JP2004122635A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device which can record high quality images by adjusting an angle defined between a recording element array and a scanning direction at a recording head to be optimum when the angle shifts due to a mounting position deviation of the recording head to a carriage. <P>SOLUTION: A positional relation between the carriage M4001 on which the recording head H1001 can be loaded, and a carriage shaft M4012 for guiding the carriage M4001 to be movable in the scanning direction is adjusted in accordance with a rotation position of a carriage bearing M4029. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a serial type recording apparatus that records an image while scanning a recording head. As the recording head, an inkjet recording head capable of discharging ink can be used.
[0002]
The present invention is applicable not only to general printing apparatuses, but also to apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines having a communication system, word processors having a printing section, and industrial recording apparatuses combined with various processing apparatuses. Can be applied.
[0003]
[Prior art]
Printers, copiers, recording devices having functions such as facsimile, or recording devices used as output devices of composite electronic devices and workstations including computers and word processors, etc., based on image information, such as paper and plastic thin plate It is configured to record an image on a recording medium.
[0004]
Among such recording apparatuses, an ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by ejecting ink toward a recording medium from a recording head as recording means. This ink jet recording apparatus has the following advantages.
[0005]
That is, the recording head can be easily made compact, high-definition images can be recorded at high speed, and recording can be performed on plain paper without special processing, and the running cost is low. In addition, since the non-impact method is used, noise is small, and it is easy to record a color image using multicolor inks. Further, according to the line type ink jet recording apparatus using a line type recording head in which a number of nozzles are arranged in the width direction of the recording paper, it is possible to further increase the recording speed. In particular, an ink jet recording unit (recording head) that ejects ink by using thermal energy includes an electrothermal transducer, an electrode, and a film formed on a substrate through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, or sputtering. A high-density liquid path arrangement (nozzle arrangement) can be realized by the liquid path wall, the top plate, and the like, so that the size can be further reduced.
[0006]
The ink jet recording apparatus records an image on a recording medium by discharging ink from nozzles according to an electric signal.
[0007]
In a serial type ink jet recording apparatus, a recording head in which nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a plurality of rows is used, and the recording head is moved (scanned) linearly along the main scanning direction while ejecting ink. An image is recorded on the recording medium by repeating the operation and the transport operation of transporting the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a conventional ink jet recording apparatus, particularly a serial type ink jet recording apparatus, has the following problems.
[0009]
In recent years, the number of ink ejection nozzles of a recording head and the size of ejected ink droplets have been reduced due to the increase in recording speed, image quality, and resolution. In order to increase the printing speed, a serial type ink jet printing apparatus employs a method of increasing a printing amount printed by one scan of a printing head. For this reason, the number of nozzles arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the print head is increased, and as a result, the nozzle row is becoming longer. When an inclination occurs in the ink ejection nozzle row of the print head, particularly when the nozzle row is long, a shift occurs in a line feed portion of a print image formed on a print medium by a plurality of scans of the print head, The recorded image may be disturbed. The line feed portion of the recorded image is a joint between the image portion recorded by the previous scan and the image portion recorded by the next scan, and is a portion adjacent to the image portion recorded by the nozzles located at both ends of the nozzle row. It becomes.
[0010]
At present, in order to solve such a problem, there is a method in which the mounting angle of the recording head is adjusted and fixed with screws at the time of factory shipment. However, in a recording apparatus using a replaceable recording head, since the user of the recording apparatus mounts the recording head, it is not possible to adopt a method of adjusting the mounting angle of the recording head as performed at the time of factory shipment.
[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to print a high-quality image by optimally adjusting the angle between a printing element array and a scanning direction in a print head when the mounting position of the print head with respect to a carriage is shifted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording device that can perform the recording.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The recording apparatus of the present invention uses a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged along a recording element row, while moving a carriage capable of mounting the recording head in a scanning direction intersecting the recording element row, In a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, a carriage guide for guiding the carriage movably in the scanning direction, and the carriage guide and the carriage for adjusting an angle between the recording element row and the scanning direction. And an adjusting means capable of adjusting the positional relationship with the control unit.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to a recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
In this specification, “print” (sometimes referred to as “record”) refers not only to the formation of significant information such as characters and figures, but also to the perception of human beings, whether significant or insignificant. Irrespective of whether or not the surface is obtained so as to be obtained, a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium or a case where the medium is processed is also referred to.
[0015]
Here, the term "print medium" refers to not only paper used in a general printing apparatus but also a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. Shall also say.
[0016]
Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “print” described above, and is provided on a print medium to enable the image, pattern, pattern, etc. It refers to a liquid that can be subjected to formation or processing of the print medium, or processing of the ink (eg, solidification or insolubilization of the color material in the ink applied to the print medium).
[0017]
In the embodiment described below, a printer will be described as an example of a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method.
[0018]
"Basic configuration"
First, the “basic configuration” of the printer will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
[Apparatus body]
1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer using an ink jet recording system.
In FIG. 1, an apparatus main body M1000 forming an outer shell of the printer in this embodiment includes outer members of a lower case M1001, an upper case M1002, an access cover M1003, and a paper discharge tray M1004, and a chassis M3019 housed in the outer member. (See FIG. 2).
[0020]
The chassis M3019 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped metal members having a predetermined rigidity, forms a skeleton of a recording apparatus, and holds each recording operation mechanism described later. The lower case M1001 forms a substantially lower half of the apparatus main body M1000, and the upper case M1002 forms a substantially upper half of the apparatus main body M1000. It has a hollow body structure having a space, and an opening is formed in each of the upper surface portion and the front surface portion of the hollow body structure.
[0021]
Further, one end of the paper discharge tray M1004 is rotatably held by the lower case M1001, and the rotation thereof can open and close an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case M1001. When the recording operation is performed, the recording sheet can be discharged from here by rotating the discharge tray M1004 toward the front side to open the opening, and the discharged recording sheets P are sequentially stacked. I am getting it.
[0022]
One end of the access cover M1003 is rotatably held by the upper case M1002, and can open and close an opening formed on the upper surface of the upper case M1002. By opening the access cover M1003, the recording head cartridge H1000 or the ink tank H1900 housed inside the main body can be replaced. Although not shown here, when the access cover M1003 is opened and closed, a projection formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening / closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a microswitch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.
[0023]
Further, on the rear upper surface of the upper case M1002, a power key E0018 and a resume key E0019 are provided so as to be able to be pressed, and an LED E0020 is provided. When the power key E0018 is pressed, the LED E0020 is turned on to enable recording. The operator is notified that there is something. In addition, various display functions such as notifying an operator of a printer trouble or the like are performed by changing the way of blinking or changing the color of the LED E0020, or by smoothing the buzzer E0021 (FIG. 11). When the trouble or the like is solved, the recording is restarted by pressing the resume key E0019.
[0024]
[Recording operation mechanism]
Next, a recording operation mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment that is stored and held in the apparatus main body M1000 of the printer will be described.
[0025]
As a recording operation mechanism in the present embodiment, an automatic feeding unit M3022 that automatically feeds the recording sheet P into the apparatus main body, and a recording sheet P that is fed one by one from the automatic feeding unit M3022 to a desired one. A transport unit M3029 that guides the recording sheet P from the recording position to the discharge unit M3030 while guiding to the recording position, a recording unit M4000 that performs desired recording on the recording sheet P transported to the transport unit M3029, a recording unit M4000, and the like. And a recovery unit (M5000) for performing a recovery process on.
[0026]
Next, the configuration of each mechanism will be described.
(Automatic feeding unit)
First, the automatic feeding unit M3022 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
The automatic feeding unit M3022 in the present embodiment sends out the recording sheets P stacked at an angle of about 30 ° to 60 ° with respect to a horizontal plane in a horizontal state, and sends the recording sheets P from a feeding port (not shown). Is discharged into the main body while maintaining a substantially horizontal state.
[0028]
That is, the automatic feeding unit M3022 is provided with a feeding roller M3026, a movable side guide M3024, a pressure plate M3025, an ASF base M3023, a separation sheet M3027, a separation claw (not shown), and the like. The ASF base M3023 forms a substantially outer shell of the automatic feeding unit M3022, and is provided on the back side of the apparatus main body. On the front side of the ASF base M3023, a pressure plate M3025 supporting the recording sheet P is attached at an angle of about 30 ° to 60 ° with respect to a horizontal plane, and a pair of guides for guiding both ends of the recording sheet P is provided. Sheet guides M3024a and M3024b protrude. One sheet guide M3024b is horizontally movable, and can correspond to the horizontal size (width) of the recording sheet P.
[0029]
A drive shaft M3026a interlocking with the PG motor is rotatably supported on both left and right sides of the ASF base M3023 via a transmission gear (not shown), and the drive shaft M3026a has an irregular peripheral shape. Are fixed.
When the feed roller M3026 is rotated by the PG motor E0003 (FIG. 15), the uppermost one of the recording sheets P stacked on the pressure plate M3025 is changed by the separating action of the separation sheet M3027 and the separation claw. The sheets are sequentially separated one by one and transported to the transport unit M3029. Since the lower end of the pressure plate M3025 is elastically supported by the pressure plate spring M3028 interposed between the pressure plate M3025 and the ASF base M3023, the pressure contact force between the feed roller and the recording sheet depends on the number of recording sheets P stacked. And can be kept constant.
[0030]
A PE lever M3020 urged clockwise in FIG. 3 by a PE lever spring M3021 is located in the conveyance path of the recording sheet P from the automatic feeding unit M3022 to the conveyance unit M3029. It is pivoted.
The chassis M3019 is fixed to the apparatus main body M1000, and is made of a metal plate member having a predetermined rigidity. The recording sheet P separated and conveyed from the automatic feeding unit M3022 passes through the conveyance path, and one end of the recording sheet P presses one end of the PE lever M3020 and rotates the PE lever M3020. The rotation of M3020 is detected to detect that the recording sheet P has entered the transport path.
Then, after the entry of the recording sheet P into the transport path is detected, the transport of the recording sheet P to the downstream side by a predetermined distance is advanced by the feeding roller M3026. The conveyance operation by the feed roller M3026 is performed after the end of the recording sheet P comes into contact with the nip portion between the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014 in a stopped state, and then the recording sheet P loops for about 3 mm. It stops when it becomes a state.
[0031]
(Transportation section)
The transport unit M3029 includes an LF roller M3001, a pinch roller M3014, a platen M2001, and the like. The LF roller M3001 is fixed to a drive shaft rotatably supported by a chassis M3019 and the like, and the LF intermediate gear M3012 is linked to a drive gear provided on a drive shaft of an LF motor E0002 described later. It rotates by the driving force of this motor.
[0032]
The pinch roller M3014 is rotatably supported by the tip of a pinch roller holder M3015 rotatably supported by the chassis M3019, and is driven by a helical spring-like pinch roller spring M3016 for urging the pinch roller holder M3015. Is pressed against. When the LF roller M3001 rotates, the pinch roller M3014 rotates following the rotation of the LF roller M3001. As described above, the pinch roller M3014 pinches the recording sheet P stopped in a loop shape with the LF roller M3001 and moves forward. It is to be transported.
[0033]
In the transport unit configured as described above, the driving of the LF motor E0002 is started after a lapse of a predetermined time after the transport operation by the paper feed roller M3026 of the automatic feeding unit M3022 is stopped. The driving force of the LF motor E0002 is transmitted to the LF roller M3001 via the LF intermediate gear M3012 and the LF gear M3003, and the nip portion between the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014 is in contact with the recording sheet. P is conveyed to the recording start position on the platen M2001 by the rotation of the LF roller M3001. At this time, since the feeding roller M3026 starts to rotate again at the same time as the LF roller M3001, the recording sheet P is conveyed to the downstream side by the cooperation of the feeding roller M3026 and the LF roller M3001 for a predetermined time. Become.
[0034]
The print head cartridge H1000 is mounted on a carriage M4001 that reciprocates in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow X along a carriage axis M4012. Both ends of the carriage shaft M4012 are fixed to the chassis M3019, and the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow X intersects (orthogonal in the present example) the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) indicated by the arrow Y of the recording sheet P. . The print head cartridge H1000 moves in the main scanning direction together with the carriage M4001, and discharges ink onto the print sheet P waiting at the print start position, thereby forming one line of the ink image based on predetermined image information. The recording scan starts.
[0035]
Then, after one line of the ink image is recorded on the recording sheet P, the recording sheet P is conveyed by a predetermined amount, for example, a line unit of 5.42 mm by the rotation of the LF roller M3001. After the conveyance, the carriage M4001 performs the printing scan for one line again. By repeating such a printing scan and the conveyance operation of the printing sheet P, the printing of the ink image on the printing sheet P located on the platen M2001 is completed.
[0036]
One end of the carriage shaft M4012 is attached to a sheet interval adjusting plate (not shown) via a sheet interval adjusting lever M2015, and the other end is attached to the other sheet interval adjusting plate M2012 via a carriage shaft cam M2011. In the mounted state, it is urged via the carriage shaft spring M2014. The sheet gap adjusting plate M2012 and the sheet gap adjusting plate (not shown) make the distance between the ejection surface of the recording head cartridge H1000 (the surface on which the ink ejection ports are formed) and the recording support surface M2001a of the platen M2001 appropriate. And fixed to the chassis M3019.
[0037]
Further, the sheet gap adjusting lever M2015 can be selectively moved to two stop positions, an upper position and a lower position (not shown) as shown in FIG. When the sheet gap adjusting lever M2015 is moved to the lower position, the carriage M4001 is retracted by about 0.6 mm from the platen M2001. Therefore, when the recording sheet P is thick like an envelope, the sheet feeding operation by the automatic sheet feeding unit M3022 is started after the sheet interval adjusting lever M2015 is moved to the lower position in advance.
[0038]
When the sheet gap adjusting lever M2015 is moved to the lower position, the state is detected by the GAP sensor E0008 (see FIG. 11), so that the sheet feeding operation of the recording sheet P is performed by the automatic sheet feeding unit M3022. At the start, it is determined whether or not the setting of the movement position of the sheet adjustment lever M2015 is appropriate. When the paper interval adjusting lever M2015 is at an improper moving position, a warning is issued by displaying a message to that effect or operating a buzzer, and the recording operation in an improper state of the paper interval adjusting lever M2015 is performed. Execution is prevented beforehand.
[0039]
[Paper output]
Next, the paper discharge unit M3030 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the discharging unit M3030 includes a discharging roller M2003, a discharging gear M3013 mounted on the discharging roller M2003, and transmitting the driving of the LF motor E0002 to the discharging roller M2003 via the LF intermediate gear M3012. A spur M2004, a discharge tray M1004 for assisting discharge of the recording sheet P, and the like are provided. The first spur M2004 is pressed by the discharge roller M2003 by the urging force of the spur spring shaft M2009, rotates following the rotation of the discharge roller M2003, and conveys the recording sheet P while pinching the recording sheet P with the discharge roller M2003. The spur spring shaft M2009 is attached to a first spur holder M2007 mounted on the spur stay M2006.
[0040]
The recording sheet P conveyed to the paper discharge unit M3030 receives the conveyance force by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004. The rotation center of the first spur M2004 is set to be offset from the rotation center of the discharge roller M2003 by about 2 mm upstream in the transport direction. Therefore, the recording sheet P conveyed by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 comes into light contact with the recording sheet supporting surface M2001a of the platen M2001 without a gap, and the recording sheet is properly and smoothly. It will be transported.
[0041]
Further, the transport speed by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 and the transport speed by the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014 are almost the same, but in order to further prevent the recording sheet P from loosening, The transport speed by the roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 is configured to be slightly higher.
[0042]
Further, the spur stay M2006 holds a second spur M2005 mounted on the second spur holder M2008 so as to be located on the downstream side of the first spur M2004, and the recording sheet P is stored in the spur stay M2006. To prevent rubbing.
[0043]
When the recording of the ink image on the recording sheet P is completed and the rear end of the recording sheet P is pulled out from between the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014, the recording sheet P is formed only by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004. The conveyance is performed, and the discharge of the recording sheet P is completed.
[0044]
(Recording unit)
Next, the recording unit M4000 will be described.
The recording unit M4000 includes a carriage M4001 movably supported by a carriage shaft M4021, and a head cartridge H1000 removably mounted on the carriage M4001.
[0045]
(Recording head cartridge)
First, the head cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 4, the print head cartridge H1000 in this embodiment includes an ink tank H1900 that stores ink and a print head H1001 that discharges ink supplied from the ink tank H1900 from nozzles according to print information. Have. The recording head H1001 is of a so-called cartridge type, which is removably mounted on a carriage M4001 described later.
[0047]
In the recording head cartridge H1000 shown here, in order to enable high-quality photographic color recording, for example, independent ink tanks for each color of black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta and yellow are prepared. As shown in FIG. 7, each is detachable from the recording head H1001.
[0048]
As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 6, the recording head H1001 includes a recording element substrate H1100, a first plate H1200, an electric wiring substrate H1300, a second plate H1400, a tank holder H1500, a flow path forming member H1600, It is composed of a filter H1700 and a seal rubber H1800.
[0049]
On the printing element substrate H1100, a plurality of printing elements for discharging ink onto one surface of the Si substrate and electric wiring such as an AI for supplying power to each printing element are formed by a film forming technique. A plurality of corresponding ink flow paths and a plurality of discharge ports H1100T are formed by photolithography, and an ink supply port for supplying ink to the plurality of ink flow paths is formed so as to open on the back surface. The printing element substrate H1100 is bonded and fixed to a first plate H1200, and an ink supply port H1201 for supplying ink to the printing element substrate H1100 is formed here. Further, a second plate H1400 having an opening is adhered and fixed to the first plate H1200, and the second plate H1400 electrically connects the electric wiring substrate H1300 and the recording element substrate H1100. So that the electric wiring board H1300 is held. The electric wiring board H1300 is for applying an electric signal for discharging ink to the recording element substrate H1100. An external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving an electric signal is provided, and the external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed to the rear side of a tank holder H1500 described later.
[0050]
On the other hand, a flow path forming member H1600 is ultrasonically welded to a tank holder H1500 that detachably holds the ink tank H1900 to form an ink flow path H1501 extending from the ink tank H1900 to the first plate H1200. In addition, a filter H1700 is provided at an end of the ink flow path H1501 on the ink tank side that engages with the ink tank H1900, so that intrusion of dust from the outside can be prevented. Further, a seal rubber H1800 is attached to an engagement portion with the ink tank H1900, so that evaporation of ink from the engagement portion can be prevented.
[0051]
Further, as described above, the tank holder portion including the tank holder H1500, the flow path forming member H1600, the filter H1700, and the seal rubber H1800, the recording element substrate H1100, the first plate H1200, the electric wiring substrate H1300, and the second The print head H1001 is configured by bonding the print element unit including the plate H1400 with an adhesive or the like.
[0052]
(carriage)
Next, the carriage M4001 will be described based on FIG. 2, FIG. 7, and FIG.
[0053]
As shown in each figure, the carriage M4001 is engaged with the carriage M4001 to guide the recording head H1001 to the mounting position of the carriage M4001, and engages with the tank holder H1500 of the recording head H1001. A head set lever M4007 for pressing the recording head H1001 to a predetermined mounting position.
That is, the head set lever M4007 is provided rotatably with respect to the head set lever shaft M4008 on the upper part of the carriage M4001, and a head set plate (not shown) is provided at an engagement portion with the recording head H1001 via a spring. The recording head 1001 is mounted on the carriage M4001 while being pressed by the spring force.
[0054]
In the carriage M4001, a contact flexible print cable (hereinafter, referred to as a contact FPC) E0011 is provided at another engagement portion with the recording head H1001. The contact portion E0011a on the contact FPC E0011 and the contact portion (external signal input terminal) H1301 provided on the recording head H1001 are electrically contacted to transfer various information for recording and to the recording head H1001. Power supply.
[0055]
An elastic member such as rubber (not shown) is provided between the contact portion E0011a of the contact FPC E0011 and the carriage M4001, and the contact portion E0011a and the carriage M4001 are provided by the elastic force of the elastic member and the pressing force of the headset lever spring. It is designed to allow reliable contact with the vehicle. Further, the contact FPC E0011 is drawn out to both side surfaces of the carriage M4001, and both ends are sandwiched and fixed to both side surfaces of the carriage M4001 by a pair of FPC pressers M4003 and M4006 as shown in FIGS. , And is connected to a carriage substrate E0013 mounted on the back of the carriage M4001 (see FIG. 8).
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, the carriage board E0013 is electrically connected to a main board E0014 provided on the chassis M3019 by a carriage flexible flat cable (carriage FFC) E0012.
[0057]
The other end of the carriage FFC E0012 is fixed to the chassis M3019 (FIG. 2) by an FFC press M4028 (FIG. 2), and the rear side of the chassis M3019 through a hole (not shown) provided in the chassis M3019. And connected to the main board E0014 (FIG. 11).
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 11, an encoder sensor E0004 is provided on the carriage substrate E0013. The encoder sensor E0004 allows the encoder sensor E0004 to mount the encoder sensor E0004 on the encoder scale E0005 which is stretched between both side surfaces of the chassis M3019 in parallel with the carriage shaft M4012. By detecting the information, the position of the carriage M4001, the scanning speed, and the like can be detected. In the case of this embodiment, the encoder sensor E0004 is an optical transmission type sensor, and the encoder scale E0005 is a light shield that blocks detection light from the encoder sensor on a film made of resin such as polyester by photoengraving or the like. The part and the light transmitting part through which the detection light is transmitted are printed alternately at a predetermined pitch.
[0059]
Therefore, the position of the carriage M4001 moving along the carriage axis M4012 is determined based on the position at which the carriage M4001 abuts against one side plate of the chassis M3019 provided at the end of the carriage M4001 on the scanning track. With the scanning, the number of patterns formed on the encoder scale E0005 is counted by using the encoder sensor E0004, so that the number of patterns can be detected at any time.
[0060]
The carriage M4001 is configured to be guided and scanned by a carriage shaft M4012 and a carriage rail M4013 provided between both side surfaces of the chassis M3019. A pair of carriage bearings M4029 formed by impregnating a lubricant such as oil into a sintered metal or the like is integrally formed on the bearing portion of the carriage shaft M4012 by insert molding or the like. Further, a carriage slider (CR slider) M4014 as a contact member made of a resin or the like having excellent slidability and abrasion resistance is provided at a contact portion of the carriage M4001 with the carriage rail M4013. The slider M4014, together with the CR bearing M4029, is configured to enable smooth scanning of the carriage M4001.
[0061]
A carriage belt M4018 is stretched substantially parallel to the carriage shaft between the idler pulley M4020 (FIG. 2) and the carriage motor pulley M4024 (FIG. 2), and the carriage M4001 is fixed to the carriage belt M4018. . The carriage M4001 can be scanned along the carriage axis M4012 by rotating the carriage motor pulley M4024 by driving the carriage motor E0001 (FIG. 11) to move the carriage belt M4018 in the forward or backward direction. It has become. The carriage motor pulley M4024 is held at a fixed position by a chassis. The idler pulley M4020 is held movably with respect to the chassis M3019 together with the pulley holder M4021, and is biased by a spring in a direction away from the motor pulley M4024. Therefore, an appropriate tension is always applied to the carriage belt M4018, which is stretched from both the pulleys M4020 to M4024, so that a favorable erection state without slack is maintained.
[0062]
Note that a carriage belt stopper M4019 is provided at a portion where the carriage belt M4018 and the carriage M4001 are attached, so that the carriage M4001 can be securely attached.
[0063]
Further, in order to detect the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink tank H1900 of the recording head cartridge H1000 mounted on the carriage M4001, the spur stay M2006 faces the ink tank H1900 on the scanning trajectory of the carriage M4001. And an exposed ink end sensor E0006 (FIG. 2).
[0064]
(Recovery Department)
Next, a recovery unit that performs recovery processing on the printhead cartridge H1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0065]
The recovery unit in this embodiment is configured by a recovery system unit M5000 that can be independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body M1000. The recovery system unit M5000 includes a cleaning unit for removing foreign matter attached to the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head H1001, and a flow path (H1501 to H1501) of ink from the ink tank H1900 to the recording element substrate 1100 of the recording head H1001. And a recovery unit for normalizing the flow path to H1400 via H1600.
[0066]
9 and 10, reference numeral E0003 denotes a PG motor, which functions as a drive source for driving a cap M5001, a pump M5100, wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, M5012-2, and an automatic feeding unit M3022 described later. In the PG motor E0003, the driving force is taken out from both sides of the motor shaft. One side drives the pump M5100 or the above-mentioned automatic feeding section M3022 through a drive switching means described later, and the other side drives the pump M5100. Only when the PG motor E0003 rotates through a one-way clutch M5041 in a specific rotation direction (hereinafter, this rotation direction is referred to as a normal rotation direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as a reverse rotation direction), the PG motors E0003 are connected to each other and linked. The cap M5001 and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 are driven. Therefore, when the PG motor E0003 is rotating in the reverse direction, the one-way clutch M5041 runs idle and does not transmit the driving force, so that the cap M5001 and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 are not driven.
[0067]
The cap M5001 is made of a rubber material, and is attached to a cap lever M5004 that can rotate around the axis. The cap M5001 is moved in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 10) via the one-way clutch M5041, the cap drive transmission gear train M5110, the cap cam and the cap lever M5004, and a plurality of caps are moved with respect to the print element substrate H1100 of the print head H1001. It is configured to be able to contact and separate so as to cover the discharge port H1100T. The cap M5001 is provided with a cap absorber M5002, and is arranged to face the recording element substrate H1100 at a predetermined interval during capping.
[0068]
By arranging the cap absorber M5002, it is possible to receive the ink sucked from the ejection port H1100T of the recording head cartridge H1000 during the suction operation. A cap tube M5009 is connected to the cap M5001, and the cap tube M5009 is connected to a pump tube M5019 of a pump M5100 described later, and the ink is discharged from the cap suction port M5001T.
[0069]
M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 are wiper blades made of a flexible material such as rubber, and are erected on the blade holder M5013 so that the edges thereof protrude upward. A lead screw M5031 is inserted into the blade holder M5013, and a protrusion (not shown) of the blade holder M5013 is movably fitted in a groove formed in the lead screw M5031. For this reason, the blade holder M5013 reciprocates in the directions of arrows B1 and B2 (FIG. 10) along the lead screw M5031 by the rotation of the lead screw M5031, and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 also move. The recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 is wiped and cleaned. The lead screw M5031 is connected to the PG motor E0003 via the one-way clutch M5041 and the wiper drive transmission gear train M5120.
[0070]
M5100 is a pump that generates pressure by squeezing the pump tube M5019 with a pump roller (a pump roller M5018 in an embodiment described below; hereinafter, also referred to as a “pump roller M5018”). The pump M5100 is connected to the other side of the PG motor E0003 via a drive switching means for switching the transmission path of the driving force between the pump M5100 and the automatic feeding unit M3022 and a pump drive transmission gear train M5130. . Although not described in detail, the pump M5100 is provided with a mechanism that can release the pressing force of the pump roller M5018 against the pump tube M5019 by pressing the pump tube M5019, and when the PG motor E0003 rotates in the normal rotation direction. When the pressing force of the pump roller M5018 is released and the pump tube M5019 does not squeeze and the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the pressing force of the pump roller M5018 acts to squeeze the pump tube M5019. I have. One end of the pump tube M5019 is connected to the cap M5001 via the cap tube M5009.
[0071]
The above-described drive switching means includes a pendulum arm M5026 and a switching lever M5043. The pendulum arm M5026 is configured to be rotatable in the directions of arrows C1 and C2 (FIG. 9) about the axis M5026a in accordance with the rotation direction of the PG motor E0003. The switching lever M5043 switches according to the position of the carriage M4001. That is, when the carriage moves above the recovery unit M5000, a part of the switching lever M5043 comes into contact with a part of the carriage M4001, and the switching lever M5043 moves in the directions of arrows D1 and D2 (FIG. 9) according to the position of the carriage M4001. It is configured so that it can move and the lock hole M5026b of the pendulum arm M5026 and the lock pin M5043a of the switching lever M5043 can be fitted.
[0072]
E0010 is a PG sensor that detects the position of the cap M5001.
[0073]
Next, each operation of the recovery system unit M5000 having such a configuration will be described.
First, the driving of the automatic feeding unit M3022 will be described.
When the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction while the carriage M4001 is in the retracted position where the carriage M4001 does not contact the switching lever M5043, the pendulum arm M5026 is swung in the direction of arrow C1 (FIG. 9) via the pendulum drive transmission gear train M5150. The switching output gear M5027 mounted on the pendulum arm M5026 meshes with the ASF gear 1M5064 at one end of the ASF drive transmission gear train M5160. If the PG motor E0003 continues to rotate in the reverse direction in this state, the automatic feeding unit M3022 is driven via the ASF drive transmission gear train M5160. At this time, since the driving force is not transmitted to the cap M5001 and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 due to the idling of the one-way clutch M5041, the wiper blade does not operate.
[0074]
Next, the suction operation of the pump M5100 will be described.
When the PG motor E0003 rotates in the normal rotation direction when the carriage M4001 is at the standby position where it does not contact the switching lever M5043, the pendulum arm M5026 is swung in the direction of arrow C2 via the pendulum drive transmission gear train M5150, and the pendulum arm is rotated. A switching output gear M5027 mounted on M5026 meshes with a pump gear 1M5053 located at one end of a pump drive transmission gear train M5130.
[0075]
Thereafter, when the carriage M4001 moves to the capping position (the position of the carriage where the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 is opposed to the cap M5001), a part of the carriage M4001 comes into contact with a part of the switching lever M5043 to switch the switching lever M5043. In the direction D1, the lock pin M5043a of the switching lever M5043 fits into the lock hole M5026b of the pendulum arm M5026. Therefore, the pendulum arm M5026 is locked while being connected to the pump.
[0076]
Here, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction, and the pump tube M5019 is pressed by the pressure contact force of the pump roller M5018, so that a negative pressure is applied to the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 via the cap tube M5009 and the cap M5001. Acts, and ink, bubbles, and the like that are no longer suitable for printing are forcibly sucked from the ejection ports on the printing element substrate H1100.
[0077]
Thereafter, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction, and the pressure in the pump tube M5019, the cap tube M5009, and the cap M5001 becomes the atmospheric pressure, and the forcible suction operation of the ink from the ink ejection port in the recording element substrate 1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000. Stops, and the suction operation ends.
[0078]
Next, the wiping operation will be described.
In the wiping operation, the PG motor E0003 first rotates in the forward rotation direction, and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 move to the wiping start position (when the cap M5001 is separated from the recording head cartridge H1000, the wiper blade M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 move to positions upstream of the print head cartridge H1000 in the printing operation direction). Next, the carriage M4001 moves to a wiping position (a position where the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 face the recording element substrate H1100). At this time, the carriage M4001 and the switching lever M5043 are not in contact with each other, and the pendulum arm M5026 is in an unlocked state.
[0079]
Here, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the normal rotation direction, and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2 move in the direction of arrow B1 (FIG. 10) while wiping the print element substrate H1100 of the print head cartridge H1000. Clean. Further, the recording element substrate H1100 is wiped and cleaned by a wiper blade cleaning unit (not shown) provided downstream of the recording element substrate 1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 in the recording operation direction to remove dirt attached to the wiper blade. Clean. At this time, the cap M5001 is maintained in a separated state.
[0080]
When the wiper blade reaches the wiping end position (end position on the downstream side in the recording operation direction), the PG motor stops, and the carriage M4001 moves to the wiping retract position (movement of the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, and M5012-2). Out of the area). Thereafter, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the normal rotation direction, and the wiper blade moves to the wiping end position. At this time, the cap M5001 is maintained in the separated state, and the wiping is completed as described above.
[0081]
Next, the preliminary ejection will be described.
When the above-described suction operation and wiping operation are performed using a recording head that discharges a plurality of color inks, a problem that different inks are mixed may occur.
[0082]
For example, at the end of the suction operation, the ink sucked out of the ink ejection port by the suction operation may cause a backflow phenomenon in which the ink flows back to the recording head H1001 that has been in a negative pressure state by the suction operation. At that time, the other color ink may enter the ejection port H1100T, and when the next recording is started, the first recording portion may be discolored (also referred to as mixed color), and the image may be deteriorated. is there.
[0083]
Preliminarily ejecting ink of the mixed color immediately before recording to prevent such color mixture is referred to as preliminary ejection. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a preliminary ejection port M5045 is arranged near the cap M5001, and the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head is moved to a position facing the preliminary ejection port M5045 immediately before recording. Then, the preliminary ejection is performed.
[0084]
The preliminary ejection port M5045 is formed by a preliminary ejection absorber M5046 and a preliminary ejection cover M5047, and the preliminary ejection absorber M5046 is connected to a waste ink absorber (not shown).
[0085]
(Operation of recording device)
Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention thus configured will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0086]
When the device is connected to the AC power supply, first, a first initialization process of the device is performed in step S1. In the initialization processing, the electric circuit system such as the ROM and RAM of the apparatus is checked to check whether the apparatus can be normally operated electrically.
[0087]
In the next step S2, it is determined whether the power key E0018 provided on the upper case M1002 of the apparatus main body M1000 has been turned on. If the power key E0018 has been pressed, the process moves to the next step S3 to perform a second initialization process.
[0088]
In the second initialization process, various drive mechanisms and a head system of the apparatus are checked. That is, when the initialization of various motors and the reading of the head information are performed, it is confirmed whether the present apparatus can operate normally.
[0089]
In the next step S4, an event is waited. That is, the apparatus monitors command events from the external I / F, panel key events by user operation, internal control events, and the like, and when these events occur, executes processing corresponding to the events. .
[0090]
For example, in step S4, if a print command event is received from the external I / F, the process proceeds to step S5, and if a power key event is generated by a user operation, the process proceeds to step S10. If the error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S11.
In step S5, a print command from the external I / F is analyzed to determine the designated paper type, paper size, print quality, paper feeding method, and the like, and data representing the determination result is stored in the RAM E2005 in the apparatus. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0091]
Next, in step S6, sheet feeding is started by the sheet feeding method designated in step S5, the sheet is fed to a recording start position, and the process proceeds to step S7.
In step S7, a recording operation is performed. In this printing operation, the print data sent from the external I / F is temporarily stored in the print buffer, and then the CR motor E0001 is driven to start moving the carriage M4001 in the scanning direction, and stored in the print buffer E2104. The recorded print data is supplied to the print head H1001 to print one row. When the printing operation of the printing data for one line is completed, the LF motor E0002 is driven to rotate the LF roller M3001 to feed the paper in the sub-scanning direction. Thereafter, such an operation is repeatedly executed, and when the recording of the recording data for one page from the external I / F is completed, the process proceeds to step S8.
[0092]
In step S8, the paper discharge roller M2003 is driven by the LF motor E0002, and the paper feeding is repeated until it is determined that the paper has been completely fed from the apparatus.
When step S8 ends, the sheet is completely discharged onto the discharge tray M1004a.
[0093]
In the next step S9, it is determined whether or not the recording operation of all pages to be recorded has been completed, and if there are pages to be recorded remaining, the process returns to step S5. The operation up to is repeated. Then, when the recording operation of all the pages to be recorded is completed, the recording operation is completed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.
[0094]
On the other hand, in step S10, a printer termination process is performed to stop the operation of the present apparatus. That is, in order to turn off the power of various motors and heads, the state is shifted to a state where the power can be turned off, then the power is turned off and the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.
[0095]
In step S11, other event processing other than the above is performed. For example, a process corresponding to a recovery command from various panel keys or an external I / F of the apparatus or a recovery event generated internally is performed. After the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.
[0096]
"Feature configuration"
Next, an embodiment of a characteristic configuration of the present invention in a printer having the above “basic configuration” will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0097]
(1st Embodiment)
FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the first embodiment of the characteristic configuration of the present invention, and schematically show the configuration around the carriage M4001 in the above-described printing apparatus.
[0098]
The carriage M4001 is slidably attached to a carriage shaft M4012, and a left side H4001L and a right side H4001R of the carriage M4001 have a form of a rotating plate rotatable about a rotation center O1 as shown in FIG. A carriage bearing M4029 is provided. The rotation center O1 of the carriage bearing M4029 and the center O2 of the carriage shaft M4012 are eccentric. When the carriage bearing M4029 rotates around O1, the carriage M4001 moves in the arrow P direction with respect to the carriage shaft M4012. By rotating the carriage bearing M4029 of the left side H4001L and the carriage bearing M4029 of the right side H4001R in directions opposite to each other, the carriage M4001 can be inclined with respect to the carriage shaft M4012, that is, with respect to the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow X. it can.
Therefore, the positional relationship of the recording head H1001 mounted on the carriage M4001 can be adjusted with respect to the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow X.
[0099]
18 and 19 are explanatory diagrams of the position of the print head H1001 with respect to the main scanning direction and the print image according to the positional relationship.
[0100]
When the recording head H1001 mounted on the carriage M4001 has a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 18A with respect to the main scanning direction of the arrow X, a plurality of ejection ports are arranged on the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head H1001. The row of H1100T is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the sub-scanning direction of arrow Y orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In such a state, if a straight line extending in the sub-scanning direction is to be printed on the print sheet P by a plurality of print scans of the print head H1001, the print image is shown in FIG. It becomes a step shape as shown in a), and does not become a linear shape. Such a shift in the recorded image causes a reduction in image quality.
[0101]
Therefore, as described above, the carriage bearing M4029 of the left portion H4001L and the right portion H4001R is rotated, and the positional relationship between the carriage M4001 and the recording head H1001 in the main scanning direction is adjusted as shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 18B, the rows of the ejection ports H1100T arranged on the recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head H1001 are orthogonal to the main scanning direction so as to be along the arrow Y sub-scanning direction. After the adjustment as shown in FIG. 18B, when a straight line extending along the sub-scanning direction is to be printed on the print sheet P by a plurality of print scans of the print head H1001, the print head H1001 is required The recorded image has a desired linear shape as shown in FIG. By eliminating the deviation of the recorded image in this way, a high-quality image can be recorded.
[0102]
In this example, the carriage bearing M4029 can be rotated by a motor.
[0103]
That is, a gear M4029a is provided on the outer periphery of the carriage bearing M4029 of the left side H4001L and the outer periphery of the carriage bearing M4029 of the right side H4001R as shown in FIG. When the carriage M4001 reaches one end (left side) in the scanning direction, the carriage M4001 is provided on one (left) side plate of the chassis M3019 with respect to the gear M4029a of the carriage bearing M4029 of the left side H4001L. The gears (not shown) are engaged with each other, and the carriage bearing M4029 of the left side H4001L can be rotated by a motor (not shown) via the gears (not shown) and the gear M4029a. Conversely, when the carriage M4001 reaches the end on the other side (right side) in the scanning direction, the carriage M4001 is provided on the other (right side) side plate of the chassis M3019 with respect to the gear M4029a of the carriage bearing M4029 of the right side H4001L. The gears (not shown) are engaged with each other, and the carriage bearing M4029 of the right side H4001L can be rotated by a motor (not shown) via the gears (not shown) and the gear M4029a.
[0104]
As described above, the motor that rotates the carriage bearing M4029 of the left portion H4001L and the right portion H4001R can be controlled based on an image recording result as shown in FIG.
[0105]
That is, after the printhead H1001 is mounted on the carriage M4001, the printhead H1001 is attached to the printing apparatus M1000, and when the access cover M1003 is closed, the paper P is fed from the automatic feeding unit M3022 to perform printing. A straight line extending along the sub-scanning direction is printed by a plurality of printing scans of the head H1001. The recorded image is read by a reading sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage M4001, and the inclination of the recorded straight line with respect to the main scanning direction is detected. Then, based on the detection result, the recording image is adjusted to have the positional relationship as shown in FIG. 19B, that is, the positional relationship as shown in FIG. 18B. That is, a gear (not shown) is engaged with the carriage bearing M4029 of the left portion H4001L and / or the right portion H4001R, and the left portion H4001L and / or the right portion H4001R is driven by a motor (not shown) via the gear (not shown) and the gear M4029a. Is rotated in the required direction by the required amount.
[0106]
Further, it is not always necessary to adjust the rotation of both carriage bearings M4029 on the left side H4001L and the right side H4001R, and only one carriage bearing M4029 may be adjustable.
[0107]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment of the characteristic configuration of the present invention, and schematically shows a configuration near the carriage bearing M4029 in the above-described printing apparatus.
[0108]
In the present embodiment, two points of the carriage bearing M0429 are configured to contact the carriage shaft M4012, and the form of support by the carriage bearing M0429 is two-point contact. As described above, by increasing the degree of freedom of the carriage bearing M4029 with respect to the carriage shaft M4012, it is possible to prevent the fitting state of the carriage bearing M0429 from being tight when the angle of the carriage bearing M0429 is adjusted with respect to the carriage shaft M4012. .
[0109]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment of the characteristic configuration of the present invention, and schematically shows a configuration around the carriage M4001 in the above-described printing apparatus.
[0110]
In the present embodiment, the distance between the rotation center O1 of the carriage bearing M4029 and the center O2 of the carriage shaft M4012 is set to be large. That is, the carriage shaft M4012 is held at the tip of the arm M4029A that can rotate about O1. In this way, by increasing the distance between the centers O1 and O2, the carriage bearing M4029 is rotated to adjust the positional relationship between the carriage M4001 and the recording head H1001 in the main scanning direction. The movement of the carriage M4001 in the vertical direction can be kept small, and the positional relationship can be adjusted more efficiently.
[0111]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment of the characteristic configuration of the present invention, and schematically shows the configuration around the carriage M4001 in the above-described printing apparatus.
[0112]
In the present embodiment, the carriage bearing M4029 is slidably attached to the carriage M4001 in the direction of arrow Q. That is, the carriage bearing M4029 is attached so as to be slidable in the direction of the arrow Q by the guide portion M4001G provided at a fixed position of the carriage M4001. With this configuration, when the positional relationship between the carriage M4001 and the recording head H1001 is adjusted in the main scanning direction, the movement of the carriage M4001 in the vertical direction in FIG. Relationship can be adjusted.
[0113]
(Other embodiments)
The recording head is not limited to an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink from the ink discharge ports, but may be one having various recording elements. In short, any print head may be used as long as a plurality of print elements are arranged along a print element row, and can print an image while being moved in a scanning direction crossing the print element row.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the recording apparatus of the present invention adjusts the positional relationship between the carriage on which the recording head can be mounted and the carriage guide that guides the carriage so as to be movable in the scanning direction, so that the recording head with respect to the carriage is adjusted. When the angle between the print element array and the scanning direction in the print head is shifted due to the shift of the mounting position, the angle can be optimally adjusted to print a high-quality image.
[0115]
Further, by providing a control means for controlling an adjusting means for adjusting a positional relationship between the carriage and the carriage guide and automatically adjusting an angle between a printing element array and a scanning direction in the print head, a user of the printing apparatus can be provided. The angle can be adjusted optimally and a high-quality image can be recorded without bothering. In this case, the control unit controls the adjusting unit based on a detection result of an angle between the printing element array and the scanning direction in the print head or an image print result using the print head mounted on the carriage. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating a basic configuration of an inkjet printer to which the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer of FIG. 1 with an exterior member removed.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the printer of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a recording head cartridge used in the printer of FIG.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head cartridge of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the recording head of FIG. 5 as viewed obliquely from below.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carriage in the printer of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carriage in the printer of FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear side.
9 is a perspective view of the recovery system unit in the printer of FIG. 1 as viewed from one side.
10 is a perspective view of the recovery system unit in the printer of FIG. 1 as viewed from another side.
11 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an electric circuit in the printer of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an electric circuit in a main PCB in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view on arrow XV of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow XVI in FIG. 14;
17A is an enlarged view of a right carriage bearing part of the carriage of FIG. 14, and FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a left carriage bearing part of the carriage of FIG.
FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram of a state before angle adjustment according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram of a state after angle adjustment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. is there.
19A is an explanatory diagram of a recorded image recorded in the state of FIG. 18A, and FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram of a recorded image recorded in the state of FIG.
FIG. 20 is a side view of a main part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a side view of a main part according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a side view of a main part according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
M4000 recording unit
M4001 carriage
M4012 Carriage shaft (carriage guide)
M4029 Carriage bearing (guide receiving part)
H1000 print head cartridge
H1001 Recording head
H1100 printing element substrate
H1100 ink ejection port

Claims (10)

Using a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged along a recording element row, an image is recorded on a recording medium while a carriage on which the recording head can be mounted is moved in a scanning direction intersecting the recording element row. In the recording device,
A carriage guide that movably guides the carriage in the scanning direction; and an adjustment unit that can adjust a positional relationship between the carriage guide and the carriage so as to adjust an angle formed between the recording element row and the scanning direction. A recording device comprising: The carriage is movably guided by the carriage guide via a guide receiving portion provided on the carriage,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit is capable of adjusting a position of the guide receiving unit on the carriage. The guide receiving portion is provided rotatably on the carriage,
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment unit rotates and adjusts a position of the guide receiving unit on the carriage. A plurality of the guide receiving portions are provided,
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting unit is capable of adjusting at least one position of the plurality of guide receiving units. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the adjustment unit to automatically adjust an angle between the printing element array and the scanning direction. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the adjustment unit based on a detection result of an angle between the printing element array and the scanning direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the adjustment unit based on a result of recording an image using the recording head mounted on the carriage. A reading sensor mounted on the carriage and capable of reading a recording result of the image;
6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the adjustment unit based on a recording result of the image read by the reading sensor. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is an inkjet recording head in which a plurality of ink ejection ports capable of ejecting ink are arranged along the recording element row. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording head includes an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for discharging ink.

Images