JP2006188076A - Ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink cartridge which can give information on the usability of a specific ink kind. <P>SOLUTION: When a judgment control part 61 as a judgment control means judges that an ink kind read out from an ink cartridge 9 which is newly loaded does not agree with the ink kind information already established in an ink kind memory section 63, moreover when the judgment control part 61 as a judgment control means judges that there is not compatibility even if the ink kind information is in agreement, the judgment control part 61 as a judgment control means outputs a prohibition command of operation to a recorder 100. Thereby, all operations of the recorder 100 are stopped. In addition, at the same time, the judgment control part 61 as a judgment control means makes an indication unit 68 display the error information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that is set so that, for example, ink types in an ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus for the first time can be used, and more particularly, a method for setting ink type information in the apparatus, and ink type information in the apparatus The present invention relates to an ink cartridge.

  An ink jet recording apparatus has a relatively low noise during printing and can form small dots with a high density, and is therefore used for many printing including color printing. Such an ink jet recording apparatus is generally mounted on a carriage and moves in the width direction of the recording paper, and relatively moves the recording paper in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head. The paper feeding means is provided, and print recording is performed on the recording paper by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head based on the print data.

  By mounting a recording head capable of ejecting black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks on the carriage, full-color printing is possible by changing not only text printing with black ink but also the ejection ratio of each ink. Is possible.

  In many current recording apparatuses, dye ink is used. However, in recent years, the diversification of printing has progressed, and there is a tendency to use pigment-dispersed ink (hereinafter referred to as pigment ink). In addition, by appropriately performing the control method of the recording apparatus, the same apparatus may be used. However, since these dye inks and pigment inks are exclusively different in nature, both are mixed. In some cases, the physical properties of the ink may change, resulting in a problem that the printing reliability is impaired. In the worst case, problems such as solidification of the ink due to mixing and leaving a serious defect in the recording apparatus may occur.

  There has been proposed a method for preventing such an ink cartridge containing different types of ink from being inserted into a recording apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-323995

  Therefore, in this type of recording apparatus, it is necessary to avoid operation in which dye ink or pigment ink is used alternately. Therefore, in the recording apparatus using the dye ink first, the ink cartridge of the dye ink is used when the ink cartridge is replaced. In the recording apparatus using the pigment ink first, the pigment is used when replacing the ink cartridge. It is desirable that the recording apparatus be provided with means that can be managed to use an ink cartridge of ink.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an ink cartridge capable of providing information that allows a specific ink type to be used. .

  An ink cartridge according to the present invention includes ink type information indicating ink type of stored ink, and ink having at least ink type setting permission information that allows the recording apparatus to set an ink type using the ink type information. In a state where the cartridge is attached to the recording apparatus, the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information are provided to the recording apparatus, and the ink type setting permission information is acquired by the recording apparatus and used in the recording apparatus. An ink type to be set can be set.

  In this case, the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information described above are stored in the semiconductor storage unit, and the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information can be provided to the recording apparatus while the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information are attached to the recording apparatus. It is desirable to be able to be configured.

  Further, the ink type setting permission information stored in the semiconductor storage means is preferably changed to a state where reading of the ink type setting permission information is impossible again by receiving a command from the recording apparatus, or the ink type setting is performed. The permission information can be erased.

  In addition, it is desirable that the ink cartridge of the present invention is provided with ink type setting permission information and is packed and shipped together with the recording apparatus.

  According to the ink cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to set so that the ink type in the ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus for the first time can be used. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the use of ink cartridges of different ink types by mistake, and to ensure the sound operation of this type of recording apparatus. In addition, it is possible to manage so that the ink type information setting operation is performed in the recording apparatus only when the ink cartridge that is packed and shipped with the recording apparatus is mounted.

Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus employing an ink type information setting method according to the present invention and an ink cartridge used therefor will be described based on preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.
(Embodiment)
First, FIG. 1 is a top view showing the overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus 100. In FIG. 1, a carriage 1 is guided by a scanning guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2, and reciprocally moves in the longitudinal direction of a paper feeding member 5, that is, the main scanning direction which is the width direction of a recording paper. It is configured to be. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet recording head 6 (see FIG. 2) is mounted on the surface of the carriage 1 that faces the paper feeding member 5.

  A sub tank 7 (7a to 7d) for supplying ink to the recording head 6 is mounted on the carriage 1. In this embodiment, the sub-tank 7 (7a to 7d) is used for each ink (for example, black ink, yellow, cyan, and magenta color ink) in order to temporarily store the ink therein. Correspondingly, four are provided.

  An ink replenishment path can be configured from the plurality of ink cartridges 9 (9a to 9d) loaded in the cartridge holder 8 disposed on the main body side of the recording apparatus 100 with respect to the sub tank 7 (7a to 7d). The black ink and the color inks are supplied through the flexible ink supply tubes 10 respectively. An ink supply valve 26 is disposed between each ink cartridge 9 (9a to 9d) and each ink supply tube 10.

  On the other hand, in a non-printing area (home position) on the movement path of the carriage 1, a capping unit 11 capable of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 is disposed, and further on the upper surface of the capping unit 11. Is provided with a cap member 11a formed of an elastic material such as rubber that can be sealed in close contact with the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6. When the carriage 1 moves to the home position, the capping unit 11 moves to the recording head 6 side, and the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 can be sealed by the cap member 11a. .

  The cap member 11 a functions as a lid that seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 and prevents the nozzle opening 6 a from being dried during the rest period of the recording apparatus 100. Further, one end of a tube 37 (see FIG. 2) in a suction pump 38 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the cap member 11a, and negative pressure by the suction pump 38 is applied to the recording head 6 so that the recording head 6 A function of performing a cleaning operation for sucking and discharging ink is also performed.

  On the other hand, a wiping unit 12 in which an elastic material such as rubber is formed in a strip shape is disposed adjacent to the printing region side of the capping unit 11, and the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 is wiped and cleaned as necessary. It is also configured to be able to.

  Next, FIG. 2 schematically shows a configuration of an ink supply system mounted on the recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and this ink supply system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the air pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 is supplied to the pressure regulating valve 22, and further, the ink cartridges 9 (9a to 9d) (in FIG. 2) via the pressure detector 23. The ink cartridge 9 is representatively shown, and may be described below as a representative ink cartridge 9).

  In this case, an air flow path is branched from the pressure detector 23 to each ink cartridge 9, and pressurized air is applied to each ink cartridge 9 loaded in the cartridge holder 8. Has been. The pressure adjusting valve 22 releases the pressure when the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 reaches an excessive state due to some trouble, and the air pressure applied to each ink cartridge 9 (9a to 9d) is a predetermined air pressure. It has a function that can be maintained within the range.

  Further, the pressure detector 23 functions to detect the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 and to control the driving of the air pressurizing pump 21. That is, when it is detected that the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 has reached a predetermined pressure, the driving of the air pressurizing pump 21 is stopped based on this and the air pressure is detected by the pressure detector 23. Is detected to be equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the air pressurizing pump 21 is controlled to be driven, and the air pressure applied to the ink cartridges 9 (9a to 9d) by the repetition is controlled within a predetermined range. It works to be maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 9 has a case 30 that forms the outer shell thereof formed in an airtight state, and is formed of a flexible material containing ink therein. An ink pack 24 is stored. A space formed by the ink cartridge 9 and the ink pack 24 constitutes a pressure chamber 25, and pressurized air is supplied into the pressure chamber 25 via the pressure detector 23. ing.

  With this configuration, each ink pack 24 accommodated in each ink cartridge 9 (9a to 9d) is pressurized by pressurized air, and each sub tank 7 (7a to 7d) from each ink cartridge 9 (9a to 9d). Ink flow with a predetermined pressure is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 9 includes a semiconductor storage unit 27 as a semiconductor storage unit using, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). In the semiconductor storage unit 27 as the semiconductor storage means, at least information indicating the ink type of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 9 (for example, ink type information indicating whether the ink is dye ink or pigment ink), and the recording apparatus 100 includes the ink. Ink type setting permission information for permitting the operation of setting the type is stored. As shown in FIG. 2, a terminal 28 capable of reading or writing information from the semiconductor memory unit 27 as the semiconductor memory means is arranged in a part of the ink cartridge 9, and the ink cartridge 9 is recorded. When loaded in the apparatus 100, the recording apparatus 100 can be electrically connected.

  On the other hand, the ink pressurized in each ink cartridge 9 (9a to 9d) is supplied to each sub tank 7 (7a to 7d) mounted on the carriage 1 via each ink supply valve 26 and each ink supply tube 10, respectively. (In FIG. 2, it is shown as a sub tank 7 as a representative, and may be described as a sub tank 7 as a representative in the following.)

  The basic structure of the sub tank 7 includes a float member 31 disposed therein, and a permanent magnet 32 is attached to a part of the float member 31. Magnetoelectric conversion elements 33 a and 33 b typified by Hall elements are attached to the substrate 34 and attached to the side wall of the sub tank 7.

  With this configuration, an output from which an electrical output is generated by the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33a and 33b in accordance with the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 32 disposed on the float member 31 and the permanent magnet 32 according to the floating position of the float member 31. The generating means is configured, and the ink amount detecting means in the sub tank 7 including the float member 31 is configured.

  In this embodiment, the ink amount detection means described above indicates that the ink is supplied from each ink cartridge 9 to each sub tank 7, and that the ink amount in the sub tank 7 has reached a predetermined capacity (ink full state). In this case, the ink supply valve 26 is configured to be closed based on the electrical output of the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33a and 33b.

  In addition, if it is found from the electrical output of the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33a and 33b that the amount of ink in the sub tank 7 has reached a predetermined capacity or less (ink low state) by executing a printing operation or the like, ink replenishment is performed. The valve 26 is operated to be opened. As a result, the ink pressurized in the ink cartridge 9 is individually replenished into the respective sub tanks 7 where the ink consumption has progressed. Therefore, by repeating as described above, the ink cartridge 9 acts so as to be intermittently replenished with respect to the sub tank 7, so that each sub tank 7 always stores a certain range of ink. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, each sub tank 7 is configured so that ink is supplied to the recording head 6 via a valve 35 and a tube 36 connected thereto. The ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 6a formed on the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 6 based on the print data supplied to the actuator (not shown). In FIG. 2, the tube 37 connected to the capping unit 11 is connected to a tube pump type suction pump 38.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the front side of the cartridge holder 8 (see FIG. 1). The cartridge holder 8 is provided with a cover member 41 that is opened when the ink cartridge 9 is attached and detached. That is, the cover member 41 is disposed in front of the opening of the cartridge holder 8, and the rotation shaft 41 a is supported by a support hole formed on the main body side of the recording apparatus 100 (not shown). The opening front of the cartridge holder 8 can be opened (state shown by a solid line) or closed (state shown by a chain line) as a moving center.

  A plurality of operation levers 42 are arranged inside the cover member 41 so as to correspond to the ink cartridges 9 loaded in the cartridge holder 8. A locking hole 42a is formed in the base end portion of the operation lever 42, and is rotatably supported by a support rod (not shown) that is inserted into and supported by the locking hole 42a in each operation lever 42. ing.

  The operation lever 42 can be loaded or removed by rotating the operation lever 42 in the same direction as the opening direction of the cover member 41 in a state where the cover member 41 is opened. That is, when the ink cartridge 9 is loaded in the cartridge holder 8, the ink cartridge 9 is inserted into the cartridge holder 8 with the operation lever 42 rotated in the same direction as the opening direction of the cover member 41, and the operation lever By raising 42, the pressing portion 42b formed on the operation lever 42 comes into contact with the front end portion of the ink cartridge 9, and the ink cartridge 9 is loaded on the cartridge holder 8 side according to the lever principle.

  Further, when pulling out the ink cartridge 9 loaded in the cartridge holder 8 side, the operation lever 42 is also rotated in the same direction as the opening direction of the cover member 41, which is not shown in the drawing. The ink cartridge 9 is pushed out from the back side through a link rod engaged with a part of the operation lever 42. Therefore, the ink cartridge 9 pushed out toward the front can be easily pulled out.

  The cartridge holder 8 is further provided with a switch 43 that detects opening of the cover member 41. This switch 43 is, for example, a tact switch that is turned on in contact with the back surface of the cover member 41 when the cover member 41 is closed, and is turned off when the cover member 41 is opened. . The switch 43 is configured to forcibly open the pressure regulating valve 22 in the off state, so that when the cover member 41 is opened during the replacement operation of each ink cartridge 9, it is given to each ink cartridge 9. It acts to release the pressurized air being released to the atmosphere.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connection mechanism 55 disposed in the cartridge holder 8 (see FIG. 1) and the configuration of the end of the ink cartridge 9. The ink cartridge 9 is formed with a pair of positioning opening holes 51 as positioning means used when the ink cartridge 9 is attached to the recording apparatus 100. In addition, an ink lead-out portion 50 from the ink pack 24 (see FIG. 2) is attached to a substantially intermediate portion sandwiched between the pair of positioning opening holes 51. Then, on both outer sides of the positioning opening holes 51 arranged at the two places, information on the inlet 52 for pressurized air (one place is shown in FIG. 4) and the ink cartridge 9 is read and written. A semiconductor memory unit 27 is disposed as a semiconductor memory unit disposed on the circuit board 29 that can be used.

  On the other hand, the connection mechanism 55 arranged on the cartridge holder 8 (see FIG. 1) side is provided with a pair of positioning pins 56 formed in a columnar shape, and the pair of positioning openings formed on the ink cartridge 9 side. A hole 51 is configured to surround and mount each positioning pin 56.

  As described above, since the positioning opening holes 51 are arranged at two locations on the case 30 on the ink cartridge 9 side, the base end portions of the two positioning pins 56 arranged on the recording apparatus 100 side are arranged. By mounting, the positioning of the ink cartridge 9 in the three-dimensional direction can be achieved. When the ink cartridge 9 is attached to the positioning pins 56, the hollow ink introduction tube 57 disposed at the substantially central portion sandwiching the pair of positioning pins 56 causes the ink from the ink pack 24 (see FIG. 2). The ink cartridge 9 is inserted into the outlet 50 and is ready to discharge ink from the ink cartridge 9.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 9 is mounted, the pressurized air inlet 52 is connected to the pressurized air outlet 58 disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side, so that the pressurized air can be introduced to the ink cartridge 9 side. Be ready. Further, a terminal mechanism 59 having a plurality of contact pieces is connected to the circuit board 29 arranged on the ink cartridge 9 side, and a semiconductor memory unit as a semiconductor memory means provided in the circuit board 29 as a semiconductor memory means. 27 is ready to exchange data.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control unit that is installed in the recording apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration and that sets ink type information for the recording apparatus 100 based on information from the mounted ink cartridge 9. Is.

  In FIG. 5, the determination control unit 61 as the determination control means is configured to be supplied with information as to whether or not the ink cartridges 9 a to 9 d are attached to the cartridge holder 8. In addition, a read / write unit 62 is connected to the determination control unit 61 serving as a determination control unit so as to exchange information signals in both directions, and a command signal from the determination control unit 61 serving as a determination control unit is received. The read / write unit 62 reads the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information from the semiconductor storage unit 27 as the semiconductor storage unit mounted on each of the ink cartridges 9a to 9d mounted on the cartridge holder 8. Acts as

  Further, the read / write unit 62 that has received a command signal from the determination control unit 61 serving as the determination control unit sets the ink type for the semiconductor storage unit 27 serving as the semiconductor storage unit mounted in each of the ink cartridges 9a to 9d. Operation is performed such that the permission information cannot be read again or the ink type setting permission information is erased.

  An ink type storage unit 63 is connected to the determination control unit 61 serving as a determination control unit so that information signals can be exchanged in both directions. When the determination control unit 61 as the determination control unit determines that the ink type information is not set in the ink type storage unit 63, the read / write unit 62 obtains the ink under the conditions described later. The obtained ink type information is written in the ink type storage unit 63. In this embodiment, either ink of dye or pigment is used as the ink type.

  A determination control unit 61 as a determination control unit determines whether the ink type is dye ink or pigment ink, and simultaneously writes the ink type information as ink type information in the ink type storage unit 63. Then, the determination control unit 61 as the determination control unit causes the operation sequence setting unit 64, the head drive condition setting unit 65, and the image processing condition setting unit 66 to set respective parameters suitable for the above-described ink types. A command is made.

  Here, in the operation sequence setting unit 64, parameters such as a regular flushing interval, an ink droplet discharge amount, and a suction amount during a cleaning operation are optimized for each ink according to the dye ink or the pigment ink. Set by state. In the head driving condition setting unit 65, parameters such as driving voltage and driving frequency are set in a state suitable for the dye ink or pigment ink. Further, in the image processing condition setting unit 66, parameters such as a look-up table are set in a state suitable for the dye ink or pigment ink.

  Further, a matching information table 67 is connected to the judgment control unit 61 as judgment control means so that information signals can be exchanged in both directions. This matching information table 67 is referred to when the ink type information is already set in the ink type storage unit 63 and it is determined that the ink type of the newly installed ink cartridge 9 is the same by replacing the ink cartridge 9. To be made.

  That is, the matching information table 67 describes ink compatibility while the ink types match. For example, the operation sequence setting unit 64, the head driving condition setting unit 65, the image processing condition setting unit described above. The consistency of whether or not the printing operation is possible without changing each parameter in 66 is described. When the determination control unit 61 serving as a determination control unit that constitutes the alignment determination unit determines that there is compatibility, the determination result that the printing operation is possible is output.

  Here, when the ink type read from the newly installed ink cartridge 9 does not match the ink type information already set in the ink type storage unit 63, the determination control unit 61 as a determination control unit determines. If the determination control unit 61 serving as the determination control unit determines that the ink type information matches even if the ink type information matches, the recording control unit 61 serving as the determination control unit causes the recording apparatus to An operation prohibition command is output to 100. Thereby, the recording apparatus 100 stops all operations.

  At the same time, the determination control unit 61 as the determination control means is configured to display error information on the display unit 68. At this time, it is desirable that the buzzer 69 as a warning means is driven at the same time so that a warning is issued audibly.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation routine of the ink type information setting method performed by the configuration shown in FIG. That is, in step S <b> 11, it is determined whether or not all the ink cartridges 9 are mounted on the cartridge holder 8. This can be determined by the determination control unit 61 as the determination control means as described above. When all the ink cartridges 9 are not mounted (No), error information is displayed on the display unit 68. Made.

  If it is determined in step S11 that all ink cartridges 9 have been installed (Yes), information is read from each ink cartridge 9 as shown in step S12 following this. As described above, a command signal is sent from the determination control unit 61 as the determination control unit to the read / write unit 62, and based on this, the read / write unit 62 serves as a semiconductor storage unit mounted on each ink cartridge 9. The information such as the ink type is read from the semiconductor storage unit 27. Then, the read information such as the ink type is sent to a determination control unit 61 as a determination control unit.

  Subsequently, as shown in step S <b> 13, the determination control unit 61 as the determination control unit determines whether or not all the ink types are the same. Here, when it is determined that they are not all the same (No), the error information is displayed on the display unit 68. If it is determined that they are all the same (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14, and it is determined whether or not the adaptive ink type of the recording apparatus 100 is determined. This can be determined by accessing the ink type storage unit 63 from the determination control unit 61 as a determination control means.

  If it is determined that the adaptive ink type of the recording apparatus 100 has not been determined (No), whether or not the ink cartridge 9 attached to the cartridge holder 8 in step S15 is the setup ink cartridge 9. Is determined. In this embodiment, in the case of the ink cartridge 9 for setup, the ink type setting permission information is written in the semiconductor storage unit 27 as semiconductor storage means mounted on the ink cartridge 9. Therefore, the above-described ink type setting permission information has already been captured by the execution of step S11.

  If it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 is not set up (No), this cannot be used, and error information is displayed on the display unit 68 as well. If it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 is set up (Yes), the process proceeds to step S16, and the operation sets the ink type of the recording apparatus 100 to the ink type of the currently installed ink cartridge 9. Is executed. That is, the determination control unit 61 serving as a determination control unit sends ink type information to the ink type storage unit 63 and executes a setting operation for writing the ink type information.

  By executing this setting operation, the recording apparatus 100 can handle only dye ink or pigment ink. Although not shown in the operation sequence in FIG. 6, at the same time, the parameters in the operation sequence setting unit 64, the head drive condition setting unit 65, and the image processing condition setting unit 66 already described are also set. The recording apparatus 100 is dedicated to dye ink or pigment ink.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the adaptive ink type of the recording apparatus 100 has been determined (Yes), it can be recognized that the ink cartridge 9 is to be newly replaced. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is determined whether or not the applied ink type of the recording apparatus 100 matches the ink type of the currently installed ink cartridge 9. This can be determined by referring to the ink type information stored in the ink type storage unit 63 by the determination control unit 61 as a determination control means.

  Here, if it is determined that they match (Yes), the newly mounted ink cartridge 9 is used as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that they do not match (No), the error information is displayed on the display unit 68.

  In the above-described step S17, it has been described that the determination is based on the match or mismatch of the ink type information. However, even if it is determined that the ink types are the same, there may be a case where the ink types are compatible. Therefore, in step S17, it is desirable to refer to the matching information table 67 as described above and execute an operation for determining compatibility.

  Although not shown in the operation routine shown in FIG. 6, when an ink type setting operation is executed in step S <b> 16, a command from the recording apparatus 100 serves as a semiconductor storage unit of the ink cartridge 9. It is desirable that the above-described ink type setting permission information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 27 be read out again or an operation for deleting the ink type setting permission information is performed. By executing such an operation, the ink type setting permission information is retained, and an already used ink cartridge 9 is mounted on another unused model, whereby an incorrect ink type information setting operation is executed. Can be prevented.

  In the ink cartridge 9, as described above, by storing at least the ink type information indicating the ink type and the ink type setting permission information in the semiconductor storage unit 27 as the semiconductor storage unit, the recording apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration is provided. Thus, the ink type setting operation can be executed without error. In this case, it is desirable that the ink cartridge 9 including the ink type setting permission information is packed and shipped together with the recording apparatus 100, and this corresponds to the unused recording apparatus 100. It is guaranteed that the ink type to be obtained is set reliably.

  The ink type information and the ink type setting permission information are preferably stored in the semiconductor storage unit 27 as the semiconductor storage unit mounted on the ink cartridge 9 as in the embodiment described above. As described above, a plurality of projections and depressions may be arranged in a part of the case 30 that forms the outline of the ink cartridge 9 so that the recording apparatus 100 can acquire information indicating the ink type from the arrangement form. In addition, a barcode may be provided at a predetermined position of the case 30 that forms the outline of the ink cartridge 9 so that the recording apparatus 100 can read the barcode and acquire information indicating the ink type.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus 100 employing the ink type information setting method according to the present invention, for example, the recording apparatus 100 can be used for the first time by using the ink cartridge 9 according to the present invention. It is possible to set so that the ink type in the ink cartridge 9 attached to can be used. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the ink cartridge 9 having a different ink type from being used by mistake, and to ensure the sound operation of this type of recording apparatus 100.

1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ink supply system from an ink cartridge to a recording head. The perspective view which showed the structure of the front side of a cartridge holder. Sectional drawing which showed the connection mechanism arrange | positioned in a cartridge holder, and the structure of a part of ink cartridge about each part which opposes. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. The flowchart figure which showed the control routine made by the control circuit shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Carriage, 6 ... Recording head, 7, 7a-7d ... Sub tank, 8 ... Cartridge holder, 9, 9a-9d ... Ink cartridge, 11 ... Capping part, 12 ... Wiping part, 21 ... Air pressurization pump, 22 ... Pressure regulating valve, 23 ... Pressure detector, 24 ... Ink pack, 25 ... Pressure chamber, 26 ... Ink supply valve, 27 ... Semiconductor memory as semiconductor memory means, 29 ... Circuit board as semiconductor memory means, 30 ... Case 31 ... Float member, 32 ... Permanent magnet, 33a, 33b ... Magnetoelectric conversion element, 41 ... Cover member, 55 ... Connection mechanism, 61 ... Judgment control unit as judgment control means, 62 ... Read / write unit, 63 ... Ink type Storage unit 64... Operation sequence setting unit 65 65 Head drive condition setting unit 66 Image processing condition setting unit 67 Matching information table 6 ... display unit, 69 ... buzzer as a warning means, 100 ... recording device.

Claims (4)

An ink cartridge that holds at least ink type setting permission information for permitting an operation of setting the ink type by the recording apparatus using the ink type information and the ink type information indicating the ink type of the stored ink;
The recording apparatus is provided with the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information provided to the recording apparatus in a state of being mounted on the recording apparatus, and the recording apparatus acquires the ink type setting permission information in the recording apparatus. An ink cartridge configured to be able to set the ink type used in the above.   The ink type information and the ink type setting permission information are stored in a semiconductor storage unit, and the ink type information and the ink type setting permission information are provided to the recording apparatus when mounted on the recording apparatus. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge is configured to be capable of   The ink type setting permission information stored in the semiconductor storage means is changed to a state where reading of the ink type setting permission information is impossible again by receiving a command from the recording apparatus, or the ink type The ink cartridge according to claim 2, configured to be able to erase the setting permission information. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, comprising the ink type setting permission information, and being packaged and shipped together with the recording apparatus. 5.

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