JP3363460B2 - 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 a recording apparatus having a transmission switching mechanism for forward / reverse rotation of a drive source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording device having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile, or a recording device used as an output device of a compound machine or a workstation including a computer, a word processor, etc., is a sheet or a plastic thin plate based on image information. An image is recorded on a recording material such as (OHP). The recording device can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a heat sensitive type, a thermal transfer type, a laser beam type and the like depending on the recording system of the recording means used.

In a serial type recording apparatus which employs a recording system in which a main scanning is performed in a direction intersecting a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording material, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position and then the recording material is set. An image is recorded (main scanning) by a recording unit (recording head) mounted on a carriage that moves along, and a predetermined amount of paper is fed (sub-scanning) after one line of recording is completed, and then the next By repeating the operation of recording (main scanning) the image of the row, image recording of the entire recording material is performed. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that records a recording material only in the sub-scanning direction in which the recording material is fed in the transport direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and one line of recording is collectively performed, and then the recording material is recorded. By performing a fixed amount of paper feeding (pitch feeding) and further performing the recording of the next row in a lump, the image recording of the entire recording material is performed.

Among them, the ink jet type (ink jet recording apparatus) is a means for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means (recording head) onto a recording material, and it is easy to make the recording means compact and high definition. Images can be recorded at high speed, plain paper can be recorded without requiring special processing, running costs are low, and the non-impact method reduces noise and uses multicolor inks. Therefore, it has an advantage that it is easy to record a color image.

In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy,
Through the semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, and sputtering, the electrothermal converter formed on the substrate, the electrode,
By forming the liquid passage wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a liquid discharge device having a high-density liquid passage arrangement (ejection port arrangement), and to further reduce the size.

In the above ink jet recording apparatus,
Since a recording head with a fine array of ejection ports is generally used, it is suitable for ejecting or recording ink when air bubbles or dust are mixed inside the ejection port or due to viscosity increase due to evaporation of the ink solvent. Even when there is no discharge state, the discharge recovery process is performed to remove the cause of discharge failure by refreshing the ink.

Generally, in a serial type recording apparatus, a step motor is often used as a carriage driving motor for driving a carriage for main scanning (recording scanning) of a recording head. Further, a step motor is often used as a drive motor for feeding the recording material in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage. Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of motors that are drive sources in order to reduce costs, save space, etc., there has been developed a drive source capable of performing a plurality of operations.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part of a conventional recording apparatus having a drive switching mechanism, taking an inkjet recording apparatus as an example. In FIG. 36, 1
Is a recording head provided with a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets according to recording information by an internal energy generating means (piezoelectric element, resistance heating element, etc.), and 2 is a main unit on which the recording head 1 is mounted. A carriage 3 that reciprocates in the scanning direction, 3 is a carriage shaft that slidably supports the carriage 2, 4 is a sheet-shaped recording material to be recorded, and 5 is the recording material 4 that is conveyed (paper feed) according to the recording situation. ) Is a feed roller.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a feed roller 5 and a pulse motor serving as a drive source for automatic sheet feeding, and 7 denotes a recording head 1.
Is mounted on a cap unit for covering (sealing) the discharge port forming surface of the pump carriage, and is movable in parallel with the carriage shaft 3, 8 is a guide shaft for guiding the parallel movement of the pump carriage 7, and 9 is a pump. 36 is a return spring for urging the carriage 7 in the right direction in FIG. The pump carriage 7 is provided with an arm portion 7a, and a distal end portion thereof is provided with a hole 7b into which the protrusion 2a provided on the right side surface of the carriage 2 can be fitted. The carriage 2 is shown in FIG.
When moving to the left side in 6, the protrusion 2a moves into the hole 7
By being fitted in b, the carriage 2 is prevented from rotating around the carriage shaft 3 when the cap 29 is pressed against the ejection port forming surface of the recording head 1.

FIG. 37 is a partial perspective view showing a drive source and a transmission switching mechanism of the recording apparatus of FIG. 36, and FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view showing a transmission switching gear arrangement in FIG. As shown in FIG. 37 , one end of a leaf spring 10 for transmitting a switching force having elasticity in the carriage movement direction is fixed to the rear portion of the pump carriage 7. further,
The other end of the leaf spring 10 is held so as to be sandwiched by a slide gear support 12 that supports a slide gear 11. The slide gear support 12 is mounted so as to be movable in the carriage movement direction along the slide shaft 13. Therefore, according to the movement (position) of the pump carriage 7, the movement (position) of the slide gear 11 can be regulated via the leaf spring 11. That is, when the carriage 2 moves to the left and the projection 2a abuts (engages) with the arm portion 7a of the pump carriage 7, the slide gear 1 moves by moving together.
1 moves in the same direction as the carriage 2 moves.

The slide gear 11 depends on its position.
As shown in FIG. 38, it is possible to individually mesh with each of a plurality of gears arranged in the carriage movement direction and independently pivotally supported. In FIG. 38, among the plurality of gears, 14 is a feed gear that transmits a driving force to a paper feed gear fixed to the feed roller 5, and 15 is an automatic sheet feeder (hereinafter referred to as A).
An ASF gear that transmits the driving force to the suction recovery device, and a pump gear 16 that transmits the driving force to the suction recovery device. The pump gear 16 is a combination of two gears 16a and 16b, and a gear 16b on the left side of the drawing is meshed with an idler gear of a suction recovery device. Therefore, depending on the stop position of the carriage 2, the slide gear 11 meshes with any of the plurality of gears 14, 15, 16 via the pump carriage 7 and the leaf spring 10, and the pulse motor 6
Is configured to be selectively transmitted.
That is, the movement of the carriage causes one drive source 6
Is configured to switch the transmission of.

However, in such a switching mechanism, it is necessary to dispose the feed gear 14, the ASF gear 15, and the pump gear 16 at a predetermined interval in the scanning direction of the carriage, and the size of the recording apparatus in the width direction is large. It gets bigger. Further, when the slide gear 11 and each of the gears 14, 15 and 16 are engaged with each other, it is necessary to operate the pulse motor 6 in the forward and reverse directions so that the side surfaces of the gear teeth are engaged without collision. 14, 15, 16
Even when the slide gear 11 is dismounted from above, the pulse motor 6 needs to be rotated in the forward and reverse directions in order to cancel the holding force due to the frictional force. Therefore, there is a problem to be solved in that the sequence for switching from each driving state to another state becomes complicated, the reliability of the recording apparatus is deteriorated, and the switching operation time becomes long. The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and the object of the present invention is to
In a recording apparatus having a driving force transmission mechanism that switches an object to which a driving force is transmitted by forward / reverse rotation of a driving source, when driving a plurality of driving targets by a common driving source, a drive transmission selection mechanism such as a one-way clutch or a selective meshing mechanism. It is possible to easily realize a variety of driving targets and driving modes without requiring the driving force, and by simplifying the driving force transmission mechanism, the number of parts is reduced, the driving switching time is shortened, the driving switching sequence is simplified, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of reducing the cost and further reducing the size of the recording apparatus in the width direction to reduce the size and weight of the apparatus.

[0013]

A recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is as described above.
To achieve the object, a carriage equipped with a recording unit and moving along a recording material, a drive source capable of forward and reverse rotation, and a direction in which the carriage moves to switch transmission / cutoff of a driving force from the drive source. And a pendulum gear that moves in a plane vertical to the pendulum gear, the pendulum gear being movable by the rotation of the drive source in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the drive source .
A switching transmitting state to be able to transmit both the driving force by forward and reverse rotation of the driving source to the corresponding driven by the front
A direction in which the pendulum gear corresponds to the rotation of the drive source in one direction.
Of the drive source by moving by rotation of the drive source
A drive pair that supports only one of the forward and reverse drive forces.
A configuration that switches between a unidirectionally transmittable state in which it can be transmitted to an elephant and a neutral state in which the pendulum gear idles and the drive force from the drive source is not transmitted to any drive target according to the position of the carriage. It is what

The invention of claim 3 achieves the above object.
Therefore, a carrier that is equipped with recording means and moves along the recording material
Drive source capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions and the driving force from the drive source
The carriage moves to switch between transmitting and blocking
A pendulum gear that moves in a plane perpendicular to the direction,
A direction in which the pendulum gear corresponds to the direction of rotation of the drive source
Drive by rotation of the drive source to drive from the drive source.
Transferable state in which power can be transferred to the corresponding drive target
And the pendulum gear idles to drive from the drive source.
A neutral state in which force is not transmitted to any driven object,
It is configured to switch according to the position of the carriage.
In the transmittable state, the driving force is
Either a recovery system that recovers recording means or an automatic paper feeder
The configuration is such that it is switched to one of the two and transmitted.
It

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below applies the present invention to a recording apparatus as shown in FIG. 36, and has a configuration substantially the same as that of the recording apparatus of FIG. Further, each drawing shows the configuration outside the recording area of the recording apparatus (in the example shown, a portion near the right end of the recording apparatus). 1 to 8 show the essential parts of an embodiment (first embodiment) of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the main part of the recording device in which the position of the carriage is different when viewed from the front, and FIGS. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing the recording device viewed from the right direction in FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively. 8 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection portion of the recording means (recording head). 1 shows a state in which the recording head 1 is not capped and the switching lever 18 is fixed at a neutral point, and FIG. 2 is a state in which the recording head 1 is not capped,
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the switching lever 18 is free and can be switched, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the recording head 1 is capped and the switching lever 18 is in a free state and can be switched.

In FIG. 1, a recording head 1 is mounted on a carriage 2 in a posture of ejecting ink downward in the drawing, and the carriage 2 is moved along a guide shaft 3 (main scanning).
An image is recorded on the recording material 4 while being performed. When the recording for one line is completed, the recording operation (ink ejection) is interrupted, the recording material 4 is fed by a predetermined amount in the direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the carriage movement direction, and then the carriage 2 is re-executed.
The image of the next row is recorded while moving (main scanning) along the guide axis 3 . The recording material 4 is a feed roller 5
The recording material 4 is fed by pressure and is fed (conveyed) by rotating the feed roller 5 by a predetermined amount.

The drive source of the feed roller 5 is a motor (pulse motor) 6, and its rotational force is the feed gear 1.
It can be transmitted to the first pump gear 19 via 7, but whether the transmission is possible (transmission or interruption) is determined by the switching lever 18
Switching control can be performed with. First pump gear 1
9 is a second pump gear 20 and a third pump gear 2
1 is configured to drive the pump cam 22.

Outside the recording area of the recording device (feed roller 5
A wiper 23 is mounted in a position perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 2, and the wiper 23 wipes the ink ejection surface (ejection port forming surface) 51 of the recording head 1 with the movement of the carriage 2. It is configured to be wiped and cleaned). At a position outside the recording area, a slide lever 24 is attached so as to be movable in the left-right direction along a slide rail 25, and the slide lever 24 is biased to the left in FIG. 1 by a slide spring 26. There is. The slide lever 24 has a head contact portion 2
4a is provided, and when the recording head 1 is on the left side according to the position of FIG. 1, the recording head 1 and the head contact portion 24 are provided.
a is separated, and the recording head 1 is out of the recording area.
When it moves to the right inside, the recording head 1 contacts the head contact portion 24a, and the slide lever 24 moves to the recording head 1
It moves to the right along with (carriage 2). Further, even when the recording head 1 moves from the right end position to the left, the slide lever 24 moves in conjunction with the carriage 2 until the head contact portion 24a separates.

A cylinder 27 is provided which is rotatable about a rotary shaft 27a which is perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 2. A cap 29 for covering (capping) the ejection port forming surface 51 of the recording head 1 is fixed to the cylinder 27. The cylinder 27 is biased counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by a cylinder spring 28, and normally, as shown in FIG. 1, the cap 29 is opened in a slanted direction (recording head). 1 is not capped). Further, the cylinder 27 is provided with an engaging portion 27b extending upward, and when the slide lever 24 moves to the right, the cylinder driving portion 24b provided on the slide lever 24 and the engaging portion 27b are engaged. Configured to match.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the carriage 2 is moved to the right end from the position of the carriage 2 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, when the recording head 1 pushes the head contact portion 24 a of the slide lever 24, the slide lever 24 moves rightward along the slide rail 25 against the biasing force of the slide spring 26. With the rightward movement of the slide lever 24, the cylinder drive portion 24b of the slide lever engages with the engagement portion 27b of the cylinder 27, and the cylinder spring 2
8 against the biasing force of the cylinder 27
When the carriage 2 reaches the position shown in FIG. 3 by rotating in the right direction (clockwise) about a, the cap 29 fixed to the cylinder 27 is located in front of the recording head 1, and the ejection port forming surface 51 is covered with the cap. Capped (closed state) by 29.

In FIG. 2, the carriage 2 is located between FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, and the recording head 1 is not capped yet, but the switching lever 18 for switching and transmitting the rotational force of the feed gear 17 is movable (switching). (Possible). 4 and 5 are side views showing the periphery of the cylinder 27 and the periphery of the wiper 23, respectively. FIG. 4 shows the capping state of FIG. 3, and in this state, the engagement portion 27b of the cylinder 27 is pressed by the cylinder drive portion 24b of the slide lever 24, the cylinder 27 rotates about the rotation shaft 27a, and the cap 29 moves. The state (capping state) is in close contact with the ink ejection surface (ejection port formation surface) 51 of the recording head 1.

In FIG. 4, a cylinder 30 is provided with a piston 30 movable in the left-right direction in the figure. When the pump cam 22 is rotationally driven through the pump gear 19, the cam surface provided on the pump cam 22 moves the piston 30 in the left-right direction, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port of the recording head 1 through the cap 29 into the cylinder. 27 is sucked into the cylinder 27, and the sucked ink (waste ink) is sucked into the cylinder 2
It is configured to be discharged from the waste ink pipe 31 provided in FIG. That is, these constitute a recovery device for recovering the ejection performance of the recording head 1.

In FIG. 5, the wiper 23 is fixed to the wiper holder 32, and the amount of overlap between the wiper 23 and the ejection port forming surface of the recording head 1 is determined by the ink ejection portion (ejection port forming surface) of the recording head 1. 51) The protrusion 3 of the wiper holder having a cam shape following the right side of FIG.
It is managed by 2a. The wiper holder 32 has a rotary shaft 32b provided in the carriage movement direction.
The print head 1 is rotatably attached to the wiper holder 32, and is urged toward the ejection port forming surface 51 side of the recording head 1 by a wiper spring 34 via a wiper cam 33 rotatably attached to the wiper holder 32.

The wiper 23 is moved by the wiper cam portion 24c (FIG. 5) of the slide lever 24 when the carriage 2 moves rightward as shown in FIGS.
3 is repelled against the biasing force of the wiper spring 34, and the ejection port forming surface 51 of the recording head 1 is wiped (wipe and cleaned) with the overlap amount secured by the wiper holder protrusion 32a.

On the other hand, when the carriage 2 moves to the left, the wiper cam 33 is pushed downward in FIG. 5 by the wiper cam portion 24c of the slide lever 24, and the wiper holder on which the wiper cam 33 is mounted. The reference numeral 32 rotates in the left direction (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 5 about the rotation shaft 32b against the wiper spring 34. Therefore, the wiper 23 held by the wiper holder is
Of the discharge port forming surface 51.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 and FIGS. 1 to 3, a mechanism for switching the turning force (driving force) of the feed roller shaft 5a will be described. This feed roller shaft 5a
36 is transmitted to the shaft 5a of the feed roller 5 from a drive source composed of a motor such as the pulse motor 6 in FIG. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 6 and 7, the switching lever 18 is mounted rotatably around the feed roller shaft 5a as a rotation center.
A pendulum gear 35 is pivotally supported on a pendulum gear shaft 18a provided at the lower end of the switching lever 18.
The pendulum gear 35 meshes with the feed gear 17 fixed to the feed roller 5.

When the feed roller 5 rotates, the feed gear 17 fixed to the feed roller shaft 5a rotates, and the rotation of the feed gear 17 causes the pendulum gear 35 to rotate.
Is driven to rotate. At this time, the switching lever 18, which pivotally supports the pendulum gear 35, receives a torque in a predetermined direction according to the rotation direction of the feed gear 17, and when it is rotatable without being fixed, the feed roller shaft is rotated. It rotates in a predetermined direction around 5a. For example, when the feed gear 17 rotates in the right direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. 7, the switching lever 18 also rotates in the right rotation direction (clockwise direction), and the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the first pump gear 19. ,
The rotational force of the feed roller 5 is transmitted to the first pump gear 19 for driving the recovery means. Conversely, when the feed gear 17 is rotated counterclockwise, the switching lever 18 is also rotated counterclockwise, the pendulum gear 35 is engaged with the ASF gear 36, and the rotational force of the feed roller 5 drives the ASF. It is transmitted to the ASF gear 36.

However, when the switching lever 18 of FIGS. 1 and 6 is fixed in the neutral position, the driving force transmission switching operation to the pump gear 19 or the ASF gear 36 as described above is not performed. That is, in the state of FIGS. 1 and 6, the slide lever 24 is not moved rightward in FIG. 1 because the carriage 2 is not sufficiently moved to the right side in FIG. The provided pin portion 24d is deeply engaged with the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18, and therefore the switching lever 18 is neutralized as shown in FIG. 6 regardless of which direction the feed roller 5 rotates. It remains fixed in the position, and the switching of the driving force transmission described above is not performed.
The pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18 is shown in FIG.
The upper portion (inlet side of the pin portion 24d) in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface has a shape sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional shape of the pin portion 24d, and the lower portion in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface (back side in the pin insertion direction). ) Is formed by a tapered hole so that it has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the pin portion 24d.

Therefore, at the position of the slide lever 24 in FIGS. 1 and 6, since the pin portion 24d is deeply engaged with the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18, the switching lever 18 has its pendulum gear 35. The pump gear 19 and the ASF gear 36 are held (fixed) in a neutral position where they do not engage with each other. Therefore, even if the feed roller 5 rotates, the pendulum gear 35 only idles, and its rotational force (driving force) is reduced. 19 and AS
It is not transmitted to any of the F gears 36. Normally, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the recording material 4 is fed by rotating the feed roller 5.

Next, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 showing the state in which the drive transmission can be switched by the forward and reverse rotation of the feed roller 5.
Will be described. In these figures, the carriage 2
Moves toward the right end, the slide lever 24 moves to the right as described above, and the pin portion 24d provided at the left end of the slide lever 24 is disengaged from the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18. Then, as shown in FIG.
The switching lever 18 becomes rotatable, and as described above, the rotational force of the feed roller 5 is controlled by controlling the rotation and the rotation direction of the feed roller 5.
It can be switched and transmitted to the F gear 36. That is, for example, when the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is rotated counterclockwise, the switching lever 18 also rotates counterclockwise, and the pendulum gear 35 rotatably supported by the switching lever 18 is set to A.
It can be meshed with the SF gear 36, and when the feed gear 17 is rotated clockwise, the switching lever 18 is also rotated clockwise and the pendulum gear 35 can be meshed with the pump gear 19. Gear 35
Can be switched and transmitted to either the ASF gear 36 or the pump gear 19 via. In this way
Only when the carriage is at the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pump (recovery device pump) is driven by the right rotation of the feed roller 5, and the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) is driven by the left rotation of the feed roller 5. A configuration was obtained in which the transmission of the driving force could be switched to drive. That is, a configuration in which the transmission of the driving force can be switched by the forward / reverse rotation of the driving source was obtained.

The recording means (recording head) 1 is an ink jet recording means for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy, and is provided with an electrothermal converter for generating heat energy. Further, the recording means 1 performs recording by ejecting ink from an ejection port by utilizing a pressure change caused by growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. Is.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection portion of the recording means (recording head) 1.
In FIG. 8, a plurality of ejection openings 52 are formed at a predetermined pitch on an ejection opening formation surface 51 that faces the recording material 4 with a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.5 to 2.0 mm). Each liquid path 5 that connects the common liquid chamber 53 and each discharge port 52
An electrothermal converter (heat generating resistor, etc.) 55 for generating energy for ejecting ink is disposed along the wall surface of No. 4. In this example, the recording head 1 is mounted on the carriage 2 in such a positional relationship that the ejection ports 52 are arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the carriage 2. In this manner, the corresponding electrothermal converter 55 is driven (energized) based on the image signal or the ejection signal to cause the ink in the liquid path 54 to film-boil, and the pressure generated at that time causes the ink to be ejected from the ejection port 52. The recording head 1 is configured.

9 to 11 are views showing the main construction of the second embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the recording apparatus when the carriage 2 does not reach the capping position. FIG. 10 is a front view of the recording apparatus when the carriage 2 reaches the capping position, and FIG. 11 is FIG.
FIG. 9 to 11, the cap 29
The cylinder 27 provided with is normally held by a cylinder spring 28 connected to an arm portion 27d thereof at a position where the cap 29 is tilted away from the recording head 1 (a position not capped) as shown in FIG. ing. Therefore, when the recording head 1 mounted on the carriage 2 moves to the right end, as shown in FIG. 10, the recording head 1 pushes the head lever portion 27c of the cylinder 27 so that the cylinder 27 resists the cylinder spring 28. Then, the cap 29 is rotated and the cap 29 is moved to the ejection port forming surface 5 of the recording head 1.
It is in a capping state in which it adheres to 1.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the switching lever 18 and its surroundings as viewed from the side in the state of FIG. 9 (the state in which the cap 29 is opened). In the state of FIG. 12,
The arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27 is lowered by the cylinder spring 28, and the rotation of the switching lever 18 is restricted (prevented) by the engagement of the arm portion 27d and the cam portion 18c of the switching lever 18. That is, the switching lever 18 is held (fixed) in the neutral position by the arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27, and the driving force (rotational force) of the feed roller 5 is transmitted to the pendulum gear 35, but the pump gear 19 and the ASF gear 36. Is not transmitted to any of the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, even if the feed gear 17 rotates counterclockwise,
Since the left rotation of the switching lever 18 is blocked by the arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27, the pendulum gear 3
5 is in a state where it does not mesh with the ASF gear 36.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the switching lever 18 and its surroundings in the state of FIG. 10 (the state in which the recording head 1 is capped by the cap 29) as seen from the side.
In the state of FIG. 13, the arm portion 27 of the cylinder 27
d is in a state of rising upward against the cylinder spring 28. In this state, the arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27
Is located at or near the rotation center of the switching lever 18, so that the cam portion 18c of the switching lever 18 is not restricted by the arm portion 27d.
The switching lever 18 can freely rotate around the feed roller shaft 5a.

Therefore, when the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is rotated to the left (counterclockwise) as shown in the state of FIG. 13, the switching lever 18 is moved to the left by the same action as in FIG. The pendulum gear 35 meshes with the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) gear 36. In this way, it becomes possible to drive the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) by the rotational force (driving force) of the feed roller 5.
Further, when the feed roller 5 is rotated rightward in the state of FIG. 13, the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the pump gear 19 by the same action as in the case of FIG. 7, and the rotational force of the feed roller 5 restores the ink discharge. It becomes possible to drive the pump for. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to switch between driving force transmission to the ASF and driving force transmission to the pump depending on the rotation direction (forward / reverse rotation) of the feed roller 5. The configuration and operation of the other parts of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are side views of the main structure of the third embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from the side. FIG. 14 shows the recording positions of the carriage 2 including the recording positions. FIG. 15 shows the state when the carriage 2 is in the direction of movement, and FIG.
Shows the state when there is. In the state of FIG. 14 in which the carriage 2 is in the recording position direction, the driving force of the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is the pump gear 19 and the ASF gear 3.
It is not transmitted to any of the six. On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 15 in which the carriage 2 is at the end portion, the driving force of the feed gear 17 can be switched between transmission to the pump gear 19 and transmission to the ASF gear 36 depending on the rotation direction.

14 and 15, there is provided a release lever 37 which is rotatably mounted about a rotary shaft 37a which is provided in parallel with the moving direction of the carriage 2, and the release lever 37 is normally provided. , Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 4, a release spring 38 is biased in the right rotation direction in the drawing. Further, a release cam 39 mounted so as to be rotatable around a rotary shaft 39a provided parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 2 is provided, and a receiving hole 39b formed at the tip end of the release cam 39 is provided. Drive shaft 37b provided at the tip of the release lever 37
Are engaged. Further, a lever spring 40 for restricting the movement of the switching lever 18 is attached between the other end of the release cam 39 and the lower end of the switching lever 18.

In the state shown in FIG. 14, the release lever 37 is pulled rightward by the release spring 38, and the release cam 39 is driven by the drive shaft 3 of the release lever 37.
It is held in a position rotated to the left via 7b,
The switching lever 18 is pulled downward by the lever spring 40. Therefore, this FIG.
In the state of 4, since the switching lever 18 is held in the downward neutral position as shown in the drawing, even if the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is rotated in either the left or right direction,
The rotational force is not transmitted to either the pump gear 19 or the ASF gear 36.

On the other hand, the carriage 2 is located at the end of FIG.
In the state of 5, the release lever 37 is rotated counterclockwise by the cam portion 2a of the carriage 2 against the release spring 38. Therefore, the release cam 39
Is rotated clockwise by the drive shaft 37b of the release lever 37. When this happens,
As shown in FIG. 5, the spring force of the lever spring 40 attached between the other end of the release cam 39 and the lower end of the switching lever 18 becomes invalid, and the switching lever 18 can rotate about the feed roller shaft 5a. It will be in a state.

Therefore, for example, when the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG.
As in the case of FIG. 7, the switching lever 18 rotates counterclockwise and the pendulum gear 35 can be meshed with the ASF gear 36. That is, by rotating the feed roller 5 counterclockwise, it becomes possible to drive the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) by its driving force (rotational force). On the other hand, when the feed gear 17 is rotated to the right, the switching lever 18 is rotated to the right to engage the pendulum gear 35 with the pump gear 19, thereby driving the pump for recovery operation by the driving force (rotational force) of the feed roller 5. It will be possible.

As described above, in the state of FIG. 15, the transmission of the driving force can be switched by the forward / reverse rotation of the driving source. The configuration and operation of the other parts of the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 are the same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 or 9 to 13. It is substantially the same as the example.

As described above, according to the respective embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, in the switching mechanism in which the drive transmission is switched by the forward and reverse operation, the drive mechanism is switched to the neutral position where the drive is not transmitted by the operation of the carriage 2. Since it is configured to be replaced, it is possible to reduce the number of drive sources such as motors, and it is possible to reduce the cost. Further, the moving direction of the carriage 2, that is, the dimension in the width direction of the recording apparatus can be reduced, and the recording apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to stop the carriage 2 at a predetermined position and the drive can be switched by simply rotating the drive source forward and backward at that position, it is possible to shorten the switching time and simplify the sequence. The reliability of the recording device could be improved. That is, the drive source (pulse motor 6)
Based on the position of the carriage and the carriage 2, and the pendulum gear
35 can move in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the drive source.
Selectively transfer the driving force to the corresponding drive target using and
Which of the driving target is the transmittable state and the driving force
Since it switches between the neutral state in which
When driving the target to be driven by a common drive source,
Drive without the need for a drive transmission cutoff mechanism such as an clutch
It is possible to easily realize a variety of objects and driving modes.
In addition, the simplification of the driving force transmission mechanism reduces the number of parts and items,
Reduction of drive switching time, drive switching sequence
Simplification and cost reduction can be achieved.
A pendulum that moves in a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 2.
Switching between transmission / interruption of driving force using the gear 35
Therefore, the size of the recording device in the width direction is significantly reduced.
A recording device that can be made smaller and lighter is provided.
It

FIG. 16 to FIG. 24 are views showing the structure of the essential part of the right end portion of the fourth embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
16 to 18 are front views showing a state where the position of the carriage 2 at the right end portion of the recording apparatus is different,
19 to 21 are side views seen from the right side in FIGS. 16 to 18, and FIGS.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the states of the switching lever 18 and the slide lever 24 seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 18.

The structure of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 24 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 except for the fitting (engagement state) of the switching lever 18 and the slide lever 24. Same as above. Therefore, in FIGS. 16 to 21 showing the overall structure of the drive switching mechanism, the portions corresponding to the respective portions of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIGS. 16, 19 and 22, the carriage 2 is still in the leftward position, the recording head 1 is not capped, the switching lever 18 is fixed to the neutral position, and the feed roller 5 is rotated forward and backward. Indicates the status used for sending only. 17, FIG. 20, and FIG. 23, the carriage 2 approaches the right end, and the recording head 1 faces the cap 29. However, the recording head 1 is not yet capped, and the switching lever 18 of the feed roller 5 is disposed. Locked in the forward rotation direction, free in the reverse rotation direction,
The drive is not transmitted to the ASF (automatic sheet feeder), and the drive is transmitted to the recovery system pump. 18, 21, and 24, the carriage 2 is at a sufficient right end position (capping position), the recording head 1 is capped by the cap 29, and the switching lever 18 is free in both forward and reverse directions of the feed roller 5. Thus, it is possible to switch the drive of the ASF and the drive of the recovery system by the forward and reverse rotation of the feed roller 5.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 24, switching of drive in the above three states depending on the position of the carriage 2 will be described. 18, FIG. 21, and FIG. 24 , the switching lever 18 is rotatably mounted around the feed roller shaft 5a, and the pendulum gear shaft 18 provided at the lower tip of the switching lever 18 is mounted.
A pendulum gear 35 is pivotally supported on a. When the switching lever 18 is in the free state, when the feed gear 17 fixed to the feed roller shaft 5a is rotated by rotating the feed roller 5, the feed gear 17 is rotated according to the rotation direction (forward / reverse rotation). , The feed gear 1
The switching lever 18 rotates in a predetermined direction around the feed roller shaft 5a via a pendulum gear 35 meshing with the gear 7. For example, when the feed gear 17 rotates to the right in FIG. 21, the switching lever 18 also rotates to the right, and the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the pump gear 19. Conversely, when the feed gear 17 rotates counterclockwise, the switching lever 18 also rotates counterclockwise, and the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the ASF gear 36. Thus, the feed roller shaft 5a
It is possible to switch between the transmission of the driving force to the recovery system and the transmission of the driving force to the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) according to the forward / reverse rotation of.

However, FIG. 16, FIG. 19 and FIG.
In the state of 2, since the carriage 2 is at the left position,
The slide lever 24 is not moved to the right in FIG. 16,
Pin portion 24 provided at the left end of the slide lever 24
d is deeply engaged with the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18, so that the feed roller shaft 5
Even if a is rotated, the switching lever 18 remains fixed at the neutral position, and the driving force is not transmitted to either side. That is, the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18 has a shape as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24. In the state of FIG. 22, the pin portion 24d of the slide lever 24 is deep inside the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18. Since the switch lever 18 is engaged up to FIG.
It will be held (fixed) at the neutral position shown in. Therefore, even if the feed roller 5 rotates, the pendulum gear 35
Cannot mesh with either the pump gear 19 or the ASF gear 36, the rotational force of the feed roller 5 ends with the idle rotation of the pendulum gear 35, and the driving force is not transmitted. Note that normal paper feeding (conveyance of the recording material 4) is performed by rotating (forward rotation) the feed roller 5 in the state of FIG.

Next, the states shown in FIGS. 17, 20 and 23 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, when the carriage 2 moves rightward to a position near the right end, the slide lever 24 is moved rightward by the recording head 1 by a predetermined amount, and as shown in FIG. The pin portion 24d provided at the left end of the slide lever 24 is fitted (inserted) in the intermediate position of the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18. In this state, FIG. 20 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the switching lever 18 has a pump key 19
When the feed gear 17 is rotated clockwise, the switching lever 18 also rotates clockwise, and the pendulum gear 35 pivotally supported by the switching lever 18 is rotated.
Mesh with 9. On the other hand, when the feed gear 17 is rotated counterclockwise in the state of FIGS. 17 and 23, the switching lever 18 is locked in the middle, and the pendulum gear 35 cannot mesh with the ASF gear 36.

In the states shown in FIGS. 17, 20 and 23,
As for the carriage 2, the mounted recording head 1 has a cap 2
It is in a position facing 9 but not yet capped by the cap 29. This carriage position is, for example, a position where preliminary ejection of the recording head 1 or the like is possible. Therefore, if the feed roller 5 is rotated to the right at this carriage position, the pendulum gear 35 will move to the pump gear 19.
The pump can be driven by meshing with the ink, and the ink in the cap that has been preliminarily ejected can be suctioned (discharged). Note that even during normal recovery operation
After the cap 29 is pressed against the recording head 1 to suck ink, the carriage 2 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 17, the cap 29 is separated from the ejection port forming surface 51, and the ink in the cap 29 is sucked and discharged as described above. By doing so, idle suction for sucking the ink in the cap 29 can be performed.

On the other hand, when it is desired to feed the paper in the states shown in FIGS. 17, 20, and 23, or when preliminary ejection is performed while the paper is being fed, the feed gear 17 is set at this carriage position. Need to rotate left. In this case, the switching lever 18 is locked in the middle as described above, and the pendulum gear 35 does not mesh with the ASF gear 36, so that there is no inconvenience that the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) is driven.

Next, the states shown in FIGS. 18, 21 and 24 will be described. When the carriage 2 is moved further to the right from the position in FIG. 17, the slide lever 24 is further moved to the right, and the ejection port forming surface 51 of the recording head 1 is sealed with the cap 29 as shown in FIG. become. At this capping position, as shown in FIG. 24, the pin portion 24d provided at the left end of the slide lever 24 comes out of the pin receiving portion 18b of the switching lever 18. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, the switching lever 18 is arranged on the pump gear 19 side and the ASF gear 36.
It can rotate in either direction.

Therefore, when the feed gear 17 is rotated clockwise, the switching lever 18 also rotates clockwise, and the switching lever 1
A pendulum gear 35 pivotally supported by the gear 8 meshes with the pump gear 19. When the feed gear 17 is rotated counterclockwise,
The switching lever 18 also rotates counterclockwise, and the pendulum gear 35 becomes AS.
It meshes with the F gear 36. That is, the forward and reverse rotations of the feed roller 5 can switch the transmission of the driving force to either side.

At the position of the carriage 2 shown in FIGS. 18, 21, and 24, the recording head 1 is capped (sealed) by the cap 29. In this state, the feed gear 17 is rotated clockwise to cause the recording head 1 to rotate. It is possible to perform the recovery operation of the discharge port 52, and it is possible to drive the ASF (automatic sheet feeder) by rotating the feed gear 17 counterclockwise.

25 to 27 are partial cross-sectional views showing the structure of the essential parts of the fifth embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It should be noted that this embodiment realizes each state of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 by another method. 25 to 27
26, the fitting portion of the slide lever 24 with the switching lever 18 has a shape having a step in the vertical direction in FIGS. 25 to 27, and each position of the carriage 2 in the above-described fourth embodiment (see FIG. 16). To FIG. 18), each position shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 is formed. Also,
The switching lever 18 is formed with a receiving portion (hole) having a size with which the widest stepped portion of the slide lever 24 can be engaged. The fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 is
Although it is different from the above-described fourth embodiment in the above points, the other parts have substantially the same configuration.

In FIG. 25, the carriage 2 is in the leftward position (see FIG.
6 position), and in the state of FIG. 25, the slide lever 24 is in the position moved to the leftmost, and the widest part of the step shape of the slide lever 24 is the switching lever 18. Engaged (fitted).
Therefore, in this state, the rotation of the switching lever 18 is restricted (or blocked) by the slide lever 24 in both directions, and therefore, the drive transmission is not performed even if the feed roller 5 is rotated in either the forward or reverse direction. ,
Neither the recovery operation nor the ASF operation can be performed.

FIG. 26 shows a state in which the carriage 2 is at a position near the left end to some extent and the slide lever 24 is moved to the right halfway. In the state shown in FIG. 26, the stepped shape of the slide lever 24, which is wide only on one side (upper side), engages (fits) with the receiving portion of the switching lever 18. Therefore, the switching lever 18 can rotate only in the upward direction in the drawing, and the downward rotation in the drawing is restricted (blocked). Therefore, in the state of FIG. 26, the recovery operation is possible by rotating the feed gear 17 clockwise, but the ASF operation is not possible even if the feed gear 17 is rotated counterclockwise.

FIG. 27 shows a state in which the carriage 2 has moved further to the right from the position shown in FIG. 26 and is in a position for capping the recording head 1. In the state of FIG. 27, the thinnest stepped portion of the slide lever 24 is engaged (fitted) with the receiving portion of the switching lever 18. Therefore, the switching lever 18 is not restricted in the vertical direction in the figure and is in a state of being rotatable in any direction. Therefore, both the recovery operation via the pump gear 19 and the ASF operation via the ASF gear 36 can be driven, and the drive transmission for the recovery operation and the ASF operation can be switched by the forward / reverse rotation of the feed gear 17.

FIG. 28 shows the sixth recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
It is a fragmentary sectional view showing the important section composition of an example. In this embodiment, in addition to the respective states of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, a position where recovery operation is not possible and ASF operation is possible is provided. In FIG. 28, the slide lever 24
It is shaped like a comb and is configured to move in the left-right direction in FIG. 28 as the carriage 2 moves. 28A to 28D show relative positions of the switching lever 18 when the slide lever 24 moves in the left-right direction. That is, as the carriage 2 moves from the left side position to the right side, the switching levers 18 sequentially move from d → c → b.
→ The relative position of a will be taken.

When the carriage 2 is in the right end capping position, the switching lever 18 is in the a position. In this state, the switching lever 18 has the slide lever 24.
It is possible to rotate in any direction without being restricted by the above, and therefore, the drive transmission can be switched to both the recovery operation and the ASF operation by the forward and reverse rotation of the feed roller 5.

When the slide lever 24 is moved leftward by the leftward movement of the carriage 2 and the switching lever 18 is relatively in the position b, only the ASF operation side is restricted, so that the ASF Drive transmission is impossible, but drive transmission to the recovery operation is possible.

By moving the carriage 2 and the slide lever 24 further to the left, the switching lever 18
Is relatively in the position of c, only the recovery operation side is restricted. Therefore, although drive transmission to the recovery operation is impossible, drive transmission to the ASF operation is possible.

When the carriage 2 moves further to the left,
The contact between the carriage 2 and the slide lever 24 is released, and the switching lever 18 is relatively moved to the position d. In this state, the recovery operation side of the switching lever 18 and A
Both movements on the SF operation side are restricted, and both drive transmission to the recovery operation and drive transmission to the ASF operation are disabled.

As described above, by using the comb-shaped slide lever 24 as shown in FIG. 28, both the recovery operation and the ASF operation can be independently enabled or disabled, and the carriage 2 can be operated. All the states that combine these can be realized only by moving.

29 to 35 are views showing the structure of the essential part of the right end portion of the seventh embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
29 to 31 are front views showing a state in which the position of the carriage 2 at the right end portion of the recording apparatus is different,
32 to 35 are side views seen from the right side in FIGS. 29 to 31, respectively.

The configuration of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 to 35 is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 10 except for the fitting (engagement state) of the switching lever 18 and the slide lever 24. It is virtually the same. Therefore, in FIGS. 29 to 31 showing the entire structure of the drive switching mechanism, the portions corresponding to the respective portions of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 31 and 35 show a normal state in which the carriage 2 is still in the leftward position. In this state, the cylinder 27 has the angular position shown in FIG. 1 by the cylinder spring 28 locked to the arm portion 27d. Has become.

As the carriage 2 carrying the recording head 1 moves toward the right end, the recording head 1 moves toward the cylinder 2
By pressing the head lever portion 27c of No. 7, the cylinder 27 rotates against the cylinder spring 28, and the ejection port forming surface 51 of the recording head 1 is capped by the cap 29 as shown in FIG.
It will be in a state of facing. In this state, the discharge port forming surface 5
1 is not capped yet. When the recording head 1 further moves to the right end, as shown in FIG. 29, the cylinder 27 further rotates and the cap 29 moves to the ejection port forming surface 51.
And the recording head 1 is capped.

FIG. 32 is a side view showing the periphery of the switching lever 18 when the state shown in FIG. 29 is viewed in the lateral direction, and shows the state in which the feed gear 17 (feed roller 5) is rotated counterclockwise. In this state, the arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27
The front end of the switching lever 18 is engaged with the cam portion 18c of the switching lever 18 near the rotation center of the switching lever 18. Therefore, at the capping position shown in FIGS. 29 and 32, the rotation of the switching lever 18 is not restricted by the arm portion 27d. In this state, when the feed gear 17 is rotated counterclockwise, the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the ASF gear 36 as shown in FIG.
It becomes possible to drive SF (automatic sheet feeder). On the other hand, when the feed gear 17 is rotated clockwise in this state, the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the first pump gear 19 and the recovery pump can be driven. That is, FIG.
At the capping position shown in FIG. 32, the forward and reverse rotations of the feed roller 5 can switch the drive transmission to both the ASF and the recovery pump.

FIG. 30 shows the state when the carriage 2 is moved slightly leftward from FIG. 29 or the state where the carriage 2 is stopped right before the capping position at the right end when moving the carriage 2 to the right. 33 and 34 are side views of the state shown in FIG. 30, and FIG.
7 shows a state in which the gear 7 is rotated clockwise, and FIG.
7 shows a state in which 7 is rotated counterclockwise. In this state, the arm portion 27d of the cylinder 27 is located at the lower middle portion of the cam portion 18c of the switching lever 18, as shown in FIG.
The rotation of the switching lever 18 when the feed gear 17 is rotated right is not blocked (restricted), but the rotation of the switching lever 18 when the feed gear 17 is rotated left is blocked (restricted). Therefore, when the feed gear 17 is rotated to the right, the pendulum gear 35 meshes with the pump gear 19 and the drive can be transmitted to the recovery pump. On the other hand, when rotating the feed gear 17 counterclockwise,
Since the rotation of the switching lever 18 is blocked (restricted) by the engagement of the cam portion 18c and the arm portion 27d, the pendulum gear 35 does not mesh with the ASF gear 36, and the drive transmission to the ASF is not performed. . That is, by stopping the carriage 2 at the position shown in FIG. 30, it is possible to realize a state in which the recovery operation is possible, but the ASF cannot be driven.

FIG. 31 shows a state in which the cylinder 27 has not yet rotated (or hardly rotated), and FIG.
It is the side view which looked at the state shown in FIG. 1 from the side. In this state, as shown in FIG. 35, the arm portion 27 of the cylinder 27 is
d is the lower position and the cam portion 18 of the switching lever 18
It engages with the narrow portion of c, and the switching lever 18 cannot rotate in any direction even if the feed gear 17 rotates. Therefore, the feed roller 5
The switching arm 18
Is held in the neutral position and the pendulum gear 35 is the pump gear 1
9 and the ASF gear 36 do not mesh. That is, at the position of the carriage in FIG. 31, even if the feed roller 5 is driven in either forward or reverse direction, the pendulum gear 35 only idles, and the recovery operation and the AS operation are performed.
Neither of the F drives is performed. It should be noted that the paper feeding of the recording material 4 during recording or the like is usually performed by the method shown in FIGS.
It is performed in the state of 5.

As described above, according to the fourth to seventh embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 35, the first to third embodiments described with reference to FIGS.
In addition to the same effect as in the case of the embodiment, for example, the recovery operation by the recovery pump is performed even at the preliminary ejection position where the recording head 1 faces the cap 29 without being capped (sealed). Not only,
It is possible to feed the paper at the same time as the preliminary ejection (without driving the ASF). Therefore, it is possible to simplify the operation sequence of the printing apparatus and improve the overall throughput of the printing operation.

In each of the above embodiments, the carriage 2
Although the recording head 1 mounted in the above is configured to move the slide lever 24 or the cylinder 27, it may be configured to move by using the carriage 2 itself or another member that moves together with the carriage 2.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the recording is performed by one recording means (recording head) 1 has been exemplified, but the present invention is for a color printer provided with a plurality of recording means for recording in different colors. Regardless of the number of recording devices (recording heads), such as a recording device or a recording device for gradation recording that uses a plurality of recording devices that record with ink of the same color but different densities,
The same can be applied, and the same effect can be achieved. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the cartridge type recording means (head cartridge) 1 in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated is used has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Can be similarly applied to a recording apparatus having another configuration of the recording head and the ink tank, such as a configuration in which these are separately provided and connected by an ink supply pipe or the like, and similar effects can be obtained. It is a thing.

When the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus, it can be applied to, for example, a recording means (recording head) using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element. The present invention brings excellent effects in an inkjet recording apparatus that uses a recording unit of a type that ejects ink using energy.
This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding the typical structure and principle thereof, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
This is preferably done using the basic principles disclosed in 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type, but particularly in the case of the on-demand type, a liquid (ink) is used.
By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which is stored, which corresponds to the recorded information and causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling. Since the electrothermal converter generates heat energy to cause film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording means (recording head), as a result, bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. It is valid.

Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make the driving signal into a pulse shape because bubbles can be grown and contracted immediately and appropriately, and thus a liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be ejected. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat.
Those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,633,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Incidentally, US Pat. No. 43131 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface
If the conditions described in the specification of No. 24 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angle liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a structure based on Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 138461/1984, which discloses a structure in which the discharge section is associated with the discharge section. That is, according to the present invention, 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) which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. 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 recording head integrally formed. In addition, even with the serial type as in the above example, it is possible to electrically connect to the device body and supply ink from the device body by mounting it on the recording head fixed to the device body or the device body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip type recording head or a cartridge type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided in the present invention as a configuration of the recording apparatus, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
Capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suctioning means, electrothermal converter or other heating element or preheating means by a combination thereof, and ejection different from recording are applied to the recording head. Performing the preliminary ejection mode is also effective for stable recording.

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

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet. In the method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is within a stable ejection range. It may be in a liquid form. in addition,
Whether the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively used as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or the ink that solidifies when left standing for the purpose of preventing evaporation of the ink is used. In any case, the ink is liquefied by applying the thermal energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink is ejected,
The present invention is also applicable to the case of using an ink that has a property of being liquefied only by thermal energy, such as one that has already started to solidify when it reaches the recording medium.

The ink in such a case is described in JP-A-54-
As described in JP-A-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, a mode in which it is held as a liquid or a solid in the recesses or through holes of the porous sheet and faces the electrothermal converter. 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, as a form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, besides the one used as an image output terminal of information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function. And the like may be used.

[0085]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the recording apparatus of the present invention (Claim 1), the carriage which carries the recording means and moves along the recording material, and the drive source capable of forward and reverse rotation are provided. A pendulum gear that moves in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the carriage moves in order to switch transmission / shutoff of driving force from the drive source, the pendulum gear depending on the direction of rotation of the drive source. twin driving force by forward and reverse rotation of the driving source by moving by the rotation of the driving source to the direction
A switching transmitting state to be transmitted towards the to the corresponding driven, rotating said pendulum gear in one direction of the driving source
By moving the drive source in the direction corresponding to
Only one of the driving forces due to the forward and reverse rotations of the driving source is paired.
One-way transferable state that can be transmitted to the corresponding drive target
And a neutral state in which the pendulum gear idles and the driving force from the driving source is not transmitted to any of the driven objects, so that it is switched according to the position of the carriage. based on the position, and a switching transmitting state in which the pendulum gear selectively enable transmit the driving force by utilizing the fact that moves in the direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the driving source to the corresponding driven, drive versus
One-way transmission that can transmit to only one of the elephants
By switching the state and the neutral state in which the driving force is not transmitted to any drive target, when driving multiple drive targets with a common drive source, a one-way clutch or selection
A variety of drive targets and drive modes can be easily realized without requiring a drive transmission selection mechanism such as a meshing mechanism .
By simplifying the driving force transmission mechanism, the number of parts can be reduced, the drive switching time can be shortened, the drive switching sequence can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.Furthermore, it can move in a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage. Since the pendulum gear is used to switch between transmitting and blocking the driving force,
(EN) Provided is a recording device which can be reduced in size and weight by drastically reducing the widthwise dimension of the recording device.

According to the invention of claim 3, the recording means is mounted.
Can be rotated forward and backward with a carriage that moves along the recording material
The drive source and the transmission / cutoff of the drive force from the drive source.
In a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the carriage moves to replace
And a pendulum gear for moving the pendulum gear
Rotation of the drive source in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the drive source
Drive to move the drive force from the drive source
The transmission possible state in which transmission to the target is possible, and the pendulum gear
Is idle and the driving force from the driving source is
The neutral position that is not transmitted to the elephant
It is configured to switch according to the
In this state, the driving force does not recover the recording means.
Switch between the recovery system and the automatic paper feeder.
Since it is configured to be transmitted as a one-way clutch ,
The recovery system and the automatic sheet feeder can be driven by a common drive source without the need for a drive transmission selection mechanism such as a selective meshing mechanism , and a variety of drive targets and drive modes can be easily realized and drive By simplifying the force transmission mechanism, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, drive switching time, drive switching sequence, and cost.
Further, the pendulum gear that moves in a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage is used to switch between transmission and interruption of the driving force, so that the size of the recording device in the width direction is significantly reduced, and the size and weight of the device are reduced. A recording device capable of performing the above is provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a neutral state in which drive transmission is not performed.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the main part of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 in which the drive transmission can be switched and the cap is open.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the main configuration of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 in a capping state in which drive transmission can be switched.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a main configuration of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 in a capping state in which drive transmission can be switched.

5 is a side view showing a configuration around a wiper for wiping a recording head of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is a side view showing a state in which a switching lever of the drive transmission mechanism of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 is fixed at a neutral position.

7 is a side view showing a state in which a switching lever of the drive transmission mechanism of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 can rotate.

8 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of an ink ejection portion of the recording head of the recording apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the main configuration of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied in a neutral state in which drive transmission is not performed.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the main configuration of the recording apparatus of FIG. 9 in a capping state in which drive transmission can be switched.

11 is a side view showing the periphery of the cylinder in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the periphery of the switching lever in FIG.

13 is a side view showing the periphery of the switching lever in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a configuration of a main part of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied in a neutral state in which drive transmission is not performed.

15 is a side view showing a state in which drive transmission can be switched in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the main configuration of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied in a neutral state in which drive transmission is not performed.

17 is a front view showing a state in which drive transmission is possible only to one side of the recording apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a capping state in which the drive transmission of the recording apparatus of FIG. 16 can be switched.

FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a side view of FIG. 18.

22 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state of the switching lever and the slide lever at the position of FIG.

23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state of the switching lever and the slide lever at the position of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state of the switching lever and the slide lever at the position of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state of a switching lever and a slide lever in a neutral position where drive transmission is not possible in a recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which drive transmission is possible only to one side of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which drive transmission can be switched to both sides of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the switching lever and the slide lever of the sixth embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied are at respective relative positions.

FIG. 29 is a front view showing a state at a capping position where drive transmission can be switched to both sides of a recording apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

30 is a front view showing a state in which drive can be transmitted to only one side of the recording apparatus of FIG.

31 is a front view showing a state in which drive cannot be transmitted to either side of the recording apparatus of FIG. 29. FIG.

32 is a side view of FIG. 29. FIG.

FIG. 33 is a side view showing a state when the feed gear is rotated right at the position of FIG. 30.

34 is a side view showing a state when the feed gear is rotated counterclockwise at the position of FIG. 30. FIG.

FIG. 35 is a side view of FIG. 31.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a recording apparatus including a conventional drive switching mechanism.

37 is a partial perspective view showing a drive transmission switching mechanism of the recording apparatus of FIG. 36.

38 is a partial perspective view showing a gear arrangement for transmission switching in FIG. 37. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Recording means (recording head) 2 carriage 2a Carriage cam part 3 Carriage axis 4 Recording material 5 Feed roller 5a Feed roller shaft 6 pulse motor 17 Feed Gear 18 Switching lever 18a Pendulum gear shaft 18b Pin receiving part 18c cam part 19 First pump gear 20 Second pump gear 21 Third pump gear 22 Pump cam 23 wiper 24 Slide lever 24a head contact part 24b Cylinder drive 24c Wiper cam part 24d pin part 25 slide rails 26 Slide spring 27 cylinders 27a rotating shaft 27b engaging part 27c Head lever part 27d arm part 28 Cylinder spring 29 caps 30 pistons 31 waste ink tube 32 wiper holder 33 wiper cam 34 Wiper spring 35 Pendulum gear 36 ASF Gear 37 Release lever 37a rotating shaft 37b drive shaft 38 Release spring 39 release arm 39a rotating shaft 39b receiving hole 40 lever spring 51 Discharge port forming surface 52 Discharge port 55 Electrothermal converter

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Sakawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Haruyuki Yanagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ki In Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Nojima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Innovator Shinnosuke Taniishi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Junichi Asano 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) Reference JP-A-63-139765 (JP, A) JP-A-3-36068 (JP, A) ) JP-A-3-5181 (JP, A) JP-A-2-270580 (JP, A) JP-A-63-166573 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 23/02 B41J 2/165 B41J 19/00

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A carriage equipped with recording means and moving along a recording material, a drive source capable of forward and reverse rotations, and a direction in which the carriage moves to switch transmission / interruption of a driving force from the drive source. A pendulum gear that moves in a vertical plane, wherein the pendulum gear moves by rotation of the drive source in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the drive source ,
The switchable transmission state in which both the forward and reverse drive forces can be transmitted to the corresponding drive target, and the pendulum gear
The rotation of the drive source in the direction corresponding to the rotation of the drive source in one direction.
Drive by forward and reverse rotation of the drive source by moving by rotation
Only one of the forces can be transmitted to the corresponding drive target
A unidirectional transmission possible state and a neutral state in which the pendulum gear idles and the driving force from the driving source is not transmitted to any of the driving targets, and is switched according to the position of the carriage. apparatus. 2. A cap is provided on the ejection port forming surface of the recording means.
Switchable at the capping position for sealing with
Recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a state. 3. A recording means is mounted and moved along a recording material.
Carriage, a drive source capable of forward and reverse rotation, and the drive source
In order to switch transmission / cutoff of the driving force from
A pendulum gear that moves in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which J moves.
And a direction in which the pendulum gear corresponds to the direction of rotation of the drive source.
Drive by rotation of the drive source to drive from the drive source.
Transferable state in which power can be transferred to the corresponding drive target
And the pendulum gear idles to drive from the drive source.
A neutral state in which force is not transmitted to any driven object,
It is configured to switch according to the position of the carriage.
In the transmittable state, the driving force is
Either a recovery system that recovers recording means or an automatic paper feeder
A note characterized by being transmitted by being switched to either
Recording device. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a switching operation from the neutral state to the transferable state and a capping operation of covering the ejection port forming surface of the recording unit with a cap are interlocked. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed by ejecting ink from the recording unit onto a recording material. Wherein said recording means, the recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the ink jet recording means has an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy used for ejecting ink. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the recording unit ejects the ink from the ejection port by utilizing film boiling generated in the ink by the thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. . 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material is fed by the driving force in the neutral state.