CN100381797C - Expandable supplies container capable of measuring residual amount of expandable supplies - Google Patents
Expandable supplies container capable of measuring residual amount of expandable supplies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN100381797C CN100381797C CNB2004800036559A CN200480003655A CN100381797C CN 100381797 C CN100381797 C CN 100381797C CN B2004800036559 A CNB2004800036559 A CN B2004800036559A CN 200480003655 A CN200480003655 A CN 200480003655A CN 100381797 C CN100381797 C CN 100381797C
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- piezoelectric element
- consumables
- flash
- characteristic
- detection signal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
Abstract
An expendable supplies container capable of measuring the residual amount of stored expendable supplies. The container comprises an expendable supplies tank for storing expendable supplies and having a piezoelectric element mounted thereto, a detection signal generating circuit for charging and discharging a piezoelectric element and generating a detection signal including information for indicating the frequency of a residual vibration after piezoelectric element discharging, and a control unit for controlling the charge and discharge of a piezoelectric element, characterized in that this frequency can be used for determining whether the residual amount of the above stored expendable supplies is larger or not than a specified amount, and this control unit can change the discharge characteristics of the above piezoelectric element.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to measure the technology of the residual volume of the consumables in the consumable container.
Background technology
In recent years, as the output unit of computing machine, ink-jet printer is popularized.Usually, the ink as the ink-jet printer of consumables is provided by being accommodated in the print cartridge.As the method for the residual volume of measuring the consumables that held in the print cartridge, for example the Japanese documentation spy opens the disclosed method that has also proposed to utilize the direct measurement of piezoelectric element like that of 2001-147146 communique.
In the method, at first, apply the vibration section vibration that voltage wave makes piezoelectric element by the piezoelectric element of in print cartridge, being installed.Then, according to the residual volume of measuring consumables by the change in cycle of the back electromotive force that residual vibration produced on the vibration section that remains in piezoelectric element.
Yet, in this method, produced following problems, that is, usually owing to vibration noise unintentionally makes S/N than descending, thus can not correct measurement.On the other hand, the circuit by each print cartridge of manual shift can make that burden is very big in order to improve the S/N ratio.Such problem is not limited only to print cartridge, and in general, this is to utilize piezoelectric element to measure the common problem of consumable container of the residual volume of consumables.
Summary of the invention
The present invention finishes in order to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior just, and its purpose is, provides a kind of in the consumable container of the residual volume that can utilize piezoelectric element measurement consumables, improves the technology of measuring reliability.
The consumable container of the present invention's first mode is the consumable container that can measure the residual volume of the consumables that held.This consumable container comprises: the consumables jar is used to hold described consumables, and piezoelectric element is installed; The detection signal generative circuit is used to carry out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and generates detection signal, and described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression; Control part is used for the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element are controlled.In this consumable container, it is characterized in that the described cycle can be used for determining whether the residual volume of consumables of described storage is more than scheduled volume; Described control part can change the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element.
The consumable container of first mode of the present invention be because can change the flash-over characteristic of piezoelectric element, so the characteristic of the residual vibration after the discharge can be become concerning residual volume detects very Ideal Characteristics.Thus, can improve measuring reliability.Herein, so-called piezoelectric element is meant and has according to discharging and recharging inverse piezoelectric effect of being out of shape and the element that produces these two characteristics of piezoelectric effect of voltage according to distortion.
In above-mentioned consumable container, also can be following structure: described control part can change the discharge time constant of described piezoelectric element, and described control part can change the discharge time of described piezoelectric element.Be meant the switch closure that is connected between piezoelectric element and the earth so-called discharge time herein, and be in time of conducting state.
In above-mentioned consumable container, described detection signal generative circuit also can followingly constitute, and it comprises: voltage generating circuit is used for producing predetermined potential difference (PD) between second terminal of the first terminal of hot side and low potential side; Piezoelectric element, one end are connected on described second terminal; Charging control switch is connected between the other end of described the first terminal and described piezoelectric element, is used for according to the control output from described control part, to carrying out switch control from described the first terminal to the charging of described piezoelectric element; Discharge control switch is connected between the other end and described second terminal of described piezoelectric element, is used for according to the control output from described control part, to carrying out switch control from described piezoelectric element to the discharge of described second terminal; Resistance circuit is to be connected the other end of described piezoelectric element and the circuit between described second terminal, and it can change resistance value; Wherein, described control part carries out the switch control of described charging control switch, the control of the switch control of described discharge control switch and the resistance value of described resistance circuit.
Method of the present invention is to measure the method for the residual volume of the consumables in the consumable container.This method comprises: (a) prepare the step be used to the consumables jar that holds described consumables and piezoelectric element is installed and be used to carry out the circuit that discharges and recharges of described piezoelectric element; (b) step of the flash-over characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of variable setting; (c) carry out the step of described measurement.In the method, it is characterized in that described step (c) comprising: the step of (c-1) giving described piezoelectric element charging; (c-2) from the step of described piezoelectric element discharges; (c-3) step of generation detection signal, wherein said detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression; (c-4), determine the step whether residual volume of described stored consumables Duos than scheduled volume in response to described detection signal.
In said method, described step (c) preferably also comprises: in response to described detection signal, residual volume to the consumables that could measure described storage is judged, and processing is turned back to the step of described step (b) in response to the judgement of described measurement can not be carried out, wherein, described step (b) preferably includes: in response to the judgement that can not carry out described measurement, described flash-over characteristic is set at and is judged as the different flash-over characteristic of flash-over characteristic that to carry out described measurement, and processing is advanced to the step of described step (c).
Like this, because can automatic setting can measure the flash-over characteristic of ink residual volume, and measure, so can improve measuring reliability with this setting.
In said method, preferably also comprise: the step of (d) preparing nonvolatile memory; (e) set information is recorded in step in the described storer, the setting content of the flash-over characteristic that wherein said set information sets when representing described the measurement; And described step (b) preferably includes: the step of setting flash-over characteristic according to the described set information of reading from described nonvolatile memory.
Like this,, and measure, so can improve the setting that do not change flash-over characteristic possibility with regard to energy measurement with the setting of being stored because the information stores of the expression flash-over characteristic that can set when measuring at last is in storer.
The manufacture method of first mode of the present invention is to make the method for the consumable container of the residual volume that can measure the consumables that held.This method comprises: (a) measure the characteristic of piezoelectric element, and generate the step of the piezoelectric element characteristic information of the characteristic of representing described piezoelectric element; (b) prepare to be used to store the step of the consumables jar of described consumables; (c) described piezoelectric element, detection signal generative circuit and nonvolatile memory are installed in step on the described consumables jar, wherein said detection signal generative circuit carries out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and the generation detection signal, described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression; (c) set the step of the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to described piezoelectric element characteristic information; (d) set information that will represent the described flash-over characteristic that sets is recorded in the step in the described nonvolatile memory.The described in the method cycle can be used for determining whether the residual volume of described stored consumables is more than scheduled volume.
In the manufacture method of first mode of the present invention, measure the characteristic of piezoelectric element and generate the piezoelectric element characteristic information, and according to the flash-over characteristic of this information setting piezoelectric element, thereby for example can simplify the operation of setting flash-over characteristic by manual shift.Thus, can alleviate the setting burden of the flash-over characteristic of the desired piezoelectric element that the deviation owing to the piezoelectric element characteristic causes.In addition, for example can be by when carrying out the examination and test of products of piezoelectric element, carrying out in the lump, thus reduce the burden of the feature measurement of piezoelectric element.
In above-mentioned manufacture method, described step (a) also can comprise the characteristic of measuring piezoelectric element and the step that is categorized as a plurality of grades; Described step (c) also can comprise the step according to the flash-over characteristic of the described described piezoelectric element of level setting of classifying.Like this, can use the present invention easily.
The manufacture method of the present invention's second mode is to make the method for the consumable container of the residual volume that can measure the consumables that held.This method comprises: the step of (a) preparing to be used to store the consumables jar of described consumables; (b) piezoelectric element, nonvolatile memory and the circuit that discharges and recharges that carries out described piezoelectric element are installed in step on the described consumables jar; (c) step of the variable flash-over characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of setting; (d) judge the step that described measurement could be carried out; (e) flash-over characteristic of described setting is recorded in step in the described nonvolatile memory.In the method, described step (d) comprising: the step of (d-1) giving described piezoelectric element charging; (d-2) from the step of described piezoelectric element discharges; (d-3) step of generation detection signal, wherein said detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression; (d-4), carry out to measure the step of judgement of residual volume of the consumables of described storage in response to described detection signal; (d-5), be set at and be judged as the different flash-over characteristic of flash-over characteristic that to measure, and processing is turned back to the step of described step (d) according to carrying out the judgement of described measurement.In the method, it is characterized in that the described cycle can be used for determining whether the residual volume of described stored consumables is more than scheduled volume.
In the manufacture method of second mode of the present invention, because retrieve measurable set condition automatically, so can alleviate the setting burden of flash-over characteristic by repetition test.Such setting can be used as the part of the examination and test of products of consumable container and implements.
The consumable container of second mode of the present invention is the consumable container that can measure the residual volume of the consumables that held.This consumable container comprises: the consumables jar is used to hold described consumables, and piezoelectric element is installed; The detection signal generative circuit is used to carry out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and generates detection signal, and described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression; Nonvolatile memory is used to store the flash-over characteristic set information, and described flash-over characteristic set information is used for setting according to the piezoelectric element characteristic information of the characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of expression the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element; And control part, be used for the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element are controlled.In this consumable container, it is characterized in that the described cycle can be used for determining whether the residual volume of consumables of described storage is more than scheduled volume; Described control part can be set the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to described piezoelectric element characteristic information and described flash-over characteristic set information.
The consumable container of second mode of the present invention is because be constituted as the structure that can change the flash-over characteristic of piezoelectric element according to the information of expression piezoelectric element characteristic, so, can give the setting that consumable container easily carries out flash-over characteristic by only representing the information of piezoelectric element characteristic.
In above-mentioned consumable container, described piezoelectric element characteristic information also can be a selected grade according to the measurement of the characteristic of described piezoelectric element and from a plurality of grades; Described control part also can be set the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to the grade of described selection.
In addition, the present invention can accomplished in various ways, for example, can realize in the following manner, that is: residual volume measurement mechanism, residual volume measuring method and residual volume measuring and controlling, be used for realizing the function of these methods or device computer program, store this computer program recording medium, comprise used print head and print cartridge and combination thereof etc. in this computer program and the data-signal of having been specialized at carrier wave, this printing equipment.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge 100 in the embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is the sectional view of section of sensor SS of the lateral parts of the expression box body 140 that is installed on print cartridge 100;
Fig. 3 is the block diagram that is installed on the logical circuit 130 in the print cartridge 100;
Fig. 4 is the circuit diagram of the circuit structure of expression ink residual volume testing circuit 230 and sensor SS;
Fig. 5 is the block diagram that is installed on the impulse meter 235 in the ink residual volume testing circuit 230;
Fig. 6 is that the ink residual volume in the embodiment of the invention is measured the process flow diagram of handling;
Fig. 7 is the sequential chart of the action of expression ink residual volume testing circuit 230 and sensor SS;
Fig. 8 is the key diagram that applies voltage (with the potential difference (PD) of earthing potential) of expression piezoelectric element PZT;
Fig. 9 is the key diagram of frequency response function (transport function) that expression comprises the sensor vibrational system of sensor SS;
Figure 10 is that expression is in response to the key diagram that produces the state of voltage from the discharge of piezoelectric element PZT on piezoelectric element PZT;
Figure 11 is that expression is in response to the key diagram that produces the state of voltage from the discharge of piezoelectric element PZT on piezoelectric element PZT;
Figure 12 is the key diagram that the flash-over characteristic in the expression embodiment of the invention is set the content of handling;
Figure 13 is the process flow diagram that the flash-over characteristic in the expression embodiment of the invention is set the method for handling;
Figure 14 is the key diagram that expression transducer class and discharge time constant are regulated the relation of the set condition of using resistance circuit;
Figure 15 represents is flash-over characteristic voltage waveform from the piezoelectric element PZT in the variation.
Embodiment
Below, based on embodiment, embodiments of the present invention are described in the following order.
A. the structure of the print cartridge in the embodiments of the invention:
B. the electrical structure of the print cartridge in the embodiments of the invention:
C. the circuit structure of the ink residual volume test section in the embodiments of the invention:
D. the ink residual volume in the embodiments of the invention is measured and is handled:
E. the flash-over characteristic in the embodiments of the invention is set the content of handling:
F. the flash-over characteristic in the embodiments of the invention is measured the method for handling:
G. variation:
A. the structure of print cartridge:
Fig. 1 is the stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge 100 in the embodiment of the invention.Print cartridge 100 comprises box body 140, and its interior reservoir has a kind of ink as consumables.Be provided with ink supply port 110 in the bottom of box body 140, be used for providing ink to printer described later.Antenna 120 and logical circuit 130 are housed on the top of box body 140, are used for communicating by electric wave and printer.Lateral parts at box body 140 is equipped with the measured sensor SS that is used for the ink residual volume.Sensor SS is electrically connected with logical circuit 130.
Fig. 2 is the sectional view of section of sensor SS of the lateral parts of the expression box body 140 that is installed on print cartridge 100.Sensor SS comprises: the piezoelectric element PZT with the piezoelectric element characteristic that is called piezoelectric effect and inverse piezoelectric effect; Apply two electrodes 10,11 of voltage to piezoelectric element PZT; With sensor attachment 12.Electrode 10,11 is connected on the logical circuit 130.Sensor attachment 12 is to have the structure part to the sensor SS of the film of ink and box body 140 conduction vibrations from piezoelectric element PZT.
Fig. 2 (a) expression is remaining the above ink of scheduled volume, thus the high situation in position (Fig. 1) of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink.Fig. 2 (b) expression does not have the above ink of remaining scheduled volume, thus the low situation in position of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink.
From these accompanying drawings as can be known, in the position of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink when high, sensor SS, ink and box body 140 constitute vibrating masies, and in the position of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink when low, sensor SS, box body 140 and only constitute vibrating mass attached to the small volume of ink on the sensor SS.Consequently, the vibration characteristics around the piezoelectric element PZT changes according to the residual volume of ink.In the present embodiment, utilize the variation of this vibration characteristics to carry out the measurement of ink residual volume.In addition, will narrate in the back about the detailed content of measuring method.
B. the electrical structure of print cartridge:
Fig. 3 is the block diagram that is installed on the logical circuit 130 in the print cartridge 100.Logical circuit 130 comprises RF circuit 200, control part 210, the EEPROM 220 as nonvolatile memory, ink residual volume testing circuit 230, power generating unit 240 and charge pump circuit 250.
The carrier wave that 240 pairs of RF circuit 200 of power generating unit receive carries out rectification, thereby produces power with predetermined voltage (for example 5V).Power generating unit 240 offers RF circuit 200, control part 210, EEPROM 220 and charge pump circuit 250 with power.After charge pump circuit 250 boosts to the desired predetermined voltage of sensor SS, power is offered ink residual volume testing circuit 230.
C. the circuit structure of the ink residual volume testing circuit 230 in the embodiment of the invention:
Fig. 4 is the circuit diagram of the circuit structure of expression ink residual volume testing circuit 230 and sensor SS.Ink residual volume testing circuit 230 comprises PNP transistor Tr1, NPN transistor Tr2, charging rate adjusting resistor Rl, discharge time constant adjusting resistance circuit Rs, amplifier 232 and impulse meter 235.Sensor SS is connected on the ink residual volume testing circuit 230 by two electrodes 10,11 (Fig. 2).
Discharge time constant is regulated with resistance circuit Rs has four discharge time constants adjusting resistor R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d and coupled respectively four switch S a, Sb, Sc, Sd.Four switch S a, Sb, Sc, Sd can open and close by control part 210.By the combination of this switching, control part 210 can be set discharge time constant and regulate the resistance of using resistance circuit Rs.
Following such connection of PNP transistor Tr1.Its base stage is connected on the terminal TA, and described terminal TA receives the control output from control part 210.Emitter is regulated via charging rate and is connected to charge pump circuit 250 with resistor Rl.Collector is connected on the electrode 10 as the electrode of sensor SS.Electrode 11 ground connection as another electrode of sensor SS.
Following such connection of NPN transistor Tr2.Base stage is connected on the terminal TB, and described terminal TB receives the control output from control part 210.Collector is connected on the electrode 10 as the electrode of sensor SS.Emitter is regulated the ground connection with resistance circuit Rs via the discharge time constant that can change resistance value as described above.
Fig. 5 is the block diagram that is installed on the impulse meter 235 in the ink residual volume testing circuit 230.Impulse meter 235 comprises: comparer 234, counter controls portion 236, count section 238 and not shown oscillator.Be imported in the comparer 234 with the reference potential Vref of object as a comparison as the output of the amplifier 232 of analytic target.Counter controls portion 236 is connected on the control part 210 with count section 238.In addition, ink residual volume testing circuit 230 is equivalent to " the detection signal generative circuit " in claims.
D. the ink residual volume in the embodiment of the invention is measured and is handled:
Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram that the ink residual volume in the embodiment of the invention is measured the method for handling.Fig. 7 is the sequential chart of the action of expression ink residual volume testing circuit 230 and sensor SS.This processing for example is, in response to the operation of the power switch of printer 20, carries out with printer 200 both sides by print cartridge 100.In print cartridge 100, to the voltage wave of piezoelectric element PZT output produced predetermined number (for example 5) during in, the quantity of clock signal counts.On the other hand, printer 20 calculates the voltage wave frequency according to the value of being counted, and infers the state of the residual volume of ink according to the frequency that is calculated.Specifically, carry out following processing.
In step S100, control part 210 (Fig. 4) is regulated by discharge time constant and is carried out the setting of the discharge time constant of piezoelectric element PZT with resistance circuit Rs by opening and closing four switch S a, Sb, Sc, Sd.The detailed content that the setting of discharge time constant is handled will be narrated in the back.
In step S110, control part 210 (Fig. 4) is exported the expectant control output signal and turn-on transistor Tr1 at moment t0 to terminal TA.Thus, electric current flow into the piezoelectric element PZT from charge pump circuit 250, and applies voltage by this electric current to the piezoelectric element PZT with electric capacity.In addition, state in the early stage, two transistor Tr 1, Tr2 are turned off.
In step S120, control part 210 (Fig. 4) sends the expectant control output signal at moment t2 to terminal TB, makes transistor Tr 2 in moment t2 conducting, and turn-offs at moment t3.Thus, only carrying out from the discharge of piezoelectric element PZT to the moment t3 from moment t2.Piezoelectric element PZT sharply distortion, thereby the vibration of stimulus sensor vibrational system by this discharge.The sensor vibrational system is to comprise sensor SS (Fig. 2) and the box body of sensor SS periphery and the system of ink in the present embodiment.
The key diagram of the discharge waveform of the piezoelectric element PZT when Fig. 8 is the expression discharge.Fig. 8 (a) is the key diagram of the discharge waveform in the express time zone.Each voltage constantly is as follows:
(1) the discharge t2 zero hour: current potential Vch (output potential of charge pump circuit 250);
(2) time constant td constantly: from current potential Vch 63.2% the current potential that descended;
(3) the discharge t3 finish time: than the high slightly current potential of earthing potential (Fig. 8).
Herein, time constant moment td is the moment of having passed through time constant from the discharge t2 zero hour.In addition, in this manual, from the discharge t2 zero hour to the discharge t3 finish time, piezoelectric element PZT and the earth be in the time that conducting concerns and be called discharge time.
Fig. 8 (b) be expression in the frequency field the basic wave that applies voltage and the key diagram of a plurality of high frequency waves.This is a synoptic diagram of having supposed the permanent Fourier analysis result repeatedly of the waveform that applies voltage of piezoelectric element PZT in first window (Fig. 7).Its result as can be known, applying voltage becomes by as the basic frequency of the inverse of discharge time with have the voltage wave that the high frequency waves of its integer multiple frequency constitute.Herein, the distortion of supposition piezoelectric element PZT is with to apply voltage linear for easy to understand explanation, and then the waveform of exciting force is consistent with the waveform that applies voltage.
Fig. 9 is the frequency response function (transport function) that expression comprises the sensor vibrational system of sensor SS.So-called frequency response function is the function of input and the relation of output of the vibration transfer system of expression sensor vibrational system, recently the representing of the fourier spectrum by input and the fourier spectrum of output.That is, the frequency response function of present embodiment is the ratio of fourier spectrum and the fourier spectrum of the free vibration of sensor vibrational system of the discharge waveform (linear with exciting force) of piezoelectric element PZT.
Two natural modes of first pattern of Fig. 9 and the second modal representation sensor vibrational system.The natural mode of doing is exactly the shape that the vibration of sensor vibrational system forms.In other words, all objects have intrinsic separately shape when vibration, thereby can not be with the vibration of the shape beyond it.This intrinsic shape is exactly a natural mode.The natural mode of object can be resolved by model and be tried to achieve.
Suppose that print cartridge 100 has following two vibration modes.
(1) first pattern is, the marginal portion of the recess that sensor SS (Fig. 2) has becomes the node of vibration, and the center of recess becomes the wave amplitude of vibration, thereby is deformed into the vibration mode of bowl-type.
(2) second patterns are, the marginal portion of the recess that sensor SS has and core both sides are the node of vibration, and the pars intermedia of marginal portion and core is from central division, about two places become the wave amplitude of vibration, thereby be deformed into the vibration mode of swing shape.
Like this, the sensor vibrational system only produces the free vibration by exciting caused under the natural vibration frequency of first pattern and second pattern.On the other hand, even in the vibration of other frequency lower piezoelectric elements PZT stimulus sensor vibrational system, the free vibration that produces in the sensor vibrational system also can decay to minimum immediately.
Figure 10 is that expression is in response to the key diagram that produces the state of voltage from the free vibration of piezoelectric element PZT on piezoelectric element PZT.Figure 10 (a) is to make the waveform that applies voltage (during discharge) (Fig. 8 (b)) in the frequency field overlapping with the frequency response function (Fig. 9) of sensor vibrational system, and represent with solid line and dotted line respectively.The output voltage of Figure 10 (b) expression piezoelectric element PZT.
From Figure 10 (a) as can be known, regulate the basic wave frequency of discharge waveform, make the natural vibration frequency of first pattern of itself and sensor vibrational system unanimous on the whole, and make the high frequency waves of the discharge waveform consistent not exist with the frequency of second pattern of sensor vibrational system.Thus, only in the natural vibration frequency of first pattern of sensor vibrational system, produce big free vibration.Consequently, only in the natural vibration frequency of first pattern of sensor vibrational system, piezoelectric element PZT goes up and produces big voltage (Figure 10 (b)).This with second window (Fig. 7) in supposition the Fourier analysis result of the permanent waveform repeatedly of waveform of output voltage of piezoelectric element PZT consistent.
In the present embodiment, utilize the small variations of natural vibration frequency of first pattern of sensor vibrational system to measure the liquid level of ink.That is, in this enforcement, whether the liquid level that depends on ink the high and natural vibration frequency generation subtle change of first pattern of ratio sensor SS.Change the position relation of the liquid level of determining sensor SS and ink according to this.Thereby as can be known, consequently the electric wave of other frequencies becomes noise.
In step S130 (Fig. 6), control part 210 make once more ink residual volume testing circuit 230 from the moment t3 of Fig. 7 to standby the moment t4.This stand-by time is the unwanted vibration damping that becomes noise source in order to make.In this stand-by time, the vibration of the frequency beyond the natural vibration frequency of first pattern and second pattern has all disappeared basically.Stand-by time finishes at moment t4 as previously mentioned.
Control part 210 (Fig. 5) at moment t4 to counter controls portion 236 output counter activation signals.The counter controls portion 236 that has received the counter activation signal is to count section 238 output counting activation signals.The rising edge Edge1 of first comparer output of the output of counting activation signal after in response to received signal and begin (t5 constantly) finishes in response to the 6th rising edge Edge6 (t6 constantly).In addition, in comparer 234, the reference potential Vref of object is set to earthing potential in the present embodiment as a comparison.
In step S140,238 pairs of clocks of count section are counted.The counting of clock carries out in only during count section 238 count pick up activation signals.Thus, the quantity from the clock signal between six rising edge Edge6 of rising edge Edge1 to the of comparer output is counted.That is, the clock signal in 5 cycles of the voltage wave of piezoelectric element PZT output is counted.
In step S150, count section 238 output count values.The count value of being exported is sent to printer 20.Printer 20 calculates the voltage wave frequency that piezoelectric element PZT exports according to count value that receives and clock period.
In step S160, printer 20 can determine that the residual volume of ink is whether more than scheduled volume according to this frequency.For example, supposing and know in the position of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink when high, is the frequency of nearly 90kHz, when low, is the frequency of nearly 110kHz in the position of the liquid level ratio sensor SS of ink.At this moment, if the frequency of being calculated for example is 105kHz, the not enough predetermined value (step S170, S180) of ink residual volume as can be known then.
E. the flash-over characteristic in the embodiment of the invention is set the content of handling:
Figure 11 is that expression is the same as with Figure 10 the free vibration from piezoelectric element PZT, produces the key diagram of the state of voltage on piezoelectric element PZT.Here, be the state of suitably setting the generation voltage under the flash-over characteristic state before.Owing to be before regulating, so, the basic wave frequency that applies voltage during discharge is consistent with the natural vibration frequency of first pattern of sensor vibrational system, the high frequency waves that apply voltage when on the other hand, having the consistent discharge of natural vibration frequency with second pattern of sensor vibrational system.
Consequently, not only in the natural vibration frequency of first pattern, in the natural vibration frequency of second pattern, also produce big voltage.Therefore as can be known, the voltage wave of the natural vibration frequency of second pattern becomes noise, hinders the measurement of ink residual volume.
Figure 12 is the key diagram that the flash-over characteristic in the expression embodiment of the invention is set the state of handling.Discharge waveform after Figure 12 (a) expression flash-over characteristic is set is identical figure with Fig. 8 (a).Discharge waveform before Figure 12 (b) expression flash-over characteristic is set.
In this example, discharge time constant and discharge time are set as flash-over characteristic.Discharge time constant is electrostatic capacitance amount long-pending of resistance value between piezoelectric element PZT and the earth and piezoelectric element PZT.Discharge time constant can be set with the adjusting of the resistance value of resistance circuit Rs by the discharge time constant adjusting.This resistance value can be regulated resistance gauge tap Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd and sets by open and close each discharge time constant with suitable combination.
On the other hand, be that piezoelectric element PZT and the earth are in time of conducting state as previously mentioned so-called discharge time.Particularly, be the time that control part 210 makes transistor Tr 2 conductings.Can freely be set discharge time by control part 210.
By this method, if change discharge time constant into time constant Td from time constant Td ', and will discharge and extend to t3 from t3 ' finish time, thereby change discharge time be same waveform as then with the discharge waveform shown in Figure 12 (a).
Like this, the print cartridge 100 according to the embodiment of the invention can change the flash-over characteristic from piezoelectric element PZT, thereby, can be the preferred high characteristic of S/N during residual volume detects with the characteristic changing of the residual vibration after the discharge.Its result can improve measuring reliability.
F. the flash-over characteristic in the embodiment of the invention is set the method for handling:
Figure 13 is the process flow diagram that the flash-over characteristic in the expression embodiment of the invention is set the method for handling.Flash-over characteristic is set to handle in the time of can using print cartridge 100 with the user during fabrication and is carried out.Processing among step S200 and the step S210 is that the setting when making is handled, and the later processing of step S220 is that the setting of user when using print cartridge 100 handled.In addition, in this example,, only set discharge time constant in order to be easy to explanation.
In step S200, the fabricator of sensor SS determines the transducer class of sensor SS.So-called transducer class SS is that expression applies the relation of voltage and distortion and the grade of other sensor characteristic.The definite of transducer class undertaken by the characteristic of actual measurement sensor.In the present embodiment, sensor SS is classified into 8 stages from A to H.In addition, transducer class is equivalent to " the piezoelectric element characteristic information " in claims.
In step S210, the fabricator of print cartridge 100 carries out the initial setting of flash-over characteristic according to determined transducer class.The initial setting of flash-over characteristic is to carry out with the relation (Figure 14) of the set condition of resistance circuit Rs according to predetermined sensor grade and discharge time constant adjusting.In addition, transducer class and discharge time constant are regulated set condition with resistance circuit Rs and are equivalent to " flash-over characteristic set information " in claims.
For example, when transducer class was B, discharge time constant was regulated 4 switch S a, Sb that had with resistance circuit Rs, 3 switch S a, Sb, Sc among Sc, the Sd and is set to " ON ", and switch S d is set to " OFF ".Coming resistance R a, the Rb of control linkage, the resistance value of Rc, Rd by the switching of switch S a, Sb, Sc, Sd herein, is 100 Ω, 200 Ω, 400 Ω, 800 Ω (Figure 14).
This setting content and transducer class together are stored in print cartridge 100 and are provided in the nonvolatile memory in the logical circuit 130, promptly among the EEPROM 220.In addition, the residual volume of expression ink is that the above information of scheduled volume also is stored when injecting ink.Thus, the information of the flash-over characteristic that sets when being illustrated in last the measurement is stored in the nonvolatile memory, because be to measure by the setting of this storage, so have the advantage that can improve measuring reliability easily.
In step S220, the user implements the measurement test of ink residual volume.The enforcement of measuring test is in a single day print cartridge 100 to be installed in the printer 20 just to carry out automatically.Printer 20 is implemented by order shown below.
(1) confirms that by the information of the expression residual volume stored among the EEPROM 220 residual volume of ink is more than the scheduled volume.
(2), set discharge time constant adjusting resistance circuit Rs based on institute's canned data among the EEPROM 220.
(3) carry out described ink residual volume and measure the processing from step S110 to step S160 in the method for handling (Fig. 6).
In step S230, printer 20 judges that measured value is whether in predetermined permissible range.Predetermined permissible range is set to ink in this example residual volume is the frequency of scheduled volume when above, i.e. 90kHz ± 5kHz.The result of this judgement is that when measured value was in predetermined permissible range, flash-over characteristic was set processing and finished.On the other hand, when measured value is not in predetermined permissible range, handle entering step S240.In addition, the judgement in permissible range is equivalent to " judgement that whether can measure the residual volume of consumables " in the claim.
In step S240, printer 20 is measured after discharge time constant is regulated with resistance circuit Rs repeatedly having set once more with predetermined order.For example, when the transducer class of being stored among the EEPROM 220 is C,, be set at D and measurement, be set at A and also measure, be set at E and measure such reiteration measurement, in entering permissible range to be set at B and measurement.Thus, be automatically made the flash-over characteristic of the residual volume that can measure ink, thereby have the specific reliable and suitable advantage of setting of the discharge of to make.
In addition, the processing from step S220 to step S240 also can be implemented in fabricator's one side.In addition, the processing from step S200 to step S210 can be omitted when the fabricator sets and when user side is set.
G. variation:
In addition, the present invention is not limited in the foregoing description or embodiment, can implement under various states in the scope that does not break away from its aim, for example can following such distortion.
G-1. in the various embodiments described above, used piezoelectric element PZT, but for example used Rochelle salt (sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate) also passable as the key element of sensor.The sensor utilization of using among the present invention has according to discharging and recharging the inverse piezoelectric effect of being out of shape and getting final product according to the piezoelectric element that distortion produces these two characteristics of piezoelectric effect of voltage.
G-2. in the above-described embodiments, the ON time by regulating transistor Tr 2 and utilize piezoelectric element and discharge time constant is regulated the time constant of determining with resistance and changed flash-over characteristic, but also can only regulate wherein either party.In addition, for example, also can forming discharge waveform shown in Figure 15, thereby change flash-over characteristic by in the circuit of discharge usefulness, adding constant current circuit.
G-3. in the above-described embodiments, the resistance value that discharge time constant is regulated the resistance circuit of usefulness by the change discharge time constant is regulated, but for example regulates time constant by also capacitor being connected on the piezoelectric element side by side and changing electric capacity.
G-4. in the above-described embodiments, the measuring object of residual volume is an ink, but for example also can be toner.As the measuring object of the residual volume among the present invention can be the consumables that the use owing to equipment reduces.
G-5. set in the method for handling in the flash-over characteristic of the foregoing description, adopt expression predetermined sensor grade and discharge time constant to regulate the form of the relation of the set condition of using resistance circuit Rs, set the flash-over characteristic of piezoelectric element, but, for example the characteristic of piezoelectric element is measured as the intrinsic numeric of the relation of expression voltage and distortion, and according to this measurement result, it is also passable to set flash-over characteristic according to the algorithm of being stored in nonvolatile memory or the computing machine.
Algorithm also can followingly constitute: for example utilize predetermined calculating formula to calculate the optimum value of flash-over characteristics such as time constant, discharge time from above-mentioned intrinsic numeric, and select the set condition near this optimum value.The flash-over characteristic setting of carrying out is in the present invention handled and generally can be configured is the flash-over characteristic of setting piezoelectric element according to the piezoelectric element characteristic information of expression piezoelectric element characteristic.In addition, in this case, this algorithm is equivalent to " the flash-over characteristic set information " in the claim.
When the part of function of the present invention or when all realizing by software, its software (computer program) can provide with the form in the recording medium that is stored in embodied on computer readable.In the present invention, so-called " recording medium of embodied on computer readable " is not limited only to floppy disk, the such portable recording medium of CD-ROM, also comprise internal storage device in the computing machines such as various RAM, ROM and hard disk etc. computing machine intrinsic external memory.
The industry practicality
The present invention can be applicable to the employed consumable container of output device of computer.
Claims (12)
1. consumable container can be measured the residual volume of the consumables that held, and it is characterized in that, comprising:
The consumables jar is used to hold described consumables, and piezoelectric element is installed;
The detection signal generative circuit is used to carry out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and generates detection signal, and described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression;
Control part is used for the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element are controlled,
It is characterized in that,
The described cycle is used for determining whether the residual volume of consumables of described storage is more than scheduled volume;
Described control part changes the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element.
2. consumable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described control part changes the discharge time constant of described piezoelectric element.
3. consumable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described control part changes the discharge time of described piezoelectric element.
4. consumable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described detection signal generative circuit comprises:
Voltage generating circuit is used for producing predetermined potential difference (PD) between second terminal of the first terminal of hot side and low potential side;
Piezoelectric element, one end are connected on described second terminal;
Charging control switch is connected between the other end of described the first terminal and described piezoelectric element, is used for according to the control output from described control part, to carrying out switch control from described the first terminal to the charging of described piezoelectric element;
Discharge control switch is connected between the other end and described second terminal of described piezoelectric element, is used for according to the control output from described control part, to carrying out switch control from described piezoelectric element to the discharge of described second terminal;
Resistance circuit is to be connected the other end of described piezoelectric element and the circuit between described second terminal, and it changes resistance value;
Wherein, described control part carries out the control of the resistance value of the switch control of the switch control of described charging control switch, described discharge control switch and described resistance circuit.
5. measuring method is used to measure the residual volume of the consumables in the consumable container, it is characterized in that, comprising:
(a) prepare to be used to the consumables jar that holds described consumables and piezoelectric element is installed and be used to carry out the step of the circuit that discharges and recharges of described piezoelectric element;
(b) step of the flash-over characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of variable setting;
(c) carry out the step of described measurement;
Wherein, described step (c) comprising:
(c-1) step of charging for described piezoelectric element;
(c-2) from the step of described piezoelectric element discharges;
(c-3) step of generation detection signal, wherein said detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression;
(c-4), determine the step whether residual volume of the consumables of described storage Duos than scheduled volume in response to described detection signal.
6. measuring method as claimed in claim 5, wherein,
Described step (c) also comprises: in response to described detection signal, the residual volume of the consumables that could measure described storage is judged, and processing is turned back to the step of described step (b) according to the judgement that can not carry out described measurement;
Described step (b) comprising: according to the judgement that can not carry out described measurement, described flash-over characteristic is set at and is judged as the different flash-over characteristic of flash-over characteristic that can not carry out described measurement, and processing is advanced to the step of described step (c).
7. measuring method as claimed in claim 6 also comprises:
(d) step of preparation nonvolatile memory; With
(e) set information is recorded in step in the described storer, the setting content of the flash-over characteristic that wherein said set information sets when representing described the measurement;
Wherein, described step (b) comprises the step of setting flash-over characteristic according to the described set information of reading from described nonvolatile memory.
8. a manufacture method is a method of making the consumable container of the residual volume that can measure the consumables that held, it is characterized in that, comprising:
(a) measure the characteristic of piezoelectric element, and generate the step of the piezoelectric element characteristic information of the characteristic of representing described piezoelectric element;
(b) prepare to be used to store the step of the consumables jar of described consumables;
(c) described piezoelectric element, detection signal generative circuit and nonvolatile memory are installed in step on the described consumables jar, wherein said detection signal generative circuit carries out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and the generation detection signal, described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression;
(d) set the step of the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to described piezoelectric element characteristic information;
(e) set information that will represent the flash-over characteristic of described setting is recorded in the step in the described nonvolatile memory;
Wherein, the described cycle is used for determining whether the residual volume of consumables of described storage is more than scheduled volume.
9. the manufacture method of consumable container as claimed in claim 8, wherein,
Described step (a) comprises the characteristic of measuring piezoelectric element and the step that is categorized as a plurality of grades;
Described step (d) comprises the step according to the flash-over characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of level setting of described classification.
10. the manufacture method of a consumable container is a method of making the consumable container of the residual volume that can measure the consumables that held, it is characterized in that, comprising:
(a) prepare to be used to store the step of the consumables jar of described consumables;
(b) piezoelectric element, nonvolatile memory and the circuit that discharges and recharges that carries out described piezoelectric element are installed in step on the described consumables jar;
(c) step of the variable flash-over characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of setting;
(d) judge the step that described measurement could be carried out;
(e) flash-over characteristic of described setting is recorded in step in the described nonvolatile memory;
Wherein, described step (d) comprising:
(d-1) step of charging for described piezoelectric element;
(d-2) from the step of described piezoelectric element discharges;
(d-3) step of generation detection signal, wherein said detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression;
(d-4), carry out to measure the step of judgement of residual volume of the consumables of described storage in response to described detection signal;
(d-5), be set at and be judged as the different flash-over characteristic of flash-over characteristic that to measure, and processing is turned back to the step of described step (d) according to carrying out the judgement of described measurement;
Wherein, the described cycle is used for determining whether the residual volume of described stored consumables is more than scheduled volume.
11. a consumable container can be measured the residual volume of the consumables that held, and it is characterized in that, comprising:
The consumables jar is used to hold described consumables, and piezoelectric element is installed;
The detection signal generative circuit is used to carry out the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element, and generates detection signal, and described detection signal comprises the information in the cycle of the residual vibration after the described piezoelectric element discharges of expression;
Nonvolatile memory is used to store the flash-over characteristic set information, and described flash-over characteristic set information is used for setting according to the piezoelectric element characteristic information of the characteristic of the described piezoelectric element of expression the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element; With
Control part is used for the charging and the discharge of described piezoelectric element are controlled,
Wherein, the described cycle is used for determining whether the residual volume of consumables of described storage is more than scheduled volume;
Described control part is set the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to described piezoelectric element characteristic information and described flash-over characteristic set information.
12. consumable container as claimed in claim 11, wherein,
Described piezoelectric element characteristic information is a selected grade according to the measurement of the characteristic of described piezoelectric element and from a plurality of grades;
Described control part is set the flash-over characteristic of described piezoelectric element according to the grade of described selection.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP030600/2003 | 2003-02-07 | ||
| JP2003030600A JP3945411B2 (en) | 2003-02-07 | 2003-02-07 | Consumable containers that can measure the remaining amount of consumables |
| JP030585/2003 | 2003-02-07 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1748127A CN1748127A (en) | 2006-03-15 |
| CN100381797C true CN100381797C (en) | 2008-04-16 |
Family
ID=33112024
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2004800036559A Expired - Fee Related CN100381797C (en) | 2003-02-07 | 2004-02-04 | Expandable supplies container capable of measuring residual amount of expandable supplies |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3945411B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100381797C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4952356B2 (en) | 2007-04-23 | 2012-06-13 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid detection device, liquid ejection device, and liquid detection method |
| JP4924176B2 (en) | 2007-04-23 | 2012-04-25 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid detection device and liquid ejection device |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5583544A (en) * | 1994-10-06 | 1996-12-10 | Videojet Systems International, Inc. | Liquid level sensor for ink jet printers |
| JPH10305590A (en) * | 1997-05-08 | 1998-11-17 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Sensor for detecting amount of remaining ink |
| CN1274648A (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2000-11-29 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid container with liquid consumption detecting device |
| JP2001147146A (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2001-05-29 | Seiko Epson Corp | Liquid container and liquid consumption detector |
| CN1380852A (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2002-11-20 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Method and apparatus for detecting consumption of ink |
-
2003
- 2003-02-07 JP JP2003030600A patent/JP3945411B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-02-04 CN CNB2004800036559A patent/CN100381797C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5583544A (en) * | 1994-10-06 | 1996-12-10 | Videojet Systems International, Inc. | Liquid level sensor for ink jet printers |
| JPH10305590A (en) * | 1997-05-08 | 1998-11-17 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Sensor for detecting amount of remaining ink |
| CN1274648A (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2000-11-29 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid container with liquid consumption detecting device |
| JP2001147146A (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2001-05-29 | Seiko Epson Corp | Liquid container and liquid consumption detector |
| CN1380852A (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2002-11-20 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Method and apparatus for detecting consumption of ink |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1748127A (en) | 2006-03-15 |
| JP2004261971A (en) | 2004-09-24 |
| JP3945411B2 (en) | 2007-07-18 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN100413687C (en) | Expendables container capable of measuring residual amount of expendables | |
| US7201463B2 (en) | Container for printing material and detector used for container | |
| US8330594B2 (en) | Tire pressure measuring system and tire pressure measuring device | |
| CN100392363C (en) | Liquid detecting piezoelectric device, liquid container and mounting module body | |
| CN102959367A (en) | Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium | |
| KR20170046818A (en) | Inductive power supply with device identification | |
| JP3945420B2 (en) | Consumable containers that can measure the remaining amount of consumables | |
| CN107040243A (en) | Low frequency precision oscillator | |
| US7011384B2 (en) | Container for printing material, technique of detecting information on printing material in container, and technique of allowing for transmission of information between container and printing device | |
| CN101422987A (en) | Container capable of detecting the residual amount of article and detection device | |
| CN101293428A (en) | Method and circuit for simulation of response characteristic applied to ink jet printer | |
| CN100381797C (en) | Expandable supplies container capable of measuring residual amount of expandable supplies | |
| CN201427438Y (en) | Cartridge with substitutional piezo-electric sensor | |
| KR101536367B1 (en) | Inductive power supply with device identification | |
| US20050237349A1 (en) | Expandable supplies container capable of measuring residual amount of expandable supplies | |
| CN202952658U (en) | Print cartridge applied to ink jet printer and chip on print cartridge | |
| US4149412A (en) | Level measuring apparatus | |
| JP2004136639A (en) | Printing material housing container | |
| JP3945410B2 (en) | Consumable containers that can measure the remaining amount of consumables | |
| CN102941736B (en) | Ink cartridge applied to ink-jet printer, chip on ink cartridge and method for controlling chip | |
| JP4539054B2 (en) | Storage container for printing material and detection device therefor | |
| CN201214317Y (en) | Circuit for simulating exciter response applied to ink jet printer | |
| CN101298213A (en) | Analog excitation response characteristics method and circuit for ink jet printer | |
| JP2004090638A (en) | Container for print material, device for detecting concerning print material in container, and method for communicating information between container and printer | |
| TW381170B (en) | Method and device for determining the quantity of product present in a reservoir, notably that of ink in an image forming device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C14 | Grant of patent or utility model | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| C17 | Cessation of patent right | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee |
Granted publication date: 20080416 Termination date: 20120204 |