Memory, and cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technology that can reduce possibility of deterioration in a memory.SOLUTION: A memory includes: a first storage region used in a use period for one use until completion of liquid consumption from filling of the liquid into a cartridge; and a second storage region used in the whole use period of the cartridge which is agglomeration of use periods for one use. The first storage region includes a plurality of individual regions from which different regions are used for each of the use periods for one use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of a memory attached to a cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a reusable cartridge, a technology having a memory is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, when reusing a cartridge, the initial value data stored in the memory when the cartridge is unused is read from the storage unit of the cartridge reproduction system and written to the memory. This initial value data is data that may be changed by the recording device, such as the remaining toner amount. When the data stored in the memory is rewritten by the recording device according to the usage status of the cartridge, in the memory attached to the reusable cartridge, the number of times of rewriting the data to the memory increases. As a result, the memory may deteriorate. When the memory deteriorates, a problem may occur that the data cannot be correctly stored.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (1) According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a memory that is attached to a reusable cartridge after refilling the liquid again after the liquid has been consumed. This memory includes a first type of storage area that is used during one usage period from when the liquid is filled in the cartridge until the consumption of the liquid is completed, and a second type of storage area that is used during the entire usage period of the cartridge, which is a set of the one-usage periods. The first type of storage area has a plurality of individual areas where different areas are used for each one-usage period.

[0006] (2) According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge. This cartridge includes a liquid storage section that stores a liquid, a liquid supply section that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage section, and the memory described in the above aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A. Embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 1000 as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing system 1000 includes a printing apparatus 20, a plurality of cartridges 100 detachably attached to the printing apparatus 20, and a computer 90. The printing apparatus 20 is an inkjet printer that discharges ink as a liquid onto a printing medium PA to perform printing. The printing apparatus 20 is connected to the computer 90 via a connector 80 so as to be capable of data communication.

[0009] The printing apparatus 20 includes a sub-scanning feed mechanism, a main-scanning feed mechanism, a head drive mechanism, and an apparatus control unit 40. The sub-scanning feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a platen 26, and conveys the printing medium PA in the sub-scanning direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor 22 to the platen 26. The main-scanning feed mechanism includes a carriage motor 32, a pulley 38, a drive belt 36 stretched between the carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38, and a sliding shaft 34 provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 26. The sliding shaft 34 slidably holds a carriage 30 fixed to the drive belt 36. The rotation of the carriage motor 32 is transmitted to the carriage 30 via the drive belt 36, and the carriage 30 reciprocates in the main-scanning direction, which is the axial direction of the platen 26, along the sliding shaft 34. The head drive mechanism includes the carriage 30. The carriage 30 includes a mounting portion 4 to which the cartridge 100 can be mounted, a printing head 5 that discharges ink, a liquid introduction portion 6 shown in FIG. 6 described later, a connection mechanism 400 shown in FIG. 6 described later, and a sub-control board 500 shown in FIG. 6 described later. The head drive mechanism drives the printing head 5 of the carriage 30 to discharge ink onto the printing medium PA.

[0010] The device control unit 40 controls the above-described respective mechanisms to realize printing processing. The device control unit 40 is electrically connected via a bus 46 to a sub-control board 500 (described later) of the carriage 30. The device control unit 40 receives, for example, a user's printing job via a computer 90, and based on the content of the received printing job, controls the above-described respective mechanisms to execute a printing operation. The device control unit 40 also performs a mounting determination as to whether or not the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4, and performs data communication with the circuit board 120.

[0011] The mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30 can detachably mount a plurality of cartridges 100. That is, a cartridge 100 that supplies ink as a liquid to the print head 5 is provided on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30 so as to be attachable and detachable by a user's operation. In the present embodiment, the number of cartridges 100 that can be mounted on the mounting portion 4 is four. Different colors or types of ink are stored in the four cartridges 100. When the plurality of cartridges 100 are used separately, the symbols 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are used. The four cartridges 100A to 100D are respectively mounted at predetermined mounting positions on the mounting portion 4. Note that in other embodiments, the number of cartridges 100 that can be mounted on the mounting portion 4 is not limited to four, and may be less than or more than four. The printing apparatus 20 further includes an operation unit 70 for a user to perform various settings of the printing apparatus 20 and to check the status of the printing apparatus 20. The operation unit 70 has a display unit 72 for displaying various information such as the status of the printing apparatus 20.

[0012] Note that in the present embodiment, the printing system 1000 is of a type called on-carriage in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30, but is not limited thereto. For example, the printing system 1000 may be of a type called off-carriage in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on a mounting portion located at a location different from the carriage 30.

[0013] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the cartridge 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing the configuration of the cartridge 100. FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the configuration of the cartridge 100. From FIG. 2 onward, X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are attached as necessary. In FIG. 2, the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point indicate the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point are the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction, respectively. Those that are positive or negative in the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are collectively referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the figures and explanations shown hereinafter. The XYZ axes drawn in other figures have corresponding directions to the XYZ axes in FIG. 2. The orientations of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis with respect to the cartridge 100 are based on the state in which the printing apparatus 20 is disposed on a horizontal plane parallel to the X direction and the Y direction and the cartridge 100 is mounted on the printing apparatus 20.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the external shape of the cartridge 100 is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 100 includes a main body 101 that forms an outer shell and a circuit board 120 attached to the main body 101. The main body 101 includes a front wall 101wf that is a wall on the -Y direction side and a bottom wall 101wb that is a wall on the +Z direction side. The main body 101 also has a liquid storage portion 150 for storing ink as a liquid. The front wall 101wf intersects, and in this embodiment, is substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall 101wb. The bottom wall 101wb of the main body 101 is provided with a liquid supply portion 104 that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage portion 150 to the carriage 30 when the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30. The liquid supply portion 104 communicates with the liquid storage portion 150. The opening 104op of the liquid supply portion 104 is sealed by a film 104f. By mounting the cartridge 100 on the carriage 30, the film 104f is broken, and the liquid introduction portion 6 of the carriage 30 shown in FIG. 6 is inserted into the liquid supply portion 104. The ink stored in the liquid storage portion 150 is supplied to the print head 5 of the printing apparatus 20 through the liquid introduction portion 6. As the ink in the liquid storage portion 150 is consumed, air is introduced into the liquid storage portion 150 from an air release hole (not shown).

[0015] Here, the film surface sealed by the film 104f is taken as the open end of the liquid supply unit 104. The Z direction is the direction perpendicular to the open end of the liquid supply unit 104. Also, the +Z direction is the same as the opening direction of the liquid supply unit 104. Further, the X direction is the arrangement direction of the plurality of cartridges 100A to 100D mounted on the carriage 30, and is the width direction of the cartridge 100. In the present embodiment, the Z direction is the direction along the gravitational direction, the +Z direction is the gravitational direction, and the -Z direction is the anti-gravitational direction. Also, the direction in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing apparatus 20 is the mounting direction MD, and the direction including the component of the mounting direction MD is defined as the first direction FD. In the present embodiment, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are the same direction, which is the +Z direction. Note that in other embodiments, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD may not be the same direction. The first direction FD is a direction extending straight, and in the present embodiment, it is the opening direction of the liquid supply unit 104. The first direction FD is a direction substantially along the surface 120fa of the circuit board 120. In other embodiments, when the surface 120fa is inclined with respect to the mounting direction MD, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are not the same direction but different directions.

[0016] The circuit board 120 is attached to the front wall 101wf of the main body 101. The circuit board 120 includes a terminal group 290 composed of a plurality of terminals. In the present embodiment, nine terminals constituting the terminal group 290 are provided. Details of the terminal group 290 will be described later.

[0017] The cartridge 100 is reusable. That is, after the liquid stored in the cartridge 100 is consumed by the printing apparatus 20 and becomes zero or below a predetermined threshold value, the cartridge 100 is collected by, for example, a merchant and the liquid is refilled into the liquid storage unit 150 again, thereby being manufactured, that is, reused. When the liquid storage unit 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid, at least a part of the information stored in the memory of the circuit board 120 is also rewritten. Details of the memory will be described later.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a first diagram showing the configuration of the circuit board 120 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a second diagram showing the configuration of the circuit board 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit board 120 has a terminal group 290 on the front surface 120fa and a non-volatile memory 130 on the back surface 120fb as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal group 290 includes a memory terminal group 230 and a mounting detection terminal group 210.

[0019] The memory terminal group 230 is a terminal for the memory 130. The memory terminal group 230 includes a data terminal 235, a clock terminal 232, a power supply terminal 233, a reset terminal 231, and a ground terminal 234. The data terminal 235 is used to transmit and receive various data such as ink color data and consumption data regarding the consumption amount of the liquid stored in each cartridge 100 between the memory 130 and the printing device 20.

[0020] The mounting detection terminal group 210 includes a first detection terminal 211, a second detection terminal 212, a third detection terminal 213, and a fourth detection terminal 214. The four detection terminals 211 to 214 are arranged at the four corners of the set of the memory terminal group 230.

[0021] Each of the terminals 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and arranged so as to form two columns perpendicular to the first direction FD. That is, the direction of the two columns is parallel to the second direction SD perpendicular to the first direction FD. The direction in which the two columns are arranged side by side is the direction along the first direction FD. Of the two columns, the column located on the first direction FD side is called the first column R1, and the column located on the opposite side of the first direction FD is called the second column R2. At the center of each of the terminals 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, there is a contact cp that contacts a device terminal described later.

[0022] Each of the terminals 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 of the terminal group 290 is connected to the memory 130 via a wiring pattern layer on the front and back surfaces of the circuit board 120 (not shown) and a through hole arranged in the circuit board 120.

[0023] The memory 130 shown in FIG. 5 is a NAND-type flash memory. In other embodiments, the memory 130 may be a NOR-type flash memory or a memory such as an EEPROM. The memory 130 includes a memory control unit 136 and a storage unit 138 composed of a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell constituting the storage unit 138 can store 1-bit data. Further, the memory 130 can communicate data with the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30. FIG. 7 is a first diagram showing the connection mechanism 400. FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing the connection mechanism 400.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, the carriage 30 includes a mounting portion 4, a print head 5, a liquid introduction portion 6, a connection mechanism 400, and a sub-control board 500. The mounting portion 4 forms a mounting chamber 65 for mounting the cartridge 100. The print head 5 includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and ejects ink droplets from each nozzle according to the voltage applied to each piezoelectric element to form dots on the print medium PA. The liquid introduction portion 6 is disposed on the print head 5 and supplies ink from the cartridge 100 to the print head 5. In the present embodiment, six liquid introduction portions 6 are provided corresponding to the number of cartridges 100A to 100D. The connection mechanism 400 electrically connects the sub-control board 500 and the circuit board 120 of the cartridge 100. Four connection mechanisms 400 are provided corresponding to the number of cartridges 100A to 100D. As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control board 500 has a relay portion 50. The relay portion 50 cooperates with the device control unit 40 to perform control related to the cartridge 100.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the printing apparatus 20 by being inserted in the mounting direction MD. In this way, the cartridge 100 is detachably mounted on the printing apparatus 20. Further, when the cartridge 100 is correctly mounted on the printing apparatus 20, the circuit board 120 is electrically connected to the apparatus control unit 40 of the printing apparatus 20 via the connection mechanism 400, the sub-control board 500, and the bus 46.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the connection mechanism 400 includes a terminal holding portion 405 and a plurality of contact forming members 403 that are held by the terminal holding portion 405 and have conductivity and elasticity. The terminal holding portion 405 has a plurality of slits 301. The contact forming member 403 is fitted into the slit 301. In the present embodiment, for each connection mechanism 400, nine contact forming members 403 are provided, which is the same number as the number of terminals of the terminal group 290.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 8, the contact forming member 403 is a member that electrically connects the terminal group 290 and the board terminal 590 of the sub-control board 500. The board terminals 590 are provided for each mounting chamber 65. Also, nine board terminals 590 are provided corresponding to the number of the terminal group 290. When the nine board terminals 590 are used separately, the symbols "511", "512", "513", "514", "531", "532", "533", "534", "535" are used. Among the contact forming members 403, the portion protruding toward the mounting chamber 65 forms the device terminal 490 that contacts the terminal group 290. Also, among the contact forming members 403, the portion protruding toward the sub-control board 500 side forms the relay terminal 439 that contacts the board terminal 590. When the nine contact forming members 403 are used separately, "A" to "I" are added at the end. Also, when the nine device terminals 490 are used separately, the symbols "411", "412", "413", "414", "431", "432", "433", "434", "435" are used. Also, when the nine relay terminals 439 are used separately, the symbols "411a", "412a", "413a", "414a", "431a", "432a", "433a", "434a", "435a" are used. Also, when the nine board terminals 590 are used separately, the symbols "511", "512", "513", "514", "531", "532", "533", "534", "535" are used.

[0029] The contact forming member 403A having the device terminal 411 and the relay terminal 411a electrically connects the first detection terminal 211 and the board terminal 511. The contact forming member 403B having the device terminal 412 and the relay terminal 412a electrically connects the second detection terminal 212 and the board terminal 512. The contact forming member 403C having the device terminal 413 and the relay terminal 413a electrically connects the third detection terminal 213 and the board terminal 513. The contact forming member 403D having the device terminal 414 and the relay terminal 414a electrically connects the fourth detection terminal 214 and the board terminal 514. The contact forming member 403E having the device terminal 431 and the relay terminal 431a electrically connects the reset terminal 231 and the board terminal 531. The contact forming member 403F having the device terminal 432 and the relay terminal 432a electrically connects the clock terminal 232 and the board terminal 532. The contact forming member 403G having the device terminal 433 and the relay terminal 433a electrically connects the power supply terminal 233 and the board terminal 533. The contact forming member 403H having the device terminal 434 and the relay terminal 434a electrically connects the ground terminal 234 and the board terminal 534. The contact forming member 403I having the device terminal 435 and the relay terminal 435a electrically connects the data terminal 235 and the board terminal 535.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 20 together with one cartridge 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the storage unit 138. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the mounting determination.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 9, the memory 130 of the circuit board 120 includes a memory control unit 136 and a storage unit 138. The memory control unit 136 controls the operation of the memory 130. For example, the memory control unit 136 performs a data writing operation and a reading operation to the storage unit 138 in response to a command transmitted from the printing apparatus 20.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 138 has a storage area SA composed of a plurality of memory cells specified by addresses A0 to An. The storage area SA includes a first type storage area SA1 specified by addresses A0 to A5 and a second type storage area SA2 specified by addresses A6 to Ax. The first type storage area SA1 and the second type storage area SA2 are each rewritable areas, and in addition to reading data, they are set to be able to rewrite data by erasing the already stored data and writing new data. Note that the memory control unit 136 sets the rewritable area and the read-only area by specifying in advance the addresses of the rewritable area and the addresses of the read-only area where only reading is possible.

[0033] The first type storage area SA1 has a plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 specified by different addresses. For each usage period of the cartridge 100, different areas among the plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 are used. The usage period for one time refers to the period from when the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid until it is mounted on the printing device 20, the liquid is consumed, and the remaining liquid amount of the cartridge 100 becomes zero or below a predetermined threshold, that is, until the consumption of the liquid is completed. The number of each of the individual areas IR1 to IR6 is set to be equal to or more than the assumed number of times the liquid is filled into the cartridge 100. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 100 assumes a total of 6 filling times, including 1 filling time for the initial filling and 5 refilling times for reuse. Therefore, the number of the individual areas IR1 to IR6 is set to 6. The assumed number of times the liquid is refilled into the cartridge 100 is set in consideration of, for example, the period until the product life of the cartridge 100 is expected based on wear due to attachment and detachment of the cartridge 100 to the mounting portion 4 and aging deterioration.

[0034] The first individual area IR1 is specified by the address A0. The second individual area IR2 is specified by the address A1. The third individual area IR3 is specified by the address A2. The fourth individual area IR4 is specified by the address A3. The fifth individual area IR5 is specified by the address A4. The sixth individual area IR6 is specified by the address A5. Each of the individual areas IR1 to IR6 stores consumption data regarding the consumption amount of the liquid filled in the cartridge 100 during one usage period of the cartridge. The consumption data is, for example, a value indicating the ratio [%] of the consumed ink amount [mg] to the initial filling amount [mg] before consumption. The consumption data is a value indicating "0" in the initial state of the cartridge 100 filled with the liquid, and becomes a value indicating "100" when the liquid in the cartridge 100 is consumed and the remaining amount becomes zero. Any consumption data stored in the individual areas IR1 to IR6 of the addresses A0 to A5 specified according to the number of uses of the cartridge 100 is updated when a command for writing the consumption data is transmitted from the control device 85 of the printing apparatus 20 to the memory control unit 136 of the cartridge 100 to be written each time the printing apparatus 20 consumes a liquid in an amount equal to or more than a predetermined amount by a printing operation or a cleaning operation.

[0035] In the individual areas IR1 to IR6, different addresses, that is, different areas are used at the first use of the cartridge 100 or at different usage times during reuse. In the present embodiment, in the order from the first use period to the sixth use period after the fifth refilling is completed, the first individual area IR1 to the sixth individual area IR6 are used in order. The first individual area IR1 stores the first consumption data which is the consumption data of the first use period. The second individual area IR2 stores the second consumption data which is the consumption data of the second use period. The third individual area IR3 stores the third consumption data which is the consumption data of the third use period. The fourth individual area IR4 stores the fourth consumption data which is the consumption data of the fourth use period. The fifth individual area IR5 stores the fifth consumption data which is the consumption data of the fifth use period. The sixth individual area IR6 stores the sixth consumption data which is the consumption data of the sixth use period. As described above, regarding the data in the first type storage area SA1, even for the same type of data, in this embodiment, even for the same consumption data, it is stored in areas with different addresses each time the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid, and rewriting is performed.

[0036] The second type storage area SA2 has a plurality of writing areas WR used in all use periods of the cartridge 100 which is a set of use periods for one use of the cartridge 100. Specifically, the second type storage area SA2 has a first writing area WR1 and a second writing area WR2.

[0037] When the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid, the first writing area WR1 is an area where new first data is written after erasing the previously written first past data. That is, the first writing area WR1 is an area that clears the previously written data to zero and reuses it. The first past data and the data as the first data written in the first writing area WR1 are data with a lower writing frequency than the writing frequency of the data in the first type storage area SA1, and include data generated regardless of the past data every time the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid. For example, in the present embodiment, the data written in the first writing area WR1 is manufacturing data related to the manufacture of the cartridge 100. The manufacturing data is data generated regardless of the past data and is manufacturing-related data generated every time the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid. The manufacturing data includes, for example, liquid color data indicating the color of the liquid filled in the cartridge 100, data indicating the manufacturing date of the cartridge 100, data indicating the amount of the liquid filled in the cartridge 100, and data indicating the serial number for identifying the cartridge 100. In the present embodiment, the manufacturing date of the cartridge 100 is the first manufacturing date when the cartridge 100 was first filled with liquid and manufactured, specifically the first manufacturing year, month, and day. However, instead of this, or in addition to this, it may be the date when the cartridge 100 was refilled and manufactured again. Note that the manufacturing data is not limited to the above items, some of the above items may be omitted, or other items may be included. When the data indicating the manufacturing date is only the data indicating the first manufacturing date, since the data indicating the manufacturing date is a fixed value regardless of the number of times the cartridge is filled, it may be written in an area different from the first writing area WR1. Further, the first writing area WR1 may have a plurality of individual first writing areas specified by a plurality of addresses, and each item of the manufacturing data may be assigned and written for each of the plurality of individual first writing areas.

[0038] The second writing area WR2 is an area for writing and updating new second data based on the already written second past data when refilling the liquid into the cartridge 100. That is, the second writing area WR2 is an area for accumulating and using data when refilling the cartridge 100. The second past data and the data as the second data written in the second writing area WR1 are data with a lower writing frequency than the writing frequency of the data in the first type storage area SA1, and are life data related to the life of the cartridge 100. For example, in the present embodiment, the life data written in the second writing area WR2 is the refill count data indicating the number of refills, which is the number of refills, the total attachment count data indicating the total value of the number of times the cartridge 100 has been attached to the attachment part 4 from the first manufacture to the present, and the elapsed data indicating the degree of elapsed time of the cartridge 100 from the first manufacture date representing the date when the liquid was first filled into the cartridge 100 and manufactured.

[0039] The refill count data stores a value indicating zero at the first filling of the liquid into the cartridge 100, that is, at the first manufacture of the cartridge 100, and is updated by the manufacturer at each time of remanufacture so that the value increases by one each time the liquid is refilled. Since the refill count data is set in consideration of the period until the life of the cartridge 100 as a product as described above, it is data related to the life.

[0040] During the entire usage period of the cartridge 100, each time the cartridge 100 is determined to be attached to the attachment part 4 by the attachment determination unit 419, the writing command is transmitted from the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20 to the memory 130 of the cartridge 100 targeted, and the total attachment count data is incremented and updated by 1. When the cartridge 100 is attached to or removed from the attachment part 4, components of the cartridge 100, such as the circuit board 120, deteriorate due to rubbing against the attachment part 4. Therefore, the data indicating the total attachment count is data related to the life.

[0041] The elapsed data is data that is updated every time a certain period of time has passed since the initial manufacturing date stored in the storage unit 138, and is, for example, data indicating the number of years elapsed since the initial manufacturing date. The elapsed data is updated by the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20, for example, by the following steps. First, the device control unit 40 acquires data indicating the initial manufacturing date and the degree of elapsed time from the memory 130. Then, the device control unit 40 compares the initial manufacturing date with the current date and time using a timer, and when an update is necessary from the data indicating the current degree of elapsed time, for example, when one year or more has passed since the previous update, it sends a write command to the memory 130, thereby updating the elapsed data in the storage unit 138. Since the elapsed data has a correlation with the aging deterioration of the cartridge 100, it is data related to the lifespan. Note that the second write area WR2 has a plurality of individual second write areas specified by a plurality of addresses, and data indicating the number of refilling times, total mounting times data, and data indicating the degree of elapsed time may be assigned and written for each of the plurality of individual second write areas.

[0042] As described above, in the data stored in the second type storage area SA2, data of the same type is stored in an area of the same address and rewritten during the entire usage period of the cartridge 100. Also, as described above, the second type storage area SA2 stores manufacturing data related to manufacturing generated each time the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid and lifespan data including total mounting times data of the cartridge 100 to the printing device. Also, as described above, depending on the type of write data, the first write area WR1 and the second write area WR2 can be used appropriately. Specifically, the manufacturing data is stored in the first write area WR1 as first data, and the lifespan data including the total mounting times data and the elapsed data is stored in the second write area WR2 as second data.

[0043] The storage unit 138 of the memory 130 further stores use control data used to determine, by the printing apparatus 20, a use individual area to be used during one use period among a plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6. The use control data is updated by the manufacturer each time the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid. In the present embodiment, the use control data is refill count data. The value of the use control data is associated with the individual areas IR1 to IR6 to be used. For example, when the refill count data as the use control data indicates a value of zero, the printing apparatus 20 writes consumption data using the first individual area IR1 specified by the address A0. Further, for example, when the refill count data as the use control data indicates a value of "1", the printing apparatus 20 writes consumption data using the second individual area IR2 specified by the address A1. Details of the process for determining the writing area of the consumption data will be described later. In other embodiments, the use control data may be data different from the refill count data, and may be stored in the first type storage area SA1, the second type storage area SA2, or an area other than these areas.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control board 500 has a reset signal line LRST, a clock signal line LSCK, a power supply signal line LVDD, a data signal line LSDA, a ground signal line LVSS, a first detection signal line LM1, a second detection signal line LM2, a third detection signal line LM3, and a fourth detection signal line LM4. The reset signal line LRST electrically connects the relay section 50 and the board terminal 531. The clock signal line LSCK electrically connects the relay section 50 and the board terminal 532. The power supply signal line LVDD electrically connects the relay section 50 and the board terminal 533. The ground signal line LVSS electrically connects the relay section 50 and the board terminal 534. The data signal line LSDA electrically connects the relay section 50 and the board terminal 535. The first to fourth detection signal lines LM1 to LM4 electrically connect the relay section 50 and the board terminals 511 to 514. The relay section 50 is composed of a CPU, a memory device, etc., and relays the data and power supplied via the bus 46 and the power line and transmits them to the cartridge 100. In other embodiments, the relay section 50 may have some of the functions of the device control section 40 described later.

[0045] The printing device 20 includes the above-described display section 72, a power supply 440, and a control device 85. The control device 85 has a device control section 40 and a relay section 50. The power supply 440 has a first power supply 441 that generates a first power supply voltage VDD and a second power supply 442 that generates a second power supply voltage VHV. The first power supply voltage VDD is a normal power supply voltage used for logic circuits and has a rated value of 3.3V. The second power supply voltage VHV is a high voltage used to drive the print head 5 to eject ink, for example, a rated value of 42V. These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control board 500 and, if necessary, also supplied to components such as other circuits.

[0046] The device control unit 40 includes a CPU 415 and a device storage unit 420. The CPU 415 controls the operation of the printing device 20 by executing various programs stored in the device storage unit 420. For example, the device control unit 40 controls the operation of the display unit 72 and the operation of the relay unit 50. Also, the CPU 415 functions as a communication control unit 416, a consumption count unit 417, and a mounting determination unit 419 by executing various programs stored in the device storage unit 420. Note that at least a part of the functions of the CPU 415 is not limited to software and may be configured by hardware such as a circuit.

[0047] The communication control unit 416 exchanges data with the memory control unit 136 of the memory 130 via the bus 46 and the data signal line LSDA. For example, the communication control unit 416 exchanges data with the memory control unit 136 by transmitting a read command for reading data from the memory 130 to the target memory control unit 136 or transmitting a write command for writing data to the memory 130 to the target memory control unit 136.

[0048] The consumption amount counting unit 417 calculates the consumption amount of the liquid in each of the four cartridges 100A to 100D. For example, when a printing operation according to a printing job is executed, the consumption amount counting unit 417 counts the dot count, that is, the ink ejection operation using each nozzle of the print head 5, to calculate the consumption amount [mg]. The ink ejection amount in one ejection operation is predetermined. Also, for example, when a cleaning operation of sucking ink from each nozzle of the print head 5 is performed, the consumption amount counting unit 417 calculates the sucked amount of ink associated in advance with the cleaning operation as the consumption amount [mg] of the ink. Further, the consumption amount counting unit 417 calculates the cumulative consumption amount [mg] of the ink during one usage period of the cartridge 100, and calculates the ratio of the cumulative consumption amount [mg] to the filling amount [mg] of the cartridge 100 as a percentage. Then, every time a liquid of a predetermined amount or more is consumed from the cartridge 100, the consumption amount counting unit 417 transmits a consumption data writing command including data indicating the calculated ratio and an address designating a usage individual area determined according to the usage control data to the target memory 130. Thereby, the memory control unit 136 that has received the consumption data writing command writes and updates the consumption data in the usage individual area of the designated address.

[0049] The mounting determination unit 419 determines whether or not the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 4. The first detection terminals 211 to 214 of the circuit board 120 are electrically connected to the mounting determination unit 419 via the corresponding connection mechanism 400, the board terminals 511 to 514, and the like. As shown in FIG. 11, the first detection terminals 211 to 214 of the circuit board 120 are grounded. The electrical wirings connecting the board terminals 511 to 514 and the mounting determination unit 419 are respectively connected to the first power supply voltage VDD with a rated voltage of 3.3V via pull-up resistors.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 11, among the first detection terminal 211 to the fourth detection terminal 214 of the circuit board 120, the first detection terminal 211 to the third detection terminal 213 are in a good connection state with the corresponding board terminals 511 to 513. On the other hand, the fourth detection terminal 214 is in a state of poor contact with the corresponding device terminal 414. The voltages of the wirings of the three device terminals 411, 412, and 413 with good connection states become low levels, while the voltage of the wiring of the device terminal 414 with a poor connection state becomes a high level. Therefore, the mounting determination unit 419 can determine the quality of the contact state for each of the four detection terminals 211, 212, 213, and 214 by examining the voltage levels of these respective wirings. In the present embodiment, the mounting determination unit 419 determines that the cartridge 100 is correctly mounted when the voltage levels of the wirings of each of the four device terminals 411 to 414 are low levels, and determines that the cartridge 100 is not correctly mounted in other states.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a determination process for determining a usage individual area for writing consumption data from among a plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6. This determination process is started triggered by the mounting determination unit 419 determining that the cartridge 100 has been mounted on the mounting unit 4. First, in step S10, the device control unit 40 transmits a first data read command to the memory 130 of the cartridge 100 determined to be mounted on the mounting unit 4. The first data read command is a command for reading manufacturing data and life data from the memory 130. Note that the first data read command may be a command for reading at least the refill count data as usage control data.

[0052] The memory control unit 136 of the memory 130 that has received the first data read command transmits the manufacturing data and life data as the first data at the address specified by the first data read command to the device control unit 40 in step S20.

[0053] In step S30, the device control unit 40 that has received the initial data determines the individual use area of the storage unit 138 where the consumption data is written based on the value of the refill count data as the use control data included in the initial data. The address for specifying the determined individual use area is stored in the device storage unit 420 and is added to the write command when updating the consumption data stored in the storage unit 138 of the memory 130 during one use period of the cartridge 100.

[0054] According to the above embodiment, since the memory 130 has a plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 in which different areas are used for each use period of the cartridge 100, even data with a large number of rewrite times, such as consumption data, is written and updated using different individual areas IR1 to IR6 of different areas for each different use period. Thereby, when the liquid is refilled into the cartridge 100, the possibility of deterioration of the memory 130 can be reduced without newly replacing the memory 130. Further, according to the above embodiment, the number of the plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 is set to be equal to or greater than the assumed number of refills of the liquid into the cartridge 100. Thereby, in each use period of one time over the entire use period of the cartridge 100, different individual areas IR1 to IR6 for writing and updating data can be allocated. Also, the individual use area to be used among the plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 can be easily determined using the refill count as the use control data stored in the storage unit 138.

[0055] Also, according to the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the second writing area WR2 stores elapsed data indicating the degree of passage of time. Thereby, information regarding the life of the memory 130 or the cartridge 100 to which the memory 130 is attached can be generated using the elapsed data. For example, when the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20 acquires the elapsed data from the memory 130 and the elapsed data indicates a period longer than a predetermined period, information indicating that the cartridge 100 is deteriorated or is about to deteriorate is generated. Then, the generated information is displayed on the display unit 72. Also, according to the above embodiment, the second writing area WR2 stores the total number of mounting times data. Thereby, information regarding the life of the memory 130 or the cartridge 100 to which the memory 130 is attached can also be generated using the total number of mounting times data. For example, when the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20 acquires the total number of mounting times data from the memory 130 and the total number of mounting times data indicates a number equal to or greater than a predetermined number, information indicating that the cartridge 100 is deteriorated or is about to deteriorate is generated. Then, the generated information is displayed on the display unit 72.

[0056] B. Other Embodiments: B-1. Other Embodiment 1: In the above embodiment, the plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 were areas where consumption data was written, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any other data may be used as long as it is data with a large number of write times during one use period of the cartridge 100. For example, the data written in the plurality of individual areas IR1 to IR6 may be data indicating the number of communication times with the printing device 20 instead of or in addition to the consumption data.

[0057] B-2. Other Embodiment 2: The present disclosure is not limited to an inkjet printer and its cartridge, and can also be applied to a cartridge attached to any printing device that injects other liquids than ink. For example, it can be applied to various printing devices and their cartridges as follows. (1) An image recording device such as a facsimile machine (2) A printing device that injects color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays (3) A printing device that injects electrode materials used in the formation of electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), etc. (4) A printing device that injects liquids containing biological organics used in the manufacture of biochips (5) A sample printing device as a precision pipette (6) A printing device for lubricating oil (7) A printing device for resin liquid (8) A printing device that injects lubricating oil pinpoint into precision machinery such as watches and cameras (9) A printing device that injects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements, etc. (10) A printing device that injects an acidic or alkaline etching solution for etching a substrate, etc. (11) A printing device equipped with a liquid injection head that discharges any other arbitrary minute droplets

[0058] Note that "droplet" refers to the state of the liquid discharged from the printing device, and includes those with a granular, teardrop-like, or filamentous trailing shape. Also, the "liquid" here may be any material that the printing device can inject. For example, the "liquid" may be a material in the liquid phase state of a substance, including highly viscous or low-viscosity liquid state materials, as well as liquid state materials such as sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. Also, not only liquids as a state of matter, but also those in which particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent are included in "liquid". Also, typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink includes general aqueous inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks.

[0059] C. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described below can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0060] (1) According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a memory that is attached to a reusable cartridge after refilling the liquid again after the liquid has been consumed. This memory includes a first type storage area that is used during one usage period from when the liquid is filled in the cartridge until the consumption of the liquid is completed, and a second type storage area that is used during the entire usage period of the cartridge, which is a set of the one usage periods. The first type storage area has a plurality of individual areas in which different areas are used for each one usage period. There is provided a memory that is attached to a reusable cartridge after refilling the liquid again after the liquid has been consumed. According to the above aspect, since it has a plurality of individual areas in which different areas are used for each one usage period, even data with a large number of rewrite times is written and updated using different individual areas for different usage periods. Thereby, when the liquid is refilled in the cartridge, the possibility of the memory deteriorating can be reduced without newly replacing the memory.

[0061] (2) In the above aspect, the second type storage area may include a first writing area in which, when the liquid is refilled in the cartridge, after erasing the already written first past data, new first data is written, and a second writing area in which, when refilling, new second data is written and updated based on the already written second past data. According to the above aspect, the first writing area and the second writing area can be properly used according to the type of data written in the second type storage area.

[0062] (3) In the above aspect, the second type of storage area stores manufacturing data related to manufacturing generated each time the liquid is filled into the cartridge, and total mounting times data of the cartridge on the printing device during the entire usage period. The manufacturing data is stored in the first writing area as the first data, and the total mounting times data may be stored in the second writing area as the second data. According to the above aspect, the manufacturing data generated each time the liquid is filled can be stored in the first writing area, and the total mounting times data for accumulating the number of times can be stored in the second writing area.

[0063] (4) In the above aspect, the second writing area may further store elapsed data representing the degree of elapsed time from the initial manufacturing date indicating the date when the liquid was first filled into the cartridge for manufacturing. According to the above aspect, information regarding the lifespan of the memory or the cartridge to which the memory is attached can be generated using the elapsed data.

[0064] (5) In the above aspect, the number of the plurality of individual areas may be set to be equal to or greater than the assumed number of times the liquid is filled into the cartridge. According to the above aspect, in each usage period for one time over the entire usage period of the cartridge, different individual areas for writing and updating data can be allocated.

[0065] (6) In the above aspect, usage control data used to determine a used individual area to be used among the plurality of individual areas may be stored. According to the above aspect, the used individual area can be easily determined using the usage control data.

[0066] (7) In the above aspect, the usage control data may be refill times data representing the number of times the liquid is refilled into the cartridge and stored in the second type of storage area. According to the above aspect, the refill times data can be used as the usage control data.

[0067] (8) Each of the plurality of individual areas may store consumption data regarding the consumption amount of the liquid filled in the cartridge during the single usage period. According to the above aspect, consumption data can be stored in the individual areas.

[0068] (9) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided. This cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid, a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage portion, and the memory described in the above aspect. According to the above aspect, since the memory has a plurality of individual areas in which different areas are used for each single usage period, even data with a large number of rewrite times is written and updated using individual areas in different areas for different usage periods. Thereby, when the liquid is refilled in the cartridge, the possibility of memory degradation can be reduced without newly replacing the memory.

[0069] In addition to the above aspects, the present disclosure can be implemented in forms such as a method for manufacturing a memory, a printing system including a cartridge and a printing apparatus, and a control method for the printing system.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 4... Mounting portion, 5... Printing head, 6... Liquid introduction portion, 20... Printing device, 22... Motor, 26... Platen, 30... Carriage, 32... Carriage motor, 34... Sliding shaft, 36... Driving belt, 38... Pulley, 40... Device control unit, 46... Bus, 50... Relay portion, 65... Mounting chamber, 70... Operation unit, 72... Display unit, 80... Connector, 85... Control device, 90... Computer, 100, 100A to 100D... Cartridge, 101... Main body, 101wb... Bottom wall, 101wf... Front wall, 104... Liquid supply portion, 104f... Film, 104op... Opening, 120... Circuit board, 120fa... Surface, 120fb... Back surface, 130... Memory, 136... Memory control unit, 138... Storage portion, 150... Liquid storage portion, 210... Mounting detection terminal group, 211... First detection terminal, 212... Second detection terminal, 213... Third detection terminal, 214... Fourth detection terminal, 230... Memory terminal group, 231... Reset terminal, 232... Clock terminal, 233... Power supply terminal, 234... Grounding terminal, 235... Data terminal, 290... Terminal group, 301... Slit, 400... Connection mechanism, 403, 403A to 403I... Contact forming member, 405... Terminal holding portion, 411 to 414, 431 to 435... Device terminals, 411a to 414a, 431a to 435a... Relay terminals, 415... CPU, 416... Communication control unit, 417... Consumption count unit, 419... Mounting determination unit, 420... Device storage unit, 431 to 435, 439... Device terminals, 431a to 435a... Relay terminals, 440... Power supply, 441... First power supply, 442... Second power supply, 500... Sub-control board, 511 to 514, 531 to 535, 590... Board terminals, 1000... Printing system, FD... First direction, IR1 to IR6... Individual regions, LM1... First detection signal line, LM2... Second detection signal line, LM3... Third detection signal line, LM4... Fourth detection signal line, LRST... Reset signal line, LSCK... Clock signal line, LSDA... Data signal line, LVDD... Power supply signal line, LVSS... Grounding signal line, MD... Mounting direction, PA... Printing medium, R1... First column, R2... Second column, SA... Storage region, SA1... First type storage region, SA2... Second type storage region, SD... Second direction, VDD... First power supply voltage, VHV... Second power supply voltage, WR... Writing region, WR1... First writing region, WR2... Second writing region, cp... Contact

Claims

1. A memory that is attached to a reusable cartridge and refilled with the liquid after the liquid has been consumed, a first type of storage area used during one usage period from when the cartridge is filled with the liquid until the consumption of the liquid is complete, and a second type of storage area used during the entire usage period of the cartridge, which is a set of the one-usage periods, wherein the first type of storage area has a plurality of individual areas in which different areas are used for each one-usage period, and the second type of storage area has a first writing area in which, when the cartridge is refilled with the liquid, after erasing the previously written first past data, new first data is written, and a second writing area in which, when refilling, new second data is written and updated based on the previously written second past data, the second type of storage area stores manufacturing data related to manufacturing generated each time the liquid is filled into the cartridge and the total number of times the cartridge has been installed in the printing device during the entire usage period, the manufacturing data is stored in the first writing area as the first data, and the total number of installation times data is stored in the second writing area as the second data. A memory.

2. The memory according to claim 1, wherein the second writing area further stores elapsed data representing the degree of elapsed time from the first manufacturing date indicating the date when the liquid was first filled and manufactured into the cartridge. A memory.

3. The memory according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the number of the plurality of individual areas is set to be equal to or more than the assumed number of times the liquid is filled into the cartridge. A memory.

4. The memory according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which stores usage control data used to determine a usage individual area to be used among the plurality of individual areas. A memory.

5. The memory according to claim 4, wherein the usage control data is refill count data representing the number of times the liquid has been refilled into the cartridge and stored in the second type of storage area. A memory.

6. The memory according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Each of the plurality of individual areas is a memory that stores consumption data regarding the consumption amount of the liquid filled in the cartridge during the one-time usage period. **Claim 7** A cartridge comprising: a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid; a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage unit; a memory according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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