JP2017064917A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve economic efficiency by notifying a user of a consumable supply with the optimum capacity in accordance with the use state of a consumable supply and prevent reduction in the image quality of a print image.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a control unit 10 having use period calculation means 101 which calculates the use period of a consumable supply such as ink on the basis of the use start date stored in an IC chip memory 152 and the current date, use amount detection means 102 which detects the use amount of the consumable supply such as ink, use amount prediction means 103 which predicts the use amount of a user in a guarantee period on the basis of the use period and the use amount, and recommended capacity supply selection means 104 which selects a consumable supply with a recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the guarantee period from among a consumable supply group with the different capacities on the basis of the predicted use amount of the user; and a display unit 12 (notification means) which displays the consumable supply with the recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the guarantee period for the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that notifies a user of an optimal amount of consumables according to the usage status of consumables.

  In recent years, inkjet printers and laser printers have become widespread as computer output devices. Normally, ink for ink jet printers and toner for laser printers, which are consumables, are provided in an ink cartridge or toner cartridge. On the other hand, recently, interest in effective use of resources by reuse and recycling has been increasing.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, in order to promote the reuse of consumable containers to effectively use resources and protect the environment, a new consumable is provided in response to an order from the user and an inquiry from the user. A method for determining a consumable provision fee by using a computer to receive a query including consumable related information indicating the type of consumable container that the user has, and A consumable supply method and system in which a fee is determined by a computer in accordance with information has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-273898

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the price for providing ink is determined by a computer in accordance with the consumable-related information, and the price is merely displayed. The order quantity of consumables that can be used in parentheses must be calculated by the user.

  Therefore, if the amount of consumables to be ordered is too large, consumables that have passed the warranty period (quality assurance period) must be used. There is a possibility of causing a problem of clogging the head nozzle.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can notify the user of a consumable having the optimum capacity according to the use state of the consumable, thereby improving the economy and improving the quality of the printed image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can prevent a decrease in image quality.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of a printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing using a consumable article equipped with storage means, and the storage means includes at least the above-mentioned Information on the start date of use of consumables and a warranty period during which the quality of the consumables can be guaranteed from the start date of use are stored, and the use start date stored in the storage means A usage period calculation unit that calculates a usage period of the consumable item based on the current date, a usage amount detection unit that detects a usage amount of the consumable item, and the usage period and the usage amount based on the usage period and the usage amount. Usage amount predicting means for predicting the usage amount of the user during the warranty period, and consumable items having a recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period from the consumable group having different capacities based on the predicted usage amount of the user Recommended capacity product selection hand to select If, in that and a notification means for notifying the consumable users consumable recommended volume users within the warranty period.

  A second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is that the consumable is ink, and the storage means further stores a threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink. Viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the ink based on path resistance, and determining whether or not the measured viscosity of the ink is larger than a threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink; And a guarantee period updating means for updating the storage means with a guarantee period shorter than the guarantee period at the time of the determination as a new guarantee period when the viscosity is larger than the threshold value of the viscosity.

  According to the first feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the use period calculating unit calculates the use period of the consumable item based on the use start date and the current date stored in the consumable storage unit. The usage amount detecting means detects the usage amount of the consumable item. The usage amount predicting unit predicts the usage amount of the user within the warranty period based on the usage period and the usage amount, and the recommended capacity product selection unit predicts the consumable group of different capacities based on the predicted usage amount of the user. A consumable item having a recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period is selected, and the notification unit notifies the user of the consumable item having the recommended capacity.

  For this reason, since the user is notified of the consumable of the optimum capacity that can be consumed within the warranty period according to the usage status of the consumable by the user, the consumable is rarely discarded. Thus, the economy can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality due to the use of consumables that have passed the warranty period, a malfunction of the printing apparatus, and the like.

  The second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is that, when the consumable is ink, the viscosity measuring means measures the ink viscosity based on the ink flow path resistance, and the ink viscosity is a threshold value of the appropriate viscosity. If larger, the guarantee period update means updates the guarantee period at the time of determination to the storage means as a new guarantee period.

  Therefore, if the measured viscosity of the ink is greater than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity and may adversely affect the print quality, the print quality can be reduced by shortening the warranty period and using consumables that have passed the initial warranty period. It is possible to reliably prevent deterioration of the printer and a failure of the printing apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data related to consumables stored in a memory when the consumable is ink in the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement in the printing apparatus which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the printing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the threshold value of the average viscosity of an ink, and the relationship between the use period of an ink cartridge and the average viscosity of an ink in the printer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data related to consumables stored in a memory when the consumable is a stencil sheet (stencil master) used in stencil printing in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention described below includes a main body device and an ink cartridge for each color that is detachably attached to the main body device, and the ink jet head included in the main body device from the ink cartridge. An example of a printing apparatus that prints by supplying and discharging ink will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes inkjet heads 110C, 110M, and 110Y corresponding to C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) inks. 110K, and the printing paper is conveyed at a speed determined by printing conditions by an annular conveyance belt (not shown) provided on the opposite surface of the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K. , 110M, 110Y, 110K, the ink is ejected in units of lines.

  The ink cartridges 151C, 151M, 151Y, and 151K, which are consumables, are configured to be detachable from the main unit, and the inks of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) are provided. A stored ink bottle (not shown) and IC chip memories 152C, 152M, 152Y, and 152K capable of non-contact communication storing various data such as date of manufacture are provided.

  Each of the IC chip memories 152C, 152M, 152Y, and 152K includes at least information on the start date of use of each corresponding ink cartridge 151C, 151M, 151Y, and 151K, and each ink cartridge that is a consumable item from the start date of use. In this embodiment, various data of an ink cartridge 151 as shown in FIG. 2 to be described later is stored.

  In the following, when not particular about the ink color, the ink jet head 110, the ink cartridge 151, and the IC chip memory 152 will be representatively described. The same applies to other functional units.

  The ink supplied from the ink bottle of the ink cartridge 151 passes through an ink circulation path formed by a pipe made of resin, metal, etc., and is temporarily stored in the downstream tank 159 for each color ink provided on the downstream side of the inkjet head 110. It is done.

  Further, the printing apparatus 1 is provided with an ink pump 160 and an upstream tank 158 for each color. The ink stored in the downstream tank 159 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 158 is sent to the inkjet head 110 provided with a number of nozzles for discharging ink.

  The upstream tank 158 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 158 by the pump 173, or the atmospheric release valve is fully opened and the atmospheric pressure is opened. By adjusting the pressure of the air in the upstream tank 158, the pressure of the air in the upstream tank 158 is adjusted.

  Ink that has not been ejected by the inkjet head 110 is returned to the downstream tank 159. Ink feedback from the upstream tank 158 to the downstream tank 159 via the inkjet head 110 utilizes the water head difference between the upstream tank 158 and the downstream tank 159.

  The temperature range in which the print quality is guaranteed is determined for the ink, and it is necessary to heat the ink when the environmental temperature is low and the ink temperature is below the lower limit temperature at which printing is possible. 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 the ink temperature rise at a high temperature due to these heat generation and Joule heat of ink vibration. Therefore, a temperature adjustment unit 161 is provided on the ink circulation path, and the temperature adjustment unit 161 heats or cools the ink.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a memory 11, and a display unit 12.

  The control unit 10 controls the entire printing apparatus 1 and performs non-contact communication with the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151 to read information (data) stored in the IC chip memory 152, Has the function to write.

  And the control part 10 of the printing apparatus 1 of embodiment which concerns on this invention is the ink cartridge which is a consumable based on the use start date and the present date memorize | stored in the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151. The usage period calculation means 101 for calculating the ink usage period 151, the usage amount detection means 102 for detecting the ink usage amount of the ink cartridge 151 that is a consumable, and the warranty period based on the usage period and the usage amount The usage amount predicting means 103 for predicting the amount of ink used by the user and the optimal amount that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period from the capacity lineup that is a group of consumables having different capacities based on the predicted amount of ink used It functions as recommended capacity product selection means 104 for selecting an ink cartridge 151 with a large capacity.

  The memory 11 stores data calculated by the control unit 10. The memory 11 may store data related to consumables such as the ink cartridge 151 shown in FIG. 2 described later, instead of the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151.

  The display unit 12 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like provided on an operation panel or the like, and displays various data such as the number of printed sheets and a printing state and warnings (warnings). It functions to display and notify the user of consumables having the optimum recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period selected by the recommended capacity product selecting means 104 of the control unit 10.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the IC chip memory 152 when the consumable is ink in the ink cartridge 151 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151 has a set ink capacity and a manufacturing date for each color of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). Data such as date, warranty period, use start date, use period, use amount, expected use-up period from use start date, use amount within the guarantee period, and recommended capacity ink are stored.

  The set ink capacity indicates the capacity of the ink tank of the ink cartridge 151 installed in the printing apparatus 1 and is recorded in the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151 when the ink cartridge is manufactured. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridges 151 of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) are all mounted with an ink cartridge 151 having an ink capacity of “500 ml”. Has been.

  The date of manufacture is the date of manufacture of each ink cartridge 151 and is stored in the IC chip memory 152 of each ink cartridge 151 when the ink cartridge is manufactured. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the manufacturing date of each color ink cartridge 151 is stored as “2014/4/1”.

  The warranty period is, for example, a period during which the ink cartridge 151 can be used without any problems in terms of print quality, ink clogging, and the like from the date of manufacture. The warranty period is shorter than the expiration date, and each ink cartridge 151 is manufactured when the ink cartridge is manufactured. Are recorded in the IC chip memory 152. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the warranty period of each color ink cartridge 151 is stored as “1.5 years”.

  The use start date is the date on which the use of the ink cartridge 151 is started, and the control unit 10 stores it in the IC chip memory 152. Here, for example, “2014/6/1” is stored in the IC chip memory 152.

  The use period is a period from the use start date to the previous print end date. The use period calculation unit 101 of the control unit 10 calculates the use period based on the use start date and the previous print end date as described later. And stored in the IC chip memory 152. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, “0.4 years” is stored in the IC chip memory 152 for each color ink cartridge 151.

  The usage amount is the ink usage amount (consumption amount) up to the present, and the usage amount detecting means 102 of the control unit 10 counts the number of ink ejections in the ink-jet head 110 of each color, and the number of ejections is one. The usage amount is calculated by multiplying the discharge amount per time and stored in the IC chip memory 152. In FIG. 2, for example, “320 ml”, “240 ml”, “160 ml”, and “120 ml” for each ink cartridge 151 of each color of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). Calculated and stored in the IC chip memory 152.

  The usage amount within the warranty period is the usage amount (consumption amount) of ink that is a consumable item within the warranty period predicted (calculated) by the usage amount prediction means 103 of the control unit 10 based on the usage period and the usage amount. It is stored in the IC chip memory 152. In the case of the K (black) ink color shown in FIG. 2, the usage amount (consumption) within the guarantee period of “1.5 years” is 1200 ml based on the usage period of 0.4 years and the usage amount of 320 ml. It is expected to be.

  The recommended capacity ink is a consumption of the optimum recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period from the consumable group of different capacities based on the user's usage estimated by the recommended capacity product selection means 104 of the control unit 10. A product is selected and stored in the IC chip memory 152.

  Here, the consumables capacity lineup of the ink cartridge 151 that is a consumable includes, for example, three types of capacities of 1000 ml, 500 ml, and 300 ml, and the recommended capacity product selection means 104 of the control unit 10 uses the recommended capacity. As the ink, one having the optimum capacity that does not exceed the usage amount within the guarantee period stored in the IC chip memory 152, that is, the user can consume within the guarantee period, is selected as the consumable item with the recommended capacity, that is, the recommended capacity item.

  Therefore, in the case of the ink color of K (black) shown in FIG. 2, the usage amount within the warranty period is predicted to be 1200 ml by the usage amount prediction means 103, so the recommended capacity product selection means 104 of the control unit 10 is 1000 ml. Then, among the 500 ml and 300 ml ink cartridges 151, the 1000 ml ink cartridge 151 that is the maximum within a range not exceeding 1200 ml that is used within the warranty period is selected as the recommended capacity product, and the IC chip memory 152 is selected. To remember.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the operation starts when the power is turned on. First, the control unit 10 starts from the IC chip memory 152 of the installed ink cartridge 151. The date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 151 is read (step S101), and the data for the warranty period is read (step S103).

  Then, the control unit 10 compares the date obtained by adding the warranty period to the date of manufacture and the current date, and determines whether or not the current date is approaching the warranty period (step S105).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the manufacturing date stored in the IC chip memory 152 is “2014/6/1” and the warranty period is “1.5 years”, the manufacturing date is guaranteed. Since the warranty period elapses on "2015/12/1", which is the date to which the period is added, the date when this warranty period elapses is compared with the current date to determine whether or not the warranty period is approaching To do. Note that in this step S103, it is determined whether the current date is approaching the warranty period, not whether the current date has passed the warranty period. A predetermined month (for example, 30 days or two months) may be subtracted from the added date and compared with the current date.

  Here, if it is determined that the current date is not approaching the warranty period (step S105; NO), the ink cartridge 151, which is a consumable item, is unlikely to adversely affect print quality or cause problems with the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 10 executes the printing operation as it is (step S107), and when the printing is completed (step S109 “YES”), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date is approaching the warranty period (step S105; YES), the control unit 10 first issues a warning (warning) indicating that the warranty period of the ink cartridge 151 is approaching. It displays on the display part 12 and alert | reports to a user (step S111). Note that the notification process for the user that the warranty period in step S111 is approaching may be omitted.

  Next, the use period calculation unit 101 of the control unit 10 acquires the use start date of the ink cartridge 151 that is a consumable from the IC chip memory 152 (step S113), and the acquired use start date and the previous print end date. Based on the above, the use period from the use start date to the present is calculated and stored in the IC chip memory 152 (step S115).

  In the case shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridges 151 of each color of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) are calculated as “0.4 years” and the IC chip memory 152 Is remembered.

  Next, the control unit 10 acquires the amount of ink used in the ink cartridge 151 from the IC chip memory 152 (step S117). As described above, the amount of ink used in the ink cartridge 151 is set to the number of ejections by the usage amount detection unit 102 of the control unit 10 counting the number of ink ejections in the ink-jet heads 110 of each color as described above. It is calculated by multiplying the discharge amount per time and stored in the IC chip memory 152.

  Next, the usage amount prediction means 103 of the control unit 10 calculates the average usage amount (average consumption amount) of ink by dividing the acquired usage amount of ink by the usage period calculated in step S115 (step S119). .

  For example, in the case of the K (black) ink cartridge 151K in FIG. 2, the amount of ink used is “320 ml” and the period of use is “0.4 years”, so the average amount of ink used (average consumption) Becomes “800 ml / year”. Similarly, in the case of the C (cyan) ink cartridge 151C, the average ink consumption (average consumption) is “600 ml / year”, and in the case of the M (magenta) ink cartridge 151M, the average ink usage ( In the case of Y (yellow) ink cartridge 151Y, the average ink consumption (average consumption) is “300 ml / year”.

  Next, the usage amount predicting unit 103 of the control unit 10 determines the user within the guaranteed period of the ink cartridge 151 stored in the IC chip memory 152 based on the average usage amount (average consumption amount) of ink calculated in step S119. The amount of ink used (consumed amount) consumed by is estimated and stored in the IC chip memory 152 (step S121).

  For example, in the case of the K (black) ink cartridge 151K in FIG. 2, the average ink consumption (average consumption) is “800 ml / year” and the warranty period is “1.5 years”. The recommended volume of ink consumed by the user within the warranty period is divided by the average usage (average consumption) of “800 ml / year” and the warranty period of “1.5 years”, and consumed by the user within the warranty period. The amount of ink used (consumption) can be predicted to be “1200 ml”.

  Similarly, the amount of ink consumed (consumed) by the user within the warranty period is “900 ml” for the C (cyan) ink cartridge 151C, “600 ml” for the M (magenta) ink cartridge 151M, Y In the case of the (yellow) ink cartridge 151Y, “450 ml / year” can be predicted.

  Then, the recommended capacity product selection unit 104 of the control unit 10 determines the consumable item within a range not exceeding the use amount (consumption amount) based on the ink use amount (consumption amount) within the warranty period predicted in step S121. The ink cartridge 151 having the largest capacity among the capacity lineup of the ink cartridges 151 is selected as a consumable product having a recommended capacity, that is, a recommended capacity product (step S123).

  For example, when the ink cartridge 151 that is a consumable item has three types of capacity lineups of 1000 ml, 500 ml, and 300 ml, and the ink color is K (black), the recommended capacity product selection unit 104 of the control unit 10 determines the predicted warranty period. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the amount of ink used is “1200 ml”, so within the range that does not exceed that, select the 1000 ml ink cartridge 151 with the largest capacity among the three lineups of consumables. To do.

  Similarly, in the case of the C (cyan) ink color, the amount of ink used within the predicted guarantee period is “900 ml” as shown in FIG. In 104, the 500 ml ink cartridge 151 having the largest capacity is selected as a recommended capacity product in the capacity lineup which is a consumable group of three capacities within a range not exceeding that.

  In the case of M (magenta) ink color, the amount of ink used within the predicted warranty period is “600 ml” as shown in FIG. A 500 ml ink cartridge 151 having the largest capacity is selected as a recommended capacity product among the capacity lineup of consumables with three capacities within a range not exceeding this range.

  In the case of Y (yellow) ink color, the amount of ink used within the predicted warranty period is “450 ml” as shown in FIG. The 300 ml ink cartridge 151 having the largest capacity in a range not exceeding that is selected as the recommended capacity product.

  For example, if the ink cartridge 151 that is a consumable has a capacity lineup of four types of 1500 ml, 1000 ml, 500 ml, and 300 ml, and the amount of ink used within the predicted warranty period is “2000 ml”, the controller 10 recommends The capacity product selection means 104 selects one ink cartridge 151 having the largest capacity among the capacity capacities of four capacities within the range not exceeding “2000 ml” predicted as described above, that is, the 1500 ml ink cartridge 151 as the recommended capacity product. Or a combination of a plurality of ink cartridges 151 such as 1500 ml and 500 ml may be selected and notified to the user.

  Finally, the display unit 12 displays a consumable item having the recommended capacity selected by the recommended capacity item selecting unit 104 of the control unit 10 as a notification unit (step S125).

  Therefore, among the capacity lineups of different capacities of consumables, the display unit 12 informs the user of consumables with recommended capacities that the user can consume within the warranty period.

  After that, similarly to the case where it is determined that the current date is not approaching the guarantee period (step S105; NO), the control unit 10 executes the printing operation as it is (step S107), and the printing is completed. (Step S109 “YES”), the above processing is completed.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the warranty period for consumables such as ink in the ink cartridge 151 approaches, the usage period calculation unit 101 of the control unit 10 is stored in the IC chip memory 152. Based on the start date of use and the current date, the usage period of the consumables is calculated, the usage amount detecting unit 102 detects the usage amount of the consumables, and the usage amount predicting unit 103 determines the usage period and the usage amount. Based on the predicted user usage, the recommended capacity product selection means 104 predicts the usage amount of the user within the warranty period, and recommends that the user can consume within the warranty period from the consumable group of different capacities. A consumable item having a capacity is selected and displayed on the display unit 12.

  As a result, depending on the usage status of the consumables by the user, the user is informed of the consumables with the optimum capacity for the user that can be consumed within the warranty period of the consumables as the recommended capacity products. It is possible to improve the economy by reducing the number of wastes that are wasted. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a decrease in print quality due to the use of consumables that have passed the warranty period, a malfunction of the printing apparatus, and the like.

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment according to the present invention, in step S125, among the capacity lineups with different capacities of consumables, the consumables with recommended capacities that are divided by the user within the warranty period are displayed on the display unit 12, and the user is displayed. In addition, based on the average usage amount of ink calculated in step S121, an expected use-up date of consumables such as the ink cartridge 151 is calculated and displayed on the display unit 12 to notify the user. Also good. In the case of an ink cartridge 151, the expected use-up date can be calculated by dividing the ink capacity by the average usage (average consumption), so the estimated use-up period is added to the use start date. Just do it.

  For example, in the case of the ink cartridge 151 of data as shown in FIG. 2, if the ink is K (black), the warranty period is based on the usage period of “0.4 years” and the usage amount of “320 ml”. Since the usage amount is estimated to be “1200 ml”, the expected ink use-up period from the use start date is expected to be “0.63 years”. Therefore, the expected use-up date can be calculated by adding “0.63 years” of the expected use-up period to “2014/4/1” which is the use start date.

  In the case of the data shown in FIG. 2, the estimated ink exhaustion period from the use start date is “0.94 years” for C (cyan) ink, and “0.94” for M (magenta) ink. In the case of ink of 1.25 years and Y (yellow), it is expected to be “1.89 years”, so adding up these expected use-up periods to “2014/4/1”, which is the start date of use, is used up. Expected date can be calculated.

(Modification 2)
Further, as shown in the above-described modified example 1, the estimated use-up date of the consumable item such as the ink cartridge 151 may be calculated and displayed on the display unit 12 to notify the user. Of the capacity lineup of different capacities of the consumables selected in the process of step S123 before a predetermined period of the expected date, i.e., before the expected use-up date, the recommended capacity that the user can divide within the warranty period. The consumable item can be displayed on the display unit 12 to notify the user.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second modification. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the same process as operation | movement of the printing apparatus 1 of Example 1 shown in FIG.

  As apparent from a comparison of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 of the second modification shown in FIG. 4 and the operation of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the flowchart of the printing apparatus 1 of the second modification shown in FIG. In the flowchart of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the process of determining whether or not the guarantee period of step S105 is approaching and the process of notifying the user that the guarantee period of next step S111 is approaching are omitted. doing.

  Instead, in the flowchart of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second modification illustrated in FIG. 4, the average usage amount calculation process from the usage period and the usage amount in step S <b> 119 and the use of consumables such as ink within the warranty period in step S <b> 121. Between the amount prediction processing, for example, the above-described prediction processing (step S127) of the expected use-up date of consumables such as ink based on the average usage amount and the determination processing (step S127) of whether or not the predicted use-up predicted date is approaching. S129) and a process (step S131) of displaying on the display unit 12 and the like and informing the user that the expected use-up date is approaching are executed.

  If the predicted use-up date is approaching (step S129; YES), the user is informed that the use-up date is approaching (step S131), and thereafter, as in the first embodiment described above, the steps after step S121 are performed. Processing is performed to select an item having a capacity that can be consumed by the user within a warranty period from a group of consumables having different capacities as a consumable item having a recommended capacity and to display it on the display unit 12.

  Therefore, in the case of the printing apparatus of the first embodiment described above, when the warranty period for consumables such as ink in the ink cartridge 151 is approaching, the consumable having the optimum recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period. Is displayed on the display unit 12, but in the case of the printing apparatus according to the second modification, when the expected use-up date of consumables such as ink in the ink cartridge 151 approaches, the optimum recommendation that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period Consumables with a capacity are displayed on the display unit 12, and it is possible to prevent the ink from running out before the warranty period more reliably than in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
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, the amount of ink used within the warranty period is predicted in the same manner as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and consumption of different capacities is based on the predicted ink usage. A consumable item having a recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period is notified from the product group, and the warranty period used as a reference is changed based on the viscosity of the ink.

  That is, in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, a predetermined fixed value is continuously used for the guarantee period. However, in the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the predetermined guarantee period is based on the viscosity of the ink. It is characterized by changing.

  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.

  In the case of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the IC chip memory 152 of the ink cartridge 151 further has a threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink, that is, problems such as ink clogging and printing rubbing in the printing apparatus 1. A threshold value of the average viscosity of ink that can be printed without being generated is stored in advance.

  In addition to the functions of the usage period calculation unit 101, the usage amount calculation unit 102, the usage amount prediction unit 103, and the recommended capacity product selection unit 04 of the first embodiment, the control unit 10 has a function of a warranty period update unit described later. Have.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the guarantee period update unit of the control unit 10 is, for example, the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink in the ink cartridge 151 from the IC chip memory 152 or the like. The threshold value of the average viscosity of the ink that does not cause a problem is acquired (step S201).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the usage period of the ink cartridge 151 and the average viscosity of the ink and the threshold value of the average viscosity of the ink in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis indicates the usage period of the ink cartridge 151, and the vertical axis indicates the average viscosity of the ink.

  In FIG. 6, a line 61 is a line showing the relationship between the usage period of the ink cartridge 151 and the average viscosity of the ink when the environmental temperature is 40 ° C., and a line 62 is when the environmental temperature is 23 ° C. It is a line which shows the relationship between the use period of the ink cartridge 151, and the average viscosity of an ink.

  As is apparent from the lines 61 and 62 in FIG. 6, the longer the service period of the ink cartridge 151 is, the higher the viscosity is due to deterioration of the ink. Further, as the environmental temperature is higher, the gradient of the increase rate of the average viscosity of the ink with respect to the usage period of the ink cartridge 151 is larger. That is, the higher the environmental temperature, the earlier the viscosity increases according to the usage period of the ink cartridge 151.

  In the case of FIG. 6, when the ink viscosity is equal to or lower than the threshold value indicated by the straight line 63, the ink flow in the inkjet head 110 or the like is normal. There is no problem.

  On the other hand, when the ink viscosity increases due to the prolonged use period of the ink cartridge 151 or the environmental temperature rises and exceeds the threshold value indicated by the straight line 63, the ink flow in the ink jet head 110 or the like deteriorates, and the ink jet In the head 110, the nozzles are clogged with ink, and problems such as printing rubbing occur.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the value of the straight line 63 shown in FIG. 6 or a value lower than the value of the straight line 63 by a predetermined value is used as the threshold value for the average viscosity of the ink that does not cause a problem in the printing apparatus 1. Stored in advance in the chip memory 152 or the like, and read out by the process of step S201.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, a known ink viscosity measuring unit (not shown) measures the viscosity of the ink (step S203).

  As a method for measuring the viscosity of the ink, there is a method in which the viscosity is directly measured by a viscosity measurement circuit, a flow sensor, or the like. In the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, the maintenance operation before starting printing is performed as follows. Then, the ink flow resistance is measured, and the average viscosity of the ink is indirectly measured.

  That is, ink thickening mainly occurs in the vicinity of the inkjet head 110. For this reason, when the ink thickens, the ink flow in the inkjet head 110 becomes worse. In the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, instead of directly measuring the viscosity of the ink, the average viscosity of the ink is indirectly measured by measuring the difficulty of the ink flow near the inkjet head 110, that is, the flow path resistance. It can be measured.

  Specifically, ink is passed through the inkjet head 110, and the time until a predetermined amount of ink flows is measured. As a result, it can be determined that the ink is thickened as the measured time is longer. Thus, the average viscosity of the ink can be determined with a simple configuration without providing an expensive viscosity measurement circuit, a flow rate sensor, or the like.

  Next, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the guarantee period update unit of the control unit 10 uses the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink read from the IC chip memory 152 and the like by the process of step S201 and the ink viscosity by the process of step S203. The ink viscosity measured by the measuring means is compared (step S205).

  If the measured ink viscosity is equal to or less than the threshold value of the ink proper viscosity (step S205; NO), the ink viscosity in the printing apparatus 1 is in the proper viscosity state. The means does not update the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink stored in the IC chip memory 152 or the like, and the control unit 10 performs the process of step S101 in FIG. 4 as in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above. I do.

  On the other hand, when the measured viscosity of the ink is larger than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink (step S205; YES), the ink flow in the inkjet head 110 or the like becomes worse, and the nozzle in the inkjet head 110 becomes clogged with ink. Can cause problems.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, in this case, first, the notification unit displays the measured viscosity of the ink on the display unit 12 or the like that is larger than the threshold value of the appropriate ink viscosity to notify the user (step S207). ).

  Next, the guarantee period updating unit of the control unit 10 reads the usage period of the ink cartridge 151 when the ink viscosity becomes larger than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity from the IC chip memory 152 (step S209), and the ink viscosity is A new warranty period is calculated based on the usage period of the ink cartridge 151 when it becomes larger than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity (step S211).

  For example, the new warranty period is calculated by subtracting, for example, one month from the use period of the ink cartridge 151 when the viscosity of the ink becomes larger than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity.

  As a result, since the ink viscosity of the ink cartridge 151 does not exceed the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity during the new guarantee period, the case where the viscosity of the ink exceeds the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity can be reduced thereafter.

  Then, the warranty period update means of the control unit 10 updates the calculated new warranty period in the IC chip memory 152 (step S213), and includes the above-described first embodiment (variation 1 and variation 2) of the present invention. In the same manner as in the printing apparatus 1 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S101 in FIG. 3 or FIG.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the viscosity of the ink is larger than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity, the warranty period update process in steps S201 to S213 shown in FIG. After executing the shortening of the guarantee period, similarly to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, the process of step S101 in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 can be performed.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as with the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a user who can be completely consumed within the warranty period for consumables according to the usage status of the consumables by the user. Therefore, since the consumable having the optimum capacity is notified, the number of cases where the consumable is wasted is reduced, and the economy can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a decrease in print quality due to the use of consumables that have passed the warranty period, a malfunction of the printing apparatus, and the like.

  In the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the viscosity of the ink is measured and the measured viscosity of the ink is greater than the threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink, the print quality may be adversely affected. Then, a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined period such as one month from the use period until the ink viscosity becomes higher than the threshold value of the appropriate ink viscosity is updated in the IC chip memory 152 as a new guarantee period.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, from the next, based on the new shortened warranty period, the user can use up the consumables such as ink in the ink cartridge 151 within the warranty period. Can be updated to a new warranty period in accordance with the user's environment, taking into account the ink viscosity. It can be surely prevented.

  In the above description, the ink cartridge 151 is described as an example of the consumable item. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink cartridge, and may be another consumable item.

  For example, when the printing apparatus according to the present invention is a stencil printing apparatus, a stencil sheet (stencil master) can be considered as a consumable item.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data related to consumables stored in a memory when the consumable is a stencil sheet (stencil master) used in stencil printing in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the consumable is stencil paper, the data stored in the IC chip memory 152 is first used as in the case of the ink shown in FIG. 2 being consumable. “200 edition” is stored as the capacity (version number) of the master, “2014/4/1” as the date of manufacture, “1.5 years” as the warranty period, and “2014/6/1” as the start date of use. It shall be.

  In the case of consumable data for stencil paper as shown in FIG. 7, the usage period calculation means 101 of the control unit 10 calculates the usage period of the stencil paper as “0.4 years”, and the usage amount of the control unit 10 The calculation means 102 calculates the usage amount of the stencil paper as “40th edition”, and the usage amount prediction means 103 calculates “150 edition” as the usage amount of the stencil paper within the warranty period.

  Here, when the capacity lineup of the stencil sheet (stencil master) has three types of 200, 100, and 50, the recommended capacity product selection means 104 determines the amount of stencil sheet used by the user within the warranty period. A maximum of 100 stencil stencil sheets in the capacity line-up within a range not exceeding “150 plate” is selected as the estimated capacity and stored in the IC chip memory 152.

  Therefore, even when the consumable is stencil paper, the user's usage is predicted as in the case where the consumable is the ink of the ink cartridge 151, and based on the predicted user's usage, Therefore, it is possible to notify the consumable item having the optimum recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus 10 ... Control part 101 ... Usage period calculation means 102 ... Usage amount calculation means 103 ... Usage amount prediction means 104 ... Recommended capacity product selection means 11 ... Memory 12 ... Display part (notification means)
110K, 110C, 110M, 110Y ... inkjet head 151K, 151C, 151M, 151Y ... ink cartridge 152K, 152C, 152M, 152Y ... IC chip memory (storage means)

Claims (2)

A printing device that performs printing using a consumable with a storage means,
The storage means stores at least information on the start date of use of the consumables and a warranty period during which the quality of the consumables can be guaranteed from the start date of use,
Use period calculation means for calculating a use period of the consumables based on the use start date and the current date stored in the storage means;
A usage amount detecting means for detecting the usage amount of the consumables;
A usage amount predicting means for predicting the usage amount of the user in the guarantee period based on the usage period and the usage amount;
A recommended capacity item selection means for selecting a consumable capacity of a recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period from a group of consumables having different capacities based on the predicted usage of the user;
Informing means for informing the user of consumables of recommended capacity that can be consumed by the user within the warranty period;
A printing apparatus comprising: The consumable is ink;
The storage means further stores a threshold value of the appropriate viscosity of the ink,
further,
Viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the ink based on the flow path resistance of the ink;
It is determined whether or not the measured viscosity of the ink is larger than a threshold value of the proper viscosity of the ink. When the viscosity of the ink is larger than the threshold value of the proper viscosity of the ink, the guaranteed period at the time of the determination is determined. A warranty period update means for updating the storage means with a short warranty period as a new warranty period;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

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