruction includes printer identification information and cartridge identification information included in the received status information. After transmitting the ordering instruction to the server 50, the controller 45 sets the ordered flag to “ON” (S97) and ends the display / ordering process.

  The ordering instruction transmitted by the PC 40 is received by the server 50. The server 50 that has received the ordering instruction arranges the delivery of the cartridge 200 of the type indicated by the cartridge identification information included in the ordering instruction to the user indicated by the printer identification information included in the ordering instruction. More specifically, as described above, the storage unit 53 of the server 50 stores a user management list having items of user ID, printer identification information, and destination information. The server 50 acquires the destination information associated with the cartridge identification information included in the ordering instruction from the user management list, and the type of the cartridge identification information included in the ordering instruction indicates the destination indicated by the destination information. Arrange shipment of the cartridge 200.

  The shipped cartridge 200 is delivered to the user of the printer 10. The delivered cartridge 200 is exchanged for the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150.

  Incidentally, as described above, in this embodiment, even if the delivery of the cartridge 200 is delayed or the printer 10 is used frequently, before the ink of the printer 10 (that is, the ink in the tank 160) is used up. An order for a new cartridge 200 is instructed so that the new cartridge 200 reaches the user. Therefore, when the frequency of use of the printer 10 is low, or when the cartridge 200 is delivered to the user without delay, the new cartridge 200 is in a state where ink remains in the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150. May be delivered to the user. If a new cartridge 200 is delivered to the user in a state where ink remains in the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150, the cartridge 200 in which ink remains may be replaced with a new cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is replaced with a new cartridge 200, the ink is wasted. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 displays the remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12 on the display 28 so that ink is not wasted. Hereinafter, the remaining amount display processing for displaying the remaining amount display screen on the display 28 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Remaining amount display processing]
First, the controller 30 determines whether or not the order flag is “ON” (S71). That is, in step S71, it is determined whether or not an order for the cartridge 200 is instructed. If the controller 30 determines that the order flag is not “ON”, that is, determines that the cartridge 200 is not ordered, it determines that objects 61 to 64 described later are not displayed (S72), and displays a remaining amount display screen. (S73). The remaining amount display screen displayed in this case is shown in FIG. That is, the remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12A is a screen displayed on the display 28 after the new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 until the total remaining amount value reaches the order determination value. It is.

  The remaining amount display screen illustrated in FIG. 12A includes objects 71 to 78 that indicate the remaining amount of ink. An object 71 indicates the remaining amount of magenta ink stored in the cartridge 200. Specifically, the object 71 is a bar having a length corresponding to the remaining amount of magenta cartridge. The object 72 indicates the remaining amount of magenta ink stored in the tank 160. Specifically, the object 72 is a bar having a length corresponding to the magenta tank remaining amount value.

  Similarly, the object 73 indicates the remaining amount of cyan ink stored in the cartridge 200. An object 74 indicates the remaining amount of cyan ink stored in the tank 160. An object 75 indicates the remaining amount of yellow ink stored in the cartridge 200. An object 76 indicates the remaining amount of yellow ink stored in the tank 160. An object 77 indicates the remaining amount of black ink stored in the cartridge 200. An object 78 indicates the remaining amount of black ink stored in the tank 160.

  Thereafter, the controller 30 determines whether or not to end the remaining amount display (S74). For example, the controller 30 ends the remaining amount display when a user operation for ending the remaining amount display such as pressing a predetermined button such as a home button is performed or when no user operation is performed for a predetermined time. Judge that. When the controller 30 determines that the remaining amount display is to be ended (S74: Yes), the remaining amount display process is ended. On the other hand, when determining that the remaining amount display is not ended (S74: No), the controller 30 executes the process of step S71 again.

  If the controller 30 determines in step S71 that the order flag is “ON” (S71: Yes), that is, if it is determined that an order for the cartridge 200 is instructed, it determines whether or not the cartridge 200 has been replaced. (S75). Whether or not the cartridge 200 has been replaced is determined based on a change in the signal input from the mounting sensor 32 or whether or not the serial number of the cartridge 200 has been read from the memory of the IC chip 34, as described above. When determining that the cartridge 200 has not been replaced (S75: No), the controller 30 determines whether or not the liquid level signal is “H” (S76). That is, in step S76, it is determined whether or not the ink in the cartridge 200 has been used up.

  If the controller 30 determines that the liquid level signal is not “H” (S76: No), that is, determines that ink remains in the cartridge 200, it determines whether or not the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. (S77). Specifically, the controller 30 determines whether or not the mounting signal output from the mounting sensor 32 is “H”, whether or not predetermined information such as a serial number can be read from the memory of the IC chip 34, etc. It is determined whether the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 32 and the C chip 34 are examples of mounting sensors.

  When the controller 30 determines that the cartridge 200 has not been removed from the mounting case 150 (S77: No), it determines that the ordered object 61 and the non-replaceable object 62 are displayed, and the objects 63 and 64 are determined not to be displayed ( S78), a remaining amount display screen is displayed on the display 28 (S73). The remaining amount display screen displayed in this case is shown in FIG.

  The remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12B includes objects 71 to 78 indicating the remaining amount of ink and objects 61 and 62. The ordered object 61 has a letter “M” and a letter “A new cartridge has been arranged”. The ordered object 61 allows the user to recognize that an ordering instruction for the cartridge 200 that stores magenta ink has already been made.

  The non-replaceable object 62 is a character “Please do not replace the cartridge until the cartridge runs out of ink”. The non-replaceable object 62 allows the user to recognize that ink remains in the cartridge 200 and that it is not time to replace the cartridge 200. The ordered object 61 is an example of “a display indicating that the cartridge has been instructed to be shipped”. The non-replaceable object 62 is an example of “indication that the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is not replaced”.

  On the other hand, when the controller 30 determines in step S77 that the cartridge 200 has been removed from the mounting case 150 (S77: Yes), the controller 30 determines to display the remount instruction object 63 and hides the objects 61, 62, and 64. (S79) and a remaining amount display screen is displayed on the display 28 (S73). The remaining amount display screen displayed in this case is shown in FIG.

  The remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12C includes objects 71 to 78 indicating the remaining amount of ink and a remount instruction object 63. The remount instruction object 63 has the characters “ink remains in cartridge, please do not replace cartridge yet”. The remount instruction object 63 prompts the user to remount the cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 into the mounting case 150. The remount instruction object 63 is an example of “indication to return the cartridge to the mounting case”.

  On the other hand, if the controller 30 determines in step S76 that the liquid level signal is “H” (S76: Yes), that is, if the controller 30 determines that the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up, the replacement instruction object 64 is displayed. The objects 61 to 63 are determined not to be displayed (S80), and the remaining amount display screen is displayed on the display 28 (S73). The remaining amount display screen displayed in this case is shown in FIG.

  The remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12D includes objects 71 to 78 indicating the remaining amount of ink and an exchange instruction object 64. The replacement instruction object 64 is a character “Please replace the cartridge”. The replacement instruction object 64 prompts the user to replace the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 with the new cartridge 200 delivered. The replacement instruction object 64 is an example of a “display for prompting replacement of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case” and a replacement instruction.

  On the other hand, when the controller 30 determines in step S75 that the cartridge 200 has been replaced (S75: Yes), it is determined whether the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 is the original cartridge 200 or the new cartridge 200. Judgment is made (S81). The original cartridge 200 means the cartridge 200 that is used by being attached to the attachment case 150. The new cartridge 200 means a cartridge 200 that is arranged according to an ordering instruction and delivered to the user. For example, the controller 30 determines whether the serial number of the cartridge 200 read from the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 matches the serial number stored in the storage unit 36 or not. It is determined whether the cartridge 200 attached to is an original cartridge 200 or a new cartridge 200.

  When the controller 30 determines that the cartridge 200 attached to the attachment case 150 is the original cartridge 200 (S81: original), the controller 30 determines that the remount instruction object 63 is not displayed (S85), and displays a remaining amount display screen. 28. That is, when the user returns the original cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 in accordance with the remounting instruction object 63 (FIG. 12C), the remounting instruction object 63 is erased from the display 28.

  On the other hand, when the controller 30 determines that the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is a new cartridge 200 (S81: new), the controller 30 determines whether or not the remount instruction object 63 is displayed on the display 28 ( S82). That is, in step S <b> 82, it is determined whether the remaining cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150 and a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150.

  If the controller 30 determines that the remount instruction object 63 is not displayed on the display 28 (S82: No), that is, the cartridge 200 whose ink has been used up is removed from the mounting case 150, and a new cartridge 200 is mounted. If it is determined that the object is attached to 150, the objects 61 to 64 are determined not to be displayed (S72). Thereafter, the controller 30 causes the display 28 to display the remaining amount display screen shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the controller 30 determines that the remount instruction object 63 is displayed on the display 28 (S82: Yes), the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is removed from the mounting case 150, and a new cartridge 200 is mounted. If it is determined that it is attached to the case 150, it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been input (S83). If the controller 30 determines that the print instruction has not been input (S83: No), it continues to display the remount instruction object 63 (S79, S73).

  On the other hand, if the controller 30 determines that the print instruction is input (S83: Yes), that is, if the controller 30 determines that the print instruction is input without returning the cartridge 200 with the ink remaining to the mounting case 150, the discard information is stored in the PC 40. (S84). The discard information includes information indicating that the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is replaced with a new cartridge 200, and printer identification information. Although not shown in the flowchart, the PC 40 that has received the discard information transmits the discard information to the server 50. The server 50 that has received the discard information counts the number of times the discard information is input and registers it in the user management list. Specifically, the server 50 registers the cartridge discard count in the user management list in association with the user associated with the printer identification information included in the discard information in the user management list. That is, the number of times that the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is wasted is registered in the user management list for each user. The discard information is an example of second information.

  Thereafter, the controller 30 hides the objects 61 to 64 (S72), and displays the remaining amount display screen shown in FIG. 12A on the display 28 (S73).

[Effects of the embodiment]
In this embodiment, before the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up and before the replacement instruction object 64 prompting the user to replace the cartridge 200 is displayed on the display 28, an order for a new cartridge 200 is placed. Instructed. Therefore, the possibility that the new cartridge 200 reaches the user before the ink in the tank 160 is used up and the replacement instruction object 64 is displayed on the display 28 can be increased. As a result, the user can continuously perform printing, and the possibility that the cartridge 200 with the remaining ink is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and the ink is wasted is reduced.

  In this embodiment, the user can change an order determination value that is a criterion for determining whether or not to instruct an order. When the use frequency of the printer 10 is high or when delivery of the cartridge 200 is late, the user can increase the order determination value and advance the timing for ordering a new cartridge 200. As a result, it is possible to further increase the possibility that a new cartridge 200 will reach the user before the ink in the tank 160 is used up.

  In this embodiment, when an order for the cartridge 200 is instructed, the ordered object 61 indicating that the order for the cartridge 200 has been instructed is displayed on the display 28. Therefore, it is possible to make the user recognize whether or not an order for the cartridge 200 is instructed. By making the user recognize that the order for the cartridge 200 has been instructed, it is possible to give the user a sense of security.

  In this embodiment, the non-replaceable object 62 (FIG. 12B) indicating that the cartridge 200 is not replaced is displayed on the display 28 until the ink in the cartridge 200 is used up. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and the ink is wasted.

  In this embodiment, when the cartridge 200 with ink remaining is removed from the mounting case 150, the remounting instruction object 63 (FIG. 12C) indicating that the original cartridge 200 is to be remounted on the mounting case 150. Is displayed on the display 28. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and the ink is wasted.

  In the present embodiment, when the user remounts the cartridge 200 with ink remaining in the mounting case 150 according to the remounting instruction object 63, the remounting instruction object 63 is erased from the display 28. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the remount instruction object 63 from being continuously displayed on the display 28 even after the user remounts the cartridge 200 with ink remaining in the mounting case 150.

  In the present embodiment, when the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and printing is performed, discard information indicating that the cartridge 200 in which ink remains is wasted is discarded via the PC 40. The number of discards is registered in the user management list of the server 50. Accordingly, it is possible to leave a history of discarding the cartridge 200 in which ink remains for each user.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid level sensor 33 is provided, and it is determined whether or not the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up according to the liquid level signal output from the liquid level sensor 33. Therefore, the total remaining amount value is determined from the first discharge value having an error, and compared with the case where it is determined whether or not the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up based on the determined total remaining amount value. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the remaining ink has been used up.

  In the present embodiment, an ordering instruction is transmitted to the server 50 using the control program 46 </ b> B that is a status monitor installed in the PC 40. That is, an ordering instruction can be transmitted to the server 50 using an existing program.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the liquid level sensor 33 is provided and whether or not the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up according to the liquid level signal output from the liquid level sensor 33 has been described. However, the total remaining amount value may be determined from the first discharge value, and it may be determined whether or not the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up based on the determined total remaining amount value. Specifically, after the process of step S17, the second update process of step S19 is always executed. In that case, the liquid level sensor 33 becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts in the printer 10 is reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the liquid level sensor 33 including the actuator 190 has been described. However, the liquid level sensor 33 may adopt a configuration other than the configuration including the actuator 190 as long as it can detect the position of the ink liquid level in the tank 160 or the cartridge 200. For example, the liquid level sensor 33 optically detects the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 by using a prism having a different reflectance depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171. It may be a sensor. Further, the liquid level sensor 33 may be an electrode rod inserted into the liquid chamber 171.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which ink flows out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 due to a water head difference has been described. However, the ink may flow out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 by gravity or a pump. That is, the present invention can also be used for a liquid consuming device (printer) that causes ink to flow out of the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 by gravity or a pump.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the order instruction is transmitted to the server 50 using the PC 40 has been described. However, the printer 10 may directly send an ordering instruction to the server 50. In that case, the controller 30 of the printer 10 executes processes other than step S93 for displaying the status information on the display 48 of the PC 40 in the display / ordering process shown in FIG. The communication I / F 31 of the printer 10 communicates with the server 50 using a communication protocol such as the Internet protocol.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the status information is transmitted to the PC 40 every time the printing process for one page (FIG. 7: S16) is executed has been described. However, the status information may be executed after printing is finished (S23: No). Alternatively, the status information may be transmitted to the PC 40 in response to a request from the PC 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the ordering instruction is transmitted regardless of the request from the server 50 or the date and time (FIG. 11: S96) has been described. However, the ordering instruction may be transmitted in response to a request from the server 50 or may be transmitted at a predetermined date and time. For example, when the PC 40 receives a request for returning information on whether or not to order the cartridge 200 from the server 50, the PC 40 returns an ordering instruction or information indicating that the cartridge 200 is not ordered to the server 50. . Alternatively, the PC 40 transmits an ordering instruction or information indicating that the cartridge 200 is not ordered to the server 50 at a daily schedule (such as midnight).

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the objects 61 to 64 are displayed on the display 28 of the printer 10 has been described. However, the objects 61 to 64 may be displayed on the display 48 of the PC 40 or may be displayed on both the display 28 of the printer 10 and the display 48 of the PC 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example (S79) in which the remount instruction object 63 is displayed on the display 28 in response to the removal of the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150 (S77: Yes) has been described. However, the remount instruction object 63 may be displayed on the display 28 in response to the opening of the cover 87 of the mounting case 150. Specifically, the controller 30 displays the remount instruction object 63 on the display 28 in response to the input of a high level signal output from the cover sensor 88 in response to the opening of the cover 87.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the objects 61 to 64 are displayed on the remaining amount display screen has been described. However, the objects 61 to 64 may be displayed on another screen such as a home screen that is a standby screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid. However, the pretreatment liquid discharged onto the paper or the like prior to the ink during printing may be an example of a liquid. The water for cleaning the head 21 may be an example of a liquid.

5 ... System 10 ... Printer 21 ... Head 28 ... Display 30 ... Controller 31 ... Communication I / F
32 ... Mounting sensor 33 ... Liquid level sensor 36 ... Storage unit 40 ... PC
42: Storage unit 43: Communication I / F
45 ... Controller 48 ... Display 50 ... Server 150 ... Mounting case 160 ... Tank 171 ... Liquid chamber 181 ... Needle 190 ... Actuator 200 ... Cartridge 210 ...・ Liquid chamber

Claims (13)

A mounting case in which a cartridge having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored is mounted;
A tank having a second liquid chamber;
A flow path in which one is communicated with the second liquid chamber and the other is communicated with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case;
A head in communication with the second liquid chamber for discharging liquid;
A first communication interface;
Display,
A controller, and
The controller is
Determining a remaining amount including at least an amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge;
Determine whether the determined remaining amount has reached the first amount,
Based on the determination that the determined remaining amount has reached the first amount, the first information instructing the shipment of the cartridge is transmitted through the first communication interface,
Determine whether the determined remaining amount has reached the second amount,
When the first information is transmitted through the first communication interface and the determined remaining amount has reached the second amount, the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is replaced. A liquid consumption system for displaying a prompting display on the display. The first amount is a value that can be changed by the user;
The liquid consumption system according to claim 1, wherein the second amount is a predetermined value.   3. The liquid consumption according to claim 1, wherein the controller displays on the display a display indicating that the cartridge has been instructed to be shipped in response to the transmission of the first information through the first communication interface. system.   The controller is attached to the attachment case in response to transmitting the first information through the first communication interface and determining that the determined remaining amount has not reached the second amount. 4. The liquid consumption system according to claim 1, wherein an indication that the cartridge is not replaced is displayed on the display. It is further equipped with a wearing sensor,
The controller transmits the first information through the first communication interface, determines that the determined remaining amount has not reached the second amount, and further mounts the cartridge mounted in the mounting case 5. The display according to claim 1, wherein a display for returning the cartridge to the mounting case is displayed on the display in response to receiving a first signal indicating that the cartridge is not detected from the mounting sensor. Liquid consumption system.   The controller displays on the display an indication to return the cartridge to the mounting case, and receives a second signal from the mounting sensor indicating that the cartridge mounted in the mounting case has been detected. 6. The liquid consumption system according to claim 5, wherein the display is erased from the display in response to the operation.   The controller displays an indication on the display that the cartridge is to be returned to the mounting case, and replaces the cartridge before the replacement instruction in response to receiving an instruction to discharge the liquid from the head. The liquid consumption system according to claim 5, wherein the second information indicating that it has been transmitted is transmitted through the first communication interface. A liquid level sensor,
The controller is
A third signal output from the liquid level sensor when the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined position corresponding to the second amount of the liquid including at least the second liquid chamber. Receive
Receiving a fourth signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position;
The liquid consumption system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the remaining amount has reached the second amount in response to receiving the fourth signal. The tank has a sensing object;
The detection object is in the first state when the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is greater than or equal to the predetermined position, and the first object is detected when the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined position. A second state different from the first state,
The liquid level sensor outputs the third signal in response to detecting the detected object in the first state, and outputs the fourth signal in response to detecting the detected object in the second state. The liquid consumption system according to claim 8. The first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case communicates with the outside;
The second liquid chamber of the tank communicates with the outside;
A part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case;
The liquid consumption system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the predetermined position is positioned below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case. The first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case communicates with the outside;
The second liquid chamber of the tank communicates with the outside;
The liquid consumption system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case. The controller is
Receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head;
In response to receiving the discharge instruction, the liquid is discharged through the head,
In response to receiving the discharge instruction, the liquid discharge amount indicated in the discharge instruction is counted,
The liquid consumption system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the remaining amount determined based on the counted liquid discharge amount has reached the first amount. A liquid consuming device and an information processing device,
The liquid consuming device includes the mounting case, the tank, the head, a first controller, and a second communication interface.
The information processing apparatus includes the first communication interface and a second controller,
The controller includes the first controller and the second controller,
The first controller includes:
Determining whether the remaining amount including at least the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge has reached the first amount;
Based on the determination that the remaining amount has reached the first amount, information indicating that the remaining amount has reached the first amount is transmitted through the second communication interface;
The second controller is
Receiving the information through the first communication interface;
The liquid consumption system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first information is transmitted through the first communication interface based on reception of the information.

Images