JP3495973B2 - Communication method, ink tank, recording device, and communication system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink tank equipped with a semiconductor element having a function of detecting ambient environment information, transmitting the information to the outside, and displaying the information.

Further, the present invention is an ink tank equipped with a device for detecting information in the ink tank (for example, remaining ink amount) and displaying and transmitting the information to the outside, and a facsimile, printer, and copying machine in which the ink tank is detachably mounted. The present invention relates to a recording device such as a machine.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, while ejecting ink from a plurality of ejection nozzles provided in a recording head, a carriage equipped with the recording head is moved in a printing direction so that an image is printed on a sheet in a dot pattern. An ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink tank containing a recording ink, and the ink in the ink tank is supplied to a recording head via an ink supply passage. Therefore, various proposals have been made that an ink remaining amount detecting device for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank is put to practical use.

For example, according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-143607, as shown in FIG. 25, two (one pair) electrodes 702 are provided on the inner surface on the bottom side of an ink tank 701 filled with non-conductive ink. In the ink in the ink tank 701, a levitation body 703 having an electrode 704 facing the electrode 702 is levitated. Two electrodes 702
Is connected to a detection unit (not shown) that detects the conduction state of both electrodes. When the conduction state of both electrodes is detected, an ink remaining amount error indicating that there is no ink in the ink tank 701 is issued, Inkjet recording head 70
It is disclosed that the operation of No. 5 is stopped.

According to Japanese Patent Registration No. 2947245,
As shown in FIG. 26, the lower part is formed in a funnel shape toward the bottom surface, two conductors 801 and 802 are provided on the bottom surface, and the metal sphere 80 has a smaller specific gravity than the ink 803.
There is disclosed an ink cartridge 805 for an inkjet printer in which 4 is installed inside. With such a configuration, as the ink 803 is consumed and reduced, the liquid level of the ink 803 drops. Along with that, ink 80
The position of the metal ball 804 floating on the surface of 3 is lowered. When the liquid surface of the ink 803 drops to the position of the bottom surface of the ink cartridge housing, the metal sphere 804 contacts the two conductors 801 and 802. Then, the conductors 801, 80
Since 2 is conducting, a current flows between them. If the flow is detected, the ink end state can be detected. When the ink end state is detected, the information indicating the ink end state is notified to the user.

[0006]

There is known a structure for detecting the ink remaining amount in the ink tank as typified by the above-mentioned conventional publications. However, in the above structure, the electrodes, the levitation body, and the conductor are connected. In order to detect and transmit information and state by direct contact between elements such as a metal ball, it is necessary to arrange a detection electrode in the ink tank. Further, since the ink remaining amount is detected by the conduction state between the electrodes, there is a restriction on the ink to be used, such as metal ion not being used as an ink component.

Further, with the above construction, only the ink remaining amount can be detected, and the other information in the tank cannot be known to the outside. For example, pressure information in the ink tank, changes in ink physical properties, and the like are important parameters for operating the inkjet head with a stable ejection amount at all times, and the tank internal pressure that changes momentarily with ink consumption in the tank is used. There is a demand for a tank that can inform an external ink jet recording apparatus in real time and can transmit a change in ink physical properties to the outside.

Further, there is a demand for an ink tank which can not only unilaterally notify the detected information in the ink tank to the outside but also can carry out bidirectional information exchange such that internal information is returned in response to an inquiry from the outside. It is rare.

In developing the ink tank as described above, the present inventors have paid attention to Ball Semiconductor of Ball Semiconductor Co., which forms a semiconductor integrated circuit on the spherical surface of a silicon ball having a diameter of 1 mm. Since this ball semiconductor has a spherical shape, it was expected that if it were housed in an ink tank, it would be possible to detect ambient environment information and exchange information with the outside in two directions much more efficiently than with a flat type. . However,
A survey of products with such a function found that USP5
Just as there is a technique for connecting ball semiconductors to each other by electric wiring such as No. 877943, development of the element itself having the above-mentioned function is required. In addition, there is a problem that must be cleared in order for this element to be effectively applicable to an ink tank. One of the problems is the supply of electric power to activate the elements contained in the tank. If the ink tank is provided with a power source for starting the element, the tank becomes large, and even if a power source is provided outside the tank, a connecting means between the power source and the element is required, which increases the manufacturing cost of the tank and increases the tank cartridge. However, the device must be activated from the outside without contact.

Further, it has not been known in the past about contactless information transmission between two elements located at distant places, or communication and control for a configuration provided with a plurality of sets of two elements, for example.

In view of the above, the present invention transmits two elements in a distant place in a contactless manner, and in addition to which, for example, the configuration of a communication system including a plurality of sets each including two elements This is for realizing a new configuration such as selecting and performing communication and control.

The object of the present invention is to detect the surrounding environment information and to exchange information bidirectionally with the outside very efficiently, thereby detecting the detailed information in the ink tank in real time, and the external recording device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink tank capable of bidirectionally exchanging information with each other, and a recording apparatus including the tank.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication method capable of effectively determining and selecting a set of a plurality of sets of elements, communication and control between elements, an ink tank employing the communication method, a recording apparatus, and To provide a communication system.

[0014]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention for achieving the above object includes an information obtaining means for obtaining information, an information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting information by the information obtaining means, and an energy provided from the outside. A ball-shaped semiconductor element in which the energy converting means for converting the energy into a different kind of energy for operating the information obtaining means and the information transmitting means are formed on the same substrate.
Is an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink.
Device and an ink jet mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.
A plurality arranged in a tank or the ink jet head and an ink tank, a communication method for a plurality of element groups to a group of two or more ball-shaped semiconductor device of the ball-like semiconductor device of the plurality, each of said elements It is characterized in that communication is performed under different communication conditions for each group.

Further, according to the present invention, an information acquisition unit for acquiring information, a judgment unit for judging based on a data table stored in advance and the information acquired from the information acquisition unit, and information displayed by the judgment unit are displayed or The information transmitting means for transmitting and the energy converting means for converting the energy given from the outside into energy of a different kind from the energy for operating the information obtaining means, the judging means and the information transmitting means are the same. Formed on substrate
Ink is ejected from the formed ball-shaped semiconductor element for recording.
INKJET RECORDING DEVICE AND INKJET RECORDING DEVICE
Ink tank or inkjet
A method for communicating with a plurality of element groups, wherein a plurality of ball-shaped semiconductor elements are arranged in one pad and an ink tank, and two or more ball-shaped semiconductor elements among the plurality of ball-shaped semiconductor elements constitute one group. Communication is performed under different communication conditions for each element group.

Further, according to the present invention, the information acquisition means for acquiring information, the information transmission means for displaying or transmitting information by the information acquisition means, and the energy given from the outside are stored in the information acquisition means and the information transmission means. Energy converting means for converting to a different kind of energy from the above-mentioned energy for operating is formed on the same substrate.
The ball-shaped semiconductor element is used for recording by ejecting ink.
Ink jet recording apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
Ink tank or inkjet head mounted
And a plurality arranged in an ink tank, a communication method of said ball-like semiconductor <br/> elements, each of said ball-shaped semiconductor element has an identification information or memory, or it recognizes the identification information It is characterized in that communication is performed by identifying in the memory.

Further, according to the present invention, an information acquisition means for acquiring information, a judgment means for judging based on the information acquired from the information acquisition means and a data table stored in advance, and information displayed by the judgment means are displayed or The information transmitting means for transmitting and the energy converting means for converting the energy given from the outside into energy of a different kind from the energy for operating the information obtaining means, the judging means and the information transmitting means are the same. Formed on substrate
Ink is ejected from the formed ball-shaped semiconductor element for recording.
INKJET RECORDING DEVICE AND INKJET RECORDING DEVICE
Ink tank or inkjet
The plurality of ball-shaped halves arranged in the head and the ink tank.
A conductor element communication method, wherein each of the ball-shaped semiconductor elements has identification information or a memory, and communication is performed by recognizing the identification information or by identifying with the memory.

Further, the present invention is an ink tank for containing ink, an energy converting means for converting energy from the outside into different kinds of energy, an information obtaining means for obtaining external environmental information, and the information obtaining. The information accumulating means for accumulating information to be compared with the information obtained by the means and the information obtained by the information obtaining means and the corresponding information accumulated in the information accumulating means are compared to determine the necessity of information transmission. The information acquisition means and the information storage are provided with a judgment means for judging, and an information transmission means for displaying or transmitting information obtained by the information obtaining means to the outside when it is judged that the information transmission is necessary. The means, the determining means, and the information transmitting means include two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements that operate by the energy converted by the energy converting means. However, two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements have a function of detecting environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements by communicating with each other and transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside. .

Further, the ink tank of the present invention includes an energy converting means for converting energy from the outside into different types of energy, a receiving means for receiving a signal from the outside, an information storing means for storing information, and the receiving means. Information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting the information of the information accumulating means according to the signal received by the means, and the receiving means, the information accumulating means, and the information transmitting means are energy converted by the energy converting means. Has three or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements that operate in accordance with the above, the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements communicate with each other to detect environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements and detect the environmental information. It has the function of transmitting or displaying to the outside.

Further, the three-dimensional semiconductor device of the present invention has an energy conversion means for converting energy from the outside into different kinds of energy, a receiving means for receiving a signal from the outside, and an information acquisition for obtaining external environment information. Means, information accumulating means for accumulating information to be compared with the obtained information by the information obtaining means, and the information obtaining means to obtain the external environment information according to the signal received by the receiving means, and obtain the obtained information. A judgment means for comparing the information stored in the information storage means corresponding to this with a judgment means for judging whether or not the obtained information satisfies a predetermined condition, and at least a judgment result by the judgment means is externally displayed or transmitted. Information transmitting means for converting the receiving means, the information storing means, the determining means, and the information transmitting means into the energy converting means. A plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements that operate by different energy, the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements communicate with each other to detect environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements to detect the environment. It has the function of transmitting or displaying information to the outside.

The information transmitting means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element may display or transmit to another three-dimensional semiconductor element, and the receiving means also receives a signal from another three-dimensional semiconductor element. It may be one. Further, at least one of the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements as described above may have a function of giving electromotive force to another three-dimensional semiconductor element.

In the three-dimensional semiconductor device as described above, it is preferable that the external energy converted by the energy converting means is supplied in a non-contact manner.

In the three-dimensional semiconductor device as described above, the energy converted by the energy converting means is electric power. The external energy converted into electric power by the energy conversion means may be electromotive force due to electromagnetic induction, heat, light, or radiation.

In this case, the information transmitting means is a magnetic field, light, shape, color, radio wave or sound which is energy for displaying or transmitting information to the outside with the electric power converted by the energy converting means. Something that can be converted to.

Further, the energy conversion means may have a conductor coil for generating electric power by electromagnetic induction with an external resonance circuit and an oscillation circuit, and the conductor coil is the outer surface of the three-dimensional semiconductor element. It is preferably formed so as to wrap around.

Further, the three-dimensional semiconductor element as described above is
It may further include buoyancy generating means for generating buoyancy using the energy converted by the energy converting means.

Further, the three-dimensional semiconductor element as described above is
It may have a cavity for floating on the liquid surface or at a predetermined position in the liquid.

[0028]

These two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements can be mounted not only in the liquid in the ink tank but also in the liquid other than the liquid, and can be moved to another place by giving an electromotive force or communicating. It may also be fixed in place if necessary.

From the viewpoint of energy saving, the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are not always in communication, and it is preferable to communicate as needed. Further, by combining a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements, it is possible to have an application such as having a new function.

Further, the recording apparatus of the present invention is equipped with the above ink tank and a plurality of ink tanks are provided in the ink tank.
The energy conversion means converts into a three-dimensional semiconductor element.
And a means for supplying electromotive force as external energy . The electromotive force may be electromagnetic induction, heat, light, or radiation. Furthermore, the recording device preferably comprises means for receiving the transmission from the three-dimensional semiconductor element.

When supplying the electromotive force to a plurality of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements, the main three-dimensional semiconductor element is first externally supplied to the main three-dimensional semiconductor element among the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements. It is conceivable that the electromotive force is supplied from the above to the other three-dimensional semiconductor elements, or the electromotive force is directly supplied from the outside to the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements.

The present invention is also a communication system using a three-dimensional semiconductor element, which is a liquid container in which two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged, and a conductor coil formed on the three-dimensional semiconductor element. An oscillating circuit having: an information obtaining means for obtaining information in the container; a receiving means for receiving a signal from the outside; an information transmitting means for transmitting information to the outside; An external resonance circuit for generating electric power by electromagnetic induction between the oscillation circuit of the semiconductor device and an external communication unit for performing two-way communication with the receiving unit and the information transmitting unit of the three-dimensional semiconductor device. It is characterized by having.

In the communication system in this case, of the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements, the center of gravity of the three-dimensional semiconductor element floating in the liquid in the ink tank is located below the center of the element. Moreover, it is preferable that the solid center does not rotate in a floating liquid and oscillates stably, and the metacenter of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is greater than the center of gravity of the three-dimensional semiconductor element.
It is preferable that it is always on the upper side with respect to the direction of gravity.

The term "metacenter" in this specification means
The intersection of the line of action of weight when in balance and the line of action of buoyancy when leaning is shown.

The “three-dimensional shape” of the “three-dimensional semiconductor element” in this specification includes all three-dimensional shapes such as a triangular prism, a sphere, a hemisphere, a quadrangular prism, a spheroid, and a uniaxial rotator.

As for the method of supplying external energy, when it is used in an ink jet recording apparatus, the means for supplying electromotive force as external energy to the element may be provided at the recovery position, the return position, or at the carriage, head or the like. In addition to this, if a device having a means for supplying electromotive force is used, it is possible to know the internal state of the ink tank without an ink jet recording device. quality assurance).

(Operation) The three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention for achieving the above object is configured such that the energy conversion means operates when a specific energy is applied (preferably in a non-contact manner) from the outside of the element or the main three-dimensional semiconductor element. The external energy is converted into different energy, and the converted energy activates the information acquisition means, the judgment means, the information storage means, and the information transmission means. The activated information acquisition means acquires environmental information around the element. Next, the determination means reads the obtained information and the information for reference from the information storage means, compares the read accumulated information with the obtained information, and determines the necessity of information transmission. When it is determined that the information needs to be transmitted, the determining means causes the information transmitting means to transmit the obtained information to the outside.

Since the three-dimensional semiconductor element is provided with the function of acquiring the ambient environment information and transmitting it to the outside as described above, it is possible to obtain and transmit the information three-dimensionally. Therefore, the flat plate type semiconductor element is used. There are also fewer restrictions on the direction of information transmission compared to the case. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain the surrounding environment information and transmit it to the outside.

A plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged in a predetermined container, and two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements of the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements in the predetermined container are grouped into a plurality of element groups. When communicating with each other, by performing communication under different communication conditions for each of the element groups, it is possible to effectively identify and select a set of a plurality of elements, and perform communication and control between elements. Becomes Alternatively, each of a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements provided in a predetermined container has identification information or a memory, and by recognizing the identification information or performing communication by identifying with the memory, a plurality of combinations can be obtained. It is possible to effectively discriminate and select a set of elements, communication between elements, and control.

Furthermore, by adding communication means for receiving a signal from the outside, information corresponding to the received signal can be obtained and the result of comparison and judgment with the stored information can be transmitted to the outside together with the obtained information. It is also possible to exchange signals bidirectionally with an external device.

Further, by arranging two or more such three-dimensional semiconductor elements in the ink tank and mutually communicating between the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements, environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements is obtained. By detecting the environmental information and transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside, it is possible to transmit the information about the ink contained in the ink tank, the pressure in the tank, and the like to the outside, for example, an inkjet recording device in real time. . This is advantageous for stabilizing the inkjet ejection by controlling the amount of negative pressure in the tank that changes momentarily with the consumption of ink, for example.

Furthermore, since the external energy for operating the three-dimensional semiconductor device is supplied in a non-contact manner, an energy source for starting the device is provided in the ink tank, and wiring for energy supply is provided for the device. It can be used in places where it is difficult to provide direct wiring to the outside without having to connect to.

For example, when the starting energy of the element is electric power, by forming the conductor coil of the oscillation circuit as the external energy converting means so as to be wound around the outer surface of the three-dimensional semiconductor element, an external resonance circuit is formed. It is possible to generate electric power in the conductor coil by electromagnetic induction between them and supply the electric power to the element in a non-contact manner.

In this case, since the coil is wound around the outer surface of the element, the magnitude of the inductance of the coil depends on, for example, the presence or absence of ink in the ink tank, the remaining amount of ink, the ink concentration, and the ink pH. Change. Therefore, since the oscillation circuit changes the oscillation frequency according to the change in the inductance, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank based on the changed change in the oscillation frequency.

Since the three-dimensional semiconductor element has a cavity for floating in the liquid and the center of gravity of the element is located below the center of the element, for example, ink jet recording. Even if the recording head and the ink tank mounted on the device operate serially and the ink in the ink tank swings up, down, left and right, it floats stably in the ink in the ink tank and It is possible to accurately detect the pressure in the tank. Moreover, the coil of the oscillation circuit formed on the element is held at a stable position with respect to the coil of the external resonance circuit, and stable bidirectional communication is always possible.

[0047]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In particular, an embodiment in which an element is arranged in the ink tank will be described in detail.
It should be noted that the first to third embodiments show a method of exchanging the three-dimensional semiconductor element with the outside, and the fourth and subsequent embodiments show a method of exchanging a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements. Further, this element is not used only for the ink tank, but the same effect can be obtained by arranging and using it in another object.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the three-dimensional semiconductor device and an interaction with the outside according to the embodiment of FIG. The three-dimensional semiconductor element 11 of the form shown in this figure has an energy conversion means 14 for converting an electromotive force 12 supplied from the outside A toward the element 11 in a non-contact manner into an electric power 13, and an electric power obtained by the energy conversion means 14. Information acquisition means 1 activated by
5, determination means 16, information storage means 17, information transmission means 1
8 and are disposed in the ink tank. Electromagnetic induction, heat, light, radiation, or the like can be applied to the electromotive force supplied to operate the element. At least the energy conversion means 14 and the information acquisition means 15 are preferably formed on or near the surface of the element.

The information acquisition means 15 acquires information on the inside of the ink tank, which is information on the surrounding environment of the element 11. The judging means 16 compares the tank internal information acquired from the information acquiring means 15 with the information stored in the information accumulating means 17, and judges whether the acquired tank internal information needs to be transmitted to the outside. The information storage means 17 stores various conditions to be compared with the acquired tank internal information and the tank internal information acquired from the information acquisition means 15. The information transmitting means 18 converts the electric power into energy for transmitting to the tank internal information by the command of the judging means 16, and displays and transmits the ink internal information to the outside B.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the device shown in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, when an electromotive force 12 is applied from the outside A toward the element 11, the energy conversion means 14 converts the electromotive force 12 into electric power 13, and the information acquisition means 15, the judgment based on the electric power. The means 16, the information storage means 17, and the information transmission means 18 are activated.

The activated information obtaining means 15 obtains information about the inside of the ink tank, which is the environmental information around the element, such as the remaining amount of ink, the type of ink, the temperature, and the ph (step S11 in FIG. 2). ). Next, the judging means 16
The acquired tank internal information and the reference condition are read from the information storage means 17 (step S12 in FIG. 2), and the read condition is compared with the acquired tank internal information to determine the necessity of information transmission ( Step S1 of FIG.
3). Here, the judgment based on the condition preset in the information accumulating means 17 is that the tank needs to be replaced because the ink remaining amount becomes 2 ml or less, or the pH of the ink changes greatly. It can be cited as an example.

If the judgment means 16 judges in step S13 that it is not necessary to transmit the information in the tank to the outside, the information in the current ink tank is accumulated in the information accumulating means 17 (step in FIG. 2). S14). This accumulated information is the information obtained by the information obtaining means 15 and the judging means 1 next.
6 may be compared.

Further, in step S13, the judging means 1
When 6 determines that it is necessary to transmit the information in the tank to the outside, the electric power obtained by the energy conversion is converted into energy for transmitting the information in the ink tank to the outside by the information transmitting means 18. To be converted. The energy to be transmitted can be magnetic field, light, shape, color, radio wave, sound, etc. For example, when it is determined that the ink remaining amount becomes 2 ml or less, a sound is emitted and the tank The fact that the replacement is necessary is transmitted to the external B (for example, the inkjet recording device) (step S15 in FIG. 2). Further, the transmission destination is not limited to the ink jet recording device, and may be transmitted to the human visual sense or auditory sense particularly in the case of light, shape, color or sound. Further, the transmission method may be changed according to the information, such as a sound when it is determined that the remaining ink amount is 2 ml or less, and a light when the pH of the ink changes greatly.

When used in an ink jet recording apparatus, means for supplying electromotive force to the device as external energy may be provided at the recovery position, the return position, or the carriage, head or the like. In addition to this, if a device having a means for supplying electromotive force is used, it is possible to know the internal state of the ink tank without an ink jet recording device. quality assurance).

According to this embodiment, since the element has the energy converting means, it is not necessary to make direct electrical wiring to the outside, and it is difficult to make direct electrical wiring to the outside. The element can be used at any location, for example, in the ink as shown in FIGS. 11 to 17, in any location in the object. By arranging the element in the ink, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of the ink in real time.

Further, since the element has the energy conversion means, it is not necessary to arrange means (power source in this example) for accumulating electromotive force for operating the element, so that the element can be miniaturized. , A narrow place, or Fig. 11-
As shown in FIG. 17, the element can be used anywhere in the object such as in ink. Although the electromotive force is supplied in a non-contact manner in the present embodiment, the electromotive force may be temporarily contacted with the outside to supply the electromotive force, and then the electromotive force may be disconnected from the outside.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the three-dimensional semiconductor device and an interaction with the outside according to the embodiment of FIG. The three-dimensional semiconductor element 21 of the form shown in this figure has an energy conversion means 24 for converting an electromotive force 22 supplied from the outside A toward the element 21 in a non-contact manner into an electric power 23, and an electric power obtained by the energy conversion means 24. Information acquisition means 2 activated by
5, determination means 26, information storage means 27, information transmission means 2
8 and a receiving means 29, and is arranged in the ink tank. It differs from the first embodiment in that it has a reception function. The electromotive force supplied to operate the element is
Electromagnetic induction, heat, light, radiation, etc. can be applied. At least the energy conversion means 24, the information acquisition means 25, and the reception means 29 are preferably formed on or near the surface of the element.

The information acquisition means 25 acquires information on the inside of the ink tank, which is information on the surrounding environment of the element 21. The receiving means 29 receives the input signal 20 from the external A or the external B. The judging means 26 causes the information acquiring means 25 to acquire the tank internal information in accordance with the input signal from the receiving means 29,
The obtained tank internal information is compared with the information stored in the information storage means 27 to determine whether the obtained tank internal information satisfies a predetermined condition. Information storage means 2
7 stores various conditions to be compared with the tank internal information to be obtained and the tank internal information obtained from the information obtaining means 25.
The information transmitting means 28 converts the electric power into energy for transmitting to the tank internal information according to the command of the judging means 26, and displays and transmits the judgment result by the judging means 26 to the external A or the external B or the external C.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the device shown in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when an electromotive force 22 is applied from the outside A toward the element 21, the energy converting means 24 converts the electromotive force 22 into electric power 23, and the information obtaining means 25, the judgment based on the electric power. The means 26, the information storage means 27, the information transmission means 28, and the reception means 29 are activated.

In this state, the signal 30 for listening to the information in the ink tank from the external A or the external B to the element 21.
To send. This input signal 30 is, for example, a signal for asking the element whether ink is still remaining in the ink tank, and is received by the receiving means 29 (step S21 in FIG. 4). Then, the judgment means 26 is the information acquisition means 2
5, information in the ink tank, such as the remaining amount of ink,
Get information such as ink type, temperature, pH, etc.
Step S22), and the condition for referencing the acquired tank internal information is read from the information storage means 27 (step S23 in FIG. 2), and it is determined whether the acquired tank internal information satisfies the setting condition (FIG. 4). Step S2
4).

If it is determined in step S24 that the acquired information does not satisfy the setting condition, it is not satisfied, and if it is determined that the acquired information satisfies the setting condition, it is determined that the acquired information is satisfied. B or external C is transmitted (steps S25 and S26). At this time, the acquisition information may be transmitted together with the determination result. This transmission is performed by converting the electric power obtained by the energy conversion into energy for transmitting the information in the ink tank to the outside by the information transmitting means 28. The energy to be transmitted can be a magnetic field, light, shape, color, radio wave, sound, etc., and can be changed according to the judgment result. Depending on whether it is less than 2 milliliters, the pH of the ink has changed, etc.)
The transmission method may be changed.

Input signal 3 from external A or external B
In addition to 0, electromotive force may be given to the element 21. For example, when the electromotive force is electromagnetic induction, a signal for listening to the remaining amount of ink and a signal for listening to ph when it is light are used separately. May be.

According to the present embodiment, since it has a function of receiving a signal from the outside, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to reply to questions by various kinds of signals from the outside. Therefore, information can be exchanged between the element and the outside.

Since the element suitable for being arranged in the ink tank has been described, the information acquisition means is provided, but the information stored in the element is not provided and the information acquisition means is not provided. A three-dimensional semiconductor element that outputs to the outside according to the above is the basic configuration of this embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the three-dimensional semiconductor device and an interaction with the outside according to the embodiment of FIG. The three-dimensional semiconductor element 31 in the form shown in this figure has an energy conversion means 34 for converting an electromotive force 32 supplied from the outside A toward the element 31 in a non-contact manner into an electric power 33, and an electric power obtained by the energy conversion means 34. And a buoyancy generating means 35 for generating buoyancy by using the.

In such a form, the element 31 is connected from the outside A to the element 31.
When the electromotive force 32 is applied toward, the energy conversion means 34 converts the electromotive force 32 into the electric power 33, and the electric power 33
The buoyancy generating means 35 generates buoyancy by using, and floats the element 31 on the ink surface. This buoyancy is not limited to the ink liquid surface, and the element position may always be located below the ink liquid surface by a certain distance in order to prevent the ink from being ejected in an empty state.

For example, FIG. 6 shows the positions of the elements suspended in the ink in the ink tank, along with changes in the ink consumption. In the tank as shown in FIG. 6, as the ink of the negative pressure generating member 37 is led out from the ink supply port 36, the consumed ink is held in the negative pressure generating member 37. As a result, the three-dimensional element 31 in the raw ink 38 is
Is a state below a certain distance from the ink level H,
It moves with the decrease of the position of the ink surface H due to the consumption of ink. In this ink tank, a negative pressure generating member 37 for generating a negative pressure in the ink in the ink tank is accommodated in the negative pressure chamber, and the negative pressure chamber communicates with the chamber that directly accommodates the raw ink 38. .

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for confirming the position of the element 31 and determining the necessity of tank replacement. Referring to steps S31 to S34 in FIGS. 5 and 7, light is emitted toward the element 31 by the external A or the external B (for example, an inkjet recording device), and the light is output to the external A or the external B (for example, the inkjet recording device). Alternatively, the position of the element 31 is detected by receiving at the external C, and the ink jet recording apparatus determines whether or not the ink tank needs to be replaced by the position of this element. To inform you.

For detecting the position of this element, the light emitting means and the light receiving means are provided so as to face each other, and the position is confirmed by the light passing through the element part, or the light emitted from the light emitting means is used. What is confirmed by reflecting toward the light receiving means is used.

According to the present embodiment, even when the buoyancy required for the element changes due to the environment in which the element is used, such as when the specific gravity of the liquid is different, the electromotive force from the outside is converted by the energy conversion means to obtain the desired value. Since the element can be set to always exist in the position, the element can be used regardless of the environment in which the element is placed.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned first and second
It is also possible to appropriately combine the above embodiments.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of use in the case where there are two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements, that is, a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Is.

In this embodiment, the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the first or second embodiment is provided with a function of transmitting information to other elements, and a plurality of these elements are arranged in an object.

In the example of FIG. 8A, a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements of the first embodiment are arranged in an object, and when an electromotive force is supplied from the external A or the external B to each element, Each element obtains the surrounding environment information, and the obtained information a of the element 41 is sent to the element 42, and the obtained information a of the element 41 and the element 42,
b is sequentially transmitted to the next element, and the last element 43 transmits all available information to external A or external B.

Further, in the example of FIG. 8B, a plurality of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements of the second embodiment are arranged in the object, and an electromotive force is supplied to each element from the external A or the external B. When a predetermined question by a signal is input to the element 53 from the external A or the external B, the element 51 or 52 corresponding to the content of the question obtains the information corresponding to the question and makes a response. Questions and answers are sequentially transmitted to other elements,
The desired element 53 responds to the external A, the external B, or the external C.

Further, in the example of FIG. 8C, a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements of the second embodiment are arranged in the object, and an electromotive force is supplied to each element from the external A or the external B. , When a certain signal is input from the external A or the external B to the element 63, the signal is sequentially transmitted to the element 62 and the element 61, and the element 63 displays the external A or the external B or the external C. .

In the example of FIGS. 8 (A) to 8 (C), one having a buoyancy generating means of the third embodiment may be used as one of a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements.

FIG. 9 shows the first and second ink tanks in the ink tank and in the ink jet head connected thereto, respectively.
Alternatively, there is shown an example in which a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged by appropriately combining the third embodiment. In this example, the first
The three-dimensional semiconductor element 71 having the buoyancy generating means of the third embodiment and the function of transmitting information to the other element 79 of the third embodiment is arranged at a desired position in the ink 73 of the ink tank 72. It On the other hand, the recording head 78 that ejects the ink supplied through the liquid passage 75 and the liquid chamber 76 connected to the ink supply port 74 of the ink tank 72 from the ejection port 77 for printing has an ID function (authentication function). Also, the three-dimensional semiconductor element 79 of the second embodiment is arranged. The electric power may be supplied to the element 79 by contact between the electrode portion arranged on the element surface and the contact portion on the electric substrate for driving the recording head 78.

Then, when an electromotive force is externally supplied to each of the elements 71 and 79, the element 71 in the ink obtains information on the remaining amount of ink, for example, and the element 79 on the recording head side, for example, remains in the ink for tank replacement. ID information for determining the amount is transmitted to the element 71. Then, the element 71 compares the obtained ink remaining amount with the ID, and only when they match, sends an instruction to the element 79 to notify the outside of the tank replacement. The element 79 receives the signal and transmits a signal notifying that the tank has been exchanged to the outside, or outputs a sound or light appealing to human eyes and hearing.

As described above, arranging a plurality of elements in a certain object makes it possible to set complicated information conditions.

In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the electromotive force is supplied to each of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements.
The configuration is not limited to this, and the electromotive force supplied to a certain element may be sequentially transmitted to other elements together with information. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a three-dimensional semiconductor element 81 in which the buoyancy generating means of the third embodiment and the function of transmitting information to other elements and the function of supplying electromotive force are added to the first embodiment is shown.
Further, the three-dimensional semiconductor element 82 in which the buoyancy generating means of the third embodiment and the function of transmitting information to other elements and the function of supplying electromotive force are added to the second embodiment is shown in FIG.
Similar to the above, it is arranged at a desired position in the ink 73 of the ink tank 72. On the other hand, the recording head 78 connected to the ink tank 72 is provided with the three-dimensional semiconductor element 83 of the second embodiment having an ID function (authentication function). The electric power may be supplied to the element 83 by contact between the electrode section arranged on the element surface and the contact section on the electric substrate for driving the recording head 78.

When an electromotive force is supplied to the element 81 from the outside, the element 81 in the ink obtains, for example, ink remaining amount information, compares this information with internal prescribed conditions, and transmits it to other elements. If necessary, the obtained remaining ink amount information is transmitted to the element 82 together with the electromotive force for operating the element 82. The element 82 to which the electromotive force is supplied receives the ink remaining amount information transmitted from the element 81, obtains information about the pH of the ink, and causes the element 83 on the recording head side to operate the element 83. To convey. Then, the element 83 on the recording head side, to which the electromotive force is supplied, transmits ID information for determining the ink remaining amount or the ink ph for the tank replacement to the element 82, for example. And element 8
2 compares the obtained ink remaining amount information and ph information with the ID, and instructs the element 83 to notify the outside of the tank replacement only when they match. The element 83 receives the signal and transmits a signal notifying that the tank has been exchanged to the outside, or outputs a sound or light appealing to human eyes and hearing. in this way,
A method of supplying an electromotive force together with information from one element to another element is also considered.

It should be noted that the recording head 78 may be one in which the ink is bubbled by the heat of the electrothermal conversion element such as a heater in the liquid passage and the bubble growth energy causes the ink to be ejected from the minute opening communicating with the liquid passage. To be

(Other Embodiments) FIGS. 11 to 17 show an example of the structure of an ink tank to which the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the above-described embodiment can be applied. In the ink tank 501 shown in FIG. 11, a flexible ink bag 502 containing ink is arranged in a housing 503, and a rubber stopper 5 fixed to the housing 503.
The bag mouth 502a is closed at 04, and a hollow needle 505 for drawing out ink is pierced into the rubber stopper 504 to communicate with the inside of the bag, thereby supplying ink to an inkjet head (not shown). The three-dimensional semiconductor element 506 of the present invention can be arranged in the ink bag 502 of the ink tank 501.

Further, the ink tank 511 shown in FIG.
Is an ink-jet head 515 for recording by ejecting ink toward the recording paper S and attached to an ink supply port 514 of a housing 512 containing the ink 513.
The three-dimensional semiconductor element 516 of the present invention can be placed in the ink 513 in the tank 511.

The ink tank 521 shown in FIG. 13 is similar to the tanks shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, and includes a first chamber in which ink 522 is housed and which is in a completely sealed state.
A second chamber, which is a negative pressure chamber and is in a state of communicating with the atmosphere, which accommodates a negative pressure generating member 523 for generating a negative pressure in the ink, and a communication passage 524 which communicates the first chamber and the second chamber at the bottom of the tank. It is equipped with. When the ink is consumed from the ink supply port 525 on the side of the second chamber, the atmosphere 522 enters the first chamber from the side of the second chamber, and the ink 522 in the first chamber is led to the second chamber. In the tank 521 having such a configuration, the first
The three-dimensional semiconductor element 52 of the present invention is provided in each of the chamber and the second chamber.
6,527 may be arranged to exchange information regarding the ink in each of the divided chambers.

The ink tank 541 shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is, similarly to FIG. 13, a first chamber in a completely sealed state that accommodates the ink 547 and a negative pressure chamber that accommodates the negative pressure generating member 546. And a communication passage 548 for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber at the bottom of the tank. Ink supply port 5 formed in a portion of the wall portion forming the second chamber on the side opposite to the communication passage 548 side.
From 49, the ink in the second chamber is consumed. In the ink tank 541, the three-dimensional semiconductor element 54 is provided in the first chamber.
2, 543 are arranged and the three-dimensional semiconductor element 5 is provided in the second chamber.
44 and 545 are arranged. In the case of the ink tank 521 of FIG. 13, one three-dimensional semiconductor element is arranged in each of the first chamber and the second chamber. Each of these manages the information regarding the ink in each chamber, but since the media interposed between the first chamber and the second chamber are different, a relative comparison cannot be made simply.

The reason why a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged in each of the first chamber and the second chamber will be described with reference to FIG. 20A is a diagram showing attenuation amounts of electromagnetic waves used for communication between elements when one three-dimensional semiconductor element is arranged in each of the first chamber and the second chamber, FIG.
(B) is a figure which shows the attenuation amount of the electromagnetic wave used for communication between these three-dimensional semiconductor elements when arrange | positioning a some 3D semiconductor element in a 1st chamber, FIG.20 (c) shows a plurality in a 2nd chamber. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the attenuation of electromagnetic waves used for communication between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements when the three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged.

For example, in the case of detecting the remaining amount and the like using electromagnetic waves, in the first chamber, all the ink is used, whereas in the second chamber, the second amount is used.
Since there is ink and a negative pressure generating member in the chamber,
As shown in (a), the amount of wave attenuation differs between the first chamber and the second chamber.
Therefore, it becomes difficult to grasp the situation, and it becomes difficult to control the detection of the environmental information. On the other hand, FIGS. 14 to 16 have a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements in each chamber. Figure 20
As shown in (b) and (c), the three-dimensional semiconductor elements in each room communicate with each other, and the media to be interposed are the same, which is advantageous in that environment detection is facilitated. Also,
In this way, by arranging a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements in each of the first chamber and the second chamber and correcting the data detected by each, the relative comparison is performed, so that the information in the tank can be managed accurately. become. At the same time, more real-time detection becomes possible.

Further, there arises a problem of which three-dimensional semiconductor element among the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements and which three-dimensional semiconductor element is used to detect the information in the predetermined container. As an example of a method for discriminating a required three-dimensional semiconductor element from a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements, as shown in FIG.
Take the case of 4. In this case, the three-dimensional semiconductor element 54
The communication is performed between 2,543 and 544,545. As a method of determining the difference, the characteristics of the three-dimensional semiconductor element are changed for each group, such as when the detection frequency is changed or when the amplitude is changed. A method of communicating under different conditions is conceivable. In this way, by changing the characteristics of the three-dimensional semiconductor element for each group, communication is performed under different conditions, so that it becomes possible to operate for each group with respect to external information.

As another method, if three-dimensional semiconductor elements having the same characteristics are used, the identification information (ID) is already incorporated before mounting the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements in a predetermined container. ) To detect which three-dimensional semiconductor element is used, or to install a memory before mounting the three-dimensional semiconductor element in a predetermined container and input (INPUT) the identification means to the memory. It is conceivable to identify a necessary one from a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements based on the information previously input to the memory. If identification information (ID) is used, for example, when a signal for identification information (ID) such as A is sent from the outside, communication is performed between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements corresponding to that A, and as a result, the detected environmental information is sent to the outside. It is conceivable that, when the identification information (ID) signal is transmitted to or displayed on the B, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements corresponding to the B are communicated with each other, and the detected environmental information is transmitted or displayed to the outside. The same method can be considered for memory.

14 to 16, here, as an example, a method of detecting the remaining amount of ink by using the attenuation amount of the waveform of the electromagnetic wave will be described. Further, in this example, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 543, 544, 545 are the ink tanks 5
It is assumed that the three-dimensional semiconductor element 542 is embedded in 41 and is suspended in the ink 547 in the first chamber. FIG. 14 shows a state in which a large amount of ink still remains, FIG. 15 shows a state in which the remaining amount of ink is decreasing, and FIG. 16 shows that the remaining amount of ink has almost disappeared and the remaining amount of ink is only in the negative pressure chamber, that is, the second chamber. It shows the state of being lost. First, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 542 and 54 when the ink tank 541 is attached to the ink jet recording apparatus.
The relationship between the waveforms of electromagnetic waves 3,544 and 545 is stored as an initial state. As compared with that case, when the ink 547 in the first chamber decreases as shown in FIG. 15, the distance between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 542 and 543 becomes closer. As the distance gets closer, the attenuation of the electromagnetic wave waveform decreases. In other words, it means that the ink has run out. This situation is useful for knowing how much the remaining amount is randomly reduced at any time.

When the ink in the first chamber runs out as in the state of FIG. 16, the three-dimensional semiconductor element 54
Since there is no factor that breaks in between 2,543, the amount of attenuation of electromagnetic waves is almost eliminated. Further, when the ink runs out, in the state of FIG. 16 as well, communication is performed between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545 this time, and when the liquid surface 567 in the negative pressure generating member 546 is lowered, there is ink. Both the portion and the portion without ink are interposed between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 564 and 565. As a result, there is a point at which variations in the attenuation of the waveform appear, and it gradually decreases as the ink runs out. It becomes possible to detect how much ink is left by the point where this variation appears.

Further, what is described in the lower part of FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example in which the ink tank communicates with the outside. First, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 542 and 54
The inter-element information receiving means 550 receives the result of the communication between the three. In this case, identification is performed using frequency, amplitude, ID, memory, etc. so that information of other three-dimensional semiconductor elements will not be received. Then, the result is transmitted to the judgment / analysis means 551, and regarding the items that need to be transmitted and displayed to the outside, they are transmitted and displayed to the outside, and other information is accumulated in the information accumulating means 552. However, it is possible to store the information transmitted to the outside in the information storage means 552. Then, if communication is performed between the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545 next, the information obtained as a result of the communication is received by the inter-element information receiving means 550 as in the previous case. Then, the information received by the inter-element information receiving means 550 is transmitted to the judging / analyzing means 551, and also transmitted or displayed to the outside according to need, and other information or information transmitted or displayed to the outside is also information. It is stored in the storage means 552. Then, by repeating the work, the amount of information stored in the information storage means 552 increases, the information can be transmitted and displayed to the outside, and the stored information or the newly received information can be transmitted. In some cases, the information stored in the information storage means 552 is used for judgment and analysis, and then transmitted to the outside. In this way, a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are provided in a predetermined container, communication is carried out for each group, the situation is judged and analyzed each time, and information is accumulated as necessary to accumulate the information. Information can be obtained each time.

27 and 28 are the same as FIGS. 14 to 16.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing how information in the ink tank is actually detected in the case of the configuration shown in FIG.

First, FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for detecting the remaining ink amount. First, the electromotive force necessary for detecting the remaining amount of ink is supplied to the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 542 and 543 in the first chamber. At the same time, it may be possible to supply the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545, but in this example, in order to improve efficiency (power saving) and prevent malfunction due to supplying power to many three-dimensional semiconductor elements at once. If necessary, the three-dimensional semiconductor element in the first chamber is first supplied. Then, the supplied electric power is used to detect the ink remaining amount in the first chamber by communication between both of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 542 and 543. As a result, when there is an ink remaining amount as in the states of FIGS. 14 and 15, the ink remaining amount is transmitted and displayed outside. On the contrary, when the ink remaining amount in the first chamber is exhausted as shown in FIG. 16, next, electric power is supplied from the outside to the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545 in the second chamber.
Then, as in the previous case, the supplied electric power is used to detect the ink amount in the second chamber by communication between both of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545. As a result, when the ink remaining amount is still present, the remaining amount is displayed, and since the first chamber is already out of ink, the fact that the ink is almost exhausted is transmitted and displayed to the outside. Furthermore, it is preferable to be able to issue a warning that only a few more sheets can be printed on the recording paper. On the other hand, when the ink level is exhausted, a warning to replace the ink tank is displayed so that printing can be completed when the replacement is completed.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing an example of detecting the ink state around the ink supply port. Similar to the previous case, the configuration of FIGS. 14 to 16 will be taken as an example. Further, in this example, an ink tank having only the second chamber as shown in FIG. 17 can be used. First, FIG.
As shown in (a) and FIG. 28 (b), when the power of the main body is turned on or when the fact that printing is performed is transmitted, the ink is communicated by both of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 544 and 545 in the second chamber. Detect the condition. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (a), if there is no abnormality, immediately after the power is turned on, the process proceeds as it is, but before printing, the process proceeds to the printing process. However, if abnormality is detected, such as when air enters from the ink supply port, automatic suction recovery is performed. And proceed to the printing process. When the suction recovery cannot be automatically performed, as shown in FIG. 28B, the fact that the suction recovery is performed is externally transmitted and displayed, the suction recovery is performed, and then the printing process is performed. By arranging a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements around the ink supply port in this way, the ink state in the surrounding area is detected and suction recovery is performed if necessary, so that the ink is regularly discharged regardless of the state of the conventional ink. It is possible to reduce the work of suction recovery which has been required, and the ink is not excessively reduced.

The above-described method for detecting information in the tank is merely an example. In this example, first, the environment is detected in the first chamber, and when the ink in the first chamber is exhausted, the three-dimensional semiconductor element in the second chamber is detected. Although it was detected using the environment, the environment detection in the first room and the environment detection in the second room are performed at the same time and the result is corrected,
It is also possible to detect the environment using relative comparison.

Also, the ink tank 531 shown in FIG.
Is an inkjet head 5 that stores a porous member 532 that holds ink and uses the stored ink for recording.
33 is attached. Tank 5 having such a configuration
Also in 31, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 534 and 535 of the present invention are arranged on the ink tank side and the ink jet head side, respectively, like the tanks shown in FIGS. You may exchange information.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing an example of detecting the presence / absence of ink using a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements.

FIG. 21 shows an ink tank 571 or a part of the ink tank 571 which contains only ink and no other medium such as sponge. Three-dimensional semiconductor elements 572 and 573 are arranged in the ink tank 571. The three-dimensional semiconductor element 572 floats on the liquid surface 574 of the ink in the ink tank 571, and the three-dimensional semiconductor element 573 is fixed to the deepest part of the bottom surface in the ink tank 571. First, in a state where ink is normally in the ink tank 571 as shown in FIG. 21A, the three-dimensional semiconductor elements 572 and 573 do not communicate with each other.
However, it is possible to detect the ink state by the solid semiconductor element 572 or 573 alone. When the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 571 is reduced and almost all the ink is used up and the state shown in FIG. 21B is reached, the bottom surface in the ink tank 571 has an inclination and a solid is formed in the deepest part of the bottom surface. Since the shaped semiconductor element 573 is fixed, the three-dimensional shaped semiconductor elements 573 and 572 contact each other. Then, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of ink by a method of transmitting the fact that the ink is exhausted to the outside by the contact. That is, it is possible that a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements have a new function by being combined or contacting each other.

As described above, two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged in the ink tank and two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements communicate with each other so that the three-dimensional semiconductor elements are surrounded. By detecting the environmental information of the ink and transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside, the information about the ink contained in the ink tank, the pressure in the tank, and the like can be transmitted in real time to an external device such as an inkjet recording device. It will be easier.

When two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged in the ink tank as described above, as a method of supplying an electromotive force from the outside to the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements, a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements are used as described above. There is a method of directly supplying an electromotive force to each of the semiconductor devices. Alternatively, an electromotive force may be first supplied to the main three-dimensional semiconductor element from the outside of the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements and then an electromotive force may be supplied from the main three-dimensional semiconductor element to another three-dimensional semiconductor element. Good.

Next, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an ink jet recording apparatus having an ink tank equipped with the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention. A head cartridge 601 mounted in the inkjet recording apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 18 has a liquid ejection head that ejects ink for print recording, and FIGS. 11 to 17 that holds the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head. And an ink tank as shown. Further, means 622 for supplying electromotive force, which is external energy, to the three-dimensional semiconductor element arranged in the ink tank and means (not shown) for bidirectionally communicating information with the element are installed in the recording device 600. ing.

As shown in FIG. 18, the head cartridge 601 engages with the spiral groove 606 of the lead screw 605 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 603 and 604 in association with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 602. It is mounted on the carriage 607 that operates. The head cartridge 601 moves the carriage 6 by the power of the drive motor 602.
07 is reciprocally moved along the guide 608 in the directions of arrows a and b. The inkjet recording apparatus 600 is provided with a recording medium conveying unit (not shown) that conveys a print paper P as a recording medium that receives liquid such as ink ejected from the head cartridge 601. The paper pressing plate 610 of the print paper P that is conveyed on the platen 609 by the recording medium conveying means presses the print paper P against the platen 609 in the moving direction of the carriage 607.

Photocouplers 611 and 612 are arranged near one end of the lead screw 605. The photocouplers 611 and 612 include the carriage 6
07 lever 607a, photocouplers 611 and 6
Home position detection means for confirming the presence in the 12 areas and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 602. In the vicinity of one end of the platen 609, a support member 613 that supports a cap member 614 that covers the front surface of the head cartridge 601 on which the ejection port is provided is provided. Further, an ink suction means 615 for sucking ink that has been discharged from the head cartridge 601 and accumulated inside the cap member 614 is provided. The ink suction unit 615 suction-recovers the head cartridge 601 through the opening of the cap member 614.

The ink jet recording apparatus 600 is provided with a main body support 619. A moving member 618 is attached to the main body support 619 in the front-back direction, that is, the carriage 6
It is movably supported in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of 07. A cleaning blade 617 is attached to the moving member 618. Cleaning blade 6
Not limited to this form, 17 may be a known cleaning blade of another form. Further, the ink suction means 6
A lever 620 for starting suction in the suction recovery operation by 15 is provided. The lever 620 moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 621 that engages with the carriage 607, and the driving force from the driving motor 602 switches the clutch. The movement is controlled by a known transmission means such as. An inkjet recording control unit that gives a signal to a heating element provided in the head cartridge 601 and controls drive of each mechanism described above is provided on the recording apparatus main body side,
It is not shown in FIG.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 600 having the above-described structure, the head cartridge 601 reciprocates over the entire width of the print paper P with respect to the print paper P conveyed on the platen 609 by the recording medium conveying means. When a drive signal is supplied from the drive signal supply means (not shown) to the head cartridge 601 during this movement, ink (recording liquid) is ejected from the liquid ejection head section onto the recording medium in response to this signal, and recording is performed. Done.

[0109]

Next, a preferred specific example of arranging the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention in an ink tank will be described in more detail.

First, information acquisition means applicable to the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention will be described as an example. When the three-dimensional semiconductor element arranged in the ink tank is made of spherical silicon, the information obtaining means described in the above embodiment includes (1) making a SiO ₂ film or a SiN film as an ion sensitive film, A sensor that detects the pH of the ink, (2) a pressure sensor that has a diaphragm structure that detects the pressure change in the tank, and (3) a photodiode that converts light into heat energy and has a pyroelectric effect. In addition, a sensor that detects the current position and detects the remaining amount of ink, and a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink based on the amount of water in the tank by using (4) the conductive effect of the material are included.

Next, specific examples of energy conversion means applicable to the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention will be given. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the power generation principle of the energy conversion means which is a constituent element of the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention.

In FIG. 19, the conductor coil L of the oscillation circuit 102 is adjacent to the coil L _a of the external resonance circuit 101.
And _a current I _{a is} passed through the external resonance circuit 101 through the coil L _a , _a magnetic flux B penetrating the coil L of the oscillation circuit 102 is generated by the current I _a . Here, when the current I _a is changed, the magnetic flux B penetrating the coil L is changed, so that an induced electromotive force V is generated in the coil L. Therefore, the oscillation circuit 102 as an energy conversion means is formed in spherical silicon, the external resonance circuit 101 is provided outside the device, for example, in an inkjet recording device, and the conductor coil L of the oscillation circuit 102 on the device side and the resonance circuit 101 outside the device are provided. by the coil L _a is disposed to be adjacent, in the induced electromotive force by electromagnetic induction from the outside, it is possible to generate electric power for operating the device.

Further, the coil L having the number of turns N of the oscillation circuit 102 built in the spherical silicon as the energy converting means.
Is proportional to the product of the number of turns N _a of the coil L _a of the external resonance circuit 101 and the current I _a .

[0114]

## EQU1 ## B = k * N _a * I _{a The} electromotive force V generated in the coil L is

[0115]

V = −N {dB / dt} = − kN _a N {dI _a / dt} = − M {dI _a / dt} where the magnetic flux B is the magnetic permeability of the coil core μ _a , If the magnetic field is H,

[0116]

Equation 3] _{B = μ a H (z)} = {μ a N a I a r a 2/2 (r a 2 + z 2) becomes ^3/2. Here, z represents the distance between the coil of the external resonance circuit and the coil formed in the spherical silicon. Mutual inductance of the formula: M is

[0117]

The Equation 4] _{M = {μN / μ a I} a} ∫ s B · dS = {μμ a r a 2 N a NS / 2μ 0 (r a 2 + z 2) 3/2}. Here, μ ₀ is the magnetic permeability of vacuum.

Then, the impedance Z of the oscillation circuit built in the spherical silicon is

[0119]

## EQU00005 ## Z (.omega.) = R + j {.omega.L- (1 / .omega.C)} is expressed, and the impedance Z _a of the external resonance circuit is

[0120]

[Equation 6] Z _a (ω) = R _a + jωL _a − {ω ² M ² / Z (ω)}. Here, J represents magnetization. The impedance: Z ₀ when the external resonance circuit resonates (when the current value: I _a becomes maximum) is:

[0121]

Z ₀ (ω ₀ ) = R _a + jL _a ω ₀ − (ω ₀ ² M ² / R), and the phase delay of this resonant circuit: φ is

[0122]

Tan φ = {jL _a ω ₀ − (ω ₀ ² M ² / R)} / R.

The resonance frequency of this external resonance circuit:
f ₀ is

[0124]

## EQU9 ## It is obtained by f ₀ = 1 / 2π (LC) ^1/2 .

From the above-mentioned relationship, when the impedance of the oscillation circuit 102 made of spherical silicon is changed according to the change of the ink in the ink tank, the frequency of the external resonance circuit 101 is changed and the external resonance circuit is changed. The above-described change in ink appears in the amplitude and phase difference of the impedance of 101. Furthermore, this phase difference and amplitude
The ink remaining amount (that is, change in z) is also included.

For example, by changing the resonance frequency of the external resonance circuit 101, the output (impedance) from the oscillation circuit 102 formed in the spherical silicon changes according to changes in the surrounding environment. By detecting the property, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of ink and the remaining ink amount.

Therefore, the oscillating circuit formed in the spherical silicon is not only an energy converting means for generating electric power, but also one of the means for detecting the change in the ink in the tank due to the relationship between the oscillating circuit and the external resonance circuit. It can also be used as a part.

Further, in any state of the ink tank in which the floating type three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present example is arranged, the oscillation circuit formed in the spherical silicon and the external resonance circuit shown in FIG. Therefore, it is necessary that a stable magnetic flux (magnetic field) is working. However, when suspended in a liquid such as ink, the liquid surface may vibrate due to external vibration. In such a case, in order to maintain a stable state in the liquid, the center of gravity of the floating type three-dimensional semiconductor element is determined in this example.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the ball-shaped semiconductor element 210 of this example is suspended in the liquid,
To be in a balanced state as shown in (a), (1) buoyancy F = weight of the object W (2) buoyancy action line and weight action line (line passing through the center of gravity G)
It is necessary that the relation that "is coincident" is established.

Then, as shown in FIG. 22B, when the liquid vibrates due to an external force and the three-dimensional semiconductor element 210 is slightly tilted from the balanced state, the center of buoyancy moves and the buoyancy and the weight are combined. It becomes a couple.

Here, the line of action of weight when in a balanced state (dashed line in FIG. 22 (b)) and the line of action of buoyancy when tilted (solid line in FIG. 22 (b)) The intersection is called the metacenter, and the distance h between the metacenter and the center of gravity is called the height of the metacenter.

As in this example, since the metacenter of the three-dimensional semiconductor element 210 is located at a position higher than the center of gravity, the couple (restoring force) acts in the direction of returning to the original balanced position. This resilience: T is

[0133]

[Expression 10] T = Whsin θ = Fhsin θ = ρg Vhsin θ (> 0) Here, the volume of the liquid removed by the three-dimensional semiconductor element 210 is V, and the specific weight of the three-dimensional semiconductor element 210 is ρg.

Therefore, in order to make this restoring force positive,
It is a necessary and sufficient condition that h> 0.

From FIG. 22 (b),

[0136]

[Equation 11] Becomes Here, I is the moment of inertia about the O axis. Therefore,

[0137]

[Equation 12] That is, the ball-shaped semiconductor element 210 stably floats in the ink, and it is necessary to supply the induced electromotive force from the external resonance circuit and to perform bidirectional communication with the communication means outside the element. Become.

As a bidirectional communication method with the external communication means at this time, a wireless LAN system using a microwave band frequency or a wireless access system using a quasi-millimeter wave / millimeter wave band frequency can be applied.

Here, an outline of transmission / reception by the wireless LAN system will be described. The data transmission from the three-dimensional semiconductor device to the recording device will be described below. On the contrary, when data is transmitted from the recording device side to the three-dimensional semiconductor element, the data IDs are arranged on the respective sides to identify the data.

The three-dimensional semiconductor element on the transmitting side has a line monitoring section, a data handling section, an acknowledge checking section, and an error processing section, and the recording apparatus on the receiving side has a data handling section, an acknowledge section, An error processing section and a display section are additionally provided.

FIG. 23 shows a flowchart for the three-dimensional semiconductor device on the transmitting side. When transmitting data, after performing the initial setting by the determined transmission protocol, the address of the receiving side is set and the data is transmitted. If a signal collision occurs during transmission, or if the acknowledge does not come back from the specified receiving side device, it is retransmitted. During operation, the state of the line and the presence / absence of an acknowledge are displayed on a display unit provided in the recording device on the receiving side to prompt the user to make an accurate judgment.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the recording device on the receiving side. This receiver always monitors the line,
After confirming your address, fetch the data from the line and store it in the buffer on the main memory. If the block mark of every 16 bytes cannot be confirmed during reception, or if the checksums do not match in the error detection processing after the end of reception, it is judged as a reception error and reception is interrupted and the line is monitored again. , Wait for headers to arrive. When the message can be received without any error, the received content is displayed on the display unit.

In the three-dimensional semiconductor device of the above-mentioned embodiments, the electromagnetic induction by the coil is used as the external energy for supplying the electric power for activating the device. However, light may be used in addition to this, and the light of this light may be used. In the case of converting light and dark into an electric signal, a material whose resistance value changes by irradiation with light (for example, a photoconductor) can be used to generate electric power by a photoconductive effect. As the photoconductor, for example, Cd
Binary alloys / ternary alloys such as S, InSb and Hg _0.8 Cd _0.2 Te, GaAs, Si and Va-Si are used. Furthermore, when heat is used as the electromotive force, electric power can be generated by the quantum effect from the radiant energy of the substance.

Further, in the three-dimensional semiconductor element of this embodiment, the ink contained in the detachably mounted ink tank is supplied to the ink jet recording head, and the recording paper is printed with the ink droplets ejected from the recording head. Detecting ink information and tank information about the inkjet printer, transmitting the information to the inkjet printer,
It is preferably applied to an ink jet printer that controls the printer in an optimum manner and controls so as to keep the condition in the tank optimum.

In the present embodiment, the outer casing of the ink jet recording apparatus is not shown, but if the outer cover is semi-transparent and the inside state is visible, and the ink tank is semi-transparent, When light is used as the transmission means, the light of the tank can be seen by the user, so that it is easy to understand, for example, "I want to replace the tank", and the user can be motivated to replace the tank. (In the past, the button on the device itself lit up, but it also has some display functions, so it is difficult for the user to know what they want to be notified when lit up.)

[0146]

As described above, according to the communication method of the present invention, recording is performed by ejecting ink from the ball-shaped semiconductor element.
INKJET RECORDING DEVICE AND INKJET RECORDING DEVICE
Ink tank or inkjet
When a plurality of ball-shaped semiconductor elements are arranged in the head and the ink tank, and two or more ball-shaped semiconductor elements among the plurality of ball-shaped semiconductor elements make one group, communication is performed. By performing communication under different communication conditions for each of the element groups, it is possible to effectively determine and select a set of a plurality of sets of elements, and perform communication and control between elements. Alternatively, an inkjet recording device and
Ink tank installed in the jet recording device or
A plurality arranged in the inkjet head and the ink tank
Each of the ball-shaped semiconductor elements has identification information or a memory, and by performing communication by recognizing the identification information or by identifying with the memory, it is possible to determine or select a set of a plurality of sets of elements, It becomes possible to effectively perform communication and control between them.

Further, in the ink tank of the present invention, two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements are arranged in the ink tank, and two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements communicate with each other to form a three-dimensional semiconductor element. By transmitting the environmental information of the surroundings of the ink tank and transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside, the information related to the ink contained in the ink tank and the pressure inside the tank can be transmitted in real time to an external recording device, for example. Will be easier. This, for example, with the ink consumption by controlling the negative pressure amount in the tank that changes from moment to moment is advantageous in stabilizing the ejection of ink.

Further, since the external energy for operating the three-dimensional semiconductor element is supplied in a non-contact manner, the ink tank is provided with an energy source for starting the element, and the wiring for energy supply is provided in the element. It can be used in places where it is difficult to provide direct wiring to the outside without having to connect to.

For example, when the starting energy of the element is electric power, by forming the conductor coil of the oscillation circuit as the external energy converting means so as to be wound around the outer surface of the three-dimensional semiconductor element, the resonance coil with the external resonance circuit is formed. It is possible to generate electric power in the conductor coil by electromagnetic induction between them and supply the electric power to the element in a non-contact manner.

In this case, since the coil is wound around the outer surface of the element, the magnitude of the inductance of the coil changes depending on, for example, the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank, the ink concentration, and the ink pH. Therefore, since the oscillation circuit changes the oscillation frequency according to the change in the inductance, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank based on the changed change in the oscillation frequency.

The three-dimensional semiconductor element has a cavity for floating in the liquid and is formed so that the center of gravity of the element is located below the center of the element. Even if the recording head and ink tank mounted on the printer operate serially and the ink in the ink tank swings up, down, left, and right, the information about the ink and
It is possible to accurately detect the pressure inside the tank.
In addition, the coil of the oscillation circuit formed on the element is held at a stable position with respect to the coil of the external resonance circuit,
It also enables stable two-way communication.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an exchange with the outside.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an exchange with the outside.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of a three-dimensional semiconductor element according to a third embodiment of the present invention and an exchange with the outside.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positions of the elements having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 suspended in the ink in the ink tank, together with changes in ink consumption.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for confirming the position of the element having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and determining the necessity of tank replacement.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of using the three-dimensional semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a three-dimensional semiconductor element in which the first, second or third embodiment is appropriately combined is arranged in an ink tank and an ink jet head connected thereto.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which an electromotive force supplied to a certain three-dimensional semiconductor element is sequentially transmitted to another three-dimensional semiconductor element together with information in the ink tank and the ink jet head connected thereto.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor element according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor element according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor element according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an ink tank suitable for disposing a three-dimensional semiconductor device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink jet recording apparatus equipped with the ink tank shown in FIGS.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the power generation principle of the energy conversion means that is a constituent element of the three-dimensional semiconductor element of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the reason why a plurality of stereoscopic semiconductor elements are arranged as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of detecting the presence or absence of ink, which can be achieved by combining a plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor elements.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining conditions for maintaining a stable state of the three-dimensional semiconductor element in a liquid.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a three-dimensional semiconductor element on the transmitting side when bidirectional communication is performed between the three-dimensional semiconductor element and the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart in the recording device on the receiving side when bidirectional communication is performed between the three-dimensional semiconductor element and the recording device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an ink remaining amount detecting device described in JP-A-6-143607.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an ink remaining amount detecting device described in Japanese Patent No. 2947245.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of detecting the remaining ink amount.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of detecting the ink state around the ink supply port.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 21, 31, 41-43, 51-53, 61-6
3, 71, 79, 81-83 Three-dimensional semiconductor elements 12, 22, 32 Electromotive force 13, 23, 33 Electric power 14, 24, 34 Energy conversion means 15, 25 Information acquisition means 16, 26 Judgment means 17, 27 Information storage Means 18, 28 Information transmitting means 29 Receiving means 30 Input signal 35 Buoyancy generating means 36 Ink supply port 37 Negative pressure generating member 72 Ink tank 73 Ink 74 Ink supply port 75 Liquid path 76 Liquid chamber 77 Ejection port 78 Inkjet recording head 101 External Resonance circuit 102 Oscillation circuit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Mochizuki Muga 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ki Incorporated (72) Ichiro Saito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ki Within Canon Inc. (72) Hiroyuki Ishinaga 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. Within (72) Ryoji Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP 10-327452 (JP, A) JP 2000-58356 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/00 B41J 2 / 175 H01L 29/06

Claims (30)

(57) [Claims] 1. An information obtaining means for obtaining information, an information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting information by the information obtaining means, and energy supplied from the outside for operating the information obtaining means and the information transmitting means. A ball-shaped semiconductor element having energy conversion means for converting into energy of a different type from the above-mentioned energy formed on the same substrate.
Is an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink.
Device and an ink jet mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.
A plurality arranged in a tank or the ink jet head and an ink tank, a communication method for a plurality of element groups to a group of two or more ball-shaped semiconductor device of the ball-like semiconductor device of the plurality, each of said elements A communication method characterized in that communication is performed under different communication conditions for each group. 2. An information acquisition means for acquiring information, a judgment means for judging based on the information acquired from the information acquisition means and a data table stored in advance, and information for displaying or transmitting the information by the judgment means. The transmitting means and the energy converting means for converting the energy given from the outside into energy of a kind different from the energy for operating the information acquiring means, the judging means and the information transmitting means are formed on the same substrate. Ball-shaped semi-conductor
Inkjet for recording by ejecting ink to body element
A recording device and an image mounted on the inkjet recording device
Tank or inkjet head and ink tank
A plurality arranged in a click, two or more ball-like semiconductor device a communication method for a plurality of element groups to one group, different communication conditions for each of the element groups of the ball-like semiconductor device of said plurality of A communication method, characterized in that communication is performed by using. 3. An information obtaining means for obtaining information, an information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting information by the information obtaining means, and energy supplied from the outside for operating the information obtaining means and the information transmitting means. A ball-shaped semiconductor element having energy conversion means for converting into energy of a different type from the above-mentioned energy formed on the same substrate.
Is an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink.
Device and an ink jet mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.
Or a plurality of ink-jet heads and ink tanks are arranged to communicate with each other, wherein each of the ball-shaped semiconductor elements has identification information or a memory, and the identification information is recognized, or A communication method, characterized in that communication is performed by identifying in the memory. 4. An information acquisition means for acquiring information, a judgment means for judging based on the information acquired from the information acquisition means and a data table stored in advance, and information for displaying or transmitting the information by the judgment means. The transmitting means and the energy converting means for converting the energy given from the outside into energy of a kind different from the energy for operating the information acquiring means, the judging means and the information transmitting means are formed on the same substrate. Ball-shaped semi-conductor
Inkjet for recording by ejecting ink to body element
A recording device and an image mounted on the inkjet recording device
Tank or inkjet head and ink tank
A method of communicating the ball-shaped semiconductor elements, wherein each of the ball-shaped semiconductor elements has identification information or a memory, and the identification information or the memory is identified. A communication method, characterized in that communication is performed by using. 5. An ink tank for accommodating ink, comprising an energy conversion means for converting energy from the outside into different types of energy, an information acquisition means for acquiring external environmental information, and an acquisition by the information acquisition means. Information storage means for storing information to be compared with information, and information obtained by the information obtaining means and corresponding information stored in the information storage means are compared to determine the necessity of information transmission. Means, and information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting the information obtained by the information obtaining means to the outside when the information determining means determines that information transmission is necessary, the information obtaining means, the information accumulating means, the The determination means and the information transmission means are two-dimensional semiconductor elements which operate by the energy converted by the energy conversion means.
One or more, and two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements have a function of detecting environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements by communicating with each other and transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside. Ink tank. 6. An ink tank containing ink, the energy converting means for converting energy from the outside into different types of energy, the receiving means for receiving a signal from the outside, and the information storing means for storing information. And information transmitting means for displaying or transmitting information of the information storing means according to the signal received by the receiving means, wherein the receiving means, the information storing means, and the information transmitting means are the energy converting means. There are two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements that operate by the converted energy, and the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements detect the environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements by communicating with each other. An ink tank having a function of transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside. 7. An ink tank for accommodating ink, which converts energy from the outside into different types of energy, energy conversion means, receiving means for receiving a signal from the outside, and external environment information. Information acquisition means, information storage means for accumulating information to be compared with the information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the information acquisition means for acquiring external environmental information according to the signal received by the reception means, and the acquisition Judgment means for comparing information and information corresponding to the information accumulated in the information accumulating means to judge whether the obtained information satisfies a predetermined condition, and at least a judgment result by the judging means is displayed to the outside. Or information transmitting means for transmitting, the receiving means, the information accumulating means, the judging means, and the information transmitting means are the energy converting means. There are two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements that operate by the converted energy, and the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements detect the environmental information around the three-dimensional semiconductor elements by communicating with each other. An ink tank having a function of transmitting or displaying the environmental information to the outside. 8. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein the information transmitting means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element displays or transmits to another three-dimensional semiconductor element. 9. The receiving means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element also receives a signal from another three-dimensional semiconductor element.
Or the ink tank according to 7. 10. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements has a function of giving an electromotive force to another three-dimensional semiconductor element. . 11. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein the external energy converted by the energy conversion means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is supplied in a non-contact manner. 12. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein the energy converted by the energy conversion means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is electric power. 13. The information transmission means of the three-dimensional semiconductor device is a magnetic field, light, shape or color that is energy for displaying or transmitting information to the outside with the electric power converted by the energy converting means. The ink tank according to claim 12, which is converted into radio waves or sounds. 14. The ink tank according to claim 12, wherein the external energy converted into electric power by the energy conversion means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is electromotive force due to electromagnetic induction, heat, light, or radiation. 15. The energy conversion means of the three-dimensional semiconductor element has a conductor coil that generates electric power by electromagnetic induction with an external resonance circuit, and an oscillation circuit. Ink tank described. 16. The ink tank according to claim 15, wherein the conductor coil of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is formed so as to wind around the outer surface of the three-dimensional semiconductor element. 17. The three-dimensional semiconductor element further comprises buoyancy generating means for generating buoyancy by using the energy converted by the energy converting means.
The ink tank according to any one of 1. 18. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein the three-dimensional semiconductor element has a cavity for floating on a liquid surface or at a predetermined position in the liquid. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the center of gravity of the three-dimensional semiconductor element floating in the liquid is located below the center of the element, and does not rotate in the floating liquid to perform stable rocking. Ink tank described. 20. The ink tank according to claim 19, wherein the metacenter of the three-dimensional semiconductor element is always above the center of gravity of the three-dimensional semiconductor element. 21. Two or more of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements,
The ink tank according to any one of claims 5 to 20, which may be in a state of being in contact with the ink in the ink tank or in a state of not being in contact with the ink. 22. Two or more of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements,
The ink tank according to any one of claims 5 to 20, which has a function of moving inside the ink tank, an injection port, and the inside of the ink by receiving energy and a signal from the outside. 23. At least one of the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor elements has a function of moving in the ink tank, and the other three-dimensional semiconductor element is a liquid in the tank in the ink tank. The ink tank according to any one of claims 5 to 20, which is fixed to a negative pressure chamber accommodating a negative pressure generating member for generating a negative pressure or the bottom surface of the ink tank. 24. Two or more of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements,
The ink tank according to any one of claims 5 to 23, which has a state in which communication between three-dimensional semiconductor elements is always performed and a state in which communication between three-dimensional semiconductor elements is performed as necessary. 25. Two or more of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements,
The ink tank according to any one of claims 5 to 24, which can be combined with each other and have a new function by being combined. With mounting the ink tank according to any one of the claims 26] Claim 5 to 25, wherein Inkutan
To the three-dimensional semiconductor element in the
Hands that supply electromotive force as external energy converted by the stage
Recording device having a step . 27. The electromotive force is electromagnetic induction or heat or
The recording device according to claim 26, which is light or radiation . 28. Two or more of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements,
Supplying the electromotive force to a plurality of the three-dimensional semiconductor elements
When the two or more three-dimensional semiconductor devices are
First, supply the electromotive force from the outside to the three-dimensional semiconductor device.
From the main three-dimensional semiconductor element to another three-dimensional semiconductor
The electromotive force is supplied to the element, or externally
The electromotive force is directly supplied to the plurality of three-dimensional semiconductor devices.
The recording device according to claim 27, which is a recording device. 29. Receives transmission from the three-dimensional semiconductor device.
29. Any one of claims 26 to 28 having means for communicating.
The recording device according to 1. 30. A communication system using a three-dimensional semiconductor device
And in which two or more three-dimensional semiconductor devices are arranged.
Liquid container and conductive material formed on the three-dimensional semiconductor element
Oscillation circuit with body coil, get information in the container
Information acquisition means, receiving means for receiving signals from the outside, and
And information transmission means for transmitting information to the outside and the three-dimensional shape
It is installed outside the conductor element, and
To generate electric power by electromagnetic induction with the vibration circuit
External resonance circuit, and the receiver of the three-dimensional semiconductor device
External communication for two-way communication between the stage and the information transmission means.
A communication system including a communication means.