EP0581344B1 - Ink jet recording apparatus, cleaning sheet for the same, and discharge recovery treatment thereof - Google Patents

Ink jet recording apparatus, cleaning sheet for the same, and discharge recovery treatment thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0581344B1
EP0581344B1 EP93201694A EP93201694A EP0581344B1 EP 0581344 B1 EP0581344 B1 EP 0581344B1 EP 93201694 A EP93201694 A EP 93201694A EP 93201694 A EP93201694 A EP 93201694A EP 0581344 B1 EP0581344 B1 EP 0581344B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
paper
ink
cleaning
recording head
recording
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93201694A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0581344A1 (en
Inventor
Nobutoshi C/O Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Mizusawa
Ryuichi C/O Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ebinuma
Yuji C/O Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Chiba
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority claimed from EP88310683A external-priority patent/EP0316198B1/en
Publication of EP0581344A1 publication Critical patent/EP0581344A1/en
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Publication of EP0581344B1 publication Critical patent/EP0581344B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16585—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/17—Cleaning arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2002/1655—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions with wiping surface parallel with nozzle plate and mounted on reels, e.g. cleaning ribbon cassettes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00443—Copy medium
    • G03G2215/00531—Copy medium transported through the apparatus for non-imaging purposes, e.g. cleaning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and a discharge recovery method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, a discharge recovery method, and its cleaning medium, this apparatus having means for recovering its defective discharge or non-discharge, which means includes a sheet-like cleaning medium.
  • An ink jet recording apparatus exhibits a multiplicity of advantages such that noise to be generated during its recording performance can be limited to a satisfactory low level and it can use plain paper at the time of recording.
  • the so-called ON-DEMAND type of ink jet recording apparatus uses a piezoelectric element or a magnetostrictive element each of which is an electromechanical transducing element or an exothermic resistance element which is an electrothermal transducing element. It performs recording by discharging ink from its discharge ports by rapidly applying a pressure to the ink positioned in an energy acting chamber thereof or in the vicinity thereof at the time of performing the recording. It exhibits great advantages in that it does not need to be provided with any means for recovering unnecessary ink or a high potential power source for polarization. The reason for this lies in that it consumes ink only by discharging an ink droplet when needed for performing recording.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus exhibits various advantages. However, it can generate cloggings due to adhesions of dust or paper dust generated from the recording paper, invasion of air bubbles into the inside of the discharge port, or increase in the viscosity of the ink due to the evaporation of the ink positioned in the vicinity of the discharge port. Ink may become dried and solidified.
  • ink jet recording apparatus it is critical for the ink jet recording apparatus to perform proper treatments (abbreviated to ink jet recovery treatment) for the purpose of overcoming these various factors which can deteriorate the recording quality.
  • a method is well known, as the method of recovering the ink jet, that an ink absorber made of a polymeric porous material or the like is pressed to the discharge port (for example, see U.S. Patent No. 4,223,322).
  • this method utilizing a fact that ink which has been brought into contact with the ink absorber is taken out through the jetting port due to a capillary phenomenon, the above-described ink whose viscosity has been increased or the air bubbles can be, together with the thus-taken out ink, discharged outside the discharge port.
  • this method is a method in which the ink absorber is directly brought to abut against or contact the discharge port, it can effectively to act to remove an ink droplet or dust stacked to the end surface of the discharge port in addition to its original action to take out the ink in the discharge port, these ink droplet or dust stacked to the end surface of the discharge port causing non-discharge failures or directional errors through which the ink droplet flies, which error being a so-called slippage.
  • This method can be in major divided into two types, one of which is a method in which the pressure of the ink in the discharge port is increased so as to eject the ink in the vicinity of the discharge port, and another one is a method in which the pressure in the outer portion of the discharge port is decreased so as to absorb the ink in the vicinity of the discharge port.
  • a member for absorbing and accumulating the discharged ink abbreviated to "waste ink” hereinafter).
  • a member for instantaneously absorbing the waste ink discharged from the discharge port a polymeric porous material or the like is used.
  • an accumulating reservoir a so-called a waste liquid tank, which accumulates the waste ink which has been temporarily captured by the absorbing member is generally used.
  • a waste liquid tank which accumulates the waste ink which has been temporarily captured by the absorbing member.
  • this absorbing member has three functions (A) to absorb the ink in the discharge port, (B) to remove an ink droplet or dust at the discharge port, (C) to instantaneously absorb the waste ink which has been forcedly discharged through the discharge port.
  • this absorbing member since such absorbing member has the three functions (A) to (C), it is disposed at the position opposing the discharge port, and is communicated with a waste liquid tank positioned at a predetermined position with a flexible tube or the like.
  • the platen for restricting the recording surface is disposed closely to and opposing the overall range of the provided discharge. Therefore, the platen and the absorbing member need to replace each other at the time of performing the above-described discharge recovery. Furthermore, it is required to bring the absorbing member into abutment against the discharge port.
  • the waste liquid tank since the waste liquid tank has limited capacity, it needs to be provided with a sensor for detecting the fact that the tank has been filled and means for notifying the operator of this fact in order to prevent the overflow of the tank. In addition, the operator needs to replace the full waste liquid tank with a new empty one. Such a changing operation causes a problem in that the operator's hands become contaminated.
  • an ink jet recording apparatus of the kind comprising an ink jet recording head for recording an image on a recording medium; means for conveying a recording medium through a recording zone in relation to but spaced apart from the recording head and for supporting said recording medium at a constant distance from the recording head during a recording mode; means for conveying a cleaning sheet through said recording zone; said means for conveying the cleaning sheet comprising at least part of the means for conveying the recording medium characterized by means for reducing the distance between the recording head and the cleaning sheet including sheet drive means for forming the cleaning sheet into a curved portion bending towards the recording head to bring a surface of the cleaning sheet into contact with said jet recording head during a cleaning mode.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an outline of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
  • reference numeral 1 represents a main body unit portion comprising an upper unit 1a and a lower unit 1b.
  • This upper unit 1a can be arranged to vertically rotate with respect to the lower unit 1b around a hinge or the like.
  • the upper unit 1a is provided with a recording head IJH, electric circuit portion 103, fan 150, discharge roller POR, conveying roller PSR, paper guide 201 and a paper supply roller PFR.
  • the lower unit 1b is provided with a platen PTN, an ink tank 231, paper exhaust tray 9A and idlers PR1 and PR2.
  • the lower unit 1b is provided with a paper cassette accommodating the recording medium at the time of recording or a cassette, to be described later, accommodating the cleaning paper at the time of performing discharge recovery treatment.
  • Reference numeral 5 represents a cover disposed in such a manner that it covers the upper side of the main body unit portion 1. This cover 5 is provided with an operation portion 7 in which command switches 7a and 7b such as ON-LINE SWITCH with the host device H, recording start instruction switch and a discharge recovery treatment starting switch or the like and a display 7c for performing display of modes are disposed.
  • Reference numeral 9 represents a paper exhausting port disposed on one side surface of the apparatus. The recording medium to which recording has been performed is to be stacked on the paper exhaust tray 9A through the paper exhausting port 9.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the inner structure of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 in which a state where the cover 5 of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is removed.
  • symbol IJH represents an ink jet recording head disposed in the vicinity of the paper exhausting port 9, and is arranged to be a so-called full-multi type of ink jet recording head in which discharge port IJO are arranged, at a density of 16/mm, corresponding to the overall width (for example, an A4 size recording paper) of the width (for example, one line recording region) through which recording can be performed in this apparatus.
  • an electromechanical transducing element (not shown) or an electrothermal transducing element not shown is disposed so that discharging energy is applied to the ink in accordance with supply of the driving signal from the host device H corresponding to the image to be recorded.
  • this recording head JIH is disposed in such a manner that the discharge port IJO of each of the liquid flow passes opens vertically downwards.
  • Reference numeral 103 represents a main electric circuit portion of the apparatus according to the present invention which is structured in such a manner that a driver circuit for driving a recording head 101 through a flexible cable 102, power source circuit, control circuit, a circuit in each portion of the apparatus, and an interface circuit with the host device H disposed outside the apparatus are mounted on a substrate 103A.
  • this electric circuit portion 103 is disposed on the same side of the upper unit 1a as the recording head IJH, the ink does not affect the electric circuit portion 103 even if unexpected ink leakage occurs.
  • the ink does not affect the main electric circuit portion 103 of the apparatus since the liquid flow path for the leaked ink is formed in the lower unit 1b and the electric circuit portion 103 is disposed above this liquid flow pass. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this electric circuit portion 103 is disposed higher than the position of each discharge port IJO in the recording head IJH. As a result of this, the ink is further prevented from affecting the electric circuit portion 103.
  • the above-described positional relationship between the electric circuit portion 103 and the discharge ports IJO is not critical.
  • symbol PFR represents a paper supply roller formed by cutting a part of a circular arc, this being a roller for supplying a recording medium S from a cassette 221 for accommodating the recording medium S such as paper, a film or cloth to the recording head IJH.
  • Symbols PSR and POR respectively represent an exhaust roller which is disposed in the passage through which the recording medium is conveyed and positioned in the upper stream to the recording position by the recording head IJH and a paper exhaust roller disposed in the vicinity of the paper exhausting port 9 in the lower stream.
  • These rollers PSR and POR are rotated by a motor 117 with a timing belt 119.
  • the conveying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR are made opposed each other. They convey the recording medium in such a manner that this recording medium is sandwiched with cooperation with the idlers PR1 and PR2 which are elastically supported in the vertical direction in this drawing to the recording position or perform exhausting the same from this recording position to the paper exhausting tray 9A.
  • Reference numeral 201 represents a paper guide disposed on the passage through which the recording medium is conveyed and acts to restrict this passage.
  • Symbol PTn represents a platen disposed so as to oppose the discharge port of the recording head IJH and acts to restrict the recording surface, this platen being able to be moved in the ink discharge direction by a mechanism to be described with reference to Figs. 4, 6 and 7.
  • Symbol PC represents a paper cassette for stacking the recording medium, and however, it is replaced by a cleaning paper cassette CPC for stacking, in a layered manner, sheets CP (called “cleaning paper” hereinafter) made of an ink absorbing material shown in Fig. 3 at the time of performing discharge recovery treatment.
  • the recording medium stacked in the paper cassette PC or the cleaning paper cassette CPC, the recording medium stacked in the cleaning paper cassette CPC and the cleaning paper CP are conveyed below the discharge port of the recording head IJH after they have been individually separated by the paper supplying roller PFR.
  • Reference numeral 231 represents an ink tank serving as the ink supply source to the recording head IJH. It is disposed below the platen PTN and supplies ink to the recording head IJH through a flexible tube 233.
  • Symbols PHS and PRHS represent photosensors of a reflection type for performing jam detection of the recording medium or for detecting the position of the cleaning paper PC.
  • Symbol MSW represents a microswitch which is turned on by a projecting portion PRJ disposed on the side surface of the paper cassette PC.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion in the vicinity of the platen PTN, and illustrating a mechanism for bringing the sheet-like ink absorber to the discharge port in the recording head.
  • symbols BEAM1, BEAM2, BEAM3 and FXB represent beam members: Each of these beam members constitutes a parallel link mechanism by way of being rotatably journalled by either of the two corresponding two pivots PVT or PVTR. An end of the beam member BEAM1 is joined to the platen PTN and the surface of the platen PTN, while an end of the beam member BEAM 3 is rotatably connected with a plunger PLG of a solenoid SND by a pin PIN. Furthermore, an end of the beam member FXB is secured to a frame FM1 of the apparatus.
  • HP1 represents an abutting portion disposed in the recording head IJH
  • symbol SPH represents a head supporting spring which can be brought into contact with both the frame and the recording head IJH.
  • This head supporting spring SPH abuts against the abutting portion HP1 of the recording head IJH by the urging force thereof against a stopper secured to the frame so that the recording head IJH can be always positioned at a predetermined height.
  • it is designed to be deformed when the force applied to the recording head IJH through the cleaning paper to be described later exceeds a predetermined level, for the purpose of preventing breakage of the recording head.
  • the plunger PLG When the solenoid SND is operated, the plunger PLG is retracted in the direction designated by an arrow A in the drawing, while the plunger PTN is, by the link mechanism, moved in the direction designated by an arrow B in the drawing, that is in the direction in which it can be brought into abutment with the discharge orifice IJO disposed on the end surface in the lower portion of the recording head IJH.
  • Symbol SPL represents a compression spring
  • Symbol FDSK represents a flange
  • this compression spring SPL making the flange FDKS brought into abutment with an end of the beam member BEAM3 so that it is interposed between this flange FDSK and the end surface of the solenoid SND is such a manner that it surrounds the plunger PLG.
  • the urging from the compression spring SPL makes the beam member BEAM 3 rotate relative to the pivot PVTR counterclockwise in the drawing, and make a part of the same brought into abutment with the front beam supporting portion HBM of an adjusting screw ADJ1.
  • step S501 If non-discharge occurs in the recording head IJH caused by an increase in the viscosity of the ink or the like, the user pushes a discharge recovering switch disposed in the operation portion 7 for the purpose of performing a discharge recovery treatment. As a result of this, the operative procedure of the discharge recovery treatment starts.
  • the apparatus first it needs to await completion of the recording (steps S501 and S515).
  • step S502 it is determined whether what is inserted is the paper cassette PC or the cleaning paper cassette.
  • step S566 If the switch MSW is turned on, that is, the paper cassette PC is inserted, display means, for example, a display lamp disposed in the operation portion 7 and indicating a fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted is turned on and off (step S516) for the purpose of urging the user to replace between the cleaning paper cassette CPC and the paper cassette PC.
  • display means for example, a display lamp disposed in the operation portion 7 and indicating a fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted is turned on and off (step S516) for the purpose of urging the user to replace between the cleaning paper cassette CPC and the paper cassette PC.
  • display means for example, a display lamp disposed in the operation portion 7 and indicating a fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted is turned on and off (step S516) for the purpose of urging the user to replace between the cleaning paper cassette CPC and the paper cassette PC.
  • the fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted may be notified by display means such as voice or the
  • the paper supplying roller PFR is, similarly to the case where the recording medium is supplied, rotated (step S503) so that the uppermost sheet of the stacked cleaning paper CP in the cassette is separated, and is supplied to the paper supplying roller PSR.
  • the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR are rotated (step S504) so that the cleaning paper CP is supplied in the direction toward the paper exhausting tray 9A (step S517). Then, the front end of the cleaning paper CP passes through the lower portion of the recording head IJH, and it reaches a position below the photosensor PHS so that this photosensor PHS is turned on. In this state, this photosensor PHS acts as means to confirm a fact that the front end of the cleaning paper CP has completely passed the lower portion of the recording head IJH.
  • a controller substantially simultaneously performs the following two operations.
  • the counter value m1 corresponds to the number of pulses for controlling a stepping motor when the motor 117 for driving the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR is a stepping motor.
  • the stepping motor rotates by the degree corresponding to a pulse and thereby the cleaning paper CP is supplied (step S518), the value decreased by one.
  • a controller (omitted from illustration) stops the rotation of the motor 117. Simultaneously with the stoppage of the motor 117, the pump is also stopped (steps S508 and S509).
  • the cleaning paper CP If the pump is operated with the cleaning paper CP stopped, the amount of the waste ink flowed from the discharge orifice immediately exceeds the ink absorption performance of the cleaning paper CP of a thin sheet-shape whereby the ink overflows the cleaning paper CP since the cleaning paper CP cannot absorb the ink, causing contamination of the other component parts.
  • the cleaning paper CP by conveying the cleaning paper CP at the speed at which the flow rate of the waste ink can be completely absorbed, even if the thin sheet-shape ink absorber the above-described problem does not arise. Therefore, by accelerating or decelerating the feeding speed in accordance with the ink absorption performance of the cleaning paper CP, the cleaning paper CP can be further effectively used.
  • the distance through which the cleaning paper CP is fed and which is restricted by the above-described counter value m1 is, can be clearly seen from the above description, corresponds to the region in which the waste ink has been absorbed.
  • the counter value m1 is set to a level which allows a marginal portion in which the waste ink has not been absorbed in the portion behind the waste ink absorbing region.
  • the waste ink which has been once absorbed by the cleaning paper CP adheres to the paper exhausting roller POR when the waste ink absorbed region is exhausted, the above-described marginal portion can absorb the waste ink stacked to this roller POR so that the surface of the exhausting roller POR is cleaned. Therefore, it is preferable for m1 and the length of the cleaning paper CP that the marginal portion can be at least remained by the length corresponding to the circumference of the paper exhausting roller POR.
  • step S510 When rotation of the paper supplying roller PSR is stopped (step S509), the solenoid SND is then operated (step S510) so that the platen PTN is moved in the direction designated by the arrow B through the parallel link mechanism. As a result of this action, the platen PTN sandwiches the cleaning paper CP cooperating with the liquid flow pass IJN in the recording head IJH. As a result of this, the cleaning paper CP is abutted against the discharge orifice IJO.
  • the solenoid SND is brought to an turned-off state after it has operated for a predetermined time period (step S511) so that the cleaning paper CP is separated from the discharge orifice IJO and it restores its original state. As a result of the abutment of the cleaning paper CP against the discharge orifice IJO, the dust or ink stacked which cannot be removed solely by flowing the ink by the operation of the pump can be removed.
  • the cleaning paper CP after it has been released from the abutment is again conveyed by the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR (step S512 and S519).
  • the controller judges that the cleaning paper CP has been exhausted from the paper exhausting port 9 to the outside of the apparatus, and stops the rotation of each of the exhausting rollers POR and the paper supplying roller PSR (step S514). As a result, the discharge recovery treatment is completed.
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion in the vicinity of the platen PTN, and illustrating a mechanism for abutting the sheet-shape ink absorber against the discharge port of the recording head.
  • the similar elements to those shown in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.
  • the link mechanism is constituted by four parts the beam members BEAM 2, BEAM3, FXB and the recording head IJH.
  • an end of the beam member BEAM 3 is joined the plunger PLG of the solenoid SND.
  • the stationary beam member FXB is secured to the frame FM2 of the apparatus, while the front end HBM of the adjusting screw ADJ2 is abutted to a partial portion of the beam member BEAM2. Furthermore, by the presence of the compression spring SPL inserted between the securing portion of the plunger PLG of the beam member BEAM3 and the end surface of the solenoid SND and the flange FDSK, the height adjustment of the recording head IJH at the stationary state is performed.
  • symbol PTNE represents a platen supporting member, and an end thereof is joined perpendicular to the surface of the platen, while another end thereof is joined to the platen supporting spring SPP secured to the apparatus. Furthermore, the platen supporting member PTNE is provided with a butting portion HP2. As a result of this, the platen supporting spring SPP abuts the butting portion HP2 against the stopper STP2 secured to the frame so that the height of the platen PTN is always maintained at a predetermined height. Furthermore, it deforms when the force applied to the recording head through the cleaning paper CP exceeds a predetermined level due to the movement of the recording head IJH in the direction toward the platen PTN so that the breakage of the recording head IJH is prevented.
  • the discharge recovery treatment action by means of the above-described structure is substantially the same as that with the first apparatus.
  • the difference lies in that, as described above, that as an alternative to the movement of the platen PTN, the cleaning paper CP is sandwiched by the discharge port IJO and the platen PTN due to the movement of the recording head so that the discharge port IJO is cleaned.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion in the vicinity of the platen PTN, and illustrating a mechanism for abutting the sheet-shape ink absorber against the discharge port of the recording head according to another arrangement.
  • the similar elements as those shown in Figs. 4 and 6 are given the same reference numeral, and their descriptions are omitted.
  • symbol BND represents a coupling member for integrating the recording head IJH and its discharge port IJO and the platen PTN which restricts the recording surface which opposes the recording head IJH and its discharge port IJO at a predetermined distance by screws SCPH and SCRP. It serves as the component element of the link mechanism similarly to the beam member BEAM1 according to the first apparatus and the recording HEAD IJH according to the second apparatus, and is driven in the direction designated by an arrow in the drawing by a cam to be described later.
  • CAM represents a cam. A partial portion of the beam member BEAM3 is abutted to the surface of this CAM by the urging force of a tension spring SPT. The surface of the CAM is displaced in accordance with the rotation of the motor RVM transmitted through pulleys PRE1 and PRE2 and a belt RBT so that the link mechanism is driven.
  • the motor RVM is rotated by a predetermined degree so the that CAM is driven.
  • the CAM first disposed at the position shown in Fig. 7 lowers its surface in accordance with the rotation of the motor RVM so that a unit comprising the platen PTN and the recording head IJH which are integrated by the coupling member BND is displaced downwards in the direction designated by an arrow in this drawing.
  • the discharge port IJO at the lower end portion of the recording head IJH is abutted against the cleaning paper CP sandwiched by the paper exhausting roller POR and the idler PR2 and the paper supplying roller PSR and the idler PR1.
  • the distance between the recording head IJH and the platen PTN can be significantly easily controlled with respect to the above-described two apparatuses.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, in which a sheet-shaped ink absorber is abutted against the discharge orifice of the recording head.
  • the mechanism for driving the platen PTN and the recording head IJH which are employed in the above-described three apparatuses, is not present.
  • the paper exhausting roller POR and the paper supplying roller paper are rotated at the same speed so as convey the paper preventing float of the recording medium from the platen PTN.
  • the rotation of the paper exhausting roller POR is stopped, but only the paper supplying roller PSR is rotated so as to form a LOOP in the cleaning paper CP so as to make the thus-formed LOOP abut against the discharge orifice IJO of the recording head IJH.
  • the mechanism for giving the platen and the recording head displacement as described in the above-described three apparatuses does not need to be provided to make the cleaning paper CP abut against the discharge orifice of the recording head.
  • Fig. 9A illustrates a conventional paper supplying system.
  • the thus-illustrated system is a system in which a pulley PREO secured to the paper exhausting roller POR and a pulley PRES secured to the paper supplying roller PSR are driven by a motor PFM through a same belt TBLT.
  • the mechanism as shown in Fig. 9B is obtained by adding a new element to the mechanism as shod in Fig. 9A.
  • a belt TBLT1 is a belt which is longer than the belt TBLT shown in Fig. 9A by length ⁇ L.
  • the deflection caused by this length ⁇ L is absorbed by an idler pulley PREI1. That is, the idler pulley PREI1 is rotatably secured to an end of an ARM1 which is rotatably provided relative to a pivot PVT1. Therefore, the pulley PRE1 absorbs the deflection generated in the belt TBLT1 as a result of the abutment of the same to the belt TBLT1.
  • an idler pulley PREI2 which is abutted against the belt TBLT1 between the paper exhausting roller POR and the paper supplying roller PSR is rotatably secured to an end of an ARM 2 which is rotatable secured relative to a pivot PVT2, while the other end of the arm ARM2 is connected to the plunger of the solenoid SND with a plunger pin PIN2.
  • the generation of the deflection ⁇ 1 specifically indicates a fact that the belt is introduced between the pulley PREO and the pulley PRES by length ⁇ l1. Since the pulley PREM and the pulley PREO are not rotated due to the braking effected by the exciting torque by the stepping motor PFM, the length ⁇ l1 of the belt is fed by the rotation of the pulley PRESS in the direction designated by an arrow C in this drawing. Therefore, the paper supplying roller PSR can be rotated with the paper exhausting roller POR stopped so that the LOOP can be formed in the cleaning paper CP. This size of the loop formed in the cleaning paper CP is substantial in proportion to the deflection ⁇ 1. Therefore, the size of the loop can be controlled by, for example, a voltage for driving the solenoid SND.
  • the action of making the cleaning paper against the discharge orifice IJO is conducted once in one discharge recovery treatment operation.
  • the application of the present invention is not limited to this described.
  • the movement of the cleaning paper CP and abutting against the discharge orifice IJO may be performed alternately several times.
  • a control method is described in which the cleaning paper CP is abutted against the discharge orifice IJO after ink has been removed from the discharge orifice IJO by using a pump or the like.
  • a control may be employed in which means for forcedly flowing the ink from the discharge orifice IJO is not used, but only action of abutting the cleaning paper CP against the discharge orifice IJO is performed.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an example of the structure of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, but is different from that shown in Fig. 2. It is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state, similarly to that shown in Fig. 2, the cover 5 of the apparatus is removed.
  • host device H the flexible cable 102, the electric circuit portion 103, the paper supplying roller PFR, the paper exhausting rollers PSR and POR, the paper guide 201, the platen PTN, the paper cassette PC, the cleaning paper cassette CPC, the ink chamber 237, the photosensors PHS and PRHS and the microswitch MSW are the same as that shown in Fig. 2.
  • step S401 If non-discharge is generated in the recording head IJH due to increase in ink or the like, user pushes the discharge recovery switch disposed in the operation portion 7. As a result of this, the operation of the discharge recovery treatment starts.
  • step S401 and S413 In accordance with the state of the microswitch MSW, it is judged whether the paper cassette PC is inserted or the cleaning paper cassette is inserted (step S402).
  • the switch MSW is turned on, that is when the paper cassette PC is inserted, a display lamp disposed in the operation portion 7 and indicating a fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted is turned on and off (step S414). This causes for a user to replace the paper cassette PC by the cleaning paper cassette CPC.
  • voice or the like may be employed to inform the fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC is not inserted.
  • the paper supplying roller PFR is, similarly to the case where the recording medium is supplied, rotated (step S403) so that the uppermost one of the cleaning paper CP stacked in the cassette is separated and is fed to the paper supplying roller PSR.
  • the paper supplying roller PSR rotates at a relatively fast rotational speed n1 (step S404) which cannot disturb the supply of the cleaning paper CP.
  • the cleaning paper CP is fed in the direction toward the paper exhausting tray 9A (step S415).
  • the front end of the cleaning paper CP passes in the lower portion of the recording head IJH, and it reaches below the photosensor PHS so that this photosensor PHS is brought to a turned-on state.
  • the photosensor PHS serves as a means for confirming a fact that the front end of the cleaning paper CP has completely passed in the lower portion of the recording head IJH.
  • a controller (omitted from illustration) simultaneously performs the following three actions. That is,
  • step S416 The distance through which the cleaning paper CP at the rotating number n2 is previously defined by the counter value m1, so that the pump operates while the cleaning paper CP is fed through this distance. Therefore, when the waste ink is flowed from the discharge port by the pressure of the pump, the cleaning paper CP is conveyed (step S416) by the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR which are rotated at a relatively slow rotating number n2.
  • the counter value m1 is set to the level that allows for a residual marginal region after the region in which the waste ink has been absorbed in this cleaning paper CP.
  • the waste ink once absorbed by the cleaning paper CP is adhered to the paper exhausting roller POR.
  • the thus-provided marginal portion can absorb the waste ink adhered to this roller POR so that the surface of the paper exhausting roller POR is cleaned. Therefore, it is preferable to set the m1 and the length of the cleaning paper CP in such a manner that at least the length of the marginal portion corresponding to the outer circumference of the paper exhausting roller POR can be remained.
  • step S411 When the rear end of the cleaning paper CP conveyed by the paper exhausting roller POR rotated at the rotating number of n1 separates from the paper exhausting roller POR and passes through the photosensor PRHS, this photosensor PRHS is changed in its state from turned-on state to the turned-off state (step S411). Therefore, the controller judges that the cleaning paper CP has been discharged from the discharge port 9 so that it stops the rotation of the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR (step S412). In this state, the recovery treatment is completed.
  • non-discharge recovery treatment in which ink adjacent to the discharge port can be easily forcedly discharged without any necessity of major change of the conventional paper conveyance system can be performed. Furthermore, since the control is so constituted that the cleaning paper CP to be discharged is provided with the marginal portion, the paper conveyance system can be always kept clean since the surface of the roller is cleaned when the marginal portion passes through even if ink is adhered to the paper exhausting roller POR when the region of the cleaning paper CP in which the waste ink has been absorbed is conveyed.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which the present invention is applied to an apparatus into which two cassettes can be inserted, although, in the above-described apparatuses and embodiment, the apparatus comprises only one cassette insertion portion.
  • the elements similar to those shown in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the descriptions for them are omitted.
  • An projection PRJ1 of the cassette for the recording paper is provided on the bottom of the cassette in this embodiment.
  • symbol CPC represents a cleaning paper cassette which accommodates the cleaning paper CP.
  • This drawing shows a state where a lower stage of the two insertion ports, into which paper cassettes of different sized paper such as A3 size and A4 size can be inserted, is loaded with the cassette CPC.
  • the cleaning paper cassette CPC can be inserted into the upper stage of the same.
  • a fact that the cleaning paper cassette CPC has been inserted into either of the stages is judged in accordance with the signal from the microswitch MSW1 or MSW2.
  • the completely similar treatment to that can be conducted in the above-described apparatuses and embodiment can be conducted only by pushing the recovery treatment button without any necessity of replacing the paper cassette PC and the cleaning paper cassette CPC at every discharge recovery operation.
  • the present invention is not limited to this description. It may, of course, be structured in such a manner that the cleaning paper CP is accommodated in, for example, an exclusive disposal cassette so as to be inserted into an port through which the cleaning paper cassette is inserted exclusively.
  • the cleaning paper CP from the cassette may be by one by one supplied to the paper feeding path.
  • the structure for manual paper supply may be conventional.
  • the structure in which a manual paper supplying portion is formed using the upper cover of the cassette or another structure in which a manual paper supplying tray is provided at the other portion of the recording paper cassette may be employed.
  • the necessity for the present invention is to bringing the cleaning paper, to be conveyed, contact with the recording head while bringing the recording paper, to be conveyed, into non-contact with the same.
  • means of moving the head, means of moving the platen, and arranging the path for the cleaning paper to be different from that for the recording paper by way of forming a loop or utilizing the displacement of the other guide members are, of course, effective upon the present invention.
  • steps S501 to S505 The same portions as those in the treatment procedure shown in steps S501 to S505, and steps S515 to S517 shown in Fig. 5, namely, steps S601 to S605 and steps S612 to S614 are omitted from description.
  • step S605 When the front end of the cleaning paper CP reaches below the photosensor PHS and thereby this photosensor PHS is brought into a turned on state (step S605), the controller (omitted from illustration) stops rotation of the paper supplying roller PSR (step S606).
  • step S606 the solenoid SND is operated (step S607), so that the platen PTN is moved in direction designated by an arrow B in Fig. 5 with the link mechanism.
  • the platen PTN has the cleaning paper CP sandwiched between the recording head IJH and the nozzle IJN.
  • the cleaning paper CP is abutted against the discharge port IJO.
  • the solenoid SND becomes a turned-off state after operating for a predetermined time period (step S608).
  • the cleaning paper CP is separated from the discharge port IJO and is restored to its original state.
  • dust or ink adhered which cannot be removed solely by flowing ink by a pump action can be removed.
  • the cleaning paper which has been thus-released from abutment is again conveyed by the paper supplying roller PSR and the paper exhausting roller POR (steps S609 and S615).
  • this photosensor PRHS is changed in its state from the turned-on state to the turned off state (step S610).
  • the controller judges that the cleaning paper CP has been discharged from the discharge port 9 so that it stops rotation of the paper exhausting roller POR and the paper supplying roller PSR (step S611). In this state, the recovery treatment is completed.
  • Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the operative procedure of such discharge recovery treatment. The portions which are the same as those in the procedure shown in Fig. 11 or Fig. 12 are omitted from description.
  • a,pressurizing means such as pump is operated for a time period during the conveyance of the cleaning paper CP by the amount corresponding to the counter value m1 for the purpose of flowing the ink whose viscosity has been increased or air bubbles, as a result of which, the waste ink is discharged (steps S706 and S718).
  • the conveyance of the cleaning paper CP is stopped with a predetermined marginal portion remained (steps S707, S708 and S709), the solenoid SND shown in Fig.
  • step S710 the platen PTN is moved in the direction designated by an arrow B with the link mechanism.
  • the cleaning paper CP disposed between the discharge port IJO and the platen PTN is abutted against the discharge port IJO.
  • a control may be constituted by conducting alternately the movement of the cleaning paper CP and abutment of the same against the discharge port several times.
  • the conveyance of the cleaning paper CP is stopped when the cleaning paper CP is abutted against the discharge port
  • the present invention is not limited to this description.
  • a control may be employed in which the conveying speed is reduced and the cleaning paper CP slides along the discharge port IJO so as to remove ink droplets or dust.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates an example of the detailed structure of the portion in the vicinity of the platen PTN.
  • the platen PTN is supported by a platen supporting member PLE containing a butting portion HP2 to be abutted against a stopper STP2 secured to the frame of the main body.
  • the platen supporting member PLE is pushed upward by a platen supporting spring SPP in the upward direction in this drawing so as to press the butting portion HP2 against the stopper STP2 for the purpose of securing the height of the platen PTN.
  • the interval between the platen PTN and the recording head IJH at the time of performing recording is secured to 1mm.
  • Symbols PG1 and PG2 represent guides for guiding the recording medium and the absorbing sheet ABS to the position below the discharge port of the recording head IJH. They are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the vertical central line of this drawing, that is, they are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the recording head IJH in the lower stream of the conveying path and the upper stream of the same. Therefore, they can be structured in such a manner that they can guide the recording medium or the absorbing sheet ABS from any direction as the right (upper stream side, that is the paper supply side on which the paper cassette is present) and the left (lower stream side, that is, the exhaust side on which the paper exhausting tray 9A is present).
  • Symbols PHS, PRHS and PTHS represent photosensors of a, for example, reflection type for performing detecting a jam in the recording medium or for detecting the position of the absorbing sheet ABS to be conveyed. They are made white or approximate white. That is, when the same confronts a recording medium or an absorbing sheet having a reflectance exceeding a predetermined level, it becomes an turned-on state.
  • Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate two examples of absorbing sheets which can be applied to this apparatus.
  • the absorbing sheet shown in Fig. 16A is made of, for example, a polymer absorber (for example, "Beleater” (Registered Trademark) manufactured by Kanebo Ltd).
  • the width W is made corresponding to the full-multi type of recording head IJH shown in Figs. 2 or 4.
  • the thickness of the same is changed along the paper conveyance direction. For example, it is 0.5 mm at the front end portion, while it is 1.2 mm in its relatively thick portion.
  • the structure is constituted in such a manner that a polymer absorber similar to that shown in Fig. 16A is stacked on paper similar to the recording medium or on a thin sheet TFL such as "MYLAR" (Registered Trademark) sheet.
  • the front end portion of the same is made in a lead portion LEAD in which the polymer absorber is removed and the thin sheet TFL such as paper appears.
  • the thickness of the portion in which the polymer absorber is stacked can be made, for example, 1.2mm, too.
  • Fig. 17 illustrates an example of the structure of a discharge recovery treatment mechanism, that is, the control system of each of the portions for performing the discharge recovery treatment.
  • Reference numeral 1000 represents a control portion comprising a CPU for controlling each of the portions in accordance with the treatment procedure shown in Fig. 18 to be described later and a ROM storing a program which corresponds to the above treatment procedure.
  • This control portion 1000 may be integrated with the main control portion of the apparatus 1 for controlling each of the portions shown in Fig. 1, 2 or 10.
  • Reference numeral 780 represents recovery treatment means for performing the recovery treatment by discharging ink from the recording head IJH. It may comprise, for example, a structure having a pump and its driving members, this pump supplies ink with its pressure from the ink chamber 231 to the recording head IJH and presses the inner portion of the same so as to forcedly discharge ink from all of the discharge ports IJO. Alternatively, it may be an element performing recording by driving all of the discharge energy generating elements similar to the conventional recording.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates an example of a discharge recovery treatment procedure. The operation of the the recovery action will be described with reference to this drawing.
  • step S801 when the recording medium is discharged from the discharge port 9 and thus the recording operation is completed, the flow becomes a command-waiting state in steps S802 and S803 after a predetermined time period, for example, substantially two seconds has passed.
  • This state is a state in which all of the photosensors PHS, PRHS and PTHS are turned off and recording instruction (step S802) or a command on recovery treatment is waited.
  • step S802 when a recording command is given in response to the operation of the recording start command switch or the like, the flow shifts to step S801.
  • a recording command is given in response to the operation of the recording start command switch or the like, the flow shifts to step S801.
  • step S804. when the absorbing sheet ABS is inserted from the paper discharge port 9 with its thin portion made first and its front end portion abuts against the intersection between the paper exhausting roller POR and the idler PR2, the photosensor PRHS is turned on so that the flow is shifted to step S804. That is, in this state, the control portion 1000 judges that the recovery treatment has been required by the operator and it performing the recovery treatment sequence from step S804.
  • step S804 the motor 117 is started, and the conveying port roller POR and the conveying roller PSR to be rotated in synchronous with the motor 117 are rotated.
  • the direction of rotation of it is made inverse to the direction at the time of recording action.
  • the absorbing sheet ABS inserted from the paper exhausting port 9 is fed to the recording head IJH. Since the thickness of the front end portion of the absorbing sheet ABS is, as described, thin; 0.5mm, it can be conveyed along the guide PG2 and can be easily made pass below the discharge port of the recording head IJH.
  • the control portion 1000 judges that the absorbing sheet ABS is positioned below the discharge port IJO of the recording head IJL depending upon the fact that the photosensors PHS and PTHS are turned on (step S805).
  • step S806 the recovery treatment means 780 is driven, and, for example, a pump is started so as to increase the pressure of the ink in the recording head IJH so that air bubbles or ink whose viscosity has been increased is made flow from the discharge port IJO.
  • the waste ink discharged from the discharge port IJO is instantaneously absorbed by the absorbing sheet ABS.
  • the time for which the recovery treatment means 780 is driven can be optionally determined in accordance with the performance of the pump, the resistance of the ink supplying path and the discharge port, and the viscosity of the ink. In this apparatus, it is set to substantially 0.5 sec to 1 sec.
  • the thick portion (in this apparatus, it is 1.2mm) of the absorbing sheet ABS reaches below the discharge port IJO of the recording head IJH, and it is brought into contact with the discharge port IJO as shown in Fig. 15.
  • the ink droplets or dust adhered to the end surface adjacent to the discharge port IJO can be removed.
  • the platen PTN is supported by the platen supporting spring SPP, it can prevent a fact that an excessively large force is applied to the recording head IJH by deflection of this spring SPP even if an excessively thick sheet or hard sheet has been introduced.
  • the control portion 1000 judges a fact that the amount of conveyance has reached a predetermined level after the absorbing sheet ABS has passed the photosensor PTHS. It can be conducted, for example, depending upon the time after the affirmation has been made with considering the conveying speed or the like. Or it can be controlled by a control pulse if a pulse motor is employed as the motor 117. After the predetermined amount of conveyance has been completed, the motor 117 is forward rotated in step S808 so that the absorbing sheet ABS is discharged from the apparatus. Thus, the recovery operation is completed, and the flow returns to step S802.
  • the structure is described in which the absorbing sheet ABS is inserted from the conveyance port 9 of the apparatus and it is exhausted from the exhausting port 9.
  • the structure may be formed in such a manner that the absorbing sheet ABS is stacked and accommodated in the cassette similar to the recording medium, and this absorbing sheet ABS is conveyed from the cassette similarly to the time of recording. Next, it is fed to the position confronting the discharge port IJO of the recording head IJH by using the conveying path of the recording medium. Then the recovery treatment described in the embodiments is performed and this absorbing sheet ABS is discharged from the conveyance port 9.
  • Fig. 19 is a partial broken cross-sectional view illustrating the detail of the cleaning paper cassette CPRC.
  • the internal structure comprises two layers constituted by a stocking portion CPSP for stocking un-used cleaning paper CP and a used cleaning paper stocking portion CPRSP for accommodating used cleaning paper CPR.
  • An opening through which used cleaning paper CPR is introduced can be opened/closed by a cover FTA.
  • the cover FTA is urged by the urging force of the spring SPF in the direction to close the opening.
  • a guide pin GP projected laterally from a guide arm of the cover FTA and a cover guide FGD provided on the main body of the apparatus are, relating to the operation of this apparatus, engaged with each other in accordance with the insertion operation of this apparatus.
  • the cover FTA is moved downward along a guide groove FGH against the urging force of the leaf spring SPF to an open position.
  • Fig. 20A illustrates a state where the cleaning paper cassette CPRC is mounted on the main body of the apparatus and the cleaning paper CP is drawn out from the cassette CPRC.
  • the cover FTA is opened by the engagement realized by the cover guide FGD provided for the main body of the apparatus and the guide pin GP in accordance with the insertion action of this mounting in the direction designated by an arrow in this drawing.
  • symbol CHGG represents a paper path changing guide fitted to the shaft of a rotary solenoid RSND. It stops in two states as shown in Fig. 20A and 20B in accordance with the rotation of the rotary solenoid RSND so that different paper paths are formed.
  • Symbol PHE represents an end sensor in the form of a photosensor for detecting the rear end portion of the subject to be conveyed. In particular, it is used for detecting the rear end of the cleaning paper.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates an example of the structure of the discharge recovery treatment mechanism, that is, the control system of each of the portion related to the discharge treatment according to this embodiment.
  • reference numeral 1001 represents a control portion comprising a CPU for controlling each of the portion and in accordance with the treatment procedure shown in Fig. 22 to be described later and a ROM for storing the program corresponding to the treatment procedure of it.
  • This control portion 1001 may be integrated with the main control portion of the main body 1 of the apparatus for controlling each of the portions shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10.
  • Reference numeral 700 represents starting means for starting a discharge recovery treatment to be described later with reference to Fig. 22.
  • it may be formed in a switch provided in the operation portion 7.
  • it may be formed in such a manner that the power source of the apparatus is turned on or the same is started every predetermined time.
  • Reference numeral 750 represents notifying means for urging the operator to replace the paper cassette by the cleaning paper cassette CPRC.
  • it may be formed in a display device provided in the operation portion 7.
  • it may be in the form of a buzzer or the like to inform this.
  • Reference numeral 112 represents a motor for driving the paper supplying roller PFR.
  • Reference numeral 780 represents recovery treatment means for making the recording head IJH discharge ink so as to perform recovery treatment.
  • it may be formed by a structure comprising a pump and its driving members, this pump conveying ink with its pressure from the ink chamber 231 to the recording head IJH, and it pressurizes the internal portion of the same for the purpose of forcedly discharging ink from all of the discharge ports.
  • a structure may be formed in such a manner that all of the discharge energy generating elements are, similarly to the time of conventional recording, driven.
  • Fig. 22 illustrates an example of the discharge recovery treatment procedure according to this embodiment. The operation of the recovery treatment will be described with reference to this drawing.
  • step S901 it is judged whether the paper cassette is inserted or the cleaning paper cassette is inserted depending upon the state of the microswitch MSW (step S902). If the switch MSW is turned off, that is the paper cassette is inserted, this fact is notified by the notifying means 750 in step S903. That is, for example, the display device provided in the operation portion 7 is turned on and off so as to notify that the cleaning paper cassette is not inserted. As a result, it is urged for the operator to replace the paper cassette by the cleaning paper cassette.
  • step S902 when insertion of the cleaning paper cassette CPRC is confirmed, the motor 112 is, similarly to the case where the recording medium is supplied at the time of usual recording, driven in step S904. As a result of this, the paper supplying roller PFR is rotated once so that the uppermost one of the cleaning paper CP stacked in the cassette CPRC is separated and fed in the conveying roller PSR. Simultaneously the motor 117 is forward rotated in step S905 so that the conveying roller PSR is driven. In this state, the paper path changing guide CHGG is at a position as shown in Fig. 20A.
  • the rotary solenoid RSND is, in step S907, driven so that the paper path changing guide CHGG is set to the position shown in Fig. 20B.
  • the rotation of the motor 117 is reversed in step S908 so that the cleaning paper CP is conveyed reversedly.
  • the recovery treatment means 780 is, in step S909, driven, that is, for example, a pump is started so that the pressure of the ink in the recording head IJH is increased.
  • ink whose viscosity has been increased, air bubbles, or dust adjacent to the discharge port IJO is discharged from the discharge port IJO.
  • the cleaning paper CP can be fed at the speed at which it can sufficiently absorb the flowed ink from the discharge port IJO. Then, the front end portion of it (the rear end portion at the time of forward conveyance) abuts surface FA (see Fig. 20B) of the paper path changing guide CHCG so that the same is introduced to the used-cleaning paper storing portion CPRSP via the opening OPA. During this conveyance process, the recovery treatment means 780 is stopped so as to remain a proper marginal portion in the cleaning paper CP.
  • the surface of the paper supplying roller PSR which can be contaminated by ink can be cleaned by the residual marginal or blank portion in the following conveyance process.
  • step S910 the drive of the rotary solenoid RSND is released in step S910 so that the paper path changing guide CHGG is lowered, and is again restored to the position shown in Fig. 20A. Furthermore, the motor 117 is stopped in step S911 so that the rotation of each of the rollers is stopped. In step S912, the notifying means 750 is used, and thus the completion of the discharge recovery treatment is notified. If the replacement treatment is urged in step S803 by turning on and off of the display device in the operation portion 7 and it is turned on during the recovery treatment, the fact of the completion can be notified by turning off the display device.
  • the cleaning paper cassette (used cassette) in which the cleaning paper CP accommodated in the storing portion CPSP thereof has been completely used
  • it may be, of course, used again by user's action of abolishing the used cleaning paper CPR and supplying the cleaning paper CP.
  • It is effective to manufacture the cassette at a low cost so as to make it disposal type or return the used cassette to the dealer when a new cassette is purchased by the user and reproduce the used cassette by the purchaser. With this system, the waste liquid can be prevented from being contacted by the users.
  • the time at which the used cassette needs to be replaced can be made automatically since the cassette CPRC is structured by integrating the storing portion CPSP for storing the unused cleaning paper and the storing portion CPRSP for storing the used cleaning paper CPR.
  • the structure is formed in such a manner that the cassette mounting portion in the main body of the apparatus is made a single type and thereby the paper cassette and the cleaning paper cassette are replaced to each other at the time of recording action/restoring action.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Impression-Transfer Materials And Handling Thereof (AREA)
EP93201694A 1987-11-11 1988-11-11 Ink jet recording apparatus, cleaning sheet for the same, and discharge recovery treatment thereof Expired - Lifetime EP0581344B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (13)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP28308987 1987-11-11
JP283090/87 1987-11-11
JP28309087 1987-11-11
JP283091/87 1987-11-11
JP283089/87 1987-11-11
JP28309187 1987-11-11
JP303287/87 1987-12-02
JP30328787 1987-12-02
JP30328887 1987-12-02
JP303288/87 1987-12-02
JP281395/88 1988-11-09
JP63281395A JP2705956B2 (ja) 1987-11-11 1988-11-09 シート状クリーニング媒体を記録領域に搬送する機構を備えたインクジェット記録装置および該装置に採用される吐出回復処理方法および前記装置に用いられるクリーニングシート
EP88310683A EP0316198B1 (en) 1987-11-11 1988-11-11 Ink jet recording apparatus with cleaning mode

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88310683.3 Division 1988-11-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0581344A1 EP0581344A1 (en) 1994-02-02
EP0581344B1 true EP0581344B1 (en) 1996-03-06

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EP93201694A Expired - Lifetime EP0581344B1 (en) 1987-11-11 1988-11-11 Ink jet recording apparatus, cleaning sheet for the same, and discharge recovery treatment thereof

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JP3434632B2 (ja) * 1995-11-07 2003-08-11 富士写真フイルム株式会社 感熱画像記録装置
JP3602254B2 (ja) * 1996-04-30 2004-12-15 富士写真フイルム株式会社 感熱画像記録装置
EP0833038A3 (en) * 1996-08-28 1999-01-27 Riso Kagaku Corporation Method for cleaning thermal printing head
FR2832941B1 (fr) * 2001-11-30 2004-09-24 Gemplus Card Int Nettoyage de tetes de jet de matiere
US6957881B2 (en) 2004-01-20 2005-10-25 Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. Inkjet printer
CN101032043B (zh) * 2004-09-30 2011-06-08 住友电气工业株式会社 非水电解质电池用引线和非水电解质电池
JP2007125814A (ja) * 2005-11-04 2007-05-24 Olympus Corp インクジェット記録装置
JP4788299B2 (ja) * 2005-11-09 2011-10-05 セイコーエプソン株式会社 キャッピングシート及び液体噴射装置
US7445311B2 (en) 2005-12-05 2008-11-04 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Printhead maintenance station having maintenance belt
ATE520531T1 (de) * 2005-12-05 2011-09-15 Silverbrook Res Pty Ltd Druckkopfwartungsstation mit wartungsband
JP4992997B2 (ja) * 2010-05-21 2012-08-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 画像形成装置および像担持体のクリーニング方法
JP5434878B2 (ja) * 2010-10-04 2014-03-05 ブラザー工業株式会社 インクジェット記録装置及びこれに設けられた保護部材の清掃方法
JP6103864B2 (ja) * 2011-10-20 2017-03-29 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置及びキャリッジ清掃方法

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FR2510040A1 (fr) * 1981-07-21 1983-01-28 Philips Nv Cassette munie d'un dispositif d'obturation et d'un dispositif de nettoyage et destinee a une imprimante operant par jet d'encre
US4369456A (en) * 1981-08-26 1983-01-18 Pitney Bowes Inc. Cleaning device for writing heads used in ink jet recorders and printers
JPS6049985A (ja) * 1983-08-30 1985-03-19 Ricoh Co Ltd サ−マルヘッドのクリ−ニング方法

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EP0581344A1 (en) 1994-02-02
JP2705956B2 (ja) 1998-01-28

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