PRINTING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

A printing apparatus includes a liquid storage unit that stores liquid to be supplied to a printhead, which performs printing by discharging the liquid, a liquid amount detection unit that detects an amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, and a control unit that performs control to, in response to a start of liquid filling into the liquid storage unit, provide notification of the amount of the liquid detected by the liquid amount detection unit.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a technique for displaying a remaining amount in a printing apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Generally, printing apparatuses for printing an image by discharging ink from a printhead include a printhead, which discharges ink, and a plurality of ink storage units, which supply ink to the printhead and are for storing ink. The plurality of ink storage units are each configured to store a different type of ink.

As a printing apparatus including such a plurality of ink storage units, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-001249 discloses a printing apparatus that includes a viewing window such that the amounts of remaining ink of the ink storage units, which are disposed in the apparatus, can be recognized. A user can recognize the amount of remaining ink from the viewing window when replenishing an ink storage unit with ink.

However, with the printing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-001249, the user needs to look into the viewing window to recognize the amount of remaining ink when filling an ink storage unit with ink, and thus, it cannot necessarily be said that the operability is good. In addition, in a dark location, for example, visibility may further decrease. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to discern how much ink the ink storage unit has been filled with, and thus, it is difficult for the user to stop filling at a desired amount. In addition, even if the ink has reached a fill limit, the user may not notice it.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems and provides a printing apparatus capable of informing a user of an amount of liquid in a discernible manner.

According a first aspect of the present disclosure, a printing apparatus comprises a storage unit configured to store liquid to be supplied to a printhead, which performs printing by discharging the liquid, a liquid amount detection unit configured to detect an amount of the liquid stored in the storage unit, and a control unit configured to perform control to, in response to a start of liquid filling into the storage unit, provide notification of the amount of the liquid detected by the liquid amount detection unit.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a printing apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a liquid to be supplied to a printhead, which performs printing by discharging the liquid, comprises detecting an amount of the liquid stored in the storage unit, and controlling, in response to a start of liquid filling into the storage unit, notification of the amount of the liquid detected by the liquid amount detection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not seen to be limiting. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but all such features may not be required, and multiple features can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus100, which is a first embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.1, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)100according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit101, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink (liquid) onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units102, which supply ink to the printing unit101. The plurality of ink storage units102are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit (liquid amount detection unit)103, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink (amount of liquid), is disposed in each ink storage unit (liquid storage unit)102, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit103, for example, is displayed on a display unit104, which can provide notification of a remaining amount. In addition, a control unit105, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus100, and a memory108, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit105, are disposed in the printing apparatus100.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus100.

InFIG.2, when filling with ink, a user inserts an ink bottle (ink container)203into a supply port202, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit102, to fill the ink storage unit102with ink. The remaining amount detection unit103is provided in the ink storage unit102and, once filling is started, detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit102(liquid storage unit), and the amount of remaining ink is displayed on the display unit104based on the amount of remaining ink.

FIGS.3A and3Bare schematic views illustrating a configuration of the remaining amount detection units103, each disposed in their respective ink storage unit102.FIG.3Ais a diagram illustrating the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit103, andFIG.3Bis a graph illustrating behaviors of output voltages thereof.

InFIG.3A, the remaining amount detection unit103includes a ground (GND) pin132, a first electrode pin133, a second electrode pin134, a third electrode pin135, and a detection circuit137, which detects resistance values between the GND pin132and the respective electrode pins. The first electrode pin133, the second electrode pin134and the third electrode pin135each have a different length (lower end position), with the first electrode pin133being the longest and the third electrode pin135being the shortest.

A user fills the ink storage unit102with ink131from the supply port202. To detect a level corresponding to the amount of ink filled, a change in resistance values between the GND pin132and the first electrode pin133, the second electrode pin134, and the third electrode pin135is detected by the detection circuit137.

The first electrode pin133corresponds to level1, the second electrode pin134corresponds to level2, and the third electrode pin135corresponds to level3.

If the ink storage unit102is supplied with ink from when it is empty, when the supplied ink reaches level1, the resistance value between the GND pin132and the first electrode pin133decreases due to electricity being conducted through the ink. Thus, as illustrated by a curve141ofFIG.3B, an output voltage of a power supply Vout1decreases toward a ground potential (GND potential). Similarly, when the supplied ink reaches level2, the resistance value between the GND pin132and the second electrode pin134decreases. Thus, as illustrated by a curve142ofFIG.3B, an output voltage of a power supply Vout2decreases toward the GND potential. In addition, when the supplied ink reaches level3, the resistance value between the GND pin132and the third electrode pin135decreases. Thus, as illustrated by a curve143ofFIG.3B, an output voltage of a power supply Vout3decreases toward the GND potential. When the voltage drops and passes a threshold145illustrated inFIG.3B, it can be detected that the ink has reached a respective level.

The configuration of the remaining amount detection unit103described here is also common to the remaining amount detection units according to the second to eighth embodiments, which will be described below.

FIG.4is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus100. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit105executing a program stored in the memory108.

In step S300, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit104. When the user starts filling the ink storage unit102with ink, in step S301, the control unit105detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit102, using the remaining amount detection unit103. In step S302, the control unit105displays the amount of remaining ink detected in step S301on the display unit104. In step S303, the control unit105determines whether ink filling by the user has been completed. If ink filling is continued, the process returns to step S301and ink remaining amount detection is continued. If ink filling has been completed, the process proceeds to step S304and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S305, the control unit105ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The user inputs information to the control unit105that ink filling has been completed by operating, for example, a filling complete switch disposed on an operation panel.

The display on the display unit104can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

Regarding the display of the amount of remaining ink, for example, the amount of remaining ink corresponding to the position of a respective electrode pin provided in the remaining amount detection unit103is displayed in a stepwise manner. For example, if the ink surface is positioned between the lower end of the first electrode pin133and the lower end of the second electrode pin134, displaying what is between the levels using gradation enables the user more easily recognize the amount of remaining ink. Such a display format is applicable to all embodiments described in the present disclosure.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus400, which is a second embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.5, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)400according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit401, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units402, which supply ink to the printing unit401. A plurality of ink storage units402are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit403, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit402, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit403, for example, is displayed on a display unit404. In addition, a filling start detection unit406(filling operation detection unit), which detects that a user has started an ink filling operation is disposed in the printing apparatus400. In addition, a control unit405, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus400, and a memory408, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit405, are disposed in the printing apparatus400.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus400.

InFIG.6, when filling with ink, the user inserts an ink bottle503into a supply port502, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit402, to fill the ink storage unit402with ink. The remaining amount detection unit403is provided in the ink storage unit402. When the user opens the ink tank cover505, the filling start detection unit (detection switch)406mounted on the ink tank cover505detects the start of the ink filling operation. In the present embodiment, the filling start detection unit406detects an open/closed state of the ink tank cover505. The remaining amount detection unit403starts detecting the amount of remaining ink based on that detection signal, and the amount of remaining ink is displayed on the display unit404based on the amount of remaining ink.

FIG.7is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus400. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit405executing a program stored in the memory408.

In step S600, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit404. In step S601, the control unit405determines whether the user has opened the ink tank cover505and the filling start detection unit406has detected the start of the ink filling operation. If the start of the ink filling operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S602. If the start of the ink filling operation has not been detected, the process continues to wait. In step S602, the control unit405detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit402, using the remaining amount detection unit403. In step S603, the control unit405displays the amount of remaining ink detected in step S602on the display unit404. In step S604, the control unit405determines whether the ink tank cover505has been closed and the filling start detection unit406has detected the end of the ink filling operation. If the ink filling operation has not ended, the process returns to step S602and ink remaining amount detection is continued. If the ink filling operation has ended, the process proceeds to step S605and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S606, the control unit405ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The display on the display unit404can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus700, which is a third embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.8, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)700according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit701, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units702, which supply ink to the printing unit701. A plurality of ink storage units702are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit703, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit702, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit703, for example, is displayed on a display unit704. An operation unit706on which the user performs an operation for transitioning to the ink filling operation is disposed in the printing apparatus700. In addition, a control unit705, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus700, and a memory708, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit705, are disposed in the printing apparatus700.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus700.

InFIG.9, when filling with ink, a user inserts an ink bottle803into a supply port802, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit702, to fill the ink storage unit702with ink. The remaining amount detection unit703is provided in the ink storage unit702. When the user performs the operation for transitioning to the ink filling operation on the operation unit706, the remaining amount detection unit703starts detecting the remaining amount of ink, and the amount of remaining ink is displayed on the display unit704based on the amount of remaining ink.

FIG.10is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus700. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit705executing a program stored in the memory708.

In step S900, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit704. In step S901, the control unit705determines whether the user has performed the operation for transitioning to the ink filling operation on the operation unit706. If the operation for transitioning to the ink filling operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S902. If the operation for transitioning to the ink filling operation has not been performed, the process continues to wait. In step S902, the control unit705detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit702, using the remaining amount detection unit703. In step S903, the control unit705displays the amount of remaining ink detected in step S902on the display unit704. In step S904, the control unit705determines whether the user has performed an operation for ending the ink filling operation on the operation unit706. If the ink filling operation has not ended, the process returns to step S902and ink remaining amount detection continues. If the ink filling operation has ended, the process proceeds to step S905and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S906, the control unit705ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The display on the display unit704can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus1000, which is a fourth embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.11, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)1000according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit1001, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units1002, which supply ink to the printing unit1001. A plurality of ink storage units1002are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit1003, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit1002, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit1003, for example, is displayed on a display unit1004. A bottle mounting detection unit1006, which detects that an ink bottle for filling the ink storage unit1002with ink has been mounted, is disposed in the printing apparatus1000. In addition, a control unit1005, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus1000, and a memory1008, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit1005, are disposed in the printing apparatus1000.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus1000.

InFIG.12, when filling with ink, a user inserts an ink bottle1103into a supply port1102, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit1002, to fill the ink storage unit1002with ink. The remaining amount detection unit1003is provided in the ink storage unit1002. The supply port1102is provided with the bottle mounting detection unit (detection switch)1006, and when the ink bottle1103is mounted, the bottle mounting detection unit1006detects the mounting of the ink bottle. The remaining amount detection unit1003starts detecting the amount of remaining ink based on that detection signal, and the amount of remaining ink is displayed on the display unit1004based on the amount of remaining ink.

FIG.13is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus1000. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit1005executing a program stored in the memory1008.

In step S1200, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit1004. In step S1201, the control unit1005determines whether the bottle mounting detection unit1006has detected that the user has mounted the ink bottle1103onto the supply port1102. If the mounting of the ink bottle1103has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1202. If the mounting of the ink bottle1103has not been detected, the process continues to wait. In step S1202, the control unit1005detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit1002, using the remaining amount detection unit1003. In step S1203, the control unit1005displays the amount of remaining ink detected in step S1202on the display unit1004. In step S1204, the control unit1005determines whether the bottle mounting detection unit1006has detected that the ink bottle1103has been removed from the supply port1102. If the ink bottle1103has not been removed, the process returns to step S1202and ink remaining amount detection is continued. If ink bottle has been removed, the process proceeds to step S1205and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S1206, the control unit1005ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The display on the display unit1004can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

FIG.14is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus1300, which is a fifth embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.14, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)1300according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit1301, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units1302, which supply ink to the printing unit1301. A plurality of ink storage units1302are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit1303, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit1302, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit1303, for example, is displayed on a display unit1304. A filling detection unit1306, which detects that the ink storage unit1302is being filled with ink, is disposed in the printing apparatus1300. In addition, a control unit1305, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus1300, and a memory1308, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit1305, are disposed in the printing apparatus1300.

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus1300.

InFIG.15, when filling with ink, a user inserts an ink bottle1403into a supply port1402, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit1302, to fill the ink storage unit1302with ink. The remaining amount detection unit1303is provided in the ink storage unit1302. The ink storage unit1302is provided with the filling detection unit (detection switch)1306, which detects ink filling, and when ink starts flowing into the ink storage unit1302, ink filling is detected. The filling detection unit1306includes, for example, an electrode pin or a flow amount detection sensor (not illustrated), which is disposed near the supply port1402or in the ink storage unit1302. The remaining amount detection unit1303starts detecting the amount of remaining ink based on that detection signal, and the amount of remaining ink is displayed on the display unit1304based on the amount of remaining ink.

FIG.16is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus1300. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit1305executing a program stored in the memory1308.

In step S1500, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit1304. In step S1501, the control unit1305determines whether the filling detection unit1306has detected ink filling by ink flowing into the ink storage unit1302. If ink filling has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1502. If ink filling has not been detected, the process continues to wait. In step S1502, the control unit1305detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit1302, using the remaining amount detection unit1303. In step S1503, the control unit1305displays the amount of remaining ink detected in step S1502on the display unit1304. In step S1504, the control unit1305determines whether the filling detection unit1306has detected a stop of ink filling. If a stop of ink filling has not been detected, the process returns to step S1502and ink remaining amount detection is continued. If a stop of ink filling has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1505and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S1506, the control unit1305ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The display on the display unit1304can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

FIG.17is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus1600, which is a sixth embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.17, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)1600according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit1601, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units1602, which supply ink to the printing unit1601. A plurality of ink storage units1602are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit1603, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit1602, and a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit1603, for example, is displayed on a display unit1604. In addition, a memory unit1606, which is for holding a remaining amount detection result, and a comparison unit1607, which is for comparing remaining amount detection results, are disposed in the printing apparatus1600. In addition, a control unit1605, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus1600, and a memory1608, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit1605, are disposed in the printing apparatus1600.

FIG.18is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus1600. The operation of the flowchart is realized by the control unit1605executing a program stored in the memory1608.

In step S1700, a mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence is started by the user's operation on, for example, a menu display of the display unit1604. In step S1701, the control unit1605detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled) in the ink storage unit1602, using the remaining amount detection unit1603. In step S1702, the control unit1605compares a detection result of the amount of remaining ink obtained in step S1701and a previous (last) detection result of the amount of remaining ink stored in the memory unit1606, using the comparison unit1607. Then, if the amount of remaining ink has changed, it is determined that ink is flowing in, and the process proceeds to step S1703. If the amount of remaining ink has not changed, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1703, the control unit1605displays the latest amount of remaining ink on the display unit1604. In step S1704, the amount of remaining ink stored in the memory unit1606is updated to a new detection result. In step S1705, the control unit1605determines whether an interrupt process has started. The interrupt process includes, for example, issuance of an instruction for ending ink filling by the user operating on the display unit1604. If the interrupt process is not started, the process returns to step S1701and ink remaining amount detection is continued. If the interrupt process is started, the process proceeds to step S1706and ink remaining amount display ends. In step S1707, the control unit1605ends the mid-ink-filling detection/display sequence. The display on the display unit1604can be performed by an external device, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. Regarding step S1702and step S1703, the order can be switched or the steps can be executed at the same time.

FIG.19is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus1800, which is a seventh embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

InFIG.19, the inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, printing apparatus)1800according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit1801, which includes a printhead for performing a printing operation by discharging ink onto a target printing medium based on a print command, and ink storage units1802, which supply ink to the printing unit1801. A plurality of ink storage units1802are provided to correspond to respective colors of ink. A remaining amount detection unit1803, which detects the amount of remaining stored ink, is disposed in each ink storage unit1802, and a notification unit1804, which notifies a remaining amount detection result of the remaining amount detection unit1803, is also provided. In addition, a control unit1805, which is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer for controlling each unit of the printing apparatus1800, and a memory1808, which stores, for example, a program to be executed by the control unit1805, are disposed in the printing apparatus1800.

FIG.20is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus1800.

InFIG.20, when filling with ink, a user inserts an ink bottle1903into a supply port1902, which is for supplying ink to the ink storage unit1802, to fill the ink storage unit1802with ink. The remaining amount detection unit1803is provided in the ink storage unit1802and, once ink filling is started, detects the amount of remaining ink (amount of ink filled), and the notification unit1804, which is constituted by, for example, a speaker, provides notification of the amount of remaining ink based on the amount of remaining ink. An external device, such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a speaker, can be used as the notification unit1804ofFIG.20.

FIG.21is an external view of an inkjet printing apparatus2000, which is an eighth embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.21, for example, a display unit2004can be disposed near ink storage units2001and supply ports2002.

Other Embodiments

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not seen to be limiting. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-207245, filed Dec. 23, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.