JP2001179961A - Recorder and cleaning method for encoder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet recorder in which a user can remove contaminants readily from an encoder, and a method for cleaning the encoder. SOLUTION: The recorder for forming a desired image on a recording medium comprises a carriage for scanning the surface of the recording medium while mounting a recording head removably, an encoder for detecting the position of the carriage, and means for cleaning the encoder. The cleaning means may comprises a tank storing a liquid for cleaning the encoder, a head for ejecting cleaning liquid toward the encoder, and means for wiping off the cleaning liquid from the encoder. The cleaning means is preferably mounted removably on the carriage in place of the recording head. The means for removing the cleaning liquid may comprise a wiper.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for forming a desired image on a recording medium, and in particular, to remove dirt from an encoder for mounting a recording head and specifying a position of a carriage for scanning. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and an encoder cleaning method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An operator notifies a recording device of image data such as characters and figures created on a computer by a computer, a display, an input device, and a recording device. There is a printing system for forming an image thereon. As a recording apparatus of such a printing system, an ink jet recording apparatus which discharges liquid ink from an ink discharge section called a recording head toward a recording medium and forms an image on the recording medium is known.

In an ink-jet recording apparatus, a recording head is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which a recording medium is fed, and
A so-called serial type ink jet recording apparatus for recording an image for each line has a recording head detachably mounted thereon, and includes a carriage that scans along the surface of the recording medium.

In order to scan such a carriage, it is necessary to detect the current position of the carriage and control the moving distance. As a method for detecting the position of the carriage, there is a method using an encoder which is a sensor for detecting a position in the scanning direction.

There are encoders for displaying the position by a magnetic method and those for displaying the position by an optical method. The optical method is to provide graduations at predetermined intervals on the film attached to the surface of the encoder, read the graduations optically with an encoder decoding unit mounted on the carriage, count the graduations passed by the carriage, and recognize the position How to

By the way, in an ink jet recording apparatus,
When ink is ejected from a discharge port toward a recording medium,
Alternatively, when the ink lands on the recording medium, fine mist-like ink may float in the air. The floating ink adheres to the recording medium and various parts of the ink jet recording apparatus, and unnecessarily stains them. Naturally, the floating ink may adhere to the encoder, and there is a possibility that the scale provided on the encoder cannot be read. In such a case, the inkjet recording apparatus cannot determine the position of the carriage, and thus cannot perform a normal recording operation.

Further, when not only mist ink but also dust and dirt adhere to the encoder, the scale of the encoder cannot be read similarly.

In the conventional ink jet recording apparatus, when the position of the carriage cannot be detected, the user cleans the encoder, asks a dealer to clean the encoder, or replaces the encoder with a new one if it is very dirty. Was.

[0009]

However, in the above-described conventional recording apparatus, the position and shape of the encoder differ depending on the type of the recording apparatus, and it is difficult for a user to clean or replace the encoder. For this reason, a user who cleans or replaces the encoder by requesting a store, for example, is forced to use a time burden that the inkjet recording apparatus cannot be used, and must pay the price paid to the store. There is a problem that a physical burden is imposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides an ink jet recording apparatus and a method for cleaning an encoder which enable a user to easily remove dirt from the encoder. The purpose is to:

[0011]

To achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a recording apparatus for forming a desired image on a recording medium, and a recording head for performing recording. Is removably mounted and has a carriage that scans along the surface of the recording medium, an encoder for detecting the position of the carriage, and cleaning means for cleaning the encoder. .

The cleaning means may have a cleaning liquid tank capable of storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the encoder.

Further, the cleaning means may have a cleaning liquid head for discharging the cleaning liquid to the encoder.

Further, the cleaning means may include a cleaning liquid removing means for wiping the cleaning liquid adhered to the encoder.

[0015] The cleaning liquid removing means may be a wiper.

Preferably, the cleaning means is detachably mounted on the carriage instead of the recording head.

On the other hand, according to the encoder cleaning method of the present invention, there is provided a carriage having a recording head for forming a desired image on a recording medium detachably mounted thereon, and scanning along a surface of the recording medium; An encoder cleaning method for cleaning an encoder of a recording apparatus including the encoder for detecting the position of the carriage, wherein the cleaning liquid is discharged to the encoder to perform cleaning.

The cleaning liquid may be discharged to the encoder while moving the discharge port of the cleaning liquid along the surface of the encoder.

After the cleaning liquid is discharged to the encoder, the cleaning liquid attached to the encoder may be wiped off with a wiper.

In the above-described recording apparatus and encoder cleaning method, the wiper wipes the cleaning liquid discharged along the surface of the encoder and the cleaning liquid discharged from the encoder, which is contaminated with floating ink, dust, or dust. And is cleaned by.

[0021]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system.

The print system executes processing in accordance with a program stored therein, performs data processing of characters and images, and instructs a recording process, and an instruction for causing the computer 11 to execute various settings and recording processes. An input device 10 for inputting, a display 12 for displaying a processing result by a computer 11 and data inputted by an operator, and a recording for recording images such as characters and figures on a recording medium such as paper or cloth in accordance with a command of the computer And a device 13. The computer 11 and the recording device 13 are connected by a connection cable 14. The recording apparatus 13 of the present embodiment uses an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image by discharging ink toward a recording medium.

In such a configuration, the operator operates the input device 10 to create image data to be recorded on the recording medium by using a program stored in the computer 11. Computer 11
Transmits the image data created by the operator to the recording device 13 via the connection cable 14. The recording device 13 that has received the image data records an image such as a character or a figure on the recording medium in accordance with the content of the received image data.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the internal configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of each unit mounted on the carriage, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a form of a scale encoder.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink jet recording apparatus 13 includes a paper feed tray 20 on which a recording medium such as paper is mounted, and a recording medium mounted on the paper feed tray 20 at a predetermined recording position. A paper feed roller 21 for feeding paper, a paper feed motor 23 for controlling rotation of the paper feed roller 21, a carriage 22 on which a recording head for recording on a recording medium is mounted, and scanning of the carriage 22 are controlled. A carriage motor 24, a carriage belt 25 for transmitting the rotation of the carriage motor 24 to the carriage 22, an encoder 26 for detecting the position of the carriage 22, and a discharge device for discharging the recording medium on which recording has been performed. The configuration includes a paper roller 30. As shown in FIG.
Has an ink jet recording head H1 for discharging ink.
, Provided opposite to the encoder 26, and the encoder 2
An encoder decoding unit 43 for reading the scale of No. 6 and detecting the position of the carriage, and an ink tank 40 containing ink therein are mounted.

These are integrally formed and mounted on an ink tank mounting table 41 provided on a carriage as a recording head unit.

The encoder 26 is provided with a carriage position confirmation scale 50 for detecting the position of the carriage 22.

The normal recording operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 13 will be described.

When recording is instructed by the computer 11, the ink jet recording apparatus 13 feeds the recording media mounted on the paper feed tray 20 one by one by a paper feed roller 21 driven by a paper feed motor 23. It is moved to a predetermined recording position provided near 22. Next, the carriage 2 is controlled by controlling the carriage motor 24.
2 while scanning, the ink in the ink tank 40 mounted on the carriage 22 is
By discharging from 1 to the recording medium, one line of characters and images are recorded. At this time, the carriage 22
Is performed by grasping the reading position of the scale engraved on the encoder 26 by the encoder decoding unit 43. Next, after the recording medium is moved by one line in the same direction as the paper supply, ink is ejected while the inkjet recording head H1 is scanned in the vertical direction with the paper supply, and characters and images for the next one line are printed. Record on the recording medium. By repeating the above operation, characters and images are recorded on the recording medium.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing how ink is ejected from an ink jet recording head to a recording medium.

When the ink is ejected from the ink jet recording head H1 or when the ink lands on the recording medium 60, fine mist-like ink is generated. When the fine ink adheres to the encoder 26, the encoder 26 becomes dirty and the carriage position confirmation scale 50 cannot be read. This causes a malfunction of the ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the ink tank mounting table of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a cleaning liquid unit according to this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the cleaning liquid unit of the cleaning liquid unit of the present embodiment.

In the ink tank mounting base 60 of the present embodiment, a slit 70 for the ink jet recording head for projecting the ink jet recording head H1, a slit 72 for the cleaning liquid head, and an electric signal for transmitting a control signal to the ink jet recording head. A terminal contact portion 71 is provided.

Further, the cleaning liquid unit 8 of the present embodiment
Reference numeral 0 denotes a cleaning liquid head H2 for discharging the cleaning liquid toward the encoder 26, an electric terminal 81 for relaying a control signal to the cleaning liquid head H2, and a cleaning liquid removing wiper 82 for wiping the cleaning liquid discharged to the encoder 26. And a sponge part 83 for absorbing the cleaning liquid wiped off by the cleaning liquid removing wiper 82, and a cleaning liquid tank 84 for storing the cleaning liquid therein. The cleaning liquid head H2 and the cleaning liquid removing wiper 82 are provided close to each other.
When cleaning is performed, the cleaning liquid unit 80 of the present embodiment is mounted in a normal state in place of the recording unit mounted on the ink tank mounting table 42. In this case,
Slit 72 for cleaning liquid head of ink tank mounting table 60
The cleaning liquid head H2 and the cleaning liquid removal wiper 82 are mounted so as to protrude.

The ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
The cleaning operation of No. 3 will be described.

If the encoder 26 becomes dirty, the operator puts the cleaning liquid unit 8 on the ink tank mounting table 42.
0 is mounted. Next, the operator operates the computer 11 by operating the input device 10 and instructs the inkjet recording device 13 to clean the encoder 26. In accordance with an instruction from the operator, the inkjet recording apparatus 13 controls the carriage motor 23 to scan the carriage 22, and at the same time, discharges the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid unit 80 through the electric terminal contact portion 71 of the ink tank mount 60. Order. The cleaning liquid unit 80 discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid head H2 according to the instruction, and sprays the cleaning liquid to the encoder 26. Finally, the cleaning liquid attached to the encoder 26 is wiped off by the cleaning liquid removing wiper 82. Therefore, the stain on the encoder 26 is removed. In addition, the cleaning liquid removing wiper 8
The cleaning liquid wiped by 2 is absorbed by the sponge portion 83.

Incidentally, the cleaning liquid tank 84 may have a form having an injection port so that the cleaning liquid can be injected.

The cleaning liquid unit 80 may be configured so that the cleaning liquid removing wiper 82 can be detached and replaced.

Therefore, the encoder 26, which is contaminated with floating ink, dust, dust, etc., is automatically turned by the cleaning liquid discharged along the surface of the encoder 26 and the wiper 82 for wiping off the cleaning liquid discharged and adhered to the encoder. Since the cleaning is performed, the stain on the encoder 26 can be easily removed, and the inkjet recording apparatus 13 that can be used for a long time without malfunction and can be used even in an environment where there is much dust can be realized.

The present invention brings about an excellent effect particularly in an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording apparatus of the ink jet type which perform recording by forming flying droplets by utilizing thermal energy among the ink jet recording methods. .

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 47,407.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 96. This method can be applied to both on-demand type and continuous type,
In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, a rapid temperature exceeding the nucleate boiling corresponding to the recorded information is applied to the electrothermal transducer disposed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal that gives rise, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, causing film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording head,
As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal one-to-one can be formed, which is effective. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the ink jet recording head, other than the combination configuration of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications. In addition, a configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region, is also applicable to the present invention.

In addition, JP-A-59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration in which an opening corresponds to a discharge unit.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the ink jet recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as components of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. is there. If these are specifically mentioned, capping means for the ink jet recording head, cleaning means,
Pressurizing or suction means, electrothermal transducer or another heating side or preheating means by combination of these, pre-discharge mode in which discharge is performed separately from recording, and stable recording that can be performed It is effective to do.

In addition, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is not only a unit provided as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a word processor and a computer, but also a copying apparatus combined with a reader. May take a facsimile machine having a transmission / reception function. Further, the present invention may be applied to a printing apparatus that records on a cloth or a thread.

The recording head according to the present invention may be a thermal head that uses an exothermic element to transfer heat to an ink ribbon or thermal paper for recording, or a head that ejects ink using a piezoelectric element to perform recording. Is also good.

[0053]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

An encoder that is contaminated with floating ink, dust, dust, etc. is automatically cleaned by a cleaning liquid discharged along the encoder surface and a wiper that wipes off the cleaning liquid discharged and attached to the encoder. A dirt on the encoder can be easily removed, and a recording apparatus which can be used for a long time without malfunction and which can be used even in an environment where there is a lot of dust can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing an internal configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of each unit mounted on a carriage.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a form of a scale encoder.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which ink is ejected from an inkjet recording head to a recording medium.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an ink tank mounting base of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a cleaning liquid unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the cleaning liquid unit of the cleaning liquid unit of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Input device 11 Computer 12 Display 13 Recording device 14 Connection cable 20 Paper feed tray 21 Paper feed roller 22 Carriage 23 Paper feed motor 24 Carriage motor 25 Carriage belt 26 Encoder 30 Paper discharge roller 40 Ink tank 41 Ink 42 Ink tank Mounting table 43 Encoder decoding unit 50 Carriage unit position confirmation scale 60 Recording medium 61 Fog ink 70 Slit unit for inkjet recording head 71 Electric terminal contact unit 72 Slit unit for cleaning liquid head 80 Unit for cleaning liquid 81 Electric terminal 82 For cleaning liquid removal Wiper 83 Sponge part 84 Cleaning liquid tank H1 Inkjet recording head H2 Cleaning liquid head

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for forming a desired image on a recording medium, wherein a recording head for performing recording is detachably mounted, and is scanned along a surface of the recording medium. A recording apparatus comprising: a carriage; an encoder for detecting a position of the carriage; and a cleaning unit for cleaning the encoder. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit has a cleaning liquid tank capable of storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the encoder. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning liquid head that discharges the cleaning liquid to the encoder. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning liquid removing unit that wipes off the cleaning liquid attached to the encoder. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said cleaning liquid removing means is a wiper. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit is detachably mounted on the carriage instead of the recording head. 7. A carriage for detachably mounting a recording head for forming a desired image on a recording medium, and scanning along a surface of the recording medium, and detecting a position of the carriage. Encoder and
An encoder cleaning method for cleaning the encoder of the recording apparatus, comprising: cleaning the encoder by discharging a cleaning liquid to the encoder. 8. The encoder cleaning method according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning liquid is discharged to the encoder while moving a discharge port of the cleaning liquid along a surface of the encoder. 9. The encoder cleaning method according to claim 7, wherein after the cleaning liquid is discharged to the encoder, the cleaning liquid attached to the encoder is wiped with a wiper.