Ink tank management method, ink tank, and inkjet printing apparatus

Abstract

This technology provides a simple way to manage the warranty for inks whose usable period varies depending on storage conditions. [Solution] The method for managing ink tanks used in this inkjet printing apparatus comprises a first information assignment step S201, a second information assignment step S202, and a usability determination step S203. In the first information assignment step S201, after the ink is manufactured, first information including a first time before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink reaches a first state is attached to the surface of the ink tank. In the second information assignment step S202, second information including a second time before the management state of the ink changes from the first state to a second state is attached to the surface of the ink tank. In the usability determination step S203, when the ink tank is to be used, the first information and the second information attached to the surface of the ink tank are read and it is determined whether or not the conditions for ink usability are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing an ink tank used in an inkjet printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a large-scale inkjet printing apparatus, ink is supplied from a large ink tank to the printing apparatus via an ink supply device. At this time, in order to maintain print quality, it is necessary to provide a usage guarantee period from the time of ink production.

[0003] When using ink, conventionally, information such as the type of ink, lot number, production date, etc. is attached to the ink tank with a two-dimensional barcode or the like in order to confirm whether it is within the usage guarantee period. Patent Document 1 describes a method of attaching a two-dimensional barcode containing these information to an ink tank and reading it before installing the ink tank to confirm whether the ink tank to be used is appropriate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional method, it was determined whether it was within the usage guarantee period from the information of the ink production date. However, depending on the type of ink, there are some inks whose available guarantee period changes due to changes in storage conditions such as temperature. For such inks, it is not possible to determine the usage guarantee period only by the ink production date as in the conventional method.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that allows for easy warranty management of inks whose usable period varies depending on storage conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is a method for managing an ink tank used in an inkjet printing apparatus, comprising: a) a first information application step of applying first information, including a first time before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink becomes a first state after the ink is manufactured, to the surface of the ink tank; b) a second information application step of applying second information, including a second time before the management state of the ink changes from the first state to a second state, to the surface of the ink tank; and c) a usability determination step of reading the first information and the second information applied to the surface of the ink tank when the ink tank is put into use, and determining whether or not the conditions for ink usability are met.

[0008] The second invention of this application is a method for managing the ink tank of the first invention, wherein the first information includes information on the type of ink contained in the ink tank.

[0009] The third invention of this application is a method for managing an ink tank according to the first invention, wherein in step a), a first two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information is generated and the first two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank; in step b), a second two-dimensional barcode encoding the second information is generated and the second two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank; and in step c), the first information and the second information are read by reading the first two-dimensional barcode and the second two-dimensional barcode.

[0010] The fourth invention of this application is a method for managing an ink tank according to the first invention, wherein in step a), a first two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information is affixed to the surface of the ink tank; in step b), the first two-dimensional barcode is read to generate an integrated two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information and the second information; the integrated two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank; and in step c), the first information and the second information are read by reading the integrated two-dimensional barcode.

[0011] The fifth invention of this application is a method for managing an ink tank of the first invention, wherein a semiconductor memory is pre-attached to the surface of the ink tank, in step a), the first information is stored in the semiconductor memory, in step b), the second information is stored in the semiconductor memory, and in step c), the first information and the second information are read by reading the semiconductor memory.

[0012] The sixth invention of this application is a method for managing an ink tank of the first invention, wherein an identifier is attached to the surface of the ink tank before or during step a), in step a), the first information is written in association with the identifier to a management ledger connected via a network in step b), the second information is written in association with the identifier to the management ledger connected via the network, and the first and second information linked to the identifier are read from the management ledger connected via the network in step c).

[0013] The seventh invention of this application is a method for managing the ink tank of the sixth invention, wherein the identifier is a sequence of numbers, a string of characters, a barcode, or a two-dimensional barcode.

[0014] The eighth invention of this application is an ink tank used in an inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the surface of the ink tank is marked with first information including a first time period after the ink is manufactured and before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink reaches a first state, and second information including a second time period before the management state of the ink changes from the first state to a second state.

[0015] The ninth invention of this application is an ink tank according to the eighth invention, wherein the surface of the ink tank is affixed a first two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information including the first time, and a second two-dimensional barcode encoding the second information including the second time.

[0016] The tenth invention of this application is an ink tank according to the eighth invention, wherein an integrated two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information including the first time and the second information including the second time is attached to the surface of the ink tank.

[0017] The eleventh invention of this application is an ink tank according to the eighth invention, wherein a semiconductor memory is attached to the surface of the ink tank, storing first information including a first time and second information including a second time.

[0018] The twelfth invention of this application is an inkjet printing apparatus for printing by ejecting ink droplets onto a substrate, comprising: a head for ejecting the ink droplets onto the substrate; an ink tank installation unit for installing an ink tank described in any one of the eighth to eleventh inventions; an ink supply unit for supplying the ink from the ink tank installed in the ink tank installation unit to the head; an ink supply control unit for controlling the operation of the ink supply unit; and an information reading unit for reading the first information and the second information attached to the surface of the ink tank, wherein the ink supply control unit determines whether the ink stored in the ink tank meets the conditions for ink use based on the first information and the second information read by the information reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the first to twelfth inventions of the present application, for ink whose available guarantee period varies depending on the storage conditions, guarantee management can be easily performed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ink supply apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of an ink tank installation part according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of management of a white ink tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of management of a color ink tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flow of assigning an identifier to an ink tank. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of determining whether an ink tank can be used according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flow of assigning an identifier to an ink tank. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of determining whether an ink tank can be used according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flow of assigning an identifier to an ink tank. [[ID=X]] [[ID=Y]] [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of determining whether an ink tank can be used according to a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [[ID=Z]] <1. Configuration of Printing Apparatus>In the following, a printing apparatus 9 using an ink tank 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the printing apparatus 9. The printing apparatus 9 controls each part of the apparatus with a control unit 90 to transport a long, strip-shaped printing medium M and to perform coating, printing, and drying processes on the printing medium M.

[0023] Specifically, this printing device 9 is a printing device that ejects ink droplets of water-based pigment ink onto a long, strip-shaped film sheet for flexible packaging using an inkjet method. The material of the printing medium M is a film such as OPP (oriented polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). However, the material of the printing medium M is not limited to resin films, but may be other materials such as paper. Of the two sides of the printing medium M, the side on which the image is printed is called the front, and the side opposite the front is called the back.

[0024] The printing apparatus 9 includes a transport mechanism 91, a coating processing unit 92, a printing processing unit 93, and a drying processing unit 94.

[0025] The transport mechanism 91 is a device for transporting the printing medium M along a predetermined transport path. The transport mechanism 91 has a feed roller 911, a take-up roller 912, and a number of other transport rollers 913. The feed roller 911, the take-up roller 912, and a portion of the transport rollers 913 are rotating rollers that are rotated by a motor or the like. The other portion of the transport rollers 913 are driven rollers that rotate in accordance with the movement of the printing medium M.

[0026] When the printing device 9 is driven, the feed roller 911, the take-up roller 912, and some of the rotating rollers of the transport roller 913 rotate, causing the printing medium M to be fed out from the feed roller 911, coated by the coating processing unit 92, printed by the printing processing unit 93, and dried by the drying processing unit 94, before being wound onto the take-up roller 912. In Figure 1, an arrow indicating the transport direction is shown on the surface side of the printing medium M.

[0027] The coating section 92 is a device for applying a liquid primer (coating solution) to the surface of a printing medium M. The coating section 92 includes a pan 921 and a gravure roller 922. The pan 921 stores the liquid primer. The gravure roller 922 is a roller for applying the primer to the surface of the printing medium M, which is transported by the transport mechanism 91. The gravure roller 922 is positioned so as to be partially immersed in the primer stored in the pan 921.

[0028] The gravure roller 922 applies primer to the surface of the printing medium M, which is being transported with its surface facing downwards, by rotating while holding the primer on its outer surface. Note that the direction of travel of the printing medium M and the direction of rotation of the gravure roller 922 (indicated by arrows in Figure 1) are opposite. In other words, the gravure roller 922 applies primer to the surface of the printing medium M using a so-called reverse kiss method.

[0029] The printing processing unit 93 includes a housing 930, a color printing unit 931, and a white printing unit 932. The color printing unit 931 and the white printing unit 932 are arranged inside the housing 930. The color printing unit 931 ejects multiple colors of ink from above onto a printing medium M that is transported with its surface facing upwards. In this embodiment, the color printing unit 931 has four head units 20 that eject inks of different colors (process colors) other than white. The inks ejected in the color printing unit 931 are, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The white printing unit 932 ejects white ink from above onto a printing medium M that is transported with its surface facing upwards. The white printing unit 932 has one head unit 20 that ejects white ink.

[0030] The detailed configuration of the head unit 20 and the ink supply device 8 for supplying ink to the multiple heads 21 of the head unit 20 will be described later.

[0031] Furthermore, the printing processing unit 93 is provided with pre-drying units (not shown) downstream of the color printing unit 931 and upstream of the white printing unit 932, and downstream of the white printing unit 932, respectively, for drying the ink discharged onto the surface of the printing medium M.

[0032] The drying section 94 is a device that dries the ink ejected onto the surface of the printing medium M in the printing section 93. The drying section 94 has a drying oven 941 which is a housing. Inside the drying oven 941, the transport path of the printing medium M formed by the transport mechanism 91 is S-shaped. The transport mechanism 91 has air turn bars 914 instead of transport rollers 913 at the points where it contacts the surface of the printing medium M inside the drying oven 941.

[0033] The control unit 90 is composed of a computer having, for example, a processor such as a CPU, memory such as RAM, and a storage unit such as a hard disk drive. The printing device 9 controls the operation of the transport mechanism 91, coating processing unit 92, printing processing unit 93, drying processing unit 94, and the ink supply device 8, which will be described later, according to the computer program. As a result, the printing process in the printing device 9 proceeds.

[0034] <2. Configuration of the ink supply device> Next, the configuration of the ink supply device 8 for supplying ink to the multiple heads 21 of the head unit 20 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ink supply device 8.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the head unit 20 has a plurality of heads 21 arranged horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1). Note that in Figure 2, the plurality of heads 21 shown by dashed lines connected to the recovery reservoir 23 are the same as the plurality of heads 21 shown by solid lines connected to the supply reservoir 22, and are therefore shown redundantly for the sake of the drawing's structure.

[0036] The ink supply device 8 is an ink supply unit that supplies ink from the ink tank 1 to the print head 21. The ink supply device 8 has an ink storage unit consisting of a supply reservoir 22 and a recovery reservoir 23 for the print head unit 20, and a buffer tank 24. The ink supply device 8 also has an ink tank installation unit 3 in which the ink tank 1, which is the source of the ink, can be replaced. The ink supply device 8 also has a first transport unit 41, a second transport unit 42, a third transport unit 43, and a fourth transport unit 44 as means for transporting ink between each storage unit.

[0037] The head unit 20 is equipped with multiple heads 21, a supply reservoir 22, and a recovery reservoir 23. Each head 21 has multiple ejection nozzles on its lower surface for ejecting ink onto the printing medium M.

[0038] The supply reservoir 22 is an ink storage unit that stores ink for supply to the print head 21. The supply reservoir 22 has a first horizontal reservoir 51 and a first vertical reservoir 52.

[0039] The first horizontal reservoir 51 is a cylindrical storage section that extends substantially horizontally along the direction in which the multiple heads 21 are arranged. One end of the first horizontal reservoir 51 is connected in communication with the first vertical reservoir 52. The other end of the first horizontal reservoir 51 is closed. At the bottom of the first horizontal reservoir 51, there are multiple supply ports 510 that connect the inside and outside of the first horizontal reservoir 51 in the vertical direction. Each supply port 510 is connected in communication with a head 21 located below the supply port 510 via a supply pipe 211.

[0040] The first vertical reservoir 52 is a bottomed, capped cylindrical storage section. The first vertical reservoir 52 is larger in the vertical direction than the first horizontal reservoir 51. The first vertical reservoir 52 has a first opening 520 on its side that communicates directly with one end of the first horizontal reservoir 51.

[0041] The first vertical reservoir 52 is equipped with a level sensor 521. Based on the detection signal from the level sensor 521, the control unit 90 can determine the amount of ink stored in the supply reservoir 22. The level sensor 521 may be a float-type level sensor or another type of level sensor.

[0042] In the supply reservoir 22, the first horizontal reservoir 51 is filled with ink, and the amount of ink stored in the first vertical reservoir 52 is adjusted so that a certain amount of gas layer is formed at the top. The gas layer in the first vertical reservoir 52 is connected to the pressure adjustment unit 522. This maintains the pressure inside the first vertical reservoir 52 at a predetermined negative pressure for the supply reservoir.

[0043] The recovery reservoir 23 is an ink storage unit that stores ink recovered from the print head 21. The recovery reservoir 23 has a second horizontal reservoir 61 and a second vertical reservoir 62.

[0044] The second horizontal reservoir 61 is a cylindrical storage section that extends substantially horizontally along the direction in which the multiple heads 21 are arranged. One end of the second horizontal reservoir 61 is connected in communication with the second vertical reservoir 62. The other end of the second horizontal reservoir 61 is closed. At the bottom of the second horizontal reservoir 61, there are multiple recovery ports 610 that connect the inside and outside of the second horizontal reservoir 61 in the vertical direction. Each recovery port 610 is connected in communication with a head 21 located below the recovery port 610 via a recovery pipe 212.

[0045] The second vertical reservoir 62 is a bottomed, capped cylindrical storage section. The second vertical reservoir 62 is larger in the vertical direction than the second horizontal reservoir 61. The second vertical reservoir 62 has a second opening 620 on its side that communicates directly with one end of the second horizontal reservoir 61.

[0046] The second vertical reservoir 62 is equipped with a level sensor 621. Based on the detection signal from the level sensor 621, the control unit 90 can determine the amount of ink stored in the recovery reservoir 23. The level sensor 621 may be a float-type level sensor or another type of level sensor.

[0047] In the recovery reservoir 23, the second horizontal reservoir 61 is filled with ink, and the amount of ink stored in the second vertical reservoir 62 is adjusted so that a certain amount of gas layer is created at the top. The gas layer in the second vertical reservoir 62 is connected to the pressure adjustment unit 622. This maintains the pressure inside the second vertical reservoir 62 at a predetermined negative pressure for the recovery reservoir. The negative pressure for the recovery reservoir is smaller than the negative pressure for the supply reservoir. That is, the difference between atmospheric pressure and the negative pressure for the recovery reservoir is greater than the difference between atmospheric pressure and the negative pressure for the supply reservoir.

[0048] The buffer tank 24 temporarily stores ink. The amount of ink stored in the buffer tank 24 is less than that in the ink tank 1, but greater than that in the supply reservoir 22 and the recovery reservoir 23. The buffer tank 24 is equipped with a temperature sensor 241, a heater 242, a level sensor 243, and a stirring unit 244.

[0049] The temperature sensor 241 detects the temperature of the ink stored in the buffer tank 24. The heater 242 is mounted on the outer wall of the buffer tank 24. The heater 242 heats the ink in the buffer tank 24. The control unit 90 controls the heater 242 based on the ink temperature detected by the temperature sensor 241.

[0050] The level sensor 243 detects the height of the ink stored in the buffer tank 24 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 90. The stirring unit 244 stirs the ink stored in the buffer tank 24 to prevent uneven heating and uneven density.

[0051] Ink tank 1 is the ink storage unit with the largest maximum ink capacity. For example, ink purchased directly from an ink manufacturer is used in ink tank 1. Ink tank 1 is located in an area away from the head unit 20 and buffer tank 24.

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ink tank installation section 3. The ink tank installation section 3 is equipped with a number of ink tanks 1 corresponding to the multiple colors used in the color printing section 931 and the white printing section 932. As shown in Figure 3, this ink tank installation section 3 is equipped with four color ink tanks 1a containing the four colors of ink used in the color printing section 931, and one white ink tank 1b containing the white ink used in the white printing section 932.

[0053] The ink tank installation unit 3 includes multiple installation pans 31 corresponding to each of the multiple ink tanks 1, multiple temperature sensors 32 and multiple stirring units 33, an identifier reader 34, an input display unit 35 and an ink supply control unit 30.

[0054] The mounting pan 31 has the ink tank 1 placed on its upper surface. The temperature sensor 32 and the stirring unit 33 are installed inside the ink tank 1. The temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the ink inside the ink tank 1. The stirring unit 33 stirs the ink stored in the ink tank 1 to prevent uneven heating and uneven density.

[0055] The identifier reader 34 reads the identifier 10 attached to the surface of the ink tank 1. In other words, the identifier reader 34 is an information reading unit that reads the first information D1 and the second information D2 attached to the surface of the ink tank 1. The type of identifier reader 34 corresponds to the type of identifier 10 attached to the surface of the ink tank 1. For example, if the identifier 10 is a barcode, an infrared reader or the like is used for the identifier reader 34. If the identifier 10 is a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark), a two-dimensional scanner equipped with a CCD camera or the like is used for the identifier reader 34. If the identifier 10 is an IC chip, a contact-type or contactless IC chip reader is used as the identifier reader 34.

[0056] The input / display unit 35 has the functions of an input unit that can input information to the ink supply control unit 30 and a display unit that displays the information transmitted from the ink supply control unit 30. For example, a touch panel display can be used for the input / display unit 35. The input / display unit 35 may also be divided into a keyboard, mouse or other input device and a display device.

[0057] The ink supply control unit 30 is a control mechanism provided in the ink tank installation section 3. The ink supply control unit 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 90 of the printing device 9. The ink supply control unit 30 transmits the temperature of the ink in the ink tank 1 detected by the temperature sensor 32 to the control unit 90. The ink supply control unit 30 also displays information from multiple ink tanks 1 on the input display unit 35.

[0058] Returning to Figure 2, the first transport unit 41 transports ink from the ink tank 1 to the buffer tank 24. The first transport unit 41 includes a pipe 411, a valve 412 inserted in the pipe 411, an ink replenishment pump 413, and a valve 414. One end of the pipe 411 is located in the ink storage area within the ink tank 1. The other end of the pipe 411 communicates with the inside of the buffer tank 24. The control unit 90 opens valves 412 and 414 and operates the ink replenishment pump 413, causing the ink stored in the ink tank 1 to be sent to the buffer tank 24 via the pipe 411.

[0059] The second transport unit 42 transports ink from the buffer tank 24 to the recovery reservoir 23. The second transport unit 42 includes a pipe 421 and a pump 422, a filter 423, a degassing gas unit 424, and a valve 425 interposed in the pipe 421. One end of the pipe 421 is located in the ink storage area within the buffer tank 24. The other end of the pipe 421 communicates with the inside of the second vertical reservoir 62 of the recovery reservoir 23. The filter 423 removes solid components (aggregates, precipitates) contained in the ink. The degassing gas unit 424 removes air bubbles contained in the ink and some of the gaseous components dissolved in the ink. The control unit 90 opens the valve 425 and operates the pump 422, so that the ink stored in the buffer tank 24 is sent to the second vertical reservoir 62 via the pipe 421. The pipe 421 is also equipped with a flow sensor 426 that detects the ink flow rate within the pipe 421.

[0060] The third transport unit 43 transports ink from the recovery reservoir 23 to the supply reservoir 22. The third transport unit 43 includes piping 431, a pump 432 (which is modified into piping 431), a filter 433, and a degassing gas unit 434. One end of piping 431 is located in the ink storage area within the second vertical reservoir 62 of the recovery reservoir 23. The other end of piping 431 communicates with the inside of the first vertical reservoir 52 of the supply reservoir 22. The filter 433 removes solid components (aggregates, precipitates) contained in the ink. The degassing gas unit 434 removes air bubbles contained in the ink and some of the gaseous components dissolved in the ink. The control unit 90 operates the pump 432, causing the ink stored in the second vertical reservoir 62 of the recovery reservoir 23 to be sent via piping 431 to the first vertical reservoir 52 of the supply reservoir 22.

[0061] The fourth transport unit 44 transports ink from the supply reservoir 22 to the buffer tank 24. The fourth transport unit 44 includes a pipe 441 and a valve 442 and a pump 443 interposed in the pipe 441. One end of the pipe 441 is positioned in the ink storage area of ​​the first vertical reservoir 52 of the supply reservoir 22. The other end of the pipe 441 communicates with the inside of the buffer tank 24. The control unit 90 operates the pump 443, causing the ink stored in the first vertical reservoir 52 of the supply reservoir 22 to be sent to the buffer tank 24 via the pipe 441.

[0062] With this configuration, an ink circulation path is formed by the supply reservoir 22, multiple supply pipes 211, the head 21 and recovery pipe 212, the recovery reservoir 23, and the third transport unit 43. When the pump 432 of the third transport unit 43 is driven, ink is supplied from the second vertical reservoir 62 of the recovery reservoir 23 into the first vertical reservoir 52 of the supply reservoir 22, creating a flow of ink that returns from the first vertical reservoir 52 through the first horizontal reservoir 51, the multiple supply pipes 211, the head 21 and recovery pipe 212, and the second horizontal reservoir 61 of the recovery reservoir 23 to the second vertical reservoir 62.

[0063] As mentioned above, the negative pressure for the recovery reservoir is lower than the negative pressure for the supply reservoir. That is, the pressure in the second horizontal reservoir 61 of the recovery reservoir 23 is lower than the pressure in the first horizontal reservoir 51 of the supply reservoir 22. For this reason, for each head 21, the pressure in the second horizontal reservoir 61, which communicates with the recovery pipe 212, is lower than the pressure in the first horizontal reservoir 51, which communicates with the supply pipe 211. As a result, an ink flow occurs within the head 21 from the supply pipe 211 to the recovery pipe 212.

[0064] Furthermore, the buffer tank 24, the second transport unit 42, the recovery reservoir 23, the third transport unit 43, the supply reservoir 22, and the fourth transport unit 44 form an ink circulation path. When transport is performed simultaneously in the second transport unit 42, the third transport unit 43, and the fourth transport unit 44, a flow of ink is generated that returns from the buffer tank 24 through the second transport unit 42, the recovery reservoir 23, the third transport unit 43, the supply reservoir 22, and the fourth transport unit 44 back to the buffer tank 24.

[0065] During the printing process and the maintenance process of the head 21, ink is ejected from the head 21, and as the amount of ink in the supply reservoir 22 decreases, the ink level in the first vertical reservoir 52 drops. In such cases, the control unit 90 recognizes the drop in the liquid level in the first vertical reservoir 52 based on the detection signal from the level sensor 521. The control unit 90 then starts transporting ink in the second transport unit 42 and the third transport unit 43 so that the liquid level detected by the level sensor 521 and the level sensor 621 falls within a predetermined range. If ink is already being transported by internal circulation or external circulation of the head unit, the control unit 90 increases the amount of ink transported in the second transport unit 42 and the third transport unit 43.

[0066] Furthermore, when the amount of ink in the buffer tank 24 decreases due to the supply of ink from the buffer tank 24 to the head unit 20, the ink level in the buffer tank 24 drops. In such cases, the control unit 90 recognizes the drop in the liquid level in the buffer tank 24 based on the detection signal from the level sensor 243. The control unit 90 then transports ink in the first transport unit 41 so that the liquid level detected by the level sensor 243 falls within the treatment range.

[0067] The control unit 90 controls the flow rate of ink in the first transport unit 41, the second transport unit 42, the third transport unit 43, and the fourth transport unit 44.

[0068] <3. How to manage ink tanks> Regarding the inks used in the printing apparatus 9 of this embodiment, the storage method and the method for calculating the expiration date of the four color inks used in the color printing section 931 and the white ink used in the white printing section 932 differ. The color ink tank 1a is stored at room temperature after manufacture until it is put into use in the printing apparatus 9. Therefore, the expiration date of the color ink contained in the color ink tank 1a is a predetermined period (e.g., 12 months) from the date of manufacture. In contrast, the white ink tank 1b is frozen and stored immediately after manufacture, and then stored at room temperature. Therefore, the expiration date of the white ink contained in the white ink tank 1b is within a predetermined period (e.g., 6 months) from the date of manufacture during which it can be frozen, and the expiration date is within a further predetermined period (e.g., 6 months) after thawing. For this reason, the procedure for checking the expiration date of the ink tank 1 when it is put into use in the printing apparatus 9 differs depending on the type of ink.

[0069] <3-1. Management of White Ink> The post-manufacturing management method for the white ink tank 1b will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the management flow of the white ink tank 1b according to this embodiment.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, first, white ink is manufactured at the ink manufacturer, and the manufactured white ink is stored in the white ink tank 1b (step S101). Then, the white ink tank 1b is shipped from the ink manufacturer (step S102) and transported to a cold storage warehouse (step S103). The cold storage warehouse may be managed by a company other than the ink manufacturer.

[0071] Then, when the white ink tank 1b arrives at the cold storage warehouse, it is stored in a frozen state (step S104). In this embodiment, the fact that the ink tank 1 is stored in a frozen state means that the management state of the ink tank is the "first state".

[0072] The freezing of the white ink tank 1b may be performed after ink production in step S101 and before shipment in step S102. In this case, the frozen white ink tank 1b is transported to the cold storage warehouse in step S103 while remaining frozen. Alternatively, the freezing of the white ink tank 1b may be performed after transport in step S103 by storage in the cold storage warehouse in step S104. In this case, the white ink in the white ink tank 1b is transported at room temperature in step S103 and stored in the cold storage warehouse in step S104, thereby freezing the white ink inside the white ink tank 1b.

[0073] Here, after the manufacture of the white ink and before storage in the cold storage warehouse begins, that is, at any point after the completion of step S101 and before the start of step S104, first information D1, which includes a first time T1 indicating the date and time at that point, is affixed to the surface of the white ink tank 1b (step S201: first information application step). The first time T1 is the time after the manufacture of the ink and before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink becomes the first state, which is the cold storage state. In addition to the first time T1, the first information D1 may also include a product code indicating the product type, an ink code indicating the type of ink such as color, a lot number, etc.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the first information assignment step S201 is performed at the time of shipment in step S102. It is preferable that the first information assignment step S201 is performed either before or after the transportation step S103. That is, it is preferable that the first information assignment step S201 is performed at the ink manufacturer before or at the time of shipment of the white ink tank 1b, or at the time of receipt of the white ink tank 1b at the cold storage warehouse.

[0075] When a user purchases a white ink tank 1b, the white ink tank 1b is taken out of the cold storage warehouse (step S105) and transported from the cold storage warehouse to the user at room temperature (step S106). During transport in step S106, the white ink contained in the white ink tank 1b is thawed.

[0076] Here, in step S105, when the white ink tank 1b is taken out of the cold storage warehouse, second information D2, which includes a second time T2 indicating the date and time at that time, is attached to the surface of the white ink tank 1b (step S202: second information application step). The second time T2 is the time before the white ink's storage state changes from the "first state," which is a cold storage state, to the "second state," which is a room temperature storage state. In addition to the second time T2, the second information D2 may also include a warehouse ID indicating which cold storage warehouse it was stored in, and the storage temperature in the cold storage warehouse.

[0077] When the white ink tank 1b arrives at the user's location, in most cases the user stores it at room temperature for a certain period before use (step S107). However, the storage period in step S107 may not always be required. When the user starts using the white ink tank 1b in the printing device 9 (step S108), the user sets the white ink tank 1b in the ink tank installation section 3 and reads the identifier 10 attached to the surface of the white ink tank 1b with the identifier reader 34, thereby reading the first information D1 and the second information D2. The ink supply control unit 30 then determines, based on the first information D1 and the second information D2, whether the white ink tank 1b meets the conditions for ink use (step S203: usability determination step).

[0078] In the usability determination step S203, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether the installed white ink tank 1b is within its usage guarantee period based on the first time T1, the second time, and the current time. In this embodiment, the ink supply control unit 30 also determines, based on the product code and ink code included in the first information D1, whether the white ink tank 1b contains an ink of a type suitable for use with the printing device 9, and whether the installation location of the white ink tank 1b is correct. Furthermore, the ink supply control unit 30 may also determine whether the lot number of the white ink tank 1b is subject to recall.

[0079] <3-2. Flow of managing color inks> The post-manufacturing management method for the color ink tank 1a will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the management flow of the color ink tank 1a according to this embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, first, the color ink is manufactured at the ink manufacturer, and the manufactured color ink is stored in the color ink tank 1a (step S301). Then, the color ink tank 1a is shipped from the ink manufacturer (step S302) and transported to a warehouse where it is stored at room temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "room temperature warehouse") (step S303). The room temperature warehouse may be managed by a company other than the ink manufacturer.

[0081] Then, when the color ink tank 1a arrives at the ambient temperature warehouse, it is stored at ambient temperature (step S304). In other words, the color ink tank 1a enters the "second state," which is the ambient temperature storage state.

[0082] Here, after the production of the color ink and before storage in a room-temperature warehouse begins, that is, at any point after the completion of step S301 and before the start of step S304, first information D1, which includes a first time T1 indicating the date and time at that point, is affixed to the surface of the color ink tank 1a (step S401: first information application step). For the color ink, the first time T1 is the time after the production of the ink and before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink becomes the second state, which is room-temperature storage. Similar to the white ink, the first information D1 may include, in addition to the first time T1, a product code indicating the product type, an ink code indicating the ink type such as color, a lot number, etc.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first information assignment step S401 is performed at the time of shipment in step S302. It is preferable that the first information assignment step S401 is performed either before or after the transportation step S303. That is, it is preferable that the first information assignment step S401 is performed by the ink manufacturer before or at the time of shipment of the color ink tank 1a, or at the time of receipt of the color ink tank 1a in a temperature-controlled warehouse.

[0084] When a user purchases a color ink tank 1a, the color ink tank 1a is taken out of the ambient temperature warehouse (step S305) and transported from the ambient temperature warehouse to the user at ambient temperature (step S306). In the case of a white ink tank 1b, at this point, second information D2, including the second time T2, is attached to the surface of the white ink tank 1b. However, since the storage condition of the color ink tank 1a remains unchanged at ambient temperature before and after this point, the second information D2 is not attached.

[0085] When the color ink tank 1a arrives at the user's location, in most cases the user stores it at room temperature for a certain period before use (step S307). However, the storage period in step S307 may not always be required. When the printing device 9 is ready to start using the color ink tank 1a (step S308), the color ink tank 1a is set in the ink tank installation section 3, and the identifier reader 34 reads the identifier 10 attached to the surface of the color ink tank 1a, thereby reading the first information D1. The ink supply control unit 30 then determines, based on the first information D1, whether the color ink tank 1a meets the conditions for ink use (step S402: usability determination step).

[0086] In the usability determination step S402, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether the installed color ink tank 1a is within its usage guarantee period based on the first time T1 and the current time. In this embodiment, the ink supply control unit 30 also determines, based on the product code and ink code included in the first information D1, whether the color ink tank 1a contains an ink of a type suitable for use with the printing device 9, and whether the installation location of the color ink tank 1a is correct. Furthermore, the ink supply control unit 30 may also determine whether the lot number of the color ink tank 1a is subject to recall.

[0087] <4. Identifier> In carrying out the above-described method for managing the ink tank 1, various types of identifiers 10 can be used. The following lists examples of identifiers 10 to be affixed to the surface of the ink tank 1.

[0088] <4-1. Two identifiers> First, an example using two identifiers 10 will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the process of assigning identifiers 10 to ink tanks. In the example in Figure 6, the identifiers 10 are a first two-dimensional barcode 10A and a second two-dimensional barcode 10B. The upper part of Figure 6 is an example of a white ink tank 1b, and the lower part of Figure 6 is an example of a color ink tank 1a.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 6, when white ink is manufactured by the ink manufacturer, a first two-dimensional barcode 10A, which is a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the first information D1, is affixed to the surface of the white ink tank 1b at the time of shipment from the ink manufacturer (step S102) (step S201). Subsequently, the white ink tank 1b is transported to a cold storage warehouse (step S103) and stored in the cold storage warehouse (step S104). Later, when it is released from the cold storage warehouse (step S105), a second two-dimensional barcode 10B, which is a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the second information D2, is affixed to the surface of the white ink tank 1b (step S202).

[0090] The white ink tank 1b is then transported from the cold storage warehouse to the user (step S106) and stored at room temperature at the user's location (step S107). When the white ink tank 1b is first put into use (step S108), the first two-dimensional barcode 10A and the second two-dimensional barcode 10B are read using the identifier reader 34, and the first information D1 and the second information D2 are read. The ink supply control unit 30 then determines whether the white ink tank 1b is usable or not (step S203). In this case, a two-dimensional barcode reader is used as the identifier reader 34.

[0091] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, when color ink is manufactured by the ink manufacturer, a first two-dimensional barcode 10A, which is a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the first information D1, is affixed to the surface of the color ink tank 1a at the time of shipment from the ink manufacturer (step S302) (step S401). Subsequently, the color ink tank 1a is transported to a temperature-controlled warehouse (step S303) and stored in the temperature-controlled warehouse (step S304).

[0092] Then, the color ink tank 1a is taken out of the ambient temperature warehouse (step S305), transported to the user (step S306), and stored at ambient temperature at the user's location (step S307). When the color ink tank 1a is first put into use (step S308), the first two-dimensional barcode 10A is read using the identifier reader 34, and the first information D1 is read out. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether the color ink tank 1a is ready for use (step S402).

[0093] Next, we will explain the flow of the usability determination process (steps S203, S402) when using two identifiers 10: a first identifier 10 that codes the first information D1 or is linked to the first information D1, and a second identifier 10 that codes the second information D2 or is linked to the second information D2, with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the usability determination process for ink tank 1. In the following, we will assume that the usability guarantee period for white ink is within 6 months from the date of manufacture under frozen storage conditions and within 6 months from the date of thawing under room temperature storage conditions, and that the usability guarantee period for color ink is within 12 months from the date of manufacture under room temperature storage conditions.

[0094] In the printing device 9, before the first printing is started, or when replacing the ink tank 1, the user first reads the first two-dimensional barcode 10A of the new ink tank 1 using the identifier reader 34, as shown in Figure 7 (step S501). As a result, the ink supply control unit 30 reads the first information D1, which includes the first time T1. In this embodiment, the first information D1 includes an ink code indicating the ink type. Therefore, the ink supply control unit 30 can determine the ink type of the ink tank 1.

[0095] Next, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether the ink type is an ink type that has the second information D2 (step S502). That is, the ink supply control unit 30 determines from the read first information D1 whether the ink type is a white ink that has the second information D2 or a color ink that does not have the second information D2.

[0096] If the ink type is determined to be white ink with the second information D2 in step S502 (step S502: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S503, where the input display unit 35 displays a prompt to the user to read the second information D2. The user then reads the second two-dimensional barcode 10B with the identifier reader 34 (step S503).

[0097] The ink supply control unit 30 calculates the elapsed time from the first time T1 to the second time T2, i.e., the storage period in the first state, the frozen state, from the first time T1 and second time T2 obtained from the first information D1 and second information D2. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether or not the storage period in the first state is within 6 months (step S504).

[0098] If it is determined in step S504 that the storage period in the first state is within 6 months (step S504: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 then calculates the elapsed time from the second time T2 to the present time, i.e., the storage period in the second state, which is the room temperature state, from the second time T2 and the current time. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether or not the storage period in the second state is within 6 months (step S505).

[0099] If step S505 determines that the storage period in the second state is within 6 months (step S505: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S507 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the white ink tank 1b is usable.

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the storage period in the first state is not within 6 months (step S504: No), and if it is determined in step S505 that the storage period in the second state is not within 6 months (step S505: No), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S508 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the white ink tank 1b is unavailable.

[0101] Furthermore, if step S502 determines that the ink type is a color ink without second information D2 (step S502: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 calculates the elapsed time from the second time T2 to the present time, i.e., the storage period at room temperature after manufacturing, from the first time T1 obtained from the first information D1 and the current time. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether or not the storage period after manufacturing is within 12 months (step S506).

[0102] If step S506 determines that the storage period after manufacturing is within 12 months (step S506: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S507 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the color ink tank 1a is usable.

[0103] On the other hand, if step S506 determines that the storage period after manufacturing is not within 12 months (step S506: No), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S508 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the color ink tank 1a is unavailable.

[0104] In this way, by attaching an identifier containing information on the first time T1 and the second time T2 to the surface of the white ink tank 1b, which is subject to changes in storage conditions, warranty management can be easily performed for ink whose usable period varies depending on the storage conditions. Similarly, by attaching an identifier linked to the information on the first time T1 and the second time T2 to the surface of the white ink tank 1b, which is subject to changes in storage conditions, warranty management can also be easily performed for ink whose usable period varies depending on the storage conditions.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 6, the two identifiers 10 were a first two-dimensional barcode 10A and a second two-dimensional barcode 10B, respectively, which encoded the first information D1 and the second information D2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The two identifiers 10 may also be one-dimensional barcodes, respectively, which encode the first information D1 and the second information D2. Note that one-dimensional barcodes can contain less information than two-dimensional barcodes. For this reason, as the barcode representing the first information D1, for example, three barcodes may be used: a barcode representing the ink type, a barcode representing the first time T1, and a barcode representing the second time T2.

[0106] <4-2. A single identifier> Next, an example using a single identifier 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the process of assigning identifier 10 to an ink tank. In the example in Figure 8, identifier 10 is a first two-dimensional barcode 10A and an integrated two-dimensional barcode 10C. The upper part of Figure 8 is an example of a white ink tank 1b, and the lower part of Figure 8 is an example of a color ink tank 1a.

[0107] In the example shown in Figure 8, when white ink is manufactured by the ink manufacturer, a first two-dimensional barcode 10A, which is a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the first information D1, is affixed to the surface of the white ink tank 1b at the time of shipment from the ink manufacturer (step S102) (step S201). Subsequently, the white ink tank 1b is transported to a cold storage warehouse (step S103) and stored in the cold storage warehouse (step S104). Later, when it is taken out of the cold storage warehouse (step S105), the first two-dimensional barcode 10A attached to the surface of the white ink tank 1b is peeled off, and an integrated two-dimensional barcode 10C, which is a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the first information D1 and the second information D2, is affixed (step S202). Alternatively, the first two-dimensional barcode 10A may be left on top of the first two-dimensional barcode 10A and the integrated two-dimensional barcode 10C may be affixed on top of the first two-dimensional barcode 10A.

[0108] The white ink tank 1b is then transported from the cold storage warehouse to the user (step S106) and stored at room temperature at the user's location (step S107). When the white ink tank 1b is first put into use (step S108), the integrated two-dimensional barcode 10C is read using the identifier reader 34, and the first information D1 and the second information D2 are read. The ink supply control unit 30 then determines whether the white ink tank 1b is usable or not (step S203). In the example in Figure 8, the color inks are the same as in the example in Figure 6.

[0109] Next, we will explain the flow of the usability determination process (steps S203, S402) when using a single identifier 10 that codes the first information D1 and the second information D2 together, or when the first information D1 and the second information D2 are linked together. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the usability determination process for ink tank 1. In Figure 9, the same symbols are used for steps that are the same as in Figure 7. Below, we will explain only the points in the flow of Figure 9 that differ from those in Figure 7.

[0110] In the printing device 9, before starting printing for the first time, or when replacing the ink tank 1, the user first reads the two-dimensional barcode attached to the surface of the new ink tank 1 with the identifier reader 34, as shown in Figure 7 (step S501A). The two-dimensional barcode read in step S501A is an integrated two-dimensional barcode 10C containing first information D1 and second information D2 for the white ink tank 1b, and a first two-dimensional barcode 10A containing first information D1 for the color ink tank 1a.

[0111] As a result, the ink supply control unit 30 reads first information D1 including the first time T1 and second information D2 including the second time T2 for the white ink tank 1b, and reads first information D1 including the first time T1 for the color ink tank 1a. In this embodiment, the first information D1 includes an ink code indicating the ink type. Therefore, the ink supply control unit 30 can determine the ink type of the ink tank 1. In this step S501A, the second information D2 is also read for the white ink tank 1b, so step S503 in Figure 7 can be omitted.

[0112] In this way, by attaching an identifier containing information on the first time T1 and the second time T2 to the surface of the white ink tank 1b, which is subject to changes in storage conditions, warranty management can be easily performed for ink whose usable period varies depending on the storage conditions. Similarly, by attaching an identifier linked to the information on the first time T1 and the second time T2 to the surface of the white ink tank 1b, which is subject to changes in storage conditions, warranty management can also be easily performed for ink whose usable period varies depending on the storage conditions. The other steps are the same as in Figure 7.

[0113] Thus, even for the ink tank 1 having the second information D2, there may be only one identifier 10 to be read.

[0114] Furthermore, identifier 10 may be a semiconductor memory such as an IC chip attached to the surface of the ink tank 1. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the process of assigning identifier 10 to the ink tank. In the example in Figure 10, identifier 10 is a semiconductor memory.

[0115] In the example shown in Figure 10, a semiconductor memory 10D is attached to the surface of the ink tank 1 during ink manufacturing (steps S101, S301). Then, in the first information assignment step (steps S201, S401), first information D1 is stored in the semiconductor memory. In the second information assignment step (step S202), second information D2 is stored in the semiconductor memory 10D. Then, in the usability determination step (steps S203, S402), the first information D1 and second information D2 are read by reading the semiconductor memory 10D. In this case, the identifier reader 34 is a device capable of reading semiconductor memory. Thus, a semiconductor memory may be used for the identifier 10.

[0116] Furthermore, the identifier 10 may be an identification string such as a sequence of numbers or a string of characters linked to the first information D1 and the second information D2. In this case, in the first information assignment step (steps S201, S401), the first information D1 is written to a management ledger connected via a network using a computer, linked to the first identifier 10. Also, in the second information assignment step (step S202), the second information D2 is written to a management ledger connected via a network using a computer, linked to the second identifier 10. Then, in the usability determination step (steps S203, S402), the first information D1 and the second information D2 linked to the identifier 10 are read from the management ledger connected via a network using a computer in the case of a white ink tank 1b, and the first information D1 linked to the identifier 10 is read in the case of a color ink tank 1a. In this way, the information in the management ledger may be linked to the identifier 10 attached to the surface of the ink tank 1 and managed via a network.

[0117] <5. Variation> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the flow of the usability determination process (steps S203, S402) when using two identifiers 10 was explained with reference to Figure 7. In Figure 7, when the ink type is the ink type of the second information D2, the first two-dimensional barcode 10A was read in step S501, and then the second two-dimensional barcode 10B was read in step S503. However, the second two-dimensional barcode 10B may be read before the first two-dimensional barcode 10A.

[0119] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow for determining whether the ink tank 1 is usable in a modified example. If the second two-dimensional barcode 10B is read before the first two-dimensional barcode 10A, the usability determination process (steps S203, S402) may be performed according to the usability determination flow shown in Figure 11.

[0120] In the example shown in Figure 11, the user first reads the second two-dimensional barcode 10B of the new ink tank 1 (white ink tank 1b) using the identifier reader 34 (step S601).

[0121] The ink supply control unit 30 calculates the elapsed time from the second time T2 obtained from the second information D2 to the present time, that is, the storage period in the second state, which is the room temperature state. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether or not the storage period in the second state is within 6 months (step S602).

[0122] If the ink supply control unit 30 determines in step S602 that the storage period in the second state is within 6 months (step S602: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step 603, where the input display unit 35 displays a prompt to the user to read the first information D1. The user then reads the first two-dimensional barcode 10A with the identifier reader 34 (step S603).

[0123] Next, the ink supply control unit 30 calculates the elapsed time from the first time T1 to the second time T2, i.e., the storage period in the first state, the frozen state, from the first time T1 and second time T2 obtained from the first information D1 and second information D2. Then, the ink supply control unit 30 determines whether or not the storage period in the first state is within 6 months (step S604).

[0124] If step S604 determines that the storage period in the first state is within 6 months (step S604: Yes), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S605 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the white ink tank 1b is available for use.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the storage period in the second state is not within 6 months (step S602: No), and if it is determined in step S604 that the storage period in the first state is not within 6 months (step S604: No), the ink supply control unit 30 proceeds to step S606 and displays on the input display unit 35 that the white ink tank 1b is unavailable.

[0126] Thus, when two identifiers 10 are attached to the surface of the ink tank 1, the second information D2 may be read before the first information D1. Also, in the example in Figure 11, the reading of the first information D1 in step S603 may be performed before the determination in step S602. If the expiration date differs depending on the ink type, and the ink type information is included only in the first information D1, then it is necessary to read the first information D1 in step S603 before the determination in step S602.

[0127] Furthermore, the printing system of the above embodiment processed printing paper, which is a long, strip-shaped substrate. However, the printing system of the present invention may also process sheet-like substrates other than ordinary paper (for example, resin films, etc.).

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an inkjet printing device was used as the printing device. However, the printing device of the present invention may be another type of plateless printing device, such as an electrophotographic device.

[0129] Furthermore, the elements that appear in the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate, to the extent that no contradictions arise. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 1: Ink Tank 1a: Color ink tank 1b: White ink tank 3: Ink tank installation section 8: Ink supply device 9:Printing device 10: Identifier 10A: First 2D barcode 10B: Second-dimensional barcode 10C: Integrated 2D barcode 10D: Semiconductor memory 21: Head 30: Ink supply control unit 34: Identifier Reader 90: Control Unit D1: Information 1 D2 :Second information M:Print media T1: 1st time T2 :Second time

Claims

1. A method for managing ink tanks used in an inkjet printing apparatus, a) A first information application step in which, after the ink is manufactured, first information including a first time before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink reaches a first state is applied to the surface of the ink tank, b) A second information application step of applying second information, including a second time point before the ink management state changes from the first state to the second state, to the surface of the ink tank, c) A usability determination step in which, when the ink tank is first used, the first information and the second information attached to the surface of the ink tank are read and it is determined whether or not the conditions for ink use are met, A method for managing ink tanks, which includes the following features.

2. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 1, The first information includes information about the type of ink contained in the ink tank, and is a method for managing an ink tank.

3. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 1, In step a), a first two-dimensional barcode is generated by encoding the first information, and the first two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank. In step b) above, a second two-dimensional barcode is generated by encoding the second information, and the second two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank. An ink tank management method comprising reading the first two-dimensional barcode and the second two-dimensional barcode in step c) above to read the first information and the second information.

4. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 1, In step a), the first two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information is affixed to the surface of the ink tank. In step b) above, the first two-dimensional barcode is read, an integrated two-dimensional barcode is generated by encoding the first information and the second information, and the integrated two-dimensional barcode is affixed to the surface of the ink tank. An ink tank management method comprising reading the first information and the second information by reading the integrated two-dimensional barcode in step c) above.

5. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 1, A semiconductor memory is pre-installed on the surface of the aforementioned ink tank. In step a), the first information is stored in the semiconductor memory, In step b) above, the second information is stored in the semiconductor memory, An ink tank management method comprising reading the first information and the second information by reading the semiconductor memory in step c) above.

6. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 1, An identifier is attached to the surface of the ink tank before or during step a), In step a), the first information is written to a management ledger connected via a network, linked to the identifier. In step b) above, the second information is written to the management ledger connected via the network, linked to the identifier. An ink tank management method, wherein in step c), the first information and the second information linked to the identifier are read from the management ledger connected via the network.

7. A method for managing an ink tank according to claim 6, A method for managing ink tanks, wherein the identifier is a sequence of numbers, a string of characters, a barcode, or a two-dimensional barcode.

8. An ink tank used in an inkjet printing device, On the surface of the ink tank, After the ink is manufactured, first information includes a first time period before the management state of the ink tank containing the ink reaches a first state, The second piece of information includes a second time point before the ink management state changes from the first state to the second state, An ink tank with a mark attached.

9. An ink tank according to claim 8, On the surface of the ink tank, A first two-dimensional barcode encoding the first information including the first time, A second two-dimensional barcode encoding the second information including the second time, An ink tank with a mark attached.

10. An ink tank according to claim 8, On the surface of the ink tank, An integrated two-dimensional barcode that encodes the first information including the first time and the second information including the second time. An ink tank with a mark attached.

11. An ink tank according to claim 8, On the surface of the ink tank, A semiconductor memory storing the first information including the first time and the second information including the second time. An ink tank with a mark attached.

12. An inkjet printing apparatus that prints by ejecting ink droplets onto a substrate, A head for ejecting the ink droplet onto the substrate, An ink tank installation section for installing the ink tank described in any one of claims 8 to 11, An ink supply unit that supplies ink from the ink tank installed in the ink tank mounting section to the head, An ink supply control unit that controls the operation of the ink supply unit, An information reading unit that reads the first information and the second information attached to the surface of the ink tank, It has, An inkjet printing apparatus wherein the ink supply control unit determines, based on the first information and the second information read by the information reading unit, whether the ink stored in the ink tank meets the conditions for ink use.

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