JP3219514B2 - 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 recording for discharging ink.
Uses a head to eject ink onto the recording material to perform recording
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus for performing the above .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or the like, or a recording apparatus used as an output device of a multifunction machine or a workstation including a computer, a word processor, etc. An image (including characters and symbols) is recorded on a recording material (recording medium) such as an OHP (such as an OHP). The recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a thermal transfer type, a laser beam type, and the like according to a recording method of a recording unit to be used.

In a serial type recording apparatus employing a recording method in which a main scanning is performed in a direction crossing a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording material, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and then the recording material is set. An image (including characters and symbols) is recorded by recording means (recording head) mounted on a carriage that moves (main scans) along the line, and after recording for one line is completed, a predetermined amount of paper (Scanning), and thereafter, the operation of recording (main scanning) the image of the next line is repeated, whereby the image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that performs recording only by sub-scanning in which a recording material is transported in the transport direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and recording for one line is continuously performed collectively. By feeding a predetermined amount of paper (pitch feed), an image is recorded on the entire recording material.

Among them, the ink jet type (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by ejecting ink from a recording means (recording head) to a recording material, so that the recording means can be easily made compact and high definition. Images can be recorded at a high speed, recording can be performed on plain paper without special processing, running costs are low, and the non-impact method reduces noise and uses multicolor inks. This makes it easy to record a color image.

[0005] In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for discharging ink by using thermal energy,
Through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, sputtering, etc., an electrothermal converter, an electrode,
By forming the liquid path wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a device having a high-density liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement), and to further reduce the size. Further, by utilizing the advantages of the IC technology and the micromachining technology, it is easy to make the recording means longer and planar (two-dimensional), and it is also easy to make the recording means full multi-layer and high-density mounting. is there.

In the above-described printing apparatus, when performing color printing, gradation printing, or a combination thereof, a plurality of printing heads for performing printing with different colors or printing with different densities may be used. Is being done. In a serial type recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads, these plurality of recording heads are mounted on one or a plurality of moving bodies (carriages), and while moving the moving bodies, image signals or character signals are generated. Then, a desired recording head is driven based on the recorded information to record an image or a character on a recording material. Further, bidirectional recording (reciprocal recording) as well as one-way recording is performed using the reciprocating movement of the moving body that reciprocates.

In the conventional recording apparatus, recording is performed using the same recording head at the time of recording an image and at the time of recording a character. It was recording every time. On the other hand, in order to obtain a high-resolution image in image recording, it is necessary to minimize the dot diameter of the recording head (the droplet diameter of the discharged ink in the case of an ink jet recording head).

[0008]

The object of the invention is to be Solved However, the above-mentioned conventional Lee
In the ink jet recording apparatus, when the dot diameter (the droplet diameter in the case of an ink jet recording head) is reduced to perform high-resolution image recording, there is a problem that the recording density in character recording is reduced. The present invention has been made in view of such a technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording that can easily obtain both high-resolution image recording and high-density character recording. > Provide a recording device.

[0009]

According to the present invention (claim 1),
Using a recording head that discharges ink
Ink jet recording device that discharges
To record a relatively small dot diameter.
A first black recording head for discharging ink,
Black ink for recording relatively large dot diameters
And a second black recording head for discharging
Print heads for multiple colors corresponding to different colors
When recording is performed according to an image signal indicating recording of an image,
The first black recording head and the plurality of
Image recording using a color recording head
Then, when recording is performed according to the character signal indicating the recording of characters,
In this case, characters are written using the second black recording head.
With the structure for performing the recording, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus capable of easily performs character recorded in the image recording and the high concentration of high resolution.

The present invention also relates to the first black recording medium.
Recording head, the second black recording head, and
Movement to detachably mount multiple color recording heads
A moving body in the forward direction and in the backward direction.
Recording on the recording material when moving.
You. Further, the first black recording head,
A second black recording head, and the plurality of colors
A recording head for moving the moving body on the moving body.
And perform recording according to the image signal.
At the time of movement to one of the reciprocating movements,
Rack printhead and the plurality of color printheads
Recording using a recording head corresponding to a predetermined color
And when moving to the other side of the reciprocating movement,
Corresponds to the specified color among a plurality of color recording heads
Use a recording head that supports other colors except for the recording head
And recording an image.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the following embodiment, a case where the recording apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus will be described as an example. In FIG. 1, a moving body (carriage)
A plurality (four in the illustrated example) of recording heads (recording means) 11 are detachably mounted on 10. The plurality of recording heads 11 are for recording in different colors or densities, respectively. The moving body 10 is supported so as to be movable along two guide rails 12, 12, and is driven by a main scanning motor (eg, a stepping motor) 13 via a timing belt 14 or a lead screw (not shown). And are reciprocally driven in the directions of arrows A and B.

A sheet-shaped recording material 15 made of paper, a plastic thin plate or the like is transported by a transport motor (paper feed motor).
The sheet is conveyed (paper feed) in a direction indicated by an arrow F at a predetermined timing and a predetermined pitch along a predetermined path by a pair of conveying rollers 17 and a pair of holding rollers 18 cooperating therewith. While the recording material 15 is held flat at a recording position facing each recording head (recording means) 11, the moving body 10 is moved to perform main scanning on the recording material 15, and an image signal or a character is output. By driving (energizing) the desired recording head 11 based on the signal, image recording or character recording is performed. When the recording for one line is completed, the recording material 15 is pitch-fed by the recording width in the direction of arrow F to record the next recording width. Each recording head 11
Usually, it is mounted on the moving body 10 so as to be exchangeable, but in some cases, it may be configured integrally with the moving body 10.

In the case of an ink jet recording apparatus, a plurality of ejection ports are formed in a predetermined arrangement on the ejection port forming surface of each recording head 11, and a desired recording is performed based on an image signal or a character signal. By discharging ink from predetermined discharge ports of the head 11, an image or a character is formed on the recording material 15. In the case of color printing, for example, four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are selected as the colors of ink used by the four print heads 11. Each recording head 11 is provided on the moving body 10.
An ink tank 21 for supplying a predetermined ink to the printer is mounted. Then, by driving a desired recording head 11 based on an image signal or a character signal for each color, ink is ejected and color recording is performed.

At a predetermined position (for example, a home position) within the moving range of the moving body 10 and outside the recording area, the ejection openings of the recording heads 11 are sealed (capping).
And a recovery device 20 connected to the cap 19 are provided. The cap 19
Is for sealing (capping) the ejection port of each recording head 11 during non-recording to prevent the ink from thickening or sticking due to ink drying. The recovery device 20 seals the discharge port with the cap 19 when the discharge port is clogged or at a predetermined timing, and then operates the suction pump (not shown) to discharge the ink from the discharge port. Is suctioned to remove fixed ink, dust such as paper dust, air bubbles, and the like in the discharge port to recover defective discharge.

Each of the recording heads (recording means) 11 is an ink jet recording means for discharging ink using thermal energy, and has an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy. Further, each recording head 11
According to the method, recording is performed by ejecting ink from an ejection port using a pressure change caused by growth and shrinkage of bubbles caused by film boiling caused by heat energy applied by the electrothermal transducer.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection section of each recording head 11. In FIG. 2, a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.5 to
A plurality of discharge ports 52 are formed at a predetermined pitch on the discharge port forming surface 51 facing at a distance of about 2.0 mm, and each of the liquid paths 54 communicating the common liquid chamber 53 and each discharge port 52 is formed. An electrothermal converter (heating resistor or the like) 55 for generating energy for ink ejection is provided along the wall surface.
In the present example, the recording heads 11 are mounted on the moving body 10 in such a manner that the respective ejection ports 52 are arranged in a direction intersecting with the moving (main scanning) direction of the moving body 10. In this way, the corresponding electrothermal converter 55 is driven (energized) based on the recording signal or the ejection signal, and the liquid path 54 is turned on.
The recording head 11 is configured to cause the ink in the ink to boil, and discharge the ink from the discharge port 52 by the pressure generated at that time.

Therefore, the recording apparatus employs a reciprocal recording method in which recording is performed both when the moving body 10 moves forward and backward, and recording characteristics differ between a character signal and an image signal. By using the recording means, it is configured to record with a larger dot at the time of character recording than at the time of image recording, or at a smaller dot density at the time of character recording than at the time of image recording. Another configuration of the recording apparatus is the same as that of the above recording apparatus in that a reciprocating recording method for performing recording both at the time of forward movement and at the time of backward movement of the moving body 10 is employed. A configuration in which overprinting is performed a greater number of times than during printing, for example, a configuration in which printing is performed once during image recording and a plurality of times during character printing is performed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of the recording unit in the first embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 3, a moving body 10 includes five recording heads 1.
1 are detachably mounted, and these recording heads 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a cyan recording head [2], a first black recording head [1-1], a second black recording head [1-2], a magenta recording head [3], and a yellow recording head [2]. The recording heads are arranged in the order of [4]. Here, the first black recording head [1-1] performs recording with a relatively small dot diameter (a droplet diameter of ejected ink in the illustrated ink jet recording head).
Alternatively, the recording is performed with a relatively large dot density, and the second black recording head [1-2] performs recording with a relatively large dot diameter or a relatively small dot density. The moving body 10 can be reciprocated by a main scanning motor 13 (FIG. 1) such as a stepping motor via a timing belt 14 or a lead screw (not shown).

When an image is recorded on the recording material 15 by an image signal, first, the main scanning motor 13 (FIG. 1) is driven to rotate forward to move the moving body (carriage) 10 from the left end position shown by a solid line to an arrow. A direction (right direction), and at the same time, according to the image signal,
By driving the recording heads [1-1] and [2], black and cyan inks are ejected, and the recording material 1 is ejected.
In step 5, image recording for one row is performed.

Next, by moving the main scanning motor 13 in the reverse direction, the moving body 10 is moved from the right end position shown by the dashed line in the direction of arrow B (left direction) along the same column as the direction of arrow A. At the same time, by driving the two recording heads [3] and [4] on the downstream side in the backward direction in accordance with the image signal, magenta and yellow inks are ejected to record an image on the recording material 15. Through the above process,
Recording of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, that is, recording of one column of a color image corresponding to an image signal of each color is completed.

Next, by driving the conveying motor 16 (FIG. 1) to rotate the conveying roller pair 17 and the holding roller pair 18 by a predetermined amount, the recording material 15 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the moving body 10. Paper feed by a specified amount (sub-scan)
Then, by repeating the same process as the previous one,
Record the color image of the column. By repeating the above-described process in the same manner, a color image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material 15. Note that a plurality of recording heads [1-1], [2], and
[3] and [4] both record at a relatively small dot diameter (droplet diameter).

[0022] While the image recording is performed using the four recording heads 11, performs recording by driving only two of the forward movement time and the backward scan four recording heads 11 to the moving body 10 Therefore, as a power supply for driving the recording head 11, a small-capacity power supply having a capacity of only two recording heads is used. It is configured to switch to the head.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the image is recorded in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Such image recording may be performed by combining other ink colors or inks having different densities or changing the recording order as necessary. Such image recording is not limited to an ink jet recording apparatus, and can be similarly performed in a recording apparatus of another recording method.

On the other hand, when character recording is performed using a character signal, recording is performed using a black recording head [1-2] having a large dot diameter or a small dot density. This character recording can be performed only when the moving body 10 moves forward, but usually, one line is recorded when the moving body 10 moves forward, and the next one line is recorded when the moving body 10 moves backward. It is performed by round-trip recording. In addition, at the time of the backward movement in the reciprocal recording, the character information of the mirror image is recorded at the time of the forward movement. The reciprocating movement of the moving body 10 and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 are performed in the same process as in the above-described image recording.

Thus, at the time of character recording, recording is performed with a larger dot diameter (droplet diameter) or a smaller dot density than the recording heads [1-1], [2], [3], and [4] for image recording. Accordingly, a recording apparatus capable of performing high-density character recording even when performing high-resolution image recording is obtained. FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing a comparison between a character “H” recorded with a large dot diameter and a character “H” recorded with a small dot diameter. As is clear from FIG. 6, by performing character recording with a large dot diameter, clear recorded characters with high density can be obtained.

It should be noted that character recording is normally performed only in black as described above, but it is also possible to perform color-change character recording by using another color with a recording head having a large dot diameter. In this embodiment, the character recording is performed with one recording head [1-1]. However, a plurality of recording heads having a large dot diameter or a small dot density are installed, and character recording is performed using these recording heads. Is also possible.

According to the embodiment described above, a recording head having a small dot diameter or a large dot density for image recording and a recording head having a large dot diameter or a small dot density for character recording are provided. Since the recording head is switched depending on the time of recording, a recording device capable of both high-resolution and clear image recording and high-density and clear character recording is obtained. In addition, the plurality of recording heads 11 are divided into two groups in the moving direction, and when going forward in the direction of arrow A, recording is performed by the recording heads [1-1] and [2] on the downstream side in the forward direction, and In the backward movement, the recording is performed by the recording heads [3] and [4] on the downstream side in the backward movement direction, so that the approach width of the moving body 10, that is, the position of the recording head before the start of movement and the same It is possible to reduce the moving range of the moving body 10 by reducing the distance from the side edge position, and to reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus.

Further, the plurality of recording heads 11 are divided into two groups, and the recording heads are selectively used in the forward movement and the backward movement, and the power supply for driving one recording head is switched. It is possible to reduce the capacity, size and cost of the driving power supply. Furthermore, since the recording order of each color at the time of color recording is always the same, the image quality can be improved.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording unit in a second embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the recording head [1-1] and the recording head [1-2] in FIG. 3 are integrated, and the other parts have substantially the same configuration. You are. As shown in FIG. 4, two recording heads [1-1] and [1-2] that perform recording with different dot diameters using the same color (for example, black) can use a common ink tank 21. The recording head itself can be integrated as in this embodiment. According to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the same effect as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be obtained, and further reduction in size and weight can be achieved by integrating two recording heads. It becomes possible.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording section in a third embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a first moving body 10 having a recording head for image recording and a second moving body 30 having a recording head for character recording are provided. In addition, each moving body is configured to be selectively used for image recording and character recording. That is, FIG.
In the configuration of (1), a first moving body 10 and a second moving body 30 which can be individually moved along the guide rail 12 are provided, and the first moving body 10 has a small dot diameter or a large dot density. A recording head for image recording [1-1],
[2], [3], [4] are mounted, and the second moving body 30
Is equipped with a recording head [1-2] for character recording having a large dot diameter or a small dot density.

The third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment in other respects, and the recording operation is performed by the substantially same process at the time of image recording and character recording. . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recording head for image recording and the recording head for character recording can be switched between image recording and character recording to be used to achieve high-resolution and clear image recording and high density. And a recording device capable of both clear and clear character recording. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the moving body 30 for character recording is provided separately from the moving body 10 for image recording, the approach distance in the character recording mode in which the weight of the moving body is reduced can be significantly reduced. Becomes possible.

Further, the plurality of recording heads 11 are divided into two groups in the moving direction, and the recording is performed by the recording heads [1-1] and [2] on the downstream side in the forward direction during the forward movement in the direction of arrow A. Since the recording heads [3] and [4] on the downstream side in the backward movement direction are used for recording in the backward movement in the direction of arrow B, the approaching width of the moving body 10 is further reduced by that amount and the moving range of the moving body 10 is reduced. Can be reduced. Further, since the recording heads 11 divided into two groups are selectively used at the time of forward movement and at the time of backward movement, and one power supply for driving one recording head is switched, the capacity of the power supply for driving the recording head can be reduced.
It is possible to reduce the size and cost. Further, since the recording order of each color at the time of color recording is always the same, the image quality can be improved.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording section in a first reference example of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention. This reference example and the following reference examples are similar to the above-described embodiments in that recording is performed both during the forward movement and the backward movement of the moving body 10. This embodiment is different from the above embodiments in that overprinting is performed, for example, recording is performed once during image recording, and recording is performed a plurality of times during character recording.

In FIG. 7, four recording heads 11 using different inks are detachably mounted on the moving body 10, and these recording heads 11 are cyan recording heads [2], The black recording head [1], the magenta recording head [3], and the yellow recording head [4] are arranged in this order. The moving body 10
Can be reciprocated by a main scanning motor 13 (FIG. 1) such as a stepping motor via a timing belt 14 or a lead screw (not shown).

When an image is recorded on the recording material 15 by an image signal, first, the main scanning motor 13 (FIG. 1) is driven to rotate forward to move the moving body (carriage) 10 from the left end position shown by a solid line to an arrow. A direction (right direction), and at the same time, according to the image signal,
By driving the recording heads [1] and [2],
One line of image is recorded on the recording material 15 by discharging black and cyan inks.

Next, by moving the main scanning motor 13 in the reverse direction, the moving body 10 is moved from the right end position shown by the dashed line in the direction of arrow B (left direction) along the same row as the direction of arrow A. At the same time, by driving the two recording heads [3] and [4] on the downstream side in the backward direction in accordance with the image signal, magenta and yellow inks are ejected to record an image on the recording material 15. Through the above process,
Recording of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, that is, recording of one column of a color image corresponding to an image signal of each color is completed.

Next, by driving the conveying motor 16 (FIG. 1) to rotate the conveying roller pair 17 and the holding roller pair 18 by a predetermined amount, the recording material 15 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the moving body 10. Paper feed by a specified amount (sub-scan)
Then, by repeating the same process as the previous one,
Record the color image of the column. By repeating the above-described process in the same manner, a color image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material 15. Note that a plurality of recording heads [1], [2], [3], and
[4] is configured to record with a relatively small dot diameter (droplet diameter) in order to obtain a high-resolution image.

The above-described image recording is performed using four recording heads 11. When the moving body 10 reciprocates and moves backward, only two of the four recording heads 11 are driven to perform recording. Therefore, as a power supply for driving the recording head 11, a small-capacity power supply having a capacity of only two recording heads is used, and this power supply is required for the forward movement and the backward movement. Is configured to be switched.

In the first reference example shown in FIG. 7, image recording is performed in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. However, such image recording is performed by using other ink colors or inks having different densities as necessary. The recording may be performed in combination or in a different recording order. Such image recording is not limited to an ink jet recording apparatus, and can be similarly performed in a recording apparatus of another recording method.

On the other hand, when performing character recording by a desired character signal, recording is performed using a recording head of the designated color, for example, a black recording head [1]. In the case of this character recording, after the recording is performed when the moving body 10 moves forward, the same character is repeatedly recorded in the same row and recorded when the moving body 10 moves backward. The recording at the time of the backward movement is performed by recording the character information having a relation of a mirror image with the time of the forward movement, and as a result, two dots (droplets) are formed on the character forming portion. By such overprinting, the ink amount of each dot can be increased, and as a result, character recording with a large dot diameter (droplet diameter), that is, high-density character recording becomes possible.

When character recording is performed by reciprocal recording, the recording head [1] is moved from the left position shown by the solid line to the arrow A.
Recording is performed while moving forward in the direction, the recording head [1] is moved to the right side position shown by the dashed line, and then the same character in the same row is recorded while moving backward in the direction of arrow B. In this case, good approach widths X and Y are set in each of the initial stage of the forward movement and the initial stage of the backward movement. Further, the reciprocating movement of the moving body 10 and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 are performed in the same process as in the above-described image recording.

Thus, for one shot at the time of image recording,
Since recording is performed twice in character recording, a recording apparatus capable of performing high-density character recording can be obtained even when high-resolution image recording is performed using a relatively small dot diameter. The recording state of the double-hit (multiple-hit) character and the single-hit character is as shown by the letter "H" in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and as is clear from FIG. By performing character recording twice, clear recorded characters with high density can be obtained.

In the above reference example , one recording is performed at the time of an image signal, and two recordings are performed at the time of a character signal. However, the number of recordings at the time of a character signal is larger than the number of recordings at the time of an image signal. If the number is large, the number of times of recording (the number of times of dot printing) can be freely set. In addition, character recording is usually performed only in black as described above. However, this can be performed by performing overprinting (multiplex recording) with a recording head 11 of another color in a similar process to perform character recording of a color change. it can. In this embodiment , the character recording is performed by one recording head [1]. However, the recording is performed by a plurality of recording heads, and by using these recording heads, a high density recording with a large dot diameter is performed. It is also possible to record characters.

According to the first embodiment described above, the character recording is performed more frequently than the image recording, so that a high resolution and clear image recording and a high density and clear character recording can be achieved. A recording device capable of both was obtained. At the time of image recording, the plurality of recording heads 11 are divided into two groups in the moving direction. At the time of forward movement in the direction of arrow A, recording is performed by the recording heads [1] and [2] on the downstream side in the forward movement direction. In the backward movement, the recording is performed by the recording heads [3] and [4] on the downstream side in the backward movement direction, so that the approach width of the moving body 10, that is, the position of the recording head before the start of movement and the same It is possible to reduce the moving range of the moving body 10 by reducing the distance from the side edge position, and to reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus.

Further, the plurality of recording heads 11 are divided into two groups, and the recording heads are selectively used at the time of forward movement and at the time of backward movement, and the power supply for driving one recording head is switched. It is possible to reduce the capacity, size and cost of the driving power supply. Further, since the recording order of each color at the time of color recording is always the same, the image quality can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording unit in a second reference example of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention. In the present reference example , four recording heads 11 using different inks are mounted on the moving body 10, respectively. The arrangement order of the recording heads [3] and cyan [ 2], black recording head [1], and yellow recording head [4]. When an image is recorded on the recording material 15 by an image signal, first, the moving body (carriage) 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A (rightward) from the left end position shown by the solid line, and at the same time, according to the image signal. Three recording heads [1], [2],
By driving [3], black, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected, and image recording for one row is performed on the recording material 15.

Next, the moving body 10 is moved from the right end position shown by the one-dot chain line in the direction of arrow B (left direction) along the same row as the direction of arrow A, and at the same time, the moving member 10 on the downstream side in the backward direction is moved.
By driving the recording heads [4] in accordance with the image signals, yellow ink is ejected to record an image on the recording material 15. With the above process, black,
Recording of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of cyan, magenta, and yellow, that is, one line of a color image corresponding to an image signal of each color is completed. When printing for one row is completed, the recording material 15 is fed by a predetermined amount (sub-scan), and
The next one column of color image is recorded by the same process as the previous one. Thereafter, by repeating the same process, a color image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material 15.

Also, in this reference example , the first reference in FIG.
As in the case of the example, each recording head [1], [2],
[3] and [4] are both configured to record with a relatively small dot diameter (droplet diameter) in order to obtain a high-resolution image. The above-described image recording is performed using four recording heads 11. When the moving body 10 reciprocates and moves backward, three or one recording head 11 is driven to perform recording. As a power source for driving, a small-capacity power source having a capacity of only three recording heads is used, and this power source is configured to be switched to a necessary recording head between forward movement and backward movement. ing.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the image recording may be performed by combining other ink colors or inks having different densities or changing the recording order as necessary. Further, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus, and can be similarly implemented in a recording apparatus of another recording method.

On the other hand, when performing character recording by a desired character signal, recording is performed using a recording head of the designated color, for example, a black recording head [1]. And ginseng
In the case of character recording as well, in the case of character recording, after recording when the moving body 10 moves forward, the same character is repeatedly recorded in the same row and recorded when returning . Such overprinting can increase the ink amount of each dot, and as a result,
Character recording with a large dot diameter (droplet diameter), that is, high-density character recording becomes possible. Further, the reciprocating movement of the moving body 10 and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 are performed in the same process as in the above-described image recording. Also in the present reference example , as shown in FIG. 8, it is set so that reciprocal recording is performed by setting good approach widths X and Y.
Is configured to minimize the moving range of the moving object.

[0051] Thus, even by the second reference example of FIG. 8,
Since recording is performed twice during character recording as opposed to one-time recording during image recording, a recording apparatus capable of performing high-density character recording even when performing high-resolution image recording using a relatively small dot diameter is available. can get. In this reference example , one recording is performed for an image signal and two recordings are performed for a character signal. However, if the number of recordings for a character signal is larger than the number of recordings for an image signal, these recordings are performed. The number of times (the number of times of dot printing) can be set freely. In addition, character recording is usually performed only in black as described above. However, this can be performed by performing overprinting (multiplex recording) with a recording head 11 of another color in a similar process to perform character recording of a color change. it can. Further, in this embodiment , the character recording was performed by one recording head [1]. However, the recording was performed by a plurality of recording heads, and the recording density was increased by using these recording heads. It is also possible to record characters.

[0052] Also the second reference example of FIG. 8 described above, similarly to the first reference example of FIG. 7, but may be both clear characters recorded with clear image recording and high density at a high resolution, moving By reducing the approaching widths X and Y of the body 10 to reduce the moving range of the moving body 10, a recording device that can be reduced in size and weight is obtained. Further, since one power supply for driving the recording head is switched and used between the forward movement and the backward movement, it is possible to reduce the capacity, size and cost of the power supply.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording unit in a third reference example of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment , four recording heads 11 are mounted on the moving body 10, and the arrangement order of the four recording heads 11 is, from the left side in the figure, black recording head [1], cyan recording head [2], and magenta Recording head [3],
The order is selected for the yellow recording head [4].
When performing image recording, the moving body 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A (rightward), and at the same time, one recording head [1] on the downstream side in the forward movement direction is driven to perform recording with black ink. One line of image is recorded on the material 15.

Next, move the moving body 10 in the direction of arrow B (left direction).
, Along the same row as the direction of the arrow A, and at the same time, three recording heads [2] on the downstream side in the backward direction,
According to [3] and [4], cyan, magenta and yellow images are recorded. By the above process, similarly,
Recording of one line of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow is completed.
Hereinafter, a color image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material 15 by repeating the paper feeding (sub-scanning) of the recording material 15 and the image recording of the next row by the same process as the first reference example of FIG. . In addition, since one or three print heads 11 are driven during reciprocation and backward movement to perform printing, a small power source having only a capacity of three print heads is required as a power supply for driving the print heads 11. One having a capacity is used, and the power supply is switched to a necessary recording head at the time of forward movement and at the time of backward movement.

Also in the third reference example shown in FIG. 9, the image recording may be performed by combining other ink colors or inks having different densities or changing the recording order as necessary. Further, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus, and can be similarly implemented in a recording apparatus of another recording method.

On the other hand, when performing character recording, recording is performed using a recording head of the designated color, for example, a black recording head [1]. In the present embodiment as well, the ink amount of each dot can be increased by recording the same character in the same row again and recording when the moving body 10 moves forward after recording. As a result, a high-density character having a large dot diameter (droplet diameter) is recorded. The reciprocating movement of the moving body 10 and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 are performed in the same process as in the above-described image recording. Also, in this reference example , as shown in FIG.
The reciprocating recording is performed by setting a good approach width X and Y, and the moving range of the moving body 10 is minimized.

[0057] Thus, even by a third reference example of FIG. 9,
Even when high-resolution image recording is performed using a relatively small dot diameter, a recording apparatus capable of performing high-density character recording can be obtained. Also in this embodiment , the number of times of recording at the time of character recording and image recording can be freely set as long as the number of times at the time of character recording is larger. In addition to the character recording performed only in black, overprinting (multiple recording) may be performed in another color in the same process, and a plurality of recording heads may be used. By the third reference example of FIG. 9 described above, the participation of FIGS. 7 and 8
The same effect as in the case of the example can be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording section in a fourth reference example of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention. In this embodiment , two recording heads 11 using different inks are mounted on the moving body 10. As these ink colors, for example, black and red are used, and they are mounted in the order of a black recording head [1] and a red recording head [2] from the left side in the figure. When performing image recording, first, the moving body (carriage) 10 is moved in the direction of the arrow A (rightward), and the recording head [1] on the downstream side in the forward movement direction is driven, so that the image of one column is printed in black. Make a record.

Next, the moving body 10 is moved in the direction of arrow B (left direction).
In the same direction as the arrow A, the print head [2] on the downstream side in the reversing direction is driven, and an image of the same row is printed in red. With the above process, recording of one column of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of black and red is completed. When printing of one row is completed, the recording material 15 is fed by a predetermined amount (sub-scan).
Then, a color image for the next one row is printed by the same process as the previous one, and the above-described process is repeated in the same manner to print a color image in a desired range of the recording material 15.

Also, in this reference example , the first reference in FIG.
As in the case of the example, each of the recording heads [1] and [2] is configured to record with a relatively small dot diameter (droplet diameter) in order to obtain a high-resolution image. . The above-described image recording is performed using two recording heads 11. However, since the recording is performed by one recording head 11 when the moving body 10 reciprocates and moves backward, a power supply for driving the recording head 11 is used. One of small capacity having only one capacity is used, and the power supply is switched between forward movement and backward movement.

In the fourth reference example shown in FIG. 10, the image recording may be performed by combining other ink colors or inks having different densities or changing the recording order, if necessary. The present invention can be similarly applied to a recording device other than the recording device.

On the other hand, when performing character recording, recording is performed using only the recording head of the designated color, for example, the black recording head [1]. And also in this reference example ,
In the case of character recording, after recording when the moving body 10 moves forward, the same character is repeatedly struck in the same column and recorded when returning. By such overprinting, the ink amount of each dot is increased, and high-density character recording with a large dot diameter (droplet diameter) is performed. Further, the reciprocating movement of the moving body 10 and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 are performed in the same process as in the above-described image recording. Also in the present reference example , as shown in FIG. 10, good approach widths X and Y are set, and the moving range of the moving body 10 is minimized.

[0063] Thus, by the fourth reference example of FIG. 10, with respect to one beating at the time of image recording, since the time of character printing recording at twice beating, when performing high-resolution image recording with a relatively small dot diameter However, high-density character recording can be performed. Also in this reference example , one recording is performed for an image signal and two recordings are performed for a character signal. However, if the number of recordings for a character signal is larger than the number of recordings for an image signal, these recordings are performed. Number of times (dot printing times)
Can be set freely. In addition, the character record
The same overprinting (multiplex recording) may be performed using a color (red) other than black. Also, the character record is 2
It is also possible to carry out the recording with multiple recording heads.

[0064] Also by the fourth reference example of FIG. 10 described above, similarly to the first reference example of FIG. 7, since the time of character printing and configured to record at more times than during image recording, sharpness in high resolution As a result, a recording apparatus capable of both high-density image recording and high-density clear character recording was obtained. Further, at the time of forward movement, recording is performed by the recording head [1] on the downstream side in the forward direction, and at the time of backward movement, recording is performed by the recording head [2] on the downstream side of the backward direction. 10 movement ranges could be reduced. Further, by using one recording head for each of the forward movement and the backward movement, and switching the power supply for driving the recording head, it is possible to reduce the capacity, size, and cost of the power supply. .

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a recording unit in a fifth reference example of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention. In the present reference example , three recording heads 11 using different inks are mounted on the moving body 10, respectively, and the arrangement order thereof is such that the magenta recording head [2] and the cyan recording head [1] ] And the yellow recording head [3]. When performing image recording on the recording material 15 by an image signal, first, the moving body (carriage) 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A (rightward), and two moving bodies (carriage) 10 on the downstream side in the forward movement direction are moved in accordance with the image signal. By driving the recording heads [1] and [2] of the recording medium 15, the recording material 15 has one cyan and magenta.
Image recording for the rows is performed.

Next, the moving body 10 is moved in the direction of arrow B (left direction).
Is moved along the same row as the arrow A direction, and one recording head [3] on the downstream side in the backward direction is driven, so that yellow image recording is performed on the same row of the recording material 15. With the above process, recording of a color image in which inks are superimposed in the order of cyan, magenta, and yellow, that is, recording of one column of a color image corresponding to an image signal of each color is completed. When the printing for one row is completed, the recording material 15 is fed (sub-scanning) by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the moving body 10 and the same process as the previous time is repeated to repeat the next one row. To record a color image. By repeating the above-described process in the same manner, a color image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material 15.

In this embodiment , as in the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, each of the recording heads [1], [2] and [3] is
In order to obtain a high-resolution image, each of them is configured to record with a relatively small dot diameter (droplet diameter). The above-described image recording is performed using three recording heads 11, but since recording is performed with two or one recording head 11 at the time of reciprocation and backward movement, the driving power of the recording head 11 is One small-capacity power supply having only two capacities is used, and the power supply is switched between forward movement and backward movement.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the image recording may be performed by combining other ink colors or inks having different densities or changing the recording order, if necessary. The present invention can be similarly implemented in a recording apparatus of a recording method other than the above.

On the other hand, when performing character recording, recording is performed using a recording head of the designated color, for example, a cyan recording head [1]. Also in the present embodiment , in the case of character recording, after one line is recorded at the time of forward movement, the same character is overprinted on the same line at the time of backward movement by a mirror image character signal. By this overprinting, the ink amount of each dot can be increased, and as a result, high-density character recording with a large dot diameter (droplet diameter) can be obtained. Further, reciprocating (main scanning) and the paper feeding of the recording material 15 of the moving body 10 (sub-scanning) is performed by a process similar to that for the above-mentioned image recording, Furthermore, in the present reference example, in FIG. 11 As shown, by setting good approach widths X and Y,
The moving range of the moving body 10 is configured to be minimum.

[0070] Thus, by the fifth reference example of FIG. 11, it can be performed when performing high-resolution image recording even high concentrations of characters recorded using a relatively small dot diameter. The number of recordings for image signals and character signals is
If the number of characters to be recorded is larger than that of image recording, it can be set freely, and the ink color used for character recording can be freely selected from other colors. Further, character recording can be performed using a plurality of recording heads 11.

[0071] Also by the fifth reference example of FIG. 11 described above, similarly to the first reference example of FIG. 7, the high resolution in which can both clear characters recorded with clear image recording and high density recording apparatus Obtained. In addition, during the forward movement, recording is performed by the recording heads [1] and [2] on the downstream side in the forward direction, and on the backward movement, recording is performed by the recording head [3] on the downstream side in the backward direction. The moving range of the moving body 10 can be reduced by appropriately setting the approach widths X and Y of 10 as shown in the figure. Further, by switching one power supply for driving the recording head between the forward movement and the backward movement, it is possible to reduce the capacity, size and cost of the power supply.

In each of the above embodiments and reference examples ,
Although the case where the recording head group is composed of a plurality of independent recording heads 11 is shown, it is sufficient that the recording head group is present. For example, all the recording head units or a plurality of recording head units are provided in one orifice plate. May be formed and integrated.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 12, image data 61 including R, G, and B is converted into Y (yellow), M (magenta), C
(Cyan) and B (black) image information of each color, and the separated information of each color is temporarily stored in each memory 63.
Y, 63M, 63C, 63B. The control circuit 64 controls these memories 63Y, 63M, 63C, 6
The two head drivers 65A and 65B are controlled based on the color information taken into 3B. In the illustrated example, the head driver 65A has black [1] and cyan [2].
And the head driver 65B drives the magenta [3] and yellow [4].
Is configured to drive the recording operation at the time of the backward movement by the recording head.

The control circuit 64 detects the forward direction of the moving body (carriage) driving motor (not shown).
On the basis of the reciprocating motion information from the reversing detection sensor 66, the head driver 65A controls the recording operation at the time of the forward movement and the head driver 65B to switch the recording operation at the time of the backward movement. Further, the control circuit 64 determines whether image recording (multicolor recording) or character recording (monochrome recording) is to be performed by the mode conversion switch, and controls the necessary operation of the recording head based on this. Has become. In this way, when the recording heads 11 move forward and backward, the recording is performed on the recording material 15 by a predetermined recording head in a dot pattern based on the information of the corresponding color.

In each of the above embodiments and reference examples ,
Although the case where the recording device is an ink jet recording device has been described as an example, the present invention is directed to recording of recording means (recording head) such as a wire dot recording device, a laser beam recording device, a thermal transfer recording device, and a thermal recording device. Regardless of the method, the present invention can be applied to various recording apparatuses, and can achieve the same effects.

The present invention also relates to a recording apparatus using two or more recording means, a recording apparatus for color recording for recording in different colors, and a gradation recording for recording in the same color with different densities. The present invention can be applied to various recording apparatuses such as a recording apparatus for recording or a recording apparatus in which these are combined, and can achieve the same function and effect. Further, as the recording means, besides a cartridge type in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated, a recording means and an ink in which the recording head and the ink tank are separated and connected by an ink supply tube, and the like. Regardless of the configuration of the tank, the same can be applied and the same effect can be achieved.

When the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus, it can be applied to, for example, an apparatus using recording means (recording head) using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording means of a method of discharging ink using energy.
According to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
Preferably, this is done using the basic principles disclosed in US Pat. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to an electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which Then, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the film is boiled on the heat acting surface of the recording means (recording head). As a result, air bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in one-to-one correspondence with the driving signal. It is effective.

By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat.
Those described in 463359 and 4345262 are suitable. In addition, US Pat. No. 4,431,131 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface.
If the conditions described in the specification of JP-A No. 24 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, the recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording material (recording medium) on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head. In addition, even with the serial type printer as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main unit or attached to the main unit enables electrical connection with the main unit and supply of ink from the main unit. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip type print head or a cartridge type print head having an ink tank provided integrally with the print head itself is used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead provided as a configuration of the printing apparatus, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
For the recording head, a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suctioning unit, a preheating unit using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and a discharge other than recording. Performing the preliminary ejection mode is also effective for performing stable printing.

The type and number of recording heads to be mounted are, for example, not only one provided for a single color ink but also a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities. May be provided in plurality. That is, for example, as the recording mode of the recording apparatus, not only the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black,
The recording head may be formed integrally or by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, but the present invention is also extremely effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of multiple colors of different colors or full color by mixing colors.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet ink is used. In general, in the method, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. What is necessary is just to be liquid. in addition,
Whether to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or use ink that solidifies in a standing state to prevent evaporation of the ink In any case, the ink is liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal, and the liquid ink is ejected,
The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time by thermal energy, such as an ink which starts to solidify when it reaches a recording medium, is used.

The ink in such a case is disclosed in
As described in JP-A-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, a form in which the liquid sheet or the solid sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter while being held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It may be. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is not only used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, but also a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and further, a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function. And the like.

[0087]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a recording head using an ink ejecting head is used.
An ink jet that ejects ink to the material and performs recording
Print a relatively small dot diameter
Black ink for discharging black ink
Recording head and a relatively large dot diameter
Second black recording head for discharging black ink
To multiple color records, each corresponding to a different color.
And recording according to an image signal indicating image recording.
When performing recording, the first black recording head
And image recording using the plurality of color recording heads.
While recording in accordance with the character signal indicating the character record.
When performing recording, the second black recording head
Is used to record characters, so that an ink jet recording apparatus capable of easily performing both high-resolution image recording and high-density character recording is provided.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the above structure
In addition to the above, the first black recording head,
2 recording head for black, and for the plurality of colors
A moving body on which a recording head is removably mounted;
When the moving body moves in the forward direction and in the backward direction,
Recording on the recording material, or the first black
Recording head, the second black recording head,
And the plurality of color recording heads are mounted on the moving body.
The image is arranged along a moving direction of the moving body, and
When performing recording in accordance with a signal,
Moving the first black recording head and the
Recording heads corresponding to the predetermined colors of the number of color recording heads.
The image is recorded using the
Movement of the plurality of color recording heads when moving to the other
Of the colors other than the recording head corresponding to the predetermined color
Since the image is recorded using the corresponding recording head, an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing both high-resolution image recording and high-density character recording more efficiently is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a structure of an ink ejection unit of a recording unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a first embodiment of a recording unit of the recording apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a second embodiment of a recording unit of a recording apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a third embodiment of the recording unit of the recording apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the density of a printed character by one-time printing and two-time printing.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a first reference example of a recording unit of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a second reference example of a recording unit of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a third reference example of a recording unit of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a fourth reference example of a recording unit of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a fifth reference example of a recording unit of a recording apparatus having a configuration related to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system in an embodiment of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Moving body 11 Recording means (recording head) 12 Guide rail 13 Main scanning motor 14 Timing belt 15 Recording material 16 Transport motor 17 Transport roller 18 Holding roller 21 Ink tank 51 Discharge port forming surface 52 Discharge port 55 Electrothermal converter A Arrow indicating the moving direction of the moving body B Arrow indicating the moving direction of the moving body F Arrow indicating the conveying direction of the recording material X Approach width of the moving body (at the time of forward movement) Y Approach width of the moving body (at the time of backward movement) )

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI B41J 3/10 101G (58) Investigated field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/05 B41J 2/205 B41J 2 / 51 B41J 3/54 B41J 19/18

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a recording material by using a recording head that ejects ink is a method of ejecting black ink for recording a relatively small dot diameter. A single black recording head, a second black recording head that discharges black ink for recording a relatively large dot diameter, and a plurality of color recording heads corresponding to different colors, respectively. When recording is performed in accordance with an image signal indicating recording of an image, the image is recorded using the first black recording head and the plurality of color recording heads.
When recording is performed in accordance with a character signal indicating character recording, the character recording is performed using the second black recording head. 2. A moving body on which the first black recording head, the second black recording head, and the plurality of color recording heads are detachably mounted, in a forward direction of the moving body. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed on the recording material at the time of movement of the recording medium and at the time of movement in the backward direction. 3. The recording head for first black, the recording head for second black, and the plurality of recording heads for color are arranged on the moving body along a moving direction of the moving body. When printing is performed in accordance with the image signal, an image is formed by using the first black print head and a print head corresponding to a predetermined color of the plurality of color print heads during one of the reciprocal movements. When recording to the other side of the reciprocating movement, an image is recorded using a recording head corresponding to another color of the plurality of recording heads excluding the recording head corresponding to the predetermined color. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording is performed. 4. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy used for discharging ink. apparatus. 5. The recording head discharges ink from a discharge port provided in the recording head by utilizing film boiling generated in the ink by thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4.