JP2006198774A - Inkjet printer, ink cartridge, function recovery control method and program for inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a good printing result regardless of the quality of ink used.
SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 20 that is detachably mounted is equipped with non-volatile memories 53 and 65 for storing ink management information including an identification ID and accumulated consumption information. Reading / writing means 88 for reading out the ink management information and writing the identification ID, history information storage means 96 for storing the history of the written identification ID and history information of the read ink management information, and history information And a rewrite determining means 95 for determining whether or not the nonvolatile memory has been rewritten based on the ink management information, and a maintenance control means 84 for executing the ink discharge process based on the determination result. .
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink-jet printer having an ink-jet head in which an ink cartridge is detachably attached and receives ink supply from the ink cartridge to eject ink, an ink cartridge, a function recovery control method for the ink-jet printer, and a program It is.

Ink-jet printers are normally supplied with ink by detachably mounting an ink cartridge containing ink in the printer body, and when ink runs out, printing is continued by replacing with a new ink cartridge. Be able to. For such replacement of the ink cartridge, it is preferable to use a genuine product recommended by the printer manufacturer. However, there is a user who rarely refills an ink cartridge that has run out of ink and reuses it. In recent years, an ink cartridge equipped with an IC chip that stores an integrated value of ink consumption (number of ink discharges) is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1), but this type of ink cartridge is reused. In this case, a method is used in which the IC is initialized using an electronic device called a resetter, an initializer, or the like, and the integrated value of ink consumption is set to “0”.
JP 2001-315323 A

  However, inkjet printers are designed so that the best printing results are obtained when using genuine ink. Therefore, refilling and reusing ink that is not guaranteed by the printer manufacturer can effectively demonstrate the performance of the printer. Therefore, there is a problem that the print quality cannot be maintained. Furthermore, even if the manufacturer is the same, different types of ink, for example, pigment-based inks and dye-based inks are lined up in stores, and cartridges that are designed with dye-based inks are filled with pigment-based inks. As a result of mounting and using, there is a possibility of clogging of the head.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an ink jet printer, an ink cartridge, a function recovery control method for an ink jet printer, and a program capable of obtaining the best possible print results regardless of the quality of the ink used. The purpose is to do.

  An ink jet printer according to the present invention is an ink jet printer that includes a removable ink cartridge and an ink jet head that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge and discharges the ink. The ink jet printer is mounted on the ink cartridge and at least identifies the ink cartridge. A first storage unit for storing ink management information including an identification ID to perform and cumulative consumption amount information indicating a substantial total consumption amount of ink supplied by the ink cartridge; and a first storage unit Reading means for reading out the ink management information, an identification ID writing means for writing the identification ID in the first storage section when the ink management information read by the reading means does not contain the identification ID, and an inkjet printer ID ID writing means mounted inside A second storage unit for storing the history of the identification ID written more and the history information which is the history of the ink management information read by the reading unit, and when the power is turned on and / or when the ink cartridge is mounted, The history information stored in the second storage unit is compared with the ink management information read from the first storage unit by the reading unit, and based on the identification ID and the accumulated consumption information included in both pieces of information. , A rewrite determining means for determining whether or not the first storage unit has been rewritten, and an ink discharging process for discharging a predetermined amount of ink in the ink cartridge via the ink jet head in order to recover the function of the ink jet head And a control means for controlling the ink discharge processing means based on the determination result of the rewrite determination means. The control means, when it is determined to be rewritten by the rewrite determining means, and performing the ink discharge amount increase control for more than a predetermined amount substantial ink discharge amount in the ink discharge process unit.

  A function recovery control method for an ink jet printer according to the present invention is a function recovery control method for an ink jet printer that includes an ink jet head that detachably mounts an ink cartridge and that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge and ejects ink. The ink cartridge stores ink management information including at least an identification ID for identifying the ink cartridge and integrated consumption information indicating a substantial total consumption of ink supplied by the ink cartridge. The first storage unit is mounted, the ink management information is read from the first storage unit of the mounted ink cartridge, and the history information that is the history of the read result is mounted inside the inkjet printer Stored in the second storage unit, When the identification ID is not included in the protruding ink management information, the identification ID is written in the first storage unit, and the writing result is stored in the second storage unit. The stored history information is compared with the ink management information read from the first storage unit of the currently installed ink cartridge, and based on the identification ID and the accumulated consumption information included in both the information, A step of determining whether or not the first storage unit has been rewritten, and a step of recovering the function of the inkjet head by executing an ink discharge process based on a determination result of whether or not the first storage unit has been rewritten. If the first storage unit determines that the first storage unit has not been rewritten, the ink discharge process discharges a predetermined amount of ink, and if it is determined that the first storage unit has been rewritten, the ink discharge process is more than the predetermined amount. Characterized in that it is controlled ink to eject.

  According to these configurations, the currently installed ink is checked by comparing the ink management information read from the currently installed ink cartridge with the history of the ink management information read from the previously installed ink cartridge. It is determined whether or not the first storage unit mounted on the cartridge has been rewritten, and the function recovery process (ink discharge process) is executed based on the determination result. Printing results can be obtained. That is, when it is determined that rewriting has been performed, control is performed to increase the ink discharge amount compared to when it is determined that rewriting has not been performed. Troubles such as clogging of the ink jet head can be prevented, and deterioration of print quality can be avoided. Further, since the identification ID is written in the first storage unit on the ink jet printer side, it is not necessary to previously store information for identifying individual ink cartridges in the first storage unit. Further, with this configuration, since the identification ID is not included in the ink management information when the ink cartridge is shipped, the ink management information at the time of shipment is copied, and the ink management at the time of shipment is performed as necessary. Even if an advanced initializer that can be rewritten to information is used, it cannot be rewritten. Therefore, even when such an advanced initializer is used, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not rewriting has been performed. Note that “rewrite” refers to initialization of the first storage unit or rewriting of codes or numerical values such as ID and consumption amount using an electronic device such as a resetter.

  In the above-described ink jet printer, an ink consumption measuring unit that measures an ink consumption amount that is a sum of an ink discharge amount and an ink discharge amount from the ink jet head, and a second storage based on a measurement result of the ink consumption amount measuring unit. Consumption amount writing means for updating the accumulated consumption amount information of the mounted ink cartridge stored in the unit and writing the update result to the first storage unit of the mounted ink cartridge. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the ink consumption amount is measured on the printer main body side, and based on the measurement result, the value of the integrated consumption amount information of the currently installed ink cartridge is updated, and the update result is the first result. In order to write in the storage unit, it is not necessary to provide a means for measuring ink consumption or a means for updating the accumulated consumption information on the cartridge side. Therefore, the control configuration of the ink cartridge can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The ink consumption measuring means preferably calculates the ink consumption by measuring the number of ink ejections and the number of ink ejections and multiplying each by the amount of ejection or ejection per time. According to this configuration, the ink consumption can be easily measured by simply counting the number of ejections and the number of ejections.

  In the above-described ink jet printer, the second storage unit stores at least the identification ID history of the ink cartridge installed in the past and the initial accumulated consumption information read by the reading unit when the ink cartridge is installed. The rewrite determination unit has confirmed that the mounted ink cartridge has been mounted in the past based on the identification ID history stored in the second storage unit and the identification ID read by the reading unit. If it is determined whether or not it has been worn in the past, the initial accumulated consumption information stored in the second storage unit and the current accumulated consumption read by the reading means It is preferable to compare the quantity information and determine that the first storage unit has been rewritten when the value is the former ≧ the latter.

  According to this configuration, as history information stored on the printer main body side, a history of identification IDs of ink cartridges that have been mounted in the past and initial cumulative consumption information read when the ink cartridges are mounted are stored. Thus, it can be easily determined whether the currently installed ink cartridge has not been rewritten. For example, when the value of the previous initial integrated consumption information of the identification ID “001” is “0” and the value of the initial integrated consumption information of the identification ID “001” attached this time is also “0” Since the ink cartridge is never removed in a state where no ink is used (usually, the ink discharge process is executed when the ink cartridge is mounted), it can be determined that rewriting has been performed in this case.

  In the above-described ink jet printer, the second storage unit stores at least a history of identification IDs of ink cartridges installed in the past and final accumulated consumption information updated immediately before the ink cartridges are removed, and rewrite determination is performed. Whether the means has mounted the mounted ink cartridge in the past based on the identification ID history stored in the second storage unit and the identification ID read by the reading means If it is determined whether or not it has been worn in the past, the final accumulated consumption information stored in the history information storage means and the current accumulated consumption information read by the reading means It is preferable to determine that the first storage unit has been rewritten when the value is the former> the latter.

  According to this configuration, as history information stored on the printer main body side, a history of identification IDs of ink cartridges that have been mounted in the past, and final accumulated consumption information that has been updated immediately before the ink cartridge is removed are stored. This makes it easy to determine whether the currently installed ink cartridge has been rewritten. For example, if the previous final accumulated consumption of the identification ID “001” is 50 ml and the accumulated consumption of the identification ID “001” installed this time is 40 ml, the accumulated consumption is reduced (the remaining amount of ink is reduced). In this case, it can be determined that the data has been rewritten.

  In the above-described ink jet printer, the first storage unit further stores a manufacturing time ID written at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge as ink management information, and the mounted ink cartridge by the rewrite determination unit has been stored in the past. It is preferable to determine whether or not the cartridge has been mounted based on a cartridge ID obtained by combining the identification ID written at the time of mounting and the manufacturing ID.

  Further, in the function recovery control method of the ink jet printer, the first storage unit further stores a manufacturing-time ID written at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge as the ink management information, and determines whether or not rewriting has been performed. In this step, it is preferable to determine whether or not rewriting has been performed based on the history of the cartridge ID that is a combination of the identification ID written at the time of mounting and the manufacturing ID.

  According to this configuration, as history information, a cartridge ID that combines an identification ID written at the time of printer mounting and a manufacturing ID written at the time of manufacturing is stored, and the history information and the first storage unit are stored. In order to determine whether or not the installed ink cartridge has been mounted in the past by checking the cartridge ID read out from the cartridge ID, even if the identification ID is duplicated, Ink cartridges can be identified, and it can be accurately determined whether or not this is the first installation for the printer.

  In the ink jet printer and the function recovery control method of the ink jet printer, it is preferable that the manufacturing ID and / or identification ID is a value encrypted by a predetermined method.

  According to this configuration, since the manufacturing ID and / or identification ID are encrypted, they cannot be read and decoded or analyzed, and as a result, the manufacture of counterfeit ink cartridges can be prevented. Can do.

  In the above inkjet printer, the first storage unit further stores the model number of the ink cartridge as the ink management information, and the installed ink cartridge is the printer model based on the model number read by the reading unit. And a correspondence determining means for determining whether or not the ink cartridge is compatible with the printer model based on the determination result of the correspondence determining means in addition to the determination result of the rewrite determining means. Even when it is determined that it does not correspond to the above, it is preferable to perform the ink discharge increase control.

  According to this configuration, when the ink cartridge is not compatible with the printer model, troubles such as clogging of the ink-jet head are likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a decrease in print quality as much as possible by performing the ink discharge increase control. it can. In addition, since the information about the model number of the rewritten ink cartridge may be reset, the printer manufacturer guarantees the model number by checking the model number even if it cannot be properly determined based on the accumulated consumption information. It is possible to more reliably determine whether the ink cartridge is used and whether the ink composition is compatible with the printer (dye ink or pigment ink).

  In the above inkjet printer, when it is determined that rewriting is performed by the rewrite determination unit, and when it is determined by the correspondence determination unit that the printer model is not supported, the inkjet printer further includes a determination result storage unit that stores the determination result. When the determination result is stored in the determination result storage means, the control means preferably performs the ink discharge increase control in all the ink discharge processes executed until the power is turned off or the ink cartridge is detached.

  According to this configuration, when the ink cartridge is rewritten or not compatible with the printer model, the ink discharge increase control is performed in all the ink discharge processes until the power is turned off or when the ink cartridge is detached. In addition, troubles such as clogging of the inkjet head can be prevented.

  In the above-described ink jet printer, the ink discharge processing means is preferably composed of a head driving means for driving the ink jet head to discharge ink and / or an ink suction means for sucking ink from the ink jet head. .

  According to this configuration, an effective and efficient function recovery process for keeping the meniscus in a good state can be performed by a flushing process for discarding and discharging ink and a suction process for sucking ink.

  The ink cartridge of the present invention is used by being mounted on the ink jet printer.

  According to this configuration, even when rewriting is performed, various troubles such as clogging of the head of the mounted ink jet printer can be prevented, and deterioration in print quality can be avoided.

  The program of the present invention is a function for causing each program to function as each means in the above-described ink jet printer.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing each step in the function recovery control method for an inkjet printer.

  According to these configurations, even when an out-of-warranty ink cartridge is used, a computer program for realizing an ink jet printer that can prevent troubles such as clogging of an ink jet head and avoid a decrease in print quality as much as possible is provided. be able to.

  Hereinafter, an ink jet printer, an ink cartridge, a function recovery control method for an ink jet printer, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The inkjet printer of the present invention determines whether or not the non-volatile memory of the installed ink cartridge is rewritten without guarantee of the printer manufacturer by using an electronic device such as a resetter or an initializer, and the determination result To determine whether the ink cartridge is a genuine product. If the cartridge is not a genuine cartridge, the amount of ink discharged in the ink discharging process (function recovery process of the ink jet head for the purpose of preventing ink thickening on the nozzle opening surface) is increased compared to the genuine cartridge. Regardless of the quality of the ink, a good printing result can be obtained. Therefore, an ink jet printer having a permanent head unit will be described below as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet printer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer 10 includes a housing 50 (printer body) and an ink cartridge 20 including two cartridges 21 and 22. The ink cartridge 20 is placed on a carriage 33, and the carriage 33 is guided by a guide member 36 via a timing belt 34 driven by a carriage motor 35, and a main scanning direction along the longitudinal direction of the platen 37. Is configured to reciprocate. The print medium 38 is transported in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by a paper feed member (not shown).

  An ink jet head 30 (black ink jet head 31 and color ink jet head 32) indicated by broken lines is mounted on the bottom surface of the carriage 33 facing the print medium 38, and black ink is supplied to the black ink jet head 31 on the top thereof. A black cartridge 21 and a color cartridge 22 that supplies magenta, cyan, and yellow inks to the color inkjet head 32 are detachably mounted so as to be adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The inkjet head 30 and the cartridge 20 constitute a permanent head unit.

  At the home position (non-printing area) of the ink jet head 30, a wiping unit 45 and a suction unit 46 are arranged. The wiping unit 45 is for wiping the nozzle opening surface with the wiper blades 58 and 59 (see FIG. 4) after the suction processing by the suction unit 46. The wiper blades 58 and 59 are made of rubber, soft resin, or the like, and are incorporated at the tip of the wiping unit 45 so as to protrude upward. A wiping operation is performed by the ink jet head 30 mounted on the carriage 33 reciprocating in the main scanning direction with respect to the wiper blades 58 and 59.

  On the other hand, the suction unit 46 moves the upper side when the inkjet head 30 has moved to the position directly above, and the suction cap 41 that seals the nozzle formation surface of the black inkjet head 31 and the nozzle formation surface of the color inkjet head 32. A suction cap 42 that seals for each color and a suction pump 44 (ink suction means) that applies a negative pressure to the suction caps 41 and 42 are provided. The ink suction process is performed.

  The suction caps 41 and 42 apply the negative pressure from the suction pump 44 to the inkjet head 30 to perform ink suction processing, and seal the nozzle opening surface of the inkjet head 30 during the rest period of the inkjet printer 10. It functions as a lid that suppresses evaporation of the ink solvent. The ink sucked by the ink sucking process is stored in a waste ink storage tank 48 (see FIG. 4) connected to the suction caps 41 and 42. The waste ink storage tank 48 accommodates a fibrous waste ink absorber 49, and the sucked or discarded ink (empty discharge) is absorbed by the waste ink absorber 49.

  Further, the suction caps 41 and 42 face each other with a slight gap between the ink jet head 30 in the flushing process, which is another process of the ink discharge process, and the ink discharged from the ink jet head 30 is discharged. Also functions as an ink receiver. The flushing process is performed by discarding and discharging a predetermined amount of ink while the inkjet head 30 is moved to the home position at a rate of once every few minutes during the printing process. The flushing process is classified into two modes, large and small, according to the amount of discharged ink (see FIG. 10).

  2A is an external perspective view of the black cartridge 21, and FIG. 2B is an external perspective view of the color cartridge 22. The black cartridge 21 has an ink chamber 21a (cartridge main body) that contains black ink, and the ink chamber 21a and the ink communication path of the black inkjet head 31 are connected to the bottom surface 51 (upper surface in the drawing) of the ink 21a chamber. An ink supply port 52, a nonvolatile memory M1 (first storage unit) that stores ink management information, and a terminal 54 for accessing the nonvolatile memory M1. Note that an EEPROM is generally used as the nonvolatile memory, but it may be configured using a flash ROM or a RAM having a battery, or may be an RFID.

  On the other hand, the color cartridge 22 includes ink chambers 22a, 22b, and 22c (cartridge main bodies) that individually store magenta, cyan, and yellow inks, and a bottom surface 61 (upper surface in the drawing) of the ink chambers 22a, 22b, and 22c. Are provided with ink supply ports 62, 63, 64 for connecting each ink chamber (the upper surface in the drawing) and the ink communication path of the color inkjet head 32. In addition, on the bottom surface of the color cartridge 22, in common with each color, a non-volatile memory M2 (first storage unit) that stores ink management information of all colors, and a terminal for accessing the non-volatile memory M2 66. The non-volatile memory M2 stores ink management information for each color, and, like the black cartridge 21, can read and write information based on a command from the printer main body.

  In the nonvolatile memories M1 and M2 mounted on the black cartridge 21 and the color cartridge 22, as shown in the memory map of FIG. 5, the ink management information includes the model number of the ink cartridge 20 and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 20. Ink color, ink composition (information on ink type, pigment type or dye type, etc.), identification ID for identifying each cartridge, and substantial total consumption of ink supplied by the ink cartridge 20 Information related to the accumulated consumption amount is stored in the model number storage area 110, the ink color storage area 120, the ink composition storage area 130, the identification ID storage area 210, and the accumulated consumption amount storage area 220, respectively. Among these areas, the model number storage area 110, the ink color storage area 120, and the ink composition storage area 130 are areas that are written when the ink cartridge 20 is manufactured, and information is not written from the printer body, and is read-only. It has become an area. On the other hand, in the identification ID storage area 210 and the accumulated consumption storage area 220, information is not written at the time of manufacture (has a NULL value), and information is written based on a command from the printer body. Performed (write target area). Of course, these areas to be written are also read out based on a command from the printer body.

  Note that the ink management information stores the accumulated consumption amount, so that the printer main body side reads out the accumulated consumption amount even when the ink cartridge 20 is not used up and is in use. The ink cartridge 20 is stored in order to be usable again. In addition, the printer main body side is also used for reading out information on the model number, ink color, and ink composition and performing appropriate printing processing and maintenance processing (function recovery processing).

  The non-volatile memories M1 and M2 are specifically composed of a storage medium such as an EEPROM and mounted as an IC chip. In addition to the IC chip, the nonvolatile memories M1 and M2 are composed of a magnetic tape, a symbol image (two-dimensional code, etc.), and the like. It is also possible to do.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the head holder 71 to which the cartridges 21 and 22 shown in FIG. 2 are mounted. As shown in the figure, the head holder 71 is provided with electrode terminals 72 and 73 that can contact the terminals 54 and 66 of the cartridges 21 and 22 when the cartridges 21 and 22 are mounted. The electrode terminals 72 and 73 are connected to information read / write units 74 and 75 (read / write means 88, see FIG. 4) for reading / writing information from / to the nonvolatile memories M1 and M2, respectively. The information read / write units 74 and 75 are connected to the control device 40 (see FIG. 1) of the printer main body by a flexible cable 47.

  Next, the control configuration of the control device 40 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. A reference numeral 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a host device, and includes a print command unit 110 that issues a print command to the inkjet printer 10 and a printer driver 120 that performs print control of the inkjet printer 10. On the utility of the printer driver 120, the print command unit 110 performs monochrome / color print selection, print range selection, print mode selection, and the like, and issues a print command. Further, the printer driver 120 transmits print data to the print control unit 81 of the inkjet printer 10 based on a command from the print command unit 110.

  On the other hand, the ink jet printer 10 includes a maintenance control means 84 (control means) for controlling various function recovery processes in addition to the print control means 81, and the maintenance control means 84 is a flushing process control means 85 as a maintenance process. The wiping process control means 86 and the suction process control means 87 are controlled. The maintenance control means 84 includes a head drive means 82, a carriage motor drive means 83 (hereinafter referred to as “CR motor drive means”), a cartridge detection means 89, an ink consumption measurement means 90, a pump drive means 91, and a time count. Various detections and drive control are performed by the means 93, and the read / write means 88, the correspondence determination means 94, the rewrite determination means 95, the history information storage means 96 (second storage unit), and the determination result storage means 97 Controls reading and writing of information.

  The print control unit 81 generates bitmap data based on the print data from the host device 100, generates a drive signal to the head drive unit 82 based on the bitmap data, and ejects ink from the inkjet head 30. And controls the CR motor driving means 83. The head driving unit 82 receives a flushing command from the flushing processing control unit 85 in addition to the driving signal based on the print data, and causes the head driving unit 82 to generate a driving signal for flushing processing.

  The flushing control unit 85 controls the head driving unit 82 and the CR motor driving unit 83. The flushing process is not only executed during the cleaning process, but is also periodically executed during the printing process in order to maintain good print quality. The flushing process control means 85 is controlled by the CR motor driving means 83. The carriage 33 is moved to the home position, a drive signal is sent to the head drive means 82, and ink is discarded from the inkjet head 30 to be ejected.

  The wiping processing control means 86 controls the wiping unit 45 having the wiper blades 58 and 59 and the solenoids 68 and 69 for raising the wiper blades 58 and 59. The wiper blades 58 and 59 correspond to the inkjet heads 31 and 32, respectively. When the solenoids 68 and 69 are excited with the ink jet head 30 facing directly above the wiping unit 45, the wiper blades 58 and 59 are pushed up and come into contact with the nozzle opening surface (the end thereof) of the corresponding ink jet head 30. . In this state, the carriage 33 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the CR motor driving means 83 to perform a wiping operation relative to the nozzle opening surface. Note that the wiping process is performed for the purpose of wiping off dust and dirt adhering to the nozzle opening surface or ink droplets with increased density, but this may cause color mixing of the inks. Therefore, after execution, it is controlled to always perform the flushing process.

  The suction processing control unit 87 controls the driving of the suction pump 44 by the pump driving unit 91. The suction process is executed when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge 20 is replaced in a cleaning process ("mode 0" or "mode X", see FIG. 10), which will be described later, and a command from the suction command means 92 is received. If executed. The suction command means 92 is constituted by an operation panel provided on the housing 50, for example. Further, the suction processing control means 87 performs control to move the carriage 33 to the home position by the CR motor driving means 83 before performing the suction processing.

  Read / write means 88 (read means, identification ID writing means, consumption writing means) reads / writes ink management information to / from the non-volatile memories M (M1, M2) mounted on each ink cartridge 20. Specifically, the model number, the ink color, the ink composition, the identification ID for identifying the ink cartridge, and the integrated consumption are read from the corresponding areas (addresses) (see FIG. 5). Further, when the identification ID storage area 210 is a null value (when the cartridge to be read is the first installation), the identification ID is generated and written, and the accumulated consumption storage area 220 stores The maintenance control unit 84 writes the value of the integrated consumption amount information of each ink cartridge 20 updated based on the measurement result of the ink consumption measurement unit 90.

  When the reading / writing unit 88 writes the identification ID in the identification ID storage area 210, it is preferable to determine an area (address) to be written with reference to an address table (not shown). That is, it is preferable that the storage specification of the nonvolatile memory M is not disclosed to the outside, and the identification ID can be read from the nonvolatile memory M only by the firmware of the inkjet printer 10. According to this configuration, unless the address table is disclosed to the outside, no manufacturer other than the ink cartridge 20 and the inkjet printer 10 can know the address where the identification ID is stored, so that the identification ID can be prevented from being decoded or rewritten. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent the manufacture of a counterfeit product of the ink cartridge 20, and thus to suppress the malfunction of the ink jet printer 10 due to the use of low quality ink. Note that not only the identification ID but also the accumulated consumption amount is written in the accumulated consumption amount storage area 220, the address table may be referred to.

  The ink consumption measuring unit 90 detects the driving signal of the head driving unit 82, counts the number of ejections, and multiplies the count value by the ink ejection amount (2 to 10 pl) per time to eject ink. Calculate the amount. Further, a command sent from the suction processing control unit 87 to the pump driving unit 91 is detected, and the ink suction amount is calculated based on the suction amount per suction processing. That is, the ink consumption measuring unit 90 measures the ink consumption by counting (detecting) the number of ejections and calculating processing. Further, in the calculation process, the ink consumption is calculated by summing the ink discard discharge amount by the flushing process, the ink discharge amount by the printing process, and the ink suction amount by the suction process. The ink suction amount may be calculated by measuring the driving time of the pump driving unit 91 and multiplying the measured time by the suction amount per unit time.

  The cartridge detection means 89 detects the mounting of the cartridges 21 and 22 on the cartridge holder (see FIG. 3), and the terminals 54 and 66 of the cartridges 21 and 22 are in contact with the electrode terminals 72 and 73, respectively. Then, the wearing state is determined. Therefore, the read / write unit 88 functions as the cartridge detection unit 89 by causing the read / write unit 88 to detect that the electrode terminals 72 and 73 and the terminals 54 and 66 are electrically connected. Is also possible. Since the ink cartridge 20 can be mounted only when the power is on, the mounting state can be reliably detected.

  The time measuring means 93 is constituted by a maintenance timer (not shown), and ink discharge (discharge in the printing process) or ink discharge (including suction by the suction process and discarded discharge by the flushing process) is performed from each inkjet head 30. It is intended to measure the pause time that is not. The maintenance control unit 84 performs a cleaning process (“mode 1”, “mode 1+”, “mode 2” or “mode 2+”, see FIG. 10) based on the measurement result of the time measuring unit 93.

  The history information storage means 96 is mounted on the cartridges 21 and 22 by the read / write means 88 and the history of information read results from the nonvolatile memories M1 and M2 mounted on the cartridges 21 and 22 by the read / write means 88. The identification ID writing results (written only when the ink management information does not include the identification ID) are stored. FIG. 6A shows an example of the read / write result. As shown in the figure, the history information storage means 96 includes, for each black cartridge 21 and color cartridge 22, ink management information (identification ID, model number, initial accumulated consumption information) read when each cartridge 21 and 22 is mounted, The ink consumption until immediately before the ink cartridge 20 is attached and the final accumulated consumption information (the sum of the initial accumulated consumption and the ink consumption) updated immediately before the removal are stored according to the order of attachment. Here, the initial integrated consumption and the final integrated consumption are stored as the number of ejections. In addition, as history information, a total of three mounting histories relating to the ink cartridge 20 that was mounted last time and the previous time of the ink cartridge 20 that is currently mounted (the shaded portion in the drawing) are stored. In addition, you may make it memorize | store not only 3 times but the mounting | wearing history beyond it. In addition to the information shown here, information such as the mounting date / time and the detaching date / time may be stored.

  In the case of the example in the figure, the black cartridge 21 (described as identification ID: 0001) is mounted in the initial accumulated consumption “0” state, that is, in a new state, and the identification ID is written. Then, after the discharge of “3500 × 1000 times” is performed, it is shown that the final integrated consumption “3500 × 1000 times” is desorbed. Also, as shown in the shaded area, this time it is installed with the initial accumulated consumption “3500 × 1000 times”, and now it is in the state of ink consumption “0”, that is, the state just after installation, and the cleaning process is also performed. Indicates that it is not. Thus, if the previous final accumulated consumption “3500 × 1000 times” and the current initial accumulated consumption “3500 × 1000 times” are the same, rewrite determination means 95 (see FIG. 4) described later The black cartridge 21 (identification ID: 0001) can be determined to be a genuine product (a genuine cartridge used within the range guaranteed by the printer manufacturer). Accordingly, with respect to the color cartridge 22 (identification ID: 0111), it is determined that the currently installed ink cartridge 20 (the shaded portion in the figure) is a genuine product.

  Returning to the description of the block diagram of FIG. The correspondence determining means 94 determines whether or not the currently installed ink cartridge 20 corresponds to the printer model of the ink jet printer 10, and determines based on the model number read from the nonvolatile memory M. For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 6A, if the model number “IPBL01” is the model number of the ink cartridge 20 corresponding to the printer model, as shown in FIG. When 20 is mounted (for example, model number “GPBL03”, see shaded portion in the figure), it is determined that the printer model is not supported, that is, “printer is not supported”.

  Also, the rewrite determination means 95 shown in FIG. 4 determines whether the ink cartridge 20 mounted in the cartridge holder 71 has been rewritten (whether it is a non-guaranteed cartridge (hereinafter referred to as “non-guaranteed cartridge”)). Or is a genuine product) and is determined with reference to the history information stored in the history information storage means 96. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the identification ID “0001” is the initial accumulated consumption amount as shown in the shaded portion, although it is desorbed with the final accumulated consumption amount “3500 × 1000 times”. If it is mounted with “0”, it is considered that the cartridge has been rewritten (initialized) using a means not guaranteed by the printer manufacturer, and is determined to be a “non-guaranteed cartridge”. Further, whether the cartridge is a genuine product or a non-guaranteed cartridge can be determined by comparing the initial accumulated consumption amounts. The determination process will be described in detail later.

  Also, the determination result storage means 97 shown in FIG. 4 stores the determination results of the correspondence determination means 94 and the rewrite determination means 95 by a flag (determination result flag). In addition, when it is determined by the rewrite determination means 95 that the cartridge has been rewritten (that is, when it is determined that the cartridge is not guaranteed), a determination result flag is set. This determination result flag is continuously stored until the power is turned off or the ink cartridge 20 is detached, and when the determination result flag is set, the maintenance control unit 84 increases the ink discharge amount in all cleaning processes. Ink discharge increase control is performed. Note that the discrimination result storage unit 97 may be configured by a nonvolatile memory and reset when the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge 20 is detected.

  Next, maintenance processing in the inkjet printer 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When the power is turned on or the ink cartridge 20 (black cartridge 21 or color cartridge 22) is mounted, the control device 40 reads out ink management information from the nonvolatile memory M of the currently mounted ink cartridge 20 (S1). Then, the read ink management information is stored in the history information storage unit 96, and the ink cartridge 20 mounted by the correspondence determination unit 94 corresponds to the printer model based on the model number included in the ink management information. It is determined whether or not (S2). If it is determined that the printer is not compatible (S2: No), a cleaning process for “mode X” is executed (S9).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the “mode X” cleaning process, the suction process is continuously performed five times under the control of the suction process control unit 87, and the wiping process control unit 86 performs the wiping process. The flushing processing means 85 executes the flushing process of “large discharge amount” five times in succession. As described above, the “mode X” is a fairly powerful cleaning process, and when this is executed, even when ink that does not correspond to the printer model (ink with low quality possibility) is used, the inkjet is possible as much as possible. Troubles such as clogging of the head 30 do not occur. When the “mode X” cleaning process is executed (S9), the discrimination result flag is set by the discrimination result storage means 97 (S10).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the installed ink cartridge 20 corresponds to the printer model (S2: Yes), it is determined whether or not the identification ID is included in the read ink management information (S3). . Here, when the identification ID is not included (when the mounted ink cartridge 20 is used for the first time) (S3: No), an identification ID to be assigned is generated (the ID value is incremented by 1). The data is written in the non-volatile memory M of the currently installed ink cartridge 20 (S4), and “mode 0” cleaning processing (described later) is executed (S8). The written identification ID is stored in the history information storage unit 96 (see FIG. 6). The writing of the identification ID is not necessarily performed by writing the identification ID into both the cartridges 21 and 22 at the same time, but only when the ink cartridge 20 is mounted for the first time.

  On the other hand, when the identification information is included in the read ink management information (S3: Yes), the history information is read from the history information storage unit 96, and a process of determining whether it is a genuine product or a non-guaranteed cartridge is performed. (S6). The determination process will be described later in a subroutine shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that the cartridge is out of warranty (S7: Yes), the above-described “mode X” cleaning process is executed (S9). If it is determined that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge (S7: No), a cleaning process of “mode 0” is executed (S8). As shown in FIG. 9, in “mode 0”, the suction process is executed once, the wiping process is executed, and then the “large discharge amount” flushing process is executed once. Thus, “mode 0” is a lighter cleaning process than “mode X”. In the cleaning process, if it is determined that either the black cartridge 21 or the color cartridge 22 is not compatible with the printer or is a non-guaranteed cartridge, the cleaning process of “Mode X” is executed.

  When the “mode 0” or “mode X” leaning process is executed, the ink consumption value stored in the history information storage unit 96 is updated (S11). In addition, rewriting of the accumulated consumption amount information to the nonvolatile memory M by the read / write means 88 is also performed at this time. Here, if a print command is issued from the host device 100 to the print control unit 81 (S12: Yes), it is determined whether or not the pause time measured by the time measuring unit 93 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T1. (S14 in FIG. 8) If the predetermined time T1 is not reached (S14: No), the head driving means 82 and the CR motor driving means 83 are driven as they are based on the print command, and the printing process is performed (S22).

  Further, when the pause time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T1 (S14: Yes), it is further determined whether or not it is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T2 (T2> T1) (S15). (S15: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not a discrimination result flag is set (S16). Here, when the determination result flag is set (S16: Yes), the mounted ink cartridge 20 is “non-printer compatible” or “non-guaranteed cartridge”. The “mode 1+” cleaning process in which the “large” flushing process is performed twice in succession is executed (S17). If the determination result flag is not set (S16: No), the mounted ink cartridge 20 is “printer compatible” and “genuine cartridge”, so that the wiping process is performed and the “discharge amount is large”. A "mode 1" cleaning process in which the flushing process is performed only once is executed (S18).

  Also, when the pause time is less than the predetermined time T2 (S15: No), it is determined whether or not the determination result flag is set (S19). If the determination result flag is set (S19: Yes), A “mode 2+” cleaning process is performed in which the “small discharge amount” flushing process is performed twice in succession (S20). If the determination result flag is not raised (S19: No), the “mode 2” cleaning process in which the “small discharge amount” flushing process is performed once is executed (S21). As described above, the flushing process control unit 85 switches the mode in the flushing process between “large ejection amount” and “small ejection amount” depending on whether or not the pause time is T2 or more.

  When the cleaning process (flushing process) of “mode 1”, “mode 1+”, “mode 2”, or “mode 2+” is executed, the print process is executed based on the print command (S22). Based on the ink consumption consumed by the cleaning process and the printing process, the ink consumption stored in the history information storage unit 96 is updated (S11 in FIG. 7). In addition, after that, the print command is not issued (S12 of FIG. 7: No), and when the power is turned off (S13: Yes of FIG. 6), the process is terminated.

  The pause times T1 and T2 are set to appropriate values depending on the printer model and ink composition, but at least the pause time T1 may be set within a few dozen seconds and the pause time T2 may be set within 5 minutes. preferable. In addition, the pause times T1 and T2 are counted from the end of the printing process or the cleaning process, and are reset by executing the cleaning process. Further, the cleaning process may be performed for each inkjet head 31, 32 by counting the pause times T1, T2 for each inkjet head 31, 32. Both heads 31 and 32 may be performed simultaneously.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a subroutine for cartridge determination processing corresponding to the flowchart S6 (see FIG. 7) will be described. In the cartridge determination process, first, whether or not the identification ID included in the ink management information read in S1 matches the past identification ID stored in the history information storage unit 96, that is, the mounting history is stored in the history information storage unit 96. It is determined whether or not there is (S41). If there is no mounting history (S41: No), it is determined that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge.

  On the other hand, if there is a mounting history (S41: Yes), the integrated consumption L0 included in the read ink management information is compared with the previous initial integrated consumption La (S42). Here, it is determined whether or not L0> La, that is, whether or not the current integrated consumption amount L0 (at the time of mounting) is larger than the previous initial integrated consumption amount La (S43). If not (S43: No), it is determined that the cartridge is not guaranteed. This is because, if a genuine cartridge is mounted (unless the rewrite of the nonvolatile memory M is not performed), naturally L0> La.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6C, the current integrated consumption amount L0 (at the time of attachment) of the identification ID “0001” shown in the shaded portion is “0”, and the previous initial integrated consumption amount La is also “ 0 ”. Therefore, since L0 = La, it is determined that the cartridge is not guaranteed. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, since the cleaning process (“mode 0” or “mode X”) is always executed when the ink cartridge 20 is mounted (S8, S9), the printing process is completely performed. This is because even if there is no L0, it does not become L0 = La. At this time, when a plurality of histories having the same identification ID exist in the history information, it may be compared with all the histories.

  Next, when L0> La (S43: Yes), it is determined whether or not the current integrated consumption L0 is equal to or greater than the final integrated consumption Lb, which is a value updated immediately before the previous desorption (S45). ), If L0 ≧ Lb (S45: Yes), it is determined that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge. If L0 <Lb (S45: No), it is unlikely that the ink consumption will decrease, so it is determined that the nonvolatile memory M has been rewritten or rewritten and is a non-guaranteed cartridge. To do.

  In this case, since it is a comparison with the previous final accumulated consumption Lb, it should be normally L0 = Lb. However, during the period from the previous mounting to the current mounting, When the ink cartridge 20 is used in an ink jet printer, ink is consumed in the ink jet printer. Therefore, it is determined whether or not L0 ≧ Lb, not L0 = Lb. In addition, this determination is made by comparing with the immediately preceding mounting history even when there are multiple histories having the same identification ID in the history information.

  As described above, in the present invention, the read current accumulated consumption L0 is compared with the previous initial accumulated consumption La or the last final accumulated consumption Lb, so that it is a genuine cartridge or a non-guaranteed cartridge. Can be easily determined.

  However, in the above cartridge determination process, even when a non-guaranteed cartridge refilled with ink is used, there is no mounting history of the same identification ID in the history information storage means 96, or the identification ID is stored in the nonvolatile memory M. Is not written (for example, when rewriting is performed including not only the accumulated consumption but also the identification ID by an advanced initializer), it is determined that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge. Therefore, even when such a non-guaranteed cartridge is used, for example, the ink consumption count exceeds the maximum predetermined number, which is the upper limit of the number of possible ejections, in order to correctly identify the non-guaranteed cartridge. In this case, the cartridge may be a non-guaranteed cartridge, and the cleaning process of “mode 1+” or “mode 2+” may be executed. According to this configuration, for example, even when non-guaranteed ink is used in a method of supplying ink stored in a large tank to the ink cartridge 20 via a tube, the count number of the ink consumption is maximum predetermined. An appropriate cleaning process can be performed from the time when the number of times is exceeded.

  In the above cartridge determination process, it is determined in S45 (see FIG. 9) whether or not L0 ≧ Lb, that is, the current accumulated consumption L0 is a value updated immediately before the last removal / removal. It is determined whether or not the above is true. However, if L0 and Lb are not continuous, that is, if L0 = Lb, it may be determined that the cartridge is not guaranteed. Further, in this case, it is preferable to clearly indicate on the cartridge case or the instruction manual that the ink cartridge 20 in use cannot be used in other ink jet printers 10. According to this configuration, it is possible to save the amount of ink consumed in the cleaning process every time ink is exchanged.

  Further, instead of comparing both S42 and S44, only one of them may be compared. In this case, as history information, it is preferable to store only the initial integrated consumption amount when only the comparison of S42 is performed, and only the final integrated consumption amount when only the comparison of S44 is performed. According to this configuration, the determination process can be simplified and the storage capacity required for the history information storage unit 96 can be reduced.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the generation of the identification ID in S4 (see FIG. 7) is configured by a main body unique value assigned to each inkjet printer 10 and a serial number given every time the identification ID is written. According to this configuration, for example, when the identification ID is configured only by the serial number, when the ink cartridge in use that has been used by another printer is mounted, the serial number and the serial number included in the history information are identical. Although the identification ID may include the main body unique value, the individual ink cartridges can be accurately identified. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the cartridge is determined to be a non-guaranteed cartridge because the serial numbers coincided by chance.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the ink management information read from the currently installed ink cartridge 20 and the history information stored in the history information storage unit 96 are collated, and currently installed. It is determined whether or not the non-volatile memory M of the ink cartridge 20 has been rewritten, and maintenance (ink discharge processing) is executed based on the determination result. Therefore, a good print result can be obtained regardless of whether or not rewriting has been performed. be able to. That is, when it is determined that rewriting has been performed, control is performed to increase the amount of ink discharged compared to when it is determined that rewriting has not been performed, so that even when an out-of-warranty ink cartridge 20 that is not guaranteed by the printer manufacturer is used. In addition, troubles such as clogging of the inkjet head 30 can be prevented, and deterioration in print quality can be avoided.

  Furthermore, since the inkjet printer 10 of the present invention writes the identification ID when the ink cartridge 20 is mounted (since the identification ID is not included in the ink management information at the time of shipment), the ink management in the state at the time of shipment is performed. Even when an advanced initializer that can copy information and rewrite the ink management information at the time of shipment as needed is used, it cannot be rewritten. Therefore, even when such an advanced initializer is used, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not rewriting has been performed.

  In addition, the ink consumption is measured on the printer body side, and based on the measurement result, the value of the integrated consumption of the ink cartridge 20 that is currently mounted is updated, and the update result is written to the nonvolatile memory M. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a means for measuring the ink consumption amount and a means for updating the integrated consumption amount on the ink cartridge 20 side. Therefore, the control configuration of the ink cartridge 20 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the ink consumption consumed in the printing process and the flushing process is calculated based on the result of counting the number of ink ejections, the ink consumption can be easily measured.

  Further, at least the previous initial accumulated consumption La or the last final accumulated consumption Lb is stored as history information, and compared with the accumulated consumption L0 read from the currently installed ink cartridge 20, Since it is possible to easily determine whether or not the nonvolatile memory M has been rewritten, maintenance corresponding to the ink used can be performed with simple control.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 20 is not compatible with the printer model, there is a problem that troubles such as clogging of the ink jet head 30 are likely to occur. However, in this case, since the ink discharge increase control is performed, the print quality is deteriorated. Can be avoided. In addition, since the rewritten ink cartridge 20 may also reset the information regarding the model number, it is used for the first time when it cannot be properly determined based on the accumulated consumption or when there is no identification ID mounting history. Even in the case of checking, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the product is a genuine product by checking the model number.

  Further, by storing the determination result of whether or not it is a compatible cartridge and whether or not it is a genuine cartridge as a determination result flag, the ink can be used in cleaning processing other than when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge 20 is mounted. Since discharge increase control can be performed, troubles such as clogging of the inkjet head 30 can be prevented more reliably.

  Further, when there is a print processing command, the cleaning process is performed with an ink discharge amount corresponding to the length of the downtime, so that efficient maintenance can be performed while preventing wasteful ink consumption.

  In the above description, the cleaning process is executed according to the pause time after the print process is instructed (see S12 to S21 in FIGS. 7 and 8). Alternatively, the cleaning process may be executed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the present embodiment, the manufacturing time ID written at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge 20 is further stored as the ink management information in the nonvolatile memory M (the manufacturing time ID storage area 150), and the manufacturing time ID is stored. And whether the cartridge has been mounted in the past based on a cartridge ID that is a combination of the identification ID written at the time of mounting. In addition, these manufacturing-time ID and / or identification ID are values encrypted by a predetermined method. Therefore, the following description will be focused on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 shows a memory map of the nonvolatile memory M in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the nonvolatile memory M of the present embodiment is manufactured in addition to the model number storage area 110, the ink color storage area 120, the ink composition storage area 130, the identification ID storage area 210, and the integrated consumption storage area 220. A manufacturing date storage area 140 that stores the date of manufacture and a manufacturing time ID storage area 150 that stores a manufacturing time ID that is a unique value written at the time of manufacturing are further provided. Among these areas, the model number storage area 110, the ink color storage area 120, the ink composition storage area 130, the manufacture date storage area 140, and the manufacture ID storage area 150 are areas that are written when the ink cartridge 20 is manufactured, Information is not written from the printer body, and is a read-only area. Note that the identification ID storage area 210 and the accumulated consumption storage area 220 are write target areas where information is read and written based on commands from the printer body, as in the first embodiment.

  Of these areas, the manufacturing-time ID storage area 150 and the identification ID storage area 210 constitute a cartridge ID area, and the history information storage means 96 (see FIG. 4) is stored in the cartridge ID areas 150 and 210. Stores a history of read results. That is, in this embodiment, instead of the identification ID in FIG. 6, a cartridge ID obtained by combining the manufacturing time ID and the identification ID is stored. For example, when the manufacturing time ID is “12345678” and the identification ID is “0001”, the cartridge ID is stored as “123456780001”. According to this configuration, even if the identification IDs are duplicated, individual ink cartridges can be reliably identified, and it is possible to accurately determine whether or not this is the first installation for the printer. it can.

  Further, these manufacturing ID and identification ID are encrypted values. Various encryption methods are conceivable. For example, as simple encryption, a 1-2 digit parity is added to the lower part of the numerical value indicating the manufacturing ID or identification ID, or the manufacturing ID or identification ID is set. It is possible to adopt a method in which a numerical value shown is put into a predetermined calculation formula and a corresponding alphabetic character is added. When parity or alphabetic characters are added, the printer main body side is naturally equipped with a function for checking them (parity check function or the like). According to this configuration, the ink management information is read from the nonvolatile memory M using an electronic device such as an initializer, the cumulative consumption is reset, and the cartridge ID is incremented by incrementing the end of the manufacturing ID or identification ID. Even if an action such as rewriting is performed, the simply incremented value can be determined as an illegal ID, so it is possible to accurately determine whether or not it is a genuine product. Further, a scramble process may be performed to encrypt the manufacturing ID and / or identification ID. According to this configuration, it is not possible to read, decode, and analyze the manufacturing ID and identification ID using an initializer or the like, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the manufacture of counterfeit ink cartridges.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since each ink cartridge is identified by a cartridge ID that combines a manufacturing-time ID and an identification ID, the currently installed ink cartridge has been installed in the past. It is possible to more reliably determine whether or not there is. Further, by encrypting the manufacturing ID and / or identification ID, it is possible to prevent decryption and analysis, and to determine whether or not the product is genuine even if the nonvolatile memory M is rewritten. Therefore, an appropriate function recovery process can be performed.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the manufacturing time ID is stored in the nonvolatile memory M. However, the cartridge storing the manufacturing time ID is identified from the manufacturing time ID. Individual cartridges may be identified by a cartridge ID combined with the ID, and individual cartridges may be identified by an identification ID for cartridges for which no manufacturing ID is stored. In addition, the cartridge in which the manufacturing time ID is stored is not written with the identification ID, but is identified with the manufacturing time ID. The cartridge in which the manufacturing time ID is not stored is written with the identification ID, and is identified with the identification ID. The ID for identification may be changed according to the presence or absence of the manufacturing-time ID.

  In the above embodiments, the case where a permanent type head unit is used has been exemplified. However, the present invention can be applied to an integrated type (disposable head type) in which the ink cartridge 20 and the inkjet head 30 are integrally formed. Applicable. Further, the present invention can be applied to a type in which the ink cartridge is set for each ink color.

  Also, each means (each function) of the inkjet printer 10 shown in the above example can be provided as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in a recording medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  In addition, regardless of the example of the ink jet printer in the above-described embodiment, the apparatus configuration, processing steps, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an external perspective view of an ink cartridge. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of a cartridge holder. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control apparatus. It is a memory arrangement | positioning figure of a non-volatile memory. It is a figure which shows the history information memorize | stored in a history information storage means. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an inkjet printer. It is a flowchart following FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing cartridge discrimination processing. It is a figure which shows the content of the cleaning process in each cleaning mode. It is a memory arrangement | positioning figure of the non-volatile memory in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet printer 20 Ink cartridge 21 Black cartridge 22 Color cartridge 30 Inkjet head 31 Black inkjet head 32 Color inkjet head 84 Maintenance control means 85 Flushing processing means 87 Suction processing control means 88 Read / write means 89 Cartridge detection means 90 Cartridge consumption measurement 90 Means 93 Timekeeping means 94 Corresponding discrimination means 95 Rewrite discrimination means 96 History information storage means 97 Discrimination result storage means M Non-volatile memory M1 Non-volatile memory (for black cartridge)
M2 non-volatile memory (for color cartridge)

Claims (15)

In an inkjet printer comprising a detachable ink cartridge and an inkjet head that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge and ejects ink,
Mounted on the ink cartridge, stores ink management information including at least an identification ID for identifying the ink cartridge and accumulated consumption information indicating a substantial total consumption of ink supplied by the ink cartridge. A first storage unit for
Reading means for reading out the ink management information from the first storage unit at least when the ink cartridge is mounted;
An identification ID writing unit that writes the identification ID in the first storage unit when the identification ID is not included in the ink management information read by the reading unit;
A second storage that is mounted inside the inkjet printer and stores history information that is a history of the identification ID written by the identification ID writing means and history of the ink management information read by the reading means. And
When the power is turned on and / or when the ink cartridge is mounted, the history information stored in the second storage unit and the ink management information read from the first storage unit by the reading unit Rewrite discriminating means for collating and discriminating whether or not the first storage unit has been rewritten based on the identification ID and the integrated consumption information included in both pieces of information;
An ink discharge processing means for executing an ink discharge process for discharging a predetermined amount of ink in the ink cartridge via the ink jet head in order to recover the function of the ink jet head;
Control means for controlling the ink discharge processing means based on the determination result of the rewrite determination means,
An ink jet printer characterized in that the control means performs an ink discharge increase control for making a substantial ink discharge amount in the ink discharge processing means larger than the predetermined amount when it is determined that rewrite is performed by the rewrite determination means. . An ink consumption measuring means for measuring an ink consumption that is a sum of an ink discharge amount and an ink discharge amount from the inkjet head;
Based on the measurement result of the ink consumption measuring means, the integrated consumption information of the installed ink cartridge stored in the second storage unit is updated, and the update result is updated to the installed ink. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, further comprising consumption amount writing means for writing to the first storage unit of the cartridge. The second storage unit stores at least the history of the identification ID of the ink cartridge mounted in the past, and the initial accumulated consumption information read by the reading unit when the ink cartridge is mounted,
The rewrite determination unit is configured to install the mounted ink cartridge in the past based on the identification ID history stored in the second storage unit and the identification ID read by the reading unit. If it has been determined whether or not it has been worn in the past, the initial accumulated consumption information stored in the second storage unit and the reading means read out. The current accumulated consumption information is compared, and when the value is the former ≧ the latter, it is determined that the first storage unit has been rewritten. Inkjet printer. The second storage unit stores at least the history of the identification ID of an ink cartridge that has been installed in the past, and the final accumulated consumption information that is updated immediately before the ink cartridge is attached and detached,
The rewrite determination unit is configured to install the mounted ink cartridge in the past based on the identification ID history stored in the second storage unit and the identification ID read by the reading unit. If it is determined whether or not it has been worn in the past, the final accumulated consumption information stored in the second storage unit and the reading means read it. 4. The current accumulated consumption information that has been issued is compared, and if the value is the former> the latter, it is determined that the first storage unit has been rewritten. The inkjet printer as described. The first storage unit further stores a manufacturing time ID written at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge as the ink management information,
The rewrite determination means determines whether or not the mounted ink cartridge has been mounted in the past by using a cartridge ID that combines the identification ID written at the time of mounting and the manufacturing ID. The inkjet printer according to claim 3, wherein the inkjet printer is performed based on the above.   The inkjet printer according to claim 5, wherein the manufacturing-time ID and / or the identification ID is a value encrypted by a predetermined method. The first storage unit further stores a model number of the ink cartridge as the ink management information,
Correspondence determining means for determining whether or not the mounted ink cartridge corresponds to a printer model based on the model number read by the reading means;
The control means also determines whether the mounted ink cartridge is not compatible with the printer model based on the determination result of the correspondence determination means in addition to the determination result of the rewrite determination means. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein increase control is performed. When it is determined that rewriting is performed by the rewrite determination unit, and when it is determined that the correspondence determination unit is not compatible with the printer model, a determination result storage unit that stores the determination result is further provided.
When the determination result is stored in the determination result storage unit, the control unit performs the ink discharge increase control in all the ink discharge processes to be executed when the power is turned off or when the ink cartridge is detached. The inkjet printer according to claim 7.   The ink discharge processing unit includes a head driving unit that drives the ink jet head to discharge and discharge ink, and / or an ink suction unit that sucks ink from the ink jet head. Item 9. The ink jet printer according to any one of Items 1 to 8.   An ink cartridge used by being mounted on the ink jet printer according to claim 1. A function recovery control method for an ink jet printer having an ink jet head that is detachably mounted and receives an ink supply from the ink cartridge to eject ink.
The ink cartridge stores ink management information including at least an identification ID for identifying the ink cartridge and integrated consumption information indicating a substantial total consumption of ink supplied by the ink cartridge. 1 storage unit is installed,
The ink management information is read from the first storage unit of the mounted ink cartridge, and history information that is a history of the read result is stored in a second storage unit mounted inside the inkjet printer. Steps,
When the identification ID is not included in the read ink management information, writing the identification ID in the first storage unit and storing the writing result in the second storage unit;
The history information stored in the second storage unit and the ink management information read from the first storage unit of the currently installed ink cartridge are collated, and the identification included in both of these information Determining whether the first storage unit has been rewritten based on the ID and the integrated consumption information;
Performing a function recovery of the inkjet head by performing an ink discharge process based on a determination result of whether or not rewriting is performed, and
The ink discharge processing is controlled to discharge a predetermined amount of ink when it is determined that the first storage unit is not rewritten, and to discharge more ink than the predetermined amount when it is determined that rewrite is performed. A function recovery control method for an ink jet printer. The first storage unit further stores a manufacturing time ID written at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge as the ink management information,
In the step of determining whether or not the rewriting has been performed, it is determined whether or not the rewriting has been performed based on a cartridge ID history that is a combination of the identification ID written at the time of mounting and the manufacturing ID. The function recovery control method for an inkjet printer according to claim 11.   13. The function recovery control method for an ink jet printer according to claim 12, wherein the manufacturing ID and / or the identification ID is a value encrypted by a predetermined method.   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the inkjet printer of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 9.   A program for causing a computer to execute each step in the function recovery control method for an ink jet printer according to claim 11, 12 or 13.

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