JP2007001208A - Liquid container, liquid feeding system equipped with the container, method for manufacturing the container, circuit board for the container, liquid holding cartridge and recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to judge the installing position of an ink tank by reading the signal from the ink tank using a few signal cables for the installing positions of two or more ink tanks. <P>SOLUTION: The ink tank is equipped with a memory for holding individual information, input- and output terminals of information and a control section for outputting the individual information held in the memory according to the request from the controller side of the recorder. The recorder is equipped with a connection section for sequentially connecting the input- and output terminals of two or more ink tanks and forms a loop of daisy chain connection. In responding to the order of the individual information which is serially outputted from two or more ink tanks according to the above request, the installing positions of two or more ink tanks are judged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid storage container, a liquid supply system including the container, a method for manufacturing the container, the circuit board for the container, a liquid storage cartridge, and a recording apparatus, and more particularly, a liquid storage such as an ink tank used in inkjet recording. It is suitable for application to the container mounting position determination.

  In recent years, due to the demand for higher image quality, lighter colors such as light magenta and light cyan have been used in the conventional four colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan), and red, green, and so on. Also, the use of so-called special color inks such as blue ink has been proposed. In such a case, 7 to 9 liquid storage containers (ink tanks) are individually attached to the ink jet printer. At that time, a mechanism for preventing the ink tank from being mounted at the wrong mounting position is required. This is because if the mounting position is different, it is possible that inks of different colors are supplied to the recording heads for other colors, or that the desired recording quality cannot be obtained because the order of color overlap is different from the design. .

In Patent Document 1, when the ink tank is mounted on the carriage, the shape of the engagement between the mounting portion of the carriage and the ink tank is different for each ink tank, so that the ink tank is mounted at an incorrect position. A configuration that prevents this is disclosed. ,
JP 2001-253087 A

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 in which the mutual shape in which the mounting portion and the ink tank are engaged differs for each mounting position in order to specify the mounting position of the ink tank, the shape varies depending on the color or type of ink. It is necessary to manufacture an ink tank. This is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing efficiency, cost, and management in the situation where the number of ink tanks to be mounted is increasing as described above.

  As another configuration, a configuration is considered in which the signal lines of the circuit formed by connecting the electrical contact of the ink tank and the electrical contact on the main body side at the mounting position of the carriage are individual for each mounting position. For example, by reading out the ink color information of the ink tank from the ink tank and making the signal line for controlling the lighting of the LED individual for each mounting position, the read color information is adapted to the mounting position. If not, it is possible to know that the ink tank is installed by mistake.

  However, such a configuration in which the signal lines are individually provided for each ink tank or mounting position increases the number of signal lines. In particular, as described above, in recent ink jet printers and the like, one tendency is to improve image quality by increasing the types of ink used. In such a printer, an increase in the number of signal lines particularly causes an increase in cost.

  In order to reduce the number of signal lines, a so-called bus connection configuration in which connection to a common data bus line is effective. However, it is obvious that the ink tank mounting position cannot be determined simply by adopting the bus connection configuration.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can determine the mounting position of an ink tank by reading signals from the ink tank using a small number of signal lines with respect to the mounting positions of a plurality of ink tanks. The purpose is to do so.

For this purpose, the present invention can mount a plurality of liquid storage containers, connect the output terminal of the control device to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and output the information of any one of the other liquid storage containers. The terminal is connected to the input end of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage container is sequentially connected to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A liquid storage container detachably attached to a recording apparatus having a connecting portion to be made,
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

Further, the present invention provides a plurality of liquid storage containers and the plurality of liquid storage containers can be mounted at different positions, and an output terminal of the control device is connected to an information input terminal of any one of the liquid storage containers. The information output terminal of any one of the liquid storage containers is connected to the input end of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage container is sequentially connected to the other end in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A liquid supply system comprising: a recording device including a connection unit configured to be connected to the information input terminal of the liquid storage container;
The liquid container is
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

In addition, the present invention can attach a plurality of liquid storage containers, connect the output end of the control device to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and the information output terminal of any one other liquid storage container Are connected to the input terminal of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage container is sequentially connected to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A method of manufacturing a liquid storage container that is detachable from a recording apparatus having a connection portion to be made,
When the information is input from the information input terminal and the information output terminal that can be connected to the connection unit, the information holding unit that can hold at least the individual information of the liquid storage container, and the control device of the recording apparatus, A control unit that outputs the same information as the input information to the information output terminal, and outputs information held in the information holding unit to the information output terminal when outputting information to the control device of the recording device; Preparing a liquid storage container including a substrate having:
Injecting ink into the liquid container;
It is characterized by having.

In addition, the present invention can attach a plurality of liquid storage containers, connect the output end of the control device to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and the information output terminal of any one other liquid storage container Are connected to the input terminal of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage container is sequentially connected to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A circuit board provided in a liquid storage container that can be attached to and detached from a recording apparatus having a connecting portion to be made,
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

In the present invention, a plurality of liquid storage cartridges each having a liquid storage container can be mounted at different positions, the output end of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage cartridge, and the other The information output terminal of any one of the liquid storage cartridges is connected to the input end of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage cartridge is sequentially connected to the other liquid in relation to the plurality of liquid storage cartridges. A liquid storage cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a recording apparatus having a connection portion that is connected to the information input terminal of the storage cartridge,
A recording head for recording by discharging liquid;
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

Furthermore, the present invention is a recording apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of the liquid storage containers or a plurality of the liquid storage cartridges at different positions,
A control device capable of accessing the information storage unit;
An output end of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one of the liquid storage container or the liquid storage cartridge, and the information output terminal of any one of the other liquid storage container or the liquid storage cartridge is connected The information output terminal of one liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge is connected to the input end of the control device and the liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge is sequentially connected to another liquid storage container or liquid. A connecting portion to be connected to the information input terminal of the storage cartridge;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of liquid storage containers (or a liquid storage cartridge in which this is integrated with a recording head) are requested to output the individual information held in the information storage element, and the request is made. Accordingly, the mounting positions of the plurality of liquid storage containers (or liquid storage cartridges) are determined according to the order of the individual information serially output from the plurality of liquid storage containers (or liquid storage cartridges). it can. For example, in the case where a large number of ink tanks such as eight colors are mounted, if the signal lines are configured separately for each ink tank or mounting position, eight signal lines are added. Accordingly, the above determination can be made by adding one signal line.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. Electrical Configuration 1.1 First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of a recording apparatus (inkjet printer) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the first embodiment related to the signal connection system of the ink tank and the control circuit 11 (control device) on the recording apparatus main body side. In the following description, including the present embodiment, the recording apparatus is described as having four ink tanks. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and recording in which two or more ink tanks are mounted. It can be applied to the device.

  In FIG. 1, a control circuit 11 executes data processing and operation control related to the printer. Specifically, the CPU 301 executes processing described later with reference to FIG. 21 and the like according to a program stored in the ROM 303. The RAM 302 is used as a work area when the CPU 301 executes processing.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the recording head unit 105 mounted on the carriage 9 is for ejecting black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) inks. Each recording head 105K, 105Y, 105M, and 105C having a plurality of ejection openings is provided. Ink holders 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C (referred to by reference numeral 1 if not specified) are detachably mounted on the holder of the recording head unit 105 corresponding to these recording heads.

  Each ink tank 1 is provided with a substrate 2 provided with a control element 8 and pads as contact terminals. Then, when the ink tank 1 is correctly mounted at the proper mounting position (reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2) of the recording head unit 105, pads on the substrate 2 are provided corresponding to the ink tank 1 in the recording head unit 105, respectively. Contact with the connector. Further, a connector (not shown) provided on the carriage 9 and a control circuit 300 on the main body side are signal-connected via the flexible cable 10. Further, when the recording head unit 105 is mounted on the carriage 9, the connector of the carriage 9 and the connector of the recording head unit 105 are signal-connected.

  Similarly, with respect to the control of each ink discharge in the recording heads 105K, 105Y, 105M, and 105C, the drive circuit provided in each recording head via the flexible cable 10, the connector of the carriage 9, and the connector of the recording head unit. Are connected to the control circuit 11 on the main body side, whereby the control circuit 11 can control ink ejection and the like in each recording head.

  An encoder scale 209 is provided along the movement path of the carriage 9, and an encoder sensor 211 is provided on the carriage 9. The detection signal of this sensor is input to the control circuit 11 via the flexible cable 10, whereby the movement position of the carriage 9 can be known.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the signal wiring for the control element 8 mounted on the substrate 2 of the ink tank 1 is composed of five signal lines. Three of them are signal wirings commonly connected from the main body side control circuit 11 to the four ink tanks 1, and include a power supply signal VDD, a ground signal GND, and a clock signal related to power supply for the operation of the control element 8. Includes one for CLK.

  The other two signal wirings in each ink tank relate to serial transmission of data, and an input terminal DI (Data In) for receiving data from the main body side control circuit 11 or the preceding ink tank, and the next stage Output terminals DO (Data Out) for outputting to the ink tank or the main body side control circuit 11 are sequentially connected in series (so-called daisy chain connection). In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the output terminal DO of the main body side control circuit 11 is first connected to the input terminal DI of the ink tank 1Y. The output terminal DO of the ink tank 1Y, the output terminal DO of the ink tank 1M, and the output terminal DO of the ink tank 1C are respectively input to the input terminal DI of the ink tank 1M, the input terminal DI of the ink tank 1C, and the ink tank 1K. Connected to the terminal DI, the output terminal DO of the ink tank 1K is connected to the input terminal DI of the main body side control circuit 11.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the control element 8 of each ink tank 1 and the data transmission system between the ink tanks. The control element 8 includes a memory array (MEM) 20, a control circuit (CTRL) 21, a shift register (S / R) 22, an output buffer 23, an output buffer 24, and the like.

  The serial signal input from the terminal DI in synchronization with the clock signal CLK is stored in the shift register 22, and then taken in by the control circuit 21, and data is written to the memory array 20 in accordance with the analyzed control code. And control reading. In this embodiment, the memory array 20 is in the form of an EEPROM, and can store manufacturing information such as a unique number of the ink tank and a manufacturing lot number in addition to the ink remaining amount and the color information of the ink to be stored. . Note that the color information is written at a predetermined address in the memory array 20 corresponding to the color of the ink stored when the ink tank is shipped or manufactured. This color information is used as identification information of the ink tank, whereby it is possible to specify the ink tank and write data to the memory array 20 or read data from the memory array 20.

  The output buffer 23 and the output buffer 24 are tristate buffers that take three states of Hi / Lo / high impedance in order to select an output signal to the terminal DO. Here, the output buffer 23 is a buffer used to output the signal from the terminal DI to the terminal DO as it is, and the output buffer 24 is a buffer used to output the output from the shift register 22 to the terminal DO. . These buffers are alternately in a high impedance state by a control signal from the control circuit 21.

  FIG. 4A shows a connection state when the control element 8 is waiting for data input from the main body control circuit 11. When data is input, the control circuit 21 controls so that only the output buffer 24 is in a high impedance state, and an input signal from the terminal DI is passed through and output from the terminal DO. As a result, when data is input, four output signals from the main body side control circuit 11 are simultaneously input to the DI terminals of the four ink tanks 1.

  FIG. 4B shows a connection state when the control element 8 outputs data. When outputting data, the control circuit 21 controls the output buffer 23 so that only the output buffer 23 is in a high impedance state, and an output signal from the shift register 22 is output to the terminal DO. Therefore, when data is output, the shift registers 22 of the control elements 8 of the four ink tanks 1 are connected in series (daisy chain connection). It operates like a 32-bit shift register. The configuration of the shift register 22 is not limited to the 8-bit configuration, and other bit configurations such as 4 bits and 16 bits may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the data write and read operations to the memory array 20 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, in writing to the memory array 20, “start code + color information”, “control” is sent from the main body side control circuit 11 to the control circuit 21 in the control element 8 of the ink tank 1 via the input DI. The data signals “code”, “address code”, and “data code” are sent in this order in synchronization with the clock signal CLK.

  "Start code + color information" means the start of a series of data signals by the "start code" signal, and the ink tank that is the target of this series of data signals is specified by the "color information" signal To do. The “color” of the ink here includes not only ink colors such as Y, M, and C but also inks having different densities. As shown in the figure, the “color information” has codes corresponding to the ink colors “K”, “C”, “M”, “Y”, and “all colors”. The color information indicated by this code is compared with its own color information stored in the memory array 20, and only after that, the process for fetching the data signal is performed. The process of ignoring the capture of the data signal is performed. Accordingly, even when a data signal is commonly sent from the main body side to each ink tank 1 via the terminal DI of each ink tank 1 at the time of data input shown in FIG. 4A, the above-described color information is included in the data signal. Thus, the ink tank 1 can be specified. Then, processing based on the subsequent data signal such as writing and reading can be performed only for the specified ink tank.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the “control code” of the present embodiment has “READ” and “WRITE” codes indicating read and write to the memory array, respectively.

  In the writing operation, the code of “WRITE” (“0010”) follows the code of “color information” specifying the ink tank. The next “address code” indicates an address on the memory array 20 that is the write destination, and the last “data code” indicates the content to be written. The “start code + color information” code is captured by the control circuits 21 of all the ink tanks 1, and the subsequent data signals are captured only by the control circuit 21 of the ink tank whose “color information” matches. Then, the fetched data (for example, ink remaining amount data) is written to the designated address on the memory array.

  Even in the reading operation, the data signal configuration is the same as that in the case of the above writing, and the code of “start code + color information” is taken in by the control circuits 21 of all the ink tanks 1 as in the case of the above writing. It is. Then, only the ink tank control circuit 21 whose “color information” matches is taken in. That is, “READ” (“0001”) following the “color information” code and subsequent codes are taken in only by the ink tank control circuit 21 whose “color information” matches, and the memory array designated by the address code Data is read from the address on 20 and set in the shift register 22. On the other hand, the ink tank control circuit 21 that does not match the “color information” sets, for example, all bits “0” to the shift register 22.

  Then, the read data is output in synchronization with the rising edge of the first clock after the address code (the 14th clock in FIG. 5). As described above, the shift registers 22 of the control elements 8 of the four ink tanks 1 are connected in series when outputting data. In this embodiment, since each shift register 22 has an 8-bit configuration, when viewed from the main body side control circuit 11, it operates like a 32-bit shift register. From the terminal DO of the ink tank 1K, The 8-bit data of each shift register 22 is output in the order of K, C, M, and Y. In this case, data is output only from the address of the ink tank 1 specified by the color information, and all bits “0” are output from the ink tank of the color not specified. Accordingly, the recording apparatus main body side control circuit 11 can obtain significant data only from the designated color ink tank.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example when color information is read from all the ink tanks 1 in order to recognize the mounting position. In this case, it is assumed that each color ink tank 1 is mounted at a regular ink tank mounting position 12 on the main body carriage or the recording head unit 105.

  Here, “start code + color information” corresponds to all color designation (“1001”), and “control code” is READ (“0001”). Further, as an example, if color information is stored at the address “00001” of the memory array 20, the “address code” is this value. In the case of reading, the “data code” is ignored and may be indefinite data.

  The control circuit 21 of each ink tank reads data from the address on the memory array 20 designated by the address code and sets it in the shift register 22. Then, in synchronization with the rising edge of the first clock after the address code (the 14th clock in FIG. 6), the color information stored in the address “00001” of the memory array of each ink tank is changed to K, C, M And Y from the group of shift registers 22 connected in series.

  Here, the address “00001” on the memory array of each color ink tank is “00000000” for K, “10000000” for C, “01000000” for M, and “11000000” for Y. Assume that color information is stored. Then, the color information is output to the main body side control circuit 11 in this order. The main body side control circuit 11 can detect that each color ink tank is mounted on the regular ink tank mounting position 12 by analyzing the order in which the color information is input.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the ink tank 1C and the ink tank 1M have been installed interchangeably with respect to FIG. 3 which shows the case where each color ink tank is installed in the regular installation position. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation example when color information is read from all the ink tanks 1 in this case.

  If there is an erroneous mounting as shown in FIG. 7, the output order of the color information to the main body side control circuit 11 is “00000000” indicating K, “01000000” indicating M, “10000000” indicating C, and “10000000” indicating Y. "11000000" in this order. Therefore, the main body side control circuit 11 can detect that the ink tank 1C and the ink tank 1M have been installed by changing the order in which the color information is input.

  It should be noted that the types and contents of the codes used in the above description are merely examples, and it goes without saying that other codes may be used. Further, for example, the content represented by “control code” is not limited to the above example, and a control code related to a verify command, a continuous read command, or the like can be added and used.

2.2 Second Embodiment FIG. 9 shows the configuration of a second embodiment relating to the signal connection system between the ink tank and the control circuit 11 on the recording apparatus main body side in the same control system as in FIG. .

  Each ink tank 1 according to this embodiment also basically has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. A control element 8 having a function is provided. The same applies to the function and connection mode of each signal or terminal.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a control circuit unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 9. The control circuit unit 60 includes a control circuit 61 having an arrangement similar to that of the control circuit 21, the shift register (S / R) 22, and the tristate buffers 23 and 24 of the control element 8 on the ink tank 1, and an 8-bit shift. A register 62 and tristate buffers 63 and 64 are provided. However, the memory array that is a component of the control element 8 of the ink tank 1 is not particularly necessary. Further, the control circuit unit 60 of this example is provided with an OR gate 65 that performs an OR operation between the output of the tristate buffer 63 or 64 and the output of the control element of the ink tank 1. The input signal from the previous stage is connected to the control element 8 and the control circuit unit 60 of the ink tank 1, and the OR output of the control circuit unit 60 is daisy chained so as to be supplied to the next stage.

  In FIG. 9, the control circuit unit 60 for each color ink tank is shown as a separate unit, but may be configured as an integrated IC. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the four control circuit units 60 for the four color ink tanks may be configured as one IC.

  Normally, it is in a data input standby state, and the control circuit 61 controls the output of the buffer 64 so as to be in a high impedance state. In this state, the input data is output as it is through the OR gate 65 via the buffer 63. Here, when the ink tank 1 is mounted, the control element 8 is also in the data input state, so that the data input to the terminal DI is output from the terminal DO through. These data are logically ORed by an OR gate 65 and input to the control element 8 and the control circuit unit 60 of the ink tank 1 at the next stage. Here, since the OR gate 65 performs an OR operation on the same data, the same input data is output as it is regardless of whether or not the ink tank 1 is attached.

  At the time of data output, the control circuit 61 controls the output of the buffer 63 so as to be in a high impedance state. In this state, output data from the shift register 62 is output through the OR gate 65 via the buffer 64. Further, it is assumed that the control circuit 62 sets data in the shift register 61 so that, for example, data “00000000” is always output from the 8-bit shift register 61.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when all four color ink tanks are mounted, the output data from the four shift registers 61 corresponding to the respective colors are all “00000000”, which are input to the OR gate 65. . On the other hand, the data on the memory array at the designated address is output from the shift register 32 or the DO terminal of the ink tank 1 of each color and is input to the OR gate 65. This data is logically ORed with “00000000”. It is not changed by calculation and is output to the next stage as it is. Accordingly, the same operation as in the first embodiment in which the control circuit unit 60 is not mounted on the carriage 9 is performed, and the same data as in FIG. 5 is output to the main body side control circuit 11.

  Next, the operation when the ink tanks for all the colors are not completely installed in the process of installing the ink tank 1 or when the electrical connection is not established due to incomplete installation will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows, as an example, a state in which the magenta ink tank 1M is not installed or is not installed completely. In this state, the control element 8 of the ink tank 1M is not connected. Accordingly, the output from the OR gate 65 of the control circuit unit 60 mounted on the carriage 9 corresponding to the ink tank 1M is “00000000” because there is no data to be added to the data “00000000” from the shift register 61. . Therefore, the main body side control circuit 11 can determine whether or not the ink tank of the corresponding color is not attached or not attached by detecting the data “00000000”.

  Note that, in such a non-attached or incompletely attached state, one input terminal of the OR gate 65 is open, so it is desirable to pull down to the GND level inside the control circuit unit 60.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the data writing and reading operations for the control element 8 on the ink tank 1 described above. Also in this example, writing and reading can be performed by the same control code (partially different contents) as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a timing chart when reading the color information stored in the address “00001” for all ink tanks. Here, when all the ink tanks are correctly mounted as shown in FIG. 9, the color information is input in the regular order as shown in FIG. 12, as in the first embodiment. The control circuit 11 can detect that each color ink tank is attached to the regular ink tank attachment position 12. On the other hand, when the ink tank is replaced and installed, the color information is not input in the normal order, so the main body side control circuit 11 can detect that fact.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart when the ink tank 1M is not mounted as shown in FIG. In this case, since the portion corresponding to the ink tank 1M in the output data is “00000000”, the main body side control unit 11 can notify that the ink tank 1M is not mounted by detecting this. .

3. Mechanical Configuration Next, an example of the mechanical configuration of an ink tank and a recording apparatus to which the above embodiment can be applied will be described.

  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are a side view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively, of an ink tank that is a liquid storage container to which the present invention is applicable. In the following description, the front surface of the ink tank refers to a surface that enables an operation (such as an attaching / detaching operation) by facing the user.

  The ink tank 1 of the present embodiment has a support member 3 disposed at the lower part on the front side. The support member 3 is formed of a resin integrally with the exterior of the ink tank 1, and is configured to be displaceable around an arrangement site when performing a mounting operation to a tank holder, which will be described later. On the back side and the front side of the ink tank 1, a first engaging portion 5 and a second engaging portion 6 (in this example, integrated with the support member 3) that can engage with a locking portion on the tank holder side, respectively. These are engaged, and the mounting state of the ink tank 1 to the tank holder is ensured. The operation at the time of mounting will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As an internal configuration of the ink tank, there are an ink storage chamber in which ink is stored as it is, and a negative pressure generating member storage chamber in which an ink absorber such as a sponge-like porous material or a fiber aggregate that is impregnated and held is stored. It can have. This ink absorber is sufficient to balance the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink ejection nozzle section of the recording head and prevent ink leakage from the ink ejection section, and enables the ink ejection operation of the recording head. This is for generating an appropriate negative pressure within a certain range. However, the internal configuration of the ink tank 1 is not limited to such a form divided into the negative pressure generating member storage chamber and the ink storage chamber. For example, a negative pressure generating member made of an ink absorber may be filled in substantially the entire interior space of the ink tank.

  Further, instead of using an ink absorber such as a porous member as the negative pressure generating means, the ink is filled as it is into a bag-shaped member formed of an elastic material such as rubber that generates tension in the direction of expanding the volume, A negative pressure may be applied to the ink inside by the tension generated by the bag-like member. Furthermore, at least a part of the ink storage space is formed of a flexible member, and only ink is stored in the space, and a negative pressure is generated by applying a spring force to the flexible member. It may be a thing.

  An ink supply port 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank 1 to supply ink in combination with an ink introduction port of a recording head, which will be described later, when the ink tank 1 is attached to the tank holder. A substrate 2 that is a main part of the present embodiment is provided on the bottom surface side of the support portion of the support member 3 at a portion where the bottom surface and the front surface intersect. The shape of the substrate may be a chip shape or a plate shape, but will be described as the substrate 2 below.

  15A and 15B are a side view and a front view showing an example of the substrate 2 attached to the ink tank 1, respectively. The electrode pad 4 as a contact provided on the surface of the ink tank that faces toward the outside of the substrate 2 comes into contact with a contact on the recording apparatus main body, which will be described later, and electrical connection becomes possible, and data can be mutually transmitted. Can communicate. A control element 8 is provided on the surface of the substrate 2 positioned toward the inside of the ink tank 1 and is connected to the electrode pad 4 by wiring on the substrate 2. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the control element 8 is mounted on the substrate 2 and then covered with a protective sealant.

  The ink tank 1 can be manufactured by preparing a main body of the ink tank 1 on which a substrate described later is provided, and then injecting ink into the inside. The ink inlet for carrying out the method can be formed on the upper surface of the ink tank 1, for example. After the ink is injected, the injection port can be sealed with a sealing member.

  After the use of the ink tank 1 is started and the ink starts to be consumed, for example, after the remaining amount of ink to be stored substantially disappears, the sealing member is removed or the inlet is re-formed by destroying the sealing member. It is also possible to inject the ink using a syringe or the like and then seal the injection port with a sealing member or an alternative member if necessary. Alternatively, instead of using such an originally formed injection port, for example, an opening is formed in another part of the upper surface of the ink tank 1, and ink is injected through this opening, and then this is changed as necessary. It is also possible to seal. For example, injecting ink into an ink tank in which the remaining amount of ink to be stored substantially disappears is also included in the implementation of the ink tank manufacturing method according to the present invention.

  Furthermore, an appropriate sealing member for preventing ink leakage during distribution or storage of the manufactured ink tank 1 can be attached to and detached from the ink supply port 7. The sealing member may be in any form, such as a cap or a tape-like member, that exhibits a predetermined sealing performance and can be removed when the ink tank is attached to the recording head. Further, when the ink tank is removed from the recording head after the start of use, the ink supply port 7 can be sealed with a sealing member or an alternative member thereof.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording head unit that detachably holds an ink tank, and FIGS. 17A to 17C are views for explaining an operation when the ink tank is attached to the recording head unit. is there.

  The recording head unit 105 generally includes a holder 150 that detachably holds a plurality (four in the figure) of ink tanks and a recording head 105 ′ disposed on the bottom surface side. By mounting the ink tank 1 on the holder 150, the ink introduction port 107 on the recording head side located at the bottom of the holder and the ink supply port 7 on the ink tank side are coupled to form an ink communication path therebetween. .

  As the recording head 105 ′, an electrothermal conversion element is provided in a liquid path constituting a nozzle, and an electric pulse serving as a recording signal is applied to the electrothermal conversion element to give thermal energy to the ink, and the phase change of the ink at that time What uses the pressure at the time of the foaming (boiling) produced for ink discharge can be used. Then, contact is made between an electrical contact portion (not shown) for signal transmission provided on a carriage, which will be described later, and an electrical contact portion 157 on the recording head unit 105 side, and the recording head 105 ′ is electrically connected via the wiring portion 158. The recording signal is transmitted to the heat conversion element driving circuit. A wiring part 159 extending from the electrical contact part 157 to the connector 152 is also extended.

  When the ink tank 1 is mounted on the recording head unit 105, the ink tank 1 is handled above the holder 150 (FIG. 17A), and the protruding first engaging portion 5 provided on the back side of the ink tank. Is placed on the bottom surface of the holder in a state of being inserted through a through-hole-shaped first locking portion 155 provided on the back side of the holder (FIG. 17B). In this state, when the upper end on the front side of the ink tank 1 is pushed down as indicated by an arrow P, the ink tank 1 moves in the direction of the arrow R with the engaging portions of the first engaging portion 5 and the first locking portion 155 as pivot points. It turns and the front side of the ink tank is displaced downward. In this process, while the side surface of the second engagement portion 5 provided on the support member 3 on the front side of the ink tank is pressed by the second locking portion 156 provided on the front side of the holder, the support member 3 also moves in the direction of the arrow Q. Rotate to.

  When the upper surface of the second engaging portion 5 reaches below the second locking portion 156, the support member 3 is rotated in the Q ′ direction by its own elastic force, and the second engaging portion 5 is moved to the second locking portion. Engaged by portion 156. In this state (FIG. 17C), the second locking portion 155 elastically biases the ink tank 1 in the horizontal direction via the support member 3, and the back surface of the ink tank 1 contacts the back surface of the holder 150. Touch. Further, the upward displacement of the ink tank 1 is suppressed by the first locking portion 155 engaged with the first engaging portion 5 and the second locking portion 156 engaged with the second engaging portion 6. This is a state where the ink tank 1 is completely installed, and at this time, the ink supply port 7 and the ink introduction port 107, the pad 4 and the connector 152 are joined.

The configuration of the attachment portion of the ink tank is not limited to that shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another configuration example of a recording head unit that receives a supply of ink from an ink tank and executes a recording operation and a carriage incorporating the recording head unit, and FIG. It is.

  The recording head unit 405 according to this example is different from the holder 150 as in the above example that fixes and holds the entire ink tank, as shown in FIG. 18A, a holder portion corresponding to the front side of the ink tank, and It does not have the 2nd latching | locking part and connector etc. which were arrange | positioned. Others are substantially the same as the above example. The ink introduction port 107 connected to the ink supply port 7 is provided on the bottom surface, the first locking portion 155 is provided on the back side, and the signal transmission is provided on the back surface. It has an electrical contact (not shown).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, the carriage 415 movable along the shaft 417 is connected to a lever 419 for mounting and fixing the recording head unit 405 and a recording head side electrical contact portion. In addition to the electrical contact portion 418, a holder portion corresponding to the configuration on the front side of the ink tank is provided. That is, the second locking portion 156, the connector 152, and the wiring portion 159 to the connector are disposed on the carriage side.

  In such a configuration, if the recording head unit 405 is mounted on the carriage 415 as shown in FIG. 18B, the entire ink tank mounting portion is configured. That is, through the mounting operation similar to that in FIG. 17, the ink supply port 7 and the ink introduction port 107 are joined and the pad 4 and the connector 152 are connected to complete the mounting operation.

  FIG. 19 is a view showing an appearance of the ink jet printer 200 that performs recording by mounting the ink tank described above, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the main body cover 201 shown in FIG. 19 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the printer 200 according to this embodiment includes a main body cover 201 and other parts such as a mechanism in which a carriage on which a recording head and an ink tank are mounted moves for scanning. A printer main body covered with a case portion, a paper discharge tray 203 provided on the front and back sides of the printer main body, and an automatic paper feeder (ASF) 202 are provided. An operation unit 213 including a display for displaying the status of the printer in both the closed state and the open state of the main body cover, a power switch, and a reset switch is provided.

  In a state where the main body cover 201 is opened, as shown in FIG. 20, the user can see the range in which the recording head unit 105 and the carriage 9 on which the ink tanks 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C are moved and the periphery thereof. . Actually, when the main body cover 201 is opened, a sequence in which the carriage 9 automatically moves to a substantially central position (hereinafter also referred to as “tank replacement position”) shown in FIG. Each ink tank can be exchanged.

  In the printer of this embodiment, the recording head unit 105 is provided with a recording head (not shown) in the form of a chip corresponding to the ink of each color, and the recording head of each color applies to the recording medium such as paper by moving the carriage 9. Scanning is performed, and recording is performed by ejecting ink onto the recording medium during this scanning. That is, the carriage 9 is slidably engaged with the guide shaft 207 extending in the moving direction, and can be moved as described above by the carriage motor and its driving force transmission mechanism. In each recording head corresponding to K, Y, M, and C inks, ink ejection is performed based on ejection data sent from the control circuit on the main body side via the flexible cable 10. Further, a paper feed mechanism such as a paper feed roller and a paper discharge roller is provided, and a recording medium (not shown) fed from the automatic paper feeder 202 can be conveyed to the paper discharge tray 203. A recording head unit 105 integrally provided with an ink tank holder is detachably attached to the carriage 9, while each ink tank 1 is detachably attached to the recording head unit 105 in the form of a cartridge. Installed. That is, the recording head unit 105 can be attached to the carriage 9 and the ink tank 1 can be attached to the recording head unit 105. In this embodiment, the ink tank 1 is attached to and detached from the carriage 9 via the recording head unit 105. Is possible. That is, by mounting the recording head unit 105 on the carriage 9 and mounting the ink tank 1 on the recording head unit 105, an embodiment of the liquid supply system of the present invention is configured.

  When the second embodiment is applied, the control circuit unit 60 may be mounted on the carriage 9. Further, the control circuit unit 60 may be provided for a part other than the carriage, for example, the recording head unit 105.

  In the recording operation, the recording head scans by the above movement, and during that time, ink is ejected from the respective recording heads to the recording medium to perform recording in a region having a width corresponding to the ejection port in the recording head. During scanning, the paper feeding mechanism feeds a predetermined amount of paper according to the width, thereby sequentially recording on the recording medium. Further, at the end of the moving range of the recording head by the carriage movement described above, a discharge recovery unit such as a cap that covers the surface of each recording head on which the discharge port is provided is provided. As a result, the recording head moves to a position where the recovery unit is provided at predetermined time intervals, and performs recovery processing such as preliminary ejection.

4). Control Procedure A control procedure at the time of ink tank attachment / detachment processing using the ink tank or the recording apparatus having the electrical configuration and the mechanical configuration described above will be described.

4.1 Control Procedure Corresponding to First Embodiment FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during ink tank attachment / detachment processing based on the configuration of the first embodiment. In this procedure, when ink tanks are installed at different positions, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 at the time of initial installation or when an ink tank that has run out of ink is replaced, the ink tank 1C and the ink tank 1M It is possible to effectively cope with the case where the device is replaced and installed.

  This procedure is a process started when a user opens the printer main body cover 201 from the state shown in FIG. 19 by detecting this by a predetermined sensor (for example, a cover opening / closing sensor).

  When this procedure is started, first, in step S301, the carriage 9 is moved so as to be in the state shown in FIG. 20, and state information (individual information of the ink tank, etc.) is acquired for each ink tank mounted at that time. To do. The acquired state information includes the remaining amount of ink at that time, and these are read from the memory array 20 together with the unique number of the ink tank. In step S302, it is determined whether the carriage 9 has reached the ink tank replacement position described with reference to FIG. If it is determined that the carriage 9 has reached the ink tank replacement position, ink tank mounting confirmation control is performed in step S303 and subsequent steps.

  When the carriage 9 reaches the ink tank replacement position, the user performs an ink tank replacement operation. In the meantime, in step S303, the main body side continuously transmits a read command of color information to all the ink tanks by designating all colors. ing. Since all four ink tanks are installed, the data line daisy chain connection loop is closed, so that color information can be received.

  In step S304, it is determined whether the color information has been received. If the color information has been received, the process proceeds to step S305, where the color information reception order is analyzed and compared with the correct order. While the color information cannot be received, the daisy chain connection loop is not closed and the installation of all ink tanks is not completed. Therefore, the color information read command is continuously transmitted. In addition, by performing a predetermined display or the like at this time, it is possible to notify the user that the attachment is not completed.

  In step S306, it is determined whether or not the tank mounting position is correct. If it is determined that the mounting is normal, the indicator (FIGS. 19 and 20) of the operation unit 213 is lit green, for example, in step S307, and step S308 is performed. Ends normally. If it is determined that the attachment is abnormal, the display unit of the operation unit 213 blinks, for example, in orange in step S309, and the process ends abnormally in step S310. When a host device (for example, a personal computer) that controls the recording device is connected, it is possible to display a mounting abnormality through a monitor attached to the host device at the same time.

  In this procedure, the example in which the ink tank mounting position is detected immediately after the ink tank replacement and is displayed when it is determined to be abnormal has been described. However, after the ink tank replacement, it is detected that the main body cover 201 is closed, and thereafter You may perform the ink tank mounting position detection procedure after step S303. In this case, since the timing for displaying the mounting abnormality is after the main body cover 201 is closed, it is necessary to open the cover again and perform mounting again. However, since data transmission / reception is not performed at the moment of attachment / detachment of the ink tank, it is not necessary to take a so-called hot-line insertion / removal measure, and the ink tank attachment position can be detected with a simpler configuration.

  In addition, the notification mode may be any appropriate one other than the one using the display of the recording apparatus main body as described above or the monitor of the host device. For example, LEDs corresponding to the arrangement of the ink tanks can be provided at appropriate portions so that erroneous attachments can be displayed blinking, or a message can be displayed on a display such as an LCD. Further, in addition to such display, a beep sound or voice guidance may be output. The same applies to the following example.

4.2 Control Procedure Corresponding to Second Embodiment FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during ink tank attachment / detachment processing based on the configuration of the second embodiment. This procedure can effectively cope with the case where the ink tank is mounted at different positions as described above, as well as when the ink tank is not mounted or incompletely mounted as shown in FIG. 10, for example. It is.

  In this procedure, after the processing steps S401 to S403 similar to the processing steps S301 to S303 shown in FIG. 21, respectively, color information from the ink tank is received in step S404. This is because, in the second embodiment, the daisy chain connection loop is closed via the control circuit unit 60 on the carriage 9 regardless of whether or not the ink tank is mounted. In step S405, the color information reception order is analyzed and compared with the correct order.

  In step S406, it is determined whether or not the tank mounting position is correct. If it is determined that the mounting is normal, the indicator (FIGS. 19 and 20) of the operation unit 213 is lit in, for example, green in step S407, and in step S408. Completes normally.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mounting is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S410, and it is determined whether the determination is based on reception of color information data meaning "no ink tank", that is, "00000000" in the example of FIG. . If it is affirmation determination here, in step S409, it will alert | report by blinking the indicator of the operation part 213, for example in orange. Further, when a host device for controlling the printing apparatus is connected, it is possible to display how many ink tanks are not installed through an associated monitor. Then, the process returns to step S403, and the color information read command is continuously transmitted to wait for the installation of all ink tanks.

  If a negative determination is made in step S410, the ink tank is mounted at all positions but the mounting position is not normal. In step S411, the display of the operation unit 213 blinks in orange, for example. In step S412, the process ends abnormally. When a host device (for example, a personal computer) that controls the recording device is connected, it is possible to display a mounting abnormality through a monitor attached to the host device at the same time.

5. Others The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, the location of the substrate or the like on which the control element is mounted can be appropriately determined according to the configuration of the ink tank and the recording apparatus using the ink tank.

  FIGS. 23A to 23C are views for explaining an example of the configuration of an ink tank and its attachment portion and a mounting operation thereof according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 23A, the ink tank 501 of the present embodiment is provided with a substrate 600 provided with a pad 602 on the back side of the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 23C, the recording head unit 605 includes a holder 650 that detachably holds a plurality (two in the figure) of ink tanks, and a recording head 605 ′ disposed on the bottom surface side. Yes. By mounting the ink tank 501 on the holder 650, the ink introduction port 607 on the recording head side located at the bottom of the holder and the ink supply port 507 located at the bottom of the ink tank are coupled to form an ink communication path therebetween. Is done. The holder 650 has an engaging portion 655 serving as a rotation center when the ink tank 501 is mounted on the front side, and a locking portion 656 for locking the ink tank 501 at the mounting completion position on the back side. . Further, a connector 652 connected to the pad 602 of the substrate 600 on which a control element (not shown) is mounted is provided in the vicinity of the locking portion 656.

  When the ink tank 501 is mounted on the recording head unit 605, the ink tank 501 is handled from the front of the holder 650, and the lower edge of the back of the ink tank is pressed against the back of the holder 650 as shown in FIG. Then, the part in front of the ink tank is engaged with the engaging part 655 of the holder 650. In this state, when the front upper portion of the ink tank 501 is pressed in the back direction, the ink tank 501 is mounted in the holder while rotating in the direction of the arrow about the engaging portion 655. FIGS. 23A and 23C show a state where the ink tank 501 has been completely installed. At this time, the ink supply port 507 and the ink introduction port 607, and the pad 602 and the connector 652 are joined. Further, the pad 602 and the connector 652 are located as far as possible from the center of rotation at the time of mounting, and the two abut immediately before the mounting of the ink tank 501 is ensured, thereby ensuring good electrical connectivity between the two. The mounted completion state can be obtained.

  Also for this configuration, the electrical connection configuration as described in the first or second embodiment is applied to detect improper ink tank installation (ink tank replacement installation, non-installation or incomplete installation, etc.). It becomes possible to do.

  Further, each of the above embodiments has described the case where the present invention is applied to a configuration using an ink tank that is detachably attached to a recording head that is mounted on a carriage or the like and reciprocally moves (main scanning). However, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration using an ink tank that is inseparably attached to the recording head. This is because even with such a configuration, it is conceivable that if the mounting position is different, data of different colors is received, or the order of color overlap is different from the design, so that a desired recording quality cannot be obtained.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration, in which two recording head units (liquid storage cartridges) are integrally formed of an ink tank 501 and a recording head 605 '. In the present embodiment, one is a cartridge for black ink, and the other is a cartridge for yellow, magenta, and cyan ink. Also in this configuration, the electrical connection configuration as described in the first or second embodiment is applied, and liquid cartridge mounting failure (such as ink tank replacement mounting, non-mounting or incomplete mounting) is avoided. It becomes possible to detect.

  Further, each of the embodiments described above is a system in which a supply system is configured so that an amount of ink corresponding to the amount of ejected ink is always continuously supplied to the print head (hereinafter referred to as a continuous supply system). In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to the recording head that is mounted on a carriage or the like and is removably or non-separably attached to a recording head that reciprocates (main scanning) has been described. However, according to the present invention, an ink tank is attached to a fixed part of the recording apparatus separately from the recording head mounted on the carriage, and the fixed ink tank and the recording head are connected via a flexible tube to supply ink. The present invention can also be applied to a continuous supply system using a supply tube. In this embodiment, an ink tank that functions as an intermediate tank between the ink tank and the recording head may be mounted on the recording head or the carriage.

FIG. 25 shows an example of such an ink jet recording apparatus.
In the figure, reference numeral 710 denotes a cassette-type paper feed tray. The recording media stacked on the cassette are separated and fed one by one, conveyed along a folded conveyance path, and mounted on a carriage 803. After passing through a recording area (not shown), it is discharged to a paper discharge tray 703. The carriage 803 is supported and guided by a guide shaft 807, and moves in the left-right direction in the drawing to perform recording scanning of the recording head.

  The carriage 803 has a recording head for each color ink, and each recording head for each color ink has a dedicated intermediate tank (for example, ink for black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink). Tanks 811K to 811Y) are mounted. In addition, these intermediate tanks are supplied with respective inks from relatively large-capacity fixed tanks 701K to 701Y that are detachably provided at fixed positions of the apparatus. Reference numeral 850 denotes a flexible follow-up portion that follows the movement of the carriage 803. In addition to an electric wiring portion that transmits a required electric signal to each recording head mounted on the carriage, each fixed tank is connected to each intermediate tank. The ink supply tube group is collectively shown. Further, the supply tube group communicates with the fixed tank and ink via a communication pipe (not shown).

  Although the recording operation is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, in this example, the same substrate 801 as described above is provided in each of the fixed tanks 701K to 701Y. In addition, an electrical connection configuration corresponding to the substrate 801 is provided in the tank holding portion (not shown). That is, with these mechanisms, the same control as described above can be performed with respect to the fixed tanks 701K to 701Y with respect to whether or not the fixed tanks 701K to 701Y are mounted or not.

  Further, such a configuration is not only based on a continuous supply method using a tube, but also includes a storage unit that stores a relatively small amount of ink in the recording head, and stores a relatively large amount of ink in the storage unit. Applicable also to a system (intermittent supply system; so-called pit-in supply system) in which the supply system is configured so that ink is intermittently supplied at an appropriate timing from a supply source (fixed tank similar to the above) Is possible.

  As an aspect thereof, the ink supply system with the fixed tank can be spatially connected only when ink is filled into the intermediate tank. Alternatively, while adopting a connection structure for both tanks similar to that shown in FIG. 25, an electromagnetic valve or the like is inserted into the connection structure, and the tank is fluidly insulated and connected by appropriately controlling the opening and closing thereof. It may have a configuration. In addition, a gas-liquid separation membrane (a membrane that allows gas to pass but not liquid) is provided in the intermediate tank, and it is also applied to a pit-in method that supplies ink into the intermediate tank by sucking air in the tank through the membrane. Is possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of the inkjet printer which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment regarding a signal connection system between an ink tank and a control circuit on the recording apparatus main body side in the control system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of a control element of each ink tank of FIG. 2 and a data transmission system between the ink tanks. FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the configuration of FIG. 3, where (a) shows a state when waiting for data input, and (b) shows a state when outputting data. 6 is a timing chart for explaining data writing and reading operations with respect to a memory array provided in a control element of the ink tank. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example when color information is read from all ink tanks in order to recognize ink tank mounting positions, and shows an operation when all ink tanks are mounted at regular positions. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a state in which some ink tanks are not mounted at regular positions with respect to the state of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example when color information is read from all ink tanks in order to recognize ink tank mounting positions, and shows an operation when some ink tanks are not mounted at regular positions. . FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment related to a signal connection system between an ink tank and a control circuit 11 on the recording apparatus main body side in the same control system as in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a state in which some of the ink tanks are not installed or are not installed completely with respect to the state of FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining data writing and reading operations with respect to a memory array provided in a control element of an ink tank in a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation example when color information is read from all ink tanks in order to recognize the ink tank mounting state, and shows an operation when all ink tanks are mounted at regular positions. It is a timing chart showing an operation example when reading color information from all ink tanks in order to recognize the ink tank mounting state, and shows the operation when some ink tanks are not installed or are not installed completely Show. (A), (b), and (c) are respectively a side view, a front view, and a bottom view of an ink tank to which the present invention is applicable. (A) And (b) is the side view and front view which respectively show an example of the control board attached to the ink tank of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recording head unit having a holder to which the ink tank of FIG. 14 is attached. (A)-(c) is a typical side view for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of attaching or detaching an ink tank to the holder shown in FIG. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the other example of a structure of an ink tank attachment part. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an ink jet printer that performs recording with an ink tank attached. It is a perspective view which shows the ink jet printer shown in FIG. 19 in the state which opened the main body cover. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure during ink tank attachment / detachment processing based on the configuration of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure at the time of the attachment or detachment process of the ink tank based on the structure of 2nd Embodiment. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the ink tank which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention, its attachment part, and its mounting | wearing operation | movement. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the printer which has the structure which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1K, 1C, 1M, 1Y, 501 Ink tank 2 Substrate 3 Support member
4 Electrode pads
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 1st engaging part 6 2nd engaging part 7 Ink supply port 8 Control element 9, 415 Carriage 10 Flexible cable 11 Main body side control circuit 12 Ink tank mounting position 20 Memory array 21 Control circuit 22, 62 Shift register 23, 24 63, 64 Output buffer (tri-state buffer)
60 control circuit section 62 control circuit 65 OR gate 105 recording head unit 105 ′ recording head 150 holder 152 connector 155 first locking section 156 second locking section 157 electric contact section 158 wiring section 159 wiring section 200 inkjet printer 201 main body cover

Claims (11)

A plurality of liquid storage containers can be mounted, the output terminal of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and the information output terminal of any other liquid storage container is connected to the input terminal of the control device And connecting the information output terminal of one liquid storage container to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in order in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A liquid storage container that is detachable from the recording device provided,
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
A liquid container characterized by comprising:   When the individual information and the information to be written to the information storage unit are input from the control device of the recording device, the control unit stores the information in the information storage unit when the information matches the individual information held by the information holding unit. 2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein information is written to the liquid container.   The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein ink is stored in the liquid storage container. A plurality of liquid storage containers and the plurality of liquid storage containers can be mounted at different positions, the output terminal of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and any one of the other liquids The information output terminal of the storage container is connected to the input end of the control device, and the information output terminal of one liquid storage container is sequentially connected to the information of the other liquid storage container in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A liquid supply system comprising: a recording device comprising a connection portion adapted to be connected to an input terminal;
The liquid container is
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
A liquid supply system comprising: A plurality of liquid storage containers can be mounted, the output terminal of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and the information output terminal of any other liquid storage container is connected to the input terminal of the control device And connecting the information output terminal of one liquid storage container to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in order in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A method of manufacturing a liquid storage container that can be attached to and detached from a recording device comprising:
When the information is input from the information input terminal and the information output terminal that can be connected to the connection unit, the information holding unit that can hold at least the individual information of the liquid storage container, and the control device of the recording apparatus, A control unit that outputs the same information as the input information to the information output terminal, and outputs information held in the information holding unit to the information output terminal when outputting information to the control device of the recording device; Preparing a liquid storage container including a substrate having:
Injecting ink into the liquid container;
A method for producing a liquid container, comprising: A plurality of liquid storage containers can be mounted, the output terminal of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage container, and the information output terminal of any other liquid storage container is connected to the input terminal of the control device And connecting the information output terminal of one liquid storage container to the information input terminal of another liquid storage container in order in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage containers. A circuit board provided in a liquid storage container that is detachable with respect to the recording device provided,
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
A circuit board comprising: A plurality of liquid storage cartridges each having a liquid storage container can be mounted at different positions, the output terminal of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one liquid storage cartridge, and any one of the other liquids The information output terminal of the storage cartridge is connected to the input end of the control device, and in the relationship between the plurality of liquid storage cartridges, the information output terminal of one liquid storage cartridge is connected to the information input of another liquid storage cartridge. A liquid storage cartridge that is detachable from a recording apparatus having a connection portion to be connected to a terminal,
A recording head for recording by discharging liquid;
The information input terminal and the information output terminal connectable to the connection unit;
An information holding unit capable of holding at least individual information of the liquid storage container;
When information is input from the control device of the recording device, the same information as the input information is output to the information output terminal, and when outputting information to the control device of the recording device, the information output terminal A control unit that outputs information held in the information holding unit;
A liquid storage cartridge comprising: A plurality of liquid storage containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, or a plurality of liquid storage cartridges according to claim 7, wherein the recording apparatus can be mounted at different positions.
A control device capable of accessing the information storage unit;
An output end of the control device is connected to the information input terminal of any one of the liquid storage container or the liquid storage cartridge, and the information output terminal of any one of the other liquid storage container or the liquid storage cartridge is connected The information output terminal of one liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge is connected to the input end of the control device and the liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge is sequentially connected to another liquid storage container or liquid. A connecting portion to be connected to the information input terminal of the storage cartridge;
A recording apparatus comprising:   The control device requests the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges to output the individual information held in the information storage element, and responds to the request from the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for determining mounting positions of the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges according to the order of the individual information output serially.   A plurality of control units corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges are further provided, and the control unit inputs information to the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges from the control device. Outputs the same information as the input information, and outputs the information held in the information holding unit to the information output terminal when outputting the information to the control device of the recording device, and the output The logical sum of the information and the information output from the corresponding liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge is calculated, and the next-stage liquid storage container or liquid storage cartridge and a control unit provided corresponding thereto are calculated. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the recording apparatus outputs the data. When the control unit requests the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges to output the individual information held in the information storage element, the control unit also converts the individual information into the individual information. The data that does not change is output, the control device according to the order of the individual information that is serially output from the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges according to the request and the presence or absence of the data, 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for determining whether the mounting positions and mounting states of the plurality of liquid storage containers or liquid storage cartridges are good.

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