JP2007168078A - Print recording material container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print recording material container in which a decision can be made whether print processing is possible or not without requiring a storage device for holding the amount of print recording material, and the decision can be made immediately after the print recording material container is attached to a printer. <P>SOLUTION: A first ink cartridge out detection terminal 21, a reference potential terminal 22 and a second ink cartridge out detection terminal 23 are provided on the substrate 20 of an ink cartridge 10. A fuse 28 is disposed between the first ink cartridge out detection terminal 21 and the reference potential terminal 22. If ink end is detected by an ink end sensor 30 in the ink cartridge 10 when a decision is made whether the ink cartridge 10 is attached or not using the first and second ink cartridge out detection terminals 21 and 23, a voltage for driving the ink end sensor 30 is applied to the first ink cartridge out detection terminal and the fuse 28 is blown out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing recording material container that is detachably attached to a printing apparatus, and more specifically, includes a terminal for determining whether or not the printing recording material container is attached to a printing apparatus. The present invention relates to a printing recording material container.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing recording material container that holds information on the amount of printing recording material, for example, ink remaining amount, has been put into practical use. In these print recording material containers, information on the remaining amount of ink is held by, for example, a fuse type memory and an electronic type memory. In general, a print head used in a printing apparatus may be damaged when an ink ejection operation in the absence of ink, that is, a so-called air shot is performed. Therefore, in a printing apparatus that is used with a printing recording material container that holds information on the remaining amount of ink, if the remaining amount of ink is not sufficient, the print head is not damaged by not performing the printing process. Yes.

JP 2002-67290 A

  However, in order to hold the information on the remaining amount of ink, a memory device such as an electronic memory or a fuse memory must be separately provided in the print recording material container. Further, when the remaining amount of ink is held by the electronic memory, there is a possibility that the correct remaining amount of ink cannot be used due to a writing or reading error. Further, when the remaining amount of ink is held by the fuse-type memory, a process of fusing a plurality of fuses according to the remaining amount of ink is required many times.

  Furthermore, when it is determined whether or not the printing process can be performed in the printing apparatus, the remaining ink information must be acquired and the acquired remaining ink information must be compared with the reference value. Thus, it is not possible to immediately determine whether or not the printing process can be performed after mounting the print recording material container.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is mounted on a printing recording material container and a printing apparatus that can determine whether printing processing can be performed without a storage device for holding the printing recording material amount. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing recording material container that can immediately determine whether or not printing processing is possible.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a print recording material container that is detachably attached to a printing apparatus. The printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention is a first detection in which a detection voltage for detecting whether or not a printing recording material container is attached to the printing apparatus is applied. A terminal, a reference potential terminal that indicates a reference potential when mounted on the printing apparatus, and a fusing property that is disposed between the first detection terminal and the reference potential terminal and electrically connects both terminals. A member that is blown by a fusing current based on a fusing voltage that is greater than the detected voltage, which is applied to the first detection terminal when the amount of the printing recording material in the printing recording material container is a predetermined value or less. A fusing member.

  According to the printing / recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention, both terminals are provided between the first detection terminal and the reference potential terminal for detecting whether or not the printing / recording material container is mounted. A fusing member that electrically connects the fusing member is arranged, and the fusing member is more than a detection current applied to the first detection terminal when the amount of the printing recording material in the printing recording material container is a predetermined value or less. Since fusing is performed by a large fusing current, it is possible to determine whether or not the printing process can be performed without a storage device for holding the print recording material amount. Further, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the printing process can be performed after the printing recording material container is mounted.

  The printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention is further electrically connected to the reference potential terminal, and detects whether or not the printing recording material container is attached to the printing apparatus. There may be provided a second detection terminal to which the detection voltage is applied. When this configuration is provided, it can be more accurately determined whether or not the printing recording material container is correctly mounted.

  In the printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reference potential terminal may be disposed between the first and second detection terminals. In the case of providing this configuration, it is possible to detect the mounting displacement of the printing recording material container with higher accuracy.

  The printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention is further driven by a printing recording material container that stores the printing recording material, and a drive voltage that is higher than the detection voltage, and is accommodated in the printing recording material container. Connected to the recording material amount detector for detecting that the amount of the printing recording material being applied is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and connected to the printing recording material amount detector; You may provide the recording material amount detection terminal for outputting the detection result voltage which shows the detection result from a quantity detector. When this configuration is provided, the recording material amount detector can detect whether or not the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is a predetermined value or less.

  In the printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fusing current may be obtained by inputting the driving voltage as the fusing voltage to the first detection terminal. The printing recording material container having this configuration does not require a new power source used only for fusing the fusing member.

  In the printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing recording material container includes a main housing part and a sub-housing part connected by a communication path, and the recording material detector includes You may arrange | position in the communicating path. When this configuration is provided, it is possible to more accurately detect whether or not the amount of print recording material is a predetermined value or less.

  The printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a storage element for storing information relating to the printing recording material, at least the storage element, the first and / or second detection terminal, and a reference potential. You may provide the board | substrate provided with a terminal. When this configuration is provided, various information relating to the printing recording material can be stored in the storage element.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus to which the printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention is attached and used. A printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a detection voltage source that supplies the detection voltage, a fusing voltage source that supplies the fusing voltage, and a first printing apparatus side that is in contact with the first detection terminal. A detection terminal; a detection terminal on the first printing apparatus side; a switch for selectively connecting the detection voltage source or the fusing voltage source; and the fusing voltage as a drive voltage, which is accommodated in the printing recording material accommodating portion. A recording material determining unit for determining whether or not the amount of the printing recording material being applied is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit by the recording material determining unit is a predetermined value And a switching controller that switches the switch so as to connect the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the fusing voltage source.

  According to the printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the printing recording material accommodation body is mounted. Since the first printing apparatus side detection terminal used for detecting whether or not the fusing voltage is connected to the fusing voltage source, whether or not the printing process can be performed without a storage device for holding the print recording material amount Can be judged. Further, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the printing process can be performed after the printing recording material container is mounted. Furthermore, the fusing member can be blown out without providing a new power source.

  A printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a detection voltage source that supplies the detection voltage, a fusing voltage source that supplies the fusing voltage, and a first printing apparatus side that is in contact with the first detection terminal. A detection terminal; a second printing apparatus side detection terminal in contact with the second detection terminal; a printing apparatus side recording material amount detection terminal in contact with the recording material quantity detection terminal; and the first printing apparatus side detection. A first detection terminal potential determiner that determines whether or not the terminal potential is the reference potential, and a second that determines whether or not the potential of the second printing apparatus side detection terminal is the reference potential. A switching terminal that selectively connects the detection terminal potential determination device, the first printing device side detection terminal, and the detection voltage source or the fusing voltage source, and detects the first printing device side as an initial state. Switched off to connect the terminal and the detection voltage source. And a recording material determination device for determining whether or not the amount of printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is a predetermined value or less using the fusing voltage as a driving voltage, When the detection terminal potential determination unit determines that the potential of the first printing apparatus side detection terminal is the reference potential, the detection terminal voltage determination unit is based on the detection result voltage obtained through the printing apparatus side recording material amount detection terminal. The recording material determining unit for determining whether or not the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is a predetermined value or less, and the recording material determining unit A switching controller for switching the switch so as to connect the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the fusing voltage source when it is determined that the amount of the printing recording material being applied is equal to or less than a predetermined value. May be. In the case of including this configuration, it is possible to detect with high accuracy whether or not the printing recording material container is correctly mounted, and to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not the printing process is possible.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus in which the printing recording material container according to the first aspect of the present invention is mounted and used. The control method according to the third aspect of the present invention determines whether or not the print recording material container is attached based on whether or not the potential of the first detection terminal is the ground potential. When the potential of the first detection terminal is not the ground potential, the printing recording material container is not correctly mounted, or the amount of printing recording material stored in the printing recording material container is a predetermined value. It is determined that the following is true, and the requested printing process is not executed. When this configuration is provided, it is possible to determine whether or not the printing process can be performed without a storage device for holding the print recording material amount. Further, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the printing process can be performed after the printing recording material container is mounted. Furthermore, the fusing member can be blown out without providing a new power source.

  The control method according to the third aspect of the present invention determines whether or not the printing recording material container is mounted based on whether or not the potential of the second detection terminal is the ground potential. If it is determined that the potential of the second detection terminal is the ground potential and the printing recording material container is mounted, whether the potential of the first detection terminal is the ground potential or not. Whether or not the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is a predetermined value or less, and when the potential of the first detection terminal is not the ground potential, It may be determined that the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the requested printing process may not be executed. In the case of including this configuration, it is possible to detect with high accuracy whether or not the printing recording material container is correctly mounted, and to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not the printing process is possible.

  In addition to this, the printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention can also be realized as a method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.

  Hereinafter, a printing recording material container and a printing apparatus including the printing recording material container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Configuration of Printing Device A schematic configuration of a printing device in which a printing recording material container (hereinafter referred to as “ink cartridge”) according to this embodiment is detachably mounted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus in which an ink cartridge according to the present embodiment is detachably mounted.

  The printing apparatus 1000 used in this embodiment has a sub-scan feed mechanism, a main scan feed mechanism, and a head drive mechanism. The sub-scan feed mechanism transports the printing paper P in the sub-scan direction using a paper feed roller powered by a paper feed motor (not shown). The main scanning feed mechanism uses the power of the carriage motor 1020 to reciprocate the carriage 1030 connected to the drive belt 1010 in the main scanning direction. The head drive mechanism drives the print head 1050 provided in the carriage 1030 to execute ink ejection and dot formation. The printing apparatus 1000 further includes a main control circuit 40 that controls each mechanism described above. The main control circuit 40 is connected to the carriage 1030 via a flexible cable 1080.

  The carriage 1030 includes a holder 1040, a print head 1050, and a carriage circuit described later. The holder 1040 is configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of ink cartridges, and is disposed on the upper surface of the print head 1050. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four ink cartridges can be mounted on the holder 1040. For example, four types of ink cartridges of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan are mounted one by one. Four covers 1110 are attached to the holder 1040 so as to be openable and closable for each ink cartridge to be attached. An ink supply needle 1060 for supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the print head 1050 is further disposed on the upper surface of the print head 1050.

Ink Cartridge Configuration With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side.

  The ink cartridge 10 includes an ink storage unit 11 for storing ink, an ink supply unit 12 for supplying ink to the ink supply paste 1060, a substrate 20, and an ink end sensor 30.

  The ink storage unit 11 and the ink supply unit 12 communicate with each other via a communication path 13 (see FIG. 3). An ink end sensor 30 is disposed in the communication path 13. The ink end sensor 30 may be disposed so as to be in direct contact with the ink, or may be disposed indirectly with respect to the ink via a member capable of improving frequency characteristics, for example. As the ink end sensor 30, for example, a piezoelectric element that is distorted by application of a voltage is used. The ink end sensor 30 is electrically connected to the terminal of the substrate 20.

  A plurality of terminals 21 to 25 are arranged on the substrate 20. As will be described later, the terminals 21 to 25 are electrically connected to the main control circuit 40 by contacting the terminals of the carriage circuit of the printing apparatus 1000. The plurality of terminals are, for example, a first cartridge out detection terminal 21, a reference potential terminal 22, a second cartridge out detection terminal 23, a first ink end sensor drive terminal 24, and a second ink end sensor drive terminal 25.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the terminals 21 to 25 provided on the substrate 20 and the connection between the terminals 21 to 25 of the substrate 20 and the carriage circuit 1070 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment is mounted on the carriage. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of each terminal on the substrate in this embodiment.

  The carriage circuit 1070 is provided with contact pins 1071 to 1075 that come into contact with the terminals 21 to 25 of the substrate 20. The contact pins 1071 to 1075 are electrically connected to the terminals 401 to 405 of the main control circuit 40. The contact pins 1071 to 1075 are, for example, a first cartridge out detection pin 1071, a reference potential pin 1072, a second cartridge out detection pin 1073, a first ink end sensor driving pin 1074, and a second ink end sensor driving pin 1075. The terminals 401 to 405 of the main control circuit 40 are, for example, a first cartridge out detection terminal 401, a reference potential terminal 402, a second cartridge out detection terminal 403, a first ink end sensor drive terminal 404, and a second ink end sensor drive. Terminal 405.

  The tips of the contact pins 1071 to 1075 are arranged at positions farther from the carriage circuit 1070 than the contact positions of the ink cartridge 10 with the terminals 21 to 25 of the substrate 20 when the ink cartridge 10 is not mounted. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted on the holder 1040 of the carriage 1030, the contact pins 1071 to 1075 of the carriage circuit 1070 are urged against the terminals 21 to 25 of the substrate 20, and the terminals 21 to 25 and the contact pins are urged. 1071 to 1075 are electrically connected.

  In the substrate 20, the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 and the reference potential terminal 22 are connected via a fusing member, for example, a fuse 28. The second cartridge out detection terminal 23 is directly connected to the reference potential terminal 22. The first ink end sensor drive terminal 24 and the second ink end sensor drive terminal 25 are connected to the ink end sensor 30.

  The fuse 28 is a fusible body that melts by self-heating when a current larger than the minimum fusing current based on the fusing voltage flows. In the present embodiment, the fuse 28 is blown out against the current accompanying the application of the detection voltage. In other words, the minimum fusing current is set so as to blow against the current accompanying the application of the fusing voltage. The fusing member is not limited to a fuse, and may be a fusing member that blows as a predetermined current passes.

  In this embodiment, the fusing detection is performed by logic, and the detection is performed by pulling up with a normal logic voltage VDD1 (for example, 3.3V, 5.0V). When fusing, a protective element such as a fuse or a fuse resistor is blown by applying VDD2 (a high-voltage amplitude voltage of 30 V or more) as a drive waveform output voltage and controlling the application time.

  When the fuse 28 is not blown, when the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the holder 1040 of the carriage 1030, the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 becomes the potential of the reference potential terminal 22 and the reference potential. Here, the reference potential may be a ground potential (0 V), or may be a predetermined potential that is sufficiently lower than the detection voltage. On the other hand, when the fuse 28 is blown, even if the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the holder 1040 of the carriage 1030, the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 becomes the potential of the detection voltage.

  In this embodiment, two cartridge-out detection terminals are provided in order to more accurately determine whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. However, no fuse is disposed between the second cartridge out detection terminal 23 and the reference potential terminal 22. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the holder 1040, the potential of the second cartridge out detection terminal 23 becomes the potential of the reference potential terminal 22 and the reference potential, and the ink cartridge 10 is not correctly mounted on the holder 1040. The potential of the second cartridge out detection terminal 23 becomes the potential of the detection voltage.

  In either one of the first ink end sensor drive terminal 24 and the second ink end sensor drive terminal 25, the ink end sensor 30 is used when determining whether or not the amount of ink in the ink containing portion 11 is a predetermined value or less. A drive voltage for driving is input. As will be described later, the drive voltage is sufficiently higher than the detection voltage.

  The internal configuration of the main control circuit 40 provided in the printing apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the main control circuit in this embodiment.

  The main control circuit 40 includes a first cartridge out detection circuit 41, a second cartridge out detection circuit 42, a sensor drive circuit 43, a cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 and an ink remaining amount determination circuit 45. The main control circuit 40 also includes a first cartridge out detection terminal 401, a reference potential terminal 402, a second cartridge out detection terminal 403, a first ink end sensor drive terminal 404, and a second ink end sensor drive terminal 405.

  The cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 is configured such that the ink cartridge 10 is mounted on the holder 1040 of the carriage 1030 based on the detection signals (VCOA, VCOB) input from the first cartridge out detection circuit 41 and the second cartridge out detection circuit 42. It is determined whether or not. For example, when VCOA (VCOB) is a high signal (Hi), the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 determines that the ink cartridge 10 is not mounted on the carriage 1030 or is not mounted correctly, and VCOA ( If VCOB) is a low signal (Lo), it is determined that the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the carriage 1030.

  Based on the detection signal (voltage on which the vibration frequency is superimposed) input through the sensor drive circuit 43, the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 has an ink amount in the ink storage portion 11 of the ink cartridge 10 equal to or less than a predetermined amount. It is determined whether or not there is. The cartridge attachment determination circuit 44 and the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 may be realized as hardware circuits, or the cartridge attachment determination program and the ink remaining amount determination program stored in the memory are stored in a central processing unit (CPU). ) May be realized by executing.

  The first cartridge out detection terminal 401 is connected to the first cartridge out detection circuit 41, the reference potential terminal 402 is grounded, and the second cartridge out detection terminal 403 is connected to the second cartridge out detection circuit 42. The first ink end sensor drive terminal 404 and the second ink end sensor drive terminal 405 are connected to the sensor drive circuit 43.

  The first cartridge out detection circuit 41 is connected to the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 and the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45. The first cartridge out detection circuit 41 includes a detection power source 411 and a comparator 412 as circuits used for detecting whether or not an ink cartridge is mounted. The first cartridge out detection circuit 41 is a first analog switch 413, a second analog switch, as a circuit for blowing the fuse 28, that is, as an additional circuit for applying a drive voltage to the fuse 28 as a blowing voltage. 414 and an inverter 415 are provided.

  The first analog switch 413 is disposed between the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 and the detection power supply 411, receives an input signal from the inverter 415, and receives the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 and the detection power supply 411. Switch the electrical connection with to either connected or disconnected state. A resistor R1 is disposed between the first analog switch 413 and the detection power supply 411, and a comparator 412 is disposed between the first analog switch 413 and the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44.

  The power supply for detection 411 is a voltage source that supplies a voltage (VDD1) of about 3V, for example. The comparator 412 is configured by an operational amplifier, and a determination reference voltage (Vref), for example, about 2V is input. For example, the determination reference voltage Vref is input to the negative input pin of the comparator 412, and the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 is input to the positive input pin of the comparator 412. The comparator 412 outputs a high signal (VCOA = 1) when the potential input to the positive input pin is higher than the potential input to the negative input pin, and conversely the positive input pin from the potential input to the negative input pin. A low signal (VCOA = 0) is output when the potential input to is low.

  Accordingly, when the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the carriage 1030, the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 becomes the reference voltage VSS (<Vref), so that the comparator 412 outputs a low signal (VCOA = 0). Output. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 10 is not mounted on the carriage 1030, the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 is the detection voltage VDD1 (> Vref), so the comparator 412 outputs a high signal (VCOA = 1). Output.

  The second analog switch 414 is disposed between the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 and the drive power source 431, and receives an input signal from the remaining ink level determination circuit 45 and receives the first cartridge out detection terminal 401. The electrical connection with the driving power source 431 is switched to either the connected state or the disconnected state.

  More specifically, when the ink remaining amount determining circuit 45 determines that the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (ink end), the ink remaining amount determining circuit 45 performs the second analog switch. A predetermined voltage is applied to 414 as an ink end signal (connection signal). As a result, the potential of the first cartridge out detection terminal 401 becomes the driving voltage VDD2, and the driving voltage VDD2 is applied to the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 via the contact pin 1071. By applying the drive voltage VDD2 to the first cartridge out detection terminal 21, a minimum fusing current flows between the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 and the reference potential terminal 22, and the fuse 28 is blown.

  On the other hand, since the inverter 415 is arranged between the first analog switch 413 and the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45, when the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 inputs a connection signal to the second analog switch 414, the first A cutoff signal is input to the 1 analog switch 413. As a result, the detection power supply 411 is protected from the drive power supply 431.

  The second cartridge out detection circuit 42 is connected to the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44. The second cartridge out detection circuit 42 has a circuit configuration equivalent to a circuit used for detecting whether or not an ink cartridge is installed, which is included in the first cartridge out detection circuit. That is, the second cartridge out detection terminal 403 is connected to the detection power source 421 via the resistor R2, and the potential thereof is the detection voltage VDD1. The determination reference voltage Vref is input to the negative input pin of the comparator 422, and the potential of the second cartridge out detection terminal 403 is input to the positive input pin. Since the specific operation of the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 is the same as the operation of whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted in the first cartridge out detection circuit 41, description thereof will be omitted.

  The sensor drive circuit 43 drives the ink end sensor 30 at a predetermined frequency in order to determine whether the ink amount in the ink containing portion 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount in accordance with an instruction from the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45. This is a circuit for applying a voltage and driving (vibrating) the ink end sensor 30. The drive voltage VDD2 is higher than the detection voltage VDD1, for example, about 40V.

  More specifically, the sensor driving circuit 43 includes the first or second ink end sensor driving terminals 404 and 405, the first or second ink end sensor driving pins 1074 and 1075, and the first or second ink end sensor driving terminal 24. , 25, a drive voltage is applied to the ink end sensor 30. The ink end sensor 30 to which the voltage is applied is distorted by the inverse piezoelectric effect.

  The sensor drive circuit 43 supplies the drive voltage VDD2 to the ink end sensor 30 and then supplies the drive voltage, for example, the first ink end sensor drive terminal 404, the first ink end sensor drive pin 1074, and the first The ink end sensor drive terminal 24 is separated from the drive voltage source. As a result, the charge charged in the ink end sensor 30 is discharged, and the ink end sensor 30 vibrates. As a result, a detection result voltage having a vibration frequency of the ink end sensor 30 corresponding to the amount of ink in the ink containing portion 11 appears on the line to which the drive voltage is supplied.

  The detection result voltage input to the sensor drive circuit 43 is input to the remaining ink level determination circuit 45, and the remaining ink level determination circuit 45 detects the remaining ink level by measuring the vibration frequency. That is, the vibration frequency of the detection result voltage represents the natural frequency of the structure (case or ink) around the ink end sensor 30 that vibrates together with the ink end sensor 30, and represents the amount of ink remaining in the ink container 11. Will change accordingly. Therefore, the vibration frequency is equivalent to the natural frequency when the ink is sufficiently remaining in the ink containing portion 11 or the natural frequency when the ink is not more than a predetermined amount in the ink containing portion 11. The ink end sensor 30 is driven using the vibration frequency of the ink, and it is determined whether or not a sufficient amount of ink remains in the ink containing portion 11 based on whether or not the vibration frequency used for detection has been measured. Can do. Note that the ink end in this embodiment means a case where the ink amount is 0 or a predetermined amount. In addition, the ink end sensor 30 does not detect the amount of ink remaining in the ink container 11 but detects whether or not the amount of ink remaining in the ink container 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the ink end determination process of the ink cartridge in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed in the ink end determination processing of the ink cartridge in this embodiment.

  This processing routine is executed, for example, after the ink cartridge 10 is detached and attached by the user. It should be noted that the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge 10 includes both replacement of the ink cartridge or simple attachment / detachment of the same ink cartridge.

  When this processing routine is started, the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 waits until the detection signal VCOB = Lo inputted from the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 is satisfied (step S100: No). Specifically, the second cartridge out detection terminal 403 of the main control circuit 40 and the second cartridge out detection terminal 23 of the ink cartridge 10 are in contact with each other via the contact pin 1073, that is, the ink cartridge 10 is correctly connected to the carriage 1030. Wait until it is installed.

  When the detection signal VCOB input from the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 becomes Lo (step S100: Yes), the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 satisfies the detection signal VCOA = LO input from the first cartridge out detection circuit 41. Whether or not (step S102). Here, when the detection signal VCOB input from the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 is Lo, the ink cartridge 10 is correctly mounted on the carriage 1030. Further, the substrate 20 of the ink cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment includes a fuse 28 that is blown when an ink end is detected. When the fuse 28 is blown, an input from the first cartridge out detection circuit 41 is provided. The detected signal VCOA is Hi. Therefore, the detection signal VCOA input from the first cartridge out detection circuit 41 is used to determine whether or not the fuse 28 is blown, that is, whether or not the ink end of the ink cartridge 10 has already been detected. It is done.

  If the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 determines that the detection signal VCOB = Lo input from the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 (step S102: Yes), the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 performs the ink end detection process. Execute (Step S104). Since the ink end detection process has already been described, the description thereof will be omitted.

  On the other hand, when the cartridge mounting determination circuit 44 determines that the detection signal VCOB = Lo input from the second cartridge out detection circuit 42 (step S102: No), the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 proceeds to step S112. To notify the ink end. That is, the ink end of the ink cartridge 10 can be determined without executing the ink end detection process.

  As a result of executing the ink end detection process, the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 turns off the ink end flag (step S108) when the ink end flag is determined not to be an ink end (step S106: No), and ends this processing routine. To do. The ink end flag is, for example, information that can be updated as long as the power is turned on. Therefore, by referring to the ink end flag, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 10 has reached the ink end without executing the ink end detection process.

  On the other hand, if the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 determines that the ink end is detected as a result of executing the ink end detection process (step S106: Yes), the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 outputs an ink end signal to the first cartridge out detection circuit 41. A predetermined voltage is applied. As a result, as described above, the fuse 28 is blown (step S110), and the ink remaining amount determination circuit 45 notifies the ink end (step S112). The ink end notification is made, for example, by turning on an ink end notification lamp provided in the printing apparatus 1000, displaying text or an image on a display monitor, or connected to a personal computer. This is performed by displaying text or an image on the display monitor.

  When the ink end determination circuit 45 finishes the ink end notification, it turns on the ink end flag (step S114) and ends this processing routine.

  As described above, the ink cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment includes the fuse 28 that is physically blown when the ink end is detected. The risk of ink end can be reduced or eliminated.

  Further, the ink cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment includes a fuse 28 between the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 and the reference potential terminal 22 that are used to detect whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment is used, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink end is detected when detecting whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. Therefore, compared with the case where it is determined whether or not the ink end is reached after the ink cartridge is mounted, the possibility of executing the printing process in spite of the ink end can be reduced or eliminated.

  Furthermore, according to the ink cartridge 10 of the present embodiment, the ink end information can be cleared by replacing the fuse at the time of recycling, so that the recycling process can be simplified.

  According to the printing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, by using the ink cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink end is detected when detecting whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. it can.

  According to the printing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 10 is detected using the two detection terminals 21 and 23 of the ink cartridge 10, the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 10 and the ink end are determined. Can be performed more accurately.

Other examples:
(1) The ink cartridge 10 may have, for example, the structure shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the ink cartridge 10. In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 10 has one ink container, but the ink container may be constituted by the main ink container 11a and the sub ink container 11b. In this case, after the ink end sensor 30 detects the ink end, the amount that can be printed by the printer can be easily set by adjusting the capacity of the sub ink containing portion 11b. In addition, even after the ink end determination, since a predetermined amount of ink remains in the sub ink storage portion 11b, it is possible to prevent air strikes.

  An ink end sensor 30 is provided in the communication path 13 that communicates the main ink storage portion 11a and the sub ink storage portion 11b in the same manner as in the above embodiment. The communication path 13 is a thin path capable of generating a capillary force, and can prevent or prevent the bubbles that have mixed into the ink storage unit 11 from entering the communication path 13. This suppresses or prevents erroneous ink end detection by the ink end sensor 30 when bubbles are present near the ink end sensor 30 even though sufficient ink still remains in the ink containing portion 11a. Can do. On the other hand, when the ink in the ink containing portion 11a runs out, a large amount of air bubbles enter the communication path 13, and the ink end sensor 30 detects the ink end that should originally be detected.

  In this configuration example, after the ink end is detected, a predetermined amount of printing based on the capacity of the sub ink containing portion 11b is permitted by a counting operation or the like in the printer body. At the time of this printing process, due to the capillary force of the communication path 13, the ink that remains slightly on the wall surfaces of the ink storage portions 11 a and 11 b enters the communication path 13, and the bubbles disappear from the communication path 13. If ink is present, it may be detected. According to this embodiment, the inspection history can be physically left in the cartridge by fusing the fuse 28 once the ink end is detected by the ink end sensor 30. Therefore, after the ink end is detected and the fuse 28 is blown, even if the ink end sensor 30 is activated during the printing operation and the remaining ink is detected, the inspection history will no longer return, and the ink end Reliability can be improved.

(2) In the above embodiment, the substrate 20 of the ink cartridge 10 is not provided with a storage element, but as shown in FIG. 9, the storage element 60 and other terminals 26 such as a data input / output terminal, A selection signal terminal, a clock signal terminal, and the like may be provided. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing another configuration example of the substrate 20. In this case, information relating to the ink, for example, the date of manufacture, the ink type, and the count ink dot number is stored in the storage element 60, so that the printing apparatus 1000 performs a printing process in accordance with each ink cartridge 10. can do. In addition, by using the counted number of ink dots that cannot be obtained by the ink end sensor 30, it is possible to acquire information relating to the continuous ink remaining amount or consumption until reaching the ink end.

(3) In the above embodiment, the substrate 20 is provided with the first and second cartridge out detection terminals 21 and 23 as terminals for determining whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted, but only the first cartridge out detection terminal 21 is provided. May be provided. Even with this configuration, when determining whether or not the ink cartridge 10 is mounted, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink amount is a predetermined value or less.

(4) In the above embodiment, the first and second cartridge out detection terminals 21 and 23 are arranged on the substrate 20 with the reference potential terminal 22 interposed therebetween, but the first and second cartridge out detection terminals 21 and 23 are arranged. May be arranged adjacent to each other.

(5) In the above embodiment, the fuse 28 of the ink cartridge 10 is blown based on the ink end determination by the ink end sensor 30. In addition to this, the fuse 28 is blown based on the number of counted ink dots in the printing apparatus 1000. It may be determined whether or not. In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 10 includes the ink end sensor 30. However, without the ink end sensor 30, whether or not fusing is possible may be determined based on the number of counted ink dots in the printing apparatus 1000. .

(6) In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge is used as an application example. However, the same effect can be obtained in the toner cartridge.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on some Examples, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the printing apparatus used by mounting | wearing the ink cartridge which concerns on a present Example so that attachment or detachment is possible. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the ink cartridge which concerns on a present Example from the front. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the ink cartridge which concerns on a present Example from the side surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state with which the ink cartridge which concerns on a present Example was mounted | worn with the carriage. It is explanatory drawing which shows the circuit structure of each terminal on the board | substrate in a present Example. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic internal structure of the main control circuit in a present Example. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine executed in an ink end determination process for an ink cartridge according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other structural example of an ink cartridge. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other structural example of a board | substrate.

Explanation of symbols

10: Printing recording material container (ink cartridge)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ink storage part 11a ... Main ink storage part 11b ... Sub ink storage part 12 ... Ink supply part 13 ... Communication path 20 ... Substrate 21 ... First cartridge out detection terminal 22 ... Reference potential terminal 23 ... Second cartridge out detection terminal 24 ... 1st ink end sensor drive terminal 25 ... 2nd ink end sensor drive terminal 28 ... Fuse 30 ... Ink end sensor 40 ... Main control circuit 41 ... 1st cartridge out detection circuit 411 ... Power supply for detection 412 ... Comparator 413 ... 1st DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analog switch 414 ... 2nd analog switch 415 ... Inverter 42 ... 2nd cartridge out detection circuit 421 ... Power supply for detection 422 ... Comparator 43 ... Sensor drive circuit 44 ... Cartridge installation determination circuit 45 ... Ink residual amount determination circuit 401 ... 1st Cartridge out detection Child 402 ... reference potential terminal 403 ... second cartridge out detection terminal 404 ... first ink end sensor drive terminal 405 ... second ink end sensor drive terminal 60 ... memory element 1000 ... printing device 1010 ... drive belt 1020 ... carriage motor 1030 ... Carriage 1040 ... Holder 1050 ... Print head 1060 ... Ink supply needle 1070 ... Carriage circuit 1071 ... First cartridge out detection pin 1072 ... Reference potential pin 1073 ... Second cartridge out detection pin 1074 ... First ink end sensor drive pin 1075 ... First 2 ink end sensor drive pin 1080 ... flexible cable 1110 ... cover R1, R2 ... resistance

Claims (11)

A printing recording material container detachably mounted on a printing apparatus,
A print recording material storage unit for storing the print recording material;
A first detection terminal to which a detection voltage for detecting whether or not a printing recording material container is attached to the printing apparatus;
A reference potential terminal indicating a reference potential when mounted on the printing apparatus;
A fusing member that is disposed between the first detection terminal and the reference potential terminal and electrically connects both terminals, and the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is predetermined. And a fusing member that is blown by a fusing current based on a fusing voltage that is greater than the detection voltage and is applied to the first detection terminal when the value is equal to or less than the value. The printing recording material container according to claim 1, further comprising:
A second detection terminal that is electrically connected to the reference potential terminal and to which the detection voltage for detecting whether or not a printing recording material container is attached to the printing apparatus; A printing recording material container provided. In the printing recording material container according to claim 2,
The reference potential terminal is a printing recording material container disposed between the first and second detection terminals. The printing recording material container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
A recording material amount detector that is driven by a driving voltage higher than the detection voltage and detects that the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is a predetermined value or less;
A printing device that is connected to the printing recording material amount detector and includes a recording material amount detection terminal for inputting the driving voltage and outputting a detection result voltage indicating a detection result from the printing recording material amount detector. Recording material container. In the printing recording material container according to claim 4,
The fusing current is a printing recording material container obtained by inputting the driving voltage as the fusing voltage to the first detection terminal. The printing recording material container according to claim 4 or 5,
The printing recording material container includes a main container and a sub container connected by a communication path,
The recording material amount detector is a printing recording material container disposed in the communication path. The printing recording material container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
A storage element for storing information about the printing recording material;
A printing recording material container comprising a substrate having at least the storage element, first and / or second detection terminals, and a reference potential terminal. A printing apparatus in which the printing recording material container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is mounted and used,
A detection voltage source for supplying the detection voltage;
A fusing voltage source for supplying the fusing voltage;
A first printing device side detection terminal in contact with the first detection terminal;
A switch for selectively connecting the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the detection voltage source or the fusing voltage source;
A recording material determination device that determines whether the fusing voltage is a driving voltage and the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is a predetermined value or less,
When the recording material determination unit determines that the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is a predetermined value or less, the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the fusing voltage source And a switching controller for switching the switch to connect the printer. A printing apparatus to which the printing recording material container according to any one of claims 4 to 7 is mounted and used.
A detection voltage source for supplying the detection voltage;
A fusing voltage source for supplying the fusing voltage;
A first printing device side detection terminal in contact with the first detection terminal;
A second printing device side detection terminal in contact with the second detection terminal;
A printing apparatus side recording material amount detection terminal in contact with the recording material amount detection terminal;
A first detection terminal potential determiner for determining whether or not the potential of the first printing apparatus side detection terminal is the reference potential;
A second detection terminal potential determiner for determining whether or not the potential of the second printing apparatus side detection terminal is the reference potential;
A switch for selectively connecting the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the detection voltage source or the fusing voltage source, wherein the first printing apparatus side detection terminal and the detection voltage source are in an initial state. A switch that is switched to connect,
A recording material determination device that determines whether or not the amount of printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation portion is equal to or less than a predetermined value using the fusing voltage as a driving voltage, the first detection terminal potential When the determination device determines that the potential of the first printing apparatus side detection terminal is the reference potential, based on the detection result voltage obtained through the printing apparatus side recording material amount detection terminal, A recording material determination device for determining whether or not the amount of printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is a predetermined value or less;
When the recording material determination unit determines that the amount of the printing recording material stored in the printing recording material storage unit is a predetermined value or less, the first printing device side detection terminal and the fusing voltage source And a switching controller for switching the switching unit to connect the printer. A method for controlling a printing apparatus to be used by mounting the printing recording material container according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Based on whether or not the potential of the first detection terminal is the ground potential, it is determined whether or not the printing recording material container is mounted,
When the potential of the first detection terminal is not a ground potential, the printing recording material container is not correctly mounted, or the amount of printing recording material stored in the printing recording material container is equal to or less than a predetermined value. A control method that determines that the printing process is not performed and does not execute the requested printing process. A control method for a printing apparatus to which the printing recording material container according to claim 4 is mounted and used.
Based on whether or not the potential of the second detection terminal is the ground potential, it is determined whether or not the printing recording material container is mounted,
If it is determined that the potential of the second detection terminal is the ground potential and the printing recording material container is mounted, whether the potential of the first detection terminal is the ground potential or not. Based on whether or not the amount of printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation unit is a predetermined value or less,
When the potential of the first detection terminal is not the ground potential, it is determined that the amount of the printing recording material accommodated in the printing recording material accommodation unit is a predetermined value or less, and the requested printing process is executed. Don't control method.

Images