JPH06297722A - Cap and ink jet recording apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the color mixture of an ink emitting part, the damage of recording means and the penetration or adhesion of impurities by integrally storing all of the recording means so as to cover ink emitting parts at every recording means when the recording means are detached from a recording apparatus. CONSTITUTION:A cap 8 integrally storing all of recording means 1 so as to cover ink emitting parts 2 at every recording means 1 when a plurality of recording means are detached from a recording to apparatus is arranged. A groove 21 is formed to one of the support members 3,4 of the recording means 1 at a predetermined distance D1 from the end surface X thereof and the recessed parts 22 (a-d) integrally storing the recording means are respectively formed to the cap 8 and protruding parts 23(a-d) are respectively formed to the recessed parts 22 at every predetermined distance D1 from the end surface Y of the cap 8. Therefore, one recording means 1 can be received only in the recessed part 22a having a protruding part 23a at the same distance D1. By this constitution, the color mixture of the ink emitting part or the damage of each of the recording means 1 is prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cap for covering an ink ejection portion of a recording means for ejecting ink for recording and an ink jet recording apparatus using the cap.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording device having functions such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile, or a recording device used as an output device of a composite electronic device including a computer, a word processor, etc. An image is recorded on a recording material (recording medium) such as a plastic thin plate. The recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type, etc., depending on the recording method.

In a serial type recording apparatus which employs a recording system in which a main scanning is performed in a direction intersecting a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording material, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position and then the recording material is set. An image (including characters, symbols, etc.) is recorded by a recording unit (recording head) mounted on a carriage that moves (main scanning) along, and after one line of recording is completed, a predetermined amount of paper is fed (sub-scan). An image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material by repeating the operation of performing (scanning) and then recording (main scanning) the image of the next row. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that records a recording material only in the sub-scanning direction in which the recording material is fed in the transport direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and one line of recording is continuously performed at one time. A predetermined amount of paper feed (pitch feed) is performed, and an image is recorded on the entire recording material.

Among the above-mentioned recording apparatuses, an ink jet type recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) discharges ink from a recording means (recording head) onto a recording material to perform recording, so that the recording means can be made compact. Easy and
High-definition images can be recorded at high speed, plain paper can be recorded without requiring special processing, running costs are low, and the non-impact method produces less noise and multi-color images. It has advantages such as easy recording of a color image using ink. Above all, the line type apparatus using the line type recording means in which a large number of ejection ports are arranged in the paper width direction can further speed up the recording.

In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for ejecting ink by utilizing thermal energy
Is a high-density liquid channel arrangement (discharging) by forming the electrothermal converter, electrodes, liquid channel wall, top plate, etc. formed on the substrate through semiconductor manufacturing processes such as etching, vapor deposition, and sputtering. Those having an outlet arrangement) can be easily manufactured, and further downsizing can be achieved.
On the other hand, there are various requirements for the material of the recording material, and in recent years, paper and resin thin plate (O
In addition to HP and the like, it has been required to use thin paper or processed paper (paper with punched holes for filing, paper with perforations, paper of any shape, etc.) or cloth.

In the above ink jet recording apparatus, a plurality of recording means (recording heads) for recording with different color inks.
It is possible to perform color recording by using, and when recording a full-color image, for example, four recording heads of cyan, magenta, yellow and black are mounted. Also, during maintenance and inspection of this recording device,
The recording head will be removed from the recording device and placed near the work area.

In the line type ink jet recording apparatus, a long recording head (line recording head) having a length corresponding to the width of the recording area of the recording material is used. In this line type recording head, ultrafine ejection ports are arranged at high density in order to realize high resolution.

[0008]

However, in an ink jet recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads such as the color recording apparatus described above, when the recording means is removed for maintenance or inspection, ink of some recording heads is removed. When the ejection portions come into contact with each other, there is an inconvenience that different colors of ink adhere to the vicinity of the ejection port to cause color mixing. In that case, even if the enclosing bag of the recording head or the mounting table is used, in order to avoid color mixing due to the ink of another color already attached to the bag or the table, these bags or the table should be separated for each color of ink. It is necessary to distinguish them, dispose of these bags or pedestals, or clean them after the work. But,
When distinguishing between colors, there is a problem in that the colors must be accurately distinguished and careful work is required, resulting in reduced efficiency. Moreover, when it is disposable, the material is wasted. Furthermore, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time and effort to perform cleaning.

Further, if a plurality of recording heads detached from the same apparatus main body are placed separately from each other, it is inconvenient to handle and difficult to move or carry. In addition, if the ejection port of the recording head is exposed during work, damage or deformation may occur due to hitting or dropping, and impurities such as dust may invade or adhere, and ejection may occur due to clogging by these. In some cases, defects may occur, making it impossible to record the required image. In addition, the work place may be contaminated by ink dripping from the ejection port.

The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent color mixture of an ink ejection portion when a plurality of recording heads having different ink colors are removed from the apparatus main body. The purpose is to prevent external damage to the recording head, prevent impurities from entering and adhering to the ink ejection portion, prevent contamination of the work area, and improve workability during movement and transportation.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned line type recording means (recording head), when the ink ejection portion is exposed, the ink ejection portion is damaged or deformed by an external load such as hitting or dropping, and is exposed to the external environment. Intrusion of impurities such as dust from the communicating discharge port or clogging caused by adhesion of the discharge defect causes a problem that a desired recorded image cannot be obtained. In addition, if some of the ejection openings become defective, there is the inconvenience that the entire long recording head needs to be replaced. Further, there is also a disadvantage that the surroundings are stained by the ink dripping from the ejection port. In order to deal with these problems, storage and transportation of the recording head from the end of manufacturing the recording head to assembly into the apparatus body, and further handling of the recording head after removal of the recording head for maintenance and inspection of the recording apparatus, etc. Must be done carefully.

[0012] It is desirable that nothing is touched to the discharge port, and if a sealing member for sealing is arranged around the discharge port, the disposition must be done carefully. Furthermore, in order to take advantage of the excellent characteristics for high-speed recording, it is desirable that the ejection port array in the longitudinal direction of the recording head be in a completely linear state. However, since the line-type recording head is long, the supporting member for supporting the ink ejection portion is slightly warped during the manufacturing process. As a result, the entire recording head is also warped. However, it is possible to adjust the above-mentioned warp when mounting the recording head on the main body of the device and adjust so that an appropriate image can be obtained, but once the recording head is removed for maintenance inspection etc. Returns to the state of.

Another aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a surface of a supporting member for supporting a discharge port with respect to a line type recording means when not in use. By sealing the ejection port with a cap having a sealing means that abuts against the
A cap and a cap that can prevent clogging due to intrusion or adhesion of impurities at the discharge port, prevent stains on the apparatus body by ink, improve workability of moving or transporting the recording unit, and improve capping performance of the warped recording unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device using a cap.

[0014]

According to the cap of the present invention, when a plurality of recording means are detached from the recording device, the caps are uniquely engaged with each of the recording means so as to cover the ink ejection portions of each recording means. By integrally storing all the recording means, it is possible to prevent color mixture of the ink ejection portion, prevent damage to the recording head, and prevent ink from being ejected when a plurality of recording heads with different ink colors are removed from the apparatus main body. The present invention provides a cap capable of preventing the intrusion and adhesion of impurities, preventing the contamination of the work place, and improving the workability during movement and transportation. In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the above-mentioned object can be achieved more efficiently by providing a sealing unit that abuts around the ejection port of the recording unit to seal the ejection port.

Another cap of the present invention, when the recording means is not in use, engages with the recording means to cover the ink ejection portion of the recording means, and abut on a supporting member that supports the ink ejection portion. By having a structure that has a sealing means for sealing the ejection port, it is possible to prevent external damage to the ink ejection portion,
We provide a cap that can prevent clogging due to impurities entering and adhering to the ejection port, prevent stains on the device body with ink, improve the workability of moving and transporting the recording means, and improve the capping performance of the warped recording means. To do. If the cap is formed of an elastic body in addition to such a structure, the above object can be achieved more efficiently.

Further, according to the present invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a plurality of recording means to a recording material, the inks are uniquely engaged with each recording means, and the inks are recorded for each recording means. By using a cap that covers the ejection portion and integrally houses all recording means, it is possible to prevent color mixture of the ink ejection portion when a plurality of recording heads having different ink colors are removed from the apparatus main body, and the recording head. (EN) An ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing external damage, preventing impurities from entering and adhering to an ink ejecting portion, preventing stains on a work place, and improving workability during movement and transportation. In this case, it is preferable that the cap has a sealing unit that abuts around the ejection port of the recording unit to seal the ejection port.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means to a recording material, the ink of the recording means is engaged when the recording means is not used. By using a cap that covers the ejection portion and is in contact with a support member that supports the ink ejection portion and has a sealing means for sealing the ejection port, the ink ejection portion is prevented from being damaged and the ejection port is invaded with impurities. Provided is an inkjet recording device capable of preventing clogging due to ink and adhesion, preventing ink stains on the main body of the device, improving workability of moving and transporting the recording device, and improving capping performance of the warped recording device. It is a thing. In this case, if the cap is made of an elastic material, the above object can be achieved more efficiently.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 illustrates an inkjet recording apparatus that uses four recording units (recording heads) 1C, 1M, 1Y, and 1B that record with different inks. In the case of full-color recording,
For example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are used as the ink colors of these recording means 1C, 1M, 1Y, 1B. The recording heads 1C, 1M, 1
When referring to Y or 1B as a whole or any one of them, it is simply indicated by the recording means 1 or the recording head 1.

In FIG. 1, 10 is a read original document 11.
Is an optical scanner unit for converting the information of (1) into an electric signal, and the signal is sent as a drive signal of the recording head unit 13 including each recording head 1 of the recording operation unit 12. Recording materials (not shown) such as paper and plastic thin plates are stored in the paper feeding section 14, and the recording materials are fed to the transport section 15 one by one. The recording head unit 13 is at a recording position above the transport unit 15. The recording material is adsorbed (held) on the outer surface of the conveyor belt 16 and ejects ink of each color from each recording head 1 while conveying the recording material while maintaining a predetermined gap with the recording head portion 13. Thus, an image is recorded on the recording material. The recording material after recording is sent out onto the tray 18 via the fixing paper discharge unit 17. The ink supply unit 1 is provided for each of the recording heads 1C, 1M, 1Y, and 1B.
Ink of a corresponding color is supplied from each of the storage tanks 20C, 20M, 20Y, and 20B of 9. In addition, also about these storage tanks 20C, 20M, 20Y, and 20B, when referring to the whole or any one, it is simply the storage tank 2
It is indicated by 0.

In such an ink jet recording apparatus, the four recording heads 1 are made long so that all of their ejection openings 89 cover the entire width (depth in FIG. 1) of the recording area of the recording material. During recording, the recording head 1 is stationary without requiring a scanning operation, and the entire surface image can be recorded only when the recording material passes the front surface (lower side in the drawing) of the recording head 1. Yes, very high speed recording is possible. Further, when performing maintenance and inspection of the recording apparatus, each recording head 1 is removed from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording head (one) 1 viewed from the ejection port side. In FIG. 2, the recording head 1 is a line-type recording head (line-type recording means), and holds the ink ejecting portion 2 by sandwiching it from both sides thereof with supporting members 3 and 4, and adjoining the supporting member 4 on one side. Recording control unit 5
It has a structure that is assembled. An end face of the ink ejection portion 2 forms an ejection port forming surface 81, and a large number of ejection ports 89 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow L) are formed on the ejection port forming surface 81. The recording control section 5 is for selectively generating heat energy in each ejection port 89 and controlling the ink ejection from each ejection port 89 to record an image. Further, an ink supply pipe 6 for supplying ink from the storage tank 20 and an ink circulation pipe 7 for circulating excess ink to the storage tank 20 are connected to the recording head 1 as necessary. There is. In FIG. 2, the support member 3 has a discharge port side end surface 3A and an outer side surface 3B, and the support member 4 has a discharge port side end surface 4A and an outer side surface 4B.

The recording means (recording head) 1 is a recording means for ejecting ink by utilizing thermal energy,
It is provided with an electrothermal converter for generating heat energy. Further, the recording means 1 performs recording by ejecting ink from an ejection port by utilizing a pressure change caused by growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. Is. This type of recording head is generally provided with a plurality of fine ejection ports, liquid passages (liquid passages) communicating with each ejection port, a common liquid chamber for liquid supply communicating with each liquid passage, and a part of each liquid passage. It is provided with an energy acting portion provided and an energy generating means (electrothermal converter) for generating a droplet forming energy for acting on the liquid in each energy acting portion.

FIG. 3 shows the ink ejection section 2 of the recording head 1.
3 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of FIG. In FIG. 3, the ink ejection unit 2 includes an electrothermal converter 82, an electrode 83, a liquid passage wall 84, which is formed into a film on a substrate 81 through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, and sputtering.
It is composed of a top plate 85. Recording liquid (ink)
80 is supplied from the storage tank 20 through the ink supply pipe 6 into the common liquid chamber 86 of the ink ejection unit 2. 8 in FIG.
Reference numeral 7 is a connector for supplying ink.

Ink 80 supplied into the common liquid chamber 86
Is supplied into each liquid passage 90 by what is called a capillary phenomenon, and is stably held by forming a meniscus at the discharge port surface at the tip of each liquid passage 90. Here, by energizing the electrothermal converter 82, the ink on the surface of the electrothermal converter is heated and a bubbling phenomenon occurs, and a droplet is ejected from the ejection port 89 by the energy of the bubbling. The plurality of ejection openings 89 communicating with each of the liquid passages 90 are opened in a predetermined arrangement on the ejection opening formation surface (the front end surface of the ink ejection portion 2).
With such a configuration, it is possible to form a full-multi type line-type inkjet recording head in which the ejection openings 89 are arranged over the entire recording width in a high-density arrangement with an ejection opening density of 16 / mm.

The recording head 1 has a discharge port forming surface 88.
There is a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.3 to 1.5 mm)
It is removably positioned and attached so as to face the recording material. Further, in the recording apparatus of FIG. 1, the recording unit (recording head) 1 can be attached to and detached from the recording head unit 13 in such a posture that a plurality of ejection ports 89 are arranged in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording material. It is installed. When recording,
When each electrothermal converter 82 is selectively driven (energized) according to the image signal, the ink facing the energized electrothermal converter 82 is heated, and bubble growth due to film boiling of the ink,
An ink droplet is ejected from the corresponding ejection port 89 by utilizing the pressure change caused by the contraction. In this way, the recording unit (recording head) 1 that drives (energizes) the corresponding electrothermal converter 82 based on the image signal or the ejection signal to selectively eject the ink from each ejection port 89 is configured.

Therefore, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the plurality of recording means 1 are detached from the recording apparatus, the recording means 1 is uniquely engaged with each other, so that the ink ejecting portion 2 of each recording means 1 is ejected. A cap configured to cover all the recording means 1 and to integrally store all the recording means 1 is used. Further, the recording means 1 is attached to this cap.
The sealing means is provided so as to contact the periphery of the discharge port 89 and seal the discharge port 89. In each of the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the recording head 1 and the cap 8. In FIG. 4, the lower end surface in the drawing of the ink ejection portion 2 of the recording head 1 (ejection port formation surface)
88 includes a number of downward discharge ports 8 along the longitudinal direction.
9 are arranged. The cap 8 is for accommodating the recording heads 1, covering the ejection openings 89 thereof, hermetically sealing them, and protecting them. Therefore, one of the supporting members 3 and 4 of the recording head 1 (the supporting member 3 in the illustrated example) is
A groove 21 is formed at a position at a distance D ₁ from the end surface X in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the cap 8 has four recording heads 1
There are provided four cap portions (recesses) 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d for accommodating all of them simultaneously and integrally. A protrusion 23a is formed on _one cap portion 22a at a position at a distance D ₁ from the end surface Y of the cap portion 22a. Further, the length B and the thickness T of each recording head 1 are the same as the length B and the width T of each cap portion 22 (dimensions that can be fitted without a gap).

Therefore, the cap portions 22 (22a, 22a,
22b, 22c, 22d), the projections 23a, 23b, 23c,
23d is formed. That is, these protrusions 2
3 a, 23 b, 23 c, and 23 d are formed at positions D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , and D ₄ from the end surface Y of the cap portion 22. Therefore, in the illustrated recording head 1 (for example, the recording head 1B), since the groove 21 is formed at the position of the distance D ₁ from the end surface X, the cap portion 22a having the protrusion 23a at the same distance D ₁ is formed. Can be stored in a capped state (with the discharge port 89 sealed),
It cannot be engaged with the other cap portions 22b, 22c, 22d. That is, the illustrated recording head 1 has a cap portion 2
Only 2a can be uniquely engaged.

Regarding the other three recording heads 1, one recording head 1 (for example, recording head 1Y) has an end face X.
A groove 21 is formed in a position at a distance D ₂ from the other end, and a groove 21 is formed in a position at a distance D ₃ from the end face X in another one recording head 1 (for example, the recording head 1M), and another one is formed. The recording head 1 (for example, the recording head 1C) has a groove 21 formed at a position at a distance D ₄ from the end surface X. That is, the remaining three recording heads 1 (not shown) also have the cap portion 2
Only one of 2b, 22c, and 22d can be stored in the capping state, and can be uniquely engaged.

As an example, the engagement between the illustrated recording head 1 and the cap portion 22a will be described. The recording head 1 is dedicated to ink of a certain color (for example, black), and is supplied and filled with the ink to be used for image recording.
When this recording head 1 is removed from the recording device body,
Due to the positional relationship between the groove 21 and the protruding portion 23a, the recording head 1 can be housed in the cap portion by engaging with the specific cap portion 22a of the cap 8 in opposition to each other. However, the groove 21 does not correspond to the other cap portions 22b, 22c, 22.
The protrusions 23b, 23c, and 23d of d cannot be engaged with each other.
b, 22c, 22d never engage, cap 22
Only uniquely engages a.

According to the configuration described with reference to FIG.
When the inner recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C are detached from the apparatus main body and integrally housed in the cap 8, they can be housed in the cap portions 22 in this order, but cannot be housed in any other order. . Therefore, by using such a cap 8, it is possible to prevent ink of another color from adhering to the ink ejection portion 2 of each recording head 1, and it is possible to reliably solve the problem of so-called color mixing.

Further, the ink ejecting section 2 of each recording head 1
Since it is covered with the cap 8, it can be surely protected from damage due to an external load, invasion and adhesion of impurities, and the like. Further, since all (four in the illustrated example) recording heads 1 are integrally housed in one cap 8, the bottom area can be widened.
It has a function as a mounting table for the recording head 1 and is also excellent in transportability.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the portion A in FIG. 4 and 5, each cap portion 22a, 2
Sealing means 24 made of a sealing material such as a gasket is provided inside 2b, 22c and 22d.
These sealing means 24 avoid the ejection port 89 (or the ejection port forming surface 88) of the recording head 1 to be stored, and contact the ejection port side end surfaces 3A, 4A of the supporting members 3, 4 which are the periphery thereof. In addition, it is provided on the entire inner bottom of the cap portion 22 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the recording heads 1 are housed in the caps 8, their ejection openings 89 are completely sealed by the sealing means 24, and the ink does not seep out even if the caps 8 are tilted. It can remove dirt.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the cap used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which the recording head is housed in the cap of FIG. In this embodiment, the engagement between each recording head 1 and the cap 8 is slidable in the longitudinal direction. 6 and 7, the cap 8 is provided with four cap portions 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d,
The four recording heads 1 corresponding to the four color inks are integrally capped (stored), but in this embodiment, each recording head 1 is uniquely engaged with each cap portion 22 and inserted from one end. After that, the fixing plate 25 is configured to be attached to the open end.

Since the cap 8 itself of this embodiment is not a complete integral type cap, a sealing means made of a sealing material such as a gasket is provided at the joint portion (hatched portion) 26 of the fixing plate 25 with the cap 8. ing. In addition, a sealing means made of a sealing material such as a gasket is provided also in the shaded portion of each cap portion 22, that is, in the entire region in the longitudinal direction except the ejection port 89 of each recording head 1 to be stored. . By these sealing means, the ejection port 89 of each of the recording heads 1 housed can be sealed.

In view of this, in this embodiment, the wall portions on both sides of each cap portion 22 are provided with protrusions 28 formed in a rail shape in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the support members 3 and 4 on both sides of each recording head 1 to be inserted are formed with grooves that are uniquely engaged with the protrusions 28 on both sides of the corresponding cap portion 22. Next, the engagement between each recording head 1 and each cap portion 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 7, B ₁ and B ₂ indicate two engaging portions of the grooves on both sides of the recording head 1B and the protrusions 28 on both sides of the cap portion 22a, and w ₁ and w ₂ indicate the cap portions. The height from the bottom of 22a to the engaging portions B ₁ and B ₂ is shown. The ejection port side end surfaces 3A and 4A of the support members 3 and 4 of the recording head 1B come into contact with the bottom of the cap portion 22a, whereby the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1B is sealed. Similarly, the heights of the engaging portions Y ₁ and Y ₂ on both sides (two locations) of the recording head 1Y and the cap portion 22b are indicated by x ₁ and x ₂ , respectively, and the heights of both sides (two locations) of the recording head 1M and the cap portion 22c are indicated. The heights of the engaging portions M ₁ and M ₂ are indicated by y ₁ and y ₂ , and the heights of the engaging portions C ₁ and C _{2 on} both sides (two locations) of the recording head 1C and the cap portion 22d are z ₁ and z. Shown in ₂ .

Then, each recording head 1 and each cap portion 2
In the engaging portion with 2, the absolute value of the difference in height on each side is set to be different. In other _{words, | w 1 -w 2 |,} | x 1 -x 2 |, | y 1 -y 2
The values of | and | z ₁ −z ₂ | are set to be different from each other. With this configuration, a plurality (4
It is possible to make the engagement of the recording head 1 of (book) and the plurality of (four) cap portions 22 unique to each ink color. Therefore, the recording heads 1 of different ink colors are never inserted in the same cap portion 22, and the problem of color mixture can be surely solved as in the case of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement configuration of the recording head unit 13, and FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the recording head 1 is attached and detached. In FIG. 8, each recording head 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C (FIG. 1, FIG. 7) is fixed to each mounting portion 31B, 31Y, 31M, 31C of the head holder 9 to form the recording head portion 13 (FIG. 1). To do. Figure 1
As also shown in FIG. 3, a transport unit 15 including a transport belt 16 is disposed below the recording head unit 13.

8 and 9, the recovery cap 32 can be joined to the recording head portion 13 after the image recording is completed or when the recording device is not used.
The recovery cap 32 includes recovery cap portions 33B, 33Y, 33M, 33 which are partitioned corresponding to the recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C mounted on the head holder 9.
C is provided. The recovery cap 32 seals the ink ejection portion 2 of each recording head 1 from the surrounding atmosphere by covering the ink ejection portion 2 with the lid (capping state), and fills the air layer at the joint portion with ink vapor to achieve saturated vapor pressure. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ink liquid in the ejection port 89 of each recording head 1 from being dried and to increase the viscosity (viscosity), and to prevent the occurrence of ejection failure.

During the capping operation by the recovery cap 32, the recording head portion 13 is once moved upward (arrow Q) in FIG. 8, and then the recovery cap 32 is moved leftward (arrow P) in FIG. After being moved and positioned right below the recording head unit 13, the recording head unit 13 is lowered again. By such an operation, the ink ejection portion 2 of each of the recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C housed and held in each of the mounting portions 31B, 31Y, 31M, 31C of the head holder 9.
Respectively, the corresponding recovery cap portions 33B and 33B,
Covered with Y, 33M, and 33C, the capping state is established. When the ejection port 89 is opened at the start of recording or the like, the capping state can be released in the reverse order of these steps.

Therefore, when the recording head 1 is attached / detached to / from the recording apparatus main body, it is best to attach / detach while maintaining the above-mentioned capping state because the ejection port 89 is not exposed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the recording heads 1 are integrally attached and detached under this capping state. In addition, in FIG. 9, the recording head 1 removed is shown in FIG.
The case where it is stored in the cap 8 is shown. Further, in FIG. 9, only the recording head 1C of the four recording heads 1 is shown for the sake of clarity. Here, the mounting portion 31C of the head holder 9 and the mounting / demounting portion with respect to the mounting portion are attached. Recording head 1C and cap portion 22d of cap 8
Will be described.

When the recording head 1 is attached or detached, the fixing plate 25 (FIG. 6) is removed in advance, and the cap 8 is attached to the recording head 1 shown in FIG.
The head 8 is moved in the direction of the arrow R, and the end surface 8X and the end surface 9X of the head holder 9 are butted against each other. In this case, the two end faces 8X and 9X are provided with positioning engaging means (not shown).
For example, a pin and a hole are provided so that the positional deviation between the recording head 1C and the cap portion 22d can be prevented. Further, since the cap 8 is inserted from the front side of the recording apparatus main body and abutted against it, the front side plate (cover or the like) of the apparatus main body is provided with a window (opening) through which the cap 8 accommodating each recording head 1 can pass. An insertion guide for guiding the insertion direction of the cap 8 is provided, and the cap 8 has a structure in which the abutment can be easily performed.

After hitting in this manner, the recording head 1C is slid into the cap portion 22d and stored. The other recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M mounted on the mounting portions 31B, 31Y, 31M of the head holder 9 are similarly slid and stored in the corresponding cap portions 22a, 22b, 22c. This storage order can be freely selected. After the four recording heads 1 are integrally housed in the cap 8 in this way, they are pulled out from the front surface of the apparatus through the insertion guide and the window, and the fixing plate 25 (FIG. 6) is attached to the end surface of the cap 8 for each recording. The ink ejection portion 2 of the head 1 is sealed. This completes the removal of each recording head 1. When the recording heads 1 are mounted on the head holder 9 (main body of the apparatus), the above procedure is reversed.

As described above, by joining (connecting) the cap 8 and the recording apparatus main body to integrally attach and detach the plurality of recording heads 1, the recording heads are once detached from the recording apparatus body and then attached to the cap. Therefore, it is possible to easily remove or attach the recording head. Further, since the ejection port 89 is not exposed when the recording head 1 is attached or detached, the recording head 1 is housed in the cap 8 immediately after the recording head 1 is manufactured and capped, so that the recording head 1 can be operated until just before the operation of the recording apparatus main body.
The discharge port 89 can be kept in a completely sealed state and can be reliably protected. The second of FIGS.
It is obvious that the same effects as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be obtained by the embodiment, such as reliably preventing ink color mixing when a plurality of recording heads 1 are not attached to the apparatus main body.

According to the cap 8 of each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, a plurality of recording heads 1 using inks of different colors are used.
Are uniquely engaged with each recording head (each ink color) and housed integrally, so that the color mixing of ink when each recording head 1 is removed from the recording apparatus main body is reliably prevented. It has become possible. Further, by using the cap 8, the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1 can be protected, and intrusion and adhesion of impurities to the ejection port 89 can be surely prevented. It is also possible to improve the transportability of the recording head 1 that has not been formed. In particular, since the cap 8 is provided with the sealing means 24, 26, 27 for sealing the ejection port 89 in the periphery thereof, it is possible to completely prevent the ink from oozing out when the recording head is housed, and the ink stain around the recording device. It has become possible to reliably prevent this.

In another ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the line type recording head (recording means) 1 is not used (when it is detached from the recording apparatus main body), the recording is performed by engaging with the recording head 1. A support member 3 that covers the ink ejection portion 2 of the head 1 and supports the ink ejection portion 2.
Alternatively, a cap having a structure having a sealing means for contacting 4 and sealing the discharge port 89 is used. Further, it is preferable that the cap is formed of an elastic body such as a rubber material.

FIG. 10 shows the recording head 1 and the cap 40.
It is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of. In FIG. 10, a large number of downward ejection ports 89 are arranged on the lower end surface (ejection port forming surface) 88 of the ink ejection unit 2 of the recording head 1 along the longitudinal direction. The cap 40 is for accommodating the recording head 1, covering the ejection port 89 thereof, hermetically sealing it, and protecting it. Therefore, a groove 41 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the supporting member 3 of the recording head 1, and a groove 42 extending in the longitudinal direction is also formed on the outer surface of the supporting member 4 on the opposite side. That is, a total of two grooves 41 and 42 are formed on each side of the recording head 1.

On the other hand, the cap 40 has a cap portion (recess) 43 for accommodating the ejection port side portion of the recording head 1, and projections 44, 45 extending in the longitudinal direction on the inner wall surfaces on both sides of the cap portion 43. Are formed. The groove 41 of the recording head 1 is engageable with the protrusion 44 of the cap portion 43, and the groove 42 of the recording head 1 is the protrusion 4 of the cap portion 43.
5 can be engaged. Further, cuts 46, 46 are formed at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the cap 40. The length B and the thickness T of the recording head 1 are the same as the length B and the width T of the cap portion 43 (dimensions that can be fitted without a gap).
It has become.

The cap 40 is provided with respect to the recording head 1.
It is attached from the direction of arrow E in FIG. Cap 4
When 0 is attached to the recording head 1, the gap t between the protruding portions 44 and 45 on both sides of the cap portion 43 is slightly widened due to the presence of the cuts 46 and 46, and the grooves 41 and 42 of the recording head 1 are formed.
Engages with these protrusions 44 and 45, and the recording head 1
Is engaged and fitted in the cap portion 43 without any gap, and is in a capping state (a state in which the discharge port 89 is sealed).

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the portion A in FIG. 10 and 11, the cap portion 43
A sealing means 47 made of a sealing material such as a gasket is provided at the height position between the bottom portion and the protrusions 44 and 45 on the inner surface of the inner surface of the inner peripheral surface of the inner surface of the inner peripheral surface of the inner surface. Therefore, in a state where the recording head 1 is engaged and housed and capped, the shaded portions of the outer surfaces 3B and 4B of the support members 3 and 4 and the shaded portions of the both end surfaces of the recording head 1 that are continuous with the support members 3 and 4 become the sealing means 47. By contacting, the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1 is completely sealed. This sealed state is achieved by sealing at a position avoiding the discharge port 89.

Further, by forming the cap 40 from an elastic material such as rubber, the cap 40 can be formed even if the recording head 1 is warped in the thickness direction (direction of arrow F in FIG. 10) in the manufacturing process. Can follow the recording head 1,
Reliable capping is possible.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the long recording head 1 (recording heads 1B, 1 in FIG. 1) is used.
(Y, 1M, 1C, etc.) is removed from the main body of the recording apparatus, housed in the cap 40, and placed around it, the discharge port 89
(Ink ejecting portion 2) can be reliably protected, damage to the ejection port 89 can be prevented, and impurities such as dust can be prevented from entering and adhering to the ejection port 89. It is possible to prevent surrounding ink stains due to dripping or dripping. Further, similar effects can be obtained when the recording head 1 is stored, moved, or transported immediately after its manufacture until it is mounted on the recording apparatus main body, and the recording head 1 is easily handled. Furthermore, it is possible to easily and surely perform capping on the recording head 1 having a warp (deformation).

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the fourth embodiment of the cap used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention together with the recording head. In this embodiment, a long recording head 1 is used.
The engagement between the cap 40 and the cap 40 is slidable in the longitudinal direction. In FIG. 12, the groove 41 of the recording head 1,
Capping is performed by engaging the protrusions 44 and 45 of the inner surface of the cap portion 43 with 42, and inserting the cap 40 in the direction of arrow R in FIG. In this case, the end surface of the cap 40 on the fitting side needs to be opened for insertion / removal. Therefore, after the recording head 1 is engaged and housed in the cap portion 43, a sealing plate (a member similar to the fixing plate 25 in FIG. 6) is fixed to the open end surface after capping (sealing of the ejection port 89). Is configured to complete. The sealing means 47 (FIG. 11) is a cap 40.
Further, in addition to the entire inner peripheral surface of the cap portion 43 formed by the sealing plate, it is also provided on the joint surface between the end surface 40X of the cap 40 and the sealing plate. According to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the same effect as that of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be obtained.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the cap 40 used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, four recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M and 1C used in the color recording apparatus of FIG. 1 are of a four-in-one slide type so that they can be integrally engaged and housed. . In FIG. 13, the cap 40 is provided with four cap portions 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, and a sealing plate 48 is detachably attached to the open end face of the cap 40 on the fitting side, and is compatible with four color inks. The four recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, and 1C are integrally capped (stored).

The engagement between each recording head 1 and each cap portion 43 in this embodiment is the same as in the case of the fourth embodiment of FIG. That is, the support members 3, 4 of each recording head 1
After the grooves 41, 42 formed on the outer side surfaces 3B, 4B of the disk are engaged with the protrusions 44, 45 formed on the inner surfaces on both sides of each cap portion 43, the recording heads 1 are slid and inserted, and then the sealing plate It is configured to complete the capping by attaching 48. Further, the arrangement of the sealing means 47 for sealing the periphery of the ejection port 89 of each recording head 1 is the same as in the case of FIG. 12, and in addition to the entire inner peripheral surfaces of the four cap portions 43, the cap of the sealing plate 48 is provided. It is provided at a joint portion (hatched portion in FIG. 13) with 40, and is configured so that the ejection port 89 can be surely sealed around the ejection port 89 for each recording head 1.

According to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 13, in addition to the same effect as that of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 12, a plurality of (4
Since the long recording head 1 of (1) is integrally housed, the bottom area of the cap 40 is widened, and the function as a mounting base of the recording head 1 can be obtained. The effect that it is possible to easily and surely perform the batch transfer of

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the cap 40 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 14, an operation of detaching and attaching (attaching / detaching) each recording head 1 to / from the recording apparatus main body using the cap 40 of FIG. 13 will be described. In FIG. 8, each recording head 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C (FIG. 1, FIG. 7) is fixed to each mounting portion 31B, 31Y, 31M, 31C of the head holder 9 to form the recording head portion 13 (FIG. 1). To do. As shown in FIG. 1, below the recording head unit 13, a transport unit 15 including a transport belt 16 is arranged.

8 and 14, the recovery cap 32 can be joined to the recording head portion 13 after the image recording is completed or when the recording apparatus is not used. The recovery cap 32 includes recovery cap portions 33B, 33Y, 33M, which are partitioned corresponding to the recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C mounted on the head holder 9.
33C is provided. The recovery cap 32 seals the ink ejection portion 2 of each recording head 1 from the surrounding atmosphere by covering the ink ejection portion 2 with the lid (capping state), and fills the air layer at the joint portion with ink vapor to achieve saturated vapor pressure. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ink liquid in the ejection port 89 of each recording head 1 from being dried and to increase the viscosity (viscosity), and to prevent the occurrence of ejection failure.

During the capping operation by the recovery cap 32, the recording head portion 13 is once moved upward (arrow Q) in FIG. 8, and then the recovery cap 32 is moved leftward (arrow P) in FIG. After being moved and positioned right below the recording head unit 13, the recording head unit 13 is lowered again. By such an operation, the ink ejection portion 2 of each of the recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M, 1C housed and held in each of the mounting portions 31B, 31Y, 31M, 31C of the head holder 9.
Respectively, the corresponding recovery cap portions 33B and 33B,
Covered with Y, 33M, and 33C, the capping state is established. When the ejection port 89 is opened at the start of recording or the like, the capping state can be released in the reverse order of these steps.

Therefore, when the recording heads 1 are attached to or detached from the recording apparatus main body, it is best to attach or detach them while maintaining the capping state, because the ejection ports 89 are not exposed. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the recording heads 1 are integrally attached and detached under the capping state. In addition, in FIG.
Only the recording head 1C of the recording heads 1 of the book is shown, and here, the mounting portion 31C of the head holder 9,
The recording head 1C that is attached to and detached from the mounting portion and the cap portion 43d of the cap 40 will be described.

When the recording head 1 is attached or detached, the sealing plate 48 (FIG. 13) has been removed in advance, the cap 40 is moved in the direction of arrow U in FIG. 14, and its end face 40X and the end face 9X of the head holder 9 are removed. Match each other. In this case, the two end faces 40X and 9X are provided with a positioning engaging means (not shown), for example, a pin and a hole, so that the positional deviation between the recording head 1C and the cap portion 43d can be prevented. . Further, since the cap 40 is inserted and abutted from the front side of the recording apparatus main body, the front side plate (cover or the like) of the apparatus main body has a window (opening) through which the cap 40 in which each recording head 1 is engaged and accommodated can pass. ) And an insertion guide for guiding the insertion direction of the cap 40 are provided, and the cap 40 can be abutted easily.

After hitting in this way, the recording head 1C is slid into the cap portion 43d and stored. The other recording heads 1B, 1Y, 1M mounted on the mounting portions 31B, 31Y, 31M of the head holder 9 are similarly slid and stored in the corresponding cap portions 43a, 43b, 43c. This storage order can be freely selected. After the four recording heads 1 are integrally housed in the cap 40 in this way, they are pulled out from the front surface of the apparatus through the insertion guide and the window, and the sealing plate 48 (FIG. 13) is attached to the open end surface of the cap 40. The ink ejection portion 2 of the recording head 1 is sealed. This completes the removal and capping of each recording head 1. In addition,
When each recording head 1 is mounted on the head holder 9 (apparatus main body), the above procedure is reversed.

According to the fifth embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the cap 40 and the recording apparatus main body are joined (joined) and the plurality of recording heads 1 are integrally attached and detached, so that the recording head is temporarily attached to the recording apparatus. It is possible to save the trouble of attaching it to the cap after detaching it from the main body, and it is possible to easily attach and detach the recording head. Furthermore, since the ejection port 89 is not exposed when the recording head 1 is attached or detached, the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1 is stored until it is stored in the cap 40 and capped immediately after the recording head 1 is manufactured until just before the recording apparatus main body is operated. Can be kept in a completely sealed state, and can be reliably protected.

Further, each mounting portion 31 of the head holder 9
B-31C and cap portions 43a-43d of the cap 40
Since there is a one-to-one correspondence, as a result, each cap portion 4
3 corresponds to the ink color used in each recording head 1 on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus in which the plurality of recording heads 1 are arranged in the same order, the recording heads of other ink colors are not capped on the certain cap portion 43. Therefore, even if the ink that has adhered to the vicinity of the ejection port 89 when the recording head 1 is attached or detached adheres to the inside of the cap portion 43, the recording head 1 capped by the cap portion 43 does not eject the same color ink. It is used, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that another color ink is redeposited on the ejection port 89 to cause color mixing. According to the fifth embodiment, it is obvious that the same effect as in the third and fourth embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 12 can be obtained.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the cap used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an end view showing the recording head not attached with the cap shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an end view showing the recording head and the cap of FIG. 15 when mounted. 15 to 17, tabs 51 and 51 are provided at positions at predetermined intervals on the outer surface of the support member 3 of the recording head 1. The cap 50 is a discharge port 89 of the recording head 1.
A cap plate 52 for hermetically protecting the recording head 1, a restriction plate 53 that moves along the surface of the support member 3 of the recording head 1, and a cap plate 52 for connecting the cap plate 52 and the restriction plate 53 and swinging the cap plate 52 selectively. The swing shaft 54 includes a twist coil spring 55 that biases the cap plate 52 in a predetermined direction around the swing shaft 54.

Normally, the cap plate 52 is formed by the torsion coil spring 55 and a stopper (not shown).
It is held in a direction forming a right angle with respect to 3. The support members 3 and 4 on both sides of the recording head 1 are provided on the ejection port side end surface 3A,
Chamfers 3C and 4C are formed between 4A and the outer side surfaces 3B and 4B. Each of the tabs 5 of the recording head 1 is provided on the regulation plate 53.
Vertically elongated holes 56 (two locations in the illustrated example) that engage with No. 1 are formed. The cap 50 is attached such that the regulating plate 53 is vertically movable along the support member 3 by engaging the tab 51 with the vertically elongated hole 56. In addition, at a predetermined position of the cap plate 52, that is, in FIG.
In the capping state shown in FIG. 6, sealing means 57 made of a sealing material such as a gasket is provided at a position surrounding the discharge port 89 so as to surround the entire circumference thereof.

When the recording head 1 removed from the recording apparatus is capped by the cap 50, the regulation plate 53 is pushed downward in the drawing as shown in FIG. Surface 8
The seal member 57 on the cap plate 52 is urged to swing toward the 8 side.
By contacting the chamfered portions (outer side surfaces) 3C and 4C of the support members 3 and 4, the discharge port 89 located inside thereof is sealed. When the regulation plate 53 is moved to the upper side in the drawing from the capped state, the cap plate 52 is moved to the support member 3
A reaction force is received downward from the ridgeline V of the above, and the swing shaft 54 is rotated in the direction in which the angle between the swing plate 54 and the regulation plate 53 is widened. As a result, the cap plate 52 swings to the position shown in FIG. 17, and the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1 is opened (exposed).

When the recording head 1 is attached to the main body of the recording apparatus, it can be attached as it is with the ejection port 89 exposed as shown in FIG. In addition, the recording head 1
When not attached (at the time of removal), the entire periphery of the discharge port 89 is sealed as shown in FIG. 16 and then removed while being integrated with the cap 50. That is, FIG.
According to the cap 50 of FIG. 17, when the recording head 1 is attached to and detached from the recording apparatus main body, it can be attached and detached in a state of being integrated with the cap 50. Further, the ejection port 89 of the recording head 1 can be sealed and opened very easily with one touch.

18 to 20 are views exemplifying a mechanism for attaching / detaching the recording head (attachment / detachment to / from the recording apparatus main body) when the cap 50 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is used, and FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the head holder on the apparatus main body side, FIG. 19 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cap and the recording head are attached to and detached from the head holder, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view in a different state.

18 to 20, a head holder 60 for removably positioning and holding the long recording head 1 is provided on the ink jet recording apparatus main body side. With respect to the head holder 60, Cap 50
The recording head 1 integrated with is attached and detached (attached and detached). When the recording head 1 is attached to the main body of the recording apparatus, the ejection port 89 is sealed with the cap 50 (capping state), and is inserted from above the head holder 60 and attached. FIG. 19 shows a state immediately after the recording head 1 is inserted (or immediately before being taken out).

The restricting plate 73 of the cap 50 is provided with an abutting portion 62 that abuts the side wall 61 of the head holder 60. When the recording head 1 is further pushed in from the state where the abutting portion 62 is in contact with the side wall 61 (FIG. 19), the cap plate 52 rotates in the opening direction as described above due to the reaction force from the ridge line V of the cap plate 52. As a result, the discharge port 89 is exposed as shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 20, the abutting plate 63 provided on the recording head contacts the side wall 64 of the head holder 60, so that the ejection port forming surface 88 (ejection port 89) of the recording head 1 has a constant height W. Be positioned at. 20 shows a recordable state, and the ejection port forming surface 88 (ejection port 89) is set at a position where an appropriate gap is formed with the recording material.

When the recording head 1 is removed from the recording apparatus main body, first, the recording head 1 is pulled out upward, and the cap plate 52 is brought into contact with the downward surface 65 of the side wall 61 of the head holder 60. Depress 52 downwards. The cap plate 52 is rotated to the position where the discharge port 89 is sealed by the biasing force of the spring 55 (FIG. 15), and the capping state shown in FIG. 19 is again obtained. In this capped state, the recording head 1 together with the cap 50 is pulled out upward from the head holder 60 and removed from the recording apparatus main body. As is apparent from the above, according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS.
By using, the attachment / detachment of the recording head 1 to / from the recording apparatus main body and the sealed opening of the ejection port 89 can be performed easily and surely with one touch.

According to each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 to 20,
A cap 40 that covers the ejection port 89 of the long recording head 1 when the recording device is not attached, and abuts on the outer surface of the support members 3 and 4 while avoiding the ejection port 89 and sealing the ejection port 89.
Since 50 is used, the ejection port 89 (ink ejection unit 2) is protected, and the intrusion and adhesion of impurities to the ejection port 89 are also reliably prevented, so that defective ejection of the ink is surely prevented. The resulting cap and inkjet recording device were obtained. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent ink bleeding and dripping, prevent ink stains in the surrounding area, improve transportability, and facilitate storage,
A cap and ink jet recording device which are extremely easy to handle were obtained. Furthermore, by forming the caps 40 and 50 with an elastic body, a cap and an inkjet recording device that can easily and surely cap even when the long recording head 1 is deformed such as warped can be obtained.

In each of the embodiments described above, in the case of the line type ink jet recording apparatus using the full line type recording means (recording head) 1 in which the ejection openings 89 are formed over the entire width of the recording area of the recording material. However, the present invention is similarly applied to a serial type inkjet recording apparatus that moves (main scanning) along a recording material by mounting the recording unit on a carriage. It is possible to achieve the same effect.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the case of recording with one recording means 1, a color ink jet recording apparatus provided with a plurality of recording means for recording with different colors, or recording with inks of the same color but different densities The same application can be achieved regardless of the number of recording means (recording heads), such as an inkjet recording apparatus for gradation recording using a plurality of recording means, and similar effects can be achieved. Further, the present invention uses a cartridge type recording means (head cartridge) in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrated, or a configuration in which the recording head and the ink tank are separately provided and these are connected by an ink supply pipe or the like. The same can be applied to any form of the recording head and the ink tank such as those described above, and the same effect can be obtained.

The present invention can be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording means (recording head) using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, but among them, thermal energy is used. Then, an excellent effect is brought about in an ink jet recording apparatus which uses a recording means of a method of ejecting ink. This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding the typical structure and principle thereof, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
This is preferably done using the basic principles disclosed in 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type, but particularly in the case of the on-demand type, a liquid (ink) is used.
By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which is stored, which corresponds to the recorded information and causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling. , Generates heat energy in the electrothermal converter to cause film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording means (recording head), and as a result, bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. So effective.

Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make the driving signal into a pulse shape because bubbles can be grown and contracted immediately and appropriately, and thus a liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be ejected. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat.
Those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,633,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Incidentally, US Pat. No. 43131 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface.
If the conditions described in the specification of No. 24 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the discharge port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the straight liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a structure based on Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 138461/1984, which discloses a structure in which the above is associated with the discharge portion. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as one recording head integrally formed. In addition, even with the serial type as in the above example, it is possible to electrically connect to the device body or supply ink from the device body by mounting it on the recording head fixed to the device body or the device body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip type recording head or a cartridge type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means or preliminary auxiliary means to the recording head provided as a constitution of the recording apparatus in the present invention because the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suctioning means, electrothermal converters or heating elements other than these, or preheating means for the recording head. It is also effective to perform stable recording by performing a preliminary discharge mode in which discharge different from recording is performed.

Regarding the type and number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, only one is provided corresponding to a single color ink, or a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities are supported. And a plurality of them may be provided. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode only for mainstream colors such as black,
The recording head may be integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of recording heads may be used, but the present invention is also extremely effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of a mixed color of different colors or a full color of mixed colors.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and that softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet. In the method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is within a stable ejection range. It may be in a liquid form. in addition,
Whether the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively used as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or the ink that solidifies when left standing for the purpose of preventing evaporation of the ink is used. In any case, the ink is liquefied by applying the thermal energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink is ejected,
The present invention is also applicable to the case of using an ink that has a property of being liquefied only by thermal energy, such as one that has already started to solidify when it reaches the recording medium.

The ink in such a case is described in JP-A-54-
As described in JP-A-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, a form in which the electrothermal converter is opposed to a liquid sheet or a solid material held in the recesses or through holes of the porous sheet. May be In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as the form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the one used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function. And the like may be used.

[0087]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the cap of the present invention, when a plurality of recording means are detached from the recording device, the recording means are uniquely engaged with each other so that the recording means Since all the recording means are integrally housed by covering the ink discharge part of the above, it is possible to prevent color mixture of the ink discharge part and damage to the print head when a plurality of print heads having different ink colors are removed from the apparatus main body. Prevention, prevention of impurities from entering and adhering to the ink ejection section,
(EN) Provided is a cap capable of preventing the work place from becoming dirty and improving workability during movement or transportation. In addition to the above configuration,
Since the seal means for contacting the periphery of the discharge port of the recording means to seal the discharge port is provided, the above effect can be achieved more efficiently.

According to another cap of the present invention, when the recording means is not in use, the cap is engaged with the recording means to cover the ink ejecting portion of the recording means and contact the supporting member for supporting the ink ejecting portion. Since it is configured to have a sealing means for contacting and sealing the ejection port, it is possible to prevent external damage of the ink ejection portion,
(EN) Provided is a cap capable of preventing clogging due to invasion and adhesion of impurities at a discharge port, preventing ink stains on an apparatus main body, and improving workability in moving and carrying a recording unit. Further, in addition to the above configuration, since the cap is formed of an elastic body, in addition to the above effects, the above effects can be achieved more efficiently, such as improved capping performance, and deformation such as warpage occurs. It is possible to easily and surely perform the capping even with the recording means.

Further, according to the present invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a plurality of recording means to a recording material, the recording means are uniquely engaged with each other so that the recording means Since the cap that covers all the ink ejecting portions and integrally houses all the recording means is used, it is possible to prevent the color mixture of the ink ejecting portions when a plurality of recording heads having different ink colors are detached from the apparatus main body, and the recording is performed. (EN) An inkjet recording apparatus capable of preventing external damage to a head, preventing impurities from entering and adhering to an ink ejecting portion, preventing stains on a work place, and improving workability during movement and transportation. Further, in addition to the above configuration, since the cap has a sealing unit that abuts the periphery of the ejection port of the recording unit and seals the ejection port, the above effect can be achieved more efficiently.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means onto a recording material, the recording means is engaged with the recording means when the recording means is not in use. Since the cap having the sealing means for covering the ink ejection portion of the recording means and contacting the supporting member for supporting the ink ejection portion to seal the ejection outlet is used, the damage of the ink ejection portion is prevented and the ejection outlet is prevented. There is provided an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing clogging due to invasion and adhesion of impurities, preventing contamination of the apparatus main body with ink, and improving workability in moving and transporting recording means. In addition to the above effects, since the cap is formed of an elastic body, the above effects can be achieved more efficiently, such as improved capping performance, and when the recording means is deformed such as warped. However, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus capable of easily and surely capping.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing an embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of recording means in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing the structure of an ink ejection portion of the recording means in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of a recording unit and a cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the cap in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the cap according to the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 6 when the recording means is engaged and stored.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a main part of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

9 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the recording unit is attached and detached using the cap of FIG.

FIG. 10: Third recording means and cap according to the present invention
It is a typical perspective view showing an example.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the cap in FIG.

FIG. 12: Fourth recording means and cap according to the present invention
It is a typical perspective view of an example.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the recording unit is attached and detached using the cap of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a sixth view of the recording means and the cap according to the present invention.
It is a typical perspective view of an example.

16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a capping state of a recording unit having a cap shown in FIG.

17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the recording unit having the cap shown in FIG. 15 when the ejection port is opened.

18 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a head holder of an inkjet recording apparatus using the recording unit and the cap of FIG.

19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the recording means and the cap of FIG. 16 are being inserted into the head holder of FIG.

20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the recording means and the cap of FIG. 16 are attached to the head holder of FIG. 18 and the ejection port is opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording means (recording head) 2 Ink ejection part 3 Supporting member 3A Discharge port side end face 3B Outer side face 3C Chamfering part 4 Supporting member 4A Discharge port side end face 4B Outer side face 4C Chamfering part 8 Cap 8X Cap end face 9 Head holder 9X head End face of holder 12 Recording operation part 13 Recording head part 15 Conveying part 16 Conveying belt 19 Ink supplying part 20 Storage tank 21 Groove 22 Cap part 23 Protruding part 24 Sealing means (sealing material) 25 Fixing plate 26 Sealing means (hatched part) 27 Sealing means (hatched portion) 28 Projection part 31 Mounting part (head holder) 32 Recovery cap 33 Recovery cap part 40 Cap 40X Cap end face 41 Groove 42 Groove 43 Cap part 44 Projection part 45 Projection part 46 Break line 47 Sealing part (sealing material) ) 48 sealing plate 50 cap 51 Tabo (for mounting cap) 52 Cap plate 53 Control plate 54 Swing shaft 55 Twisting coil spring 56 Vertically elongated hole 57 Sealing means (sealing material) 60 Head holder 61 Side wall (head holder) 62 Abutting part 63 Abutting plate 64 Side wall ( Head holder) 65 Downward surface of side wall 80 Ink 82 Electrothermal converter 88 Ejection port forming surface 89 Ejection port V Ridge line of support member

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location B41J 29/13 8306-2C B41J 3/04 102 Z 9113-2C 29/12 A (72) Inventor Satoshi Uchida 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masaharu Nemura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. When a plurality of recording means are detached from a recording device, the recording means are uniquely engaged with each other,
A cap which covers the ink ejecting portions of the respective recording means and integrally stores all the recording means. 2. The cap according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing unit that abuts around a discharge port of the recording unit to seal the discharge port. 3. When the recording means is not in use, the recording means covers the ink ejection portion of the recording means by engaging with the recording means,
A cap having a sealing means for sealing an ejection port by contacting a supporting member supporting the ink ejection portion. 4. The cap according to claim 3, wherein the cap is formed of an elastic body. 5. In an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a plurality of recording means onto a recording material, the respective recording means cover their ink ejecting portions by engaging uniquely with each recording means. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by using a cap that integrally houses all recording means. 6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cap has a sealing unit that abuts around a discharge port of the recording unit to seal the discharge port. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording means is an ink jet recording means provided with an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for ejecting ink. 8. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording unit ejects the ink from the ejection port by utilizing film boiling generated in the ink by the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter. . 9. An ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means to a recording material, which covers the ink ejecting portion of the recording means by engaging with the recording means when the recording means is not in use. An ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that a cap having a sealing means for contacting a supporting member for supporting the ink ejection portion and sealing the ejection port is used. 10. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cap is made of an elastic material. 11. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording unit is an ink jet recording unit including an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for ejecting ink. 12. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the recording unit ejects the ink from the ejection port by utilizing film boiling generated in the ink by the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter. .