JP7320891B1 - IC chip for ink cartridge and resetter device - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 An IC chip that can be recycled by replacing it with an IC chip of a genuine ink cartridge that records remaining ink information in an OTP area, and that can reduce the probability of occurrence of an ID overlap event. and a resetter device. An IC chip 1 is used only for communication with an EEPROM 4 in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on a cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded, and a resetter device. It has a resetter terminal 3 to be used. The resetter device includes ink remaining amount resetting means for returning information on the remaining amount of ink in a used IC chip to a state of full filling, and all or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip. and duplication occurrence probability reducing means for rewriting with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law applies https://www. ecorica. jp/news/detail/portal/2022/220224. php title “New release of single ink compatible with BCI-380/381XL for Canon (scheduled to be released on March 4, 2022)” Publisher: Ecolica Co., Ltd. Contents of publication: On the website at the above address, Sozo Munehiro and Koichi Nakazawa A recycle ink cartridge equipped with the invented IC chip for ink cartridges was released.

The present invention relates to an IC chip used in an ink cartridge of a printer and a resetter device for initializing the IC chip.

The present invention particularly relates to an IC chip or the like used for the purpose of replacing the IC chip of a genuine ink cartridge. More specifically, even if the IC chip of the present invention is recycled as it is, the remaining ink amount information cannot be returned to the full state. It is used for the purpose of replacing the IC chip of the genuine ink cartridge, which is forced to operate and has a specification that makes it impossible to stop operation when the ink runs out.

Environmental destruction caused by a large amount of waste is causing serious environmental problems on a global scale. Therefore, actively promoting recycling of recyclable articles is extremely useful and important for society as a whole. From this perspective, the Law Concerning the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources (Resource Effective Utilization Promotion Law), which came into force in April 2001, requires business operators to implement the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). The industries and products are designated by government ordinances, and the specific contents to be voluntarily addressed are stipulated by ministerial ordinances.

Regarding inkjet printers, printer manufacturers sell genuine ink cartridges as consumables, but the ink cartridges themselves have sufficient durability and can be reused by refilling with ink. can. These days, ink cartridges are well recognized socially as recyclable goods. Several businesses manufacture recycled ink cartridges, and recycled ink cartridges are readily available for sale at home appliance mass retailers and on the Internet.

By the way, an IC chip may be attached to a genuine ink cartridge. Related information necessary for management of the ink cartridge is written in the memory of this IC chip. For example, in the memory of the IC chip of the ink cartridge disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200300, related information such as the ink type and remaining amount of ink is written and used to control the printing operation. In some cases, the cartridge ID is written in the memory of the IC chip of the genuine ink cartridge.

The cartridge ID is a unique number or character string assigned to each manufactured ink cartridge, and a different number or character string is assigned to each ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge is attached to the printer, the printer reads out the cartridge ID from the IC chip of the ink cartridge and stores and uses the information. In an environment where a personal computer connected to a printer device can be connected to a server of a printer manufacturer via the Internet, the server of the printer manufacturer grasps cartridge ID information in association with the device ID of the printer device and provides various services. It can also be used for

Conventionally, in the IC chip of a genuine ink cartridge, there are cases where information such as the ink type and cartridge ID, which is fixed at the time of manufacture, is recorded in the ROM area, but such information as the remaining amount of ink changes over time. Information is generally recorded in a rewritable R/W area.

However, since around 2017, some printer manufacturers have specifically proposed writing information about the remaining amount of ink in an OTP (One Time Programmable) area that can be rewritten only once (Patent Document 2). In fact, it is believed that the patentee of Patent Document 2 is currently commercializing ink cartridges with such specifications and selling them on the market.

In addition, the patentee of Patent Document 2 changes the specifications of the IC chip in the latest version of the product so that information on the remaining amount of ink is written in the OTP area. Regarding , it is conceivable that there are cases where the same housing as before is used without making any changes from the previous version of the product.

When the ink cartridge is recycled, it is necessary to refill the ink and restore the remaining ink amount information written in the IC chip to the full state. If this remaining ink amount information cannot be initialized, even if a recycled ink cartridge is manufactured by refilling it with ink, it will be recognized as empty when it is installed in the printer device, and the remaining ink amount will not be displayed correctly. . Also, if the remaining ink level is displayed incorrectly and the printer is forced to continue printing by disabling the remaining ink level, the stop operation when ink runs out may not be performed correctly, and the printer may continue blank printing. do not have.

Originally, the IC chip of the genuine ink cartridge is a part that can be reused by performing appropriate reset processing as long as the remaining ink information is written in the rewritable R/W area. . However, if the remaining ink amount information is written in the OTP area, the remaining ink amount information cannot be initialized after the ink end information is written, making recycling difficult. The fact that some printer manufacturers are selling products with specifications that are difficult to recycle goes against the trend of promoting recycling throughout society, and it is extremely regrettable from the standpoint of recycling businesses. Currently, the only way to recycle such ink cartridges is to replace the IC chip.

JP 2018-154132 A JP 2019-34455 A

The applicant of the present application has proposed that the IC chip of the genuine ink cartridge, which is considered to record information on the remaining amount of ink in the OTP area, is replaced with an IC chip having a R/W area that can be rewritten any number of times (hereinafter referred to as "replacement IC (Also called "chips"). Under such circumstances, the applicant of the present application found that although the refilling of ink and the replacement of the IC chip were completed correctly, when the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the "ink has run out" as shown in FIG. It is recommended that you replace the ink tank." error message P1 is displayed, and I noticed that the remaining amount of ink is not correctly recognized.

Investigating the cause revealed that the cartridge IDs of all the ink cartridges that have been installed so far are stored in the printer, but the cartridge ID stored in the printer and the ink cartridge ID registered in the replacement IC chip It has been found that the printer device notifies the above-mentioned error when a situation in which IDs match (hereinafter referred to as "ID overlap") occurs. Therefore, in order to realize the above-mentioned recycling, it is necessary to have a means for avoiding the event of ID overlap on the replacement IC chip side.

In addition, the applicant of the present application has found that a recycled ink cartridge equipped with a replacement IC chip is recovered with the cooperation of the user after the ink has run out, and is refilled with ink and recorded on the replacement IC chip. By initializing the information on the remaining amount of ink, reselling as a recycled ink cartridge, and collecting the recycled ink cartridge and recycling it three times or more (Hereinafter, when distinguishing from recycling genuine products is called "recycling of recycled products").

As a result of studying this point, it was found that the conventional resetter device could not communicate with the replacement IC chip and could not be initialized. Therefore, in order to realize recycling of recyclable products, it has become necessary to provide a replacement IC chip with new means for enabling communication with the resetter device.

In addition, the above-mentioned phenomenon of ID overlap occurs only at an extremely low probability when only genuine products are recycled, but when recycled products are recycled, the probability is higher to a certain extent compared to the case where genuine products are recycled. expected to occur with probability. Therefore, in the recycling of recycled products, it is required to implement a means for reducing the probability of occurrence of an ID overlap phenomenon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to realize a resetter device with means for reducing.

The present invention
An IC chip for an ink cartridge,
The IC chip
a printed circuit board;
a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink is recorded;
a first contact used for communication with the printer device;
a second contact used only for communication with the resetter device,
A second contact is provided at a position that does not overlap the first contact.

In the present invention, the IC chip may have a thickness of 0.50 mm or less in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, the second contact may be provided on the surface of the printed circuit board on the same side as the first contact.

In the present invention, the second contact may be composed of a plurality of terminals electrically connectable to the device-side contacts of the resetter device.

In the present invention, the ink cartridge includes the first engaging portion and the elastically deformable second engaging portion, and when the cartridge is mounted, the second engaging portion rotates around the first engaging portion as a fulcrum. is an ink cartridge that engages with the cartridge mounting portion of the printer device,
The second contact may be arranged on the first engaging portion side with respect to the first contact.

In the present invention, the ink cartridge described above may be a recycled ink cartridge.

The present invention
An IC chip used by being attached to a recycle ink cartridge installed in a printer device that stores information on a plurality of cartridge IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past,
The IC chip
a rewritable storage area in which cartridge ID information is recorded and in which information of a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded;
When the cartridge ID of the IC chip overlaps with one of the multiple cartridge IDs stored in the printer device, the multiple ID numbers are duplicated by inserting or removing a recycled ink cartridge or turning on/off the power supply of the printer device. duplication avoidance means for avoiding duplication by selecting one of them and using the selected ID number as a new cartridge ID;
It has

In the present invention, the duplication avoidance means may have a step of randomly selecting one ID number from a plurality of ID numbers.

The present invention
Used when an IC chip attached to a recycle ink cartridge mounted in a printer storing a plurality of cartridge ID information of ink cartridges mounted in the past and used is recycled after being used. A resetter device,
The IC chip has a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded,
The resetter device
Remaining ink resetting means for resetting information on the remaining amount of ink in a used IC chip to a state of full filling;
duplication occurrence probability reduction means for rewriting all or part of the cartridge ID and the plurality of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group;
It has

The present invention
An IC chip used by being attached to a recycle ink cartridge installed in a printer device that stores information on a plurality of cartridge IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past,
The IC chip
a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded;
a second contact used only for communication with the resetter device;
All or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the used IC chip, which are processed to reduce the probability of duplication with the resetter device via the second contact. may be rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group.

The present invention includes a recycled ink cartridge having the above IC chip.

In the present invention, the printed circuit board is provided with a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink is recorded, and a first contact point used for communication with the printer device, and is used only for communication with the resetter device. A second contact is provided independently at a position that does not overlap with the first contact.

By providing the second contact, the IC chip of the present invention can communicate with the resetter device, which was not possible with the method using the first contact. The IC chip of the present invention can be used as a replacement IC chip, and reset processing can be performed using a resetter device after the ink cartridge has been used. In the present invention, by initializing the remaining ink amount information written in the rewritable storage area of the replacement IC chip, it becomes possible to recycle the recyclable product.

In the present invention, the IC chip records the information of the cartridge ID and also records the information of a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID. When the ID overlap occurs, the IC chip of the present invention selects one of a plurality of ID numbers by inserting/removing the cartridge or turning on/off the power of the printer, and uses it as a new cartridge ID. Duplication avoidance means for avoiding duplication of cartridge IDs is provided.

Further, in the present invention, the IC chip has a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded. , the resetter device includes ink remaining amount resetting means for returning information on the ink remaining amount of the used IC chip to a state of full filling; is rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group. The IC chip of the present invention has a second contact that is used only for communication with the resetter device, and processes are performed with the resetter device via the second contact to reduce the probability of duplication.

In the present invention, even if the error message P1 of FIG. 9 is displayed and an event occurs in which the state of the ink is erroneously recognized, it is possible to correctly recognize that the ink is full by executing the duplication avoidance means. In addition, by executing the duplication occurrence probability reducing means in the process of recycling recycled products, the probability of occurrence of an ID overlap phenomenon can be extremely reduced.

FIG. 1(a) is a front view of an IC chip according to an embodiment viewed from the front side, FIG. 1(b) is a rear view of the IC chip according to an embodiment viewed from the back side, and FIG. It is the side view which looked at the IC chip which concerns on a form from the side. FIG. 2A is a side view of a used genuine ink cartridge viewed from the side. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the genuine ink cartridge of FIG. 2A viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 3A is a side view of the recycle ink cartridge to which the IC chip according to the embodiment is attached. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the recycle ink cartridge of FIG. 3A viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 4 is a view of the IC chip according to the embodiment from the back side with the EEPROM removed, and is a view for explaining the role of each terminal of the first contact and the second contact. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining duplication avoidance means included in the IC chip according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an excerpt from the instruction manual included with the recycled ink cartridge according to the embodiment, and is an explanation that prompts the user to remove and reinstall the ink cartridge when the ID overlap occurs. FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically illustrating configurations of a resetter device, a jig for setting an ink cartridge, and a personal computer device connected to the resetter device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the resetter device and jig shown in FIG. 7A viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing of the duplication occurrence probability reducing means executed in the resetter device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of an error message displayed on the screen of the personal computer when ID overlap occurs.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

The IC chip 1 of this embodiment is a replacement IC chip. That is, it is an IC chip for the recycle ink cartridge 10 developed for the purpose of replacing the IC chip 101 attached to the used genuine ink cartridge 100 .

[Configuration of IC chip]
The IC chip 1 has a printed circuit board 5 made of a rectangular plate. As shown in FIG. 1(b), wiring 7 having a required layout is provided on the printed circuit board 5. As shown in FIG. Holes 6 for attaching the recycle ink cartridge 10 to the bottom surface are provided at four corners of the printed circuit board 5 .

A total of five printer terminals 2 are provided on the board surface 5 a of the printed board 5 . The printer terminal 2 is a terminal electrically connected to a printer-side terminal when the recycle ink cartridge 10 is attached to a printer (not shown). A plurality of printer terminals 2 are terminals used for communication with a printer device. The printer terminal 2 corresponds to a first contact.

A total of three resetter terminals 3 are provided on the board surface 5 a of the printed board 5 . The resetter terminal 3 is a terminal that is electrically connected to a terminal on the resetter device 40 side, which will be described later, when the recycled ink cartridge 10 is recycled.

In other words, the resetter terminals 3 are terminals used only for communication with the resetter device 40 . When the recycle ink cartridge 10 is attached to the printer, there is no terminal facing the resetter terminal 3 on the printer side, and the resetter terminal 3 does not perform any function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the resetter terminal 3 is provided independently at a position that does not overlap with the printer terminal 2 . Specifically, when the IC chip 1 is arranged as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the resetter terminals 3 are positioned slightly above the central portion of the printed circuit board 5 with a required distance from the printer terminals 2, and three resetter terminals 3 are arranged side by side near the right end. ing. The resetter terminal 3 is slightly smaller in size than the printer terminal 2 . The resetter terminal 3 corresponds to a second contact.

In this embodiment, the resetter terminals 3 are provided on the printed circuit board 5 on the same side as the printer terminals 2 . The resetter terminals 3 are composed of a plurality of terminals that can be electrically connected to device-side contacts of the resetter device 40 .

An EEPROM 4 is attached to the back surface 5b of the printed circuit board 5 under a circular resin-covered portion. Information on the remaining amount of ink is written in the EEPROM 4 together with the ink type (ink color) and cartridge ID. The EEPROM 4 is a rewritable storage area any number of times. The EEPROM 4 corresponds to a rewritable storage area in which information on remaining ink is recorded.

In this embodiment, the IC chip 1 is designed to have a thickness of 0.47 mm in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surfaces 5a and 5b of the printed circuit board 5, which is 0.50 mm or less. Specifically, the thickness of the printed circuit board 5 in the direction orthogonal to the board surfaces 5 a and 5 b is the sum of the thickness of the printed circuit board 5 itself and the thickness of the EEPROM 4 .

[Structure of Genuine Ink Cartridge]
2A and 2B show a used genuine ink cartridge 100. FIG. The genuine ink cartridge 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

On the upper surface 14 of the ink cartridge 100, a label indicating the printer manufacturer's model number and ink color is attached. The ink cartridge 100 has an ink ejection portion 18 . The ink ejection portion 18 is provided on the bottom surface 15 of the ink cartridge 100 and protrudes slightly from the bottom surface 15 . The printer manufacturer's trademark is three-dimensionally engraved on the side surface 13 of the ink cartridge 100 by resin molding.

The ink cartridge 100 has a first engaging portion 11 on the back surface 16 side and an elastically deformable second engaging portion 12 on the front surface 17 side. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printer device, the second engagement portion 12 engages with the cartridge installation portion of the printer device while rotating around the first engagement portion 11 as a fulcrum. .

The ink cartridge 100 has an IC chip 101 . The IC chip 101 is a rectangular plate and is attached to the bottom surface 15 of the ink cartridge 100 . The IC chip 101 is provided with a total of five printer terminals 102 for communicating with terminals on the printer device side. The IC chip 101 is of a type in which remaining ink information is written in an OTP area that can be rewritten only once, and once ink end information is written, it cannot be initialized. Even if the ink cartridge 100 is refilled with ink, the remaining ink amount information cannot be returned to the full state, so recycling cannot be performed as it is.

[Structure of Recycled Ink Cartridge]
3A and 3B show the recycle ink cartridge 10 of this embodiment. On the upper surface 14 of the ink cartridge 10, a label indicating the model number of the recycling company and the ink color is attached. The bottom surface 15 of the recycle ink cartridge 10 has an ink ejection portion 18 that protrudes slightly from the bottom surface 15 . On the side 13 of the recycled ink cartridge 10, a label 16 printed with a trademark 16a of the recycling company and an explanation 16b indicating that the product is a recycled genuine product is attached. This clarifies that the product is a recycled product and the origin of the product.

The recycle ink cartridge 10 has a first engaging portion 11 on the back surface 16 side and an elastically deformable second engaging portion 12 on the front surface 17 side. When the recycle ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer, the second engaging portion 12 is engaged with the cartridge installing portion of the printer while rotating around the first engaging portion 11 as a fulcrum.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the plurality of resetter terminals 3 are arranged on the first engagement portion 11 side with respect to the plurality of printer terminals 2 .

In this embodiment, when the used ink cartridge 100 is refilled with ink and recycled, the genuine IC chip 101 attached to the bottom surface 15 is removed using a cutter or the like. Then, the IC chip 1 is attached at the same position as the genuine IC chip 101 . At this time, the holes 6 provided at the four corners of the printed circuit board 5 are fitted with the protrusions provided at the four corners of the IC chip mounting portion on the bottom surface of the recycle ink cartridge 10 . As a result, the IC chip 1 is fixed to the bottom surface of the recycle ink cartridge 10 .

Here, the roles of the printer terminal 2 and the resetter terminal 3 in the recycle ink cartridge 10 will be supplemented. All of the printer terminals 2 are used for communication with the printer device. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, they are connected to two ground terminals (GND) 2a and 2d and a voltage source signal line. a power supply terminal (VCC) 2b connected to a data line for transmitting/receiving data to/from the printer device; and a clock terminal (CLK) connected to a clock signal line for supplying a synchronous clock. 2e.

The resetter terminal 3 is used only for communication with the resetter device 40 when recycle products are recycled. Specifically, as shown in FIG. , a terminal (DATA) 3b for inputting data itself, and a terminal (EE) 3c for transmitting a signal for permitting writing to the EEPROM 4. FIG.

[Description of Duplication Avoidance Means]
Next, duplication avoidance means (means for avoiding ID overlapping) executed in the IC chip 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the recycled ink cartridge 10 in which the genuine IC chip 101 is replaced with the IC chip 1 and refilled with ink is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion of the printer (step S1), the recycled ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the recycled ink cartridge 10 by the printer. Information on the registered cartridge ID is read, and it is determined whether or not the printer can recognize the recycled ink cartridge 10 (step S2). If the recycled ink cartridge 10 can be recognized in step S2, it means that there is no ID overlap, and the fact that the remaining ink level is full is displayed on the personal computer screen, and printing becomes possible (P2). .

On the other hand, if the recycled ink cartridge 10 cannot be recognized in step S2, it means that the ID overlap occurs, and an error message P1 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the personal computer screen (P2). At this time, in order to prevent the user who purchased the recycled ink cartridge 10 from misunderstanding that it is an initial failure of the product and calling a support center, etc., when selling the recycled ink cartridge 10, the following items are prepared as shown in FIG. An instruction manual is included. In the instruction manual of FIG. 6, an image 31 showing the error message P1 and text 30 requesting removal and re-insertion of the cartridge when the error message P1 is displayed during cartridge replacement are described.

Since the user has read the text 30 of the instruction manual in advance, when the error message P1 is displayed on the personal computer screen, the recycle ink cartridge 10 is temporarily removed from the printer (step S3), and then reinstalled (step S3). S4).

By this operation, duplication avoidance means (step S5) for changing duplicated cartridge IDs by the program on the IC chip 1 side is executed. Further, in this embodiment, the ID number to be changed is randomly extracted from a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID stored in the EEPROM 4 of the IC chip 1 (step S6).

A specific simple example of the duplication avoidance means will be described below. The printer device stores a plurality of cartridge ID information of ink cartridges installed in the past. For example, assume that the printer stores four ink cartridge IDs 0001, 0010, 0100, and 1000. FIG.

In the EEPROM 4 of the IC chip 1, information of a cartridge ID is recorded, and information of a plurality of ID numbers as candidates for changing the cartridge ID is recorded. For example, assume that the cartridge ID recorded in the IC chip 1 is 0001, and three change candidate ID numbers 0002, 0003, and 0004 are recorded.

In this case, since the cartridge ID (0001) of the IC chip 1 and one of the plurality of cartridge IDs (0001) stored in the printer are duplicated, ID overlap is detected in step S2.

The duplication avoidance means (steps S5 and S6) of the present embodiment, when ID overlap occurs as in the above example, inserts and removes (removes and reinserts) the recycle ink cartridge 10 to generate a plurality of ID numbers (0002, 0003). , 0004) is randomly selected. Then, for example, if ID number 0003 is selected in random selection, the cartridge ID is changed so that 0003 is set as a new cartridge ID to avoid ID overlap.

After that, the changed cartridge ID information (0003) is read by the printer, and it is determined whether or not the printer can recognize the recycled ink cartridge 10 (step S7).

In the above example, there are four cartridge IDs 0001, 0010, 0100, and 1000 stored in the printer device, and 0003 does not exist. It is displayed and printing becomes possible (P2).

Unlike the above example, if the printer device stores five cartridge IDs, namely 0001, 0003, 0010, 0100, and 1000, 0003 exists, so in step S7 ID overlap is detected again. . Then, an error message P1 is displayed on the personal computer screen, and the user removes the recycle ink cartridge 10 (step S8).

In this embodiment, in order to minimize the probability of occurrence of ID overlapping, the number of times the step is executed is checked in step S9. Steps S5 and S6) are executed again. For example, if there are five cartridge IDs 0001, 0003, 0010, 0100, and 1000 stored in the printer as described above, the cartridge ID will be changed to 0002 or 0004 in the second or third duplication avoidance means. If changed, the ID overlap is eliminated.

On the other hand, if the ID overlap is not resolved even after step S9 is executed three times or more, a message (P3) indicating that printing is impossible is displayed. However, even if step S9 is executed three or more times in the logic of FIG. 5, the probability that the ID overlap will not be resolved is considered to be extremely low, and in fact it is difficult to imagine that the ID overlap will not be resolved.

[Explanation of resetter device]
7A and 7B, the configuration of the resetter device 40 used when initializing the remaining ink amount information recorded in the used IC chip 1 of this embodiment will be described.

The resetter device 40 stores a plurality of cartridge ID information of ink cartridges that have been installed in the past. , is the equipment used when recycling.

The resetter device 40 of this embodiment is installed on the desk 80 and connected to the personal computer device 50 via a cable. The personal computer device 50 includes a CPU 51 as a central processing unit, a RAM 52 as a rewritable working memory, a storage device 53 consisting of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a chair 81 for work. A display 54 or the like is provided for displaying the remaining amount of ink data read from the EEPROM 4 to the operator 90 . The operator 90 initializes the remaining amount of ink while checking the data displayed on the display 54 . Required programs are installed in the storage device 53 of the personal computer device 50 . The program is loaded into the CPU 51 and RAM 52 and executed.

The resetter device 40 of this embodiment includes a jig 41 . By using the jig 41 , the worker 90 can prevent the hand 91 from directly touching the recycle ink cartridge 10 when mounting the recycle ink cartridge 10 in the resetter device 40 . By setting the recycled ink cartridge 10 in the push-out portion 42 and operating the push-out portion 42 so as to push it toward the back side of the desk 80, the resetter terminals 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) of the recycled ink cartridge 10 and the resetter device are connected. The terminals 43 (43a, 43b, 43c) on the 40 side can be electrically connected.

Here, in order to ensure more reliable contact of the terminals 43 on the resetter device 40 side with the resetter terminals 3, the terminals 43 on the resetter device 40 side may be formed of contact probes. By adopting a configuration in which the tip of the contact probe is pressed against the resetter terminal 3 by the elastic force of the contact probe, the contact is improved and the electrical connection is stabilized.

The IC chip 1 has an EEPROM 4 in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded. The resetter device 40 executes the ink remaining amount reset means in a state where the resetter terminal 3 and the terminal 43 on the resetter device 40 side are electrically connected, and exchanges the remaining ink amount between the used IC chip 1 and the remaining ink amount. send and receive the commands necessary to initialize the information of As a result, the remaining amount of ink in the IC chip 1 is returned to the "full" state.

Next, the resetter device 40 rewrites all or part of the cartridge ID and the plurality of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip 1 with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group. Execute the duplication occurrence probability reduction means.

[Description of duplicate occurrence probability reduction means]
The duplication occurrence probability reducing means executed in the resetter device 40 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The used recycled ink cartridge 10 is collected through a collection box or the like installed in a consumer electronics retailer (step S51) and set in the resetter device 40 (step S52). The resetter device 40 first reads the model number and ink color information registered in the IC chip 1 of the recycle ink cartridge 10, and confirms whether or not they are correct (steps S55 and S56).

If it cannot be confirmed in step S55 or step S56 that the model number and ink color information are correct, the cartridge may not be the object. In this case, the process returns to step 53, and after confirming the model number and ink color information again, the operator takes action. If it is confirmed in step S55 or step S56 that the model number and ink color information are correct, the aforementioned process of returning the remaining ink amount information to the "full" state is executed (step S57).

After that, the resetter device 40 checks the cartridge ID information read from the IC chip 1 of the recycle ink cartridge 10 (step S58), and executes the duplication occurrence probability reducing means.

A specific simple example of the duplication occurrence probability reduction means is as follows. The printer device stores a plurality of cartridge ID information of ink cartridges installed in the past. For example, assume that the printer stores four ink cartridge IDs 0001, 0010, 0100, and 1000. FIG.

The IC chip 1 has a resetter terminal 3 that is used only for communication with the resetter device 40 . In the EEPROM 4 of the IC chip 1, cartridge ID information is recorded, and information of a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded. For example, assume that the cartridge ID recorded in the IC chip 1 is 0001, and three change candidate ID numbers 0002, 0003, and 0004 are recorded.

When manufacturing the recycled ink cartridge 10, the cartridge ID 0001 and the change candidate ID numbers 0002 to 0004 have a probability of 4/10 among the 10 ID numbers 0001 to 0010 held as the group of ID numbers. , 0001 to 0004 are selected.

The duplication occurrence probability reduction means of the present embodiment, which is executed when recycling the recyclable products, is a mechanism for reducing the probability of occurrence of ID overlap with the resetter device 40 via the resetter terminal 3. processing. Specifically, all or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the used IC chip 1 are rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group. . In this embodiment, the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers are selected with a probability of 4/20 out of 20 ID numbers, for example, 0001 to 0020, to be selected by the duplication occurrence probability reducing means. shall be As a result, the cartridge ID registered in the IC chip 1 is changed to 0011, and the ID numbers are changed to 0004, 0008, and 0012, for example.

In this embodiment, when recycle products are recycled, the denominator of the ID number group is increased instead of inheriting the previous IDs for the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers, thereby recycling the recycle products. It is possible to further reduce the probability of ID overlap in

Also, an example of the processing flow of the duplication occurrence probability reducing means will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The resetter device 40 executes a step of confirming whether the resetter device 40 currently has a new group of ID numbers for rewriting (step S59).

If the new ID number group is held, the process proceeds to YES, and rewriting to a plurality of different ID numbers including the new ID number is performed (step S60). This method reduces the probability of duplication by adding a new ID number.

If no new ID number group is held, the process proceeds to NO, and it is determined whether or not the number of IDs held by the resetter device 40 is greater than the number of IDs recorded in the IC chip (step S62). . If the number of held IDs is greater, rewriting to a plurality of different ID numbers from among the held ID numbers is performed (step 63). This method reduces the probability of duplication by changing to a different ID number.

On the other hand, if the number of held IDs is smaller or the numbers are the same, the order of the ID numbers held is changed (step 64). This method reduces the probability of duplication by rearranging the order of the ID numbers.

In this embodiment, the resetter device 40 has a new ID number group, and the number of ID numbers held by the resetter device 40 is greater than the number of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip. Depending on the conditions, the above three methods are selectively used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the resetter device 40 includes remaining ink resetting means for returning information on the remaining amount of ink in the used IC chip 1 to a state of full filling, and cartridge ID recorded in the IC chip 1. and duplication occurrence probability reducing means for rewriting all or part of the plurality of ID numbers with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group.

The IC chip 1 is used only for communication with the resetter device 40 and the EEPROM 4 in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded. A resetter terminal 3 is provided, and processing for reducing the probability of occurrence of duplication is performed between the resetter terminal 3 and the resetter device 40 , and recorded in the used IC chip 1 . All or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers are rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group.

[Effects of this embodiment, etc.]
In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 5 of the IC chip 1 is provided with an EEPROM 4 for recording information on the remaining amount of ink and a printer terminal 2 used for communication with the printer, and communication with the resetter device 40. A resetter terminal 3 used only for the printer is provided independently at a position not overlapping with the printer terminal 2 .

By providing the resetter terminal 3 , the IC chip 1 can communicate with the resetter device 40 , which is impossible with the method using the printer terminal 2 . In the present embodiment, after the IC chip 1 is used, it can be reset by using the resetter device 40, thereby enabling recycling of recycled products.

In this embodiment, the IC chip 1 has a thickness of 0.47 mm in the direction orthogonal to the substrate surfaces 5a and 5b of the printed circuit board 5. As shown in FIG. In general, increasing the number of functions mounted on the IC chip 1 increases its thickness, but in this embodiment, the thickness is kept at 0.50 mm or less, which is thinner than the IC chip generally used in compatible cartridges and the like. Thus, the contact between the printer terminal 2 and the printer device side terminal can be maintained satisfactorily.

In this embodiment, the resetter terminals 3 are provided on the printed circuit board 5 on the same side as the printer terminals 2 . As a result, there is no need to remove the IC chip 1 from the recycle ink cartridge 10 when recycling the recyclable product, and the IC chip 1 can be attached to the resetter device 40 in the state in which it is attached, and information on the remaining amount of ink can be obtained. Initialization etc. can be performed.

In this embodiment, the IC chip 1 records the information of the cartridge ID, and also records the information of a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID. Then, when the ID overlap occurs, the IC chip 1 selects one of a plurality of ID numbers by inserting/removing the cartridge (removing and reinserting), and sets it as a new cartridge ID. It has duplication avoidance means for avoiding duplication.

Further, in this embodiment, the duplication avoidance means is executed up to three times. As a result, the probability of occurrence of ID overlap is made extremely small, and the occurrence of errors due to ID overlap can be avoided.

In the present embodiment, the resetter device 40 includes duplication occurrence probability reducing means. As a result, all or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the used IC chip 1 are rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group.

In general, users' printers that mainly use recycled ink cartridges tend to have a higher probability of ID overlap than users' printers that mainly use genuine ink cartridges. In this embodiment, in the duplication occurrence probability reducing means, the parameter of the ID number group is increased compared to when the recycled ink cartridge 10 was manufactured, and the ID number group is rewritten with a new ID number group held by the resetter device. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the probability of ID overlapping in the recycling of recycled products.

Also, as mentioned above, the printer manufacturer has not changed the housing of the genuine ink cartridge from the previous version of the product. is changed to write information about the remaining amount of ink in the OTP area. In such a case, if the present invention is used, the product of the previous version can be recovered, and only the housing of the ink cartridge can be reused, and by attaching the IC chip of the present invention, the product of the latest version can be handled. It is also possible to provide recycled ink cartridges.

[Modification of Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the duplication avoidance means is executed by power ON/OFF operation of the printer when the cartridge ID of the IC chip overlaps with one of the plurality of cartridge IDs stored in the printer. You may do so. In this case as well, the duplication avoidance means selects one of the plurality of ID numbers and sets the selected ID number as the new cartridge ID.

In the above-described embodiment, the duplication avoidance means may sequentially read a plurality of ID numbers from the head data and then select one ID number by sequential processing.

[Appendix]
The configurations of the embodiments and modifications described above, including configurations other than those described in the claims, will be added below.

(Appendix 1)
An IC chip for an ink cartridge,
The IC chip is
a printed circuit board;
a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink is recorded;
a first contact used for communication with the printer device;
a second contact used only for communication with the resetter device;
The IC chip, wherein the second contact is provided at a position that does not overlap with the first contact.

(Appendix 2)
The IC chip according to Appendix 1, wherein the IC chip has a thickness of 0.50 mm or less in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the printed circuit board.

(Appendix 3)
The IC chip according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein the second contact is provided on the same side of the printed circuit board as the first contact.

(Appendix 4)
3. The IC chip according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the second contact comprises a plurality of terminals electrically connectable to device-side contacts of the resetter device.

(Appendix 5)
The ink cartridge has a first engaging portion and an elastically deformable second engaging portion. An ink cartridge that engages with a cartridge mounting portion of a printer device,
5. The IC chip according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the second contact is arranged on the first engaging portion side with respect to the first contact.

(Appendix 6)
6. The IC chip according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the ink cartridge is a recycled ink cartridge.

(Appendix 7)
An IC chip used by being attached to a recycle ink cartridge installed in a printer device that stores information on a plurality of cartridge IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past,
The IC chip is
a rewritable storage area in which cartridge ID information is recorded and in which information of a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded;
When the cartridge ID of the IC chip overlaps with one of the plurality of cartridge IDs stored in the printer device, the recycle ink cartridge is inserted/removed or the power supply of the printer device is turned on/off. duplication avoidance means for avoiding duplication by selecting one of a plurality of ID numbers and using the selected ID number as a new cartridge ID;
IC chip.

(Appendix 8)
8. The IC chip according to appendix 7, wherein the duplication avoidance means has a step of randomly selecting one ID number from the plurality of ID numbers.

(Appendix 9)
Used when an IC chip attached to a recycle ink cartridge mounted in a printer storing a plurality of cartridge ID information of ink cartridges mounted in the past and used is recycled after being used. A resetter device,
The IC chip has a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded,
The resetter device
Remaining ink resetting means for resetting information on the remaining amount of ink in the used IC chip to a state of full filling;
duplication occurrence probability reducing means for rewriting all or part of the cartridge ID and the plurality of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group;
A resetter device.

(Appendix 10)
An IC chip used by being attached to a recycle ink cartridge installed in a printer device that stores information on a plurality of cartridge IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past,
The IC chip is
a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded;
a second contact used only for communication with the resetter device;
Through the second contact, processing for reducing the probability of occurrence of duplication is performed with the resetter device, and all of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the used IC chip Alternatively, a part of the IC chip is rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group.

(Appendix 11)
A recycled ink cartridge comprising the IC chip according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8 and 10.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used when manufacturing recycled ink cartridges by recycling genuine ink cartridges. In addition, the present invention can also be used when manufacturing recycled ink cartridges by recycling recycled ink cartridges.

1 IC chip 2 Printer terminal (first contact)
3 Resetter terminal (second contact)
4 EEPROM (rewritable storage area)
5 printed circuit board 10 recycle ink cartridge 11 first engaging portion 12 second engaging portion 40 resetter device

Claims (2)

An IC chip used by being attached to a recycle ink cartridge installed in a printer device that stores information on a plurality of cartridge IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past,
The IC chip is
a rewritable storage area in which information on the remaining amount of ink, information on the cartridge ID, and information on a plurality of ID numbers that are candidates for changing the cartridge ID are recorded;
a second contact used only for communication with the resetter device;
The resetter device includes ink remaining amount resetting means for returning information on the ink remaining amount of the used IC chip to a state of full filling, and all or all of a cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the IC chip. Some of them are provided with duplication occurrence probability reduction means for rewriting with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group,
All or part of the cartridge ID and a plurality of ID numbers recorded in the used IC chip, wherein the duplication occurrence probability reducing means is performed with the resetter device via the second contact. is rewritten with an ID number arbitrarily selected from a new ID number group. A recycled ink cartridge comprising the IC chip according to claim 1 .

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