JP2017056619A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which surely prevents a failure or the like of the printer even if printing is performed by using a recycled cartridge.SOLUTION: An initial attachment date indicating a date of first attachment of an ink cartridge to a main body device as initial attachment information, a recycle possible condition on a bottle of the ink cartridge, ink information on ink of the ink cartridge and the like are stored in an IC chip memory of the ink cartridge. First determination means 101 of a control unit 10 determines whether or not the attached ink cartridge is a recycled cartridge on the basis of the initial attachment date stored in the IC chip memory. When it is determined that the ink cartridge is the recycled cartridge, second determination means 102 determines whether or not the ink cartridge can be used on the basis of the recycle possible condition on the ink bottle and the ink information on the ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention can be used without causing a failure of the printing apparatus even when the ink cartridge is a recycle cartridge (including an ink cartridge refilled with ink and an ink cartridge reloaded into the apparatus main body). The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  Recently, as environmental considerations such as recycling progress, ink bottles and cases are reused as they are even if the ink is consumed, and recycled cartridges that have been refilled (refilled) are being resold.

  However, it is unclear under what circumstances the ink cartridge used to refill the ink, so that when it is refilled, ink leaks or the ink cartridge expands and cannot be installed in the printing device, etc. There was a possibility of causing various problems. For this reason, it is difficult for a manufacturer and a manufacturer of a printing apparatus to recommend an operation for recycling and refilling ink cartridges because there is a possibility of damaging the user protection and the printer itself.

  Therefore, in order to solve such problems at the time of recycling, for example, a recycle counter that counts the number of recycles of the cartridge (housing) performed in the past, an upper limit value of the number of recyclable cartridges (housing), The cartridge expiration date is stored in the non-volatile memory, and at the time of recycling, it is determined whether to recycle or discard the cartridge based on the cartridge expiration date and the counted number of recyclings. A printing apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-64451

  However, in the printing apparatus described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the cartridge is recycled, the life of the cartridge is determined based on the expiration date of the cartridge (housing) and the counted number of cartridge recycling. No consideration is given to the deformation of the cartridge due to the usage environment of the other cartridge.

  For this reason, when the recycling cartridge is used, the printing apparatus may be damaged if the recycling cartridge is deformed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can reliably prevent a failure of the printing apparatus when a recycling cartridge is used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is that at least the initial mounting information when the ink cartridge is mounted to the main body device for the first time, the recyclable condition regarding the bottle of the ink cartridge, and the ink information regarding the ink. Storage means for storing, first determination means for determining whether or not the ink cartridge is a recycling cartridge based on the initial mounting information, and the first determination means determining that the ink cartridge is a recycling cartridge. And a second determination unit that determines whether or not the recycling cartridge is usable based on the recyclable condition regarding the bottle and the ink information regarding the ink.

  Further, a second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is that the storage means stores, as the ink information, a neglectable period that is a usable period even if the ink is not used and is neglected. The second determination means is to determine that the recycle cartridge is not usable when the elapsed time from the last use of the ink to the present time is not within the neglectable period.

  The third feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is that at least the initial mounting information when the ink cartridge is mounted on the main body device for the first time, the recyclable condition regarding the ink cartridge bottle, and the temperature range in which the ink cartridge can be used. Storage means for storing a certain usable temperature range, environmental temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature of the ink cartridge, and first for determining whether the ink cartridge is a recycled cartridge based on the initial mounting information When the determination unit and the first determination unit determine that the ink cartridge is a recycle cartridge, the recycle cartridge is based on the recyclable condition regarding the bottle and the environmental temperature measured by the environmental temperature measurement unit. Whether or not can be used A second determination unit, wherein the second determination unit determines that the recycling cartridge is not usable when the environmental temperature measured by the environmental temperature measurement unit is not within the usable temperature range. It is in.

  According to the first feature of the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the first determination unit determines whether or not the ink cartridge is a recycled cartridge based on the initial mounting information of the ink cartridge, and is determined to be the recycled cartridge. In addition, the second determination unit determines whether or not the recycled ink cartridge is usable based on the recyclable condition regarding the bottle and the ink information regarding the ink.

  In the recycle cartridge according to the present invention, ink in the ink bottle is consumed, and in addition to the ink cartridge refilled with ink, a new ink cartridge is once removed from the main body of the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus or the like. Ink cartridges reloaded in the main body of the printing apparatus are also included.

  For this reason, when the ink cartridge is a recycled cartridge, it is determined whether or not the recycled cartridge can be used based not only on the recyclable conditions regarding the bottle but also on the ink information regarding the ink. It is possible to prevent the use of the lost recycle cartridge, and it is possible to reliably prevent a failure of the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores the usable period as the neglectable period even if the ink is not used and is neglected, and the neglectable period has elapsed. If it is, it is determined that the recycled cartridge cannot be used.

  For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent a failure of the printing apparatus due to the use of the recycle cartridge that cannot be used due to the deterioration of the ink.

  According to the third aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the measured usable temperature range of the cartridge is stored in the storage unit, and the measured environmental temperature is not within the usable temperature range. In this case, it is determined that the recycled cartridge cannot be used because the ink cartridge may be deformed due to swelling or damage.

  For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent a printing apparatus from being damaged due to the use of a recycled cartridge that has been exposed to high temperature or low temperature environments and cannot be used.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the function of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of memory information stored in an IC chip memory mounted on an ink cartridge of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a main body device and an ink cartridge for each color that is detachably attached to the main body device are provided, and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to an inkjet head included in the main body device and discharged. An example of a printing apparatus that performs printing will be described.
In the embodiment of the present invention described below, the ink in the ink bottle is consumed in the recycle cartridge, and in addition to the ink cartridge refilled with ink, a new ink cartridge is temporarily removed from the main body of the printing apparatus. It will be described as including an ink cartridge that has been removed and reloaded into the main body of the printing apparatus or another printing apparatus.

<Configuration of Printing Apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 According to the Present Invention>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body apparatus that mounts an ink cartridge and executes printing. In FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the main body apparatus is taken as an example. I will give you a description.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 is mounted with inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K corresponding to, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) inks. The printing paper is conveyed at a speed determined by printing conditions by an annular conveyance belt (not shown) provided on the opposing surface of the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K, and the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K. Is printed line by line with ink ejected from the printer.

  Each ink is supplied from an ink cartridge, and an ink bottle 151C that supplies C (cyan) ink, an ink bottle 151M that supplies M (magenta) ink, and an Y (yellow) ink is supplied. Ink bottles 151Y and 151K for supplying K (black) ink are provided. In the following, when the ink color is not particular, the ink head 110, the ink cartridge 150, the ink bottle 151, and the like will be representatively described. The same applies to other functional units.

  The ink supplied from the ink bottle 151 passes through an ink circulation path formed by a pipe made of resin, metal, etc., and is temporarily stored in a downstream tank provided on the downstream side of the inkjet head 110. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 includes a downstream tank 120C for storing C (cyan) ink, a downstream tank 120M for storing M (magenta) ink, and a downstream tank 120Y for storing Y (yellow) ink and K (black). A downstream tank 120K for storing ink is provided.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes a pump 170C, a pump 170M, a pump 170Y, a pump 170K, an upstream tank 130C, an upstream tank 130M, an upstream tank 130Y, and an upstream tank 130K. The ink stored in the downstream tank 120 is sent to an upstream tank provided on the upstream side of the inkjet head 110 by a pump. The ink sent to the upstream tank 130 is sent to the inkjet head 110 provided with a number of nozzles that eject ink.

  The upstream tank 130 is connected to the common air chamber 172. The common air chamber 172 is provided with a pump 173 and an atmospheric release valve (not shown). The atmospheric release valve is fully closed and air is sent to the upstream tank 130 by the pump 173, or the atmospheric release valve is fully opened and the atmospheric pressure is opened. By adjusting the pressure, the pressure of the air in the upstream tank 130 is adjusted.

  Ink that has not been ejected by the inkjet head 110 is returned to the downstream tank 120. Ink feedback from the upstream tank 130 to the downstream tank 120 via the inkjet head 110 utilizes the water head difference between the upstream tank 130 and the downstream tank 120.

  The temperature range in which the printing quality is guaranteed is determined for the ink. If the environmental temperature is low and the environmental temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature at which printing is possible, it is necessary to heat the ink. On the other hand, the driver and the piezo element provided in the ink jet head 110 generate heat by operating, and it is necessary to suppress the influence of an increase in the environmental temperature at a high temperature due to these heat generation and Joule heat of ink vibration.

  Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 includes an environmental temperature sensor 11 that measures the environmental temperature, and a temperature adjusting unit 161 is provided on the ink circulation path, and the temperature adjusting unit 161 heats or cools the ink.

  However, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, not only a new article as the ink cartridge 150 but also a recycling cartridge refilled with ink or loaded in the printing apparatus 1 is allowed, which will be described later. The ink cartridge 150 thus mounted is a recycle cartridge, and when the minimum and maximum values of the environmental temperature exceed the predetermined lower and upper limits of the recyclable temperature, printing is terminated.

  Further, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the entire main body apparatus, and the configuration and functions of the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functions of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The ink cartridge 150 includes an ink bottle 151 that stores ink of each color, and an IC chip memory 152 such as a non-contact IC.

  The IC chip memory 152 is capable of wireless data communication with the control unit 10 of the main device, and stores various data as shown in FIG. 3 to be described later.

  The control unit 10 has a function of transferring data by wireless communication with an IC chip memory 152 (see FIG. 2) of the ink cartridge 150 attached to the main body device and reading and writing various data described later. Functions as the determination unit 101, the second determination unit 102, and the ink leaving period calculation unit 103.

  That is, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 150 is a recycle cartridge based on the first mounting date, which is the first mounting information, as will be described later as the first determination unit 101, and the second determination unit 102. In the case where the ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, as described later, based on the recyclable condition regarding the bottle, the ink information regarding the ink, and the usable temperature range that is the temperature range in which the ink cartridge 150 can be used. It is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 150 is usable.

  Further, the control unit 10 functions as the ink leaving period calculation unit 103, calculates an elapsed period from the previous printing completion date to the reprinting start date as the ink leaving period, as will be described later, and the IC chip. Store in the memory 152.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage contents of the IC chip memory 152 provided in each ink cartridge 150 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the IC chip memory 152 provided in each ink cartridge 150, for example, as a data item to be stored, a manufacturing date, an expiration date, an initial installation date, a printing completion date Data such as start date of reprinting, ink leaving period, environmental temperature (minimum value), environmental temperature (maximum value), recyclable temperature (lower limit value), recyclable temperature (upper limit value), cartridge usage count, etc. The

  The date of manufacture is information stored as a recyclable condition related to the bottle of the ink cartridge 150, and the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 150 is “xxx date × month xx date”. When the ink cartridge 150 is manufactured, it is stored in the IC chip memory 152 as a storage means by a data writing device (not shown) different from the printing device 1 or the like. Note that the date of manufacture is not updated even if the ink in the ink cartridge 150 is refilled and recycled.

  The expiration date is information stored as a recyclable condition regarding the bottle of the ink cartridge 150, and the expiration date of the ink bottle 151, which is the bottle or case of the ink cartridge 150, such as “xx months”, is used. Is stored in the IC chip memory 152 as storage means by a data writing device (not shown) different from the printing device 1 or the like. The expiration date is not renewed even if the ink in the ink cartridge 150 is refilled and recycled, similar to the date of manufacture.

  The first installation date is information stored as the first installation information, and the first installation date of the ink cartridge 150 to the main unit is installed, such as “xxx year x month xx day”. The IC chip memory 152 which is a storage means is stored by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 that has been performed. Therefore, if the first mounting date is stored in the IC chip memory 152, it means that it is already mounted. Therefore, it can be determined that the ink cartridge has been recycled, and if the first mounting date is not stored, It can be determined that the cartridge is a new ink cartridge.

  The completion date of printing and the start date of reprinting are memorized by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 at the end of the printing operation and at the start of the printing operation each time, such as “XXX × year ×× month ×× day” Is done.

  The ink leaving period is information stored as ink information relating to ink, such as “XX months”, the ink leaving period of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 150, for example, the last time the ink was used ( The elapsed period from the end of the previous printing) to the current time (at the start of the current printing) is calculated and stored by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 at the time of the current printing.

  The neglectable period is information stored as ink information relating to ink, and the ink cartridge 150 can be manufactured even if the ink of the ink cartridge 150 is left unused without being used, such as “xx months”. At the time of recycling or recycling, the data is written and stored in the IC chip memory 152 as a storage means by a data writing device (not shown) or the like.

  The environmental temperature (minimum value) and the environmental temperature (maximum value) are set to the values of the printing apparatus 1 as long as the minimum value and the maximum value of the environmental temperature when the ink cartridge 150 is used are updated as “XX ° C.”. It is updated and stored by the control unit 10. In the first embodiment, the environmental temperature measured by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 using the environmental temperature sensor 11 is used as the environmental temperature.

  The recyclable temperature (lower limit value) and the recyclable temperature (upper limit value) are information stored as a usable temperature range that is a temperature range in which the ink cartridge 150 can be used, such as “xx ° C.”. The lower limit value and the upper limit value of the temperature at which the ink stored in the ink cartridge 150 can be used are indicated by the storage means by a data writing device (not shown) or the like when the ink cartridge 150 is manufactured or recycled. An IC chip memory 152 is written and stored.

<Operation of Printing Apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 According to the Present Invention>
Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As a premise of the operation described below, it is assumed that the ink cartridge 150 is not attached to the printing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the ink cartridge 150 is not attached. Therefore, when the power is turned on and the operation starts, the control unit 10 always checks whether the ink cartridge 150 is attached. Is detected (step S101).

  When the ink cartridge 150 is mounted (step S101; YES), the control unit 10 first functions as the first determination unit 101, and the first mounting date is stored in the IC chip memory 152 mounted on the ink cartridge 150. Whether or not the mounted ink cartridge 150 is a recycle cartridge is determined based on whether or not it is (step S103).

  When the first mounting date is stored in the IC chip memory 152 mounted on the ink cartridge 150, it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 has already been mounted in the printing apparatus 1 and is therefore a recycled cartridge. If the date of the first installation is not stored, it can be determined that the cartridge is a new ink cartridge that has never been installed in the printing apparatus 1.

<New ink cartridge>
When the first mounting date is not stored in the IC chip memory 152 (step S103; NO), since the mounted ink cartridge 150 is a new ink cartridge, the control unit 10 replaces the ink cartridge 150 with a new one. As the ink cartridge, the first mounting date and the current environmental temperature value are stored in the IC chip memory 152 as the environmental temperature (minimum value) and the environmental temperature (maximum value) (step S105).

  Then, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 determines whether there is a print job transmitted from a personal computer (not shown) or the like (step S107). If a print job is transmitted (step S107; YES), first, The reprint start month and date, which is the print start month, is updated in the IC chip memory 152 (step S109), the ink leaving period is updated (step S111), and printing is executed according to the print job (step S113).

  Here, the ink leaving period is, for example, the start of reprinting stored in the IC chip memory 152 when the leaveable period is determined to be “XX months” based on the previous completion date of printing. A period obtained by subtracting the previous printing completion date from the month and day is defined as the ink leaving period.

  Further, when the neglectable period is determined to be “xx months” based on, for example, the date on which ink is stored in the ink cartridge 150 or the date on which the ink cartridge 150 is mounted on the printing apparatus 1. The ink leaving period is defined as a period obtained by subtracting the month and day when the ink is stored in the ink cartridge 150 or the month and day when the ink is mounted on the printing apparatus 1 from the reprinting starting date which is the printing start month and day. Therefore, when the latter is used as the ink leaving period, it is necessary to store the date and time when the ink was stored in the ink cartridge 150 and the date and time when the ink was installed in the printing apparatus 1 in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge. is there.

  Then, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 constantly or periodically monitors the detected value (output value) of the environmental temperature sensor 11 during execution of printing in step S113 and stores the environment stored in the IC chip memory 152. When the minimum value and the maximum value of the temperature are updated, these values are updated respectively (step S115).

  Further, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 also determines whether or not the ink cartridge 150 runs out of ink when printing is performed by the process of step S113 (step S117), and no ink runs out. (Step S117; NO) Until printing of the print job is completed (Step S119; NO), printing is executed (Step S113), and the sensor value of the environment temperature sensor 11 is constantly monitored to minimize the minimum value of the environment temperature. The maximum value is updated (step S115).

  When the ink cartridge 150 runs out of ink (step S117; YES), and when printing of the print job is finished even if no ink runs out (step S119; YES), the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 Stores or updates the completion date of printing in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150 (step S121), and ends the printing operation.

  The above processing is processing when the ink cartridge 150 mounted in the printing apparatus 1 is a new ink cartridge.

<For recycled cartridges>
On the other hand, when the first mounting date is stored in the IC chip memory 152 in the determination process of step S103 (step S103; YES), the mounted ink cartridge 150 is a recycled cartridge, so the control unit 10 Subsequently, it functions as the second determination means 102.

  That is, the control unit 10 performs the initial mounting date that is the initial mounting information stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150, the manufacturing date and the expiration date that are the recyclable conditions regarding the ink bottle 151, the ink Is read out, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature indicating the usable temperature range of the ink cartridge 150, and it is determined whether or not the mounted ink cartridge 150 is usable. (Step S123 to Step S127).

  Specifically, the control unit 10 first installs the installed ink cartridge 150 based on the completion date of printing, the date of initial installation, and the expiration date read from the IC chip memory 152 of the installed ink cartridge 150. Is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 (step S123).

  That is, the control unit 10 compares the print completion date, which is the end date of the previous print using the ink cartridge 150, with the date obtained by adding the expiration date to the first installation date. Thus, it is determined whether or not the last printing completion date is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151.

  However, in the case of a user who uses the ink cartridge 150 less frequently, such as a user who only prints New Year's cards, or who prints only at a specific time, information on the date of completion of the previous printing stored in the IC chip memory 152 is used. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 150 mounted more accurately using the current date information is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151, so that depending on the user, the date of completion of the previous printing may be determined. The current date information is used instead of the information of.

  Here, when the installed ink cartridge 150 is not within the expiration date of the ink bottle 151, that is, when the expiration date of the ink bottle 151 has been exceeded (step S123; NO), printing is performed due to aging or deformation of the ink bottle 151, etc. As the quality deteriorates, there is a high possibility that the printing apparatus 1 will fail. Therefore, the control part 10 complete | finishes the above operation | movement.

  On the other hand, when the installed ink cartridge 150 is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 (step S123; YES), the control unit 10 further stores the ink leaving period and the ink stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150. And whether or not the ink storage period is within the storage period (step S125).

  When the ink leaving period of the mounted ink cartridge 150 is not within the leaveable period, that is, when the ink leaving period has passed the leaveable period (step S125; NO), the deterioration of the ink in the ink cartridge 150 proceeds. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the ink jet head of the printing apparatus 1 is clogged with ink, the printing quality is deteriorated such as rubbing, and the printing apparatus 1 is broken down. Therefore, the control part 10 complete | finishes the above operation | movement similarly to when the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 has been exceeded (step S123; NO).

  As a result, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, whether or not the recycled ink cartridge 150 can be used is determined in consideration of the deterioration of the ink filled in the ink cartridge 150 as well as the ink bottle 151 of the ink cartridge 150. Can be judged.

  On the other hand, when the ink leaving period of the mounted ink cartridge 150 is within the leaveable period (step S125; YES), the control unit 10 further stores the environment stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150. The minimum and maximum temperatures are compared with the lower and upper limits of the recyclable temperature, respectively, and it is determined whether the environmental temperature is between the lower and upper limits of the recyclable temperature (step S127). ).

  When the environmental temperature does not fall between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature (step S127; NO), the ink is softened or deteriorated due to curing due to the environmental temperature exceeding the lower limit value or the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature. Or the ink cartridge 150 is swollen or damaged, and the printer 1 is highly likely to fail, and it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 cannot be used.

  Therefore, if NO in step S127, the control unit 10 has exceeded the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 (step S123; NO), or if the ink leaving period has passed the leaveable period (step S125). ;) The same operation as above is completed.

  Thus, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, whether or not the recycled ink cartridge 150 can be used is determined based not only on the deterioration of the ink cartridge 150 due to the aging of the bottle and the ink but also based on the environmental temperature. Is possible.

  On the other hand, when the environmental temperature is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature (step S127; YES), that is, the mounted ink cartridge 150 satisfies all three conditions from step S123 to step S127. If satisfied (YES in all of Steps S123 to S127), the control unit 10 proceeds to the process shift process of Step S107 described above and executes printing using the mounted ink cartridge 150. Become.

  Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the current date and the initial mounting date that is the initial mounting information stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the mounted ink cartridge 150. And determining whether the ink cartridge 150 is a recycle cartridge. If the ink cartridge 150 is a recycle cartridge, the recyclable condition regarding whether or not the ink bottle 151 is within the expiration date and the ink leaving condition are determined. Whether or not the ink cartridge 150 is usable is determined based on the ink information indicating whether or not the period is within the neglectable period.

  Therefore, when the installed ink cartridge 150 is a recycled cartridge, the ink leaving period is also a criterion, so that even when printing is performed using the recycled cartridge, it is possible to prevent the use of deteriorated ink. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a decrease in print quality due to ink deterioration, a failure of the printing apparatus 1, and the like.

  In the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the temperature range in which ink can be used are further stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150 as recyclable temperatures, and the ink cartridge is stored. When the maximum value and the minimum value of the environmental temperature of 150 are not within the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature, there is a possibility that the ink is deteriorated due to the environmental temperature or the ink cartridge 150 is deformed due to swelling or breakage. If there is, it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 cannot be used.

  Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the installed ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, not only the ink leaving period but also the environmental temperature of the ink cartridge 150 is the same as that of the recycling cartridge. Since it becomes a usable condition, when the use of the recycling cartridge is severe in terms of the environmental temperature, it becomes possible to stop the use of the recycling cartridge, and the failure of the printing apparatus 1 can be further reliably prevented.

  In the above description, when the ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, it is first determined whether or not the installed ink cartridge 150 is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 (step S123), and then the ink cartridge. It is determined whether or not 150 inks are within the neglectable period (step S125). Finally, it is determined whether or not the environmental temperature is within the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature (step S127). However, in the present invention, these three determinations are not limited to this order, and the order may of course be changed.

Further, in the present invention, when the ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 150 is within the expiration date of use of the ink bottle 151 (step S123) and the ink in the ink cartridge 150 is allowed to be left. It may be determined whether or not the mounted ink cartridge 150 is usable in the two determination processes of determining whether or not there is (step S125), and further, the ink cartridge 150 is used for the ink bottle 151. It was mounted in two determination processes: a determination as to whether it is within the time limit (step S123) and a determination as to whether the environmental temperature is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature (step S127). It may be determined whether or not the ink cartridge 150 can be used (second embodiment). )
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, not only the environmental temperature at the time of printing as in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, but also from the time of manufacture before being installed in the printing apparatus 1 (during distribution) The environmental temperature at the time of sale or the like is also stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150 to determine whether or not the ink cartridge can be used.

  For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and has the same processing, and therefore the printing according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. With reference to the configuration of the apparatus 1, operations unique to the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same processes as those of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, first, for example, an environmental temperature at the time of factory shipment is measured using a handy terminal with a temperature sensor, and the measured temperature at the time of factory shipment is used as an ink cartridge. The minimum and maximum values of the environmental temperature are stored in the 150 IC chip memory 152 (step S201). When the environmental temperature is measured a plurality of times at the time of shipment from the factory, when the minimum and maximum values of the environmental temperature are changed, the IC chip memory 152 is updated.

  Next, similarly, the environmental temperature at the time of delivery is also measured using a handy terminal with a temperature sensor or the like, and the minimum or maximum value of the measured environmental temperature at the time of delivery is stored in the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 150. If the minimum value or the maximum value is exceeded, it is updated (step S201). It should be noted that the environmental temperature is measured a plurality of times at the time of delivery, and is updated even when the minimum and maximum values of the environmental temperature stored in the IC chip memory 152 are exceeded.

  Further, similarly, using a handy terminal with a temperature sensor or the like, the environmental temperature in a warehouse or a store is measured, and the measured environmental temperature in the warehouse or the store is the IC chip of the ink cartridge 150. When the memory 152 exceeds the minimum value or the maximum value of the environmental temperature, it is updated (step S201). It should be noted that the environmental temperature is measured a plurality of times in a warehouse, a store, or the like, and is updated when the minimum and maximum values of the environmental temperature stored in the IC chip memory 152 are exceeded.

  After that, it is detected whether or not the ink cartridge 150 is mounted as in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above (step S101), and the same operation as in FIG. 4 is executed.

  Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the case of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, when the mounted ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, the ink bottle 151 is used. In addition to the expiration date of the ink cartridge, it is determined whether or not the cartridge can be used based on the releasable temperature indicating the usable temperature range of the ink cartridge 150 and the recyclable temperature indicating the usable temperature range of the ink cartridge 150. Even when printing is performed, it is possible to reliably prevent a failure of the printing apparatus 1.

  In particular, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the environmental temperature is measured at the time of factory shipment, delivery, warehouse, store, etc. using a handy terminal with a temperature sensor, and the minimum value of the environmental temperature. Alternatively, if there is a change in the maximum value, it is updated in the IC chip memory 152, and it is determined whether or not the maximum value and the minimum value of the environmental temperature are within the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the recyclable temperature.

  Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the installed ink cartridge 150 is a recycling cartridge, not only the environmental temperature after being installed in the printing apparatus 1 but also at the time of factory shipment. Since it is judged whether the ink of the recycling cartridge can be used with reference to the environmental temperature from the factory to the store, it is judged whether the recycling cartridge can be used with reference to the environmental temperature from the time of shipment from the factory. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent a malfunction of the printing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus 10 ... Control part 11 ... Environmental temperature sensor (environment temperature measurement means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... 1st determination means 102 ... 2nd determination alerting means 103 ... Recycle leaving period calculation means 110K, 110C, 110M, 110Y ... Inkjet head 150K, 150C, 150M, 150Y ... Ink cartridge 151C, 151K, 151M, 151Y ... Ink bottle 152C, 152K, 152M, 152Y ... IC chip memory (storage means)

Claims (3)

Storage means for storing at least initial mounting information when the ink cartridge is first mounted on the main body device, recyclable conditions regarding the bottle of the ink cartridge, and ink information regarding the ink;
First determination means for determining whether or not the ink cartridge is a recycling cartridge based on the initial mounting information;
When the first determination unit determines that the ink cartridge is a recycle cartridge, it is determined whether or not the recycle cartridge is usable based on the recyclable condition regarding the bottle and the ink information regarding the ink. Second determining means for
A printing apparatus comprising: The storage means stores, as the ink information, a negligible period that is a usable period even if the ink is not used and is neglected,
The said 2nd determination means determines with the said recycling cartridge not being usable when the elapsed time from the time of the last use of ink to the present time is not in the said neglectable period. Printing device. Storage means for storing at least the initial mounting information when the ink cartridge is mounted on the main body device for the first time, the recyclable condition regarding the bottle of the ink cartridge, and the usable temperature range which is the temperature range in which the ink cartridge can be used;
Environmental temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature of the ink cartridge;
First determination means for determining whether or not the ink cartridge is a recycling cartridge based on the initial mounting information;
When the first determination unit determines that the ink cartridge is a recycling cartridge, the recycling cartridge can be used on the basis of the recyclable condition regarding the bottle and the environmental temperature measured by the environmental temperature measurement unit. Second determining means for determining whether or not there is,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second determination unit determines that the recycling cartridge is not usable when the environmental temperature measured by the environmental temperature measurement unit is not within the usable temperature range.

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