JP2001071519A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve space efficiency, to reduce costs, to improve a throughput of this recorder, to prevent defective ejection of ink and occurrence of kink caused by erroneous suction because of a foreign material and by mixing of dye ink and a treatment liquid and to improve quality of a recorded image and reliability of this recorder. SOLUTION: Flexible blades 117, 118, 1119 for cleaning an ejection nozzle face of a recording head 8 and cleaners 117a, 118a for cleaning caps 112, 113 for covering the ejection nozzle face are provided to a common holding member 1170 such that they are opposed with each other, thereby cleaning the ejection nozzle face and cap at the same time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means onto a recording medium.

[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 such as a composite electronic device including a computer or a word processor, or a workstation, is based on paper based on the recording information. An image (including characters and symbols) is recorded on a recording medium (recording material) such as a cloth, a plastic sheet, and an OHP sheet. The recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type and the like according to a recording method.

[0003] In a serial type recording apparatus that performs recording while performing main scanning in a direction crossing the recording medium conveyance direction (paper feeding direction and sub-scanning direction), a recording means mounted on a carriage that moves along the recording medium. An image is recorded (main scanning) by a (recording head), a predetermined amount of paper is fed (pitch conveyance as a sub-scanning) after printing of one line is completed, and then the next recording medium is stopped again. By repeating the operation of printing (main scanning) the image of the row, the printing of the entire printing medium is performed. On the other hand, in a line-type printing apparatus that performs printing only by sub-scanning in the transport direction of a printing medium, the printing medium is set at a predetermined printing position, and printing is performed for one line at a time, and then a predetermined amount of paper is printed. The entire recording medium is recorded by repeating the operation of performing the feed (pitch feed) and recording the next line collectively.

Among them, an ink jet type recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by ejecting ink from a recording means (recording head) to a recording medium. High-definition images can be recorded at high speed, and can be recorded on plain paper without requiring special processing.The running cost is low and the non-impact method reduces noise,
In addition, there is an advantage that it is easy to record a color image using various types of inks (for example, color inks).

As an energy generating element for generating energy used for discharging ink from a discharge port of an ink jet recording head, an element using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, or heating by irradiating an electromagnetic wave such as a laser. Then, an ink droplet is ejected by the heat generation function, or a liquid is heated by an electrothermal converter having a heat generating resistor. Among them, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) that discharges ink as droplets using thermal energy can perform high-resolution recording because discharge ports can be arranged at high density. In particular, among them, a recording head using an electrothermal transducer element as an energy generating element can be easily miniaturized, and IC technology and micro-machining technology, which are remarkable in recent advances in technology in the field of semiconductors and remarkable improvement in reliability. This is advantageous because the advantages of the above can be fully utilized, high-density mounting is easy, and the manufacturing cost is low.

There are various requirements for the material of the recording medium (recording material). In recent years, developments in response to these requirements have progressed, and paper (including thin paper and processed paper) and ordinary recording media have been developed. Other than resin thin plate (OHP etc.), cloth,
Recording devices using leather, nonwoven fabric, metal, or the like as a recording medium have also been used.

[0007] The face surface (the surface facing the recording medium,
A discharge port for discharging ink is formed on the discharge port surface), and the size of the discharge port is on the order of several tens of microns. The ink jet recording apparatus operates to discharge ink from the discharge port based on a discharge signal processed in the apparatus in accordance with data sent from the host.

However, in the ink jet recording apparatus, since the ink is ejected from the small ejection port as described above,
The ink near the discharge port is dried and solidified (fixed) depending on the environmental humidity, etc., and the ink discharge performance (including non-discharge) when the next discharge signal comes is deteriorated, and the image quality is significantly deteriorated. There is. In order to prevent such inconvenience, when printing is not performed, the cap is brought into contact with the discharge port surface of the recording head with an appropriate pressing force to shut off (close) the discharge port from the outside air.

On the other hand, since clogging of the discharge port cannot be completely prevented even by such capping means, when ink sticks near the discharge port, a negative pressure is generated on the cap pressed against the discharge port surface. A negative pressure is applied to the inside of the cap by connecting a source (suction pump, etc.), and the negative pressure sucks ink from the discharge port to destroy the fixed layer of ink, thereby refreshing the ink near the discharge port. Elimination of clogging and recovery of ink ejection performance have been performed. As the suction pump in this case, a cylinder-piston type and a tube pump type are used. The cylinder-piston type generates a negative pressure as the piston moves, and is characterized in that a large negative pressure is obtained. The tube pump type generates a negative pressure by the restoring force of the tube itself when the tube is squeezed by a roller.

Further, even during recording, not all the ejection ports of the recording head eject ink, and some ejection ports may not eject ink at all for a certain period of time. And
During recording, the ejection openings are exposed to the air speed (wind speed) corresponding to the recording speed, so that the ink in the ejection openings is easily dried, and an ink fixing layer is easily generated in the ejection openings. In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary to refresh the ink discharge unit by discharging ink from all the discharge ports or some of the discharge ports when printing is continuously performed for a certain period of time. Such ejection for the purpose is referred to as preliminary ejection (preliminary ejection), and the cap is also used as an ink receiving portion for receiving ink discharged by this preliminary ejection. In this case, a system is employed in which the pump is operated to suction and discharge the preliminary discharge ink in the cap when the amount of discharge ink preliminary discharge into the cap reaches a certain amount. As described above, there are roughly three functions of the cap of the ink jet recording apparatus.

On the other hand, recently, it is required to increase the density of black, increase the color, increase the definition, and increase the water resistance of the recorded image, and the form of the recording head has changed accordingly. In general, a serial inkjet recording apparatus mounts a recording head on a carriage, forms dots on recording paper (recording medium) with the recording head according to the reciprocating movement of the carriage, and determines the main scanning direction of the reciprocating movement of the carriage and the paper feed. A recorded image is formed by recording a dot matrix in the sub-scanning direction. Depending on the recording image required at this time,
The number of print heads mounted on the carriage or the number of print heads used are selected.

In general, when it is desired to form a high quality image at low cost, only one recording head can be mounted on the carriage, and the user operates the recording apparatus while replacing a plurality of types of recording heads one by one according to the recorded image. Thus, a high-quality image is formed. For example, if you want to perform color recording while increasing the density of black, attach a recording head that uses pigment ink with a higher density than the dye to the carriage during black recording, and replace it with a recording head that uses color ink during color recording. I do. Here, since it is difficult to realize a color recording head using pigment ink, dye ink is used in the color recording head. In that case,
Since the carriage has one recording head attachment point, the cap is also provided at one location corresponding to the recording head attachment point. That is, the same cap contacts both the recording head using the pigment ink and the recording head using the dye ink.

As another example, when black recording which does not normally require water resistance is performed at a high speed and color recording is also performed at a moderate speed, two recording heads of a black recording head and a color recording head are mounted on a carriage. In such a configuration, when it is desired to record a water-resistant black image or a water-resistant color image, two carriages provided on a carriage for mounting two recording heads are used. By inserting a head filled with a processing solution that provides water resistance into one of the head insertion pockets and inserting a black recording head or a color recording head into the other head insertion pocket, water-resistant black is obtained. It is configured to form an image or a color image. Here, the head for discharging the processing liquid does not form an image,
In the present specification, for the sake of convenience (for simplicity), a head that discharges this processing liquid is also referred to as a “recording head” or “recording means” according to a head that discharges black ink or color ink.

In such a configuration, two caps are provided corresponding to the two head insertion pockets provided on the carriage, and each cap is pressed against each recording head. I have. However,
In this configuration, the cap pressed against the head filled with the processing liquid may be pressed against the black or color head, which causes the following inconvenience.

The first disadvantage is as follows. That is, since the cap is opened during recording, foreign matter may adhere to the cap. When foreign matter adheres to the cap, foreign matter is interposed between the ejection opening surface of the recording head and the cap when the cap is pressed against the recording head,
The degree of sealing in the cap is reduced, the ink at the discharge ports is fixed and clogged, and the image is significantly deteriorated due to defective discharge (including non-discharge). Alternatively, when the ink at the discharge port is stuck and clogged, the sealing degree is significantly reduced, the negative pressure generated by the pump does not act on the discharge port surface, and the discharge performance of the recording head does not recover forever. Fall into a state of destiny. Further, even if foreign matter is buried in the discharge port, it causes a discharge failure. Even if a negative pressure is applied to the discharge port surface by a pump, the buried foreign matter cannot be removed. A catastrophic condition where the performance does not recover.

The second disadvantage is as follows. That is, the properties of the pigment ink and the dye ink are considerably different, and the pigment particles are much larger than the dye, and the viscosity of the pigment ink is higher than that of the pigment ink. When the cap is pressed against the ejection port surface of the recording head using the dye ink, the pigment ink enters the ejection port of the dye ink head through the cap or adheres to the periphery of the ejection port, causing non-ejection. May cause twisting.

The third disadvantage is as follows. In other words, the properties of the processing liquid and the black ink or color ink are quite different, and the processing liquid is transparent or light-colored, and is a liquid that insolubilizes the coloring material of the black ink or color ink with respect to the solvent. When the cap that is in pressure contact with the discharge port surface of the processing liquid for improving the processing pressure is pressed against the discharge port surface of the black ink or the color ink head, the two are mixed to form a high-viscosity ink, and this ink becomes black ink. Alternatively, if the ink adheres to the discharge port surface of the color ink and penetrates into the discharge port, or adheres to the periphery of the discharge port, non-discharge or deflection occurs, and the image quality is significantly reduced. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to provide a cleaning means dedicated to the cap. However, in this case, in addition to the original cleaning means provided for cleaning the ejection port surface of the recording head, additional cleaning means is provided. As a result, the configuration around the head becomes complicated.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a main part of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of cleaning means for different purposes. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the recording means (recording head) 306 and the recovery system 317. In the configuration of FIG. 8, one recording head 306 is mounted on the carriage 314 and one recovery head 317 is mounted on the recovery system 317. A cap 318 is provided. Here, as the recording head 306, one of the recording head 361 dedicated to black pigment ink and the recording head 362 dedicated to color dye ink is the carriage 314.
And only one cap 318 is provided in the recovery system 317, and the recording head 3
When ink is sucked from the ejection port 06, the cap 318 is pressed against the recording head 306 by means (not shown). 8, reference numeral 318a denotes a peripheral sealing portion of the cap 318, and reference numeral 315 denotes a guide shaft for guiding and supporting the reciprocating movement of the carriage 314.

In the recording head 306, a recording head 361 of pigment ink and a recording head 362 of dye ink are used.
Since the surface condition of the cap 318 is different when is replaced, the surface of the cap 318 needs to be wiped and cleaned (wiped) immediately after the replacement to clean (clean and remove) the ink droplets used previously. In the wiping of the cap 318, the blade-shaped cap cleaner 319 provided on the carriage 314 is protruded toward the cap 318, and the surface of the cap 318 is wiped using the movement of the carriage 314 to remove ink droplets. As a means for taking the cap cleaner 319 in and out, a rotary eccentric cam, a solenoid, or the like can be used. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 320 denotes a holder that holds the cap cleaner 319, and reference numeral 322 denotes a return spring that urges the cap cleaner 319 in the retreating direction.

On the other hand, when wiping the ejection opening surface of the recording head 306, a wiper blade 323 provided on the recovery system 317 side is used. This wiper blade 323
Can be moved in and out in a direction perpendicular to the discharge port surface by means not shown, and by moving the carriage 314 in the direction of arrow A with the wiper blade 323 protruding, the wiper blade 323 is moved to the discharge port surface. It can be wiped and cleaned (cleaned) by rubbing. As described above, in the conventional inkjet recording apparatus, the recording head 3
The cleaning of the discharge port surface 06 and the cleaning of the cap 318 have been performed by the cleaning means 323 and 319 provided separately and individually.

[0021]

However, the above-mentioned conventional ink jet recording apparatus has the following technical problems to be solved. That is, first, since the cleaning of the ejection port surface of the recording means and the cleaning of the cap are performed at different places, a large space is required, and it is difficult to reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus.
Second, the size of the recording apparatus is increased, so that the weight is increased and the cost is increased. Third, since the cleaning of the ejection port surface and the cleaning of the cap are performed at different places, it takes a long time to clean these, and this causes a decrease in the throughput of the printing apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and it is an object of the present invention to improve space efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the throughput of a recording apparatus. In addition, it is possible to prevent ink ejection failure and deflection due to suction failure due to foreign matter,
Further, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus which can prevent ink ejection failure and deflection caused by mixing of a pigment ink, a dye ink or a processing liquid, and can improve the quality of a recorded image and the reliability of the apparatus. That is.

[0023]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention (claim 1) provides an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means to a recording medium.
A discharge port surface cleaning unit for cleaning the discharge port surface of the recording unit; and a cap cleaning unit for cleaning a cap covering the discharge port surface, wherein the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are provided on a common holding member. It is characterized by being provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the discharge port surface cleaning means and the cap cleaning means are provided so as to face the holding member. The cleaning means and the cap cleaning means are formed of flexible wiper blades. The discharge port face cleaning means and the cap cleaning means are made of ether urethane or butyl rubber HNBR, and the cap cleaning. The wiper blade forming means is provided with a slit in the longitudinal direction, the cap cleaning means is operated immediately after replacement of the recording means or at regular intervals, or the recording means uses a pigment ink, a dye ink or a processing liquid. The above object can be achieved more efficiently by adopting a configuration in which one or a plurality of recording means are appropriately combined. It is intended.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the entire structure of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, excluding a recording means, and FIG. 2 is a carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 and mountable on the carriage. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a recording unit and an ink tank. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a recording head 8 as recording means can be mounted on the carriage 6. At the home position (HP), the processing liquid S
, A normal recording head 8 in which discharge ports of black (black) ink BK and discharge ports of color inks Y, M, C are arranged side by side, and an ink tank 9S of processing liquid S and black An ink tank 9 such as an ink tank 9BK for ink and ink tanks 9C, 9M, and 9Y for color ink can be mounted.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a recording means (recording head), in which a row of discharge ports of the processing liquid S, a row of discharge ports of the black ink BK, and a row of discharge ports of the color inks Y, M, and C are arranged side by side.
Further, the ejection port array of the color inks Y, M, and C has a configuration in which the ejection ports of the yellow, magenta, and cyan inks are arranged substantially in a line. Reference numeral 88 in FIG. 5C denotes an optional recording head that can be exchanged for higher image quality, and includes an ejection port array of the processing liquid S, an ejection port array of the black ink Bk, and the light color ink. YM
The ejection port array of C and the ejection port array of the dark color ink YMC are arranged side by side. The recording head 8 is electrically connected via a connector 6022 on the carriage 6.

The recording head (recording means) 8 is an ink jet recording means for discharging ink using thermal energy, and has an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy. Further, the recording head 8 performs recording by discharging ink from the discharge ports by utilizing a pressure change generated by growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal transducer.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection section of the recording head 8. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, a plurality of discharge ports 82 are provided at a predetermined pitch on a discharge port forming surface 81 facing a recording medium at a predetermined gap so as to form a nozzle row. Discharge port 82
An electrothermal converter 85 for generating ink discharge energy is provided along the wall surface of each liquid path 84 communicating with the liquid passage 84.

The recording head 8 is mounted on the carriage 6 such that the ejection openings 82 are arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning (moving) direction of the carriage 6. In this way, the recording head 8 that drives the corresponding electrothermal transducer 85 based on the image signal or the ejection signal to cause the ink in the liquid passage 84 to boil the film and eject the ink from the ejection port 82 by the pressure generated at that time. Is configured.

In FIG. 2, the recording head 8 has a processing liquid ink tank 9S and color ink tanks 9Bk, 9C, 9C.
M, 9Y ink supply ports 8030 (processing liquid 8030S, black 8030B
k, cyan 8030C, magenta 8030M, and yellow 8030Y), from which ink is supplied to the common liquid 83 of the recording head 8 and each discharge port 82 through a flow path in the recording head 8. In FIG. 1, a guide shaft 4 and a support shaft 103 for slidably guiding and supporting the carriage 6 are provided on both side walls of the substantially U-shaped chassis 1. The driving force of the carriage 6 that reciprocates on both shafts in the main scanning direction is controlled by the carriage motor 1.
04 through the drive belt 10.

The recording medium (not shown) such as paper is nipped and conveyed by a platen roller 2 and a pinch roller 3, and the recording medium is conveyed over a platen 16. At this time, a recording portion (not shown) of the recording head 8 mounted on the carriage 6 projects downward from the carriage 6 and
The ejection port surface 81 of the recording head 8 faces the recording medium on the platen 16 in parallel with a predetermined gap. A waste ink tank 401 is provided on the main body 40 to which the chassis 1 is fixed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a recovery system unit 15 is provided on the left side of the ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment (on the home position side of the carriage 6). FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the recovery system unit 15. In FIG. 3, the recovery system unit 15 includes a processing liquid cap 113, a black ink cap 112, and a color ink cap 114 from the right in the figure in a positional relationship corresponding to each ejection port surface of the recording head 8. , 115 are provided. Here, the processing liquid cap 113 and the black ink cap 112 have both functions of a suction cap and a leaving cap, and the color ink caps 114 and 115 have the function of a leaving cap. However, it does not have the function of a suction cap. Therefore, ink suction (suction recovery) of the color inks Y, M, and C from the discharge port array of the recording head (recording means) 8 is performed via the black ink cap 112.

The caps 112 to 115 are mounted on cap levers 131 to 133 rotatably supported by the recovery system base 130 via respective cap holders 122 to 125. Note that the cap lever 131 is connected to the cap holders 124 and 125
Control. The cap levers 131 to 133 are urged by a cap spring, and a part thereof is
0 by rotating the cam surface 141,
Accordingly, each of the caps 112 to 115 is configured to be vertically movable. Cap 113 for treatment liquid and cap 11 for black ink of recovery system unit 15
2 communicates with the tubes 145, 146 of the pump unit 119 via the respective cap holders 123, 122. The pump unit 119 performs a suction recovery process for joining the cap unit and the recording head 8 and sucking ink from the ejection openings of the recording head 8 when the ink ejection from the recording head 8 becomes defective. Used to generate negative pressure. The pump unit 119 in the example shown here is called a tube pump.

The pump unit 119 includes the tube 1
45, 146, a roller holder 144, a roller 147, and the like. Roller holder 144 is recovery system base 1
30 is rotatably supported. Tubes 145, 1
Numerals 46 are guided in parallel by the roller holder 144, and are attached in a U-shape along the guide of the recovery system base 130. When the roller holder 144 rotates, the tube 14 guided by the roller holder 144 is rotated.
By squeezing the tubes 145 and 146 while crushing the tubes 5 and 146 between the guide of the recovery system base 130 and the rollers 147 supported by the roller holder 144, a negative pressure is generated in the cap. Pump unit 11
In FIG. 9, a tube 145 dedicated to the processing liquid and a tube 146 for the ink are provided independently, and the waste liquid sucked by the pump unit 119 is introduced into the waste liquid tank (for example, the waste ink tank 401 in FIG. 1) through independent paths. Sent. This is to prevent the recording color ink from coming into contact with the processing liquid and being insolubilized in the cap and the pump. In the illustrated example, the case where the pump unit 119 is composed of two systems, one for the processing liquid and the other for the recording ink, is shown.

In FIG. 3, the recovery system unit 15 includes:
Furthermore, a processing liquid blade (wiper blade, wiping member) for wiping the discharge port of the processing liquid recording head
117, and a color ink blade (wiper blade, wiping member) 118 for wiping the discharge port of the color ink recording head. The processing liquid blade (first blade) 117 is a color ink blade (second blade) 118 on the downstream side of the processing liquid discharge port row in the paper transport direction.
Are separately arranged on the downstream side of the paper transport of the black ink discharge port array. Here, the color ink blade 1
Reference numeral 18 denotes the black and color ejection ports of the normal recording head 8 and the optional recording head 88 as shown in FIGS. Dark ink (Bk, C, M, Y, etc.)
Wiping of the discharge port array is performed.

Reference numeral 1119 denotes an optional recording head 8
8 is a blade (third blade, wiper blade) for wiping the discharge port array of the light inks (light C, light M, light Y), and is arranged on the left side of the color ink blade 118 with a shift of the discharge port row pitch. Has been established. These blades 117, 118, and 1119 are for wiping the color ink and the processing liquid adhered to the discharge port surface of the recording head 8, and are wiper blades formed of an elastic member such as rubber. And these wiper blades 11
Reference numerals 7, 118, and 1119 denote ejection port face cleaning means for cleaning the ejection port face 81 of the recording means (recording head) 8.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of the wiping mechanism of the recovery system unit 15 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, a holding member 1170 is attached to a blade arm 142 attached to a guide portion 130G of the recovery system base 130 so as to be able to move parallel to the recording head 8, and
Wiper blades 117, 1 as discharge port surface cleaning means
Reference numerals 18 and 1119 are provided integrally with the holding member 1170. The holding member 1170 attached to the blade arm 142 includes the wiper blade 1
Cap cleaners (wiper blades, cap cleaning means) 117 for cleaning (wiping) the suction caps 112 and 113 facing the discharge port surface of the recording head 8 in a direction opposite to the directions of 17, 118 and 1119.
a, 118a are provided integrally. That is, the discharge port surface cleaning means 117 and 118 and the cap cleaning means 11
7a and 118a are provided on a common holding member 1170. The holding member 1170 is mounted on a blade arm 142 which can move in parallel to the recording head 8, and accordingly, the ejection port surface cleaning means 117 and 118 and The cap cleaning means 117a and 118a are provided so as to be able to move parallel to the recording head 8.

In this manner, the cap cleaning means (wiper blade) 117a, 118a is simultaneously operated in conjunction with the cleaning operation (wiping operation) of the discharge port surface of the recording head 8 by the discharge port surface cleaning means (wiper blade) 117, 118.
Thus, a cleaning operation (wiping operation) of the suction caps 112 and 113 is performed. These discharge port surface cleaning means and cap cleaning means 117, 118,
117a and 118a are formed by flexible wiper blades. Then, the blade 1 for the recording head 8
The blade penetration amounts, contact angles, and contact pressures of the blades 17, 118, and 1119 are normally and constantly controlled by the guide portion 130G. At the same time, the suction caps 112 and 11 retracted to an appropriate distance from the recording head 8.
3, a cap cleaner (blade) 117a,
The blade penetration amount, contact angle and contact pressure of the blade 118a are also controlled to appropriate values by the guide portion 130G. The cap cleaners 117a and 118a are made of an elastic material such as rubber, like the blades 117 and 118.
Alternatively, it is formed of, for example, a porous elastic body of Rubicell Clean (trademark of Toyo Polymer). In this embodiment, the blades 117 and 118 and the cap cleaners 117a and 118a are integrally formed by heat welding to a mold member.

A rack gear 142G is provided on a part of the blade arm 142.
The drive gear 153 meshes with G. When the blade arm 142 is urged leftward in FIG. 4 by the wiper spring 152, the blade arm 142 is not in contact with the recording head 8 (first retreat position A). Recovery system base 13
0 is a stopper 130S for regulating the position of the holding member 1170 with respect to the blade arm 142.
Is provided. In other words, the retracted positions of the holding member 1170 and thus the blades 117, 118, 1119 and the cap cleaners 117a, 118a with respect to the recording head 8 are regulated by the position of the blade arm 142 and the stopper 130S.

When the drive gear 153 driven by the drive source rotates, the blade arm 142 and the holding member 11 are rotated.
Numeral 70 moves in parallel with the recording head 8 on the recovery system base 130 (forward movement to the right in FIG. 4). The blade arm 142 and the holding member 1170 move a sufficient stroke with respect to the discharge port row, and the cap cleaner 117a, 1
Blades 117, 118 and 1 integral with 18a
When the motor 119 further moves to a position on the right side from the position where it does not come into contact with the recording head 8 (the second retracting position B), the drive is cut off because the toothless portion 153K of the drive gear 153 faces the rack gear 142G, and the blade arm 142 and The holding member 1170 (therefore, the wiping members 117, 11)
8, 1119) is a coil spring (wiper spring) 1
4 to return to the first retreat position A (return movement). By moving the recording head 8 to an arbitrary position at each blade arm retreat position, the blades 117, 118, and 1119 are selected, and wiping in an arbitrary direction by reciprocation becomes possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the wiping operation in the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the wiping members 117, 118, and 1119 are selected by moving the recording head 8 to an arbitrary predetermined position when the blade arm 142 is at the first retreat position A or the second retreat position. Is moved in the direction of the discharge port array, it is possible to wipe a predetermined discharge port surface. FIG. 5A shows an initial position for wiping the ejection port array of the processing liquid S and the ejection port array of the black ink Bk of the normal recording head 8, and FIG. 5B shows the ejection port of the color ink YMC. FIG. 5C shows an initial position for wiping a row of ejection ports for dark ink and light ink of the optional recording head 88.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the case of the normal recording head 8, the blades 117, 118, and 1119 are moved from the first retreat position A to discharge the processing liquid S discharge port array and the black ink Bk. The exit row is wiped (wiped and cleaned) by rubbing in the forward movement. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the recording head 8 is moved to the initial position for wiping the ejection port array of the color ink YMC, and the blades 117, 118, and 1119 are moved in the backward direction from the second retreat position B. By moving, the ejection opening array of the color ink YMC is wiped (wiped) by rubbing in the backward movement.

In the case of the optional recording head 88, the blades 117, 118, and 1119 are moved from the first retreat position A, and the discharge port array of the processing liquid S and the discharge of the black ink Bk are moved in the same manner as in FIG. The exit row is wiped (wiped and cleaned) by rubbing in the forward movement. FIG. 5 (c)
Move the recording head 8 to the initial position for wiping the ejection port arrays of the dark ink YMC and the light ink YMC, and move the blades 117, 118, and 1119 in the backward direction from the second retreat position B. By moving, the ejection port arrays of the dark color ink YMC and the light color ink YMC are wiped (wiped and cleaned) by rubbing by the backward movement. .

According to the embodiment described above, when the discharge port arrays are cleaned (wiped) by the discharge port surface cleaning means (wiper blade) 117, 118, 1119 attached to the blade arm 142, at the same time,
Cap cleaning means (wiping blade, cap cleaner) 117 provided integrally with common holding means 1170 in a posture opposite to these discharge port surface cleaning means.
The suction caps 112 and 113 can be cleaned (wiped) by the a and 118a, so that the space efficiency is good, the cost can be reduced, the throughput of the recording apparatus can be improved, and suction failure due to foreign matter can be prevented. Provided is an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing ink ejection failure and deflection due to ink ejection.

That is, according to the embodiment described above,
In an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by discharging ink from a recording unit to a recording medium, discharge port surface cleaning units 117, 118, and 11 that clean the discharge port surface 81 of the recording unit 8.
19, and cap cleaning means 117a, 118a for cleaning the caps 112, 113 covering the discharge port surfaces,
Since the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are provided on the common holding member 142, the space efficiency is good, the cost can be reduced, and the throughput of the recording apparatus can be improved. In addition, an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing ink ejection failure and deflection due to suction failure due to foreign matter is provided.

In the above configuration, the discharge port surface cleaning means 117, 118, 1119 and the cap cleaning means 117 a, 118 a are provided so as to be opposed to the holding member 142. Means 117, 118, 1119 and said cap cleaning means 1
17a, 118a are formed by flexible wiper blades, and the discharge port surface cleaning means 117, 118, 11
19 and the cap cleaning means 117a and 118a are made of ether urethane or butyl rubber HNBR.
The cap cleaning means 117a, 118a
Or a structure in which a longitudinal slit is provided in the wiper blade forming the cap, or the cap cleaning means 117, 11
8 and 1119 are preferably configured to operate immediately after the replacement of the recording means 8 or at regular intervals.

Further, if the recording means 8 is constituted by appropriately combining one or a plurality of recording means using a pigment ink, a dye ink or a treatment liquid, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, in addition to the pigment ink, In addition, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus which can prevent ink ejection failure and deflection due to mixing of a dye ink or a processing liquid, and can improve the quality of a recorded image and the reliability of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the wiping mechanism of the recovery unit 15 according to a second embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the blade (discharge port surface cleaning means) and the cap cleaner (cap cleaning means) are operated in the longitudinal direction of the cap (the direction of the discharge port row). In the case of an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording head that does not use a processing liquid that is a reactive ink (reactive liquid), the blade and the cap cleaner may be configured to operate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cap. Good.

In FIG. 7, a plurality of recording heads 501,
Even if mixing of different inks occurs by using the recording heads 502, 503, and 504, that is, the recording heads Bk, M, C, and Y having different types of ink, the inks do not react with each other there. Does not occur. In the configuration of FIG. 7, four types of recording heads (501, 5) in which the ink colors are black Bk, magenta M, cyan C, and yellow Y are used.
02, 503, and 504) and four caps (50) corresponding to each of these recording heads.
11, 5012, 5013, 5014). Figure 3 shows the structure for opening and closing (close contact) each cap.
Is substantially (basically) the same as the structure shown in FIG. 3, but the operation directions of the blade 118 and the cap cleaner 118a are different from those in FIGS. ing. The blade 118 and the cap cleaner 118 a are integrally formed one by one on the holding member 1170 mounted on the blade arm 142.

The wiping mechanism of FIG. 7 is different from the first embodiment of FIG. 4 in the above points, but has substantially the same configuration in other respects, and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The detailed description of is omitted. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the space efficiency is good, the cost can be reduced, the throughput of the printing apparatus can be improved, and the ink ejection failure and the deflection caused by the suction failure due to the foreign matter can be prevented. An ink jet recording apparatus capable of improving the quality of a recorded image and the reliability of the apparatus.

In the above embodiment, the serial recording method in which recording is performed while the recording head 8 is moved relatively to the recording medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention covers the entire width or a part of the recording medium. It can be applied to various inkjet recording apparatuses regardless of the type of recording method, such as a line recording method in which recording is performed only by sub-scanning using a line-type recording head having a length that can achieve the same effect. Things.

Further, the present invention is not limited to an ink jet recording apparatus for recording using one recording head, a color recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads for recording with inks of different colors, or recording with the same color but different density. The same applies to a gradation recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads, and also to an ink jet recording apparatus that records using a plurality of different inks, such as a recording apparatus combining these. The effect can be achieved. Further, the present invention provides a recording head having a configuration using a replaceable inkjet cartridge in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated, a configuration in which the recording head and the ink tank are separated, and the space therebetween is connected by an ink supply tube or the like. The present invention can be similarly applied to any arrangement of the ink tank and the ink tank, and the same effect can be obtained.

The present invention can be applied to a case where the ink jet recording apparatus uses a recording means using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, and the same effects can be obtained. .

[0054]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention (claim 1), in an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means to a recording medium, the ejection port surface of the recording means is changed. A discharge port surface cleaning unit for cleaning; and a cap cleaning unit for cleaning a cap covering the discharge port surface, wherein the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are provided on a common holding member. Therefore, space efficiency is good, cost can be reduced, and the throughput of the recording apparatus can be improved.
Provided is an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing ink ejection failure and deflection caused by suction failure due to foreign matter.

According to the second to sixth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the discharge port surface cleaning means and the cap cleaning means are provided so as to face the holding member. The discharge port face cleaning means and the cap cleaning means are formed of flexible wiper blades. The material of the discharge port face cleaning means and the cap cleaning means is ether urethane or butyl rubber HN.
BR, a configuration in which a vertical slit is provided in the wiper blade forming the cap cleaning means, or a configuration in which the cap cleaning means is operated immediately after replacement of the recording means or at regular intervals, so that the efficiency is further improved. Provided is an ink jet recording apparatus which has good space efficiency, can save costs, can improve the throughput of the recording apparatus, and can prevent ink ejection failure and deflection due to suction failure due to foreign matter. You.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the recording means is constituted by appropriately combining one or a plurality of recording means using a pigment ink, a dye ink or a processing liquid. In addition to the above-described effects, it is possible to prevent ink ejection failure and deflection due to the mixture of the pigment ink, the dye ink, and the processing liquid, thereby improving the quality of the recorded image and the reliability of the apparatus. An ink jet recording apparatus capable of achieving the above is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, except for a recording unit.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a carriage of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1, recording means and an ink tank which can be mounted on the carriage.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a recovery system unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a wiping mechanism of the recovery system unit in FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a wiping operation in the first embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an ink ejection unit of the recording unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a second embodiment of a wiping mechanism of a recovery system unit of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of cleaning means for different purposes.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 chassis 2 platen roller 4 guide shaft 6 carriage 8 recording means (normal recording head) 9 ink tank 10 drive belt 15 recovery system unit 16 platen 81 discharge port surface 82 discharge port 83 common liquid chamber 84 liquid path 85 electrothermal converter 88 Recording unit (optional recording head) 104 Carriage motor 112, 113 Cap (suction cap) 114, 115 Cap (leaving cap) 117 Discharge port surface cleaning unit (wiper blade for processing liquid) 117a Cap cleaning unit (for processing liquid) 118) Cleaning means (wiper blade for ink) 118a Cap cleaning means (cap cleaner for ink) 119 Pump unit 122, 123, 124, 125 Cap holder 130 Recovery system Base 130G Guide portions 131, 132, 133 Cap lever 140 Suction cam 141 Cam surface 142 Blade arm 142G Rack gear 144 Roller holder 145, 146 Tube 147 Roller 152 Wiper spring 153 Drive gear 401 Waste ink tank 501 Recording means (Bk recording head) 502 Recording means (M recording head) 503 Recording means (C recording head) 504 Recording means (Y recording head) 1170 Holding member (blade holder) 5011 Cap for Bk recording means 5012 Cap for M recording means 5013 For C recording means Cap 5014 Cap for Y recording means

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means to a recording medium, comprising: a discharge port surface cleaning means for cleaning a discharge port surface of the recording means; and a cap for covering the discharge port surface. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a cap cleaning unit; wherein the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are provided on a common holding member. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are provided so as to face the holding member. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port surface cleaning unit and the cap cleaning unit are formed by a flexible wiper blade. 4. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge port surface cleaning means and said cap cleaning means are made of ether-based urethane or butyl rubber-based HNBR. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal slit is provided in a wiper blade forming the cap cleaning unit. 6. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cap cleaning means operates immediately after replacement of the recording means or at regular intervals. 7. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is configured by appropriately combining one or a plurality of recording devices using a pigment ink, a dye ink, or a processing liquid.
7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 6. 8. The ink jet recording device according to claim 1, wherein said recording device is an ink jet recording device including an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy used for discharging ink. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 9. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said recording means discharges the ink from a discharge port using film boiling generated in the ink by thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer. .