JP2006035867A - Inkjet type recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a cartridge which stores ink of another kind from being set wrong in a holder where the cartridge should not be originally set, in a state in which various kinds of ink is supplied. <P>SOLUTION: The inkjet type recorder is equipped with a reading means which reads out information from a storage medium at the set ink cartridge, an information analyzing means which analyzes the information read by the reading means, and an ink-intake means which is driven by a control signal generated by the information analyzing means and is connected to the ink cartridge to make the ink led out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge on which a recording medium capable of storing information relating to an ink cartridge is mounted, and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing erroneous mounting of the ink cartridge, and further mounted on the ink cartridge. The present invention relates to an ink cartridge replacement control technique using cartridge information from a recording medium.

  The ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet recording head that receives ink supplied from an ink cartridge, and a paper feeding unit that moves recording paper relative to the recording head, and moves the recording head based on print data. Recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording paper.

  In addition, a recording head capable of ejecting black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks, for example, is mounted on the carriage, enabling full-color printing by changing the ejection ratio of each ink as well as text printing with black ink. ing. The ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head is mounted so as to be detachable on the carriage, for example.

JP 06-246929 A

  Nowadays, demands for higher printing quality are increasing, and various inks are supplied to meet this demand. In such a situation where various types of ink are supplied, there is a possibility that a cartridge in which another type of ink is stored in a holder that should not be originally mounted may be erroneously mounted. For example, when a yellow ink cartridge is mounted in a holder in which a black ink cartridge is mounted, there arises a problem that color quality is mixed and print quality is remarkably deteriorated. In the worst case, the inks may react and solidify. In such a case, it is almost impossible to recover the printing function.

  In order to avoid such a problem, countermeasures such as forming a pattern for preventing erroneous insertion into the case of each ink cartridge by unevenness, for example, have been considered. However, mechanically forming different patterns for preventing erroneous insertion in each ink cartridge case not only causes an increase in cost during manufacturing, but also if the cartridge is to be reused. In addition, there is a problem that the sorting and the like are troublesome. Furthermore, when more and more types of ink are supplied as described above, there is a limit to the shape pattern for preventing erroneous insertion, and such means cannot be used.

  In some cases, it is possible to use expired ink that has been stocked for a long period of time, and such a problem is essentially unavoidable in a conventional combination of an ink cartridge and a recording apparatus. Further, for example, when using photo ink instead of normal ink, after completely discharging, for example, normal ink previously used from the ink flow path in the recording head, the photo ink cartridge is removed. It is desirable to install.

  However, in the current recording apparatus, when an ink cartridge is installed, a hollow ink supply needle disposed in the recording apparatus is immediately connected to the ink supply port of the cartridge. It is difficult to perform the operation of discharging the ink that has been used.

  In addition, the ink cartridge used in this type of recording apparatus is sealed with an ink protective film attached to the ink supply port in order to prevent volatilization of the ink solvent at the time of shipment from the manufacturer. The entire cartridge is vacuum-packed with a packaging material.

  When the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder on the recording apparatus side, the ink protective film is destroyed by the ink supply needle disposed on the cartridge holder side, and the ink supply port of the cartridge is joined to the ink supply needle at the same time. Thus, the ink can be supplied to the recording apparatus side.

  Therefore, when the cartridge is accidentally attached to another holder, the ink protective film attached to the ink supply port has already been destroyed, and this causes the ink to increase in viscosity and the like. It is not preferable to pull out and save and use this because it causes printing trouble.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a basic object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge that can prevent erroneous ink from being supplied to a recording apparatus. It is something to be offered. In addition, in this case, an ink cartridge capable of determining the suitability of mounting without destroying the ink protective film that seals the ink supply port of the ink cartridge is provided.

  Furthermore, the present invention uses an ink cartridge on which a recording medium capable of storing cartridge information is mounted, and the ink supply needle on the recording apparatus side is erroneous before destroying the ink protective film of the cartridge. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording apparatus that can recognize the mounting of an ink cartridge and prevent erroneous mounting.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus capable of automatically realizing operations such as ink discharge and replacement when ink cartridges having different characteristics are selected, and ink cartridge replacement control in the apparatus. It is intended to provide a method.

  The ink jet recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is configured to be detachably mountable with an ink cartridge including a storage medium capable of storing information relating to the cartridge. A reading unit that reads information about the cartridge from the storage medium in the mounted ink cartridge; an information analysis unit that analyzes information about the cartridge read by the reading unit; and a control signal generated by the information analysis unit And an ink take-in means that is connected to the ink cartridge and leads out the ink.

  According to the recording apparatus having this configuration, information is extracted from the storage medium of the mounted ink cartridge, and whether or not the cartridge is mounted is checked. When it is determined that the mounted ink cartridge is appropriate, the ink take-in means is driven, whereby the ink take-in means is connected to the ink cartridge and the ink is led out. Therefore, even if an inappropriate cartridge is mounted, the ink take-in means described above is not driven, and it is possible to prevent ink from being introduced from the inappropriate cartridge into the recording apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is guided by a guide rod 4 through a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2 and is reciprocated in the axial direction of the platen 5. Yes.

  A recording sheet 6 is arranged in a scanning area where the carriage 1 is scanned, and the recording sheet 6 is configured to be conveyed so as to be orthogonal to the scanning direction of the carriage 1. A recording head 7 to be described later is mounted on the lower surface of the carriage 1 facing the recording paper 6, and black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks that supply ink to the recording head are mounted on the lower surface. The stored ink cartridges 8B, 8Y, 8C, and 8M are mounted in a cartridge holder (described later) formed on the carriage 1 so as to be detachable.

  Further, a capping unit 9 is disposed at a home position outside the non-printing area. This capping unit 9 is mounted on the carriage 1 as the carriage 1 moves when the carriage 1 moves to the home position side. The nozzle forming surface of the recording head thus formed can be sealed.

  The capping means 9 is configured to be lowered as the carriage 1 moves to the print area side so that the recording head can be unsealed. A suction pump 10 for applying a negative pressure to the internal space of the capping unit 9 is disposed below the capping unit 9.

  The capping unit 9 functions as a lid that prevents drying of the nozzle openings of the recording head during the rest period of the recording apparatus, and also causes the recording head to eject ink droplets by applying a drive signal unrelated to printing. It functions as an ink receiver during the flushing operation, and also functions as a cleaning unit that causes the negative pressure from the suction pump 10 to act on the recording head to suck and discharge ink from the recording head.

  A wiping member 11 made of an elastic plate such as rubber is disposed adjacent to the printing area side of the capping means 9 and, when the carriage 1 reciprocates to the capping means 9 side, the recording head is necessary. A wiping operation for wiping and cleaning the nozzle forming surface is performed.

  The recording apparatus main body configured as described above is accommodated in an outer case having the form shown in FIG. 2, for example. The outer case 15 has a paper feed tray 16 disposed on the back side thereof, and a paper discharge tray 17 disposed on the front side thereof. An operation panel 18 on which operation buttons including a cleaning command switch, a cartridge replacement switch, a power switch, and the like, which will be described later, are arranged is disposed on the upper surface of the right corner of the outer case 15.

  A lid body (hereinafter also referred to as a printer cover) 19 covering the upper portion of the outer case 18 is mounted so as to be openable and closable on the front side of the apparatus by a hinge (not shown). A window hole 20 is formed so that the switches arranged on the operation panel 18 can be exposed when the cover 19 is closed.

  When the printer cover 19 is opened, the ink cartridge replacement window 21 is exposed. The ink cartridge replacement window 21 is formed at a position avoiding the home position where the capping means 8 is disposed. For example, when the ink cartridge is replaced, the carriage is controlled to be moved to the cartridge replacement window 21.

  This is because, for example, when an ink cartridge is to be replaced, stress due to insertion / removal of the ink cartridge acts on the capping unit, thereby avoiding a problem that impedes the mechanism constituting the lifting mechanism of the capping unit. . Also, for example, when the ink cartridge is replaced when it is not the ink end, the ink meniscus formed in the nozzle opening of the recording head is destroyed due to the fluctuation of the pressure in the sealed capping means, resulting in poor printing. The reason for avoiding the problem of reaching is also included.

  3 to 21 show the ink cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention that can be employed in the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration and an ink jet recording apparatus using the ink cartridge. In the ink cartridge and the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, immediately before the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus side, information on the cartridge is read from the information recording medium mounted on the cartridge, and the cartridge is mounted. It is characterized in that it is made to judge suitability.

  First, FIG. 3 schematically shows a state immediately before the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder formed on the carriage 1 of the recording apparatus, and FIG. 4 shows a state after the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder. Is schematically shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ink cartridges (hereinafter also simply referred to as cartridges) 8B, 8Y, 8C, and 8M are arranged in parallel in a cartridge holder (hereinafter also simply referred to as a holder) 31 disposed on the carriage 1. Installed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, one of the cartridges is shown, and this cartridge is represented by reference numeral 8 as a representative.

  As is well known, an ink storage chamber is formed in the cartridge, and the ink storage chamber is sealed in a state in which a porous material such as urethane is impregnated with ink. An ink supply port 8c is formed at the bottom of the cartridge 8 so that ink can be led out from the ink supply port 8c. An ink protective film 8g for preventing volatilization of the ink solvent is attached to the ink supply port 8c, and the ink supply port 8c is sealed by the ink protective film 8g.

  The cartridge 8 is mounted with a non-volatile storage medium, for example, an IC memory 32 such as an EEPROM, and the IC memory 32 electrically holds information for controlling the recording apparatus. The information stored in the IC memory 32 includes information used by the recording apparatus to prevent the wrong type of cartridge from being mounted, information for controlling the printing operation so that suitable printing can be performed, and the like.

  More specifically, information on all types of recording devices that can be used by the cartridge 8, identification information (product name, serial number, etc.) of the cartridge 8, color information of the enclosed ink, ink type (dye, pigment) Etc.), information on the expiration date (or date of manufacture) of the ink, information on the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge, and suitable printing conditions when using the cartridge (for example, applied voltage to the print head and nozzles) The number of ink discharges from

  In the cartridge 8 in this embodiment, a pair of electrode terminals (or electrode terminal groups) 33A and 33B as access terminals for the IC memory 32 are arranged. These access electrode terminals 33A and 33B are arranged on the outer surface of the cartridge 8 on a surface substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the cartridge 8 with respect to the holder 31, and different positions along the insertion direction, That is, they are arranged in a state slightly separated in the vertical direction in the figure.

  The first electrode terminal 33A connected to the IC memory 32 has an ink supply as an ink take-in means in which the ink protection film 8g is provided in the inner part of the holder 31 when the cartridge 8 is inserted into the holder 31. In the first position before being broken by the needle 34, the contact terminal (or contact terminal group) 35 disposed on the inner wall of the holder 31 is provided at a position where the contact is made.

  Further, the second electrode terminal 33B connected to the IC memory 32 reaches the 28th position where the mounting of the cartridge 8 to the holder 31 is completed, that is, as an ink take-in means as shown in FIG. When the ink supply needle 34 breaks the ink protective film 8g and ink is supplied to the recording apparatus side, the ink supply needle 34 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the contact terminal 35 disposed on the holder 31 side. Yes.

  With such a configuration, when the cartridge 8 is mounted, the recording apparatus has an electrode terminal to the IC memory 32 in the cartridge 8 at the first position before the ink supply needle 34 contacts the ink protection film 8g of the cartridge 8. Information can be accessed through 33A, and whether or not the cartridge 8 is mounted can be checked.

  In the middle of the cartridge 8 reaching the second position from the first position, the ink protection film 8g provided on the cartridge 8 is destroyed by the ink supply needle 31, and the ink supply is performed while the cartridge 8 reaches the second position. Ink is supplied to the recording apparatus head through an ink supply hole 34 a provided near the tip of the needle 31. In this state, the IC memory 32 can be accessed through the electrode terminal 33B connected to the IC memory 32, and printing can be executed based on the above-described suitable printing conditions.

  The holder 31 is provided with a lock mechanism 36 that constitutes an insertion preventing means that can temporarily prevent further insertion when the cartridge 8 is inserted into the first position. . In a state where the cartridge 8 is locked at the first position by the lock mechanism 36, a read signal from the IC memory 32 is transmitted to the CPU 38 in the recording apparatus via the read / write means 37 connected to the terminal 35. .

  When the CPU 38 determines whether or not the cartridge is properly mounted, and when it is determined that the cartridge is appropriate, the lock mechanism 36 is retracted by a command signal from the CPU 38. As a result, as shown in FIG. The cartridge can be moved to the second position where ink can be supplied.

  FIG. 5 shows a determination operation performed by the recording apparatus when the cartridge 8 is mounted on the holder 31. First, the lock mechanism 36 in the holder 31 is in a locked state protruding from the inner wall of the holder 31 after the previous cartridge is pulled out from the holder 31 and before the next cartridge 8 is inserted. When the cartridge 8 is inserted in such a state (step S1), the lock mechanism 36 locks the cartridge 8 at a position where the ink protective film 8g disposed at the ink supply port 8 of the cartridge does not reach the ink supply needle 34. To do.

  At that position, the electrode terminal 33A disposed on the cartridge 8 contacts the contact terminal 35 disposed on the holder 31 side, and the IC memory 32 and the read / write unit 37 are electrically connected.

  The CPU 38 on the recording apparatus side receives information stored in the IC memory 32 via the read / write means 37, for example, all recording apparatus models that can be used by the cartridge, cartridge identification information, ink color, type, and expiration date. Then, information such as the remaining amount is read (step S2), and it is checked whether or not the inserted cartridge is an ink cartridge suitable for mounting (step S3).

  For example, it is determined that the type of the recording apparatus is suitable, the cartridge type, the ink color, the type are correct, the ink expiration date has not passed, and the remaining amount of ink is equal to or greater than a specified value. In this step S3, when it is determined that the mounting is appropriate (Yes), the lock mechanism 36 is retracted to a position (inner wall portion of the holder 31) that does not hinder further insertion of the cartridge 8, and the user is prompted. Then, the attachment is permitted (step S4).

  If it is determined in step S3 that the mounting of the cartridge is inappropriate (in the case of No), this is notified to the user and a warning is issued (step S5). As the warning means described above, means such as generating a warning sound, turning on a lamp, or displaying a message on the panel are adopted.

  When the cartridge 8 is mounted on the holder 31 based on the above-described step S4, the IC memory 32 of the cartridge 8 is electrically connected to the reading / writing means 37 of the recording apparatus via the electrode terminal 33B and the contact terminal 35. Connected to. The CPU 38 arranged on the recording device side reads information stored in the IC memory 32 via the read / write means 37, for example, the remaining amount of ink and suitable printing conditions, and executes the printing process. Get ready.

  Note that the CPU 38 in the recording apparatus can appropriately write information that changes with the printing process, such as the remaining amount of ink, in the IC memory 38 according to the execution of printing. If the information cannot be read from the IC memory 38, it may be determined that the cartridge 8 is not mounted in the state reaching the second position, and the user may be informed accordingly. .

  According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge 8 is prevented from entering the holder 31 at a position just before the ink supply needle 34 enters the cartridge 8, and the suitability of mounting of the cartridge 8 is checked there. By this. Before the ink protective film 8g provided in the cartridge 8 is destroyed by the ink supply needle 34, it can be surely recognized whether or not the ink cartridge is suitable for mounting.

  In addition, in the suitability check, information that the user cannot know from the shape of the cartridge 8, for example, the remaining amount of ink, the expiration date of ink, and the like can be confirmed in the recording apparatus. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inserted cartridge from being mounted, and to reliably prevent inappropriate ink from being supplied to the recording apparatus side.

  FIG. 6 shows an external configuration of an ink cartridge that can be suitably used in the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration. In the cartridge 8, a lid 8b is attached in an airtight state to an upper part of a container 8a formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, thereby constituting an outer casing of the cartridge. At the bottom of the container 8a, an ink supply port 8c is formed at a position facing the ink supply needle 34 when mounted on the holder 31, and the upper end of the vertical wall 8d on the ink supply port 8c side is a holder side described later. The overhanging portion 8e that engages with the protrusion of the lever disposed in the is integrally formed.

  A circuit board 40 is mounted on the vertical wall 8d on the ink supply port 8c side. As shown in FIG. 7A, the circuit board 40 is grouped in two stages in the cartridge insertion direction to form a first electrode terminal group 33A and a second electrode terminal group 33B. . An IC memory 32 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board as shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, although not shown in the figure, the signal lines are arranged in parallel with the first electrode terminal group 33A and the second electrode terminal group 33B from the IC memory 32. Is connected. That is, the information signal can be exchanged to the IC memory 38 using either the first electrode terminal group 33A or the second electrode terminal group 33B. In addition, the electrode shown by the code | symbol 33c pinched | interposed into 33 A of 1st electrode terminal groups and the 2nd electrode terminal group 33B has shown the electrode used for a check in a manufacturing process.

  FIG. 8 shows the first electrode terminal group 33A and the second electrode terminal group 33B formed on the circuit board 40 at the first position and the second position in the step of inserting the cartridge into the holder. The state which the contact terminal group 35 arrange | positioned at the inner wall of the holder 31 contacts is shown. For this contact terminal group 35, for example, a contact forming member 35 a having an elastic force such as phosphor bronze is used, and each contact terminal group 35 is formed in two upper and lower stages along the cartridge insertion direction.

  When the cartridge is inserted into the holder and arrives at the first position, the contact terminal group 35 comes into contact with the first electrode terminal group 33A. As a result, the IC memory 38 and the read / write means 37 are brought into electrical contact, and a read signal from the IC memory 32 is transmitted to the CPU 38 in the recording apparatus. At this time, as described above, the CPU 38 on the recording apparatus side reads the information held in the IC memory 32 via the read / write means 37, and whether or not the inserted cartridge is an ink cartridge suitable for mounting. To check.

  When it is determined that the inserted cartridge is an ink cartridge suitable for mounting, the mounting of the cartridge is permitted as described above, and the cartridge is moved to the second position and mounted accordingly. At this time, the circuit board 40 attached to the cartridge relatively moves in the direction of arrow A, whereby the contact terminal group 35 comes into contact with the second electrode terminal group 33B. In addition, the part which gave the 2nd electrode terminal group 33B in FIG. 8A to the double hatching has shown a mode that the said contact terminal group 35 is contacting, respectively.

  Therefore, electrical contact is made between the IC memory 38 and the read / write means 37, and the CPU 38 on the recording apparatus side can determine the remaining amount of ink held in the IC memory 32 and the preferred value via the read / write means 37. It is possible to read various printing conditions and the like, and to prepare for executing the printing process.

  Next, FIG. 9 schematically shows a state immediately before the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder formed on the carriage 1 of the recording apparatus in the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows the ink cartridge. The state after mounting | wearing with a cartridge holder is shown typically. In both figures, the same reference numerals are assigned to portions corresponding to the respective portions in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above. Only the differences will be described below.

  The cartridge 8 in this embodiment is provided with only one set of electrode terminals 33 for accessing the IC memory 32. On the other hand, in the holder 31, two sets of contact terminals 35 </ b> A and 35 </ b> B connected in parallel to the read / write unit 37 are arranged in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the first contact terminal 35 </ b> A on the holder 31 side has the electrode terminal 33 provided in the cartridge 8 when the cartridge 8 is locked in the first position by the lock mechanism 36. It is provided at a position where it comes into contact.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second contact terminal 35B on the holder 31 side is provided in the cartridge 8 when the locked state by the lock mechanism 36 is released and the cartridge 8 is moved to the second position. Further, it is provided at a position in contact with the electrode terminal 33.

  With this configuration, the CPU 38 in the recording apparatus can read the information held in the IC memory 32 through the contact terminal 35A in a state where the cartridge 8 is locked at the first position by the lock mechanism 36. It can be checked whether or not is suitable for wearing. As a result, when it is determined that it is suitable for mounting, as shown in FIG. 10, the lock mechanism 36 is retracted to a position that does not prevent further insertion of the cartridge 8, thereby permitting mounting of the cartridge 8. To do. When the cartridge 8 is moved to the second position, the CPU 38 reads out suitable printing conditions from the IC memory 32 via the second contact terminal 35B, and prepares to execute the printing process.

  FIG. 11 shows an external configuration of an ink cartridge that can be suitably used in the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration. The basic configuration of the ink cartridge 8 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. The difference is in the configuration of the circuit board 40 mounted on the cartridge 8.

  FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the circuit board. As shown in FIG. 12A, the circuit board 40 is formed with electrode terminal groups 33 grouped in two stages in the cartridge insertion direction. An IC memory 32 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board as shown in FIG. That is, the circuit board 40 shown in FIG. 12 includes one set of electrode terminal groups 33 as compared with the circuit board shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows the electrode terminal group 33 formed on the circuit board 40 at the first position and the second position in the step in which the cartridge on which the circuit board shown in FIG. The state which the 1st and 2nd contact terminal groups 35A and 35B arrange | positioned at the inner wall of this contact is shown.

  First, when the cartridge is inserted into the holder and arrives at the first position, the first contact terminal group 35A comes into contact with the electrode terminal group 33 formed on the circuit board. As a result, the IC memory 38 and the read / write means 37 are brought into electrical contact, and a read signal from the IC memory 32 is transmitted to the CPU 38 in the recording apparatus. At this time, as described above, the CPU 38 on the recording apparatus side reads the information held in the IC memory 32 via the read / write means 37, and whether or not the inserted cartridge is an ink cartridge suitable for mounting. To check.

  When it is determined that the inserted cartridge is an ink cartridge suitable for mounting, the mounting of the cartridge is permitted as described above, and the cartridge is moved to the second position and mounted accordingly. At this time, the circuit board 40 attached to the cartridge relatively moves in the direction of the arrow A, whereby the second contact terminal group 35B comes into contact with the electrode terminal group 33 formed on the circuit board 40. In addition, the part which gave the double hatching to the electrode terminal group 33 in Fig.13 (a) has shown a mode that the said 2nd contact terminal group 35B is contacting, respectively.

  Therefore, electrical contact is made between the IC memory 38 and the read / write means 37, and the CPU 38 on the recording apparatus side can determine the remaining amount of ink held in the IC memory 32 and the preferred value via the read / write means 37. It is possible to read various printing conditions and the like, and to prepare for executing the printing process.

  FIG. 14 shows an improved example of the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, portions corresponding to the respective portions of the configuration shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, a stepped portion 36a is formed in a movable lock mechanism 36 serving as an insertion blocking means for temporarily blocking the ink cartridge from being inserted at the first position. The step 36a is engaged with the outer surface of the cartridge to lock the ink cartridge at the first position. On the other hand, on the vertical surface 36b where the step portion 36a of the lock mechanism 36 is formed, a contact terminal 35 that can contact the electrode terminal 33 disposed on the cartridge side is disposed.

  With this configuration, when the ink cartridge is locked at the first position, the cartridge can be positioned by the step portion 36a formed in the lock mechanism 36, and the contact terminal 35 is connected to the lock mechanism 36. Therefore, the contact terminal 35 can accurately contact the electrode terminal 33 disposed on the cartridge side in the positioned state.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cartridge mounting mechanism in the third embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge 8 is configured to be mounted in the horizontal direction with respect to the cartridge holder 31. For this purpose, the cartridge 8 is provided with an IC memory 32 that holds information for controlling the recording apparatus on an upper surface that is a surface substantially parallel to the cartridge insertion direction with respect to the cartridge holder 31. In this case, an access terminal to the IC memory 32 is formed on the upper surface of the IC memory 32.

  After the cartridge 8 is inserted into the holder 31 from the insertion port 41 formed on the right side in the drawing to a halfway depth, the lid 42 provided in the insertion port 41 is closed in the direction of arrow B, so that the lid 42 can The cartridge 8 is pushed in and attached to the holder 31. At this time, the ink supply needle 34 provided at the innermost part of the holder 31 is relatively inserted and joined into the cartridge 8. The ink can be derived.

  The holder 31 is in a first position where the cartridge 8 is inserted into the ceiling wall to a halfway depth, that is, a position where the ink supply needle 34 does not reach the ink protection film (not shown) provided in the cartridge 8. A lock mechanism 36 that locks the insertion of the cartridge is provided. The lock mechanism 36 is composed of a plate-like member whose one end is pivotally supported by the ceiling wall of the holder 31. When it is determined that the cartridge 8 inserted as described later is appropriate, The plate-like member constituting the lock mechanism 36 jumps up to the ceiling wall side of the holder 31 as indicated by an arrow C, and allows the cartridge 8 to be attached.

  The holder 31 has two sets of contact terminals 35A for reading information from the IC memory 32 and sending it to the writing means 37 on the inner surface of the ceiling wall, which is the surface facing the IC memory 32 provided in the cartridge 8. , 35B are arranged. The first contact terminal 35A can come into contact with an access terminal formed on the upper surface of the IC memory 32 when the cartridge 8 is inserted into a first position locked by a lock mechanism 36 constituted by a plate-like member. Placed in position. Further, the second contact terminal 35B is disposed at a position where it can contact the access terminal formed on the upper surface of the IC memory 32 when the cartridge 31 is further inserted and reaches the second position.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 38 accesses the IC memory 32 to determine whether or not the cartridge 8 is mounted at the stage where the tip of the cartridge 8 is inserted up to the position of the lock mechanism 36 constituted by a plate-like member. Then, the result is notified to the user. When the determination result is mountable, the user can mount the cartridge 8 in the holder 31 by closing the lid 42.

  When the cartridge 8 is mounted in the holder 31 and reaches the second position, a signal is exchanged with the access terminal formed on the upper surface of the IC memory 32 via the second contact terminal 35B. As in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to prepare a system for executing the printing process.

  Next, FIG. 16 shows the cartridge according to the fourth embodiment and the structure of the holder, and the operations when the cartridge is mounted on the holder are shown in order according to (a) to (d). . The ink cartridge 8 has a recess 43 that runs in the front and back direction on the paper surface on the lower surface thereof. The recess 43 is provided with an access terminal to the IC memory 32, that is, an electrode terminal 33.

  On the other hand, the cartridge holder 31 includes a cartridge insertion port 41, a lid 42, and a support rod (extending in the front and back direction of the paper) 44 that enters the concave portion 43 of the cartridge 8 and supports the cartridge 8 from below when the cartridge is inserted. A guide groove 45 carved in the inner wall of the holder that accommodates the end of the support bar 44 and guides the support bar 44 to the inside of the holder 31, and guides the support bar 44 in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid 42. A lifter 46 that guides in the direction of the groove 45 is provided, and an ink supply needle 34 is disposed on the inner bottom of the holder 31.

  Further, on the upper surface of the support bar 44, when the support bar 44 enters the recess 43 formed in the cartridge 8, a contact terminal that comes into contact with the electrode terminal 33 serving as an access terminal disposed in the recess 43. 35 is arranged. The contact terminal 35 is connected to reading / writing means (not shown) for reading information held in the IC memory 32.

  In this configuration, when the ink cartridge 8 is mounted, the lid 42 is first fully opened as shown in FIG. As a result, the support rod 44 enters and is locked in the key-shaped portion 47 formed in the horizontal direction at the upper end of the guide groove 45.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16B, the cartridge 8 is put into the insertion port 41 of the holder 31, and the recess 43 formed in the cartridge 8 is engaged with the support bar 44. As a result, the contact terminal 35 formed on the support rod 44 comes into contact with the electrode terminal 33 disposed in the concave portion 43 of the cartridge, and the CPU (not shown) of the recording apparatus has the IC memory 32 mounted on the cartridge 8. Can be accessed. That is, this state corresponds to the first position before the cartridge is mounted.

  Therefore, the CPU on the recording device side reads the information held in the IC memory 32 and checks whether the cartridge 8 is properly mounted. If the wearing is inappropriate, the user is warned, and if it is appropriate, the user is informed accordingly. Knowing this appropriate determination result, the user performs an operation of closing the lid 42 as shown in FIG.

  In conjunction with the closing operation of the lid 42, the support bar 44 descends along the guide groove 45 to guide the cartridge 8 inward. Further, by applying the pressing force of the lid 42 to the cartridge 8 by the operation of closing the lid 42, the ink supply port formed in the cartridge enters the ink supply needle 34. Finally, as shown in FIG. 16D, the cover 42 is completely closed to complete the mounting of the cartridge 8. That is, this state corresponds to the first position where the cartridge is mounted on the holder.

  Even when the mounting of the cartridge is completed, the contact terminal 35 disposed on the support bar 44 is in contact with the point electrode terminal 33 disposed on the cartridge 8. Therefore, the recording apparatus can read out information from the IC memory 32 mounted on the cartridge and execute a suitable printing process.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the timing for determining whether or not the cartridge 8 is appropriate is not limited to when the lid 42 is fully opened, and the ink supply port formed in the cartridge, preferably the ink supply port is sealed. What is necessary is just to be before the ink protection film to be broken by the ink supply needle 34.

  Next, FIG. 17 shows another form of the circuit board on which the IC memory is mounted and arranged in the ink cartridge. The circuit board 40 can be employed in the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 6, and can be suitably used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. In the circuit board 40 shown in FIG. 17, in the electrode terminal group 33 grouped in two stages in the cartridge insertion direction, the lower three electrode terminals are formed long in the vertical direction.

  With this configuration, when the lower three electrode terminals formed long in the vertical direction are inserted into the first position before the cartridge is mounted, the lower ends of the lower three electrode terminals are placed on the holder side. The arranged first contact terminal 33A can be contacted. At this time, information is read from the IC memory using the three electrode terminals, and whether or not the cartridge is mounted is determined.

  When the cartridge is attached to the holder moved to the second position, the upper three electrode terminals grouped in two stages and the upper ends of the lower three electrode terminals are arranged on the holder side. The second contact terminal 33B can be contacted.

  FIG. 18 shows still another form of the circuit board on which the IC memory is mounted and arranged in the ink cartridge. The circuit board 40 has an optically readable pattern array, that is, a barcode 49 formed at the lower end thereof. The barcode 49 is read by a barcode reader disposed on the holder side in a state where the barcode 49 is inserted in the first position before the cartridge is mounted. Based on the barcode pattern arrangement information, Whether or not the ink cartridge is installed can be determined.

  FIG. 19 shows the structure of the cartridge 8 on which the circuit board shown in FIG. 18 is mounted and the holder 31 for mounting the cartridge 8 in a cross-sectional state. In FIG. 19, the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to the respective portions already described. In the form shown in FIG. 19, a hook-like protrusion 42a is formed at the base end portion of the lid 42. When the cartridge is inserted as shown in the figure, the overhang formed on the ink supply port 8c side of the cartridge is shown. The portion 8e is received by the hook-shaped protrusion 42a. That is, the cartridge 8 is set to the first position before being mounted on the holder 31.

  On the other hand, a bar code reader 50 is arranged on the inner wall portion of the holder, and the bar code 49 attached to the circuit board 40 in the cartridge 8 set at the first position is transferred by the bar code reader 50. Can be read. Then, by analyzing this bar code, it is possible to determine whether the cartridge inserted in the first position is appropriate.

  Then, when it is determined that the inserted cartridge is appropriate and a message to that effect is obtained, the lid 42 is closed to form a hook-shaped protrusion 42a formed on the base end of the lid 42. Retreats downward, and the cartridge 8 is pushed into the holder 31 via an elastic member 42 b disposed on the back surface of the lid 42. As a result, the protective film 8 g that seals the ink supply port 8 c is broken by the ink supply needle 34, and the ink supply port 8 c is joined to the ink supply needle 34.

  In this state (second position), the electrode terminal 33 on the circuit board 40 mounted on the cartridge comes into contact with the contact terminal 35 disposed on the holder side, and the recording device stores information on the IC memory 32 mounted on the cartridge. Can be read and a suitable printing process can be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, information for determining whether or not the cartridge is mounted is obtained in a non-contact state, but information on the IC memory 32 mounted on the cartridge is transmitted to the holder side by wireless communication means. Means can also be employed. The wireless communication means used in this case needs to use a configuration in which signals are transmitted and received within a few millimeters of an opposing distance using very weak radio waves.

  FIG. 20 shows still another form of the circuit board on which the IC memory is mounted and arranged in the ink cartridge. In the form shown in FIG. 20, in the state where the ink cartridge is inserted in the first position, the ink cartridge is changed according to the conduction state of the contact terminal disposed on the recording apparatus side that contacts the electrode terminal on the cartridge side. It is comprised so that the suitability of mounting | wearing can be determined.

  That is, the configuration shown in FIG. 20 shows a configuration in which the circuit board 40 is arranged for three different cartridges CA1, CA2, and CA3. These circuit boards have the same configuration as the circuit board shown in FIG. And each circuit board 40 is comprised so that the attachment position with respect to each cartridge may differ. The circuit board 40 is attached to the first cartridge CA1 substantially at the center as indicated by the arrow CE, and the second cartridge CA2 is attached to the left side with respect to the arrow CE indicating the center. Further, the third cartridge CA3 is attached to the right side with respect to the arrow CE indicating the center.

  On the other hand, when the cartridge is inserted into the holder and reaches the first position, the contact terminal that contacts the lower electrode terminal of the circuit board 40 is disposed on the holder side. The contact terminals arranged on the holder side are arranged with a slight shift in the left-right direction with reference to the central part into which each cartridge is inserted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, a pair of contact terminals are in contact with each other as shown by double hatching on the lower electrode terminal of the circuit board 40, in particular, the wide electrode terminal at the center thereof. Made into a state. Therefore, the example shown in FIG. 20 shows a state where all of the three cartridges CA1, CA2, and CA3 can be properly mounted.

  If the first cartridge CA1 is inserted into a holder in which the second cartridge CA2 is properly mounted, the above-described conductive state cannot be obtained at the contact terminal arranged on the holder side. Therefore, in this case, it can be detected that an inappropriate cartridge has been inserted.

  Further, FIG. 21 shows still another embodiment of a circuit board on which the IC memory is mounted and arranged in the ink cartridge. The form shown in FIG. 21 is a form in which a dedicated electrode terminal 33d that contacts a contact terminal arranged on the recording apparatus side is formed on the circuit board 40 in a state where the ink cartridge is inserted into the first position. Show.

That is, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, in the first cartridge CA1, the dedicated electrode terminal 33d is attached to the circuit board 40 slightly to the left.
In the second cartridge CA2, the dedicated electrode terminal 33d is attached to the circuit board 40 slightly to the right. Further, in the third cartridge CA 3, the dedicated electrode terminal 33 d is attached wide on the circuit board 40.

  On the other hand, three contact terminals are arranged on the holder side as shown by double hatching. Therefore, the connection state of the electrode terminal 33d varies depending on the pattern of the dedicated electrode terminal 33d. By detecting this state, it is possible to determine whether the ink cartridge is properly mounted.

  The preferred embodiments of the first aspect according to the present invention have been described above. However, these are examples for explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited to these embodiments. Not the purpose. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the IC memory may be replaced with an optical recording medium. In the case of using a recording medium that directly reads and writes data using a read / write head such as an optical recording medium, the recording medium is disposed at the position of the circuit board 40 in the above-described embodiment, and the read / write head is replaced with the contact terminal 35. Will be placed.

  Next, a recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention and an ink cartridge replacement control method in the apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. In the recording apparatus according to the second aspect, as described above, when the information is read from the recording medium mounted on the cartridge and is determined to be an appropriate ink cartridge, the ink is taken in to draw out the ink. It is characterized in that the means is driven and joined to the ink supply port of the cartridge.

  The recording apparatus of the second aspect according to the present invention also employs the configuration shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the user can pull out the cartridge from the carriage by pulling up a later-described cartridge fixing lever 51 arranged on the carriage moved to the cartridge replacement window 21. In addition, after mounting a new cartridge, the cartridge fixing lever 51 is pulled down and fastened to read information about the cartridge from the recording medium mounted on the newly mounted ink cartridge as will be described later. The availability of the is verified.

  When it is determined that the cartridge can be used, the carriage moves from the replacement window 21 to the home position where the capping unit 9 is disposed, and the hollow ink supply needle is attached to the mounted cartridge. Is connected.

  FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the cartridge holder mounted on the carriage 1. In this embodiment, as described in FIG. 1, the black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are shown. The stored ink cartridge is configured to be mounted. FIGS. 23 to 27 show an operation sequence performed when one of the ink cartridges is replaced. FIG. 23 shows a printable state, and FIG. 24 shows a slightly lifted cartridge replacement lever. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the cartridge replacement lever is further pulled up so that the cartridge can be replaced. FIG. 26 shows a state in which, for example, a new ink cartridge is installed and the cartridge replacement lever is pulled down, and FIG. The state in which the ink supply needle is connected to the ink cartridge and the ink is led out is shown in cross-sectional views.

  First, as shown in FIG. 22, the carriage 1 is configured to be guided by the guide rod 4 so as to move in the horizontal direction. The upper surface of the carriage 1 corresponds to each ink cartridge to be mounted. The cartridge fixing levers 51B, 51Y, 51C, 51M are arranged. A recording head 7 that receives ink from each mounted cartridge is mounted on the lower surface of the carriage 1.

  Further, on the front side of the carriage 1, a part of supply needle drive levers 52B, 52Y, 52C, and 52M, which will be described in detail later, appear, and each of the supply needle drive levers 52B, 52Y, 52C, and 52M The supply lever drive levers are engaged and released by the stopper levers 53B, 53Y, 53C, and 53M arranged respectively.

  Further, reference numeral 54 in FIG. 22 denotes a cam member disposed at the home position, and a set lever 55 that is pushed up by the rotational drive of the cam member 54 is provided. Then, when the carriage 1 moves to the home position, the end of each of the supply needle drive levers 52B, 52Y, 52C, 52M is pulled up as described later, and the stopper lever 53B is pulled up. , 53Y, 53C, and 53M.

  Next, the ink cartridge replacement operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27, the replacement operation of one ink cartridge is described step by step as described above. Therefore, each of B, Y, C, and B indicating the type of ink shown in FIG. The same reference numerals except for the M reference are shown.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the ink cartridge 8 used in the recording apparatus stores a porous body 8h and holds the porous body 8h impregnated with ink. Has been. An ink supply port 8c is formed in the front portion of the lower bottom portion, and an annular packing member 8i is attached in the hole. Although not shown in the drawing, an ink protective film is attached to the lower end portion of the ink supply port 8c, and the ink solvent is prevented from being volatilized during storage of the cartridge.

  Further, an IC memory 32 as a readable / writable storage medium is attached to the rear portion of the lower bottom portion of the ink cartridge 8 in a state of being attached to the substrate 40. As described above, information such as the type of ink in the cartridge or the date of manufacture (or the expiration date) can be written in the storage element 32.

  On the other hand, a contact terminal 35 that contacts the substrate 40 in a state where the cartridge is mounted is disposed on the carriage side, and information on whether or not the cartridge is mounted on the carriage via the contact terminal 35, In addition, it is configured such that information relating to the cartridge stored in the storage element 32 can be read.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the supply needle drive lever 52 is configured such that its free end side can be turned up and down via a support shaft 52a. The hollow ink supply needle 34, which is linked to the rotational movement of the supply needle drive lever 52 and constitutes the ink take-in means, is configured to be able to move in the vertical direction while maintaining a state perpendicular to the axial direction. ing.

  With this configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, the ink supply needle 34 is inserted into and connected to the ink supply port 8c of the mounted ink cartridge, and for example, as shown in FIG. The state where the supply needle 34 is lowered and the ink supply needle 34 is removed from the ink supply port 8c of the ink cartridge is selected. A flexible ink supply tube 56 is connected from the ink supply needle 34 to the recording head 7, and ink drawn from the cartridge by the ink supply needle 34 passes through the ink supply tube 56 to the recording head. 7 is supplied.

  FIG. 23 shows a printable state in which the ink supply needle 34 is inserted and connected to the ink supply port 8c of the mounted ink cartridge. In this state, the engaging portion 53a formed in the stopper lever 53 is engaged with the engaging hole 52b formed in the supply needle drive lever 52, and the free end side of the supply needle drive lever 52 is moved upward. The state is maintained. The stopper lever 53 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 53c, and the stopper lever 53 is biased to the right end (clockwise direction) in the drawing by a spring member (not shown). It is configured.

  Here, when the ink cartridge is to be replaced, the carriage 1 is moved from the home position to the cartridge replacement window 21 as shown in FIG. 2 by operating a cartridge replacement switch 73 described later. Then, by operating to pull up the front end portion of the cartridge fixing lever 51 shown in FIG. The engagement is released.

  Then, by pulling up the cartridge fixing lever 51 as it is, the bent portion 51b formed on the cartridge fixing lever 51 abuts against the stopper lever 53 as shown in FIG. 24, and the free end of the stopper lever 53 is directed forward (see FIG. 24 to the left).

  Therefore, the engagement portion 53a formed on the stopper lever 53 is disengaged from the engagement hole 52b formed in the supply needle drive lever 52, and the supply needle drive lever 52 is disposed between the carriage main body side. In response to the biasing force of the spring member 57, the supply needle drive lever 52 is lowered on its free end side. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 24, the ink supply needle 34 is lowered, and the ink supply needle 34 is removed from the ink supply port 8c of the ink cartridge.

  At this time, the claw portion 51 c formed at the base end portion of the cartridge fixing lever 51 engages with the protruding portion 8 e formed on the ink cartridge 8 and acts to push up the ink cartridge 8. Further, the ink cartridge 8 can be taken out from the carriage in the state shown in FIG. 25 operated to pull up the front end portion of the cartridge fixing lever 51.

  In the state shown in FIG. 25, the new ink cartridge 8 that has been replaced is mounted again, and the cartridge fixing lever 51 is operated to be pulled down toward the front, thereby forming the cartridge fixing lever 51 as shown in FIG. The engaging protrusion 51a is engaged with the engaging portion 1b and fastened. At this time, the leaf spring 51d disposed on the back surface of the fixing lever 51 acts to abut the upper surface of the cartridge 8 and push the cartridge 8 downward. Therefore, the IC memory 32 attached to the cartridge 8 is connected to the recording apparatus side via the contact terminal 35. Thereby, the cartridge information written in the IC memory 32 can be read.

  As will be described later, the recording apparatus reads and analyzes the cartridge information written in the IC memory 32, and when it is determined that the cartridge is usable, an operation of moving the carriage 1 to the home position is performed. . When the carriage 1 moves to the home position, an operation is performed in which the cam member 54 disposed at the home position rotates once in the direction indicated by the arrow D as shown in FIG.

  Due to the rotational drive of the cam member 54, the set lever 55 is pushed up, and the tip of the set lever 55 is brought into contact with the supply needle drive lever 52 and operated to push it up. Therefore, the engagement portion 53a formed on the stopper lever 53 is engaged with the engagement hole 52b formed on the supply needle drive lever 52, and the free end side of the supply needle drive lever 52 is moved upward. Locked. At this time, as described above, the ink supply needle 34 is raised and joined to the ink supply port 8c of the mounted ink cartridge, and ink is supplied from the cartridge to the recording head 7.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of a control circuit that is mounted on the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration and realizes the ink cartridge replacement control method according to the present invention. In FIG. 28, parts corresponding to those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 28, the suction pump 10 is connected to the capping means 9, and the discharge side of the suction pump 10 is connected to the waste liquid tank 13.

  In this embodiment, the driving force by the motor 60 that drives the suction pump 10 is configured to rotate the lever 15 in either direction via the friction clutch 14. Then, by rotating the lever 15 in any direction, the holding member 11 a that holds the wiping member 11 is slid in any one of the horizontal directions, and the wiping member 11 advances to the movement locus of the recording head 7. Thus, a wiping operation for wiping and cleaning the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 7 is performed.

  Reference numeral 61 shown in FIG. 28 denotes print control means. The print control means 61 generates bitmap data based on print data from the host computer, and generates a drive signal by the head drive means 62 based on this data. In addition, a function of ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 7 mounted on the carriage 1 is provided. The head driving unit 62 is configured to receive a flushing command signal from the flushing control unit 63 and output a driving signal for the flushing operation to the recording head 7 in addition to the driving signal based on the print data. .

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a cleaning control means. The cleaning control means 64 executes a cleaning operation in response to a command signal from the cleaning command detection means 66 that has been turned on by the cleaning command switch 65 disposed on the operation panel 18 described above. It has a function to let you. Further, the cleaning control unit 64 has a function of executing a cleaning operation in the same manner even when a cleaning command is received from the host computer via the print control unit 61.

  The cleaning control unit 64 has a function of controlling the pump driving unit 67 and driving the motor 60 to drive the suction pump 10 and the like when receiving a cleaning command. Then, a negative pressure is applied to the internal space of the capping means 9 by the driving operation of the suction pump 10, and ink is sucked and discharged from the nozzle openings of the recording head 7. Further, when the suction pump 10 is driven again in a state where the nozzle forming surface is unsealed by the capping unit 9, the ink waste liquid discharged into the internal space of the capping unit 9 can be discarded in the waste liquid tank 13. it can.

  On the other hand, reference numeral 68 denotes a read / write means, and this read / write means 68 acts to read cartridge information stored in the IC memory 32 mounted on each ink cartridge mounted on the carriage. Information on the cartridge read by the writing / reading means 68 is sent to the data analysis means 69, where the information is analyzed.

  The data analysis means 69 is connected with a display means 70 and a cam member driving means 71. Further, a carriage control means 72 is connected to the data analysis means 69, and a control signal is bidirectionally exchanged with the carriage control means 72. The carriage control means 72 is configured to send a command signal to the carriage motor control means 75 so as to drive and control the carriage motor 2 described above. The carriage control means 72 is configured to be supplied with a signal from an encoder 74.

  The encoder 74 has a function of optically detecting the movement position of the carriage, for example. By operating a cartridge replacement switch 73 connected to the carriage control means 72, the carriage 1 is moved from the home position to the above-described position. The cartridge replacement window 21 can be controlled to move.

  Ink cartridge detection means 76 for detecting the mounting state of the ink cartridge with respect to the carriage 1 is provided, and detection information by the ink cartridge detection means 76 is configured to be transmitted to the host computer. The ink cartridge detection means 76 electrically verifies whether or not the IC memory 32 mounted on the cartridge is connected to the contact terminal 35 when the cartridge is mounted on the carriage as shown in FIG. Is configured to do.

  Next, ink cartridge replacement control performed by the control circuit shown in FIG. 28 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Before entering the description of the float, if the ink amount of any of the ink cartridges is in the end state, the display means 70 displays that the ink end state has been reached. Accordingly, when the user presses the cartridge replacement switch 73 for a predetermined time, a control signal is sent from the carriage control means 72 to the carriage motor control means 75. As a result, the carriage motor 2 executes control to move the carriage 1 from the home position toward the ink cartridge replacement window 21 described above. When it is confirmed from the information from the encoder 74 that the carriage has reached the position facing the ink cartridge replacement window 21, the drive of the carriage motor 2 is stopped.

  Then, in this state, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 25, the cartridge fixing lever 51 corresponding to the cartridge that has become the ink end is pulled up, and the ink cartridge is replaced. Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the cartridge fixing lever 51 is pulled down to fasten the fixing lever 51, whereby a new ink cartridge is mounted.

  In step S11 shown in FIG. 29, it is detected whether or not an ink cartridge is mounted, and this uses a detection signal from the ink cartridge detection means 76. In the subsequent step S12, reading of the data of the mounted ink cartridge is executed. As described with reference to FIG. 28, the writing / reading means 68 reads the cartridge information data from the storage element 32 mounted on the mounted cartridge.

  In step S13, the cartridge information data is analyzed. This is done by the data analysis means 69 that receives the data from the writing / reading means 68. Then, as shown in step S14, the data analysis unit 69 analyzes (determines) whether or not the mounted cartridge is usable. In this case, for example, when it is analyzed that the cartridge has been expired with reference to the date of manufacture (or the expiration date for use) in the cartridge information of the mounted cartridge, it is determined in step S14 that it cannot be used (No). Then, as shown in step S15, an error message is displayed on the display means 70.

  In step S14, the type of ink is also recognized. For example, even when a color ink cartridge is installed in a holder in which a black ink cartridge is to be installed, an error message is displayed on the display means 70 in the same manner. The

  If it is determined in step S14 that the mounted ink cartridge is usable, the process proceeds to step S16, and it is determined whether it is necessary to discharge ink from the ink cartridge before replacement. . In this case, for example, when using photo ink instead of normal ink, after completely discharging normal ink, for example, previously used, from the ink flow path leading to the nozzle opening of the recording head, It is desirable to install an ink cartridge. Therefore, the ink discharging operation is executed as shown in step S17.

  In order to execute this ink discharge operation, a control signal is sent from the data analysis means 69 to the carriage control means 72, and a command signal is sent from the carriage control means 72 to the carriage motor control means 75, so that the carriage 1 is transferred to the home position. Subsequently, a control signal is sent from the data analysis means 69 to the cleaning control means 64, and the cleaning control means 64 is operated. From the ink flow path reaching the nozzle openings of the recording head 7 by the negative pressure acting on the capping means 9. Then, an operation for discharging the residual ink is executed.

  Following the execution of the ink discharging operation, a connection routine shown in step S18 is executed. In executing this connection routine, a control signal is sent from the data analyzing means 69 to the cam member driving means 71, whereby the cam member 54 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow D as shown in FIG. Along with this, the ink supply needle 34 constituting the ink take-in means is connected to the ink supply port 8c of the cartridge 8, so that the ink is supplied from the cartridge to the recording head.

  Then, a post-processing routine is executed as shown in step S19. In this post-processing routine, negative pressure is applied to the capping unit 9 and ink is sucked and discharged from the recording head 7 to introduce and fill the recording head 7 with ink from a newly mounted cartridge. By executing this, normal recording action by the recording head is guaranteed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the carriage-on type recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage is taken as an example. However, in the present invention, for example, the ink cartridge is a cartridge on the recording apparatus main body side. The present invention can also be applied to a type of recording apparatus that is mounted on a holder and supplies ink to a recording head mounted on a carriage via a flexible ink supply tube. In this case, the ink take-in means including the ink supply needle 34 shown in FIGS. 23 to 27 is arranged in the cartridge holder on the recording apparatus main body side.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which an IC memory such as an EEPROM is mounted as a storage medium in the ink cartridge is shown. However, instead of this, a magnetic tape or barcode is provided, and a magnetic head or The cartridge information may be read by an optical reading device.

1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of an apparatus main body in an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an outer case that houses the recording apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram according to the first embodiment showing a state immediately before an ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder formed on a carriage. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which mounting of the ink cartridge is completed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a cartridge determination routine performed when the state shown in FIG. 3 is changed to the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink cartridge that is preferably used in the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a preferable example of a storage medium mounted on the ink cartridge illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view and a side view showing a state in which cartridge information is accessed to the storage medium shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram according to a second embodiment showing a state immediately before mounting an ink cartridge on a cartridge holder formed on a carriage. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge is completed from the state illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing an improved example of the configuration shown in FIG. 9. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance structure of the ink cartridge used suitably in the structure shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a preferable example of a storage medium mounted on the ink cartridge illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a front view and a side view illustrating a state in which cartridge information is accessed with respect to the storage medium illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram according to a third embodiment showing a state immediately before an ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view according to a fourth embodiment showing a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder. FIG. 6 is a front view showing another preferred example of a storage medium mounted on an ink cartridge. FIG. 10 is a front view showing still another preferred example of a storage medium mounted on an ink cartridge. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state immediately before an ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder formed on a carriage when the storage medium having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18 is used. FIG. 4 is a front view of a storage medium for explaining an arrangement position of a storage medium with respect to an ink cartridge and an access state. FIG. 6 is a front view of a storage medium for explaining another access situation with respect to the storage medium arranged in the ink cartridge. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a cartridge holder mounted on a carriage in the recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink cartridge is attached to one of the cartridge holders shown in FIG. 22. Similarly, it is a sectional view showing a state where the cartridge exchange lever is slightly pulled up. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge replacement lever is further pulled up so that the cartridge can be replaced. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a new ink cartridge is mounted and the cartridge replacement lever is pulled down. It is sectional drawing which showed the state in which the ink supply needle | hook was connected to the similarly mounted ink cartridge. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit mounted in the recording device in the 2nd aspect concerning this invention. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a cartridge replacement control routine performed by the control circuit shown in FIG. 28. FIG.

Claims (8)

An ink jet recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to print data is provided, and an ink cartridge is mounted that is equipped with a storage medium that supplies ink to the recording head and can store information about the cartridge. An ink jet recording apparatus that can be mounted,
Driven by a reading means for reading the information from the storage medium in the mounted ink cartridge, an information analysis means for analyzing the information read by the reading means, and a control signal generated by the information analysis means, An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: an ink take-in means connected to an ink cartridge to draw out ink.   The ink cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate, and the ink intake means has a hollow shape that is inserted into an ink supply port of the ink cartridge by driving the ink intake means. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ink supply needle.   The ink supply needle is configured to be moved by the operation of the supply needle drive lever, and is a stopper that engages with the supply needle drive lever and holds the state where the ink supply needle is inserted into the ink supply port of the ink cartridge. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a lever.   4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the supply needle driving lever is configured to receive the driving force of the cam member and insert the ink supply needle into the ink supply port of the ink cartridge.   A spring member that urges the ink supply needle to be pulled out from the ink supply port of the ink cartridge by releasing the stopper lever engaged with the supply needle driving lever is applied to the supply needle driving lever. The ink jet recording apparatus according to Item.   6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the stopper lever is configured to release the engagement of the supply needle driving lever in conjunction with the opening of a cartridge fixing lever that holds the mounted ink cartridge.   5. The cam member according to claim 4, wherein the cam member for driving the supply needle driving lever is disposed at a home position where a capping unit for receiving and discharging a negative pressure by the negative pressure generating unit to suck and discharge ink from the recording head is located. Inkjet recording device.   8. An outer case in which an ink cartridge replacement window for replacing an ink cartridge is formed at a position avoiding a home position where capping means is disposed in the carriage movement path. An ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the above.

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