JP2002120382A - Ink bag set, printer and printer system having the same loaded therein, and control method therefor using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink bag set wherein a use quantity or a residual quantity of ink can be managed at each ink bag, and a printer and a printer system having the ink bag loaded therein. SOLUTION: The ink bag set comprises an ink bag 11 containing the ink for printing and a memory chip 16 which has data relating to the ink bag 11 written therein and is separated from the ink bag 11. The memory chip 16 is housed in a housing section 15 provided on the ink bag 11, attached to the ink bag 11 with a connection string or housed in an identical bag housing case for the ink bag 11. The printer comprises a bag holding section 22 for setting the ink bag 11 and a data communication section 30 for communicating the data between the printer and the memory chip 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink bag set used in an ink jet printer for printing on recording paper by discharging ink droplets from nozzles, for example.
And a printer to which the ink bag set is attached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an ink bag used in this type of printer, there is known an ink bag in which printing ink is stored in a soft case and an identification mark is provided on an outer surface of the soft case. The identification mark stores data relating to the attributes of the ink such as the ink color, and in a state where the ink bag is attached to the printer, a reading unit provided in the printer reads the attribute data of the ink from the identification mark. Has become. The management of the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink in the ink bag is performed by the control unit of the printer, and when the used amount or the remaining amount of one ink bag reaches a predetermined value, a warning display or the like is performed. It has become.

[0003]

However, in this conventional ink bag, the identification mark is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the ink bag as described above, and the remaining amount of ink is managed by the control unit of the printer. Have been done. For this reason, when the ink bag is removed from the printer during use of the ink, and then the ink bag is used again or another ink bag is attached to the printer, the actual usage amount (remaining amount) and the control of the printer are controlled. There is a problem that the usage amount (remaining amount) of the data stored in the unit is different, and the management of the ink usage amount (remaining amount) cannot be continued.

In addition, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code is often used as an identification mark.
Since such a barcode has a small storage capacity and cannot be rewritten, it cannot be managed sufficiently.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to manage an ink use amount or a remaining amount for each ink bag and to handle a large amount of data related to an ink bag, an ink bag set, a printer and a printer system equipped with the same. Is to provide.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink bag set containing an ink bag containing printing ink, and a separate ink bag. And a memory chip into which data relating to the ink bag is written.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the usage amount or the remaining amount of ink can be managed for each ink bag by writing the usage amount or the remaining amount of the ink to the memory chip. . Therefore, when the ink bag is removed from the printer while using the ink, and then the ink bag is attached to the printer again and used,
The management of the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink can be continuously performed. Further, since a large amount of data can be written in the memory chip, the ink-back management can be sufficiently performed based on the large amount of data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the ink bag is formed of a soft case. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the memory chip is separate from the ink bag, even if the ink bag is formed of a soft case, the memory chip is provided corresponding to the ink bag. Can be.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the ink bag has a storage portion for storing a memory chip. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, by storing the memory chips in the storage portion of the ink bag, they can be integrally handled and mounted on the printer, and the memory chips may be lost. Can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the memory chip is attached to the ink bag via a connecting cable. . Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the ink bag and the memory chip can be integrally handled and mounted on the printer in a state where the ink bag and the memory chip are connected via the connecting cable, and the memory chip can be mounted on the printer. The risk of loss can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the ink bag and the memory chip are housed in one bag holding case. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 5, the ink bag and the memory chip are
In a state of being housed in one bag holding case, it can be handled integrally and mounted on the printer.

[0012] Further, the present invention relates to an ink bag set.
According to the invention described in (1), the ink bag contains printing ink and is provided with an identification mark, and a memory chip which is separate from the ink bag and in which data corresponding to the identification mark is written. It is characterized by the following. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6, by writing the data of the identification mark on the ink bag to the memory chip, when the ink bag and the memory chip are mounted on the printer, it is determined whether or not they are compatible. Can be used for

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, data corresponding to identification marks of a plurality of ink bags is written in the memory chip. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to write attribute data and the like read from the identification marks of a plurality of ink bags on one memory chip, and to easily perform data processing of those ink bags. it can.

Further, in the invention according to the eighth aspect of the printer, a bag setting portion for setting an ink bag containing printing ink and a memory chip separate from the ink bag. And a data transfer unit for transferring data. Therefore, according to the present invention, while the ink bag is set in the bag setting section and the memory chip is mounted at a position corresponding to the data transfer section, the management of the amount of ink used or the remaining amount is performed. Etc. can be easily performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the bag setting section is configured to set an ink bag formed of a soft case. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily and surely set the ink bag formed of the soft case in the bag setting section.

In the printer according to the present invention, a bag set portion for setting an ink bag containing printing ink, and a memory chip separate from the ink bag. A data transfer unit that transfers data, a mark reading unit that reads an identification mark provided on the ink bag, data read from a memory chip by the data transfer unit, and a data that is read from the identification mark by a mark reading unit. And comparing the data with the memory bag and determining whether the memory chip is compatible with the ink bag.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the ink bag and the memory chip are mounted on the printer, the compatibility between the memory chip and the ink bag can be accurately determined. Therefore, the mismatch between the memory chip and the ink bag can be suppressed.

Further, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect relating to a printer, a bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink and a memory chip separate from the ink bag. A data transfer section for transferring data, monitoring means for monitoring the detachment and replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip, and monitoring by the monitoring means that the detachment and replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip are not performed at substantially the same time; And a control means for performing a control operation for warning when a warning is issued.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when detaching and replacing the ink bag and the memory chip with respect to the printer, it is properly determined whether or not those detaching and replacing have been performed at substantially the same time. Can be monitored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent only one of the ink bag and the memory chip from being detached and replaced, and it is possible to substantially prevent the replacement of the other from being forgotten.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
In the invention described in the above, the monitoring means, a data transfer unit for transferring data to and from a memory chip,
And a mark reading unit for reading an identification mark provided on the ink bag. Therefore, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to separately provide a detection switch or the like as the monitoring means, and the configuration can be simplified.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, data is exchanged between a bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink and a memory chip separate from the ink bag. A printer having a data transfer unit, receiving a signal from the printer, comparing the data read from the memory chip by the data transfer unit with the data read from the identification mark by the mark reading unit, The computer is configured to perform a determination operation for determining compatibility between the memory chip and the ink bag.

Therefore, according to the thirteenth aspect, when the ink bag and the memory chip are mounted on the printer, the compatibility between the memory chip and the ink bag can be accurately determined. Therefore, the mismatch between the memory chip and the ink bag can be suppressed.
In order to do this, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism in the printer for performing a determination operation for determining compatibility between the memory chip and the ink bag by comparing data, so that the configuration of the printer can be simplified. it can.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, data is transferred between a bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink and a memory chip separate from the ink bag. A printer having a data transfer unit, and receiving a signal from the printer to monitor the detachment / replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip, and that the detachment / replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip are not performed at substantially the same time. When the monitoring is performed, the computer is configured to perform a control operation for warning.

Therefore, according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the ink bag and the memory chip are detached and replaced with the printer, it is properly determined whether or not the detachment and replacement are performed at substantially the same time. Can be monitored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent only one of the ink bag and the memory chip from being detached and replaced, and it is possible to substantially prevent the replacement of the other from being forgotten. In addition, a structure for properly monitoring whether or not the ink bag and the memory chip have been detached and replaced at substantially the same time does not have to be provided inside the printer, so that the configuration of the printer can be simplified. it can.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the ink back set is mounted on the printer, and the data obtained from the ink bag is compared with the data obtained from the memory chip in which the data relating to the ink bag is written. ,
The compatibility between the memory chip and the ink bag is determined. Therefore, according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the tenth aspect.

According to the present invention, the ink back set is mounted on a printer, and the ink obtained from the data obtained from the ink back and the data obtained from the memory chip into which the data relating to the ink bag is written is obtained. Monitoring back and exchange of the memory chip,
When it is monitored that the ink back and the detachment / replacement of the memory chip are not performed at substantially the same time, a warning operation is performed. Therefore, this claim 16
According to the present invention, the same functions and effects as those of the eleventh aspect can be obtained.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, the ink bag set of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink bag body 12 of the ink bag 11 is formed in a soft case shape by using, for example, a laminated film in which aluminum is vapor-deposited on a polyethylene film having a gas barrier property. Contains ink. An ink supply port 13 is provided at an end of the ink bag body 12.
The ink inside the ink bag body 12 is taken out from the ink supply port 13.

An identification mark 14 made of a bar code or the like is provided on an edge of the back surface of the ink bag main body 12. The identification mark 14 has attribute data related to the ink in the ink bag 11, such as the type and color of the ink.
Data such as the date of manufacture and the manufacturing factory are recorded.

At the center of the upper surface of the ink bag main body 12, a transparent pocket-shaped storage section 15 is formed. A memory chip 16 that is separate from the ink bag 11 is housed in the housing part 15 so as to be able to be taken out, and the memory chip 16 is composed of a contact type memory IC or the like.
The memory chip 16 is provided with a storage area for writing attribute data of the ink in the ink bag 11 corresponding to the identification mark 14, for example, data of the type, color, manufacturing date, manufacturing factory, etc. of the ink. ing. Further, the memory chip 16 is provided with a storage area for writing the used amount and the remaining amount of the ink in the ink bag 11.

Next, a printer used by mounting an ink bag set including the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a print head 21 is provided on the printer main body 20 so as to be movable along a platen (not shown). A plurality of bag holders 22 are defined on the front side of the printer body 20 on one side, and each of the bag holders 22 is provided with a pair of guide plates 22a. The soft case-shaped ink bag 11 is set in each of the bag holding portions 22 in a state of being housed in the cartridge case 23.

The cartridge case 23 is formed in a hard case shape from plastic or the like. An outlet 24 is formed on one end surface of the cartridge case 23, and the ink bag 11 accommodated in the cartridge case 23 is formed.
The ink supply port 13 is projected from the outlet 24 to the outside.

A window 25 is formed on one side bottom surface of the cartridge case 23 so that the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11 housed in the cartridge case 23 is exposed from the window 25 downward. Has become. A chip mounting portion 26 is formed on the outer surface of the cartridge case 23 so as to be adjacent to the take-out port 24.
2 when the storage unit 15 on the ink bag 11 is set.
The memory chip 16 is taken out from the device and is mounted on the chip mounting portion 26.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, supply needles 27 are arranged opposite to the bag holding portions 22 of the printer main body 20, and are connected to the print head 21 via supply tubes 28. Then, in a state where the ink bag 11 is accommodated in the cartridge case 23,
Is set, the supply needle 27 is inserted into the ink bag body 12 through the ink supply port 13 of the ink bag 11. In this state, with the printing operation of the print head 21, the ink in the ink bag 11 is supplied to the print head 21 via the supply needle 27 and the supply tube 28,
Printing is performed on the recording paper P.

At the end of one guide plate 22a of each of the bag holding sections 22, a mark reading section 29 is provided. By this mark reading section 29, the attribute data of the ink from the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11 is read. It can be read. A data transfer unit 30 is provided at an end of the other guide plate 22a of each bag holding unit 22,
The data transfer unit 30 writes and reads the attribute data of the ink and the data of the used amount and the remaining amount to and from the memory chip 16 on the cartridge case 23 in a contact state.

Next, a circuit configuration of the printer having the above-described structure will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer body 20 is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 33 for controlling the operation of the entire printer, and the CPU 33 has a read-only memory (R) storing an operation program.
OM) 34 and a random access memory (RAM) 35 for temporarily storing working data are connected. A printing mechanism 36 including the print head 21 is connected to the CPU 33, and an operation signal is output to the printing mechanism 36. Further, a mark reading unit 29 and a data transfer unit 30 are connected to the CPU 33, and the transfer of ink attribute data and the like is performed between the mark reading unit 29 and the data transfer unit 30.

Further, the CPU in the printer main body 20
An external personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC) 38 is connected to the interface 33 via an interface 37, and print data and a warning display signal are exchanged with the PC 38. A display unit 39 such as a display device is connected to the PC 38.
When a warning display signal is output from 3 to the PC 38, a warning message is displayed on the display unit 39. A keyboard 40 is connected to the PC 38, and various data is input from the keyboard 40.

In this embodiment, the CP
U33, mark reading unit 29 and data transfer unit 3
By 0, a monitoring means for monitoring the detachment / replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is also used, and the CPU 33 constitutes a determination means. When the mark reading unit 29 and the data transfer unit 30 confirm that the detachment and replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are not performed at substantially the same time,
That is, when it is detected that one of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is detached and exchanged and the other is not detached and exchanged after a lapse of a predetermined time, the CPU 3
A warning display signal for prompting the user to detach and replace the other unit is output from the third unit.

Further, in this embodiment, the C
A determination unit is configured by the PU 33. Then, the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 1
6, the attribute data of the ink read from the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11 by the mark reading unit 29 and the attribute data of the ink read from the memory chip 16 by the data transfer unit 30 But CP
The compatibility is determined by U33, and the compatibility between the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is determined. In the case of incompatibility, a warning display signal to that effect is output.

Further, when printing is performed on the recording paper P by the print head 21 using the ink in the ink bag 11 mounted on the bag holding
Based on the control of 33, the data transfer unit 30 writes the used amount or the remaining amount of ink into the memory chip 16. When the cumulative amount of ink or the residual amount of ink written in the memory chip 16 reaches a predetermined value, the CPU 33 outputs a warning display signal prompting replacement of the ink bag 11.

Next, the operation of the ink bag set configured as described above and the printer in which the ink bag set is mounted will be described. First, the monitoring operation when the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are detached and replaced will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When one of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is detached and replaced, the replacement operation is detected by the mark reading unit 29 or the data transfer unit 30 (step S1). Thereafter, the other of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is detached and replaced, and it is awaited that the replacement operation is detected by the data transfer unit 30 or the mark reading unit 29 (step S2).

When one of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is detached and replaced, and the other is not detached and replaced after a predetermined time (step S
3), a warning display signal is output from the CPU 33 to the display unit 39 via the PC 38. As a result, a warning message such as “Replace the replaced ink bag with the corresponding memory chip” or “Replace the replaced memory bag with the corresponding ink bag” is displayed on the display unit 39. It is displayed (step S4).

Next, data reading and processing operations when the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are mounted will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The ink bag 11 is accommodated in the cartridge case 23 and the memory chip 16 is
When the cartridge case 23 is set in the bag holding section 22 of the printer main body 20 in a state where the cartridge case 23 is mounted on the chip mounting section 26 of No. 3, the data of the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11 is read by the mark reading section 29 ( Step S5). At the same time, the data transfer unit 3
The data of the memory chip 16 is read by 0 (step S6), and it is determined whether or not the data read from the memory chip 16 exists (step S7).

If it is determined in step S7 that the data read from the memory chip 16 exists,
Data read from identification mark 14 and memory chip 1
Then, it is determined whether or not the read data from No. 6 matches (step S8). When the two data do not match, that is, when the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16
If they do not correspond to each other, a warning display signal is output from the CPU 33 to the display unit 39 via the PC 38. As a result, a warning message such as “The ink bag does not match the memory chip. Please remount the matching one” is displayed on the display unit 39 (Step S).
9).

On the other hand, in the determination at the step S7,
When there is no data read from the memory chip 16, the attribute data of the ink read from the identification mark 14 is transferred to the memory chip 1 by the data transfer unit 30.
6 (step S10). Thereafter, when the printing operation is started based on the attribute data of the memory chip 16, the use of the ink in the ink bag 11 is detected (step S11), and the data of the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink is determined by the data transfer unit. 30, the memory chip 1
6 (step S12). If the read data from the identification mark 14 matches the read data from the memory chip 16 in the determination in step S8, the process proceeds to steps S11 and S12 to perform the above operation.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the accumulated use amount or the remaining amount of ink written in the memory chip 16 has reached a predetermined value (step S13). Until the predetermined value is reached, the operations of steps S11 to S13 are repeatedly performed. And
When the cumulative usage or cumulative remaining amount of ink reaches a predetermined value,
A warning display signal is output from the CPU 33 to the display unit 39 via the PC 38. As a result, a warning message such as “Ink in the ink bag has run out.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) This ink bag set includes an ink bag 11 containing printing ink and a memory chip 16 which is separate from the ink bag 11 and in which data relating to the ink bag 11 is written. Therefore, by writing the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink to the memory chip 16, the management of the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink can be performed for each ink bag 11. Therefore, when the ink bag 11 is detached from the printer during the use of the ink and then used again by attaching the ink bag 11 to the printer, the memory chip 16 is also attached and detached at the same time to manage the amount of ink used or the remaining amount. It can be done continuously. Moreover, unlike an identification mark composed of a barcode, a large amount of data can be stored in the memory chip, and writing and erasing can be freely performed, so that the management of the ink bag 11 can be performed finely and reliably. Further, even if all the ink in the ink bag 11 is used, the memory chip 16 has the other ink bag 11
Memory chip 1
6 is different from the ink bag 11 and can be used as it is.

(2) In this ink bag set, since the memory chip 16 is separate from the ink bag 11, even if the ink bag 11 is formed of a soft case, the memory chip 16
Can be provided.

(3) In this ink bag set, the ink bag 11 has a storage section 15 for storing the memory chip 16. Therefore, by storing the memory chips 16 in the storage portion 15 of the ink bag 11, they can be handled integrally, and even if the memory chips 16 are separate, there is a possibility that the memory chips 16 may be lost. Few.

(4) In this ink bag set, the ink bag 11 is provided with an identification mark 14. Therefore, the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11
By writing this data into the memory chip 16, when the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are mounted on the printer, they can be used for determining their compatibility.

(5) In the printer in which the ink bag set is mounted, a bag holding portion 22 for setting the ink bag 11 containing the printing ink, and a memory separate from the ink bag 11 Chip 16
Data transfer unit 30 for transferring data between
Are provided. Therefore, the ink bag 11 is set in the bag holding section 22 and the memory chip 1
In a state where the printer 6 is mounted at a position corresponding to the data transfer unit 30, it is possible to easily manage the amount of ink used or the remaining amount.

(6) In this printer, the ink bag 11 made of a soft case is
3 and is set in the bag holding portion 22. For this reason, even if the ink bag 11 is a soft case, it can be easily and reliably set in the printer main body 20.

(7) In this printer, the memory chip 16 stores the attribute data of the ink, and the data transfer section 30 executes the memory chip 1 for the printing operation.
6 to read out the attribute data. Therefore, it is possible to read the attribute data of the ink from the memory chip 16 and accurately control the printing operation.

(8) In this printer, the data transfer section 30 writes the data of the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink into the memory chip 16 and the accumulated used amount or the accumulated amount reaches the predetermined value. At this time, a control operation for warning is performed. For this reason, the ink bag 1
It is possible to appropriately manage the remaining amount or the used amount of the ink of No. 1 and to appropriately warn that the ink has run out and to replace the ink bag 11 at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as running out of ink.

(9) In this printer, the data read from the memory chip 16 by the data transfer unit 30 and the identification mark 14 by the mark reading unit 29
Is compared with the data read from the memory chip 16 to determine the compatibility between the memory chip 16 and the ink bag 11. For this reason, when the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are mounted on the printer, the compatibility between the memory chip 16 and the ink bag 11 can be accurately determined. Therefore, the mismatch between the memory chip 16 and the ink bag 11 can be suppressed.

(10) In this printer, when the detachment / replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 is monitored, it is monitored that the detachment / replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 are not performed at substantially the same time. In addition, a control operation for warning is performed. Therefore, the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16
It is possible to properly monitor whether or not the attachment / detachment / replacement has been performed at substantially the same time when the attachment / detachment / replacement of the printer is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent only one of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 from being detached and replaced, and it is possible to almost prevent the other from being forgotten.

(11) In this printer, the means for monitoring the attachment / detachment / replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 includes: a data transfer section 30 for transferring data to and from the memory chip 16; And a mark reading unit 29 that reads the identification mark 14 attached to the mark. For this reason, there is no need to separately provide a detection switch or the like as monitoring means, and the configuration can be simplified.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment. In addition, in each embodiment after the 2nd embodiment, it demonstrates focusing on the part different from 1st Embodiment as mentioned above.

In the second embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of chip insertion portions 43 corresponding to each bag holding portion 22 are formed on one side front surface of the printer body 20. Then, with the ink bag 11 accommodated in the cartridge case 23, the bag holding section 2 of the printer is used.
When the memory chip 16 is set to 2, the memory chip 16 is taken out of the storage section 15 on the ink bag 11 and inserted into the chip insertion section 43 corresponding to the bag holding section 22.

A plurality of data transfer units 3 are provided in the printer body 20 so as to correspond to the respective chip insertion units 43.
0 is provided. Then, between the memory chip 16 inserted into the chip insertion unit 43 and the data transfer unit 30, the transfer of the attribute data of the ink in the ink bag 11 and the data of the used amount and the remaining amount of the ink are performed. It has become.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the effects (1) to (11) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the third embodiment, FIG.
The memory chip 16 is attached to an end of the ink bag 11 via a connecting cable 44 as shown in FIG. When the ink bag 11 is set in the bag holding unit 22 of the printer with the ink bag 11 housed in the cartridge case 23,
The memory chip 16 attached to the ink bag 11 is mounted on the chip mounting portion 26 on the outer surface of the cartridge case 23.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, (1), (2), (4) to (11) in each of the above embodiments.
In addition to the effects described in the above section, the following effects can be obtained.

(12) In this ink bag set, the memory chip 16 is attached to the ink bag 11 via the connecting cable 44. Therefore, the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16 can be integrally handled in a state where the memory chip 16 is connected by the connecting cable 44, and can be easily mounted on a printer. Can be almost completely prevented.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Now, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the ink bag 11 made of a soft case is replaced with a bag holding case 45 made of a hard case.
The ink bag 11 is sold in a state of being housed therein, so that damage to the ink bag 11 due to external force is suppressed. The memory chip 16 is also housed in the same bag holding case 45 as the ink bag 11.

When the ink bag 11 is taken out of the bag holding case 45 and set in the bag holding section 22 of the printer via the cartridge case 23, the memory chip 16 is taken out of the bag holding case 45, and It is mounted on the upper chip mounting section 26 or inserted into the chip insertion section 43 of the printer body 20.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, (1), (2), (4) to (11) in each of the above embodiments.
The same effect as described above can be obtained.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the fifth embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the ink bag 11 composed of a plurality of soft cases is packaged and held as a set in a bag holding case 45 composed of a hard case. In this case, a plurality of ink bags 11 containing different color inks are packed as one set, or a plurality of ink bags 11 containing same color inks are packed as one set. The packing prevents the ink bags 11 from being damaged by an external force.

In the bag holding case 45,
One memory chip 16 is accommodated corresponding to one set of ink bags 11. The memory chip 16 stores a storage area in which the attribute data of the ink corresponding to the identification mark 14 of the plurality of ink bags 11 can be written, and the data of the used amount and the remaining amount of the ink relating to the plurality of ink bags 11. A writable storage area is provided.

Then, the plurality of ink bags 11 containing the different color inks are taken out of the bag holding case 45 as a set, or the ink bags 11 containing the same color inks are taken out of the bag holding case 45 one by one. It is set in the bag holding section 22 of the printer via the case 23. In this case, the memory chip 1
6 is taken out of the bag holding case 45 and mounted on the chip mounting section 26 on the cartridge case 23 or inserted into the chip insertion section 43 of the printer main body 20. In this case, one memory chip 16
Ink data processing for the plurality of ink bags 11 is performed.

Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, (1), (2), (4) to (11) in each of the above-described embodiments.
In addition to the effects described in the above section, the following effects can be obtained.

(13) In this ink bag set, a plurality of ink bags 11 are held in the bag holding case 45 as one set. For this reason, a case where a plurality of ink bags 11 containing different color inks are simultaneously mounted on a printer for use, or a case where a plurality of ink bags 11 containing the same color inks are mounted on a printer in order and used or sold Convenient in case.

(14) In this ink bag set, memory chips 16 are provided corresponding to one set of ink bags 11. Therefore, one memory chip 1
6, the processing of the attribute data and the like of the plurality of ink bags 11 can be easily performed.

(15) In this ink bag set, a plurality of ink bags 11
The data corresponding to the identification mark 14 is written. Therefore, it is possible to reliably write the attribute data and the like read from the identification marks 14 of the plurality of ink bags 11 into one memory chip 16 for each ink bag 11 and to easily perform the data processing of the ink bags 11. it can.

(16) In this ink bag set, a plurality of ink bags 11
Is provided with a storage area in which data relating to the remaining ink amount or the used amount can be written. Therefore, when a plurality of ink bags 11 containing inks of the same color are sequentially mounted on the printer and used, the used or remaining amount of ink in each ink bag 11 can be continuously managed.

(17) In this ink back set, if all ink backs are the same, the information of the ink back can be written in the memory chip 16, so that the memory chip 16 can be reused.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an ink bag 11 composed of a plurality of soft cases containing different color inks is packed and held in a bag holding case 45 composed of a hard case. ing. A plurality of through holes 46 are formed in the side wall of the bag holding case 45, and the ink supply port 13 of each ink bag 11 is exposed to the outside through these through holes 46.

On the outer surface of the side wall of the bag holding case 45, one memory chip 16 is
It is installed corresponding to. This memory chip 16
Has a storage area in which attribute data of the ink corresponding to the identification mark 14 of the plurality of ink bags 11 can be written, and a storage area in which the data of the used amount of ink and the data of the remaining amount of the ink bags 11 can be written. An area is provided.

The bag holding section 22 of the printer
Is configured so that a plurality of ink bags 11 can be set while being held in the bag holding case 45. The bag holder 22 has a plurality of supply needles 2 that can penetrate through the ink supply port 13 of each ink bag 11.
7 is provided, and a data transfer unit 30 is provided which can correspond to the memory chip 16 on the bag holding case 45.

Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, (1), (2), (4) to (1)
1) In addition to the effects described in (13) to (16), the following effects can be obtained.

(18) In this ink bag set, the memory chip 16 is attached to the bag holding case 45. For this reason, if the ink bag 11 is set in the bag holding portion 22 while being held in the bag holding case 45, the memory chip 16 attached to the bag holding case 45 can be easily mounted on the printer. it can.

(19) In the printer in which the ink bag is mounted, the bag holding portion 22 can be set while the plurality of ink bags 11 are held in the bag holding case 45. For this reason, there is no need to take out the plurality of ink bags 11 from the bag holding case 45 and set them in the bag holding portion 22, and the setting operation can be easily performed.

(Modification) This embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows. In the first and third embodiments, the ink bag 1
1 may be formed by a hard case, and the ink bag 11 may be directly set in the bag holding portion 22 of the printer without being housed in the cartridge case 23. In this case, the memory chip 16 housed in the housing portion 15 on the ink bag 11 or attached to the ink bag 11 via the connection cable 44 is inserted into the chip body of the printer body 20 as in the second embodiment. It is configured to be inserted into the part 43.

In the fourth embodiment, with the ink bag 11 made of a soft case being housed in the bag holding case 45 made of a hard case, the bag holding portion of the printer can be used without using the cartridge case 23. Alternatively, it may be configured to be set directly to 22.
In this case, the memory chip 16 is configured to be attached to the outer surface of the side wall of the bag holding case 45 as in the sixth embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the memory chips 16 may be provided so as to correspond to each of the set of ink bags 11, or the number of the memory chips 16 smaller than the number of the set of ink bags 11 may be set. May be provided.

In the sixth embodiment, the plurality of ink bags 11 are formed in a hard case, and the ink bags 11 are set in the bag holding portion 22 of the printer while being stored in the bag holding case 45. May be configured.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the memory chip 16 is formed of, for example, a non-contact type memory, and is configured to transmit data via light or the like to the data transfer unit 30 provided on the printer side. Is also good.

In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is such that the identification mark 14 on the ink bag 11 is omitted, the attribute data of the ink relating to the ink bag 11 is written in the memory chip 16 in advance, and the printing operation is controlled. May be.

In each of the above embodiments, a detection switch such as a proximity switch is provided as a means for monitoring the attachment / detachment / replacement of the ink bag 11 and the memory chip 16. The switch may output a detection signal.

In each of the above embodiments, the ink bag 11 by the CPU 33 stored in the printer main body 20 is used.
Of the compatibility between the ink bag 1 and the memory chip 16
The PC 38 external to the printer main body 20 may monitor the detachment / replacement of the memory chip 1 and the memory chip 16 or control a warning when the integrated usage amount or the integrated remaining amount reaches a predetermined value. Further, the processing may be performed not only by connecting to a PC but also by a printer connected to facsimile or copying. That is, the computer described in the claims includes not only a PC generally referred to as a computer, but also all computers capable of performing a processing operation.

Next, technical ideas other than those described in the claims which can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects.

(1) The ink bag set according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an identification mark is provided on the ink bag.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (1), by writing the data of the identification mark on the ink bag into the memory chip, when the ink bag and the memory chip are mounted on the printer, their compatibility is improved. Can be used to determine

(2) A plurality of ink bags are held as a set in a bag holding case.
The ink bag set according to any one of claims 5 and (1).

Therefore, according to the invention described in (2), a plurality of ink bags are held as one set in the bag holding case. For this reason, when a plurality of ink bags containing different color inks are simultaneously mounted on the printer for use, when a plurality of ink bags containing the same color inks are sequentially mounted on the printer for use, or sold collectively. It is convenient when you do.

(3) The ink bag set according to (2), wherein the memory chip is attached to a bag holding case. Therefore, according to the invention described in (3), the memory chip attached to the bag holding case can be easily attached to the printer together with the ink bag.

(4) The ink bag set as described in the above item (2) or (3), wherein the memory chips are provided corresponding to one set of ink bags. Therefore,
According to the invention described in (4), processing of attribute data and the like of a plurality of ink bags can be easily performed by one memory chip.

(5) The ink bag set according to claim 6, wherein the memory chip is provided with a storage area in which data relating to the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink in the plurality of ink bags can be written.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (5), when a plurality of ink bags containing inks of the same color are sequentially mounted on the printer and used, the amount of ink used or the remaining amount of ink in each ink bag is determined. Can be managed continuously.

(6) The printer according to claim 8, wherein the bag setting section is configured to set a bag holding case holding a plurality of ink bags. Therefore, according to the invention described in (6), the plurality of ink bags can be easily set in the bag setting section while being held in the bag holding case.

(7) The memory chip stores attribute data of ink, and the data transfer unit reads the attribute data from the memory chip for a printing operation. Item 11. The printer according to any one of items 11 and 6 above.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (7), the printing operation can be accurately controlled by reading out the attribute data of the ink from the memory chip.

(8) The data transfer unit writes the data of the used amount of ink or the data of the remaining amount to the memory chip, and issues a warning when the integrated usage amount or the integrated remaining amount reaches a predetermined value. The printer according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the printer performs a control operation for the printer.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (8), the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink in the ink bag can be properly managed, and it is possible to accurately warn that the ink has run out. The replacement of the ink bag can be performed at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as running out of ink.

(9) A bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink, and a data transfer section for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip. And a computer which receives a signal from the printer and performs a warning control operation when the integrated usage amount or the remaining amount of the ink reaches a predetermined value.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (9), the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink in the ink bag can be properly managed, and it is possible to accurately warn that the ink has run out. The replacement of the ink bag can be performed at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as running out of ink. In order to do this, a mechanism for performing a warning control operation need not be provided inside the printer, so that the configuration of the printer can be simplified.

[0109]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the amount of used ink or the amount of used ink can be managed for each ink bag by writing the amount of used ink or the amount of used ink to the memory chip. it can. Therefore, when the ink bag is detached from the printer during use of the ink, and the ink bag is mounted on the printer again and used, the management of the ink usage amount or the remaining amount can be performed continuously. Further, since a large amount of data can be written in the memory chip, the ink-back management can be sufficiently performed based on the large amount of data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer equipped with an ink bag set according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the ink bag and its mounting configuration in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration including the printer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a warning display operation when replacing an ink bag and a memory chip.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating data reading and processing operations when the ink bag and the memory chip are mounted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an ink bag set according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an ink bag set according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an ink bag set according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an ink bag set according to a sixth embodiment and a mounting configuration thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ink bag 12 ... Ink bag main body 14 ... Identification mark 15 ... Storage part 16 ... Memory chip 20 ... Printer main body 21 ... Print head 22 ... Bag set part 23 ... Cartridge case 26 ... Chip mounting part 29 ... Also serves as a monitoring means Mark reading section 30 Data transfer section 33 also serving as monitoring means 33 CPU constituting control means and discriminating means 38 Computer 39 Display section 44 Connecting cable 45 Bag holding case

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An ink bag set comprising: an ink bag containing printing ink; and a memory chip that is separate from the ink bag and in which data relating to the ink bag is written. 2. The ink bag set according to claim 1, wherein the ink bag comprises a soft case. 3. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein the ink bag has a storage section for storing a memory chip.
Or the ink bag set according to claim 2. 4. The memory device according to claim 1, wherein the memory chip is attached to the ink bag via a connecting cable.
Or the ink bag set according to claim 2. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ink bag and the memory chip are
The ink bag set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ink bag set is housed in one of the bag holding cases. 6. An ink bag containing printing ink and provided with an identification mark, and a memory chip which is separate from the ink bag and in which data corresponding to the identification mark is written. Characteristic ink bag set. 7. The ink bag set according to claim 6, wherein data corresponding to identification marks of a plurality of ink bags is written in the memory chip. 8. A bag setting unit for setting an ink bag containing ink for printing, and a data transfer unit for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip. A printer characterized in that: 9. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the bag setting section is configured to set an ink bag made of a soft case. 10. A bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing ink for printing, a data transfer section for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip, and the ink transfer section. A mark reading unit for reading an identification mark provided on the bag; comparing the data read from the memory chip by the data transfer unit with the data read from the identification mark by the mark reading unit; A printer comprising: a determination unit configured to determine compatibility with a bag. 11. A bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing ink for printing, a data transfer section for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip, Monitoring means for monitoring the attachment / detachment / replacement of the bag and the memory chip; and when the monitoring means monitors that the attachment / detachment / replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip are not performed at substantially the same time, a control operation for warning is performed. A printer comprising control means. 12. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit includes a data transfer unit that transfers data to and from a memory chip, and a mark reading unit that reads an identification mark provided on the ink bag. 12. The printer according to item 11. 13. A bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink, and a data transfer section for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip. A printer, receiving a signal from the printer, comparing the data read from the memory chip by the data transfer unit with the data read from the identification mark by the mark reading unit, and comparing the memory chip with the ink bag. A printer system comprising: a computer configured to perform a determination operation for determining compatibility. 14. A bag setting section for setting an ink bag containing printing ink, and a data transfer section for transferring data between the ink bag and a separate memory chip. A printer, receiving a signal from the printer and monitoring the detachment / replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip; and when it is monitored that the detachment / replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip are not performed at substantially the same time, a warning is issued. System comprising a computer for performing control operations for the printer. 15. An ink back set is mounted on a printer, and data obtained from the ink bag is compared with data obtained from a memory chip into which data relating to the ink bag is written. A control method characterized by determining suitability of a control. 16. An ink back set is attached to a printer, and the data obtained from the ink bag and the data obtained from a memory chip into which data relating to the ink bag is written are attached and detached from the ink bag and the memory chip. A control method characterized by monitoring replacement, and performing a warning operation when it is monitored that replacement of the ink bag and the memory chip is not performed at substantially the same time.