EP3208094B1

EP3208094B1 - Determining system and printing fluid cartridge

Info

Publication number: EP3208094B1
Application number: EP16190341.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Naoya Okazaki
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-18
Filing date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2020-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-23
Also published as: CN107089057A; EP3208094A1; CN107089057B; JP6724406B2; JP2017144667A

Description

The present invention relates to a determining system including a cartridge-mounting portion in which a printing fluid cartridge is mountable.
An image-recording apparatus known in the art records images on recording paper with ink. This image-recording apparatus is provided with an inkjet-type recording head. The image-recording apparatus selectively ejects ink droplets from nozzles in the recording head toward the recording paper. A desired image is formed on the recording paper by the ink droplets landing onto the paper. An ink cartridge storing ink to be supplied to the recording head is provided in this image-recording apparatus. The ink cartridge is detachably mounted in a mounting section provided in the image-recording apparatus.
An integrated circuit chip (IC chip) is provided on the casing of the ink cartridge. The integrated circuit stores information related to the ink cartridge, such as the color and material composition of the ink stored in the ink cartridge, the residual quantity of ink, and the maintenance state of the ink cartridge. Some such ink cartridges also have a replaceable ink tank mounted on the casing of the ink cartridge ( JP 2007-55138 A ).
In the structure described in the JP '138 publication, the ink tank is removed from the casing of the ink cartridge and replaced with a new ink tank once ink in the ink tank has been consumed. When the ink tank is replaced, the information stored in the IC chip provided on the casing of the ink cartridge may not match the color of ink stored in the new ink tank and the like. Further, the information stored on the IC chip may not indicate the correct type of the actual ink cartridge. This image-recording apparatus may result in an ink cartridge being mistakenly mounted in a position designated for supplying ink of a different color or an inappropriate ink cartridge being mounted in the image-recording apparatus. EP 2 644 386 A2 discloses a determining system according to the preamble of claim 1. Other determining systems are known from US 2010/245457 A1 ; US 2011/131441 A1 ; EP 2 783 864 A2 ; US 2010/245502v A1 and US 2013/050358 A1 .
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide means that can reliably determine the type of a printing fluid cartridge.
This and other objects will be attained by providing a determining system including: a cartridge-mounting portion, a photosensor, and a controller. A printing fluid cartridge is mountable in the cartridge-mounting portion. The printing fluid cartridge includes a storage and an identification portion. The storage stores type information indicating a type of the printing fluid cartridge. The identification portion has a unique light transmission status differing depending on the type of the printing fluid cartridge. The photosensor disposed at the cartridge-mounting portion. The photosensor is configured to detect the unique light transmission status of the identification portion and output a signal differing depending on the detected unique light transmission status. The controller is configured to perform: (a) reading the type information from the storage of the printing fluid cartridge that is in a mounted state where the printing fluid cartridge is mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion; and (b) determining the type of the printing fluid cartridge on the basis of both the read type information and the signal outputted from the photosensor.
The controller is further configured to perform: (c) determining whether or not the type of the printing fluid cartridge determined on the basis of the read type information matches the type of the printing fluid cartridge determined on the basis of the signal outputted from the photosensor, and (d) in response to determination made in (c) that the types do not match, determining that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
Preferably, an opening is formed in the cartridge-mounting portion. The printing fluid cartridge is inserted into and removed from the cartridge-mounting portion through the opening. The determining system is further includes a cover and a cover sensor. The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position. The cover in the closed position closes the opening. The cover in the open position opens the opening to allow the printing fluid cartridge to pass through the opening. The cover sensor is configured to output a signal differing depending on whether or not the cover is in the closed position. The controller is further configured to perform: (e) determining, on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor, whether or not the cover is in the closed position; and (f) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover is in the closed position, the reading defined in (a) and the determining defined in (b).
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (g) when the cover is determined not to be in the closed position in the determining defined in (e), repeating the determining defined in (e) and counting the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor until the cover is determined to be in the closed position; and (h) determining, on the basis of the counted number, whether or not the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (i) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover is in the closed position, the reading defined in; and (j) when the type information is incapable of being read from the storage, determining that the printing fluid cartridge is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion.
Preferably, the photosensor includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The identification portion of the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is interposed between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.
Preferably, the unique light transmission status of the identification portion differs depending on whether or not the identification portion is formed with a through-hole.
Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge has an upper surface. The upper surface of the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state facing upward. The storage and the identification portion are positioned at the upper surface.
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (k) issuing an alert based on determination made in (d) that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (I) issuing an alert based on determination made in (h) that the printing fluid cartridge in the mounted state is inappropriate.
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (m) issuing an alert based on determination made in (j) that the printing fluid cartridge is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion.
Preferably, the controller is further configured to perform: (n) setting a printable page number based on the type of the printing fluid cartridge.
The particular features and advantages of the embodiment(s) as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an interior structure of a printer 10 provided with a cartridge-mounting unit 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a ink cartridge 30;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the cartridge-mounting unit 110;
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted therein;
Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a controller 130;
Figs. 6A through 6C are schematic diagrams illustrate the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in a process for mounting the ink cartridge 30 having an identification rib 80 formed with a through-hole 81 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110;
Fig. 6D is an explanatory diagram illustrating change in an output signal from a photosensor 115 during the process for mounting the ink cartridge 30 having the identification rib 80 formed with the through-hole 81 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110;
Figs. 7A through 7C are schematic diagrams illustrate the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in a process for mounting the ink cartridge 30 having an identification rib 80 not formed with the through-hole 81 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110;
Fig. 7D is an explanatory diagram illustrating change in the output signal from the photosensor 115 during the process for mounting the ink cartridge 30 having the identification rib 80 not formed with the through-hole 81 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110;
Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a type determining process for determining the type of the ink cartridge 30 performed by the controller 130; and
Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the type determining process for determining the

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described below in detail with reference to a specific embodiment, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the invention, the scope of which is defined by the attached claims.

[Overview of a Printer 10]

As shown in Fig. 1, a printer 10 records images on recording paper based on an inkjet-type recording method of selectively ejecting ink droplets. The printer 10 includes an ink-supplying apparatus 100 and an ink jet head 27. The ink-supplying apparatus 100 has ink cartridges 30, and a cartridge-mounting unit 110. The ink cartridge 30 can be mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. An opening 112 is formed in one side of the cartridge-mounting unit 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 via the opening 112.
The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of the printing fluid) that the printer 10 can use for printing. In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, the ink cartridge 30 is connected to a recording head 21 by a corresponding ink tube 20. The recording head 21 is provided with a sub-tank 28. The sub-tank 28 temporarily stores ink supplied through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink supplied from the sub-tank 28 through nozzles 29 according to an inkjet-recording method.
A feeding roller 23 feeds a recording sheet from a paper tray 15 onto a conveying path 24. A pair of conveying rollers 25 conveys the fed recording sheet onto a platen 26. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the recording s as the recording sheet passes over the platen 26, whereby images are recorded on the recording paper. After the recording sheet passes over the platen 26, a pair of discharge rollers 22 discharge the recording sheet into a discharge tray 16 provided on the downstream end of the conveying path 24.

[Ink-Supplying Apparatus 100]

As shown in Fig. 1, the ink-supplying apparatus 100 is provided in the printer 10. The ink-supplying apparatus 100 functions to supply ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10. The ink-supplying apparatus 100 is provided with the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. Fig. 1 depicts the state of the ink cartridge 30 when mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. In the present embodiment, the determination system is implemented by the ink-supplying apparatus 100 and a controller 130 described later.

[Ink Cartridge 30]

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the ink cartridge 30 is a container that stores ink. Space formed inside the ink cartridge 30 constitutes an ink chamber 36. The ink chamber 36 stores ink. A sensor arm 60 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The ink cartridge 30 has a body 31 forming the exterior of the ink cartridge 30. The casing of the body 31 forms the ink chamber 36. However, for example, an internal frame or the like that is separate from the casing of the body 31 may form the ink chamber 36 instead. The ink cartridge 30 is an example of the printing fluid cartridge. The ink chamber 36 is an example of the printing fluid chamber.
While the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright state shown in Figs. 2 and 4, i.e., while the surface of the ink cartridge 30 facing downward in the same drawings is the bottom surface and the surface facing upward in the same drawings is the top surface, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in an inserting direction 57 and extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 in a removal direction 58. Each of the inserting direction 57 and the removal direction 58 is parallel to horizontal direction. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 while maintained in the upright state. This upright state is equivalent to the mounting orientation, The inserting direction 57 is the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, and the removal direction 58 is the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is extracted from the cartridge-mounting unit 110. Further, a downward direction 52 relative to the ink cartridge 30 in the upright state is equivalent to the direction of gravitational force.
While the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 are parallel to horizontal direction in the present embodiment, the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 may be aligned with the direction of gravitational force or may be aligned with a direction intersecting the horizontal and the direction of gravitational force. If the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 are parallel to the direction of gravitational force, for example, the surface of the ink cartridge 30 facing in the inserting direction 57 faces downward.
As shown in Fig. 2, the body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 has a three-dimensional shape configured of generally flat surfaces, such as a general rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body 31 has an overall flattened shape that is narrow in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 so that the dimensions of the body 31 in the upward direction 51 and downward direction 52 and in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 are greater than the dimension of the body 31 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
As shown in Fig. 2, an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the inserting direction 57 when the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 constitutes a front surface 40, and an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the removal direction 58 constitutes a rear surface 41. The forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 in the present embodiment correspond to the directions in which the front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are opposed to each other so as to interpose the ink chamber 36 therebetween. Further, the front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are opposed to each other in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. The front surface 40 and rear surface 41 are each connected to a pair of left and right side surfaces 37 and 38 that extend in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. Further, a top surface 39 is connected to the side surfaces 37 and 38, the front surface 40, and the rear surface 41. The top surface 39 extends from the top edge of the front surface 40 to the top edge of the rear surface 41 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. Further, a bottom surface 42 extends from the bottom edge of the front surface 40 to the bottom edge of the rear surface 41 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. It should be apparent that the outer surfaces of the body 31 need not be configured of flat surfaces, but may have curved surfaces or the like. In such cases, the front surface 40 is an outer surface of the body 31 facing in the inserting direction 57 and is a surface of the body 31 disposed forward of the center of the body 31 in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, a residual quantity detection portion 33 is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31 in the approximate center region thereof relative to the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54. The residual quantity detection portion 33 has a box shape. The bottom of the box shape is open so as to communicate with the ink chamber 36. The residual quantity detection portion 33 extends above the top surface 39 on which an integrated circuit board 85 described later is provided.
Among the walls configuring the residual quantity detection portion 33, at least those walls facing each other in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 are light transmissive. The residual quantity detection portion 33 has a hollow interior. A portion of the sensor arm 60 is disposed in the hollow space of the residual quantity detection portion 33 and is capable of moving in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54. The sensor arm 60 is rotatably supported in the ink chamber 36 on a rotational shaft 62 extending in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56. The sensor arm 60 has a float 61. The float 61 has a lower specific gravity than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. When the ink chamber 36 is filled with ink, the sensor arm 60 is rotated clockwise in Fig. 4 due to the buoyancy of the float 61 until the portion of the sensor arm 60 contacts a front-side surface of an inner wall surface that defines the interior of the residual quantity detection portion 33.
When the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 falls below a prescribed quantity, i.e., when the liquid surface of the ink drops below a prescribed position of the float 61, the sensor arm 60 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 4 due to the force of gravity. Hence, the portion of the sensor arm 60 separates from the front-side surface of the inner wall surface that defines the interior of the residual quantity detection portion 33 and then moves in the rearward direction 54.
As shown in Fig. 4, a photosensor 114 emits infrared light that passes through the residual quantity detection portion 33 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56. When the portion of the sensor arm 60 is in contact with the front-side surface of the inner wall surface, the portion of the sensor arm 60 is positioned in the optical path of the infrared light (that is, the portion of the sensor arm 60 is positioned at the lower portion of the residual quantity detection portion 33), blocking or attenuating the infrared light. When the portion of the sensor arm 60 moves in the rearward direction 54 and separates from the front-side surface of the inner wall surface, the portion of the sensor arm 60 moves outside the optical path of the infrared light emitted from the photosensor 114. The photosensor 114 detects a change in the light transmission state of the residual quantity detection portion 33, and the controller 130 determines that the quantity of residual ink in the ink chamber 36 has dropped below the prescribed quantity.
An ink-supplying unit 34 (an example of the printing fluid supplying unit) is provided at the lower portion of the front surface 40 constituting the body 31. The ink-supplying unit 34 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes in the inserting direction 57 from the front surface 40. An ink supply opening 71 is formed in the protruding end of the ink-supplying unit 34.
An ink channel 72 is formed in the interior space of the ink-supplying unit 34. The ink channel 72 extends in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58 and connects the ink supply opening 71 to the ink chamber 36. One end of the ink channel 72 is open to the outside of the body 31 at the ink supply opening 71. The ink channel 72 extends in the removal direction 58 from the ink supply opening 71 to the interior of the body 31. An ink supply valve 70 can open and close the ink supply opening 71. A coil spring 73 urges the ink supply valve 70 toward the ink supply opening 71. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, a corresponding ink needle 117 provided in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71, forcing the ink supply valve 70 to separate from the ink supply opening 71 against the urging force of the coil spring 73. As a result, ink in the ink chamber 36 flows through the ink channel 72 into the ink needle 117 provided in the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
Note that the structure for opening and closing the ink supply opening 71 is not limited to the ink supply valve 70. For example, a film or the like may be used to close the ink supply opening 71. With this configuration, the ink needle 117 breaks through the film when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, opening the ink supply opening 71. Further, while not indicated in the present embodiment, the body 31 may be provided with an air communication port for equalizing the pressure in the ink chamber 36 with atmospheric pressure after the ink chamber 36 has been maintained at negative pressure.
As shown in Fig. 2, the integrated circuit board 85 (hereinafter referred to as "IC board 85) is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31 and positioned in the forward direction 53 relative to the residual quantity detection portion 33. The IC board 85 is an example of the storage. Four electrodes 86 are formed on the top surface of the IC board 85. Each of the electrodes 86 extends in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 on the top surface of the IC board 85. The electrodes 86 are spaced away from each other in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56. The electrodes 86 include a hot electrode, a ground electrode, a signal electrode, and the like, for example. An integrated circuit (not shown) provided on the IC board 85 is electrically connected to each of the electrodes 86. The integrated circuit is a semiconductor integrated circuit that stores type information specifying the type of the ink cartridge 30, and data (identification information) specifying such information as a lot number and manufactured data, for example, in a readable format. The controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 and the like on the basis of data read from the IC board 85.
As shown in Fig. 2, an identification rib 80 (an example of the identification portion) is provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31. The identification rib 80 is positioned in the rearward direction 54 relative to the IC board 85, i.e., closer to the rear surface 41 than the IC board 85 to the rear surface 41. The identification rib 80 is an example of a configuration whose light transmission status with respect to light emitted from a photosensor 115 described later differs depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30. The identification rib 80 is positioned rearward of the ink-supplying unit 34 and forward of the residual quantity detection portion 33. The identification rib 80 shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 as the identification portion has a light-shielding part 82, and a through-hole 81. The identification rib 80 protrudes in the upward direction 51 from the top surface 39. The identification rib 80 has a thin plate shape extending in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 and having a thin dimension in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56. The through-hole 81 is formed near the center of the identification rib 80 with respect to the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 and penetrates the identification rib 80 in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56.
During the process of the ink cartridge 30 being inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110, the identification rib 80 advances between a light-emitting portion and light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115, blocking or attenuating infrared light emitted by the light-emitting portion of the photosensor 115. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted state in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 shown in Fig. 4, the through-hole 81 of the identification rib 80 is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115. The infrared light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the photosensor 115 passes through the through-hole 81 and reaches the light-receiving portion without being blocked or attenuated by the identification rib 80. The through-hole 81 is either formed in the identification rib 80 or not formed in the identification rib 80 depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30. When the through-hole 81 is not formed in the identification rib 80, i.e., when the light-shielding part 82 is formed along the entire dimension of the identification rib 80 in the inserting direction 57, the light-shielding part 82 of the identification rib 80 becomes positioned between the light-emitting portion and light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. As a result, the light-shielding part 82 of the identification rib 80 blocks or attenuates infrared light emitted from the light-emitting portion. With identification ribs 80 having these configurations, the photosensor 115 detects whether the through-hole 81 is present, and the controller 130 determines the type of ink cartridge 30.

[Cartridge-Mounting Unit 110]

As shown in Fig. 3, a case 101 constitutes the housing of the cartridge-mounting unit 110. The opening 112 is formed in the case 101 on the front side of the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 and removed from the case 101 through the opening 112. The case 101 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. However, Fig. 3 illustrates only space in the case 101 for accommodating a single ink cartridge 30.
The opening 112 in the case 101 can be opened and closed by a cover 111. The cover 111 is mounted on a rotational shaft 113 that extends in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 near the bottom edge of the opening 112. By rotating the cover 111 such that the top edge of the cover 111 moves in the forward direction 53, the cover 111 can be rotated from a closed position for covering the opening 112 (see Fig. 4) to an open position shown in Fig. 3. When the cover 111 is in the open position, the user can insert an ink cartridge 30 into the case 101 through the opening 112 formed in the case 101. When the cover 111 is in the closed position, the user cannot insert an ink cartridge 30 into the case 101, nor can the user access an ink cartridge 30 already inserted in the case 101.
A cover sensor 118 is disposed on the case 101 near the top edge of the opening 112. The cover sensor 118 can detect whether the cover 111 is in abutment with the cover sensor 118. When the cover 111 is in the closed position, the top edge region of the cover 111 abuts on the cover sensor 118, and the cover sensor 118 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130. When the cover 111 is not in the closed position, the cover 111 is separated from the cover sensor 118, and the cover sensor 118 does not output a detection signal.
As shown in Fig. 3, the case 101 has the opening 112, and an end surface 102 opposed the opening 112 in the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. Connecting parts 103 is provided at the lower portion of the end surface 102. On the end surface 102, each of the connecting parts 103 is disposed at a position corresponding to the ink-supplying unit 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the case 101.
The connecting part 103 includes the ink needle 117, and a retaining part 116. The ink needle 117 is a tube-shaped needle formed of a resin. The ink needle 117 is connected to the corresponding ink tube 20 on an outer surface of the case 101 constituting the opposite side surface from the end surface 102. Each ink tube 20 connected to a corresponding ink needle 117 on the outer surface constituting the opposite side surface from the end surface 102 of the case 101 is drawn upward along the outer surface of the case 101 and then extended toward the recording head 21 of the printer 10 to allow ink to flow into the recording head 21. Note that the ink tubes 20 are not shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
The retaining part 116 is a recessed part having a cylindrical shape. The retaining part 116 is recessed in the inserting direction 57 from the end surface 102. The ink needle 117 is disposed in the center of the retaining part 116. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, as shown in Fig. 4, the ink-supplying unit 34 is inserted into the retaining part 116. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical ink-supplying unit 34 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the retaining part 116. When the ink-supplying unit 34 is inserted into the retaining part 116, the ink needle 117 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71 formed in the ink-supplying unit 34. This arrangement enables ink to flow out of the ink chamber 36. Ink flowing out of the ink chamber 36 passes through the ink needle 117 and the ink tube 20 and is supplied to the recording head 21.
As shown in Fig. 4, the photosensors 114 and 115 are provided on an inner top surface 104 of the case 101 above each of the connecting parts 103. Each of the photosensors 114 and 115 includes a light-emitting element (light-emitting portion) disposed on one side end of a horseshoe-shaped housing, and a light-receiving element (light-receiving portion) provided on the other side end of the housing. The light-emitting element is an LED, for example, and emits light in a horizontal direction (the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56) orthogonal to the inserting direction 57 and removal direction 58. The light-receiving element is a phototransistor, for example, that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element.
The residual quantity detection portion 33 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the space between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor 114. When the residual quantity detection portion 33 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 114, the photosensor 114 can detect a change in the amount of light transmitted through the residual quantity detection portion 33. The photosensor 114 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130.
The identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the space between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor 115. When the identification rib 80 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 115, the photosensor 115 can detect a change in the amount of light transmitted through the identification rib 80. The photosensor 115 outputs a detection signal to the controller 130.
As shown in Fig. 3, four contacts 124 are provided on the inner top surface 104 for each of ink cartridges 30. The four contacts 124 are juxtaposed in the leftward direction 55 and rightward direction 56 and disposed at positions corresponding to the four electrodes 86 provided on the top surface of the IC board 85. The IC board 85 is electrically connected to the controller 130 via the contacts 124. By conducting electricity between the contacts 124 and corresponding electrodes 86, power can be supplied to the integrated circuit of the IC board 85 and data stored in the integrated circuit can be accessed. Output from the IC board 85 is inputted into the controller 130.

[Controller 130]

The printer 10 has the controller 130 shown in Fig. 5. The controller 130 is configured of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, for example. The controller 130 may be disposed inside the apparatus housing as a control board for controlling the printer 10 or may be provided in the case 101 or the like as a separate control board independent from the controller for the printer 10. The controller 130 is connected to and can exchange electric signals with the IC board 85, photosensor 114, photosensor 115, and cover sensor 118. The controller 130 is also connected to and capable of exchanging electric signals with other components, such as a motor and a touchscreen, but these components have been omitted from the drawing. The controller 130 executes various processes based on a program stored in ROM. The CPU performs computations and issues commands to the components in order to execute the processes based on the program stored in ROM. The RAM functions as memory for temporarily storing various information.

[Mounting Operations for the Ink Cartridge 30]

Next, operations for mounting the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 illustrates the process for mounting an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and the detection signal outputted from the photosensor 115 during this process when a through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30. Fig. 7 illustrates the process for mounting an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and the detection signal outputted from the photosensor 115 during this process when a through-hole 81 is not formed in the identification rib 80. The presence of the through-hole 81 is established based on the type of the ink cartridge 30. Note that the cover 111 has been omitted from Figs. 6 and 7.
When the cover 111 is in the open position, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 through the opening 112 in the inserting direction 57, as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 7A. Since the identification rib 80 has not advanced yet into the optical path of the photosensor 115 at this time, the photosensor 115 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Figs. 6D and 7D.
As the ink cartridge 30 continues to be inserted, the front portion of the identification rib 80, i.e., the light-shielding part 82 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 115, as illustrated in Figs. 6B and 7B. Consequently, the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115 weakens to a level less than a threshold value, and the photosensor 115 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130, as illustrated in Figs. 6D and 7D.
Next, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted all the way to the end surface 102 of the case 101, i.e., to the mounted position, as illustrated in Figs. 6C and 7C. When the through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80 as in the example of Fig. 6C, the through-hole 81 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 115. Since infrared light emitted from the photosensor 115 is not blocked or attenuated by the through-hole 81, the photosensor 115 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Fig. 6D.
On the other hand, when the through-hole 81 is not formed in the identification rib 80, as in the example of Fig. 7C, the light-shielding part 82 of the identification rib 80 is positioned in the optical path of the photosensor 115. Consequently, the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving portion of the photosensor 115 is weakened below the threshold value, and the photosensor 115 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130, as indicated in Fig. 7D.
Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted to the mounted position in the case 101, the ink-supplying unit 34 is fitted into the retaining part 116 and the ink needle 117 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71 of the ink-supplying unit 34, as illustrated in Figs. 6C and 7C. At this time, the ink supply valve 70 pushes the ink needle 117 so that the ink needle 117 separates from the ink supply opening 71 against the urging force of the coil spring 73.
Further, the IC board 85 pushes the contacts 124 upward while moving in the inserting direction 57. When pushed upward, the contacts 124 contact the corresponding electrodes 86 so that the integrated circuit on the IC board 85 is electrically connected to the controller 130 of the printer 10. In addition, the residual quantity detection portion 33 advances into the optical path of the photosensor 114.
After the ink cartridge 30 has been inserted to the mounted position in the case 101, the user pivotally moves the cover 111 from the open position to the closed position. When pivotally moved to the closed position, the cover 111 contacts the cover sensor 118, causing the cover sensor 118 to output a detection signal to the controller 130.

[Process for Determining the Type of Ink Cartridge 30]

Next, a process for determining the type of the ink cartridge 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. In the type determining process, the type of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 is determined. In addition, in the type determining process, whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and whether the mounted ink cartridge 30 is appropriate or inappropriate (i.e. appropriate cartridge or inappropriate cartridge) for use in the printer 10 are determined.
Here, an ink cartridge 30 is determined to be "appropriate" if the ink cartridge 30 satisfies the following both conditions 1) and 2):

1) the ink cartridge 30 has the identification rib 80; and
2) the type of the ink cartridge 30 specified by the identification rib 80 matches the type of the ink cartridge 30 specified by the type information stored in the IC board 85.

In contrast, here, an ink cartridge 30 is determined to be "inappropriate" if: the ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 1); or the ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 2); or the ink cartridge 30 satisfies neither one of the above conditions 1) and 2).
As an example, an ink cartridge 30 that does not possess an identification rib 80 is "inappropriate" as this ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy the above condition 1). The identification rib 80 may be lost if the ink cartridge 30 is dropped onto the floor and is damaged, for example. Such dropped ink cartridge 30 may have other damaged portions, other than the identification rib 80. Thus, use of such ink cartridge 30 in the printer 10 should be avoided to prevent operational failures in the printer 10.
As another example of "inappropriate" ink cartridge 30, assume an ink cartridge 30 that has an identification rib 80 but the type of the ink cartridge 30 specified by the identification rib 80 does not match the type specified by the type information stored in the IC board 85. That is, this ink cartridge 30 is "inappropriate" since it does satisfy the condition 1) but does not satisfy the condition 2). Such mismatch on the type may be caused, for example, by some kind of error during a manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 30. Use of such "inappropriate" ink cartridge 30 in the printer 10 should also be avoided to prevent possible troubles therein.
The type determining process begins when the cover 111 is pivotally moved from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the type determining process begins when the cover 111 is opened. In S11 of Fig. 8 at the beginning of the type determining process, the controller 130 determines the currently set mode. The controller 130 performs the process in step S12 when the currently set mode is 1 or 3 and performs the process in step S27 shown in Fig. 9 when the mode is 2 or 4. Note that, when the user uses the printer 10 for the first time, an ink cartridge 30 has not yet been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and, hence, the user is mounting an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 for the first time. The controller 130 can store, in the ROM thereof, one of four modes (modes 1 through 4). The mode is initially set to mode 1 (step S11).
Mode 1 indicates that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. Mode 2 indicates that an appropriate ink cartridge 30 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently. More specifically, mode 2 indicates that an appropriate ink cartridge 30 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 prior to the user opening the cover 111, i.e., prior to the start of the current type determining process. Mode 3 indicates that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 not possessing an identification rib 80 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently. Mode 4 indicates that an ink cartridge 30 possessing an identification rib 80 was mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 most recently, but that the type of ink cartridge 30 specified by the identification rib 80 does not match the type of ink cartridge 30 stored on the IC board 85.
To mount the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, the user pivotally moves the cover 111 covering the opening 112 in the case 101 of the cartridge-mounting unit 110 from the closed position to the open position. The output signal from the cover sensor 118 changes as the cover 111 is moved from the closed position. The controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is no longer in the closed position upon receiving this change in the output signal from the cover sensor 118. The controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 while the cover 111 is not in the closed position, and then stores this counted number of changes in the RAM (step S12).
When the ink cartridge 30 inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 possesses an identification rib 80 in which a through-hole 81 is not formed, for example, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts one change. Alternatively, when the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 has a through-hole 81 formed therein, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal and changes at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts two changes.
After the user has mounted the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, the user pivotally moves the cover 111 from the open position to the closed position. The output signal from the cover sensor 118 changes when the cover 111 reaches the closed position. Upon receiving the output signal from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position (step S13: Yes). The controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the open position while the output signal from the cover sensor 118 has not changed (step S13: No). In this way, the controller 130 repeatedly performs the determining process in step S13 while performing the counting process in step 12, until the cover 111 is determined to be in the closed position in step S13.
After determining that the cover 111 is in the closed position, the controller 130 attempts to read data from the IC board 85. When the controller 130 cannot read data from the IC board 85 (step S14: No), the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S15). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on a display and the like provided in the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an ink cartridge 30 (step S15). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 1" in the ROM and resets the counted number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S16).
When the controller 130 can read data from the IC board 85 (step S14: Yes), the controller 130 reads the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 from the RAM. When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 0 (step S17: 0), the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 possessing no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 possessing no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S18). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S18). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 3" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S19).
When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 1 or greater (step S17: 1 or more), the controller 130 determines whether the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 possesses a through-hole 81 on the basis of the current output signal from the photosensor 115. When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a high level signal (step S20: Yes), the controller 130 determines that a type 1 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S21) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM. When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a low level signal (step S20: No), the controller 130 determines that a type 2 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S22) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
The controller 130 then reads information indicating the type of the ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines whether this type matches the type of ink cartridge 30 stored in the RAM. When the types match (step S23: Yes), the controller 130 stores "mode 2" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S24).
When the types do not match (step S23: No), the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S25). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S25). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 4" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S26).
During the second and subsequent times that the user mounts an ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, one of the modes 1-4 is stored in the ROM of the controller 130.
When one of modes 1 and 3 is stored in the ROM during the second or subsequent times that the user mounts an ink cartridge 30, the controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 as in the process described above (steps S11-S26). In other words, in this case either an ink cartridge 30 has not been mounted or the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 does not possess an identification rib 80 and is therefore inappropriate. During the second or subsequent mounting operation, the user could conceivably remove the existing ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 after pivotally moving the cover 111 from the closed position to the open position, and insert a new ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-mounting unit 110 prior to pivotally moving the cover 111 back to the closed position. During one of modes 1 and 3, the user either does not remove an ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 or the user removes an ink cartridge 30 not possessing an identification rib 80 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110. Accordingly, the output signal from the photosensor 115 will not change before the user inserts a new ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-mounting unit 110. Hence, the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 according to the same process described earlier (step S11-S26).
When the user is mounting an ink cartridge 30 the second and subsequent times, the controller 130 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 when the mode is set to mode 2 or mode 4. In other words, in this case either the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 is appropriate or the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate because the type indicated by the identification rib 80 differs from the type read from the IC board 85. In modes 2 and 4, the output signal from the photosensor 115 changes even when the user removes the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110. After the user pivotally moves the cover 111 to the open position, the controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 until the cover 111 is pivotally moved to the closed position (step S27).
For example, when the ink cartridge 30 removed from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 has an identification rib 80 in which a through-hole 81 is not formed, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts one change. When the ink cartridge 30 removed from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 has an identification rib 80 in which a through-hole 81 is formed, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time from a low level signal to a high level signal and at least one time from a high level signal to a low level signal. In this case, the controller 130 counts two changes. The signal outputted from the photosensor 115 also changes as described earlier when the new ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-mounting unit 110. Here again, the controller 130 counts the number of times the output signal from the photosensor 115 changes after the cover 111 is pivotally moved to the open position and until the cover 111 is returned to the closed position (step S27).
After mounting the new ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, the user pivotally moves the cover 111 from the open position to the closed position. The output signal from the cover sensor 118 changes when the cover 111 reaches the closed position. Upon receiving the output signal from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position (step S28: Yes). When the output signal from the cover sensor 118 does not change, the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the open position (step S28: No).
After determining that the cover 111 is in the closed position, the controller 130 attempts to read data from the IC board 85. When data cannot be read from the IC board 85 (step S29: No), the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S30). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount an ink cartridge 30 (step S30). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 1" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S31).
When data can be read from the IC board 85 (step S29: Yes), the controller 130 reads the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 from the RAM. When the number of changes in the output signal from the photosensor 115 is 0 (step S32: 0), the controller 130 determines that the most recently mounted ink cartridge 30 has not been removed from the cartridge-mounting unit 110 and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S33).
When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 1 (step S32: 1), the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 having no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 having no identification rib 80 has been mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S34). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S34). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 3" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S35).
When the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 is 2 or greater (step S32: 2 or more), the controller 130 determines whether a through-hole 81 is present in the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of the current output signal from the photosensor 115. When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a high level signal (step S36: Yes), the controller 130 determines that a type 1 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S37) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM. When the current output signal from the photosensor 115 is a low level signal (step S36: No), the controller 130 determines that a type 2 ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S38) and stores this type of the ink cartridge 30 in the RAM.
The controller 130 reads information indicating the type of the ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines whether this type matches the type of the ink cartridge 30 stored the RAM. When the types match (step S39: Yes), the controller 130 stores "mode 2" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S40).
When the types do not match (step S39: No), the controller 130 determines that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110. At this time, the controller 130 issues an alert based on the determination result that an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 (step S41). For example, the controller 130 displays a message on the display of the printer 10, the message prompting the user to mount a (appropriate) ink cartridge 30 (step S41). Next, the controller 130 stores "mode 4" in the ROM and resets the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 to 0 (step S42).
Through the above process, the controller 130 determines information related to the type of the ink cartridge 30. The controller 130 may perform a process based on the information related to the type of ink cartridge 30 read from the IC board 85. For example, when information indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 is related to the ink capacity of the ink cartridge 30, the controller 130 sets a printable page number on the basis of the ink capacity. That is, the controller 130 may set a printable page number based on the type of ink cartridge 30.

[Operational Advantages of the Embodiment]

According to the present embodiment, the controller 130 reads data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 (type information) from the IC board 85 and determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of both this data and the type of identification rib 80 indicated by the signal outputted from the photosensor 115. Accordingly, the controller 130 can reliably determine the type of ink cartridge 30.
Further, the controller 130 determines that the ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate when the type of ink cartridge 30 which is determined on the basis on the data read from the IC board 85 does not match the type of ink cartridge 30 which is determined on the basis of the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 in the mounted state of the ink cartridge 30. Accordingly, even when an inappropriate ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110, use of the mounted inappropriate ink cartridge 30 can be reliably prevented.
When the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 reads data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85 and determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 on the basis of both this data and the type of the identification rib 80 indicated by the signal outputted from the photosensor 115. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 at a time that the user is not operating the ink cartridge 30, thereby achieving reliable determinations with few errors.
Further, after the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is no longer in the closed position on basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 counts the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 up until the cover 111 is determined to be in the closed position. Subsequently, the controller 130 determines whether the ink cartridge 30 is inappropriate on the basis of the counted number. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 independent of a user operation with the ink cartridge 30, i.e., an operation for inserting the ink cartridge 30 into and removing the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-mounting unit 110.
Further, when the controller 130 determines that the cover 111 is in the closed position on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor 118, the controller 130 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 when the controller 130 is unable to read data indicating the type of ink cartridge 30 from the IC board 85. Accordingly, the controller 130 can determine that the user operated the cover 111 but did not operate the ink cartridge 30.

[Variations]

In the embodiment described above, the controller 130 stores one of the modes 1-4, but the controller 130 need not set a mode in this way. For example, in the initial state of the printer 10 in which the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted, a dummy ink cartridge or another initial component for interrupting light emitted from the photosensor 115 may be mounted in the printer 10. In this case, the user removes the dummy cartridge or initial component in order to use the printer 10 for the first time. When the user pivotally moves the cover 111 to the open position and removes the dummy cartridge or initial component, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 changes at least one time. This configuration obtains the same operational advantages described in the embodiment without executing the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 but by only executing the flowchart in Fig. 9, excluding processes related to mode settings.
Further, the embodiment described above offers an example in which the IC board 85 and identification rib 80 are provided on the top surface 39 of the body 31, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the IC board 85 may be provided on the front surface 40 of the body 31. Further, the identification rib 80 may be provided on the side surfaces 37 and 38 or the bottom surface 42 of the body 31. Further, there is no particular limitation on the relative positions of the IC board 85 and identification rib 80.
Further, in the embodiment described above, the signal outputted from the photosensor 115 when the ink cartridge 30 is in a mounted state in the cartridge-mounting unit 110 differs depending on whether a through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80. However, a window or the like for transmitting or attenuating infrared light may be provided in the identification rib 80 in place of the through-hole 81.
Further, in the embodiment described above, the through-hole 81 is formed in the identification rib 80. However, for example, two types of ink cartridges 30, in which a dimension of a light-shielding part 82 of one type ink cartridge 30 in the forward direction 53 and rearward direction 54 differs from that of a light-shielding part 82 of another type ink cartridge 30, may be provided. That is, the identification part of the present invention may be implemented by the identification rib 80 and space formed rearward of the identification rib 80 (between the residual quantity detection portion 33 and identification rib 80 in the present embodiment).
Further, in the embodiment described above, the controller 130 is provided in the printer 10, but the controller 130 may be provided in an external information apparatus that is connected to and capable of performing data communications with the printer 10.
Further, in the embodiment described above, ink is described as an example of the printing fluid, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

Claims

A determining system comprising:
a cartridge-mounting portion (110) in which a printing fluid cartridge (30) is mountable, the printing fluid cartridge (30) including a storage (85) and an identification portion (80), the storage (85) storing type information indicating a type of the printing fluid cartridge (30), the identification portion (80) having a unique light transmission status differing depending on the type of the printing fluid cartridge (30);

a photosensor (115) disposed at the cartridge-mounting portion (110), the photosensor (115) being configured to detect the unique light transmission status of the identification portion (80) and output a signal differing depending on the detected unique light transmission status; and

a controller (130) configured to perform:
(a) reading the type information from the storage (85) of the printing fluid cartridge (30) that is in a mounted state where the printing fluid cartridge (30) is mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion (110), characterized in that
the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(b) determining the type of the printing fluid cartridge (30) on the basis of both the read type information and the signal outputted from the photosensor (115)

(c) determining whether or not the type of the printing fluid cartridge (30) determined on the basis of the read type information matches the type of the printing fluid cartridge (30) determined on the basis of the signal outputted from the photosensor (115); and

(d) in response to determination made in (c) that the types do not match, determining that the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state is inappropriate.
The determining system according to claim 1, wherein an opening (112) is formed in the cartridge-mounting portion (110), the printing fluid cartridge (30) being inserted into and removed from the cartridge-mounting portion (110) through the opening (112),
wherein the determining system is further comprises:
a cover (111) movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover (111) in the closed position closing the opening (112), the cover (111) in the open position opening the opening (112) to allow the printing fluid cartridge (30) to pass through the opening (112); and

a cover sensor (118) configured to output a signal differing depending on whether or not the cover (111) is in the closed position, and
wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(e) determining, on the basis of the signal outputted from the cover sensor (118), whether or not the cover (111) is in the closed position; and

(f) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover (111) is in the closed position, the reading defined in (a) and the determining defined in (b).
The determining system according to claim 2, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(g) when the cover (111) is determined not to be in the closed position in the determining defined in (e), repeating the determining defined in (e) and counting the number of changes in the signal outputted from the photosensor until the cover (111) is determined to be in the closed position; and

(h) determining, on the basis of the counted number, whether or not the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state is inappropriate.
The determining system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(i) in response to determination made in (e) that the cover (111) is in the closed position, the reading defined in (a); and

(j) when the type information is incapable of being read from the storage (85), determining that the printing fluid cartridge (30) is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion (110).
The determining system according to any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the photosensor (115) includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and
wherein the identification portion (80) of the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state is interposed between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.
The determining system according to any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the unique light transmission status of the identification portion (80) differs depending on whether or not the identification portion (80) is formed with a through-hole (81).
The determining system according to any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the printing fluid cartridge (30) has an upper surface (39), the upper surface (39) of the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state facing upward, and
wherein the storage (85) and the identification portion (80) are positioned at the upper surface (39).
The determining system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(k) issuing an alert based on determination made in (d) that the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state is inappropriate.
The determining system according to claim 3, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(1) issuing an alert based on determination made in (h) that the printing fluid cartridge (30) in the mounted state is inappropriate.
The determining system according to claim 4, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(m) issuing an alert based on determination made in (j) that the printing fluid cartridge (30) is not mounted in the cartridge-mounting portion (110).
The determining system according to any one of claims 1 through 10, wherein the controller (130) is further configured to perform:
(n) setting a printable page number based on the type of the printing fluid cartridge (30).