JP2006205377A - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet recording device which can record an image not only on a recorded medium which can be transferred on a transfer route but also on a recorded medium, the transfer of which the transfer route is not easy. <P>SOLUTION: The inkjet recording device comprises; a recording paper storage portion 3 to hold recording papers P and feed to a transfer route 5; an inkjet recording head 6 to record an image by discharging ink droplets to the recording paper P transferred on the transfer route 5 and by being made to scan in a main scanning direction; and a platen 11 arranged oppositely to the inkjet recording head 6 and supporting the recording paper P on which an image is recorded, wherein a recording unit 1A having the inkjet recording head 6 and a platen unit 1B having the platen 11 are split so as to enable the inkjet recording head 6 to discharge ink droplets outwardly of the recording unit 1A and scan. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium and scanning in a main scanning direction.

  Conventionally, as an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink based on an input signal and records an image on a recording medium, the ink is guided to an actuator of a recording head, and an actuator such as a piezoelectric element or an electrostrictive element corresponding to the input signal There is known one that pressurizes and discharges ink by using bending or local boiling of ink by a heating element.

  FIG. 6 shows an external configuration of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus 90 is a multi-function device (MFD: Multi Function Device) that is integrally provided with a printer unit 91 at the bottom and a scanner unit 92 at the top, and is mainly connected to a computer (not shown). An image or document is recorded on a recording sheet based on image data or document data transmitted from a computer.

  As shown in the drawing, an opening 93 is formed in the front of the printer unit 91, and a paper feed tray 94 and a paper discharge tray 95 are provided in two upper and lower stages so as to be exposed to the opening 93. Inside the printer unit 91, a laterally substantially U-shaped transport path is formed so that the paper feed tray 94 and the paper discharge tray 95 are continuous, and the inkjet recording head is transported in the transport path. A recording unit that scans in the width direction and ejects ink droplets is provided. By such a printer unit 91, the recording paper accommodated in the paper feed tray 94 is fed to a conveyance path in the printer unit 91 by conveyance means such as a conveyance roller (not shown), and in the conveyance path by the recording unit. After a desired image is recorded, it is discharged to the paper discharge tray 95 and image recording is performed.

  On the other hand, as a device for recording an image on a desired location on various recording media, a user holds the device by hand and holds it at a desired position on a recording medium such as paper or desired There has also been proposed a manual type image recording apparatus that records a predetermined image on the recording medium while moving the position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-35031

  As in the ink jet recording apparatus 90, a recording medium is transported to a transport path, and an ink jet recording head is scanned on the recording medium to perform image recording. There is a problem that image recording cannot be performed on a recording medium that cannot be transported along a transport path, such as a soft fabric such as a cloth or a booklet in which a plurality of sheets are bound.

  In addition, for example, a tray that can be projected and retracted is provided between the front of the apparatus and the lower part of the ink jet recording head, separately from the transport path, and a desired recording medium is placed on the tray so Although it is conceivable to perform image recording by positioning, there is a problem that providing such a tray and a drive mechanism involves an increase in cost and an increase in size of the apparatus. In addition, there is a problem that image recording cannot be performed for wide items that cannot be placed on the tray or thick items that obstruct the appearance of the objects.

  On the other hand, if the above-described manual image recording apparatus is used, image recording can be performed on various recording media that cannot be transported on the transport path as described above. When image recording is continuously performed on paper or the like, it is convenient to perform image recording by conveying a recording medium to a conveyance path like the inkjet recording apparatus 90. The apparatus is prepared separately from the ink jet recording apparatus 90.

  However, when image data is output by outputting image data from a computer, for example, it is necessary to change the connection between the apparatus and the computer according to the type of recording medium to be used, which is troublesome. In addition, it is economically expensive to purchase a separate manual type image recording apparatus until the frequency of image recording on a recording medium that cannot be conveyed on the conveyance path is low. Storage space is also required, and maintenance such as ink replenishment is required for each device. Further, the manual type image recording apparatus performs image recording with the user holding the apparatus by hand, but it is difficult to always hold the apparatus in a fixed posture by hand, and perform accurate image recording. There is a problem that is difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and is an ink jet capable of recording an image not only on a recording medium that can be transported along a transport path, but also on a recording medium that is difficult to transport along the transport path. An object is to provide a recording apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a recording medium holding unit that holds a recording medium and feeds it to a conveyance path, and ink droplets are ejected onto the recording medium that is conveyed along the conveyance path and scanned in the main scanning direction. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink jet recording head that performs image recording; and a platen that is disposed opposite to the ink jet recording head and supports a recording medium on which image recording is performed at a predetermined position. The recording unit including at least the ink jet recording head and the platen unit including at least the platen are divided so that the ink jet recording head ejects ink droplets to the outside of the recording unit and can be scanned. Accordingly, for example, on a recording medium that can be transported along a transport path, such as standard paper, image recording can be performed by an ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording unit and a platen unit are integrated. On the other hand, for recording media that are difficult to transport along the transport path, such as booklets and fabrics, the recording unit is divided and the ink jet recording head ejects ink droplets onto the recording surface of the recording medium. By positioning it as possible, image recording can be performed directly on the recording medium.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink jet recording head can be scanned at the bottom of the transport path so as to be able to eject ink droplets downward, and the platen is disposed below the ink jet recording head. Is provided. Thereby, the recording unit is equipped with the inkjet recording head, the recording medium accommodating portion and the conveyance path, and the accompanying scanning carriage and conveyance roller, a drive source such as a motor, a control unit, and the like. As a simple configuration equipped only with members that do not require operation and control, such as a platen, the platen unit can be easily detached from the recording unit, and these can be divided.

  In addition, the present invention provides an ink jet recording head in a state in which the recording unit and the platen unit are divided so that the opening is formed on the periphery of the opening formed in the casing of the recording unit so as to eject ink droplets onto the recording surface. The recording unit can be placed on the recording surface with the head facing downward, and a reference foot for positioning the inkjet recording head and the recording surface in a predetermined head gap is provided. With the reference foot, the divided recording unit can be placed on the recording surface, and an image can be recorded on the recording surface in a stationary and stable state. Further, the ink jet recording head can be positioned in a predetermined head gap with respect to the recording surface only by placing the divided recording units on the recording surface.

  Further, the present invention provides the ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the recording unit housing is provided with a window that allows the recording region of the ink jet recording head in a state where the recording unit and the platen unit are divided to be visually recognized. It is. Accordingly, when the divided recording unit is placed on the recording surface, the recording position of the recording surface can be visually confirmed through the window, and the recording unit can be easily aligned to a desired recording position. Become. It is also possible to visually confirm that the divided recording unit is recording an image on the recording surface.

  According to the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus, a mark indicating a recording start position of the ink jet recording head in a state where the recording unit and the platen unit are divided is provided at a position visible from the window of the recording unit. It is what was done. Thus, when the divided recording unit is placed on the recording surface, the recording start position of the recording surface can be visually confirmed through the window, and the recording unit can be aligned with the desired recording start position. It becomes easy.

  Further, the present invention provides the ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the recording medium housing portion holds the recording medium in a standing posture, and the transport path is formed downward from the recording medium housing portion. is there. As a result, the entire inkjet recording apparatus and the divided recording unit can be reduced in size and space, and the operation of positioning the divided recording unit by moving it to the recording surface is easy. In addition, the transport path is a U-shaped path or L-shaped path, and the recording unit is equipped with an ink jet recording head, a recording medium storage unit, a transport path, and the like, and the platen unit is connected to a platen or the like. It becomes easy to set it as the simple structure equipped only with the member which does not require operation | movement and control.

  According to the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus, an apparatus housing that includes at least the transport path, the ink jet recording head, and the platen and is divided into the recording unit and the platen unit has a flat thin box shape. And it is a vertical installation type | mold installed by making the direction where the thickness extends into a vertical direction. Here, the direction in which the thickness of the device casing extends refers to the longitudinal direction of the surface on the thickness side of the device casing. As a result, the entire inkjet recording apparatus and the divided recording unit can be reduced in size and space, and the operation of positioning the divided recording unit by moving it to the recording surface is easy. In addition, for example, the conveyance path is a U-shaped path or an L-shaped path, and the recording unit is equipped with an ink jet recording head, a recording medium accommodating portion, a conveyance path, and the like, and the platen unit is configured as a platen, etc. It becomes easy to have a simple configuration equipped only with members that do not require any operation or control.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the recording unit including the ink jet recording head and the platen unit including the platen can be divided, not only the recording medium that can transport the transport path but also the transport path is transported. It is possible to realize an ink jet recording apparatus that can directly record an image by dividing a recording unit even on a recording medium that is difficult to record. As a result, there is no need to prepare a plurality of devices depending on the type of recording medium, and there is an advantage that there is no need to change the connection with an image data output device such as a computer. Further, it is possible to realize space saving such as office space by reducing the installation and storage location of the apparatus, and there is an advantage that maintenance such as ink replenishment is required for only one unit. In particular, the recording unit is equipped with an ink jet recording head, a recording medium accommodating portion, a conveyance path, and the like in a concentrated manner, and the platen unit has a simple configuration including only members such as the platen that do not require operation or control. As a result, the platen unit can be easily detached from the recording unit and divided, and the operation of moving the recording unit to the recording surface and positioning it is easy, so that a highly practical ink jet recording apparatus is realized.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 is mainly connected to a computer (not shown), and records an image or document on a recording sheet as a recording medium based on image data or document data transmitted from the computer. In addition, the image data output from the digital camera connected to the digital camera is recorded on a recording sheet, or various recording media are loaded and the image data recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the recording sheet. It is also possible. In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a single-function apparatus having only a printer function, but further includes a printer function and a scanner function as a multi-function device (MFD) having a scanner unit. It may have a copy function, or may have a communication unit and a facsimile function.

  As shown in the figure, the apparatus housing 2 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has a width W and a height T corresponding to a maximum width recording sheet capable of image recording, for example, an A4 size recording sheet, The width W and height T are somewhat larger than the A4 size so that the recording paper can be accommodated and transported through the apparatus. On the other hand, the depth D is smaller than both the width W and the height T, and the overall shape of the apparatus housing 2 is a flat thin box shape. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a vertical installation type in which such an apparatus casing 2 is installed with the direction in which the thickness extends, that is, the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the apparatus casing 2 being the vertical direction (z-axis direction). is there. Thus, by making the inkjet recording apparatus 1 a vertical type, the floor area for installing the inkjet recording apparatus 1 can be reduced, and space saving such as office space can be achieved.

  A recording paper storage unit 3 (not shown) is formed on the back side of the apparatus housing 2, and a paper discharge port 4 is opened on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2. Although details will be described later, a conveyance path 5 is formed from the recording sheet container 3 to the paper discharge port 4, and the recording sheet on which image recording has been performed by the inkjet recording head 6 in the conveyance path 5 The paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 4.

  An operation panel 7 for operating the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2 and on the back side of the paper discharge port 4. The operation panel 7 includes various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display unit. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 is also connected to a computer and transmitted from the computer via a printer driver in response to an operation instruction from the operation panel 7. It is designed to operate according to instructions. The upper surface of the apparatus housing 2 is inclined downward toward the front side, and the operation panel 7 is also arranged corresponding to the inclination. As a result, the various operation buttons and the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel 7 can be visually recognized from either the front side or the top side, so that the visual recording can be performed regardless of whether the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is installed on the table or on the floor. There is an advantage of good performance and operability.

  In addition, the side surface of the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a slot portion 8 into which various small memory cards as recording media can be loaded. As shown in the figure, the opening is opened by an openable / closable door when not in use. Sealing prevents entry of foreign matters such as dust. A small memory card is loaded in the slot portion 8, the recorded image data is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display portion of the operation panel 7, and an arbitrary image can be recorded on a recording sheet by the ink jet recording apparatus 1. Is possible.

  Further, an ink cartridge storage unit 9 in which ink cartridges of inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), for example, are loaded is provided on the side surface of the apparatus housing 2. As in the case of the slot portion 8, when the ink cartridge is not exchanged, the opening is sealed by an openable / closable door to prevent foreign matters such as dust from entering. The positional relationship between the slot portion 8 and the ink cartridge storage portion 9 is arbitrary. However, as shown in the figure, by arranging the slot portion 8 on the upper side of the ink cartridge storage portion 9, the ink cartridge storage portion 9 has ink. Even if leakage or the like occurs, it is preferable that the electronic components of the small memory card and the slot portion 8 are not contaminated by the ink.

  Further, a handle 10 formed in a U shape so as not to interfere with the operation panel 7 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus housing 2 so as to be swingable so as to fall or stand on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2. ing. When the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is used, the handle 10 is in a posture to stand up from the upper surface as shown in the figure, and becomes a handle for carrying the apparatus. The paper discharge port 4 is sealed so as to prevent foreign matters such as dust and dust from entering the apparatus. Such swinging of the handle 10 may be performed manually by the user, or may be automatically swung by applying a driving force from a motor or the like in conjunction with the activation of the apparatus.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is included in the apparatus housing 2 so as to include a recording paper storage unit 3 (recording medium storage unit), a conveyance path 5, an ink jet recording head 6, a platen 11, Electrical component 12 etc. are provided.

  The recording paper storage unit 3 stores recording paper, which is a recording medium, and feeds the recording paper to the conveyance path 5. The recording paper storage unit 3 stores recording paper of various sizes such as A4 size or less, B5 size, and postcard size. Is possible. Specifically, the recording paper storage unit 3 has a space recessed on the back side of the device housing 2, and the space includes a partition plate 30 provided inside the device housing 2, and the device housing. 2 and a lid 31 that constitutes the back surface. As shown in the figure, the lid 31 is tiltably provided on the back side of the apparatus. The lid 31 is tilted to open the recording paper storage unit 3 so that a desired recording paper can be loaded. . The plurality of recording papers P stored in the recording paper storage unit 3 are held in a standing posture with the recording surface facing the inside of the apparatus, as shown in the figure.

  As shown in the figure, the lower part of the recording paper storage unit 3 continues to the transport path 5, and the recording paper P held in the recording paper storage unit 3 is separated and transported to the lower part of the partition plate 30 one by one. A paper feed roller 32 for supplying to the path 5 is provided. The paper feed roller 32 is rotated by a drive of a motor (not shown) transmitted by a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) in which a plurality of gears are engaged. On the other hand, a guide 33 for holding the lower end portion of the recording paper P at the paper feed position is disposed below the recording paper storage unit 3 so as to face the paper feed roller 32. The guide 33 is biased toward the paper feed roller 32 by a spring or the like (not shown), and presses the recording paper P against the paper feed roller 32 in a standing posture. Accordingly, when the paper feed roller 32 rotates while being in pressure contact with the recording paper P, the recording paper P is drawn downward by the frictional force with the paper feeding roller 32 and fed to the transport path 5.

  In the present embodiment, the recording container 3 is provided in the apparatus housing 2, but a so-called paper feed cassette provided along the outer back surface of the apparatus housing 2 may be used. At that time, the paper feed cassette may feed the recording paper to the transport path 5 while standing, or the paper feed cassette may be slightly inclined during use.

  The conveyance path 5 is formed downward from the lower side of the recording paper storage unit 3, is reversed near the bottom of the apparatus housing 2, and then extends upward to be formed on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2. Leading to 4. Accordingly, the recording paper P fed from the recording paper storage unit 3 is transported downward in the standing posture by the transporting path 5, and then reversed so as to make a U-turn to be in the standing posture and transported upward. The paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 4. In this way, the recording path P is transported in a standing posture by using the transport path 5 as a U-shaped path along the thickness direction of the apparatus casing 2, thereby reducing the thickness of the apparatus casing 2. While reducing in size, the floor area required for installation of the apparatus can be reduced.

  The conveyance path 5 is composed of an outer guide surface and an inner guide surface that face each other at a predetermined interval, except for a portion where the inkjet recording head 6 and the platen 11 are disposed. Such an outer guide surface and an inner guide surface may be such that, for example, the guide member is appropriately fixed in the apparatus housing 2, or the outer guide surface may be formed integrally with the apparatus housing 2. Although not shown in the figure, if the transport roller is appropriately disposed at a location where the transport path 5 is curved, the recording paper P that contacts the guide surface can be transported smoothly.

  Further, as shown in the drawing, an ink jet recording head 6 is provided at the lowermost portion of the U-shaped conveyance path 5, that is, at a position where the conveyance path 5 makes a U-turn. The ink jet recording head 6 is disposed inside the transport path 5 so as to be able to scan in the width direction of the transport path 5, that is, the y-axis direction in FIG. ing. On the other hand, a platen 11 is disposed outside the conveyance path 5 below the inkjet recording head 6.

  The ink jet recording head 6 includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) supplied from an ink cartridge (not shown) installed in the apparatus housing 21 through a conduit such as a tube. ) Is scanned while ejecting each color ink, thereby recording an image on a recording sheet conveyed on the platen 11, which is not shown in the figure, but inside the conveyance path 5, It is mounted on a scanning carriage that is slidably provided on a guide member extending in the width direction. The scanning carriage is slid along the guide member by a belt driving mechanism or the like, so that the conveyance path 5 Scanning is possible with the width direction as the main scanning direction. The ink jet recording head 6 can employ a known structure for ejecting each ink. For example, if the side wall of each channel is made of a piezoelectric material and ink droplets are ejected by deformation of the piezoelectric material, the structure can be used. Good.

  The platen 11 horizontally supports the recording paper P conveyed through the conveying path 5 at a predetermined head gap position from the inkjet recording head 6, and the recording paper extends over the image recording range of the inkjet recording head 6. It has a horizontal plane that supports P. A waste ink tray 60 is disposed on the side of the platen 11 outside the image recording range of the inkjet recording head 6 (see FIG. 3). The waste ink tray 60 is a tray opened on the upper side corresponding to the ink ejection surface, which is the lower surface of the ink jet recording head 6, and the ink jet recording head 6 ejects ink in order to increase the viscosity of ink and remove foreign matter. When collecting the ink, the ink is collected.

  On the upstream side of the inkjet recording head 6, a pair of conveyance rollers 50 and a pressing roller 51 are provided that sandwich the recording paper P conveyed through the conveyance path 5 and convey it onto the platen 11. On the other hand, on the downstream side of the ink jet recording head 6, a pair of transport rollers 52 and a spur roller 53 are provided that sandwich and transport the recorded recording paper P. A driving force is transmitted to the conveying rollers 50 and 52 from a motor (not shown) so that the conveying rollers 50 and 52 are intermittently driven with a predetermined line feed width.

  On the other hand, the pressing roller 51 is urged so as to be pressed against the conveying roller 50 with a predetermined pressing force, and is rotatably provided. When the recording sheet P enters between the conveying roller 50, the recording sheet P The recording sheet P is retracted by the thickness of the sheet and the recording sheet P is sandwiched with the conveying roller 50 to reliably transmit the rotational force of the conveying roller 50 to the recording sheet. The spur roller 53 is also provided in the same manner as the conveying roller 52. However, since the spur roller 53 is in pressure contact with the recorded recording paper P, the roller surface is uneven in a spur shape so as not to deteriorate the image recorded on the recording paper. It has become.

  Accordingly, the recording paper sandwiched between the transport roller 50 and the pressing roller 51 is intermittently transported on the platen 11 with a predetermined line feed width, and the ink jet recording head 6 is scanned for each line feed, so that the recording paper P Image recording is performed from the front end side. Thereafter, the leading end side of the recording paper P on which image recording has been performed is sandwiched between the conveying roller 52 and the spur roller 53, and the recording paper P is conveyed on the leading end side to the conveying roller 52 and the spur roller 53, and on the rear end side. While being sandwiched between the roller 50 and the pressing roller 51, it is intermittently conveyed with a predetermined line feed width, and image recording is similarly performed by the ink jet recording head 6. When the recording paper P is further conveyed, the trailing edge of the recording paper P passes through the conveying roller 50 and the pressing roller 51, and the nipping by these is released, and the conveying roller 52 and the spur roller 53 have a predetermined line feed width. It is conveyed intermittently, and image recording is similarly performed by the inkjet recording head 6. After image recording is performed on a predetermined area of the recording paper P, the transport roller 52 is continuously driven to rotate, and the recording paper P held by the transport roller 52 and the spur roller 53 is in a standing posture on the transport path 5. It is conveyed upward.

  A paper discharge roller 54 and a pressing roller 55 are provided further downstream of the conveying path 5, and the recording paper P on which image recording has been performed is sandwiched in the same manner as the conveying roller 50 and the pressing roller 51. Then, the recording paper P is conveyed until the leading edge of the recording paper P protrudes from the paper discharge port 4. A paper discharge stack 56 is provided on the downstream side of the paper discharge roller 54 and the pressing roller 55, and the recording paper P for which image recording has been completed is discharged in a standing posture with its leading end protruding from the paper discharge port 4. Stored in the stack 56.

  The electrical component 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a bus, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like necessary for controlling the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Yes, it controls the rotation of the motor in accordance with information from various sensors, and performs transmission and reception with the operation panel 7 and the computer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a recording paper storage unit 3, a conveyance path 5, an inkjet recording head 6, an electrical component 12, and conveyance rollers 50 and 52 disposed in the conveyance path 5. The recording unit 1 </ b> A and the platen unit 1 </ b> B including the platen 11 and the waste ink tray 60 can be divided into two vertically. As described above, the conveyance path 5 is formed downward from the recording paper storage unit 3, and the ink jet recording head 6 is configured to eject ink droplets downward to the U-turn portion that is the lowest part of the conveyance path 5. Since the platen 11 is disposed below the platen unit 1B, the inkjet recording head 6 and the electrical parts 12 that require driving and transmission / reception of electric signals are concentrated on the recording unit 1A, and the platen unit 1B is installed. As in the platen 11 and the waste ink tray 60, driving and transmission / reception of electrical signals are unnecessary and can be easily configured. Therefore, the vicinity of the bottom of the device housing 2 can be used as the platen unit 1B so that it can be easily attached and detached without providing electrical signal or drive transmission contacts.

  Since the apparatus housing 2 is box-shaped, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the divided platen unit 1B is opened, and the platen 11 and the waste ink tray 60 provided therein are exposed through the opening 20. is doing. Similarly, the lower surface of the divided recording unit 1 </ b> A is also open, and the ink jet recording head 6 shown in FIG. 2 is exposed from the opening 21. The ink jet recording head 6 removes ink droplets from the opening 21. It is possible to scan by discharging to the direction.

  Snap engaging portions 22 are provided as fasteners of the recording unit 1A at four locations on the periphery of the opening 20 of the platen unit 1B. On the other hand, on the periphery of the opening 21 of the recording unit 1A, a snap receiving portion (not shown) is provided corresponding to the snap locking portion 22, and the snap locking portion 22 and the snap receiving portion are engaged with each other. As a result, the recording unit 1A and the platen unit 1B are joined together. Note that the recording unit 1A and the platen unit 1B can be coupled by any known coupling means other than the snap described above.

  A reference foot 23 is provided in the opening 21 of the recording unit 1A so as to protrude downward from the periphery thereof. As shown in the figure, the reference legs 23 are provided at the four corners of the opening 21, and the reference legs 23 allow the divided recording units 1A to be placed on a desired recording surface with the opening 21 facing downward. It becomes. The reference foot 23 is arranged in the height direction of the recording unit 1A so that the distance from the recording surface on which the recording unit 1A is placed to the ink ejection surface of the inkjet recording head 6, that is, the head gap is a predetermined distance. Positioning.

  As described above, when image recording is performed on the recording paper P being transported through the transport path 5, the recording paper P is supported by the platen 11, so that the recording paper P is ejected from the ink ejection surface of the inkjet recording head 6. Is positioned at a predetermined position. That is, the head gap is determined by the platen 11. Since the horizontal position of the upper surface on which the platen 11 supports the recording paper P and the dividing surface of the recording unit 1A and the platen unit 1B do not necessarily coincide with each other, the reference foot 23 protruding from the opening 21 serving as the dividing surface. The divided recording unit 1A can be placed in a stationary and stable state on the recording surface, and the ink jet recording head 1A can be placed on the recording surface only by placing the recording unit 1A on the recording surface. Position to a predetermined head gap.

  On the other hand, concave portions 24 corresponding to the reference feet 23 are formed at the four corners of the opening 20 of the platen unit 1B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, when the recording unit 1A and the platen unit 1B are coupled, the reference foot 23 protruding from the opening 21 of the recording unit 1A fits into the recess 24 and fits into the recording unit 1A. The recording unit 1 </ b> A and the platen unit 1 </ b> B are coupled together in a state where the opening 21 of the platen unit 1 </ b> B is in close contact with the opening 20. Further, by fitting the reference foot 23 and the recess 24, the outer surface of the recording unit 1A and the outer surface of the platen unit 1B are positioned so as to be the same surface.

  A window 25 is provided in the width direction in the vicinity of the opening 21 on the front side of the casing of the recording unit 1A. The window 25 is made of a transparent member such as an acrylic resin, and the inside of the recording unit 1 </ b> A is visible through the window 25. An ink jet recording head 6 is disposed in the vicinity of the opening 21 provided with the window 25, and the width of the window 25 corresponds to the image recording range of the ink jet recording head 6. 6 image recording areas can be visually recognized.

  If there is a member that hinders the visual recognition of the image recording area, such as a guide member, between the inkjet recording head 6 and the window 25, a notch is formed in the member or a transparent member is used. Therefore, it is preferable to ensure visibility. In the present embodiment, a permeable member is provided in the window 25 in order to prevent foreign matters such as dust from entering the recording unit 1A. However, instead of the permeable member, a net is provided. In the case where there is no fear of the influence of foreign matters such as dust, a window having only a cutout of the housing may be used. Further, the position where the window 25 is provided is not limited to the front side of the casing of the recording unit 1A, but the front side or the back side is preferable in order to make the entire recording area of the inkjet recording head 6 visible. Further, considering that the operation panel 7 is operated while visually confirming the image recording area from the window 25, it is preferable to provide the window 25 on the front surface as in the present embodiment.

  An arrow 26 is described near the right end of the window 25 as a mark indicating the recording start position of the inkjet recording head 6. Such a mark is not limited to the arrow 26 described in the window 25. For example, the mark is marked on a guide member that guides the scanning carriage on which the inkjet recording head 6 is mounted. Anything is acceptable.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the divided recording unit 1A is placed on the recording surface q1 of the recording medium Q having a thickness that cannot be conveyed on the conveying path 5. In the present embodiment, the thick recording medium Q is shown as the recording medium that cannot be transported along the transport path 5, but other than that, a non-bending one, a soft one like cloth, and a plurality of sheets of paper are used. The recording medium is not particularly limited as long as an image can be recorded by the inkjet recording head 6 such as a bound booklet.

  As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 has a flat and thin box-shaped apparatus housing 2 placed vertically, and the conveyance path 5 is formed as a U-shaped path along the thickness direction of the apparatus housing 2. Since the recording paper P is conveyed in a standing posture, the area for placing the recording unit 1A is small and thin in the thickness direction, so that the area hidden by placing the recording unit 1A is small. Further, a window 25 is provided on the front side of the recording unit 1A so that the image recording area of the inkjet recording head 6 can be visually recognized. Further, the inkjet recording head 6 is indicated by an arrow 26 marked on the window 25. Thus, the user can easily attach the recording unit 1A to the desired recording start position by aligning the arrow 26 with the desired recording start position while visually confirming the recording surface q1 from the window 25. It can be placed on the recording surface q1.

  The recording unit 1A placed on the recording surface q1 of the recording medium Q is supported by reference feet 23 protruding from the four corners of the opening 21 and is in a stationary and stable state. The surface q1 and the ink discharge surface of the inkjet recording head 6 are positioned at a predetermined head gap. In this state, when the operation unit 7 or the computer instructs the recording unit 1A to record an image, the inkjet recording head 6 is scanned while ejecting ink droplets, and a desired image is recorded on the recording surface q1.

  Therefore, according to the ink jet recording apparatus 1, for the recording medium that can be transported through the transport path 5 such as the recording paper P, the transport path is integrated with the recording unit 1A and the platen unit 1B. 5, image recording can be performed by the ink jet recording head 6 while transporting the recording medium, while the recording unit 1 </ b> A is divided for the recording medium Q that is difficult to transport along the transport path 5. By positioning the recording medium Q on the desired recording surface q1, it is possible to directly record an image on the recording surface q1.

  As described above, the single ink jet recording apparatus 1 can directly perform image recording not only on the recording medium that can be transported on the transport path 5 but also on the recording medium that is difficult to transport on the transport path 5. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of devices according to the type of recording medium, and there is no need to change the connection with an image data output device such as a computer. Further, it is possible to realize space saving such as office space by reducing the installation and storage location of the apparatus, and there is an advantage that maintenance such as ink replenishment is required for only one unit.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the conveyance path 5 is a U-shaped path along the thickness direction of the apparatus housing 2. However, in the present invention, the shape of the path of the conveyance path 5 is a U-shape. It is not limited to the shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance path 5 on the downstream side of the ink jet recording head 6 may be an L-shaped path that extends to the side as it is without being inverted upward. When the conveyance path 5 is an L-shaped path, a paper discharge port 13 is formed in the lower front portion of the apparatus housing 2 in place of the paper discharge port 4 formed on the upper surface, and recording after image recording is performed. The paper P is discharged to the front side of the apparatus.

  As described above, even when the conveyance path 5 is an L-shaped path, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 can be a vertical type in which the flat and thin box-shaped apparatus housing 2 is vertically disposed. The area for mounting the recording unit 1A can be made small and thin. Further, the recording unit 1A is provided with the recording paper storage unit 3, the ink jet recording head 6, the transport path 5 and the like in a concentrated manner, and the platen unit 1B has a simple configuration with members that do not require operation or control of the platen 11 or the like. can do.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is divided. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an image recording state by the recording unit 1A. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus 90.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet recording device 1A ... Recording unit 1B ... Platen unit 2 ... Apparatus housing 3 ... Recording paper accommodating part (recording medium accommodating part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Conveyance path 6 ... Inkjet recording head 11 ... Platen 20, 21 ... Opening 23 ... Reference | standard foot 25 ... Window 26 ... Arrow (mark)

Claims (7)

A recording medium container that holds the recording medium and feeds it to the conveyance path, and records an image by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording medium conveyed through the conveyance path and scanning in the main scanning direction. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink jet recording head to be performed; and a platen disposed opposite to the ink jet recording head and supporting a recording medium on which image recording is performed at a predetermined position,
Inkjet recording in which at least a recording unit including the inkjet recording head and a platen unit including at least the platen are divided so that the inkjet recording head ejects ink droplets to the outside of the recording unit and can be scanned. apparatus.   2. The ink jet recording head according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording head is scannably disposed at a lowermost portion of the transport path so as to be able to eject ink droplets downward, and the platen is disposed below the ink jet recording head. Inkjet recording device.   In a state in which the recording unit and the platen unit are divided, the recording unit is disposed on the periphery of the opening formed in the casing of the recording unit so that the ink jet recording head discharges ink droplets onto the recording surface. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reference foot is provided which can be placed on the recording surface and which positions the ink jet recording head and the recording surface in a predetermined head gap.   The inkjet recording according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a window is provided in the casing of the recording unit so that a recording area of the inkjet recording head in a state where the recording unit and the platen unit are divided can be visually recognized. apparatus.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a mark indicating a recording start position of the inkjet recording head in a state where the recording unit and the platen unit are divided is provided at a position visible from the window of the recording unit.   6. The recording medium container according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium container holds the recording medium in a standing posture, and the transport path is formed downward from the recording medium container. Inkjet recording device. An apparatus housing that includes at least the conveyance path, the ink jet recording head, and the platen and is divided into the recording unit and the platen unit is a flat thin box shape, and a direction in which the thickness extends is a vertical direction. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is of a vertically installed type.

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