JP2008105333A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce costs by deleting a signal line for transmission and reception of ink residual quantity information of an FFC in a printer. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 1 has: a control part mounted on a main substrate 17 attached to a chassis 4; and a head driving circuit mounted on a carrier substrate 18 attached to a carrier 10. The control part and the head driving circuit are electrically connected by the FFC 19. The carrier 10 is equipped with carrier-side connecting terminals 20m and 20c, and the chassis 4 is equipped with case-side connecting terminals 21m and 21c. When the carrier 10 is present at a home position, the carrier-side connecting terminals 20m and 20c contact with the case-side connecting terminals 21m and 21c. As a result, the control part 41 becomes accessible to ink residual quantity memories 9m and 9c via lead wires 39m and 39c, the case-side connecting terminals 21m and 21c, and carrier-side connecting terminals 20m and 20c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that prints an image by ejecting ink onto printing paper.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a so-called inkjet printer that prints an image by ejecting ink onto printing paper. In this type of printer, generally, a swath image having a predetermined print width is printed on a print sheet by ejecting ink from the print head while moving a carrier that holds the print head. By repeating this printing and the conveyance of the printing paper, the image is printed on the entire printing paper.

  The print head is driven by a head drive circuit to eject ink, and the head drive circuit is provided on the carrier so as to move together with the print head. The print head also ejects ink stored in the ink cartridge so that the ink cartridge moves with the print head and can be replaced when the stored ink is exhausted. The carrier is detachably attached to the carrier. The ink cartridge is provided with an ink remaining amount memory for storing ink remaining amount information indicating the ink remaining amount. Based on the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory, the ink cartridge The remaining ink level is managed.

  In a conventional printer, a control unit is fixedly provided with respect to a casing, and the print head is driven from the control unit to a head drive circuit via an FFC (flexible flat cable) (print head). A head drive signal (for ejecting ink) is transmitted, and ink remaining amount information is transmitted and received between the control unit and the ink remaining amount memory via the FFC.

In such a printer, there is also known a printer that transmits a head drive signal from a control unit to a head drive circuit without using an FFC (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).
JP 2005-59401 A JP 2004-351686 A JP 2003-237051 A JP 2001-191622 A

  However, in the above-described conventional printer, the FFC is used for transmitting and receiving the head drive signal and the ink remaining amount information. Since the FFC is expensive, the cost increases. Therefore, as in the printers described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, a configuration in which a head drive signal is transmitted and received from the control unit to the head drive circuit without using the FFC is conceivable. However, in the configurations of Patent Documents 1 to 4, since it is necessary to store all the head drive signals transmitted from the control unit on the head drive circuit side, a memory having a large capacity must be provided in the carrier. Since the memory is expensive, the cost becomes high. In addition, in the printers described in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4, sufficient consideration is not given to the configuration for transmitting and receiving ink remaining amount information.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printer capable of reducing the cost by deleting the signal line for sending and receiving the FFC ink remaining amount information. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a sheet conveying means for conveying a printing sheet, a print head for ejecting ink for printing an image on the printing sheet, and a printing sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying means. A carrier that is movably supported along the carrier, holds the print head, a carrier moving means that moves the carrier along the print paper conveyed by the paper conveyance means, and stores ink to be ejected from the print head, An ink cartridge that is detachably held on the carrier, a head drive circuit that drives the print head to eject ink from the print head, and an ink remaining in the ink cartridge so that the stored ink can be replaced when it runs out. Ink remaining amount memory for storing ink remaining amount information indicating the amount, and at least the carrier and the ink cartridge. A casing that is provided in the casing and is opened and closed by the user when the user replaces the ink cartridge, a cover sensor that detects opening and closing of the cover, and a user to turn on the power to the apparatus. A power button to be operated; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The control unit ejects ink from the print head while moving the carrier by the carrier moving unit, and swaths with a predetermined print width on the printing paper. The printing operation for printing an image on the entire printing paper by a plurality of swath images is performed by repeating the operation for printing the image and the operation for conveying the printing paper by the paper conveying means, and the head driving circuit is provided on the carrier. In a printer in which an ink remaining amount memory is provided in the ink cartridge and a control means is provided in the housing, the head drive circuit and the control are controlled. A flexible flat cable that is always electrically connected to the stage, and a carrier that is provided in the carrier and that is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory when the ink cartridge is held in the carrier The side connection terminal is provided in the housing and is always electrically connected to the control means. When the carrier is at the home position, the carrier side connection terminal is brought into contact with the carrier side connection terminal and electrically A housing-side connection terminal for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information connected to the carrier-side connection terminal, and the carrier-side connection terminal abuts on the housing-side connection terminal when the carrier is at the home position. The ink remaining amount memory and the control means are electrically connected via the body side connection terminal, and the control means can access the ink remaining amount memory. When the power is turned on by operating the power button, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, the ink remaining amount memory is accessed, and the ink remaining amount stored in the ink remaining amount memory is When the information is acquired and the opening of the cover is detected by the cover sensor, the carrier is moved to a position facing the cover, which is a cartridge replacement position for replacing the ink cartridge, by the carrier moving means, and then the cover is closed by the cover sensor. When it is detected, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, the remaining ink memory is accessed, the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memory is acquired, and the printing operation is performed. When a print instruction is issued, the print operation is executed while managing the remaining ink in the ink cartridge. , When the printing operation is completed, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, accesses the ink remaining amount memory, it is to update the ink remaining amount information stored is in the ink remaining amount memory.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a paper conveying means for conveying the printing paper, a print head for ejecting ink to print an image on the printing paper, and a movably supported along the printing paper conveyed by the paper conveying means. The carrier for holding the print head, the carrier moving means for moving the carrier along the printing paper transported by the paper transport means, and the ink ejected from the print head are stored, and the stored ink is lost. An ink cartridge that is detachably held on the carrier, a head drive circuit that drives the print head to eject ink from the print head, and ink remaining amount information that indicates the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge And a control unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The control unit carries the carrier. By repeating the operation of ejecting ink from the print head while moving by the moving means to print a swath image having a predetermined print width on the printing paper and the operation of carrying the printing paper by the paper carrying means, a plurality of swath images can be obtained. In a printer in which a printing operation for printing an image on the entire printing paper is performed, a head driving circuit is provided in a carrier, an ink remaining amount memory is provided in an ink cartridge, and a control unit is provided in a housing. A flexible flat cable that is always electrically connected to the control means, and a carrier that is provided on the carrier, and when the ink cartridge is held on the carrier, is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information The carrier side connection terminal and the housing, which is always electrically connected to the control means, A carrier-side connection terminal that contacts the carrier-side connection terminal and is electrically connected to the carrier-side connection terminal when the carrier is at the home position. When the carrier side connection terminal is in contact with the housing side connection terminal when in the position, the remaining ink amount memory and the control means are electrically connected via the carrier side connection terminal and the housing side connection terminal. The ink remaining amount memory can be accessed, and the control means moves the carrier to the home position by the carrier moving means, accesses the ink remaining amount memory, and acquires the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory. Or renew it.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the second aspect, the control means moves the carrier to the home position by the carrier moving means when the power is supplied to the apparatus or the ink cartridge is replaced. The ink remaining amount memory is accessed, the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is acquired, and when the printing operation is completed, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, and the ink remaining amount is The ink remaining amount information stored in the remaining ink amount memory is updated by accessing the amount memory.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory and the control means via the carrier side connecting terminal and the housing side connecting terminal. Is acquired or updated. That is, the ink remaining amount information is transmitted and received between the ink remaining amount memory and the control means without going through the FFC. Therefore, the signal line for sending and receiving the ink remaining amount information of the FFC can be deleted, thereby reducing the cost. In addition, a head drive signal for driving the print head (for ejecting ink from the print head) is transmitted from the control means to the head drive circuit via the FFC. Therefore, there is no need for a memory for storing the head drive signal transmitted from the control means on the head drive circuit side, and this does not increase the cost for the memory, and is used for transmitting and receiving ink remaining amount information in the FFC. It is possible to maintain the cost reduction by erasing the signal line. In addition, when the power is turned on and when the cover is opened / closed, the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is acquired and stored in the ink remaining amount memory when the printing operation is finished. By updating the remaining ink amount information, it is possible to appropriately manage the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge with a small number of carrier movements.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory and the control means via the carrier side connecting terminal and the housing side connecting terminal. Is acquired or updated. That is, the ink remaining amount information is transmitted and received between the ink remaining amount memory and the control means without going through the FFC. Accordingly, the signal line for transmitting and receiving the ink remaining amount information of the FFC can be deleted, thereby reducing the cost. In addition, a head drive signal for driving the print head (for ejecting ink from the print head) is transmitted from the control means to the head drive circuit via the FFC. Therefore, there is no need for a memory for storing the head drive signal transmitted from the control means on the head drive circuit side, and this does not increase the cost for the memory, and is used for transmitting and receiving ink remaining amount information in the FFC. It is possible to maintain the cost reduction by erasing the signal line.

  According to the invention of claim 3, when the power is turned on or the ink cartridge is replaced, the remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining ink memory is acquired and the printing operation is terminated. By updating the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory, it is possible to appropriately manage the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge with the smaller number of movements of the carrier.

  Hereinafter, a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B show the configuration of the printer. The printer 1 is a device that prints an image on the printing paper 2. The printer 1 is a so-called inkjet printer that prints an image by ejecting ink onto the printing paper 2.

  The printer 1 includes a housing 3, a chassis 4, a paper rest 5 on which the printing paper 2 is placed, a paper feed roller 6 a, a feed roller 6 b and an exit roller 6 c for conveying the printing paper 2, printing Print heads 7m and 7c for printing an image on paper 2, ink cartridges 8m and 8c for storing ink for printing an image on print paper 2, and ink remaining indicating the remaining amount of ink in ink cartridges 8m and 8c It includes ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c for storing quantity information, a carrier 10 that moves while holding the print heads 7m and 7c, and a cover 11 that is opened and closed when the ink cartridges 8m and 8c are replaced.

  The printer 1 also includes a power button 12 for turning on the printer 1, an LCD 13 for displaying various messages, a feed motor for rotating the paper feed roller 6a, the feed roller 6b, and the exit roller 6c. 14, a carrier motor 15 for moving the carrier 10, and an encoder 16 for detecting the position of the carrier 10.

  Further, the printer 1 electrically connects the main board 17 and the carrier board 18, which are circuit boards on which electronic components and circuits for operating the printer 1 are mounted, and the main board 17 and the carrier board 18. An FFC (flexible flat cable) 19, carrier side connection terminals 20 m and 20 c for electrically connecting the main board 17 and the remaining ink amount memories 9 m and 9 c, and housing side connection terminals 21 m and 21 c are provided.

  The chassis 4 is housed in the housing 3 and is fixed to the housing 3. The chassis 4 includes a left side wall 4a, a right side wall 4b, and a rear wall 4c. The left side wall 4a and the right side wall 4b are substantially parallel to each other, and the rear wall 4c includes the left side wall 4a and the right side wall 4b. At the rear end, it is connected to the left side wall 4a and the right side wall 4b.

  One or a plurality of print sheets 2 are stacked, and the lower end side thereof is inserted into the sheet feed port 3 a of the housing 3 and placed on the paper rest 5. The paper feed roller 6a takes in the printing paper 2 placed on the paper rest 5 and conveys it to the feed roller 6b. The feed roller 6b conveys the printing paper 2 conveyed from the paper feed roller 6a to the exit roller 6c, and the exit roller 6c further conveys the printing paper 2 conveyed from the feed roller 6b, The paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 3b.

  The paper feed roller 6a is rotatably supported by the paper feed arm 25, and the paper feed arm 25 is supported by the rear wall 4c of the chassis 4 via a support member (not shown). The feed roller 6b and the exit roller 6c are rotatably supported by the right side wall 4b and the left side wall 4a of the chassis 4. The feed roller 6a, the feed roller 6b, and the exit roller 6c are rotationally controlled by a driving force of the feed motor 14 via a roller driving mechanism including a gear (not shown). The paper feed roller 6a, the feed roller 6b, the exit roller 6c, the feed motor 14, the roller drive mechanism, and the like constitute a paper transport unit that transports the print paper 2.

  The print head 7m is a monochrome print head, and the print head 7c is a color print head. The ink cartridge 8m is a monochrome ink cartridge, and stores monochrome (black) ink to be ejected from the print head 7m. The ink cartridge 8c is a color ink cartridge and stores color (cyan, magenta, yellow) ink to be ejected from the print head 7c.

  The monochrome print head 7m is provided integrally with the monochrome ink cartridge 8m, and ejects the monochrome ink stored in the monochrome ink cartridge 8m. The color print head 7c is provided integrally with the color ink cartridge 8c, and ejects the color ink stored in the color ink cartridge 8c.

  The ink remaining amount memory 9m is a memory for storing ink remaining amount information indicating the ink remaining amount of the monochrome ink cartridge 8m. The ink remaining amount memory 9c is an ink indicating the ink remaining amount of the color ink cartridge 8c. A memory for storing remaining amount information. The monochrome ink remaining amount memory 9m is provided integrally with the monochrome ink cartridge 8m, and the color ink remaining amount memory 9c is provided integrally with the color ink cartridge 8c.

  The ink cartridges 8m and 8c are detachably held on the carrier 10 so that they can be replaced when the stored ink runs out. The print head 7m and the ink remaining amount memory 9m are attached to and detached from the carrier 10 together with the ink cartridge 8m, and are exchanged together with the ink cartridge 8m. The print head 7c and the ink remaining amount memory 9c are attached to and detached from the carrier 10 together with the ink cartridge 8c. Then, the ink cartridge 8c is replaced. The ink cartridges 8m and 8c are mounted and held on the carrier 10 with the print heads 7m and 7c facing down so as to eject ink downward from the print heads 7m and 7c.

  The carrier 10 is slidably supported on the guide shafts 27 and 28. The guide shafts 27 and 28 extend above the printing paper 2 conveyed by the feed roller 6b and the exit roller 6c in a direction parallel to the printing surface of the printing paper 2 and orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper 2. . The guide shaft 27 is fixedly supported on the rear wall 4 c of the chassis 4, and the guide shaft 28 is fixedly supported on the right side wall 4 b and the left side wall 4 a of the chassis 4.

  That is, the carrier 10 extends along the printing paper 2 in the direction in which the guide shafts 27 and 28 extend with respect to the housing 3 (that is, above the printing paper 2 conveyed by the feed roller 6b and the exit roller 6c). , In a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the printing paper 2). Accordingly, the print heads 7m and 7c, the ink cartridges 8m and 8c, and the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c held by the carrier 10 are moved between the feed roller 6b and the exit roller 6c by the movement of the carrier 10. Together with the carrier 10, it reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper 2.

  The carrier 10 is controlled to move by a driving force of the carrier motor 15 through a carrier driving mechanism including a carrier belt 29 and the like. The carrier motor 15, the guide shafts 27 and 28, the carrier driving mechanism, and the like constitute carrier moving means for moving the carrier 10 along the printing paper 2. The carrier 10 is made to wait at the home position (the leftmost position in the figure) when an image is not printed on the printing paper 2.

  The cover 11 is opened and closed to replace the ink cartridges 8m and 8c (the ink cartridges 8m and 8c are attached to and detached from the carrier 10), and is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. The housing 3 houses the guide shafts 27 and 28, the carrier 10, the ink cartridges 8m and 8c attached to the carrier 10, and the ink cartridges 8m and 8c can be exchanged by opening the cover 11. It becomes possible. The cover 11 is opened and closed manually by the user, and is opened and closed by the user when the user replaces the ink cartridges 8m and 8c. The cover 11 is provided on the movement path of the ink cartridges 8m and 8c.

  The encoder 16 includes an encoder strip 31 on which a light and dark pattern with a predetermined pitch is formed, an optical sensor 32 that detects reflected light from the encoder strip 31, and the like. The encoder strip 31 is provided on the guide shaft 27, and a light and dark pattern with a predetermined pitch is formed along the movement path of the carrier 10. The optical sensor 32 is provided on the back of the carrier 10 and moves together with the carrier 10. The encoder 16 having such a configuration detects the reflected light from the light / dark pattern of the encoder strip 31 by the optical sensor 32, and moves the carrier by the number of pulses proportional to the moving amount of the carrier 10 based on the change in the reflected light intensity. A quantity detection signal is output from the optical sensor 32.

  The main board 17 is attached to the back surface of the rear wall 4 c of the chassis 4. That is, the main board 17 is provided in the housing 3 via the chassis 4 and is fixed to the housing 3. The carrier substrate 18 is attached to the back of the carrier 10. That is, the carrier substrate 18 is provided on the carrier 10 and moves together with the carrier 10.

  The carrier substrate 18 is electrically connected to the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16 through a conductive wiring (not shown). The carrier substrate 18 is electrically connected to the print head 7m via a conductive wiring (not shown) when the ink cartridge 8m is held on the carrier 10, and the ink cartridge 8c is held on the carrier 10. In this case, the print head 7c is electrically connected via a conductive wiring (not shown).

  The FFC 19 transmits a head drive signal for ejecting ink from the print heads 7m and 7c from the main substrate 17 to the carrier substrate 18, and also outputs a carrier movement amount detection signal output from the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16 to the carrier substrate. This is for transmitting from 18 to the main board 17 and has a signal line for transmitting and receiving a head drive signal and a carrier movement amount detection signal. The FFC 19 is installed between the main board 17 and the carrier board 18 so that the main board is always located when the carrier 10 is located or when the carrier 10 is moved with respect to the housing 3. 17 and the carrier substrate 18 are electrically connected.

  The carrier side connection terminal 20m and the housing side connection terminal 21m are terminals for transmitting and receiving ink remaining amount information for transmitting and receiving monochrome ink remaining amount information between the main board 17 and the ink remaining amount memory 9m. The side connection terminal 20c and the housing side connection terminal 21c are terminals for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information for transmitting and receiving color ink remaining amount information between the main board 17 and the ink remaining amount memory 9c.

  The carrier side connection terminals 20 m and 20 c are attached to the side surface of the carrier 10. That is, the carrier side connection terminals 20 m and 20 c are provided on the carrier 10 and move together with the carrier 10. These carrier-side connection terminals 20m and 20c are arranged on the left side wall of the chassis 4 from the side surface of the carrier 10 so that the carrier 10 contacts the housing-side connection terminals 21m and 21c when the carrier 10 is at the home position (the leftmost position in the drawing). It protrudes to the 4a side.

  The carrier-side connection terminal 20m is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory 9m via a conductive wiring (not shown) when the ink cartridge 8m is held on the carrier 10. Further, the carrier side connection terminal 20c is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory 9c through a conductive wiring (not shown) when the ink cartridge 8c is held by the carrier 10.

  The case side connection terminals 21 m and 21 c are attached to the left side wall 4 a of the chassis 4. That is, the housing side connection terminals 21 m and 21 c are provided on the housing 3 via the chassis 4 and are fixed to the housing 3. The housing side connection terminals 21m and 21c protrude from the left side wall 4a of the chassis 4 toward the carrier 10 so that the carrier side connection terminals 20m and 20c abut when the carrier 10 is at the home position.

  The housing side connection terminal 21m is always electrically connected to the main board 17 via the lead wire 39m, and when the carrier 10 is at the home position, the carrier side connection terminal 20m is brought into contact with the carrier side. It is electrically connected to the connection terminal 20m. Further, the housing side connection terminal 21c is always electrically connected to the main board 17 via the lead wire 39c, and when the carrier 10 is at the home position, the carrier side connection terminal 20c is brought into contact therewith, It is electrically connected to the carrier side connection terminal 20c.

  The printer 1 having such a configuration causes the swath image (1 of the print heads 7m and 7c) having a predetermined print width to be printed on the print paper 2 by ejecting ink from the print heads 7m and 7c while moving the carrier 10 forward or backward. The image printed by the forward movement or the backward movement is printed. The printer 1 prints an image on the entire printing paper 2 with a plurality of swath images by repeating the printing of the swath image and the conveyance of the printing paper 2. Further, the printer 1 manages the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridges 8m and 8c based on the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c.

  FIG. 2 shows an electrical block configuration of the printer 1. In addition to the above-described configuration, the printer 1 includes a control unit (control means) 41 including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM for controlling the operation of the printer 1, a feed motor driving circuit 42, a carrier motor driving circuit 43, and the like. A head drive circuit 44, a cover sensor 45, an external device connection unit 46, a work memory 47, and the like. Firmware and various data for controlling the operation of the printer 1 are stored in the ROM of the control unit 41.

  The control unit 41, the feed motor driving circuit 42, the carrier motor driving circuit 43, and the work memory 47 are mounted on the main board 17. That is, the control unit 41, the feed motor drive circuit 42, the carrier motor drive circuit 43, and the work memory 47 are provided in the housing 3 via the main board 17 and the chassis 4, and are fixed to the housing 3. ing. The head drive circuit 44 is mounted on the carrier substrate 18. That is, the head driving circuit 44 is provided on the carrier 10 via the carrier substrate 18 and moves together with the carrier 10.

  The FFC 19 always electrically connects the control unit 41 and the head drive circuit 44. Therefore, the control unit 41 can always transmit a head drive signal for ejecting ink from the print heads 7 m and 7 c to the head drive circuit 44. Further, the FFC 19 always electrically connects the control unit 41 and the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16. Therefore, the control unit 41 can always receive the carrier movement amount detection signal output from the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16.

  The housing side connection terminal 21m is always electrically connected to the control unit 41 via the lead wire 39m, and the housing side connection terminal 21c is always electrically connected to the control unit 41 via the lead wire 39c. Yes. As described above, the housing side connection terminals 21m and 21c are electrically connected to the carrier side connection terminals 20m and 20c when the carrier 10 is at the home position, and the carrier side connection terminals 20m and 20c are connected to the carrier 10. When the ink cartridges 8m and 8c are held, they are electrically connected to the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c. Therefore, when the carrier 10 is at the home position, the control unit 41 stores the ink remaining amount memory of the ink cartridge 8m held by the carrier 10 via the lead wire 39m, the housing side connection terminal 21m, and the carrier side connection terminal 20m. The ink cartridge 8c is electrically connected to 9m and can access the remaining ink amount memory 9m, and is held by the carrier 10 via the lead wire 39c, the housing side connection terminal 21c, and the carrier side connection terminal 20c. The ink remaining amount memory 9c is electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory 9c.

  The printer 1 is used by being connected to a PC (personal computer) 60 that is an external device, and a printer driver 70 for performing a printing operation by the printer 1 by an operation from the PC 60 is installed in the PC 60. Has been. The printer 1 prints an image on the printing paper 2 based on a print instruction from the printer driver 70.

  The ink remaining amount memory 9m stores ink remaining amount information indicating the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 8m under the control of the control unit 41, and the ink remaining amount memory 9c is controlled by the control unit 41. The ink remaining amount information indicating the ink remaining amount of the cartridge 8c is stored. The ink remaining amount memory 9m stores in advance information indicating the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 8m as ink remaining amount information in an unused initial state of the ink cartridge 8m. Similarly, the ink remaining amount memory 9c stores in advance information indicating the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 8c as ink remaining amount information when the ink cartridge 8c is in an unused initial state.

  The power button 12 is pressed by the user, and the printer 1 is turned on when the power button 12 is pressed. Pressing of the power button 12 is detected by the control unit 41. The LCD 13 displays a message indicating a request to the user such as replacement of the ink cartridges 8 m and 8 c and a message regarding the operation status of the printer 1 under the control of the control unit 41.

  As described above, the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16 outputs a carrier movement amount detection signal having a pulse number proportional to the movement amount of the carrier 10. The carrier movement amount detection signal output from the optical sensor 32 is input to the control unit 41 via the FFC 19, and the control unit 41 determines the carrier 10 (print heads 7m and 7c) based on the carrier movement amount detection signal. Determine the position and direction of movement.

  The feed motor drive circuit 42 drives the feed motor 14 under the control of the control unit 41. When the feed motor 14 is driven, the paper feed roller 6a, the feed roller 6b, and the exit roller 6c rotate, and the printing paper 2 is conveyed. The carrier motor drive circuit 43 drives the carrier motor 15 under the control of the control unit 41. When the carrier motor 15 is driven, the carrier 10 moves and the print heads 7m and 7c move.

  The head drive circuit 44 drives the print heads 7m and 7c under the control of the control unit 41, and ejects ink from the print heads 7m and 7c. The control unit 41 outputs a head drive signal (for ejecting ink from the print heads 7m and 7c) for driving the print heads 7m and 7c. The head drive signal output from the control unit 41 outputs the FFC 19 To the head drive circuit 44. The head drive circuit 44 drives the print heads 7m and 7c based on the head drive signal, and ejects ink from the print heads 7m and 7c.

  The cover sensor 45 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the cover 11. The cover sensor 45 outputs a cover opening signal when the cover 11 is open. The cover open signal output from the cover sensor 45 is input to the control unit 41, and the control unit 41 determines whether the cover 11 is closed or open based on the cover open signal.

  The external device connection unit 46 communicates with the PC 60 and is connected to the PC 60 via a USB cable. The external device connection unit 46 transmits and receives various data to and from the PC 60 through the USB cable under the control of the control unit 41. The work memory 47 is controlled by the control unit 41, various data received from the PC 60, various data for controlling the operation of the printer 1, and various types of data performed by the control unit 41 for controlling the operation of the printer 1. The result of the arithmetic processing is temporarily stored.

  The controller 41 controls the conveyance of the printing paper 2 by the paper feed roller 6a, the feed roller 6b, and the exit roller 6c by controlling the rotation drive of the feed motor 14 by the feed motor drive circuit 42. The control unit 41 controls the movement of the print heads 7m and 7c by the carrier 10 by controlling the rotation drive of the carrier motor 15 by the carrier motor drive circuit 43, and also the print heads 7m and 7c by the head drive circuit 44. Is controlled to control the printing of swath images on the printing paper 2 by the print heads 7m and 7c. Then, the control unit 41 controls the operation of conveying the printing paper 2 and the operation of printing the swath image on the printing paper 2, thereby performing the printing operation of printing an image on the entire printing paper 2 with a plurality of swath images. Execute.

  In addition, the control unit 41 reads (acquires) and rewrites (updates) the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c. As described above, the control unit 41 can access the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c when the carrier 10 is at the home position. Reading and rewriting of the ink remaining amount information in the ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c by the control unit 41 are performed as follows in a state where the carrier 10 is at the home position.

  That is, when reading (acquiring) the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memory 9m, the control unit 41 outputs a read signal for reading the remaining ink information in the remaining ink memory 9m. Output. The read signal output from the control unit 41 is input to the ink remaining amount memory 9m via the lead wire 39m, the housing side connection terminal 21m, and the carrier side connection terminal 20m, and the ink remaining amount memory 9m outputs the read signal. In response, the stored ink remaining amount information is read out. The remaining ink information read from the remaining ink memory 9m is input to the control unit 41 via the carrier side connection terminal 20m, the housing side connection terminal 21m, and the lead wire 39m.

  Further, when reading out the remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining ink amount memory 9c, the control unit 41 outputs a read signal for reading out the remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining ink amount memory 9c. . The read signal output from the control unit 41 is input to the ink remaining amount memory 9c via the lead wire 39c, the housing side connection terminal 21c, and the carrier side connection terminal 20c, and the ink remaining amount memory 9c receives the read signal. In response, the stored ink remaining amount information is read out. The remaining ink information read from the remaining ink memory 9c is input to the control unit 41 via the carrier side connection terminal 20c, the housing side connection terminal 21c, and the lead wire 39c.

  On the other hand, when the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory 9m is rewritten (updated), the control unit 41 outputs a rewrite signal for rewriting the ink remaining amount information in the ink remaining amount memory 9m. Output together with remaining ink information. The rewrite signal and the ink remaining amount information output from the control unit 41 are input to the ink remaining amount memory 9m via the lead wire 39m, the housing side connection terminal 21m, and the carrier side connection terminal 20m. In response to the rewrite signal and the ink remaining amount information, the stored ink remaining amount information is rewritten.

  When rewriting the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory 9c, the control unit 41 outputs a rewrite signal for rewriting the ink remaining amount information in the ink remaining amount memory 9c. And output. The rewrite signal and the ink remaining amount information output from the control unit 41 are input to the ink remaining amount memory 9c via the lead wire 39c, the housing side connection terminal 21c, and the carrier side connection terminal 20c. In response to the rewrite signal and the ink remaining amount information, the stored ink remaining amount information is rewritten. In this manner, the remaining ink amount information in the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c is read and rewritten by the control unit 41.

  The printer driver 70 receives an operation on the PC 60 and issues a print instruction to the printer 1. When the print instruction is given to the printer 1, print data for printing an image is sent to the printer 1. Send to. The print data includes bitmap data for printing an image, font data, format data, print density, print resolution, data indicating a line feed width, and the like.

  As described above, the printer 1 is turned on when the power button 12 is pressed, and the control unit 41 of the printer 1 is turned on when the power button 12 is pressed. Then, the power supply to each unit of the printer 1 is started, and the startup operation of the printer 1 is executed. In addition, as described above, the printer 1 can replace the ink cartridges 8m and 8c by opening the cover 11, and the control unit 41 of the printer 1 opens the ink cartridge 8m when the cover 11 is opened. , 8c is executed. Further, as described above, the printer 1 prints an image on the printing paper 2 based on the print instruction from the printer driver 70, and the control unit 41 of the printer 1 receives the print instruction from the printer driver 70. In response to the print instruction, based on the print data transmitted from the printer driver 70, a print operation is performed to print an image on the entire print sheet 2 using the plurality of swath images.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of start-up operation when the printer 1 is turned on. When the power button 12 is pressed and the power is turned on (YES in # 1), the control unit 41 of the printer 1 first performs a carrier home position detection operation (# 2). The carrier home position detection operation is an operation for detecting that the carrier 10 is at the home position by moving the carrier 10 to the home position. By performing this carrier home position detection operation, the position of the carrier 10 can be detected based on the carrier movement amount detection signal output from the optical sensor 32 of the encoder 16 thereafter. Further, as described above, when the carrier 10 is at the home position, the control unit 41 can access the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c.

  After the carrier home position detection operation, the control unit 41 accesses the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c (# 3) and stores them in the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c while the carrier 10 is at the home position. The remaining ink information is read and acquired (# 4). At this time, the control unit 41 stores the remaining ink amount information acquired from the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c in the work memory 47 (# 5). Subsequently, the control unit 41 determines that ink remains in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c based on the remaining ink information (the remaining ink information stored in the work memory 47) acquired from the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c. It is determined whether or not (# 6).

  When the ink in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c remains (YES in # 6), the control unit 41 is in an idle state as it is (# 7). On the other hand, when there is no ink remaining in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c (NO in # 6), the control unit 41 performs a display requesting the user to replace the ink cartridges 8m and 8c on the display of the LCD 13 and the PC 60. (# 8) After that, the engine enters an idle state (# 7).

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the cartridge replacement operation of the printer 1. When the cover 11 is opened (YES in # 21), the control unit 41 of the printer 1 first moves the carrier 10 to a cartridge replacement position for replacing the ink cartridges 8m and 8c (that is, a position facing the cover 11). (# 22). Subsequently, when the cover 11 is closed (YES in # 23), the control unit 41 determines that the ink cartridges 8m and 8c have been replaced, and moves the carrier 10 to the home position (# 24).

  Thereafter, the control unit 41 accesses the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c with the carrier 10 at the home position (# 25), and reads out the remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c. (# 26). At this time, the control unit 41 stores the remaining ink amount information already stored in the work memory 47 (that is, the remaining ink amount information stored in the start-up operation when the power is turned on, the previous cartridge replacement operation, or the printing operation). Is rewritten and updated with the ink remaining amount information acquired from the ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c (# 27). Subsequently, the control unit 41 determines that ink remains in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c based on the remaining ink information (the remaining ink information stored in the work memory 47) acquired from the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c. It is determined whether or not (# 28).

  When the ink in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c remains (YES in # 28), the control unit 41 is in an idle state as it is (# 29). On the other hand, when there is no ink remaining in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c (NO in # 28), the control unit 41 performs a display requesting the user to replace the ink cartridges 8m and 8c on the display of the LCD 13 and the PC 60. (# 30), and then the idle state is entered (# 29).

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the printing operation of the printer 1. When receiving a print instruction from the printer driver 70 (YES in # 31), the control unit 41 of the printer 1 takes in the print paper 2 (# 32) and starts printing an image on the print paper 2 (# 33). . As described above, the printing of the image on the printing paper 2 is performed by repeating the swath image printing and the conveyance of the printing paper 2 based on the print data transmitted from the printer driver 70. When printing is completed (YES in # 34), the control unit 41 discharges the printing paper 2 (# 35) and moves the carrier 10 to the home position (# 36).

  Then, the control unit 41 uses the ink usage amount used in the current printing operation to store the remaining ink amount information already stored in the work memory 47 (that is, start-up operation at power-on, cartridge replacement operation, or The ink remaining amount information stored in the previous printing operation) is rewritten and updated with ink remaining amount information indicating the ink remaining amount after the current printing operation (# 37). As described above, the print data transmitted from the printer driver 70 includes bitmap data for printing an image, font data, print density, data indicating print resolution, and the like. The amount is determined based on these data. Further, the remaining ink amount after the current printing operation is obtained by subtracting the ink usage amount used in the current printing operation from the remaining ink amount indicated by the remaining ink amount information already stored in the work memory 47.

  Thereafter, the control unit 41 accesses the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c in a state where the carrier 10 is at the home position (# 38), and the remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining ink amount memories 9m and 9c The ink remaining amount information stored in the work memory 47 (that is, ink remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of ink after the current printing operation) is rewritten and updated (# 39). Subsequently, the control unit 41 determines whether ink remains in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c based on the ink remaining amount information stored in the work memory 47 (# 40).

  When the ink in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c remains (YES in # 40), the control unit 41 remains in an idle state (# 41). On the other hand, if there is no ink remaining in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c (NO in # 40), the control unit 41 performs a display requesting the user to replace the ink cartridges 8m and 8c on the display of the LCD 13 and the PC 60. (# 42), and then the idle state is entered (# 41).

  According to the printer 1 having such a configuration, the ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c and the control unit 41 are electrically connected to each other via the carrier side connection terminals 20m and 20c and the housing side connection terminals 21m and 21c. The remaining ink amount information stored in the remaining amount memories 9m and 9c is read (acquired) or rewritten (updated). That is, the ink remaining amount information is transmitted and received between the ink remaining amount memories 9 m and 9 c and the control unit 41 without going through the FFC 19. Therefore, the signal line for sending and receiving the ink remaining amount information of the FFC 19 can be erased, thereby reducing the cost.

  In addition, a head drive signal for driving the print heads 7m and 7c (for ejecting ink from the print heads 7m and 7c) is transmitted from the control unit 41 to the head drive circuit 44 via the FFC 19. Accordingly, a memory for storing the head drive signal transmitted from the control unit 41 on the head drive circuit 44 side is not necessary, and this does not increase the cost for the memory, and the ink remaining amount information transmission / reception in the FFC 19 is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the cost reduction by deleting the signal lines.

  Also, when the power is turned on and when the cover 11 is opened and closed (the ink cartridges 8m and 8c have been replaced), the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memories 9m and 9c is acquired, and the printing operation is completed. In this case, by updating the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memories 9m and 9c, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridges 8m and 8c can be appropriately managed with a small number of movements of the carrier 10. it can.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, during a printing operation for printing an image on the entire printing paper, each time a swath image is printed, the carrier is moved to the home position, and the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memory is read. And rewriting may be performed. When the power is turned on, when the ink cartridge is replaced, when printing is started, and when printing is completed, the remaining amount of ink may be displayed on the LCD and the PC display. The carrier side connection terminal may be electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory via the carrier substrate. The configuration of the print head and the ink cartridge is not limited to a configuration in which the print head is provided integrally with the ink cartridge. For example, a configuration in which the print head is fixed to the carrier and only the ink cartridge is attached to and detached from the carrier. It may be.

1A is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 2 is an electrical block configuration diagram of the printer. 6 is a flowchart showing start-up operation when the printer is turned on. 6 is a flowchart showing cartridge replacement operation of the printer. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing operation of the printer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Printing paper 3 Case 4 Chassis 5 Paper rest 6a Paper feed roller 6b Feed roller 6c Exit roller 7m, 7c Print head 8m, 8c Ink cartridge 9m, 9c Ink remaining amount memory 10 Carrier 11 Cover 12 Power button 13 LCD
14 Feed Motor 15 Carrier Motor 16 Encoder 17 Main Board 18 Carrier Board 19 FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)
20m, 20c Carrier side connection terminal 21m, 21c Housing side connection terminal 27, 28 Guide shaft 29 Carrier belt 31 Encoder strip 32 Optical sensor 39m, 39c Lead wire 41 Control unit 42 Feed motor drive circuit 43 Carrier motor drive circuit 44 Head drive circuit 45 Cover Sensor 46 External Device Connection 47 Work Memory 60 PC (Personal Computer) (External Device)
70 Printer driver

Claims (3)

A paper conveying means for conveying the printing paper; a print head for ejecting ink to print an image on the printing paper; and a movably supported along the printing paper conveyed by the paper conveying means; When a carrier to be held, a carrier moving means for moving the carrier along a printing paper conveyed by the paper conveying means, and an ink to be ejected from the print head are stored, and when the stored ink is exhausted An ink cartridge that is detachably held on the carrier, a head drive circuit that drives the print head to eject ink from the print head, and an ink residue that indicates the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. Ink remaining amount memory for storing quantity information and at least the carrier and ink cartridge are stored. A casing, a cover provided in the casing, which is opened and closed by the user when the user replaces the ink cartridge, a cover sensor for detecting opening and closing of the cover, and for turning on the power of the apparatus A power button operated by the user, and a control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus,
The control means ejects ink from the print head while moving the carrier by the carrier moving means to print a swath image having a predetermined print width on the printing paper, and conveys the printing paper by the paper conveying means. By repeating the operation, a printing operation is performed to print an image on the entire printing paper with a plurality of swath images,
In the printer in which the carrier is provided with the head driving circuit, the ink cartridge is provided with the remaining ink memory, and the housing is provided with the control means.
A flexible flat cable for always electrically connecting the head drive circuit and the control means;
A carrier-side connection terminal for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information that is provided on the carrier and electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory when the ink cartridge is held on the carrier;
The carrier-side connection terminal is brought into contact with the carrier-side connection terminal when the carrier is at the home position, and is electrically connected to the control means. And a housing side connection terminal for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information connected to the
When the carrier is at the home position, the carrier-side connection terminal abuts on the housing-side connection terminal, whereby the ink remaining amount memory and the control unit are connected via the carrier-side connection terminal and the housing-side connection terminal. Are electrically connected so that the control means can access the remaining ink memory,
The control means includes
When the power is turned on by operating the power button, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, and the ink remaining amount memory is accessed and stored in the ink remaining amount memory. Get ink level information
When the opening of the cover is detected by the cover sensor, the carrier is moved to a position facing the cover, which is a cartridge replacement position for replacing the ink cartridge by the carrier moving means, and then the cover sensor When it is detected that the cover is closed, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, the ink remaining amount memory is accessed, and the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is obtained. Acquired,
When a printing instruction for performing the printing operation is performed, the printing operation is executed while managing the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. When the printing operation is completed, the carrier is moved to a home position by the carrier moving unit. To access the remaining ink memory and update the remaining ink information stored in the remaining ink memory.
A printer characterized by that. A paper conveying means for conveying the printing paper; a print head for ejecting ink to print an image on the printing paper; and a movably supported along the printing paper conveyed by the paper conveying means; When a carrier to be held, a carrier moving means for moving the carrier along a printing paper conveyed by the paper conveying means, and an ink to be ejected from the print head are stored, and when the stored ink is exhausted An ink cartridge that is detachably held on the carrier, a head drive circuit that drives the print head to eject ink from the print head, and an ink residue that indicates the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. An ink remaining amount memory for storing amount information, and a control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus;
The control means ejects ink from the print head while moving the carrier by the carrier moving means to print a swath image having a predetermined print width on the printing paper, and conveys the printing paper by the paper conveying means. By repeating the operation, a printing operation is performed to print an image on the entire printing paper with a plurality of swath images,
In the printer in which the carrier is provided with the head driving circuit, the ink cartridge is provided with the remaining ink memory, and the housing is provided with the control means.
A flexible flat cable for always electrically connecting the head drive circuit and the control means;
A carrier-side connection terminal for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information that is provided on the carrier and electrically connected to the ink remaining amount memory when the ink cartridge is held on the carrier;
The carrier-side connection terminal is brought into contact with and electrically connected to the carrier-side connection terminal when the carrier is at a home position. A housing-side connection terminal for sending and receiving ink remaining amount information connected to the
When the carrier is in the home position, the carrier-side connection terminal abuts on the housing-side connection terminal, whereby the ink remaining amount memory and the control unit are connected via the carrier-side connection terminal and the housing-side connection terminal. Are electrically connected so that the control means can access the remaining ink memory,
The control means includes
A printer, wherein the carrier is moved to a home position by the carrier moving means, the ink remaining amount memory is accessed, and ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is acquired or updated. The control means includes
When power is supplied to the apparatus or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means to access the remaining ink memory, and the remaining ink memory Get the remaining ink information stored in the
When the printing operation is finished, the carrier is moved to the home position by the carrier moving means, the ink remaining amount memory is accessed, and the ink remaining amount information stored in the ink remaining amount memory is updated.
The printer according to claim 2.

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