printer

Abstract

To visually make it more clear that a detection sensor appropriately detects an identification mark attached to an ink cartridge.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes a cartridge storage part 60 for storing an ink cartridge 50 with an identification mark 51 recording identification information 52 attached thereto so as to expose the identification mark 51, a sensor head 40 having a detection sensor 42 that can detect the identification information 52, and a movement mechanism for moving the sensor head 40 in a main scanning direction Y. A control device includes a movement control part for moving the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y, a detection control part for making the detection sensor 42 detect the identification information 52 of the identification mark 51 when the sensor head 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y, and a determination part for determining whether the identification information 52 is included in determination information for determining whether the ink cartridge 50 is correctly stored in the cartridge storage part 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer including a mounting portion on which an ink cartridge containing ink is mounted. An IC chip recording identification information is attached to the ink cartridge. The identification information is information that can identify and distinguish the ink cartridge.

[0003] The mounting portion of the inkjet printer is provided with detection means for detecting the identification information recorded on the IC chip attached to the ink cartridge. According to the above inkjet printer, when an ink cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion, the identification information of the ink cartridge is detected by the detection means. Based on the detected identification information, it is possible to determine whether the ink cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is an appropriate ink cartridge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the inkjet printer described above, the IC chip attached to the ink cartridge is located inside the mounting area. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting area, there was a risk that the IC chip could get caught on a component inside the mounting area and become dislodged. Furthermore, because the detection means detects the identification information inside the mounting area, it was difficult for the user to visually confirm that the detection means was properly detecting the identification information recorded on the IC chip attached to the ink cartridge.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a printer that makes it visually easy to understand that the detection sensor is properly detecting the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printer according to the present invention comprises an ink head, a cartridge housing, a sensor head, a moving mechanism, and a control device. The ink head ejects ink. The cartridge housing houses an ink cartridge containing ink to be supplied to the ink head and having an identification mark on which identification information is recorded, such that the identification mark is exposed. The sensor head has a detection sensor capable of detecting the identification information recorded on the identification mark. The moving mechanism moves the ink head or the sensor head in the main scanning direction. The control device comprises a moving control unit, a detection control unit, and a determination unit. The moving control unit moves the sensor head in the main scanning direction. When the sensor head is moving in the main scanning direction, the detection control unit causes the detection sensor to detect the identification information recorded on the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge. The determination unit determines whether the identification information detected by the detection sensor is included in predetermined reference information for determining whether the ink cartridge is correctly housed in the cartridge housing.

[0008] According to the aforementioned printer, the ink cartridge is housed in the cartridge housing such that the identification mark is exposed from the cartridge housing. Therefore, when the detection sensor detects the identification information recorded on the identification mark, the identification information is detected with the identification mark exposed from the cartridge housing. Thus, it is visually clear that the detection sensor is properly detecting the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that makes it visually easy to understand whether the detection sensor is properly detecting the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the print head. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view showing the print head, sensor head, support base, and cartridge housing. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing an ink cartridge. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the control procedure for detecting the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing an ink cartridge in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts that perform the same function, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the printer 10 according to this embodiment. In the following, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. The symbol Y indicates the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is, for example, the left-right direction. The symbol X indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X is a different direction from the main scanning direction Y. In a plan view, the sub-scanning direction X intersects (in this case is orthogonal to) the main scanning direction Y. The sub-scanning direction X is, for example, the front-back direction. However, these directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation configuration of the printer 10 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the printer 10 ejects ink onto the substrate 5 to perform printing. The substrate 5 is, for example, recording paper. However, the substrate 5 is not limited to recording paper. For example, the substrate 5 may include relatively thick materials such as sheets made from resin materials such as PCV or polyester, metal plates, glass plates, or wooden boards. The substrate 5 may also be a three-dimensional object such as a smartphone case.

[0014] The printer 10 is an inkjet printer. In this embodiment, the printer 10 is a so-called flatbed type printer, and is configured such that when the support base 25 (see Figure 2), described later, moves in the sub-scanning direction X, the material to be printed 5 also moves in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the printer 10 may also be a so-called roll-to-roll type printer, and may be configured to move only the roll-shaped material to be printed 5 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a case 11 and a cover 12. The case 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an internal space. Printing is performed on the printing material 5 in the internal space. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 15 is formed in the front portion of the case 11.

[0016] The cover 12 is supported by the case 11 so as to be able to open and close the opening 15. The cover 12 is configured to be rotatable about the rear end as an axis. As shown in FIG. 1, windows 16 are provided in the front portion and the upper portion of the cover 12. The windows 16 are formed of a transparent or translucent member, for example, an acrylic plate. The user can visually recognize the internal space of the case 11 through the windows 16.

[0017] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes an operation panel 20. The operation panel 20 is provided on the case 11. The operation panel 20 has a display screen 21 that displays the state of the printer 10 and information regarding an ink cartridge 50 (see FIG. 2) described later, and operation keys 22. The user can display various information on the display screen 21 by operating the operation keys 22, for example.

[0018] Next, the internal configuration of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 includes a support base 25. The support base 25 supports the printing material 5. Here, the printing material 5 is placed on the upper surface of the support base 25. Printing is performed on the printing material 5 on the support base 25. Further, ink is ejected onto the printing material 5 supported by the support base 25. The upper surface of the support base 25 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 includes a guide rail 28, a print head 30, and a sensor head 40. The guide rail 28 is fixed to the case 11 in the internal space of the case 11. The guide rail 28 is disposed above the support base 25. The guide rail 28 extends in the main scanning direction Y.

[0020] The print head 30 is related to printing. The print head 30 is disposed above the support base 25. The print head 30 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the print head 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the print head 30 includes an ink carriage 31, an ink head 32, and a light irradiation device 35.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the ink carriage 31 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 28 and is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 28.

[0022] The ink head 32 is disposed above the support base 25. The ink head 32 discharges ink toward the printed material 5 supported by the support base 25. The ink head 32 is mounted on the ink carriage 31. Here, the ink head 32 is provided on the ink carriage 31 such that the bottom surface is exposed downward and is supported by the ink carriage 31. The number of the ink heads 32 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of the ink heads 32 is four. The four ink heads 32 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y.

[0023] Here, the four ink heads 32 are appropriately numbered 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D from left to right. Each ink head 32 ejects ink of a different color. In this embodiment, ink head 32A ejects cyan ink. Ink head 32B ejects magenta ink. Ink head 32C ejects yellow ink. Ink head 32D ejects black ink. However, the types of ink colors ejected from each ink head 32 are not limited to the above four types. Furthermore, the ink material is not limited in any way, and various materials that have been used as ink materials for conventional inkjet printers can be used. In this embodiment, the ink ejected from the ink heads 32 is a photocurable ink whose drying is accelerated when irradiated with light. The light irradiated onto the ink is, for example, ultraviolet light, and here, the ink is an ultraviolet-curable ink whose hardening is accelerated when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, each ink head 32 has a plurality of nozzles 33 and a nozzle surface 34 on which the plurality of nozzles 33 are formed. The nozzle surface 34 constitutes the bottom surface of the ink head 32. In one ink head 32, the plurality of nozzles 33 are arranged in a line in the sub-scanning direction X. Here, in one ink head 32, a row of plurality of nozzles 33 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called a nozzle row 33a. In this embodiment, in one ink head 32, the number of nozzle rows 33a is two, but it may be one or three or more.

[0025] The light irradiation device 35 is a device that irradiates light onto the ink ejected from the ink head 32. Here, as shown in Figure 2, the light irradiation device 35 is configured to irradiate light onto the ink ejected onto the workpiece 5 supported by the support base 25. In this embodiment, since the ink ejected from the ink head 32 (more specifically, the nozzle 33) is an ultraviolet-curable ink, the light irradiation device 35 is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the ink ejected from the ink head 32.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the light irradiation device 35 is mounted on the ink carriage 31 and is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y together with the ink carriage 31 and the ink head 32. In this embodiment, the light irradiation device 35 is mounted on the left side of the ink carriage 31, but it may also be mounted on the right side of the ink carriage 31.

[0027] In this embodiment, the light irradiation device 35 includes an irradiation body 36 (see Figure 4) and a light source 37 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation body 36 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped and hollow. An irradiation port 38 is formed on the bottom surface of the irradiation body 36. The shape of the irradiation port 38 is square, but is not particularly limited. The light source 37 in Figure 3 emits light (in this case ultraviolet light) and is located inside the irradiation body 36. The light emitted from the light source 37 passes through the irradiation port 38 and irradiates the ink ejected onto the material to be printed 5.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the sensor head 40 is positioned above the support base 25. The sensor head 40 is positioned alongside the print head 30 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the sensor head 40 is positioned to the left of the print head 30, but it may also be positioned to the right of the print head 30. The sensor head 40 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. The sensor head 40 includes a sensor carriage 41 and a detection sensor 42.

[0029] The sensor carriage 41 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 28 and is configured to be movable along the guide rail 28 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0030] The detection sensor 42 is positioned above the support base 25. The detection sensor 42 is mounted on and supported by the sensor carriage 41. Although not shown in the illustration, the detection sensor 42 has a detection unit that detects objects below it. The detection sensor 42 is a sensor for detecting identification information 52 (see Figure 6) recorded on the identification label 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50. The detection sensor 42 is also a sensor that detects the position of both ends (here, both left and right ends) of the print to be printed 5 supported on the support base 25 in the main scanning direction Y relative to the support base 25. The type of detection sensor 42 is not particularly limited, but for example it is an optical type. The detection sensor 42 is for example a photosensor. The detection sensor 42 is capable of detecting color and may be a color sensor capable of representing color in RGB, for example.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the print head 30 and the sensor head 40 are connectable. The sensor head 40 can move independently in the main scanning direction Y, away from the print head 30. The print head 30 can be connected to the sensor head 40 and move together in the main scanning direction Y. However, the print head 30 may also move independently in the main scanning direction Y, away from the sensor head 40.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the printer 10 includes a first moving mechanism 81 that moves the print head 30 (e.g., ink head 32) or sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y relative to the support base 25, and a second moving mechanism 82 that moves the print to be printed 5, supported on the support base 25, in the sub-scanning direction X relative to the print head 30 and sensor head 40. Although the detailed configuration is omitted, the printer 10 also includes a lifting mechanism 83 that raises and lowers the support base 25.

[0033] The first moving mechanism 81 is an example of a moving mechanism that moves the ink head 32 or the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the first moving mechanism 81 moves the print head 30 in the main scanning direction Y during printing, and moves the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y when detecting an identification mark 51 (see Figure 6), etc. The configuration of the first moving mechanism 81 is not particularly limited. The first moving mechanism 81, although not shown in the figures, includes, for example, left and right pulleys, a belt, and a scan motor. The left pulley is provided around the left end of the guide rail 28, and the right pulley is provided around the right end of the guide rail 28. The belt is, for example, an endless belt and is wrapped around the left and right pulleys. The sensor carriage 41 of the sensor head 40 is attached and fixed to the belt. The scan motor is connected to one of the left and right pulleys. Here, when the scan motor is driven, the pulley rotates, and the belt travels between the left and right pulleys. This causes the sensor head 40 to move in the main scanning direction Y. When the print head 30 is connected to the sensor head 40, the print head 30 (in this case, the ink carriage 31, ink head 32, and light irradiation device 35) moves in the main scanning direction Y together with the sensor head 40.

[0034] The second moving mechanism 82 moves the support base 25 in the sub-scanning direction X, thereby moving the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 25 in the sub-scanning direction X. The configuration of the second moving mechanism 82 is not particularly limited. Here, although not shown in the figures, the second moving mechanism 82 includes a support base carriage that supports the support base 25, and a pair of left and right slide rails that slidably support the support base carriage and extend in the sub-scanning direction X. Although not shown in the figures, the second moving mechanism 82 further includes a pair of front and rear slide pulleys provided in front of and behind the slide rails, and a slide belt wrapped around the pair of front and rear slide pulleys. The support base carriage is fixed to this slide belt. A feed motor is connected to one of the front and rear slide pulleys. Here, when the feed motor is driven and the slide belt moves, the support base 25 moves in the sub-scanning direction X together with the support base carriage. Therefore, the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 25 also moves in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the print head 30, sensor head 40, support base 25, and cartridge housing 60. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the ink cartridge 50. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the printer 10 includes an ink cartridge 50 and a cartridge housing 60 that houses the ink cartridge 50. The ink cartridge 50 contains ink ejected from the ink head 32 (specifically the nozzle 33 (see Figure 4)). Here, the ink cartridge 50 is connected to the ink head 32 via a tube (not shown). The ink contained in the ink cartridge 50 is supplied to the ink head 32 through the tube. In this embodiment, the number of ink cartridges 50 is the same as the number of ink colors that can be used in the printer 10. The number of ink cartridges 50 is the same as the number of ink heads 32, which is four in this case. One ink cartridge 50 is connected to one ink head 32.

[0036] In this embodiment, the ink cartridges 50 connected to the ink heads 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are referred to as ink cartridges 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D, respectively. Here, ink cartridge 50A contains cyan ink supplied to ink head 32A. Ink cartridge 50B contains magenta ink supplied to ink head 32B. Ink cartridge 50C contains yellow ink supplied to ink head 32C. Ink cartridge 50D contains black ink supplied to ink head 32D. In this embodiment, the ink cartridges 50 are consumables. Therefore, when the amount of ink contained in an ink cartridge 50 falls below a predetermined amount, it is replaced with a new ink cartridge 50.

[0037] The size and shape of the ink cartridge 50 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the ink cartridge 50 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer in the sub-scanning direction X than in the main scanning direction Y. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the vertical length of the ink cartridge 50 is longer than the length in the main scanning direction Y and shorter than the length in the sub-scanning direction X (see Figure 6). Furthermore, the four ink cartridges 50A to 50D are the same size, but may be different. For example, some of the four ink cartridges 50A to 50D may have a longer sub-scanning direction X compared to the other ink cartridges.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an identification mark 51 is attached to the ink cartridge 50. The position of the identification mark 51 on the ink cartridge 50 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the identification mark 51 is provided on the upper surface of the front end of the ink cartridge 50. The identification mark 51 may be printed directly onto the ink cartridge 50, or a document (e.g., paper) on which the identification mark 51 is attached may be attached or affixed to the ink cartridge 50. Furthermore, the type of identification mark 51 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the identification mark 51 is a one-dimensional barcode, but it may also be a two-dimensional barcode.

[0039] Here, identification information 52 is recorded on the identification mark 51. Here, "identification information 52 is recorded on the identification mark 51" means that the identification information 52 can be obtained by detecting the identification mark 51 with the detection sensor 42. Here, detecting the identification mark 51 is the same as detecting the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51. Identification information 52 refers to the information obtained when the detection sensor 42 detects the identification mark 51. The specific information of identification information 52 is not particularly limited, and identification information 52 includes information related to the ink cartridge 50. For example, identification information 52 includes color information 52a, which is information related to the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50. Identification information 52 may also include the type of ink contained in the ink cartridge 50, the model number of the ink cartridge 50, the serial number, the date of manufacture, etc.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the cartridge housing 60 houses the ink cartridge 50. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the cartridge housing 60 is located in the internal space of the case 11 and is fixed to the case 11. The cartridge housing 60 is positioned so as not to interfere with the print head 30 or the sensor head 40 when the print head 30 or the sensor head 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y. Furthermore, the cartridge housing 60 is positioned so as not to interfere with the support base 25 when the support base 25 moves in the sub-scanning direction X, and when the support base 25 is moving up or down.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cartridge housing 60 is positioned below the print head 30 (e.g., ink head 32) and below the sensor head 40 (e.g., detection sensor 42). Furthermore, the cartridge housing 60 is positioned below the guide rail 28. As shown in Figure 5, in a plan view, at least a portion of the cartridge housing 60 is positioned behind the sensor head 40. Here, in a plan view, the entire cartridge housing 60 is positioned behind the sensor head 40. In a plan view, a portion of the cartridge housing 60 (in this case, the rear portion) is positioned behind the print head 30. In this embodiment, the cartridge housing 60 is not positioned in front of the sensor head 40 and is not positioned in front of the print head 30. In other words, the cartridge housing 60 does not protrude forward of the sensor head 40 and the print head 30.

[0042] The cartridge housing 60 is positioned alongside the support base 25 in the main scanning direction Y. The cartridge housing 60 is located on the main scanning direction Y side of the support base 25. In this embodiment, the cartridge housing 60 is located to the left of the support base 25 in a plan view, but it may also be located to the right of the support base 25.

[0043] Here, the cartridge housing 60 houses four ink cartridges 50A to 50D together. The four ink cartridges 50A to 50D are housed in the cartridge housing 60 so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction Y. In detail, as shown in Figure 2, the cartridge housing 60 has a housing space formed inside, and a housing opening 61 that opens to the front is formed therein. The housing opening 61 is in communication with the housing space. When the ink cartridges 50 are inserted into the housing opening 61 and placed in the housing space, the ink cartridges 50 become connected to the ink head 32. As a result, the ink cartridges 50 become ready to supply ink to the connected ink head 32.

[0044] Here, as shown in Figure 2, four storage openings 61 are formed, and the four storage openings 61 are arranged in line in the main scanning direction Y. Hereafter, the four storage openings 61 will be appropriately numbered 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D from left to right. An ink cartridge 50 inserted into storage opening 61A is connected to an ink head 32A that ejects cyan ink. Therefore, an ink cartridge 50A containing cyan ink is inserted into storage opening 61A. An ink cartridge 50 inserted into storage opening 61B is connected to an ink head 32B that ejects magenta ink, so an ink cartridge 50B containing magenta ink is inserted into storage opening 61B. An ink cartridge 50 inserted into storage opening 61C is connected to an ink head 32C that ejects yellow ink, so an ink cartridge 50C containing yellow ink is inserted into storage opening 61C. Furthermore, since the ink cartridge 50 inserted into the housing opening 61D is connected to the ink head 32D that ejects black ink, the ink cartridge 50D containing black ink is inserted into the housing opening 61D.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, when the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60, a portion of the ink cartridge 50 (in this case, the front end) protrudes forward from the cartridge housing 60. Here, an identification mark 51 is attached to the upper surface of the front end of the ink cartridge 50. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60, the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60 such that the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 is exposed forward from the cartridge housing 60. Here, when the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60, the identification mark 51 is positioned in front of the cartridge housing 60. When four ink cartridges 50A to 50D are housed in the cartridge housing 60, the identification marks 51 attached to the four ink cartridges 50A to 50D are arranged in line in the main scanning direction Y, and their positions in the sub-scanning direction X are aligned.

[0046] Although not shown in the diagram, when the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60, in a left side view, the identification mark 51 is positioned directly below the detection sensor 42 of the sensor head 40. In other words, as shown in Figure 5, in a plan view, the identification mark 51 is positioned on the movement trajectory M1 of the detection sensor 42 when the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y. That is, when the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the detection sensor 42 is configured to pass over the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 in the cartridge housing 60 (in other words, directly above the identification mark 51). The detection sensor 42 is configured to detect the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51 when it passes over it. It is preferable that the vertical position of the cartridge housing 60 is at a height such that the detection sensor 42 can detect the identification mark 51 when it passes over it.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the printer 10 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 performs control related to printing and controls to determine whether the ink cartridge 50 is properly positioned in the cartridge housing 60. The configuration of the control device 90 is not particularly limited. The control device 90 is, for example, a microcomputer. The control device 90 includes, for example, an interface, a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control device 90 is located inside the case 11. However, the control device 90 may be implemented as a computer or the like installed outside the case 11. In this case, the control device 90 is communicated with the control board (not shown) of the printer 10 via wired or wireless connection.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the control device 90 is communicatively connected to the operation panel 20, the ink head 32, the light irradiation device 35 (specifically the light source 37), the detection sensor 42, the first moving mechanism 81, the second moving mechanism 82, and the lifting mechanism 83. The control device 90 controls the operation panel 20, the ink head 32, the light irradiation device 35, the detection sensor 42, the first moving mechanism 81, the second moving mechanism 82, and the lifting mechanism 83.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control device 90 includes a storage unit 91, a movement control unit 92, a detection control unit 93, a determination unit 94, and a notification unit 95. Each of the units 91 to 95 constituting the control device 90 may be implemented by one or more processors, incorporated into a circuit, or programmed by predetermined software.

[0050] Next, the control procedure for detecting the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. In this embodiment, for example, when the ink cartridge 50 is placed in the cartridge housing 60 (in other words, installed), the identification mark 51 is detected.

[0051] First, in step S101 in Figure 7, the movement control unit 92 in Figure 3 moves the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the movement control unit 92 controls the first movement mechanism 81 (see Figure 2) so that the sensor head 40 moves along the guide rail 28 in the main scanning direction Y. At this time, the detection sensor 42 also moves along the guide rail 28 in the main scanning direction Y. Note that in step S101, the sensor head 40 may move independently in the main scanning direction Y without being connected to the print head 30, or it may move together with the print head 30 in the main scanning direction Y while connected to the print head 30.

[0052] Next, in step S103 of Figure 7, the detection control unit 93 in Figure 3 detects the identification information 52 of the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 housed in the cartridge housing 60. Here, the detection control unit 93 causes the detection sensor 42 to detect the identification information 52 attached to the identification mark 51 when the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y. When the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the detection sensor 42 passes over the support base 25 and also over the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 housed in the cartridge housing 60. Therefore, the detection control unit 93 causes the detection sensor 42 to detect the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51 when the detection sensor 42 passes over the identification mark 51. Here, the detection control unit 93 causes the detection sensor 42 to detect the color information 52a included in the identification information 52.

[0053] In this embodiment, the detection control unit 93 detects the identification information 52 of the identification mark 51 attached to each of the ink cartridges 50 (in this case, four ink cartridges 50A to 50D) housed in the cartridge housing unit 60. However, for example, before step S101 in Figure 7, only the identification information 52 of the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 newly installed in the cartridge housing unit 60 may be detected. The identification information 52 detected by the detection control unit 93 is stored in the storage unit 91.

[0054] Next, in step S105 of Figure 7, the determination unit 94 of Figure 3 determines whether the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 is included in the predetermined determination information 55. Here, the determination information 55 is information related to determining whether the ink cartridge 50 is correctly (for example, in the correct position) housed in the cartridge housing 60. In other words, the determination information 55 is information related to determining whether the color of the ink housed in the ink cartridge 50 housed in the cartridge housing 60 matches the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32 at the supply destination (in other words, the connection destination) of the ink cartridge 50.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the determination information 55 is predetermined information and is stored in the storage unit 91. The determination information 55 includes determination color information 55a. The determination color information 55a is information relating to the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32 to which the ink cartridge 50 is supplied. The determination color information 55a is information set for each ink head 32. In other words, the determination color information 55a is information set for each storage opening 61 of the cartridge storage unit 60. For example, an ink cartridge 50 inserted into the storage opening 61A of the cartridge storage unit 60 supplies ink to the ink head 32A that ejects cyan ink. Therefore, cyan is set as the determination color information 55a for the ink head 32A or the storage opening 61A. Similarly, magenta is set as the determination color information 55a for the ink head 32B or the housing opening 61B, yellow is set as the determination color information 55a for the ink head 32C or the housing opening 61C, and black is set as the determination color information 55a for the ink head 32D or the housing opening 61D.

[0056] In this embodiment, the determination unit 94 in Figure 3 determines whether the color information 52a of the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 matches the determination color information 55a of the determination information 55. More specifically, the determination unit 94 determines whether the color information 52a of the ink cartridge 50 matches the determination color information 55a of the ink head 32 to which the ink cartridge 50 is supplied.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, for example, when an ink cartridge 50A is inserted into the housing opening 61A of the cartridge housing 60, the determination unit 94 in Figure 3 determines whether the color information 52a of the ink cartridge 50A matches the determination color information 55a of the ink head 32A connected to the housing opening 61A. In this case, the color information 52a of the ink cartridge 50A is cyan, and the determination color information 55a of the ink head 32A is also cyan, so the color information 52a and the determination color information 55a match. In this case, the determination unit 94 determines that the identification information 52 of the ink cartridge 50A is included in the determination information 55, and sets the determination result of step S105 to YES, and the flowchart in Figure 7 ends.

[0058] For example, when an ink cartridge 50A is inserted into the housing opening 61B of the cartridge housing 60, the determination unit 94 in Figure 3 determines whether the color information 52a of the ink cartridge 50A matches the determination color information 55a of the ink head 32B connected to the housing opening 61B. In this case, the color information 52a of the ink cartridge 50A is cyan, and the determination color information 55a of the ink head 32B is magenta, so the color information 52a and the determination color information 55a do not match. In this case, the determination unit 94 determines that the identification information 52 of the ink cartridge 50A is not included in the determination information 55, sets the determination result of step S105 to NO, and proceeds to step S107 in Figure 7.

[0059] In step S107, the notification unit 95 in Figure 3 notifies the user of a warning when the determination unit 94 determines that the color information 52a of the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 does not match the determination color information 55a of the determination information 55. Here, the notification unit 95 notifies the user of a warning that the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50 does not match the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32 to which the ink of the ink cartridge 50 is supplied. The specific method of notifying the user is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 95 may notify the user by displaying a warning message on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 20 (see Figure 1). This warning message may include information about the ink cartridge 50 whose color does not match the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32 to which the ink is supplied. The notification unit 95 may also notify the user by emitting a sound from a speaker (not shown) or by illuminating a light (not shown). By being notified of the warning, the user can know that the ink cartridge 50 is not properly seated in the cartridge housing 60. In this case, the user may change the position of the ink cartridge 50 relative to the cartridge housing 60 so that it is seated in the correct position (in other words, so that it is inserted into the correct housing opening 61).

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the printer 10 includes an ink head 32 for ejecting ink, a cartridge housing 60, a sensor head 40, a first moving mechanism 81, and a control device 90, as shown in Figure 2. The cartridge housing 60 houses an ink cartridge 50 containing ink to be supplied to the ink head 32. As shown in Figure 6, the ink cartridge 50 is fitted with an identification mark 51 on which identification information 52 is recorded. As shown in Figure 5, the cartridge housing 60 houses the ink cartridge 50 so that the identification mark 51 is exposed. The sensor head 40 has a detection sensor 42 (see Figure 2) capable of detecting the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51. The first moving mechanism 81 moves the ink head 32 or the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 90 includes a moving control unit 92, a detection control unit 93, and a determination unit 94. The moving control unit 92 moves the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y, as shown in step S101 of Figure 7. As shown in step S103 of Figure 7, the detection control unit 93 causes the detection sensor 42 to detect the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 when the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in step S105 of Figure 7, the determination unit 94 determines whether or not the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 is included in the determination information 55. Here, the determination information 55 is information related to determining whether or not the ink cartridge 50 is properly housed in the cartridge housing 60. Thus, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60 such that the identification mark 51 is exposed from the cartridge housing 60. Therefore, when the detection sensor 42 detects the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51, the identification information 52 is detected by the detection sensor 42 while the identification mark 51 is exposed from the cartridge housing 60. Thus, it is possible to visually confirm that the detection sensor 42 has properly detected the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, when the ink cartridge 50 is housed in the cartridge housing 60, the identification mark 51 is positioned on the movement trajectory M1 of the detection sensor 42 when the sensor head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, in a plan view. This allows the detection sensor 42 to detect the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51 by a simple control, which is to move the sensor head 40 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the cartridge housing 60 is positioned below the sensor head 40. As shown in Figure 5, in a plan view, at least a portion of the cartridge housing 60 is positioned behind the sensor head 40. This allows the detection sensor 42 to detect the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51 of the ink cartridge 50 by moving it in the main scanning direction Y without moving the sensor head 40 in the vertical direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the printer 10 is equipped with a support base 25 for supporting the object to be printed 5. The cartridge housing 60 is positioned parallel to the support base 25 in the main scanning direction Y. This allows the ink head 32 to be moved in the main scanning direction Y to eject ink from the ink head 32 toward the object to be printed 5 supported on the support base 25, and also allows the sensor head 40 to be moved in the main scanning direction Y so that the detection sensor 42 can detect the identification information 52 of the ink cartridge 50 housed in the cartridge housing 60.

[0064] In this embodiment, the identification information 52 includes color information 52a (see Figure 6) relating to the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50. The determination information 55 includes determination color information 55a (see Figure 3) relating to the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32, which is the recipient of the ink cartridge 50. As shown in step S105 of Figure 7, the determination unit 94 in Figure 3 determines whether the color information 52a of the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 matches the determination color information 55a of the determination information 55. This makes it possible to determine whether the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50 matches the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32, which is the recipient of the ink cartridge 50.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control device 90 includes a notification unit 95 (see Figure 3) that notifies the user of a warning when the determination unit 94 determines that the color information 52a of the identification information 52 detected by the detection sensor 42 does not match the determination color information 55a of the determination information 55. This allows the user to quickly understand, by receiving a warning notification from the notification unit 95, that the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50 does not match the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 32 to which the ink cartridge 50 is supplied.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the identification mark 51 attached to the ink cartridge 50 was, for example, a one-dimensional barcode. However, the identification mark according to the present invention is not limited to barcodes such as one-dimensional barcodes.

[0067] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an ink cartridge 50 in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 50 is marked with an identification mark 51A. The identification mark 51A is a color mark formed by a predetermined color. Here, the identification mark 51A is a color mark formed by the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50. For example, the identification mark 51A attached to an ink cartridge 50A containing cyan ink is formed by cyan. The identification mark 51A attached to an ink cartridge 50B containing magenta ink is formed by magenta. Similarly, the identification mark 51A attached to an ink cartridge 50C containing yellow ink is formed by yellow, and the identification mark 51A attached to an ink cartridge 50D containing black ink is formed by black. In this embodiment, the identification mark 51A can be formed, for example, by the ink ejected from the ink head 32. Here, the identification mark 51A is circular in shape, but the shape of the identification mark 51A is not particularly limited.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detection sensor 42 is a color sensor. Therefore, the detection sensor 42 can detect the identification mark 51A, which is a color mark formed with a predetermined color. Also, because the detection sensor 42 is a color sensor, when it detects the identification mark 51A, it can detect the color information that forms the identification mark 51A. Here, the color information that forms the identification mark 51A detected by the detection sensor 42 becomes the color information 52a of the identification information 52 recorded on the identification mark 51A.

[0069] In this embodiment, the identification mark 51A attached to the ink cartridge 50 is a color mark formed by the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50. This allows the user to easily determine the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50 by visually inspecting the identification mark 51A. Therefore, the user can easily visually understand the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 50. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10 Printers 32 Inkheads 40 Sensor Heads 42 detection sensors 50 ink cartridges 51, 51A identification mark 52 Identification Information 52a Color Information 55 Judgment information 55a Judgment Color Information 60 Cartridge storage section 61. Enclosure opening 81 1st moving mechanism (moving mechanism) 90 Control device 91 Memory section 92 Movement Control Unit 93 Detection Control Unit 94 Judgment section 95 Notification Department

Claims

1. The ink head that ejects ink, A support stand for supporting the printed material, A cartridge housing section that houses an ink cartridge containing ink to be supplied to the ink head and having an identification mark on which identification information is recorded, such that the identification mark is exposed, A detection sensor for detecting the position of the printed object supported on the support base with respect to the support base, comprising a sensor head having the detection sensor capable of detecting the identification information recorded on the identification mark, A moving mechanism for moving the ink head or the sensor head in the main scanning direction, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is A movement control unit that moves the sensor head in the main scanning direction, A detection control unit causes the detection sensor to detect the identification information recorded on the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge when the sensor head is moving in the main scanning direction, A determination unit that determines whether the identification information detected by the detection sensor is included in predetermined determination information relating to determining whether the ink cartridge is correctly stored in the cartridge storage section, A printer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the ink cartridge is housed in the cartridge housing, the identification mark is positioned in a plan view on the movement trajectory of the detection sensor when the sensor head is moving in the main scanning direction.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge housing is located below the sensor head.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, at least a portion of the cartridge housing is positioned behind the sensor head.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge housing is arranged in line with the support base in the main scanning direction.

6. The identification information includes color information relating to the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge. The determination information includes determination color information relating to the color of the ink ejected by the ink head that supplies the ink cartridge. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the color information of the identification information detected by the detection sensor matches the determination color information of the determination information.

7. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the control device is further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user of a warning when the determination unit determines that the color information of the identification information detected by the detection sensor does not match the determination color information of the determination information.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection sensor is a color sensor.

9. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge is a color mark formed by a predetermined color.

10. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the identification mark attached to the ink cartridge is a color mark formed by the color of the ink contained in the ink cartridge.

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