JP4608745B2 - Ink jet printer and ink cartridge for ink jet printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink jet printer and an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer, and more particularly, an ink jet printer capable of preventing reuse of an ink cartridge, preventing printer troubles due to refilling of poor ink, and maintaining the quality of printer output. The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an ink jet printer scans a recording medium that is wound around an outer periphery of a rotary drum and rotated and conveyed, or a surface of a recording medium that is conveyed on a conveyance path, along a direction substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. By ejecting droplet-like ink from the nozzles of the recording head, an image is recorded and formed on the surface of the recording medium.
[0003]
In such an ink jet printer, normally, an ink cartridge that contains ink such as Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), etc. is replaceably mounted on the printer body. When ink runs out due to ink consumption due to image recording on the recording medium, the operator can replace the ink cartridge that has run out of ink with a new ink cartridge, and image recording can be continued. It is like that.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Ink in an ink jet printer is a consumable item, and the ink is manufactured and sold by each company. For this reason, the user of the printer or a specialist may sometimes refill the ink cartridge that has run out of ink and reuse the ink cartridge.
[0005]
However, the ink jet printer is adjusted so that the highest quality image can be recorded and formed by using the genuine ink in the manufacturer of the printer, so the ink not designated by the manufacturer is refilled and reused. As a result, there is a problem that the capability of the printer is not effectively exhibited and the quality of the printer output cannot be maintained.
[0006]
If the refilled ink has a composition that is not compatible with the printer, or if the refilled ink itself is a poor product, the quality of the printer output cannot be maintained. There is even the possibility of damaging the printer itself, causing printer trouble.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer that can prevent reuse of an ink cartridge, prevent printer troubles due to refilling of bad ink, etc., and maintain the quality of printer output.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer that can prevent the use of other ink cartridges and prevent printer troubles and maintain the quality of printer output.
[0009]
Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer that can prevent reuse of the ink cartridge, prevent printer troubles due to refilling of poor ink, etc., and maintain the quality of the printer output. is there.
[0021]
Claim 1 The invention described in the above is an ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing ink is replaceably mounted on a printer body, the ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the ink out of the cartridge being mounted on the printer body, and the printer body being mounted In the case where an ink outage is detected by the filling means for blocking the circulation of the ink by injecting a filler that solidifies with time into the ink outlet portion of the cartridge and the ink remaining amount detecting means, the filling means is operated. An ink jet printer comprising: a control unit that injects a filler into the ink outlet portion.
[0022]
Claim 2 The invention described is an ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing an ink wrapping material filled with ink is mounted in a printer body in a replaceable manner, and the remaining amount of ink for detecting out of ink in the cartridge in the printer body. Detection means; tearing means for tearing the ink packaging material in the cartridge mounted on the printer main body; Knowledge An ink jet printer comprising: a control means for operating the tearing means to tear the ink wrapping material when the ink breakage is detected by the means.
[0023]
Claim 3 The invention described is an ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing an ink wrapping material filled with ink is mounted in a printer body in a replaceable manner, and the remaining amount of ink for detecting out of ink in the cartridge in the printer body. Detection means, sealing means for heat-sealing the ink packaging material in the cartridge mounted on the printer body, and the ink remaining amount detection. Knowledge Detect out of ink by means Knowledge In this case, there is provided an ink jet printer comprising a control means for operating the sealing means to heat seal the ink packaging material.
[0026]
Claim 4 The invention described is an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer that contains an ink wrapping material filled with ink inside, and an adhesive layer having a polarity different from the polarity of the ink filled inside on the inner surface of the ink wrapping material The ink cartridge for an ink jet printer is characterized in that when the ink is consumed and the ink wrapping material is crushed, the adhesive layers are brought into contact with each other to bond the inner surface of the ink wrapping material.
[0028]
Claim 5 In the ink cartridge for an ink jet printer, in which an ink wrapping material filled with ink is accommodated, a float having a lighter specific gravity than the ink is provided in the ink wrapping material, and the ink is consumed and the remaining ink amount The ink cartridge for an ink jet printer is characterized in that when the ink is lost, the floating is clogged and solidified in the ink outlet portion, thereby preventing the ink from flowing.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink jet printer, in which A indicates a printer body and B indicates an ink cartridge mounting portion.
[0031]
Although not shown, the printer main body A has a recording unit that records and forms an image by ejecting ink from the recording head onto the surface of the recording medium.
[0032]
Ink cartridge mounting portions B are provided on the left and right sides of the printer main body A in the illustrated example. For example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) ink cartridges b, which respectively accommodate inks, are exchangeably mounted in each ink cartridge mounting portion B. The supply means supplies ink of each color from each ink cartridge b to the recording head of the printer main body A to the recording head. In the illustrated example, the ink cartridge b is configured such that four colors can be mounted on the left and right ink cartridge mounting portions B. However, the number of ink cartridge mounting portions and the number of ink cartridges that can be mounted are shown. Is not limited to this.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge b contains an ink wrapping material b1 filled with ink inside the housing, and the ink is drawn out of the ink wrapping material b1 to the outside of the cartridge b on the bottom side. Part b2 is formed.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridges b are respectively mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B of the printer main body A. The ink cartridge mounting part B has an ink take-out part B1 that matches the ink lead-out part b2 of the ink cartridge b. When the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting part B, the ink contained therein Flows out from the ink outlet b2 to the ink outlet B1 and is supplied to the printer main body A.
[0035]
A first embodiment of an ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the ink cartridge b is provided with an identification means b3. The identification means b3 identifies and identifies the ink cartridge b, such as identification information peculiar to the ink cartridge b, for example, a manufacturing number, a manufacturing location, a manufacturing date, a different mark for each ink cartridge, etc. Information that can be recorded.
[0037]
As the identification means b3, a barcode with identification information recorded thereon, an IC chip with identification information recorded thereon, a character, a mark such as a figure formed by recording the identification information with magnetic ink, a graphic mark, etc. Examples include marks such as formed characters and figures.
[0038]
On the other hand, the ink cartridge mounting portion B is provided with detection means 100 for detecting the identification information recorded in the identification means b3 at a position corresponding to the identification means b3 when the ink cartridge b is installed. Thus, when the ink cartridge b is mounted, the detection means 100 is activated so that the identification information of the identification means b3 provided in the ink cartridge b can be automatically detected.
[0039]
Examples of the detection unit 100 include a barcode reader that reads a barcode, a sensor that reads identification information recorded on an IC chip, a magnetic sensor, and an optical sensor, depending on the mode of the identification unit b3.
[0040]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the configuration block diagram shown in FIG.
[0041]
First, when the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B of the printer main body A, the detection means 100 detects the cartridge-specific identification information recorded in the identification means b3 of the ink cartridge b, and the detection signal Is output to the control means 200.
[0042]
The control means 200 receives the detection signal from the detection means 100, compares the detection signal with the stored data stored in the storage means 300, and stores the detection signal in the storage means 300. Judge whether it exists in the data.
[0043]
As a result, when it is determined that the detection signal is not stored in the storage unit 300, it is determined whether or not an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detection unit 500. An operation start signal for starting the operation is output to the driving unit 400, and the process waits until an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detecting unit 500. For this reason, it is preferable to provide storage means for temporarily storing the detection signal output from the detection means 100 in the control means 200. When an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detecting means 5, the detection signal is output to the storage means 300, and the identification information is stored.
[0044]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection signal is stored in the storage means, the ink cartridge b having the identification information has already been mounted on the printer main body A and has been used in the past, and thus has run out of ink. If it is determined that there is, an operation stop signal is output to the driving unit 400 to stop the operation of the printer.
[0045]
Printer operations controlled by outputting an operation stop signal to the driving unit 400 include turning off the printer, stopping the scanning of the recording head, and stopping the conveyance of the recording paper. is there. At the same time, the control means 200 may output a warning signal to notify the operator that the ink cartridge is abnormal, that is, has already been used, by an alarm lamp, an alarm buzzer, a warning display on the monitor, or the like. preferable.
[0046]
In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the printer main body A is an ink cartridge that has already been installed and has been emptied by the installation of the ink cartridge b. Therefore, the ink cartridge that has been emptied once has been removed. It can be determined that the ink has been refilled and then remounted and the ink has been refilled, and adverse effects due to the use of ink that is not compatible with the printer can be prevented.
[0047]
Next, a second embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 6, on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge b, an information storage medium capable of arbitrarily reading and writing information such as an IC chip and a magnetic recording medium is provided as the identification means b4. Part B is provided with reading / writing means 101 for reading and writing information on the information storage medium at a position corresponding to the identification means b4. Therefore, when the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, the information recorded in the identification unit b4 can be read by the reading / writing unit 101, and new information can be written. ing.
[0049]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0050]
First, when the ink cartridge b mounted in the ink cartridge mounting part B runs out of ink due to use, the ink remaining amount detecting unit 501 detects the ink out and outputs an ink out signal to the control unit 201. Upon receiving this ink out signal, the control unit 201 writes the ink out information to the identification unit b4 of the ink cartridge b by the reading / writing unit 101.
[0051]
When a new ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting section B, the information written in the identification means b4 of the ink cartridge b is read by the reading / writing means 101, and the reading result is sent to the control means 201. Output.
[0052]
In response to the signal from the reading / writing unit 101, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the information recorded in the identification unit b4, in particular, the ink out information has already occurred and the ink out information has been written. . As a result, when it is determined that the ink out information has not been written, an operation start signal for starting the printer operation is output to the driving unit 401, and the process waits until the ink remaining amount detecting unit 501 outputs an ink out signal. . Thereafter, when an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detecting means 501, the ink out information is written to the identifying means b4 of the ink cartridge b by the reading / writing means 101 in the same manner as described above.
[0053]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the out-of-ink information has already been written, it is determined that the ink cartridge b has already been used by the printer main body A and has been used in the past, and has been driven. An operation stop signal is output to the means 401 to stop the operation of the printer.
[0054]
In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the printer main body A is an ink cartridge that has already been installed and has been emptied by the installation of the ink cartridge b. It can be determined that the ink has been refilled and then remounted and the ink has been refilled, and adverse effects due to the use of ink that is not compatible with the printer can be prevented. In particular, in this aspect, even if the ink cartridge is exchanged between printers with different installation locations, it can be detected that the product is a reattachment product based on the identification information written on the ink cartridge, and is more effective.
[0055]
Next, a third embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, the ink cartridge b is provided with a protrusion b5 at a part thereof. The protrusion b5 protrudes from one side of the ink cartridge b to the side, and can be easily broken by applying an external force, and is provided so as to be detached from the ink cartridge b when broken.
[0057]
On the other hand, the excision means 600 is provided in the ink cartridge mounting part B. The excision means 600 includes a movable piece 61 that excises the protrusion b5 of the ink cartridge b. The movable piece 61 has an opening 62 into which the protrusion b5 of the ink cartridge b attached to the ink cartridge attachment part B is inserted. The ink cartridge mounting portion B is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure.
[0058]
A cutter blade 62a capable of cutting the protrusion b5 is formed on the upper inner edge of the opening 62. The cutter blade 62a is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B when the movable piece 61 is moved downward by an appropriate driving means (not shown). The protruding portion b5 of the ink cartridge b is broken and cut by the cutter blade 62a.
[0059]
The protruding portion b5 may be provided with a weak portion such as a thin portion for easy breakage, and the movable portion 61 may be moved downward to break and cut away the weakened portion of the protruding portion b5. . In this case, the cutter blade 62a is not necessarily provided.
[0060]
In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes a detecting means for a protrusion b5 comprising a light projecting portion 21a for emitting detection light and a light receiving portion 21b for receiving light emitted from the light projecting portion 21a. It arrange | positions so that b5 may be inserted in between. In this aspect, the detection light from the light projecting unit 21a is blocked by the projection b5 and is not received by the light receiving unit 21b, so that the presence of the projection b5 is detected, but the light receiving unit 21b is projected. It is arranged on the same side as the light part 21a, and the presence of the protrusion b5 is detected by receiving the reflected light reflected by the protrusion b5 from the light projecting part 21a by the light receiving part 21b. Good.
[0061]
FIG. 9 shows another aspect of the cutting means 6. In this embodiment, a fixed piece 63 is provided in place of the movable piece 61 that cuts off the protrusion b5 of the ink cartridge b. The fixing piece 63 is formed with an opening 64 into which the protrusion b5 of the ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B is inserted, and is fixed to the ink cartridge mounting portion B so as not to move. Further, a cutter blade 64a capable of cutting the projection b5 is formed on the upper inner edge of the opening 64, like the movable piece 61.
[0062]
On the other hand, the ink cartridge mounting portion B is provided with an elevating mechanism 65 for moving the ink cartridge b in the vertical direction in the figure, and the protrusion b5 is inserted into the opening 64 of the fixed piece 63 and mounted. When the cartridge b is moved upward, the protrusion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b is broken by the cutter blade 64a of the opening 64 of the fixed piece 63 and cut out from the ink cartridge b.
[0063]
Also in this aspect, the protruding portion b5 is provided with a weak portion such as a thin-walled portion for easy breakage, and the weak portion of the protruding portion b5 is broken and cut off by the upward movement of the lifting mechanism 65. You may do it. Also in this case, the cutter blade 64a is not necessarily provided.
[0064]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration block diagram of such an ink jet printer.
[0065]
When the ink cartridge b is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B of the printer main body A, the detecting means 102 detects the presence or absence of the protrusion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b, and outputs the detection result to the control means 202. .
[0066]
The control unit 202 receives the detection result from the detection unit 102, and when the result is a projection, outputs a start signal for starting the printer operation to the drive unit 402 and the ink remaining amount detection unit 502 runs out of ink. Wait until there is a signal output.
[0067]
Thereafter, when an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detecting means 502, an operation command signal is output to the cutting means 600. The excision means 600 starts to operate in response to the operation command signal from the control means 202, breaks the protrusion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b, and excises it from the ink cartridge b.
[0068]
On the other hand, if the detection result is that there is no protrusion, the ink cartridge b has already been mounted on the printer main body A and used in the past, so that ink has run out and the protrusion b5 has been cut by the cutting means 600. The operation stop signal is output to the driving unit 402 to stop the operation of the printer.
[0069]
In this way, the printer main body A detects the presence or absence of the protrusion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b by installing the ink cartridge b, so that the ink cartridge that has already been installed and used once has been used up. Therefore, it can be determined that the ink cartridge has been refilled with certainty, and the adverse effects of using ink that is not compatible with the printer can be prevented. Can do.
[0070]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 11, the ink cartridge b has the projection b5, and the projection b5 is cut by the cutting means 600, which is the same as the ink cartridge in the third embodiment. The protrusion b5 after being cut out from the ink cartridge b is detected. In the figure, the excision means 600 shows an example using the excision means comprising the movable piece 61 shown in FIG.
[0072]
As shown in the figure, a guide tube 66 is provided so as to cover the protrusion b5 protruding from the opening 62 of the movable piece 61, and the protrusion b5 which has been removed from the ink cartridge b by the excision means 600 is dropped. In order to guide, it extends downward from the projecting position of the projection b5 provided on the ink cartridge b.
[0073]
The protrusion b5 that has been detached from the ink cartridge b and dropped in the guide cylinder 66 is placed on the bottom lid 67 at the lower end of the guide cylinder 66. And the detection means 103 (light projection part 31a and light-receiving part 31b) is arrange | positioned in the lower end of the guide pipe | tube 66, and it can detect the projection part b5 mounted on the said bottom cover 67 optically. It can be done. Thereby, the presence or absence of the projection b5 cut out from the ink cartridge b is detected.
[0074]
The bottom lid 67 can be opened and closed by a driving means (not shown). When the bottom lid 67 is opened, the projection b5 placed on the bottom lid 67 is discharged so as to receive the next projection b5. It has come to be.
[0075]
Here, the detection means 103 detects the projection b5 placed on the bottom lid 67 of the guide cylinder 66, but the detection means 103 is disposed in the middle of the guide cylinder 66 and the projection b5. It may be possible to detect whether or not there is a protrusion b5 that is detached from the ink cartridge b and falls in the guide cylinder 66 in the middle of the drop.
[0076]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0077]
When the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B of the printer main body A, the cutting means 600 is first operated to break and cut the protrusion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b. The cut projection b5 is detached from the ink cartridge b and falls in the guide cylinder 66.
[0078]
Next, the detection unit 103 detects the presence or absence of the protrusion b5 detached from the ink cartridge b, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 203.
[0079]
The control unit 203 receives the detection result from the detection unit 103, and if the result is a projection, determines that the printer may be operated and outputs an operation start signal to the drive unit 403. Thereafter, when an ink out signal is output from the ink remaining amount detecting means 503, the bottom cover 67 is opened, the protrusion b5 is ejected from the detection position by the detecting means 103, and it waits to receive the next protrusion. To do.
[0080]
On the other hand, when the ink cartridge b is already mounted on the printer main body A and used in the past, and the protrusion b5 is not present in the ink cartridge b by being cut by the cutting means 600, and therefore is not cut by the cutting means 600. The detection result is no protrusion. In this case, the control unit 203 outputs an operation stop signal to the drive unit 403 to stop the operation of the printer.
[0081]
In this way, the printer main body A cuts off the protruding portion b5 provided on the ink cartridge b by mounting the ink cartridge b, and detects the presence or absence of the cut-out protruding portion b5, so that it is already mounted and used once. As a result, it is possible to detect that the ink cartridge has the protrusion b5 removed, so that it can be determined that the ink cartridge has been refilled with ink, and ink that is not compatible with the printer is used. It is possible to prevent adverse effects due to being performed.
[0082]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0083]
As shown in FIG. 13, in this aspect, the printer main body A is equipped with a destruction means 700 for destroying the ink cartridge b attached to the ink cartridge attachment portion B.
[0084]
The destruction means 700 includes hammers 71 (in the illustrated example, a pair is provided so as to sandwich the ink cartridge b), and operates by a drive mechanism such as a cylinder (not shown) to destroy the ink cartridge b. Destroy. The destruction here is not limited to completely crushing the ink cartridge b or dividing it into a plurality of parts, and it is sufficient that the ink cartridge b is destroyed to the extent that it cannot be reused. For example, a part of the wall surface may be broken to such an extent that the shape of the cartridge cannot be maintained, or a part of the mounting surface may be broken to such an extent that the cartridge cannot be properly attached to the ink cartridge mounting part B. .
[0085]
In order to facilitate the destruction of the ink cartridge b by the hammer 71, a weak portion is provided on the wall surface of the ink cartridge b destroyed by the hammer 71 by partially forming a thin wall, etc. It is also preferable that the fragile portion is easily broken by the hammer 71.
[0086]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0087]
First, the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and then the printer operation is started. During the operation of the printer, the ink remaining amount detecting means 504 monitors the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge b, and outputs an ink out signal to the control means 204 when ink out is detected.
[0088]
When receiving the ink out signal, the control unit 204 determines that the ink has run out and outputs an operation signal to the destruction unit 700. The destruction means 700 starts its operation in response to the operation signal from the control means 204 and destroys the empty ink cartridge b with the hammer 71.
[0089]
As described above, the printer main body A destroys the empty ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B by the destruction means 700 when the ink cartridge b runs out of ink. It is impossible to use the ink cartridge b, and it is possible to completely prevent the ink cartridge b from being refilled and reused.
[0090]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 15, the printer main body A is provided with a filling means 800 for injecting a filler that solidifies with time into the ink outlet b2 of the ink cartridge b.
[0092]
The filling means 800 is disposed on the back side of the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and includes a filler injection tube 81 extending to the ink outlet portion b2 and a filler storage portion 82 for storing the filler. . When the filling means 800 receives the operation signal, the filling means 800 is operated so as to inject the filler in the filler accommodating portion 82 into the ink outlet portion b2 through the filler injection pipe 81 by a driving means (not shown). Then, the filler solidifies with time, so that the subsequent flow of the ink is prevented, and the ink cartridge b cannot be reused.
[0093]
As the filler that can be used for this purpose, any filler can be used as long as it solidifies with time to fill the ink outlet b2 and prevent the ink from flowing. For example, a silicon-based adhesive may be used. it can.
[0094]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0095]
First, the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and then the printer operation is started. During the operation of the printer, the ink remaining amount detecting means 505 monitors the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge b, and outputs an ink out signal to the control means 205 when ink out is detected.
[0096]
When the control unit 205 receives the ink out signal, the control unit 205 determines that the ink has run out and outputs an operation signal to the filling unit 800. The filling unit 800 starts to operate in response to the operation signal from the control unit 205, and injects the filler into the ink outlet b2 of the ink cartridge b.
[0097]
As described above, when the ink cartridge b runs out of ink, the printer main body A injects a filler into the ink lead-out portion b2 of the empty ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B by the filling means 800, thereby Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ink cartridge b from being reused and completely prevent the ink cartridge b from being refilled and reused.
[0098]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0099]
In this aspect, as shown in FIG. 17, the printer main body A is provided with a tearing means 900 for tearing the ink packaging material b1 accommodated in the ink cartridge b.
[0100]
The cleaving means 900 includes a cutter blade 91 (two cutter blades 91 are arranged in parallel in the illustrated example) disposed on the back side of the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and a conveyor 92 that moves the cutter blade 91. It consists of and. Each cutter blade 91 is attached to a conveyor 92, and the cutter blade 91 is moved by driving the conveyor 92 by a driving means (not shown).
[0101]
A slit B2 on which the cutter blade 91 can move is formed on the mounting surface of the ink cartridge mounting portion B. The cutter blade 91 protrudes from the slit B2 to the mounting surface and moves along the slit B2 by driving the conveyor 92. Thus, the ink packaging material b1 in the ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B can be torn.
[0102]
At this time, when the ink cartridge b is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B, the ink cartridge b1 is easily torn by the cutter blade 91. It is preferable to form a slit into which the cutter blade 91 can be inserted so as to correspond to the slit B2.
[0103]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0104]
First, the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and then the printer operation is started. During the operation of the printer, the ink remaining amount detecting means 506 monitors the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge b, and outputs an ink out signal to the control means 206 when ink out is detected.
[0105]
When the control means 206 receives the ink out signal, the control means 206 determines that ink has run out and outputs an operation signal to the tearing means 900. The tearing means 900 starts operating in response to the operation signal from the control means 206, and tears the ink wrapping material b1 in the empty ink cartridge b by the cutter blade 91 to make it impossible to refill ink.
[0106]
As described above, when the ink cartridge b runs out of ink, the printer main body A tears the ink wrapping material b1 in the empty ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B by the tearing means 900, and recycles the ink. Since the filling is made impossible, it is possible to completely prevent the ink from being refilled by refilling the ink cartridge b.
[0107]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the inkjet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0108]
As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, the printer main body A is provided with a sealing means 901 for heat-sealing the ink packaging material b1 accommodated in the ink cartridge b.
[0109]
The sealing unit 901 includes a pair of heater blocks 93 and 94 that heat-seal the ink packaging material b1 in the ink cartridge b so as to be sandwiched from above and below. The heater blocks 93 and 94 are heated by appropriate heating means (not shown) and are driven so as to sandwich the ink packaging material b1 by appropriate driving means such as a cylinder (not shown).
[0110]
An opening B3 through which the lower heater block 94 can be inserted is formed on the mounting surface of the ink cartridge mounting portion B. On the other hand, the heater blocks 93 and 94 are also provided in the ink cartridge b. Openings b6 through which the heater blocks 93 and 94 can be inserted are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the casing of the ink cartridge b so that b1 can be heat-sealed.
[0111]
As shown in FIG. 20, the sealing unit 901 moves in a direction in which the heater blocks 93 and 94 come into contact with each other, and operates so as to heat-seal the ink packaging material b1 in the ink cartridge b from above and below. .
[0112]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0113]
First, the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and then the printer operation is started. During the operation of the printer, the ink remaining amount detecting means 507 monitors the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge b, and outputs an ink out signal to the control means 207 when ink out is detected.
[0114]
When the control means 207 receives the ink out signal, the control means 207 determines that ink has run out and outputs an operation signal to the sealing means 901. The seal unit 901 starts to operate upon receiving an operation signal from the control unit 207, and heat-seals the ink packaging material b1 in the ink cartridge b as shown in FIG.
[0115]
As described above, when the ink of the ink cartridge b has run out, the printer main body A heat-seals the ink packaging material b1 in the empty ink cartridge b mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B by the sealing means 901, thereby Since refilling is impossible, it is possible to completely prevent the ink from being refilled and reused in the ink cartridge b.
[0116]
Next, a ninth embodiment of the ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the surface of the ink cartridge b is connected to the joint b8 in the ink cartridge b (between the parts when the divided casing parts are assembled to form the casing of the ink cartridge. Sealing seal b7 is provided so as to straddle the seam. The sealing seal b7 is a seal that is formed so as to be non-reattachable with a peeling mark once peeled off. By providing the seal b7 across the joint b8 in the ink cartridge b, for example, for the purpose of refilling ink or the like. When the casing of the ink cartridge b is once opened and the joint b8 is opened, the sealing seal b7 is peeled off. At that time, the peeling mark b7 ′ is left on the surface of the casing as shown in FIG. Even if the body is closed, it can be identified that it has been opened once by the peeling mark.
[0118]
The printer main body A is provided with detection means 903 for detecting the peeling mark of the sealing seal b7 provided on the ink cartridge b. As this detection means 903, an image sensor such as a CCD for detecting the peeling trace as an image, an optical sensor comprising a light projecting part and a light receiving part for optically detecting reflected light of the detection light irradiated on the peeling trace, and the like are used. be able to.
[0119]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0120]
First, the ink cartridge b is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion B, and then the detection unit 903 detects the sticking portion of the sealing seal b7 in the mounted ink cartridge b. The detection signal is output to the control means 208, and the control means 208 determines the presence or absence of a peeling trace from the detection signal. As a result, when it is determined that there is a peeling trace, the control unit 208 outputs a drive stop signal to the drive unit 408 to stop the printer operation. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no peeling trace, the control unit 208 outputs an operation start signal for starting the printer operation to the driving unit 408.
[0121]
As described above, when the printer main body A detects the peeling trace of the sealing seal b7 provided at the joint b8 in the ink cartridge b, the printer operation is stopped. It can be completely prevented from being used.
[0122]
Next, a tenth embodiment of the inkjet printer according to the present invention will be described.
[0123]
As shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge b is provided with specific characters and / or figures b9 on a part of its surface. Examples of the specific character and / or figure b9 include a company name, a logo mark, and a trademark.
[0124]
The printer main body A is provided with reading means 904 for reading the specific character and / or figure b9. As this reading means 904, an image sensor such as a CCD is preferably used.
[0125]
The operation of the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
[0126]
First, when the ink cartridge b is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion B, the reading unit 904 reads a specific character and / or figure b9 in the mounted ink cartridge b, and the reading signal is output to the control unit. The
[0127]
The control unit 209 compares the read signal output from the reading unit 904 with the stored data stored in the storage unit 309. The storage unit 309 stores in advance the data obtained when the specific character and / or figure b9 is read in advance, and the control unit 209 compares the read data with the stored data, thereby reading the read signal read by the reading unit 904. Is determined to be the same as the stored data.
[0128]
As a result, if it is determined that they are the same, the drive unit 409 outputs an operation start signal for starting the printer operation, and the printer operation is performed.
[0129]
On the other hand, if it is determined that they are not the same, a drive stop signal is output to the drive means 409 to stop the printer operation.
[0130]
This makes it impossible to use other than the specified ink cartridge, for example, the use of ink cartridges of other manufacturers that do not have their own company name or brand name, and cause problems caused by using ink that is not compatible with the printer. Can be prevented.
[0131]
Next, a first embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described.
[0132]
The present invention is to provide an adhesive layer on the inner surface of the ink packaging material b1 (see FIG. 2) filled with ink in the ink cartridge b. This adhesive layer needs to be an adhesive layer having a polarity different from the polarity of the ink filled therein, and ink is consumed from the state where the ink is filled and the ink packaging material b1 is swollen. When the ink wrapping material b1 is crushed, the adhesive layers on the inner surface are bonded to each other so that they are bonded.
[0133]
As a result, once the ink is emptied, the ink packaging material b1 cannot be refilled with ink, and refilling of the ink can be prevented.
[0134]
Next, a second embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described.
[0135]
In the present invention, an ink wrapping material b1 (see FIG. 2) filled with ink in an ink cartridge b is formed of a stretchable material such as rubber, and the ink is placed in the ink wrapping material b1. The filling material is stretched by being filled with high pressure. This ink wrapping material b1 has only a very small internal space when the ink is not filled, and it swells greatly when filled with ink at a high pressure, so that an appropriate amount of ink is filled therein. Configured.
[0136]
Therefore, once the ink is emptied, it is difficult to refill the ink unless it is filled with high pressure, and refilling of the ink can be prevented.
[0137]
Next, a third embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described.
[0138]
In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 26A, a float b10 having a lighter specific gravity than ink is provided in an ink wrapping material b1 filled with ink in an ink cartridge b. When the amount is lost, the floating b10 is clogged and solidified in the ink outlet b2 as shown in FIG. 26B, thereby preventing the ink from flowing. One or more floats b10 may be provided.
[0139]
Examples of the float b10 include those that do not exhibit adhesiveness when floating in the ink, exhibit adhesiveness when the ink runs out and becomes dry, and clog and solidify so as to block the ink outlet portion b2. .
[0140]
As a result, once the ink is empty, it cannot be reused, and refilling and reuse of the ink can be prevented.
[0141]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink jet printer that can prevent reuse of an ink cartridge, prevent printer troubles due to refilling of bad ink and the like, and maintain the quality of printer output.
[0142]
In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink jet printer that can prevent the use of other than a specific ink cartridge, prevent printer trouble, and maintain the quality of printer output.
[0143]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer that can prevent reuse of the ink cartridge, prevent printer troubles due to refilling of poor ink, etc., and maintain the quality of the printer output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet printer.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an ink cartridge
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a mounting structure of an ink cartridge.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of an ink jet printer.
FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram showing the first embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram showing a second embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a third embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the ink jet printer according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth embodiment of an ink jet printer.
FIG. 12 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 14 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a sixth embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 16 is a configuration block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of an inkjet printer;
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a seventh embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 18 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing an eighth embodiment of an ink jet printer.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the sealing means.
FIG. 21 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing a ninth embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 23 is a structural block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a tenth embodiment of the ink jet printer.
FIG. 25 is a configuration block diagram showing a tenth embodiment of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a third embodiment of the ink cartridge.
[Explanation of symbols]
A: Printer body
B: Ink cartridge mounting part
b: Ink cartridge
b1: Ink packaging material
b2: Ink lead-out part
b3: Identification means
100: Detection means
200: Control means
300: Storage means
400: Driving means
500: Ink remaining amount detecting means

Claims (5)

In an ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing ink is replaceably mounted in a printer main body, an ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting a lack of ink in the cartridge and ink in a cartridge mounted in the printer main body are installed in the printer main body. When the ink is detected by the filling means for preventing the ink flow by injecting a filler that solidifies with time into the lead-out section and the ink remaining amount detection means, the filling means is operated to fill the ink lead-out section. An ink jet printer comprising a control means for injecting the agent. In an ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing ink packaging material filled with ink is detachably mounted in a printer body, an ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting ink out of the cartridge in the printer body, and a printer A tearing means for tearing the ink packaging material in the cartridge mounted on the main body, and a control means for tearing the ink packaging material by operating the tearing means when the ink remaining amount detecting means detects the ink shortage. An inkjet printer characterized by being provided. An ink jet printer in which a cartridge containing ink packaging material filled with ink is detachably attached to a printer main body. In the printer main body, an ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting an out of ink in the cartridge, and a printer Sealing means for heat-sealing the ink wrapping material in the cartridge mounted on the main body, and control means for operating the sealing means to heat-seal the ink wrapping material when the ink remaining amount detection means detects ink outage An ink jet printer comprising: In an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer containing an ink packaging material filled with ink, an adhesive layer having a polarity different from the polarity of the ink filled inside is formed on the inner surface of the ink packaging material. An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer, wherein the adhesive layers are brought into contact with each other when the ink packaging material is crushed and the inner surface of the ink packaging material is adhered. In an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer that contains an ink wrapping material filled with ink inside, a float having a lighter specific gravity than the ink is provided in the ink wrapping material. An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer, characterized in that the float is clogged and solidified in the ink outlet portion to prevent the ink from flowing.

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