JP2008195079A - Cartridge, printing apparatus, and method of exchanging information with cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure compatibility between a cartridge with a sensor and a cartridge without a sensor in a cartridge having a recording material for printing stored therein. <P>SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 111 is provided with a sensor replacing part 170 which simulates the operation of a cartridge loaded with a sensor. When the access of a cartridge 10 side is indicated by radio from a controller 222 of a printer 200, the sensor replacing part 170 generates a signal equivalent to a signal indicating a residual ink amount to be present which may be outputted in the presence of a sensor module and outputs the signal by means of an output part 178. As a result, this ink cartridge 111 can use both a printer supposed to be loaded with a sensor and a printer supposed to be without a sensor loaded in order to secure high compatibility. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for printing, and more particularly to a technique for exchanging information between a cartridge with a built-in sensor and a cartridge without a sensor having compatibility.

  2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus (printer) that performs recording by ejecting ink onto paper, such as an ink jet printer, and a printing apparatus that performs printing using toner are widely used. Such a cartridge of a printing apparatus includes a storage chamber that stores a recording material such as ink or toner. The management of the remaining amount of recording material is an important technology in printing devices. Not only is the amount of usage counted and managed by software on the printing device side, but recently, a sensor has been installed in the cartridge to directly There are also attempts to measure. Examples of documents showing such a technique include the following.

JP 2001-147146 A

  Various types of sensors can be considered. If the recording material to be detected is conductive ink, the remaining amount of ink may be measured by an electrical resistance value, or a resonance provided in the storage chamber. By providing an electrostrictive element such as a piezo element in the chamber and measuring the resonance frequency of the electrostrictive element, the presence or absence of the recording material in the resonance chamber can be measured. It is also possible to measure the temperature, viscosity, humidity, particle size, hue, remaining amount, pressure, etc. of recording materials such as ink. In this case, a dedicated sensor is used according to each physical property. That's fine. For example, thermistors and thermocouples are used for temperature, and pressure sensors are used for pressure.

  However, when the use of a cartridge provided with such a sensor is started, the printing apparatus operates on the premise of the presence of the sensor. For example, when a cartridge without a sensor is mounted, a normal response signal is obtained from the cartridge side. There was a problem that it became impossible to operate. For example, even if the cartridge CR1 on which the sensor is mounted and the cartridge CR2 on which the sensor is not mounted have exactly the same specifications except for the presence or absence of the sensor, the sensor P1 that uses the sensor mounted cartridge CR1 has no sensor The mounted cartridge CR2 could not be used. This is because the process for the sensor cannot be performed, so that an initialization process or the like causes an error, and further use is not normally permitted. As a result, a common cartridge cannot be used between the printing apparatus P1 that assumes the use of the cartridge CR1 and the printing apparatus P2 that assumes the use of the cartridge CR2.

  The apparatus of the present invention solves such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge without a sensor that can be used in a printing apparatus that assumes the use of a cartridge equipped with a sensor.

An apparatus of the present invention that solves at least a part of the above problems is as follows.
A cartridge including a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for printing, and mounted on a printing apparatus,
An alternative means of replacing a sensor not mounted on the cartridge;
Condition detection means for receiving a designation from outside the detection condition by the sensor;
Control means for operating the alternative means based on the specified condition;
The alternative means is provided with output means for outputting a signal that substitutes the detection result of the sensor prepared by the alternative means.

  Such a cartridge is not equipped with a sensor and includes an alternative means for replacing the non-mounted sensor. Therefore, when this cartridge receives a detection condition specified by the sensor from the outside, the cartridge operates the alternative means based on the specified condition, and outputs a signal that substitutes the detection result of the sensor prepared by the alternative means. . Therefore, if the sensor is mounted on the cartridge from the outside, the detection result by the sensor can be obtained, and even when a cartridge without the sensor is used, a signal substituting the detection result of the sensor can be received. Therefore, both cartridges can be used without causing an error.

  As an alternative means, a means for replacing a sensor for detecting the state of the recording material in the storage chamber can be considered. As the recording material stored in the cartridge storage chamber, for example, ink of a predetermined color used for an ink jet printer, toner for a copying machine, a fax machine, or a laser printer can be assumed.

  Further, as alternative means, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the recording material in the storage chamber, a sensor that detects the remaining amount of the recording material, or a sensor that replaces the remaining amount of the recording material can be assumed. Of course, it is possible to assume a sensor that replaces a sensor that detects at least one of the temperature, viscosity, humidity, particle size, hue, remaining amount, and pressure of the recording material.

  In addition, as an alternative means, it is also useful to use a means for generating a signal corresponding to the detection condition of the sensor received by the condition receiving means. Either or both of these alternative means and control means can be configured as an arithmetic logic circuit.

  When the sensor mounted on the other cartridge is of a type that detects the presence or absence of the recording material by using the difference in the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element, the alternative means that the recording material exists. In this case, a means for outputting a signal corresponding to the resonance frequency may be used.

  For this type of cartridge, the condition accepting means is further a means for accepting designation of the number of vibrations for measuring the time required for vibration of the piezoelectric element, and the control means is the time required for the designated number of vibrations. It can be a means for generating by an alternative means. By doing so, it is possible to replace a cartridge equipped with a sensor of a type that actually measures the time required for the number of vibrations.

  Further, the number of vibrations received by the condition receiving means is specified by the vibration position at which measurement is started and the vibration position at which measurement is ended, and the control means obtains the vibration-related data from the specified vibration start and end positions. Based on the above, the alternative means may be generated. In this way, it can be handled as if it were a cartridge equipped with a sensor.

  A cartridge having a memory for storing parameters corresponding to the state of the recording material accommodated in the accommodation chamber is also useful as such a cartridge.

  In such a cartridge, detection conditions can be specified by wireless communication. For this purpose, the cartridge may be provided with wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. The detection result can also be output wirelessly.

  Such wireless communication means is generally provided with a loop-shaped antenna for performing communication. When communication is performed, an electromotive force is induced in the antenna. Therefore, it is possible to use this electromotive force to supply power to the cartridge. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide a battery or the like in the cartridge, and the configuration can be simplified.

The invention of the printing apparatus using the cartridge of the present invention,
A printing apparatus equipped with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for printing,
The cartridge includes
An alternative means of replacing a sensor not mounted on the cartridge;
Condition detection means for receiving a designation from outside the detection condition by the sensor;
Control means for operating the alternative circuit based on the specified condition;
Output means for outputting a signal that substitutes for the detection result of the sensor prepared by the alternative means, and
Furthermore, the printing device includes
Condition specifying means for specifying the detection condition;
Input means for inputting a signal output from the output means of the cartridge;
The gist of the present invention is that it comprises judgment means for making a judgment on the basis of the signal and assuming detection by a sensor not mounted on the cartridge.

  In this printing apparatus, the cartridge is not equipped with a sensor, and includes an alternative means for replacing the non-mounted sensor. Therefore, when the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, when the cartridge receives the designation of the detection condition by the sensor from the printing apparatus, the cartridge operates the substitution means based on the designated condition, and the sensor prepared by the substitution means A signal that substitutes the detection result is output. Therefore, from the printing device side, if a sensor is mounted on the cartridge, the result of detection by the sensor can be obtained. Even when a cartridge without a sensor is used, a signal that substitutes for the detection result of the sensor is used. Since it can be received, both cartridges can be used without causing an error or the like.

Further, the present invention can also be understood as a method for exchanging information with a cartridge including a storage chamber that stores a recording material used for printing. This method
A method for exchanging information with a cartridge having a storage chamber containing a recording material used for printing,
Specify the conditions for detection by a sensor not mounted on the cartridge from the outside of the cartridge,
In accordance with the designated detection condition, a signal generated by an alternative means mounted on the cartridge in place of the sensor is output to the outside where the designation is performed,
The gist is to exchange information with the cartridge.

  According to this information exchange method, when the detection condition of the sensor not mounted on the cartridge is designated from the outside of the cartridge, the cartridge side outputs the signal generated by the alternative means to the outside according to the designated detection condition. To do. The side that receives this signal can receive a signal that substitutes for the detection result made under the detection condition designated by itself.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink cartridge 10 as an embodiment of the invention and a transmission / reception device 30 of a printer 20 on which the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. Although the internal configuration of the printer 20 that performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head 25 onto the paper T conveyed by the platen 24 is omitted, the control device 22 in the printer 20 uses the amount of ink used for printing. Such data is calculated and transmitted to the ink cartridge 10 side via the transmission / reception device 30. Transmission / reception of data to / from the ink cartridge 10 is performed by wireless communication, but may be wired. In this embodiment, the radio communication system is an electromagnetic induction system, but other systems can also be used.

  The ink cartridge 10 includes a communication control unit 12 that controls communication, a memory control unit 15 that reads / writes data from / to the memory 14, and a sensor replacement unit 19 that replaces a sensor that is not mounted on the cartridge 10. In order to describe the operation of the sensor replacement unit 19, the configuration and operation of the sensor that is replaced by the sensor replacement unit 19 will be described in advance. As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1, some cartridges that are compatible with the cartridge 10 include a sensor 17 that detects the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 16. In such a sensor-equipped type cartridge, the ink remaining amount is detected by the following procedure, for example. The sensor 17 is mounted in a resonance chamber 18 provided in the ink storage chamber 16. When a driving voltage is applied to an electrode (not shown), the sensor 17 that is a piezoelectric element is distorted and deformed. When the electric charge accumulated in the piezoelectric element is discharged from this state, the strain energy is released and the element vibrates freely. Since the sensor 17 is provided facing the resonance chamber 18, the frequency of this free vibration is regulated by the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 18. The resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 18 differs depending on whether ink is present in the resonance chamber and when ink is not present. Therefore, if the resonance frequency is detected, the presence / absence of ink in the resonance chamber 18 and the ink remaining in the ink cartridge are detected. You can know the amount.

  On the other hand, in the cartridge 10, the sensor 17 is not actually mounted, and the sensor replacement unit 19 replaces the output of the detection result accompanying the detection of the ink remaining amount using the sensor 17. That is, when the sensor substitution unit 19 receives an operation instruction for the sensor from the control device 22 side via the communication control unit 12, the sensor substitution unit 19 analyzes the instruction and outputs a signal as if the sensor 17 is mounted. The data is output to the control device 22 via the communication control unit 12 and the transmission / reception device 30. Normally, the sensor replacement unit 19 outputs a signal equal to the output of the sensor 17 when ink is present in the ink storage chamber 16 so that the printer 20 can continue the processing as it is using the cartridge 10. Upon receiving such a signal, the control device 22 of the printer 20 continues the operation assuming that ink is present in the cartridge 10. Normally, on the printer 20 side, the control device 22 manages the remaining amount of ink by software, and the signal about the presence or absence of ink from the cartridge 10 is used as an ink end signal for notifying that the remaining amount of ink is extremely small. Or used for confirmation of management by software. For this reason, even if a so-called dummy signal that does not correspond to the actual ink remaining amount in the ink storage chamber 16 is continuously output from the cartridge 10, the control device 22 can continue the processing as it is.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the process performed by the sensor substitution unit 19 in association with the process of the control device 22 on the printer 20 side. In this embodiment, the sensor replacement unit 19 is realized by an arithmetic logic circuit, but can be easily realized by a circuit using a gate array or the like. In the sequence shown in FIG. 2, first, detection of the remaining amount of ink is instructed from the control device 22 of the printer 20 (step S5). At this time, the control device 22 specifies not only an instruction for detecting the remaining amount of ink but also a detection condition. In the cartridge 10, the ink remaining amount detection instruction and the detection condition designation are received via the communication control unit 12 (step S 10). The detection condition is, for example, a time required for four pulses from the first pulse of the resonance when the saddle sensor mounted is of the piezoelectric element type.

  The sensor substitution unit 19 that has received the designation of the detection condition performs a process of analyzing the received detection condition (step S11). Here, the detection conditions are a first pulse indicating the start of measurement and four pulses which are the number of pulses to be measured. Next, a signal to be output by the cartridge corresponding to this detection condition (in this example, 4 pulses), here, a count value indicating a time corresponding to the number of measurement pulses is generated (step S12). If the detection condition is known, when the ink is present in the ink storage chamber 16, the wrinkle signal that is output during that period can be known, so that the sensor alternative unit 19 outputs a signal (count value) corresponding to the presence of ink. ) Is easy to generate. The generation of the count value may be performed by an arithmetic operation circuit, or a counter having a preset count value may be used. Next, the sensor replacement unit 19 performs a process of outputting the generated count value (step S16). At this time, the number of pulses at the position where detection is completed is also output. The number of pulses at the position where the detection is completed is a value obtained by adding the number of pulses required for measurement (in this example, 4 pulses) to the start pulse (in this example, the first pulse of resonance). There are 5 pulses.

  When the sensor substitution unit 19 outputs the count value and the detected pulse number via the communication control unit 12, the control device 22 of the printer 20 receives the detection result (step S20), and receives the pulse number together with the count value. Is checked to determine whether or not the detection conditions specified in advance are met (step S30). In this example, since the number of pulses corresponding to the position of the end pulse is received from the sensor substitution unit 19 on the cartridge 10 side, the control device 22 determines the position of the end pulse from the designation of the detection condition performed by itself (step S5). And is compared with the number of received pulses to determine whether or not the detection condition is met. Of course, it is possible to specify the start pulse and the end pulse, receive the number of pulses required for detection together with the detection result, and verify this.

  Since the sensor replacement unit 19 returns the correct detection condition to the control device 22, it is determined that the detection condition always matches, and it is determined that the detection has been performed normally (step S40). As a result, the remaining ink amount detection result is used for subsequent processing. For example, if the signal output instead of the detection result indicates a situation in which ink exists in the resonance chamber 18, the control device 22 of the printer 20 maintains the level of the resonance chamber 18 in the remaining amount of ink. If so, the remaining ink count by the software is continued. If the control device 22 determines that the detection condition does not match based on the signal received from the cartridge 10, the control device 22 determines that there is an error in the detection (step S50). Processing that is not used for processing is also provided. However, when the cartridge 10 equipped with the sensor replacement unit 19 is used, the detection condition designations do not match for reasons other than failure.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the cartridge 10 includes the sensor replacement unit 19, so that the cartridge 10 is not mounted but is used as it is by being mounted on the printer 20 on the premise of the ink cartridge mounted with the sensor. be able to. In particular, even when the detection condition is output from the control device 22 to the sensor and the sensor is operated under the detection condition, the cartridge 10 without the sensor can be used as it is. Further, even when the sensor-equipped cartridge returns information corresponding to the designated detection condition and this is verified on the control device 22 side, the sensor substitution unit 19 of the cartridge 10 similarly corresponds to the designated detection condition. Therefore, even a cartridge 10 without a sensor can be used without any problem. As a result, the cartridge 10 is compatible with a printer compatible with a cartridge equipped with a sensor and a printer compatible with a cartridge 10 not mounted.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exchange of data between the cartridge 10 and the printer 20 is performed by wireless communication, and there is no risk of contact failure between the cartridge 10 moving for printing. , Can exchange data stably. In this embodiment, data related to the detection condition designated from the outside is output together with the detection result, and verification is performed on the side designated by the detection condition (control device 22). Although high reliability can be ensured for the entire detection including reliability, such a configuration is not an essential requirement for the invention.

  Next, examples of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is applied to an ink jet printer. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration centering on the portion related to the operation of the printer 200. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 200 centering on the control device 222. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 200 ejects ink droplets from the print heads 211 to 216 onto the paper T that is fed from the paper feeding unit 203 and conveyed by the platen 225, so that an image is formed on the paper T. Form. The platen 225 is rotated and driven by a driving force transmitted from the paper feed motor 240 via the gear train 241. The rotation angle of the platen is detected by the encoder 242. The print heads 211 to 216 are provided on the carriage 210 that reciprocates in the width direction of the paper T. The carriage 210 is coupled to a conveying belt 221 that is driven by a stepping motor 223. The conveyor belt 221 is an endless belt, and is stretched between the stepping motor 223 and a pulley 229 provided on the opposite side. Accordingly, when the stepping motor 223 rotates, the carriage 210 reciprocates along the conveyance guide 224 as the conveyance belt 221 moves.

  Next, the six color ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on the carriage 210 will be described. The six-color ink cartridges 111 to 116 have the same basic structure, and are different in the composition, that is, the color of the ink stored in the storage chamber. Each of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 contains black ink (K), cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), light cyan ink (LC), and light magenta ink (LM). ing. The light cyan ink (LC) and light magenta ink (LM) are light color inks that are adjusted to about ¼ in the dye density of the cyan ink (C) and magenta ink (M), respectively. These cartridges 111 to 116 are provided with storage processing modules 121 to 126, the configuration of which will be described in detail later. The storage processing modules 121 to 126 can exchange data with the control device 222 on the printer 200 side by wireless communication. In the first embodiment, the storage processing modules 121 to 126 are attached to the side surfaces of the ink cartridges 111 to 116.

  In order to exchange data with these storage processing modules 121 to 126 wirelessly, the printer 200 is provided with a transmission / reception unit 230 for communication. The transmission / reception unit 230 is connected to the control device 222 together with other electronic components such as a paper feed motor 240, a stepping motor 223, an encoder 242, and the like. In addition to this, various switches 247 of an operation panel 245 prepared on the front surface of the printer 200 and an LED 248 are also connected to the control device 222.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 222 includes a CPU 251 that controls the entire printer 200, a ROM 252 that stores the control program, a RAM 253 that is used for temporary storage of data, a PIO 254 that controls an interface with an external device, a time And a drive buffer 256 for storing data for driving the print heads 211 to 216 are connected to each other via a bus 257. In addition to these circuit elements, the control device 222 is also provided with an oscillator 258, a distribution output device 259, and the like. The distribution output unit 259 distributes the pulse signal output from the oscillator 258 to the common terminals of the six print heads 211 to 216. The print heads 211 to 216 receive the ON / OFF (ink ejection / no ink) data from the drive buffer 256 side, and when the drive pulse is received from the distribution output unit 259, the print head 211 to 216 receives the data from the drive buffer 256 side. Ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzle according to the output data.

  A computer PC that outputs image data to be printed to the printer 200 is connected to the PIO 254 of the control device 222 together with the stepping motor 223, the paper feed motor 240, the encoder 242, the transmission / reception unit 230, and the operation panel 245 already described. Yes. Therefore, at the time of printing, an image to be printed is specified in the computer PC, and data subjected to processing such as rasterization, color conversion, and halftoning is output to the printer 200. The printer 200 detects the moving position of the carriage 210 based on the driving amount of the stepping motor 223, checks the paper feed position with the data from the encoder 242, and matches the data received from the computer PC with the print head. The data is developed into ON / OFF data of ink to be ejected from nozzles 211 to 216, and the drive buffer 256 and the distribution output unit 259 are driven.

  The control device 222 can wirelessly exchange data with the storage processing modules 121 to 126 mounted on the cartridges 111 to 116 via the transmission / reception unit 230 connected to the PIO 254. For this purpose, the transmission / reception unit 230 is provided with an RF conversion unit 231 that converts a signal from the PIO 254 into an AC signal having a predetermined frequency, and a loop antenna 233 that receives the AC signal from the RF conversion unit 231. When an AC signal is applied to the loop antenna 233, if a similar antenna is disposed in the vicinity thereof, an electric signal is excited in the other antenna by electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, since the wireless communication distance is limited to the distance inside the printer, a wireless communication method using electromagnetic induction is adopted.

  Next, the configuration of the storage processing module 121 on the ink cartridge 111 side will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 from the front and side. Since the storage processing modules 121 to 126 mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are all the same except for the ID numbers stored therein, the storage processing module 121 will be described below. As shown in the figure, this memory processing module 121 includes an antenna 133 formed as a metal thin film pattern on a substrate 131 on a thin film, a dedicated IC chip 135 incorporating various functions to be described later, and a wiring connecting them. It consists of a pattern 139 and the like.

  FIG. 6 is an end view showing a state where the storage processing module 121 is mounted on the ink cartridge 111. As shown in the figure, the storage processing module 121 is mounted on the side surface of the ink cartridge 111 with an adhesive layer 141 such as an adhesive or a double-sided tape. The attachment position of the storage processing module 121 is not limited to the side surface of the ink cartridge 111, and can be any position such as the top surface. What is necessary is just to set arrangement | positioning of the transmission / reception part 230 which performs radio | wireless communication according to the sticking position of the memory | storage processing module 121. FIG.

  The internal configuration of the storage processing module 121 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the storage processing module 121. As shown in the figure, this storage processing module 121 is provided in a dedicated IC chip 135 from an RF circuit 161, a power supply unit 162, a data analysis unit 163, an EEPROM control unit 165, an EEPROM 166, a sensor control unit 170, and an output unit 178. It is configured.

  The RF circuit 161 is a circuit that detects and inputs an AC signal generated by electromagnetic induction to the antenna 133, and outputs the power component extracted by the detection to the power supply unit 162 and the signal component to the data analysis unit 163. Also, it has a function of receiving a signal from an output unit 178 (to be described later), modulating the signal into an AC signal, and transmitting it to the transmitting / receiving unit 230 on the printer 200 side via the antenna 133. The power supply unit 162 is a circuit that uses the power component received from the RF circuit 161, stabilizes it, and outputs it as a power supply inside the dedicated IC chip 135. Therefore, the ink cartridges 111 to 116 of this embodiment are not equipped with a power source such as a dry battery. Although not particularly illustrated, when the time for which power is supplied by the signal from the transmission / reception unit 230 is limited to some extent, a charge storage element such as a capacitor that stores the stabilized power generated by the power supply unit 162, It is also useful to provide a dry battery. The charge storage element may be provided before the power supply unit 162.

  The data analysis unit 163 is a circuit that analyzes the signal component received from the RF circuit 161 and roughly extracts a command and data. The data analysis unit 163 controls whether to exchange data with the EEPROM 166 or exchange data with the sensor alternative unit 170 based on the analysis result. The data analysis unit 163 exchanges data with the EEPROM 166 or exchanges data with the sensor replacement unit 170 according to the result of analyzing the data. For this purpose, for example, processing for identifying the ink cartridge to be exchanged is performed. Need to be done. The data analysis unit 163 also performs these processes. Although details of the processing will be described later, basically, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each ink cartridge mounted on the carriage 210 is located at a position with respect to the transmission / reception unit 230. The ink cartridge is identified based on the above information and the ID stored in each ink cartridge. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the ink cartridges 111 to 116 and the storage processing modules 121 to 126 attached thereto and the transmission / reception unit 230, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view. Furthermore, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between an ink cartridge and the transmission / reception part 230 from a viewpoint of both width | variety.

  When performing the process of identifying the ink cartridge, the control device 222 conveys the carriage 210 to the side where the transmission / reception unit 230 exists. The position where the carriage 210 faces the transmission / reception unit 230 is provided outside the printing range. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the storage processing modules 121 to 126 are mounted on the side surfaces of the ink cartridges 111 to 116, and when the carriage 210 moves, a maximum of two storage processing modules are The transmission range with the transmission / reception unit 230 is entered. In this state, the data analysis unit 163 receives a request from the control device 222 via the transmission / reception unit 230, and performs processing such as ink cartridge recognition processing, access to the memory, and exchange with the sensor replacement unit 170. Details of the processing will be described later using a flowchart.

  After actually specifying the ink cartridge to exchange data, when actually exchanging data with the EEPROM 166, the data analysis unit 163 designates an address for reading / writing or erasing and whether to perform reading / writing or erasing In the case of data writing, the data is transferred to the EEPROM control unit 165. The EEPROM control unit 165 that receives these designations and data outputs an address and designation of processing such as reading / writing and erasing to the EEPROM 166, writes data, reads data from the EEPROM 166, or a specific address of the EEPROM 166. The process of deleting the data is performed.

  The internal data structure of the EEPROM 166 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the inside of the EEPROM 166 is roughly divided into two, and the first half of the memory space is a user memory in which data such as the remaining amount of ink is read and written and a read / write in which a classification code is stored. It is a possible area RAA. The second half of the memory space is a read-only area ROA in which ID information for specifying the ink cartridge is written.

  Writing to the read-only area ROA is performed before the storage processing modules 121 to 126 having the EEPROM 166 are attached to the ink cartridges 111 to 116, for example, in the process of manufacturing the storage processing module or the process of manufacturing the ink cartridge. It is. Therefore, from the main body side of the printer 200, processing such as data reading and writing, and data erasing can be executed on the data stored in the readable / writable area RAA. On the other hand, data can be read from the read-only area ROA, but data cannot be written.

  The user memory in the readable / writable area RAA is used for writing ink remaining amount information of each ink cartridge 111 to 116, and the remaining amount of ink is read by the main body of the printer 200. It is possible to use a process that sometimes gives a warning to the user. In the storage area for the classification code, various codes for distinguishing the types of ink cartridges are stored, and the user can use these codes independently.

  The ID information stored in the read-only area ROA is manufacturing information related to the ink cartridge to which the storage processing module is attached. As the ID information, as shown in FIG. 9B, information about the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and place where the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are manufactured is stored. These are all written in an area having a size of about 4 to 8 bits, and occupy a memory area of about 40 bits to 70 bits as a whole. For example, immediately after the printer 200 is turned on, the control device 222 of the printer 200 reads the ID information including the manufacturing information of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 from the storage processing modules 121 to 126, for example, the expiration date of the ink cartridge. A warning or the like can be issued to the user when it is cut or only a little left.

  Note that the EEPROM 166 of the storage processing module 121 may appropriately include information other than the above information. The entire EEPROM 166 may be a rewritable area. In this case, the ID information such as the manufacturing information of the ink cartridge described above can be configured by adopting an electrically readable / writable memory such as a NAND flash ROM for the EEPROM 166. In the present embodiment, a serial type memory is used as the EEPROM 166.

  There is a case where access is made from the control device 222 side to the saddle sensor module mounted on the storage processing modules 121 to 126. This occurs when the printer 200 performs control on the premise of an ink cartridge equipped with a sensor, and the ink cartridges 111 to 116 not equipped with a sensor are mounted on the printer 200. At this time, the data analysis unit 163 receives the detection condition for the sensor from the control device 222 and passes it to the sensor substitution unit 170. The sensor substitution unit 170 receives and analyzes this detection condition, and then outputs necessary data. This data is output from the output unit 178 to the control device 222 of the printer 200 via the RF circuit 161.

  Next, an outline of the ink cartridge 111 identification processing and memory access processing performed by the control device 222 of the printer 200 together with the data analysis unit 163 of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 will be described. FIG. 10 shows an outline of processing executed by the control device 222 provided on the printer 200 side and the storage processing modules 121 to 126 provided in the ink cartridges 111 to 116 while performing communication via the transmission / reception unit 230. It is the shown flowchart. The control device 222 of the printer 200 and the data analysis unit 163 of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 communicate with each other via the transmission / reception unit 230, perform ID information reading processing (first procedure), reading processing other than ID information, Steps such as a memory access process (second procedure) such as a process for writing ink remaining amount information, and further exchange of data with the sensor replacement unit 170 (third procedure) are executed.

  In the printer 200, when the power is turned on, when the user replaces any of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 while the power is on, the manufacturing information of the ink cartridge is displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication process was executed. , The ink remaining amount is written in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 166, and the process of reading is executed. These processes are different from normal printing processes, and are processes involving communication with the storage processing modules 121 to 126 via the transmission / reception unit 230.

  At this time, in order to communicate with the storage processing modules 121 to 126, the carriage 210 that accommodates the ink cartridges 111 to 116 is away from the normal printing execution position or the right non-printing area, and the transmission / reception unit 230 exists. To the left non-printing area. When the carriage 210 is moved to the left non-printing area, the storage processing module that has reached the vicinity of the transmission / reception unit 230 receives an AC signal from the loop antenna 233 of the transmission / reception unit 230 via the antenna 133. The power supply unit 162 extracts power from the AC signal and supplies the stabilized power supply store pressure to each internal control unit and circuit element. As a result, each control unit and circuit element of the storage processing module can perform processing.

  When a processing routine involving communication between the transmission / reception unit 230 and each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 is started in this manner, first, the control device 222 on the printer 200 side determines whether or not a power-on request has occurred ( Step S100). That is, it is determined whether or not the ink jet printer 200 is immediately after the power is turned on and its operation is started. If it is determined that a power-on request has occurred (step S100: Yes), the first procedure, that is, the procedure for reading ID information from the storage processing modules 121 to 126 is started (step S104 and subsequent steps).

  If the control device 222 determines that a power-on request has not occurred (step S100: No), the control device 222 determines that the printer 200 is performing normal printing processing, and then determines the ink cartridges 111 to 116. It is determined whether an exchange request has occurred (step S102). The replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 is generated, for example, when the user presses the ink cartridge replacement button 247 on the operation panel 245 while the printer 200 is powered on. At this time, the printer 200 interrupts the normal print processing mode and replaces any of the ink cartridges 111 to 116. However, the replacement request itself occurs after the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are replaced.

  When the control device 222 determines that a replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 has been generated (step S102: Yes), the control device 222 obtains ID information from the storage element provided in the replaced ink cartridge. A reading procedure is started (step S104). On the other hand, if it is determined that the replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 has not occurred (step S102: No), the ID information of each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 has already been normally read when the power is turned on. Next, a process for determining an access target is performed (step S150). In this embodiment, the access target is the EEPROM 166 and the sensor module from the control device 222 side. However, the actual ink cartridges 111 to 116 are not equipped with a sensor module, and instead are provided with a sensor replacement unit 170. Therefore, when the processing is performed assuming that the sensor module is accessed from the control device 222 side, the sensor replacement unit 170 analyzes the access from the control device 222 on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 side, and is necessary. Output correct data. Actually, when it is determined that an instruction to access the memory is given (step S150: memory), the above-described second procedure, that is, memory access processing with the storage processing modules 121 to 126 is started (step S200). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the access target is a sensor module (step S150: sensor), a third procedure for reading a signal from the sensor replacement unit 170 provided in place of the sensor module is executed.

  Next, each of the first to third procedures will be described. As described above, the first procedure is executed when the control device 222 detects a power-on request or an ink cartridge replacement request in the printer. In the first procedure, first, ID information is read from the storage processing modules 121 to 126 (step S104), and then anti-collision processing is executed (step S106). Anti-collision processing is processing for preventing the occurrence of interference when performing ID information reading processing from each element when the respective ID information has not yet been acquired from each storage processing module 121 to 126. is there. If this anti-collision process fails midway, the anti-collision process may be executed again from the beginning. In the case of this embodiment using wireless communication, the transmission / reception unit 230 can always communicate with a plurality of storage processing modules (two storage processing modules in this embodiment), and when the communication is started, the carriage 210 Since the control device 222 does not know the ID information of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on the printer, anti-collision processing for preventing interference is required. Although details of the anti-collision processing are not described here, basically, a part of the ID information is output from the transmission / reception unit 230, and only the storage processing module in which a part of the ID information matches returns a response. When the storage processing module enters the sleep mode, the ID information of the storage processing module of the ink cartridge existing in the communicable range is specified, and communication with the matching storage processing module is established.

  When the anti-collision process is completed, the control device 222 executes a process of reading ID information from each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 via the data analysis unit 163 (step S108). When this process of reading the ID information is completed, there are a case where the communication processing routine is ended for the time being and a case where the second procedure which is an access to the EEPROM 166 is subsequently executed.

  A case where the second procedure is started will be described. When starting the second procedure, the control device 222 starts memory access (step S200), and subsequently issues an active mode command to each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 (step S202). The active mode command is a command issued with each ID information accompanying each storage processing module 121 to 126, and the data analysis unit 163 of each storage processing module 121 to 126 checks the received ID information. Only when the ID information matches the ID information of itself, a response signal ACK indicating completion of access preparation is transmitted to the control device 222.

  When the control device 222 obtains a response signal ACK to the active mode command from the storage processing modules 121 to 126, the control device 222 executes a memory access process for each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 (step S204). This memory access process is a process of writing data to a predetermined address of the EEPROM 166, erasing data at a predetermined address, or reading data from a predetermined address of the EEPROM 166. In either case, access is made from the EEPROM control unit 165 side with the memory address designated by the control device 222. The EEPROM control unit 165 performs processing on the corresponding address in the EEPROM 166 in accordance with this address and an instruction as to which processing is writing / erasing / reading.

  When the memory access is completed by the EEPROM control unit 165 and the address corresponding signal ADC is output together with the response signal ACK indicating the access completion, the control device 222 obtains this and then ends the process of the second procedure.

  Next, the third procedure will be described. In the third procedure, the control device 222 starts access to the eyelid sensor module mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 (step S300), and first issues an active mode command AMC as in the case of memory access. This is performed (step S302). Of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 that have received the active mode command, the cartridge whose ID information associated with the active mode command is identical returns the response signal AC type, and shifts to a state for accepting subsequent processing.

  When one of the storage processing modules is activated by outputting an active mode command, the control device 222 next transmits detection condition designation to the ink cartridge (step S304). In this example, the detection is to measure the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 153, and the specified detection condition is that the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 153 is detected by the number of pulses ( For example, the first pulse) is data such as the number of pulses (for example, 4 pulses) corresponding to the measurement period. When data specifying the detection condition is received and the response signal is returned, the control device 222 next outputs a detection instruction (step S306). The detection instruction can also be included in the detection condition specification.

  When an instruction for detection is given, the data analysis unit 163 of the storage processing module 121 analyzes this and transmits this to the sensor replacement unit 170. The sensor substitution unit 170 generates a signal as if it was detected according to the designated detection condition, and outputs this signal. In the case of an ink cartridge on which a sensor module is mounted, charging and discharging are performed on the piezoelectric element disposed in the resonance chamber of the cartridge in accordance with designated detection conditions. Due to the charge / discharge, a forced vibration is excited in the piezoelectric element. The charging / discharging interval of the piezoelectric element is set so that the frequency of vibration excited by the piezoelectric element is close to the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber in the sensor module. The sensor replacement unit 170 simulates the operation of the sensor module using the piezoelectric element, and outputs a signal as if detection was performed under the condition that the resonance chamber is filled with ink.

  The control device 222 of the printer 200 receives this signal output from the sensor replacement unit 170 via the output unit 178 (step S308). Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are not mounted with the sensor module, the subsequent processing can be continued in the same manner as when the sensor module is mounted as viewed from the control device 222. it can. Of course, since the ink cartridges 111 to 116 do not actually detect the remaining amount of ink, even if the ink in the ink storage chamber of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 becomes 1/2 or less, this is actually detected. I can't do it. However, since the control unit 222 continues to measure the remaining amount of ink based on the software count, the printer 200 does not become unable to print.

  As a result, even if the ink cartridges 111 to 116 of the present embodiment are printers that are premised on the ink cartridge on which the sensor module for detecting the ink residual amount is mounted, the ink cartridge on which the sensor module is not mounted is used. Even the presupposed printer can be used in the same manner. For this reason, the compatibility of the cartridge can be improved without mounting the sensor module.

  The first to third procedures between the storage processing modules 121 to 126 provided in the ink cartridges 111 to 116 and the transmission / reception unit have been described above. The communication processing with each of the storage processing modules 121 to 126 is performed at the left end. One by one is sequentially performed from the storage processing module 121 to the rightmost storage processing module 126. At that time, the carriage 210 sequentially moves by one width of the ink cartridge and stops. When stopped, communication processing with the storage processing module of each ink cartridge is performed. Of course, when the width of the transmission / reception unit 230 is almost the same as that of two ink cartridges as in the transmission / reception unit 230 of this embodiment, the ink cartridges are moved and stopped three times in total for two ink cartridges. It is more preferable to perform communication processing with each of the storage processing modules 2 because the movement and positioning operations of the carriage 210 can be reduced. Even in this case, since the control device 222 performs the anti-collision process, exchange of a plurality of ink cartridges does not interfere.

  The embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, it can be implemented in the form. For example, the storage processing module 121 of this embodiment can be applied not only to an ink cartridge of an ink jet printer but also to a toner cartridge. The storage processing module 121 can also be provided on the bottom or top surface of the cartridge. When provided on the upper surface, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the transmission / reception unit 230 is high, and the overall configuration is simplified. Since no sensor module is mounted, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the storage processing module 121 is extremely high.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sensor replacement unit 170 replaces the sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink, but other sensors such as a temperature sensor and an ink viscosity sensor can also be replaced. . In addition, the sensor substitution unit 170 may output data corresponding to the designated detection condition together with a signal that simulates the detection result, or may not output the data. Which configuration is adopted may be determined according to the processing of the entire printer 200 including the processing in the control device 222.

  A part or all of the circuits in the storage processing module 121 including the sensor replacement unit 170 may be realized by hardware logic, or may be configured to perform similar processing by software using a CPU.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the cartridge 10 as an embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the cartridge side and printer side processing in association with each other as an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer 200 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device 222 in the printer 200 of the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the memory | storage processing module 121 of an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state of the storage processing module 121 to the ink cartridge 111 of an Example. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a storage processing module 121. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on a carriage 210 and a transmission / reception unit 230. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in an EEPROM 166 in the storage processing module 121. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in a storage processing module 121.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ink cartridge 12 ... Communication control part 14 ... Memory 15 ... Memory control part 16 ... Ink storage chamber 17 ... Sensor 18 ... Resonance chamber 19 ... Sensor control part 20 ... Printer 22 ... Control apparatus 24 ... Platen 25 ... Print head 30 ... Transmission / reception devices 111-116 ... Ink cartridges 121-126 ... Storage processing module 131 ... Substrate 133 ... Antenna 135 ... Dedicated IC chip 137 ... Sensor module 139 ... Wiring pattern 141 ... Adhesive layer 151 ... Resonance chamber 153 ... Piezoelectric element 161 ... RF circuit 162 ... Power supply unit 163 ... Data analysis unit 165 ... EEPROM control unit 166 ... EEPROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 170 ... Sensor substitution part 178 ... Output part 200 ... Inkjet printer 203 ... Paper feed unit 210 ... Carriage 211 ... Print head 221 ... Conveyance belt 222 ... Control apparatus 223 ... Stepping motor 224 ... Guide 225 ... Platen 229 ... Pulley 230 ... Transmission / reception 231 ... RF converter 233 ... Loop antenna 240 ... Paper feed motor 241 ... Gear train 242 ... Encoder 245 ... Operation panel 247 ... Various switches
(Ink cartridge replacement button)
248 ... LED
251 ... CPU
252 ... ROM
253 ... RAM
254 ... PIO
255 ... Timer 256 ... Drive buffer 257 ... Bus 258 ... Oscillator 259 ... Distribution output device

Claims (16)

A cartridge including a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for printing, and mounted on a printing apparatus,
An alternative means of replacing a sensor not mounted on the cartridge;
Condition detection means for receiving a designation from outside the detection condition by the sensor;
Control means for operating the alternative circuit based on the specified condition;
An output means for outputting a signal that substitutes for the detection result of the sensor prepared by the substitute means.   2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the replacement means is a means for replacing a sensor for detecting a state of the recording material.   The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the recording material is ink of a predetermined color.   The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the recording material is toner for a copying machine, a fax machine, or a laser printer.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the alternative means is a means for replacing a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording material in the storage chamber.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output means is means for outputting a signal substituting the detection result by wireless communication. The cartridge according to claim 1,
The alternative means is means for generating a signal corresponding to a detection condition of the sensor received by the condition receiving means.   8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the alternative means and the control means are configured as an arithmetic logic circuit.   The alternative means corresponds to a type in which the sensor detects the presence or absence of the recording material using a difference in resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element, and a signal corresponding to the resonance frequency when the recording material is present. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a means for outputting. The cartridge according to claim 1,
The condition receiving means is means for receiving designation of the number of vibrations for measuring the time required for vibration of the piezoelectric element,
The control means is means for generating the time required for the designated number of vibrations by the alternative means. Cartridge. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein
The number of vibrations received by the condition receiving unit is specified by the position of vibrations at which measurement is started and the position of vibrations at which measurement is ended,
The control means causes the alternative means to generate data relating to the vibration based on the start and end positions of the designated vibration. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A cartridge provided with a memory for storing parameters corresponding to the state of the recording material accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
With wireless communication means to exchange data with the outside by wireless communication,
A cartridge that receives designation of the detection condition from the outside via the wireless communication means. 14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein
The wireless communication means includes a loop-shaped antenna for performing the communication, and includes a power supply means for supplying power into the cartridge using an electromotive force induced in the antenna. A printing apparatus equipped with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for printing,
The cartridge includes
An alternative means of replacing a sensor not mounted on the cartridge;
Condition detection means for receiving a designation from outside the detection condition by the sensor;
Control means for operating the alternative circuit based on the specified condition;
Output means for outputting a signal that substitutes for the detection result of the sensor prepared by the alternative means, and
Furthermore, the printing device includes
Condition specifying means for specifying the detection condition;
Input means for inputting a signal output from the output means of the cartridge;
And a determination unit configured to perform determination based on the signal on the assumption of detection by a sensor not mounted on the cartridge. A method for exchanging information with a cartridge having a storage chamber containing a recording material used for printing,
Specify the conditions for detection by a sensor not mounted on the cartridge from the outside of the cartridge,
In accordance with the designated detection condition, a signal generated by an alternative means mounted on the cartridge in place of the sensor is output to the outside where the designation is performed,
A method of exchanging information with the cartridge.

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