JP2016190403A - Consumable supply information communication system of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely request input of information for specifying a characteristic of a consumable supply which cannot be confirmed as a conforming product suitable for using in an own device.SOLUTION: Availability of communication is determined by sequentially changing a frequency of an AC current flowing in a communication part 32c of a main body side R/W part 32a within a bandwidth of a resonance frequency between frequencies A-E between both of communication parts 34c, 32c of an IC tag 34a of an ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in a replenishment part 32, and the main body side R/W part 32a of the replenishment part 32, and sequentially changing a distance between both of the communication parts 34c, 32c between interval patterns 1-5. From a determination result, control depending on a characteristic of ink in the ink cartridge is carried out by a control part 10 by using ink information read from a storage part 34b of the IC tag 34a when the ink cartridge 34 is recognized as a regular product (a genuine product), and by using ink information input by a user when the cartridge is recognized as not a regular product (a general-purpose product).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable product information communication system of a printing apparatus that communicates consumable product information between a consumable product unit including a consumable product and a storage unit that stores the consumable product information and a printing apparatus in which the consumable product unit is set.

  For example, in a printing apparatus such as an ink jet recording apparatus or a stencil printing apparatus, the characteristics of consumables such as ink to be used and stencil paper are assumed in advance, and the operation of the apparatus is optimized according to the assumed characteristics.

  Therefore, when consumables are replaced, a proposal is made to read information from an IC tag attached to the container of consumables, and to check whether or not the product is suitable for use with the device itself from the read information. Exists. In this proposal, when it is confirmed that the product is a nonconforming product, in order to optimize the operation of the apparatus in accordance with the property of the consumable product, the user is requested to input information that can specify the property of the consumable product ( For example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-255585 A

  For the nonconforming product, the same information as the conforming IC tag is stored in the nonconforming product IC tag in order to release the user from the burden of inputting information that can specify the characteristics of the consumables. It can be considered that the product is confirmed to be compatible at the time of replacement.

  However, when consumables are replaced with nonconforming products, if the consumables continue to be used without specifying the characteristics of the consumables and optimizing the operation of the device, ink clogging and stencil paper will eventually occur. There is a possibility that unexpected troubles such as poor perforation and thermal head failure may occur. For this reason, when placing emphasis on print quality and device failure prevention, for consumables that cannot be confirmed to be suitable for use on the device itself, it may be required to input information that can specify the characteristics of the consumables. It becomes important.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to request the input of information that can specify the characteristics of consumables for consumables that cannot be confirmed to be suitable for use in its own device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a consumables information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
Consumables comprising storage means (for example, storage unit 34b in FIG. 2) for storing consumables (for example, ink circulating in ink circulation unit 31 in FIG. 2) and consumable information (for example, ink information in FIG. 3). When a unit (for example, the ink cartridge 34 in FIG. 2) is set in a printing apparatus (for example, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 1), the printing operation of the printing apparatus is controlled using the consumable information. A consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus that communicates the consumable information between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus,
Each time a predetermined communication event occurs (eg, YES in step S1 in FIG. 5, YES in step S3, and YES in step S5), a plurality of resonance frequencies are used between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus. Determination means for determining whether communication is possible (for example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2, steps S13 and S15 in FIG. 5, and step S33 in FIG. 6);
When the determination results of the determination means are all capable of communication using a plurality of resonance frequencies (YES in step S17 in FIG. 5 and YES in step S35 in FIG. 6), one of the plurality of resonance frequencies is used. Acquisition means (for example, control unit 10 in FIG. 2, step S19 in FIG. 5, step S37 in FIG. 6) for acquiring consumable information from the storage means by communication between the printing apparatus and the consumable unit;
A consumable for normally operating the printing apparatus using the set consumable when the determination result of the determining means is that communication using at least some of the resonance frequencies is not possible. Input request means for requesting input of information (for example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2, step S21 in FIG. 5, step S39 in FIG. 6);
It is characterized by providing.

A consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Distance changing means (for example, the actuator 32b in FIG. 2) capable of changing the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus;
A fixed distance determining unit that fixes the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus at a fixed distance and determines whether communication using the plurality of resonance frequencies is possible between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus. For example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2 and step S13 in FIG.
Whether the communication using the plurality of resonance frequencies is performed between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus at each distance while changing the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus by the distance changing unit. Distance change determination means (for example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2, step S15 in FIG. 5) for determining,
The determination unit performs the determination based on at least one of a determination result by the distance fixing determination unit and a determination result by the distance change determination unit.
It is characterized by that.

Further, a consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the consumables unit set in the printing apparatus is replaced. And a replacement detection means (for example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2, step S7 in FIG. 5, step S27 in FIG. 6),
The predetermined communication event includes power-on of the printing apparatus and replacement detection by the replacement detection means (for example, step S1 and step S7 in FIG. 5, step S27 in FIG. 6),
The determination unit is configured to detect the replacement detection timing by the replacement detection unit (step S27 in FIG. 6) or when the power is turned on for the first time after the replacement detection by the replacement detection unit (YES in step S1 in FIG. 5 and step S7). YES), the determination is performed based on the determination result by the distance fixing determination unit and the determination result by the distance change determination unit (for example, step S13 and step S15 in FIG. 5).
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to request the input of information that can specify the characteristics of a consumable for a consumable that cannot be confirmed as a compatible product suitable for use in its own device.

  That is, according to the consumables information communication system of the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a consumable unit is set, a plurality of consumables units and the printing apparatus are provided each time an acquisition event occurs. The determination unit determines whether communication using the resonance frequency is possible. That is, when the frequency of the resonance signal used on the printing device side is changed, a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling occurs on the consumable unit side, and for example, sufficient power is consumed to enable communication with the printing device side. It is judged by the judging means whether or not it has occurred on the unit side and communication between both has become possible.

  As a result, when a determination result indicating that communication is possible using all resonance frequencies is obtained, the consumable information in the storage means of the consumable unit is obtained by communication using one of the resonance frequencies determined to be communicable. Is acquired by the printing apparatus.

  In addition, when a determination result indicating that communication is not possible is obtained when at least some resonance frequencies among a plurality of frequencies are used, the printing apparatus can be operated normally using the consumables of the set consumable unit. Input of consumable information is requested by the input request means.

  Therefore, for example, when emphasis is placed on print quality and device failure prevention, when a consumable unit that cannot be confirmed to be suitable for use on its own device is set, consumable information that can specify the characteristics of the consumable Can be requested.

  Further, according to the consumable information communication system for the printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the consumable information communication system for the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus is If the distance can be changed by the distance changing means, the distance fixing determining means determines whether communication using a plurality of resonance frequencies is possible with the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus fixed at a fixed distance.

  At the same time, the distance change determination means determines whether communication using a plurality of resonance frequencies is possible at each distance while changing the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus to a plurality of distances. Based on at least one of the determination result of the distance fixing determination unit and the determination result of the distance change determination unit, communication using the plurality of resonance frequencies between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus is permitted. Is determined by the determining means.

  For this reason, using a simple determination with a fixed interval between the consumable unit and the printing device and a detailed determination with a changed interval, it is possible to determine whether communication using multiple resonance frequencies is possible according to the situation. can do.

  Furthermore, according to the consumables information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the consumables information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the power is turned off after the consumable unit is replaced. When the printer is turned on, or when the consumable unit is replaced while the printer is turned on, both the determination result by the distance fixing determination unit and the determination result by the distance change determination unit are used. The determination unit determines whether communication using the resonance frequency is possible. For this reason, it is possible to increase the reliability of the determination result performed by the determination unit immediately after the consumable unit is replaced.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the inkjet recording device by which the consumable goods information communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is mounted. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an ink path of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of ink information of ink stored in a memory of an IC chip of the ink cartridge of FIG. 2. The ink information of the IC tag of the ink cartridge and the main body side reader / writer unit inserted (set) in the replenishment unit of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 2 constituting the consumable information communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the part in connection with communication. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure when the IC tag reader / writer of the replenishing unit reads out ink information from the IC tag memory of the ink cartridge of FIG. 4 performed by the control of the control unit of FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure when the IC tag reader / writer of the replenishing unit reads out ink information from the IC tag memory of the ink cartridge of FIG. 4 performed by the control of the control unit of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication determination and authentication process (1) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication determination and authentication process (2) of FIG.

  Embodiments of a consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or equivalent parts and components are denoted by the same or equivalent reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and different from the actual ones. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

  Further, the embodiment described below exemplifies an apparatus or the like for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is to arrange the components and the like as follows. Not specific. The technical idea of the present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the claims.

  In the following description, in the drawing, the sheet conveyance direction is the X-axis direction or the sub-scanning direction, and the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is the Y-axis direction, the main scanning direction, or the width direction of the recording medium. Further, a direction orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis directions is taken as a Z-axis direction or a vertical direction.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus equipped with a consumable information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An ink jet recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 mainly includes a paper feed unit 2, a transport unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a paper discharge unit 6, and a control unit 10.

  The paper feed unit 2 picks up the sheets 9 stacked on the paper feed tray 7 one by one by the pickup roller 8 and feeds them to the transport unit 3.

  The transport unit 3 transports the paper 9 fed by the paper feed unit 2 to the transport belt 16 by the registration rollers 12, and further transports the paper 9 to the paper discharge unit 6 side by the transport belt 16. The conveyor belt 16 is an endless belt that is stretched around the driven roller 13, the tension roller 14, and the driving roller 15, and a platen 17 is disposed inside (downward) the conveyor belt 16.

  The transport belt 16 and the platen 17 are provided with a number of holes (not shown). In the transport unit 3, the suction fan 18 sucks air through the holes, whereby the paper 9 is adsorbed to the transport belt 16. Are transported.

  The image forming unit 4 includes four head units 21, 22, 23, 24 of K color (black), C color (cyan), M color (magenta), and Y color (yellow) held by the head unit holding unit 25. And is disposed to face the conveyance unit 3.

  Each of the head units 21 to 24 is a line head having a width equal to or larger than the recording area width of the paper 9 in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper 9. Each head unit 21 to 24 discharges ink droplets of each color from a nozzle (not shown) over the entire width in the main scanning direction of the paper 9 that the transport unit 3 transports in the sub-scanning direction. Images of each color are printed on the paper 9 by the ink droplets.

  The paper discharge unit 6 sandwiches the paper 9 on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 4 with the discharge roller pair 27 and discharges the paper 9 to the discharge tray 28. The discharge tray 28 can accommodate a plurality of discharged recording media.

  Next, the configuration of the ink path in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the ink path of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. FIG. 2 shows an ink path representatively related to one color ink among the four color inks related to the head units 21 to 24 of K color, C color, M color, and Y color. Therefore, the ink path having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is provided independently for each of the K, C, M, and Y colors.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink path 30 of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is roughly classified into an ink circulation part 31, a replenishment part 32 for replenishing ink to the ink circulation part 31, and the ink circulation part 31. A waste liquid portion 33 that stores the ink that has become overflowed or overflowed, and a pressure adjustment portion 57 that adjusts the pressure in the ink circulation portion 31 are provided.

  The ink circulation unit 31 can be roughly divided into a first ink path 44 and a second ink path 45.

  The first ink path 44 passes from the image forming unit 4 via the ink distributor 49 and the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24) from the upper tank 38 disposed above the image forming unit 4 in the gravity direction. Is a path through which ink flows due to gravity (water head difference) to the lower tank 39 disposed below the gravity direction.

  The second ink path 45 is a path through which ink flows from the lower tank 39 to the upper tank 38 via the pump 41, the heat exchanger 42, and the filter 43 by the power of the pump 41.

  The heat exchanger 42 heats and / or cools the ink flowing in the ink circulation unit 31 to adjust the temperature of the ink to a temperature suitable for ejection from the nozzles of the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24). To do. The filter 43 removes foreign matters from the ink flowing through the ink circulation unit 31 and supplies the foreign matter to the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24), thereby preventing nozzle clogging.

  When the joint portion 36 of the replenishing unit 32 is connected to the supply port 35 of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 by the operation of an actuator (not shown), the ink in the ink cartridge 34 is transferred to the lower tank 39. It is supplied via a refill valve 37.

  The ink cartridge 34 filled with genuine ink is initially inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32. However, the ink cartridge 34 filled with general-purpose ink is inserted into the replenishing unit 32 during replacement. (Set) in some cases.

  An IC tag 34a is attached to the surface of the ink cartridge 34 filled with genuine ink. The IC tag 34a includes a nonvolatile storage unit 34b. The storage unit 34b has a non-rewritable system area and a rewritable data area. In these areas, ink information relating to ink filled in the ink cartridge 34 is stored.

  Ink information stored in the storage unit 34 b of the IC tag 34 a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is stored in the main body side reader / writer (R / W) unit 32 a of the refilling unit 32. Data can be read out by communication with the IC tag 34a. Further, the main body side R / W unit 32a can store new information (including overwriting storage) in the data area of the storage unit 34b through communication performed with the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34.

  The main body side R / W unit 32a can change the distance from the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 by the operation of the actuator 32b based on the control of the control unit 10. it can.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of ink information written in advance in the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a when the ink cartridge 34 is shipped. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ink information includes fixed information that is stored in the system area of the storage unit 34 b in an unrewritable manner and variable information that is stored in the data area of the storage unit 34 b in a rewritable manner.

  The fixed information includes the ID for identification of the IC tag 34a, viscosity information indicating the viscosity of the ink, model information of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 suitable for use of the ink, and the ink jet recording apparatus 1 using the ink in the ink cartridge 34 normally. It includes control data for operation, an authentication password set for the ink cartridge 34, and the like. The variable information includes ink remaining amount information and the like.

  The ink remaining amount information indicates the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge 34 and is updated to a value corresponding to the ink consumption in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 by the control of the control unit 10 every time an update event occurs. This update event may occur, for example, at regular intervals, or may occur every time print processing of a print job ends.

  Specifically, the control unit 10 stores the default remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge 34 in the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a, and then accompanies the amount of ink circulating through the ink circulation unit 31, processing of the print job, and the like. The remaining ink amount in the storage unit 34b is sequentially rewritten to the remaining ink amount calculated in consideration of the ink consumption amount.

  Note that details of communication performed between the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 and the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings. Explained.

  Returning to the description of the ink path in the ink jet recording apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the space above the ink liquid levels 46 and 54 of the upper tank 38 and the lower tank 39 is the upper tank solenoid valve 53 and the lower tank solenoid. Each is connected to an overflow tank 52 via a valve 56. Since the overflow tank 52 is always exposed to the atmosphere, the upper tank 38 and the lower tank 39 are opened to the atmosphere by opening and closing (opening / closing) the upper tank solenoid valve 53 and the lower tank solenoid valve 56, respectively. Can be sealed.

  A bellows 58 of the pressure adjustment unit 57 is connected to the second ink path 45. The bellows 58 extends by the weight of the weight 59 when the bellows lifting mechanism 61 is moved downward. When the lower tank 39 is sealed and the bellows 58 is extended, a negative pressure is applied to the space above the ink surface 55, and a meniscus is formed at the nozzles of the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24). Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking from the nozzle when ink droplets are not ejected.

  The waste liquid unit 33 shown in FIG. 2 includes a tank tray 62, a waste liquid tank 63, a waste ink amount detection unit 64, a tank attachment detection unit 65, and the overflow tank 52 described above.

  As described above, the overflow tank 52 is connected to the space on the ink liquid levels 46 and 54 of the upper tank 38 and the lower tank 39. Therefore, even if ink overflows from the upper tank 38 or the lower tank 39 due to an abnormality in the apparatus, the leaked ink can be stored in the overflow tank 52.

  The overflow tank 52 is connected to the waste liquid tank 63 through a tube. The waste liquid tank 63 is disposed on the tank tray 62 and is detachable from the tank tray 62.

  The waste liquid tank 63 is also connected to the replenishing unit 32 through a tube. Thereby, the ink leaked to the outside when the ink cartridge 34 is replaced is sent to the waste liquid tank 63 as waste liquid through the tube.

  The waste liquid tank 63 is shared by all colors, not K color, C color, M color, and Y color, and ink is supplied to the waste liquid tank 63 from the line heads 50 (head units 21 to 24) of the respective colors. A configuration for collecting may be provided for each color.

  The tank tray 62 has a waste ink amount detection unit 64 that detects the amount of ink stored in the waste liquid tank 63, and a tank that detects whether or not the waste liquid tank 63 is mounted by weight detection or optical detection. An attachment detection unit 65 is provided. When the waste ink amount detection unit 64 detects that a predetermined amount of waste liquid has accumulated in the waste liquid tank 63, the control unit 10 suggests replacement to the user by, for example, display on a display (not shown) of the operation panel 68. An alarm is announced.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the fixed information acquired from the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 by the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32 is used to The control part 10 determines the control content. Accordingly, the ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink replenishment operation from the ink cartridge 34 to the lower tank 39, an ink circulation operation in the ink circulation unit 31, and an ink ejection operation of each color from the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24). 1 is executed according to the control content determined by the control unit 10.

  Next, the consumable information communication system according to the present invention is configured, and the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted into the replenishing unit 32 of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 and the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32, Elements for executing communication between the two will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of elements constituting the consumable information communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where ink information is communicated between the IC tag 34 a of the ink cartridge 34 shown in FIG. 2 and the main body side R / W unit 32 a of the replenishing unit 32 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  In this case, reading and writing of ink information to the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 shown in FIG. This is performed by the main body side R / W unit 32a.

  The main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32 can be configured by, for example, an IC chip. The main body side R / W unit 32a includes a communication unit 32c with a built-in antenna that performs communication with the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34, a communication control unit 32d that controls the operation thereof, and an overall control unit 32e for overall control. And a storage unit 32f having a work area used for control processing of the overall control unit 32e and a data area for holding data.

  The IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 can be constituted by an IC chip, for example. The IC tag 34a includes a communication unit 34c with a built-in antenna that performs communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishment unit 32, a communication control unit 34d that controls the operation thereof, and an overall control unit 34e for overall control. have. The storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a described above is connected to the overall control unit 34e, and has a work area used for control processing of the overall control unit 34e and a data area for holding data.

  The IC tag 34a does not have its own power supply, and the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication unit 34c of the IC tag 34a have built-in antennas having the same resonance frequency. Therefore, for example, when an alternating current having a resonance frequency is passed through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a, an alternating current of the resonance frequency is applied to the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34c of the IC tag 34a due to a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling. Electric power is generated and sufficient power is supplied to the IC tag 34a to enable communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a. Using this electric power, the IC tag 34a reads and writes ink information to and from the storage unit 34b, and transmits and receives data to and from the main body side R / W unit 32a by a known method called a so-called passive method.

  Note that the built-in antennas of the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a are configured to resonate in a frequency band of a certain width. That is, the resonance frequency of the built-in antennas of both communication units 32c and 34c has a certain bandwidth. Therefore, even if the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a is changed within this bandwidth range, the alternating current of the same frequency is caused to resonate by the resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling. The power can be supplied to the IC tag 34a from the main body side R / W unit 32a by flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34c of 34a.

  Next, the procedure when the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32 reads out the ink information from the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 performed by the control unit 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do. Note that the control unit 10 executes the control of the procedure of FIG. 5 periodically and repeatedly.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 10 confirms whether or not the power source of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on (step S1). If the power is turned on (YES in step S1), step S7 described later is performed. In step S3, the control unit 10 confirms whether or not the power saving mode of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has been canceled (NO in step S1).

  When the power saving mode is canceled (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S7. When the power saving mode is not canceled (NO in step S3), the control unit 10 has already turned on the power source of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. It is confirmed whether or not it is turned on (step S5). If the power is already turned on (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG. 6 to be described later. If the power is not turned on (NO in step S5), the series of processes is terminated. .

  Then, when it is confirmed that the power supply of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is turned on at step S1 (YES), and when it is confirmed that the power saving mode of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is released at step S3 (YES). In step S7, the control unit 10 confirms whether or not the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing unit 32 has been replaced before turning on the power or canceling the power saving mode.

  Whether or not the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing part 32 has been replaced is determined by, for example, the connection of the joint part 36 of the replenishing part 32 to the supply port 35 of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing part 32 (not shown). It can be confirmed by whether or not the joint portion 36 is reconnected to the supply port 35 after being released by the operation of the actuator.

  If the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing unit 32 has not been exchanged before turning on the power or canceling the power saving mode (NO in step S7), the series of processing ends, and if it has been exchanged (YES in step S7). ), The control unit 10 confirms whether or not the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b exists in the replaced ink cartridge 34 (step S9).

  When confirming whether or not the IC cartridge 34a having the storage unit 34b is present in the replaced ink cartridge 34 of the replenishment unit 32, the control unit 10 may, for example, communicate with the main body side R / W unit 32a. An alternating current for confirming a predetermined resonance frequency is passed through the built-in antenna of the unit 32c, and then a confirmation signal is transmitted from the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c.

  If the ink cartridge 34 includes an IC tag 34a having a storage unit 34b that stores ink information of a legitimate product (genuine product), the resonance frequency is applied to the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a. By passing an alternating current for confirming the above, an alternating current having a resonance frequency is generated in the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34c of the IC tag 34a due to a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling, and communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a becomes possible. Sufficient power is supplied to the IC tag 34a.

  Then, the confirmation signal is received by the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34d of the IC tag 34a operated with the supplied power, and a response signal corresponding thereto is communicated via the communication control unit 34d under the control of the overall control unit 34c. It is transmitted from the built-in antenna of the unit 34c.

  Therefore, the control unit 10 sends an AC current for checking the resonance frequency to the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a, and then sends a response signal from the communication unit 34d of the IC tag 34a to the main body side R. Whether or not the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b storing the ink information of the genuine product (genuine product) is present in the ink cartridge 34 depending on whether or not the communication unit 32c of the / W unit 32a has received. can do.

  When the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b does not exist in the replaced ink cartridge 34 of the replenishment unit 32 (NO in step S9), the control unit 10 performs control to display an error display on the display of the operation panel 68. After that (step S11), a series of processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b is present in the replaced ink cartridge 34 of the replenishment unit 32 (YES in step S9), the control unit 10 performs communication determination and authentication processing (1) (step S13). And a communication determination and authentication process (2) (step S15) are performed sequentially.

  Among these, in the communication determination and authentication process (1) in step S13, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 10 determines whether the main body side R / W unit 32a and the built-in antennas of the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a are connected. In step S131, it is checked whether a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling has occurred and communication is possible.

  Specifically, in the confirmation in step S131, the control unit 10 uses the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a to cause a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling between the built-in antennas of both the communication units 32c and 34c. The frequency of the alternating current to be flowed is sequentially changed to frequencies A to E (A <B <C <D <E) within the resonance frequency bandwidth under the control of the communication control unit 32d.

  And when the alternating current of each frequency A-E is made to flow into the built-in antenna of the communication part 32c, the alternating current of the same frequency A-E is caused by the resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling in the built-in antenna of the communication part 34c of the IC tag 34a. Power is supplied to the IC tag 34a to enable communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a, and between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a. Check if communication is possible.

  If communication is possible at all frequencies A to E (YES in step S131), the control unit 10 has been authenticated by the authentication password read from the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a by communication. It is confirmed whether or not (step S133).

  If the authentication is successful (OK) (YES in step S133), the control unit 10 confirms that the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is a legitimate product in the storage unit 32f of the main body side R / W unit 32a. After storing (genuine product) (step S135), the communication determination and authentication process (1) is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if authentication could not be performed (NO in step S133), communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a is performed even if an alternating current is caused to flow through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c for at least some frequencies A to E. Enough power is not supplied to the IC tag 34a due to a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling, and communication cannot be performed between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a. It will be.

  Therefore, in this case, the control unit 10 stores in the storage unit 32f of the main body side R / W unit 32a that the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishment unit 32 is not a valid product (general product). After that (step S137), the communication determination and authentication process (1) is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  Further, in the communication determination and authentication process (2) in step S15, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 10 operates the actuator 32b so that the body side R / W unit 32a and the replenishment unit 32 of the replenishment unit 32 operate. The distance between the inserted (set) ink cartridge 34 and the IC tag 34a is set to the interval pattern n = 1 with the shortest interval (step S151).

  Next, the control unit 10 executes a communication test between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a (step S152), and whether the interval pattern n reaches n = 5. It is confirmed whether or not (step S153).

  In the communication test in step S152, the control unit 10 causes the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c to sequentially flow alternating currents having frequencies A to E within the bandwidth of the resonance frequency in the same manner as in step S131. Then, an alternating current having the same frequency A to E is generated in the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34c of the IC tag 34a by a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling, and power sufficient to enable communication with the main body side R / W unit 32a. Is supplied to the IC tag 34a, and it is checked whether communication is possible between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c, 34c of the IC tag 34a.

  In step S153, if the interval pattern n does not reach n = 5 (less than n = 5) (NO in step S153), the control unit 10 operates the actuator 32b so that the main body side of the replenishment unit 32 After the distance pattern n is increased by one by increasing the distance between the R / W unit 32a and the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 by one pitch (step S154), step The process returns to S152.

  When the interval pattern n reaches n = 5 (n = 5) (YES in step S153), the control unit 10 performs the communication test in step S152 executed for each of the interval patterns 1 to 5, respectively. From the result, it is determined whether or not the pattern indicating whether communication is possible is a normal pattern corresponding to the genuine (genuine) ink cartridge 34 (step S155).

  For example, when the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is a legitimate product (genuine product), if the alternating current flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c is the frequency A, the interval pattern n is n = Communication is possible when the frequency is 1, communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1, 2, and communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1-3. Thus, when the frequency is D, communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1 to 4, and when the frequency is E, communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1 to 5.

  This is because, when the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a is changed, even if the current value is the same, the electromagnetic coupling is established between the built-in antenna of the communication unit 34d of the IC tag 34a. This is based on the fact that the distance between the antennas where the resonance phenomenon occurs is changed.

  Therefore, when the communication result is the same pattern as that of the above-described legitimate (genuine) ink cartridge 34, the control unit 10 determines that the communication availability pattern is a normal pattern.

  On the other hand, for example, if the alternating currents flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c are frequencies A and B, communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1, and if the alternating pattern is frequency C, the interval pattern n is n = n. When the frequency pattern is D, the communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1 to 4, and when the frequency is E, the communication is possible when the interval pattern n is n = 1-5. When communication is possible, the communicable interval pattern at the frequency B is different from the normal pattern.

  As described above, when the communication availability pattern at least in some frequencies A to E does not match the pattern of the genuine (genuine) ink cartridge 34, the control unit 10 changes the communication availability pattern to a pattern that is not a normal pattern. Is determined.

  If the communication availability pattern is not a normal pattern (NO in step S155), the process proceeds to step S158 to be described later. If the pattern is a normal pattern (YES in step S155), the control unit 10 Similarly to step S133, it is confirmed whether or not the authentication has been made by the authentication password read from the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a by communication (step S156).

  If the authentication is successful (YES in step S156), the control unit 10 determines that the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishment unit 32 is a legitimate product in the storage unit 32f of the main body side R / W unit 32a. After storing that it is (genuine product) (step S157), the communication determination and authentication process (2) is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. On the other hand, when the authentication cannot be performed (NO in step S156), the control unit 10 shifts the process to step S158.

  In step S <b> 158, the control unit 10 stores the storage unit of the main body side R / W unit 32 a in step S <b> 155 in which the communication availability pattern is not a normal pattern (NO) and the process proceeds to step S <b> 156 where authentication is not possible (NO). The fact that the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is not a legitimate product (general product) is stored in 32f, and then the communication determination and authentication process (2) is terminated and step S17 in FIG. The process is transferred to.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 10 confirms whether or not the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is a legitimate product (genuine product) (step S17). Whether or not the confirmation is made in the storage unit 32f of the main body side R / W unit 32a is confirmed as a result of the communication determination and the authentication processes (1) and (2) in steps S13 and S15. Depending on what you do.

  If the ink cartridge 34 is a genuine product (genuine product) (YES in step S17), the control unit 10 determines that the IC tag 34a is between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a. Communication for reading the ink information in the storage unit 34b is performed (step S19).

  At this time, the control unit 10 operates the actuator 32b and inserts it into the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishment unit 32 and the replenishment unit 32 in the interval pattern n in which communication is possible in step S15 and step S17. The distance between the (set) ink cartridge 34 and the IC tag 34a is set. At the same time, the control unit 10 causes an alternating current having a frequency within the resonance frequency band in which communication can be performed in step S15 or step S17 to flow through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a.

  On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 34 is not a legitimate product (a general-purpose product) (NO in step S17), the control unit 10 displays a request screen on a display (not shown) of the operation panel 68 to display the request to the user. Ink information is input from (Step S21).

  Here, the ink information to be input by the user includes, for example, control data for normally operating the ink jet recording apparatus 1 using the ink of the ink cartridge 34, and density information corresponding to the viscosity of the ink of the ink cartridge 34. can do. The density information is obtained by, for example, touching a location corresponding to the ink viscosity (darkness) of the ink cartridge 34 on the ink viscosity scale from light to dark displayed on the display (not shown) of the operation panel 68. You may make it input by designating or specifying the numerical value showing a viscosity with a ten key.

  Then, after the ink information is read from the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a by communication in step S19 or after the user inputs the ink information in step S21, the control unit 10 controls the main body side R / W unit 32a. The flow of the alternating current of the resonance frequency to the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c is stopped. As a result, communication between the main body side R / W unit 32a and the communication units 32c and 34c of the IC tag 34a is terminated and the link connection is released (step S23).

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 performs control contents corresponding to the ink in the ink cartridge 34 based on the ink information read out in the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a in step S19 and the ink information input by the user in step S21. Thus, a printing process including ink supply from the ink cartridge 34 to the ink circulation unit 31 is performed (step S25), and the series of processes is terminated.

  Further, in step S27, which proceeds to the case where the power is already turned on in step S5 (YES), as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 10 causes the ink cartridge 34 to be replaced with the replenishment unit 32 as in step S7 of FIG. Check whether it is inserted (set) in.

  If the ink cartridge 34 has not been inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 (NO in step S27), the series of processing ends, and if it has been inserted (set) (YES in step S27), the control unit 10 As in step S9 in FIG. 5, it is confirmed whether or not the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b is present in the inserted (set) ink cartridge 34 (step S29).

  When the IC cartridge 34a having the storage unit 34b does not exist in the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 (NO in step S29), the control unit 10 displays an error as in step S11 of FIG. Is displayed on the display of the operation panel 68 (step S31), and then the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, when the IC tag 34a having the storage unit 34b is present in the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 (YES in step S29), the control unit 10 performs the same as in step S13 of FIG. The communication determination and authentication process (1) shown in detail in FIG. 7 (step S33) is performed.

  Then, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 is a legitimate product (genuine product) (step S35). This confirmation is performed based on whether or not the authenticity is stored in the storage unit 32f of the main body R / W unit 32a as a result of the communication determination and authentication process (1) in step S33.

  Since each process from step S35 to step S43 is the same as each process from step S17 to step S25 in FIG. 5, detailed description is omitted.

  As described above, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, both communication between the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 inserted (set) in the replenishing unit 32 and the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishing unit 32 is performed. The frequency of the alternating current flowing through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 32c of the main body side R / W unit 32a between the units 34c and 32c is sequentially changed to frequencies A to E within the resonance frequency band, or both communication units 34c, The distance of 32c is sequentially changed to the interval patterns 1 to 5 to determine whether communication is possible.

  If the ink cartridge 34 is recognized as a genuine product (genuine product) from the determination result, the ink information read from the storage unit 34b of the IC tag 34a is used and the product is not a regular product (general product). If it is recognized, the control unit 10 is made to perform control according to the ink characteristics of the ink cartridge using the ink information input by the user.

  Therefore, when a general-purpose ink cartridge 34 that does not have the IC tag 34a in which correct ink information related to ink is stored in the memory 34b is mounted on the replenishing unit 32, ink information that can specify ink characteristics is displayed on the operation panel. By inputting from 68, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems such as nozzle clogging of the line head 50 (head units 21 to 24).

  In this embodiment, immediately after the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing unit 32 is replaced, when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on or the power saving mode is canceled, the communication determination and authentication process (1) shown in FIG. ) And the communication determination and authentication process (2) in FIG. Accordingly, the IC tag 34a of the ink cartridge 34 when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in the power-off state or the power saving mode is turned on or the power saving mode is released after the ink cartridge 34 is replaced. It is possible to increase the reliability of communication feasibility determination between the communication units 34c and 32c with the main body side R / W unit 32a of the replenishment unit 32.

  However, when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on or the power saving mode is canceled after the ink cartridge 34 is replaced, the communication determination and authentication process (1) in FIG. 7 and the communication determination and authentication process (2 in FIG. 8). ) Or only one of them may be configured. Further, the determination of whether communication is possible when the power saving mode is canceled after the ink cartridge 34 is replaced may be omitted.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing unit 32 is replaced while the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on, it is determined whether communication is possible. However, step S27 in FIG. 6 is omitted, and the control unit 10 determines whether or not communication is possible regardless of whether or not the ink cartridge 34 of the replenishing unit 32 has been replaced while the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on. It may be executed periodically.

  Further, in this embodiment, the communication determination / authentication process (1) shown in FIG. 7 is used as the content of the communication feasibility determination executed by the control unit 10 when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on. The communication determination and authentication process (2) may be performed. Alternatively, both the communication determination and authentication process (1) in FIG. 7 and the communication determination and authentication process (2) in FIG. 8 may be performed.

  Further, if the ink information is not input after requesting the input of the ink information in step S21 of FIG. 5 or step S39 of FIG. 6, the ink cartridge is used to prevent the deterioration of the print quality and the failure of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. Ink supply from 34 to the ink circulation unit 31 may be prohibited by the control unit 10.

  However, if the user wishes to use the ink jet recording apparatus 1 after recognizing that deterioration in print quality or failure of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 cannot be prevented, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. 5 or step S39 in FIG. Even if the requested ink information is not input, the control unit 10 may permit the supply of ink from the ink cartridge 34 to the ink circulation unit 31.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the ink cartridge 34 containing ink that is a consumable item in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is the consumable unit of the present invention. However, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a stencil printing apparatus in which a stencil sheet roll wound with a stencil sheet, which is a consumable, is a consumable unit. In other words, if the printing apparatus performs a printing operation using consumables based on information stored in the storage unit of the consumable unit, printing is performed by a method other than an inkjet method such as an electrophotographic method or a stencil printing method. The present invention can be widely applied to apparatuses.

1 Inkjet recording device (printing device)
2 paper feeding unit 3 transport unit 4 image forming unit 6 paper discharge unit 7 paper feed tray 8 pickup roller 9 paper 10 control unit (determination unit, acquisition unit, input request unit, distance fixed determination unit, distance change determination unit, exchange detection means)
12 Registration Roller 13 Driven Roller 14 Tension Roller 15 Drive Roller 16 Conveyor Belt 17 Platen 18 Suction Fan 21 K Color Head Unit 22 C Color Head Unit 23 M Color Head Unit 24 Y Color Head Unit 25 Head Unit Holding Unit 27 Discharge Roller Pair 28 Discharge tray 30 Ink path 31 Ink circulation part 32 Replenishment part 32a Main body side reader / writer part 32b Actuator (distance changing means)
32c, 34c Communication unit 32d, 34d Communication control unit 32e, 34e Overall control unit 32f Storage unit 33 Waste liquid unit 34 Ink cartridge (consumable unit)
34a IC tag 34b Storage section (storage means)
35 Supply port 36 Joint part 37 Supply valve 38 Upper tank 39 Lower tank 41 Pump 42 Heat exchanger 43 Filter 44 First ink path 45 Second ink path 46, 54, 55 Ink level 50 Line head 52 Overflow tank 53 Upper tank solenoid valve 56 Lower tank solenoid valve 57 Pressure adjusting part 58 Bellows 59 Weight 61 Bellows lifting mechanism 62 Tank tray 62a Tag reader / writer 63 Waste liquid tank 64 Waste ink amount detection part 65 Tank mounting detection part 68 Operation panel

Claims (3)

The consumable unit and the consumable unit for controlling the printing operation of the printing apparatus using the consumable information when the consumable unit having storage means for storing the consumable and the consumable information is set in the printing apparatus. A consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus that communicates the consumable information with the printing apparatus,
A determination unit that determines whether communication using a plurality of resonance frequencies between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus each time a predetermined communication event occurs;
When all of the determination results of the determination means are capable of communication using a plurality of resonance frequencies, the communication between the printing device and the consumable unit using any of the plurality of resonance frequencies causes the storage means to An acquisition means for acquiring consumable information;
When the determination result of the determination means is that communication using at least some resonance frequencies among a plurality of resonance frequencies is not possible, the printing apparatus is normally operated using the consumables of the set consumable unit. Input request means for requesting input of consumables information for
A consumables information communication system for a printing apparatus. Distance changing means capable of changing an interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus;
Distance fixing determination means for fixing the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus to a fixed distance and determining whether communication using the plurality of resonance frequencies is possible between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus; ,
Whether the communication using the plurality of resonance frequencies is performed between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus at each distance while changing the interval between the consumable unit and the printing apparatus by the distance changing unit. A distance change determination means for determining;
The determination unit performs the determination based on at least one of a determination result by the distance fixing determination unit and a determination result by the distance change determination unit.
The consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to claim 1. The apparatus further comprises replacement detection means for detecting replacement of the consumable unit set in the printing apparatus,
The predetermined communication event includes power-on of the printing apparatus and replacement detection by the replacement detection unit,
The determination unit includes a determination result by the distance fixing determination unit and a determination result by the distance change determination unit at the time of replacement detection by the replacement detection unit or at the first power-on after the replacement detection by the replacement detection unit. Making the determination based on
The consumable information communication system for a printing apparatus according to claim 2.

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