JP2002192752A - Ink containing bag and recorder having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink containing bag wherein a quantity of used ink can be managed by each ink containing bag and a recorder having the ink containing bag. SOLUTION: A body 12 of the ink containing bag for containing the ink for printing is made of a flexible material to form a soft case. A non-contact type memory IC 14 is attached to a corner of the body 12 at the outer surface. A data communication section 26 for communicating data with the non-contact type memory IC 14 is provided to a case set section 20 of the recorder to which the ink containing bag 11 is set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in, for example, an ink jet printer that prints on a recording sheet by discharging ink droplets from nozzles, and a recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine and a copier including such a printing mechanism. The present invention relates to an ink storage bag and a recording device such as a printer in which the ink storage bag is mounted.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an ink storage bag used in this type of printer, a bag formed from a flexible sheet that can be deformed in accordance with consumption of ink stored therein is used. There is known an ink storage bag having an identification mark on the outer surface thereof. The identification mark stores attribute data such as the type, color, and date of manufacture of the ink. When the ink storage bag is attached to the printer, a reading unit provided in the printer reads the attribute data of the ink from the identification mark. The data is read, and the printing operation of the printer is controlled based on the data.

[0003]

However, in this conventional ink storage bag, the attribute data of the ink is unilaterally read from the identification mark provided on the outer surface of the ink storage bag, and the control is performed to control the printing operation. The control of the used amount of the used ink storage bag is performed by a control unit of the printer. When the ink storage bag is attached to the printer, the data including the ink usage stored in the control unit is cleared, new data is read from the identification mark, and management of the ink usage is newly started. It is supposed to be. For this reason, when the usage data of the ink storage bag is on the printer side, the ink storage bag is removed from the printer while the ink is being used, and then the ink storage bag is attached to the printer again for use. There was a problem that it was not possible to continue the management of the system.
Further, since a barcode is used for the identification mark, the capacity is small and sufficient management data cannot be handled.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems existing in the conventional technology. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink storage bag capable of managing the amount of ink used for each ink storage bag and handling sufficient management data, and a recording apparatus to which the ink storage bag is attached.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a flexible ink storage bag main body for storing printing ink and ink are supplied to the outside. In an ink storage bag provided with an ink supply port, a non-contact type memory IC is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC is provided in an ink containing bag main body.

Therefore, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the amount of used ink can be managed for each ink storage bag by writing the remaining amount of ink to the non-contact type memory IC. . Then, the ink storage bag management data such as the amount of used ink can be stored in the ink storage bag. Therefore, when the ink storage bag is removed from the printer during use of the ink, and then the ink storage bag is set in the printer again and used, the management of the ink usage can be continued.

Further, in the case of a flexible ink storage bag, the outer shape changes so that the thickness of the bag becomes thinner by consumption of the stored ink, but a non-contact type memory IC is installed. Therefore, by appropriately setting the communication range between the non-contact memory IC and the data transfer unit, accurate data reading and writing can be performed. Further, in the above case, even if the non-contact type memory IC is not strictly provided, almost no trouble occurs in reading and writing of data, so that the non-contact type memory IC can be easily attached. Further, since the storage bag is flexible, when all the stored ink is used, the bulk of the ink storage bag can be reduced and discarded.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC is provided at a corner of the ink containing bag main body.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC can be stably provided at the corner of the ink containing bag main body which is less deformed by the consumption of the ink. And can be brought close to the data transfer unit on the printer side. Therefore, data can be accurately transferred between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer unit in a non-contact state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the memory IC is provided at a heat-welded portion at a corner of the ink containing bag main body.

Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the non-contact type memory IC is provided in the heat-welded portion which is flat and more rigid than other portions of the ink containing bag main body, The non-contact type memory IC is stably held without delusion. For this reason, data transfer can be performed reliably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC is provided at a central portion of the ink containing bag main body.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the ink storage bag is set in the recording apparatus such that the center of the ink storage bag main body provided with the non-contact type memory IC is located on the lower side. Thereby, the non-contact type memory IC can always be brought close to the data transfer unit on the printer side regardless of the use condition of the ink in the ink storage bag, that is, regardless of the swelling state of the ink storage bag. Therefore, data can be accurately transferred between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer unit in a non-contact state.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC is provided near the ink supply port of the ink containing bag body.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6,
Non-contact type memory IC near the supply port fixed to the device body
Is provided, more stable holding is achieved, and data transfer can be performed accurately in a non-contact state.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a recording apparatus in which a flexible ink storage bag for storing ink is mounted and printing is performed using ink in the ink storage bag, the recording device is provided on the ink storage bag. A data transfer unit for transferring data in a non-contact state with the non-contact type memory IC is provided.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the non-contact type memory IC is set in the recording device, and the non-contact type memory IC is brought into close proximity to the data transfer section, and the non-contact type memory IC is set in the recording device. By transferring data between the IC and the data transfer unit, it is possible to effectively control the printing operation, manage the amount of ink used, and the like.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the data transfer unit is configured to transfer data to and from a non-contact type memory IC arranged in a downward state. It is characterized by having been done.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 8,
Data is transferred between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer unit in a state where the non-contact type memory IC is placed with the ink storage bag facing downward. For this reason,
The weight of the ink storage bag acts on the non-contact type memory IC,
The non-contact type memory IC is held in a stable state, and data transfer is performed between the non-contact type memory IC in that state and the data transfer unit. For this reason, data transfer can be performed reliably.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge case accommodating the ink accommodating bag, and a case set section accommodating the cartridge case.

Therefore, the ink storage bag can be accurately mounted on the main body of the recording apparatus via the cartridge case.
Data transfer between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer unit can be performed accurately.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the cartridge case has an opening for enabling communication between a non-contact type memory IC provided in the ink storage bag and a data transfer unit provided in the apparatus main body. Is provided.

Therefore, the data transfer between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer section can be performed accurately without being interrupted by the cartridge case. Also,
Even a device having a low communication capability (a non-contact memory IC or a data transfer unit) can be employed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the cartridge case includes a take-out port for fixing an ink supply port of the ink storage bag, and the non-contact type memory IC of the ink storage bag includes the ink supply port. It is characterized by being arranged in the vicinity.

Therefore, the non-contact type memory IC can be held more stably.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the amount of ink is determined based on information of a non-contact type memory IC of the ink storage bag. Therefore, the recording apparatus can make a determination based on the accurate ink amount.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, the ink storage bag of this embodiment and a recording apparatus using the same will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ink storage bag main body 12 of the ink storage bag 11
Consists of a soft case in which a flexible sheet is formed into a bag-like shape. For example, two sheets of a sheet material such as a laminated film having a gas barrier property formed by evaporating aluminum on a polyethylene film are laminated and laminated. A heat-sealing seal is applied along the outer peripheral edge of the material, and the inside thereof contains printing ink. An ink supply port 13 made of a hard material such as a synthetic resin is thermally welded to one end edge of the ink storage bag main body 12, and ink in the ink storage bag main body 12 is taken out from the ink supply port 13.

On the heat welding seal portion 12a as a heat welding portion on the outer peripheral edge of the ink containing bag main body 12,
The same heat-sealing seal portion 12a at one corner of the ink supply port 13 side edge on the lower surface of the ink storage bag main body 12 includes:
Non-contact type memory IC readable and writable from outside
14 is fixed. The non-contact type memory IC 14 has attribute data on the ink in the ink containing bag 11,
For example, data such as the type, color, date of manufacture, and factory of the ink are stored. Further, the non-contact type memory IC 1
4 is provided with a storage area for writing the used amount and the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage bag 11.

Next, a printer (recording device) used by mounting the ink storage bag 11 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a print head 19 is provided on a printer main body 18 so as to be movable along a platen (not shown). A plurality of case setting sections 20 are formed on one side of the front surface of the printer main body 18 and each of the case setting sections 20 is provided with a pair of guide plates 20a. The ink storage bag 11 is set in each case setting section 20 in a state of being stored in the cartridge case 21.

The cartridge case 21 is formed in a hard case shape. An outlet 22 is formed on one end surface of the cartridge case 21.
Ink supply port 13 of ink storage bag 11 stored inside
Are fixed to the outlet 22 so as to protrude from the outlet 22 to the outside. A window 23 is formed on one bottom surface of the cartridge case 21 on the side of the outlet 22.
Then, the ink storage bag 11 is placed in the cartridge case 21.
Is stored, the non-contact type memory IC 14 provided at one corner of the lower surface of the ink storage bag 11 is exposed downward from the window 23.

A supply needle 24 is disposed opposite to each of the case setting sections 20 of the printer main body 18 so as to face the supply tube 2.
5 is connected to the print head 19. And
When the ink storage bag 11 is set in the case setting section 20 while being stored in the cartridge case 21, the supply needle 24 is inserted into the ink storage bag main body 12 through the ink supply port 13 of the ink storage bag 11. Is done. In this state, the printing operation of the print head 19 causes the ink storage bag 1
The ink in 1 is supplied to the print head 19 via the supply needle 24 and the supply tube 25, and printing is performed on the recording paper P.

A data transfer section 26 is provided at an end of one guide plate 20a of each case setting section 20. When the ink storage bag 11 is set in the case setting unit 20 in a state of being stored in the cartridge case 21, the non-contact type memory IC 14 disposed at one corner near the ink supply port of the ink storage bag 11 is provided. Is window part 2
3 and is arranged to face the data transfer unit 26. In this state, the data transfer unit 26 reads and writes the attribute data of the ink in the ink storage bag 11 and the data of the used amount and the remaining amount in the non-contact type memory IC 14 in the non-contact state. It has become.

Next, a circuit configuration of the printer having the above-described structure will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the printer main body 18 is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 30 for controlling the operation of the entire printer, and the CPU 30 has a read only memory (ROM) 3 storing a program.
1 and a random access memory (RAM) 32 for storing working data and the like. A printing mechanism 33 including the print head 19 is connected to the CPU 30.
An operation signal is output to the printing mechanism 33. A data transfer unit 26 is connected to the CPU 30, and input and output of ink attribute data and the like are performed to the data transfer unit 26.

Further, the CPU in the printer main body 18
An external computer 35 is connected to the computer 30 via an interface 34, and print data, a warning display signal, and the like are exchanged with the computer 35. A display unit 36 such as a display device is connected to the computer 35. When a warning display signal is output from the CPU 30 to the computer 35, the display unit 3
6, a warning message is displayed. A keyboard 37 is connected to the computer 35, and various data is input from the keyboard 37.

Next, the operation of the printer configured as described above will be described.

When the ink storage bag 11 is mounted on the printer, the ink storage bag 11 is set in the case setting section 20 of the printer main body 18 in a state of being stored in the cartridge case 21. Then, the supply needle 24 penetrates through the ink supply port 13 of the ink storage bag 11 and is inserted and arranged in the ink storage bag main body 12, and the non-contact type memory IC 14 on the lower surface of the ink storage bag 11 is opened through the window. 2
3, a data transfer unit 2 on the printer main body 18 side.
6 are arranged opposite to each other.

In this state, the data transfer unit 26 reads the attribute data of the ink in the ink storage bag 11 from the non-contact type memory IC 14 and writes it into the RAM 32 via the CPU 30. The printing mechanism 33 including the print head 19 performs a printing operation based on the attribute data of the ink and the like, and the ink in the ink containing bag 11 is supplied to the print head 19 via the supply needle 24 and the supply tube 25. Then, printing is performed on the recording paper P.

At the time of this printing operation, the data transfer unit 26 writes data on the used amount and the remaining amount of the ink into the RAM 32 under the control of the CPU 30. Then, the data is transferred to the non-contact type memory IC 14 periodically or at a predetermined printing operation timing. And
When the accumulated amount of ink written in the non-contact type memory IC 14 reaches a predetermined value, a warning display signal prompting replacement of the ink containing bag 11 is output from the CPU 30 and the display unit 36 displays, for example, “Ink inside the ink containing bag”. Has run out of ink. Replace it with a new one. "

Even when the printing operation is completed during the use of the ink in the ink storage bag 11, the non-contact type memory IC 14 on the ink storage bag 11 stores the ink consumed in the previous printing operation. The data of the used amount and the remaining amount are written. Therefore, in this state, the ink storage bag 1
Even when the printer 1 is removed from the printer and set again in another printer for use, by transferring these data to the printer, the management of the amount of ink used is continuously performed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the ink storage bag 11,
A non-contact type memory IC 14 is provided on an outer surface of a flexible ink containing bag 11 for containing printing ink.
For this reason, by writing the remaining amount of ink in the non-contact type memory IC 14, it is possible to manage the amount of used ink for each ink storage bag 11. Therefore, the ink storage bag 1
When the ink container 1 is removed from the printer while the ink is being used, and the ink storage bag 11 is set in the printer again and used, the management of the ink usage can be continued. In addition, in the case of a flexible ink storage bag, the outer shape changes so that the thickness of the entire bag becomes thinner by consumption of the stored ink, but since a non-contact type memory IC is installed, By properly setting the communication range between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer section, accurate data reading and writing can be performed. Further, in the above case, even if the non-contact type memory IC is not strictly provided, almost no trouble occurs in reading and writing of data, so that the non-contact type memory IC can be easily attached. Further, since the storage bag is flexible, when all the stored ink is used, the bulk of the ink storage bag can be reduced and discarded.

(2) In this ink storage bag 11,
The non-contact type memory IC 14 is provided at a corner of the ink containing bag main body 12. For this reason, at the corners of the flexible bag, the outer shape change due to ink consumption is small,
It is possible to use a device that does not have a large communication range between the non-contact type memory IC and the data transfer unit. Further, a heat-sealing seal portion 12a is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the ink storage bag main body 12, and the corners of the ink storage bag main body 12 are in a harder state than other portions of the ink storage bag main body, so that the rigidity is high. Therefore, the non-contact type memory IC 14 provided at the corner can be stably held and always brought close to the data transfer unit 26 on the printer side. Therefore, since the non-contact type memory IC 14 can face the data transfer section 26 at a substantially stable position, data transfer can be performed more accurately in a non-contact state.

(3) In the printer in which the ink storage bag 11 is mounted, the ink storage bag 11 for storing the ink is set, and printing is performed using the ink in the ink storage bag 11. ing. And
A data transfer unit 26 that transfers data in a non-contact state with a non-contact type memory IC 14 provided on an outer surface of the ink containing bag 11 is provided. Therefore, data transfer between the non-contact type memory IC 14 and the data transfer unit 26 is performed in a state where the ink storage bag 11 is set in the printer and the non-contact type memory IC 14 is brought into close proximity to the data transfer unit 26. To effectively control the printing operation, manage the amount of ink used, and the like.

(4) In this printer, the data transfer section 26 is configured to transfer data to and from the non-contact type memory IC 14 arranged in a downward position. Therefore, data transfer is performed between the non-contact type memory IC 14 and the data transfer unit 26 in a state where the ink containing bag 11 is installed so that the non-contact type memory IC 14 faces downward. For this reason, the weight of the ink containing bag 11 acts on the non-contact type memory IC 14 to keep the non-contact type memory IC 14 in a stable state, and the data transfer between the non-contact type memory IC 14 and the data transfer unit in that state. Delivery takes place. For this reason, data transfer can be performed reliably.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a non-contact type memory IC 14 is provided by sticking at the center of the lower surface of the ink containing bag body 12.

On the other hand, the data transfer section 26 of the printer
Is provided at the center of the cartridge case 21. Then, the ink containing bag 11 is
1 and housed in the printer case setting unit 20.
When the non-contact type memory IC 14 is set to the non-contact type memory IC 14, the non-contact type memory IC 14 is arranged to face the data transfer unit 26 provided between the two guide plates 20 a of the case setting unit 20.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1), (3), and (4) of the first embodiment.

(5) In the ink storage bag 11,
A non-contact type memory IC 14 is provided at the center of the outer surface of the ink containing bag main body 12. Therefore, by setting the ink storage bag 11 in the printer such that the center of the ink storage bag main body 12 provided with the non-contact type memory IC 14 is located on the lower side, the usage status of the ink in the ink storage bag 11 is set. In other words, the non-contact type memory IC 14 can always be brought close to the data transfer unit 26 of the printer at a predetermined interval regardless of the degree of bulging of the ink containing bag 11. Therefore, data can be accurately transferred in a non-contact state between the non-contact type memory IC 14 and the data transfer unit 26, and the communication range of the non-contact type memory and the data transfer unit is narrow. It will be possible to use it.

The central portion of the lower outer surface of the ink storage bag in the above-described embodiment may be any location as long as the outer shape of the ink storage bag changes little due to ink consumption in the ink storage bag. The position is not limited.

(Modification) The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows.

In the first embodiment, the location of the non-contact type memory IC 14 is the same as the other end corner of the lower edge of the ink supply port 13 on the lower surface of the ink storage bag 11, the opposite side to the ink supply port 13. The edge may be changed to one end corner or the other end corner. Further, the ink storage bag 11 may be provided at a corner on the upper surface.

Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0057]

As described in detail above, the management data of the amount of ink used can be performed for each ink storage bag, and the management data is stored in the ink storage bag to handle sufficient management data. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer equipped with an ink storage bag according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an ink storage bag and its mounting configuration in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a state where the ink storage bag of FIG. 2 is turned upside down.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the printer in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state where the ink storage bag according to the second embodiment is turned upside down.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ink storing bag 12 ... Ink storing bag main body 13 ... Ink supply port 14 ... Non-contact type memory IC 18 ... Printer main body 19 ... Print head 20 ... Case setting part 21 ... Cartridge case 26 ... Data transfer part 30 ... CPU 35 ... Computer 36 ... Display

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A non-contact type memory IC is provided in an ink storage bag having a flexible ink storage bag main body for storing printing ink and an ink supply port for supplying ink to the outside. Ink storage bag. 2. The ink storage bag according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact type memory IC is provided in an ink storage bag main body. 3. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact type memory IC is provided at a corner of the ink storage bag main body. 4. The ink storage bag according to claim 3, wherein the non-contact type memory IC is provided at a heat-welded portion at the corner of the ink storage bag main body. 5. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact type memory IC is provided at a central portion of the ink storage bag main body. 6. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact type memory IC is provided near the ink supply port of the ink storage bag main body. 7. A recording apparatus in which a flexible ink storage bag for storing ink is mounted, and printing is performed using ink in the ink storage bag, wherein a non-contact type memory IC provided in the ink storage bag is provided. A recording apparatus comprising a data transfer unit for transferring data in a non-contact state between them. 8. The data transfer section is configured to transfer data to and from a non-contact type memory IC provided in an ink storage bag main body arranged in a downward state. The recording device according to claim 7. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a cartridge case for storing the ink storage bag, and a case setting unit for storing the cartridge case. 10. The cartridge case is provided with an opening for enabling communication between a non-contact type memory IC provided in the ink storage bag and a data transfer unit provided in the apparatus main body. The recording device according to claim 7, wherein 11. The cartridge case has a take-out port for fixing an ink supply port of the ink storage bag, and a non-contact type memory IC of the ink storage bag is disposed near the ink supply port. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: 12. The non-contact type memory I of the ink storage bag.
8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ink consumption is determined based on the information of C.