JP2013071398A - Cartridge and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new method capable of coping with erroneous loading of a cartridge.SOLUTION: An ink cartridge 200 includes a label 210 in one circumferential wall surface of a housing 202 forming an ink receiving unit. The label 210 has a stacking structure in which a plurality of layers having different properties are stacked. An optical function layer 213 transmitting light having a prescribed wavelength (first wavelength light), a light reflection layer 212 including a metal or an alloy, and a light absorption layer 215 absorbing the first wavelength light are stacked in order and further, the light absorption layer 215 is on the surface side of the housing 202. When the light reflection layer 212 receives heat at temperature at which melting of the metal or alloy is caused from the thermal head 102 of a heating unit 100 facing the label 210, the distribution of the metal or alloy is made nonuniform and transmittance rate for the first wavelength light is irreversibly enhanced.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge for storing a printing material used for printing and a printing apparatus capable of mounting the cartridge.

  When a cartridge is used in a printing apparatus, a technique for mounting a storage element on the cartridge has been proposed in order to exchange various information between the cartridge and the printing apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). The storage element stores information about the printing material stored in the cartridge, such as the color type of the printing material and the remaining amount of printing material. Based on these information, supply of different types of printing materials is avoided.

JP 2005-119228 A

  Although the technique proposed in the above-mentioned patent document responds to a request to record some information about the cartridge, the cartridge needs to be provided with a storage element such as an EEPROM, and further, the storage element of the cartridge and the recording Electrical wiring for enabling communication with the control circuit unit of the apparatus main body is also required, and there is a problem that the structure of the cartridge becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new technique capable of coping with information update regarding a cartridge.

  In order to achieve at least a part of the above object, the present invention can be implemented as the following application examples.

[Application 1: Cartridge]
A cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength on the cartridge surface; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and is interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A light reflection layer including a metal or an alloy, and the light absorption layer is provided so as to be on the cartridge surface side,
When the light reflecting layer receives heat at a temperature causing the melting of the metal or alloy, the heat receiving layer has a property that the distribution of the metal or alloy becomes non-uniform due to the heat receiving, and the transmittance of light of the wavelength increases irreversibly. The gist.

  The cartridge having the above-described configuration can update information as described below by using an optical function layer, a light absorption layer, and a light reflection layer that are stacked on the surface of the cartridge. Hereinafter, the optical function layer, the light absorption layer, and the light reflection layer that are stacked on the surface of the cartridge as described above will be referred to as a stacked portion for convenience of description, and information updating in the cartridge having the above configuration will be described.

  When the laminated part receives heat at a temperature causing the melting of the metal or alloy contained in the light reflecting layer, the heat acts on the light reflecting layer included in the laminated part. In this light reflection layer, the distribution of the metal or alloy becomes non-uniform, for example, from a predetermined uniform range in the heat receiving range that receives the heat, so that the light of the predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as “first” The transmittance of the “wavelength light” is irreversibly increased. For this reason, a laminated part shall differ in the transmittance | permeability with respect to the 1st wavelength light in a light reflection layer in said heat receiving range before and after heat receiving. Specifically, when the laminated portion is irradiated with the first wavelength light from the optical functional layer side, the state of the reflection of the first wavelength light from the light reflecting layer is as follows. Since the transmittances are different, the spectral characteristics when the first wavelength light is irradiated are changed before and after the heat reception of the laminated portion. That is, the spectral characteristics of the laminated portion when the first wavelength light is irradiated before and after heat reception change, and the change is irreversible.

  Such an irreversible change in the stacked portion corresponds to an electrical data update in the storage element, for example, an information update for updating data from a value 0 to a value 1 or vice versa. Therefore, according to the cartridge having the above-described configuration, information regarding the cartridge can be updated in the stacked portion provided on the cartridge surface. In this case, for example, if an irreversible change in the stacking part occurs in a cartridge in which the printing material has been used up, even if these cartridges are installed incorrectly, the user is made aware that the cartridge has been installed incorrectly. Is possible. In addition, the irreversible change of the transmittance in the light reflection layer described above corresponds to irreversibly increasing the reflectance of the light reflection layer with respect to the first wavelength light. In addition, it is not necessary to use a storage element when updating information in the stacked portion on the cartridge surface, but it is also possible to use a storage element in combination.

  In addition, the cartridge described above can be configured as follows. For example, the wavelength may be in the infrared region, and the optical function layer may be a black layer. In this case, “black” means that the reflectance is 10% or less for all light components having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm when the intensity of specular reflection light is measured. . And, for example, if the entire surface of the light reflection layer is covered with a black optical function layer, the light reflection layer below it can be concealed by the black optical function layer. It is difficult to visually recognize the irreversible changes.

  And the said wavelength shall be a thing in a near-infrared area | region, the transmittance | permeability in the 1st wavelength of an optical function layer is 30% or more, The said optical function layer is a 700-800 nm wavelength range of a near-infrared area | region, The transmittance difference of any wavelength can be 10% or more in the wavelength range of 800 to 1500 nm in the near infrared region. In this way, the transmission spectrum in the near infrared region of the optical functional layer shows a high transmittance with respect to the first wavelength light, but the wavelength region of 700 to 800 nm in the near infrared region and 800 in the near infrared region. The transmittance difference of any wavelength is 10% or more in the wavelength region of 1500 nm. Therefore, for those who do not know to use the first wavelength light for the irreversible change of the laminated part, the irreversible change between the laminated part before receiving heat of the light reflecting layer and the laminated part after receiving heat is discriminated. It is impossible or difficult to do. For this reason, according to this aspect, it is difficult for a person who does not know to use the first wavelength light for the irreversible change of the laminated portion to recognize the irreversible change of the laminated portion.

  In addition, for the optical function layer, this is a colored pattern facing a part of the light absorption layer with the light reflection layer interposed therebetween, and the light absorption layer is also referred to as the optical function layer. It can be a colored layer of the same color. As described above, the light absorption layer is visualized in at least a part of the stacked portion by receiving the heat. Here, if the pattern formed by the optical functional layer and the light absorbing layer have the same color, it becomes difficult to observe the pattern formed by the optical functional layer with the naked eye due to the above heat reception or observation. Is extremely difficult. For example, when the optical functional layer is provided in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code shape, the code can be made unobservable by the heat reception. As a result, it is possible to clearly grasp with the naked eye that the laminated portion has been irreversibly changed through heat reception. Therefore, as described above, if an irreversible change in the laminated portion due to heat reception occurs in a cartridge or the like in which the printing material has been used up, it is possible to visually recognize the cartridge having the laminated portion that has been irreversibly changed. The user can easily recognize that the cartridge is a cartridge in which the printing material has been used up.

  Further, a light absorption pattern layer in which a pattern occupying a part of the optical function layer is formed by a material that absorbs light of the wavelength, and the light absorption pattern layer is provided on the front and back sides of the optical function layer. It can be formed on either side. If it carries out like this, when the 1st wavelength light is irradiated to a laminated part and this is observed, the image corresponding to the pattern of said light absorption pattern layer will be observed. On the other hand, if the light reflection layer of the laminated portion has been irreversibly changed by the heat reception, an image corresponding to the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer can be observed due to the absorption of the first wavelength light in the light absorption layer. Disappear. As a result, it is possible to clearly understand that the laminated portion has been irreversibly changed through heat reception by observing the pattern image that has been irradiated with the first wavelength light. Can play.

  In this case, the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer and the optical function layer can be the same color, and this makes it difficult to recognize the presence of the light absorption pattern layer when the laminated portion is observed with the naked eye. it can.

  In addition, a light scattering layer that scatters light in the visible light region may be further provided, and this light scattering layer may be provided on the front side of the light reflecting layer so that the light of the wavelength is transmitted through the light reflecting layer. In this way, when the laminated part is observed with the naked eye, it is difficult to visually recognize the metallic luster caused by the metal or alloy contained in the light reflecting layer, so that the laminated part, specifically, the light reflecting layer contains the metal or alloy. It can be difficult to realize being out.

  Further, the laminated portion in which the optical functional layer, the light absorbing layer, and the light reflecting layer are laminated as described above can be directly formed on the cartridge surface or adhered to the cartridge surface.

[Application 2: Cartridge]
A cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and a metal or an alloy interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A laminated light reflection layer is included,
The light reflecting layer has a property of irreversibly increasing the transmittance of light of the wavelength by receiving heat at a temperature causing melting of the metal or alloy,
The gist of the invention is that the optical functional layer is located on the light incident side of the wavelength.

  The effects described above can also be achieved by the cartridge having the above-described configuration.

[Application 3: Cartridge label]
A cartridge label attached to a cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and a metal or an alloy interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A light reflection layer including a predetermined uniform range of distribution is provided,
When the light reflecting layer receives heat at a temperature causing the melting of the metal or alloy, the distribution of the metal or alloy becomes non-uniform from the predetermined uniform range by the heat receiving, and the transmittance of light having the wavelength is irreversibly changed. Has increased properties,
The gist of the invention is that the optical function layer forms a pattern indicating information about the cartridge.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire information about the cartridge by reading the pattern formed by the optical function layer.

[Application 4: Label for cartridge]
A cartridge label attached to a cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and a metal or an alloy interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A light reflection layer including a predetermined uniform range of distribution is provided,
When the light reflecting layer receives heat at a temperature causing the melting of the metal or alloy, the distribution of the metal or alloy becomes non-uniform from the predetermined uniform range by the heat receiving, and the transmittance of light having the wavelength is irreversibly changed. Has increased properties,
A light absorption pattern layer in which a pattern occupying a part of the optical function layer is formed on either surface of the optical function layer by a material that absorbs light of the wavelength,
A pattern indicating information about the cartridge is formed by the light absorption pattern layer.
This is the gist.

  According to this configuration, the pattern formed by the light absorption pattern layer can be read by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength, and information about the cartridge can be acquired.

[Application 5: Printing device]
A printing device,
Any of the cartridges described above can be mounted,
The gist of the invention is to provide an irreversible treatment unit for performing an irreversible treatment for applying heat to the light reflecting layer so that the transmittance of the light of the wavelength of the light reflecting layer increases irreversibly.

  When any of the cartridges described above is mounted, the printing apparatus having the above configuration performs an irreversible treatment on the stacked portion of the mounted cartridges. This irreversible treatment is to apply heat to the light reflecting layer so that the transmittance of the light of the light reflecting layer in the laminated portion is increased. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus having the above configuration, the irreversible treatment is performed. Through the treatment, the above-described irreversible change of the laminated portion can be caused. In this case, the light reflecting layer receives heat at a temperature that causes melting of the contained metal or alloy.

  In addition, the printing apparatus described above can be configured as follows. For example, the reflection state read by irradiating the optical function layer with the light of the wavelength is compared, and the reflection state read by the reading unit before and after the irreversible treatment is compared. If it carries out like this, the treatment corresponding to the above-mentioned irreversible change of a lamination part will be attained.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of printing system PS. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an ink cartridge 200 and a label unit 210. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the label part 210 in front view. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship with a heating unit 100 while a cross-sectional view of a label portion 210 of an ink cartridge 200 is viewed. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the label part 210 and the heating unit 100, seeing the label part 210 from the optical function layer 213 front. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly the mode of the change of the light reflection layer 212 when the heating unit 100 scans to the label part 210 to one direction. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the mode of the change of the light reflection layer 212 when the heating unit 100 scans to the label part 210 in one direction from the front view side. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a function of a reading unit 150 and a label unit 210. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the label unit 210 and the reading unit 150 while the label unit 210 is viewed from the front of the optical functional layer 213. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the label part 210A of a modification in front view. It is the 11-11 line sectional view in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the label part 210B of another modification in the cross sectional view equivalent to FIG. Furthermore, it is explanatory drawing which shows the label part 210C of another modification in the cross sectional view equivalent to FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the other form of label part formation.

  Hereinafter, examples in which the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a printing system will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printing system PS. As illustrated, the printing system PS includes a printer 20 as a printing device 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 21, a main scan feed mechanism 27, a print head unit 60, and a main control unit 40. The sub-scan feed mechanism 21 includes a paper feed motor 22 and a paper feed roller 26, and transports the paper PA in the sub-scanning direction using the paper feed roller 26. The main scanning feed mechanism 27 includes a carriage motor 32, a pulley 38, a drive belt 36 stretched between the carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38, and a slide shaft provided in parallel with the shaft of the paper feed roller 26. 34. 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 along the sliding shaft 34 in the main scanning direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper feed roller 26.

  The print head unit 60 includes an ink cartridge 200 and a print head (not shown) mounted on the carriage 30. The print head is driven while being driven in the main scanning direction by the carriage 30, and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 200 on the paper PA. To discharge. The main control unit 40 controls the above-described mechanisms to realize print processing. For example, the main control unit 40 receives a user's print job via the computer 90, and executes printing by controlling each mechanism described above based on the content of the received print job. Each of the ink cartridges 200 can be detachably attached to the carriage 30. The print head has a plurality of nozzle rows that eject different inks. The print head unit 60 includes a heating unit 100 and a reading unit 150. The heating unit 100 emits heat to a label unit 210 (described later) included in the ink cartridge 200. The reading unit 150 performs light irradiation on the label unit 210 and reading of the reflected light. The heating and reading for the label unit 210 will be described later.

  In addition, the printer 20 includes an operation unit 70 that allows the user to make various settings of the printer 20 and check the status of the printer 20. The operation unit 70 includes a display unit 72 for performing various notifications to the user.

  2 is an explanatory view schematically showing the ink cartridge 200 and the label portion 210, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the label portion 210 when viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a view showing heating of the label portion 210 of the ink cartridge 200 while being viewed in cross section. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship with the unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the label unit 210 is formed on the surface of one peripheral wall of the housing 202 that forms the ink storage unit 201 in the ink cartridge 200. The label portion 210 has a laminated structure in which a plurality of layers having different properties are laminated. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical functional layer 213, the light reflecting layer 212, and the light absorbing layer 215 are laminated in this order. The light absorption layer 215 is the surface side of the housing 202. The optical functional layer 213 has a property of transmitting light of a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter, this wavelength is referred to as a first wavelength, and the light is referred to as a first wavelength light). The light absorbing layer 215 has a property of absorbing the first wavelength light. These properties will be described later.

  The light absorption layer 215 has an absorptance with respect to the first wavelength light compared with the absorptance with respect to the first wavelength light of the light reflecting layer 212 after the formation of the label portion 210 and the absorptance with respect to the first wavelength light of the optical function layer 213. It has a larger property, and the first wavelength light is absorbed by this property. The absorption rate of the light absorption layer 215 for the first wavelength light is, for example, 70% or more, and typically 90% or more.

  When the first wavelength light is light in the near infrared region, the light absorption layer 215 contains, for example, a near infrared absorber and a resin. As this near-infrared absorbing agent, for example, carbon black used in process black ink can be used. As this resin, what is generally used in process ink can be used, for example. Here, the “near infrared region” means a wavelength region of 700 nm to 1500 nm.

  The light absorption layer 215 is formed by, for example, a printing method. Examples of the printing method include an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, and a flexographic printing method. The thickness of the light absorption layer 215 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 10 μm, and typically in the range of 0.5 to 5 μm. In order to form the light absorbing layer 215 on the surface of the housing 202, the ink cartridge 200 is set in the printing apparatus of the above printing method, and a bar coater is placed in a 30 mm × 30 mm region at a predetermined position on the surface of the housing 202. The ink A having the composition shown below was applied, and the dry film thickness was 1 μm. By drying this coating film, the light absorption layer 215 can be printed on the surface of the housing 202.

[Composition of Ink A]
FD Carton ACE Sumiro (Toyo Ink Co., Ltd.)

  The light reflecting layer 212 contains a metal or alloy in a predetermined uniform range distribution. The light reflecting layer 212 reflects the first wavelength light based on the distribution of the uniform range described above for at least the period from the completion of the label portion 210 to the irreversible treatment described later. Then, the light reflecting layer 212 is subjected to an irreversible treatment for melting the metal or alloy, so that the distribution of the metal or alloy from the previous uniform range in the range subjected to the treatment (the heat receiving range described later). By making it non-uniform, it has the property of irreversibly increasing the transmittance of the first wavelength light.

  The light reflection layer 212 has a reflectance R1 with respect to the first wavelength light within a range of 30 to 70%, for example, typically within a range of 40 to 60% before the irreversible treatment described later is performed. is there. Further, after the irreversible treatment described later, the reflectance R2 of the light reflection layer 212 with respect to the first wavelength light is, for example, in the range of 0 to 30%, and typically in the range of 0 to 10%. The ratio between the reflectance R2 and the reflectance R1 is, for example, within a range of less than 1.0, and typically within a range of 0.33 or less.

  The light reflecting layer 212 contains, for example, a metal such as tin, zinc, indium, bismuth, lead, solder, lead-free solder or an alloy thereof, and receives heat at a temperature exceeding the melting point of the contained metal or alloy. The melting of the alloy causes the distribution to become non-uniform, thereby irreversibly increasing the transmittance of the first wavelength light. The treatment for receiving heat from the light reflection layer 212 at a temperature exceeding the melting point of the metal or alloy is an irreversible treatment, and the temperature at that time is determined by the metal or alloy contained in the light reflection layer 212. The light reflecting layer 212 typically contains tin.

  The light reflecting layer 212 is typically a thin film made of a metal or an alloy. Alternatively, the light reflection layer 212 may be a layer including a scale-like metal or alloy and a binder that disperses it. In either case, the light reflecting layer 212 includes a metal or an alloy with a distribution in a predetermined uniform range.

  Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the mechanism in which the transmittance | permeability of the light reflection layer 212 becomes high by melting of a metal or an alloy, For example, the following mechanisms are assumed. That is, when the metal or alloy is melted, the molten metal or alloy is agglomerated in the subsequent cooling process. As a result, these metals or alloys become ball-shaped particles. As a result, a cavity is formed at a position where the alloy or metal is melted in the light reflecting layer 212. Therefore, the transmittance of the light reflecting layer 212 is improved.

  The light reflecting layer 212 is formed by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering. The thickness of the light reflecting layer 212 is, for example, in the range of 50 to 300 nm, and typically in the range of 50 to 100 nm. In this embodiment, the light reflecting layer 212 is a thin film layer made of tin, and the ink cartridge 200 formed as described above is set in a vapor deposition apparatus as described above, and the light absorbing layer is formed by vacuum vapor deposition. The light reflecting layer 212 having a thickness of 80 nm was formed so as to overlap the light absorbing layer 215.

  The optical function layer 213 formed so as to overlap the light reflecting layer 212 transmits the first wavelength light. The transmittance of the optical function layer 213 with respect to the first wavelength light is, for example, 30% or more, and is typically in the range of 30 to 60%.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical function layer 213 is formed in a pattern, and the formation pattern of the optical function layer 213 is configured as a one-dimensional code. The pattern of the optical function layer 213 can be configured as a two-dimensional code, and can also be configured as other patterns such as characters, symbols, patterns, and figures. In this case, the formation pattern of the optical function layer 213 can be made different according to information unique to the ink cartridge 200, for example, the ink color.

  The optical function layer 213 may be colored. For example, the optical function layer 213 may be a colored pattern. When the optical function layer 213 is a colored pattern, the optical function layer 213 and the light absorption layer 215 are preferably the same color. If the pattern formed by the optical function layer 213 and the light absorption layer 215 are the same color, the pattern formed by the optical function layer 213 is observed after the irreversible treatment for the light reflection layer 212 described above. It becomes impossible or observation becomes extremely difficult. As a result, it is possible to clearly grasp the irreversible treatment on the label unit 210 with the naked eye. Therefore, it is possible to psychologically suppress acts such as re-forming the label unit 210.

  The optical functional layer 213 is typically a black layer. For example, when the optical functional layer 213 covers the entire surface of the light reflecting layer 212, if the optical functional layer 213 is a black layer, it is possible to grasp with the naked eye whether or not an irreversible treatment is applied to the label unit 210. Is impossible or extremely difficult. Therefore, it is difficult to realize that the label portion 210 in the ink cartridge 200 has a special configuration. Here, “black” means that, when the intensity of specular reflection light is measured, the reflectance is 10% or less for all light components having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Yes.

  When the first wavelength light is in the near infrared region, the optical function layer 213 has a transmittance of the first wavelength light of 30% or more, a 700 to 800 nm wavelength region in the near infrared region, and a near infrared region. You may use what the transmittance | permeability difference of any wavelength is 10% or more in the wavelength range of 800-1500 nm of an area | region. In other words, the optical functional layer 213 may have a transmission spectrum in the near-infrared region showing a high transmittance with respect to the first wavelength light and a low transmittance at many other wavelengths. Here, as an example, the optical functional layer 213 has such optical characteristics. Here, when light having a wavelength different from the first wavelength (hereinafter referred to as second wavelength light) is also in the near infrared region, the optical function layer 213 with respect to the second wavelength light The transmittance can be lower than the transmittance of the optical function layer 213 with respect to the first wavelength light, for example, 80% or less of the transmittance of the optical function layer 213 with respect to the first wavelength light.

  The optical function layer 213 having the optical characteristics described above, that is, optical characteristics of selectively transmitting light in a part of the wavelength region out of light in the near-infrared region and absorbing the remaining light, For example, a predetermined near infrared absorber and a resin are included. For example, the near-infrared absorber absorbs the second wavelength light. As this near-infrared absorber, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a phthalocyanine compound, a naphthalocyanine compound, an anthraquinone compound, a diimonium compound, and a cyanine compound can be used. Moreover, as resin, what is generally used in process ink can be used, for example.

  The near-infrared absorber used in the optical function layer 213 is different from the near-infrared absorber used in the light absorption layer 215 in the absorption spectrum in the near-infrared region. For example, the near-infrared absorber used in the optical function layer 213 has a smaller absorption rate for the first wavelength light than the near-infrared absorber used in the light absorption layer 215.

  Even in the optical function layer 213, similarly to the light reflection layer 212, the optical function layer 213 is formed by a printing method such as an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, or a flexographic printing method. The thickness of the optical function layer 213 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 10 μm, and typically in the range of 0.5 to 3 μm. In order to form the optical function layer 213, for example, the ink cartridge 200 in which the light absorption layer 215 and the light reflection layer 212 are formed is set in an offset printing machine, and the following composition is formed so as to overlap the light reflection layer 212. Printing was performed with the pattern shown in FIG. 3 using ink B, and the dry film thickness was set to 1 μm. Thereafter, the optical functional layer 213 was formed on the light reflecting layer 212 by irradiating the coating film with ultraviolet rays. When the label portion 210 in which the light absorption layer 215, the light reflection layer 212, and the optical function layer 213 were laminated in this order was observed with the naked eye from the surface side of the housing 202, the whole looked black. That is, in the ink cartridge 200 of the present embodiment, the optical functional layer 213 is positioned on the light incident side in the label portion 210.

[Composition of ink B]
Organic blue pigment (manufactured by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by weight Organic red pigment (made by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 7 parts by weight Organic yellow pigment (manufactured by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 8 parts by weight UV curable offset ink medium (FD Carton ACE Medium) B: Toyo Ink Co., Ltd.) 80 parts by mass

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heating unit 100 faces the label portion 210 on the cartridge surface of the ink cartridge 200. In this case, the heating unit 100 can always be opposed to the label unit 210 of the ink cartridge 200, and the heating unit 100 can be installed on, for example, a two-dimensional table or a three-dimensional table so that the heating unit 100 can be moved forward and backward. You can also. The heating unit 100 includes a thermal head 102 so as to face the label unit 210, and receives the control from the main control unit 40 (FIG. 1) to heat the label unit 210 from the optical functional layer 213 side by the thermal head 102. . This heating at least heats the light reflecting layer 212 formed as a thin film layer made of tin as described above. The light reflecting layer 212 melts tin in the heat receiving range where heat is received from the thermal head 102. Causes the distribution to be non-uniform, and irreversibly increases the transmittance of the first wavelength light. In this way, the treatment that irreversibly increases the transmittance of the light reflection layer 212 with respect to the first wavelength light by heating the label unit 210 with the heating unit 100 is an irreversible treatment. The temperature was set to 250 ° C. (irreversible change temperature) at which at least a part of tin in the reflective layer 212 could be melted. When the thermal head 102 receives heat by the light reflecting layer 212 as described above, the thermal head 102 may be brought into contact with the surface of the label unit 210.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the label unit 210 and the heating unit 100 while the label unit 210 is viewed from the front of the optical functional layer 213, and FIG. 6 scans the label unit 210 in one direction with respect to the label unit 210. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly the mode of the change of the light reflection layer 212 in the case of having carried out. As shown in FIG. 5, in the heating unit 100, the thermal head 102 included in the heating unit 100 may be made to face only one location of the label unit 210 (FIG. 5A), and the two-dimensional or three-dimensional table described above. Thus, the label portion 210 can be scanned in the vertical and horizontal directions or in one direction thereof (FIG. 5B). In the case shown in FIG. 5A, by the above irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100, in the label portion 210, specifically, in the light reflection layer 212, in one heat receiving range facing the thermal head 102 of the heating unit 100, An irreversible increase in transmittance occurs. On the other hand, in the case shown in FIG. 5B, since the locus following the scanning locus of the heating unit 100 is the heat receiving range, the light reflecting layer 212 has a continuous heat receiving range following the scanning locus of the thermal head 102. , An irreversible increase in transmittance occurs.

  FIG. 6 shows a change in the light reflection layer 212 when the heating unit 100 scans in one direction. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a change state of the light reflecting layer 212 when the heating unit 100 scans the label portion 210 in one direction from the front view side. As shown in the drawing, the light reflecting layer 212 is subjected to an irreversible treatment in the range of the heat receiving part 212b corresponding to the heat receiving range following the scanning trajectory of the heating unit 100, and the heat receiving part 212b Increases transmittance irreversibly. On the other hand, in the non-heat receiving part 212a that has not received heat, the transmittance remains before the irreversible treatment. In the portion corresponding to the heat receiving portion 212 b in the label portion 210, the first wavelength light is transmitted through both the optical function layer 213 and the light reflecting layer 212. The first wavelength light is absorbed by the light absorption layer 215. Therefore, the part corresponding to the heat receiving part 212b in the label part 210 exhibits spectral characteristics mainly due to absorption in the light absorption layer 215 by irradiation with the first wavelength light. As a result, in this part, the spectral characteristic peculiar to the optical functional layer 213 cannot be detected, or it becomes extremely difficult to detect. That is, the spectral characteristics of the portion before and after the irreversible treatment are different from each other.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the function of the reading unit 150 and the label unit 210. As shown in the figure, the reading unit 150 faces the label portion 210 on the cartridge surface of the ink cartridge 200. In this case, the reading unit 150 can always face the label unit 210 as well as the heating unit 100, and can be installed on a two-dimensional table or a three-dimensional table so that it can advance and retreat with respect to the label unit 210. . The reading unit 150 includes an irradiation unit 152 and a light receiving unit 154 so as to face the label unit 210. Under the control of the main control unit 40 (FIG. 1), the light irradiation by the irradiation unit 152 and the light receiving unit 154 are performed. Read by. The irradiation unit 152 includes an infrared LED (light-emitting diode) and irradiates light having a wavelength of 800 nm (first wavelength light) as the first wavelength. The light receiving unit 154 is configured as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera, and receives the reflected light reflected by the light reflecting layer 212 from the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 152. In this case, the light receiving unit 154 is configured to receive light in the infrared region including the first wavelength with an optical filter (not shown). When the label unit 210 is illuminated with the first wavelength light, the label unit 210 exhibits spectral characteristics peculiar to the optical function layer 13 based on the scattered light from the light scattering layer 12. This spectral characteristic is specific to the specific configuration of the label unit 210. Therefore, the authenticity of the label unit 210 can be determined by measuring the spectral characteristics.

  The optical functional layer 13 has a transmittance difference of 10% or more between the wavelength range of 700 to 800 nm in the near infrared region and the wavelength range of 800 to 1500 nm in the near infrared region. Light that is in the light region or the above-described wavelength region and that has a transmittance lower than the transmittance of the first wavelength light with respect to the optical function layer 13 is irradiated from the irradiation unit 152, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit 154. Accordingly, it is possible to read information about the ink cartridge by recognizing the pattern formed on the optical functional layer 13.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the label unit 210 and the reading unit 150 while viewing the label unit 210 from the optical functional layer 213 side. As shown in the figure, the reading unit 150 irradiates light having the above-described wavelength (first wavelength) from the plurality of irradiation units 152 toward the entire surface of the label unit 210, and receives reflected light from the entire surface of the label unit 210. Receive light at. Therefore, even in the irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100 in any case described with reference to FIG. 5, the reading unit 150 displays the reflection state exhibited by the light reflection layer 212 that has caused an irreversible increase in transmittance due to this irreversible treatment. Can be read.

  The printer 20 executes the irreversible treatment using the thermal head 102 by the heating unit 100 at the timing when the ink stored in the ink cartridge 200 is used up (irreversible change timing). Specifically, the main control unit 40 obtains the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 200 from the accumulation of processed print jobs, and when the remaining amount becomes an expected ink amount that cannot cover the next print job. Then, a control signal is sent to the heating unit 100. Upon receiving this control signal, the heating unit 100 raises the temperature of the thermal head 102 to the irreversible change temperature (250 ° C.) and radiates the heat to the label unit 210. The time of heat radiation is set to a time sufficient for the light reflection layer 212 to receive heat and cause an irreversible increase in transmittance. When scanning the heating unit 100 as shown in FIG. 5B, the heat radiation time is secured while adjusting the scanning speed.

  When the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the carriage 30, the printer 20 transmits a control signal from the main control unit 40 to the reading unit 150 at that timing (reading timing). In response to this, the reading unit 150 performs light irradiation by the irradiation unit 152 and reflected light reading by the light receiving unit 154 and transmits the reading result to the main control unit 40. Since the main control unit 40 stores in advance the reading status before the irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100, the main control unit 40 is newly attached to the carriage 30 by comparing the reading result of the light receiving unit 154 with the stored reading status. It is possible to specify whether the ink cartridge 200 has not undergone irreversible treatment or has undergone such treatment. Alternatively, as described above, before and after the irreversible treatment, the spectral characteristics peculiar to the optical functional layer 213 are different, so that the ink cartridge 200 newly mounted on the carriage 30 performs the irreversible treatment based on the difference in the spectral characteristics. It is possible to identify whether the product has not been received or has been treated.

  More specifically, before receiving the irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100, the light reflecting layer 212 is the non-heat receiving portion 212a in the entire area. Therefore, when the label portion 210A is observed with the naked eye from the front surface of the ink cartridge 200 in which the ink cartridge 200 containing the prescribed full amount of ink is formed, the pattern in FIG. 3 appears black.

  When the ink cartridge 200 having the label unit 210 is used up by the printer 20 and the heating unit 100 is scanned with respect to the label unit 210A as shown in FIG. As shown, a new pattern image is generated in the range of the heat receiving portion 212 b corresponding to the heat receiving range following the scanning trajectory of the heating unit 100, and this overlaps the pattern of the optical function layer 213. Since the light receiving unit 154 transmits the reading result on which the new pattern image is overlapped to the main control unit 40, the main control unit 40 recognizes the pattern image on which the new pattern image is overlapped.

  The printing system PS of the present embodiment described above has the following advantages. The ink cartridge 200 according to the present embodiment includes a label portion 210 on the surface of the casing 202, and the light absorption layer 215, the light reflection layer 212, and the optical function layer 213 are laminated on the label portion 210 from the cartridge surface side. Let it be a laminated part. The label unit 210 is disposed via the heating unit 100 mounted on the print head unit 60 of the printer 20 at the above-described irreversible change timing with the ink cartridge 200 mounted on the carriage 30 as shown in FIG. Receive irreversible treatment. The light reflecting layer 212 of the label unit 210 is heated by the thermal head 102 of the heating unit 100 by receiving this irreversible treatment, and with respect to light having the first wavelength (800 nm) in the heat receiving range (see FIG. 5). Causes an irreversible increase in the transmittance of For this reason, the light reflection layer 212 of the label unit 210 has different transmittances for the first wavelength light (light having a wavelength of 800 nm) in the heat receiving range before and after the irreversible treatment with heat receiving.

  The printer 20 applies the first wavelength light (light having a wavelength of 800 nm) from the optical functional layer 213 side to the label portion 210 of the ink cartridge 200 at the above-described reading timing when the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the carriage 30. The light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 152 of the reading unit 150, and the reflection state of the first wavelength light from the optical function layer 213 is read by the light receiving unit 154 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). If the ink cartridge 200 newly mounted on the carriage 30 is a cartridge that has not been previously mounted on the carriage 30 and has a predetermined amount of ink stored therein, the cartridge is irreversibly treated by the heating unit 100. Not received. Therefore, the reading result by the light receiving unit 154 for the newly mounted ink cartridge 200 does not cause an irreversible increase in transmittance with respect to the first wavelength light (light having a wavelength of 800 nm).

  On the other hand, if the ink cartridge 200 newly mounted on the carriage 30 has been previously subjected to irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100, the reading result by the light receiving section 154 for the newly mounted ink cartridge 200 This reflects the irreversible increase in transmittance with respect to the first wavelength light (light having a wavelength of 800 nm). That is, the irreversible change in the transmittance of the light reflecting layer 212 of the label unit 210 that has undergone irreversible treatment is an electrical data update in the storage element, for example, information for updating data from a value 0 to a value 1 or vice versa. It corresponds to an update. Therefore, according to the ink cartridge 200 of the present embodiment, an irreversible change of the label unit 210 is electrically updated in the storage element, for example, information update for updating the data from the value 0 to the value 1 or vice versa. Therefore, a storage element is not required for updating information. Note that a storage element can be used in combination with the label portion 210.

  Further, according to the printer 20 of the present embodiment, the irreversible change in the transmittance of the light reflecting layer 212 in the label unit 210 is caused at the timing when the ink in the ink cartridge 200 is used up. Even if it is erroneously mounted on the carriage 30, it can be recognized by the user by displaying the fact of the erroneous mounting on the display unit 72 of the operation unit 70, and a storage element is not required for such recognition. If the formation pattern of the optical functional layer 213 is made different according to information unique to the ink cartridge 200, for example, the ink color, the ink color can be specified from the pattern reading result when the cartridge is mounted.

  Further, in the printer 20 of the present embodiment, the irreversible treatment is performed at the timing when the ink of the ink cartridge 200 is used up, and the transmittance of the light reflecting layer 212 in the label unit 210 is irreversibly increased. Ensure that the transmittance cannot be restored to the state before the irreversible treatment. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the above-described irreversible treatment is performed on the label unit 210 for the ink cartridge 200 whose authenticity is unknown. This means that the authenticity of the ink cartridge 200 whose authenticity is unknown can be determined. Therefore, the act of peeling off the label part 210 and trying to reuse it can be restrained.

  Next, a modified example will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the label portion 210A of the modified example when viewed from the front, and FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the label portion 210A of this modification is formed by laminating a light absorption layer 215, a light reflection layer 212, and an optical functional layer 213 on the surface of the casing 202 of the ink cartridge 200 in the form of a thin film. The optical functional layer 213 is provided with a light absorption pattern layer 214 laminated thereon. In this case, the optical function layer 213 is laminated so as to cover the entire main surface of the light reflecting layer 212, unlike the above-described embodiment. The light absorption pattern layer 214 is formed by forming a one-dimensional code-like pattern as shown in FIG. 10 on the optical function layer 213 using the same light absorption material as that of the light absorption layer 215, and interposing the optical function layer 213 therebetween. It faces the light reflecting layer 212 across the surface. In the example shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 is a one-dimensional code, but it may be a two-dimensional code-like pattern or other patterns such as characters, symbols, patterns and figures. You can also. If the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 is made different according to information unique to the ink cartridge 200, for example, the ink color, the ink color can be specified from the pattern reading result when the cartridge is mounted. Further, it is preferable that the light absorption pattern layer 214 has the same color as the optical function layer 213 or a light color as long as the light absorption pattern layer 214 exhibits a sufficient absorption rate with respect to the first wavelength light. This makes it difficult to understand the presence of the light absorption pattern layer 214 when the label portion 210A is observed with the naked eye.

  It is desirable that the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 is distributed over almost the entire region corresponding to the light reflection layer 212. This can make it difficult to analyze the spectral characteristics of the optical functional layer 213. The light absorption pattern layer 214 is formed by, for example, a printing method. Examples of the printing method include an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, and a flexographic printing method. Alternatively, the light absorption pattern layer 214 may be formed using a thermal transfer ribbon. In other words, the ink cartridge 200 in which the light absorption layer 215, the light reflection layer 212, and the optical function layer 213 are formed into a thin film is processed by the above printing method to form the light absorption pattern layer 214 on the surface of the optical function layer 213. To do. The thickness of the light absorption pattern layer 214 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 10 μm, and typically in the range of 0.5 to 2 μm.

  10A and 11B also exhibit different spectral characteristics before and after the irreversible treatment described above when irradiated with the first wavelength light. Therefore, by detecting this difference in spectral characteristics, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  More specifically, when the label part 210A was observed with the naked eye in a state before receiving the irreversible treatment described above, the whole appeared black and the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 was not visible. On the other hand, when the above-described label portion 210A is observed using the reading unit 150 or a camera capable of observation in the near infrared region, the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 can be confirmed. The one-dimensional code could be read. Therefore, as described above, if the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 is made different according to information unique to the ink cartridge 200, for example, the ink color, the ink color can be determined from the above-described reading result of the pattern when the cartridge is mounted. Can be identified.

  The light reflection layer 212 was heated by subjecting the label portion 210A to an irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100 described above, and a part of tin constituting the light reflection layer 212 was melted in the heat receiving range. Thereafter, when the label unit 210A after the irreversible treatment is observed using the reading unit 150 or a camera capable of observation in the near infrared region, an image based on the light absorption layer 215 at a position corresponding to the region in which tin is melted. Was observed. As a result, observation of the light absorption pattern layer 214 becomes difficult, and the one-dimensional code as the light absorption pattern layer 214 cannot be read.

  For the label portion 210A shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, ink C having the following composition may be used instead of the ink B described above for forming the optical functional layer 213. The film thickness and the like are as described above.

[Composition of ink C]
Organic blue pigment (manufactured by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by weight Organic red pigment (made by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 7 parts by weight Organic yellow pigment (made by Gokoku Color Co., Ltd.) 8 parts by weight Infrared absorber (YKR-3081: Yamamoto Kasei Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by mass Medium for UV curable offset ink (FD Carton ACE Medium B: Toyo Ink Co., Ltd.) 75 parts by mass

  Since the optical functional layer 213 formed of the ink C includes an infrared absorber that absorbs light (hereinafter, second wavelength light) having a wavelength (second wavelength) different from the first wavelength, the second wavelength. Absorbs light. When the label part 210A having the optical functional layer 213 formed of the ink C was also observed with the naked eye, the whole appeared black, and the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 was not visible. Further, when the label portion 210A is observed with a camera provided with a bandpass filter that transmits only light (first wavelength light) of wavelengths other than the second wavelength (for example, first wavelength), the light absorption pattern layer 214 I was able to confirm the pattern. That is, in the label part 210A in which the optical functional layer 213 is formed with the ink C, a one-dimensional code as a pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 can be read. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned label part 210A is observed with a camera provided with a bandpass filter that transmits the entire near-infrared region or only the wavelength region including the second wavelength, the optical property of absorbing the second wavelength light is observed. Due to the presence of the functional layer 213, it is difficult to confirm the light absorption pattern layer 214. As a result, under this condition, the one-dimensional code as the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer 214 could not be read.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a label portion 210B of another modified example in a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. As shown in the figure, the label portion 210B of this modification example is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 except that the light absorption pattern layer 214 is interposed between the optical function layer 213 and the light reflection layer 212. However, it has the same configuration as the label portion 210A described above.

  Even in the label part 210B shown in FIG. 12, when irradiated with the first wavelength light, different spectral characteristics are exhibited before and after the irreversible treatment described above. Therefore, by detecting this difference in spectral characteristics, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  Further, in the label portion 210B shown in FIG. 12, the optical functional layer 213 is made a colored layer, and in particular, the optical functional layer 213 is made a black layer, thereby making it difficult to recognize the presence of the light absorption pattern layer 214. Can do.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a label portion 210C of still another modified example in a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. As shown in the figure, the label portion 210C of this modification has the same structure as that shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 except that the light scattering layer 216 interposed between the optical functional layer 213 and the light reflecting layer 212 is further provided. It has the same configuration as the label unit 210 described with reference.

  The light scattering layer 216 is provided on the front side of the light reflection layer 212. The light scattering layer 216 has a property of transmitting the first wavelength light and scattering light in the visible light region. Thereby, when the label part 210C is observed with the naked eye, the metallic luster due to the presence of the light reflecting layer 212 can be made difficult to be visually recognized. Therefore, in the label part 210C including the light scattering layer 216 having the above properties, the light reflection layer 212 that is laminated on the light scattering layer 216 and positioned on the housing 202 side is formed as a layer containing a metal or an alloy. It can be difficult to be realized. The light scattering layer 216 can have the above properties by including, for example, white ink.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing another form of forming the label portion. In this embodiment, an adhesive layer 230 is formed on the label portion 210 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, and the label portion 210 is attached to the surface of the housing 202 with the adhesive layer 230. In forming the adhesive layer 230, for example, a printing substrate made of paper, plastic, wood, glass or resin is prepared, and the light reflecting layer 212 and the optical functional layer 213 are printed and formed in this order on one surface. Then, an adhesive layer 230 is formed on the other surface of the printing substrate by applying an adhesive or the like, and the label portion 210 is bonded to the surface of the housing 202 via the adhesive layer 230. Even if it does in this way, there can exist the effect mentioned above. In this case, if the label unit 210 that has been subjected to the irreversible treatment by the heating unit 100 is peeled off from the ink cartridge 200 and reattached to another ink cartridge 200, the reading is performed when the other ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the carriage 30. By reading the unit 150 as described above, the other ink cartridge 200 can display on the display unit 72 of the operation unit 70, for example, that an ink cartridge that has been used up for ink has been accidentally mounted.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to above-described embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it is possible to implement in various aspects. For example, the label portion 210, the label portion 210A, and the like can be covered with a light-transmitting thin film-like or thin-leaf-like protective layer that transmits light of almost the entire wavelength.

  In the above embodiment, the heating unit 100 having the thermal head 102 is used for the irreversible treatment performed on the label part 210, the label part 210A, etc., but the light reflecting layer 212 is heated using a metal heater. The light reflection layer 212 may be irradiated with laser light, microwaves, or the like to generate heat, and the heat of the light reflection layer 212 may be irreversibly increased by receiving the heat.

PS ... Printing system 20 ... Printer 21 ... Sub-scan feed mechanism 22 ... Paper feed motor 26 ... Paper feed roller 27 ... Main scan feed mechanism 30 ... Carriage 32 ... Carriage motor 34 ... Slide shaft 36 ... Drive belt 38 ... Pulley 40 ... Main control unit 60 ... print head unit 70 ... operation unit 72 ... display unit 80 ... connector 90 ... computer 100 ... heating unit 102 ... thermal head 150 ... reading unit 152 ... irradiation unit 154 ... light receiving unit 200 ... ink cartridge 201 ... ink storage Part 202 ... Housing 210, 210A to 210C ... Label part 212 ... Light reflecting layer 212a ... Non-heat receiving part 212b ... Heat receiving part 213 ... Optical functional layer 214 ... Light absorption pattern layer 215 ... Light absorption layer 216 ... Light scattering layer 230 ... Adhesive layer PA ... Paper

Claims (11)

A cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength on the cartridge surface; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and is interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A light reflection layer including a metal or an alloy, and the light absorption layer is provided so as to be on the cartridge surface side,
When the light reflecting layer receives heat at a temperature that causes melting of the metal or alloy, the distribution of the metal or alloy becomes non-uniform due to the heat reception, and the light transmittance layer irreversibly increases.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength is in an infrared region, and the optical functional layer is a black layer.   The wavelength is in the near infrared region, the transmittance of the optical functional layer at the wavelength is 30% or more, the 700 to 800 nm wavelength region in the near infrared region, and the 800 to 1500 nm wavelength in the near infrared region. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the difference in transmittance of any wavelength in the region is 10% or more.   The optical functional layer is a colored pattern facing a part of the light absorbing layer with the light reflecting layer interposed therebetween, and the light absorbing layer is a colored layer having the same color as the optical functional layer. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The light absorption pattern layer which formed the pattern of the shape which occupies a part of said optical function layer with the material which absorbs the light of the said wavelength in the surface of either the front and back of the said optical function layer is provided. 3. The cartridge according to any one of 3.   The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the pattern of the light absorption pattern layer and the optical function layer have the same color.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light scattering layer that is provided on a front surface side of the light reflection layer and transmits light of the wavelength and scatters light in a visible light region.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the optical functional layer, the light absorption layer, and the light reflection layer are directly formed on the cartridge surface or bonded to the cartridge surface. A cartridge containing a printing material used for printing,
An optical functional layer that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a light absorbing layer that faces the optical functional layer and absorbs light of the wavelength; and a metal or an alloy interposed between the light absorbing layer and the optical functional layer. A laminated light reflection layer is included,
The light reflecting layer has a property of irreversibly increasing the transmittance of light of the wavelength by receiving heat at a temperature causing melting of the metal or alloy,
The optical functional layer is a cartridge located on the light incident side of the wavelength. A printing device,
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is mountable,
A printing apparatus comprising an irreversible treatment unit that performs an irreversible treatment of applying heat to the light reflecting layer so that the transmittance of the light of the wavelength of the light reflecting layer increases irreversibly. The printing apparatus according to claim 10,
A reading unit that irradiates the optical functional layer with light of the wavelength and reads the reflection state;
A printing apparatus comprising: a comparison unit that compares the state of reflection read by the reading unit before and after the irreversible treatment.

Images