Liquid Consumption Status Detecting Method, Liquid Container, and Ink Cartridge

Abstract

A method of detecting a consumption status of liquid contained in a liquid container, comprising steps of: preparing a detection device having a piezoelectric element and attaching the detection device on a desired position of the liquid container so that at least a part of the detection device contacting the liquid; measuring a residual vibration of the detection device; and detecting the consumption status of the liquid contained in the liquid container on the basis of a result of the measurement of the residual vibration.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . An ink cartridge comprising:
 a first chamber;   a second chamber;   a capillary passage provided between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein ink contained in the first chamber is supplied to the second chamber via the capillary passage;   an ink supply port, wherein the ink is supplied to the ink supply port via the second chamber; and   a check valve connected to the first chamber, the check valve maintaining a stable pressure inside the ink cartridge.   
   
   
       20 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 19 , wherein the ink flows into the capillary passage through a bottom face of the ink cartridge. 
   
   
       21 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 20 , wherein the first chamber and the capillary passage are separated by a first partition wall and the ink flows from the first chamber to the capillary passage via a space provided between a lower end of the first partition wall and the bottom face of the ink cartridge. 
   
   
       22 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 20 , wherein the capillary passage and the second chamber are separated by a second partition wall and the ink flows from the capillary passage to the second chamber via a space provided between an upper end of the second partition wall and a top face of the ink cartridge. 
   
   
       23 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 21 , wherein the capillary passage and the second chamber are separated by a second partition wall and the ink flows from the capillary passage to the second chamber via a space provided between an upper end of the second partition wall and a top face of the ink cartridge. 
   
   
       24 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 23 , wherein the capillary passage is defined by the first partition wall and the second partition wall. 
   
   
       25 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 19 , wherein a volume of the first chamber is greater than a volume of the second chamber. 
   
   
       26 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 19 , wherein the check valve is provided on the top face of the ink cartridge. 
   
   
       27 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 19 , wherein the check valve includes a valve having a flange and an air hole facing the flange, such that the air hole is opened and closed by the flange. 
   
   
       28 . The ink cartridge according to  claim 19 , wherein the check valve includes a valve and a spring, and the valve presses the spring and opens when a negative pressure inside the ink cartridge exceeds a pressure of the check valve, to introduce an outside air into the ink cartridge.