CN2749675Y - Print cartridge and printing apparatus - Google Patents
Print cartridge and printing apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN2749675Y CN2749675Y CN 03206355 CN03206355U CN2749675Y CN 2749675 Y CN2749675 Y CN 2749675Y CN 03206355 CN03206355 CN 03206355 CN 03206355 U CN03206355 U CN 03206355U CN 2749675 Y CN2749675 Y CN 2749675Y
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Abstract
In an ink box which comprises recording materials, the state of the recording materials is checked, but the checking reliability is low. An ink box (10) is provided with a sensor (17) which is used for checking whether ink exists or not, and a control device (22) of a printer (20) transmits a checking indication and a checking condition to the ink box (10) through a cordless device. The ink box (10) receives the indication and drives the sensor (17) to vibrate under the indicated checking condition by a sensor controller (19). The sensor (17) is adjacent to a resonance chamber (18), so the vibration frequency of the sensor is controlled by the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber (18). The resonance frequency is varied according to the existence of the ink in the resonance chamber (18), so when the resonance frequency is checked, the existence of the ink in the resonant chamber (18) and the ink allowance in the ink box (10) can be known. Meanwhile, the checking condition output from the ink box helps to check whether the checking is carried out or not under the indicated checking condition to ensure correct checking.
Description
Technical field
The utility model relates to a kind of print cartridge with the accommodating chamber that holds the recording materials that are used to print, in particular, relate to a kind of built-in sensors print cartridge and with the technology of this print cartridge exchange message.
Background technology
Resemble the printing equipment (printer) that ink is sprayed onto the ink-jet printer the enterprising line item of paper or use printing equipment that toner prints etc. to be widely used.In the print cartridge of this printing equipment, has the accommodating chamber of recording materials such as holding ink or toner.For printing equipment, the surplus management of recording materials becomes important technology, recently, not only by software use amount is counted and managed in the printing equipment side, but also being set, sensor directly measures (for example, opening the 2001-147146 communique) with reference to the Japan Patent spy in print cartridge.
As sensor, though can consider all kinds, but, if the recording materials that detect are electric conductivity inks, then can measure the ink surplus by resistance value, also can measure the resonant frequency of piezoelectric element, have or not recording materials thereby measure in the resonant chamber by in the resonant chamber in being located at accommodating chamber piezoelectric element etc. being set.And, it is also conceivable that the temperature of measuring recording materials such as ink, viscosity, humidity, granularity, tone, surplus, pressure etc.At this moment, cooperate each physical property to use sensor special to get final product respectively.For example, if temperature then is thermistor or thermocouple, if pressure then is pressure sensor etc.
But in being provided with the print cartridge of this sensor, the testing conditions of sensor is constant, therefore, can't fully improve the reliability of detection sometimes.For example, under being provided with the situation that detects the sensor that has or not recording materials in the accommodating chamber, if change the composition of recording materials, then optimal detection condition changes sometimes, but in existing print cartridge, if do not change the circuit structure that is used to detect in this case, then can't fully guarantee the reliability that detects.Yet, exist when adjusting circuit structure to cause the problem that formality is loaded down with trivial details and cost uprises at every turn.
In addition, in existing print cartridge, testing result is for example only for to have or not under the situation of two values such as ink, if fault has appearred in testing circuit, but also when continuing to export a certain signal, then is difficult to detect fault has taken place.Therefore, also the testing result reliability problems can't be fully estimated in existence.
The utility model content
The purpose of device of the present utility model is to address the above problem, for the print cartridge that possesses sensor, can be neatly corresponding to the change of testing conditions, and guarantee the reliability of testing result.
At least the device of the present utility model that solves part the problems referred to above is a kind of print cartridge, is loaded on the printing equipment, has the accommodating chamber that holds the recording materials that are used to print, and it is characterized in that possessing:
Sensor detects the state of the described recording materials in the described accommodating chamber;
The condition receiving device for the testing conditions of this sensor, is accepted the appointment from the outside;
Checkout gear carries out described detection under described specified requirements; And
Output device is exported this testing result.
This print cartridge possesses the sensor that detects the recording materials state in the accommodating chamber, in case accept the appointment about the testing conditions of this sensor from the outside, just detects under specified condition.Thereby output testing result.Therefore, during recording materials state in detecting accommodating chamber, be not under fixing testing conditions, to detect, but the condition that can accept to be applicable to detection is specified and is detected.Its result can improve accuracy of detection.
Here, output device can be used to export corresponding to the data of the testing conditions of appointment and the device of testing result.
This print cartridge will be exported with testing result corresponding to the data (comprising testing conditions itself) of testing conditions, therefore, and can be from the reliability of the side verification testing result that print cartridge detected indication.
As the recording materials of this print cartridge, can be used for ink-jet printer etc. specified color ink or be used for the toner of duplicator, facsimile machine or laser printer.
In addition,, can utilize and detect the sensor that has or not recording materials in the accommodating chamber, also can utilize the sensor of detection record material surplus as sensor.Certainly, can also use one sensor in temperature, viscosity, humidity, granularity, tone, surplus and the pressure of detection record material at least.
In addition, as output device, can be the device of exporting testing result by radio communication.Utilize radio communication can improve the free degree that is provided with of print cartridge.
And, as this sensor, the piezoelectric element that can also use resonant condition to change with the state of recording materials.At this moment, after piezoelectric element applies driving pulse, detect the vibration that piezoelectric element responds this driving pulse, thereby, can come the state of detection record material according to the resonant condition of piezoelectric element.Here, resonant condition can be grasped with the resonant frequency of piezoelectric element.The required time that resonant frequency can be used as the vibration more than 1 of piezoelectric element detects.
In the print cartridge of the sensor of this piezoelectric element of built-in use, testing conditions can be embodied as and vibrate the appointment of the vibration number of required time to measuring piezoelectric element.At this moment, print cartridge detects the required time of the vibration number of appointment, simultaneously, data and the detection time relevant with measuring used vibration is exported together.
The vibration number that is used to detect can be specified by vibration position that begins to measure and the vibration position that finishes to measure.The data relevant with vibration also can determine that the required time that for example can be used as is therebetween determined according to the vibration starting position and the end position of appointment.
As this print cartridge, the memory that passes through to be possessed store with accommodating chamber in the recording materials that hold the state corresponding parameters print cartridge also of great use.
In this print cartridge, can specify testing conditions etc. by radio communication.For this reason, also can possess radio communication device in the print cartridge by the wireless receiving and dispatching data.In addition, testing result also can be by wireless output.
Usually possesses the loop aerial that is used to communicate in this radio communication device.When communicating, induced electromotive force in this antenna.Here, also can utilize this electromotive force in print cartridge, to power.Like this, print cartridge needn't possess battery etc. within it, thus but simplified structure.
Using the utility model of the printing equipment of the utility model print cartridge is a kind of printing equipment, wherein, loads the print cartridge that possesses the accommodating chamber that holds printshop usefulness recording materials, it is characterized in that,
Described print cartridge possesses:
Sensor detects the state of the described recording materials in the described accommodating chamber;
The condition receiving device for the testing conditions of this sensor, is accepted the appointment from the outside;
Checkout gear carries out described detection under described specified requirements; And
Output device is exported this testing result,
And this printing equipment also possesses:
The condition specified device is specified described testing conditions;
Input unit, input is from the testing result of the output device output of described print cartridge; And
Judgment means is judged this testing result.
In this printing equipment, the state of print cartridge detection record material under, and output testing result by the testing conditions of printing equipment appointment.Therefore, when detecting the recording materials state in the accommodating chamber, not under fixing testing conditions, to detect, but can specify, detect from the condition that printing equipment is accepted to be suitable for detecting.Its result can improve accuracy of detection, can also guarantee the reliability as printing equipment.
In this printing equipment, can consider the structure that to export with described testing result corresponding to the data of described appointment testing conditions as the described output device of described print cartridge;
Can consider described data with the structure of importing from the testing result of the output device of described print cartridge output as the described input unit of this printing equipment;
In addition, can consider also that as the described judgment means of this printing equipment the described data that will import and testing conditions by the appointment of described condition specified device contrast, and under the situation of both correspondences, if this testing result is effectively, and then carry out the structure of the predetermined processing relevant with the state of described recording materials.
In this printing equipment, in the printing equipment side, will contrast corresponding to the data of the testing conditions of accepting from print cartridge and the testing conditions of own appointment, and under the situation of correspondence, if testing result is effectively, and then carries out the predetermined processing relevant with the state of recording materials.Described predetermined processing when detection has or not recording materials, can be that the surplus of recording materials is calculated, the correction various processing such as (calibrations) of this computing formula for example.On the contrary, after both under the not corresponding situation, it is invalid establishing testing result, and then carries out warning the invalid processing of testing result to the user in contrast.
Brief description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the schematic structure key diagram of the print cartridge 10 of the utility model embodiment.
Fig. 2 is the flow chart that the processing with the print cartridge side of the utility model embodiment and printer side connects.
Fig. 3 is the principle key diagram that the detection in the utility model embodiment has or not ink.
Fig. 4 is the structural representation of printer 200 internal structures of an embodiment of the utility model.
Fig. 5 is the internal structure block diagram of the control device 222 in the printer 200 of embodiment.
Fig. 6 is the outward appearance key diagram of the detection of stored module 121 of embodiment.
Fig. 7 is the installment state key diagram of detection of stored module 121 to the print cartridge 111 of embodiment.
Fig. 8 is the internal structure block diagram of detection of stored module 121.
Fig. 9 is the print cartridge 111 to 116 and the key diagram that concerns of receiving and dispatching letter part 230 that is loaded on the carrier 210.
Figure 10 is the information key diagram of the EEPROM166 storage inside in detection of stored module 121.
Figure 11 is the indicative flowchart of the processing in the detection of stored module 121.
Figure 12 is the each several part action timing diagram in the 3rd process.
Figure 13 is by driving the actual voltage on the piezoelectric element 153 and the vibrational state key diagram of piezoelectric element 153 of being applied to of indication DRIV.
Figure 14 is the detection handling procedure flow chart among the embodiment.
The specific embodiment
Below, embodiment of the present utility model is described.Fig. 1 is the schematic structure key diagram of print cartridge 10 and the R-T unit 30 of the printer 20 that loads print cartridge 10 of the embodiment of utility model.Omission sprays the internal structure of the printer 20 that prints behind the ink etc. to the paper T by platen 24 transmission from print head 25, but in the control device 22 in printer 20, in press used data such as quantity of ink are carried out computing, and these data are sent to print cartridge 10 sides through R-T unit 30.And the reception of the data between the print cartridge 10 and transmission are undertaken by radio communication, even but wired also harmless.Communication though be way of electromagnetic induction in the present embodiment, also can adopt alternate manner.
Possess the Control on Communication part 12 of control communication in the print cartridge 10, the memory controller that reads and writes data to memory 14 divides 15, uses sensor 17, the driving sensor 17 of piezoelectric element and utilizes sensor 17 to detect the sensor control section 19 of ink surpluses.Using sensor 17 to detect the ink surplus carries out as follows.Sensor 17 is installed in the resonant chamber of being located in the ink accommodating chamber 16 18, if in figure, there not be the electrode of expression to apply driving voltage, then as sensor 17 distortions (askew む) of piezoelectric element, be out of shape.If discharge the electric charge that amasss piezoelectric element from this state, then the energy of distortion is released, thereby element can free vibration.Because sensor 17 is arranged on the position of contiguous resonant chamber 18, so this free running frequency is subjected to the control of the resonant frequency of resonant chamber 18.The resonant frequency of resonant chamber 18 exists under the situation of ink and the situation that does not have ink different in resonant chamber, therefore, as long as detect resonant frequency, just can know the ink surplus that has or not in the resonant chamber 18 in ink and the print cartridge 10.
Fig. 2 is the be mapped indicative flowchart of expression of the processing with the control device 22 of the processing of sensor control section 19 and printer 20 sides.In fact sensor control section 19 is realized by the circuit that uses gate array etc., but for the ease of understanding, according to flow chart this contents processing is described.According to indication, detect ink surplus (step S5) from the control device 22 of printer 20.At this moment, control device 22 is not only indicated and is detected the ink surplus, but also specifies testing conditions (being described in detail later).Print cartridge 10 accepts to detect the indication of ink surplus and the appointment (step S10) of testing conditions through Control on Communication part 12.
Receive the sensor control section 19 of the appointment of testing conditions, as testing conditions, setting measurement begins the measurement umber of pulse (step S11) of pulse and end.As mentioned above, the detection of being undertaken by resonant frequency is for the vibration of carrying out this measured sensor 17, which pulse to be the beginning pulse, from beginning the appointment that pulse is measured by several pulses.In this example, first pulse is appointed as in the beginning pulse, measures umber of pulse and is appointed as 4 pulses.Certainly, also can specify beginning pulse and end pulse (at this moment, finish pulse and be appointed as the 5th pulse).In Fig. 3, schematically show vibration and the relation of measuring beginning pulse, measurement umber of pulse, end pulse based on the sensor 17 of resonance.
After finishing the setting of testing conditions, sensor control section 19 then outputs to (step S12) in the sensor 17 with driving pulse.Its result as mentioned above, is stimulated and vibrates as the sensor 17 of piezoelectric element, and after losing voltage and applying, the resonant frequency resonance that changes with the state with resonant chamber 18.Therefore, 19 waits of sensor control section, till detecting the beginning pulse of setting as testing conditions, (step S13), and in case detect beginning pulse (Fig. 3, t1 constantly), (step S14) just picks up counting.
Afterwards, 19 standbies of sensor control section till detecting the end pulse (step S15), and when detecting the umber of pulse of prior setting (being 4 pulses in an embodiment), finish timing, the processing (step S16) of exporting count value.At this moment, also export the umber of pulse that detects end position (being moment t2) in Fig. 3 in the lump.The so-called umber of pulse that detects end position is in the value that adds in the beginning pulse (being first pulse of resonance in this example) after measuring required pulse number (being 4 pulses in this example), in example shown in Figure 3, is the 5th pulse.
If sensor control section 19 is through Control on Communication part 12 output count values and detect umber of pulse, then the control device 22 of printer 20 is accepted this testing result (step S20), and check the umber of pulse of accepting together with count value, judge whether testing conditions consistent (step S30) with appointment in advance.In this example, what accept from the sensor control section 19 of print cartridge 10 sides is corresponding to the umber of pulse that finishes pulse position, therefore, control device 22 is from obtaining the end pulse position by the testing conditions (step S5) of own appointment, and compare with umber of pulse of accepting with this, judge whether unanimity of testing conditions.Certainly, specify the beginning pulse and finish pulse, and accepting to detect the required pulse number with testing result, to carry out verification also harmless.
If can judge the testing conditions unanimity, then can be judged as the detection of being carried out and be normal (step S40), thereby, the processing after the testing result of the ink surplus of sensor 17 is used for.For example, if testing result represents not had in the resonant chamber 18 state of ink, then the control device 22 of printer 20 is established the level that the ink surplus is lower than resonant chamber 18, and the management of the ink surplus after being used for.On the other hand, when judging testing conditions when inconsistent, being judged as wrong (step S50) appearred in the detection, thereby, the processing after this testing result not being used for.
According to the utility model embodiment of above explanation, in print cartridge 10, can detect the ink state (here for having or not ink) in the accommodating chamber 16, and under condition, carry out this detection by the control device 22 side appointments of the printer 20 of print cartridge 10 outsides.Therefore, testing conditions is fixing, can be flexibly corresponding to the variation of state.For example, even because of having changed the ink composition that is held in the accommodating chamber 16, when making the optimum condition variation of detection, also can be flexibly corresponding with it.In addition, in the present embodiment, print cartridge 10 is undertaken by radio communication with the exchanges data of printer 20 sides, thereby, can exchange with carry out stable data for the mobile print cartridge 10 of printing, and not worry contact loose contact etc.And, in the present embodiment, with export together from the testing conditions of outside appointment relevant data and testing result, and specifying testing conditions side (control device 22) to carry out verification, therefore, can guarantee to have comprised the high reliability of the detection integral body of data communication.
Below, embodiment of the present utility model is described.First embodiment is suitable for ink-jet printer.Fig. 4 is based on the part relevant with the action of printer 200, schematically shows the key diagram of its structure.In addition, Fig. 5 is the control device 222 based on printer 200, represents the key diagram of its electrical structure.As shown in Figure 4, printer 200 is sprayed onto ink droplet on the paper T that transmits by paper supply unit 203 supply and by platen 225 from print head 211 to 216, thereby forms image on paper T.Drive force, the rotation of platen 225 by transmitting through gear train 241 from paper pushing motor 240.Detect the anglec of rotation of this platen by encoder 242.Print head 211 to 216 is arranged on the carrier 210 that the width of cloth direction at paper T moves back and forth.This carrier 210 is connected on the conveyer belt 221 that is driven by stepper motor 223.Conveyer belt 221 is an endless band, is erected at stepper motor 223 and is arranged between the pulley 229 of its opposite side.Therefore, during stepper motor 223 rotations, carrier 210 moves with conveyer belt 221, moves back and forth along the guide rail 224 that is used to transmit.
Below, the print cartridge 111 to 116 that is loaded in 6 kinds of colors on the carrier 210 is described.The print cartridge 111 to 116 of 6 kinds of colors, its basic structure is identical, and be contained in ink composition in its inner accommodating chamber, be that color has nothing in common with each other.In print cartridge 111 to 116, hold black ink (K), cyan (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), nattierblue ink (LC), light magenta ink (LM) respectively.Nattierblue ink (LC), light magenta ink (LM) are respectively 1/4 the light color inks of dye strength being adjusted to cyan (C), magenta ink (M).In these print cartridges 111 to 116, the detection of stored module 121 to 126 that will describe its structure in the back in detail is installed.Detection of stored module 121 to 126 can be carried out exchanges data etc. by the control device 222 of radio communication and printer 200 sides.In first embodiment, detection of stored module 121 to 126 is installed on the side of print cartridge 111 to 116.
As shown in Figure 5, this control device 222 possess control printer 200 integral body CPU251, store its control program ROM252, be used for temporarily preserving the RAM253 of data, be used to drive the driving buffer 256 etc. of the data of print head 211 to 216 as PIO254, the timer 2 55 that is used for administrative time and storage with the interface of external equipment, and they are connected to each other by bus 257.Except that these components, also be provided with oscillator 258 in the control device 222 and distribute follower 259 etc.Distribute follower 259 will give the public terminal of 6 print heads 211 to 216 from the pulse signal distribution of oscillator 258 outputs.Print head 211 to 216 is subjected to open and close (spraying, do not spray ink) data from driving buffer 256 side joints, and from distributing follower 259 to accept the moment of driving pulse, according to the data from the output of driving buffer 256 sides, from the nozzle ejection ink of correspondence.
On the PIO254 of control device 222, except that the stepper motor 223 that has illustrated, paper pushing motor 240, encoder 242, transmitting-receiving letter part 230, guidance panel 245, also connecting the view data that to print and outputing to computer PC in the printer 200.Therefore, when printing, the definite image that should print of computer PC, the data of having carried out processing such as enhancing gloss, colour switching, half toning to printer 200 outputs.Printer 200, detect the shift position of carrier 210 by the driving amount of stepper motor 223, simultaneously, be used for the position of data validation paper feeding of own coding device 242, and it is corresponding with these, to expand into the open and close data of the ink that should spray from the data that computer PC receives, and drive buffer 256 and distribute follower 259 from the nozzle of print head 211 to 216.
Control device 222 can be through being connected in the transmitting-receiving letter part 230 on the PIO254, utilizes wirelessly to carry out exchanges data with detection of stored module 121 to 126 that be loaded on the print cartridge 111 to 116.For this reason, transmitting-receiving letter part 230 is provided with the RF conversion fraction 231 and the loop aerial of accepting from the AC signal of RF conversion fraction 231 233 that the signal from PIO254 is transformed to the AC signal of assigned frequency.If apply AC signal, and when disposing same antenna in its vicinity, then, in another antenna, there is the signal of telecommunication to be excited by electromagnetic induction to loop aerial 233.In the present embodiment, because wireless communication distance is limited to the distance of printer, so, adopt the wireless communications method that utilizes electromagnetic induction.In addition, in an embodiment, prepare 1 antenna that is used for radio communication respectively receiving calling side, and send and receive and all using the same antenna, but also can separate antenna that is used to send and the antenna that is used to receive in a side at least, as dedicated antenna.In addition, in the present embodiment, the operating power of print cartridge side obtains by the electromagnetic induction between the antenna that uses in communication, but it is also harmless to be provided in addition obtaining the antenna of power separately.
Below, the structure of the detection of stored module 121 of print cartridge 111 sides is described.Fig. 6 is the outside drawing of the detection of stored module 121 to 126 represented from positive and side.The detection of stored module 121 to 126 that is loaded on each print cartridge 111 to 116 is identical except that being stored in inner ID number, therefore, and following explanation detection of stored module 121.As shown in the figure, detection of stored module 121 has or not the sensor assembly 137 of ink and the wiring figure 139 that is connected these etc. to constitute by the antenna 133 that forms in the metal thin-film pattern mode in the substrate on film 131, the application-specific integrated circuit chip 135 that various functions described later are housed, detection.
Fig. 7 is that expression is installed in state end view drawing on the print cartridge 111 with detection of stored module 121.As shown in the figure, detection of stored module 121 is installed in the side of print cartridge 111 by the adhesive linkage 141 of bonding agent or double-sided belt etc.At this moment, the sensor assembly 137 of being located at substrate 131 back sides is inserted in the opening 143 that is arranged on print cartridge 111 sides.Sensor assembly 137 inside are formed with resonant chamber 151, and are stained with the piezoelectric element 153 as the sensor action on a sidewall of this resonant chamber 151.
The internal structure of detection of stored module 121 is described.Fig. 8 is the internal structure block diagram of detection of stored module 121.As shown in the figure, detection of stored module 121 possesses RF circuit 161, power unit 162, data analysis part 163, EEPROM control section 165, EEPROM166, detection control section 168, drive control part 170, amplifier 172, comparator 174, oscillator 175, counter 176, output 178, two transistor Tr 1, Tr2, resistance R 1, R2 etc. in application-specific integrated circuit chip 135.
163 pairs of component of signals that receive from RF circuit 161 of data analysis part are analyzed, and take out order and data roughly.Data analysis part 163 is based on analysis result, control be with the EEPROM166 swap data, or with sensor assembly 137 swap datas.Data analysis part 163 is according to the result who analyzes data, carries out with the exchanges data of EEPROM166 or with the exchanges data of sensor assembly 137 etc., but for this reason, also must carry out processing that the print cartridge of object is in return discerned etc.Data analysis part 163 is also carried out these processing.The details of this processing will be described in the back, but basically shown in Fig. 9 A, 9B, by the ID that stores in each print cartridge be loaded in each print cartridge on the carrier 210 and be positioned at information such as which type of position for transmitting-receiving letter part 230 and discern print cartridge.Fig. 9 A is each print cartridge 111116 and the perspective illustration that is installed in wherein detection of stored module 121126 and the position relation of transmitting-receiving letter part 230, and Fig. 9 B is the print cartridge represented from both width aspects and the key diagram that concerns of transmitting-receiving letter part 230.
When the processing of discerning print cartridge, control device 222 transmits carrier 210 to a side at transmitting-receiving letter part 230 places.Carrier 210 and transmitting-receiving letter part 230 relative positions are set at outside the print range.As shown in Figure 9, in the present embodiment, detection of stored module 121 to 126 is installed in the side of print cartridge 111 to 116, moves by carrier 210, and maximum two detection of stored modules are entered in the scope that can send with transmitting-receiving letter part 230.Under this state, the request that data analysis part 163 is accepted from control device 222 through transmitting-receiving letter part 230, the identification of carrying out print cartridge handle, the access of memory is handled or with the exchange processing of sensor assembly 137 etc.The details of managing in the open with flow chart below.
Behind the print cartridge of having determined swap data, in fact carry out under the situation of exchanges data with EEPROM166, data analysis part 163 is being specified read/write address and is being read or write and when writing data, these data are passed to EEPROM control section 165.Receive these specify and the EEPROM control section 165 of data to the appointment of EEPROM166 OPADD and read-write, thereby, write data or from processing such as EEPROM166 sense datas.
Figure 10 represents the data structure of EEPROM166 inside.Shown in Figure 10 A, EEPROM166 inside is divided into two parts haply, and the first half of storage space is to read and write the user memory of data such as ink surplus and the read-write region R AA of storage Sort Code.In addition, the latter half of storage space be write the id information that is used for determining print cartridge read reserved area ROA.
To reading writing of reserved area ROA is before the detection of stored module 121 to 126 that possesses EEPROM166 is installed on the print cartridge 111 to 116, for example, carries out in the process of the process of making the detection of stored module or manufacturing print cartridge.Therefore,,, can carry out reading and writing of data for the data that are stored among the read-write region R AA from the main body side of printer 200, for reading reserved area ROA, though can carry out reading of data, but can not carry out writing of data.
Be used for writing the user memory of read-write region R AA of the ink balance information etc. of each print cartridge 111 to 116, read the ink balance information from printer 200 main body sides, and, can be used for the processing that when surplus is few of, gives a warning to the user.Have the various codes that are used to distinguish print cartridge kind etc. in the storage area of Sort Code, the user can use these codes alone.
Being stored in the id information of reading among the reserved area ROA, is manufacturing information about the print cartridge of installation and measuring memory module etc.As id information, shown in Figure 10 B, have and the relevant information in year, month, day, hour, min, second and place of making print cartridge 111 to 116.These all write on size is that therefore, integral body accounts for the storage area about 40bit～70bit in the zone about 4～8bit.Behind the power supply of enable printer 200, the control device 222 of printer 200 reads the id information of the manufacturing information that comprises each print cartridge 111 to 116 from detection of stored module 121 to 126, thereby, for example can expire in the term of validity of print cartridge in the time of maybe will expiring, give a warning to the user.
Certainly, also can suitably contain above-mentioned information information in addition among the EEPROM166 of detection of stored module 121.In addition, EEPROM166 integral body also can be to rewrite the zone.At this moment, the id information of the manufacturing information of above-mentioned print cartridge etc. etc. also can adopt the memory of electrically-erasables such as EEPROM166, NAND type flash rom to constitute.In the present embodiment, use continuous type (serialtype) memory to be used as EEPROM166.
In addition, when exchanging with sensor assembly 137, data analysis part 163 is at first carried out zero clearing to counter 176, simultaneously, accepts testing conditions from control device 222, and this is set in the detection control section 168.Detect control section 168 and accept this settings, carry out from the piezoelectric element 153 of sensor assembly 137 which (be called and begin pulse) of gained signal and begin the setting of measuring by what pulses.Then, the instruction that data analysis part 163 is sent output drive signal to drive control part 170.After drive control part 170 is accepted this instruction,, and apply driving voltage to piezoelectric element 513 to transistor Tr 1, Tr2 output drive signal.Its result, the resonance that produces in piezoelectric element 153 is exaggerated device 172 and amplifies, and is input in the comparator 174, is transformed to rectangular pulse signal.Comparator 174 is that the output signal from amplifier 172 is compared with the comparative voltage Vref of regulation, thereby, be transformed to the circuit of square wave according to size.
Acceptance is from the detection control section 168 of the signal of comparator 174, and during from the beginning pulse of prior setting to the specific pulse number, the SET terminal of activate counter 176 makes counter 176 actions.Counter 176 to counting from the pulse of oscillator 175, and will be counted the value that finishes and output in the output 178 between SET terminal active period.The condition value that output 178 is used to detect from 168 acceptance of detection control section, and process RF circuit 161 is to control device 222 sides output count value and this testing conditions value from counter 176.So-called testing conditions value is the value after adding the umber of pulse that is used to measure on the beginning umber of pulse in the present embodiment, that is, and and with the corresponding umber of pulse (being the 5th pulse in the present embodiment) in position of measuring the end pulse.Certainly, also can be used as it is the umber of pulse of beginning pulse and expression Measuring Time.In addition, output 178 also can be positioned at data analysis part 163.
Below,, the identification processing of print cartridge 111 163 that carry out with the data analysis part of detection of stored module 121 to 126 by the control device 222 of printer 200 or the overview that the memory access is handled are described.Figure 11 is arranged on the control device 222 and the detection of stored module 121 to 126 that is arranged in each print cartridge 111 to 116 of printer 200 sides, the processing overview flow chart that carries out when transmitting-receiving letter part 230 communicates.The control device 222 of printer 200 and the data analysis part 163 of detection of stored module 121 to 126, communicate through transmitting-receiving letter part 230, simultaneously, carrying out id information reads processings (first process), handles or the ink balance information writes the memory access processing (second process) of processing etc. and waits each process with the exchanges data (the 3rd process) of sensor assembly 137 as reading beyond the id information.
In printer 200, through during the stipulated time, carry out and read the manufacturing information of this print cartridge or the ink surplus is write in the regulation zone of EEPROM166 or processing such as read when the user has changed print cartridge 111 any one in 116 when connecting power supply or in power turn-on or after the last time of the execution communication process.These processing are different with common printing treatment, are through transmitting-receiving letter part 230 and follow the processing of communicating by letter with detection of stored module 121 to 126.
At this moment, in order to communicate with detection of stored module 121 to 126, load the carrier 210 of print cartridge 111 to 116, the non-printing zone in position or right side during from common execution printing leaves, and moves to the non-printing zone in left side at transmitting-receiving letter part 230 places.By carrier 210 being moved to the non-printing zone in left side, near the detection of stored module the letter part 230 is received and dispatched in arrival, accepts from the AC signal of receiving and dispatching the loop aerial 233 of believing part 230 through antenna 133.Power unit 162 is take-off output from this AC signal, and with each control section, the component supply of the supply voltage after the stabilisation to inside.Its result, each control section, the component of detection of stored module can be handled.
When beginning is this when following the handling procedure of communicating by letter of transmitting-receiving letter part 230 and 121 to 126 of each detection of stored modules, at first, judge whether to have taken place power turn-on request (step S100) by the control device 222 of printer 200 sides.That is, judge whether it is that ink-jet printer 200 is switched on power supply, and described action is carried out after beginning to move.Being judged as (step S100:Yes) when the power turn-on request has taken place, begin first process: promptly, read process (below the step S104) from the id information of detection of stored module 121 to 126.
During the request of control device 222 when being judged as the replacing that print cartridge 111 to 116 has taken place (step S102:Yes), begin first process: promptly, read the process (step S104) of the id information of the memory element in the print cartridge of being located at after the replacing.On the other hand, when the request (step S102:No) that is judged as when print cartridge 111 to 116 not taking place changing, be judged as when connecting power supply, normally having read the id information of each detection of stored module 121 to 126, then, judge the processing (step S150) of access object.In the print cartridge of present embodiment, access object has EEPROM166 and sensor assembly 137.Therefore, (step S150: memory), begin above-mentioned second process: promptly, (step S200) handled in the memory access that beginning and detection of stored module are 121 to 126 when indication was carried out access to memory when being judged as.On the other hand, be judged as access object (step S150: sensor), carry out the 3rd process that reads testing result from sensor assembly 137 when being sensor assembly 137.
First to the 3rd process is described respectively below.As mentioned above, carry out first process during request when control device 222 detects power turn-on request in the printer or replacing ink cartridge.In first process, at first read id information (step S104) from detection of stored module 121 to 126, afterwards, carry out the processing (step S106) of avoiding a conflict.Avoiding a conflict to handle is, is not also obtaining respectively under the situation of id information from each detection of stored module 121 to 126, prevents to take place when each element reads id information the processing of blurring.This is avoided a conflict and handles when failing halfway, and processing once more can start anew to avoid a conflict.In the present embodiment that uses radio communication, transmitting-receiving letter part 230 may often communicate with a plurality of detection of stored modules (being two detection of stored modules in the present embodiment), and the moment that is beginning to communicate by letter, control device 222 does not still also know to be loaded in the id information of the detection of stored module 121 to 126 of installing in the print cartridge 111 to 116 on the carrier 210, therefore, need prevent the processing of avoiding a conflict that information is obscured.The details of avoiding a conflict and handling, though here do not describe, but be basically: from transmitting-receiving letter part 230 output id informations, afterwards, only return response by the detection of stored module of part id information unanimity, other detection of stored module then enters sleep pattern, thereby, but determine to be positioned at the id information of detection of stored module of the print cartridge of communication range, establish communication with consistent detection of stored module.
After the processing of avoiding a conflict finished, control device 222 carried out reading the processing (step S108) of id information through data analysis part 163 from each detection of stored module 121 to 126.After the processing of reading id information finishes, finish this communication processing program sometimes at once, and then carry out second process sometimes.
The situation of beginning second process is described.When beginning second process, control device 222 is thought to begin memory access (step S200), then, sends enable mode instruction (step S202) to each detection of stored module 121 to 126.The enable mode instruction is the instruction of sending to each detection of stored module 121 to 126 with various id informations, the data analysis part 163 of each detection of stored module 121 to 126, the id information that contrast receives, and only under the situation consistent, to the response signal ACK of control device 222 transmission accesses preparation end with the id information of oneself.
Then, the 3rd process is described.In the 3rd process, beginning is carried out access (step S300) to sensor assembly 137, and is the same with the situation of memory access, at first sends enable mode instruction AMC (step S302).In the print cartridge 111 to 116 of accepting the enable mode instruction, the print cartridge consistent with the id information of following the enable mode instruction returns response signal AC, and carries out the transition to the state of processing afterwards of accepting.This state is shown in the sequential chart of Figure 12.The DAT of the epimere of Figure 12 represents the exchanges data of control device 222 sides and detection of stored module 121 sides.Enable mode ACM represents then that if it overturns to high level then this detection of stored module 121 becomes enable mode.
The instruction of output enable mode, if there is the detection of stored module to be activated, then control device 222 then sends the appointment (step S304) of testing conditions DN to this print cartridge.If specify the data of testing conditions DN to be accepted, and have response signal ACK to return, then control device 222 is then exported and is detected indication DC (step S306).Certainly, detecting indication DC also can be included in the appointment of testing conditions.
If detect indication DC, then as shown in Figure 8, data analysis part 163 is reset to 0 value to counter 176 output reset signal CLR with counter 176.Then, data analysis part 163 drives indication DRIV to drive control part 170 outputs.After drive control part 170 is accepted this driving indication DRIV, driving transistors Tr1, Tr2.In the present embodiment, as shown in figure 13, driving indication DRIV is the signal of carrying out twice following circulation: promptly, after the transistor Tr 1 that is used in charging becomes conducting state, apply voltage to piezoelectric element 153, and this transistor Tr 1 is turn-offed in the back at the appointed time, is used in 2 one-tenth conducting states of transistor Tr of discharge, and this transistor Tr 2 is turn-offed in the back at the appointed time.The voltage that is applied on the piezoelectric element 153 is the voltage that is provided by power unit 162, and its charging slope is by resistor R 1 control.In addition, the electric charge that is stored in the piezoelectric element 153 discharges through transistor Tr 2, and its discharge slope is by resistance R 2 controls.Set transistor Tr 1, Tr2 conducting, hold off interval, make the resonant frequency of the vibration frequency that in piezoelectric element 153, produces and the resonant chamber 151 in the sensor assembly 137 approaching.
Carry out the result of the charging and the discharge of drive control part 170, piezoelectric element 153 vibrates under the resonant frequency of resonant chamber 151, thereby, in the electrode of piezoelectric element 153, produce the voltage that causes by this vibration.The resonant frequency of this vibration is mainly determined by the characteristic of resonant chamber 151.The characteristic of resonant chamber 151 here is the ink full level in the resonant chamber 151.In the present embodiment, when being full of ink in the resonant chamber 151, resonant frequency is about 90KHz, and the inks in the resonant chamber 151 are consumed along with printing and when becoming sky, are about 110KHz.Certainly, this resonant frequency changes with the size and the interior wall characteristics (water proofing property etc.) of resonant chamber 151.Therefore, every type print cartridge is measured got final product.Yet the resonant frequency the when resonant frequency of (being empty in the resonant chamber 151) and the ink of having filled are consumed and make resonant chamber 151 become skies in print cartridge before the filling ink is different.Even this is because ink is consumed, but on resonant chamber 151 inner surfaces also residual the ink that adheres to.Therefore, in according to the ink surplus state in the vibration frequency detection resonant chamber 151 of piezoelectric element 153, testing conditions is subjected to sizable constraint.
As mentioned above, piezoelectric element 153 to be applying the forced vibration that voltage causes, with the frequency vibration with the resonant frequency of resonant chamber 151.Amplify this vibration by amplifier 172, and be input in the comparator 174, Vref compares with comparative voltage.Its result, comparator 174 is exported the square-wave signal COMP (with reference to Figure 12) with piezoelectric element 153 identical vibration numbers.Detect control section 168 this square-wave signal of input COMP, and according to this signal with accept the testing conditions (beginning pulse and the umber of pulse that is used to measure) of appointment in advance, generate signalization SET, the time that this signalization SET appointment counter 176 moves.In example shown in Figure 12, because the beginning pulse is first pulse, the time of measuring is 4 pulses, so, detection time, SET began promptly, to be equivalent to the time that square-wave signal COMP is 4 pulses till the rising edge of the 5th pulse from the rising edge of first pulse.
During this signal of output SET, counter 176 utilizes from the high-frequency impulse of oscillator 175 outputs, and it is counted.Resonant frequency not simultaneously, the time of 4 pulses is also different, therefore, detect finish pulse after by the signalization SET upset that detects control section 168 outputs before, the count value CNT that is added up by counter 176 is different with the difference of resonant frequency.This count value CNT is output in the control device 222 of printer 200 through output 178.At this moment, output 178 not only with count value CNT, but also will output to control device 222 sides corresponding to the data of testing conditions.In the present embodiment, the sequence number of end of output pulse (at this moment being the 5th pulse).Certainly, also can export specified testing conditions itself, promptly begin the sequence number (being first pulse) of pulse and the umber of pulse (being 4 pulses) that is used to measure here here.
When managing the ink surplus by the ink spray volume is counted, the ink temperatures of the quantity of ink that once sprays from print head 211 to 216 because of the difference of the difference that adds its nozzle diameter that produces man-hour, ink viscosity and when using etc. make the calculated value of ink surplus depart from actual surplus gradually.Detection of stored module 121 to 126 is set, makes when print cartridge 111 has approximately consumed 1/2 ink in 116, it is empty that the ink in the resonant chamber 151 becomes.Therefore,, detect from there being ink to switch to moment of no ink about the judgement that has or not ink from detection of stored module 121 to 126, and at this constantly, if the exhausted amount of ink of counting by software is proofreaied and correct, then can the correct management exhausted amount of ink.Correction can reset to 1/2 with exhausted amount of ink and carry out from detecting the testing result of memory module 121 to 126 by only being used to, and perhaps, also the method that can compensate by the counting degree to before this software is carried out.Its result, the ink that can correctly calculate in the print cartridge 111 to 116 is used up (ink end) (moment that the ink in the print cartridge does not have fully).Thereby not having also to remain in the print cartridge of using up the indication replacing according to ink has a certain amount of untapped ink, causes the situation of the wasting of resources.In addition, do not had ink in the print cartridge before the detection that ink is used up, thereby caused so-called sky to be beaten, the situation that print head 211 to 216 is damaged is also difficult to be taken place.
In the printer 200 of present embodiment, not only will be but also value (end umber of pulse) that will be relevant with testing conditions returns to control device 222 from detection of stored module 121 to 126 as the count value CNT of testing result, therefore, whether control device 222 can correctly detect under by the testing conditions of own appointment in verification.When being judged as when under testing conditions, not detecting by control device 222 appointments, because insincere as the count value CNT of testing result, thus do not carry out the judgement that has or not ink according to this value, and according to the correction of the exhausted amount of ink of this judgement etc.Perhaps, even under the situation of carrying out, only carry out limited utilization, or can after the user gives a warning, proofread and correct.Certainly, when testing conditions is inconsistent, also it can be considered as the fault of the detection of stored module in the print cartridge, thereby send to the user with the warning of changing print cartridge.
Flow process by Figure 14 illustrates whether control device 222 verifications have correctly carried out the processing that detects under by the testing conditions of own appointment.Control device 222 is waited for the response (step S410) from the testing result of print cartridge 111 to 116 sides to print cartridge 111 to 116 outputs have or not the testing conditions D1 of ink and detect indication D2 in detection of stored module 121 to 126 after (step S400).If response arranged, then read in testing result (count value CNT) and corresponding to the data DT (step S420) of testing conditions through radio communication from the detection of stored module 121 to 126 of print cartridge.
Then, carry out the processing (step S430) that the testing conditions D1 to the data DT that reads and indication contrasts, if both unanimities, then be considered as testing result effectively (step S440), thereby carry out testing result is reflected to processing (step S450) in the ink surplus computing of software counter.Specifically, will compare (step S451) as the count value CNT and the setting of the measurement result of using sensor assembly 137 to carry out, and, if count value CNT is little, then setting flag F n is 1, if count value CNT is big, then setting flag F n is 0 (step S452,454).Then, only under the situation of count value CNT less than setting, carry out the whether consistent judgement (step S455) of flag F n of the flag F n-1 that set last time and current setting, when inconsistent, because be mark from being worth 0 value of changing to 1 just, so being judged as is that ink surplus in the print cartridge 111 becomes for about 1/2 the moment, and is used in the computing of the ink surplus that control device 222 carries out.That is, utilize above-mentioned testing result, be set to 1/2 (step S458) by the ink surplus IRQ of software administration.
Thereby, even in the computing of the ink surplus of software, have error, also can utilize the ink surplus testing result of using sensor assembly 137, it is revised.Certainly, also can be with reference to the ink surplus testing result of using sensor, the penalty coefficient of the ink surplus arithmetic expression of software etc. is carried out inching.
On the other hand, when the testing conditions D1 of data DT that reads and indication not to seasonable (step S430), be judged as and testing result can not be considered as effectively (step S460), thereby, only manage ink surplus (step S470) afterwards by software counter.In addition, may in the detection of stored module 121 to 126 of print cartridge 111 to 116 some faults take place, therefore, also can send warnings such as [in the print cartridge fault might take place] to the user.Warning both can have been glimmered by the LED248 on the guidance panel 245 that makes setting in printer 200 and carried out, and also can load also demonstrations therein such as LCD.Perhaps, also can utilize sound synthetic etc., warn by sound from loudspeaker.In addition, if printer 200 is connected by bidirectional interface with computer to its output printed data, then also can be from printer 200 to computer output data, thus carry out above-mentioned demonstration in computer-side.After above processing finishes, enter [end], finish this handling procedure.
In the embodiment of above explanation, confirm to be loaded in the action of the detection of stored module 121 to 126 in the print cartridge 111 to 116, can make in the printer 200, different simultaneously here with the corresponding processing (being the calculation process of ink surplus) of the interior ink state of print cartridge.When detection of stored module 121 to 126 during at regular event, can utilize this testing result, become for 1/2 the moment in the ink surplus, the ink surplus operation values of correction software counter.On the other hand, when being judged as when under testing conditions, not detecting by control device 222 appointments, because the count value CNT as testing result is insincere, thus do not carry out the judgement that has or not ink according to this value, and according to correction of the exhausted amount of ink of this judgement etc.Perhaps, even under the situation of carrying out, only carry out limited utilization, or can after the user gives a warning, proofread and correct.Certainly, when testing conditions is inconsistent, also it can be considered as the fault of the detection of stored module in the print cartridge, thereby send to the user with the warning of changing print cartridge.
More than, the detection of stored module 121 to 126 that is arranged in the print cartridge 111 to 116 has been described and has received and dispatched letter first procedure communication processing partly to the 3rd process, and after the testing result validity in judging detection of stored module 121 to 126, the processing of being undertaken by control device 222.When communicating with each detection of stored module 121 to 126, carries out by control device 222 these processing.This communication process is carried out with one to 126 each of the detection of stored modules of right-hand member successively from the detection of stored module 121 of left end.At this moment, carrier 210 stops after whenever moving 1 print cartridge width successively.And when stopping, communicating processing with the detection of stored module of each print cartridge.Certainly, transmitting-receiving letter part 230 as present embodiment, its width be roughly can with two print cartridges over against big or small the time, if move the distance of two print cartridges at every turn, thereby move, stop 3 times altogether, and on each position, communicate processing with two detection of stored modules, and then can make the moving of carrier 210, location action seldom, therefore relatively good.At this moment, the processing because control device 222 is avoided a conflict is not so can obscure information exchange with a plurality of print cartridges.
Embodiment of the present utility model and embodiment more than have been described, but the utility model is not limited to these embodiments and embodiment, in the scope that does not break away from the utility model aim, can implements in every way.For example, the detection of stored module 121 of present embodiment is not only applicable in the print cartridge of ink-jet printer, but also goes in toner print cartridge etc.In addition, detection of stored module 121 also can be arranged on print cartridge the bottom surface or above.When located in the above, the free degree is set can becomes greatly of transmitting-receiving letter part 230, thus can simplify overall structure.Certainly, when being arranged on detection of stored module 121 above the print cartridge 111,, then can freely setting and detect the ink surplus have or not ink, use up edge, exhausted amount of ink as ink and be about 1/2 etc. if it is located at the next door of ink accommodating chamber.
In addition, in the above-described embodiments, be roughly at 1/2 o'clock in exhausted amount of ink and carry out the detection that ink has or not, but also can carry out, or can also carry out in the exhausted amount of ink moment (moment that the ink surplus is many) still less at the edge that ink is used up.In addition, in the present embodiment owing to use piezoelectric element 153, therefore, as with it the beginning pulse and finish pulse or be equivalent to relevant condition such as the umber of pulse etc. of detection time to set testing conditions from outside appointment, but, also can be used as time of detecting (constantly or at interval, connect the moment of power supply etc.), detect various conditions such as number of times and set testing conditions from outside appointment.And, as the response data of print cartridge side, can directly use partial condition to these conditions, also can use predetermined corresponding code etc.Certainly, do not export corresponding to the data of testing conditions also harmless.
In the above-described embodiments, realize the detection that ink has or not, but also can use CPU to realize same processing by software by hardware logic.At this moment, can replace the structure that sends the value of counting by counter 176 to control device 222 sides, adopt to have or not the judgement of ink, and only send the structure of the judged result that has or not ink to control device 222 sides in detection of stored module 121 sides.
Claims (17)
1. a print cartridge is loaded on the printing equipment, possesses to hold the recording materials that are used to print
Accommodating chamber is characterized in that, possesses:
Sensor detects the state of the described recording materials in the described accommodating chamber;
The condition receiving device for the testing conditions of this sensor, is accepted the appointment from the outside;
Checkout gear carries out described detection under described specified requirements; And
Output device is exported this testing result.
2. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described output device is the device of exporting with described testing result corresponding to the data of described appointment testing conditions.
3. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described recording materials are inks of specified color.
4. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described recording materials are the toners that are used on duplicator, facsimile machine or the laser printer.
5. as any one described print cartridge in the claim 1 to 4, wherein,
Described sensor is to detect the sensor that has or not described recording materials in the described accommodating chamber.
6. as any one described print cartridge in the claim 1 to 4, wherein,
Described sensor is measured in temperature, viscosity, humidity, granularity, tone, surplus and the pressure of described recording materials at least.
7. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described output device is a device of exporting described testing result by radio communication.
8. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
The described sensor piezoelectric element that to be resonant condition change with the state of described recording materials,
Described checkout gear is after this piezoelectric element applies driving pulse, detects the device that described piezoelectric element responds the vibration of this driving pulse.
9. print cartridge as claimed in claim 8, wherein,
Described checkout gear is the device that the resonant frequency of described piezoelectric element is detected as the required time of the vibration more than 1 of this piezoelectric element.
10. print cartridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein,
Described condition receiving device is a device of accepting the appointment of vibration number that the vibration required time of described piezoelectric element is measured,
Described checkout gear is in the required time that detects this appointment vibration number, will measure the device that the relevant data of used vibration are exported with this Measuring Time with this.
11. print cartridge as claimed in claim 10, wherein,
The vibration position that the vibration number that described condition receiving device is accepted is measured by vibration position that begins to measure and end is specified,
Described checkout gear is determined data about described vibration according to the vibration starting position of described appointment and end position.
12. as any one described print cartridge in the claim 1 to 11, wherein,
Possess memory, storage is corresponding to the parameter of the state of the described recording materials that hold in described accommodating chamber.
13. as any one described print cartridge in the claim 1 to 12, wherein,
Possess by radio communication and the outside radio communication device that carries out exchanges data, simultaneously,
By this radio communication device, receive the appointment of described testing conditions from the outside.
14. print cartridge as claimed in claim 13, wherein,
Described radio communication device possesses the loop aerial that is used for described communication, also possesses the supply unit that electromotive force that utilization responds in this antenna is powered in print cartridge.
15. a printing equipment loads to possess and holds the print cartridge of printshop with the accommodating chamber of recording materials, it is characterized in that,
Described print cartridge possesses:
Sensor detects the state of the described recording materials in the described accommodating chamber;
The condition receiving device for the testing conditions of this sensor, is accepted the appointment from the outside;
Checkout gear carries out described detection under described specified requirements; And
Output device is exported this testing result,
And this printing equipment also possesses:
The condition specified device is specified described testing conditions;
Input unit, input is from the testing result of the output device output of described print cartridge; And
Judgment means is judged this testing result.
16. printing equipment as claimed in claim 15, wherein,
The described output device of described print cartridge is the device of exporting with described testing result corresponding to the data of described appointment testing conditions,
The described input unit of this printing equipment is the device that described data are imported with the testing result of exporting from the output device of described print cartridge,
The described judgment means of this printing equipment is that the described data of this input and testing conditions by the appointment of described condition specified device are contrasted, and under the situation of both correspondences, if this testing result is effective, and then carry out the device of the predetermined processing relevant with the state of described recording materials.
17. printing equipment as claimed in claim 16, wherein,
Described judgment means is that the described data of this input and testing conditions by the appointment of described condition specified device are contrasted, and under both not corresponding situations, reports not corresponding device.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP209496/2002 | 2002-07-18 | ||
| JP209468/2002 | 2002-07-18 | ||
| JP2002209468A JP4259058B2 (en) | 2002-07-18 | 2002-07-18 | Cartridge and printing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN2749675Y true CN2749675Y (en) | 2006-01-04 |
Family
ID=31933305
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 03206355 Expired - Fee Related CN2749675Y (en) | 2002-07-18 | 2003-07-18 | Print cartridge and printing apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4259058B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN2749675Y (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4710582B2 (en) * | 2005-12-12 | 2011-06-29 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | ink cartridge |
| DE102006014870A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-10-19 | Seiko Epson Corp. | Liquid detection device, liquid container and method for producing a liquid detection device |
| JP4710583B2 (en) * | 2005-12-12 | 2011-06-29 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | ink cartridge |
| DE102006003054B4 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2014-10-02 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh | Method, liquid supply unit and measuring device for a level indicator |
| JP5381757B2 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2014-01-08 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | ink cartridge |
| WO2012153432A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-11-15 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Ink cartridge and recording device |
| JP5745701B2 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2015-07-08 | ヒューレット−パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル．ピー．Ｈｅｗｌｅｔｔ‐Ｐａｃｋａｒｄ Ｄｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ， Ｌ．Ｐ． | Authentication system and method |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH11286121A (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 1999-10-19 | Canon Inc | Ink tank, ink jet print head using the same, print head cartridge, and ink jet printer |
| JP4297579B2 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2009-07-15 | 日立マクセル株式会社 | Management system |
| JP3476397B2 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2003-12-10 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Inappropriate cartridge detection method, apparatus and system, storage medium and cartridge |
| JP3610296B2 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2005-01-12 | キヤノン株式会社 | Liquid storage container |
| JP2002154223A (en) * | 2000-11-17 | 2002-05-28 | Seiko Epson Corp | Liquid consumption state detector |
-
2002
- 2002-07-18 JP JP2002209468A patent/JP4259058B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2003-07-18 CN CN 03206355 patent/CN2749675Y/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| JP4259058B2 (en) | 2009-04-30 |
| JP2004050541A (en) | 2004-02-19 |
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Granted publication date: 20060104 Termination date: 20120718 |