JP2004042497A - Setting state detector, setting state detecting system of set member, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect inexpensive and easy setting state by performing noncontact detection of the setting state of a desired object thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated apparatus or wiring. <P>SOLUTION: In a printer where noncontact communication of information concerning to an ink cartridge 21 is performed between a fixed antenna 61 on an antenna board 60 and on the apparatus body side and a cartridge side antenna of a noncontact IC on the ink cartridge 21 side and the information is written in the memory IC chip 72 of the noncontact IC, communication level between the antennas varying depending on the relative positional relation is detected and the setting condition of the ink cartridge 21 to a cartridge on the apparatus body side is detected based on the information of detection. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a setting state detecting device, a setting state detecting system for a replacement cartridge, and a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a device capable of detecting a setting state of an object in a non-contact manner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, it is important to ensure that important parts that operate without failure, consumable parts that need to be replaced regularly / irregularly, or storage parts for consumable materials are properly set by inserting them into their proper positions. Setting state detection to confirm is being performed.
[0003]
For example, in a printing apparatus that sets a cartridge containing a recording medium such as ink or toner at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body, the cartridge is repeatedly replaced. There is. In this case, there may be a case where a printing error or contamination / failure of the apparatus main body is caused.
[0004]
In such a printing apparatus, in order to prevent a mistake in setting a cartridge, a switch device which is turned on / off in accordance with the presence or absence of the cartridge is provided at a place where the cartridge is set.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional setting state detection, there is a problem that a dedicated switch device needs to be attached, wiring work is required, and the cost is increased.
[0006]
Further, for example, in a color printing apparatus in which each cartridge such as yellow / magenta / cyan / black is set, a switch device and wiring for each cartridge are required.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to detect the setting state of a desired object in a non-contact manner, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated wiring, and using the exchange information at the time of other operations, thereby enabling a dedicated device to be used. An object is to realize an inexpensive and easy setting state detection without installation.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention of a setting state detection device that solves the above-described problem is to reduce the communication level of the detection-side antenna facing the detection-side antenna to be detected and the communication level that the detection-side antenna performs non-contact with the detection-side antenna. It has a level detecting means for detecting, and a state detecting means for detecting a setting state of a detection target based on information detected by the level detecting means. Here, it is preferable that the state detecting means is configured to detect a setting state of a detection target based on information detected by a level detecting means that changes according to a relative positional relationship between antennas.
[0009]
In this invention, when it is desired to detect the setting state of the detection target in a non-contact manner, an antenna is provided on the detection target, and the detection-side antenna faces the detection-side antenna. When performing non-contact communication between these antennas, if the detection target is set at a regular position, information communication is performed at a specified communication level, but the detection target is not set at a regular position. In this case, information communication is performed at a communication level that deviates from a prescribed level according to the relative positional relationship or the like. That is, by comparing the communication level at this time with a preset threshold value (specified level), it is possible to detect whether or not the detection target is set to an appropriate regular position.
[0010]
An invention of a setting state detection system that solves the above-mentioned problems includes a set-side antenna provided on a set member set in the apparatus main body, and a set-side antenna provided at a position facing the set-side antenna of the apparatus main body. A main body side antenna for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information in a non-contact manner, a level detecting means for detecting a communication level of communication performed between the set side antenna and the main body side antenna, and And a state detecting means for detecting a setting state of the setting member on the apparatus main body. Here, it is preferable that the state detecting means is configured to detect a setting state of the set member based on information detected by the level detecting means that changes according to a relative positional relationship between the antennas.
[0011]
According to the present invention, when non-contact communication is performed between the main body side antenna assembled at the design position of the apparatus main body and the set side antenna of the set member set on the apparatus main body, the set member is set to the proper position. When the set member is not set to the correct position, the communication level is shifted from the specified level according to the relative positional relationship. Information communication is performed. That is, when it is desired to detect the setting state of the set member that performs non-contact communication with the apparatus main body via the antenna, the set member is compared by comparing the communication level with a preset threshold value (specified level). It is possible to detect whether or not it is set at an appropriate regular position.
[0012]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus which is disposed at a position facing an exchange side antenna of an exchange cartridge for a recording medium to be set, and various kinds of information can be contacted with the exchange side antenna in a non-contact manner. What is claimed is: 1. A printing apparatus having a main body antenna for transmitting and receiving, comprising: level detection means for detecting a communication level of communication performed between the exchange antenna and the main body antenna; and an exchange cartridge based on information detected by the level detection means. State detecting means for detecting a setting state of the apparatus main body. Here, it is preferable that the state detecting means is configured to detect a setting state of the exchange cartridge based on detection information obtained by the level detecting means that changes according to a relative positional relationship between the antennas.
[0013]
According to the present invention, when non-contact communication is performed between the main body side antenna assembled at the design position of the apparatus main body and the exchange side antenna of the exchange cartridge set in the apparatus main body, the exchange cartridge is set at the proper position. If the replacement cartridge is not set at the correct position, the communication level is shifted from the specified level if the replacement cartridge is not set at the proper position. Information communication is performed. That is, when it is desired to detect the setting state of the exchange cartridge that performs non-contact communication with the apparatus main body via the antenna, the communication level is compared with a preset threshold value (prescribed level). It is possible to detect whether or not it is set at an appropriate regular position.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the state detection unit includes a communication unit that transmits and receives information about the exchange cartridge between the main unit side antenna and the exchange side antenna. The setting state of the exchange cartridge is detected based on information detected by the level detection unit.
[0015]
According to the present invention, the non-contact communication is not particularly performed to detect the setting state, but the exchange cartridge is set at an appropriate regular position by the communication level of information exchange normally performed with the exchange cartridge. Can be detected. That is, the setting state of the exchange cartridge can be detected without adding any special device or communication control.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus including, in addition to the specific features of the first or second aspect, fixing means for fixing the exchange cartridge to the apparatus main body side, wherein the state detecting means comprises: In the setting state, whether or not the replacement cartridge is fixed by the fixing means is detected.
[0017]
According to the present invention, in the case of a mechanism in which the replacement cartridge can be set at the proper position for the first time by the fixing means, whether or not the replacement cartridge is set at the proper position is determined by whether or not the replacement cartridge is fixed by the fixing means. Can be set as the detection condition. That is, whether or not the replacement cartridge is reliably fixed by the fixing means can be detected based on whether or not the replacement cartridge is set at an appropriate regular position.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the specific features of the first or second aspect, the printing apparatus further comprises a recording medium supply path defined when the replacement cartridge is set, Is characterized by detecting whether or not the supply path is defined as the setting state of the replacement cartridge.
[0019]
According to the present invention, when the supply path of the recording medium is first defined by setting the replacement cartridge to the regular position, whether the replacement cartridge is set to the regular position is determined by the supply path of the recording medium. It can be a detection condition of whether or not it is defined. That is, whether or not the supply path of the recording medium is defined with high reliability can be detected based on whether or not the replacement cartridge is set at an appropriate regular position.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for outputting error information based on information detected by the state detecting means, in addition to the features of any one of the first to fourth aspects. It is.
[0021]
According to the present invention, when it is detected that the replacement cartridge is not set at the proper position, the replacement cartridge is not fixed by the fixing means, or the replenishment path of the recording medium is not defined, the fact is detected. The error information to be notified is displayed or output as audio. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of printing failure or the like beforehand.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 13 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detection system to which a setting state detection apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
[0023]
1 to 3, reference numeral 10 denotes a color inkjet printer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a printer). The printer 10 has a paper feed tray 11 on the back side of which a plurality of recording papers P can be set, and On the front side, a paper discharge tray 12 that can be opened from the closed state shown in FIG. The printer 10 is configured to set a plurality of recording papers P on a paper feed tray 11 and separate and feed the recording papers P one by one. Is conveyed onto the discharge tray 12 opened and discharged. In addition, 15 in FIG. 3 is an encoder for counting the number of rotations of the platen roller 14.
[0024]
The printer 10 has a total of six colors of ink of light cyan (LC) / light magenta (LM) in addition to four colors of yellow (Y) / cyan (C) / magenta (M) / black (K). The (recording medium) is accommodated in an ink cartridge 21 for use. The ink cartridge 21 is set on a carriage 31 so that the ink supply port 23 shown in FIG. Connected to the head 32. The carriage 31 is supported slidably in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the recording paper P by inserting a guide rail 41 parallel to the platen roller 14 into the guide hole 33 shown in FIG. It is connected to an endless belt 43 wound around a pulley 42 a fixed to a drive shaft of the carriage motor 42, and reciprocates in parallel with the platen roller 14. The printer 10 ejects ink droplets from the recording head 32 while reciprocating the carriage 31 on which the ink cartridge 21 is set in the width direction of the recording paper P, so that the recording paper conveyed on the platen roller 14 is moved. An image is formed on P.
[0025]
The ink cartridge 21 is formed in a thin and substantially rectangular shape so that it can be juxtaposed in the width direction of the recording paper P. As shown in FIG. An inclined surface 22a is formed to be inclined downward toward the front surface of the printer 10 so as to attach a label or the like, and an ink supply port 23 for connecting to a recording head 32 of a carriage 31 is provided on a lower surface thereof.
[0026]
The ink cartridge 21 has grip levers 24 that are curved outward (front and rear sides) so that the ink cartridge 21 can be pinched and gripped so as to be sandwiched between the front side and the rear side of the cartridge body 22. The gripping lever 24 is opened in a direction away from the cartridge main body 22 in a natural state (no load), and is rotatable in a direction approaching the cartridge main body 22 when gripped. It is supported by a thin hinge portion 24a.
[0027]
On the other hand, the carriage 31 is formed with a box-shaped cartridge accommodating portion that opens upward so that the ink cartridges 21 can be juxtaposed in the width direction of the recording paper P. As shown in FIG. A guide hole 33 for slidably inserting the guide rail 41 is disposed. An ink supply needle 35 is provided on the floor surface of the cartridge accommodating portion of the carriage 31 for connecting (defining) the ink supply port 23 of the ink cartridge 21 and connecting (defining) an ink supply path communicating with the recording head 32. I have.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 6A, when trying to insert and set the ink cartridge 21 at the upper position, the carriage 31 is provided with a leaf spring 37 that urges the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 21 in the push-up direction. When the ink cartridge 21 is pressed down against the elastic force of the leaf spring 37, the ink supply port 23 of the ink cartridge 21 is connected to the recording head as shown in FIG. An engagement plate 36 that engages with the protrusion 24b on the outer surface of the rear grip lever 24 is provided so as to maintain (fix) the setting state connected to the engaging lever 32. For this reason, when the ink cartridge 21 is placed in the carriage 31 without being pushed down, the ink cartridge 21 is maintained in a state of being floated by about 6 mm from that in the proper setting state, and is gripped so as to sandwich both gripping levers 24 of the ink cartridge 21. When the engagement between the protrusion 24b and the engagement plate 36 is released, the projection 24b floats (pops up) by about 4 mm due to the elastic force of the leaf spring 37. That is, the grip lever 24 on the back side constitutes the fixing means. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 38 denotes an identification piece. The identification piece 38 has a shape corresponding to the identification groove 25 shown in FIG. This prevents the incorrect setting of the ink cartridge 21 before it occurs.
[0029]
In the printer 10, a control unit 50 controls the respective units of the apparatus. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, a PROM 52, a RAM 53, a timer 54, a peripheral device input / output unit (PIO), as shown in FIG. 55, a drive buffer 56 and the like are connected by a bus 57 so that data can be exchanged.
[0030]
The control unit 50 transmits / receives a data signal while using the RAM 53 as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the PROM 52 in advance by the CPU 51, so that the operation panel 16 connected to the PIO 55, the personal computer (PC) 100 Based on input information from the encoder 15 and the like, the paper feed motor 13 and the carriage motor 42 are controlled to be driven, and a timing signal for ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 32 is transmitted via the drive buffer 56 to form an image. And so on. At this time, the CPU 51 executes various controls using the timer 54 while synchronizing various operations. A distribution output device 59 having an oscillator 58 is connected to the PIO 55. The distribution output device 59 distributes a drive waveform of a predetermined frequency from the oscillator 58 to the recording head 32 at a predetermined timing to perform an image forming operation. Has been adjusted.
[0031]
For example, the control unit 50 controls the reciprocation of the ink cartridge 21 (carriage 31) based on print data from the externally connected PC 100 while synchronizing with the separation and feeding operation of the recording paper P set in the paper feed tray 11. By controlling the movement and the ejection of ink droplets from the recording head 32, a character image or a photographic image of print data is formed on the recording paper P being transported. Further, when any one of the various buttons 17 in the operation panel 16 disposed on the front of the printer 10 is pressed, the control unit 50 performs the feeding / discharging operation of the recording paper P and the operation of the recording head 32. The cleaning operation and the operation of moving the carriage 31 to a later-described replacement position of the ink cartridge 21 are executed. In the printer 10, the left non-printing area and the right non-printing area are covered by a case cover 80 (shown in FIG. 1) facing the front surface on which the antenna substrate 60 is provided. When the ink cartridge 21 is located, the ink cartridge 21 is exchangeably exposed. A capping device 44 (shown in FIG. 2) that seals the nozzle opening of the recording head 32 is provided in the non-printing area on the right side, and is not shown when cleaning the recording head 32 or replacing the ink cartridge 21. By driving the pump unit to suck out the ink, clogging of the recording head 32 is eliminated, and bubbles in the recording head 32 are discharged.
[0032]
The control unit 50 is disposed in a non-printing area on the left side as viewed from the front of the printer 10, and faces the upper surface of the ink cartridge 21 set on the carriage 31 in the left non-printing area as shown in FIG. A fixed antenna 61 is provided on the antenna substrate 60. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, a non-contact IC 70 for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information in a non-contact manner is provided on the slope 22a on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 21, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a cartridge-side antenna 71 is provided.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 10, the fixed antenna 61 of the antenna substrate 60 is configured by a coil antenna. In addition to the fixed antenna 61, the fixed antenna 61 includes a control IC 62, a carrier generation unit 63, a modulation circuit 64, A detection unit 65, a reception amplifier 66, a filter 67, and an amplifier & A / D conversion unit 68 are provided. The control IC 62 includes an interface (I / F) function that enables transmission and reception of data signals to and from the main board of the printer 10, a command sequencer function for performing various controls with the non-contact IC 70, Carrier output function and modulation output function for outputting an RF signal (Radio Frequency) as a carrier for exchanging various types of information between the devices, and a response decoding function for restoring a response from the non-contact IC 70 to a usable data signal And so on.
[0034]
For this reason, the control IC 62 of the antenna substrate 60 generates and outputs an RF signal by the carrier generation unit 63 and superimposes information to be exchanged with the non-contact IC 70 via the modulation circuit 64 on the RF signal so as to be superimposed. The signal is modulated and transmitted from the fixed antenna 61 by radio. The control IC 62 detects a change in the RF signal to be generated and output by the detection unit 65 as a response from the non-contact IC 70, and amplifies the detection signal by the reception amplifier 66 while suppressing noise by the filter 67. After removing the analog signal, the amplifier & A / D converter 68 converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and the control IC 62 receives the signal and notifies the printer 10 of the signal to execute a desired operation.
[0035]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge-side antenna 71 of the non-contact IC 70 is constituted by a coil antenna similarly to the fixed antenna 61. A resonance capacitor 73 is provided together with a storage IC chip 72 of an element for storing an amount or the like. The non-contact IC 70 is obtained by mounting a storage IC chip 72 on a plastic film on which a resonance capacitor 73 is formed together with a planar coil cartridge-side antenna 71 by etching a metal film, and covering the plastic film with a transparent cover sheet. .
[0036]
The non-contact IC 70 performs non-contact communication (transmission / reception) of various information stored in the storage IC chip 72 between the antennas 61 and 71 within a range in which an interval between the cartridge-side antenna 71 and the fixed antenna 61 is about 10 mm. It is a proximity-type non-contact element that can be attached to an object as a sticker with one surface having adhesiveness. . Here, the non-contact IC 70 is driven by receiving power from an RF signal transmitted from the antenna substrate 60. That is, the RF signal induces a high-frequency magnetic field through the fixed antenna 61, and the high-frequency magnetic field generates an induced electromotive force in the cartridge-side antenna 71, which is rectified by the rectifier 74, so that each circuit in the non-contact IC 70 is formed. Is a DC power source for driving.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 12, the storage IC chip 72 of the non-contact IC 70 includes a rectifier 74 composed of a diode bridge connected in parallel with a resonance capacitor 73 on the subsequent stage of the cartridge-side antenna 71 and an output of the rectifier 74. , And a storage control unit 77 connected to the output of the rectifier 74 and the base of the transistor 76. As shown in FIG. 12, the storage IC chip 72 receives the RF signal from the antenna substrate 60 by the cartridge-side antenna 71 and rectifies and analyzes various information of the load signal in a readable area such as a NAND flash ROM. It is written and held inside. In this storage IC chip 72, various information such as ink remaining amount information is written in the writable area each time, for example, in order for the main body of the printer 10 to perform control to prompt replacement of the ink cartridge 21. The storage IC chip 72 is also provided with an area in which only reading is possible, and various information in the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 21, for example, the ink type of the ink cartridge 21, the expiration date of the ink, etc. The identification ID (Identity) of 21 is written.
[0038]
When the power to the main body of the printer 10 is turned on, the carriage 31 (ink cartridge 21) moves to the left non-printing area facing the antenna board 60, and the antennas 61 and 71 are moved. As shown in FIG. 12, the RF signal transmitted from the driver 60a including the control IC 62 of the antenna substrate 60, the carrier generation unit 63, and the modulation circuit 64 via the fixed antenna 61 when the mobile phone 100 faces each other. Is received by the non-contact IC 70 via the cartridge-side antenna 71 to read / write various information. At this time, the response from the non-contact IC 70 can be received as a change in an RF signal due to absorption of a high-frequency magnetic field, as shown in FIG. That is, returning to FIG. 12, the antenna substrate 60 is configured such that the reception circuit 60 b including the control IC 62, the detection unit 65, the reception amplifier 66, the filter 67, and the amplifier & A / D conversion unit 68 changes the RF signal shown in FIG. Receives a response signal from the non-contact IC 70.
[0039]
In addition, the fluctuation width (communication level) V of the RF signal received by the receiving circuit 60b changes according to the facing distance L shown in FIG. 8, which is a relative positional relationship with the non-contact IC 70, As shown in FIG. 10, a comparator 69 for detecting the difference Δv (communication level) of the change is provided.
[0040]
The control IC 62 of the antenna substrate 60 determines (detects) whether or not the ink cartridge 21 is properly set on the carriage 31 based on the difference Δv of the variation width V of the RF signal detected by the comparator 69. Then, information for performing a warning control such as a setting failure of the ink cartridge 21 is notified to the printer 10 main body side. For example, when the control IC 62 compares the difference Δv of the variation width V of the RF signal detected by the comparator 69 with a predetermined threshold value of a predetermined level, the absorption of the high-frequency magnetic field is reduced by the approach of the antennas 61 and 71. If the difference Δv exceeds the threshold value, the ink cartridge 21 is in a state of being floated by the leaf spring 37, and the protrusion 24b of the rear grip lever 24 is engaged with the engagement plate 36. It is determined that the printer is not in the state, and the setting error information of the ink cartridge 21 such as the fixing failure by the grip lever 24 and the definition of the ink supply path is notified to the main body of the printer 10.
[0041]
That is, the ink cartridge 21 constitutes the set member to be detected, the fixed antenna 61 constitutes the main body side antenna on the detection side, the cartridge side antenna 71 constitutes the exchange side / set side antenna on the detected side, and the comparator 69 constitutes the level detection means. The control IC 62 constitutes a state detecting means.
[0042]
Therefore, the antenna substrate 60 and the non-contact IC 70 can detect the setting state of the ink cartridge 21 without performing any special components or wire control, and can fix the fixing failure by the gripping lever 24 and define the ink supply path. Defective set error information can be detected with high reliability and notified to the printer 10 main body. Upon receiving the error information, the main body of the printer 10 blinks the error notification LED 18 provided on the operation panel 16 and transmits the error information to the PC 100 to notify the user of the error, thereby promptly coping with the user. And the occurrence of a printing failure or the like can be avoided beforehand.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 9, the fixed antenna 61 of the antenna substrate 60 has a width approximately twice as large as the cartridge-side antenna 71 in the moving direction, but first, the cartridge-side antenna of the leftmost ink cartridge 21. By receiving the identification ID from the non-contact IC 70 by facing only the cartridge 71 (in a state where communication with another cartridge-side antenna is impossible), the ink cartridge 21 is identified by the identification ID in the subsequent exchange. The read / write with the storage IC chip 72 is performed. For example, when the carriage 31 is moved by the width of one ink cartridge 21 after acquiring the identification ID from the non-contact IC 70 of the leftmost ink cartridge 21, the cartridge-side antenna 71 of the two ink cartridges 21 becomes the fixed antenna 61. Interference is prevented by causing an identification ID to accompany information received from the non-contact IC 70 or by specifying an identification ID of a non-contact IC responding.
[0044]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned on or the like, the antenna board 60 and the non-contact IC 70 use the RF signal of the non-contact communication normally performed via the antennas 61 and 71, and use a dedicated switch as in the related art. Whether or not the ink cartridge 21 is set at an appropriate regular position by using the difference Δv of the fluctuation width V of the RF signal without requiring any device, wiring, or the like, and without performing special communication control. Can be detected. Then, as the ink cartridge 21 is moved by the carriage 31 (the cartridge-side antenna 71 facing the fixed antenna 61 is changed), the setting state of each ink cartridge 21 can be easily detected. Further, by this, it is possible to detect whether the ink cartridge 21 is fixed to the carriage 31 by the gripping lever 24 or whether the ink supply path from the ink cartridge 21 to the recording head 32 is defined, and the ink cartridge 21 When the printer is not in the setting state, error information is notified to the printer 10 and an appropriate measure can be taken.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, a printing apparatus to which a setting state detection system including both the detection side and the detection side is applied will be described. However, in an apparatus in which a detection target is not integrally mounted, a setting state of an important external component is set. A setting state detection device may be mounted so that non-contact communication is performed with the external component when necessary, such as for confirmation.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, a case of a color ink jet printer will be described. However, the present invention can be applied to a monochromatic printer such as only black, and a case of cut paper is described. But it is applicable. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to a printer in which a toner cartridge is set.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when it is desired to detect a setting state of a detection target such as a set member or a replacement cartridge having an antenna, when non-contact communication is performed between antennas facing each other, the detection target is in a normal position. When set to, information communication is performed at the specified communication level, but when the detection target is not set to the normal position, it deviates from the specified level according to its relative positional relationship etc. Since information communication is performed at the communication level, the communication level at this time is compared with a preset threshold value (specified level) to detect whether or not the detection target is set at a regular position. be able to.
[0048]
Therefore, when a function of exchanging information in a non-contact manner with an antenna is provided, it is possible to detect the setting state of the detection target without using a dedicated device or wiring such as a switch device by using the function. it can. When there are a plurality of detection targets, the antennas may be individually faced. However, since there is no contact, the antennas on the detection side move relative to each other, and corresponding antennas are arranged for each detection target. Can be omitted. As a result, the setting state of the detection target can be easily detected with an inexpensive configuration without performing complicated wiring work.
[0049]
At this time, it is possible to detect whether or not the information is set to a normal position by information exchange by non-contact communication which is performed normally instead of performing special non-contact communication to detect the setting state of the detection target. Therefore, when non-contact communication is performed, the setting state of the detection target can be detected without adding a special device or communication control.
[0050]
Further, in the case of a printing apparatus in which the replacement cartridge is set at a regular position by the fixing means, or in the case of a printing apparatus in which the supply path of the recording medium is defined by setting the replacement cartridge to the regular position, the replacement cartridge is used. Whether or not the replacement cartridge is fixed by the fixing means and whether or not the supply path of the recording medium is defined can be detected based on whether or not the cartridge is set at the proper position. And outputting error information based on the information to prevent printing failure or the like from occurring.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detection system to which a setting state detection apparatus according to the present invention is applied, and is a perspective view showing an overview thereof.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving unit inside the printing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a driving unit inside the printing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing an ink cartridge of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view showing a carriage of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a partially sectional side view showing a setting state of an ink cartridge and a carriage of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a related block diagram illustrating a control unit of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a state side view for explaining a main configuration of the setting state detection system.
FIG. 9 is a state plan view for explaining a main configuration of the setting state detection system.
FIG. 10 is a related block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main body side (setting state detecting device) of the setting state detecting system.
FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration on a set side of the setting state detection system.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of the setting state detection system.
FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram illustrating non-contact communication in the setting state detection system.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printer
11 Paper tray
12 Output tray
16 Operation panel
21 Ink cartridge
22 Cartridge body
24 Grasping lever
24b protrusion
31 carriage
36 engagement plate
37 leaf spring
50 control unit
60 antenna board
61 Fixed antenna
69 Comparator
70 Non-contact IC
71 Cartridge side antenna
P Recording paper

Claims (10)

A detection-side antenna facing the detection-side antenna to be detected, level detection means for detecting a communication level of communication performed by the detection-side antenna in a non-contact manner with the detection-side antenna, and detection by the level detection means A setting state detecting device for detecting a setting state of a detection target based on the information. 2. The setting state detection device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects a setting state of a detection target based on detection information obtained by a level detection unit that changes according to a relative positional relationship between antennas. . A set-side antenna provided on a set member set on the apparatus main body, and a main body side arranged at a position facing the set-side antenna of the apparatus main body and transmitting and receiving various kinds of information between the set-side antenna in a non-contact manner An antenna; a level detecting means for detecting a communication level of communication performed between the set-side antenna and the main-body-side antenna; and a setting state of the set member to the apparatus main body based on information detected by the level detecting means. A setting state detection system, comprising: a state detection unit. The setting state detecting device according to claim 3, wherein the state detecting unit detects a setting state of the set member based on detection information obtained by a level detecting unit that changes according to a relative positional relationship between the antennas. . A printing apparatus comprising: a main body side antenna that is disposed at a position facing an exchange side antenna of an exchange cartridge for a recording medium to be set and that transmits and receives various kinds of information without contact with the exchange side antenna,
Level detection means for detecting a communication level of communication performed between the exchange side antenna and the main body side antenna, and state detection means for detecting a setting state of the exchange cartridge in the apparatus main body based on information detected by the level detection means A printing device comprising: 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the state detection unit detects a setting state of the replacement cartridge based on detection information obtained by a level detection unit that changes according to a relative positional relationship between the antennas. The state detecting means detects a setting state of the exchange cartridge based on information detected by a level detection means of a communication level at which the main body side antenna transmits and receives information regarding the exchange cartridge to and from the exchange side antenna. Item 7. A printing device according to item 5 or 6. Fixing means for fixing the exchange cartridge to the apparatus main body side,
The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the state detection unit detects whether the replacement cartridge is fixed by the fixing unit as a setting state of the exchange cartridge. Having a supply path of a recording medium defined at the time of setting the exchange cartridge,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the state detecting unit detects, as a setting state of the replacement cartridge, whether or not the supply path is defined. 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein error information is output based on information detected by the state detection unit.

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