JP2002370369A - Ink jet recorder and its controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet recorder in which a blade member can be kept in clean state and a method for controlling the ink jet recorder. SOLUTION: The ink jet recorder comprises a plurality of recording heads 32Y, 32M, 32LM, 32C, 32LC and 32K, ink absorbing members 32YS, 32MS, 32LMS, 32CS, 32LCS and 32KS bonded to the recording heads 32Y-32K, and a blade member 46 for cleaning the ink outlet face 32b of the recording heads 32Y-32K. Since a recess 32T is provided at the joint of the recording head 32Y-32K and the ink absorbing member 32YS-32KS, forward end of the blade member 46 is caught at the recess 32T when the blade member 46 performs wiping and stopped in that state for a predetermined 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 for recording on a recording medium by discharging ink, and a method for controlling the ink jet recording apparatus.
In particular, the present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus having a plurality of long recording heads and a method for controlling the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 shows an example of an ink jet recording apparatus which performs a recording operation by discharging ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium.
5 to 17.

[0005] FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a conventional apparatus, FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 15A, and FIG. A), (B),
17C and 17C are operation explanatory diagrams of the example shown in FIG. 15, respectively, and FIGS. 17A and 17B are operation explanatory diagrams of the example shown in FIG. 15, respectively.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a recording section, 4Y, 4M, 4C and 4K denote yellow, magenta, cyan and black recording heads, 6 a recovery processing section, 8 a recording medium transport path, 10 a frame member, and 10a an opening. , 12 is a movable frame member, 14 is a cap member, 14a is a lip portion, 16 is a head holder, 18 is an ink absorber, 20 is a blade member, PA is paper as a recording medium, and IS is an ink ejection port surface.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the ink jet recording apparatus is formed so as to face a recording section 2 for performing a recording operation on a recording surface of a sheet PA as a recording medium, and to face the lower side of the recording section 2. And a recording medium transport path 8 along which the paper PA is transported in the direction indicated by arrow C, and a recording medium movably disposed along the recording medium transport path 8 between the recording unit 2 and the recording medium transport path 8. Recording heads 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K of the section 2
And a recovery processing unit 6 for performing a recovery process.

The recording unit 2 includes recording heads 4Y to 4K arranged at predetermined intervals along a recording medium transport path 8.
Is included.

The head holder 16 is moved up and down by an elevating mechanism (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 15, the recording heads 4Y to 4K are moved to the standby position so as to be separated from the paper PA, and are shown in FIG. 15A or FIG. 17A together with the recording heads 4Y to 4K. At such a recovery processing position, the recording heads 4Y to 4Y to
4K, and is maintained at a predetermined recording operation position for a predetermined period.

Each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K has an ink ejection port surface IS in which a plurality of ink ejection ports are formed at a portion facing the recording surface of the paper PA.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the recovery processing section 6 includes a frame member 10 for supporting the movable frame member 12 so as to be movable, and the recording heads 4Y to 4N held by the movable frame member 12. 4K ink ejection port surface I
A blade member 20 for selectively wiping ink, dust, etc. attached to the S, a plurality of cap members 14 whose tips selectively cover the ink ejection opening surfaces IS of the recording heads 4Y to 4K, and a plurality of cap members 14 And an ink absorber 18 disposed therein.

[0010] Frame member 1 fixedly supported by the apparatus body
No. 0 has an accommodation section for accommodating the movable frame member 12, and has an opening 10a at the bottom of the accommodation section corresponding to each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K.

Each of the openings 10a allows the leading ends of the recording heads 4Y to 4K to pass therethrough during a recording operation.

The movable frame member 12 is a frame member 1
0 is connected to the output side of a drive motor (not shown).

Thus, when the driving motor is activated, the movable frame member 12 has its cap member 14 attached to each recording head 4 as shown in FIG.
16 (B) and 17 from the position facing Y to 4K.
The recording heads 4Y to 4K are moved so as to be opposed to each other as shown in FIG.

Further, the movable frame member 12 is arranged as shown in FIG.
The position is returned from the position shown in FIG. 16B and FIG. 17B to the position shown in FIG.

When the recording heads 4Y to 4K are at the standby position, the plurality of cap members 14 of the movable frame member 12 are respectively disposed at positions directly below the recording heads 4Y to 4K in FIG. I have.

Each cap member 14 is provided with a lip portion 1 for selectively covering the ink discharge port surface IS of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K.
4a.

Further, a thin blade member 20 is made of, for example, a material having elasticity and is provided adjacent to each cap member 14.

Each blade member 20 includes a cap member 14
The recording heads 4 </ b> Y to 4 </ b> K extend in the vertical direction at positions downstream of the recording medium transport path 8.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 17A, the ink ejection surface IS of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K.
Is held in place, each blade member 20
Is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow W, the ink ejection surface IS of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K is wiped by the tip of each blade member 20.

In such a configuration, first, when the recording operation of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K on the recording surface of the sheet PA is performed, each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K
The state shown in FIG. 16A is raised to the state shown in FIG.

Further, the movable frame member 12 is arranged as shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), each blade member 20 and the like are moved to a position corresponding to each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16C, the lower ends of the recording heads 4Y to 4K are lowered to a position separated from the sheet PA by a predetermined distance through each opening 10a. Each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K performs a recording operation on the paper PA.

On the other hand, when the recovery process is performed on each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K, as shown in FIG. 15A, the lip portion 14a of the cap member 14 is moved to the ink discharge port surface IS of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K. The vacuum pump portion attached to the cap member 14 in the state of contacting with the cap member 14 is operated for a predetermined period.

As a result, the ink is sucked out of the ink discharge ports of each ink discharge port surface IS together with the foreign matter, and the ink drops onto the ink absorber 18 to be collected.

Subsequently, each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K corresponds to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the cap member 14 is separated from the cap member 14 and stopped at a predetermined position.

At this time, since the movable frame member 12 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow W, the blade member 20
It is moved to the position shown in FIG. 17B via the state shown in FIG.

As a result, the ink and the like adhering to each of the ink ejection port surfaces IS are wiped by the tip of the blade member 20.

[0028]

As described above, when the ink or the like attached to the ink ejection port surface IS of each of the recording heads 4Y to 4K is wiped by the blade member 20, the ink attached to the blade member 20 is removed by the blade. It is stored in the member 20.

As described above, even if the ink ejection port surface IS is wiped while the ink is accumulated in the blade member 20, the ink ejection port surface IS cannot be completely wiped, and the ink ejection port surface IS is left unwiped.

Further, the ink accumulated in the blade member 20 may be transmitted down the side surface of the blade member 20 and stain other members and the paper PA.

In view of the above problems, the present invention includes a plurality of recording heads, an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head, and a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the recording head. By having a concave portion at the joining portion between the recording head and the ink absorbing member, when the blade member wipes, the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion, and further, by stopping for a certain time in that state, It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and a control method of the ink jet recording apparatus, in which a drop of ink adhering to the blade member is absorbed by an ink absorbing member and the blade member can always be kept clean.

[0032]

According to the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus or a method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the following items (1) to (9). It is intended to achieve the above object.

(1) An ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording by an ink jet method, comprising: a plurality of recording heads; an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the recording head; and a concave portion at a joint between the recording head and the ink absorbing member.

(2) The ink jet recording apparatus according to (1), wherein the number of the blade members is equal to the number of the recording heads.

(3) The ink jet recording apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the ink absorbing member is detachable from the recording head and can be easily replaced.

(4) The ink jet recording apparatus according to the above item (1), wherein the blade member wipes from the recording head toward the ink absorbing member.

(5) When the blade member is wiped, the blade member is stopped for a certain period of time with the tip of the blade member hooked on the concave portion, and then the recording head is raised. Item or the inkjet recording device according to item (4).

(6) a recording head, an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head, and a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the recording head, wherein the ink absorbing member is joined to the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus having a concave portion in a portion.

(7) The ink jet recording apparatus according to the above (6), further comprising means for raising the recording head.

(8) The means for raising the recording head is characterized in that when the blade member is wiped, the recording head is stopped for a certain period of time while the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion, and then the recording head is raised. And
The ink jet recording apparatus according to the above mode (7).

(9) A print head, an ink absorbing member joined to the print head, and a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the print head, wherein the ink absorbing member is connected to the print head. A method of controlling an ink jet recording apparatus having a concave portion in a portion, wherein when the blade member performs wiping, a step of stopping for a certain period of time while the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion, and thereafter raising the recording head Controlling the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0042]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus provided with an example of a recovery processing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the example shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the movable frame member shown in FIG.
Is an enlarged sectional view showing a part of the frame member shown in FIG. 1 together with a shutter member and a movable frame member, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the frame member in the example shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a plan view of the shutter member in the example shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a front view showing the ink guide member in the example shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 shows the ink guide member in the example shown in FIG. 9A, 9B, and 9C are IXA-IXA lines and IXB-IXB lines in FIG. 8, respectively.
It is a fragmentary sectional view shown along a line and IXC-IXC line.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a head holder, 31 denotes a recording unit, 3
2Y, 32M, 32LM, 32C, 32LC, and 32K are recording heads of yellow, magenta, light magenta, cyan, light cyan, and black, respectively, and 32YS,
32MS, 32LMS, 32CS, 32LCS, 32K
S is an ink absorbing member, 32T is a concave portion, 32b is an ink ejection port surface, 34 is a frame member, 34E is a protrusion, 34a is an opening, 34b is a storage portion, 34ga, 34
gb is a guide rail portion, 36 is a recording medium conveyance path, 38
Denotes a head holder elevating mechanism for raising the recording head; 40, a shutter member; 40K, a long hole;
0a is an opening, 42 is a movable frame member, 42K is an engagement piece, 42a is an opening, 42dr is a drain, 42g is a recess, 42gd is a gap, 42h is a recess, 42ra, 42
rb is a guide roller, 44 is a recovery processing section, 46 is a blade member, 48 is a cap member, 48a is a lip section, 50
Is a blade holder, 51 is a coil spring, 52
A and 52B are ink guide pieces, 52BR is a bracket,
52K is a comb-like portion, 54 is a coil spring, 56 is a filter, 58 is a guide shaft, 60 is an absorber member, 62 is a roller member, 64 is a drive motor, 66A, 6
6B is a coil spring, 68 is a coil spring, P
A is a sheet.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording unit 31 disposed on an upper part of a casing (not shown) and performing a recording operation on a recording surface of a sheet PA as a recording medium; And the recording medium transport path 36 between which the paper PA is transported along the direction indicated by the arrow C, and the recording medium transport path 36 between the recording unit 31 and the recording medium transport path 36. Recording heads 32Y, 32M, 32LM, 32
A recovery processing unit 44 that performs recovery processing for each of C, 32LC, and 32K is configured.

The recording section 31 includes a recording head 32Y arranged at a predetermined interval along the recording medium transport path 36.
It is configured to include a head holder 30 holding up to 32K.

The head holder 30 is supported by a head holder elevating mechanism 38.

The head holder raising / lowering mechanism 38 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) based on a detection signal from a predetermined position sensor so that the recording unit 31 is positioned at the uppermost position (standby position) as indicated by a dashed line. ), First and below,
It is controlled to take a second intermediate position (recovery processing position) and a lowermost position (recording operation position) as shown by a two-dot chain line.

Each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K is, for example, of a bubble jet (registered trademark) type, and has a plurality of ink ejection ports formed over the entire surface of the paper PA in opposition to the recording surface of the paper PA. It has an outlet surface 32b.

Each ink ejection port is formed at a predetermined interval along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction indicated by arrow C.

Each ink ejection port communicates with each ink flow path formed in the ink ejection section.

The other end of each ink flow path joins the common ink chamber.

To the common ink chambers of the recording heads 32Y to 32K, inks of different colors or dark and light inks of different densities are supplied from ink tanks (not shown).

In each ink flow path, a heater is formed via a protective layer as an electrothermal converter for heating the ink and discharging it as droplets through an ink discharge port by a film boiling phenomenon.

In the recording medium transport path 36, a part of which is shown in FIG. 1, a paper supply unit for supplying the paper PA is provided on the upstream side, and printed paper is loaded on the downstream side. An output tray to be placed is provided.

Although not shown, the paper feed roller unit for transporting the paper toward the downstream side (in the direction indicated by the arrow C) in the recording medium transport path 36, and discharging the printed paper. A paper discharge roller unit is provided at an upstream portion and a downstream portion, respectively.

The recovery processing section 44 includes the movable frame member 42
34 movably supporting the recording heads, and the recording heads 32Y to 32K held by the movable frame member 42.
A plurality of blade members 46 for selectively wiping ink, dust, etc. attached to the ink ejection port surfaces 32b of the recording heads 32a and a plurality of caps, the tips of which selectively contact the ink ejection port surfaces 32b of the recording heads 32Y to 32K. Member 48
And a pair of ink guides 52 </ b> A and 52 </ b> B disposed in each cap member 48, and a shutter member 40 disposed between the bottom surface of the frame member 34 and the movable frame member 42.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable frame member 42 has a guide roller 42ra on its outer periphery facing the guide rails 34ga and 34gb of the frame member 34.
And 42 rb.

The ends of the movable frame member 42 facing the guide rollers 42ra and 42rb are slidably guided and supported by a guide shaft 58 provided on the frame member 34.

As a result, the movable frame member 42 has its accommodating portion 34b formed by the guide rails 34ga and 34gb of the frame member 34 and the guide shaft 58.
It will be supported reciprocally.

The recording heads 32Y to 32Y
The five openings 42a at predetermined intervals corresponding to K, respectively.
Is provided.

The opening 42a is provided in each of the recording heads 32Y to 32Y.
The size is set to be larger than the lower end of 2K.

A cap member 48 and a blade member 46 are provided in portions adjacent to the opening 42a on the downstream side thereof.

When the movable frame member 42 is moved together with the shutter member 40 and comes into contact with one inner peripheral surface of the frame member 34, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. Member 4
0 is the opening 4 as shown by the dashed line in FIG.
0a and the opening 34a of the frame member 34 coincide with each other, that is, as shown in FIG. 4, a position where the opening between the opening 34a of the frame member 34 and the opening 42a of the movable frame member 42 is selected. Take the target.

Further, when the movable frame member 42 comes into contact with the other inner peripheral surface of the frame member 34 as shown by a solid line in FIG. 2, the shutter member 40 moves as shown in FIG. On the bottom of the coil spring 68 as shown by the two-dot chain line.
And the opening portion 40a of the frame member 34 does not coincide with the opening portion 40a, that is, the shielding position is selectively taken.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, after the shutter member 40 stops, the engagement piece 42K of the movable frame member 42 moves to the position shown by the dashed line in the long hole 40K. .

At the end of the movable frame member 42 facing the guide rollers 42ra and 42rb, as shown in FIG. 3, a roller member 62 connected to an output shaft of a drive motor 64 is engaged. Are movably arranged.

The roller member 62 is rotated on the circumference indicated by the chain line.

The absorber member 60 is disposed between the opposing coil springs 66A and 66B, and is connected to the ends of the coil springs 66A and 66B.

Accordingly, when the movable frame member 42 is moved even after the movable frame member 42 is brought into contact with the frame member 34 to be stopped, the absorber member 60 is moved in the opposite direction by the coil springs 66A and 66B. Will be energized.

Next, the frame member 3 fixed in the housing
4 has an accommodating portion 34b for accommodating the movable frame member 42, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and has six opening portions 34a at predetermined intervals corresponding to the recording heads 32Y to 32K, respectively. Have.

Guide rails 34ga and 34gb are formed adjacent to each other on one side of the wall surface forming the accommodating portion 34b along the arrangement direction of the openings 34a.

A pair of guide rollers 42ra and 42rb of the movable frame member 42 are engaged with the guide rail portions 34ga and 34gb, respectively.

The size of each opening 34a formed at the bottom of the frame member 34 is set to be larger than the size of the leading end of each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K so that the leading end can pass through.

In FIG. 5, a projection 34E for regulating the position of the shutter member 40 is formed at a predetermined height on the periphery of the opening 34a at the right end.

On the bottom, a plurality of ribs are formed at predetermined positions for slidably receiving the shutter member 40 to be placed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the shutter member 40 has five openings 40 a corresponding to the openings 42 a of the movable frame member 42.

The size of the opening 40a is larger than the size of the lower end of each recording head.

The other end of a coil spring 68 whose one end is connected to the frame member 34 is connected to the right end of the shutter member 40.

As a result, the shutter member 40 is urged in a direction in which its end comes into contact with the projection 34E of the frame member 34.

Further, the shutter member 40 has a long hole 40K on the left end side to be engaged with the engagement piece 42K of the movable frame member 42 shown in FIGS.

With these configurations, the shutter member 40
Selectively takes the position indicated by the dashed line and the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 5 as described above.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of ink guide pieces 52A and 52B are opposed to each other and both ends thereof are supported by brackets 52BR.

Each of the ink guide pieces 52A and 52B has a comb-like portion 52K formed on the entire upper end portion adjacent to the ink discharge port surface 32b.

As shown in FIG. 8, the step between the comb-like portion 52K and the bracket 52BR is
Is set such that a predetermined gap (about 0.5 mm) is formed between the comb-like portion 52K and the ink ejection port face 32b when the abutment with the ink ejection port face 32b.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9C, each bracket 52BR is provided with a coil spring 5BR.
4 urged upward.

The lower end of the blade member 46 made of an elastic material in the shape of a thin plate is shown in FIGS.
And (C), as shown in FIG.
Supported by

The width dimension of the blade member 46 extending in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is set so as to be in sliding contact with the entire ink discharge port surface 32b.

The blade holder 50 is disposed in a concave portion 42h provided in the movable frame member 42.

Further, between the lower end and the bottom of the blade holder 50 in the concave portion 42h, the blade holder 5 is provided.
A coil spring 51 that urges 0 upward is provided.

The cap member 48 is provided at a position upstream of the blade member 46.

The cap member 48 integrally formed of an elastic material has a lip portion 48a which forms an open end at the tip end facing the ink discharge port surface 32b.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 9, the lip portion 48a makes contact with the ink discharge port surface 32b.
The ink discharge port array in FIG.

The cap member 48 has a recess 42g inside.
Are formed.

The concave portion 42g is formed by an inner wall surface formed inside the cap member 48, and a bottom portion connected to the inner wall surface and having a predetermined inclined surface.

[0096] A gap 42gd is formed at the bottom for inserting the pair of ink guide pieces 52A and 52B.

The gap 42gd communicates with the drain 42dr via a filter 56 disposed inside the cap member 48.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K has an ink absorbing member (for example, an absorber) on the surface opposite to the arrow C. 32
YS to 32KS are attached, and can be detached with several screws.

The ink absorbing members 32 YS to 32 KS
A concave portion 32T is formed at the joint between the recording heads 32Y to 32K on the ink absorbing member 32YS to 32KS side.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG.
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C each are used for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are each used for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the state shown in FIG.

When the movable frame member 42 is at the position shown in FIG. 10A, the engagement piece 42K is located at a substantially intermediate position within the elongated hole 40K.

Therefore, the shutter member 40 is linked to the movable frame member 42 with its simple configuration without requiring an actuator for moving.

First, when the recording operation of the recording heads 32Y to 32K on the recording surface of the sheet PA is performed, the recording heads 32Y to 32K together with the head holder 30
The head holder raising / lowering mechanism 38 raises the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG.

Further, the driving motor 64 is set in the operating state, and as shown in FIG. 10B, the movable frame member 42 includes the blade members 46 and the like formed by the recording heads 32Y.
To the left end of the frame member 3
4 is moved until it comes into contact with one of the inner peripheral surfaces.

At this time, the opening 34a of the frame member 34
And the opening 42a of the movable frame member 42 are in an open state in which they communicate with each other.

Next, the lower end of each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K together with the head holder 30 is moved by a head holder elevating mechanism 38 as shown in FIG.
After being lowered to a position separated from the sheet PA by a predetermined distance through the openings 34a, 42a, and 40a, the recording heads 32Y to 32K sequentially perform a recording operation on the recording surface of the sheet PA, respectively. Do.

On the other hand, in performing the recovery process for each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K, as shown in FIG. 1, the lip portion 48a of the cap member 48 comes into contact with the ink discharge port surface 32b of each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K. In the first recovery processing position in which the vacuum pump is connected, the vacuum pump unit connected to the drain 42dr of the movable frame member 42 is operated for a predetermined period.

Further, a pressurizing pump (not shown) is simultaneously operated, and ink and foreign matter are pushed out from the ink discharge ports of each ink discharge port face 32b, and the ink and foreign substances are pushed out by their own weight and the capillary phenomenon. 52
B, and travels down the inclined surface of the concave portion 42g, and the filter 5
6 and is collected in the drain part 42dr.

At this time, foreign matter in the ink is removed by the filter 56.
To be filtered.

Subsequently, each of the recording heads 32Y to 32K is
Once returned to the standby position by the head holder elevating mechanism 38, a second recovery processing position as shown in FIG. 11A (a predetermined position separated from the lip 48a of the cap member 48). It is lowered and stopped.

At this time, the movable frame member 42 is
11A is moved from the state shown in FIG. 11A to the state shown in FIG. 11C via the state shown in FIG. 11B (the tip of each blade 46 is
FIG.

As a result, the ink and the like adhering to each ink ejection port surface 32b are wiped by the tip of the blade member 46.

Further, by stopping for a few seconds while maintaining the state shown in FIG. 11C (step of stopping for a certain period of time while the tip of the blade member 46 is caught in the recess 32T), the tip of each blade member 46 is stopped. The ink droplets adhered to are absorbed by the ink absorbing members 32YS to 32KS.

At this time, the shutter member 40 follows the movable frame member 42, is pulled back by the urging force of the coil spring 68, comes into contact with the projection 34E and is stopped, so that the opening area of the opening 34a is affected by the movement of the shutter member 40. The size of the opening 34a is gradually reduced in response to the opening 34a.

Further, the opposing surface of the movable frame member 42 completely abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the frame member 34 and is positioned.

Therefore, in the case where the ink or the like adhering to each of the ink ejection port surfaces 32b is wiped from the tip of the blade member 46, even if the ink is scattered, the ink is prevented from dropping through the opening 34a and adhering to the paper PA. Is done.

Thereafter, the head holder 30 is raised by the head holder lifting mechanism 38, and the recording heads 32Y to 32K are moved to the retracted positions shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B (then, the recording head 32). Step to raise).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control unit according to the present invention.

32 is a recording head, 80 is a control unit, 81 is a CPU, 82 is an interface, and 83 is a program RO.
M and 84 are work RAMs, 85 is an input port, 86 is an output port, 87 is a driver circuit, 88 is a recording control circuit,
90 is a head home position sensor, 91 is a cap home position sensor, 92 is a head U / D motor,
93 is a capping motor, 95 is a program timer,
100 is a PC.

The CPU 81 of the control unit 80 receives and reads recording data from the host computer (PC) 100 via the interface 82, and temporarily expands and stores the data in the work RAM 84.

When the development of the recording data of the predetermined size is completed, the CPU 81 sends the output signal through the output port 86 and the driver circuit 87 to the head U / D motor 92, the capping motor 93, and other actuators (not shown). ) To start the recording operation.

The head U / D motor 92 is a motor for moving the head holder elevating mechanism 38 including a plurality of recording heads 32 up and down, and the capping motor 93 is
It is a drive motor for moving a frame member 34 on which a plurality of cap mechanisms, blade members, an ink receiving portion at the time of recovery, etc. are mounted, to the left and right.

The head home position sensor 90 and the cap home position sensor 91 are sensors for identifying the reference positions for positioning the head U / D motor 92 and the capping motor 93 when the power is turned on, and detect them via the input port 85. .

The CPU 81 starts reading the recording data temporarily stored in the work RAM 84, sequentially transfers the recording data to each recording head 32 via the recording control circuit 88, and performs color recording on the recording medium.

As described above, a series of operations are stored in the program ROM 83, read out by the CPU 81, and executed by the CPU 81 based on the program.

The CPU 81 also serves as a work memory required for execution,
4 Use other areas.

When the recording operation on the recording medium proceeds continuously, ink droplets and the like gradually increase and grow in the vicinity of the ink discharge portion of the recording head 32, and there is an increasing concern that normal recording is hindered. A wipe operation of the recording head 32 is required.

Next, the wiping operation will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

The initial recording head 32 shown in FIG. 14 is at the standby position (capping state).

The CPU 81 of the control unit 80 has a head U / D
By driving the motor 92, the plurality of recording heads 32 are raised and moved to the wipe position.

When a pulse motor is used as the head U / D motor 92, the amount of movement from the standby position to the wipe position can be determined by the number of drive pulses.

When the recording head 32 reaches the vicinity of the wiping position, the recovery (cap) mechanism having a plurality of blade members 46 and a plurality of capping mechanisms for wiping (wiping) is controlled to move to the right. Part 80 C
The PU 81 drives the capping motor 93.

Then, the wiping operations near the ink ejection portions of the plurality of recording heads 32 are completed almost simultaneously, and the capping motor 93 is moved to a position where the tips of the plurality of blade members 46 reach the concave portions 32T in FIG. Design in advance to stop.

From the cap position, a plurality of blade members 46
The moving amount of the capping motor 93 until the tip of the capping motor reaches the concave portion 32T in FIG. 12 can also be determined by the number of driving pulses.

At this position, the tip portions of the plurality of blade members 46 come into contact with the ink absorbing members 32YS to 32KS attached to the respective recording heads 32Y to 32K. The process proceeds to the ink absorbing members 32YS to 32KS.

The stopped time t1 is determined by the value of C
The time is determined in advance by a program timer 95 in the PU 81.

This time t1 may be changed depending on the surrounding conditions, recording conditions and the like.

When the time t1 elapses, recovery (cap)
Moving the mechanism further rightward, the blade member 46 is completely separated from the recording head 32.

Thereafter, the plurality of recording heads 32 are further raised, and when the recording head 32 is almost at the retreat position, the recovery (cap) mechanism starts moving to the left and returns to the cap position.

Finally, the plurality of recording heads 32 retracted are lowered to the cap position, and the wiping operation is completed. In parallel, most of the ink attached to the plurality of blade members 46 also corresponds to the corresponding recording heads 32. Ink absorbing member 32Y
Since the process shifts to the S to 32KS side, the blade member 46 can always be maintained in a preferable state.

In the above embodiment, the control is performed by the program processing. However, the control can be realized by hardware, and the program processing and the hardware processing can be appropriately combined.

[0143]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a plurality of recording heads, an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head, and a blade for cleaning the discharge port surface of the recording head. Member, having a concave portion at the joining portion of the recording head and the ink absorbing member,
When the blade member wipes, the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion, and furthermore, by stopping for a certain period of time in that state, ink droplets attached to the blade member are absorbed by an ink absorbing member, It is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and a control method of the ink jet recording apparatus which can always keep the blade member in a clean state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus provided with an example of a recovery processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the movable frame member shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the frame member shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner together with a shutter member and a movable frame member.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a frame member in the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a shutter member in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an ink guide member in the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ink guide member in the example shown in FIG. 1 together with a recording head.

9 (A), (B) and (C) show IXA-IXA line and IXB-IXB in FIG. 8, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a line IXC-IXC.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams each provided for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are diagrams each provided for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the state shown in FIG. 11 (C).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the wiping operation of the present invention.

15A is a configuration diagram schematically showing a main part of a conventional device, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view showing a part of FIG.

16 (A), (B), and (C) are diagrams each provided for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams each used for explaining the operation in the example shown in FIG. 15;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cap 2 Recording part 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K Recording head 6 Recovery processing part 8 Recording medium conveyance path 10 Frame member 10a Opening 12 Movable frame member 14 Cap member 14a Lip part 16 Head holder 18 Ink absorber 20 Blade member PA Paper IS Ink ejection surface 30 Head holder 31 Recording unit 32 Recording head 32Y, 32M, 32LM, 32C, 32LC, 32K
Recording head 32YS, 32MS, 32LMS, 32CS, 32LC
S, 32 KS Ink absorbing member 32T Recess 32b Ink ejection surface 34 Frame member 34E Projection 34a Opening 34b Housing 34ga, 34gb Guide rail 36 Recording medium transport path 38 Head holder elevating mechanism 40 Shutter 40K Slot 40a Open Part 42 movable frame member 42K engaging piece 42a opening 42dr drain part 42g concave part 42gd gap 42h concave part 42ra, 42rb guide roller 44 recovery processing part 46 blade member 48 cap member 48a lip part 50 blade holder 51 coil spring 52A, 52B ink guide Piece 52BR bracket 52K interdigital part 54 coil spring 56 filter 58 guide shaft 60 absorber member 62 roller member 64 driving motor 66A, 6 B Coil spring, 68 Coil spring 80 Control unit 81 CPU 82 Interface 83 Program ROM 84 Work RAM 85 Input port 86 Output port 87 Driver circuit 88 Recording control circuit 90 Head home position sensor 91 Cap home position sensor 92 Head U / D motor 93 Capping motor 95 Program timer 100 PC

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording by an ink jet method, comprising: a plurality of recording heads; an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head; and a blade member for cleaning an ejection port surface of the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a concave portion at a joint portion between the recording head and the ink absorbing member. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of the blade members is equal to the number of the recording heads. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink absorbing member is detachable from the recording head and can be easily replaced. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blade member wipes from the recording head toward the ink absorbing member. 5. When the blade member performs wiping,
In a state where the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion,
5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is stopped for a certain period of time, and then the recording head is raised. 6. A recording head, comprising: an ink absorbing member joined to the recording head; and a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the recording head, wherein the ink absorbing member comprises:
An ink jet recording apparatus having a concave portion at a joint portion with the recording head. 7. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for raising said recording head. 8. A means for raising the recording head, comprising: stopping the blade member for a certain period of time in a state where the tip of the blade member is caught in the concave portion when wiping the blade member;
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording head is raised. 9. A printing apparatus comprising: a printhead; an ink absorbing member joined to the printhead; and a blade member for cleaning a discharge port surface of the printhead.
A method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus having a concave portion at a joint portion with the recording head, wherein when the blade member performs wiping, a step of stopping for a certain period of time with the tip of the blade member caught in the concave portion, And thereafter raising the recording head.