阅读说明：本技术 液体消耗装置和液体消耗系统 (Liquid consuming apparatus and liquid consuming system ) 是由 洞出贤太 宫泽雅史 于 2018-12-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：液体消耗装置包括：安装壳体,被构造成接收具有存储液体的第一液体室的盒；罐,具有第二液体室；流路,与第一及第二液体室连通；头,与第二液体室连通；和第一控制器,被构造成：确定安装在安装壳体中以通过流路与第二液体室连通的第一液体室中的第一液体量和通过流路与安装在安装壳体中的盒的第一液体室连通的第二液体室中的第二液体量的总量Vt；并且通过连接到外部装置的第一通信接口传输指示已确定的总量Vt的总量信息。(The liquid consuming apparatus includes: a mounting case configured to receive a cartridge having a first liquid chamber storing liquid; a tank having a second liquid chamber; a flow path communicating with the first and second liquid chambers; a head in communication with the second liquid chamber; and a first controller configured to: determining a total Vt of a first liquid amount in a first liquid chamber mounted in the mount case to communicate with a second liquid chamber through the flow path and a second liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path; and transmitting the sum amount information indicating the determined sum amount Vt through a first communication interface connected to an external device.)

1. A liquid consuming device (10) comprising:

a mounting housing (150), the mounting housing (150) configured to receive a cartridge (200), the cartridge (200) including a first liquid chamber (210) storing a liquid;

a tank (160), the tank (160) comprising a second liquid chamber (171);

a flow path (181) configured to communicate with the second liquid chamber (171) and the first liquid chamber (210) of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case;

a head (21), the head (21) communicating with the second liquid chamber (171);

a first communication interface (44); and

a first controller (130), the first controller (130) configured to:

determining a total amount Vt of a first liquid amount and a second liquid amount (S65/S76), the first liquid amount being a liquid amount in the first liquid chamber (210) mounted in the mount case to communicate with the second liquid chamber through the flow path, the second liquid amount being a liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path; and is

Transmitting, through the first communication interface connected to an external device (40), a total amount information indicating the determined total amount Vt (S81).

2. The liquid consuming device of claim 1, wherein the first controller is configured to:

a total Vt0 is determined (S69), which is the total amount of liquid Vt 0: (i) an amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber in a state where the liquid in the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber does not move; and (ii) an amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber in a state where the liquid in the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber does not move;

calculating a ratio of the total Vt with respect to the total Vt0 (S69); and is

Transmitting the total amount information as the ratio through the first communication interface (S81).

3. The liquid consuming device of claim 2, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining whether the calculated ratio exceeds 1 (S70); and is

In a case where it is determined that the calculated ratio exceeds 1 (S70: YES), the total amount information of 1 is transmitted through the first communication interface (S71 and S81).

4. The liquid consuming device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining the total quantity Vt at each predetermined time interval (S61: YES); and is

Transmitting, via the first communication interface, the total amount information indicating the total amount Vt determined at each of the predetermined time intervals, based on the total amount Vt determined at each of the predetermined time intervals.

5. The liquid consuming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a liquid level sensor (33),

wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a signal (H) from the level sensor in case the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank is below a predetermined position; and is

Transmitting liquid level information through the first communication interface, the liquid level information corresponding to the received signal.

6. The liquid consuming device of claim 5, wherein the first controller is configured to:

measuring an elapsed time from a predetermined time point until the signal is received (S122);

determining whether the measured elapsed time is shorter than a first time (S123); and is

In the case where it is determined that the measured elapsed time is shorter than the first time (S123: YES), the liquid level information is transmitted through the first communication interface at a time different from the time at which the total amount information is transmitted (S125).

7. The liquid consuming device of claim 6, wherein the first controller is configured to: in response to determining that the signal (H) is received from the liquid level sensor (S18: L- > H) and that the measured elapsed time is less than the first time (S123: Yes), transmitting the liquid level information over the first communication interface (S125).

8. The liquid consuming apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first controller is configured to: in a case where it is determined that the measured elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time (S123: No), the liquid level information is transmitted through the first communication interface at the same time as the time at which the total amount information is transmitted (S124- > S61- > S81).

9. The liquid consuming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a liquid level sensor (33),

wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a signal (H) from the level sensor in case the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank is below a predetermined position; and is

Transmitting, via the first communication interface, liquid level information at a time different from a time at which the total amount information is transmitted, the liquid level information corresponding to the received signal.

10. The liquid consuming device of claim 9, wherein the first controller is configured to: transmitting the level information over the first communication interface in response to receiving the signal from the level sensor.

11. Liquid consuming device according to any of claims 5 to 9,

wherein the first liquid chamber (210) of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case communicates with the outside,

wherein the second liquid chamber (171) of the tank communicates with the outside,

wherein a part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case, and

wherein the predetermined position is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case.

12. The liquid consuming device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a discharge instruction to discharge liquid through the head (S16);

counting a discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the head according to the received discharge instruction (S43/S52); and is

Determining the total amount Vt of the first and second liquid amounts after the liquid is discharged from the head according to the discharge instruction based on a count value corresponding to the counted liquid discharge amount (S65/S76).

13. The liquid consuming apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining, from the determined total amount Vt, a liquid amount Vc that is a liquid amount in the first liquid chamber mounted in the mount case and communicating with the second liquid chamber through the flow path, and a liquid amount Vs that is a liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path (S66); and is

Transmitting the total amount information, the cartridge information indicating the determined liquid amount Vc, and the tank information indicating the determined liquid amount Vs through the first communication interface (S81).

14. The liquid consuming device of any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the cartridge.

15. A liquid consuming system (5), comprising:

a liquid consuming device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14; and

the external device (40), the external device (40) comprising a second communication interface (43), a third communication interface (44), and a second controller (45), the second controller (45) configured to:

receiving the total amount information through the second communication interface connected to the first communication interface (S91: Yes);

determining a date/time when there is no liquid amount in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case, from the total amount Vt indicated by the received total amount information (S106);

determining a predetermined date/time (S107), the predetermined date/time being earlier than the determined date/time by a predetermined time (S107); and is

In the case where the determined predetermined date/time is reached (S96: yes), order information indicating an order to the cartridge is transmitted through the third communication interface.

16. A liquid consuming device (10) comprising:

a mounting housing (150), the mounting housing (150) configured to receive a cartridge (200) comprising a first liquid chamber (210) that stores a liquid;

a tank (160), the tank (160) comprising a second liquid chamber (171);

a flow path (181) configured to communicate with the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case;

a head (21), the head (21) being in communication with the second liquid chamber;

a first communication interface (44); and

a first controller (130), the first controller (130) configured to:

determining a liquid amount Vc that is a liquid amount in the first liquid chamber mounted in the mount case to communicate with the second liquid chamber through the flow path, and a liquid amount Vs that is a liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path (S66); and is

Transmitting, through the first communication interface connected to an external device, cartridge information indicating the determined liquid amount Vc and tank information indicating the determined liquid amount Vs (S81).

17. The liquid consuming device of claim 16, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining an amount of liquid Vc0 and an amount of liquid Vs0(S35), the amount of liquid Vc0 being the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber in a state where the liquid does not move in the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber, the amount of liquid Vs0 being the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber in a state where the liquid does not flow from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber;

calculating a box ratio of the liquid amount Vc to the liquid amount Vc0 (S112);

calculating a tank ratio of the liquid amount Vs relative to the liquid amount Vs0 (S112); and is

Transmitting the cartridge information as the cartridge ratio and the canister information as the canister ratio through the first communication interface (S81).

18. The liquid consuming device of claim 17, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining whether the calculated box ratio exceeds 1 (S113); and is

In a case where it is determined that the calculated box ratio exceeds 1 (S113: YES), the box information of 1 is transmitted through the first communication interface (S114 and S81).

19. The liquid consuming apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining whether the calculated can ratio exceeds 1 (S113); and is

In a case where it is determined that the calculated tank ratio exceeds 1 (S113: YES), the tank information of 1 is transmitted through the first communication interface (S114 and S81).

20. The liquid consuming device of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining said volume Vc and said volume Vs at each predetermined time interval (S61: Yes); and is

The cartridge information indicating the determined liquid amount Vc and the tank information indicating the determined liquid amount Vs are transmitted through the first communication interface at each of the predetermined time intervals based on the determination of the liquid amount Vc and the liquid amount Vs at each of the predetermined time intervals.

21. The liquid consuming apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising:

a liquid level sensor (33),

wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a signal (H) from the level sensor in case the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank is below a predetermined position; and is

Transmitting liquid level information through the first communication interface, the liquid level information corresponding to the received signal.

22. The liquid consuming device of claim 21, wherein the first controller is configured to:

measuring an elapsed time from a predetermined point in time to when the signal is received;

determining whether the measured elapsed time is shorter than a first time; and is

Transmitting the liquid level information through the first communication interface at a time different from a time of transmitting the cartridge information and the tank information in a case where it is determined that the measured elapsed time is shorter than the first time.

23. The liquid consuming device of claim 22, wherein the first controller is configured to: transmitting the cartridge information and the tank information through the first communication interface in response to determining that the signal is received from the level sensor and that the measured elapsed time is less than the first time.

24. The liquid consuming device of claim 22 or 23, wherein the first controller is configured to: transmitting the liquid level information through the first communication interface at the same time as the time of transmitting the cartridge information and the tank information in a case where it is determined that the measured elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time.

25. The liquid consuming apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising:

a liquid level sensor (33),

wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a signal (H) from the level sensor in case the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank is below a predetermined position; and is

Transmitting, via the first communication interface, liquid level information at a time different from a time of transmitting the cartridge information and the tank information, the liquid level information corresponding to the received signal.

26. The liquid consuming device of claim 25, wherein the first controller is configured to: transmitting the cartridge information and the tank information through the first communication interface in response to receiving the signal from the level sensor.

27. Liquid consuming device according to any of claims 21 to 26,

wherein the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case communicates with the outside,

wherein the second liquid chamber of the tank communicates with the outside,

wherein a part of the second liquid chamber is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case, and

wherein the predetermined position is located below the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case.

28. The liquid consuming device of any of claims 16 to 27, wherein the first controller is configured to:

receiving a discharge instruction to discharge liquid through the head;

counting a discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the head according to the received discharge instruction; and is

An amount Vc of the liquid in the first liquid chamber and an amount Vs of the liquid in the second liquid chamber after the liquid is discharged from the head according to the discharge instruction are determined based on a count value corresponding to the counted liquid discharge amount.

29. The liquid consuming device of any of claims 16 to 28, wherein the first controller is configured to:

determining a quantity Vt corresponding to the sum of the determined quantity Vc of liquid and the determined quantity Vs of liquid, and

transmitting the cartridge information, the canister information, and the total amount information indicating the determined total amount Vt through the first communication interface.

30. A liquid consuming apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 29, including the cartridge.

31. A liquid consuming system (5), comprising:

a liquid consuming device (10) according to any of claims 16 to 30; and

an external device (40), the external device (40) comprising a second communication interface (43), a third communication interface (44), and a second controller (45), the second controller (45) configured to:

receiving the cartridge information and the tank information through the second communication interface connected to the first communication interface (S91: yes);

determining a first date/time when there is no liquid in the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case, based on the liquid amount Vc indicated by the received cartridge information (S106);

determining a second date/time when there is no liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank based on the amount of liquid Vc indicated by the received tank information (see fig. 14);

determining a predetermined date/time, the predetermined date/time being earlier than an intermediate date/time by a predetermined time, the intermediate date/time being between the determined first date/time and the determined second date/time; and is

In the case where the determined predetermined date/time is reached (S96: yes), order information indicating an order to the cartridge is transmitted through the third communication interface.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a liquid consuming apparatus capable of ordering a purchase order for a cartridge in which liquid is stored, and a liquid consuming system including the liquid consuming apparatus.

Background

A method of ordering a cartridge in which a liquid such as ink is stored is known. The cartridge is mounted in a liquid consuming apparatus (such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral) to supply liquid to the liquid consuming apparatus.

In the conventional ordering method, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge is obtained to estimate the date on which the liquid stored in the cartridge runs out. Next, a predetermined date on which the liquid remains in the cartridge is determined based on the estimated date. In addition, new cartridges are ordered on the determined scheduled dates. Therefore, a new cartridge is not delivered to the user of the liquid consuming apparatus until the liquid stored in the cartridge mounted in the liquid consuming apparatus is used up.

CITATION LIST

Patent document

Patent document 1: JP2017-47537A

Patent document 2: JP2003-15477A

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

In a conventional ordering method or the like, the remaining amount information as a basis for determining the order-placing date of the order indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge mounted in the liquid consuming apparatus.

Solution to the problem

An illustrative aspect of the present disclosure provides a liquid consuming apparatus including: a mounting housing configured to receive a cartridge, the cartridge including a first liquid chamber storing a liquid; a tank having a second liquid chamber; a flow path communicating with the first and second liquid chambers; a head in communication with the second liquid chamber; and a first controller configured to: determining a total Vt of a first liquid amount in a first liquid chamber mounted in the mount case to communicate with a second liquid chamber through the flow path and a second liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path; and transmitting the total amount information indicating the determined total amount Vt through a first communication interface connected to the external device.

A further illustrative aspect of the present disclosure provides a liquid consuming apparatus comprising: a mounting housing configured to receive a cartridge, the cartridge including a first liquid chamber to store a liquid; a tank comprising a second liquid chamber; a flow path configured to communicate with the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case; a head in communication with the second liquid chamber; a first communication interface; and a first controller configured to: determining a liquid amount Vc that is a liquid amount in the first liquid chamber mounted in the mount case to communicate with the second liquid chamber through the flow path, and a liquid amount Vs that is a liquid amount in the second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber of the cartridge mounted in the mount case through the flow path; and transmits cartridge information indicating the determined liquid amount Vc and tank information indicating the determined liquid amount Vs through the first communication interface connected to an external device.

Further illustrative aspects of the present disclosure provide a liquid consuming system including any one of the liquid consuming apparatuses described above and an external apparatus. The external device transmits order information based on the information transmitted from the liquid consuming apparatus.

Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B show configuration diagrams of a printer and an information collection server;

fig. 2A and 2B are external views of the printer, in which fig. 2A shows a state in which a cover is in a covering position, and fig. 2B shows a state in which the cover is in an opening position;

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of the printer;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting housing;

fig. 5A and 5B are views showing the structure of the cartridge, in which fig. 5A is a front perspective view and fig. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view;

fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a printing process;

fig. 8A is a flowchart of a first update process, fig. 8B is a flowchart of a second update process, fig. 8C is a flowchart of a third update process, and fig. 8D is a flowchart of a fourth update process;

fig. 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing a management information transmission process of the first exemplary embodiment;

fig. 10A is a flowchart of a subscription process, and fig. 10B is a flowchart of a subscription date/time determination process;

fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a linear function and order date/time of the first exemplary embodiment;

fig. 12A and 12B are flowcharts showing a management information transmission process of the second exemplary embodiment;

fig. 13 is a flowchart of a transmission determination process of the first modification; and is

Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining a linear function and order date/time of the second modification.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. Note that the exemplary embodiments described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the execution order of the following processes may be appropriately changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

< first exemplary embodiment >

The ordering system 5 shown in fig. 1A and 1B includes: the illustrated printer 10 includes a printer 10 and an information collection server 40, the information collection server 40 collecting information from one or more printers 10. The printer 10 and the information collection server 40 are connected via a communication line 6 such as the internet. The printer 10 and the information collection server 40 can communicate with each other by using a communication protocol such as TCP/IP. In addition, the information collection server 40 may transmit information to a subscription server 50 (fig. 11) that accepts subscriptions via the communication line 6. The printer 10 is one example of a liquid consuming apparatus. The information collection server 40 is one example of an external device. Order system 5 is an example of a liquid consuming system.

(overview of Printer)

The printer 10 illustrated in fig. 2A and 2B is an inkjet printer that discharges ink droplets to print an image on a sheet. The printer 10 may be a multifunction peripheral having a facsimile function, a scanner function, a copy function, and the like.

Hereinafter, the up-down direction 7 is defined with reference to the use posture of the printer 10 mounted in a horizontal plane in a usable manner, the front-rear direction 8 is defined with a surface on which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as a front surface, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the printer 10 is viewed from the front surface. That is, the up-down direction 7 in the use posture corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-back 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 drives a feed roller 23 and a conveying roller 25 to convey the sheet supported by the feed tray 15 to the position of a platen 26. Next, the printer 10 discharges ink (which is supplied from the tank 160 through the tube 19) to the head 21 through the nozzle 29. Accordingly, the ink lands 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 may be mounted on a carriage 20, the carriage 20 reciprocating in a main scanning direction (parallel to the left-right direction 9) that intersects with a sheet conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed by the conveying rollers 25. A driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted, so that the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of fig. 3). The printer 10 discharges ink to the head 21 through the nozzle 29 by moving the carriage 20 in the main scanning direction while stopping the conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance roller 25. Accordingly, an image is printed out on a partial area of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "one-pass"). Next, the printer 10 causes the conveying rollers 25 to convey the sheet so that the next image printing area of the sheet faces the head 21. Then, these processes are alternately and repeatedly performed, and thus an image is printed on one sheet.

(display)

The housing 14 includes a display 28. A display 28 is located in the front surface of the housing 14. The display 28 is a so-called touch panel in which touch sensors are arranged on a display panel. However, instead of or in addition to the display 28, a display panel and buttons may be located in the front surface of the housing 14. The display 28 receives input from a user.

(lid)

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, an opening 85 is formed at the right end in the left-right direction 9 on the front surface 14A of the housing 14. The housing 14 also includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (a) (a position shown in fig. 3A) where the opening 85 is covered and an opening position (a position shown in fig. 3B) where the opening 85 is exposed. The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the left-right direction 9, for example, in the vicinity of the lower end of the housing 14 in the up-down direction 7. Then, the mount case 150 on which the cartridge 200 is mounted is located in the accommodation space 86, and the accommodation space 86 is disposed inside the housing 14 and expands rearward from the opening 85.

(mounting case)

As shown in fig. 4, the mounting housing 150 includes contacts 152, a lever 153, a mounting sensor 32, a level sensor 33, and a locking pin 156. The mount case 150 may accommodate four cartridges 200, the four cartridges 200 corresponding to respective black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, four levers 153, four mounting sensors 32, and four level sensors 33. The number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mount case 150 is not limited to four, and one cartridge or five or more cartridges may be accommodated.

The mounting case 150 has a box shape having an inner space in which the mounted cartridge 200 is accommodated. The inner space of the mounting case 150 is defined by a top wall defining an upper end, a bottom wall defining a lower end, an inner wall defining a rear end in the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls defining both ends in the left-right direction 9. On the other hand, the opening 85 is positioned to face the inner wall of the mounting case 150. That is, when the cover 87 is set at the open position, the opening 85 exposes the inner space of the mount case 150 to the outside of the printer.

Then, the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mount case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and the cartridge 200 is pulled out from the mount case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 rearward in the front-rear direction 8, and is mounted in the mount case 150. The cartridge 200 pulled out from the mount case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

(contact)

The contacts 152 are located on the top wall of the mounting housing 150. The contacts 152 protrude downward from the top wall toward the inner space of the mounting case 150. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the contacts 152 are positioned to contact electrodes 248 (to be described later) of the cartridge 200. The contact 152 has conductivity and is elastically deformable in the up-down direction 7. The contacts 152 are electrically connected to the controller 130.

(rod)

The rod 153 protrudes forward from the inner wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located on an inner wall of the mounting housing 150 above a joint 180 (to be described later). In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the lever 153 enters the air valve chamber 214 through an air communication port 221 (to be described later) of the cartridge 200. When the rod 153 enters the air valve chamber 214, the air valve chamber 214 (described below) communicates with air.

(installation sensor)

The mounting sensor 32 is located on the top wall of the mounting housing 150. The mounting sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The mount sensor 32 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that are separated from each other in the left-right direction 9. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a light shielding rib 245 (to be described later) of the cartridge 200 is located between a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32. In other words, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mount sensor 32 are positioned opposite to each other with respect to the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mount case 150.

The mount sensor 32 outputs a different signal (hereinafter referred to as a "mount signal") depending on whether or not the light receiving section receives light irradiated from the light emitting section in the left-right direction 9. For example, when the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion is lower than the threshold intensity, the mount sensor 32 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130. Meanwhile, when the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion is equal to or higher than the threshold intensity, the mount sensor 32 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than that of the low-level signal to the controller 130.

(liquid level sensor)

The liquid level sensor 33 is a sensor for detecting whether a detection target portion 194 of the actuator 190 (to be described later) is located at a detection position. The liquid level sensor 33 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that are separated from each other in the left-right direction 9. In other words, when the detection target portion 194 is located at the detection position, the detection target portion 194 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 33. On the other hand, when the detection target portion 194 is not located at the detection position, the detection target portion 194 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 33. The level sensor 33 outputs a different signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "level signal") according to whether or not the light output from the light emitting portion is received by the light receiving portion. For example, when the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion is lower than the threshold intensity, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130. Meanwhile, when the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion is equal to or higher than the threshold intensity, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal intensity than that of the low level signal to the controller 130.

(locking pin)

The locking pin 156 is a rod-like member that extends in the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the inner space of the mounting case 150 and in the vicinity of the opening 85. Both ends of the locking pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mount case 150. The locking pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces in which four cartridges 200 can be accommodated. The locking pin 156 is used to hold the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 at the mounting position shown in fig. 6. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the cartridge 200 is fixed to the locking pin 156.

(Pot)

The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200. Specifically, the printer 10 includes: a tank 160 in which magenta ink is stored, the tank 160 corresponding to the cartridge 200 in which magenta ink is stored; a can 160 having cyan ink stored therein, the can 160 corresponding to the cartridge 200 having cyan ink stored therein; a tank 160 in which yellow ink is stored, the tank 160 corresponding to the cartridge 200 in which yellow ink is stored; a can 160 having black ink stored therein, the can 160 corresponding to the cartridge 200 having black ink stored therein. The four tanks 160 have substantially the same configuration, and one tank 160 will be described.

The tank 160 is located behind the inner wall of the mounting case 150. As shown in fig. 4, the can 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 includes a plurality of walls that are offset from each other in the front-rear direction 8. The liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

Of the walls forming the tank 160, at least the wall facing the level sensor 33 has light transmittance. Therefore, the light output from the liquid level sensor 33 can penetrate the wall facing the liquid level sensor 33. At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be formed of a film that is welded to the end surfaces of the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the side walls. In addition, the sidewall of the can 160 may be common with the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150. Further, the tanks 160 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by a partition wall (not shown).

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through the outflow port 174. The lower end of the outflow opening 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 defining the lower end of the liquid chamber 171. The outflow opening 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, below the lower end of the through hole 184). An ink flow path (not shown) communicating with the outflow port 174 communicates with the tube 19. Therefore, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outflow port 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 19. That is, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied from the outflow port 174 to the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 19. In the ink flow path communicating with the outflow port 174 and the tube 19, one end (outflow port 174) communicates with the liquid chamber 171, and the other end 89 (see fig. 3) communicates with the head 21.

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with air through the air communication chamber 175. More specifically, the air communication chamber 175 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 penetrating the front wall 162. In addition, the air communication chamber 175 communicates with the outside of the printer 10 through the air communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the air communication port 177. That is, in the air communication chamber 175, one end (through hole 176) communicates with the liquid chamber 171, and the other end (air communication port 177) communicates with the outside of the printer 10. The air communication chamber 175 communicates with air through an air communication port 177 and a pipe (not shown).

(Joint)

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 projects forwardly from the front wall 162 defining the liquid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the tip of the needle 181. In addition, the inner space of the needle 181 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 penetrating the front wall 162. In the needle 181, one end (opening 183) 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 projects forwardly from the front wall 162. The front end of the guide 182 is open.

A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the interior space of the needle 181. In the inner space of the needle 181, the valve 185 is movable in the forward and backward direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 185 is in the closed position, the valve 185 closes the opening 183. Further, when the valve 185 is in the open position, the valve 185 opens the opening 183. The coil spring 186 urges the valve 185 in the moving direction from the open position to the closed position (i.e., forward in the front-rear direction 8). The internal space of the needle 181 is one example of a flow path.

(actuator)

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) provided in the liquid chamber 171 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The actuator 190 is rotatable between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line in fig. 4. Further, actuator 190 is prevented from rotating from the solid line position in the direction of arrow 198 by a stop (not shown; e.g., an inner wall of liquid chamber 171). The actuator 190 includes a float 191, a shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detection target portion 194. The actuator 190 is one 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 shafts 192 protrude in the left-right direction 9 from both left and right sides of the float 191. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. Thus, the actuator 190 is supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192. The arm 193 extends generally upwardly from the float 191. The detection target portion 194 is located at the tip of the arm 193. That is, the arm 193 is located between the detection target part 194 and the shaft 192. The detection target portions 194 are plate-shaped members extending in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8, respectively. The detection target portion 194 is formed of a material or a color that blocks light output from the light emitting portion 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 the buoyancy is held by the stopper at the detection position indicated by the solid line in fig. 4. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink is lower than the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotates in the direction of the arrow 199 as the liquid level decreases. Therefore, the detection target portion 194 of the actuator 190 moves to a position other than the detection position. The detection target portion 194 is a part of the actuator 190, and therefore the detection target portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink contained in the liquid chamber 171.

The reference position P has the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the up-down direction 7, and has the same height as the center of an ink supply port 234 (to be described later). However, the reference position P is not limited to this position as long as it is located above the outflow port 174 in the up-down direction 7. As another example, the reference position P may have a height of an upper end or a lower end of the inner space of the needle 181, or may have a height of an upper end or a 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 portion of the liquid level sensor 33 is blocked by the detection target portion 194 located at the detection position. Thus, since the light output from the light emitting portion does not reach the light receiving portion, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is lower than the reference position P, since the light output from the light emitting portion reaches the light receiving portion, the liquid level sensor 33 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P according to the signal output from the liquid level sensor 33. The reference position P is an example of a predetermined position. The low-level signal "L" is an example of the first signal, and the high-level signal "H" is an example of the second signal. Hereinafter, a low-level signal may be sometimes described as "L", and a high-level signal may be sometimes described as "H".

(Box)

The cartridge 200 is a container including a liquid chamber 210 (see fig. 3), the liquid chamber 210 storing ink as liquid in the liquid chamber 210. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber. The cartridge 200 and the canister 160 are one example of a container group. The printer 10 includes a plurality of container groups that are: a group of containers storing magenta ink, a group of containers storing cyan ink, a group of containers storing yellow ink, and a group of containers storing black ink.

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 dimension in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 is larger than the dimension in the left-right direction 9. The cartridges 200 capable of storing ink of other colors may have the same outer shape or different outer shapes. At least a portion of the walls forming the cell 200 are light transmissive. 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 tube 230. The housing 201 is formed with 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 includes a plurality of walls that are offset from each other in the front-rear direction 8. Further, the upper wall 204 includes a plurality of walls that are offset from each other in the up-down direction 7. Further, the lower wall 205 includes a plurality of walls that are offset from each other in the up-down direction 7.

As shown in fig. 5B, in the internal space of the cartridge 200, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an air valve chamber 214 are formed. The liquid chamber 210 includes an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the air valve chamber 214 are an internal space of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an inner space of the supply tube 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The air valve chamber 214 allows the outside of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 210 to communicate with each other.

The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated from each other in the up-down direction 7 by a partition wall 215, the partition wall 215 partitioning the internal space of the housing 201. Then, the upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 communicate with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. In addition, the upper liquid chamber 211 and the air valve chamber 214 are separated from each other by a partition wall 217, and the partition wall 217 partitions the internal space of the housing 201. Then, the upper liquid chamber 211 and the air valve chamber 214 communicate with each other through a through hole 218 formed in a partition wall 217. Further, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219.

The air valve chamber 214 communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200 through an air communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 and at an upper portion of the cartridge 200. That is, in the air valve chamber 214, one end (through hole 218) communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (air communication port 221) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. The air valve chamber 214 communicates with air through an air communication port 221. In addition, a valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the air valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable in the forward and rearward direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 222 is located at the closed position, the valve 222 closes the air communication port 221. Further, when the valve 222 is located at the open position, the valve 222 opens the air communication port 221. The coil spring 223 urges the valve 222 in the moving direction from the open position to the closed position (i.e., rearward in the front-rear direction 8).

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the lever 153 enters the air valve chamber 214 through the air communication port 221. The rod 153 having entered the air valve chamber 214 causes the valve 222 located at the closed position to move forward in the forward-backward direction 8 against the urging force of the coil spring 223. Then, as the valve 222 moves to the open position, the upper liquid chamber 211 communicates with air. The configuration for opening the air communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, a configuration may be adopted in which the rod 153 breaks a film that seals the air communication port 221.

The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction 8 from the rear wall 202 in the lower portion of the housing 201. The rear end of the supply tube 230 is open. That is, the ink valve chamber 213 allows the liquid chamber 210 communicating through the through hole 219 and the outside of the cartridge 200 to communicate with each other. In the ink valve chamber 213, one end (through hole 219) communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (ink supply port 234 (to be described later)) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. In addition, a washer 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213.

At the center of the gasket 231, an ink supply port 234 penetrating in the front-rear direction 8 is formed. The ink supply port 234 has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable in the forward and rearward direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is at the closed position, the valve 232 comes into contact with the gasket 231 and closes the ink supply port 234. Further, when the valve 232 is located at the open position, the valve 232 is separated from the gasket 231 and opens the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 urges the valve 232 in the moving direction from the open position to the closed position (i.e., rearward in the front-rear direction 8). Further, the urging force of the coil spring 233 is larger than the urging force of the coil spring 186.

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

Accordingly, 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 tube 230 communicates with the inner space of the needle 181. That is, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the internal space of the needle 181 and the ink valve chamber 213 form a flow path through which the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

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 located below the bottom of the liquid chamber 210. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the supply pipe 230 and the joint 180 connected together, due to the difference between the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 and the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, a protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204. The projection 241 projects upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The protrusion 241 includes a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243. The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are located above the upper wall 204. The locking surface 242 faces the front side in the front-rear direction 8, and extends in the up-down direction 7 and in the left-right direction 9, respectively (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 locking surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the locking pin 156 in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface for guiding the locking pin 156 to a position where the locking pin comes into contact with the locking surface 242 during mounting of the cartridge 200 on the mounting case 150. In a state where the locking surface 242 and the locking 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 plate-like member is formed forward of the locking surface 242 to extend upward from the upper wall 204. The upper surface of the flat plate-like member corresponds to an operation portion 244 operated by a user when the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mount case 150 with the cover 87 at the open position, the operation portion 244 can be operated by the user. When the operating portion 244 is pushed down, the cartridge 200 is rotated, and thus the locking surface 242 is moved down from the locking pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mount case 150.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, a light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the protrusion 241. The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204, and extends in 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 where the sensor 32 is installed. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the light shielding rib 245 is located on an optical path extending from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 32. That is, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 130 (fig. 1A and 1B). On the other hand, when the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150, the mounting sensor 32 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130. That is, the controller 130 may detect whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 according to a signal output from the mounting sensor 32.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the IC chip 34 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and between the light shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. On the IC chip 34, an electrode 248 is formed. In addition, 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, and can be electrically connected to the contact 152. That is, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the electrode 248 is electrically connected to the contact 152. Controller 130 may read information from the memory of IC chip 34 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 and may write information to the memory of IC chip 34 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248.

The identification information of the memory storage cartridge 200 of the IC chip 34, the serial number, and the cartridge remaining amount value. The identification information is the following information: the information indicates whether the cartridge 200 is a small-capacity cartridge or a large-capacity cartridge, the color of the stored ink, and the like. The serial number is information for identifying an individual of the cartridge 200. The cartridge remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200.

(controller)

The printer 10 includes a controller 130. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the controller 130 includes a CPU35, a storage section 36, and a communication bus 39. The storage section 36 includes ROM37, EEPROM51, and RAM 52. The controller 130 is an example of a first controller.

The ROM37 stores an OS (abbreviation of operating system) program 37A, a control program 37B, a communication program 37C, and the like. The control program 37B is a program that performs a printing process (to be described later) and the like. The communication program 37C is a program that controls communication with an external apparatus such as the information collection server 40. The OS program 37A is a program different from the control program 37B, and further a program that controls an operation different from the operation controlled by the communication program 37C. When the command described in the address is processed by the CPU35, the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C are executed. Hereinafter, the operation handled by executing the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C may be described as the operation of the controller 130 in some cases. The controller 130 may have a hardware circuit using an IC that realizes part or all of the operations performed by the OS program 37A, the control program 37B, and the communication program 37C.

The EEPROM51 stores device information of the printer 10. The device information includes a model name of the printer 10 or identification information of the printer 10. The identification information of the printer 10 is the MAC address or serial number of the printer 10. In addition, the EEPROM51 stores an initial fill value that corresponds to the identification information stored in the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200. The corresponding initial filling value refers to the amount of liquid of the liquid used to fill the liquid chamber 210 when manufacturing a new cartridge 200 (hereinafter also referred to as initial filling amount). For example, the EEPROM51 stores an initial fill value with identification information corresponding to a small capacity box and an initial fill value with identification information corresponding to a large capacity box. Further, the EEPROM51 stores an initial fill value with identification information corresponding to, for example, colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and an initial fill value with identification information corresponding to, for example, black. That is, the EEPROM51 stores two (small capacity box or large capacity box) initial fill values with respect to color, and stores two (small capacity box or large capacity box) initial fill values with respect to black.

The communication bus 39 is connected with the head 21, the communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I/F)31, the mount sensor 32, the level sensor 33, the contacts 152, the clock 30, the display 28, the motor (not shown), and the like. The clock 30 outputs date/time information. The communication I/F31 is connected to the communication line 6. The communication I/F31 is an example of a first communication interface.

The controller 130 rotates the feed roller 23, the conveying roller 25, and the discharge roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) via the communication bus 39. Further, the controller 130 outputs a drive signal to the drive elements of the head 21 through the communication bus 39, thereby causing the head 21 to discharge ink droplets.

The controller 130 detects whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 through the mounting sensor 32. Further, the controller 130 detects whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P by the liquid level sensor 33.

The controller 130 reads the identification information, the serial number, and the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrode 248 and the contact 152 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150. Further, the controller 130 updates the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 through the electrode 248 and the contact 152 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150.

(information collecting Server)

The information collecting server 40 may be installed on the communication line 6 (such as the internet) by the seller of the printer 10, and may be installed by a business operator different from the seller. The information collecting server 40 includes a CPU41, a storage section 42, a communication interface 43 for a printer (hereinafter referred to as a communication I/F43), a communication interface 44 for a subscription server (hereinafter referred to as a communication I/F44), a communication bus 49, and a clock 48. The CPU41, the storage section 42, and the communication bus 49 constitute a controller 45. The clock 48 outputs date/time information. The communication I/F43 is connected to the communication line 6, and communicates with the printer 10 or the order server 50. The controller 45 is an example of a second controller. The communication I/F43 for the printer is one example of the second communication I/F. The communication interface 44 for the subscription server is one example of a third communication interface.

The storage section 42 has 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, a hard disk, or the like.

The program storage area 46 stores programs such as an OS program 46A, a control program 46B, and a communication program 46C. The control program 46B executes a process (to be described later). The communication program 46C controls communication with the printer 10 or the order server 50. The OS program 46A is different from the control program 46B, and performs control different from the communication program 46C. Hereinafter, when the command is copied from the hard disk to the RAM, the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C are executed, and the CPU41 sequentially executes the command copied to the RAM. Hereinafter, in some cases, the operation processed by executing the OS program 46A, the control program 46B, and the communication program 46C may be described as the operation of the controller 45 or the information collecting server 40.

(order Server)

The order server 50 may be installed on the communication line 6 (such as the internet) by a seller of the printer 10, and may be installed by a business operator different from the seller. The order server 50 provides a service of sending the cartridge 200 to the user of the printer 10 in response to a demand from the information collecting server 40.

(ink management by ordering System)

In the ordering system 5, the information collecting server 40 collects management information including information on the amount of remaining ink from the printer 10, and when the amount of remaining ink is small, the information collecting server 40 orders the cartridge 200 for the ordering server 50. As described above, the information collecting server 40 performs management of the remaining ink amount and ordering of the cartridge 200, thereby saving the user of the printer 10 the labor for managing the remaining ink amount and purchasing the cartridge 200.

Specifically, the user of the printer 10 contracts with the manufacturer who performs management of the remaining ink amount of the cartridge 200 and subscription service of the cartridge 200. Management of the remaining ink amount of the cartridge 200 and the order service of the cartridge 200 are services that are signed with each printer. At the time of signing up, the user information or identification information of the printer 10 as a signing target is registered in the information collecting server 40. The user information is destination information such as the name and address of the user of the delivery destination of the cartridge 200. The identification information is information for identifying the individual of the printer 10 as a contract target, and is a serial number, a MAC address, and the like of the printer 10. In addition, the identification information of the printer 10 and the user information are registered in the information collection server 40 in association with each other. Hereinafter, the processes of the printer 10, the information collecting server 40, and the order server 50 with respect to the order cartridge 200 will be described in detail.

(Process executed by the controller of the Printer)

The process performed by the controller 130 of the printer 10 is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in fig. 7 to 10. The execution order of the following processes may be appropriately changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

(printing process)

The controller 130 executes the printing process shown in fig. 7 in response to a print instruction input to the printer 10. The acquisition destination of the print instruction is not particularly limited, but for example, an operation by a user corresponding to the print instruction may be received through the operation panel 22 or the display 28, or an operation by a user corresponding to the print instruction may be received from an external apparatus through the communication I/F31. The print instruction is one example of a discharge instruction. The print instruction includes image data indicating an image. The image data is stored in the RAM52 of the printer 10.

First, the controller 130 determines whether the value of the S _ Empty flag stored in the EEPROM51 is "ON (ON)" or "OFF (OFF)" (S11). Before the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 reaches the upper end of the outflow port 174 through which the ink flows out of the tank 160, the controller 130 stores "on" in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM 51. The value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is stored as "off" until stored as "on". When the liquid level of the ink reaches the upper end of the outflow port 174, there is a fear that air enters the nozzle of the head 21. When the air having entered the nozzles of the head 21 remains in the nozzles, the following problems arise: preventing ink from entering the nozzle or preventing ink droplets from being discharged from the nozzle.

That is, the S _ Empty flag is intended to prevent air from entering the nozzles of the head 21. In step S14 (to be described later), the controller 130 stores "off" in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51, and in step S55, the controller 130 stores "on" in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM 51. Although not shown in the flowchart, when the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on, the controller 130 prohibits the ink from being discharged through the head 21. In addition, when the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is "off", the controller 130 allows ink to be discharged through the head 21.

When it is determined that the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is "on" (S11: on), the controller 130 obtains the mounting signal from the mounting sensor 32 at predetermined time intervals. Next, the controller 130 determines whether the obtained mount signal changes from a low-level signal (hereinafter, referred to as "L") to a high-level signal (hereinafter, referred to as "H") and whether the obtained mount signal changes from "H" to "L" (S12). That is, whether the cartridge 200 is mounted is determined by a change in the mounting signal. Hereinafter, the controller 130 determines whether the cartridge 200 is mounted by determining whether the obtained mounting signal is changed from "L" to "H" and whether the obtained mounting signal is changed from "H" to "L". In addition, when the controller 130 determines that the obtained mounting signal changes from "L" to "H" and that the obtained mounting signal changes from "H" to "L" (S12: YES), it is considered that the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is mounted.

When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 is not mounted (S12: no), a mounting signal is continuously acquired from the mounting sensor 32 periodically. When it is determined that the cartridge 200 is mounted (S12: yes), the controller 130 performs a first update process (S13). The process of step S12 is illustrated as a specific example in which the controller 130 determines whether the cartridge 200 is mounted, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, whether the cartridge 200 is mounted may be determined by using a serial number. The controller 130 reads the serial number of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200. Then, the controller 130 determines whether the read serial number and the serial number stored in the EEPROM51 coincide with each other. The serial number stored in the EEPROM51 indicates the serial number stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 before a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. In this case, in a specific example in which the controller determines that the cartridge 200 is mounted, the controller 130 determines that the serial number read out from the memory of the IC chip 34 and the serial number stored in the EEPROM51 do not coincide with each other.

(first update Process)

The first updating process shown in fig. 8A is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial can remaining amount value stored in the EEPROM51 and the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200.

First, the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the contacts 152 (S31). The controller 130 stores the read cartridge remaining amount value as an initial cartridge remaining amount value in the EEPROM51 (S32).

The controller 130 reads the tank remaining amount value from the RAM52 (S33). When the tank remaining amount value is not stored in the RAM52 due to a power outage or the like, the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount value and stores the calculated tank remaining amount value in the RAM52, similar to a fourth update process (to be described later). The tank remaining amount value read out from the RAM52 is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 just before the cartridge 200 is mounted. In other words, the tank remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is pulled. The controller 130 stores the tank remaining amount value read out from the RAM52 as an initial tank remaining amount value in the EEPROM51 (S33).

The controller 130 adds the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value, and calculates a total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink (S34). The controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new can remaining amount value according to the calculated total remaining amount value (S35).

Specifically, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mount case 150, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 partially flows out to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. When there is almost no difference between the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, the outflow of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is stopped. The new cartridge remaining amount value and the new tank remaining amount value indicate the remaining ink amount in a state where there is almost no difference between the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

The cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value may be determined by calculation of the controller 130 based on formulas stored in the EEPROM51 or the ROM37, for example. Alternatively, the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value may be determined by the controller 130 based on a table stored in the EEPROM51 or the ROM37, for example. 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 predetermined by design. Therefore, in a state where there is almost no difference between the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 200 of the cartridge 200 and the water head of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, when the total remaining amount value of the ink is determined, the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value are also determined. The EEPROM51 or the ROM37 stores in advance formulas for calculating the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value. Alternatively, the EEPROM51 or the ROM37 stores in advance a table indicating the correlation between the total remaining quantity value, the cartridge remaining quantity value, and the can remaining quantity value. The controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value based on the total remaining amount value of ink and a formula or table.

The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM52 and the IC chip 34 (S36). In addition, the controller 130 stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S37), and ends the first updating process.

The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining quantity value in the RAM52, and updates the cartridge remaining quantity value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 (S36). In addition, the controller 130 stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S37), and ends the first updating process.

As shown in fig. 7, when the first update process is ended (S13), the controller 130 stores "off" in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51, "off" in the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51, "on" in the cartridge installation flag of the EEPROM51, and "zero" as the first and second discharge values of the EEPROM51 (S14). After performing the process of step S14, the controller 130 performs the process of step S11 again. The C _ Empty flag, the first ejection value, the second ejection value, and the cartridge installation flag will be described below.

When it is determined that the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is off (S11: off), the controller 130 obtains a signal (hereinafter referred to as a liquid level signal) from the liquid level sensor 33 (S15). Thereafter, the controller 130 performs printing on the sheet according to the image data stored in the RAM52 (S16). When an image is printed on a sheet, ink is discharged through the head 21. When ink is discharged, the level of ink in the tank 160 decreases. After performing printing (S16), the controller 130 obtains a liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor 33 (S17). Next, the controller 130 determines the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 and the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 (S18). Hereinafter, in the controller 130, the low level signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 33 may be described as "L". In addition, in the controller 130, the high level signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 33 may be described as "H".

When it is determined that all the liquid level signals obtained in the steps S15 and S17 are "L" (S18: L → L), the controller 130 performs a second updating process (S19). In step S18, when the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal obtained in steps S15 and S17 is "L", the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is in the following state. That is, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before the printing is performed (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 is "L"). Further, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after the printing is performed (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "L"). That is, after performing printing (S16), when the liquid level signal obtained by the controller 130 in step S17 is "L", ink is present in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200.

(second update Process)

The second updating process shown in fig. 8B is a process in which the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new tank remaining amount value from the first discharge value indicating the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 at the time of printing or maintenance. For example, the first discharge value is a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one droplet of ink discharged to the head 21 by the number of discharged one droplet of ink. The controller 130 commands the head 21 to discharge ink to count a first discharge value corresponding to the instruction. The controller 130 counts a first discharge value corresponding to the amount of ink discharged by the head stopper 21 since the cartridge 200 was mounted until the current time. That is, the first discharge value is an accumulated value of the amount of ink discharged by the head stopper 21 until the current time since the cartridge 200 was mounted. The first ejection value is stored in the EEPROM 51.

First, the controller 130 reads the initial cartridge remaining amount value and the initial tank remaining amount value from the EEPROM51 (S41). Next, the controller 130 calculates a total remaining amount value by adding the read initial cartridge remaining amount value and the read initial tank remaining amount value (S42). The controller 130 calculates a new total remaining amount value by subtracting the first discharge value from the calculated total remaining amount value (S43). Thereafter, similar to the above description, the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new can remaining amount value by using a formula or a table (S44).

The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining quantity value in the RAM52, and updates the cartridge remaining quantity value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 (S45). In addition, the controller 130 stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S46), and ends the second updating process.

As shown in fig. 7, when the second updating process (S19) ends, the controller 130 determines whether image data on the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23). When it is determined that the image data on the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23: yes), the controller 130 executes the process of step S11 again. When determining that the image data on the next page is not stored in the RAM52 (S23: no), the controller 130 ends the printing process.

The above determination method of the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value is only one example. The cartridge remaining amount value and the canister remaining amount value may be determined by another method.

When it is determined that the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is "off" (S11: off), the controller 130 performs the processes of steps S15 to S18 again. When it is determined that the liquid level signal obtained in the step S15 is "L" and the liquid level signal obtained in the step S17 is "H" (S18: L → H), the controller 130 performs a third updating process (S20). In step S18, when the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal obtained in step S15 is "L" and the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "H", the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is in the following state. That is, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 before the printing is performed (S16) is equal to or higher than the reference position P ("L" in the liquid level signal obtained in step S15). Further, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 after the printing is performed (S16) is lower than the reference position P (the liquid level signal obtained in step S17 is "H"). That is, this means that the ink once in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 during the execution of printing (S16) is no longer present. In other words, this means that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out during the printing (S16) is performed.

(third update Process)

The third updating process shown in fig. 8C is a process in which the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value to the first predetermined value and updates the initial tank remaining amount value to the second predetermined value. Specifically, the first discharge value indicates the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 for printing or the like, and includes an error. For example, although the controller 130 commands the head 21 to discharge a specified amount of ink, in some cases, the amount of ink actually discharged through the head 21 is different from the specified amount commanded to the head 21. For example, the difference may be due to a temperature at which ink is commanded to be discharged. Since the viscosity of the ink increases with a decrease in temperature, and the ink is difficult to be discharged through the nozzle 29. Further, when the controller 130 repeatedly issues the above-described instruction to the head 21, the difference between the amount of ink that is actually repeatedly discharged by the head 21 and the repeat amount of the specified amount may become larger. That is, it is possible to accumulate errors in the amount indicated by the calculated first discharge value and the amount actually discharged by the head 21 every time printing.

Since the cartridge remaining amount value is determined based on the first discharge value, an error may occur between the remaining ink amount indicated by the cartridge remaining amount value and the actual remaining ink amount stored in the liquid chamber 210. Further, since the tank remaining amount value is determined based on the first discharge value, an error may occur between the remaining ink amount indicated by the tank remaining amount value and the actual remaining ink amount stored in the liquid chamber 171. Therefore, the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value determined at each printing include an accumulated error. The third update process is a process of resetting the accumulated error.

Specifically, the controller 130 updates the initial cartridge remaining amount value stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 to the first predetermined value (S47). For example, the first predetermined value is "zero". In addition, the controller 130 stores the initial tank remaining amount value as a second predetermined value in the RAM52 and the EEPROM51 (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 liquid level of the ink is at the reference position P. For example, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are stored in advance in the ROM 37.

Next, the controller 130 stores "on" in the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 (S49), and ends the third update process.

As shown in fig. 7, when the third update process (S20) ends, the controller 130 notifies the cartridge empty state in which the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out (S22). Specifically, the controller 130 displays a cartridge empty image indicating that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up or the cartridge 200 is replaced on the display 28. For example, the notification of the Empty state of the cartridge is performed until "off" is stored in the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 in step S14. That is, since the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out, a cartridge empty image is displayed on the display 28 until a new cartridge 200 is mounted.

After performing the process of step S22, the controller 130 determines whether image data on the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23). When it is determined that the image data on the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23: yes), the controller 130 executes the process of step S11 again. When determining that the image data on the next page is not stored in the RAM52 (S23: no), the controller 130 ends the printing process.

When it is determined in the process of step S11 that the value of the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is "off" (S11: off), the controller 130 executes the processes of steps S15 to S18 again. When it is determined that all the liquid level signals obtained in the steps S15 and S17 are "H" (S18: H → H), the controller 130 performs a fourth updating process (S21). In step S18, when the controller 130 determines that all the liquid level signals obtained in steps S15 and S17 are "H", the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is in the following state. That is, before the printing is performed (S16), the position of the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is lower than the reference position P ("H" for the liquid level signal obtained in step S15). Further, after the printing is performed (S16), the position of the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is lower than the reference position P (the liquid surface signal obtained in step S17 is "H"). That is, immediately after the printing is performed (S16), no ink is present in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200.

(fourth update Process)

The fourth updating process shown in fig. 8D is a process in which the controller 130 calculates a tank remaining amount value and determines whether to prohibit printing. First, the controller 130 reads the initial tank remaining amount value and the second discharge value updated to the second predetermined value from the EEPROM51 (S51). The controller 130 subtracts the second discharge value from the read initial tank remaining amount value to calculate a new tank remaining amount value (S52). For example, the second discharge value is a value obtained by multiplying the amount of one droplet of ink discharged to the head 21 by the number of discharged one droplet of ink, similarly to the first discharge value. The controller 130 commands the head 21 to discharge ink to count the second discharge value corresponding to the instruction. After the liquid level signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H", the controller 130 counts a second discharge value indicating the amount of ink discharged by the head 21 until the current time. That is, the second discharge value is an accumulated value of the amount of ink discharged from the head stopper 21 until the current time since the liquid level signal obtained by the liquid level sensor 33 changed from "L" to "H". The second ejection value is stored in the EEPROM 51.

The controller 130 stores the calculated new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S53). Next, the controller 130 determines whether the counted second discharge value reaches a threshold value (S54). The threshold value is a value stored in advance in the ROM37 or the EEPROM 51. When it is determined that the counted second discharge value does not reach the threshold value (S54: no), the controller 130 ends the fourth updating process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counted second discharge value reaches the threshold value (S54: YES), the controller 130 stores "ON" in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 (S55), and ends the fourth updating process. Although the flowchart is not shown, when it is determined that "on" is stored in the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51, the controller 130 prohibits ink discharge (including printing and maintenance) by the head 21.

The threshold value is a value such that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is located slightly above the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value. Specifically, in some cases, an error may occur between the reference position P that the level sensor 33 is designed to detect and the reference position P that the level sensor 33 actually detects. For example, an error occurs due to an operational error of the actuator 190. The threshold value is a value such that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value even if the error is the maximum error that can be assumed at the time of design. The controller 130 prohibits the discharge of ink through the head 21 to prevent air from entering the head 21. In addition to the above error, the threshold value may be a value such that the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap with the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value even if the printer 10 is placed on a surface having a predetermined inclination angle, in consideration of the fact that the printer 10 is placed on the inclined surface. Additionally, in some cases, the second ejection value may include a similar error as the first ejection value. The threshold value may be a value such that, even if the error in the second discharge value is the maximum error, the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 does not overlap with the outflow port 174 when the second discharge value reaches the threshold value.

The controller 130 performs the first, second, third, and fourth update processes shown in fig. 8A to 8D for each ink having a color such as black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.

As shown in fig. 7, when the fourth update process (S21) ends, the controller 130 determines whether the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23). When it is determined that the next page is stored in the RAM52 (S23: YES), the controller 130 executes the process of step S11 again. When determining that the next page is not stored in the RAM52 (S23: NO), the controller 130 ends the printing process.

As described above, each time the printing of step S16 is performed, the controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount value and the tank remaining amount value based on the amount of ink used for printing. In the above description, an example has been described in which the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value are determined each time the controller 130 performs printing of one page. However, instead of this method, the controller 130 may determine the cartridge remaining amount value and the can remaining amount value each time one pass of printing is performed. In addition, the controller 130 executes a second update process, a third update process, and a fourth update process at the time of discharging ink for maintenance by the head 21 and at the time of printing. The execution instruction of maintenance is one example of an eject instruction.

A management information transmission process in which the printer 10 generates management information and transmits the information to the information collection server 40 will be described with reference to fig. 9A and 9B. The controller 130 of the printer 10 determines whether the date/time information output by the clock 30 is a predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM51 (S61). When it is determined that the date/time information output by the clock 30 is not the predetermined transmission time (S61: no), the controller 130 ends the management information transmission process.

When it is determined that the date/time information output by the clock 30 is the predetermined transmission time (S61: yes), the controller 130 reads the value of the C _ Empty flag from the EEPROM51 and determines whether the read value of the C _ Empty flag is "on" (S62). That is, in step S62, the controller 130 determines whether the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mount case 150 runs out.

When it is determined that the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is off (S62: no), the controller 130 reads the initial cartridge remaining amount value, the initial tank remaining amount value, and the initial fill value from the EEPROM51 (S63). The controller 130 reads the identification information of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200, and reads the initial fill value corresponding to the read identification information from the EEPROM 51. For example, when the read-out identification information indicates a large-capacity black box, the initial fill value corresponding to the large-capacity black box is read. In addition, for example, when the read-out identification information indicates a small-capacity color box, an initial fill value corresponding to the small-capacity color box is read.

The controller 130 reads the first discharge value from the EEPROM51 (S64). The controller 130 calculates a total residual quantity value by subtracting the read first discharge value from a value obtained by adding the read initial cartridge residual quantity value and the read initial tank residual quantity value (S65). The total residual magnitude is one example of the total quantity Vt.

Similar to the second updating process described above, the controller 130 determines a new cartridge remaining amount value and a new can remaining amount value from the calculated total remaining amount value (S66). The controller 130 stores the determined new cartridge remaining amount value in the RAM52 and the memory of the IC chip 34 (S67). In addition, the controller 130 stores the determined new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S68). The cartridge remaining amount value determined in step S66 is one example of the amount of liquid in the first liquid chamber. The tank remaining amount value determined in step S66 is one example of the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber.

The controller 130 calculates a total remaining amount ratio by dividing the calculated total remaining amount value by the read initial filling value (S69). The initial fill value is one example of a total Vt 0.

The controller 130 determines whether the calculated total remaining amount ratio exceeds "1". The case where the total remaining amount ratio exceeds "1" will be described in detail.

In a state where ink remains in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, when a new cartridge 200 storing an initial filling amount of ink is mounted in the mount case 150, the total remaining amount exceeds the initial filling amount. That is, the total remaining amount value becomes a value exceeding the initial padding value. When the total remaining amount value is a value exceeding the initial filling value, a total remaining amount ratio calculated by dividing the total remaining amount value by the initial filling value exceeds "1". That is, when a new cartridge 200 storing an initial filling amount of ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in a state where the ink remains in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, the total remaining amount ratio exceeds "1".

When it is determined that the calculated total remaining amount ratio exceeds "1" (S70: YES), the controller 130 changes the calculated total remaining amount ratio to "1" (S71). On the other hand, when it is determined that the calculated total remaining amount ratio does not exceed "1" (S71: NO), the controller 130 skips the process of step S71.

The information collecting server 40 may also be connected to a printer that does not transmit a total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1". When the ratio exceeds "1", the total remaining amount ratio is changed to "1" to achieve consistency with a printer that does not transmit the total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1". A printer that does not transmit a total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1" refers to a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only the cartridge 200. The printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only the cartridge transmits a value obtained by dividing the current remaining amount of the cartridge by the initial filling amount as the remaining amount ratio. That is, a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only the cartridge transmits a remaining amount ratio equal to or less than "1". The printer 10 changes the total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1" to achieve consistency with a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only a cartridge. That is, for the information collection server 40 that cannot process the remaining amount value exceeding "1", the printer 10 may also transmit the total remaining amount ratio to perform processing on the information collection server 40.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is ON (S62: YES), the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount value as a first predetermined value (zero) from the memory of the IC chip 34 and reads the initial fill value and the can remaining amount value as a second predetermined value from the EEPROM51 (S72). Similar to step S63, the controller 130 reads the initial fill value from the EEPROM51 in step S72. In addition, the controller 130 reads the second discharge value from the EEPROM51 (S73). The controller 130 calculates a new tank remaining amount value by subtracting the read second discharge value from the read tank remaining amount value (S74). The controller 130 stores the calculated new tank remaining amount value in the RAM52 (S75). The tank remaining amount calculated in step S74 is one example of the liquid amount in the second liquid chamber and the total amount Vt.

The controller 130 calculates a total remaining quantity value by adding the calculated new canister remaining quantity value and the cartridge remaining quantity value read in step S72 (0 being the first predetermined value) (S76). The controller 130 calculates a total remaining amount ratio by dividing the calculated total remaining amount value by the initial filling value read in step S72 (S77). The total remaining amount value is one example of the total amount Vt, and the total remaining amount ratio is one example of the total amount information.

The controller 130 stores in RAM 52: the total remaining amount ratio calculated in step S69, the total remaining amount ratio changed to "1" in step S71, or the total remaining amount ratio calculated in step S77 (S78).

Next, the controller 130 reads the value of the C _ Empty flag, the cartridge remaining amount value, the can remaining amount value, the total remaining amount ratio, the device information, the identification information of the cartridge 200 (S79). In step S79, the controller 130 reads the value of the C _ Empty flag and the device information from the EEPROM51 and reads the identification information from the memory of the IC chip 34. Further, in step S79, the controller 130 reads the total remaining amount ratio, which has been stored in the RAM52 in step S78. In addition, the cartridge remaining quantity value stored in the RAM52 in step S79 is read, and the canister remaining quantity value stored in the RAM52 in step S75 is read in step S72.

The controller 130 generates management information including the read value of the C _ Empty flag, the cartridge remaining amount value, the tank remaining amount value, the total remaining amount ratio, the model name and identification information of the printer 10 indicated by the device information, the identification information of the cartridge 200, and the cartridge installation flag (S80). In addition, the controller 130 transmits the generated management information to the information collecting server 40 (S81). After transmitting the management information, the controller 130 stores "off" in the cartridge mount flag of the EEPROM51, and ends the management information transmission process.

Management information is generated for each ink having a color such as black, magenta, cyan, and yellow, and transmitted.

As described above, when at the transmission time, the management information is transmitted. For example, the transmission time is 0 point, 12 points, and the like. That is, the management information is made at a specified time (first predetermined time) every day. Therefore, the management information is made at intervals of 24 hours. The "24-hour interval" is one example of a predetermined time interval. The controller 130 may transmit the management information at other time intervals, such as two days (48-hour interval).

(ordering Process)

The management information transmitted by the printer 10 is received by the information collection server 40. The information collecting server 40 receiving the management information performs a subscription process. A subscription process performed by the information collecting server 40 that receives the management information will be described with reference to fig. 10A. The controller 45 of the information collecting server periodically performs the subscription process shown in fig. 10A. Specifically, when the date/time information output by the clock 48 becomes a predetermined time stored in the storage section 42, the controller 45 executes the ordering process. For example, the predetermined time is a time such as five minutes, ten minutes, or one hour. The controller 45 performs the subscription process every predetermined time. The controller 45 may perform the ordering process during a time period that includes the time at which the printer 10 transmits the contact information.

When the ordering process is started, first, the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 determines whether the management information is received (S91). When it is determined that the management information is not received (S91: no), the controller 45 ends the subscription process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the management information is received (S91: YES), the controller 45 determines whether the value of the cartridge installation flag included in the management information is "ON". That is, in step S92, it is determined whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the printer 10.

When it is determined that the value of the cartridge installation flag is "on" (S92: YES), the controller 45 stores "off" in the order flag in the storage section 42 (S93). The order flag is a flag for preventing the repeated ordering of the cartridge 200. A detailed description will be given below. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the cartridge installation flag is "ON" (S92: NO), the controller 45 skips the process of step S93.

Next, the controller 45 determines whether the value of the C _ Empty flag included in the received management information is "on" (S94). That is, in step S94, the controller 130 determines whether the ink stored in the cartridge 200 runs out. When it is determined that the value of the C _ Empty flag is "ON" (S94: YES), the controller 45 performs a subscription date/time determination process (S95).

The order date/time determination process (S95) is a process in which the information collection server 40 determines the order date/time at which the information collection server 40 orders the cartridge 200 based on the received management information. The order date/time determination process will be described with reference to fig. 10B and 11.

The controller 45 determines whether the printer that transmitted the management information is a canned printer having the can 160 based on the device information included in the received management information (S101). A printer that is not a can printer refers to a printer that includes only the mounting housing and does not include the can 160. That is, a printer that is not a can printer is a printer that does not transmit a total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1" as described above.

When it is determined that the printer 10 which transmits the management information including the device information is not a can printer (S101: no), the controller 45 ends the order date/time determination process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the printer 10 which transmits the management information including the device information is a can printer (S101: YES), the controller 45 reads the reference ratio based on the identification information of the cartridge 200 included in the management information (S102). The reference ratio is a total remaining amount ratio just after the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out. A table indicating the correlation between the identification information of the box 200 and the reference ratio is stored in the storage section 42 in advance. For example, the storage section 42 stores a reference ratio of identification information corresponding to a small-capacity cartridge and a reference ratio of identification information corresponding to a large-capacity cartridge. Further, the storage section 42 stores reference ratios at which identification information corresponds to, for example, colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and reference ratios at which identification information corresponds to, for example, black. That is, the EEPROM51 stores two (small capacity box or large capacity box) reference ratios with respect to color, and stores two (small capacity box or large capacity box) reference ratios with respect to black.

The controller 45 reads the reference ratio corresponding to the identification information included in the management information from the storage section 42. For example, when the identification information included in the management information indicates a large-capacity black box, the reference ratio corresponding to the large-capacity black box is read from the storage section 42. In addition, for example, when the identification information included in the management information indicates a small-capacity color box, the reference ratio corresponding to the small-capacity color box is read from the storage section 42. The reference ratio may be included in the management information transmitted by the printer 10. In this case, for example, the storage section 42 may store each reference ratio in the EEPROM51 as described above. Then, in step S80, the reference ratio corresponding to the identification information is read from the EEPROM51, and the read reference ratio is included in the management information. Thereafter, in step S81, the printer 10 transmits the management information including the reference ratio to the information collection server 40. Further, the controller 45 obtains the reference ratio from the management information.

Next, the controller 45 causes the storage section 42 to store the acquired total remaining amount ratio and the acquired reference ratio corresponding to the acquisition date/time, which is the date/time at which the clock 48 outputs at the time of acquiring the management information, as a record of a remaining amount management list (not shown) (S103). The remaining amount management list is created for each color cartridge 200 of each printer 10. The remaining amount management list is identified by, for example, an ID generated by the identification controller 45. Instead of the acquisition date/time, the controller 45 may store the acquisition date excluding the time, the total remaining amount ratio, and the reference ratio in the remaining amount management list in correspondence with each other.

The remaining amount management list includes a plurality of records. One record corresponds to one piece of received management information. That is, each time the management information is received, the controller 45 stores the received management information as a record in the remaining amount management list. A remaining amount management list is created for each cartridge 200 of each printer.

The remaining amount management list includes a record at each acquisition date/time and a plurality of items. The plurality of items include "acquisition date/time", "total remaining amount ratio", "cartridge remaining amount value", "tank remaining amount value", "exchange flag", "number of times", and the like. The remaining amount management list may include other items in addition to the above items.

The item "acquisition date/time" is the date/time when the management information is obtained. The item "total remaining amount ratio" is the total remaining amount ratio included in the management information. The item "total remaining amount" is a value indicating the total remaining amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 of the printer 10. The total remaining amount value may be included in the management information together with the total remaining amount ratio, and the controller 45 may perform calculation based on the identification information, the total remaining amount ratio, and the device information included in the management information. The item "box remaining amount value" is a box remaining amount value included in the management information. The item "can remaining amount value" is a can remaining amount value included in the management information. The item "order flag" is a value indicating "on" or "off", and is stored in the storage section 42. When a new cartridge 200 is ordered, "on" is stored in the order flag of the storage section 42. When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the printer 10, "off" is stored in the order flag of the storage section 42. The item "number of times of mounting" is a value indicating the number of times of mounting of the cartridge 200 in the printer 10 until now.

Next, the controller 45 counts the number of records in each remaining amount management list whose total remaining amount ratio is less than "1", and determines whether the counted value is equal to or greater than 2 (S104). That is, in step S104, the controller 45 determines whether there are two or more records in each remaining amount management list whose total remaining amount ratio is less than "1". The determination by the controller 45 is performed in the same manner in each remaining amount management list. Therefore, hereinafter, one remaining amount management list will be described below.

When it is determined that the counted value is 1 or less (S104: No), the controller ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counted value is equal to or greater than 2 (S104: YES), the controller 45 determines a linear function between the date/time and the total remaining amount ratio (S105).

In step S105, the linear function determined by the controller 45 is described in detail with reference to fig. 11. In the figure, the horizontal axis (x-axis) indicates date/time, and the vertical axis (y-axis) indicates the total remaining amount ratio.

The controller 45 determines an initial record of which the total remaining amount ratio is less than 1 based on the items "total remaining amount ratio" and "acquisition date/time" of the remaining amount management list. The controller 45 obtains the acquisition date/time "a" and the total remaining amount ratio "B" of the determined record from the remaining amount management list. In addition, the controller 45 determines the latest record based on the item "acquisition date/time" of the remaining amount management list. The controller 45 obtains the acquisition date/time "C" and the total remaining amount ratio "D" of the determined record from the remaining amount management list.

The controller 45 determines a straight line passing through the point (A, B) or the point (C, D) and having a slope of (D-B)/(C-A) as a linear function. The controller 45 may determine as a linear function two arbitrarily recorded points that pass through an indicated ratio of less than 1.

As shown in fig. 10B, the controller 45 determines the CTG empty date/time after determining the linear function (S106). "CTG" means "cassette". The controller 45 determines a subscription date/time, which is the date/time when the cartridge 200 was ordered, from the determined CTG empty date/time (S107). The controller 45 causes the storage section 42 to store the determined order date/time (S108), and ends the order date/time determination process. The determination of the CTG empty date/time and the subscription date/time is described in detail with reference to fig. 11.

In step S106, the controller 45 determines a CTG empty date/time, which is the date/time when the total remaining amount ratio becomes the reference ratio, based on the determined linear function. That is, it is assumed that the date/time when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out is determined as the CTG empty date/time. In step S107, the controller 45 determines a date a certain delivery period before the determined CTG empty date/time as the ordering date/time of the cartridge 200. Then, the controller 45 registers the determined order date/time in the cartridge management list. The delivery period is the shortest time required to deliver the ordered cartridge 200, and is stored in advance in the storage section 42. The delivery period is one example of a predetermined time. The subscription date/time is one example of a predetermined date/time.

The box management list includes a plurality of records. In one record, various items are stored for one box 200. These items are identification information of the cartridge 200, device information of the printer, order date/time, and the value of the latest C _ Empty flag. The value of the latest C _ Empty flag refers to the value of the C _ Empty flag stored in the latest record of the remaining amount management list.

As shown in fig. 10A, the controller 45 determining the subscription date/time determines whether the current date/time is the subscription date/time determined in step S95 (S96). When it is determined that the current date/time is not the subscription date/time (S96: no), the controller 45 ends the subscription process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current date/time is the subscription date/time (S96: YES), the controller 45 determines whether the value of the subscription flag of the storage section 42 is "OFF" (S97). That is, in step S97, the controller 45 determines whether a new cartridge 200 has been ordered.

When it is determined that the value of the order flag of the storage section 42 is not "off", i.e., is "on" (S97: no), the controller 45 ends the ordering process. That is, when a new cartridge 200 has been ordered, the cartridge 200 is not ordered again, and the ordering process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the subscription flag of the storage part 42 is "off (S97: YES), the controller 45 transmits a subscription instruction to the subscription server 50 (S98). Specifically, at a specified time of 10 o 'clock or 12 o' clock each day, the controller 45 determines whether there is a record as the order date/time (box 200). Then, the controller 45 transmits a subscription instruction with respect to the cartridge 200, which is determined as a subscription date/time to the subscription server 50. The order instruction includes information (identification information) such as a model number (which specifies the type of the cartridge 200) and a destination to which the cartridge 200 is delivered (i.e., address information). The order server 50 that has received the order instruction transmits the cartridge 200 indicated by the model number (identification information) included in the order instruction to the destination included in the order instruction.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the C _ Empty flag included in the management information is "ON" (S94: NO), the controller 45 skips the processes of steps S95 and S96, and performs the processes of steps S97 and S98. That is, when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out, a new cartridge 200 is immediately ordered without determining the ordering date/time. In this case, the controller 45 causes the order instruction to include designation information that designates a delivery speed such as "extra fast delivery". In addition, the controller 45 may transmit the order instruction at an earlier time without waiting until a predetermined time such as 12 o' clock.

After transmitting the order instruction, the controller 45 increases the value of the item "number of installations" (S99) and ends the order process.

On the other hand, although not shown in the drawing, the subscription server 50 determines whether a subscription instruction is received. When it is determined that the order instruction is received, the order server 50 generates transmission information. The transmission information is information indicating that the cartridge 200 indicated by the identification information included in the order instruction is transmitted to the recipient and the address indicated by the destination information included in the order instruction. When the designation information is included in the received order instruction, the order server 50 generates transmission information so that the cartridge 200 is transmitted in the delivery type (express delivery) designated by the designation information. The generated transmission information is used for the transmission operation of the cartridge 200.

A new box 200 transmitted at the subscription date/time arrives at the user's destination after the CTG empty date/time. That is, the above-described delivery period stored in the storage section 42 is the shortest time required for delivery of the cartridge 200, and therefore, the cartridge 200 transmitted at the ordering date/time reaches the destination of the user after the CTG empty date/time.

In this exemplary embodiment, the controller 130 of the printer 10 transmits the remaining amount information including the total remaining amount ratio of the inks stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 to the information collecting server 40.

In this exemplary embodiment, the total remaining amount ratio transmitted by the printer 10 is equal to or less than 1. The information collecting server 40 can similarly process the remaining amount ratio input from the conventional printer without the tank 160 and the total remaining amount ratio input from the printer 10 with the tank 160. As a result, a separate information collection server may not be used on each type of printer, and one information collection server 40 may place an order for a cartridge of a printer that does not have a tank 160, or may place an order for a cartridge of a printer that has a tank 160.

In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid level sensor 33 detects that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out. The total remaining amount value calculated from the discharge value of the ink discharged through the head 21 includes the error as described above. Therefore, the ink end stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 can be accurately detected, as compared with the case where the ink end stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is determined from the total remaining amount value.

In this exemplary embodiment, the remaining amount information is transmitted to the information collecting server 40 at a specified time every day. Therefore, compared to the case where the remaining amount information is transmitted every time of printing, the amount of communication between the printer 10 and the information collection server 40 can be reduced.

In this exemplary embodiment, the reference position P, which is a position where the signal of the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H", has the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the up-down direction 7 and has the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234. Therefore, when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out, the signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 changes from "L" to "H". That is, the liquid level information indicating the signal output by the liquid level sensor 33 indicates whether or not the liquid stored in (the liquid chamber of) the cartridge is used up. Therefore, the information collecting server 40 can determine whether the liquid stored in (the liquid chamber of) the cartridge is used up.

In this exemplary embodiment, the new cartridge 200 arrives at the user's destination after the CTG empty date/time. Therefore, the fear of replacing the cartridge 200 in which the ink remains with a new cartridge 200 is reduced. That is, the fear of wasting ink is reduced.

< second exemplary embodiment >

In the first exemplary embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the remaining amount information including the ratio of the total remaining amount is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collecting server 40. In the second exemplary embodiment, an example will be described in which management information including the ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge and the ratio of the remaining amount of the tank is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collecting apparatus 40. The other processes except the process to be described below are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment described above.

Instead of the management information transmission process shown in fig. 9A and 9B, the controller 130 of the printer 10 of the second exemplary embodiment executes the management information transmission process shown in fig. 12A and 12B. Hereinafter, the same procedures as the management information transmission procedures that have been described in the above-described first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the controller 130 performs the processes of steps S61 and S62, similar to the first exemplary embodiment. In step S62, when it is determined that the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is off (S62: no), the controller 130 reads the initial cartridge remaining amount value, the initial tank remaining amount value, the initial fill value, the fixed value C, and the fixed value T from the EEPROM51 (S111). The controller 130 reads the identification information of the cartridge 200 from the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200, and reads the fixed value C corresponding to the read identification information from the EEPROM 51.

In the second exemplary embodiment, the EEPROM51 of the printer 10 stores a fixed value C corresponding to the identification information stored in the memory of the IC chip 34 of the cartridge 200. The fixed value C is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 storing the initial filling amount of ink when the cartridge 200 storing the ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in a state where the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on. Specifically, the fixed value C is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 when there is almost no difference between the water head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the water head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Fixed value C is an example of liquid amount Vc 0.

For example, the EEPROM51 stores a fixed value C of identification information corresponding to a small-capacity box and a fixed value C of identification information corresponding to a large-capacity box. Further, the EEPROM51 stores a fixed value C of identification information corresponding to, for example, colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and a fixed value C of identification information corresponding to, for example, black. That is, the EEPROM51 stores two kinds (small-capacity box or large-capacity box) of fixed values C for color, and stores two kinds (small-capacity box or large-capacity box) of fixed values C for black.

The fixed value C is the same value as the initial cartridge remaining amount value calculated when the cartridge 200 storing the initial filling amount of ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in the state where the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on (step S34 of fig. 8A).

In step S111, for example, when the read-out identification information indicates a large-capacity black box, the controller 130 reads a fixed value C corresponding to the large-capacity black box. In addition, for example, when the read-out identification information indicates a small-capacity color box, the controller 130 reads a fixed value C corresponding to the small-capacity color box.

The fixed value T is a value indicating the amount of ink since the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on until the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on. The fixed value T is an example of the liquid amount Vs 0.

For example, the EEPROM51 stores a fixed value T with identification information corresponding to, for example, colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and a fixed value T with identification information corresponding to, for example, black. That is, the EEPROM51 stores two (color or black) fixed values T.

In step S111, for example, when the read-out identification information indicates black, the controller 130 reads a fixed value T corresponding to black. In addition, for example, when the read-out identification information indicates a color, the controller 130 reads a fixed value T corresponding to the color.

Next, the controller 130 performs the processes of steps S64 to S68, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. The cartridge remaining amount value determined in step S66 is one example of the amount Vc of liquid in the first liquid chamber. The tank remaining amount value determined in step S66 is one example of the amount Vs of liquid in the second liquid chamber.

Next, the controller 130 calculates the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the can remaining amount ratio (S112). Specifically, the controller 130 calculates the cartridge remaining amount ratio by dividing the cartridge remaining amount value determined in step S66 by the fixed value C read out in step S111. In addition, the controller 130 calculates the tank remaining amount ratio by dividing the tank remaining amount value determined in step S66 by the fixed value T read out in step S111. The cartridge remaining amount ratio is one example of the cartridge ratio and the cartridge information. The tank remaining amount ratio is one example of the tank remaining amount ratio and the tank information.

The controller 130 determines whether the calculated cartridge remaining amount ratio and the calculated can remaining amount ratio exceed "1" (S113). The case where the cartridge remaining amount ratio exceeds "1" will be described in detail.

The fixed value C is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 storing the initial filling amount of ink when the cartridge 200 storing the ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in a state where the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on. Specifically, the fixed value C is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 when there is almost no difference between the water head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the water head of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. Therefore, when a new cartridge 200 storing an initial filling amount of ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in a state where ink remains in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, the cartridge remaining amount value becomes a value exceeding the fixed value C. When the cartridge remaining amount value is a value exceeding a fixed value C, the cartridge remaining amount ratio calculated by dividing the cartridge remaining amount by the fixed value C exceeds "1". That is, when a new cartridge 200 storing an initial filling amount of ink is mounted in the mount case 150 in a state where ink remains in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, the cartridge remaining amount ratio exceeds "1".

The fixed value T is a value indicating the amount of ink since the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on until the S _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on. Therefore, the tank remaining quantity value is a value exceeding a fixed value T until the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on. When the tank remaining amount value is a value exceeding a fixed value T, a tank remaining amount ratio calculated by dividing the tank remaining amount value by the fixed value T exceeds "1". That is, until the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is on, the tank remaining amount ratio exceeds "1".

When it is determined that the calculated ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge exceeds "1" (S113: YES), the controller 130 determines the calculated ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge as "1" (S114). In addition, when it is determined that the calculated tank remaining amount ratio exceeds "1" (S113: YES), the controller 130 determines the calculated tank remaining amount ratio as "1" (S114).

On the other hand, when determining that the calculated cartridge remaining amount ratio does not exceed "1" (S113: NO), the controller 130 skips the process of determining the cartridge remaining amount ratio as "1" at step S114. In addition, when it is determined that the calculated tank remaining amount ratio does not exceed "1" (S113: NO), the controller 130 skips the process of determining the tank remaining amount ratio as "1" at step S114.

The information collecting server 40 may be connected to a printer that does not transmit a ratio of the remaining amount of cartridges exceeding "1". The ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge exceeding "1" and the ratio of the remaining amount of the tank exceeding "1" are changed to "1" to achieve consistency with a printer that does not transmit the ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge exceeding "1". A printer that does not transmit a cartridge remaining amount ratio exceeding "1" refers to a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only a cartridge. The printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only the cartridge transmits a value obtained by dividing the current remaining amount of the cartridge by the initial filling amount as the remaining amount ratio. That is, a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only the cartridge transmits a remaining amount ratio equal to or less than "1". The printer 10 changes the total remaining amount ratio exceeding "1" to achieve consistency with a printer that does not include the tank 160 and includes only a cartridge. That is, for the information collection server 40 that cannot process the remaining amount value exceeding "1", the printer 10 may also transmit the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the tank remaining amount ratio to perform processing on the information collection server 40.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S62 that the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is "on" (S62: yes), the controller 130 determines the cartridge remaining amount ratio to be zero (S115). That is, when the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out, it is determined that the cartridge remaining amount ratio is zero. The box remaining amount ratio determined to be zero in step S62 is one example of the box ratio.

Next, the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount value as a first predetermined value (zero) from the memory of the IC chip 34, and reads the fixed value T and the tank remaining amount value as a second predetermined value from the EEPROM51 (S116). Similarly to step S111, in step S116, the controller 130 reads a fixed value T from the EEPROM 51. Next, the controller 130 performs the processes of steps S73 to S76, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. The tank remaining amount value calculated in step S74 is one example of the liquid amount Vs.

The controller 130 calculates a tank remaining amount ratio by dividing the tank remaining amount value calculated in step S74 by the fixed value T read out in step S116 (S117). The calculated tank remaining amount ratio is one example of the tank ratio.

The controller 130 stores the following ratios in the RAM 52: the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the can remaining amount ratio calculated in step S112; the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the can remaining amount ratio determined to be "1" in step S114; or the cartridge remaining amount ratio determined to be "zero" in step S115 and the tank remaining amount ratio calculated in step S117 (S118).

Next, the controller 130 reads the value of the C _ Empty flag, the device information, the identification information of the cartridge, the cartridge remaining amount ratio, the tank remaining amount ratio, and the value of the cartridge installation flag from the RAM52 or the EEPROM51 (S119). In step S119, the controller 130 reads the value of the C _ Empty flag, the device information, and the value of the cartridge installation flag from the EEPROM51, and reads the identification information of the cartridge from the memory of the IC chip 34. In addition, in step S119, the controller 130 reads the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the can remaining amount ratio that have been stored in the RAM52 in step S118.

The controller 130 generates management information including the value of the read C _ Empty flag, the device information, the identification information of the cartridge 200, the cartridge remaining amount ratio, the can remaining amount ratio, and the value of the cartridge installation flag (S120). Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the controller 130 transmits the generated management information to the information collecting server 40 through the communication I/F31 (S81). In addition, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the controller 130 stores "off" in the cartridge installation flag of the EEPROM51 (S82), and ends the management information transmission process. Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the management information transmitted by the information collecting server 40 is received in the information collecting server 40.

In this exemplary embodiment, by transmitting the management information including the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the can remaining amount ratio, the order date/time can be determined in the information collecting server 40, and a new cartridge 200 can be ordered in the information collecting server 40.

< first modification >

In the first and second exemplary embodiments described above, an example has been described in which management information including the value of the C _ Empty flag, which is information indicating the signal output by the liquid level sensor 33, is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40. However, the value of the C _ Empty flag may be transmitted separately from the management information. Hereinafter, a description will be given in detail.

When it is determined in step S12 (fig. 7) that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mount case 150 (S12: yes), the controller 130 of the printer 10 stores the date/time information output by the clock 30 in the EEPROM51 as the mounting date/time information. That is, the mounting date/time information indicates the date/time when the cartridge 200 is mounted. The installation date/time information is one example of the predetermined time.

When on is stored in the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 in step S49 (fig. 8C), the controller 130 executes the transmission determination process shown in fig. 13. First, the controller 130 reads the installation date/time information from the EEPROM51 (S121). Next, the controller 130 calculates the elapsed time from the read-out date/time information of installation until the date/time information (current date/time) output by the clock 30 (S122).

The controller 130 determines whether the calculated elapsed time is shorter than the first time stored in the EEPROM51 (S123). When it is determined that the calculated elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first time (S123: no), the controller 130 determines that the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is included in the management information (S124), and ends the transmission determination process. Similar to the first and second exemplary embodiments, when the predetermined transmission time is stored in the EEPROM51, the management information including the value of the C _ Empty flag is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40 (FIG. 9A: S61).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the calculated elapsed time is shorter than the first time (S123: yes), the controller 130 transmits the value of the C _ Empty flag (on) to the information collection server 40 without waiting for the predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM51 (S125), and ends the transmission determination process.

The calculated elapsed time indicates the time since the cartridge 200 was mounted until the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 runs out. The fact that the calculated elapsed time is shorter than the first time means that the discharge rate of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is high. In this modification, when the discharge rate of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is low, the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag is included in the management information to transmit the management information at a predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM51, and the management information is transmitted to the information collection server 40. Therefore, the number of communications between the printer 10 and the information collection server 40 is reduced compared to the case where the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag and the management information are transmitted separately.

On the other hand, when the discharge rate of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is high, the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag is transmitted without waiting for the predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM 51. Therefore, it can be determined that the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 is used up without delay in the information collection server 40, as compared with the case where the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag is included in the management information that is transmitted while waiting for the predetermined transmission time stored in the EEPROM 51.

The value (on) of the C _ Empty flag may be transmitted in step S125 just after the elapsed time is calculated, or may be transmitted at another time different from the predetermined transmission time of the transmission management information. For example, the controller 130 transmits the management information at 0 o ' clock every day, and transmits the value (on) of the C _ Empty flag at a predetermined time such as 9 o ' clock, 12 o ' clock, 15 o ' clock, or 18 o ' clock.

< second modification >

In the above-described first exemplary embodiment, an example has been described in which the controller 45 determines the ordering date/time from the CTG empty date/time. In the second modification, the controller 45 determines the CTG empty date/time and the ink empty date/time according to the determined linear function. Then, in this modification, a description will be given about an example in which the controller 45 determines an estimated arrival date from the determined CTG empty date/time and the determined ink empty date/time, and determines an ordering date/time from the determined estimated arrival date/time. An ink empty indicates when the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 runs out of ink. At this time, as described above, the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is located slightly above the outflow port 174.

Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the controller 45 of the information collecting server 40 determines a linear function (S105 of fig. 10B), and determines a CTG empty date/time according to the determined linear function (S106). In addition, the controller 45 determines the ink empty date/time shown in fig. 14. Specifically, in the determined linear function, the date/time when the total remaining amount ratio becomes zero is determined as the ink empty date/time. The CTG empty date/time is one example of the first date/time. The ink empty date/time is one example of the second date/time.

The controller 45 determines a date/time between the determined CTG empty date/time and the determined ink empty date/time as an estimated arrival date/time when the cartridge 200 is delivered to the user destination. The controller 45 determines a date/time of a certain delivery period before the determined estimated arrival date/time as the order date/time. The controller 45 stores the determined order date/time in the storage part 42 as an item "order date/time" of the cartridge management list. When it is determined that the current date/time is the subscription date/time (S96), the controller 45 transmits a subscription instruction to the subscription server 50 (S98). The delivery period is one example of a predetermined time. The subscription date/time is one example of a predetermined date/time.

The controller 45 may determine an intermediate date/time between the CTG empty date/time and the ink empty date/time among the dates/times between the determined CTG empty date/time and the determined ink empty date/time as an estimated arrival date/time when the cartridge 200 is delivered to the user destination.

It is determined that the intermediate date/time between the CTG empty date/time and the ink empty date/time is the estimated arrival date/time when the cartridge 200 is delivered to the user destination. Therefore, even if the delivery of the new cartridge 200 is delayed, the possibility of delivering the ordered new cartridge to the user destination at a date later than the ink empty date/time is reduced, and even if the delivery of the new cartridge 200 is advanced, the possibility of delivering the ordered new cartridge to the user destination at a date earlier than the ink empty date/time is reduced. Therefore, the fear that the cartridge 200 with the ink remaining therein is replaced with a new cartridge 200 and the ink is wasted is reduced. In addition, the fear that the printer 10 runs out of ink before a new cartridge 200 is delivered and printing cannot be continued is reduced.

< other modifications >

In the first exemplary embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the management information including the ratio of the total remaining amount is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40. However, the controller 130 of the printer 10 may transmit and include the total remaining amount value calculated in the updating process shown in fig. 8A to 8D in the management information together with or instead of the total remaining amount ratio.

In the second exemplary embodiment described above, an example has been described in which management information including the ratio of the remaining amount of the cartridge and the ratio of the remaining amount of the tank is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40. However, the controller 130 of the printer 10 may transmit and include the cartridge remaining amount value calculated in the updating process shown in fig. 8A to 8D in the management information together with or instead of the cartridge remaining amount ratio and the tank remaining amount ratio.

In the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51 is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40 together with the total remaining amount ratio. However, the value of the C _ Empty flag may be transmitted separately from the total remaining amount ratio. For example, the value of the C _ Empty flag may be transmitted at a specified time such as 9 o 'clock, 12 o' clock, 15 o 'clock, or 18 o' clock each day. In addition, the value of the C _ Empty flag may be immediately transmitted as "on". Specifically, in step S55 (fig. 8A to 8D), when "on" is stored in the value of the C _ Empty flag of the EEPROM51, the controller 130 of the printer 10 immediately transmits the value of the C _ Empty flag that is "on" to the information collecting server 40 through the communication I/F31.

In the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the management information is transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collecting server 40 at a specified time of day. However, the total remaining amount ratio may be transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collecting server 40 every time printing is performed or every time ink is discharged through the head 21 for maintenance or the like. Alternatively, the management information may be transmitted from the printer 10 to the information collection server 40 on the condition that request information that requires the information to be transmitted from the information collection server 40 to the printer 10 is transmitted. Instead of the process of step S61 (fig. 9A), the controller 130 of the printer 10 executes a process to determine whether the request information is input from the information collecting server 40.

In the first modification described above, the date/time information of installation indicating the date/time when the cartridge 200 is installed is described as one example of the predetermined time. However, various times may be set as the predetermined time, such as the time when printing is performed for the first time after the cartridge 200 is mounted, the time when ink is discharged by the head 21 for the first time after the cartridge 200 is mounted, and the time when a predetermined amount of ink is discharged by the head 21 after the cartridge 200 is mounted.

In the first exemplary embodiment or the second exemplary embodiment described above, the following configuration has been described: the controller 130 detects whether the detection target portion 194 of the actuator 190 is in the first state or the second state based on the signal output by the liquid level sensor 33. However, the configuration of the liquid level sensor 33 is not particularly limited thereto as long as the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 can be detected. For example, the liquid level sensor 33 may be a sensor that optically detects the liquid level of ink in the liquid chamber 171 by using a prism having a different reflectance depending on whether ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171. Further, the liquid level sensor 33 may be an electrode rod inserted into the liquid chamber 171.

In the first exemplary embodiment or the second exemplary embodiment described above, ink has been described as one example of liquid. However, for example, the pretreatment liquid discharged onto a sheet or the like before ink at the time of printing may be stored in a cartridge. In addition, water for the cleaning head 21 may be stored in the cartridge.

List of reference numerals

10 Printer

21 head

31 communication I/F

33 liquid level sensor

36 storage part

40 information collecting server

42 storage unit

43 communication I/F

44 communication I/F

45 controller

50 order server

130 controller

160 jar

171 liquid chamber

200 box

210 liquid chamber