EP3208094B1 - Système de détermination et cartouche de fluide d'impression - Google Patents

Système de détermination et cartouche de fluide d'impression Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3208094B1
EP3208094B1 EP16190341.4A EP16190341A EP3208094B1 EP 3208094 B1 EP3208094 B1 EP 3208094B1 EP 16190341 A EP16190341 A EP 16190341A EP 3208094 B1 EP3208094 B1 EP 3208094B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
controller
ink
printing fluid
fluid cartridge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16190341.4A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3208094A1 (fr
Inventor
Naoya Okazaki
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Publication of EP3208094A1 publication Critical patent/EP3208094A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3208094B1 publication Critical patent/EP3208094B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
    • B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/07—Ink jet characterised by jet control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a determining system including a cartridge-mounting portion in which a printing fluid cartridge is mountable.
  • An image-recording apparatus known in the art records images on recording paper with ink.
  • This image-recording apparatus is provided with an inkjet-type recording head.
  • the image-recording apparatus selectively ejects ink droplets from nozzles in the recording head toward the recording paper.
  • a desired image is formed on the recording paper by the ink droplets landing onto the paper.
  • An ink cartridge storing ink to be supplied to the recording head is provided in this image-recording apparatus.
  • the ink cartridge is detachably mounted in a mounting section provided in the image-recording apparatus.
  • An integrated circuit chip (IC chip) is provided on the casing of the ink cartridge.
  • the integrated circuit stores information related to the ink cartridge, such as the color and material composition of the ink stored in the ink cartridge, the residual quantity of ink, and the maintenance state of the ink cartridge.
  • Some such ink cartridges also have a replaceable ink tank mounted on the casing of the ink cartridge ( JP 2007-55138 A ).
  • the ink tank is removed from the casing of the ink cartridge and replaced with a new ink tank once ink in the ink tank has been consumed.
  • the information stored in the IC chip provided on the casing of the ink cartridge may not match the color of ink stored in the new ink tank and the like. Further, the information stored on the IC chip may not indicate the correct type of the actual ink cartridge.
  • This image-recording apparatus may result in an ink cartridge being mistakenly mounted in a position designated for supplying ink of a different color or an inappropriate ink cartridge being mounted in the image-recording apparatus.
  • EP 2 644 386 A2 discloses a determining system according to the preamble of claim 1. Other determining systems are known from US 2010/245457 A1 ; US 2011/131441 A1 ; EP 2 783 864 A2 ; US 2010/245502v A1 and US 2013/050358 A1 .
  • a determining system including: a cartridge-mounting portion, a photosensor, and a controller.
  • a printing fluid cartridge is mountable in the cartridge-mounting portion.
  • the printing fluid cartridge includes a storage and an identification portion.
  • the storage stores type information indicating a type of the printing fluid cartridge.
  • the identification portion has a unique light transmission status differing depending on the type of the printing fluid cartridge.
  • the photosensor disposed at the cartridge-mounting portion. The photosensor is configured to detect the unique light transmission status of the identification portion and output a signal differing depending on the detected unique light transmission status.
  • the controller is configured to perform: (a) reading the type information from the storage of the printing fluid cartridge that is in a mounted state where the printing fluid cartridge is mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion; and (b) determining the type of the printing fluid cartridge on the basis of both the read type information and the signal outputted from the photosensor.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (c) determining whether or not the type of the printing fluid cartridge determined on the basis of the read type information matches the type of the printing fluid cartridge determined on the basis of the signal outputted from the photosensor, and (d) in response to determination made in (c) that the types do not match, determining that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
  • an opening is formed in the cartridge-mounting portion.
  • the printing fluid cartridge is inserted into and removed from the cartridge-mounting portion through the opening.
  • the determining system is further includes a cover and a cover sensor.
  • the cover is movable between a closed position and an open position. The cover in the closed position closes the opening. The cover in the open position opens the opening to allow the printing fluid cartridge to pass through the opening.
  • the cover sensor is configured to output a signal differing depending on whether or not the cover is in the closed position.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (e) determining, on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor, whether or not the cover is in the closed position; and (f) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover is in the closed position, the reading defined in (a) and the determining defined in (b).
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (g) when the cover is determined not to be in the closed position in the determining defined in (e), repeating the determining defined in (e) and counting the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor until the cover is determined to be in the closed position; and (h) determining, on the basis of the counted number, whether or not the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (i) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover is in the closed position, the reading defined in; and (j) when the type information is incapable of being read from the storage, determining that the printing fluid cartridge is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion.
  • the photosensor includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion.
  • the identification portion of the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is interposed between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.
  • the unique light transmission status of the identification portion differs depending on whether or not the identification portion is formed with a through-hole.
  • the printing fluid cartridge has an upper surface.
  • the upper surface of the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state facing upward.
  • the storage and the identification portion are positioned at the upper surface.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (k) issuing an alert based on determination made in (d) that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (I) issuing an alert based on determination made in (h) that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (m) issuing an alert based on determination made in (j) that the printing fluid cartridge is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion.
  • the controller is further configured to perform: (n) setting a printable page number based on the type of the printing fluid cartridge.
  • a printer 10 records images on recording paper based on an inkjet-type recording method of selectively ejecting ink droplets.
  • the printer 10 includes an ink-supplying apparatus 100 and an ink jet head 27.
  • the ink-supplying apparatus 100 has ink cartridges 30, and a cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • An opening 112 is formed in one side of the cartridge-mounting unit 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 via the opening 112.
  • the ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of the printing fluid) that the printer 10 can use for printing.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is connected to a recording head 21 by a corresponding ink tube 20.
  • the recording head 21 is provided with a sub-tank 28.
  • the sub-tank 28 temporarily stores ink supplied through the ink tube 20.
  • the recording head 21 selectively ejects ink supplied from the sub-tank 28 through nozzles 29 according to an inkjet-recording method.
  • a feeding roller 23 feeds a recording sheet from a paper tray 15 onto a conveying path 24.
  • a pair of conveying rollers 25 conveys the fed recording sheet onto a platen 26.
  • the recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the recording s as the recording sheet passes over the platen 26, whereby images are recorded on the recording paper.
  • a pair of discharge rollers 22 discharge the recording sheet into a discharge tray 16 provided on the downstream end of the conveying path 24.
  • the ink-supplying apparatus 100 is provided in the printer 10.
  • the ink-supplying apparatus 100 functions to supply ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10.
  • the ink-supplying apparatus 100 is provided with the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted.
  • Fig. 1 depicts the state of the ink cartridge 30 when mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • the determination system is implemented by the ink-supplying apparatus 100 and a controller 130 described later.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is a container that stores ink. Space formed inside the ink cartridge 30 constitutes an ink chamber 36.
  • the ink chamber 36 stores ink.
  • a sensor arm 60 is disposed in the ink chamber 36.
  • the ink cartridge 30 has a body 31 forming the exterior of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the casing of the body 31 forms the ink chamber 36.
  • an internal frame or the like that is separate from the casing of the body 31 may form the ink chamber 36 instead.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is an example of the printing fluid cartridge.
  • the ink chamber 36 is an example of the printing fluid chamber.
  • the ink cartridge 30 While the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright state shown in Figs. 2 and 4 , i.e., while the surface of the ink cartridge 30 facing downward in the same drawings is the bottom surface and the surface facing upward in the same drawings is the top surface, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in an inserting direction 57 and extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in a removal direction 58. Each of the inserting direction 57 and the removal direction 58 is parallel to horizontal direction. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 while maintained in the upright state.
  • the inserting direction 57 is the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110
  • the removal direction 58 is the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • a downward direction 52 relative to the ink cartridge 30 in the upright state is equivalent to the direction of gravitational force.
  • the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 are parallel to horizontal direction in the present embodiment, the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 may be aligned with the direction of gravitational force or may be aligned with a direction intersecting the horizontal and the direction of gravitational force. If the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 are parallel to the direction of gravitational force, for example, the surface of the ink cartridge 30 facing in the inserting direction 57 faces downward.
  • the body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 has a three-dimensional shape configured of generally flat surfaces, such as a general rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the body 31 has an overall flattened shape that is narrow in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 so that the dimensions of the body 31 in the upward direction 51 and downward direction 52 and in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 are greater than the dimension of the body 31 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the inserting direction 57 when the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 constitutes a front surface 40
  • an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the removal direction 58 constitutes a rear surface 41.
  • the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 in the present embodiment correspond to the directions in which the front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are opposed to each other so as to interpose the ink chamber 36 therebetween. Further, the front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are opposed to each other in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • the front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are each connected to a pair of left and right side surfaces 37 and 38 that extend in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • a top surface 39 is connected to the side surfaces 37 and 38, the front surface 40, and the rear surface 41.
  • the top surface 39 extends from the top edge of the front surface 40 to the top edge of the rear surface 41 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • a bottom surface 42 extends from the bottom edge of the front surface 40 to the bottom edge of the rear surface 41 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • the outer surfaces of the body 31 need not be configured of flat surfaces, but may have curved surfaces or the like.
  • the front surface 40 is an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the inserting direction 57 and is a surface of the body 31 disposed forward of the center of the body 31 in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54.
  • a residual quantity detection portion 33 is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31 in the approximate center region thereof relative to the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54.
  • the residual quantity detection portion 33 has a box shape. The bottom of the box shape is open so as to communicate with the ink chamber 36.
  • the residual quantity detection portion 33 extends above the top surface 39 on which an integrated circuit board 85 described later is provided.
  • the residual quantity detection portion 33 has a hollow interior.
  • a portion of the sensor arm 60 is disposed in the hollow space of the residual quantity detection portion 33 and is capable of moving in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54.
  • the sensor arm 60 is rotatably supported in the ink chamber 36 on a rotational shaft 62 extending in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • the sensor arm 60 has a float 61.
  • the float 61 has a lower specific gravity than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.
  • the sensor arm 60 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 4 due to the force of gravity. Hence, the portion of the sensor arm 60 separates from the front-side surface of the inner wall surface that defines the interior of the residual quantity detection portion 33 and then moves in the rearward direction 54.
  • a photosensor 114 emits infrared light that passes through the residual quantity detection portion 33 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • the portion of the sensor arm 60 is positioned in the optical path of the infrared light (that is, the portion of the sensor arm 60 is positioned at the lower portion of the residual quantity detection portion 33), blocking or attenuating the infrared light.
  • the portion of the sensor arm 60 moves in the rearward direction 54 and separates from the front-side surface of the inner wall surface, the portion of the sensor arm 60 moves outside the optical path of the infrared light emitted from the photosensor 114.
  • the photosensor 114 detects a change in the light transmission state of the residual quantity detection portion 33, and the controller 130 determines that the quantity of residual ink in the ink chamber 36 has dropped below the prescribed quantity.
  • An ink-supplying unit 34 (an example of the printing fluid supplying unit) is provided at the lower portion of the front surface 40 constituting the body 31.
  • the ink-supplying unit 34 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes in the inserting direction 57 from the front surface 40.
  • An ink supply opening 71 is formed in the protruding end of the ink-supplying unit 34.
  • An ink channel 72 is formed in the interior space of the ink-supplying unit 34.
  • the ink channel 72 extends in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 and connects the ink supply opening 71 to the ink chamber 36.
  • One end of the ink channel 72 is open to the outside of the body 31 at the ink supply opening 71.
  • the ink channel 72 extends in the removal direction 58 from the ink supply opening 71 to the interior of the body 31.
  • An ink supply valve 70 can open and close the ink supply opening 71.
  • a coil spring 73 urges the ink supply valve 70 toward the ink supply opening 71.
  • the structure for opening and closing the ink supply opening 71 is not limited to the ink supply valve 70.
  • a film or the like may be used to close the ink supply opening 71.
  • the ink needle 117 breaks through the film when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, opening the ink supply opening 71.
  • the body 31 may be provided with an air communication port for equalizing the pressure in the ink chamber 36 with atmospheric pressure after the ink chamber 36 has been maintained at negative pressure.
  • the integrated circuit board 85 (hereinafter referred to as "IC board 85) is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31 and positioned in the forward direction 53 relative to the residual quantity detection portion 33.
  • the IC board 85 is an example of the storage.
  • Four electrodes 86 are formed on the top surface of the IC board 85. Each of the electrodes 86 extends in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 on the top surface of the IC board 85. The electrodes 86 are spaced away from each other in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • the electrodes 86 include a hot electrode, a ground electrode, a signal electrode, and the like, for example.
  • the integrated circuit is a semiconductor integrated circuit that stores type information specifying the type of the ink cartridge 30, and data (identification information) specifying such information as a lot number and manufactured data, for example, in a readable format.
  • the controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 and the like on the basis of data read from the IC board 85.
  • an identification rib 80 (an example of the identification portion) is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31.
  • the identification rib 80 is positioned in the rearward direction 54 relative to the IC board 85, i.e., closer to the rear surface 41 than the IC board 85 to the rear surface 41.
  • the identification rib 80 is an example of a configuration whose light transmission status with respect to light emitted from a photosensor 115 described later differs depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the identification rib 80 is positioned rearward of the ink-supplying unit 34 and forward of the residual quantity detection portion 33.
  • the identification portion has a light-shielding part 82, and a through-hole 81.
  • the identification rib 80 protrudes in the upward direction 51 from the top surface 39.
  • the identification rib 80 has a thin plate shape extending in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 and having a thin dimension in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • the through-hole 81 is formed near the center of the identification rib 80 with respect to the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 and penetrates the identification rib 80 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
  • the identification rib 80 advances between a light-emitting portion and light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115, blocking or attenuating infrared light emitted by the light-emitting portion of the photosensor 115.
  • the through-hole 81 of the identification rib 80 is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115.
  • the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the photosensor 115 passes through the through-hole 81 and reaches the light-receiving portion without being blocked or attenuated by the identification rib 80.
  • the through-hole 81 is either formed in the identification rib 80 or not formed in the identification rib 80 depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the photosensor 115 detects whether the through-hole 81 is present, and the controller 130 determines the type of ink cartridge 30.
  • a case 101 constitutes the housing of the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • the opening 112 is formed in the case 101 on the front side of the printer 10.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 and removed from the case 101 through the opening 112.
  • the case 101 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates only space in the case 101 for accommodating a single ink cartridge 30.
  • the opening 112 in the case 101 can be opened and closed by a cover 111.
  • the cover 111 is mounted on a rotational shaft 113 that extends in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 near the bottom edge of the opening 112.
  • the cover 111 can be rotated from a closed position for covering the opening 112 (see Fig. 4 ) to an open position shown in Fig. 3 .
  • the cover 111 is in the open position, the user can insert an ink cartridge 30 into the case 101 through the opening 112 formed in the case 101.
  • the cover 111 is in the closed position, the user cannot insert an ink cartridge 30 into the case 101, nor can the user access an ink cartridge 30 already inserted in the case 101.
  • a cover sensor 118 is disposed on the case 101 near the top edge of the opening 112.
  • the cover sensor 118 can detect whether the cover 111 is in abutment with the cover sensor 118.
  • the cover sensor 118 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130.
  • the cover 111 is not in the closed position, the cover 111 is separated from the cover sensor 118, and the cover sensor 118 does not output a detection signal.
  • the case 101 has the opening 112, and an end surface 102 opposed the opening 112 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • Connecting parts 103 is provided at the lower portion of the end surface 102.
  • each of the connecting parts 103 is disposed at a position corresponding to the ink-supplying unit 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the case 101.
  • the connecting part 103 includes the ink needle 117, and a retaining part 116.
  • the ink needle 117 is a tube-shaped needle formed of a resin.
  • the ink needle 117 is connected to the corresponding ink tube 20 on an outer surface of the case 101 constituting the opposite side surface from the end surface 102.
  • Each ink tube 20 connected to a corresponding ink needle 117 on the outer surface constituting the opposite side surface from the end surface 102 of the case 101 is drawn upward along the outer surface of the case 101 and then extended toward the recording head 21 of the printer 10 to allow ink to flow into the recording head 21.
  • the ink tubes 20 are not shown in Figs. 3 and 4 .
  • the retaining part 116 is a recessed part having a cylindrical shape.
  • the retaining part 116 is recessed in the inserting direction 57 from the end surface 102.
  • the ink needle 117 is disposed in the center of the retaining part 116.
  • the photosensors 114 and 115 are provided on an inner top surface 104 of the case 101 above each of the connecting parts 103.
  • Each of the photosensors 114 and 115 includes a light-emitting element (light-emitting portion) disposed on one side end of a horseshoe-shaped housing, and a light-receiving element (light-receiving portion) provided on the other side end of the housing.
  • the light-emitting element is an LED, for example, and emits light in a horizontal direction (the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56) orthogonal to the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58.
  • the light-receiving element is a phototransistor, for example, that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element.
  • the residual quantity detection portion 33 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the space between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor 114.
  • the photosensor 114 can detect a change in the amount of light transmitted through the residual quantity detection portion 33.
  • the photosensor 114 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130.
  • the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the space between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor 115.
  • the photosensor 115 can detect a change in the amount of light transmitted through the identification rib 80.
  • the photosensor 115 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130.
  • four contacts 124 are provided on the inner top surface 104 for each of ink cartridges 30.
  • the four contacts 124 are juxtaposed in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 and disposed at positions corresponding to the four electrodes 86 provided on the top surface of the IC board 85.
  • the IC board 85 is electrically connected to the controller 130 via the contacts 124. By conducting electricity between the contacts 124 and corresponding electrodes 86, power can be supplied to the integrated circuit of the IC board 85 and data stored in the integrated circuit can be accessed. Output from the IC board 85 is inputted into the controller 130.
  • the printer 10 has the controller 130 shown in Fig. 5 .
  • the controller 130 is configured of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, for example.
  • the controller 130 may be disposed inside the apparatus housing as a control board for controlling the printer 10 or may be provided in the case 101 or the like as a separate control board independent from the controller for the printer 10.
  • the controller 130 is connected to and can exchange electric signals with the IC board 85, photosensor 114, photosensor 115, and cover sensor 118.
  • the controller 130 is also connected to and capable of exchanging electric signals with other components, such as a motor and a touchscreen, but these components have been omitted from the drawing.
  • the controller 130 executes various processes based on a program stored in ROM.
  • the CPU performs computations and issues commands to the components in order to execute the processes based on the program stored in ROM.
  • the RAM functions as memory for temporarily storing various information.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the process for mounting an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and the detection signal outputted from the photosensor 115 during this process when a through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates the process for mounting an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and the detection signal outputted from the photosensor 115 during this process when a through-hole 81 is not formed in the identification rib 80.
  • the presence of the through-hole 81 is established based on the type of the ink cartridge 30. Note that the cover 111 has been omitted from Figs. 6 and 7 .
  • the ink cartridge 30 When the cover 111 is in the open position, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 through the opening 112 in the inserting direction 57, as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 7A . Since the identification rib 80 has not advanced yet into the optical path of the photosensor 115 at this time, the photosensor 115 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Figs. 6D and 7D .
  • the front portion of the identification rib 80 i.e., the light-shielding part 82 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 115, as illustrated in Figs. 6B and 7B . Consequently, the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115 weakens to a level less than a threshold value, and the photosensor 115 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130, as illustrated in Figs. 6D and 7D .
  • the ink cartridge 30 is inserted all the way to the end surface 102 of the case 101, i.e., to the mounted position, as illustrated in Figs. 6C and 7C .
  • the through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80 as in the example of Fig. 6C
  • the through-hole 81 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 115. Since infrared light emitted from the photosensor 115 is not blocked or attenuated by the through-hole 81, the photosensor 115 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Fig. 6D .
  • the through-hole 81 is not formed in the identification rib 80, as in the example of Fig. 7C , the light-shielding part 82 of the identification rib 80 is positioned in the optical path of the photosensor 115. Consequently, the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115 is weakened below the threshold value, and the photosensor 115 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Fig. 7D .
  • the ink-supplying unit 34 is fitted into the retaining part 116 and the ink needle 117 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71 of the ink-supplying unit 34, as illustrated in Figs. 6C and 7C .
  • the ink supply valve 70 pushes the ink needle 117 so that the ink needle 117 separates from the ink supply opening 71 against the urging force of the coil spring 73.
  • the IC board 85 pushes the contacts 124 upward while moving in the inserting direction 57. When pushed upward, the contacts 124 contact the corresponding electrodes 86 so that the integrated circuit on the IC board 85 is electrically connected to the controller 130 of the printer 10. In addition, the residual quantity detection portion 33 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 114.
  • the user pivotally moves the cover 111 from the open position to the closed position.
  • the cover 111 contacts the cover sensor 118, causing the cover sensor 118 to output a detection signal to the controller 130.
  • the type determining process the type of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 is determined. In addition, in the type determining process, whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and whether the mounted ink cartridge 30 is appropriate or inappropriate (i.e. appropriate cartridge or inappropriate cartridge) for use in the printer 10 are determined.
  • an ink cartridge 30 is determined to be “appropriate” if the ink cartridge 30 satisfies the following both conditions 1) and 2):
  • an ink cartridge 30 is determined to be "inappropriate” if: the ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 1); or the ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 2); or the ink cartridge 30 satisfies neither one of the above conditions 1) and 2).
  • an ink cartridge 30 that does not possess an identification rib 80 is "inappropriate" as this ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 1).
  • the identification rib 80 may be lost if the ink cartridge 30 is dropped onto the floor and is damaged, for example.
  • Such dropped ink cartridge 30 may have other damaged portions, other than the identification rib 80.
  • use of such ink cartridge 30 in the printer 10 should be avoided to prevent operational failures in the printer 10.
  • inappropriate ink cartridge 30 As another example of "inappropriate" ink cartridge 30, assume an ink cartridge 30 that has an identification rib 80 but the type of the ink cartridge 30 specified by the identification rib 80 does not match the type specified by the type information stored in the IC board 85. That is, this ink cartridge 30 is "inappropriate” since it does satisfy the condition 1) but does not satisfy the condition 2). Such mismatch on the type may be caused, for example, by some kind of error during a manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 30. Use of such "inappropriate" ink cartridge 30 in the printer 10 should also be avoided to prevent possible troubles therein.
  • the type determining process begins when the cover 111 is pivotally moved from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the type determining process begins when the cover 111 is opened.
  • the controller 130 determines the currently set mode.
  • the controller 130 performs the process in step S12 when the currently set mode is 1 or 3 and performs the process in step S27 shown in Fig. 9 when the mode is 2 or 4.
  • the controller 130 can store, in the ROM thereof, one of four modes (modes 1 through 4). The mode is initially set to mode 1 (step S11).
  • Mode 1 indicates that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • Mode 2 indicates that an appropriate ink cartridge 30 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently. More specifically, mode 2 indicates that an appropriate ink cartridge 30 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 prior to the user opening the cover 111, i.e., prior to the start of the current type determining process.
  • Mode 3 indicates that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 not possessing an identification rib 80 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently.
  • Mode 4 indicates that an ink cartridge 30 possessing an identification rib 80 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently, but that the type of ink cartridge 30 specified by the identification rib 80 does not match the type of ink cartridge 30 stored on the IC board 85.
  • the user pivotally moves the cover 111 covering the opening 112 in the case 101 of the cartridge-mounting unit 110 from the closed position to the open position.
  • the output signal from the cover sensor 118 changes as the cover 111 is moved from the closed position.
  • the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is no longer in the closed position upon receiving this change in the output signal from the cover sensor 118.
  • the controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 while the cover 111 is not in the closed position, and then stores this counted number of changes in the RAM (step S12).
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal.
  • the controller 130 counts one change.
  • the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 has a through-hole 81 formed therein, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal and changes at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts two changes.
  • step S13: Yes the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the open position while the output signal from the cover sensor 118 has not changed. In this way, the controller 130 repeatedly performs the determining process in step S13 while performing the counting process in step 12, until the cover 111 is determined to be in the closed position in step S13.
  • the controller 130 After determining that the cover 111 is in the closed position, the controller 130 attempts to read data from the IC board 85. When the controller 130 cannot read data from the IC board 85 (step S14: No), the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S15). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on a display and the like provided in the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an ink cartridge 30 (step S15). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 1" in the ROM and resets the counted number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S16).
  • step S14 When the controller 130 can read data from the IC board 85 (step S14: Yes), the controller 130 reads the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 from the RAM. When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 0 (step S17: 0), the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 possessing no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 possessing no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S18). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S18). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 3" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S19).
  • step S17 When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 1 or greater (step S17: 1 or more), the controller 130 determines whether the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 possesses a through-hole 81 on the basis of the current output signal from the photosensor 115.
  • the controller 130 determines that a type 1 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S21) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
  • step S20 When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a low level signal (step S20: No), the controller 130 determines that a type 2 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S22) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
  • the controller 130 then reads information indicating the type of the ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines whether this type matches the type of ink cartridge 30 stored in the RAM. When the types match (step S23: Yes), the controller 130 stores "mode 2" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S24).
  • step S23 the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S25). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S25). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 4" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S26).
  • one of the modes 1-4 is stored in the ROM of the controller 130.
  • the controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 as in the process described above (steps S11-S26). In other words, in this case either an ink cartridge 30 has not been mounted or the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 does not possess an identification rib 80 and is therefore inappropriate.
  • the user could conceivably remove the existing ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 after pivotally moving the cover 111 from the closed position to the open position, and insert a new ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 prior to pivotally moving the cover 111 back to the closed position.
  • the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 according to the same process described earlier (step S11-S26).
  • the controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 when the mode is set to mode 2 or mode 4. In other words, in this case either the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 is appropriate or the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate because the type indicated by the identification rib 80 differs from the type read from the IC board 85.
  • modes 2 and 4 the output signal from the photosensor 115 changes even when the user removes the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110. After the user pivotally moves the cover 111 to the open position, the controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 until the cover 111 is pivotally moved to the closed position (step S27).
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal.
  • the controller 130 counts one change.
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal and at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts two changes.
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 also changes as described earlier when the new ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • the controller 130 counts the number of times the output signal from the photosensor 115 changes after the cover 111 is pivotally moved to the open position and until the cover 111 is returned to the closed position (step S27).
  • the user pivotally moves the cover 111 from the open position to the closed position.
  • the output signal from the cover sensor 118 changes when the cover 111 reaches the closed position.
  • the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position (step S28: Yes).
  • the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the open position (step S28: No).
  • the controller 130 After determining that the cover 111 is in the closed position, the controller 130 attempts to read data from the IC board 85. When data cannot be read from the IC board 85 (step S29: No), the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S30). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an ink cartridge 30 (step S30). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 1" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S31).
  • step S29: Yes When data can be read from the IC board 85 (step S29: Yes), the controller 130 reads the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 from the RAM. When the number of changes in the output signal from the photosensor 115 is 0 (step S32: 0), the controller 130 determines that the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 has not been removed from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S33).
  • step S32: 1 the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 having no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 having no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S34). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S34). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 3" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S35).
  • step S32: 2 or more the controller 130 determines whether a through-hole 81 is present in the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of the current output signal from the photosensor 115.
  • the controller 130 determines that a type 1 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S37) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
  • step S36 When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a low level signal (step S36: No), the controller 130 determines that a type 2 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S38) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
  • the controller 130 reads information indicating the type of the ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines whether this type matches the type of the ink cartridge 30 stored the RAM. When the types match (step S39: Yes), the controller 130 stores "mode 2" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S40).
  • step S39: No the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S41). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S41). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 4" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S42).
  • the controller 130 determines information related to the type of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the controller 130 may perform a process based on the information related to the type of ink cartridge 30 read from the IC board 85. For example, when information indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 is related to the ink capacity of the ink cartridge 30, the controller 130 sets a printable page number on the basis of the ink capacity. That is, the controller 130 may set a printable page number based on the type of ink cartridge 30.
  • the controller 130 reads data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 (type information) from the IC board 85 and determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of both this data and the type of identification rib 80 indicated by the signal outputted from the photosensor 115. Accordingly, the controller 130 can reliably determine the type of ink cartridge 30.
  • the controller 130 determines that the ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate when the type of ink cartridge 30 which is determined on the basis on the data read from the IC board 85 does not match the type of ink cartridge 30 which is determined on the basis of the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 in the mounted state of the ink cartridge 30. Accordingly, even when an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, use of the mounted inappropriate ink cartridge 30 can be reliably prevented.
  • the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 reads data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of both this data and the type of the identification rib 80 indicated by the signal outputted from the photosensor 115. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 at a time that the user is not operating the ink cartridge 30, thereby achieving reliable determinations with few errors.
  • the controller 130 determines whether the cover 111 is no longer in the closed position on basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118.
  • the controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 up until the cover 111 is determined to be in the closed position. Subsequently, the controller 130 determines whether the ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate on the basis of the counted number. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 independent of a user operation with the ink cartridge 30, i.e., an operation for inserting the ink cartridge 30 into and removing the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
  • the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 when the controller 130 is unable to read data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine that the user operated the cover 111 but did not operate the ink cartridge 30.
  • the controller 130 stores one of the modes 1-4, but the controller 130 need not set a mode in this way.
  • a dummy ink cartridge or another initial component for interrupting light emitted from the photosensor 115 may be mounted in the printer 10.
  • the user removes the dummy cartridge or initial component in order to use the printer 10 for the first time.
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time.
  • the embodiment described above offers an example in which the IC board 85 and identification rib 80 are provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.
  • the IC board 85 may be provided on the front surface 40 of the body 31.
  • the identification rib 80 may be provided on the side surfaces 37 and 38 or the bottom surface 42 of the body 31.
  • the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 when the ink cartridge 30 is in a mounted state in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 differs depending on whether a through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80.
  • a window or the like for transmitting or attenuating infrared light may be provided in the identification rib 80 in place of the through-hole 81.
  • the through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80.
  • two types of ink cartridges 30, in which a dimension of a light-shielding part 82 of one type ink cartridge 30 in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 differs from that of a light-shielding part 82 of another type ink cartridge 30, may be provided. That is, the identification part of the present invention may be implemented by the identification rib 80 and space formed rearward of the identification rib 80 (between the residual quantity detection portion 33 and identification rib 80 in the present embodiment).
  • the controller 130 is provided in the printer 10, but the controller 130 may be provided in an external information apparatus that is connected to and capable of performing data communications with the printer 10.
  • ink is described as an example of the printing fluid, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Dispositif de détermination comprenant :
    une partie de montage de cartouche (110) dans laquelle une cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) peut être montée, la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) comportant une mémoire (85) et une partie d'identification (80), la mémoire (85) mémorisant des informations de type indiquant un type de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30), la partie d'identification (80) présentant un état de transmission de lumière unique qui diffère en fonction du type de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) ;
    un photodétecteur (115) disposé sur la partie de montage de cartouche (110), le photodétecteur (115) étant configuré de manière à détecter l'état de transmission de lumière unique de la partie d'identification (80) et à produire un signal qui diffère en fonction de l'état de transmission de lumière unique détecté ; et
    une unité de commande (130) configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (a) la lecture des informations de type à partir de la mémoire (85) de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) qui est dans un état monté dans lequel la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) est montée dans la partie de montage de cartouche (110), caractérisé en ce que
    l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (b) la détermination du type de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) sur la base à la fois des informations de type lues et du signal délivré à partir du photodétecteur (115)
    (c) la détermination du fait que le type de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) déterminé sur la base des informations de type lues correspond au type de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) déterminé sur la base du signal délivré à partir du photodétecteur (115) ; et
    (d) en réponse à la détermination réalisée en (c) du fait que les types ne correspondent pas, la détermination du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté est inappropriée.
  2. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 1, dans lequel une ouverture (112) est formée dans la partie de montage de cartouche (110), la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) étant insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouche (110) et retirée de celle-ci à travers l'ouverture (112),
    dans lequel le dispositif de détermination comprend, en outre :
    un couvercle (111) pouvant être déplacé entre une position fermée et une position ouverte, le couvercle (111), dans la position fermée, obturant l'ouverture (112), le couvercle (111), dans la position ouverte, libérant l'ouverture (112) afin de permettre le passage de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) à travers l'ouverture (112); et
    un capteur de couvercle (118) configuré de manière à délivrer un signal qui diffère en fonction du fait que le couvercle (111) est ou non dans la position fermée, et
    dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (e) la détermination, sur la base du signal délivré à partir du capteur de couvercle (118), du fait que le couvercle (111) est ou non dans la position fermée ; et
    (f) en réponse à la détermination réalisée en (e) du fait que le couvercle (111) est dans la position fermée, la lecture définie en (a) et la détermination définie en (b).
  3. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (g) lorsqu'il est déterminé que le couvercle (111) n'est pas dans la position fermée lors de la détermination définie en (e), la répétition de la détermination définie en (e) et le comptage du nombre de changements sur le signal délivré à partir du photodétecteur jusqu'à détermination du fait que le couvercle (111) est dans la position fermée ; et
    (h) la détermination, sur la base du nombre compté, du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté est ou non inappropriée.
  4. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (i) en réponse à la détermination réalisée en (e) du fait que le couvercle (111) est dans la position fermée, la lecture définie en (a) ; et
    (j) lorsque les informations de type ne peuvent pas être lues à partir de la mémoire (85), la détermination du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) n'est pas montée dans la partie de montage de cartouche (110).
  5. Dispositif de détermination selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le photodétecteur (115) comporte une partie émettrice de lumière et une partie réceptrice de lumière, et
    dans lequel la partie d'identification (80) de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté est interposée entre la partie émettrice de lumière et la partie réceptrice de lumière.
  6. Dispositif de détermination selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l'état de transmission de lumière unique de la partie d'identification (80) diffère en fonction du fait que la partie d'identification (80) comporte ou non un orifice traversant (81).
  7. Dispositif de détermination selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) présente une surface supérieure (39), la surface supérieure (39) de la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté étant orientée face vers le haut, et
    dans lequel la mémoire (85) et la partie d'identification (80) sont positionnées au niveau de la surface supérieure (39).
  8. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (k) l'émission d'une alerte sur la base de la détermination réalisée en (d) du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté est inappropriée.
  9. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 3, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (1) l'émission d'une alerte sur la base de la détermination réalisée en (h) du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) dans l'état monté est inappropriée.
  10. Dispositif de détermination selon la revendication 4, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (m) l'émission d'une alerte sur la base de la détermination réalisée en (j) du fait que la cartouche de fluide d'impression (30) n'est pas montée dans la partie de montage de cartouche (110).
  11. Dispositif de détermination selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, dans lequel l'unité de commande (130) est, en outre, configurée de manière à exécuter :
    (n) la définition d'un nombre de pages imprimables sur la base du type de la
EP16190341.4A 2016-02-18 2016-09-23 Système de détermination et cartouche de fluide d'impression Active EP3208094B1 (fr)

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EP3208094A1 (fr) 2017-08-23

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