JP2007152681A - Ink tank incorrect installation preventing process - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that in a conventional printer device, the generation of an incorrect installation in the printer device body cannot be sensed, and the kind of an ink tank cannot be judged as well, and therefore, a warning for the generation of the incorrect installation cannot be performed by an error display to a user, or the guidance to a correct installation position cannot be performed. <P>SOLUTION: On a printer device body and an ink tank, a protuberance for fitting and a hole for fitting are provided, and the incorrect installation of the ink tank is prevented from occurring by each positional relationship combination. Also, by providing a sensor on the protuberance section for fitting, the judgement of the type of the ink tank which has incorrectly been installed is made possible. The generation of the incorrect installation is sensed by the printer device, and a warning display and the display of a correct installation position of the ink tank which has incorrectly been installed become possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink tank mismounting prevention process in a printer apparatus in which a plurality of detachable ink tanks can be mounted. When an ink tank is mounted in an ink tank mounting portion of a printer apparatus, the mounted ink tank Provide a mechanism for preventing incorrect mounting by judging the type and preventing mounting if the mounting position is wrong, and an indicator that warns that it has been mounted incorrectly and an indicator that displays the correct mounting position of the ink tank Thus, the present invention relates to an erroneous mounting preventing means for guiding the ink tank to the correct mounting position.

  In conventional printers, in order to prevent incorrect mounting of ink tanks, the combination of mounting protrusions and mounting holes prevents the ink tanks from being mounted in places other than the specified positions, depending on their positional relationship and shape. Thus, there is a device that prevents erroneous mounting of the ink tank (for example, see Patent Document 1).

When such a printer device body and ink tank are provided with mounting protrusions and mounting holes, and only a predetermined ink tank can be mounted at a predetermined mounting position by a combination of the positional relationship and shape. It is only possible to prevent mismounting, the printer device cannot detect that mismounting has occurred, and it can notify the user that the mounting position is wrong by displaying an error etc. There wasn't.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-150728 (Section [0013])

  In the case of the erroneous mounting prevention processing method as described above, it is impossible to detect that the erroneous mounting has occurred in the printer apparatus body, and it is also impossible to determine the type of the ink tank. Could not be alerted with an error display or guided to the correct mounting position.

  Therefore, it is necessary for the user to understand that an incorrect installation has occurred, and for the user to determine the correct installation position of the ink tank and re-install it. There was a possibility of incorrect mounting.

  In the present invention, a mounting protrusion and a mounting hole are provided in the printer apparatus main body and the ink tank, the wrong mounting of the ink tank is prevented by a combination of the respective positional relations, and a sensor is provided in the mounting protrusion, thereby mounting the mounting error. A configuration capable of determining the type of the ink tank that has been installed, detecting that a mis-installation has occurred, and displaying a warning display and the correct installation position of the mis-installed ink tank. To do.

  As described above, it is possible to detect a mis-installation in the printer device body, and to display a warning display and a correct installation position of the mis-installed ink tank. It is possible to clearly indicate that the mounting position of the ink tank is wrong and guide the ink tank to the correct mounting position.

  Further, it is not necessary for the user to determine the correct mounting position of the ink tank, and it is possible to prevent the erroneous mounting from occurring again.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printer apparatus embodying the present invention.

  The present invention is applied to a printer apparatus in which a plurality of different types of ink tanks that are detachable can be mounted.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer device capable of mounting four types of ink tanks will be described. However, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which any number of ink tanks can be installed as long as it is two or more. is there.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer apparatus main body, and 101. a paper loading cassette (hereinafter referred to as a cassette) is inserted in the lower part thereof.

  In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes an operation panel, on which a display panel and operation keys are arranged.

  In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes an ink tank cover, in which an ink tank is mounted.

  In the figure, reference numeral 104 denotes an upper surface of the ink tank mounting portion, which is provided with an ink tank mounting opening.

  In the figure, 105 to 108 are installed ink tanks.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing one of the ink tanks mounted in FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing the bottom of the ink tank mounting part.

  In the figure, reference numeral 108 denotes an ink tank, which is attached by moving downward.

  In the figure, 201 is an ink receiving nozzle which is inserted into the ink supply port of the ink tank and supplies the ink stored in the ink tank to the printer apparatus main body.

  In the figure, reference numeral 202 denotes an ink tank mismounting prevention unit, which includes a plurality of protrusions for preventing mounting other than a predetermined ink tank.

  In the figure, reference numerals 203 to 205 denote ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions, which are inserted into ink tank mismounting prevention holes provided at the bottom of the ink tank.

  3 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface portion of the ink tank 108 in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 206 denotes an ink tank supply port. When the 201. ink receiving nozzle is inserted, the ink stored in the ink tank is supplied to the 201. ink receiving nozzle.

  In the figure, reference numeral 207 denotes an ink tank mismounting prevention portion, which is provided with a plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention holes.

  In the figure, reference numerals 208 to 210 denote ink tank mismounting prevention holes, into which ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions provided at the bottom of the ink tank mounting portion are inserted.

  202. The positional relationship of the plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions provided in the ink tank mismounting prevention section is changed for each ink tank mounting opening.

  Further, the positional relationship of the plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention holes provided in the 207. mismounting prevention portion at the bottom of the ink tank is changed depending on the type of the ink tank.

  These ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions and ink tank mismounting prevention holes are positioned so as to be engaged only when a predetermined ink tank is mounted on a predetermined ink tank mounting portion. In the case where the ink tanks are not attached to each other, the respective ink tanks are not matched, and the ink tank cannot be completely attached, thereby preventing the ink tank from being erroneously attached.

  8 is a schematic diagram when the upper surface of the 104. ink tank mounting portion in FIG. 1 is viewed from directly above.

  In the figure, reference numerals 105 to 108 denote ink tanks, which indicate that they are installed at predetermined positions.

  In the figure, reference numerals 301 to 304 denote ink tank attachment ports, each representing a state where a predetermined ink tank is attached.

  In the figure, reference numerals 305 to 308 denote red LEDs for warning display.

  In the figure, reference numerals 309 to 312 denote green LEDs for guidance display.

  In this embodiment, an LED is used for display to the user. However, a light bulb, LCD, or other device may be used as long as it is a device that can give a warning and guidance to the user.

  9 is a schematic diagram when the top surface of the ink tank mounting portion is viewed from directly above, with reference to the bottom portion of the ink tank mounting opening. ing.

  In the figure, reference numerals 201 and 313 to 315 denote ink receiving nozzles.

  In the figure, reference numerals 305 to 308 denote red LEDs for warning display.

  In the figure, reference numerals 309 to 312 denote green LEDs for guidance display.

  In the figure, reference numerals 202 and 316 to 318 denote ink tank mismounting prevention units, which indicate that the positional relationship of a plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions provided by each ink tank mounting port is different.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the bottom portions of the ink tanks 105 to 108 in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numerals 206 and 319 to 321 denote ink supply ports.

  In the figure, reference numerals 207 and 322 to 324 denote ink tank mismounting prevention units, which indicate that the positional relationship of a plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention holes provided by each ink tank is different.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the erroneous mounting preventing portion provided in each of the ink tank mounting portion and the ink tank is provided with protrusions and holes having different positional relationships, and predetermined ink Even when a predetermined ink tank is mounted on the tank mounting portion, the positions of the protrusions and holes of the erroneous mounting preventing portions are engaged so that the ink tank can be mounted normally.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the ink tank is attached to a portion other than the predetermined attachment portion, the position of the projection and the hole of the erroneous attachment prevention portion does not match, and the ink tank cannot be normally attached. It becomes possible to do so.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the ink tank and the ink tank mounting portion in FIG. 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank mounting portion when viewed from the side.

  In the figure, reference numeral 108 denotes an ink tank, which is attached by moving downward.

  In the figure, 201 is an ink receiving nozzle, which is inserted into the 206. ink supply port of the ink tank and supplies 401. ink stored in the 108. ink tank to the printer apparatus main body.

  In the figure, reference numerals 203 to 205 denote ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions, and 208 to 210 in the figure are inserted only when the positional relationship with the ink tank mismounting prevention holes is engaged.

  In the figure, 206 is an ink tank supply port, and 201. an ink receiving nozzle is inserted.

  In the figure, 401 indicates ink stored in the ink tank.

  In the figure, 402 is an ink tank valve. 206. When 201. Ink receiving nozzle is inserted into the ink supply port, 402. The ink tank valve is pushed open, and 401. Ink stored in the ink tank is 201. .Supplied to the ink receiving nozzle.

  In the figure, reference numerals 403 to 405 denote pressure-sensitive switches provided at the bottom of the ink tank mismounting prevention protrusion. When the upper protrusion is pressed by the ink tank, the pressure-sensitive switch determines which protrusion has been pressed. The configuration is possible.

  12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the ink tank 108 in FIG. 11 is completely installed.

  In the figure, the positional relationship between 203 to 205. Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusion and 208 to 210. Ink tank mismounting prevention hole is engaged, and each protrusion is completely inserted into each hole. Is shown. In this state, all of the pressure sensitive switches 403 to 405 are pressed at the same time, so that the printer apparatus body can detect that the ink tank has been normally installed. Yes.

  108. When the ink tank is fully installed, 201. Ink receiving nozzle is completely inserted into 206. Ink supply port, 201. Ink tank valve is pushed open by the ink receiving nozzle, 108. Inside the ink tank 401. Ink stored in is supplied to 201. Ink receiving nozzle.

  The supplied 401. ink is supplied to the printer main body through the 201. ink receiving nozzle.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example when an ink tank other than a predetermined one is to be attached to the ink tank attachment portion.

  The ink tank mounting portion in the figure is the same as in FIG. 11, but the inserted 107. ink tank is a kind of ink tank that cannot be mounted on this mounting portion.

  In the figure, reference numeral 406 denotes 107. Ink stored in the ink tank, and reference numeral 407 denotes an ink tank valve of the 107. ink tank.

  In the figure, reference numerals 408 to 410 denote 107. Ink tank mismounting prevention holes of the ink tank, and 203 to 205. No positional relationship with the ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions is shown.

  In this case, 203. Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions are not inserted into any of the ink tank mismounting prevention holes, but hit the bottom of 107. Ink tank and 403. Pressure sensitive switch is pressed.

  At this time, 204-205. Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions 409-410. Ink tank mismounting prevention holes are in positional relationship, and 404-405. Pressure sensitive switch is not pressed down.

  For this reason, only the pressure-sensitive switch 403 has been pressed, an erroneous mounting has occurred in the printer body, and 107. It is possible to specify that the ink tank is about to be inserted. It has become.

  In this state, 203. The ink tank cannot be inserted further downwards in the form obstructed by the protrusion for preventing incorrect ink tank installation, and 201. The ink receiving nozzle is connected to the ink supply port. It will not be inserted.

  With this configuration, the 201. ink receiving nozzle is inserted into an ink supply port other than a predetermined ink tank, and a different type of ink can be prevented from adhering to the 201. ink receiving nozzle. It has become.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which an ink tank different from that illustrated in FIG. 13 is to be mounted on the ink tank mounting portion.

  The ink tank mounting portion in the figure is the same as that in FIG. 11, but the inserted 105. ink tank is a kind of ink tank that cannot be mounted on this mounting portion.

  In the figure, 416 indicates the ink stored in the 105. ink tank, and 412 in the figure indicates the ink tank valve of the 105. ink tank.

  In the drawing, reference numerals 413 to 415 denote ink tank mismounting prevention holes of the ink tank 105, and 203 to 205, which indicate that the positional relationship with the ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions is not engaged.

  In this case, 205. Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions are not inserted into any of the ink tank mismounting prevention holes and hit the bottom of 105. Ink tank, and 405. Pressure sensitive switch is pressed.

  At this time, 203-204. Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions are in contact with the positions of 414-415. Ink tank mismounting prevention holes, respectively, so that the pressure sensitive switch is not depressed.

  For this reason, only the pressure-sensitive switch 405 is pressed, an erroneous installation has occurred in the printer body, and it is possible to specify that the ink tank 105 is about to be inserted. It has become.

  In this state, 205. The ink tank cannot be inserted any further downward, obstructed by the ink tank mismounting prevention protrusion, and 201. The ink receiving nozzle is 417. It will not be inserted.

  With this configuration, the 201. ink receiving nozzle is inserted into an ink supply port other than a predetermined ink tank, and a different type of ink can be prevented from adhering to the 201. ink receiving nozzle. It has become.

  As described above, a combination of a plurality of ink tank mismounting prevention protrusions and ink tank mismounting prevention holes enables a configuration in which only a predetermined ink tank can be mounted on a predetermined ink tank mounting portion. Incorrect ink tank mounting can be prevented.

  In addition, by providing a pressure-sensitive switch for each of the plurality of ink tank mismounting projections, it is possible to detect which of the ink tank mismounting projections has been pressed when the mismounting occurs. By detecting which protrusion has been pressed, it is possible to determine the type of ink tank to be inserted.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation when an ink tank is mounted at an incorrect position.

  In the figure, the ink tank 105 is inserted into the ink tank mounting opening 303, but this position is not 105. the ink tank mounting position but an erroneous insertion.

  In this case, the above-described ink tank mismounting prevention mechanism does not cause the normal mounting, and 105. The printer apparatus body detects that the ink tank has been mismounted.

  When it is detected in the printer main body that the erroneous mounting has occurred, the 307. red LED is lit to clearly indicate the ink tank mounting port where the erroneous mounting has occurred.

  In addition, since it is possible to detect that the ink tank is misinstalled by the above-described ink tank mismounting prevention mechanism, it is possible to detect that the ink tank is 105. 309. To make the green LED blink.

  By performing such processing, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the current 105. ink tank mounting position is incorrect and the correct mounting position is 301. ink tank mounting port.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation when the ink tank is mounted at the correct position.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the 105. ink tank that has been erroneously inserted is removed and is installed in the 301. ink tank installation port, which is the correct position.

  303. 105. Since the ink tank has been removed from the ink tank mounting port, 307. The red LED is turned off.

  301. To clearly indicate that the ink tank has been installed properly, the ink tank installation port can be detected that the ink tank is installed by the above-described ink tank erroneous installation prevention mechanism. 309. Turn on the green LED.

  By performing such a process, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that an incorrect mounting has occurred, and it is possible to clearly indicate the correct mounting position of the ink tank to the user. Thus, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting from occurring again.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer apparatus embodying the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes an operation panel, on which operation keys and a display panel are arranged.

  601. The operation panel control unit 102 monitors the state of the keys on the operation panel, and issues an appropriate control command to the control circuit of the printer apparatus including the 603. CPU by the pressed key. In addition, a character string to be displayed on the display panel is created and the display panel is controlled.

  Also, it is possible for the user to input keys using the keys arranged on the display panel, and the operation of the printer device is specified such as the start of recovery processing from the error occurrence state by using the operation keys. Can be entered.

  604. The interface has a function to connect the printer device and 605. host computer, receive data from 605. host computer, and send status, and operate as a communication port for data transmission / reception with 605. host computer. To do.

  In the figure, reference numeral 606 denotes a control circuit bus, which has a function of connecting the CPU and other devices.

  602. A non-volatile memory is a recording device that stores and records various types of information, and can keep the recorded information even when power supply is cut off. In the present invention, it is used as means for storing 102. The type of printing paper input from the operation panel.

  607. The motor driver includes a carriage motor (which operates the print head) for performing printing operations of the printer device, a paper feed motor (moves printing paper, feeds and discharges paper), and a recovery motor (recovers the print head). This is a control circuit for controlling the motors.

  608. The print head has a function of printing an image on printing paper. In the case of a replaceable head, each head has a unique head ID, and whether or not the head has been replaced can be determined by comparing this ID. In addition, each head has individual differences such as head rank (amount of heat generated by the internal members of the head) and temperature sensor correction value (a correction value for variations in the sensor indicating the temperature inside the head). These are the initialization operations of the printer device. It is checked at the time of.

  609. A RAM (Random Access Memory) is a recording device that can hold information only while power is supplied, and the stored information disappears when power supply is cut off.

  610. A ROM (Read Only Memory) is a recording device that can only read data, and stores a control program for the printer device, which is referred to by the 103. CPU and performs a control operation.

  The circuit operation status will be described below.

  603. The CPU reads the control program from the ROM 610. The CPU executes control of each control device according to the program. 604. Interface receives print data from 605. Host computer, writes to 609 RAM, 603. Based on the written data, 603. CPU controls 607. Motor driver, 608. Print the print data on.

  612. The pressure-sensitive switch monitoring unit monitors the state of the pressure-sensitive switch of the erroneous mounting prevention protrusion provided in the ink tank mounting unit.

  611. The ink tank determination unit receives switch state information from the pressure-sensitive switch monitoring unit 612, and determines whether or not the ink tank is normally attached based on the state information.

  By monitoring the state of the pressure-sensitive switch using the ink tank mismounting prevention mechanism described above, the position and type of the ink tank installed can be determined regardless of whether the ink tank is properly installed or misinstalled. It is possible to do. 611. The ink tank determination unit determines the state of the ink tank and creates information on the type, mounting position, and mounting state of the ink tank.

  613. The LED control unit controls the LEDs provided in the ink tank mounting unit.

  603. The CPU sends the control information to the LED control unit based on the ink tank information created in the ink tank determination unit, and the LED lighting state according to the position and state of the ink tank installed. To control.

  With the above configuration, when an incorrect ink tank is installed, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the installation position is incorrect, and to specify the correct installation position. Thus, the user can be guided to the normal mounting position of the ink tank.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the printer apparatus embodying the present invention.

  First, in step 701, the state of the pressure sensitive switch of the ink tank mismounting prevention mechanism is monitored.

  Subsequently, in step 702, it is determined whether or not the state of the pressure sensitive switch has changed. If there is no change in state, the process returns to step 701 to continue monitoring the switch state.

  If there is a change in state, the process proceeds to step 703.

  In step 703, the state of the ink tank is determined from the state of the pressure-sensitive switch that has changed.

  Subsequently, in step 704, it is determined whether the ink tank is attached or removed depending on the state of the ink tank determined in step 703.

  If the ink tank has been removed, the process proceeds to step 705.

  If the ink tank is installed, the process proceeds to step 706.

  When the ink tank is extracted, in step 705, the LED at the ink tank mounting opening of the extracted ink tank is turned off. After the processing is completed, the process returns to step 701 to continue monitoring the state of the pressure sensitive switch.

  When the ink tank is mounted, in step 706, information on the type and position of the mounted ink tank is created from the state of the pressure sensitive switch.

  Subsequently, in step 707, it is determined whether or not erroneous mounting has occurred based on the information regarding the ink tank created in step 706.

  If no erroneous mounting has occurred, the process proceeds to step 708.

  If an erroneous attachment has occurred, the process proceeds to step 709.

  If no erroneous mounting has occurred, the ink tank has been mounted in the correct mounting position, and therefore, in step 708, the green LED at the position where the ink tank is mounted is lit.

  By this processing, it is clearly shown to the user that the ink tank has been normally installed.

  After the processing is completed, the process returns to step 701 to continue monitoring the state of the pressure sensitive switch.

  If an erroneous mounting has occurred, the red LED at the position where the ink tank is mounted is turned on in step 709 to clearly indicate to the user that the mounting position of the ink tank is incorrect.

  Subsequently, in step 710, the green LED at the correct mounting position of the erroneously mounted ink tank is blinked. This process makes it possible to clearly indicate the correct mounting position of the ink tank to the user and guide the user so that the ink tank can be normally mounted.

  After the processing is completed, the process returns to step 701 to continue monitoring the state of the pressure sensitive switch.

  As described above, by detecting the state of the ink tank in the printer apparatus main body, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user each of the cases where the ink tank has been normally attached or has been erroneously attached.

  In addition, if an incorrect installation occurs, the correct installation position of the erroneously installed ink tank can be displayed, so that the user can be guided to the correct installation position of the ink tank. Thus, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting from occurring again.

Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printer apparatus embodying the present invention Schematic diagram showing one of the ink tanks installed in FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the ink tank in FIG. Schematic diagram showing the operation when the ink tank is installed in the wrong position Schematic diagram showing the operation when the ink tank is installed at the correct position 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer apparatus that implements the present invention. The flowchart showing the operation state at the time of processing execution which implemented this invention Schematic diagram when the top surface of the ink tank mounting part in FIG. 1 is viewed from directly above Schematic view of the bottom of the ink tank mounting port when viewed from directly above Schematic diagram showing the bottom of the ink tank Sectional view when the ink tank mounting part is viewed from the side 1 Sectional view when the ink tank mounting part is viewed from the side 2 Sectional view when the ink tank mounting part is viewed from the side 3 Sectional view when the ink tank mounting part is seen from the side 4

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printer apparatus body 101 Printing paper cassette 102 Operation panel and display panel 103 Ink tank cover 104 Top surface of ink tank mounting part 105 C ink tank 106 M ink tank 107 Y ink tank 108 Bk ink tank 201 Ink receiving nozzle 202 Prevention of incorrect ink tank mounting Part 203 Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusion 1
204 Ink tank mis-mounting protrusion 2
205 Ink tank mismounting prevention protrusion 3
206 Ink tank supply port 207 Ink tank mismount prevention section 208 Ink tank mismount prevention hole 1
209 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 2
210 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 3
301 C Ink Tank Installation Port 302 M Ink Tank Installation Port 303 Y Ink Tank Installation Port 304 Bk Ink Tank Installation Port 305 Red LED 1 for Warning Display
306 Red LED 2 for warning display
307 Red LED 3 for warning display
308 Red LED 4 for warning display
309 Green LED 1 for guidance display
310 Green LED 2 for guidance display
311 Green LED 3 for guidance display
312 Green LED 4 for guidance display
313 Ink receiving nozzle 1
314 Ink receiving nozzle 2
315 Ink receiving nozzle 3
316 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 1
317 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 2
318 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 3
319 Ink supply port 1
320 Ink supply port 2
321 Ink supply port 3
322 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 1
323 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 2
324 Ink tank mismount prevention unit 3
401 Ink 402 Ink valve 403 Pressure sensitive switch 1
404 Pressure sensitive switch 2
405 Pressure sensitive switch 3
406 Ink 407 Ink valve 408 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 1
409 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 2
410 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 3
411 Ink supply port 412 Ink valve 413 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 1
414 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 2
415 Ink tank mismounting prevention hole 3
416 Ink 417 Ink supply port 601 Operation panel control unit 602 Non-volatile memory 603 CPU
604 interface 605 host computer 606 control bus 607 motor driver 608 print head 609 RAM
610 ROM
611 Ink tank determination unit 612 Pressure-sensitive switch monitoring unit 613 LED control unit

Claims (3)

  In a printer device that can mount a plurality of detachable ink tanks, except for a specific ink tank, by combining a protrusion provided on the ink tank mounting portion of the printer device and a hole for inserting the protrusion provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank A printer apparatus comprising an ink tank erroneous insertion preventing means for preventing the ink from being attached, wherein only a specific ink tank can be attached at a specific ink tank attachment position.   In the printer apparatus, an ink tank is provided by a combination of an ink tank detecting means at a protruding portion provided at an ink tank mounting portion of the printer apparatus, and a hole for inserting the protruding portion and the protruding portion provided at the bottom surface of the ink tank. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an ink tank determination unit configured to determine the type of the ink tank, wherein the type of the ink tank that is erroneously inserted can be detected.   In the printer apparatus, when the ink tank detection unit detects that the ink tank is erroneously mounted, the printer device includes a warning display unit for warning that the ink tank has been erroneously mounted. It is possible to determine the type of an ink tank that has been incorrectly installed, and to have a mounting position display means for guiding it to the correct mounting position, and to guide the mounting of an erroneously inserted ink tank to the correct mounting position. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

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