CN101402285B - Liquid jetting apparatus and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting device and a control method for the liquid ejecting device. A liquid ejecting apparatus capable of mounting a liquid container provided with a first device, the liquid ejecting apparatus including: a first wiring; a second wiring; a first control unit electrically connected to the first apparatus via the first wiring; The second control unit is electrically connected to the first control unit via the second wiring. The first control section includes: a processing execution section that, in the first case, executes predetermined processing related to the liquid container based on a signal received from the second control section via the second wiring; In the first case, the first wiring and the second wiring are in a non-conductive state, and in the second case different from the first case, the first wiring The second wiring is electrically connected to the first wiring, so that the second control unit can communicate with the first device.

Description

Liquid ejecting device and method for controlling the liquid ejecting device

technical field

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device and a control method thereof, and particularly to a liquid ejection device equipped with a liquid container provided with a device and a control method thereof.

Background technique

In an inkjet printing apparatus as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink container is generally mounted as a detachable liquid container. A storage device is provided in the ink container. The storage device stores, for example, various information such as the remaining amount of ink in the ink container or the color of the ink (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, in recent years, ink tanks are provided with sensors for detecting the remaining amount of ink (Patent Documents 3 to 5). The control device provided in the printing device controls the storage device and the sensor for the ink container.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Document Laid-Open No. 2002-370383;

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Document Laid-Open No. 2004-299405;

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Document Laid-Open No. 2001-146030;

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 6-226989;

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-112431.

Contents of the invention

However, in the prior art, the adverse effect on the storage device due to the control of the sensor has not been considered much. For example, a voltage generated when the sensor is controlled may have some adverse effects on the control device or the storage device via wiring connecting the control device and the storage device. Such problems are not limited to the case where the storage device is provided in the ink container, and common problems also arise when some device is provided in the liquid container and the control device of the liquid ejection device is connected to the device via wiring. In addition, such a problem is not limited to when the control device controls the sensor, but also occurs when a predetermined process related to the ink container is performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress adverse effects on the liquid ejection apparatus from predetermined processing related to the liquid container in a liquid ejection apparatus equipped with a liquid container provided therewith.

In order to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention can be realized using the following forms or application examples.

[Application example 1] A liquid ejection device equipped with a liquid container which is a container for containing a liquid and provided with a first device, wherein the liquid ejection device includes:

first wiring;

second wiring;

a first control unit electrically connected to the first device via the first wiring; and

a second control unit electrically connected to the first control unit via the second wiring;

The first control unit includes:

a processing executing section, in the first case, executing predetermined processing related to the liquid container based on a signal received from the second control section via the second wiring; and

In the first case, the wiring relay unit makes the first wiring and the second wiring in a non-conductive state, and in the second case different from the first case, makes the The second wiring is electrically connected to the first wiring, so that the second control unit can communicate with the first device.

According to the liquid ejecting device of the application example 1, the first wiring and the second wiring are brought into a non-conductive state when a predetermined process related to the liquid container is performed. As a result, even if a predetermined process has an electrical adverse effect on the first wiring, the influence can be suppressed from spreading to the second wiring. As a result, it is possible to suppress a predetermined process related to the liquid container from adversely affecting the liquid ejecting device.

In the liquid ejection device of application example 1, the wiring relay section may connect the first wiring to a stable potential in the first case. If so, it is also possible to suppress electrical fluctuations on the first wiring due to predetermined processing related to the liquid container. As a result, it is possible to further suppress adverse effects on the liquid ejection device due to predetermined handling related to the liquid container.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus in application example 1, the wiring relay section further has a first driver that makes the potential of the first wiring a predetermined potential in the first case. If so, it is also possible to suppress electrical fluctuations on the first wiring due to predetermined processing related to the liquid container. As a result, it is possible to further suppress adverse effects on the liquid ejection device due to predetermined handling related to the liquid container.

The liquid ejecting apparatus in Application Example 1 further includes a detection section for detecting that a voltage related to the predetermined processing may be erroneously applied to the first wiring; the wiring relay section further includes a second wiring relay section. The driver sets the potential of the first wiring to a predetermined potential when the detection unit detects that the voltage related to the predetermined process may be erroneously applied to the first wiring. If so, it is possible to further suppress electrical fluctuations in the first wiring due to predetermined processing related to the liquid container. As a result, it is possible to further suppress adverse effects on the liquid ejection device due to predetermined handling related to the liquid container.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus of Application Example 1, a second device is further included; the liquid ejecting apparatus further includes a third wiring for electrically connecting the first control unit and the second device; the predetermined processing Applying a driving voltage to the second device via the third wiring may include. In this way, even when the drive voltage for the second device is erroneously applied to the first wiring, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on the liquid ejection device due to the erroneous application.

In the liquid ejecting device of Application Example 1, the voltage related to the predetermined process or the driving voltage is greater than the potential applied to the first wiring. In this case, adverse effects are likely to be caused by the voltage related to the predetermined process or the driving voltage, but in this application example, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects from spreading to the liquid ejection device.

The liquid ejecting device of Application Example 1, further comprising: a first terminal for electrically connecting the first device of the liquid container to the first wiring; and a second terminal for connecting the liquid container to the first wiring. The second device is electrically connected to the third wiring; the first terminal and the second terminal may be close to each other. In this case, adverse effects are likely to be caused by the driving voltage, but in this application example, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects from spreading to the liquid ejecting device.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus of application example 1, the first device includes a storage device, the second case may include a case where the second control unit accesses the storage device, and the second device includes A sensor for detecting the amount of liquid contained in the liquid container, and the predetermined processing may include processing for judging the amount of the liquid using the sensor.

The present invention can be implemented in various forms, for example, as a liquid ejecting device, a method for controlling the liquid ejecting device, a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or devices, a recording medium recording the computer program, and the like.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the ink cartridge in the embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a substrate in an example;

4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a print head unit;

Fig. 5 is a first diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer in the first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a second diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer in the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a relay circuit;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining ink remaining amount judging processing;

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of a data column used for ink remaining amount judging processing;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining storage device access processing;

FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of data columns used in storage device access processing.

Detailed ways

A. Example:

·The structure of the printing system:

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system. The printing system includes a printer 20 and a computer 90 as printing devices. The printer 20 is connected to a computer 90 via a connector 80 .

The printer 20 includes a sub-scan transport mechanism, a main scan transport mechanism, a head drive mechanism, and a main control unit 40 for controlling each mechanism. The sub-scan transport mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a platen 26 , and transports the paper P to the sub-scanning direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor to the platen. The main scanning transport mechanism includes: a carriage motor 32 ; a pulley 38 ; a drive belt 36 stretched between the carriage motor and the pulley; and a sliding shaft 34 arranged parallel to the axis of the platen 26 . A slide shaft 34 slidably holds a bracket 30 secured to a drive belt 36 . The rotation of the carriage motor 32 is transmitted to the carriage 30 through the drive belt 36 , and the carriage 30 reciprocates along the slide shaft 34 in the axial direction of the platen 26 (main scanning direction). The head drive mechanism has a print head unit 60 mounted on the carriage 30 , and drives the print head to eject ink onto the paper P. As shown in FIG. As will be described later, a plurality of ink cartridges can be freely attached to and detached from the print head unit 60 . The printer 20 further includes an operation unit 70 for the user to perform various settings of the printer or to check the status of the printer.

The structure of the ink cartridge (liquid container) and the structure of the printer 20 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 . Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the ink cartridge in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a substrate in an example. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the print head unit 60 .

The ink cartridge 100 includes: a housing 101 containing ink; a lid 102 sealing an opening of the housing 101 ; a circuit board 120 ; and a sensor 110 . When attached to the print head unit 60 , an ink supply port 104 for supplying ink to the print head unit 60 is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 101 . A protruding portion 103 is formed at the upper end of the front surface FR of the frame body 101 shown in FIG. 2 . Further, a concave portion 105 surrounded by ribs 107 and 106 up and down is formed on the lower side (bottom side) of the center of the front surface FR of the frame body 101 . The circuit board 120 described above is embedded in the concave portion 105 . The sensor 110 is embedded in the side wall SD of the housing 101 . As will be described later, the sensor 110 has a piezoelectric element and is used to detect the remaining amount of ink.

(A) of FIG. 3 shows the structure of the surface of the circuit board 120 . The surface is a surface exposed to the outside when mounted on the ink cartridge 100 . (B) of FIG. 3 shows a view of the circuit board 120 seen from the side. A protruding pin groove 121 is formed at an upper end of the circuit board 120 , and a protruding pin hole 122 is formed at a lower end of the circuit board 120 . As shown in FIG. 1 , when the circuit board 120 is mounted in the concave portion 105 of the housing 101 , the convex pins 108 and 109 formed on the bottom of the concave portion 105 fit into the convex pin grooves 121 and the convex pin holes 122 . The top ends of the lugs 108 and 109 are crushed and riveted. Thus, the circuit board 120 is fixed in the concave portion 105 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the configuration of the print head unit 60 and the installation of the ink cartridge 100 on the print head unit 60 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 , the print head unit 60 includes: a holder 62 , a holder cover 63 , a connection mechanism 66 , a print head 68 , and a carriage circuit 50 . The holder 62 can accommodate a plurality of ink cartridges 100 and is arranged on the upper surface of the print head 68 . The holder cover 63 is mounted on the upper portion of the print head 68 so that each mounted ink cartridge can be opened and closed. The connection mechanism 66 is provided with a conductive connection terminal 67 for each terminal of the circuit board 120, and the connection terminal 67 is used to electrically connect each terminal provided on the circuit board 120 of the ink cartridge 100 described later with the carriage circuit 50. connect. Ink supply needles 64 for supplying ink from the ink cartridge 100 to the print head 68 are arranged on the upper surface of the print head 68 . The printing head 68 includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and forms dots on the paper P by ejecting ink droplets from the respective nozzles according to voltages applied to the respective piezoelectric elements. The carriage circuit 50 cooperates with the main control unit 40 and is a circuit for controlling the ink cartridge 100, and is also referred to as a sub-control unit hereinafter.

The holder cover 63 is opened, the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the holder 62 , and when the ink cartridge cover 63 is closed, the ink cartridge 100 is fixed in the holder 62 . With the ink cartridge 100 fixed to the holder 62 , the ink supply needle 64 is inserted into the ink supply port 104 of the ink cartridge 100 , and the ink contained in the ink cartridge 100 is supplied to the print head 68 via the ink supply needle 64 . As described above, the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the holder 62 by being inserted in the positive direction of the Z-axis in FIG. 4 .

Return to FIG. 3 for further description of the circuit substrate 120 . Arrow R in FIG. 3(A) indicates the insertion direction of the ink cartridge 100 described above. As shown in FIG. 3(B) , the circuit board 120 has the memory device 130 on the inner surface and has a terminal group consisting of nine terminals on the outer surface. The storage device 130 includes a storage cell array in which various data related to the ink or the ink cartridge 100 such as the remaining amount of ink or the color of the ink is stored.

Each terminal on the surface side of the circuit board 120 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is arranged in two rows substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction R. As shown in FIG. Of the two columns, the column on the side of the insertion direction R, that is, the column located on the lower side of (A) in FIG. The columns are called upper columns. The terminals forming the upper row and the terminals forming the lower row are not aligned with each other in the insertion direction R, but are staggered from each other, forming the so-called bird flock configuration.

The terminals arranged to form an upper row are, in order from the left in FIG. The terminals arranged to form the lower column are, in order from the left side in FIG. 290. Five terminals near the center in the left-right direction, that is, ground terminal 220 , power terminal 230 , reset terminal 260 , clock terminal 270 , and data terminal 280 are connected to memory device 130 via wiring layers in the substrate (not shown). Two terminals located at both ends of the lower row, that is, the first sensor driving terminal 250 and the second sensor driving terminal 290 are respectively connected to one electrode and the other electrode of the piezoelectric element included in the sensor 110 . The first short detection terminal 210 is short connected to the ground terminal 220 . The second short-circuit detection terminal 240 is not connected to any one.

In the circuit substrate 120, five terminals connected to the memory device 130 and two terminals connected to the sensor 110 are arranged close to each other. Therefore, even in the connection mechanism 66 on the printer 20 side, the connection terminals 67 corresponding to the five terminals connected to the storage device 130 and the connection terminals 67 corresponding to the two terminals connected to the sensor 110 are arranged close to each other. In addition, the storage device 130 and the sensor 110 in this embodiment correspond to the first device and the second device of the present invention, respectively.

When the ink cartridge 100 is fixed to the holder 62 , each terminal of the circuit board 120 is electrically connected to the sub-control unit (cradle circuit) 50 via the connection terminal 67 of the connection mechanism 66 provided in the holder 62 .

·The electrical structure of the printing device:

5 and 6 are diagrams showing the electrical configuration of the printer in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 focuses on the description of the main control unit 40 , the sub-control unit 50 , and the ink cartridge 100 as a whole. FIG. 6 describes the internal structure of the main control unit 40 and the internal structure of the sub-control unit 50 together with one ink cartridge 100 .

In addition, the main control unit 40 and the sub-control unit 50 in this embodiment respectively correspond to the first control unit and the second control unit in the present invention.

Different 3-digit ID numbers (identification numbers) are assigned to the sub-control section 50 and the storage device 130 of each ink cartridge 100 . This ID number is used to specify the device (here, the sub-control unit 50 and the storage device 130 ) that the main control unit 40 wants to control. When the number of mounted ink cartridges 100 is six, the ID number is an information amount of three digits. For example, ID "0, 0, 0" is assigned to the sub-control unit 50 , and IDs "0, 0, 1" to "1, 1, 0" are assigned to the six storage devices 130 , respectively.

The sub-control unit 50 is connected to each ink cartridge 100 by a plurality of wires. The plurality of wires include connection terminals 67 of the connection mechanism, a group of terminals on the surface side of the circuit board, and wires from the terminals to the storage device and the sensor. Multiple wirings include: first reset signal line LR1, first data signal line LD1, first clock signal line LC1, first ground line LCS, first short-circuit detection line LCOA, second short-circuit detection line LCOB, first sensor driver The signal line LDSN, and the second sensor driving signal line LDSP.

The first reset signal line LR1 is a wire for transmitting the first reset signal CRST, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 through the reset terminal 260 of the circuit board 120 . The first data signal line LD1 is a wire for transmitting the first data signal CSDA, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 through the data terminal 280 of the circuit board 120 . The first clock signal line LC1 is a wire for transmitting the first clock signal CSCK, and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 through the clock terminal 270 of the circuit board 120 . These three wires LR1 , LD1 , and LC1 each have one end portion on the side of the sub-control unit 50 and end portions on the side of the ink cartridges 100 branched into the number of ink cartridges 100 . In addition, these three wirings LR1, LD1, and LC1 in this embodiment correspond to the first wiring in the present invention.

The first ground line LCS is a wire that supplies a ground potential CVSS to the storage device 130 , and is electrically connected to the storage device 130 through the ground terminal 220 of the circuit board 120 . The first ground line LCS has one end portion on the side of the sub-control unit 50 and end portions on the side of the ink cartridges 100 branched into the number of ink cartridges 100 . The ground potential CVSS and the ground potential VSS supplied from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50

(described later) is connected and set to GND level.

The first short-circuit detection line LCOA and the second short-circuit detection line LCOB are conducting wires used for short-circuit detection described later. The first short-circuit detection line LCOA and the second short-circuit detection line LCOB are a plurality of wirings independently provided for each ink cartridge 100, one end is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50, and the other end is respectively connected to the first short-circuit detection terminal of the circuit board 120. 210 and the second short circuit detection terminal 240 are electrically connected.

The first sensor driving signal line LDSN and the second sensor driving signal line LDSP are wires for applying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 and transmitting a voltage generated by the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element to the sub-controller. The first sensor driving signal line LDSN and the second sensor driving signal line LDSP are a plurality of wirings independently provided for each ink cartridge 100, one end is connected to the sub-control unit 50, and the other end is connected to the first sensor driving signal line of the circuit board 120, respectively. The terminal 250 and the second sensor drive terminal 290 are electrically connected. The first sensor drive signal line LDSN is electrically connected to one electrode of the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 via the first sensor drive terminal 250 , and the second sensor drive signal line LDSP is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 via the second sensor drive terminal 290 . The other electrode is electrically connected.

The main control unit 40 is connected to each ink cartridge 100 through a first power line LCV. The first power supply line LCV is a wire for supplying a power supply potential CVDD to the storage device 130 , and is connected to the storage device 130 via the power supply terminal 230 of the circuit board 120 . The first power supply line LCV has one end on the side of the sub-control unit 50 and ends on the side of the ink cartridges 100 branched into as many ink cartridges 100 as possible. The high-level power supply potential CVDD for driving the memory device 130 uses a potential of about 3.3 V with respect to the low-level ground potential CVSS (GND level). Of course, the potential level of the power supply potential CVDD may be different according to the process generation of the memory device 130 , for example, 1.5V or 2.0V may be used.

The main control unit 40 and the sub-control unit 50 are electrically connected by a plurality of wires. The plurality of wirings include: a second reset signal line LR2, a second data signal line LD2, a second clock signal line LC2, an enable signal line LE, a second power supply line LV, a second ground line LS, and a third sensor drive signal Line LDS.

The second reset signal line LR2 and the second clock signal line LC2 are conductors for respectively transmitting the second reset signal RST and the second clock signal SCK from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50 . The second data signal line LD2 is a wire for exchanging the second data signal SDA between the main control unit 40 and the sub control unit 50 . In addition, these three wirings LR2, LD2, and LC2 in the embodiment correspond to the second wiring in the present invention.

The enable signal line LE is a wire for transmitting an enable signal EN from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50 . The second power supply line LV and the second ground line LS are conductors for supplying a power supply potential VDD and a ground potential VSS from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 50 , respectively. The power supply potential VDD is at the same level as the power supply potential CVDD supplied to the storage device 130 , for example, a potential of about 3.3 V is used with respect to the ground potentials VSS and CVSS (GND level). Of course, the potential level of the power supply potential VDD may be different depending on the process generation of the logic part of the sub-control unit 50, for example, 1.5V or 2.0V may be used.

The main control unit 40 includes a control circuit 48 and a drive signal generation circuit 42 .

The control circuit 48 includes a CPU and a memory, and executes overall control of the printer 20 . The control circuit 48 has an ink remaining amount determination unit M1 and a memory access unit M2 as functional blocks realizing a part of its control function. The remaining ink level determination unit M1 controls the sub-control unit 50 and the drive signal generating circuit 42 to drive the sensor 110 of the ink cartridge 100 to detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 100 . The memory access unit M2 accesses the storage device 130 of the ink cartridge 100 via the sub-control unit 50 .

The drive signal generation circuit 42 has a memory not shown. Data representing a sensor drive signal DS for driving the sensor is stored in the memory. The drive signal generation circuit 42 reads data from the memory according to an instruction from the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 of the control circuit 48, and generates a sensor drive signal DS having an arbitrary waveform. The sensor drive signal DS has a potential higher than the power supply potential VDD (3.3V in the embodiment), for example, has a potential of a maximum of about 36V in the embodiment. Specifically, the sensor drive signal DS is a trapezoidal pulse signal having a maximum voltage of 36V.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the drive signal generation circuit 42 can also generate a head drive signal to be supplied to the print head 68 . That is, in this embodiment, the control circuit 48 causes the drive signal generation circuit 42 to generate a sensor drive signal when determining the remaining amount of ink, and causes the drive signal generation circuit 42 to generate a head drive signal when printing is performed.

The sub-control unit 50 includes an ink cartridge related processing unit 52 , a detection unit 53 , and a relay circuit 55 .

The ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 performs predetermined processing related to the ink cartridges. The ink cartridge related processing unit 52 includes a logic circuit or a switching switch constituted by an ASIC or the like. The logic circuit is a circuit driven by the power supply potential VDD (3.3V in this embodiment). The changeover switch is used to supply the sensor drive signal DS supplied from the drive signal generation circuit 42 to one ink cartridge 100 which is the object of measuring the remaining amount of ink via either the first sensor drive signal line LDSN or the second sensor drive signal line LDSP. The sensor 110. The ink cartridge related processing unit 52 can exchange data with the control circuit 48 via the above-mentioned second reset signal line LR2 , second data signal line LD2 , and second clock signal line LC2 . The ink cartridge-associated processing section 52 receives the enable signal EN from the control circuit 48 via the enable signal line LE. The ink cartridge related processing unit 52 receives the sensor drive signal DS from the drive signal generation circuit 42 . The ink cartridge-related processing section 52 also supplies a switching signal SEL for switching the state of the relay circuit 55 to the relay circuit 55 . The switching signal SEL is a signal whose level is switched according to the enable signal, specifically, is set as an inversion signal of the enable signal EN. Specifically, when the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 receives the enable signal EN is H level (high level), it outputs the switch signal SEL of L level, and when the received enable signal EN is L level (low level). level), an H-level switching signal SEL is output. As will be described later, the relay circuit 55 is in a different state when the switching signal SEL is at H level (power supply potential VDD and CVDD levels, eg, 3.3 V) and at L level (ground level). The specific processing contents of the ink cartridge related processing unit 52 will be described later.

The detecting unit 53 is connected to the first short-circuit detection line LCOA and the second short-circuit detection line LCOB, and receives detection signals COA and COB appearing on the first short-circuit detection lines LCOA and LCOB. The first short-circuit detection lines LOCA and LCOB are connected to the power supply potential VDD via a pull-up resistor (not shown), and the first short-circuit detection terminal 210 ( FIG. 2 ) is connected to the ground in the circuit board 120 of the ink cartridge as described above. Terminal 220 is short-circuited. Therefore, when each ink cartridge 100 is not mounted on the holder 62 , the detection unit 53 receives the detection signal COA at the H level via the first short circuit detection line LCOA. Then, when each ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the holder 62 , the detection unit 53 receives the L-level detection signal COA via the first short circuit detection line LCOA. In addition, the detailed circuit is omitted, and the detection unit 53 sends the L level detection signal COA received from each ink cartridge 100 to the main control unit 40 . Thereby, the main control unit 40 can determine whether or not each ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first short-circuit detection terminal 210 is close to the first sensor drive terminal 250 to which a relatively high sensor drive signal DS of 36V at maximum is applied. Therefore, when the first sensor driving terminal 250 and the first short detection terminal 210 are short-circuited due to adhesion of conductive ink droplets or condensation water droplets, a maximum voltage of 36V can be applied to the first short detection terminal 210 . The erroneous application of voltage via such a foreign object causes the detection signal COA of a high potential level to appear on the first short-circuit detection line LOCA connected to the first short-circuit detection terminal 210 . When the detection unit 53 detects that the potential level of the detection signal COA exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, 6.0 V, the abnormality detection signal AB is set to H level. In addition, the detection unit 53 sets the abnormality detection signal AB to L level during normal operation. The abnormality detection signal AB is supplied from the detection unit 53 to the relay circuit 55 and the ink cartridge related processing unit 52 . The second short-circuit detection terminal 240 is close to the sensor drive terminal 290 . Therefore, as in the case of the first short-circuit detection terminal described above, when a voltage is erroneously applied to the second short-circuit detection terminal 240, if the potential level of the detection signal COB exceeds a predetermined potential, an abnormality at H level is output from the detection unit 53. Detect signal AB.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the relay circuit 55 . The relay circuit 55 includes: first and second buffer circuits B1 and B2; first and second AND circuits AN1 and AN2; an analog switch SW; and first to fourth tri-state buffers TS1 to TS4.

The input terminal of the first buffer circuit B1 is connected to the second reset signal line LR2 , and the second reset signal RST is input from the control circuit 48 of the main control unit 40 . The output of the first buffer circuit B1 is input to the first input terminal of the first AND circuit AN1. The switching signal SEL output from the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 is input to the second input terminal of the first AND circuit AN1. The output terminal of the first AND circuit AN1 is connected to the first reset signal line LR1. That is, the output signal of the first AND circuit AN1 is the first reset signal CRST supplied to the ink cartridge 100 . The switching signal SEL is input to the input terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1. The output terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1 is connected to the first reset signal line LR1. The abnormality detection signal AB output from the detection unit 53 is input to the control terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1. When an L-level signal is input to the control terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1, the output terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1 is set to high impedance and disconnected from the first reset signal line LR1. On the other hand, when a signal at H level is input to the control terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1 , a signal at the same level as the input terminal is output from the output terminal of the first tri-state buffer TS1 .

The input terminal of the second buffer circuit B2 is connected to the second clock signal line LC2 , and the second clock signal SCK is input from the control circuit 48 of the main control unit 40 . The output of the second buffer circuit B2 is input to the first input terminal of the second AND circuit AN2. The switching signal SEL is input to the second input terminal of the second AND circuit AN2. The output terminal of the second AND circuit AN2 is connected to the first clock signal line LC1. That is, the output signal of the second AND circuit AN2 is the first clock signal CSCK supplied to the ink cartridge 100 . The switching signal SEL is output to the input terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2. The output terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2 is connected to the first clock signal line LC1. The abnormality detection signal AB is input to the control terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2. The operation of the second tri-state buffer TS2 is the same as that of the above-mentioned first tri-state buffer TS1. When an L level signal is input to the control terminal, the output terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2 is set to high impedance, and disconnected from the first clock signal line LC1. And, when a signal of H level is input to the control terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2, a signal of the same level as the input terminal is output from the output terminal of the second tri-state buffer TS2.

The second data signal line LD2 is connected to the first data signal line LD1 through an analog switch SW. The analog switch SW is formed by, for example, a transmission gate. The analog switch SW is controlled by a switching signal SEL. The analog switch SW is in an electrically conductive (connected) state when the switching signal SEL is at H (high) level, and is in a non-conductive (off) state when the switching signal SEL is at L (low) level.

The input terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3 is connected to the ground potential VSS, and always inputs L level. An output terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3 is connected to the first data signal line LD1. An inversion signal of the switching signal SEL is input to a control terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3. When an L-level signal is input to the control terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3, a signal of the same level as the input terminal, that is, an L-level signal is output from the output terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3. On the other hand, when a signal of H level is input to the control terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3, the output terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3 is set to high impedance and disconnected from the first data signal line LD1. open.

The switching signal SEL is input to the input terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4. An output terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 is connected to the first data signal line LD1. The abnormality detection signal AB is input to the control terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4. The action of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 is the same as that of the above-mentioned first and second tri-state buffers TS1 and TS2. When an L level signal is input to the control terminal, the output terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 is set to is high impedance and disconnected from the first data signal line LD1. And, when a signal of H level is input to the control terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4, a signal of the same level as the input terminal is output from the control terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4.

Judgment of remaining ink level:

In this embodiment, the main control unit 40 cooperates with the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 of the sub-control unit 50 to determine the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 100 . This processing (remaining ink amount determination processing) will be described below.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining ink remaining amount determination processing. In Fig. 8, eight signals shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 are shown, namely enable signal EN, second reset signal RST, second clock signal SCK, second data signal SDA, power supply potential CVDD, first signal CRST, a first clock signal CSCK, and a first data signal CSDA.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of a data column used for ink remaining amount determination processing. As shown in the figure, the data string used in the ink remaining amount determination process is composed of 20-bit data. When judging the remaining amount of ink, the second data signal SDA appearing on the second data signal line LD2 indicates a data column group including the plurality of data columns.

(A) of FIG. 9 shows a data column appearing for the first time on the second data signal line LD2 in the data column group. As shown in the figure, the data column includes an ID section (identification section), a W/R section (switching instruction section), an internal address section, and a command/data section. The ID part, the W/R part, and the internal address part are data elements output from the main control part 40 , and the command/data part is data elements output from the main control part 40 or the sub-control part 50 .

The ID portion is composed of three-digit ID data (identification data) ID0 to ID2, and indicates the ID number of the device of the data column group destination. The W/R section is composed of a 1-bit switching command, which is used to switch the input and output state of the input and output circuit of the device that is the destination of the data column, that is, the direction of transmission of the command/data that constitutes the command/data. For example, when the main control part 40 provides instructions/data to the ink cartridge related processing part 52 of the sub-control part 50, the W/R part is set to "W", that is, 1 (H level), and the ink cartridge related processing part 52 The input/output circuit is set to be input enabled. On the other hand, when the main control part 40 receives data from the ink cartridge related processing part 52, the W/R part is set to "R", that is, 0 (L level), and the input and output circuits in the ink cartridge related processing part 52 are set to It is set to the state that can be output. The internal address portion is composed of an 8-bit address, and represents, for example, an address of a register group of a register circuit included in the ink cartridge-related processing portion 52 . However, in this embodiment, only 3 bits out of 8 bits are used. The other 5 bits can be data with an arbitrary level (null data). The command/data section consists of 8-bit command/data. When the W/R section is "W" (1), the command/data section contains instructions/data to be stored in the register circuit of the ink cartridge-related processing section 52, and when the W/R section is "R" (0). , the data read from the register circuit of the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 is included in the command/data unit.

(B) of FIG. 9 shows data columns that appear for the second time or later on the second data signal line LD2 in the data column group. Comparing (A) and (B) of FIG. 9 shows that the ID portion is different. Specifically, meaningful ID data is contained in the ID portion of the first data column shown in (A) of FIG. 9 , and the second and subsequent data columns shown in (B) of FIG. 9 The ID section contains empty data. This is because the second and subsequent data columns are exchanged between the same devices as the first data column. Of course, the same ID data as that of the first data row may be included in the ID part of the second and subsequent data rows.

When the ink remaining amount determination section M1 of the main control section 40 starts the ink remaining amount determination process, the enable signal EN appearing on the enable signal line LE is changed from L level to H level. Then, the remaining ink amount judging part M1 releases the second reset signal RST appearing on the second data signal line LD2. That is, the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 changes the second reset signal RST from L level to H level.

After the remaining ink amount determination unit M1 changes the second reset signal RST to H level, it outputs the second clock signal SCK to the second clock signal line LC2 and outputs the second data signal SDA to the second data signal line LD2 . In addition, the second clock signal SCK is synchronized with the second data signal SDA. In FIG. 8 , the first data column group DG1 is output as the second data signal SDA to the second data signal line LD2 before time ta.

ID data ID2-ID1 (specifically, ID data "0, 0, 0" designating the sub-control part) is included in the ID part of the first data row included in the first data row group DG1, so The ID data is used to select the ink cartridge association processing unit 52 of the sub-control unit 50 as described above as the destination of the first data array group DG1. The ink cartridge associated processing part 52 (FIG. 6) connected to the second data signal line LD2 judges whether the given ID data ID2-ID0 is consistent with its own ID number (the ID number of the sub-control part), and it is judged to be consistent here. . In addition, "W" (1) is set in the W/R part of each data column. Therefore, the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 stores the command included in each data column/command in the data section in the register group specified by the internal address section of each data column. In addition, the command/data section includes, for example, a command to request frequency measurement (described later) for determining the remaining ink level, data specifying the ink cartridge 100 to be subjected to the frequency measurement, and the like.

At the timing when the reception of the first data sequence group DG1 is completed, specifically, at time ta in FIG. 8 , the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 starts frequency measurement processing. The ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 connects the first sensor drive signal line LDSN and the second sensor drive signal line LDSP connected to the ink cartridge 100 of the frequency measurement object based on the data of the command/data unit included in the first data group DG1. Either of them is connected to the third sensor driving signal line LDS. At the timing when this connection is completed, the remaining ink level determination unit M1 controls the drive signal generation circuit 42 to generate the sensor drive signal DS on the third sensor drive signal line LDS. As a result, the sensor drive signal DS is applied to the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110 of the ink cartridge 100 that is the subject of frequency measurement.

When the sensor drive signal DS is applied to the piezoelectric element of the sensor 110, distortion (extension) occurs on the piezoelectric element. At the timing when the application of the sensor driving signal DS (trapezoidal pulse) ends, the cartridge-related processing section 52 drives the third sensor driving signal line LDS from the first sensor driving signal line LDSN or the second sensor to which the third sensor driving signal line LDS is connected. The signal line LDSP is disconnected. After that, the piezoelectric element vibrates (expands and contracts) according to the ink remaining amount, and the piezoelectric element outputs a voltage (response signal RS) corresponding to the vibration to the first sensor driving signal line LDSN or the second sensor driving signal line LDSP. The ink cartridge related processing unit 52 measures the frequency of the response signal RS.

At the timing when the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 finishes measuring the frequency of the response signal RS, specifically, at time tb when a predetermined period Dc elapses from the time ta, the ink remaining amount judging unit M1 again outputs the second clock signal SCK to the second clock signal SCK. On the second clock signal line LC2. In addition, the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 exchanges the second data SDA with the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 via the second data signal line LD2 at the same time. In FIG. 8 , after time tb, the second data array group DG2 is exchanged between the main control unit 40 and the ink cartridge related processing unit 52 .

The second data column group DG2 includes a plurality of data columns, but since the second data column group DG2 includes only data columns after the second time, empty data is included in the ID portion of each data column. In addition, each data column W/R section is set to "R" (0). Therefore, the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 reads data from the register group designated by the internal address unit of each data column, and supplies the command/data unit including the read data to the main control unit 40 . In addition, the command/data section includes, for example, frequency measurement results (data).

After the remaining ink level determination unit M1 exchanges the second data column group DG2 with the ink cartridge related processing unit 52 , the output of the second clock signal SCK is stopped, and the second reset signal RST is changed from H level to L level. The remaining ink amount judging section M1 also changes the enable signal EN from H level to L level.

The remaining ink level determination unit M1 determines the remaining ink level for the ink cartridge 100 to be processed based on the frequency measurement result received from the ink cartridge related processing unit 52 . For example, when the remaining amount of ink is more than a predetermined amount, the piezoelectric element vibrates at a first natural frequency H1 (for example, about 30 KHz), and when the remaining ink amount is less than a predetermined amount, the piezoelectric element vibrates at a second natural frequency H2 ( For example, about 110KHz) vibrates. At this time, when the received frequency measurement result is substantially equal to the first natural frequency H1, the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 determines that the ink remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and when it is substantially equal to the second natural frequency H2, determines that The remaining amount of ink is less than the predetermined amount.

During the remaining ink amount determination process described above, the main control unit 40 does not output 3.3V power to the first power line LCV, and the potential CVDD on the first power line LCV is set to L level ( FIG. 8 ). Accordingly, the power consumption of the printer 20 can be reduced.

Here, since the enable signal EN is at the H level during the ink remaining amount determination process, the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 outputs the switching signal SEL at the L level as described above. As a result, it can be seen that the output of the first AND circuit AN1 is at the L level inside the relay circuit 55 as shown in FIG. 7 during the ink remaining amount determination process. Similarly, it can be seen that the output of the second AND circuit AN2 inside the relay circuit 55 is at the L level during the ink remaining amount determination process. It can also be seen that during the ink remaining amount determination process, the internal analog switch SW of the relay circuit 55 is turned OFF (disconnected), and an L level is output from the output terminal of the third tri-state buffer TS3.

Therefore, during the determination process of the ink remaining amount, the three wires connecting the sub-control unit 50 and the storage devices 130 of the ink cartridge 100, that is, the first reset signal CRST, the first clock signal CSCK, and the first data signal line CSDA are respectively is set to L level (ground level). That is, in the remaining ink amount determination process, the first reset signal line LR1 , the first clock signal line LC1 , and the first data signal line LD1 are connected to the ground potential VSS.

As mentioned above, the first and second AND circuits AN1, AN2, and the third tri-state buffer TS3 in the first embodiment correspond to the first driver in the present invention.

・Wrong applied voltage detection

However, during the remaining ink level determination process, since the sensor drive signal DS including a voltage of 36V appears on the first sensor drive signal line LDSN or the second sensor drive signal line LDSP, as described above, the The unit 53 detects the erroneous application of the voltage, and an abnormality detection signal AB of H level is output from the detection unit 53 .

When the detection voltage is erroneously applied and the abnormality detection signal AB changes from the L level to the H level during the ink remaining amount judging process, as shown in FIG. , the second tri-state buffer TS2 , and the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 change from the high-impedance state to the L level. After that, the first tri-state buffer TS1 functions as a current source for setting the potential of the first reset signal line LR1 to L level (ground level). Likewise, the second tri-state buffer TS2 functions as a current source for setting the potential of the first clock signal line LC1 to L level. Furthermore, the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 functions as a current source for setting the potential of the first data signal line LD1 to L level.

As mentioned above, the first and second tri-state buffers TS1, TS2, and the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 in the first embodiment correspond to the second driver in the present invention.

· Access to storage devices:

In this embodiment, the memory access unit M2 of the main controller 40 accesses the storage device 130 of each ink cartridge 100 via the relay circuit 55 of the sub-control unit 50 . The processing (access processing of the storage device) will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining storage device access processing. In FIG. 10 , the same eight signals as in FIG. 8 are shown. FIG. 11 conceptually shows the contents of data columns used in storage device access processing. As shown in the figure, the data string used in the remaining ink amount determination process includes an ID section (identification section), a W/R section (switching command section), and a data section. The ID part and the W/R part are data elements output from the memory access part M2 of the main control part 40 , and the data part is data elements output from the memory access part M2 or the storage device 130 .

The ID part is composed of 3-bit ID data ID2～ID0, and represents the ID number of the device controlled by the memory access unit M2 (specifically, the ID numbers "0, 0, 1," to "1, 1, 0"). The W/R section is composed of a 1-bit switching command, and is used to switch the input/output state of the input/output circuit in the storage device 130 , that is, to switch the transfer direction of data constituting the data section. When the memory access control section M2 supplies data to the storage device 130, the W/R section is set to "W", that is, 1 (H level), and the input/output circuit in the storage device 130 is set to an input-capable state. . On the other hand, when the memory access section M2 receives data from the storage device 130, the W/R section is set to "R", that is, 0 (L level), and the input/output circuit in the storage device 130 is set to be enabled. the state of the output. The data part is composed of 1-bit or multi-bit data. When the W/R part is "W" (1), data to be written into the memory cell array in the memory device 130 is included in the data part, and when the W/R part is "R" (0), the data is included in the data part. The section includes data read from the memory cell array in the memory device 130 .

In addition, in this embodiment, as the memory cell array, each memory cell uses a nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM) that is accessed sequentially. When the W/R portion is “W” (1), the memory device 130 sequentially selects one memory cell in the memory cell array according to the first clock signal CSCK, and sequentially writes 1-bit data into the selected memory cell. In addition, when the W/R part is "R" (0), the memory device 130 sequentially selects one memory cell in the memory cell array according to the first clock signal CSCK, and sequentially reads one bit of data from the selected memory cell.

When the memory access unit M2 of the main control unit 40 starts the storage device access process, the power supply potential CVDD of the first power supply line LCV is set to H level. That is, power (3.3 V in the embodiment) is supplied to the memory device 130 of each ink cartridge 100 . Next, the memory access part M2 releases the second reset signal RST appearing on the second data signal line LD2. That is, the ink remaining amount determination unit M1 changes the second reset signal RST from L level to H level.

After the memory access unit M2 changes the second reset signal RST to H level, it outputs the second clock signal SCK to the second clock signal line LC2, and outputs a signal indicating the data column shown in FIG. 11 to the second data signal line LD2. The second data signal SDA.

Here, the enable signal EN is always maintained at L level during the storage device access process. Therefore, as described above, the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 outputs the switching signal SEL at the H level. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the storage device is accessed, a signal at the same level as that of the second reset signal line LR2 is output from the output terminal of the first AND circuit AN1 inside the relay circuit 55 . As a result, the same signal as that appearing on the second reset signal line LR2 appears on the first reset signal line LR1 connected to the output terminal of the first AND circuit AN1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first reset signal CRST supplied to the memory device 130 becomes the same signal as the second reset signal RST. Similarly, when the storage device is accessed, a signal at the same level as that of the second clock signal line LC2 is output from the output terminal of the second AND circuit AN2 inside the relay circuit 55 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first clock signal CSCK supplied to the storage device 130 becomes the same signal as the second clock signal SCK. In addition, when the storage device is accessed, the analog switch SW is turned on in the relay circuit 55, and the second data signal line LD2 is electrically connected to the first data signal line LD1. In addition, the output terminal of the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 is set to a high impedance state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first data signal CSDA supplied to the storage device 130 becomes the same signal as the second data signal SDA.

In addition, when the storage device is accessed, since the abnormality detection signal AB is always at L level, the output terminals of the first tri-state buffer TS1, the second tri-state buffer TS2, and the fourth tri-state buffer TS4 are set to It is in a high-impedance state, and is disconnected from the first reset signal line LR1, the first clock signal line LC1, and the first data signal line LD1 respectively.

As mentioned above, when the storage device is accessed, the storage device 130 receives signals substantially the same as the second reset signal RST, the second clock signal SCK, and the second data signal SDA output by the memory access unit M2 as signals. The first reset signal CRST, the first clock signal CSCK, and the first data signal CSDA.

The data column shown in FIG. 11 is received by each memory device 130 as a first data signal CSDA. ID data ID2-ID0 (for example, "0, 0, 1") for selecting one storage device 130a as a control object is included in the ID part of this data string. Each storage device 130 judges whether or not the given ID data ID2 to ID0 match its own ID number. The storage device (target storage device) 130a selected as a control target executes processing according to the received data series. Specifically, when the W/R section is "W" (1), the object storage device 130 a stores the content of the data section included in the data sequence received from the main control section 40 in the memory cell array. Also, when the W/R section is "R" (0), the target memory device 130a reads data from the memory cell array and outputs a data section including the data to the first data signal line LD1. The output data unit is received by the memory access unit M2 of the main control unit 40 via the first data signal line LD1 , the analog switch SW, and the second data signal line LD2 . In addition, other storage devices not selected as control targets are shifted to the standby state.

In this way, after the data column exchange shown in FIG. level changes to L level. The memory access unit M2 also changes the power supply potential CVDD output to the first power supply line LCV from H level to L level, and ends the process.

According to the present embodiment described above, the wiring for accessing the storage device 130 from the main control unit 40 is separated into the second wiring group (second reset signal line LR2, second reset signal line LR2, The second clock signal line LC2, and the second data signal line LD2) and the first wiring group (the first reset signal line LR1, the first clock signal line LC1, and the first data signal line LD1). Therefore, when an erroneous voltage is applied to the first wiring group directly connected to the storage device 130 , adverse effects of the erroneous applied voltage on the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 of the main control unit 40 or the sub-control unit 50 can be suppressed. Adverse effects caused by erroneous voltage application include damage to the main control unit 40 or the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 or destabilizing communication between the main control unit 40 and the ink-cartridge-related processing unit 52 .

The erroneously applied voltage includes, for example, crosstalk noise of the sensor drive signal DS or a voltage that causes the memory device 130 to malfunction when the sensor drive signal DS is applied to a terminal of the memory device via ink droplets or dew condensation. In particular, since the sensor driving signal DS contains a voltage (up to 36 V in this embodiment) far higher than the driving voltage (3.3 V in this embodiment) of the main control unit 40 or the sub-control unit 50, it is caused by The adverse effect of the erroneous applied voltage of the sensor drive signal DS may become large. In the present embodiment, when generating the sensor drive signal DS to determine the remaining amount of ink, as described above, the first wiring group and the second wiring group are connected to each other by inputting the L-level switching signal SEL to the relay circuit 55. Groups were electrically separated. Furthermore, the main control unit 40 or the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 is connected to the second wiring group. As a result, even if an erroneously applied voltage due to the sensor drive signal DS is applied to the first wiring group, adverse effects on the main control unit 40 or the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 can be suppressed.

For example, in a general bus configuration, all devices such as the main control unit 40 , the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 , and the storage device 130 are connected to a common wiring (bus). In such a configuration, in the vicinity of the storage device 130 , an erroneous voltage applied to the bus may adversely affect the main control unit 4 or the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 . Such an influence can be suppressed in this embodiment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the first wiring group is connected to the ground potential (L level) which is a fixed potential during the ink remaining amount determination process. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress adverse effects of an erroneous voltage applied to the main control unit 40 , the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 , and the storage device 130 when the erroneous voltage is applied to the first wiring group during the ink remaining amount determination process.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when an erroneously applied voltage of a predetermined level or higher is applied to the first short-circuit detection terminal 210 or the second short-circuit detection terminal 240 during the ink remaining amount determination process and an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 53, The first wiring group is brought to the ground potential (L level) by the tri-state buffers TS1 , TS2 , and TS4 . That is, the ability to bring the first wiring group to the ground potential (L level) when an erroneously applied voltage is detected by the detection unit 53 is enhanced. As a result, in the remaining ink amount determination process, it is also possible to suppress the adverse effect of an erroneous applied voltage when an erroneous applied voltage is applied to the first wiring group.

B. Variations:

·The first modified example:

In the above-described embodiment, ID numbers are assigned to the sub-control section 50 (ink cartridge-related processing section 52 ), but ID numbers may not be assigned to the sub-control section. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, when the sub-control unit 50 is made to be the destination of the second data signal SDA, the enable signal EN is set to H level. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 of the sub-control unit 50 can recognize the second data signal SDA appearing on the second data signal line LD2 as Itself (the ink cartridge-associated processing unit 52 ) is specified as the data of the destination. Therefore, correct operation can be performed even if the ID number of the sub-control unit is omitted.

·The second modified example:

In the above-described embodiment, the processing of measuring the frequency of the response signal as the processing performed by the ink cartridge-related processing unit 52 of the sub-control unit 50 has been described, but other processing can also be performed. For example, the main control unit causes the ink cartridge related processing unit to detect the level of the ink cartridge output signal CO, and stores the level in a register circuit inside the ink cartridge related processing unit. In addition, the main control unit can read out the level of the ink cartridge output signal stored in the register circuit from the ink cartridge related processing unit, and can judge whether or not each ink cartridge is mounted on the holder. In general, the ink cartridge-related processing unit only needs to execute predetermined processing related to the ink cartridge.

·The third modified example:

In the above-described embodiment, the device of the ink cartridge 100 connected via the first wiring group is the storage device 130 , but other devices may be used instead of the storage device. For example, the device mounted on the ink cartridge 100 may be a processor such as a CPU or an ASIC, or may be a simpler IC.

·Fourth modified example:

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first wiring group is connected to the ground level during the ink remaining level determination process, but the connection destination is not limited to the ground level, and may be a stable potential such as a power supply level.

·Fifth modified example:

In the above-described embodiments, ink is accommodated in the ink cartridge, but toner may be accommodated instead. A general printing device only needs to use a container for accommodating printing materials.

·Sixth modified example:

The above-described embodiments employ an inkjet type printing device, but a liquid ejecting device that ejects or ejects liquid other than ink may also be used. The liquid mentioned here includes a liquid in which functional material particles are dispersed in a solvent, and a gel-like fluid. For example, it may be a liquid that sprays a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials or color materials used in liquid crystal displays, EL (organic electroluminescence) displays, surface emission displays, and color filter manufacture in a dispersed or dissolved state. an ejection device; a liquid ejection device for ejecting a biological organism used in biochip production; and a liquid ejection device for ejecting a liquid as a sample used as a precision liquid ejection tube. In addition, the following liquid ejection devices can also be used: a liquid ejection device that ejects lubricating oil to precision machines such as watches and cameras at precisely measured positions, and a liquid ejection device that ejects lubricating oil to substrates for forming micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. A liquid ejecting device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin, and a liquid ejecting device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acidic or alkaline etc. for etching a substrate. And, the present invention can be applied to any of these spraying devices.

Claims (10)

1. a liquid injection apparatus is equipped with liquid container, and said liquid container is to be used for the container of receiving fluids and to be provided with first equipment, and wherein, said liquid injection apparatus comprises:

First wiring;

Second wiring;

First control part is electrically connected with said first equipment via said first wiring; And

Second control part is electrically connected with said first control part via said second wiring;

Said first control part comprises:

Processing execution portion under first kind of situation, carries out according to the signal that receives from said second control part via said second wiring that liquid residue detects or the predetermined process of the detection whether liquid container is mounted; And

The wiring relay; Under said first kind of situation; Make said first wiring and said second wiring be non-electric conducting state; Under the second kind situation different, make said second wiring and said first wiring be electric conducting state, thereby said second control part can be communicated by letter with said first equipment with said first kind of situation.

2. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Said wiring relay makes said first wiring be electrically connected with stable potential under said first kind of situation.

3. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Said wiring relay also have under first kind of situation, make said first the wiring current potential be first driver of predetermined potential.

4. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Also have test section, be used to detect the voltage relevant and possibly be applied to said first wiring by error with said predetermined process;

Said wiring relay also has second driver, said test section detect the voltage relevant with said predetermined process possibly be applied to by error said first the wiring last time, make said first the wiring current potential be predetermined potential.

5. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Said liquid container also comprises second equipment,

Said liquid injection apparatus also comprises the 3rd wiring, is used for said first control part is electrically connected with said second equipment,

Said predetermined process comprises via said second equipment of said the 3rd cloth alignment and applies driving voltage.

6. like claim 4 or 5 described liquid injection apparatus, wherein,

Voltage relevant with said predetermined process or said driving voltage are bigger than the current potential that is applied in said first wiring.

7. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein, also comprises:

The first terminal is used for said first equipment of said liquid container is electrically connected with said first wiring; And

Second terminal is used for said second equipment of said liquid container is electrically connected with said the 3rd wiring;

Wherein, said the first terminal and said second terminal are closer to each other.

8. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Said first equipment comprises storage device,

Said second kind of situation comprises that said second control part carries out the situation of access to said storage device.

9. like claim 5 or 7 described liquid injection apparatus, wherein,

Said second equipment comprises the sensor of the amount that is used for detecting the liquid that is included in said liquid container,

Said predetermined process comprises and is used to use said sensor to judge the processing of the amount of said liquid.

10. the control method of a liquid injection apparatus, said liquid injection apparatus is that liquid container is installed, said liquid container is to be used for the container of receiving fluids and to be provided with first equipment, wherein,

To first wiring, second wiring, via said first first control part that is electrically connected with said first equipment of wiring and via said second second control part that connect up and be electrically connected with said first control part,

In said first control part, under first kind of situation, carry out according to the signal that receives from said second control part via said second wiring that liquid residue detects or the predetermined process of the detection whether liquid container is mounted,

Under said first kind of situation; Make said first wiring and said second wiring be non-electric conducting state; Under the second kind situation different with said first kind of situation; Make said second wiring and said first wiring be electric conducting state, thereby said second control part can be communicated by letter with said first equipment.

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