JP2006168040A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a recorder in which ink ejection state of a recording head can be detected accurately in a short time through a small and inexpensive arrangement. <P>SOLUTION: The recorder comprises a means for detecting ejection state of ink from the ejection opening of a recording head wherein the ejection detecting means consists of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. A member for intercepting the direct light out in a light beam directed from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element is provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. In the light beam directed from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element, only the light reflected on the surface forming the ejection opening of the recording head or the vicinity thereof toward the light receiving element is used for detecting ejection state of ink immediately after ejection from the ejection opening of the recording head. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus provided with an ink droplet discharge state detection unit of a recording head used in an apparatus for recording an image by discharging ink droplets.

  In addition to a general printing apparatus, the present invention is an apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile having a communication system, a word processor having a printing unit, and an industrial recording apparatus combined with various processing apparatuses. Can be applied.

  Recording devices having functions such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, etc., or composite electronic devices including computers and word processors, and recording devices used as output devices for workstations are based on image information such as paper and plastic thin plates. An image is recorded on a recording medium. Such a recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet method, a wire dot method, a thermal method, a laser beam method, and the like according to a recording method.

  In a serial type recording apparatus that employs a serial scanning method in which main scanning is performed in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording medium, recording means mounted on a carriage that moves along the recording medium is used. Then, an image is recorded on the recording medium. That is, after an image for one line is recorded by main scanning of the recording means, the recording medium is pitch-conveyed (paper feed) by a predetermined amount, and then an image for the next line is again recorded by main scanning of the recording means. As is recorded, an image is recorded on the entire recording medium by alternately repeating the main scanning operation of the recording means and the pitch conveying operation of the recording medium.

  An ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a recording means (ink jet recording head). Advantages of such an ink jet recording apparatus include that the recording means can be easily made compact, that high-definition images can be recorded at high speed, that ordinary paper can be recorded without requiring special processing, and that the running cost is high. Low noise, low impact because of the non-impact method, and easy recording of color images by using multicolor inks.

  As an ink jet recording head used in an ink jet recording apparatus, in particular, one that ejects ink using thermal energy is electrothermal conversion formed on a substrate through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, and sputtering. A body, an electrode, a liquid channel wall, a top plate and the like can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture an ink jet recording head having a liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement) with high density, and further downsizing can be achieved.

  On the other hand, in recent years, various types of recording media have been used in order to record higher-definition images. In addition to plain paper and resin thin plates (OHP, etc.) that are ordinary recording media, Recording media having various coatings on the surface have come to be used. Also, in the recording apparatus, a recording method (number of recording passes, ink ejection) depending on the type of recording medium so that the best recording can be performed on each of the various recording media. The amount can be changed. In order for the user to perform recording with a recording method suitable for the recording medium, the type of the recording medium to be used may be selected on the printer driver. That is, when the user selects the type of recording medium to be used on the printer driver, a recording method suitable for the recording medium is automatically selected and recording is performed.

  Incidentally, for example, an ink jet recording head used in a serial scan type ink jet recording apparatus is mounted on a carriage and ejects ink from an ink ejection port while reciprocating in the main scanning direction together with the carriage. In such a recording head, as a method for maintaining good ink ejection performance, the ejection port forming surface (the surface of the recording element substrate on which the ink ejection port is formed) of the recording head is wiped with a wiper blade. There is a way. The wiper blade is made of, for example, a silicon rubber plate having a thickness of 0.5 mm. When wiping the recording head, the position of the ejection port forming surface of the recording head and the position of the wiper blade are moved relative to each other while overlapping the position by about 1 mm. In other words, the recording head mounted on the carriage passes through the position facing the wiper blade at a fixed position, or the wiper blade passes through the position facing the stopped recording head, thereby adhering to the ejection port forming surface. Wipe off foreign matter such as paper dust, dust, and ink residue.

  However, even if the above wiping is performed, the ink droplets are swollen or not ejected (clogged by dust or thickened ink, or in the case of a method in which ink droplets are ejected by the action of thermal energy, the heater breaks, the nozzle opening due to ink droplets May cause streak unevenness along the scanning direction of the recording head.

  On the other hand, a method of detecting non-ejection using a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element (photodiode) is used. This is an optical discharge failure detection method in which an ink droplet is injected into a light beam from a light emitting element and non-ejection is detected from an output signal of a light receiving element that receives the light. When performing undischarge detection using this optical undischarge detection method, since the ink droplet is small relative to the light flux, an undischarge detection is performed by providing an opening (pinhole, slit, etc.) in front of the light receiving element. Yes. Here, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are fixedly arranged in the recording apparatus main body so that the optical path connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is parallel to the nozzle row of the recording head.

  When non-ejection detection is performed in the above, each nozzle is driven in order to eject one droplet into the light beam, and this is detected. On the other hand, the ink droplets include main droplets and satellites, and two detection signals of main droplets and satellites are obtained for one ejection signal. At this time, since the satellite has a slower ejection speed, the satellite detection signal is obtained after the main droplet detection signal. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the detection signal of the satellite from overlapping the detection signal of the main droplet of the next ink droplet. For this purpose, the next nozzle is driven after the satellite passes through the light beam. It was necessary to eject ink.

On the other hand, a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element are provided, and an optical axis between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is an array of nozzles of the recording head. A method has been proposed in which the satellite detection signal does not overlap with the detection signal of the main ink droplet of the next ink droplet by being arranged so as to intersect with the direction at a predetermined angle. In this case, non-discharge detection is performed by ejecting ink from the recording head at a position where the ejection detecting means is provided while scanning the recording head.
Japanese Patent No. 3368194

  However, the following problems remain in the recording apparatus provided with the ink droplet discharge state detecting means of the recording head as described above.

  That is, when the light emitting element and the light receiving element are fixedly arranged in the recording apparatus main body so that the optical path connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is parallel to the nozzle row of the recording head, the satellite detection signal In order not to overlap with the detection signal of the main droplet of the next ink droplet, it is necessary to drive the next nozzle after the satellite passes through the light beam to discharge ink. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a long time to detect the ink droplet discharge state.

  In addition, an ejection detecting means is provided while scanning the recording head after arranging the optical axis between the light emitting element and the light receiving element to intersect the arrangement direction of the nozzles of the recording head at a predetermined angle. In the case where non-discharge detection is performed by ejecting ink from the recording head at the same position, each nozzle row is used to eject ink of four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, as in the color recording head. In order to prevent the output signals of the photosensors obtained from the adjacent nozzle rows from interfering with each other, the distance between the nozzle rows (a) of each color, the nozzle rows The following relationship must be satisfied between the length (effective recording length) (b) and the angle (θ) between the beam optical axis and the nozzle array.

b × tan θ <a
For this reason, there is a problem that the size of the recording head is restricted. In recent years, a method of increasing the nozzle row length has been adopted as one of the methods for realizing high-speed printing in a printing apparatus. However, if the relationship of the above equation is to be satisfied, the distance between nozzle rows of each color must be increased. There was a problem that the lateral width of the recording head, that is, the lateral width of the recording apparatus had to be increased.

  In the above, as a method in which the nozzle row length (effective recording length) (b) may be increased and the distance (a) between the nozzle rows of each color may not be increased, the angle (θ) between the beam optical axis and the nozzle row. However, there is a problem that if the angle (θ) between the beam optical axis and the nozzle row is decreased, the ink droplet detection signal overlaps with the next ink droplet detection signal. Therefore, it is not a good idea to reduce the angle (θ) between the beam optical axis and the nozzle array.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of accurately detecting the ink ejection state of a recording head in a short time with a small and inexpensive configuration. There is.

  In a recording apparatus that records on a recording medium using a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port, the ejection detection unit includes an ejection detection unit capable of detecting an ejection state of ink from the ejection port in the recording head. Is composed of a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element, and a shielding member that shields light directly from the light beam that travels from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. Provided between the light receiving element, of the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element, using only the reflected light that is reflected at or near the discharge port forming surface of the recording head and directed toward the light receiving element, An ink ejection state immediately after ejection is detected from an ejection port of the recording head.

  Further, the ejection detecting means arranges the light emitting element and the light receiving element so that an optical path connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is parallel to an arrangement direction of nozzle rows of the recording head, and further, the light emission A member having a slit hole with a height of 2 to 3 mm is provided on each of the element and the front surface of the light receiving element, and further, the recording head is placed at a position 0.5 to 1.5 mm upward from the upper edge of the slit hole. The discharge detecting means is arranged so that the discharge port forming surface comes, and the upper end of the shielding member that shields the direct light of the light beam from the light emitting element to the light receiving element substantially coincides with the upper edge of the slit hole. The shielding member is arranged as described above.

  Furthermore, a shielding member that shields direct light out of the light beam directed from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is formed by a part of a cap for recovering or protecting the performance of the recording head.

  Furthermore, a member for efficiently reflecting light from the light emitting element is provided on or near the discharge port forming surface of the recording head.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to detect the presence or absence of ink immediately after ejection from the recording head, it is possible to reliably detect ink ejection regardless of the twist of the ink.

  In addition, it is possible to reliably detect ejection of ink ejected at a short ejection cycle (high frequency).

  As a result, a recording apparatus capable of accurately detecting the ink ejection state of the recording head in a short time with a small and inexpensive configuration has been realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, a printer is taken as an example of a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method.

  [Basic Configuration] First, the basic configuration of the printer will be described with reference to FIGS.

  [Apparatus Main Body] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer using an ink jet recording system. In FIG. 1, an apparatus main body M1000 that forms an outer shell of a printer in this embodiment includes an outer member of a lower case M1001, an upper case M1002, an access cover M1003, a discharge tray M1004, and a chassis M3019 ( (See FIG. 2).

  The chassis M3019 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped metal members having a predetermined rigidity, forms a skeleton of the recording apparatus, and holds each recording operation mechanism described later. The lower case M1001 forms a substantially lower half part of the apparatus main body M1000, and the upper case M1002 forms a substantially upper half part of the apparatus main body M1000. A hollow body structure having a storage space is formed, and an opening is formed in each of an upper surface portion and a front surface portion thereof.

  Further, one end of the discharge tray M1004 is rotatably held by the lower case M1001, and the opening formed in the front portion of the lower case M1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray M1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening so that the recording sheets can be discharged and the discharged recording sheets P are sequentially stacked. It has come to be able to do. The paper discharge tray M1004 stores two auxiliary trays M1004a and M1004b. By pulling out each tray as needed, the paper support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It is like that.

  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. By opening the access cover M1003, the access cover M1003 is housed inside the main body. It is possible to replace the print head cartridge H1000 or the ink tank H1900. Although not specifically shown here, when the access cover M1003 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.

  On the upper surface of the rear part of the upper case M1002, a power key E0018 and a resume key E0019 are provided so that they can be pressed, and an LED E0020 is provided. When the power key E0018 is pressed, the LED E0020 lights up and recording is possible. This is to inform the operator. Further, the LED E0020 has various display functions such as notifying the operator of a printer trouble or the like by a blinking method or a color change. When the trouble is solved, the recording is resumed by pressing the resume key E0019.

  [Recording Operation Mechanism] Next, the recording operation mechanism in the present embodiment that is housed and held in the apparatus main body M1000 of the printer will be described.

  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 desired recording sheet P that is sent one by one from the automatic feeding unit. A conveyance unit M3029 that guides the recording sheet P from the recording position to the discharge unit M3030, a recording unit M4000 that performs desired recording on the recording sheet P conveyed to the conveyance unit M3029, the recording unit M4000, and the like And a recovery unit (M5000) that performs a recovery process for.

  Next, the structure of each mechanism part is demonstrated.

  (Automatic Feeding Unit) First, the automatic feeding unit M3022 will be described with reference to FIGS. The automatic feeding unit M3022 in the present embodiment feeds the recording sheets P stacked at an angle of about 30 ° to 60 ° with respect to the horizontal plane in a horizontal state, and is in a substantially horizontal state from a feeding port (not shown). The recording sheet is discharged into the main body while maintaining the above.

  That is, the automatic feeding unit M3022 includes 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. Among these, 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. A pressure plate M3025 for supporting the recording sheet P is attached to the front side of the ASF so as to form an angle of about 30 ° to 60 ° with respect to the horizontal plane, and a pair of sheet guides M3024a for guiding both ends of the recording sheet P. M3024b protrudes, and one sheet guide M3024b can move horizontally, and can correspond to the horizontal size (width) of the recording sheet.

  In addition, on both left and right side surfaces of the ASF base M3023, a drive shaft M3026a interlocking with the PG motor is rotatably supported via a transmission gear (not shown), and the drive shaft M3026a has an irregular peripheral shape. A plurality of paper feed rollers are fixed. Then, the recording sheet P stacked on the pressure plate M3025 is recorded by the separation action of the separation sheet M3027 and the separation claw when the feeding roller M3026 rotates in conjunction with the driving of the PG motor E0003. The uppermost recording sheet in the sheet P is sequentially separated and sent out one by one and conveyed to the conveying unit M3029. Since the lower end of the pressure plate M3025 is elastically supported by a pressure plate spring M3028 interposed between the ASF base M3023, the pressure contact force between the feeding roller and the recording sheets is related to the number of recording sheets P stacked. It can be kept constant.

  Further, in the conveyance path of the recording sheet P from the automatic feeding unit M3022 to the conveyance unit M3029, a PE lever M3020 urged in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 by the PE lever spring M3021 is fixed to the apparatus main body M1000. The recording sheet P separated from the automatic feeding unit M3022 passes through the passage, and one end of the recording sheet P is attached to the lever. The chassis M3019 is a metal plate member having a predetermined rigidity. By pressing and rotating the one end, a PE sensor (not shown) detects the rotation of the PE lever M3020, and detects that the recording sheet P has entered the transport path. Then, after the entry of the recording sheet P into the conveyance path is detected, the conveyance of the recording sheet P to the downstream side by a predetermined distance is advanced by the feeding roller M3026. The conveying operation by the feeding roller M3026 is performed after the leading end portion of the recording sheet P comes into contact with a nip portion of an LF roller M3001 and a pinch roller M3014 in a stopped state provided in a conveying unit described later. The sheet P stops with a loop of about 3 mm.

  (Conveyance unit) The conveyance unit M3029 includes the LF roller M3001, a pinch roller M3014, a platen M2001, and the like. The LF roller M3001 is fixed to a drive shaft that is rotatably supported by the chassis M3019 and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, an LF gear cover M3002 is attached to one end of the LF gear M3003 fixed to the drive shaft M3001a, and a small LF intermediate gear M3012 meshing with the LF gear M3003. The gear M3012a (see FIG. 2) can be protected at the same time. The LF intermediate gear M3012 is interlocked with a drive gear provided on a drive shaft of an LF motor E0002, which will be described later, and is rotated by the drive force of this motor.

  The pinch roller M3014 is pivotally attached to the tip of a pinch roller holder M3015 that is rotatably supported by the chassis M3019. The pinch roller spring M3016 biases the pinch roller holder M3015. The LF roller M3001 is in pressure contact, and when the LF roller M3001 is rotated, the recording sheet P is rotated in accordance with the rotation, and the recording sheet P stopped in a loop shape as described above is held between the LF roller M3001 and the front. It is intended to be transported to.

  Further, since the rotation center of the pinch roller M3014 is offset by about 2 mm downstream in the conveyance direction from the rotation center of the LF roller M3001, the recording sheet conveyed by the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014. P is conveyed obliquely downward to the right in FIG. 3, and the recording sheet P is conveyed along the recording sheet support surface M2001a (FIG. 5) of the platen M2001.

  In the transport unit configured as described above, after the transport operation by the paper feed roller M3026 of the automatic feeding unit M3022 is stopped, the driving of the LF motor E0002 is started after a certain period of time, and the driving of the LF motor E0002 is started. The recording sheet P, which is transmitted to the LF roller M3001 through the LF intermediate gear M3012 and the LF gear M3003 and has the leading end in contact with the nip portion of the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014, is rotated by the rotation of the LF roller M3001. It is conveyed to the recording start position on the platen M2001.

  At this time, since the feeding roller M3026 starts to rotate again simultaneously with the LF roller M3001, the recording sheet P is conveyed downstream by the cooperation of the feeding roller M3026 and the LF roller M3001 for a predetermined time. It will be. The recording head cartridge H1000 moves with a carriage M4001 that reciprocates in a direction (scanning direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording sheet P along a carriage axis M4012 to which both ends thereof are fixed by a chassis M3019, and a recording start position. Then, ink is ejected onto the recording sheet P that is waiting, and an ink image based on predetermined image information is recorded.

  Then, after recording the ink image, the recording sheet P is conveyed by a predetermined amount by the rotation of the LF roller M3001, for example, 5.42 mm, and the carriage M4001 is conveyed after the conveyance operation is completed. Is repeatedly executed along the carriage axis M4012, and an ink image is recorded on the recording sheet P positioned on the platen M2001.

  [Paper Discharge Unit] Next, the paper discharge unit M3030 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge unit M3030 includes a discharge roller M2003, a discharge gear M3013 that is attached to the discharge roller M2003 and transmits the drive of the LF motor E0002 to the discharge roller M2003 via the LF intermediate gear M3012. The urging force of a spur spring shaft M2009 attached to a first spur holder M2007 attached to the stay M2006 is pressed against the discharge roller M2003 by the rotation of the discharge roller M2003 to rotate the recording sheet P with the discharge roller M2003. A first spur M2004 that is conveyed while being sandwiched therebetween, a discharge tray M1004 that assists discharge of the recording sheet P, and the like.

  The recording sheet P conveyed to the paper discharge unit M3030 is subjected to a conveyance force by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004. The rotation center of the first spur M2004 is The recording sheet P conveyed by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 is set on the platen M2001 because the recording sheet P is offset by about 2 mm upstream from the rotation center of the discharge roller M2003. Since the recording sheet is lightly contacted with the recording sheet support surface M2001a without generating a gap, the recording sheet is conveyed appropriately and smoothly.

  Further, the conveyance speed by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 and the conveyance speed by the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014 are substantially equal, but further prevent the recording sheet P from being loosened. Therefore, the conveyance speed by the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 is configured to be slightly faster.

  Further, the spur stay M2006 holds a second spur M2005 attached to a second spur holder M2008 on a part of the downstream side of the first spur M2004, and the recording sheet P is the spur stay. This prevents sliding on M2006.

  When the recording of the ink image on the recording sheet P is completed and the trailing end of the recording sheet P is pulled out from between the LF roller M3001 and the pinch roller M3014, only the discharge roller M2003 and the first spur M2004 are used. The recording sheet P is conveyed, and the discharge of the recording sheet P is completed.

  (Recording section) Next, the recording section M4000 will be described. The recording unit M4000 includes a carriage M4001 that is movably supported by the carriage shaft M4021, and a recording head cartridge H1000 that is detachably mounted on the carriage M4001.

  (Recording Head Cartridge) First, the recording head cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. The recording head cartridge H1000 in this embodiment includes an ink tank H1900 that stores ink and a recording head H1001 that discharges ink supplied from the ink tank H1900 from nozzles according to recording information, as shown in FIG. The recording head H1001 adopts a so-called cartridge system that is detachably mounted on a carriage M4001 described later.

  In the recording head cartridge H1000 shown here, for example, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow independent ink tanks are prepared as ink tanks in order to enable high-quality color recording with photographic tone. As shown in FIG. 7, each is detachable from the recording head H1001.

  (Carriage) Next, the carriage M4001 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in each drawing, the carriage M4001 engages with the carriage M4001 and engages with the carriage cover M4002 for guiding the recording head H1001 to the mounting position of the carriage M4001, and the tank holder H1500 of the recording head H1001, and the recording head. A head set lever M4007 that presses the H1001 to be set at a predetermined mounting position is provided. That is, the head set lever M4007 is provided at the upper part of the carriage M4001 so as to be rotatable with respect to a head set lever shaft (not shown), and a head set plate (not shown) has a spring at an engaging portion with the recording head H1001. The recording head 1001 is pressed by the spring force and is mounted on the carriage M4001.

  A contact flexible print cable (hereinafter referred to as a contact FPC) E0011 is provided at another engagement portion of the carriage M4001 with the recording head H1001, and the contact portion E0011a on the contact FPC E0011 and the contact provided on the recording head H1001. The unit (external signal input terminal) (not shown) is in electrical contact, and can exchange various information for recording and supply power to the recording head H1001.

  Here, 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 are driven by the elastic force of the elastic member and the pressing force by the headset lever spring. Secure contact with M4001 is enabled. Further, the contact FPC E0011 is pulled out on both side portions of the carriage M4001 and connected to a carriage substrate (not shown) mounted on the back surface of the carriage M4001.

  The carriage board (not shown) is electrically connected to a main board (not shown) provided on the chassis M3019 by a carriage flexible flat cable (carriage FFC).

  In addition, an encoder sensor (not shown) is provided on the carriage board (not shown), and detects information on an encoder scale (not shown) stretched in parallel with the carriage shaft M4012 between both side surfaces of the chassis M3019. Thus, the position of the carriage M4001, the scanning speed, and the like can be detected. In this embodiment, the encoder sensor (not shown) is an optical transmission type sensor, and the encoder scale (not shown) is an encoder sensor (not shown) by a technique such as photolithography on a resin film such as polyester. ) Are alternately printed at a predetermined pitch with light-shielding portions that block the detection light from the above and light-transmitting portions that transmit the detection light.

  Accordingly, the position of the carriage M4001 that moves along the carriage axis M4012 is determined by making the carriage abut against one side plate of the chassis M3019 provided at the end of the carriage M4001 on the scanning track, and using the abutting position as a reference. As the carriage M4001 is scanned, the number of patterns formed on an encoder scale (not shown) by an encoder sensor (not shown) is counted so that it can be detected at any time.

  The carriage M4001 is configured to be scanned by being guided by a carriage shaft M4012 and a carriage rail M4013 installed between both side surfaces of the chassis M3019. The bearing portion of the carriage shaft M4012 is made of sintered metal or the like. A pair of carriage bearings (not shown) impregnated with a lubricant such as oil are integrally formed by a method such as insert molding. Further, a carriage slider (CR slider) M4014, which is a contact member made of resin having excellent slidability and wear resistance, is provided at a contact portion of the carriage M4001 with the carriage rail M4013. And the carriage M4001 can be scanned smoothly.

  Further, the carriage M4001 is fixed to a carriage belt M4018 that is stretched between the idler pulley M4020 (FIG. 2) and the carriage motor pulley M4024 (FIG. 2) substantially in parallel with the carriage shaft, and drives the carriage motor E0001. Accordingly, the carriage motor pulley M4024 is rotated to move the carriage belt M4018 in the forward movement direction or the backward movement direction, whereby the carriage M4001 can be scanned along the carriage axis M4012. The carriage motor pulley M4024 is held at a fixed position by the chassis, but the idler pulley M4020 is held movably with respect to the chassis M3019 together with the pulley holder M4021, and is moved away from the motor pulley M4024 by a spring. Since it is biased, a moderate tension is always applied to the carriage belt M4018 spanned between the pulleys M4020 to M4024 so that a good erection state without slack is maintained. A carriage belt stopper (not shown) is provided at an attachment portion between the carriage belt M4018 and the carriage M4001, so that the attachment to the carriage M4001 can be performed reliably.

  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 on the scanning trajectory of the carriage M4001 of the spur stay M2006, it is exposed to the ink tank H1900. An ink end sensor E0006 (FIG. 2) is provided. The ink end sensor E0006 is held by an ink end sensor holder M4026, and is housed in an ink end sensor cover M4027 provided with a metal plate or the like in order to prevent malfunction of the sensor so that external noise can be blocked. It has become.

  (Recovery Unit) Next, a recovery unit that performs a recovery process on the printhead cartridge H1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. The recovery unit in this embodiment is configured by a recovery system unit M5000 that can be attached and detached independently from the apparatus main body M1000. The recovery system unit M5000 is a recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head H1001. Cleaning means for removing foreign matter adhering to the ink, and recovery means for normalizing the ink flow path from the ink tank H1900 to the recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head H1001.

  9 and 10, E0003 is a PG motor, which functions as a drive source for driving a cap M5001, a pump M5100, wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 and an automatic feeding unit M3022 which will be described later. In this PG motor E0003, driving force is taken out from both side portions of the motor shaft, one side portion drives the pump M5100 or the above-described automatic feeding portion M3022 via drive switching means described later, and the other side portion is a one-way clutch. A cap M5001 and a wiper blade M5011 that are connected and interlocked only when the PG motor E0003 rotates through a M5041 in a specific rotation direction (hereinafter, this rotation direction is a forward rotation direction and the opposite direction is a reverse rotation direction). , M5012-1 and M5012-2 are driven. Therefore, when the PG motor E0003 is rotating in the reverse direction, the one-way clutch M5041 is idled and no driving force is transmitted, so that the cap M5001 and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 are not driven.

  The cap M5001 is made of a rubber material, and is attached to a cap lever M5004 that can rotate about the axis. The cap M5001 moves in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 10) via a one-way clutch M5041, a cap drive transmission gear train M5110, a cap cam and a cap lever M5004, and with respect to a recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head H1001. It is configured to be able to contact and separate. The cap M5001 is provided with a cap absorber M5002, and is disposed so as to face the recording element substrate H1100 with a predetermined interval during capping.

  By disposing the cap absorber M5002, the ink discharged from the recording head cartridge H1000 can be received during the suction operation, and the ink in the cap M5001 is completely transferred to the waste ink absorber by empty suction described later. It becomes possible to discharge. The cap M5001 is connected to two tubes, a cap tube M5009 and a valve tube M5010. The cap tube M5009 is connected to a pump tube M5019 of a pump M5100 described later, and the valve tube M5010 is connected to a valve rubber M5036 described later. ing.

  Further, M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 are wiper blades made of a flexible member such as rubber, and are erected on the blade holder M5013 so that the end edge portion protrudes upward. A lead screw M5031 is inserted into the blade holder M5013, and a projection (not shown) of the blade holder M5013 is movably fitted in a groove formed in the lead screw M5031. For this reason, when the blade holder M5013 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the lead screw M5031, the blade holder M5013 reciprocates along the lead screw M5031 in the directions of arrows B1 and B2 (FIG. 10), and wiper blades M5011, M5012-1, M5012-2 wipes and cleans the recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head cartridge H1000. The lead screw M5031 is connected to the PG motor E0003 via a one-way clutch M5041 and a wiper drive transmission gear train M5120.

  M5100 is a pump that generates pressure by squeezing the pump tube M5019 with a roller (not shown). This pump 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 automatic feeding unit M3022 and the main pump M5100 and a pump drive transmission gear train M5130. Although not described in detail, the pump M5100 is provided with a mechanism capable of releasing the pressure contact force of the roller tube (not shown) to the tube of the roller tube M5019 so that the PG motor E0003 rotates in the forward rotation direction. When the roller pressure contact force is released and the tube is not squeezed, the roller pressure contact force acts when the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction, and the tube can be squeezed. One end of the pump tube M5019 is connected to the cap M5001 through the cap tube M5009.

  The drive switching means includes a pendulum arm M5026 and a switching lever M5043. The pendulum arm M5026 is configured to be rotatable about an axis M5026a in the directions of arrows C1 and C2 (FIG. 9) according to the rotation direction of the PG motor E0003. The switching lever M5043 is switched depending on the position of the carriage M4001. That is, when the carriage moves upward in the recovery system 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 moves so that the lock hole M5026b of the pendulum arm M5026 and the lock pin M5043a of the switching lever M5043 can be fitted.

  On the other hand, the valve rubber M5036 is connected to the other end of a valve tube M5010 having one end connected to the cap M5001. The valve rubber M5036 is connected to the paper discharge roller M2003 (FIG. 5) via a valve cam M5035, a valve clutch M5048, and a valve drive transmission gear train M5140. As the paper discharge roller M2003 rotates, an arrow about the axis M5038a is shown. A valve lever M5038 that can rotate in the E1 and E2 directions is disposed so as to be able to contact and separate from the valve rubber M5036. When the valve lever M5038 is in contact with the valve rubber M5036, the valve is closed, and when the valve lever M5038 is separated, the valve is open. E0010 is a PG sensor that detects the position of the cap M5001.

  Next, each operation of the recovery system unit M5000 having the above configuration will be described. First, driving of the automatic feeding unit M3022 will be described. When the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction at the retracted position where the carriage M4001 does not contact the switching lever M5043, the pendulum arm M5026 is swung in the direction of the arrow C1 (FIG. 9) via the pendulum drive transmission gear train M5150, and the pendulum arm M5026. The switching output gear M5027 attached on the top 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, 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, and therefore the wiper blade does not operate.

  Next, the suction operation of the pump M5100 will be described. When the PG motor E0003 rotates in the forward rotation direction at the retracted position where the carriage M4001 does not come into contact with the switching lever M5043, the pendulum arm M5026 is swung in the direction of the arrow C2 via the pendulum drive transmission gear train M5150. The attached switching output gear M5027 meshes with the pump gear 1M5053 located at one end of the pump drive transmission gear train M5130.

  Thereafter, when the carriage M4001 moves to the capping position (the position of the recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head cartridge H1000 is the carriage facing the cap M5001), a part of the carriage M4001 comes into contact with a part of the switching lever M5043. The switching lever M5043 is moved in the D1 direction, and the lock pin M5043a of the switching lever M5043 is fitted into the lock hole M5026b of the pendulum arm M5026, so that the pendulum arm M5026 is locked in a state of being connected to the pump side.

  Here, the discharge roller M2003 is driven in the reverse direction, the valve lever M5038 rotates in the direction of the arrow E1, and the valve rubber M5036 is opened. In this open state, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the forward direction and drives the cap M5001 and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 to perform capping (the cap M5001 is a recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head 1001). To close and abut the cover). At this time, the pump M5100 operates, but since the pressure contact force of the roller (not shown) to the pump tube M5019 is released, the roller does not squeeze the pump tube M5019 and no pressure is generated.

  Further, when the paper discharge roller M2003 is driven in the forward rotation direction and the valve lever M5038 rotates in the direction of the arrow E2 (FIG. 10), the valve rubber M5036 is closed. Here, when the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction and the pump tube M5019 is squeezed by the pressing force of the roller, a negative pressure is applied to the recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head cartridge H1000 via the cap tube M5009 and the cap M5001. The ink, bubbles, etc. that are no longer suitable for recording are forcibly sucked from the discharge ports on the recording element substrate (not shown).

  Thereafter, when the PG motor E0003 rotates in the reverse direction, the discharge roller M2003 is driven in the reverse direction, and the valve lever M5038 is rotated in the direction of arrow E1 (see FIG. 10), the valve rubber M5036 is opened. As a result, the pressures in the pump tube M5019, the cap tube M5009, and the cap M5001 become atmospheric pressure, the forced suction operation from the ink discharge port in the recording element substrate 1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 is stopped, and at the same time, the pump tube M5019 and the cap tube Ink filled in the M5009 and the cap M5001 is sucked and discharged from the other end of the pump tube M5019 to a waste ink absorber (not shown) (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as idle suction). Here, when the PG motor E0003 is stopped, the paper discharge roller M2003 is driven in the forward rotation direction, and the valve lever M5038 is rotated in the direction of the arrow E2 (FIG. 10), the valve rubber M5306 is closed, and the suction operation is as described above. finish.

  Next, the wiping operation will be described. In the wiping operation, the PG motor E0003 first rotates in the forward direction, and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 are in the wiping start position (the wiper blades M5011, M5012 with the cap M5001 being separated from the recording head cartridge H1000). -1, M5012-2 moves to a position upstream of the recording head cartridge H1000 in the recording operation. Next, the carriage M4001 moves to a wiping position (a position where the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 face a recording element substrate (not shown)). At this time, the carriage M4001 and the switching lever M5043 are not in contact with each other, and the pendulum arm M5026 is not locked.

  Here, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the forward direction, and the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2 move in the arrow B1 direction (FIG. 10) while moving the recording element substrate (not shown) of the recording head cartridge H1000. The recording element substrate (not shown) is wiped and cleaned by a wiper blade cleaning means (not shown) provided downstream of the recording element substrate 1100 of the recording head cartridge H1000 in the recording operation direction. Clean the dirt on the wiper blade. At this time, the cap M5001 is maintained in a separated state.

  When the wiper blade reaches the wiping end position (downstream end position in the recording operation), the PG motor stops, and the carriage M4001 is the wiping retracted position (outside the movement area of the wiper blades M5011, M5012-1 and M5012-2). Move to. Thereafter, the PG motor E0003 rotates in the forward direction, and the wiper blade moves to the wiping end position. At this time as well, the cap M5001 is maintained in a separated state, and the wiping is completed as described above.

  Next, preliminary discharge will be described. When the above-described suction operation or wiping operation is performed using a recording head that discharges ink of a plurality of colors, a problem of ink mixing may occur.

  For example, the ink sucked out from the ink discharge port by suction during the suction operation enters the ink discharge port of other colors, or the various colors of ink adhering to the periphery of the ink discharge port are wiped out during the wiping operation. In such a case, when the next recording is started, the first part changes color (also called color mixing) and the image deteriorates. There is a risk that.

  In order to prevent this color mixture, discharging the mixed color inks immediately before printing is called preliminary discharge. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a preliminary discharge port M5045 is provided near the cap M5001. The recording element substrate H1100 of the recording head is moved to a position facing the preliminary discharge port M5045 immediately before recording.

  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).

  [Characteristic Configuration] Next, an embodiment of the characteristic configuration of the present invention in the above-mentioned "basic configuration" printer will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the recording head and the ink ejection detecting means in the conventional recording apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a diagram of the schematic diagram of FIG.

  11 and 12, H1001 is a recording head, H1002 is an ejection port forming surface of the recording head, H1003 is an ink ejection direction, E1001 is a light emitting element that emits light, and E1002 is light emitted from the light emitting element. A light receiving element E1005 is a light beam, and the light emitting element E1001 and the light receiving element E1002 have a light path connecting the light emitting element E1001 and the light receiving element E1002 parallel to the nozzle row of the recording head H1001. As shown, it is fixedly arranged in the recording apparatus main body. Apertures E1003 and E1004 for adjusting the light amount and improving the S / N ratio are installed in front of the light emitting element E1001 and the light receiving element E1002. The opening size of the apertures E1003 and E1004 is 2 mm × 2 mm.

  Next, a procedure for detecting ink ejection will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, ink is ejected from the recording head H1001 toward the light beam E1005 in the direction of the arrow H1003. The light receiving element E1002 reads the light amount change when the ink droplet blocks the light beam E1005 and converts it into an electrical signal. Ink ejection or non-ejection is detected by the electrical signal. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, since the light beam E1005 is separated from the discharge port forming surface H1002 of the recording head to some extent, when the ejected ink droplet passes through the light beam, the main droplet H1004 and Separated into satellite H1005. Therefore, in order to prevent the detection signal of the satellite from overlapping the detection signal of the main droplet of the next ink droplet, the next nozzle is driven to eject ink after the satellite passes through the light beam. There was a need.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, a light emitting element is used to make the light beam as close as possible to the ejection port forming surface of the recording head so that the ink droplet can be detected before the ink droplet is separated into the main droplet and the satellite. The light receiving element was arranged. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the recording head and the ink discharge detection means at that time. 13, the same numbers as those used in FIG. 11 represent the same components, and the schematic view of FIG. 13 viewed from the bottom is in the same positional relationship as FIG.

  The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. The light emitting element E1001 uses a wide directivity infrared LED, and the light receiving element E1002 uses a photodiode. The apertures E1003 and E1004 are provided with an opening of 2 mm × 2 mm as in the conventional example. The light emitting element E1001, the light receiving element E1002, and the apertures E1003 and E1004 are arranged so that the upper edge of the opening provided in the aperture and the ejection port forming surface H1002 of the recording head are at the same height. Yes. E1006 is direct light that exits from the light emitting element E1001 and goes straight to the light receiving element E1002. E1007 exits from the light emitting element E1001, and then reflects off the ejection port formation surface H1002 of the recording head. The reflected light travels toward the element E1002. The ink droplets ejected from the recording head H1001 proceed in the direction of the arrow H1003 while shielding the light beams in the order of the reflected light E1007 and the direct light E1006, and are absorbed by an ink absorber (not shown). .

  Next, detection signals obtained from the light receiving element E1002 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a detection signal at the time of ink ejection state detection when the recording head is driven at an ejection frequency of 1 kHz, and shows a detection signal at the time of ejection state detection during normal ejection. In FIG. 14, E1008 is a drive signal for starting ejection. The drive signal E1008 is normally fixed at 3.3V, but when there is a discharge command, the voltage drops from 3.3V and discharge starts. E1009 is a detection signal, which represents the amount of light incident on the light receiving element E1002 as an electrical signal, and is configured such that the voltage decreases as the amount of light decreases. As shown in FIG. 14, when the drive signal E1008 is lowered and ejection is started, the detection signal E1009 is lowered to about −10V. This first change portion E1009a indicates the shielding of the reflected light E1007 by the ink ejection droplets. The detection signal E1009 returns to near 0V and decreases to about -15V again. This second change portion E1009b indicates the shielding of the direct light E1006 by the ink ejection droplets.

  Next, FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing detection signals when an ink ejection state is detected when the recording head is driven at an ejection frequency of 3 kHz. FIG. 16 shows detection signals when an ink ejection state is detected when the recording head is driven at an ejection frequency of 5 kHz. FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing detection signals when the ink discharge state is detected when the recording head is driven at an ejection frequency of 10 kHz. 15, 16, and 17, T1, T2, and T3 represent ink discharge intervals, and T1 = 0.33 msec, T2 = 0.2 msec, and T3 = 0.1 msec. Also, in each figure, as the ink ejection frequency increases, the detection signal E1009a due to the shielding of the reflected light E1007 by the ink ejection droplets does not change much, whereas the detection by the shielding of the direct light E1006 by the ink ejection droplets. It can be seen that the signal E1009b is small.

The detection signal E1009b due to the blocking of the direct light E1006 by the ink ejection droplets is small because the detection time (light capture time) is shortened as the ejection frequency is increased, and the amount of change in the amount of light can be read sufficiently. This is because there is not. Specifically, since the height of the openings provided in the apertures E1003 and E1004 is 2 mm, when the ink droplet speed is 10 m / sec, the ink droplets pass through the aperture openings. The time required for
2mm ÷ (10000mm / sec)
Is 0.2 msec. Therefore, the detection signal E1009b due to the shielding of the direct light E1006 by the ink ejection droplets becomes somewhat small at an ejection frequency of 5 kHz (T2 = 0.2 msec), and the direct light by the ink ejection droplets at an ejection frequency of 10 kHz (T3 = 0.1 msec). It can be explained that the detection signal E1009b due to the shading of E1006 is extremely small. On the other hand, the reason why the detection signal E1009a due to the shielding of the reflected light E1007 by the ink ejection droplets does not change so much is that the reflected light E1007 is the light reflected by the ejection port forming surface H1002 of the recording head. This is because the light is sufficiently shielded by the ink droplets immediately after the discharge even if the capture time is shortened.

  From the above, it can be seen that it is difficult to detect ink droplets with the direct light E1006 as the ejection frequency of the ink droplets increases. On the contrary, when the ejection frequency of the ink droplet increases, it can be seen that the detection of the ink droplet using the reflected light E1007 is effective.

  In FIG. 17, the detection signal E1009b based on the direct light is closer to the noise level than the detection signal E1009a based on the reflected light. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a shielding member (not shown) that directly shields the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element is interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The light beam from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is reflected from the discharge port forming surface of the recording head or in the vicinity thereof, and only the reflected light directed to the light receiving element is used from the discharge port of the recording head. The ink ejection state immediately after ejection was detected. As a result, it is possible to obtain a high-level detection signal with little noise, and detection with high accuracy is possible.

  As described above, it has become possible to reliably detect ejection of ink ejected in a short ejection cycle (high frequency).

  In addition, since it is possible to detect the presence or absence of ink immediately after ejection from the recording head, it is possible to reliably perform ink ejection detection regardless of ink deflection.

  As a result, a recording apparatus capable of accurately detecting the ink ejection state of the recording head in a short time with a small and inexpensive configuration has been realized.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the print head and the ink discharge detection means in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows the ink discharge state detection when the print head is driven at a discharge frequency of 1 kHz. It is the figure which showed the detection signal at the time. In FIG. 18, the same numbers as those used in FIG. 13 represent the same components, and the schematic view of FIG. 18 viewed from the bottom is in the same positional relationship as FIG. 12. In FIG. 18, the difference from the first embodiment is that the ejection port forming surface of the recording head is located 0.5 to 1.5 mm above the upper edge of the holes provided in the apertures E1003 and E1004. That is, the discharge detection means is arranged to come.

  With the above configuration, the amount of the reflected light E1007 increases, and the level of the detection signal E1009a by the reflected light increases as can be seen in FIG.

  Similarly, FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the recording head and the ink discharge detection means in the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 20, M6001 is a shielding member that shields direct light out of the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element, and the upper ends of the shielding member M6001 that shields the direct light are provided in the apertures E1003 and E1004. It is arranged so as to substantially coincide with the upper edge of the hole.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to shield only the direct light E1006 without significantly reducing the amount of the reflected light E1007.

  From the above results, it has become possible to detect ejection of ink droplets with higher accuracy.

  In the above, the shielding member for directly shielding the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element is provided alone, but it may be formed by a part of the cap for recovering or protecting the performance of the recording head. The effect of.

  In addition, by providing a member that efficiently reflects light from the light emitting element on or near the discharge port formation surface of the recording head, it is possible to detect ink droplet ejection with higher accuracy. became.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the exterior member of what is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a paper feed roller, an LF gear cover, and the like shown in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the pinch roller etc. which were shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording head cartridge used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. 6 is assembled. It is a perspective view which shows the front side of the carriage used for embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the one side part of the recovery system unit in embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the other side part of the recovery system unit shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording head and an ink discharge detection unit in a conventional recording apparatus. It is the figure which looked at the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 from the lower surface. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording head and an ink discharge detection unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal when an ink discharge state is detected when a recording head is driven at an discharge frequency of 1 kHz. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating detection signals when an ink discharge state is detected when a recording head is driven at an discharge frequency of 3 kHz. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal when an ink discharge state is detected when a recording head is driven at an discharge frequency of 5 kHz. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal when an ink discharge state is detected when a recording head is driven at an discharge frequency of 10 kHz. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording head and an ink discharge detection unit in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal when an ink discharge state is detected when a recording head is driven at an discharge frequency of 1 kHz. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording head and an ink discharge detection unit in a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

M1001 Lower case M1002 Upper case M1003 Access cover M1004 Output tray M1005 Cover open / close lever M2001 Platen M2001a Recording sheet support surface M2002 Paper discharge roller bearing M2003 Paper discharge roller M2004 Spur 1
M2005 Spur 2
M2006 Spur Stay M2007 Spur Holder 1
M2008 Spur holder 2
M2009 Spur spring shaft M2010 Front stay M2011 Carriage shaft cam M2012 Paper gap adjustment plate L
M2014 Carriage shaft spring M3001 LF roller M3002 LF gear cover M3003 LF gear M3004 LF roller spring M3005 LF roller bearing L
M3006 LF roller bearing R
M3007 LF roller washer M3008 Spring pin M3009 CE ring M3010 Toothed washer screw M3011 Paper feed guide M3012 LF intermediate gear M3013 Paper discharge gear M3014 Pinch roller M3015 Pinch roller holder M3016 Pinch roller spring M3017 Pinch roller shaft M3030 Pinch roller stay M3030 Pinch roller stay PE lever M3021 PE lever spring M3022 Automatic feeding section M3023 ASF base M3024 Movable side guide M3025 Pressure plate M3026 Feed roller M3027 Separation sheet M3028 Pressure plate spring M3029 Conveying section M3030 Discharge section M4000 Recording section M4003 Carriage M4007 Carriage M4007 Carriage M4007 M 4012 Carriage shaft M4013 Carriage rail M4014 Carriage slider M4018 Carriage belt M4020 Idler pulley M4021 Pulley holder M4024 Carriage motor pulley M4026 Ink end sensor holder M4027 Ink end sensor cover M4028 FFC press 1
M5000 Recovery System M5001 Cap M5002 Cap Absorber M5004 Cap Lever M5009 Cap Tube M5010 Valve Tube M5011 Wiper Blade (W)
M5012 Wiper blade (N)
M5013 Blade holder M5019 Pump tube M5031 Lead screw M5035 Valve cam M5036 Valve rubber M5038 Valve lever M5041 One-way clutch M5043 Switching lever 1
M5045 Preliminary discharge port M5046 Preliminary discharge absorber M5047 Preliminary discharge cover M5048 Valve clutch M5053 Pump gear 1
M5100 Pump M5110 Cap drive transmission gear train M5120 Wiper drive transmission gear train M5130 Pump electric transmission gear train M5140 Valve drive transmission gear train M5150 Pendulum drive transmission gear train M5160 ASF drive transmission gear train M6001 Direct light shielding member E0001 Carriage motor E0002 LF motor E0003 PG motor E0006 Ink end sensor E0007 PE sensor E0010 PG sensor E0011 Contact FPC (flexible printed cable)
E0018 Power key E0019 Resume key E0020 LED
E1001 Light emitting element E1002 Light receiving element E1003 Aperture E1004 Aperture E1005 Light beam E1006 Direct light E1007 Reflected light E1008 Drive signal E1009 Detection signal E1009a Detection signal by reflected light E1009b Detection signal by direct light H1000 Recording head cartridge H1002 Recording head cartridge H1001 Forming surface H1003 Ink discharge direction H1004 Main droplet of ink droplet H1005 Satellite of ink droplet H1900 Ink tank

Claims (4)

  In a recording apparatus that records on a recording medium using a recording head that discharges ink from an ejection port, the ejection detection unit includes an ejection detection unit capable of detecting an ejection state of ink from the ejection port in the recording head. Is composed of a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element, and a shielding member that shields light directly from the light beam that travels from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. Provided between the light receiving element, of the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element, using only the reflected light that is reflected at or near the discharge port forming surface of the recording head and directed toward the light receiving element, A recording apparatus that detects an ink ejection state immediately after ejection from an ejection port of the recording head.   The ejection detection means arranges the light emitting element and the light receiving element so that an optical path connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is parallel to an arrangement direction of nozzle rows of the recording head, and further, the light emitting element A member having a slit hole having a height of 2 to 3 mm is provided on the front surface of the light receiving element, and the discharge port of the recording head is further spaced apart from the upper edge of the slit hole by 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The ejection detection means is arranged so that the formation surface is located, and the upper end of the shielding member that directly shields the light beam from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element substantially coincides with the upper edge of the slit hole. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member is disposed on the recording apparatus.   2. The shielding member for directly shielding a light beam directed from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is formed by a part of a cap for recovering or protecting the performance of the recording head. The recording device described.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a member that efficiently reflects light from the light emitting element is provided on or near the ejection port forming surface of the recording head.

Images