JP2010221484A - Liquid jetting device, liquid storage container, and method for inspecting inter-terminal connection - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology that enables the inspection of connection between a terminal provided on the liquid jetting device body side and a terminal provided on the liquid storage container side. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid jetting device includes a liquid jetting device body and a liquid storage container. The liquid storage container has a first container side terminal, a second container side terminal and an inspection state setting circuit. The liquid jetting device body includes: a first body side terminal electrically connected to a first container side terminal, the second body side terminal electrically connected to the second container terminal, and an inspecting section. The inspection state setting circuit electrically connects the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal when the connection state is inspected. The inspecting section outputs an inspection signal to the first side terminal and a feedback signal that provides feedback to the second body side terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid container, and a method for inspecting a connection state between terminals.

  An ink jet printer, which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, is usually mounted with an ink cartridge that is a removable liquid container. Some ink cartridges are equipped with a circuit board having a storage element. The storage element stores various information such as the amount of ink in the ink cartridge and the color of the ink. Then, the terminal on the circuit board of the ink cartridge and the terminal provided on the main body side of the printing apparatus are connected, so that the printing apparatus reads and writes (accesses) information to the storage element of the ink cartridge. Yes.

  Conventionally, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a technique related to detection of a connection failure between terminals. However, conventionally, the device for inspecting the connection state between the terminal on the circuit board of the ink cartridge and the terminal provided on the main body side of the printing apparatus has not been sufficient.

  Such a problem is not limited to the relationship between the printing apparatus and the ink cartridge, and is generally a problem common to the liquid ejecting apparatus main body and the liquid container having a terminal for communicating with the liquid ejecting apparatus main body. .

JP 2008-232978 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and inspects a connection state between a terminal provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus main body side and a terminal provided on the liquid container side. It aims at providing the technology that can do.

  In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the present invention can take the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid,
A liquid ejecting apparatus body;
A liquid container that can be attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus body, and that contains the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus body;
With
The liquid container is
A first container-side terminal and a second container-side terminal as inspection objects;
An inspection state setting circuit capable of electrically connecting the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal;
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body is
When the liquid container is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, the first main body side terminal electrically connected to the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal are electrically connected. A second main body side terminal to be connected;
An inspection unit for inspecting a connection state between the first and second container side terminals and the first and second main body side terminals;
The inspection state setting circuit electrically connects the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal at the time of the connection state inspection,
The inspection unit outputs an inspection signal to the first body-side terminal, and inspects a feedback signal that returns to the second body-side terminal, whereby the first and second container-side terminals A liquid ejecting apparatus that performs inspection of a connection state between the first and second main body side terminals.
According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 1, since the feedback signal returning to the second main body side terminal is inspected, the connection state between the first and second container side terminals and the first and second main body side terminals Can be inspected.

[Application Example 2]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Application Example 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the voltage level of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container-side terminals and the first and second body-side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus that performs the inspection of.
The voltage level of the feedback signal may change depending on the connection state between the terminals. Therefore, according to the liquid ejecting apparatus of the application example 2, since it is checked whether or not the voltage level of the feedback signal is within the allowable range, the connection state between the terminals can be inspected in detail.

[Application Example 3]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Application Example 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the rising time of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container-side terminals and the first and second body-side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus that performs the inspection of.
The rise time of the feedback signal may vary depending on the connection state between the terminals. Therefore, according to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 2, it is checked whether or not the rising time of the feedback signal is within the allowable range, so that the connection state between the terminals can be inspected in detail.

[Application Example 4]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Application Example 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the fall time of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container side terminals and the first and second body side terminals. A liquid ejecting apparatus that performs a state inspection.
The fall time of the feedback signal may change depending on the connection state between the terminals. Therefore, according to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 2, since it is checked whether or not the fall time of the feedback signal is within the allowable range, the connection state between the terminals can be inspected in detail.

[Application Example 5]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4,
The inspection signal is a signal that periodically repeats binary values,
The frequency of the inspection signal is higher than the frequency of the clock signal used when transferring data between the first and second container side terminals and the first and second body side terminals. Injection device.
According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 5, it is possible to inspect in detail the transmission quality when a signal that periodically repeats a binary value flows between terminals. Further, the connection state between the terminals can be inspected under conditions that are stricter than those during data transfer.

[Application Example 6]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Application Example 5,
When the result of the inspection of the connection state does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the inspection unit is a liquid ejecting apparatus that executes the inspection of the connection state again by reducing the frequency of the inspection signal.
According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 6, it is possible to detect a frequency at which the inspection result of the connection state between the terminals is favorable.

[Application Example 7]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Application Example 6,
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body and the liquid storage container use the clock signal having a frequency equal to or lower than the frequency of the inspection signal when a result of the connection state inspection satisfies a predetermined standard, A liquid ejecting apparatus that transfers data between a side terminal and the first and second main body side terminals.
According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 7, since the data transfer is performed using the clock signal having a frequency equal to or lower than the frequency of the inspection signal when the result of the connection state inspection satisfies the predetermined reference, reliable data transfer is performed. Can be realized.

[Application Example 8]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7, further comprising:
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the liquid container when a result of the inspection of the connection state does not satisfy a predetermined standard.
According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 8, the vibration applying unit applies vibration to the liquid storage container, so that the connection state between the terminals can be recovered.

  Note that the present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a liquid storage container, a method and an inspection apparatus for inspecting a connection state between terminals in a liquid ejecting apparatus, an inspection system, an integrated circuit for realizing the function of the method or apparatus, a computer program, and the computer program are recorded It can be realized in the form of a recording medium or the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of a printing system. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the ink cartridge which concerns on an Example. It is a figure which shows the structure of the board | substrate which concerns on an Example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print head unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of a printer. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer in an inspection mode. 6 is a timing chart showing various signal waveforms in an inspection mode and a data transfer mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a printer after power is supplied to an ink cartridge. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed test | inspection of the feedback signal by a waveform test | inspection part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of the printer in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure at the time of the test mode of the printer in 2nd Example.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Variation:

A. First embodiment:
・ Configuration of printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system. The printing system includes a printer 20 as a printing apparatus and a computer 90. The printer 20 is connected to the computer 90 via the connector 80.

  The printer 20 includes a sub-scan feed mechanism, a main scan feed mechanism, a head drive mechanism, and a main control unit 40 for controlling each mechanism. The sub-scan feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a platen 26, and conveys the paper PA in the sub-scan direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor to the platen. The main scanning feed mechanism includes a carriage motor 32, a pulley 38, a drive belt 36 stretched between the carriage motor and the pulley, and a sliding shaft 34 provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 26. ing. The slide shaft 34 slidably holds the carriage 30 fixed to the drive belt 36. The rotation of the carriage motor 32 is transmitted to the carriage 30 via the drive belt 36, and the carriage 30 reciprocates in the axial direction (main scanning direction) of the platen 26 along the sliding shaft 34. The head drive mechanism includes a print head unit 60 mounted on the carriage 30 and drives the print head to eject ink onto the paper PA. As will be described later, a plurality of ink cartridges can be detachably mounted on the print head unit 60. The printer 20 further includes an operation unit 70 for the user to make various printer settings and to check the printer status.

  The configuration of the printer 20 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 together with the configuration of the ink cartridge (liquid container). FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printed circuit board (hereinafter simply referred to as a circuit board) according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the print head unit 60.

  The ink cartridge 100 includes a main body 101 that stores ink, a circuit board 120, and a sensor 110. An ink supply port 104 for supplying ink to the print head unit 60 when mounted on the print head unit 60 is formed on the bottom surface of the main body 101. The main body 101 is formed with an ink chamber 150 for containing ink. The ink supply port 104 communicates with the ink chamber 150. The opening 104op of the ink supply port 104 is sealed with a film 104f. By attaching the ink cartridge 100 to the print head unit 60 (FIG. 4), the film 104f is broken and the ink supply needle 6 is inserted into the ink supply port 104 (FIG. 4). The ink stored in the ink chamber 150 is supplied to the printer 20 via the ink supply needle 6.

  The sensor 110 is fixed inside the main body 101. As will be described later, the sensor 110 includes a piezoelectric element in which a piezoelectric body is sandwiched between two opposing electrodes, and is used to detect the remaining amount of ink. The main body 101 includes a front wall 101wf (a wall in the −Y direction) and a bottom wall 101wb (a wall in the + Z direction). The front wall 101wf intersects with the bottom wall 101wb (substantially orthogonal in the present embodiment). The circuit board 120 is fixed to the front wall 101wf. Terminals 210 to 270 are formed on the outer surface of the circuit board 120.

  Two protrusions P1 and P2 are formed on the front wall 101wf. These protrusions P1 and P2 protrude in the −Y direction. The circuit board 120 is formed with holes 122 and notches 121 for receiving the protrusions P1 and P2 (FIG. 3A). The hole 122 is formed at the center of the lower end (end in the + Z direction) of the circuit board 120, and the notch 121 is formed at the center of the upper end (end in the −Z direction) of the circuit board 120. When the circuit board 120 is mounted on the front wall 101wf, the protrusions P1 and P2 are inserted into the hole 122 and the notch 121, respectively. In addition, after the circuit board 120 is mounted on the front wall 101wf, the tips of the protrusions P1 and P2 are crushed. Thereby, the circuit board 120 is fixed to the front wall 101wf.

  Furthermore, an engagement protrusion 101e is provided on the front wall 101wf. The engagement between the engagement protrusion 101e and the engagement port 4e of the holder 4 (FIG. 4) prevents the ink cartridge 100 from being unintentionally detached from the holder 4.

  The configuration of the print head unit 60 and how the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the print head unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the print head unit 60 includes a holder 4, a connection mechanism 400, a print head 5, and a sub control board 500. On the sub-control board 500, a terminal group connected to the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board 120 via the connection mechanism 400 and the carriage circuit 50 are mounted. The holder 4 is configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of ink cartridges 100 and is disposed on the print head 5. The connection mechanism 400 is a conductive material for electrically connecting each terminal provided on the circuit board 120 of the ink cartridge 100 to be described later and a corresponding terminal in the terminal group provided on the sub-control board 500. Connection terminals 410 to 470 are provided for each terminal of the circuit board 120. On the print head 5, the above-described ink supply needle 6 for supplying ink from the ink cartridge 100 to the print head 5 is disposed. The print head 5 includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements (piezo elements), and ejects ink droplets from each nozzle in accordance with a voltage applied to each piezoelectric element to form dots on the paper PA. To do. The carriage circuit 50 is a circuit for performing control related to the ink cartridge 100 in cooperation with the main control unit 40, and is also referred to as a sub-control unit below.

  The ink cartridge 100 is attached to the holder 4 by being inserted in the positive direction (insertion direction R) of the Z axis in FIG. In this way, the ink cartridge 100 is detachably attached to the printer 20. The circuit board 120 mounted on the ink cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the printer 20 so as to be detachable.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the circuit board 120 will be further described. An arrow R in FIG. 3A indicates the insertion direction of the ink cartridge 100 described above. As shown in FIG. 3B, the circuit board 120 includes a storage device 130 on the back surface that is the back surface of the surface connected to the printer 20, and seven terminals on the surface that is the surface connected to the printer 20. The terminal group which consists of is provided. In this embodiment, the storage device 130 is a semiconductor storage device including a memory cell array. In the memory cell array, for example, various data related to ink or the ink cartridge 100 such as ink consumption and ink color are stored.

  Each terminal on the front surface side of the circuit board 120 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is arranged so as to form two rows substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction R. Of the two rows, the row located on the insertion direction R side, that is, the lower side in FIG. 3A is referred to as the lower row, and is located on the opposite side of the insertion direction R, that is, the upper side in FIG. The column to be called is called the upper column. The terminals forming the upper row and the terminals forming the lower row are arranged in a staggered manner so that the center of each other is not aligned in the insertion direction R, forming a so-called staggered arrangement.

  The terminals arranged to form the upper row are the ground terminal 210 and the power supply terminal 220 from the left side in FIG. The terminals arranged to form the lower row are the first sensor driving terminal 230, the reset terminal 240, the clock terminal 250, the data terminal 260, and the second sensor driving from the left side in FIG. Terminal 270. Five terminals near the center in the left-right direction, that is, the ground terminal 210, the power supply terminal 220, the reset terminal 240, the clock terminal 250, and the data terminal 260 are respectively a wiring pattern layer and a circuit board on the front and back surfaces of the circuit board 120 (not shown). It is connected to the storage device 130 through a through hole arranged at 120. Two terminals located at both ends of the lower row, that is, the first sensor driving terminal 230 and the second sensor driving terminal 270 are respectively connected to one electrode and the other electrode of the piezoelectric element included in the sensor 110. It is connected.

  In the circuit board 120, the five terminals connected to the storage device 130 and the two terminals connected to the sensor 110 are arranged close to each other. Therefore, also in the connection mechanism 400 on the printer 20 side, connection terminals 410, 420, and 440 to 460 corresponding to the five terminals connected to the storage device 130 and connections corresponding to the two terminals connected to the sensor 110 are connected. Terminals 430 and 470 are arranged close to each other.

  When the ink cartridge 100 is fixed to the holder 4, each terminal of the circuit board 120 comes into contact with and electrically connected to the connection terminals 410 to 470 of the connection mechanism 400 provided in the holder 4. Further, the connection terminals 410 to 470 of the connection mechanism 400 are in contact with and electrically connected to the terminal group on the sub control board 500, and the terminal group of the sub control board 500 is electrically connected to the sub control unit (carriage circuit) 50. Connected. Thereby, when the ink cartridge 100 is fixed to the holder 4, the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board are electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50.

-Electrical configuration of the printing device:
5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the electrical configuration of the printer. FIG. 5 is drawn paying attention to the entirety of the main control unit 40, the sub control unit 50, and all the ink cartridges 100 that can be attached to the printer. FIG. 6 illustrates the internal functional configuration of the main control unit 40 and the internal functional configuration of the sub control unit 50 together with one ink cartridge 100.

  Different 8-bit ID numbers (identification numbers) are assigned to the storage device 130 of each ink cartridge 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 130 of each ink cartridge is connected in parallel (bus connection) to the wiring from the sub-control unit 50. However, only the first power supply line LCV is connected independently between the sub-control unit 50 and each of the plurality of ink cartridges 100, not the bus connection. That is, there are as many first power supply lines LCV as the number of ink cartridges 100. When executing processing such as reading / writing from the sub control unit 50 to the storage device 130 of the specific ink cartridge 100, the main control unit 40 and the sub control unit 50 specify each ink cartridge. For this reason, an ID number is used. This ID number is used for designating the storage device 130 (ink cartridge 100) to be accessed by the sub-control unit 50.

  The sub control unit 50 and each ink cartridge 100 are connected by a plurality of wires. The plurality of wirings include a wiring connecting the terminal group of the sub-control unit 50 and the sub-control board 500, the connection terminals 410 to 470 of the connection mechanism 400, the terminal group on the front side of the circuit board 120, and the terminal group of the circuit board 120. And wiring to the sensor 110. The plurality of wirings include a reset signal line LR1, a clock signal line LC1, a data signal line LD1, a first ground line LCS, a first power supply line LCV, a first sensor drive signal line LDSN, and a second sensor drive signal line. Includes LDSP.

  The reset signal line LR1 is a conductive line that transmits the reset signal CRST, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 via the reset terminal 240 of the circuit board 120. The clock signal line LC1 is a conductive line that transmits the clock signal CSCK, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 via the clock terminal 250 of the circuit board 120. The data signal line LD1 is a conductive line that transmits the data signal CSDA, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 via the data terminal 260 of the circuit board 120. These three wirings LR1, LC1, and LD1 are wirings each having an end on one sub-control unit 50 side and an end on the ink cartridge 100 branching to the number of ink cartridges 100. The reset signal CRST, data signal CSDA, and clock signal CSCK are all at a high level (in this embodiment, a CVDD potential (3.3 V)) or a low level (in this embodiment, a CVSS potential (0 V)). It is a binary signal that takes either value.

  The first ground line LCS is a conductive line that supplies the ground potential CVSS to the storage device 130, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 via the ground terminal 210 of the circuit board 120. The first ground line LCS is a wiring having an end on one sub-control unit 50 side and an end on the ink cartridge 100 branched to the number of ink cartridges 100. The ground potential CVSS is connected to the ground potential VSS (= CVSS potential) supplied from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50 via the second ground line LS, and is set to a low level (0 V). .

  The first sensor drive signal line LDSN and the second sensor drive signal line LDSP apply a drive voltage to the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110, and after the application of the drive voltage is stopped, a voltage generated by the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element Is a conductive line for transmitting to the sub-control unit 50. The first sensor drive signal line LDSN and the second sensor drive signal line LDSP are a plurality of independent wirings for each ink cartridge 100, one end is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50, and the other end is a circuit. The substrate 120 is electrically connected to the first sensor driving terminal 230 and the second sensor driving terminal 270, respectively. The first sensor drive signal line LDSN is electrically connected to one electrode of the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 via the first sensor drive terminal 230, and the second sensor drive signal line LDSP is connected to the second sensor drive signal line LDSP. The other electrode of the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 is electrically connected through the sensor driving terminal 270.

  The first power supply line LCV is a conductive line that supplies the storage device 130 with a power supply voltage CVDD that is the operating voltage of the storage device 130, and is connected to the storage device 130 via the power supply terminal 220 of the circuit board 120. As described above, the first power supply line LCV is connected between the sub-control unit 50 and each of the plurality of ink cartridges 100, and there are as many ink cartridges 100 as there are. The high-level power supply voltage CVDD used for driving the storage device 130 has a potential of about 3.3 V with respect to the low-level ground potential CVSS (0 V). Of course, the potential level of the power supply voltage CVDD may be different depending on the process generation of the storage device 130, for example, 1.5V or 2.0V may be used.

  The main control unit 40 and the sub control unit 50 are electrically connected by a plurality of wires. The plurality of wirings include a bus BS, a second power supply line LV, a second ground line LS, and a third sensor drive signal line LDS. The bus BS is used for data communication between the main control unit 40 and the sub control unit 50. The second power supply line LV and the second ground line LS are conductive lines that supply the power supply voltage VDD and the ground potential VSS to the sub control unit 50 from the main control unit 40, respectively. The power supply voltage VDD has the same level as the power supply voltage CVDD supplied to the storage device 130 described above, for example, a potential of about 3.3 V with respect to the ground potential VSS and CVSS (0 V). Of course, the potential level of the power supply voltage VDD may be different depending on the process generation of the logic IC portion of the sub-control unit 50, and for example, 1.5V or 2.0V may be used. The third sensor drive signal line LDS is a conductive line that supplies a sensor drive signal DS (described later) that is finally applied to each sensor 110 from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50.

  The main control unit 40 includes a control circuit 48, a drive signal generation circuit 42, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM (not shown), and the like. Various programs for controlling the printer 20 are stored in the ROM.

  The control circuit 48 is a CPU (Central Control Unit) and controls the entire printer 20 in cooperation with a memory such as a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The control circuit 48 includes, as functional blocks, an ink remaining amount determination unit M1, a memory access unit M2, and an ink consumption amount estimation unit M3.

  The ink remaining amount determination unit M1 controls the sub control unit 50 and the drive signal generation circuit 42 to drive the sensor 110 of the ink cartridge 100, and determines whether or not the ink in the ink cartridge 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. . The memory access unit M2 accesses the storage device 130 of the ink cartridge 100 via the sub-control unit 50, reads information stored in the storage device 130, and updates information stored in the storage device 130. To do. The ink consumption amount estimation unit M3 counts the dots ejected onto the printing paper in accordance with the printing execution status of the printer 20. Further, the amount of ink consumed by the head cleaning process is estimated. Based on this, the amount of ink consumed by the printer 20 (ink consumption) is estimated. In other words, since the ink cartridge 100 is newly installed in the printer 20, the total number of estimated ink consumption values consumed by the ink container is counted.

  The EEPROM of the main control unit 40 stores data indicating a sensor driving signal DS for driving the sensor. The drive signal generation circuit 42 reads data indicating the waveform of the sensor drive signal DS from the EEPROM in accordance with an instruction from the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 of the control circuit 48, and generates a sensor drive signal DS having an arbitrary waveform. The sensor drive signal DS includes a potential higher than the power supply voltage CVDD (3.3 V in this embodiment). For example, the sensor drive signal DS includes a potential of about 36 V at the maximum in this embodiment. Specifically, the sensor driving signal DS is a trapezoidal pulse signal having a maximum voltage of 36V.

  In this embodiment, the drive signal generation circuit 42 can further generate a head drive signal supplied to the print head 5. In other words, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 48 causes the drive signal generation circuit 42 to generate a sensor drive signal when determining the remaining ink level, and when executing printing, the drive signal generation circuit 42. To generate a head drive signal.

  The sub-control unit 50 includes an ASIC (Application Specific IC) as a hardware configuration. The ASIC includes a communication circuit 54 and a sensor processing unit 52. The communication circuit 54 includes a communication processing unit 55 and a waveform inspection unit 56.

  The communication processing unit 55 performs communication processing with the storage device 130 of the ink cartridge 100 via the reset signal line LR1, the data signal line LD1, and the clock signal line LC1. Further, the communication processing unit 55 performs communication processing with the main control unit 40 via the bus BS. The waveform inspection unit 56 inspects the electrical connection state between the terminals 440 to 460 provided on the connection mechanism 400 on the printer 20 side and the terminals 240 to 260 provided on the circuit board 120, and the inspection result Is notified to the main control unit 40. Thus, the main control unit 40 can determine whether each ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit and whether data transfer can be performed normally. The operation of the waveform inspection unit 56 will be described later.

  If the main control unit 40 determines that the ink cartridge 100 is mounted and data transfer can be performed normally, the main control unit 40 passes through the communication processing unit 55 at a predetermined timing. Access to the storage device 130 is executed.

  The communication processing unit 55 includes an SRAM (not shown). The SRAM is a memory used for temporarily storing data when the communication processing unit 55 performs processing. For example, the SRAM temporarily stores data received from the main control unit 40 or data received from the sensor 110 or the storage device 130. Is preserved. Then, the value written in the SRAM is updated with the execution of the printing operation (with the transmission of write data from the main control unit 40 and the reading from the storage device).

  The sensor processing unit 52 executes a remaining ink level determination process (sensor process) by the sensor. The sensor processing unit 52 includes a changeover switch. The changeover switch uses the first sensor drive signal line LDSN or the second sensor drive signal DS supplied from the drive signal generation circuit 42 to the sensor 110 of one ink cartridge 100 that is the subject of sensor processing. Are used for supplying via any one of the sensor drive signal lines LDSP.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the ink cartridge 100 will be described. The ink cartridge 100 includes a storage device 130 and a sensor 110 as its electrical components.

  The storage device 130 is a storage device that does not receive address data specifying an access destination address from the outside. The storage device 130 includes a memory cell array 132 as a data storage unit, a memory control circuit 136, and an inspection state setting circuit 138.

  The memory control circuit 136 is a circuit that mediates access (reading and writing) to the memory cell array 132 by the sub-control unit 50 and analyzes identification data and command data transmitted from the sub-control unit 50. Further, at the time of writing, data to be written to the memory cell array 132 is generated and written based on the write target data received from the sub control unit 50. Further, at the time of reading, the sub control unit 50 generates data to be transmitted to the printer 20 based on the data read from the memory cell array 132.

  The inspection state setting circuit 138 sets an inspection state for inspecting the electrical connection between the terminals 440 to 460 provided on the connection mechanism 400 on the printer 20 side and the terminals 240 to 260 provided on the circuit board 120. It is a circuit for doing. The inspection state setting circuit 138 includes two switches SW1 and SW2 and a mode control unit 139. The clock terminal 250 provided on the circuit board 120 corresponds to the “first container side terminal” in the present invention, and the reset terminal 240 and the data terminal 260 provided on the circuit board 120 are the “first container terminal” in the present invention. Corresponds to “2 container side terminal”. The clock terminal 450 provided on the printer 20 side corresponds to the “first main body side terminal” in the present invention, and the reset terminal 440 and the data terminal 460 provided on the printer 20 side are “first” in the present invention. Corresponds to “2 main body side terminals”.

  The switch SW1 is provided between the clock signal line LC1 and the reset signal line LR1, and when the switch SW1 is closed, the clock signal line LC1 and the reset signal line LR1 are electrically connected. The switch SW2 is provided between the clock signal line LC1 and the data signal line LD1, and when the switch SW2 is closed, the clock signal line LC1 and the data signal line LD1 are electrically connected. These switches SW1 and SW2 are configured as semiconductor switches, and are particularly preferably configured as analog switches.

  The mode control unit 139 can switch between the “data transfer mode” and the “inspection mode” by controlling the opening and closing of the two switches SW1 and SW2. The data transfer mode means a mode for transmitting / receiving data to / from the memory cell array 132. The inspection mode means terminals 440 to 460 provided on the connection mechanism 400 on the printer 20 side and the circuit board 120. This means a mode (inspection state) for inspecting the electrical connection state between the terminals 240-260.

  In the data transfer mode, the mode control unit 139 turns off the two switches SW1 and SW2 and performs normal data transfer. On the other hand, in the inspection mode, the mode control unit 139 electrically connects the clock signal line LC1 and the reset signal line LR1 by turning on the two switches SW1 and SW2, and the clock signal line LC1 and the data The signal line LD1 is electrically connected.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer in the inspection mode. As described above, in the inspection mode, the two switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on by the mode control unit 139. In the inspection mode, the waveform inspection unit 56 outputs an inspection signal CS that repeats a binary value to the clock signal line LC1. The inspection signal CS includes a clock terminal 450 provided on the printer 20 side (hereinafter also referred to as a printer-side clock terminal 450) and a clock terminal 250 provided on the circuit board 120 (hereinafter also referred to as a circuit board-side clock terminal 250). Pass). The inspection signal CS is supplied via a switch SW1 to a reset terminal 240 provided on the circuit board 120 (hereinafter also referred to as a circuit board-side reset terminal 240) and a reset terminal 440 provided on the printer 20 side (hereinafter referred to as the circuit board side reset terminal 240). , Also referred to as a printer-side reset terminal 440), passes through the reset signal line LR1, and returns to the waveform inspection unit 56 as the first feedback signal RS1. Similarly, the inspection signal CS is connected to a data terminal 260 (hereinafter also referred to as a circuit board side data terminal 260) provided on the circuit board 120 and a data terminal 460 (provided on the printer 20 side) via the switch SW2. (Hereinafter also referred to as “printer-side data terminal 460”), passes through the data signal line LD1, and returns to the waveform inspection unit 56 as the second feedback signal RS2.

  Here, when there is a contact failure between the printer-side clock terminal 450 and the circuit board-side clock terminal 250, the inspection signal CS cannot pass between these terminals, and the two feedback signals RS1, RS2 Are not fed back to the waveform inspection unit 56. Further, even if the contact between the printer side clock terminal 450 and the circuit board side clock terminal 250 is good, if there is a contact failure between the circuit board side reset terminal 240 and the printer side reset terminal 440, the first The feedback signal RS1 is not fed back to the waveform inspection unit 56. Similarly, if there is a contact failure between the circuit board side data terminal 260 and the printer side data terminal 460, the second feedback signal RS <b> 2 is not fed back to the waveform inspection unit 56.

  Therefore, the waveform inspection unit 56 can inspect the connection state between these six terminals by outputting the inspection signal CS and inspecting the presence or absence of feedback of the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2. Further, the waveform inspection unit 56 can inspect the transmission quality between the terminals in detail by inspecting the waveforms of the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2 in detail and comparing them with the waveform of the inspection signal CS. A detailed waveform inspection method will be described later.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing various signal waveforms in the inspection mode and the data transfer mode. When the power is turned on (when the power supply voltage CVDD rises), the mode control unit 139 turns on the two switches SW1 and SW2, and sets the inspection state setting circuit 138 to the inspection mode. The reason for setting the inspection mode after power-on is to inspect the connection state between the terminals before starting the data transfer. Each of the plurality of storage devices 130 preferably executes the inspection mode in different periods. In this case, the power supply voltage CVDD may be supplied only to the storage device 130 to be inspected. The reason why each of the plurality of storage devices 130 executes the inspection mode in a period different from each other is that, in this embodiment, the feedback paths of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 are bus-connected. This is because it becomes difficult to determine which storage device 130 the feedback signal is from. However, when the feedback paths of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 are not bus-connected to the plurality of storage devices 130, the plurality of storage devices 130 may be simultaneously set to the inspection mode.

  In addition, the sub-control unit 50 designates an ID number in a state where the power supply voltage CVDD is supplied to the plurality of storage devices 130, and selects the storage device 130 to be inspected from the plurality of storage devices 130. It may be specified. That is, the sub control unit 50 transmits ID data corresponding to the ID number of the storage device 130 to be inspected among the plurality of storage devices 130 to the storage device 130 via the data signal line LDS. The memory control circuit 136 of the storage device 130 that has received the ID data determines whether the received ID data corresponds to its own ID number. The memory control circuit 136 of the storage device 130 corresponding to the ID may instruct the mode control unit 139 to set the inspection state setting circuit 138 to the inspection mode. In this case, the first power supply line LCV may be connected to the plurality of storage devices 130 by bus.

As described above, in the inspection mode, the inspection signal CS that repeats a binary value appears on the clock signal line LC1. If the contact state is good, the first feedback signal RS1 appears on the reset signal line LR1, and the second feedback signal RS2 appears on the data signal line LD1.

  When the waveform inspection unit 56 receives the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2 and determines that the connection state between the terminals is good, the communication processing unit 55 raises the signal of the reset signal line LR1 to the H level. That is, the communication processing unit 55 outputs the reset signal CRST to the reset signal line LR1. The mode control unit 139 monitors the reset signal line LR1, and when the H level continuation period of the reset signal CRST exceeds a predetermined period, the two switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off, and the inspection state setting circuit 138 is moved from the inspection mode. Switch to data transfer mode. Then, the communication processing unit 55 starts data transfer. In the data transfer mode, the clock signal CSCK appears on the clock signal line LC1. Note that the mode control unit 139 may switch the inspection state setting circuit 138 from the inspection mode to the data transfer mode after a predetermined period from the rising of the power supply voltage CVDD.

  Note that the frequency of the inspection signal CS is preferably larger than the frequency of the clock signal CSCK used when transferring data. This is because the reliability of the inspection result is improved if the connection state between the terminals is inspected under conditions that are stricter than those during data transfer.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printer after the ink cartridge 100 is powered on. In step S10, the mode control unit 139 turns on the two switches SW1 and SW2, and sets the inspection state setting circuit 138 to the inspection mode. Then, the waveform inspection unit 56 inspects the connection state between the terminals by inspecting the presence or absence of the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2 or by inspecting the waveforms of the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2 in detail. In step S20, when the inspection result satisfies the predetermined standard, the mode control unit 139 causes the inspection state setting circuit 138 to enter the data transfer mode (step S90). On the other hand, when the inspection result does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the waveform inspection unit 56 decreases the frequency of the inspection signal CS and performs the inspection again (step S30). The reason for this is that it is possible to detect a frequency at which the inspection result of the connection state between the terminals is good. This re-inspection may be performed a plurality of times while reducing the frequency of the inspection signal CS.

  In step S40, if the inspection result satisfies a predetermined standard, the mode control unit 139 causes the inspection state setting circuit 138 to enter the data transfer mode (step S90). On the other hand, if the inspection result does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the ink cartridge 100 is vibrated by moving the carriage 30 to attempt to recover the contact failure between the terminals (step S50). In step S60, the waveform inspection unit 56 performs the inspection again, and when the inspection result satisfies a predetermined standard, the inspection state setting circuit 138 enters the data transfer mode by the mode control unit 139 (step S90). On the other hand, if the inspection result does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the waveform inspection unit 56 notifies the main control unit 40 that a defect has occurred in the terminal connection (terminal connection error) (step S80). When the main control unit 40 receives a notification that the terminal connection is in error, the main control unit 40 displays on the display connected to the computer 90 or the operation unit 70 that the terminal connection is in error and notifies the user. In this manner, it is possible to suppress the start of data transfer while the connection state between the terminals is not good.

  In step S50, instead of applying vibration to the ink cartridge 100 by moving the carriage 30, a vibration mechanism capable of applying appropriate vibration between the terminals may be provided in the carriage 30 separately.

  In addition, it is preferable that the frequency of the clock signal CSCK used in the data transfer mode in step S90 is lowered below the frequency of the inspection signal CS when the inspection result satisfies a predetermined standard. In this way, highly reliable data transfer can be realized.

For example, one or more of the following criteria can be arbitrarily adopted as the criteria for the terminal connection state inspection.
(1) Whether or not the voltage levels at the H level of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 are within the allowable range. (2) Whether or not the voltage level at the L level of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 is within the allowable range. Whether the rise times of the signals RS1, RS2 are within the allowable range (4) Whether the fall times of the feedback signals RS1, RS2 are within the allowable range

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed inspection of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 by the waveform inspection unit 56. FIG. The waveform inspection unit 56 may inspect the connection state between the terminals by comparing the voltage levels VHrs1 and VHrs2 at the H level of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 with the voltage level VHcs at the H level of the inspection signal CS. Good. When the voltage levels VHrs1 and VHrs2 at the H level of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 are within the allowable range from the voltage level VHcs at the H level of the inspection signal CS, the waveform inspection unit 56 has a good connection state between the terminals. Yes, it can be determined that a predetermined standard is satisfied. On the other hand, the waveform inspecting unit 56 determines that the voltage levels VHrs1 and VHrs2 at the H level of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 are small enough to deviate from the allowable range as compared to the voltage level VHcs at the H level of the inspection signal CS (for example, feedback signals When the voltage levels VHrs1 and VHrs2 at the H level of RS1 and RS2 are less than 60% of the voltage level VHcs at the H level of the inspection signal CS), the connection state between the terminals is not good and satisfies a predetermined standard It can be judged that there is not. Similarly to the voltage level at the H level, the voltage level VL at the L level may be inspected to inspect the connection state between the terminals. Note that, for detailed inspection of the waveforms of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2, the two switches SW1 and SW2 are preferably configured by analog switches. Similarly, the waveform inspection unit 56 preferably receives the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 at the AD port.

  The waveform inspection unit 56 may inspect the connection state between the terminals by comparing the rising times HTrs1 and HTrs2 of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 with the rising time HTcs of the inspection signal CS. The rise time may be, for example, the time required for the voltage levels of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 to transition from 10% to 90% of the operating voltage CVSS. For measuring the rise time, an internal clock signal having a frequency larger than that of the inspection signal CS can be used. Similarly to the rising time, the connection state between the terminals may be inspected by comparing the falling times LTrs1 and LTrs2 of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 with the falling time LTcs of the inspection signal CS.

  Note that the waveform inspection unit 56 may inspect whether the waveforms of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 satisfy a predetermined criterion without comparing the feedback signals RS1 and RS2 with the inspection signal CS.

  Further, the waveform inspection unit 56 outputs a predetermined number of pulses (for example, 10 pulses) as the inspection signal CS, and if the same number of pulses as the inspection signal CS are fed back to the waveform inspection unit 56 as the feedback signals RS1 and RS2. The connection state between the terminals may be determined to satisfy a predetermined standard.

  In addition, the waveform inspection unit 56 can also detect the bump-shaped portion Z generated in the signal by monitoring the voltage increase amount ΔV per unit time of the feedback signals RS1 and RS2. That is, the waveform inspection unit 56 does not change from a positive value to a negative value after a while after the voltage increase amount ΔV has changed from a positive value to 0, but immediately reverses from a positive value to a negative value. When the negative value is inverted to the positive value, it can be determined that a hump-shaped portion Z (stage) is generated in the signal.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to inspect the connection state between the terminals and the signal transmission quality by inspecting the two feedback signals RS1 and RS2.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer according to the second embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is that the configuration of the test state setting circuit 138b is different from the test method between terminals, and the other configuration is the first embodiment. Is the same.

  The inspection state setting circuit 138b includes three switches SW1b to SW3b and a mode control unit 139b. The switch SW1b is provided between the first power supply line LCV and the reset signal line LR1, and when the switch SW1b is closed, the first power supply line LCV and the reset signal line LR1 are electrically connected. The switch SW2b is provided between the first power supply line LCV and the clock signal line LC1, and when the switch SW2b is closed, the first power supply line LCV and the clock signal line LC1 are electrically connected. The switch SW3b is provided between the first power supply line LCV and the data signal line LD1, and when the switch SW3b is closed, the first power supply line LCV and the data signal line LD1 are electrically connected. These switches SW1b to SW3b are preferably constituted by analog switches as in the first embodiment.

  In the data transfer mode, the mode control unit 139b turns off the three switches SW1b to SW3b and performs normal data transfer. The mode control unit 139b turns on the three switches SW1b to SW3b in the inspection mode. Accordingly, in the inspection mode, the first power supply line LCV and the reset signal line LR1 are electrically connected, the first power supply line LCV and the clock signal line LC1 are electrically connected, and the first power supply line LCV. And the data signal line LD1 are electrically connected.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer in the inspection mode in the second embodiment. As described above, in the inspection mode, the three switches SW1b to SW3b are turned on by the mode control unit 139b. The waveform inspection unit 56b outputs an inspection signal CSb that repeats binary values to the first power supply line LCV. Then, the mode control unit 139b checks the feedback signal RS1b from the reset signal line LR1, the feedback signal RS2b from the clock signal line LC1, and the feedback signal RS3b from the data signal line LD1, thereby connecting the terminals. The condition can be checked.

  Since the waveform inspection unit 56b outputs the inspection signal CSb to the first power supply line LCV, the cartridge 100b is not supplied with power. Therefore, the three switches SW1b to SW3b are preferably switches that are turned on when no power is supplied. When the inspection of the connection state between the terminals by the waveform inspection unit 56b satisfies a predetermined standard, the power supply voltage CVDD is supplied to the first power supply line LCV, and the mode control unit 139b has three switches SW1b. ... SW3b is turned OFF, and the inspection state setting circuit 138b is switched to the data transfer mode.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, the connection state between the terminals can be inspected by inspecting the three inspection signals RS1b to RS3b. However, the second embodiment is superior to the first embodiment in that the connection state between the printer-side power terminal 420 and the cartridge-side power terminal 220 can also be inspected.

C. Variation:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

C1. Modification 1:
In the above embodiment, the waveform inspection units 56 and 56b output the inspection signals CS and CSb from the clock signal line LC1 or the first power supply line LCV, but the inspection signal CS from other wirings such as the reset signal line LR1. , CSb may be output. Further, other wirings such as the first sensor driving signal line LDSN and the second sensor driving signal line LDSP are incorporated in the inspection state setting circuit 138, and the connection state between terminals provided at the end of these wirings is inspected. It is good as well. Further, the inspection signal CS may be a single rectangular wave signal or an analog signal instead of a signal that periodically repeats binary values.

C2. Modification 2:
The waveform inspection unit 56 may store the inspection result of the connection state between the terminals in the memory cell array 132 of the ink cartridge 100 or the storage device on the printer side. In this way, when the ink cartridge 100 or the printer 20 is collected, it is possible to know which terminal is in a good connection state and which terminal is in a bad connection state.

C3. Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, the switches in the inspection state setting circuits 138 and 138b are turned on and off at the same time. Instead, the switches are turned on and off one by one to individually inspect the connection state between the terminals. It is good to do. Further, in the first embodiment, there are two sets of terminals (data terminals and reset terminals) serving as feedback signal paths, and in the second embodiment, three sets of terminals serving as feedback signal paths (reset terminals, However, instead of this, there may be one set of terminals for the feedback signal path, or four or more sets. Further, the terminal that becomes the path of the inspection signal may be arbitrarily selected.

C4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, an ink jet printing apparatus and an ink cartridge are employed. However, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges liquid other than ink and a liquid container that supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus are provided. It may be adopted. The liquid here includes a liquid body in which particles of a functional material are dispersed in a solvent, and a fluid body such as a gel. For example, liquid ejecting devices and biochips that eject liquid containing materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, etc. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and is a sample. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a liquid container that supplies liquid to these liquid ejecting apparatuses good. The present invention can be applied to any one of these jet devices and liquid containers. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an ink jet printer, and a laser printer and a toner cartridge that perform printing using a recording material such as toner may be employed.

C5. Modification 5:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

C6. Modification 6:
In the above embodiment, the sensor 110 using a piezoelectric element is used, but instead of this, for example, an oscillation device such as an oscillation circuit that returns a response signal having a frequency indicating that there is ink may be used. Alternatively, a processor such as a CPU or ASIC that communicates with the sub-control unit 50 or a simpler IC may be used. Further, the present invention can be applied to an ink cartridge 100 of a type in which only a storage device is mounted without mounting a sensor or the like.

C7. Modification 7:
In the above embodiment, one ink tank is configured as one ink cartridge, but a plurality of ink tanks may be configured as one ink cartridge.

C8. Modification 8:
In the above embodiment, the liquid supply unit is an ink cartridge in which the substrate is fixed to the container body, and the substrate is attached to a holder provided in the print head unit integrally with the container body. As a liquid supply unit to be applied, a cover on which a substrate is fixed and a container main body that stores a liquid may be individually installed in a holder. For example, a configuration in which a cover with a substrate fixed in a predetermined insertion direction is inserted into a holder and attached, and then a container body is attached to the holder can be mentioned. In this case, when the ink in the container body runs out, only the ink container body may be replaced, and the ink consumption amount information stored in the storage device 130 may be reset with the replacement.

C9. Modification 9:
In the above embodiment, the liquid storage unit is mounted on the holder of the print head unit, and ink is directly supplied from the ink supply unit to the print head. However, the liquid storage unit is separated from the head in the liquid ejecting apparatus. The ink may be supplied to the head via a tube that is mounted at a position and connected to the liquid supply unit of the liquid storage unit.

C10. Modification 10:
In the above embodiment, the storage device 130 has been described as a semiconductor storage device including the memory cell array 132. However, the storage device 130 is not limited to this and may be a semiconductor storage device (EEPROM, flash memory) that does not use memory cells. Further, a storage device other than the semiconductor storage device may be used.

C11. Modification 11:
In the above embodiment, the main control unit 40 and the communication processing unit 55 have different configurations, but may be an integrated control unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Printer 22 ... Motor 26 ... Platen 30 ... Carriage 32 ... Carriage motor 34 ... Sliding shaft 36 ... Drive belt 38 ... Pulley 40 ... Main control part 42 ... Drive signal generation circuit 48 ... Control circuit 50 ... Sub control part 52 ... Sensor processing unit 53 ... Detection unit 54 ... Communication circuit 54b ... Communication circuit 55 ... Communication processing unit 56 ... Waveform inspection unit 56b ... Waveform inspection unit 60 ... Print head unit 62 ... Holder 63 ... Holder cover 64 ... Ink supply needle 66 ... Connection Mechanism 67 ... Connection terminal 68 ... Print head 70 ... Operation unit 80 ... Connector 90 ... Computer 100 ... Ink cartridge 100b ... Ink cartridge 101 ... Main body 102 ... Cover body 104 ... Ink supply port 105 ... Recess 110 ... Sensor 120 ... Circuit board 130 ... Storage device 132 ... Memo Arei 136 ... memory control circuit 138 ... test state setting circuit 138b ... check state setting circuit 139 ... Mode controller 139b ... Mode controller

Claims (10)

A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid,
A liquid ejecting apparatus body;
A liquid container that can be attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus body, and that contains the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus body;
With
The liquid container is
A first container-side terminal and a second container-side terminal as inspection objects;
An inspection state setting circuit capable of electrically connecting the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal;
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body is
When the liquid container is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, the first main body side terminal electrically connected to the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal are electrically connected. A second main body side terminal to be connected;
An inspection unit for inspecting a connection state between the first and second container side terminals and the first and second main body side terminals;
The inspection state setting circuit electrically connects the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal at the time of the connection state inspection,
The inspection unit outputs an inspection signal to the first body-side terminal, and inspects a feedback signal that returns to the second body-side terminal, whereby the first and second container-side terminals A liquid ejecting apparatus that performs inspection of a connection state between the first and second main body side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the voltage level of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container-side terminals and the first and second body-side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus that performs the inspection of. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the rising time of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container-side terminals and the first and second body-side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus that performs the inspection of. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The inspection unit checks whether the fall time of the feedback signal is within an allowable range, thereby connecting the first and second container side terminals and the first and second body side terminals. A liquid ejecting apparatus that performs a state inspection. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The inspection signal is a signal that periodically repeats binary values,
The frequency of the inspection signal is higher than the frequency of the clock signal used when transferring data between the first and second container side terminals and the first and second body side terminals. Injection device. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5,
When the result of the inspection of the connection state does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the inspection unit is a liquid ejecting apparatus that executes the inspection of the connection state again by reducing the frequency of the inspection signal. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6,
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body and the liquid storage container use the clock signal having a frequency equal to or lower than the frequency of the inspection signal when a result of the connection state inspection satisfies a predetermined standard, A liquid ejecting apparatus that transfers data between a side terminal and the first and second main body side terminals. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the liquid container when a result of the inspection of the connection state does not satisfy a predetermined standard. A liquid container that can be attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus main body and that contains the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus main body,
A first container-side terminal and a second container-side terminal as inspection objects;
An inspection state setting circuit capable of electrically connecting the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal;
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body is
When the liquid container is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, the first main body side terminal electrically connected to the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal are electrically connected. A second main body side terminal to be connected;
By outputting a test signal to the first main body side terminal and inspecting a feedback signal returning to the second main body side terminal, the first and second container side terminals and the first and second An inspection unit that performs an inspection of a connection state with the two main body side terminals,
The inspection state setting circuit is a liquid container that electrically connects the first container-side terminal and the second container-side terminal when the connection state is inspected. A method for inspecting a connection state between terminals between a liquid ejecting apparatus main body and a liquid container that can be attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus main body,
The liquid container includes a first container side terminal and a second container side terminal as inspection objects,
The liquid ejecting apparatus main body includes a first main body side terminal electrically connected to the first container side terminal when the liquid container is attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, and the second A second body side terminal electrically connected to the container side terminal,
The inspection method is:
(A) electrically connecting the first container side terminal and the second container side terminal;
(B) outputting an inspection signal to the first body-side terminal;
(C) Inspecting a feedback signal that returns to the second main body side terminal.

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