JP2001162833A - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To prevent a user from replacing a cartridge while a printer is accessing a storage medium of an ink cartridge, and to reliably maintain a state in which the cartridge is completely mounted. SOLUTION: When a print controller 25 of an ink jet printer 1 detects that an ink cartridge replacement button 9 is pressed and the ink cartridge 13 is likely to be replaced, the print controller 25 moves a cartridge holder 5 to a place where the ink cartridge cannot be replaced. After that, the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 is energized. Then, the specific information is written into the EEPROM 11, and when the writing is completed, one of the information of the ink cartridge 13 and the EEPROM 11 is immediately read.
3. Turn off the power supply to 3. Then, the cartridge holder 5
Is moved to the place 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced, thereby allowing the user to replace the ink cartridge 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet printer, and more particularly, to an ink jet printer using an ink cartridge having a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an ink jet printer in which a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory is provided in a replaceable ink cartridge. The remaining amount of ink, printer control information, and the like are recorded on the storage medium of the ink cartridge. The ink jet printer reads out the information and controls printing based on the information, calculates the current ink remaining amount and the like, and writes it to the storage medium of the ink cartridge.

[0003]

The ink cartridge can be removed from the printer when the user desires, and replaced with another ink cartridge. However, if the ink cartridge is removed from the printer while the ink jet printer is accessing the storage medium of the ink cartridge, data in the storage medium of the ink cartridge may be damaged.
If the data is damaged, the ink jet printer cannot read the printer control information and the like, and cannot control the printing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer which is accessing a storage medium of an ink cartridge.
An object of the present invention is to prevent a user from replacing an ink cartridge, and to reliably maintain a state in which an ink cartridge is completely mounted.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer having an ink cartridge having a storage medium for storing data, reading data from the storage medium, or storing data in the storage medium. A power supply means for supplying power to the storage medium for writing and immediately stopping the power supply when reading or writing is completed, and a blocking means for preventing removal of the ink cartridge when the power is supplied and during power supply.

According to the present invention, while the ink jet printer is accessing the storage medium of the ink cartridge, the cartridge can be prevented from being replaced by the user, and the cartridge can be reliably kept completely mounted. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the data in the storage medium of the ink cartridge from being damaged by the removal of the ink cartridge from the printer while the printer is accessing the storage medium of the ink cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the blocking means prevents removal of the energized ink cartridge by moving the ink cartridge to a location where removal of the ink cartridge is not possible.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking means prevents removal of the energized ink cartridge by using a fixed lock for fixing the ink cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the blocking means prevents the removal of the energized ink cartridge by notifying the user that the removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited.

An ink jet printer according to a second aspect of the present invention has an ink cartridge having a storage medium for storing data, and a detecting means for detecting a state where the currently mounted ink cartridge may be removed. Delay means for delaying removal of the ink cartridge when the condition is detected, and reading or specifying specific data from the storage medium of the ink cartridge while the delay means is functioning when the condition is detected. And an energizing means for energizing the storage medium of the ink cartridge to write the data in the storage medium.

According to the present invention, when there is a possibility that the ink cartridge will be removed, the timing at which the ink cartridge is removed is delayed, and during the delay, specific data is read from the storage medium or specific data is read. Writing to the storage medium can be completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the data in the storage medium of the ink cartridge from being damaged by the removal of the ink cartridge from the printer while the printer is accessing the storage medium of the ink cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the delay means delays the time when the ink cartridge is removed by moving the ink cartridge to a place where the ink cartridge cannot be removed.

In a preferred embodiment, the delay means delays the time when the ink cartridge is removed by using a fixed lock for fixing the ink cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the delay means delays the time when the ink cartridge is removed by notifying the user that the removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited.

In a preferred embodiment, the delay means causes the user to perform an additional operation after a state in which the ink cartridge is likely to be removed is detected and before the user removes the ink cartridge.
Delay when the ink cartridge is removed. In this case, a notifying means for notifying the user that the removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited is provided. If the reading or the writing is not completed within a delayed time, the notifying means is operated to supply power to the storage medium. To prevent the ink cartridge from being removed while cleaning.

In a preferred embodiment, the detecting means is that a button or a switch used when the user wants to replace the ink cartridge is used, that a cover covering the ink cartridge is opened, or that the ink cartridge is opened. Has reached the end of the ink.
When one of them is detected, it is determined that the state is such that the ink cartridge may be removed.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS There are two types of ink cartridges mounted on an ink jet printer: an on-carriage type mounted on a carriage together with a print head;
There is an off-carriage set at an immovable place away from the carriage. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described for both of these types.

First, an embodiment using an on-carriage type ink cartridge will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet printer using an on-carriage type ink cartridge.

The ink jet printer (hereinafter, printer) 1 is used by being connected to a host device such as a general-purpose computer or a digital camera, and includes a print head 10, a carriage 11, a paper feeding device 12, a head maintenance device, and the like. A printing mechanism including a device (not shown) is housed in the casing 13. An openable / closable printer cover 3 is provided at an upper portion of the casing 13. When the printer cover 3 is moved and opened in the direction of arrow A, the printing mechanism is exposed as shown in the figure. Carriage 11
Has a cartridge holder 5 for accommodating the ink cartridge therein, and an openable and closable holder cover 6 for covering an upper opening (inlet / outlet of the ink cartridge) of the cartridge holder 5.

The printer 1 includes a casing 13
An ink cartridge exchange button (hereinafter, exchange button) 9 is provided on the front of the printer. When replacing the currently mounted ink cartridge with another ink cartridge, the user first presses the replacement button 9. When the exchange button 9 is pressed, the printer 1 moves the cartridge holder 5 of the carriage 11 to the exchange place 7 for exchanging the ink cartridge. The replacement place 7 is the only place where the holder cover 6 of the cartridge holder 5 in which the ink cartridge is mounted can be completely opened.
When the cartridge holder 5 is located at the replacement place 7, the user opens the holder cover 6 and replaces the ink cartridge in the cartridge holder 5 with another ink cartridge.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a portion of the printer 1 directly related to the present invention.

The ink cartridge 13 set in the cartridge holder 5 has a nonvolatile storage medium, for example, an EEPROM 11. The EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 stores identification information of the ink cartridge 13 (for example, serial serial number), date of manufacture, ink type (ink color, dye ink or pigment ink, etc.), use history information (use date and time, Printer identification information, etc.), printer control information (voltage applied to the print head, the number of ink ejections from nozzles, etc.), ink capacity, ink remaining amount, and other various information. An access terminal 19 is provided on the outer surface for electrically connecting to a circuit on the side to enable access from the circuit.

The cartridge holder 5 in which the ink cartridge 13 is mounted is provided with a hollow ink supply needle 15 that pierces the ink supply port 17 of the ink cartridge 13 and supplies ink to the print head 10 at the inner side (ie, the inner bottom surface).
The EE of the ink cartridge 13 is provided on the inner wall.
Connection terminal 2 connected to access terminal 19 of PROM 11
1 is provided. The cartridge holder 5 inserts the ink cartridge 13 from above in the drawing to hold the holder cover 6.
Is completely closed as shown in the figure, whereby the ink cartridge 13 is completely mounted. When the ink cartridge 13 is completely mounted, the ink supply needle 15 at the inner side can pierce the ink supply port 17 of the ink cartridge 13 to supply the ink inside to the print head. Is connected to the access terminal 19 of the ink cartridge 13 so that the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 and the printer 1 are electrically connected to be able to communicate with each other.

The printer 1 includes a print control unit 25 that receives print data from the host device 24 and performs a print process for performing printing. The data is read from the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 via the reader / writer 23, and the data is written to the EEPROM 11. For example, after printing one page, the amount of ink used in printing is calculated, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 13 is calculated from the calculated value, and the data of the remaining amount is written to the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13. Alternatively, when the printer 1 is powered on, the ink cartridge 1
3 is read from the EEPROM 11 to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 13 is usable.

When the exchange button 9 is pressed, the print controller 25 performs an exchange process for exchanging the ink cartridge. The print control unit 25 reads data from the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 and writes data into the EEPROM 11 in connection with ink cartridge replacement. For example, immediately after replacing the ink cartridge, the E
The remaining amount of ink and the date of manufacture are read from the EPROM 11 to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 13 is usable.

The print control unit 25 includes the ink cartridge 1
3 while reading / writing data from / to the EEPROM 11
In order to prevent the ink cartridge 13 from being detached from the cartridge holder 5 by a user, the
1 or the EEPROM 11 is controlled so that the user cannot remove the ink cartridge 13. Hereinafter, this control will be described more specifically.

The print control unit 25 includes the ink cartridge 1
When it is detected that the replacement 3 is about to be replaced, for example, when the replacement button 9 is pressed and detected, the following control is performed. FIG. 3 shows the operation performed by the print control unit 25 at this time.

At this time, the print controller 25 first checks whether or not the cartridge holder 5 is located at the place 7 (see FIG. 1) where the ink cartridge can be replaced (S1). Holder 5
Is in a place 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced (S1
Yes), place the cartridge holder 5 in the other place,
That is, it is moved to a place where the ink cartridge cannot be replaced (S2), and the EEPROM of the ink cartridge 13 is
11 is energized (S3). Then, specific recent information (for example, current ink remaining amount) is written into the EEPROM 11 (S
4) After that, the power supply to the EEPROM 11 is stopped (S5). Thereafter, the user moves the cartridge holder 5 to the place 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced (S6), and allows the user to remove the ink cartridge 13 from the holder 5. The print control unit 25 performs such a control operation when an ink cartridge replacement is requested from the host device 24 or when the ink end (that is, the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 13 is zero or very small) is detected. This can be performed, or can be performed when it is detected that the printer cover 3 has been opened (in this case, the printer 1 is provided with, for example, a button for detecting whether the printer cover 3 is opened or closed). However, when the printer cover 3 is opened, the cartridge holder 5 is replaced with the replacement place 7.
(Step S6 in FIG. 3) is not required.

The print control unit 25 is provided to read or write data related to print processing or the like, for example, when printing of each page is completed, immediately after the power of the printer 1 is turned on, or when the print head is turned on. Immediately after cleaning, or after printing from the host device 24, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 13 is stored in the EEP of the ink cartridge 13.
When writing to the ROM 11 is requested, the following control is performed. FIG. 4 shows the operation performed by the print control unit 25 at this time.

At this time, the print control unit 25 first determines that the print head 10 is being driven (for example, ink is being ejected from the nozzles).
It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S7). If driving (S
(Yes at 7), wait until it ends. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the cartridge holder 5 is in the place 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced (S8). If the holder 5 is in the place 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced (Yes in S8), the cartridge holder 5 is moved to a place where the ink cartridge cannot be replaced (S9),
Power is supplied to the EPROM 11 (S10). Then, the necessary information (for example, the current ink remaining amount) is written to the EEPROM 11 or read from the EEPROM 11 (S11). When the information is completed, the power supply to the EEPROM 11 is stopped (S11).
12).

The print control unit 25 performs the following control immediately after the ink cartridge is replaced and the ink cartridge 13 is newly mounted on the holder 5. FIG.
Indicates an operation performed by the print control unit 25 at this time.

For example, immediately after the ink cartridge 13 is completely mounted in the holder 5, the print controller 25 moves the holder 5 from the current position 7 where the ink cartridge can be replaced to a position where the ink cartridge cannot be replaced ( Step S13), EEP of the ink cartridge 13
Power is supplied to the ROM 11 (S14). And the EEPR
From the OM 11, necessary information such as identification information of the ink cartridge 13, the remaining amount of ink, the date of manufacture, and the like are read (S15). After that, the ink cartridge 13
The power supply to the EEPROM 11 is turned off (S16), and another process is performed, for example, by referring to the information read in step S15 to determine whether or not the mounted ink cartridge 13 is usable (S17).

The above is an embodiment of the present invention using an on-carriage type ink cartridge. According to this embodiment, when the print control unit 25 of the printer 1 detects that the ink cartridge 13 is likely to be replaced, the print control unit 25 of the ink cartridge 13
When it is necessary to access the EPROM 11 or when the ink cartridge 13 is newly installed, the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 is accessed.
(That is, read or write information). When accessing, that is, the EEPROM 1 of the ink cartridge 13
1, the print control unit 25 moves the cartridge holder 5 to a place where the ink cartridge 13 cannot be replaced so that the ink cartridge 13 is never removed by the user while the power is supplied. When the access is completed,
The power supply to 11 is stopped. In other words, the print control unit 25 reliably prevents the replacement of the ink cartridge 13 while energizing the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 and ensures that the ink cartridge 13 is completely mounted. This can reliably prevent the ink cartridge 13 from being removed from the printer 1 while the print control unit 25 is energizing the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13, so that the data stored in the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13 can be damaged. Accidents such as accidents can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the printer 1
A lock mechanism for preventing the printer cover 3 from being opened and an LED for notifying the user that the replacement of the ink cartridge 13 is prohibited may be provided. In this case, the printer 1 locks the printer cover 3 so that the user cannot open the printer cover 3 while energizing the EEPROM 11 of the ink cartridge 13, or turns on the LED to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge. Inform ban.

Next, an embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge will be described. Three representative embodiments of the off-carriage type will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of a portion of the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge, which is directly related to the present invention.

The cartridge holder 27 of this printer
Is provided at an immovable place in the printer. A non-volatile storage medium, for example, an ink cartridge 33 having an EEPROM 31 is mounted on the cartridge holder 27. The EEPROM 31 is an EEPROM 1 of the above-described on-carriage type ink cartridge 13.
As in the first embodiment, various information such as identification information (for example, a serial serial number) of the ink cartridge 33, the ink capacity, the remaining amount of the ink, and the like are recorded. It has an access terminal 35 for connection.

The cartridge holder 27 is provided with a first holder cover 37 and a second holder cover 39 at the insertion opening of the ink cartridge 33 as shown in FIG. The first holder cover 37 can be opened by pulling the holder cover shaft 38 in the direction of the dotted arrow B. The second holder cover 39 can be opened by pulling the holder cover shaft 40 in the direction of the dotted arrow C around the center.

The cartridge holder 27 has a hollow ink supply needle 29 on the innermost wall, and a connection terminal 41 connected to the access terminal 35 of the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 33 on the inner wall. .

When mounting the ink cartridge 33 in the cartridge holder 27, first, the first holder cover 37 is pulled open in the direction of the dotted arrow B, and then the second holder cover 39 is pulled in the direction of the dotted arrow C. Open. Then, the user inserts the ink cartridge 33 from the right side in the figure and pushes it completely inward, thereby closing the first holder cover 37 and the second holder cover 39,
The ink cartridge 33 is completely mounted. When the ink cartridge 33 is completely installed, the ink supply needle 15 on the innermost wall stabs the ink supply port 30 of the ink cartridge 33 to supply ink to a print head (not shown), and The connection terminal 41 is connected to the access terminal 35 of the ink cartridge 33, and the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 33 is electrically connected to the printer.

This printer has a first holder cover 37
A holder cover opening / closing detection unit 45 for detecting opening / closing of the second holder cover 39, an LED 49 for lighting to notify a user of prohibition of replacement of the ink cartridge 33,
A print control unit 47 that receives print data from the host device 50 and performs print processing for performing printing is provided. The print controller 47 controls the EE of the ink cartridge 33 via the reader / writer 43 as necessary in connection with printing processing and the like.
Reading data from the PROM 31 or reading data from the EEPROM 3
For example, data is written to 1. The print control unit 25
Detects that the currently mounted ink cartridge 33 is likely to be removed as described later in detail, and immediately detects the EEP of the ink cartridge 33 upon detection.
Power is supplied to the ROM 31. Before the ink cartridge 33 is removed, the print control unit 47 stores specific recent information (for example, the current ink remaining amount) in the ink cartridge 3.
3 and the power supply to the EEPROM 31 is stopped immediately upon completion of the recording. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail.

The currently mounted ink cartridge 3
Needless to say, when removing the first holder cover 3, the user must first open the first holder cover 37.
When detecting that the first holder cover 37 has been pulled open, the holder cover opening / closing detecting unit 45 notifies the print control unit 47 of the fact. Upon receiving a notification from the holder cover opening / closing detecting section 47 that the first holder cover 37 has been opened, the print control section 47 immediately transmits the EEPROM of the ink cartridge 33 through the reader / writer 43.
31 is energized. Then, the print control unit 47 writes the specific information into the EEPROM 31 and, when the
The power supply to the ROM 31 is stopped.

After the user opens the first holder cover 37, the user cannot take out the ink cartridge 33 unless the second holder cover 39 is also opened. The above-mentioned access to the EEPROM 31 is performed using the time when the second holder cover 39 is opened. In other words, the second holder cover 39 is a time lag means for securing a time to access the EEPROM 31 before the user takes out the cartridge 33.

The holder cover opening / closing detecting section 45 can also detect the opening / closing of the second holder cover 39 as described above.
When detecting that the second holder cover has been pulled open, the holder cover opening / closing detection unit 45 notifies the print control unit 47 of the fact. The print control unit 47 detects that the second holder cover 39 is being detected by the holder cover opening / closing detection unit 47 while power is being supplied to the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 33 (that is, while data is being written to the EEPROM 31). If you are notified that it has been opened,
The LED 49 is lit so that the user stops the removal of the ink cartridge 33. Print control unit 47
When the writing of the specific information is completed, the power supply to the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 33 is immediately turned off, the LED 49 is turned off, and the user is allowed to remove the ink cartridge 33.

The print control unit 47 performs such a control operation when an ink end of the ink cartridge 33 is detected or when it is necessary to access the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 33 in connection with a printing process. This can also be performed when the ink cartridge 33 is newly mounted on the cartridge holder 27.

According to this embodiment, the holder cover of the cartridge holder 27 has a double structure,
During the time from when the first holder cover (that is, the first door) 37 is opened to when the second holder cover (that is, the last door) is completely opened, the EEPROM 31 is energized and specific information is written. By stopping the power supply after
During energization with the EPROM 31, the ink cartridge 6
7 is prevented from being taken out. If the writing to the EEPROM 31 is not completed within that time, that is, if power must be supplied to the EEPROM 31, the LED 49 is turned on to prohibit the user from taking out the ink cartridge 33.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of a portion of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge, which is directly related to the present invention. In the figure, elements having the same functions as the elements described with reference to FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted, and only points different from the above-described first embodiment will be described. (The same applies to the subsequent drawings and description.)

The ink cartridge 53 mounted on the cartridge holder 51 of the printer has a depression on a surface substantially parallel to the insertion direction. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 53 is inserted into the cartridge holder 51 from the right in the drawing and is completely pushed into the innermost position,
A cartridge fixing lock 59 that enters the recess of the ink cartridge 53;
9 is provided. The cartridge fixing lock 59 is
When the ink cartridge 53 is completely mounted, the ink cartridge 53 enters the recess of the ink cartridge 53 to fix the ink cartridge 53 as described above. Inside the inner wall of the building).

A connection terminal 41 is provided on the inner wall of the cartridge holder 51. The connection terminal 41 comes into contact with the access terminal 35 when the ink cartridge 53 is pushed into the cartridge holder 51. ,
The EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53 is electrically connected to a print control unit 57 of the printer described later.
The connection terminal 41 is mounted on the surface of a floating bed 57 fitted in a recess 54 provided on the inner wall of the cartridge holder 51. The floating bed 57 is pushed forward by a spring 56 connected to the back surface thereof.
Even if the ink cartridge 53 is slightly shaken by the pushing force of the spring 56, the connection terminals 4 on the surface of the floating bed 57
1 is surely in contact with the access terminal 35 of the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53. When the connection terminal 41 and the access terminal 35 of the ink cartridge 53 come into contact with each other, the print control unit 57 transmits the EEP of the ink cartridge 53 through the reader / writer 43.
The ROM 31 becomes accessible.

The print control unit 57 includes the ink cartridge 5
It can be recognized that the button 3 has been completely pushed into the innermost part of the cartridge holder 51 when, for example, a button (not shown) is provided on the innermost wall of the cartridge holder 51 and the button is completely pushed. When the print control unit 57 recognizes this, the lock control unit 61 causes the cartridge fixing lock 59 to enter the recess of the ink cartridge 53 to fix the ink cartridge 53. afterwards,
For example, when the print control unit 57 detects that the ink cartridge replacement button (not shown) has been pressed and recognizes that the ink cartridge 53 is in a state of being likely to be replaced, the ink cartridge 53 is completely In other words, the state in which the user cannot take out the ink cartridge 53 is secured, and the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53 is energized via the reader / writer 43. Then, the print control unit 57 writes the specific information into the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53, and immediately stops energizing the EEPROM 31 when the writing is completed. After that, the print control unit 57 causes the lock control unit 61 to
Set the cartridge fixing lock 59 to the ink cartridge 53
Is retracted to a position where the removal of the ink cartridge 53 is not hindered, and the user is allowed to take out the ink cartridge 53. The print control unit 5
7 performs such a control operation in the ink cartridge 53.
This can also be performed when it is necessary to access the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53 in connection with the detection of the ink end of the ink cartridge 53 or the printing process.

According to this embodiment, when the print controller 57 of the printer detects, for example, that the ink cartridge 53 is ready to be removed, the print controller 57 uses the cartridge fixing lock 59 to lock the ink cartridge 53.
Is secured, and the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 53 is accessed after ensuring a completely mounted state. During access, the print control unit 57 locks the ink cartridge 53 with the cartridge lock 59 so that the user cannot remove the ink cartridge 53.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of a portion directly related to the present invention of the ink jet printer according to the third embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge.

In the cartridge holder 63 of the printer, an ink cartridge 65 having a depression on a surface substantially parallel to the insertion direction is set. In the recess of the ink cartridge 65, the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 65 is provided.
Is provided with an access terminal 35 provided in.

In contrast to the ink cartridge 65, the cartridge holder 63 has an ink cartridge 6 on its inner wall.
5 has a cartridge fixing lock 59 'which can be pushed into the recess of the ink cartridge 63 when it is pushed to the innermost position and completely installed. The cartridge fixing lock 59 ′ has a connection terminal 41 at the tip thereof, and when the lock terminal 59 enters the recess of the ink cartridge 63, the connection terminal 41 is connected to the access terminal 35 located in the recess of the ink cartridge 63. When the connection terminal 41 is connected to the access terminal 35, the print controller 67 controls the EE of the ink cartridge 65 via the reader / writer 43.
The PROM 31 becomes accessible.

The print control section 67 includes the ink cartridge 6
5 is completely pushed into the innermost part of the cartridge holder 63 by, for example, providing a button (not shown) on the innermost wall of the cartridge holder 63 and detecting that the button is completely pressed. Can be. When the print control unit 67 recognizes this, the lock control unit 61
Set the cartridge fixing lock 59 'to the ink cartridge 6
5, the ink cartridge 65 is fixed, and the connection terminal 41 is connected to the ink cartridge 65.
To the access terminal 35. Thereafter, when the print control unit 67 detects that the cartridge replacement button 69 has been pressed and recognizes that the ink cartridge 67 is likely to be replaced, the print control unit 67 controls the ink cartridge 65 by the cartridge fixing lock 59 ′. Stay fixed
In other words, power is supplied to the EEPROM 31 of the ink cartridge 65 via the reader / writer 43 (in a state where the ink cartridge 65 is completely mounted). Then, the print control unit 67 checks the EE of the ink cartridge 65.
The specific latest information is written in the PROM 31, and upon completion of the writing, the power supply to the EEPROM 31 is immediately stopped. Thereafter, the print control unit 67 causes the lock control unit 61 to retract the cartridge fixing lock 59 ′ to a position where the removal of the ink cartridge 53 is not prevented (for example, inside the inner wall of the cartridge holder 63). Then, the user is notified that the removal of the ink cartridge 67 is permitted by lighting the LED 70 or the like.

According to this embodiment, the print control section 67
When it is detected that the ink cartridge 67 is about to be taken out, the cartridge fixing lock 59 'secures the ink cartridge 67 to ensure that the ink cartridge 67 is completely mounted. To the EEPROM 31 of the server. During the access, the print control unit 67 locks the ink cartridge 67 with the cartridge lock 59 ′ so that the user cannot remove the ink cartridge 67.

Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples for describing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to these examples. . The present invention can be implemented in other various forms. That is, the present invention ensures that the ink cartridge is completely mounted while the storage medium of the ink cartridge is energized, so that the ink cartridge is not accidentally removed. More specifically, in the printer according to the present invention, the ink cartridge replacement button is pressed, the ink end is detected, the printer cover is opened, the holder cover of the cartridge holder is opened, and the like. When it is detected that the currently installed ink cartridge is about to be replaced, when it is necessary to access the storage medium of the ink cartridge in connection with the printing process,
When a new ink cartridge is mounted, power is supplied to the storage medium of the ink cartridge. While the power is being supplied, the replacement of the ink cartridge is reliably prevented, in other words, the storage medium of the ink cartridge is accessed while ensuring that the ink cartridge is completely mounted. Upon completion, the power supply to the storage medium of the ink cartridge is immediately turned off, and the user is allowed to remove the ink cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet printer using an on-carriage type ink cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part of the printer 1 directly related to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by a print control unit when it is detected that an ink cartridge is about to be replaced.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by a print control unit when reading or writing of data related to a printing process is required.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by a print control unit when a new ink cartridge is mounted in a cartridge holder.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a part directly related to the present invention of the inkjet printer according to the first embodiment using the off-carriage type ink cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portion directly related to the present invention of an inkjet printer according to a second embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part directly related to the present invention of an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment using an off-carriage type ink cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink-jet printer 3 Printer cover 5 Cartridge holder 6 Holder cover 7 Exchange place 9 Ink cartridge exchange button 11 EEPROM 13 Ink cartridge 25 Print control unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] An ink cartridge having a storage medium for storing data; energizing the storage medium for reading data from or writing data to the storage medium; and reading or writing the data. An ink jet printer comprising: an energizing unit that immediately stops the energization when the operation is completed; and a blocking unit that prevents removal of the ink cartridge when and during the energization. 2. The removal device according to claim 1, wherein the prevention unit prevents the removal of the ink cartridge by moving the ink cartridge to a location where the removal of the ink cartridge is impossible.
The ink-jet printer as described. 3. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said blocking means prevents said removal by using a fixing lock for fixing said ink cartridge. 4. The ink-jet printer according to claim 2, wherein the blocking unit blocks the removal by notifying a user that removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited. 5. An ink cartridge having a storage medium for storing data, detecting means for detecting a state in which the currently mounted ink cartridge may be removed, and detecting said state when said state is detected. Delay means for delaying the time when the ink cartridge is removed; and, when the state is detected, reading specific data from the storage medium of the ink cartridge or storing the specific data while the delay means functions. And an energizing means for energizing the storage medium of the ink cartridge for writing on the medium. 6. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the delay unit delays the timing by moving the ink cartridge to a place where the ink cartridge cannot be removed. 7. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the delay unit delays the timing by using a fixed lock for fixing the ink cartridge. 8. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the delay unit delays the timing by notifying a user that removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited. 9. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the delay unit delays the timing by causing the user to perform an additional operation after the state is detected and before the user removes the ink cartridge. Printer. 10. A notifying means for notifying the user that removal of the ink cartridge is prohibited when the reading or the writing is not completed within a time delayed by performing the additional work. Item 10. An ink jet printer according to item 9. 11. The ink detecting device according to claim 11, wherein a button or a switch used when a user wants to exchange the ink cartridge is used, a cover covering the ink cartridge is opened, or Has reached the end of the ink.
6. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein when one of them is detected, it is determined that the ink cartridge may be removed. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein
An ink cartridge used in the ink jet printer according to the above item.