JP3162547B2 - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus capable of improving the reliability of the entire apparatus or a partial structure thereof, and includes a printer alone, a copying machine, a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile, The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus applicable to a multifunction peripheral.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional ink jet recording apparatus, when a mechanical failure of a printer, breakage of an ink tank, breakage of a nozzle, or the like occurs, ink as a liquid leaks out of the printer, and a failure of the recording apparatus or the like occurs. May result in contamination. There was also a risk that the leaked ink would catch fire.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems.
An object of the present invention is to prevent an ink jet recording apparatus using a liquid ink from receiving catastrophic damage due to ink leakage at the time of abnormality and to improve the reliability of the recording apparatus.

[0004]

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises an ink jet recording head on a recording material.
Inkjet that records by discharging conductive ink from the
Recording devices, each of which is arranged in the recording device
That electrically connect the unit to electrical elements involved in the recording operation.
Provided on a flexible cable, two or more electrical wires
An ink detection unit formed by exposing
Means for guiding ink from a desired part to the ink detection unit
And having the following.

[0005]

According to the present invention, when ink leaks from the printer due to an abnormality in the recording device, the operation can be immediately stopped by electrically detecting this, and a warning can be issued to the user.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, a carrier 203 mounts a head cartridge 202 in which a recording head 200 constituting a recording unit and an ink tank 201 are connected.
One end of the carrier 203 on the recording head 200 side is a lead screw 2 rotatably attached to the chassis 1.
13 is slidably fitted in the axial direction. A guide is provided at the other end of the carrier 203, and the guide is slidably fitted in a guide rail 2 formed on the chassis 1 in parallel with the axial direction of the lead screw 213. The carrier 203 is configured to be able to reciprocate in the axial direction with the rotation of the lead screw 213 while keeping its posture constantly constant.

That is, the lead screw gear 257 fixed to the left end of the lead screw 213 and the pinion gear 25 fixed to the output shaft of the carrier motor 255
A lead pin 209 (FIG. 5) attached to the carrier 203 is fitted into a guide strip 268 (FIG. 4) spirally formed on the lead screw 213 at a predetermined pitch. Accordingly, when the lead screw 213 rotates in accordance with the forward and reverse drive of the carrier motor 255, the carrier 203 reciprocates. Carrier 203
The details of the scanning will be described later.

Reference numeral 211 (FIG. 19) denotes a flexible cable for transmitting a print signal from a later-described electric circuit to the recording head 200.
0 positions the pinch roller frame 11 and holds it.

The recording head 200 is driven in synchronization with the reciprocating movement of the carrier 203 and discharges ink in accordance with a recording signal, thereby performing one-line recording on the recording material 3. The recording head 200 includes a fine liquid ejection port (orifice), a liquid path, and an energy action section provided at a portion of the liquid path, and energy generation for generating droplet forming energy to act on the liquid in the action section. Means.

As an energy generating means for generating such energy, a recording method using an electrothermal converter such as a piezo element, an electromagnetic wave such as a laser is irradiated to generate heat, and droplets are discharged by the action of the generated heat. There is a recording method using an energy generating unit that causes the liquid to be heated, or a recording method using an energy generating unit that discharges the liquid by heating the liquid with an electrothermal converter such as a heating element having a heating resistance.

Among them, a recording head used in an ink jet recording method for discharging a liquid by thermal energy is required to have a high density of liquid discharge ports for discharging a recording liquid to form a discharge droplet. Because you can
It is possible to record at high resolution. Among them, a recording head using an electrothermal transducer as an energy generating means can easily be made compact, and has the advantages of IC technology and micro-machining technology, which have recently made remarkable progress in technology in the field of semiconductors and markedly improved reliability. This is advantageous because it can be used for two reasons, high-density mounting is easy, and the manufacturing cost is low.

When one-line printing is performed by scanning the carrier 203, the recording material 3 is conveyed by one line by the conveying means and the next line is recorded.
The rotation is performed by a rotating pair of the conveying roller 4 and the pinch roller 8 that comes into pressure contact with the conveying roller 4, and a rotating pair of the discharge roller 7 and the spur 6 that comes into contact with the discharge roller 7.

More specifically, the recording material 3 whose recording surface is opposed to the discharge port surface of the recording head 200 is
The sheet P is pressed against the conveying roller 4 by a pinch roller 8 and the conveying roller 4 is appropriately rotated by a paper feed motor 5 so that the sheet is conveyed to a recording position as needed. After the recording, the recording material 3 is pressed against the discharge roller 7 by the spur 6, and is conveyed out of the apparatus by the rotation of the discharge roller 7. The transport roller 4 and the discharge roller 7 are driven by a paper feed motor 5, and the driving force is transmitted by a reduction gear train 15.

The position of the rotation axis of the spur 6 that contacts the recording surface of the recording material 3 is fixed, and the contact position between the spur 6 and the recording material 3 does not change regardless of the thickness of the recording material 3. . On the other hand, the discharge roller 7 that contacts the non-recording surface side of the recording material 3 is deformed by the thickness of the recording material 3 and
It is designed to respond to changes in thickness. More specifically, the discharge roller 7 is made of thin rubber, formed in a conical shape, and deforms with a restoring force in the radial direction. Therefore, deformation is performed according to the pressing force against the spur 6 and the thickness of the recording material 3. Therefore, regardless of the thickness of the recording material 3, the interval between the recording head 200 and the recording material 3 can be maintained at a predetermined amount, and stable conveyance can be performed.

The discharge roller 7 may be made of a material having a large elastic deformation, for example, a material such as a porous sponge or a resin or rubber having a very low hardness. Further, the entire discharge roller 7 may be pressed against the spur 6 by a spring or the like.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a paper sensor, and the recording material 3
Is detected.

Next, a description will be given of a structure in which a pinch roller 8 which is a driven rotary member which presses the recording material 3 against a discharge roller 4 which is a driving rotary member.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a mold bearing is fitted at both ends of the pinch roller 8, and an end of a pinch roller spring 9, which is a spring member, is supported by being bent into the pinch roller. The pinch roller spring 9 is supported by a pinch roller frame 11 using a pinch roller holder 10 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 9a shown in the drawing. The center of the shaft portion 9a of the focus roller spring 9 is bent in a U shape, and the lever portion 9a is bent.
b is formed.

Pinch roller 8 by pinch roller spring 9
The configuration of the operating means for changing the pressing force is such that a slidable release angle 12 is superimposed on the pinch roller frame 11, and this angle is operated to push up the pinch roller spring 9, thereby generating a twist in the shaft portion 9a. The pinch roller 8 is pressed against the transport roller 4 by the repulsive force.
Further, the pressing force is released by eliminating the twist.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 3, the cam portion 12a provided on the release angle 12 presses the lever portion 9b, causing the shaft portion 9a to be twisted (elastically deformed), and the pinch roller 8 to be moved by the transport roller. Pressed to 4. On the other hand, when the release angle 12 is slid in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, the state shown in FIG.
Is lowered, the lever of the pinch roller 8 is lowered, and the shaft 9
Since a is restored and the twist is released, the pressing force of the pinch roller 8 against the transport roller 4 is reduced.

Thus, the jammed recording material 3 can be easily pulled out even if the pinch roller 8 is not completely separated from the transport roller 4. Release angle 1
2 is slid left and right by rotating the release lever 13. Release lever 13
Is rotatably supported by a pinch roller frame 11 and has a long hole on the side opposite to the lever with respect to the rotation shaft, and a handle of the release angle 12 is inserted therein. Therefore, when the release lever 13 is rotated, the release angle 12 moves in parallel.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a lead screw mechanism for feeding the carrier 203 to the recording material 3. Only the members necessary for the function are shown.

The right end of the lead screw 213 slidably fitted to the carrier bearing 228 provided on the carrier 203 and the carrier bearing 229 is rotatably connected to the chassis 1 via an adjustment spring 250. Also,
The left end is rotatably connected to the recovery plate 271 via a bearing 251. The carrier 203 has a guide portion (not shown) slidably engaged with the guide rail 2,
The rotation of the carrier 203 is prevented and guided.

The lead screw 213 has a guide strip 26
8 are formed, and the lead pins 209 are slidably fitted to the guide strips (FIG. 5). Therefore, the carrier 203 is driven in the A and B directions parallel to the axial direction by the rotation of the lead screw 213.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the carrier bearing 228 shown in FIG. The lead pin 209 is a pin having one end processed into a sphere, and is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the carrier 203 perpendicularly to the axial direction of the lead screw 213, and the spherical portion is slidable with the lead screw 213. Mated. The lead pin 209 is urged in the direction of the lead screw 213 by a lead pin spring 210 detachably provided on the carrier 203 from the other end.

On the opposite side of the lead pin 209 with the lead pin spring 210 therebetween, a lead pin 209 is
In order to prevent the lead pin 209 from coming off, a stopper 269 for regulating the sliding range of the lead pin 209 is provided.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an end of the lead screw 213. The distance between the recording head 200 on the carrier 203 and the recording material 3 is determined by the distance of the lead screw 213 supporting the carrier 203 from the recording material 3. Therefore, the position of the left end of the lead screw 213 is determined by the recovery system plate 217, and the right end of the lead screw 213 can be adjusted so that the lead screw 213 is parallel to the recording material 3 based on the left end. That is,
A first elongated hole 252 perpendicular to the recording material 3 is formed in the chassis 1, and a lead screw 213 is inserted into the elongated hole.
The right end of is supported.

The adjustment spring 250 is parallel to the recording material 3 with the adjustment spring 250 attached to the chassis 1 and regulates the right end of the lead screw 213 in the vertical direction with respect to the recording material 3. A second slot 253 is formed.

The right end of the lead screw 213 is supported by a first elongated hole 252 and a second elongated hole 253. The lead screw 213 is adjusted in parallel with the recording material 3 by moving the adjustment spring 250 having the second elongated hole 253 formed therein in a direction perpendicular to the recording material 3 (in the direction of the arrow in the drawing).

The adjusting spring 250 has a lead screw 2
A spring 250a for urging the right end of 13 to the left end is also integrally formed. The adjustment spring 250 is fixed to the chassis 1 with a screw 254.

FIG. 7 shows the left end of the lead screw 213 provided with a clutch mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the carrier motor 255 to the recovery system via the lead screw 213.

A carrier motor 255 is connected to the recovery system plate 271. A pinion gear 256 (FIG. 1) is fixed to a shaft of the carrier motor 255 and meshes with a lead screw gear 257 fixed to the lead screw 213. When the carrier motor 255 rotates forward and backward, the lead screw 213 rotates forward and backward, and the carrier 203 is moved by the lead pin 209 slidably in contact with the guide strip 268 of the lead screw 213. The control gear 102 is incorporated in the recovery system plate 271.

At the left end of the lead screw 213, an initial lock 258, a clutch plate 260, a clutch gear 259, and a return spring 261 are provided.

The initial lock 258 is fixed to the lead screw 213. The clutch gear 259 is fitted to the lead screw 213 so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and a part of the clutch gear 259 enters the inside of the initial lock 258.

That is, two protrusions 262 are formed on the clutch gear 259 at asymmetrical positions on the circumference, and these protrusions 262 are formed in the initial lock 258 only in the axial direction by the recesses 263 formed in the same phase as the protrusions 262. It is operably fitted.

A flange 267 is provided on the end surface of the clutch gear 259 on the lead screw gear 257 side.
Trigger teeth 259a for giving a rotation trigger to the control gear 102 are formed on 67.

The control gear 102 has a gear formed on the outer periphery thereof. When the lead screw 213 is incorporated into the recovery system plate 271,
13 at a position where it meshes with the clutch gear 259. However, during the recording operation, the control gear 102 has a part of the outer gear that is cut off facing the clutch gear 259, and the control gear 102 does not mesh with the clutch gear 259.

A side gear 102h having several teeth is formed on the side surface of the cut portion of the gear. The side gear 102h is operated by a clutch gear 259 by an operation described later.
Of the control gear 10
2 is given a rotation trigger.

Initial lock 258 and clutch gear 2
Between them, the clutch plate 260 is inserted. Further, a lead screw gear 257 is fixed to the lead screw 213. The return spring 261 is located between the clutch gear 259 and the lead screw gear 257, and always keeps the clutch gear 259 in the initial lock 2 position.
It is pushed to 58 side.

An idling groove 264 having the same shape as the thread of the lead screw 213 is formed on the circumference of the initial lock 258, and is connected to only the thread for guiding the lead pin 209 by the communication groove 256.

When the carrier motor 255 is rotated forward, the carrier 203 advances in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

An HP sensor 270 (FIG. 1) is attached to the recovery system plate 271 and the carrier motor 25
5, the carrier 203 is scanned and the carrier 20 is scanned.
By detecting a point at which the shielding plate 230 (FIG. 1) formed on the third sheet passes through the HP sensor, it can be set as a reference point for a recording operation and a recovery operation described later.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the clutch mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the carrier motor 255 to the recovery system.

From the state shown in FIG.
5 is rotated in the reverse direction, the lead pin 209 moving the carrier 203 moves from the guide 268 of the lead screw 213 through the communication groove 265 to the initial lock 2.
It enters the idling groove 264 at 58.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the end of the carrier bearing 228 pushes the clutch plate 260, and the clutch plate 260 pushes the clutch gear 259.
It is pushed to a position where it meshes with the control gear 102.
At this time, the gear teeth on the control gear 102 side corresponding to the gear portion of the clutch gear 259 are notched, and the control gear 102 does not rotate.

When the carrier motor 255 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the trigger teeth 259a of the clutch gear 259 are moved to the side gears 102 of the control gear 102 as shown in FIG.
h, the control gear 102 is rotated, and the teeth of the control gear 102 mesh with the clutch gear 259.

A flange 267 is formed on the clutch gear 259, and when the clutch gear 259 and the control gear 102 engage with each other, the flange 267 of the clutch gear 259 is engaged with a side surface of the control gear 102.
It keeps meshing with the control gear 102. When the carrier motor 255 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the recovery operation starts.

After the completion of the recovery operation, the carrier motor 255 is rotated forward, and the control gear 102 and the clutch gear 2 are rotated.
When the clutch gear 259 returns to the meshing start position of 59, the engagement between the control gear 102 and the flange 267 of the clutch gear 259 is released, and the clutch gear 259 attempts to return to the original position by the bias of the return spring 261. Clutch gear 25
9 is pressed in the same manner, and the carrier 2 that is in contact with the clutch plate 260
03 is also pressed.

When the carrier is further rotated forward, the lead pin 209 for guiding the carrier 203 becomes the initial lock 258.
From the idling groove 264 on the circumference of the
The lead screw 213 is pushed out to the guide strip 268 side. That is, the carrier 203 is a carrier motor 255
With the rotation of, a state where scanning is possible is achieved.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a recovery mechanism of the recording apparatus of the embodiment.

As shown in the figure, a cap 101 for capping the discharge port surface of the recording head 200 and the inside thereof are made to have a negative pressure, and ink is sucked from the discharge port surface through the cap 101 and sent to the discharged ink absorber. A pump unit 105, and a wiping mechanism for moving the cap 101 back and forth with respect to the discharge port surface, transmitting a driving force to the pump unit 150, and further wiping ink adhered to the discharge port surface. A control gear 102 of a transmission mechanism including a known cam and gear mechanism is configured. The rotational driving force of the carrier motor 255 is transmitted to the control gear 102 via the clutch gear 259 described above.

Next, the structure in which the recovery means is driven by the rotation of the control gear 102 will be described.

The control gear 102 includes a cap opening / closing cam 102a and a wiping operation cam (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the control gear 102 is connected to a plunger 115 described later.
And the control gear 102 rotates, whereby the stroke gear 103 rotates and the plunger 115 reciprocates.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 104 denotes a blade for wiping the ink discharge port surface of the recording head 200 to clean the ink discharge port surface. The blade 104 is made of rubber such as HNBR or urethane, and is inserted and attached to the blade mounting groove 105a of the blade slider 105 so as to slide one end. Note that the blade mounting groove 105a is
As shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 105b having a sharp tip for preventing blade detachment is provided in a part of the blade projecting direction. Therefore, even when a force is applied to pull out the blade 104 during wiping, the blade 104 is not pulled out by being hindered by the protrusion 105b.

The blade slider 105 has its through hole 1
05c and reciprocates along a slide shaft 106 parallel to the ejection port surface of the recording head, the amount of penetration of the blade 104 into the ejection port surface of the recording head 200 is always constant at any position on the ejection port surface. It is constant. For this reason, the discharge port surface is wiped uniformly.

The reciprocating motion of the blade slider 105 is performed by the blade link 107. The protrusion 107 a of the blade link 107 reciprocates by pushing the wall of the blade slider 105. The movement of the blade link 107 is controlled by a wiping operation cam (not shown) formed on the control gear 102.

When the ejection port surface of the recording head 200 is wiped by the movement of the blade slider 105, the ink adhering to the blade 104 is removed by the blade cleaner 10.
8, the blade 104 is always maintained in a clean state. In other words, the blade 104 that has moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 10 by the wiping operation finishes wiping the entire discharge port surface, and then touches the blade cleaner 108 similarly. At that time, the ink on the blade 104 is absorbed by the blade cleaner 108.

When the blade 104 is constantly in contact with the blade cleaner 108, the blade 104 is deformed due to the creep phenomenon of rubber, and the original performance cannot be exhibited. Then, after the blade 104 comes into contact with the blade cleaner 108 by the wiping operation cam of the control gear 102, the blade 107 is moved in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow A in the figure to separate the blade 107 from the blade cleaner 108 and No external force is applied.

Further, if the blade link 107 is controlled while always following the wiping operation cam of the control gear 102 during both forward rotation and reverse rotation of the carrier motor 255, the blade link 107 is controlled by the rotation angle of the control gear 102. The movement of 107 is uniquely determined.
In other words, the position of the blade 104 is
It will be controlled only by the angle of 02. In this case, when the wiping operation is performed when the carrier motor 255 enters the recovery means by the reverse rotation, next,
By the forward rotation of the carrier motor 255, the wiping operation is performed even when the carrier motor 255 exits from the recovery unit. Therefore, the ejection port surface is wiped on both sides of the blade 104. However, since the blade 104 can be turned upside down when its tip is cut, wiping can be essentially performed on only one side, and if the wiping is performed on the opposite side to the surface that can be used for wiping, a printing failure occurs. I will.

Therefore, in this embodiment, this problem is solved as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, a part of the shielding plate 230 is provided with an inclination, and when the carrier 203 enters the recovery means, the blade stopper 109 is moved by the shielding plate 230 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. Rotate to. A series of subsequent operations will be described with reference to FIG.

When the lead pin 209 of the carrier 203 completely enters the idling groove 264, the blade stopper 10
9 rotates to the position of FIG.

Next, the control gear 102 starts to rotate, and as described above, the blade link 107 starts to rotate in the direction C in the figure as shown in FIG. 13B.

The blade link 1 reaches the position shown in FIG.
07 rotates and continues to rotate, the spring hooking portion 107b of the blade link 107
Starts rotating in the direction of arrow D.

Further, up to FIG.
When 07 rotates, the blade stopper 109 comes off the spring hook 107b of the blade link 107 and rotates in the direction of arrow E in the figure. However, since the rotation is stopped by the shielding plate 230, the blade is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 13C, and the blade stopper 109 stops.

Thereafter, even if the carrier motor 255 rotates forward and the blade link 107 is disengaged from the wiping cam of the control gear 102 and rotates in the direction of arrow F in the figure due to the pulling force of the blade spring 110, FIG. The rotation is stopped by the blade stopper 109 as shown in FIG.

When the carrier 203 finally comes out of the recovery means completely, the blade link 107 is rotated because the blade stopper 109 is not restrained as shown in FIG. It reaches the highest point in the opposite direction and waits.

In this way, the wiping locus of the blade 104 is changed between when the carrier 203 enters the recovery means and when it exits, so that wiping is not performed on the opposite surface of the blade 104.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a carrier stopper,
This is provided to prevent the carrier 203 from falling out to the recording position due to dropping or vibration. The carrier stopper 111 is always moved by the carrier hook spring 112 as shown in FIG.
, And is retracted from the carrier hook 231 (FIG. 1) by the projection 102c of the control gear 102 during recording.

The operation will now be described. When the lead pin 209 of the carrier 203 enters the idling groove 264 and the control gear 102 starts rotating, the projection 102c of the control gear 102 is moved to the carrier stopper 1
11, the carrier stopper 111 rotates in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 10 and is hooked on the carrier hook 231.
Therefore, in the standby state in which recording is not performed, the carrier stopper 111 is hooked on the carrier hook 231 to prevent the carrier 203 from coming out to the recording position.

Further, the carrier stopper 111
Like the E-ring, it also serves to prevent the control gear 102 from coming off the shaft.

Next, the pump unit 150 has a plunger pump configuration as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 113 denotes a cylinder which has a cylindrical cylinder portion 113a and a guide portion (not shown) for guiding a plunger 115 described later. An ink flow path is formed. A cap lever receiver 113b is formed so as to fit a cap lever seal described later.
An ink suction port 113c is opened at a predetermined position. 113d is a drain ink tube, the tip of which is inserted into the drain ink absorber. A parallel pin 113e for opening and closing the cap is pressed by a cam 102a (FIG. 10) for opening and closing the cap of the control gear 102, so that the cylinder 113 rotates to move the cap 101 to the recording head 200.
The opening and closing operation is performed so as to be in close contact with and separated from the discharge port surface of the nozzle.

FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the cap opening / closing cam 102a of the control gear 102 and the cap opening / closing operation.
4 will be described.

A switching sheet 102d is attached to the cap opening / closing cam 102a, so that the cap opening / closing operation can be changed by the forward or reverse rotation of the carrier motor 255.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the cap 1
01, the ink accumulated in the cap 101 during recording is removed by the carrier 20.
Before the ink 3 enters the recovery means and is capped, it is necessary to once suck the ink in the cap 101 into the cylinder 113 (FIG. 11).

When the control gear 102 starts rotating by the reverse rotation of the carrier motor 255, the parallel pin 113e inserted into the cylinder 113
Pass through the e-plane. In the figure, the cam 101 is closer to the center of the control gear 102 in a state where the cap 101 is open. Therefore, in this case, suction can be performed while the cap 101 is open (this suction is referred to as preliminary discharge suction).

Next, when the control gear 102 has finished rotating and the suction operation has been completed and normal rotation has started, the parallel pin 113e passes through the surface of the cam 102f, and the cap 101 is turned on for the first time after the control gear 102 starts rotating. Will close. Normally, the apparatus stands by with the cap closed.

Thereafter, when recording is started, the carrier motor 255 rotates forward and the control gear 102 rotates in the direction of arrow H in FIG.

However, when suction starts, the carrier motor 255 rotates in the reverse direction, and the control gear 102 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow H. In this case, the parallel pin 113e
Passes through the surface of the cam 102f, suction can be performed with the original cap 101 closed.

By providing the switching sheet 102d in this manner, two suction operations of the original suction and the preliminary discharge suction are realized by one control gear.

During recording, the parallel pin 113e enters the notch 102g provided on the cam surface, so that the control gear 102 is not rotated by the frictional force of the cap spring 114 (FIG. 10). If the control gear 102 rotates during the recording, the recovery operation will be started in an improper case, and normal recording will not be possible.

As shown in FIG. 11, the plunger 115 is provided with an operating shaft 115a, a piston receiver 115b, a piston retainer 115c, and a pump seal retainer 115d.
15a. A part of this groove is fitted into the above-described guide portion (not shown) of the cylinder 113, and stops the rotation of the plunger 115. Motion axis 11
5a is formed with a lead groove 115f for controlling the reciprocating movement of the plunger 115, and a protrusion (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the stroke gear 103 is formed by the lead groove 115f.
b. Therefore, the carrier motor 255
When the stroke gear 103 is rotated in one direction by the reverse rotation driving of the plunger 115, the plunger 115 strokes in the direction of the arrow I in FIG. 11, and when the carrier gear 255 rotates the stroke gear 103 in the other direction, the plunger 115 is rotated. Stroke in the direction of arrow J in FIG.

A piston 116 made of a rubber material such as NBR is attached to the plunger 115. The outer diameter of the piston 116 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder 113 by a predetermined amount.
13 is compressed appropriately. As a result, when the plunger 115 strokes in the direction of arrow I in FIG.
When the discharged ink inside is sucked and stroked in the arrow J direction, the sucked discharged ink is discharged from the discharged ink tube 113d to the discharged ink absorber.

A pump seal 117 is attached to the plunger 115. This pump seal 117
Is made of a rubber material such as silicon or NBR. The inner diameter of the plunger 115 is set slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the plunger 115 so that a predetermined pressure contact force can be obtained with the plunger 115. It is possible to reciprocate by being pushed by the pump seal retainer 115d and the piston receiver 115b. The surface of the cylinder 113 and the plunger 115 is lubricated.
May be reduced. For the purpose of eliminating grease in the cylinder, rubber having self-lubricating properties may be used.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 118 denotes a cap lever. An ink guide (not shown) urges the cap lever seal 119, and the other rotating shaft 118a is snap-fitted to the hole 113f of the cylinder 113. And it is rotatable. The cap lever seal 119 is press-fitted with the ink guide of the cap lever 118, and further press-fitted into the cab lever receiver 113b of the cylinder 113.

The cap 101 is an elastic member such as a chlorinated butyl rubber having a conical cross section and is attached to the cap attaching portion 118b of the cap lever 118. As shown in FIG. 15, this mounting method makes effective use of the elasticity of rubber, and expands and mounts the ring on the mounting portion 118b of the cap lever, which has a shape following the inclination of the diaper of the cap 101. Have been. The cap 101 once attached cannot be removed by normal use.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a preliminary ejection pad, which is made of a polymer absorbent like the blade cleaner 108 described above, and is attached to the cap lever 118 described above. The preliminary ejection pad 120 absorbs preliminary ejection ink that ejects ink separately from normal recording work during recording in order to prevent ink drying on the ejection port surface.

Reference numeral 121 denotes a pump absorber, which is a high molecular absorber that functions to surely transfer the waste ink in the cylinder to the waste ink absorber.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart of the recovery means based on the rotational driving force of the carrier motor 255. In this figure, the point at which the carrier 203 enters the recovery means, the trigger tooth 259a of the clutch gear 259 meshes with the control gear 102, and the control gear 102 starts rotating is defined as zero pulse of the carrier motor 255.

In this embodiment, the carrier motor 255 is
By performing forward and reverse rotations in 40 steps (5 rotations), all the recovery operations are performed. At the same time as the rotation of the carrier motor 255, the clutch gear 259,
Control gear 102 and stroke gear 103
Starts to rotate. Since the reciprocating motion of the plunger 115 is controlled by the stroke gear 103, the plunger 115 starts moving at the same time as the rotation of the carrier motor 255, and the reciprocating motion has a one-to-one correspondence with the rotation of the carrier motor 255.

As described above, the movement of the blade 104 partially changes its path depending on whether the carrier motor 255 rotates forward or backward.

As described above, when the recovery operation is started by the reverse rotation from the 0 pulse of the carrier motor 255 so that the preliminary ejection suction can be performed by the switching sheet 102d, the cap 101 is opened. The plunger 115 moves as it is.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a head cartridge section and a carrier section of the recording apparatus of the embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a recording head for discharging ink by an electric signal; 201, an ink tank for storing and supplying ink to the recording head 200; 203, a recording apparatus main body for holding and scanning the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201; , A head lever 204 for holding and releasing the print head, an ink tank lever 205 for attaching and detaching the ink tank 201, and a head holder spring 207 for fixing the print head 200 to the carrier 203. Reference numeral 208 denotes a tank case holding the ink tank 201. These components constitute a head cartridge section and a carrier section of the recording apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 of the recording apparatus of the embodiment. In the same figure, reference numeral 220 denotes an ink supply hole serving as a passage for supplying ink from the ink tank 201 to the print head, and 221 denotes an ink supply hole from the ink tank 201 to the print head 200.
An ink supply hole 222 for supplying ink to the recording head 200, a coupling claw for guiding and holding the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 when they are integrated, and a reference numeral 223 for the coupling claw 22.
2 are engaged with the coupling claw guide grooves 224 and the ink tank 2
01 is an ink tank guide groove for holding the ink tank 201 when the recording head 200 is attached to or detached from the recording head 200.
These components constitute the head cartridge 202.

The recording head 200 has a substrate on which a plurality of electrothermal transducers for generating thermal energy used for ink ejection and a drive circuit for driving the same are formed, and the plurality of electrothermal transducers are provided on the substrate. A discharge port and a liquid path corresponding to each of the conversion elements, and a top plate for forming a common liquid chamber communicating with each liquid path are laminated, and further, a signal is supplied to the drive circuit from the recording apparatus main body. Electrical contacts are provided. Further, a sensor for detecting the state of the head from the printing apparatus main body can be provided in the printing head 200. Specifically, a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the electrothermal conversion element, an ink remaining amount detection sensor for detecting when the supply of ink is lost and the above-mentioned common liquid chamber runs out of ink, or And a head type discrimination sensor that specifies the type of the head cartridge when the ink cartridge or the type of the head in the head cartridge is used while being exchanged. The signals from these sensors can be determined by the main body of the recording apparatus, and the signals applied to the electrothermal transducer can be controlled to optimize the printing state. Then, the recording head configured as described above is mounted on the recording apparatus such that the ejection port surface on which the ejection ports are arranged faces the recording medium.

The ink tank 201 is a tank for appropriately supplying ink to the recording head 200 in order to supplement the ink consumed by recording while holding the ink.
When the ink tank 201 exists alone, it is sealed by sealing means (not shown) so that ink does not leak from the ink supply hole 221. The sealing means is automatically or manually opened when integrated with the recording head 200 to form an ink flow path. The sealing means can be realized by, for example, a mechanism for pressing a metal ball against a rubber stopper with a spring.

Further, a mechanism may be provided for introducing a standby from the outside in accordance with the ink volume reduced by ink consumption. Furthermore, by having a mechanism inside that keeps the pressure of the ink supplied to the print head slightly negative,
It is also possible to improve print quality and prevent ink leakage.

In this embodiment, the ink tank 201
It has a flexible bag (not shown) inside, in which ink is stored and connected to the ink supply hole 221. The remaining space in the ink tank 201 is filled with air, but the air pressure is adjusted by a pressure control valve (not shown) in the printing operation state. More specifically, a negative pressure state in a predetermined range occurs. Is to be retained.

The recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are used in a recording apparatus during a recording operation in the state of the integrated head cartridge 202. Next, a method of integrating both will be described.

Basically, the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are provided with the ink supply holes 220 and the ink supply holes 221.
This portion is formed by combining the components, so that this portion prevents ink from leaking or gas from entering the ink flow path. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a system using a rigid pipe and an elastic plug is employed. That is, the ink supply hole 220 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a mold member, and the ink supply hole 221 opposed thereto is a member having a cylindrical hole formed of a rubber material. The outer diameter of the ink supply hole 220 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the ink supply hole 221. Therefore, the ink supply hole 220 is connected to the ink supply hole 221.
, The ink supply hole 221 is closely integrated with the ink supply hole 220 while being slightly deformed in the radial direction.

The coupling portion is not limited to a combination of a rigid body and an elastic body, but may be any one having a sealing function. For example, the combination of a mold pipe and a mold hole may cause a slight deformation of the mold. Or a rubber-made sealing member without a hole and a needle-shaped pipe.

In the integration of the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201, only the above-described connection of the ink supply hole 220 and the ink supply hole 221 may be performed, but an unexpected external force is applied when the head cartridge 202 is handled. In this embodiment, the coupling claw 222 and the coupling claw guide groove 223 provide a stronger connection so as not to come off easily in the event of a break, or to provide a guide that can be easily integrated when integrated. And That is, the coupling claw 222, which is integrally molded with the ink supply hole 220 and can be elastically deformed,
A projection is provided at the tip, and engages with the coupling claw guide groove 223 while being elastically deformed by the height of the projection, and the groove provided at the back of the coupling claw guide groove 223 becomes deeper. The coupling is completed when the projection of the coupling claw 222 reaches the portion where the connection has been made.

Furthermore, the coupling claw 222 is
When the ink supply hole 22 is
It also serves as a guide so that the ink supply hole 221 can be easily aligned with the ink supply hole 221. That is, the coupling claw 222 is longer than the ink supply hole 220, and the coupling claw 222 contacts the ink tank 201 before the ink supply hole 220 contacts the ink supply hole 221. Here, the tip of the coupling claw 222 is cut off diagonally, and the diagonal portion is formed in the coupling claw guide groove as shown in FIG.
It can be easily coupled as a guide in the direction of arrow 8. Also, the projection provided at the tip of the coupling claw 222 is cut off obliquely, and serves as a guide in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 18 to facilitate easy engagement.

In the present embodiment, the coupling claws are provided on the recording head side, but are not limited thereto, and may be provided on the ink tank 201 side or on both the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201.

Next, the recording head 200 is moved to the carrier 203.
A method for mechanically and electrically connecting the devices will be described.

FIG. 19 shows recording head 2 on carrier 203.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connection part of No. 00 seen from the direction of arrow a in FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view showing the mounting order.

In the same figure, a positioning pin 225 is fixed to the carrier 203 and engages with a hole provided in the recording head 200 for positioning in the directions of arrows a and b in FIG. 19
A stopper 211 for receiving the recording head 200 pressed in the direction of arrow a of FIG.
00, a flexible cable 211a is provided in the flexible cable 211, and 211b is a flexible cable 21.
1 is a flexible cable pad sandwiched between the flexible cable 211 and the carrier 203 to elastically support the flexible cable 211, and 212a is a flexible cable pad 2
12 are provided with positioning holes b, 2b provided in the flexible cable pad 212.
Reference numeral 12c denotes an ink barrier for preventing ink from entering the contact portion, 227 denotes a head contact portion electrically connected to a heater in the print head 200 provided in the print head 200, and 227a denotes a head contact portion 227. The positioning holes a and 227b provided in the head contact portion 227 are locations where the end faces of the stopper 226 contact the stopper holes b and 227c.

The recording head 200 has a head holder spring 2
07 is pressed in the direction of arrow a via a lever (not shown), the position of which is determined by the engagement between the hole provided in the recording head 200 and the positioning pin 225, and the position of the stopper 2.
26 is uniquely determined by interference with. In this way, the recording head 200 and the carrier 203 are mechanically connected.

A plurality of electrical contacts are provided at opposite positions on the head contact portion 227 provided on the recording head 200 and the end surface of the flexible cable 211. These electrical contacts are pressed by a predetermined pressure. The recording apparatus main body and the recording head 200 are electrically connected. At this time, since a plurality of electrical contacts need to be pressed at once, a flexible cable pad 212 made of an elastic material is placed in the pressing portion to uniformly press them. The material of the flexible cable pad 212 is
For example, silicon rubber or the like is used, and a plurality of protrusions are provided at positions corresponding to the above-mentioned electric contacts so that the stress of pressing is concentrated on the contacts. Further, the above-mentioned electrical contacts provided on the flexible cable 211 are:
In order to further concentrate the stress at the time of being pressed and to secure the connection, it may be formed in a projection shape.

The reaction force generated when the recording head 200 is pressed is controlled by the head holder spring 207 pressing the recording head 200.
Since it is configured to be much smaller than the force of FIG. 17, the position of the recording head 200 does not shift due to the reaction force from the flexible cable pad 212.

The carrier 203, the flexible cable pad 212, the flexible cable 211, the head contact portion 227, and the head cartridge 203
Need to be accurately positioned with respect to each other for reliable electrical connection and good recording quality. Therefore, it is configured as follows.

That is, based on the two positioning pins 225 of the carrier 203, one of the positioning pins 225 is
Are fitted in the positioning holes a212a, a211a and the positioning holes a227a in common, and the other positioning pin 225 is fitted in the positioning holes b212b, the positioning holes b211b and the positioning holes b227b in common and the arrow a in FIG. The direction and the position in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 20 are determined. Further, the position of the recording head 200 in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 20 is accurately determined by pressing the end of the stopper 226 from the direction of arrow a in FIG. 19 until the end surface of the stopper 226 contacts the stopper contact position 227c of the head contact portion 227. be able to.

Furthermore, if ink enters for some reason between the electrical contact surface, that is, between the flexible cable 211 and the head contact portion 227, there is a possibility that an electrical short circuit may occur, and it is necessary to prevent this. is there. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, a part of the flexible cable pad 212 is formed as a projection to form an ink barrier 212 c, which is pressed against the end face of the recording head 200 to prevent the ink from coming out from the ejection port of the head 200. .

In this embodiment, the electrical or mechanical connection is provided on the recording head side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited thereto. May be provided on both of them, or the electrical connection part and the mechanical connection part may be provided separately on either side.

Next, a method of handling the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201, that is, a case where the ink tank 201 which has run out of ink is converted to a new ink tank 201, or the recording head 200 which has become unusable for some reason is replaced. The method in that case will be described.

As a first mode, the fixing of the recording head 200 and the carrier 203 is released, the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are taken out of the carrier 203 in a state of being integrated, and the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are detached from the carrier 203 (hereinafter, referred to as “integral”). , An off-carrier state) in which the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are separated or integrated.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing a case where the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are taken out of the carrier 203 while being integrated. In this case, the head lever 204 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 17 in the direction of the arrow a in FIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG. The head provided by the head holder spring 207 is moved by moving the shaft provided on the recording head 200.
The pressing force has been released.

At this time, the tank case 208 in the carrier 203 moves with its projection engaged with the ink tank guide groove 224, so that the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 remain integrated and the arrow b in FIG. Move in the direction. Thereby, the positioning pin 225 and the recording head 2
Since the engagement with the hole No. 00 is released, the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 can be moved in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 22 while being integrated, and can be taken out of the carrier to be in the off-carrier state. After the off-carrier state, the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 can be separated from each other by applying a force in a direction opposite to the coupling direction when the ink tank 201 is integrated. Then, the replacement is made a new one, the two are integrated by the above-described integration method, and are stored in the carrier 203 in the reverse order, thereby completing the replacement operation.

In this embodiment, the pressing force of the recording head 200 is released by using the head lever 204. However, the pressing force of the recording head 200 is not limited to this, and the lever for pressing the recording head 200 is moved directly. You may comprise. Also,
Although the recording head is pressed using the head holder spring 207 in the fixing method, the recording head is not limited to this and may be configured to be fixed using a latch hook having a spring property.

The first embodiment has the following effects. That is, when either the recording head or the ink tank needs to be replaced, only the one that needs replacement needs to be replaced, so that the economy is improved.

As a second mode, while the recording head 200 and the carrier 203 are fixed, the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 are separated on the carrier (hereinafter referred to as an on-carrier state), and only the ink tank 201 is removed. There is.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the ink tank 201 is separated from the recording head 200 on the carrier 203. In this case, the tank lever 205 is
From the state shown in FIG. 23 in the direction of the arrow a in FIG. 23 to raise such a position, a cam (not shown) provided on the tank lever 205 causes the tank case 208 to rotate.
Moves in the direction of arrow b in FIG. Tank case 208
23 engages with the ink tank guide groove 224 provided on the side surface of the ink tank 201 to move the ink tank 201 in the direction of arrow b in FIG. At this time,
The fixing of the recording head 200 is the same as the state of FIG.
Since it does not move together with the ink tank 201, the engaging portion between the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 is disengaged,
Can be separated. Further, by moving the ink tank 201 in the direction of arrow c in FIG.
03 can be removed.

At this time, when the recording head 200 is elastically pressed by the head holder spring 207 as in the present embodiment, the head is not fixed due to the force applied during separation. Therefore, it is preferable to configure as follows. FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view showing how a force is applied. In FIG.
0 is pressed against the carrier 203 by the head holder spring 207 with a force of f1. Further, in order to separate the recording head 200 from the ink tank 201, the engagement between the coupling claw 222 and the coupling claw guide groove 223 and the ink supply hole 220
Assume that a force of f2 is required to release the engagement between the ink supply hole 221 and the ink supply hole 221. At this time, by setting the magnitude of the force as f1> f2, it is possible to prevent the recording head 200 from being detached during the separation operation.

In the present embodiment, the tank lever 205 is used to exert a force corresponding to f2 for separation, but is not restricted to this, and the ink tank 201 is directly held by the arrow b in FIG. Pull the recording head 200
And the ink tank 201 may be separated.

When the second mode is adopted, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects of the first mode. That is, by appropriately designing the cam shape of the tank lever 205, the pulling speed at the time of separation can be controlled, and the ink supply hole 220 and the ink supply hole 2 can be controlled.
It is possible to prevent the ink from scattering from the nozzle 21. Also,
Since it is not necessary to hold the recording head 200 directly with the hand, unnecessary contamination that adversely affects printing can be prevented without touching the vicinity of the ink discharge nozzle of the recording head 200 with the hand. In addition, since the portion of the ink tank 201 to which the force is applied is specified, only the portion needs to have a structure capable of withstanding the force. Therefore, the other portions can be made thinner, and the weight and the inner volume can be increased.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the ink leak detecting section of the embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes a collective flexible cable, which is arranged on the bottom of the ink jet recording apparatus as shown in FIG. Collective flexible cable 1
6, a connector 16a for connecting to a control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus (not shown), a paper sensor 16b soldered to the paper sensor 14, and a paper feed motor 16c soldered to the paper feed motor 5. , Carrier motor 16 soldered to carrier motor 225
d, an HP sensor section 16e soldered to the HP sensor,
A thermistor section 16f to be soldered to the thermistor is provided.

Reference numeral 16g denotes an ink detecting portion which is folded 180 degrees with respect to the collective flexible cable 16 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 so that the pattern surface appears on the upper surface. The ink detector 16g is located on the lower surface of the chassis 1 via the ink absorbing plate 17.

FIG. 27 shows the details of the ink detector 16g, in which the first pattern 20 and the second pattern 21 are combined in a comb shape. Reference numeral 18 denotes a cover lay portion of the flexible cable, and 19 denotes a cover lay-free portion from which the cover lay has been removed. The first pattern 20 and the second pattern 21 are exposed at the portion without the coverlay. W is a pattern interval, which is set to about 1 mm in this embodiment.
You. L is the overlap length of the pattern, which is set to about 10 mm in this embodiment.

The function of the ink leak detecting section having the above configuration will be described in detail.

When an abnormality occurs in the recovery mechanism, the ink supply flow path, the recording head, and the like, and the ink leaks, the leaked ink is transmitted along the inner surface of the chassis 1 and a cutout portion of the chassis 1 near the recovery mechanism. (Not shown) and falls to the lower surface of the chassis 1.

The ink is absorbed and held by the ink absorbing plate 17 shown in FIGS. Ink detector 1
Since 6 g is in contact with the ink absorbing plate 17, the surface of the ink detector 16 g is wet by the ink.

Here, about 80% of the ink used by us is water, and the rest is composed of an organic solvent and a dye, so that it has conductivity. Specifically, when the resistance value is measured by soaking the ink in office blotting paper,
In a condition where a pair of electrodes having a length of
0 KΩ. In the electrode configuration shown in FIG. 27, there are six pairs of electrodes having a length of 10 mm at 1 mm intervals.
In the state where the ink has soaked into the substrate, the resistance value between the first pattern 20 and the second pattern 21 is 200/6 = 33.3K.
Ω.

In the state where the ink absorbing plate 17 is dry,
Since the resistance value is almost infinite, the control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus controls the first pattern 20 and the second pattern 2
If the resistance value between 1 and 1 is measured, an abnormality of ink leakage can be detected.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 28 is a view showing a second embodiment of the present embodiment, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 25 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 28, reference numeral 22 denotes a platen, which is disposed over substantially the entire length of the chassis 1, and further contains a waste ink absorber for receiving waste ink discharged from the pump unit 150 inside the platen 22. .

The discharged ink discharged from the pump unit 150 is absorbed by the discharged ink absorber 23 from the left in FIG. 28, and as the amount of discharged ink increases, the discharged ink flows through the discharged ink absorber 23 in FIG. It is configured to move to the right.

The ink absorbing plate 17 is extended to the right as compared with the first embodiment, and its tip portion 17a is bent upward, penetrates the chassis 1, and comes into contact with the right end of the discharged ink absorber 23. I have.

According to this configuration, as the amount of ink discharged from the pump unit 150 increases, the discharged ink moves rightward, and finally reaches the right end of the discharged ink absorber 23, where the discharged ink absorbs the ink. Tip 17 of plate 17
a, and finally absorbed by the entire ink absorbing plate 17.

Therefore, the collective flexible cable 1
The ink detector 16g of No. 6 can detect that state, that is, the end of the life of the discharged ink absorber and ink leakage.

According to the structure of this embodiment, regardless of the arrangement of the ink detector 16g, the ink detector 16g can be connected to not only two ink detectors but also a plurality of ink detectors depending on the shape of the ink absorbing plate 17. Since it is sufficient, the degree of freedom of arrangement is increased.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 29 is a view showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 25 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 29, reference numeral 16h denotes a second ink detection unit provided on the collective flexible cable 16, and the configuration is the same as that of the ink detection unit 16g. Second ink detector 1
6h is bent upward and penetrates through the chassis 1 to abut on the right end of the discharged ink absorber 23.

The ink detector 16g and the second ink detector 1
If 6h has an independent circuit configuration, ink leakage and the life of the discharged ink absorber 23 can be detected independently, and if they are configured in parallel, it is not possible to judge either one.
Since the circuit is sufficient, the configuration can be made at low cost.

In this embodiment, there are two ink detectors, but a plurality of ink detectors may be provided where necessary.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the above embodiment, the ink detecting section has an independent circuit configuration. However, the ink detecting section may be configured to be connected in parallel to other electric element circuits included in the collective flexible cable 16. .

For example, the case where the thermistor section 16f is provided with a thermistor for measuring the environment of the printer section, and the ink detection section is inserted in parallel therewith will be described.

Although various thermistor characteristics are commercially available, some have characteristics of 600 KΩ at 0 ° C. and 70 KΩ at 40 ° C. In the present embodiment, the ink detecting section becomes 33.3 KΩ when ink leaks, so the apparent resistance value of the thermistor becomes 29 KΩ at 0 ° C. and 21 KΩ at 40 ° C., compared to the state where temperature is measured normally. Since a clearly small value is detected, the control unit can determine ink leakage by looking at the resistance value of the thermistor.

According to this configuration, since the detection circuit of the thermistor and the ink leakage detection circuit can be shared, an inexpensive ink jet recording apparatus can be realized.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the above embodiments, the configuration using a flexible cable has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be realized even on a normal rigid printed wiring board.

If the ink is surely brought into contact with the ink detector 16g, the ink absorbing plate 17 does not need to be present, and the configuration can be made at lower cost.

Further, in this embodiment, the ink detecting section 16g is provided on the lower surface of the printer section.
g, the ink detection unit 16
There is no restriction on the position and direction of g.

Further, in the present embodiment, the collective flexible cable 16 has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the flexible cable 211 as a matter of course.

Next, the configuration and electric circuit of an information processing apparatus incorporating the recording apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing apparatus 400 incorporating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes the above-described printer unit, 402 denotes a keyboard unit provided with keys for inputting characters, numerals, and other characters, and keys for giving various commands, and 403 denotes a display unit. It is a display unit provided.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of information processing apparatus 400 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a controller that performs main control;
Is a microcomputer in the form of a microcomputer for executing a certain procedure; 503 is a RAM provided with an area for expanding text data and image data, a work area, and the like;
04 is a ROM storing fixed data such as a program corresponding to the above procedure and other font data.
Creates an execution cycle of the PU 502 and the printer unit 4
A timer 506 for generating a necessary timing at the time of the recording operation by 01, and an interface unit 506 for connecting a signal from the CPU 502 to a peripheral device.

Reference numeral 507 denotes a controller of the printer unit 401. Reference numeral 508 denotes presence or absence and type of the print head 200, an output value of a sensor for detecting the temperature of the print head 200, and presence or absence of ink in the ink tank 201. A head detection unit for detecting information of the printhead such as an output of a sensor; 509, a line buffer for storing print data of the printhead 200; 510, a head driver for sending a print signal, power, etc. to the printhead 200;
Reference numerals a, b, and c denote motor drivers for transmitting signals, electric power, and the like necessary for driving the carrier motor 255, the paper feed motor 5, and the automatic paper feed motor 323, respectively. 512, a home position sensor 270, the paper sensor 14, and paper feed Initial sensor 320a, paper feed switching sensor 320
b, a sensor detector for detecting the output of a sensor such as the ink leak detector 16g; Further, 404 is, for example, FD
D, HDD, external recording device such as RAM card, 405
Is an external interface for communicating with another information processing device or controlling a peripheral device by directly connecting to an internal bus. Although not included in the block diagram of FIG. 35, there is another power supply unit for supplying power to the above electric circuit, such as a rechargeable battery, a disposable dry battery, or an information processing unit. There is an AC power converter when the apparatus body is fixed and used.

The recording on the recording material (paper) 3 is performed by the recording apparatus section by the above-described electric circuit configuration. The outline of the recording operation control sequence will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIG.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the processing when the power of the recording apparatus or the information processing apparatus is turned on and off. S1 is a power-off state, and the timer 50
Except for the operation of FIG. 5 (FIG. 31), the function is stopped.
The operation is started by a power-on signal from a power-off state, that is, by turning on a power switch. In the recording apparatus, first, a power-on process of S2 is executed. When S2 ends, the process proceeds to S3, where the power is turned on.
The recording operation and the like are performed when the power is on. If a power-off signal is detected in the power-on state, the process proceeds to S4, where power-off processing is performed. When S4 ends, the process proceeds to S1 and the power is turned off. Therefore, when the power is turned on and off, the power is turned on and off after a predetermined process. Further, when a pause signal is detected in the state of S3, the process proceeds to S5 and a pause process is executed. The pause signal refers to, for example, the keyboard unit 4 when the display unit 403 shown in FIG.
Means for detecting when the user performs an action that is performed while the apparatus is in operation, such as when the apparatus is folded over or when the battery is replaced. For example, it is a signal output by a sensor that detects opening / closing of the display unit 403, a sensor that detects attachment / detachment of a battery, and the like. Further, the temporary stop process is a process performed to prevent breakage and failure of the apparatus when used differently from the basic use, and the details will be described later. In S5, when the suspension process is completed, the process proceeds to S6, and a suspension state is set. In the pause state, functions other than necessary parts are stopped or the power is turned off. In the pause state, when a pause release signal is detected, S
Then, the process proceeds to step S7, where a temporary stop release process is performed. The pause release signal is a signal that is paired with the pause signal, for example, when the display unit 403 changes from a closed state to an open state, or when the battery changes from a removed state to a mounted state. And other signals indicating that the device has returned to an operable state. Further, the suspension release processing is processing for returning to a state before the suspension, and will be described later in detail. As a result, even when the user inadvertently opens and closes the display unit 403 during operation of the apparatus, or attaches or detaches the battery, it is possible to return to the original state. When the suspension release processing ends in S7, the process proceeds to S3 and returns to the power-on state. For the pause signal, it may be possible to select whether or not to perform a pause process when a signal is detected. For example, if it is better to close the display unit 403 because the recording apparatus is handling paper while the apparatus is operating, select the setting of the apparatus so as to prohibit the pause process when the display unit 403 is opened and closed. can do.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the power-on process in S2. First, in S11, home position initialization, that is, the position of the carrier 203 is determined. Specifically, after the position at which the output of the home position sensor 270 is switched is set as the reference position of the carrier 203 by driving the carrier motor 255, the carrier motor is driven and the discharge port of the recording head 200 is blocked by the cap 101. I do. Then S
Then, the process advances to step S12 to initialize the paper feeding and automatic paper feeding.
Specifically, in order to reduce the play of the paper feed drive mechanism, the paper feed motor 5 is driven in the reverse direction and the forward direction by a predetermined amount, and the automatic paper feed motor is driven until the paper feed initial sensor 320a detects the initial position. . Next, the process proceeds to S13, where the timer 505 measures the time from the last ejection or suction of the print head 200 to the present. If the interval is equal to or longer than the predetermined time n, the process proceeds to S14 to perform the print head recovery process. If not, the process proceeds to S15. In S14, as a recovery process of the print head 200, ejection of the print head 200 into the cap 101,
The blade 104 cleans the discharge port of the recording head 200, and the pump unit 150 sucks ink from the recording head 200. As a result of the recording process being left unused for a long time by the recovery process, it is possible to prevent ink ejection failure or the like due to an increase in viscosity due to evaporation of ink at the ejection port portion of the recording head 200. After the end of S14, the process proceeds to S15 to check whether the paper sensor has detected the presence of paper. If there is paper, the process proceeds to S16. If there is no paper, the process proceeds to S17. In S16, the detected paper is discharged. That is, after the paper sensor 14 detects that there is no paper, the paper feed motor 5 is driven in the forward direction to a predetermined amount. Then S
Proceed to 17 to end the power-on processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the S4 power-off process. First, in S21, the recording head 2
It is checked whether 00 is in the capping state. If it is not in the capping state, the flow proceeds to S22, and if it is in the capping state, the flow proceeds to S23. In S22, the carrier motor 2
55 is driven to bring the recording head 200 into a capping state. Next, in step S23, the power of the recording apparatus is turned off to stop the function. In this process, even when the recording head 200 is not in the capping state, that is, when the power switch is turned off during printing or the like, the recording head 200 is surely put into the capping state and then turned off. The outlet portion is exposed to the atmosphere to prevent the occurrence of ejection failure due to an increase in viscosity due to evaporation of the ink.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the S5 temporary stop processing. First, in step S31, it is checked whether or not there is a process currently being executed.
If not, proceed to S33. In S32, the process currently being executed is executed by a predetermined amount. More specifically, the process is executed until the printing of the line being executed is completed if printing is being performed, or until the operation is completed if paper feeding or automatic paper feeding is being performed. If the paper discharge process is being performed, the process is immediately interrupted.
Next, the process proceeds to S33, where the current state is stored. That is, if there is any interrupted processing, the interrupted state, the state of the display unit 403 and the operation panel (not shown), the online / offline state, or the state of the power saving mode for battery power is stored in the memory. . Next, the process proceeds to S34, where the recording head 200 is set to the capping state. If you are already capping, do nothing. Next, the process proceeds to S35, in which the power of unnecessary parts is turned off in the pause state. Next, the process proceeds to S36 to end the temporary stop process. In this process, even if a pause signal is detected during execution of printing, capping of the print head 200 is surely performed, thereby preventing the print head 200 from being left without capping and causing ejection failure.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the S7 temporary stop processing. First, in S41, a predetermined portion is initialized. Specifically, the position of the carrier 203 shown in S11 and S12 is determined, the play of the paper feed motor 5 is removed,
The initial position of the automatic paper feed mechanism is set. Then S
Proceeding to 42, the pre-pause state stored in S33 is checked. Next, the process proceeds to S43 to perform a process of returning to the state before the suspension. Specifically, if there is an interrupted process, the process is completed, and the states of the display unit 403 and the operation panel are restored. Next, the process proceeds to S44, where the temporary suspension release process in S7 ends. Therefore, even if the recording apparatus is temporarily interrupted during execution of the processing, the processing before the temporary stop after the return can be continuously performed.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart for explaining the processing in the S3 power-on state. First, in S51, various errors are checked and error processing is performed. Specifically, for example, when there is no paper in the printing apparatus, the print head 200
When the ink tank 201 is not installed, when there is no ink in the ink tank 201, when a paper jam is detected during the recording process, when the temperature of the recording head 200 rises abnormally, a scanning error of various motors is detected. If it is detected, an error is displayed on the display unit 403 or the operation panel, or a buzzer sounds to warn when the ink leak is determined by the ink leak detection unit 16g and the sensor detection unit 512 due to the occurrence of ink leak. Next, the process proceeds to S52, where a key operation or command reception from the keyboard unit 402, the operation panel, the external interface unit 405, or the like is checked, and corresponding processing is performed. Specifically, when the paper feed key is pressed, insertion and discharge of paper, feeding of a predetermined amount of paper, and the like are performed according to the situation. When the online key is pressed or when an online / offline command is received, an error state is checked, and processing of the online state / offline state is performed. When a command related to recording or the like is received, a corresponding process is performed. Further, when a key input for replacing the recording head 200 or the ink tank 201 or the absence of ink in the ink tank 201 is detected, the carrier motor 25
5, the carrier 203 is moved to a position where replacement is easy, and after the replacement is completed, the carrier motor 255 is driven to move the recording head 201 to the cap 101, and ink is discharged from the discharge port of the recording head 200 by the pump unit 150. Suction. Even when air is mixed in the middle of the ink flow path between the recording head 200 and the ink tank 201 when the ink tank 201 is replaced, it is possible to suck out the mixed air by suctioning the ink to the outside of the recording head 200. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of ejection failure due to air mixing. Next, the process proceeds to S53 to perform a recording process. Details will be described later. Next, the process proceeds to S54, where the power-off signal is checked, and if the power-off signal is detected, the process proceeds to the power-off process in S4 described above. If not detected, the process returns to S51.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining the S53 recording process. First, in step S61, it is checked whether a command for executing recording, for example, a paper feed command or data to be recorded has been received. If there is a recording command, S62
If not, the process proceeds to S69 and the process ends.
In step S62, the online state is checked. If the state is online, the processing proceeds to step S63. If the state is offline, the processing proceeds to step S69, and the process ends. In S63, a process for starting recording is performed. Specifically, the recording head 20
The temperature of the print head 200 is adjusted by a heater within 0, the discharge is adjusted by discharging the print head 200 to the outside of the print area, and the amount of deviation in forward / reverse scanning of the carrier motor 255 is measured by a home position sensor. ,
Performs misalignment correction during bidirectional recording. Next, the flow proceeds to S64 to check the paper feed. If no paper is inserted at the recording position in the automatic paper feed state, the automatic paper feed motor 323
To feed paper. Next, the process proceeds to S65, where recording is performed for each line. Specifically, the carrier motor 255 is driven, the ink is ejected by the recording head 200 to perform recording, and when the recording of one line is completed, a predetermined amount of paper is fed, and S66 is performed.
Proceed to. In S66, an error check is performed. If there is an error, the process proceeds to S68, and if there is no error, the process proceeds to S67. The error check includes, for example, detection of a lower end of paper, detection of paper jam, detection of presence or absence of ink, scanning error of various motors, and the like, and the detected error is processed in S51 described above. In S67, a command indicating the end of recording,
For example, it checks whether a paper discharge command has been received. If the recording is completed, the process proceeds to S68, and if not, the process returns to S65 to continue the recording. In S68, a process for terminating the recording is performed. Specifically, paper ejection, capping of the recording head 200, and the like are performed. Next, the process proceeds to S69, and the S53 recording process ends.

[0168]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing an exposed pattern on a printed circuit board for electrically connecting the electric elements of the printer unit, it is possible to detect ink leakage at the time of abnormality. The number of components does not increase, and an inexpensive and highly reliable inkjet recording apparatus can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a pinch roller pressure contact release state of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a pinch roller pressing state of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a lead screw mechanism diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a carrier bearing A228 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a lead screw end according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a left end view of the lead screw 213 on which the clutch mechanism of the first embodiment is formed.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the clutch mechanism of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an engagement diagram of a clutch gear and a control gear according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the recovery device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the pump unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a mounted state of the blade of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory view of the blade stopper of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a cap opening / closing cam according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of the cap of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart of the recovery means of the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a carrier part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a head cartridge section of the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged view of the carrier section of the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a method of connecting the carrier unit and the head cartridge unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a head cartridge coupling portion according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing an exchange system according to a first embodiment of the first embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an exchange system according to a second embodiment of the first embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view showing how a force is applied in the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an overall perspective view illustrating an ink leak detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ink leak detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged plan view of an ink leak detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an overall perspective view showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an overall perspective view showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing an information processing device incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating an electric circuit configuration of an information processing device incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a power on / off process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a power-on process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a temporary stop process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a temporary stop release process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a power-on process of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process of an information processing device incorporating the recording device of the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Chassis 2 Guide rail 3 Recording material 4 Conveyance roller 5 Paper feed motor 6 Spur 7 Ejection roller 8 Pinch roller 9 Pinch roller spring 10 Pinch roller holder 11 Pinch roller frame 12 Release angle 13 Release lever 14 Paper sensor 15 Reduction gear train 16 Collective flexible cable 16a Connector 16b Paper sensor 16c Paper feed motor 16d Carrier motor 16e HP sensor 16f Thermistor 16g Ink detector 16h Second ink detector 17 Ink absorbing plate 17a Tip 18 Overlay 19 No overlay 20 First pattern 21 Second pattern 22 Platen 23 Discharged ink absorber 101 Cap 102 Control gear 102a Cap opening / closing cam 102b Wiping Working cam 102c Projection 102d Switching sheet 102e Cap opening cam 102f Cap closing cam 102g Notch 102h Side gear 103 Stroke gear 104 Blade 105 Blade slider 105a Blade mounting groove 105b Projection 105c Through hole 105d Wall 106 Slide shaft 107 Blade link 107a Spring 107b Hanging portion 108 Blade cleaner 109 Blade stopper 110 Blade spring 111 Carrier stopper 112 Carrier hook spring 113 Cylinder 113a Cylinder portion 113b Cap lever receiver 113c Ink suction port 113d Ink drain tube 113e Parallel pin 114 Cap spring 115 Plunger 115a Operating shaft 115b Piston receiver 115c Piston holding 115d pump 115e Groove 115f Lead groove 116 Piston 117 Pump seal 118 Cap lever 119 Cap lever seal 120 Preliminary discharge pad 121 Pump absorber 122 Bearing 150 Pump unit 200 Recording head 201 Ink tank 202 Head cartridge 203 Carrier 204 Head lever 205 Tank lever 206 Head holder 207 Head holder spring 208 Tank case 209 Lead pin 210 Lead pin spring 211 Flexible cable 211a Positioning hole a 211b Positioning hole b 212 Flexible cable pad 212a Positioning hole a 212b Positioning hole b 212c Ink barrier 213 Lead screw 213a Positioning hole a 213b Positioning Hole b 220 ink supply 221 Ink supply hole 222 Coupling claw 223 Coupling claw guide groove 224 Ink tank guide groove 225 Positioning pin 226 Stopper 227 Head contact part 227a Positioning hole a 227b Positioning hole b 227c Stopper contact position 228 Carrier bearing 229 Carrier bearing 230 Shielding plate 231 Carrier Hook 250 Adjusting spring 251 Bearing 252 First long hole 253 Second long hole 254 Screw 255 Carrier motor 256 Pinion gear 257 Lead screw gear 258 Initial lock 259 Clutch gear 260 Clutch plate 261 Return spring 252 Projection 263 Recess 264 Idling groove 265 Connection groove 267 Flange 268 Guide 269 Stopper 270 HP sensor 271 Recovery system plate 400 Information processing device 401 Printer unit 402 Keyboard unit 403 Display unit 404 External storage device 405 External interface 501 Controller 502 CPU 503 RAM 504 ROM 505 Timer 506 Interface unit 507 Controller 508 Head detection unit 509 Line buffer 510 Head driver 511 Motor driver 512 Sensor detection unit

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] An ink jet recording head is provided for a recording material.
Ink jet recording that discharges conductive ink from the
In the recording device, the control unit disposed in the recording device and
Cable for electrically connecting electrical elements
Is formed to expose two or more electrical wirings.
An ink detection unit for detecting ink from a portion where ink is to be detected to the ink detection unit.
An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by comprising means for guiding the click, the. 2. The ink guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the means for guiding the ink comprises an ink absorber.
2. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein
Recording device. 3. An electric element related to the recording operation,
3. The inline device according to claim 1 or 2,
Jet recording device. 4. An electric element related to the recording operation,
3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein
Jet recording device. 5. An electric element related to the recording operation,
The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a mister.
Ink jet recording device. 6. An electric element related to the recording operation, wherein:
2. A jet recording head according to claim 1.
Or the inkjet recording apparatus according to 2. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink detecting unit is provided below the recording device.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged on a surface.
An ink jet recording apparatus according to any of the preceding claims. 8. The recording device according to claim 8, wherein
Guiding the ink from the plurality of portions to the ink detecting portion
The method according to claim 1, wherein
Liquid jet recording device. 9. The ink detector according to claim 9, wherein the ink detector is an ink absorber.
9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first member is in contact with the second member.
An inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the above. 10. The ink-jet head, comprising:
Electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for discharge
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
An inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the above.