JP2004050433A - Mechanism for detecting setting state of replacing cartridge, printer having mechanism and cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect setting/unsetting of any number of replacing cartridges and to detect setting states of the replacing cartridges inexpensively through a convenient arrangement. <P>SOLUTION: The printer comprises a carriage 31 being set with an ink cartridge 21, a through hole 91 made through the cartridge body 22 so that the cartridge can move when it is set to the carriage 31, a light receiving element passing through the through hole 91, and a control section 50 for judging the setting state of the ink cartridge 21 based on the light receiving information of the light receiving element. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a setting state detection mechanism for a replacement cartridge, a printing apparatus equipped with the mechanism, and a cartridge, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of detecting the attachment / detachment of a cartridge with a simple configuration.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an apparatus for processing an object using a consumable material or the like, in which a cartridge storing the consumable material is set so as to be exchangeable regularly or irregularly.
In some of such devices, a plurality of cartridges each storing different types of consumables are set to perform processing on an object.
[0003]
As this type of apparatus, for example, there is a printing apparatus for setting an ink cartridge and forming an image on recording paper. In this printing apparatus, one or a plurality of ink cartridges are set in a carriage that reciprocates in the width direction of the recording paper in order to form a monochromatic or color image on the recording paper.
[0004]
Such a device is provided with a switch for mechanically turning on / off as the cartridge is attached / detached so as to correspond to each cartridge, so that whether or not the cartridge is properly set is determined. When the drive command is input even though the cartridge is not set, the error information is notified so that the processing quality can be prevented from deteriorating. ing.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional apparatus, since a switch is provided for each cartridge, especially in the case of an apparatus using a plurality of cartridges, it is necessary to arrange the switches so as to correspond individually. There is. The arrangement of the switches hinders miniaturization and increases the amount of wiring, which is a problem particularly when the switches move like a carriage of a printing apparatus. Further, in the case of turning on / off by a mechanical operation, the mounting tolerance is strict and the cost is increased.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge which is simple and inexpensive with a simple configuration, and a printing apparatus and a cartridge equipped with the mechanism, which enable detection of attachment / detachment of the cartridge regardless of the number of cartridges. And
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting state detecting mechanism for setting a replacement cartridge, an optical path hole which moves as the replacement cartridge is attached to and detached from the setting means, and a light path hole passing through the optical path hole. Light receiving means for receiving the incoming light; and judging means for judging the setting state of the exchange cartridge based on the light receiving information of the light receiving means.
[0008]
According to the present invention, an optical path hole is formed in a member that moves when the exchange cartridge is attached or detached, for example, the cartridge itself or a member that moves in contact with the exchange cartridge, and artificial light that passes through the optical path hole is formed. A light receiving element for receiving light (light from the light emitting means) or natural light according to the setting state of the exchange cartridge (a state where it is set at an appropriate position, or an unset state such as floating from an appropriate position). The setting state of the exchange cartridge is determined (detected) based on the presence / absence of the light reception only by setting the light receiving means such as. Therefore, the setting state of the replacement cartridge can be detected with a simple and inexpensive configuration without using a mechanical switch.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the setting state detecting mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the features of the first aspect, the setting means can set a plurality of exchange cartridges, and the optical path hole allows the exchange cartridge to be set to the exchange means. This is characterized in that it is defined when juxtaposed properly and juxtaposed.
[0010]
According to the present invention, when a plurality of replacement cartridges are set at appropriate positions, light is set to pass through the optical path hole, and the setting state of the replacement cartridge is determined (detected) based on the presence or absence of light reception. You. Therefore, when all of the replacement cartridges are set at the appropriate positions, light passing through the optical path hole is received. The setting state of the exchange cartridge is detected by shifting the hole and shielding the light.
[0011]
A third invention of a setting state detecting mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problem is characterized in that, in addition to the specific features of the first or second invention, the optical path hole is provided in a replacement cartridge.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the optical path hole is formed in the exchange cartridge itself (the main body or the mounting portion) which moves at the time of attachment / detachment. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated means for moving the cartridge by the attachment / detachment of the replacement cartridge, and the apparatus can be constructed at low cost.
[0013]
A fourth invention of a setting state detection mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problem is characterized in that, in addition to the specific features of the third invention, the optical path hole is formed in a protruding piece provided in the exchange cartridge main body. is there.
[0014]
According to the present invention, the optical path hole is formed in the mounting portion protruding from the exchange cartridge main body. Therefore, the space for storing the consumables and the like in the replacement cartridge main body is not cut.
[0015]
A fifth invention of a setting state detecting mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problem is characterized in that, in addition to the specific features of the third invention, the optical path hole is formed in a replacement cartridge main body.
[0016]
According to the present invention, when the replacement cartridges are juxtaposed and juxtaposed, the optical path holes can be defined so as to be substantially continuous without any gap. Therefore, the amount of light passing therethrough can be reduced, and the hole diameter of the optical path holes can be reduced. Can be smaller. That is, the detection accuracy can be improved by increasing the sensitivity.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting state detection mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problems, wherein the setting means capable of setting a plurality of exchange cartridges is provided in addition to the specific features of any one of the first to fifth aspects. Are formed in a number corresponding to the type of the exchange cartridge so as to be continuous in the attaching / detaching direction with respect to the setting means.
[0018]
According to the present invention, at the time of attachment / detachment, the plurality of optical path holes of the exchange cartridge move in the continuous direction, and the passage / shielding of light passing through the optical path holes is repeated. Therefore, the type of the exchange cartridge can be determined based on the number of times of passage / shielding.
[0019]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting state detecting mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problem, further comprising the setting means capable of setting a plurality of exchange cartridges, in addition to the specific features of any one of the first to fifth aspects. Is characterized in that the opening width varies in the direction of attachment and detachment with respect to the setting means depending on the type of the exchange cartridge.
[0020]
According to the present invention, at the time of attachment / detachment, the optical path hole of the exchange cartridge moves in the opening width direction, and light passing through the optical path hole passes for a time corresponding to the opening width. Therefore, the type of the exchange cartridge can be determined based on the passing time.
[0021]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting state detecting mechanism for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the features of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the setting means sets the unset state of the exchange cartridge in a state of floating from the set position. Holding means for holding, setting the light to pass through the optical path hole when the replacement cartridge is set at an appropriate setting position of the setting means, and holding the replacement cartridge by the holding means. And an auxiliary hole for allowing light passing through the optical path hole to pass when the device is not set.
[0022]
According to the present invention, an optical path through which light passes is ensured both when the exchange cartridge is set at an appropriate setting position and when the exchange cartridge is held in a floating state. For this reason, the light passing through the optical path hole and the auxiliary hole is blocked only until the replacement cartridge set at an appropriate position moves in the direction in which it is removed and is held in a floating state. Therefore, even when a plurality of exchange cartridges are set, it is possible to judge whether each cartridge is to be attached or detached and to detect the setting state.
[0023]
An invention of a printing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized in that one of the above-mentioned setting state detecting mechanisms is mounted, and an ink cartridge of a replacement cartridge is set on a carriage of a setting unit.
[0024]
According to the present invention, a similar effect can be obtained in a printing apparatus in which an ink cartridge is set. Therefore, the setting state of the ink cartridge can be detected with a simple and inexpensive configuration.
[0025]
An invention of a cartridge that solves the above-mentioned problem is a cartridge set on the apparatus main body side, which defines an optical path through which light received by a light receiving unit on the apparatus main body side passes and moves along with attachment / detachment to / from the apparatus main body. An optical path hole is formed.
[0026]
According to the present invention, light receiving means such as a light receiving element on the apparatus main body side receives artificial light or natural light passing through the optical path hole of the cartridge that is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body in accordance with the setting state of the cartridge. Therefore, the setting state of the cartridge can be determined (detected) on the apparatus main body side by the presence or absence of this light reception, and the setting state of the cartridge can be detected with a simple and inexpensive configuration without using a mechanical switch. it can.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 9 are views showing a first embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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. That is, the ink cartridge 21 forms a replacement cartridge, and the carriage 31 forms a setting unit.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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 that is fitted into the ink supply port 23 of the ink cartridge 21 and that connects (defines) an ink supply path that communicates with the recording head 32 is provided on the floor surface of the cartridge housing portion of the carriage 31. ing.
[0033]
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 leaf spring 37 forms a holding unit. 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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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.
[0037]
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, a non-contact IC 70 for transmitting and receiving various information in a non-contact manner facing the fixed antenna 61 of the antenna substrate 60 is provided on the slope 22a on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 21. The non-contact IC 70 is shown in FIG. Thus, the cartridge-side antenna 71 is provided.
[0038]
The fixed antenna 61 of the antenna substrate 60 is configured by a coil antenna. The antenna substrate 60 modulates an RF signal generated so that information to be exchanged with the non-contact IC 70 is superimposed on the fixed antenna 61. While transmitting wirelessly from the antenna 61, changes in the RF signal to be generated and output (fluctuations in the RF signal due to absorption of a high-frequency magnetic field when the non-contact IC 70 receives and responds to the RF signal via the cartridge-side antenna 71) are performed in a non-contact manner. The signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal while being detected as a response from the IC 70, and is notified to the printer 10.
[0039]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, 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. .
[0040]
The non-contact IC 70 stores various information stored in the storage IC chip 72 between the antennas 61 and 71 when the distance L (shown in FIG. 8) of the cartridge-side antenna 71 facing the fixed antenna 61 is within 10 mm or less. It is a proximity type non-contact element that performs contact communication (transmit and receive), and can be attached to an object as a sticker with adhesive on one side. And it is thin. Here, the non-contact IC 70 is driven by receiving power from an RF signal transmitted from the antenna substrate 60. That is, while the RF signal induces a high-frequency magnetic field via the fixed antenna 61, the high-frequency magnetic field generates an induced electromotive force in the cartridge-side antenna 71, which is rectified by the rectifier, thereby allowing each circuit in the non-contact IC 70 to operate. Is a DC power source for driving.
[0041]
The storage IC chip 72 of the non-contact IC 70 receives the RF signal from the antenna substrate 60 by the cartridge-side antenna 71 and writes and holds various information rectified and analyzed in a readable area such as a NAND flash ROM. 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 to control the printer 10 main body to prompt the replacement of the ink cartridge 21. It is. 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.
[0042]
That is, when the power to 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. When a face-to-face state is reached, various types of information are read and written, and various types of information are notified to the main body of the printer 10 to start various control operations such as image formation. Various control operations are started on the premise that various types of information are exchanged between the antenna substrate 60 and the non-contact IC 70.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, the ink cartridge 21 has a through hole (optical path hole) 91 that penetrates between both side surfaces on the back side of the cartridge body 22, and a carriage 31 for setting the ink cartridge 21. , A light receiving element 95 for receiving light passing through the through hole 91 is disposed on a corresponding side surface, and the light receiving element 95 is connected to the PIO 55 of the control unit 50. If there is no gap between the ink cartridges 21 and no light enters, the light receiving element 95 may receive natural light from the opposite side surface of the carriage 31 to receive the light. It may be configured such that it itself has a light emitting function and receives light reflected by a mirror surface arranged on the opposite side surface of the carriage 31. However, in the present embodiment, a light emitting element is arranged on the opposite side surface of the carriage 31 so that the light receiving element 95 receives light having a certain intensity (light amount) or more passing through the through hole 91.
[0044]
Here, in the ink cartridge 21, a plurality of through holes 91 are formed in the cartridge main body 22, and a plurality of the ink cartridges 21 are juxtaposed in the cartridge accommodating portion of the carriage 31. For this reason, the penetration hole 91 can reduce or eliminate the intrusion of light from the outside, so that the light from the light emitting element can be efficiently transmitted (the amount of light is reduced) and the light receiving element 95 can receive the light with high sensitivity. it can. For this reason, the ink cartridge 21 can be formed finer than that formed on a piece-like member protruding from the cartridge body 22 as in an embodiment described later, and the occupied area can be reduced. Can be formed.
[0045]
The through holes 91 are formed so as to be arranged in a plurality of rows in the moving direction when the ink cartridges 21 are attached to and detached from the carriage 31, and the upper through holes 91 a at the uppermost end are common to the plurality of ink cartridges 21. On the other hand, the individual through-holes 91c located below the upper through-holes 91a are formed in one or more numbers corresponding to the respective ink cartridges 21 so as to be different for each cartridge. ing.
[0046]
The upper through-hole 91a is fixed in such a manner that the ink cartridge 21 is pushed down in the carriage 31 so as to resist the elastic force of the leaf spring 37, and the projection 24b of the rear grip lever 24 is engaged with the engagement plate 36 (ink supply). In a setting state in which the opening 23 is connected to the recording head 32), the position is set to match the position of the light receiving element 95 so that light from the light emitting element can be received.
[0047]
For this reason, in the setting state where all of the ink cartridges 21 are set to the proper positions where all the ink cartridges 21 engage and fix the protrusions 24b of the rear side grip lever 24 to the engagement plate 36 of the carriage 31, the plurality of upper through holes A continuous optical path can be defined between the 91a. On the other hand, the through hole 91 is provided when any one of the ink cartridges 21 is disengaged from the projection 24b of the rear grip lever 24 and the engagement plate 36 of the carriage 31 and pops up by the elastic force of the leaf spring 37. A continuous optical path cannot be defined between the upper through holes 91a.
[0048]
With this configuration, the control unit 50 can receive the light receiving / shielding information by the upper through-hole 91a from the light receiving element 95 when the ink cartridge 21 is attached to or detached from the carriage 31. It is determined that it is not in a state where it is set at an appropriate position fixed by the lever 24 but is in a pop-up state or an incomplete state (for example, a state in which the ink cartridge 21 is merely placed in the carriage 31). can do.
[0049]
Further, the through hole 91 is disposed within a moving distance at which the ink cartridge 21 changes from a proper setting state to a pop-up state in the carriage 31. Therefore, the through-hole 91 defines an optical path intermittent between the upper through-hole 91a and the individual through-hole 91c during a period in which any of the ink cartridges 21 changes from the proper setting state to the pop-up state in the carriage 31. Can be.
[0050]
With this configuration, for example, when the user arbitrarily removes the ink cartridge 21 after a normal operation, the control unit 50 changes one of the ink cartridges 21 from the state where all the ink cartridges 21 are set to the appropriate positions. Receiving the light receiving / shielding information of the light receiving element 95 by the two or more individual through holes 91c, it is determined which ink cartridge 21 has been popped up in accordance with the number of light shielding (or the number of light receiving except before the start of movement). Can be determined. Further, for example, when any of the ink cartridges 21 is replaced due to running out of ink or the like during operation, the control unit 50 controls the light-shielding frequency of light-receiving / light-shielding information from the light-receiving element 95 (excluding before the start of movement). It is possible to determine whether the ink cartridge 21 has been removed or which ink cartridge 21 has been set according to the number of times of light reception. That is, the control unit 50 constitutes a determination unit.
[0051]
If the control unit 50 cannot determine that all the ink cartridges 21 are set at the appropriate positions on the carriage 31, the control unit 50 performs a warning control such as a setting failure of the ink cartridges 21. In this case, measures corresponding to the fixing failure by the gripping lever 24 and the definition failure of the ink supply path, for example, the movement of the carriage 31 is prohibited, and the ink cartridge 21 comes into contact with the ink ejection failure or the antenna substrate 60. By preventing the damage beforehand, and transmitting the error information to the PC 100 while notifying the error notification LED 18 provided on the operation panel 16 and notifying the PC 100, the user can be promptly notified. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a printing failure or the like by prompting a response.
[0052]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the through-hole 91 that moves in accordance with the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge 21 is provided, and the setting state of the ink cartridge 21 is determined based on the light receiving / shielding information of the light passing through the through-hole 91. Thus, the setting state of the plurality of ink cartridges 21 can be detected at a low cost with a simple configuration including only one set of light emitting / receiving elements.
[0053]
Further, by forming the upper through-hole 91a and the individual through-hole 91c as the through-holes 91, even when the plurality of ink cartridges 21 are set on the carriage 31, they may be in a state where they are set at appropriate positions or may be pop-up. It is possible to determine whether the ink cartridge 21 is not set at an appropriate position, such as a state, or the type of the ink cartridge 21 to be detached.
[0054]
Therefore, unlike the prior art, there is no need for a switch device or wiring for each ink cartridge 21, and the mounting tolerance can be widened to adopt the optical type, and the ink cartridge 21 can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. The setting state can be detected.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
Next, FIG. 10 is a view showing a second embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention. Note that the present embodiment is configured substantially in the same manner as the above-described first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the characteristic portions will be described.
[0057]
In FIG. 10, instead of the individual through-hole 91c located below the upper through-hole 91a, the ink cartridge 21 has a long through-hole 91d having a long opening width in the attaching / detaching direction of the ink cartridge 21 or a short opening width in the attaching / detaching direction. One or two or more short through holes 91 e are arranged in parallel in a combination according to the type of the ink cartridge 21.
[0058]
For this reason, the long through-hole 91d and the short through-hole 91e, together with the upper through-hole 91a, are arranged within a movement distance where the ink cartridge 21 changes from the proper setting state to the pop-up state. For this reason, during the period in which the ink cartridge 21 changes from the proper setting state to the pop-up state, an optical path intermittent between the upper through hole 91a and the long through hole 91d or the short through hole 91e can be defined.
[0059]
With this configuration, the control unit 50 controls the light receiving / shielding information of the light receiving element 95 by the through holes 91 (the upper through hole 91a, the long through hole 91d, and the short through hole 91e) when the ink cartridge 21 is attached and detached, for example, the light receiving / shielding. It is possible to determine which of the ink cartridges 21 has been brought into the pop-up state or the appropriate setting state in accordance with the combination of the number of times and the light receiving / light shielding time. For example, when the ink cartridge 21 shown in FIG. 10 is brought into a pop-up state, it is possible to receive light receiving / light shielding information such as light receiving state / light shielding / long light receiving / light shielding / short light receiving / light shielding state and determine the type thereof. it can.
[0060]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the functions and effects of the above-described embodiment, more types of the ink cartridges 21 can be displayed within a short range below the upper through-hole 91a. The area occupied by the through holes 91 can be reduced.
[0061]
Here, in the present embodiment, the formation of the through holes 91 having two kinds of opening widths, such as the long through hole 91d and the short through hole 91e, below the upper through hole 91a will be described. If the pop-up speed is stable to some extent, the through holes 91 may have a plurality of types of opening widths for which the light receiving time can be determined, or the light blocking time between the through holes 91 may be changed. .
[0062]
Next, FIG. 11 is a view showing a third embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention. Note that the present embodiment is configured substantially in the same manner as the above-described first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the characteristic portions will be described.
[0063]
In FIG. 11, the ink cartridge 21 has a projecting piece 92 formed by projecting one side surface of the cartridge body 22 at a position adjacent to the rear side grip lever 24 outwardly. A plurality of through holes (light path holes) 93 are arranged in the moving direction of the attachment / detachment of the 21 to / from the carriage 31. A light receiving element (not shown) that receives light passing through the through hole 93 is disposed on a side surface of the carriage 31 corresponding to the through hole 93 of the ink cartridge 21 and is connected to the PIO 55 of the control unit 50. .
[0064]
The through holes 93 are located at the same positions so that the upper end upper through holes 93a are common to the plurality of ink cartridges 21 so as to function similarly to the upper through holes 91a and the individual through holes 91c in the first embodiment. On the other hand, individual through-holes 93c are formed below the upper through-holes 93a so as to be arranged in parallel with one or two or more in accordance with the ink cartridge 21. The through-holes 93 (upper through-holes 93a and individual through-holes 93c) are arranged within a moving distance at which the ink cartridge 21 changes from a proper setting state to a pop-up state. In addition, since the through-hole 93 projects outward from the cartridge body 22 and wraps light from the outside, the amount of light from the light-emitting element is increased, and at the same time, the through-hole 93 is larger than the through-hole 91 of the above-described embodiment. An aperture is provided in the area to secure the amount of light received by the light receiving element.
[0065]
Accordingly, the ink cartridge 21 defines a continuous optical path hole with the upper through hole 93a in the proper setting state, and blocks the optical path hole by the continuous upper through hole 93a in the pop-up state. Further, the ink cartridge 21 can define an intermittent optical path between the upper through-hole 93a and the individual through-hole 93c during the period when the proper setting state changes to the pop-up state.
[0066]
With this configuration, the control unit 50 receives the light receiving / shielding information of the light receiving element 95 through the through holes 93 (upper through holes 93a and individual through holes 93c) when the ink cartridge 21 is attached and detached, and the ink cartridge 21 is in a pop-up state or an appropriate state. It can be determined whether the ink cartridge 21 is in the setting state, and the type of the ink cartridge 21 can also be determined.
[0067]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the operation and effect of the above-described embodiment, a part of the ink cartridge 21 in the cartridge main body 22 is not occupied by the through hole 93, and the ink storage volume of the cartridge main body 22 Is not reduced.
[0068]
Next, FIG. 12 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention. Note that the present embodiment is configured substantially in the same manner as the above-described first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the characteristic portions will be described.
[0069]
In FIG. 12, the ink cartridge 21 has a lower through hole 91b formed at the lowermost end so as to sandwich the individual through hole 91c between the upper through hole 91a and the individual through hole 91c in addition to the upper through hole 91a. I have. The lower through hole 91b is formed at the same position so as to be common to the plurality of ink cartridges 21, similarly to the upper through hole 91a.
[0070]
Further, the lower through hole 91b is gripped so as to sandwich the grip lever 24 from a proper setting state of the ink cartridge 21 in the carriage 31 (a state in which the projection 24b of the rear grip lever 24 and the engagement plate 36 are engaged). When the ink cartridge 21 is popped up by about 4 mm by the elastic force of the leaf spring 37 by releasing the engagement between the protrusion 24b and the engagement plate 36, the light receiving element 95 is connected to the light receiving element 95 similarly to the upper through hole 91a. The position is set so that the light from the light emitting element can be received at the same position. That is, the through-hole 91 is disposed within the moving distance where the ink cartridge 21 changes from the proper setting state to the pop-up state, including the upper through-hole 91a to the lower through-hole 91b, and the lower through-hole 91b serves as an auxiliary hole. Make up.
[0071]
Accordingly, the through holes 91 define a continuous optical path hole between the plurality of upper through holes 91a in the proper setting state of all the ink cartridges 21 and, conversely, the plurality of upper hole in the pop-up state of all the ink cartridges 21. A continuous optical path can be defined between the lower through holes 91b. Therefore, the through hole 91 is continuous with the upper through hole 91a and the lower through hole 91b when a part of the ink cartridge 21 is in a setting state of the carriage 31 at an appropriate position and the other is in a pop-up state. Optical path can be defined. In addition, the through-holes 91 are provided with the upper through-holes 91a and / or the lower through-holes 91b and the individual through-holes 91c while any one of the ink cartridges 21 changes between the proper setting state and the pop-up state in the carriage 31. Can define a continuous optical path.
[0072]
Then, even if any one of the ink cartridges 21 is in the pop-up state, the control unit 50 maintains the continuous optical path by the upper through-hole 91a and the lower through-hole 91b. Can be grasped for each of the ink cartridges 21 as to whether the received light information has passed through the upper through hole 91a or the lower through hole 91b.
[0073]
For example, when the user arbitrarily removes the ink cartridge 21 after the normal operation, the control unit 50 changes the through holes 91 (the upper through holes 91a, 91a, The light receiving / shielding information of the light receiving element 95 through the lower through holes 91b and the individual through holes 91c) is received, and any of the ink cartridges 21 is brought into a pop-up state according to the number of times of light shielding (or the number of times of light receiving before and after the start of movement). When the ink cartridge 21 is to be replaced due to running out of ink or the like during the operation, the number of light-shielding / light-shielding information of the light-receiving / light-shielding information from the light-receiving element 95 by the through-hole 91 is similarly determined. The ink cartridge 21 is removed in accordance with the number of received light pulses, and the type of ink cartridge Can ridges 21 it is determined whether the set.
[0074]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the operation and effect of the above-described embodiment, by forming the upper through-hole 91a, the lower through-hole 91b, and the individual through-hole 91c as the through-holes 91, the plurality of ink cartridges 21 can be formed. Even when the ink cartridge 21 is set on the carriage 31, whether it is set at an appropriate position or not set at an appropriate position such as a pop-up state, the type of the ink cartridge 21 to be attached / detached is also determined. Can be determined.
[0075]
In the above-described embodiment, the case of a color inkjet printer has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a monochrome printer such as a black-only printer. But it is applicable.
[0076]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a plurality of through holes are formed has been described. However, only the upper through hole or the lower through hole may be formed to determine the attachment / detachment state of the ink cartridge. Further, it goes without saying that the upper through hole or the lower through hole may be combined with the individual through hole or the long through hole / short through hole.
[0077]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the through hole is formed in the cartridge. However, a member that moves up and down with the attachment and detachment of the ink cartridge, for example, a bottom plate may be provided in the carriage, and the through hole may be formed in the carriage.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical path hole that moves according to the attachment / detachment of an exchange cartridge such as an ink cartridge, and determine the setting state of the exchange cartridge based on the presence or absence of light passing through the optical path hole. That is, it is determined that all the replacement cartridges are set at the appropriate positions, or that one of the cartridges is not set, such as a state of being floated from the appropriate position, by receiving the light passing through the optical path hole. It can be detected only by the presence or absence. Therefore, regardless of the number of replacement cartridges, the setting state of the replacement cartridge can be detected at a low cost with a simple configuration.
[0079]
Also, when setting a plurality of replacement cartridges, by forming optical path holes continuous in the mounting / removing direction with the number corresponding to the type of the replacement cartridge, and extending in the mounting / removing direction with an opening width corresponding to the type of the replacement cartridge. By forming an existing optical path hole, it is possible to determine a replacement cartridge to be attached / detached based on light reception information (number of times of passage and time of passage) of light passing through the optical path hole.
[0080]
Further, by securing an optical path through which the light passes regardless of whether the replacement cartridge is set at the proper position or floated from the proper position, the light reception information of the light (change in light reception) can be obtained. ), The attachment / detachment of the exchange cartridge can be detected.
[0081]
Therefore, there is no need to arrange and wire individually to correspond to each other like a mechanical switch, and since the optical detection is used, a wide mounting tolerance can be obtained. The condition can be detected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention, 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 side view illustrating a state of a main configuration of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the printing apparatus on an ink cartridge side.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a second embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention, and is a side view showing an ink cartridge of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a view showing a third embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention, and is a side view showing an ink cartridge of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a setting state detecting mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to the present invention, and is a side view showing an ink cartridge of the printing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printer
11 Paper tray
12 Output tray
21 Ink cartridge
22 Cartridge body
23 Ink supply port
24 Grasping lever
24b protrusion
31 carriage
32 recording head
35 Ink supply needle
36 engagement plate
37 leaf spring
50 control unit
60 antenna board
61 Fixed antenna
70 Non-contact IC
71 Cartridge side antenna
91, 93 Through hole
91a, 93a Upper through hole
91b Lower through hole
91c, 93c Individual through hole
91d long through hole
91e Short through hole
92 projecting piece
95 light receiving element
P Recording paper

Claims (10)

Setting means for setting an exchange cartridge, an optical path hole which moves with the attachment / detachment of the exchange cartridge to / from the setting means, a light receiving means for receiving light passing through the optical path hole, and light receiving information of the light receiving means. Determining means for determining a setting state of the replacement cartridge based on the setting state of the replacement cartridge. The setting means enables a plurality of exchange cartridges to be set,
The mechanism for detecting a setting state of an exchange cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the optical path hole is defined when the exchange cartridge is properly set on the setting means and juxtaposed. 3. The mechanism for detecting a setting state of an exchange cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the optical path hole is provided in the exchange cartridge. The mechanism for detecting a setting state of an exchange cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the optical path hole is formed in a projecting piece provided in the exchange cartridge body. 4. The mechanism for detecting a setting state of an exchange cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the optical path hole is formed in the exchange cartridge body. Having the setting means capable of setting a plurality of replacement cartridges,
6. The setting state detecting mechanism for an exchange cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the number of the optical path holes is formed in a number corresponding to a type of the exchange cartridge so as to be continuous in a mounting / removing direction with respect to the setting unit. Having the setting means capable of setting a plurality of replacement cartridges,
6. The setting state detecting mechanism for an exchange cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said optical path hole is formed so that an opening width is different in an attaching / detaching direction with respect to said setting means according to a type of the exchange cartridge. Holding means for holding the replacement cartridge in an unset state in a floating state from the set position,
While setting so that light passes through the optical path hole when the replacement cartridge is set at an appropriate setting position of the setting means,
8. The setting of an exchange cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary hole for passing light passing through the optical path hole is provided when the exchange cartridge is not set in the holding means. State detection mechanism. A setting state detection mechanism for a replacement cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A printing apparatus wherein an ink cartridge of a replacement cartridge is set on a carriage of a setting unit. A cartridge to be set in the apparatus main body side,
A cartridge characterized by defining an optical path through which light received by a light receiving means on an apparatus main body side passes and having an optical path hole which moves as the optical apparatus is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

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