JP2006281791A - Printing apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a power-saving printer that can communicate even with weak radio waves.
A printing apparatus includes: a movable body to which an ink container can be attached and detached; and an antenna provided on the movable body for wirelessly reading and writing information with respect to an element provided on the ink container. When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element.
[Selection] Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium such as paper. The present invention also relates to a printing system including such a printing apparatus.

  In addition, this application includes Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-75033 filed on March 18, 2002, Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-78719 filed on March 20, 2002, and March 2002 This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-78720 filed on the 20th, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  Various printers are known as printing apparatuses that perform printing on various printed materials such as paper, cloth, and film. Such a printer widely employs a cartridge system in which ink is stored in an ink container so as to be detachable.

  In such a cartridge type printer, it is known to provide a memory in the cartridge in order to monitor the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge. Information is appropriately written to or read from this memory.

  However, when a contact-type connector is required when writing to or reading from the memory provided in the cartridge, the durability of the contact portion becomes a problem. Therefore, the present invention performs wireless communication with an element (for example, a storage unit having a memory) provided in an ink container (for example, a cartridge) using an antenna.

  In addition, when communicating wirelessly, it is desirable to be able to communicate even with weak radio waves. SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a power-saving printer that can communicate even with weak radio waves.

In an aspect of the present invention, it has a movable body to which an ink container can be attached and detached, and an antenna for reading and writing information wirelessly with respect to an element provided in the movable body and provided in the ink container, When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element.
It should be noted that the present invention can be viewed from another point of view. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description of this specification.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

<Outline of disclosure>
At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

The printing apparatus includes: an antenna for wirelessly communicating with an element provided in an ink container;
here,
The antenna is a planar antenna,
The antenna can communicate wirelessly with the storage medium attached to the detachable unit,
The attachment / detachment unit attaches the storage medium so that the medium is parallel to the antenna,
One surface of the antenna faces the element,
The other surface of the antenna faces the storage medium attached to the detachable part.

  According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna is not only capable of communicating with the element provided in the ink container, but also capable of communicating with the storage medium installed in the detachable portion. It can be used effectively. In short, the feature is that the antenna generates a magnetic field not only in the direction with respect to the element provided in the ink container but also in other directions. That is, according to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with both the storage medium and the element by utilizing the property that the planar antenna generates a magnetic field on both sides. In addition, since the planar antenna and the storage medium are parallel to each other, wireless communication between the antenna and the storage medium is in a good state.

In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna is provided on a lid that is opened and closed when the ink container is replaced. According to such a printing apparatus, when the ink container is replaced, the element and the antenna are not opposed to each other, so that the ink container can be easily replaced.
In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the attaching / detaching portion is provided on the lid. In such a printing apparatus, since the detachable part is also opened and closed together with the lid, the ink container can be easily replaced.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the printing apparatus further includes a movable body to which the ink container can be attached and detached, and the antenna is provided on a lid of the movable body. According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna can communicate with the element during the printing operation, and the distance between the element and the antenna is shortened, so that communication is possible even with weak radio waves.

In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the lid is made of a nonmagnetic material. According to such a printing apparatus, the reliability of communication with respect to the storage medium installed in the attachment / detachment unit is improved.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the attachment / detachment unit is a nonmagnetic material. According to such a printing apparatus, the reliability of communication with respect to the storage medium installed in the attachment / detachment unit is improved.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the attachment / detachment unit regulates the position of the recording medium. According to such a printing apparatus, since the position of the storage medium is restricted, the reliability of communication with the storage medium is improved.
In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the attachment / detachment portion is a slot for inserting the storage medium. According to such a printing apparatus, since the position of the inserted storage medium is regulated, the reliability of communication with the storage medium is improved.

  The printing apparatus may further include a unit that prevents clogging of the nozzle that ejects ink, and the antenna is provided above the unit. According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna can communicate with the element during the nozzle clogging preventing operation.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna is provided above a region where printing is performed on a non-printed body. According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna can communicate with the element during the printing operation.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna communicates information regarding the amount of ink to the element. According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna can write information on the amount of ink in real time to the element during a printing operation.

  Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna communicates information related to the printing medium to the storage medium. According to such a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus can obtain information on the printing medium via the antenna.

  In this printing apparatus, the conditions for the printing operation may be set based on the information on the printing medium. According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to perform printing according to the printing medium, and therefore it is possible to perform highly accurate printing. In the printing apparatus, the condition of the printing operation may be a condition related to ink ejection timing or a condition related to the amount of ink ejection. According to such a printing apparatus, high-precision printing can be performed.

  Further, in this printing apparatus, the storage medium is packaged together with the printing body, and when the printing apparatus prints the printing body, the recording medium is independent of the printing body. It is desirable to take it out and attach it to the detachable part. If such a storage medium and a package in which the printing medium is packaged are used, it is possible to perform settings suitable for the printing medium using information stored in the storage medium, while facilitating the setting work. Is possible.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna communicates information about a location where driver information for the printing medium can be downloaded to the storage medium. According to such a printing apparatus, setting based on the latest information can be easily performed.

In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information for identifying the printing medium. With such a package, it is possible to set a printer suitable for the substrate.
In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information on the type of the printing medium. With such a package, it is possible to easily set the printer according to the type of the printing medium.
In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information on the size of the printing medium. With such a package, the printer can be easily set according to the size of the printing medium.

In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information on the thickness of the printing medium. According to such a package, the printer can be easily set according to the thickness of the printing medium.
Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information relating to color correction for printing the substrate. According to such a package, it is possible to easily perform color correction settings for printing on the printing medium.
Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information relating to a manufacturing time of the printing medium. According to such a package, the printer can be easily set according to the production time of the printing medium.

In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium stores information related to printing conditions of the printing medium. According to such a package, it is possible to easily set the printing conditions of the printing medium.
Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium can communicate wirelessly. According to such a package, setting of the printer can be facilitated by non-contact communication.
Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has a planar antenna. According to such a package, the storage medium can be planar.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has a contact for connecting a connector. According to such a package, the connector can be brought into contact with the storage medium to communicate with the storage medium.
In this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has a mark for identifying the direction of the storage medium. According to such a package, the storage medium can be correctly attached to the printer.

A printing system includes: a computer; and a printing apparatus that is connected to the computer and includes an antenna for wirelessly communicating with an element provided in an ink container; and a detachable unit that can attach and detach a storage medium.
here,
The antenna is a planar antenna,
One surface of the antenna faces the element,
The attachment / detachment unit attaches the storage medium so that the medium is parallel to the antenna,
The other surface of the antenna faces the storage medium attached to the detachable part,
The antenna can communicate wirelessly with the storage medium attached to the detachable portion.
According to such a computer system, an inexpensive and space-saving system can be provided by a printing apparatus that effectively uses an antenna.

The printing apparatus includes: a movable body that can attach and detach an ink container; and an antenna that is provided in the movable body and communicates wirelessly with an element provided in the ink container;
here,
When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the distance between the element and the antenna is shortened, communication is possible even with weak radio waves. According to such a printing apparatus, since the antenna is provided on the moving body, even when the ink containing body is being moved by the moving body, the element provided on the ink containing body is not affected. Wireless communication is possible.

  In this printing apparatus, when the ink container is mounted on the moving body, it is desirable that the member covering the antenna is in contact with the member covering the element. With such a printing apparatus, since the distance between the element and the antenna is shortened, communication is possible even with weak radio waves.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna is disposed on a lid provided on the moving body so as to cover the mounted ink container. In such a printing apparatus, since the element and the antenna face each other when the lid is closed, communication is possible even with weak radio waves.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the movable body has a frame that forms a space for mounting the ink container, and the antenna is disposed inside the frame. With such a printing apparatus, when the ink container is mounted on the moving body, the element provided on the ink container and the antenna can face each other.

  In this printing apparatus, the moving body can be mounted with a plurality of ink containers, and a plurality of the antennas are provided on the moving body so as to correspond to elements provided in the ink containers, respectively. It is desirable that According to such a printing apparatus, communication can be performed with respect to a plurality of elements using a plurality of antennas, and the antennas and elements can be made to correspond one-to-one.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the moving body can be mounted with a plurality of the ink containers, and the antenna can communicate with the plurality of elements wirelessly. According to such a printing apparatus, since the antenna can be enlarged, a signal to be transmitted / received can be increased, and communication reliability can be improved. In addition, according to such a printing apparatus, the number of antennas can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In this printing apparatus, the element and the antenna may be arranged to face each other. With such a printing apparatus, communication is possible even with weak radio waves.

  In the printing apparatus, when printing is performed on the printing medium, the antenna may be able to communicate with the ink container wirelessly. According to such a printing apparatus, information at the time of printing can be communicated in real time.

  Further, in this printing apparatus, the element may store information related to ink in the ink container. According to such a printing apparatus, the detachable ink container can be provided with information about ink.

  In the printing apparatus, the element may store information on the amount of ink in the ink container. According to such a printing apparatus, even when the power supply is suddenly turned off and the ink container is replaced, the ink container can have correct ink remaining amount information.

  Further, the printing apparatus includes a movable body to which the toner container can be attached and detached, and an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an element provided in the toner container, wherein the antenna is provided on the movable body. It may be a printing apparatus characterized by the above. According to such a printing apparatus, even when the toner container is being moved by the moving body, wireless communication can be performed with respect to the element provided in the toner container.

  In addition, the movable body includes a movable body to which the ink container can be attached and detached, and an antenna that is provided on the movable body and wirelessly communicates with an element provided on the ink container. The program may be characterized in that when the antenna is moving, the antenna realizes a function of wirelessly communicating with an element provided in the ink container. According to such a program, even when the ink container is being moved by the moving body, the printing apparatus is controlled so that wireless communication can be performed with respect to the element provided in the ink container. Can do.

The printing system includes: a computer; a movable body connected to the computer and having an ink container detachable; and an element provided in the movable body and provided in the ink container, wirelessly communicated Antenna for,
here,
When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element.
According to such a printing system, since the distance between the element and the antenna is shortened, communication is possible even with weak radio waves. According to such a printing system, since the antenna is provided on the movable body, even when the ink container is being moved by the movable body, the element provided on the ink container is not affected. Wireless communication is possible.

  In addition to such a printing apparatus, a conveyance amount correction pattern, a program, a computer system, and a printing method have been clarified.

1. First Embodiment === Outline of Printing Apparatus (Inkjet Printer) ===
<Inkjet printer configuration>
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the outline of an inkjet printer will be described as an example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view around the carriage of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of the transport unit of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment.

  The ink jet printer of this embodiment includes a paper transport unit 10, an ink discharge unit 20, a cleaning unit 30, a carriage unit 40, a measuring instrument group 50, and a control unit 60.

  The paper transport unit 10 feeds, for example, paper, which is a printing medium, to a printable position, and at a predetermined movement amount in a predetermined direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as a paper feed direction)) during printing. It is for moving paper. The paper transport unit 10 includes a paper feed insertion port 11A, a paper discharge port 11B, a paper feed motor 12, a paper feed roller 13, a platen 14, a paper feed motor (hereinafter referred to as PF motor) 15, and a paper feed motor. A driver (hereinafter referred to as PF motor driver) 16, a paper feed roller 17 </ b> A, a paper discharge roller 17 </ b> B, a free roller 18 </ b> A, a free roller 18 </ b> B, a gear 19 </ b> A, a gear 19 </ b> B, and a gear 19 </ b> C. The paper feed insertion port 11 is a mounting portion for inserting paper as a printing medium. The paper feed motor 12 is a motor that transports the paper inserted into the paper feed insertion slot 11 into the printer, and is constituted by a DC motor. The paper feed roller 13 is a roller for conveying the paper inserted into the paper feed insertion slot 11 into the printer, and is driven by the paper feed motor 12. The platen 14 supports the paper S being printed. The PF motor 15 is a motor that feeds, for example, paper as a printing medium in the paper feeding direction, and is configured by a DC motor. The PF motor driver 16 is for driving the PF motor 15. The paper feed roller 17 </ b> A is a roller that feeds the paper S conveyed into the printer by the paper feed roller 13 to a printable area, and is driven by the PF motor 15. The free roller 18A is provided at a position facing the paper feed roller 17A, and presses the paper S toward the paper feed roller 17A by sandwiching the paper S with the paper feed roller 17A. The paper discharge roller 17B is a roller for discharging the printed paper S to the outside of the printer. The free roller 18B is provided at a position facing the paper discharge roller 17B, and presses the paper S toward the paper discharge roller 17B by sandwiching the paper S between the paper discharge roller 17B. The gears 19A, 19B, and 19C are for transmitting the driving force of the PF motor 15 to the paper discharge roller 17B in order to drive the paper discharge roller 17B by the PF motor 15. The paper discharge port 11B is where the printed paper is discharged to the outside of the printer.

  The ink ejection unit 20 is for ejecting ink onto, for example, paper that is a printing medium. The ink discharge unit 20 includes a head 21 and a head driver 22. The head 21 has a plurality of nozzles that are ink ejection units, and ejects ink intermittently from each nozzle. The head driver 22 is for driving the head 21 to discharge ink intermittently from the head.

  The cleaning unit 30 is for preventing clogging of the nozzles of the head 21. The cleaning unit 30 includes a pump device 31 and a capping device 35. The pump device sucks out ink from the nozzles in order to prevent clogging of the nozzles of the head 21, and includes a pump motor 32 and a pump motor driver 33. The pump motor 32 sucks ink from the nozzles of the head 21. The pump motor driver 33 drives the pump motor 32. The capping device 35 seals the nozzles of the head 21 when printing is not performed (standby) in order to prevent clogging of the nozzles of the head 21.

  The carriage unit 40 is for scanning and moving the head 21 in a predetermined direction (left and right direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as a scanning direction)). The carriage unit 40 includes a carriage 41, a carriage motor (hereinafter referred to as a CR motor) 42, a carriage motor driver (hereinafter referred to as a CR motor driver) 43, a pulley 44, a timing belt 45, and a guide rail 46. . The carriage 41 is movable in the scanning direction and fixes the head 21 (therefore, the nozzles of the head 21 intermittently eject ink while moving along the scanning direction). The carriage 41 has a frame (attachment / detachment portion) to which the ink cartridge 70 for containing ink can be attached / detached. The cartridges of each color (black cartridge 70B, cyan cartridge 70C, magenta cartridge 70M, yellow cartridge 70Y) can be attached to and detached from this frame. The cartridge 70 and the frame will be described later. The CR motor 42 is a motor that moves the carriage in the scanning direction, and is constituted by a DC motor. The CR motor driver 43 is for driving the CR motor 42. The pulley 44 is attached to the rotating shaft of the CR motor 42. The timing belt 45 is driven by a pulley 44. The guide rail 46 guides the carriage 41 in the scanning direction.

  The measuring instrument group 50 includes a linear encoder 51, a rotary encoder 52, a paper detection sensor 53, and a gap sensor 54. The linear encoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 41. The rotary encoder 52 is for detecting the rotation amount of the PF motor 15. The configuration of the encoder will be described later. The paper detection sensor 53 is for detecting the position of the end (leading end or end) of the paper to be printed. The gap sensor 54 is for detecting the distance from the nozzle to the paper S.

  The control unit 60 is for controlling the printer. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, a timer 62, an interface unit 63, an ASIC 64, a memory 65, and a DC controller 66. The CPU 61 controls the entire printer, and gives control commands to the DC controller 66, the PF motor driver 16, the CR motor driver 43, the pump motor driver 32, and the head driver 22. The timer 62 periodically generates an interrupt signal for the CPU 61. The interface unit 63 transmits / receives data to / from a host computer 67 provided outside the printer. The ASIC 64 controls printing resolution, head drive waveform, and the like based on print information sent from the host computer 67 via the interface unit 63. The memory 65 is for securing an area for storing the program of the ASIC 64 and the CPU 61, a work area, and the like, and includes storage means such as a PROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The DC controller 66 controls the PF motor driver 16 and the CR motor driver 43 based on the control command sent from the CPU 61 and the output from the measuring instrument group 50.

<About encoder configuration>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the linear encoder 51.
The linear encoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 41 and includes a linear scale 511 and a detection unit 512.
The linear scale 511 is provided with slits at predetermined intervals (for example, 1/180 inch (1 inch = 2.54 cm)), and is fixed to the printer main body side.

  The detection unit 512 is provided facing the linear scale 511 and is provided on the carriage 41 side. The detection unit 512 includes a light emitting diode 512A, a collimator lens 512B, and a detection processing unit 512C. The detection processing unit 512C includes a plurality of (for example, four) photodiodes 512D and a signal processing circuit 512E. Two comparators 512Fa and 512Fb are provided.

  The light emitting diode 512A emits light when a voltage Vcc is applied through resistances at both ends, and this light enters the collimator lens. The collimator lens 512B converts the light emitted from the light emitting diode 512A into parallel light, and irradiates the linear scale 511 with the parallel light. The parallel light that has passed through the slit provided in the linear scale passes through a fixed slit (not shown) and is incident on each photodiode 512D. The photodiode 512D converts incident light into an electrical signal. The electric signals output from the photodiodes are compared in the comparators 512Fa and 512Fb, and the comparison result is output as a pulse. Then, the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B output from the comparators 512Fa and 512Fb become the output of the linear encoder 51.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing waveforms of two types of output signals of the linear encoder 51. FIG. 5A is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the CR motor 42 is rotating forward. FIG. 5B is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the CR motor 42 is reversed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the phase of the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B are shifted by 90 degrees regardless of whether the CR motor 42 is rotating forward or reverse. When the CR motor 42 is rotating forward, that is, when the carriage 41 is moving in the main scanning direction, the pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees out of phase with the pulse ENC-B as shown in FIG. 5A. Progressing. On the other hand, when the CR motor 42 is reversed, the phase of the pulse ENC-A is delayed by 90 degrees from the pulse ENC-B, as shown in FIG. 5B. One period T of each pulse is equal to the time required for the carriage 41 to move through the slit interval of the linear scale 511 (for example, 1/180 inch (1 inch = 2.54 cm)).

  The position of the carriage 41 is detected as follows. First, with respect to the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B, a rising edge or a falling edge is detected, and the number of detected edges is counted. Based on the count number, the position of the carriage 41 is calculated. The count number is incremented by “+1” when one edge is detected when the CR motor 42 is rotating forward, and “−” when one edge is detected when the CR motor 42 is reversed. 1 ”is added. Since the period of the pulse ENC is equal to the slit interval of the linear scale 511, the amount of movement from the position of the carriage 41 when the count number is “0” can be obtained by multiplying the count number by the slit interval. That is, the resolution of the linear encoder 51 in this case is the slit interval of the linear scale 511. Further, the position of the carriage 41 may be detected using both the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B. The period of each of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B is equal to the slit interval of the linear scale 511, and the phases of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B are shifted by 90 degrees. If the falling edge is detected and the number of detected edges is counted, the count number “1” corresponds to ¼ of the slit interval of the linear scale 511. Therefore, when the count number is multiplied by ¼ of the slit interval, the movement amount can be obtained from the position of the carriage 41 when the count number is “0”. That is, the resolution of the linear encoder 51 in this case is ¼ of the slit interval of the linear scale 511.

  The speed Vc of the carriage 41 is detected as follows. First, a rising edge or a falling edge is detected for the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B. On the other hand, the time interval between the edges of the pulse is counted by a timer counter. A cycle T (T = T1, T2,...) Is obtained from this count value. When the slit interval of the linear scale 511 is λ, the carriage speed can be obtained sequentially as λ / T. Further, the speed of the carriage 41 may be detected using both the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B. By detecting the rising edge and falling edge of each pulse, the time interval between edges corresponding to ¼ of the slit interval of the linear scale 511 is counted by the timer counter. A cycle T (T = T1, T2,...) Is obtained from this count value. When the slit interval of the linear scale 511 is λ, the carriage speed Vc can be sequentially obtained as Vc = λ / (4T).

  The rotary encoder 52 is substantially the same as the linear encoder 51 except that the linear scale 511 of the linear encoder 51 is a rotating disk that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the PF motor 15. is there.

=== Configuration of cartridge and frame (detachable portion) ===
The basic configuration of each color cartridge 70 described above is common. Therefore, the structure of the black ink cartridge 70B and the structure of the frame 80B (attachment / detachment portion) to which the cartridge 70B is attached will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing the structure of a black ink cartridge 70B. FIG. 6B is a schematic view of a frame 80B to which the cartridge 70B can be attached and detached. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cartridge 70B, the internal structure of the frame 80B provided on the carriage, and the state when the cartridge 70B is mounted on the frame 80B.

  6A and 7, the cartridge 70B has a main body 71B and a storage unit 90B. The main body 71B includes an ink storage portion 72B that stores black ink therein and an ink supply port 73B, and is formed of a synthetic resin. The storage unit 90B is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70B. The reason why the storage unit 90B is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70B will become clear later. The configuration of the storage unit 90B will be described later.

  6B and 7, the frame 80B includes a holding portion 81B, a bottom portion 82B, a needle 83B, a concave portion 84B, and a guide 85B. The holding portion 81B is a portion that holds the cartridge 70B from the side surface, and forms a space for mounting the cartridge 70B. The bottom portion 82B is a portion that supports the cartridge 70B from below. The needle 83B is for piercing the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B, and ink can be supplied by the needle 83B being inserted into the ink supply port 73B. The recess 84B is for receiving the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B. The guide 85B is for guiding the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B to the recess, and is provided on the inner wall of the recess 84B.

  The other color cartridges 70 and the frame 80 of the cartridges 70 are substantially the same as the configuration of the black ink cartridge 70B and the frame 80B described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

=== Configuration of Storage Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the storage unit 90, which is an element provided in the cartridge (ink container), including the data transmission / reception configuration, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a perspective plan view showing the configuration of the storage unit 90. FIG. 8B is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the storage unit 90 and the transmission / reception unit 95.

  The storage unit 90 includes an IC chip 91, a capacitor 92, an antenna 93, and a film 94. The configuration of the IC chip 91 will be described later. The capacitor 92 is a resonance capacitor formed by etching a metal film. The antenna 93 is configured by a planar coil. The film 94 covers the IC chip 91, the capacitor 92, and the antenna 93, and is made of an insulating plastic film.

  The IC chip 91 includes a rectifier 911, a signal analysis unit RF (Radio Frequency) 913, a control unit 915, and a memory cell 917. The rectifier rectifies the high-frequency magnetic field captured by the antenna 93 and becomes a DC power source that drives each circuit in the IC chip. The memory cell 917 is an electrically readable / writable non-volatile memory such as a NAND flash ROM, and can store written information and read the stored information from the outside. The memory cell 917 stores information regarding the cartridge 70.

  For example, the memory cell 917 stores information unique to the cartridge (for example, ID information such as a serial number of the cartridge 70). If the printer main body reads information specific to the cartridge, the printer main body can identify individual cartridges.

  In addition, for example, the memory cell 917 stores information related to the ink stored in the cartridge 70 (for example, information related to the amount of ink (for example, the amount of ink used or the remaining amount)). If the printer main body reads the ink usage amount information or remaining amount information of the cartridge 70, the printer main body can issue a warning to the user when the remaining amount of ink becomes small.

  Further, for example, the memory cell 917 prints data relating to the color of the cartridge 70, data relating to the manufacturing information of the cartridge 70, data relating to the expiration date of the cartridge 70, or data printed by the printer body using the cartridge 70 as information other than the above. Data relating to color correction used sometimes may be stored. If the printer main body reads out these pieces of information, the printer main body can use this information to control the printing operation.

  The transmission / reception unit 95 includes an antenna 96 and a transmission / reception circuit 97. The antenna 96 is covered with an insulating plastic film (not shown) in the same manner as the antenna 96 of the storage unit 90. The transmission / reception circuit 97 generates a high-frequency signal, induces a high-frequency magnetic field via the antenna 96, and communicates with the storage unit 90 wirelessly. The transmission / reception circuit 97 is connected to the control unit 60 and is controlled by the control unit 60.

  In this embodiment, since communication between the control unit on the printer main body side and the storage unit provided in the cartridge is performed wirelessly, communication is possible without contact. Therefore, the durability is improved and handling is simplified as compared with the case where a contact-type connector is used.

=== Contents of the package ===
FIG. 9A is an external view before the package is opened, and FIG. 9B is an external view when the package is opened.
The package 200 includes a paper 210, a memory card 110, and packaging means 220. The package 200 is sold at a mass retailer separately from the printer body.
The paper 210 is, for example, plain paper, glossy paper, photographic paper, OHP paper, or the like. The size, thickness, color correction for printing, and the like differ depending on the attribute of each paper.
The memory card 110 is a storage medium having a storage element and the like. The configuration of the memory card will be described later.

  The memory card 110 stores information about the enclosed paper 210 (hereinafter referred to as paper information). Paper information includes, for example, information for identifying paper (for example, an identifier such as a product number), paper type (plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, etc.), paper size, paper thickness, or , Information on color correction for printing, and the like are included. Also, the paper information includes, for example, information related to the paper production time. The paper information stored in the memory card 110 is read out wirelessly.

  The packaging means 220 is for packaging the paper 210 and the memory card 110. The packaging means 220 includes, for example, wrapping paper or a box. When the packaging means 220 is opened, the paper 210 and the memory card 110 can be taken out. Note that the packaging means 220 can be opened by being cut using, for example, a notch provided in the packaging means, or may be opened by other methods.

In this embodiment, after opening the packaging means 220, the paper 210 is inserted into the paper feed insertion slot 11A. The paper 210 is printed based on predetermined printing conditions.
In this embodiment, when the packaging unit 220 is opened, the memory card 110 can be taken out from the packaging unit 220 independently of the paper 210. If the information of the memory card 110 is taken out, the paper information can be obtained without examining the enclosed paper 210. A method of using this memory card will be described later.

=== Configuration of Memory Card ===
Next, with reference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the configuration of the memory card 110 including the data transmission / reception configuration will be described. FIG. 10A is a perspective plan view showing the configuration of the memory card 110. FIG. 10B is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the memory card 110 and the transmission / reception unit 95.

  The memory card 110 includes an IC chip 111, a capacitor 112, an antenna 113, and a film 114. The configuration of the IC chip 111 will be described later. The capacitor 112 is a resonance capacitor formed by etching a metal film. The antenna 113 is configured by a planar coil. The film 114 covers the IC chip 111, the capacitor 112, and the antenna 113, and is made of an insulating plastic film.

  The IC chip 111 includes a rectifier 1111, a signal analysis unit RF (Radio Frequency) 1113, a control unit 1115, and a memory cell 1117. The rectifier rectifies the high-frequency magnetic field captured by the antenna 113 and becomes a DC power source that drives each circuit in the IC chip. The memory cell 1117 is an electrically readable and writable nonvolatile memory such as a NAND flash ROM, and can store written information and read the stored information from the outside. The memory cell 1117 stores information on paper.

  The transmission / reception unit 95 includes an antenna 96 and a transmission / reception circuit 97. The antenna 96 functions as a communication unit for communicating with the memory card. The antenna 96 is covered with an insulating plastic film (not shown) in the same manner as the antenna 113 of the memory card. The transmission / reception circuit 97 generates a high-frequency signal, induces a high-frequency magnetic field via the antenna 96, and communicates with the memory card 110 wirelessly. The transmission / reception circuit 97 is connected to the control unit 60 and is controlled by the control unit 60.

  In the present embodiment, since communication between the antenna 96 provided on the printer main body side and the memory card 110 is performed wirelessly, communication is possible without contact. Therefore, the durability is improved and handling is simplified as compared with the case where a contact-type connector is used.

=== Card slot ===
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the appearance of the printer of this embodiment. In the figure, the components already described are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The printer 1 includes a housing 3, an upper lid 5, an operation unit 7, and a slot 100 in addition to the components described above. The housing is a box for housing the above-described components (for example, the paper transport unit 10, the ink discharge unit 20, the cleaning unit 30, the carriage unit 40, the measuring instrument group 50, the control unit 60, etc.). The upper lid 5 is a lid that can rotate in the opening and closing direction around a rotation shaft (not shown) provided in the housing 3. When the upper lid 5 is opened, for example, the paper transport unit 10 and the carriage unit 40 housed in the housing 3 can be seen. The upper lid 5 is opened and closed, for example, when the cartridge 70 is replaced. The operation unit 7 is provided in the housing 3 and includes a button 7A and a lamp 7B. The user can set the printing conditions (print mode, etc.) of the printer 1 by operating the button 7A. Further, the operation of the printer 1 can be confirmed by the blinking of the lamp 7B.

  The slot 100 constitutes an attachment / detachment unit to / from which a memory card 110 that is an external storage medium can be attached / detached. The slot 100 has a card slot with a hollow portion and is provided in the upper lid 5. When the memory card 110 is inserted into the slot 100, the position of the memory card 110 is regulated by the inner wall of the slot 100. When the memory 110 is inserted into the slot 100, the lamp 7B may blink or the color of the lamp 7B may change. Further, when the memory 110 inserted into the slot 100 is not correctly inserted, the user may be informed by the change of the lamp 7B.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the slot 100 and the antenna 96 of the printer of this embodiment. In the figure, the components already described are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The antenna 96 is a planar antenna, and one surface of the antenna faces the storage unit 90, and the other surface faces the memory card 110 inserted in the slot 100. According to the present embodiment, by utilizing the property that the planar antenna generates magnetic fields on both sides, it is possible to communicate wirelessly with both the memory card in the slot and the storage unit of the cartridge. . In other words, according to the present embodiment, the antenna that communicates wirelessly with the memory card inserted in the slot and the antenna that communicates wirelessly with the storage unit provided in the cartridge can be shared by the same antenna. . Thereby, an inexpensive and space-saving printer can be provided.

  The antenna 96 is provided inside the upper lid 5. That is, the antenna 96 can face the storage unit 90 provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70 in the printer when the upper lid 5 is closed. Since the antenna 96 of the present embodiment is provided on the upper lid 5, when the cartridge is replaced, the cartridge storage unit 90 and the antenna 96 are not opposed to each other, so that the cartridge 70 can be easily replaced. it can.

  The slot 100 is provided in the upper lid 5 as described in FIG. The position where the antenna 96 is provided on the upper lid 5 is opposite to the position where the slot 100 is provided. Since the antenna 96 is provided on the back side of the slot 100, the memory card 110 is installed near the antenna 96, so that the reliability of wireless communication with the memory card is improved.

  When the memory card 110 is inserted into the slot 100, the memory card 110 is parallel to the antenna 96 (not shown in FIG. 11). Since the memory card 110 is provided with a memory element having the same configuration as that of the memory unit 90, the antenna of the memory card 110 inserted into the slot 100 and the antenna 96 are parallel to each other, and wireless communication is good. .

  If the antenna 96 is provided above the cleaning unit 30, the cleaning unit 30 is positioned under the carriage 41 in FIG. 14, so that the antenna 96 is prevented from being clogged with the nozzles of the head. Communication with the storage unit 90 is possible.

  Further, if the antenna 96 is provided above the printing area, the printing medium is present under the carriage 41 in FIG. 14, so that the antenna 96 can communicate with the storage unit 90 during the printing operation. Therefore, in such a case, the antenna 96 can write information on the real-time ink amount (used amount or remaining amount) in the storage unit 90 during the printing operation.

  By the way, the antenna 96 wirelessly communicates with the memory element of the memory card 110 inserted into the slot 100 through the signal passing through the upper lid 5. Therefore, the material of the upper lid 5 is preferably a non-magnetic material, and is preferably plastic. By making the material of the upper lid 5 in this way, the reliability of communication with the memory card 110 can be improved.

  Similarly, the material of the slot 100 is preferably a non-magnetic material, and is preferably plastic. By making the material of the slot 100 in this way, the reliability of communication with the memory card 110 can be improved.

=== Communication operation ===
A communication operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the antenna 96 cannot communicate with the storage unit 90. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the antenna 96 can communicate with the storage unit 90. In addition, in the figure, since the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the already demonstrated component, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 13, the carriage 41 is positioned so that the storage unit 90 is located away from the antenna 96. Even if the antenna 96 generates a magnetic field for wireless communication in this state, the antenna 96 can only communicate with the memory card 110 and cannot communicate with the storage unit 90 of the cartridge 70. .

  On the other hand, in FIG. 14, the carriage 41 is positioned so that the storage unit 90 faces below the antenna 96. That is, in this state, the antenna 96 is located between the storage unit 90 and the slot 100 (that is, the memory card 110). In this state, if the magnetic field is generated for the antenna 96 to communicate wirelessly, both the storage unit 90 and the memory card 110 can communicate simultaneously.

  In the state shown in FIG. 14, when the antenna 96 tries to communicate with the storage unit 90, a magnetic field is also generated on the memory card 110 side, so that signal collision becomes a problem. Therefore, when communication is performed in such a state, an identifier (for example, ID information) is included in the signal to be communicated to avoid signal collision. If an identifier is included in a signal to be communicated, communication with any storage unit 90 is possible even when the antenna 96 is in a state where it can communicate with a plurality of storage units 90.

  By the way, the antenna of this embodiment can face a plurality of storage units 90. Therefore, since the antenna 96 can be enlarged, a signal to be transmitted / received can be increased, and communication reliability can be improved. In addition, since one antenna can face a plurality of storage units 90, the number of antennas can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

=== How to use a memory card ===
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method of utilizing the memory card 110.
First, the user inserts the memory card 110 taken out from the packaging means of the package into the slot 100 (S101). The memory card 110 is bundled with paper purchased by the user, and is taken out from the packaging means 220 of the package 200. The memory card 110 stores information related to the bundled paper (hereinafter referred to as paper information). Paper information includes, for example, information for identifying paper (for example, an identifier such as a product number), paper type (plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, etc.), paper size, paper thickness, or , Color correction for printing, or information on manufacturing time. The paper taken out from the packaging means of the package is inserted into the insertion slot 11A of the printer.

Next, the antenna 96 reads the paper information stored in the memory card 110 (S102). The timing at which the antenna 96 reads the paper information may be when the printer 1 detects that the memory card 110 is inserted into the slot 100, or the antenna may periodically communicate with the memory card 110.
If the antenna 96 reads the paper information, the paper information is sent to the control unit 60 (S103). This paper information is stored in the memory 65 in the control unit 60.

  Next, the control unit 60 determines printing conditions based on the paper information (S104). For example, conditions such as the ink discharge amount of each color are determined based on information on the type of paper (plain paper, glossy paper, photographic paper, etc.). Further, based on the information on the paper size, the control condition of the CR motor 42 related to the movement of the carriage 41, the control condition of the PF motor 15, and the like are determined. Further, based on the information on the paper thickness, the ink ejection timing, the control conditions for the PF motor 15, and the like are determined. In addition, conditions such as the ink discharge amount of each color are determined based on information relating to color correction for printing. In addition, conditions such as the discharge amount of ink of each color are determined based on the paper production time in consideration of paper deterioration.

  Next, the control unit 60 sets a driver based on the determined printing condition (S105). For example, the head driver 22 is set based on the ink discharge amount condition of each color. Further, the CR motor driver 43 is set based on the control conditions of the CR motor 42. Further, the PF motor driver 16 is set based on the control conditions of the PF motor 15. The head driver 22 is set based on the ink ejection timing. Note that the driver setting may be performed based on paper information instead of based on the determined printing conditions (that is, S104 may be omitted).

  Then, the control unit 60 performs printing based on the driver set as described above (S106). Note that the paper on which printing is performed is the paper bundled together with the memory card 110 inserted into the slot 100. Since printing is performed with a printer in which appropriate settings are made on the paper, high-precision printing can be performed.

In this embodiment, the user simply sets the printer driver by inserting the memory card 110 bundled with the paper to be printed into the slot 100. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user does not need to manually perform complicated driver settings, and can easily operate the printer.
In this embodiment, since the printer itself is set only by inserting the memory card into the slot, it is not necessary to change the setting of the printer driver of the computer main body connected to the printer.

=== Configuration of Printing System etc. ===
Next, embodiments of a printing system (computer system), a computer program, and a recording medium that records the computer program, which are examples of embodiments according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system. The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In this embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1104 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 1106, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 1108 is a keyboard 1108A and a mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses a flexible disk drive device 1110A and a CD-ROM drive device 1110B. However, the reading device 1110 is not limited to this. For example, an MO (Magnet Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Disk) etc. may be used.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is housed.

  In the above description, the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to configure the computer system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include a computer main body 1102 and a printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. Further, for example, the printer 1106 may have a part of each function or mechanism of the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing, a display unit that performs various displays, a recording medium attachment / detachment unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium that records image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as a structure to have.

  In the above-described embodiment, a computer program for controlling the printer may be stored in the memory 65 of the control unit 60. Then, the control unit 60 may achieve the operation of the printer in the above-described embodiment by executing this computer program.

  The computer system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

=== Modification of First Embodiment ===
The printer and the like according to the present invention have been described based on the first embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. It is not a thing. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, even the embodiments described below are included in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

<About the package>
According to the above-described embodiment, the packaging means is only paper and a memory card. However, the packaging means is not limited to this. For example, other components may be included in the packaging means.

<About slot configuration 1>
According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot which can insert a memory card was provided in the upper cover. However, the configuration for attaching and detaching the memory card is not limited to the slot.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the appearance of a printer according to another embodiment. In the figure, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The printer according to the present embodiment includes a restricting unit 100 ′ as an attachment / detachment unit for the memory card 110 instead of the slot according to the above-described embodiment.

  The restricting means 100 ′ has a protrusion. The protrusion restricts the position of the edge of the memory card 110, whereby the installation position of the memory card 110 is restricted. Thereby, the stability and reproducibility of the position of the memory card 110 are improved so that the position of the memory card 110 does not change every time the memory card 110 is attached or detached. As a result, when the memory card is installed on the printer 1, the memory card 110 can be positioned behind the antenna (not shown), and the antenna can communicate with the memory card 110 wirelessly.

  That is, if the memory card attaching / detaching portion has a function of positioning the memory card at a position where the antenna can wirelessly communicate with the memory card 110, such as the slot 100 or the regulating means 100 ′, It can be a means. Further, it is desirable that the memory card attaching / detaching portion has a function of positioning the memory card 110 behind the antenna 96.

<About slot configuration 2>
According to the above-described embodiment, the slot into which the memory card can be inserted is simply a hollow body having a card insertion slot. However, the configuration of the slot is not limited to this.
For example, it may be used also as a slot for inserting a storage medium for storing image data taken by a digital camera or the like. That is, it is only necessary that the antenna 96 can communicate with the memory card 110 wirelessly when the memory card 110 is inserted into a slot for inserting another storage medium (the recording medium attaching / detaching portion described above).
In this case, the antenna 96 is provided on the back side of a slot (recording medium attaching / detaching portion) for inserting another storage medium.

<About driver settings 1>
According to the above-described embodiment, the printer itself is set based on the paper information read from the memory card. However, it is not limited to this.
For example, the paper information read from the memory card by the antenna may be sent to the computer main body to which the printer is connected, and the printer driver of the computer main body may be set.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for setting the printer driver of the computer main body.

  First, the user inserts the memory card 110 into the slot 100 (S201). The memory card 110 is taken out from the packaging means 220 of the package 200 purchased by the user. The memory card 110 stores the paper information of the enclosed paper. Paper information includes, for example, information for identifying paper (for example, an identifier such as a product number), paper type (plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, etc.), paper size, paper thickness, printing Information on color correction or manufacturing time, etc.

Next, the antenna 96 reads the paper information stored in the memory card 110 (S202). The timing at which the antenna 96 reads the paper information may be when the printer 1 detects that the memory card 110 is inserted into the slot 100, or the antenna may periodically communicate with the memory card 110.
If the antenna 96 reads the paper information, the paper information is sent to the computer main body 1102 (S203). This paper information is stored in the memory 2202 of the computer main body 1102. The computer main body 1102 may display the received paper information on the display device 1104.

  Next, the computer main body 1102 sets a printer driver based on the paper information (S204). If the computer main body 1102 stores information on a plurality of printer drivers, the computer main body may select an appropriate printer driver from the plurality of printer drivers based on the paper information. Further, the printer driver setting result may be displayed on the display device 1104.

  Next, the computer main body creates print information from the image information based on the set printer driver (S205). The generated print information is transmitted to the printer.

  Then, the control unit 60 performs printing based on the print information (S206). Note that the paper on which printing is performed is the paper enclosed with the memory card 110 inserted in the slot 100. Since printing is performed with a printer in which appropriate settings are made on the paper, high-precision printing can be performed.

  Also in this embodiment, the user can set the printer driver simply by inserting the memory card 110 enclosed in the paper to be printed into the slot 100. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the user does not need to manually perform complicated driver settings, and the operation of the printer can be facilitated.

<About memory cards 1>
According to the above-described embodiment, the memory card is bundled with paper and stores information related to paper. However, the method of using a memory card is not limited to this.
For example, information related to the operation of the printer 1 (for example, a control history) may be written in the memory card 110. Then, when the printer 1 breaks down, the user can expect quick repair by delivering the memory card 110 storing the information related to the operation of the printer to the service center.
The antenna may write other information to the memory card or read it from the memory card.

<About memory cards 2>
According to the above-described embodiment, the memory card communicates wirelessly. However, the communication with the memory card is not limited to this.
For example, the communication with respect to the memory card may be a contact type. In this case, the printer has a connector as communication means for connecting to the memory card, and the memory card has a contact for connecting to the connector.
Further, it is desirable that the memory card has a mark for identifying the direction of the memory card. In addition, this mark can identify the direction of a memory card visually or tactilely like a character, a symbol, or a notch. In this way, the memory card can be mounted in the correct direction, so that the memory card is correctly connected to the connector.

<About memory card 3>
According to the above-described embodiment, the memory card stores paper information such as paper type and size. However, the paper information stored in the memory card is not limited to these.
For example, the paper information may be information relating to paper printing conditions. As described above, if the memory card stores information on the printing conditions, the printer itself or the printer driver of the computer main body can be directly set based on this information. In this case, since the printing conditions correspond to a specific printer, it is desirable to specify which model of printer the paper in the package is printed on.

<About memory cards 4>
The paper information stored in the memory card may be other information. For example, the paper information may be information on a location where the latest driver information for the paper can be downloaded.
In this case, after the computer main body receives such paper information (location information that can be downloaded) from the printer, the latest driver information is downloaded from a predetermined location on the Internet, and the printer driver is based on the downloaded driver information. Set. Accordingly, the user can easily set for printing based on the latest information.

<About the size of the antenna>
According to the above-described embodiment, one antenna is large enough to face a plurality of cartridges. However, the size of the antenna is not limited to this.
For example, the antenna may be large enough to face one cartridge. When communicating with the storage unit of another cartridge, the carriage may be moved in the scanning direction.
According to this embodiment, since the antenna can be made small, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since the antenna can be made small, the printer can be saved in space.

<About cartridge>
According to the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge is provided for each color. However, the configuration of the cartridge is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of cartridges (70C, 70M, 70Y) corresponding to the respective colors may be combined into one color cartridge.

<About storage unit layout>
According to the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 90 is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70. However, the arrangement of the storage unit 90 is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 90 may be provided on the side surface of the cartridge 70. Then, an antenna may be provided at a position that can face the side surface of the cartridge 70 and a slot may be provided on the back side of the antenna.
Even if it arrange | positions in this way, the effect similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can be acquired.

<About nozzle>
According to the above-described embodiment, the nozzles are provided on the head 21 and the head 21 is provided on the carriage 41, so the nozzles are provided integrally with the carriage 41. However, the configuration of the nozzle and the head 21 is not limited to this. For example, the nozzle and the head may be provided integrally with the cartridge and detachable from the carriage 41.
In other words, the above description has been made using a cartridge as an example of an “ink container”. However, the “ink container” may be a container that stores ink, and the interpretation of this phrase is affected by the presence or absence of a nozzle. Not give.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. However, in this embodiment, “Outline of printing apparatus”, “Configuration of storage unit”, “Contents of package”, “Configuration of memory card”, “Card slot”, “Utilization method of memory card”, “Printing system, etc.” The “configuration of” and the like are substantially the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

=== Configuration of Cartridge and Removable Unit (Frame) ===
The basic configuration of each color cartridge 70 described above is common. 20 and 21, the structure of the black ink cartridge 70B and the structure of the attaching / detaching portion 80B to which the cartridge 70B is attached will be described.

  FIG. 20A is a schematic view showing the structure of a black ink cartridge 70B. FIG. 20B is a schematic view of an attaching / detaching portion 80B to which the cartridge 70B can be attached and detached. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cartridge 70B, the internal structure of the attaching / detaching portion 80B provided on the carriage, and the state when the cartridge 70B is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 80B.

  20A and 21, the cartridge 70B has a main body 71B and a storage unit 90B. The main body 71B includes an ink storage portion 72B that stores black ink therein and an ink supply port 73B, and is formed of a synthetic resin. The storage unit 90B is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70B. The reason why the storage unit 90B is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70B will become clear later. The configuration of the storage unit 90B will be described later.

  20B and 21, the mounting portion 80B includes a holding portion 81B, a bottom portion 82B, a needle 83B, a concave portion 84B, a guide 85B, and a fixture 86. The holding portion 81B is a portion that holds the cartridge 70B from the side surface, and forms a space for mounting the cartridge 70B. The bottom portion 82B is a portion that supports the cartridge 70B from below. The needle 83B is for piercing the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B, and ink can be supplied by the needle 83B being inserted into the ink supply port 73B. The recess 84B is for receiving the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B. The guide 85B is for guiding the ink supply port 73B of the cartridge 70B to the recess, and is provided on the inner wall of the recess 84B.

  In FIG. 21, the carriage 41 has an attachment / detachment portion 80 </ b> B, and includes a lid 87, a rotation shaft 88, a fastener 89, and an antenna 96 </ b> B. The lid 87 is provided on the carriage 41 via a rotation shaft 88 and can be rotated about the rotation shaft. Then, when the lid 87 is tilted in the direction covering the cartridge 70B, the fastener 89 is coupled to the fixture 86, and the cartridge 70B is fixed to the detachable portion 80B. The holding portion 81B, the bottom portion 82B, and the lid 87 constitute a frame that forms a space for mounting the cartridge 70B. Further, when the lid 87 is tilted in the direction covering the cartridge 70B, the cartridge 70B is pressed downward by the lid 87, and the needle 83B pierces the ink supply port 73B. The antenna 96B is disposed inside the lid 87 (that is, inside the frame of the carriage 41) and is disposed so as to face the storage unit 90B. The antenna 96B will be described later.

  The other color cartridges 70 and the attaching / detaching portions 80 of the cartridges 70 are substantially the same as the configurations of the black ink cartridge 70 </ b> B and the attaching / detaching portion 80 </ b> B described above. Note that the fixing tool 86, the lid 87, the rotation shaft 88, and the fastener 89 may be provided for each color cartridge, or may be shared by the respective color cartridges.

  In this embodiment, since the moving carriage 41 is provided with the antenna 96, information can be written to and read from the storage unit 90 even when the carriage 41 is moving. As a result, for example, when the carriage is moved and printing is performed on a printing medium (paper or the like), the control unit 60 can write ink usage amount information and remaining amount information in the storage unit 90 in real time. it can. Therefore, even when the printer body is suddenly turned off and the cartridge 70 is replaced, correct information regarding the cartridge 70 is written in the storage unit 90 of the cartridge 70.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the antenna 93 of the storage unit 90 is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70, and the antenna 96 of the transmission / reception unit 95 is provided on the lid 87 of the carriage 41. When the lid 87 is closed so as to cover the cartridge 70 in order to fix the cartridge 70 to the carriage, the film 94 of the antenna 93 and the film (not shown) of the antenna 96 come into contact with each other, and the antenna 96 is stored via the film. The unit 90 is pressed. As a result, since the distance between the antenna 93 and the antenna 96 is reduced, communication is possible even with weak radio waves. That is, with this configuration, a power-saving printer can be provided.

=== Arrangement of antennas ===
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the antenna 96 and the storage unit 90. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission / reception unit when an antenna is arranged as shown in FIG. In the figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of antennas 96 are provided inside the lid 87 of the carriage 41. The antennas 96B, 96C, 96M, and 96Y are provided to face the storage units 90B, 90C, 90M, and 90Y provided in the cartridges of the respective colors.
In the present embodiment, since a plurality of antennas 96 are provided inside the lid 87 of the carriage 41, the size of each antenna is reduced, so that signals to be transmitted and received are weakened. However, as described above, the antenna 93 and the antenna 96 are reduced. Since the distance between the two is small, there is a specific effect that communication is possible.
Note that the transmission / reception circuit 97 may be shared by the antennas 96 as shown in FIG. However, a transmission / reception circuit 97 may be provided for each antenna 96.

=== Communication operation ===
A communication operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the antennas 96B to 96Y cannot communicate with the memory card 110. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the antenna 96 can communicate with the memory card 110. In addition, in the figure, since the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the already demonstrated component, description is abbreviate | omitted. The memory card 110 becomes parallel to the antennas 96B to 96Y by being inserted into the slot 100. Further, since the antennas 96B to 96Y are provided on the lid of the carriage 41, they can move in the scanning direction together with the carriage 41.

  In FIG. 24, the carriage 41 is positioned such that the antennas 96B to 96Y are positioned away from the memory card 110. Even if the antennas 96B to 96Y generate a magnetic field for wireless communication in this state, the antennas 96B to 96Y can only communicate with the storage units 90B to 90Y, and can communicate with the memory card 110. Cannot communicate.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 25, the carriage 41 is positioned so that the memory card faces the antennas 96B to 96Y. That is, in this state, the antenna 96 is located between the storage unit 90 and the slot 100 (that is, the memory card 110). In this state, if the magnetic field is generated for the antenna 96 to communicate wirelessly, both the storage unit 90 and the memory card 110 can communicate simultaneously.

  In the state shown in FIG. 25, when the antenna 96 tries to communicate with the storage unit 90, a magnetic field is also generated on the memory card 110 side, so that signal collision becomes a problem. Therefore, when communication is performed in such a state, an identifier (for example, ID information) is included in the signal to be communicated to avoid signal collision.

  By the way, since the antenna of this embodiment can be opposed to both the storage unit 90 and the memory card 110 with one antenna, the number of antennas can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

=== Modification of Second Embodiment ===
The printer and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the second embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. It is not a thing. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, even the embodiments described below are included in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

<About antenna placement>
According to the above-described embodiment, the plurality of antennas are provided to face the cartridges of the respective colors. However, the arrangement of the antennas is not limited to this.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between the antenna 96 and the storage unit 90 according to another embodiment. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission / reception unit when an antenna is arranged as shown in FIG. In the figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Note that the antenna 96 of this embodiment is different from the antenna of the above-described embodiment in that it can communicate wirelessly with a plurality of storage units.
According to this embodiment, since the antenna 96 can be enlarged, the signal to be transmitted / received can be increased, and the communication reliability can be improved. In addition, since the number of antennas can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be reduced.
If the antenna 96 is shared by a plurality of storage units 90 as in the present embodiment, signal collision becomes a problem. Therefore, when the configuration of the present embodiment is adopted, in order to enable the antenna 96 to communicate with an arbitrary storage unit 90, ID information is included in the signal to be communicated to avoid signal collision. I can do it.

<About cartridge>
According to the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge is provided for each color. However, the configuration of the cartridge is not limited to this.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between the antenna 96 and the storage unit 90 according to another embodiment. In the figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, as compared with the above-described embodiment, a plurality of cartridges (70C, 70M, and 70Y) corresponding to the respective colors are combined into one color cartridge 70P.
The color cartridge 70P has a plurality of ink storage portions therein, and stores a plurality of colors of ink. One storage unit 90P is provided on the upper surface of the color cartridge 70P. Information about ink of each color is stored in the memory cell of the storage unit 90P.

  According to the present embodiment, since the antenna 93 of the storage unit 90P can be increased, the signal to be transmitted / received can be increased, and the communication reliability can be improved.

<About storage unit layout>
According to the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 90 is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70. However, the arrangement of the storage unit 90 is not limited to this.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment relating to the arrangement of the storage unit 90 and the arrangement of the antenna 96. In the figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the storage unit 90 is provided on the side surface of the cartridge.
In the figure, reference numeral 90 'denotes a storage unit provided on the side surface of the black cartridge 70B. Reference numeral 96 ′ denotes an antenna provided on the inner wall of the attachment / detachment portion of the carriage 41.

Also in the present embodiment, the storage unit 90 ′ and the antenna 96 can be provided to face each other. Also, in the figure, the storage unit 90 ′ and the antenna 96 ′ are drawn apart from each other. However, as in the above-described embodiment, when the cartridge is mounted, the film of the storage unit 90 ′ and the film of the antenna 96 ′ are shown. May be in contact with each other.
Even if it arrange | positions in this way, the effect similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can be acquired.

<About nozzle>
According to the above-described embodiment, the nozzles are provided on the head 21 and the head 21 is provided on the carriage 41, so the nozzles are provided integrally with the carriage 41. However, the configuration of the nozzle and the head 21 is not limited to this. For example, the nozzle and the head may be provided integrally with the cartridge and detachable from the carriage 41.

<About ink>
According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge is an ink container that contains ink. However, the cartridge is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge may be a toner container that contains toner. In this case, the cartridge that is the toner container may include a developing roller.
In this case, since the printing apparatus usually has a rotary to which a plurality of cartridges can be attached and detached, an antenna is provided on this rotary. An antenna provided in the rotary communicates wirelessly with a storage unit provided in the cartridge.

According to the first embodiment, there is provided a printing apparatus having an antenna capable of wirelessly communicating with an element (for example, a storage unit having a memory) provided in an ink container (for example, a cartridge). It becomes possible to use.
According to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a power-saving printer that can communicate even with weak radio waves.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the periphery of the carriage of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of the transport unit of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the linear encoder. FIG. 5A is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the CR motor is rotating forward. FIG. 5B is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the CR motor is reversed. FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing the structure of the cartridge. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the frame. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cartridge, the internal structure of the frame, and the state when the cartridge is mounted on the frame. FIG. 8A is a plan perspective view showing the configuration of the storage unit. FIG. 8B is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the storage unit and the transmission / reception unit. FIG. 9A is an external view before the package is opened. FIG. 9B is an external view when the package is opened. FIG. 10A is a plan perspective view showing the configuration of the memory card. FIG. 10B is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the memory card and the transmission / reception unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the appearance of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the slot and the antenna of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the communication operation of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the antenna cannot communicate with the storage unit. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the communication operation of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the antenna can communicate with the storage unit. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method of utilizing the memory card of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer system. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the appearance of a printer according to another embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for setting the driver of the computer main body. FIG. 20A is a schematic view showing the structure of a cartridge. FIG. 20B is a schematic view of the detachable portion. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cartridge, the internal structure of the attaching / detaching portion, and the state when the cartridge is attached to the attaching / detaching portion. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the antenna and the storage unit. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission / reception unit in the case of FIG. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the communication operation of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the antenna cannot communicate with the memory card. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the communication operation of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the antenna can communicate with the memory card. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between an antenna and a storage unit according to another embodiment. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission / reception unit in the case of FIG. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between an antenna and a storage unit according to another embodiment. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of storage units and the arrangement of antennas according to another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer, 3 housing, 5 upper lid, 7 operation unit,
10 Paper transport unit, 11A Paper feed insertion slot, 11B Paper ejection slot,
12 paper feed motor, 13 paper feed roller, 14 platen,
15 Paper feed motor (PF motor),
16 Paper feed motor driver (PF motor driver),
17A paper feed roller, 17B paper discharge roller,
18A, 18B free rollers, 19A, 19B, 19C gears,
20 ink discharge unit, 21 head, 22 head driver,
30 Cleaning unit, 31 Pump device, 32 Pump motor,
33 pump motor driver, 35 capping device,
40 carriage unit, 41 carriage,
42 Carriage motor (CR motor),
43 Carriage motor driver (CR motor driver),
44 pulley, 45 timing belt, 46 guide rail,
50 measuring instrument group, 51 linear encoder,
511 linear scale, 512 detector,
512A light emitting diode, 512B collimator lens, 512C detection processing unit,
512D photodiode, 512E signal processing circuit, 512F comparator,
52 Rotary encoder, 53 Paper detection sensor,
60 control unit, 61 CPU, 62 timer,
63 interface part, 64 ASIC, 65 memory,
66 DC controller, 67 Host computer,
70 cartridge, 71 main body, 72 ink container, 73 ink supply port,
80 frame (detachable part), 81 holding part, 82 bottom part,
83 needles, 84 recesses, 85 guides, 86 fixtures,
87 Lid, 88 Rotating shaft, 89 Fastener 90 Storage unit, 91 IC chip, 911 Rectifier,
913 Signal analysis unit RF, 915 control unit, 917 memory cell,
92 capacitors, 93 antennas, 94 coatings, 95 transceivers,
96 antenna, 97 transceiver circuit,
100 slots, 110 memory cards,
111 IC chip, 1111 rectifier, 1113 signal analysis unit RF,
1115 control unit, 1117 memory cell,
112 capacitor, 113 antenna, 114 coating,
200 packages, 210 paper, 220 packaging means

Claims (7)

A movable body to which the ink container is detachable;
An antenna for reading and writing information wirelessly with respect to an element provided in the moving body and provided in the ink container;
A printing device comprising:
When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
When the ink container is attached to the movable body, the member covering the antenna comes into contact with the member covering the element. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The antenna is disposed on a lid provided on the moving body to cover the mounted ink container. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The moving body has a frame that forms a space for mounting the ink container,
The antenna is disposed inside the frame. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The movable body can be mounted with a plurality of the ink containers,
A plurality of the antennas are provided on the movable body so as to correspond to the elements provided on the respective ink containers. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The movable body can be mounted with a plurality of the ink containers,
The antenna can read and write information from and to the plurality of elements. A computer,
A movable body connected to the computer and detachable from an ink container; an antenna for wirelessly reading and writing information from and to an element provided in the ink container;
A printing system comprising:
When the ink container is attached to the moving body, the antenna presses the element.

Images