JP4092536B2 - Image forming apparatus and manifold cap used therefor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink jet type image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine. More specifically, the present invention can determine whether a manifold cap is attached to a carriage instead of an ink cartridge. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of controlling an initial introduction operation and a configuration of a manifold cap used therefor.
[0002]
[Technical background and conventional technology]
Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine, there is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles of an ink jet head, such as an ink jet type image forming apparatus. In this type of apparatus, a chip type device in which a recording head is directly attached to a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction crossing the recording medium conveyance direction, and a recording head unit that is detachably attached to the carriage, In some cases, an ink cartridge is detachably mounted thereon. In either type, before shipment from the factory, an ink cartridge is mounted so as to be connected to the ink supply port (manifold) of the recording head, and the printing operation and printing quality are inspected. When shipped as it is, when the image forming apparatus arrives at the user, the ink in the recording head unit is dried and remains as a solid, and even if a predetermined ink liquid is supplied later, printing becomes impossible.
[0003]
Therefore, usually, after the inspection, the ink in the recording head unit is removed, and instead, a special preservation solution that is difficult to dry is filled. However, if the ink supply port (manifold) is left exposed, the posture of the image forming apparatus during transportation and storage is reversed, and the storage liquid leaks or the storage liquid dries during long-term storage. Therefore, the ink supply port is sealed with a flat manifold manifold cap.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when a user who purchases this type of image forming apparatus first turns on the power, it is called a so-called initial introduction purge in which a new (unused) ink cartridge is mounted in advance instead of the manifold cap. If the purge operation that fills the recording head with the ink supplied from the ink cartridge is not performed while all the preserving liquid in the recording head is ejected by the purge unit, the normal printing operation starts. Can not do it. In the initial introduction purge, in order to discharge all the storage solution to the outside, a normal replacement purge operation, that is, ink Cartridge The amount of suction is set to be increased by increasing the number of times of suction compared to the purge operation executed when the replacement is performed.
[0005]
However, the user who purchased the image forming apparatus does not know the presence of the manifold cap at the first stage (before the first power-on), and does not remove it, that is, the ink cartridge is not installed. If the initial introduction purge is performed, the preserving liquid in the recording head cannot be discharged, and the ink supplied from the ink cartridge is not filled in the recording head, so normal printing operation starts. The problem that you can not do.
[0006]
In addition, there is a problem that the user mounts the ink cartridge on the recording head without removing the manifold cap and breaks the fixing component in an attempt to fix it.
[0007]
Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-91141, an ink cartridge detection sensor is provided on the carriage, and control is performed to prompt the user to replace or install the ink cartridge. Although proposed, such sensors and control aspects cannot address the mishandling of the manifold cap.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve these problems. An image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing initial introduction work and starting up the image forming apparatus safely and reliably, and a manifold used for the image forming apparatus. The purpose is to provide a cap.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention attaches and detaches an ink cartridge connected to the supply port of the recording head to a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording medium. In an image forming apparatus that is mounted in a detachable manner, the image forming apparatus includes a detachable manifold cap for closing the supply port of the recording head instead of the ink cartridge, and sensor means for detecting the presence or absence of ink, After purchasing the image forming device When it is determined that there is no ink by the detection signal from the sensor means at the first power-on, The recording head is filled with the ink supplied from the ink cartridge while discharging all the preservative liquid in the recording head at the purge unit. And control means for controlling the execution of the initial introduction purge so as not to be permitted.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the sensor means includes a first sensor that detects whether the manifold cap or the ink cartridge is attached, and the ink cartridge. And a second sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink. When the power is first turned on, it is determined that a manifold cap or an ink cartridge is present by a detection signal from the first sensor, and ink is detected by a detection signal from the second sensor. When it is determined that there is no Said When the execution of the initial introduction purge is not permitted, it is determined that the manifold cap or the ink cartridge is present based on the detection signal from the first sensor, and the ink is detected based on the detection signal from the second sensor. Said And control means for controlling to permit execution of the initial introduction purge.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, after the execution of the initial introduction purge, it is determined that there is an ink cartridge based on a detection signal from the first sensor, and the second When it is determined that there is no ink based on a detection signal from the sensor, a display requesting replacement of the ink cartridge is performed, or control is performed so that the printing operation is not permitted.
[0012]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is configured such that the ink cartridge or the manifold cap is fixed by a presser lever mounted on a carriage in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, The first sensor is provided in association with the rotation position of the presser lever, and the second sensor is disposed at an appropriate position within the range in which the carriage moves.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the second sensor reflects light from the ink cartridge or the manifold cap when there is no ink. It is comprised by the light reflection type which detects this.
[0014]
A manifold cap according to a sixth aspect is a detachable manifold cap for closing an ink supply port of a recording head mounted on a carriage in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects. One of the side surfaces is provided with a light reflecting portion for reflecting the light emitted from the second sensor.
[0015]
The manifold cap according to claim 7 is for closing a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying inks of different colors, and at least one of the ink caps has no ink by the second sensor. It is characterized by including a light reflecting portion that allows a signal to be detected.
[0016]
An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is configured such that an ink cartridge connected to a supply port of a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of a recording medium. The image forming apparatus comprises a removable manifold cap for closing the supply port of the recording head instead of the ink cartridge, and a sensor means for detecting whether the manifold cap is attached, and a detection signal from the sensor means. When it is determined that there is a manifold cap, The recording head is filled with ink supplied from the ink cartridge while all the preserving liquid in the recording head to be executed at the first power-on after the purchase of the image forming apparatus is discharged in the purge unit. Do And control means for controlling the execution of the initial introduction purge so as not to be permitted.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic right sectional view of a printer apparatus 1 serving as a facsimile as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2A is a front view of a recording unit, and FIG. 2B is a frame and a switching block body. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the carriage with the recording head unit and the ink cartridge attached, FIG. 4 is a left sectional view of the carriage, etc., FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the recording head unit, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway view of the right side of the carriage showing a state in which the recording head unit is pressed and attached with a spring, FIG. 11 is a left sectional view immediately before pressing the ink cartridge, and FIG. FIG. 13A is a side cross-sectional view of the presser lever in a state where the ink cartridge is pressed, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the manifold cap, and FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the reflecting portion. FIG. 15B is a front view, and FIG. 17 is a right side view showing a mounting state of the manifold cap.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body case of the printer apparatus 1 serving as a facsimile includes a paper feed tray 3 that houses an ink jet recording unit 2 and supplies paper P for forming an image. A main lower case 1a made of synthetic resin provided in an inclined manner on the upper side of the rear side and an upper case 1b made of synthetic resin covering the upper side of the main lower case 1a.
[0019]
A document placing portion 4 is disposed at a rear portion of the upper surface of the upper case 1b. The document placing portion 4 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the upper case 1b, and ink exchange and the like are performed from here. A document reading unit 5 as a document reading unit is attached to a front portion of the document placing unit 4, and the operation panel unit 6 covers the upper side of the document reading unit 5. On the surface of the operation panel unit 6, an operation key unit 6 a such as various function keys and numeric keys, and a display such as a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying input values at the operation key unit 6 a and various command characters (characters). Part 6b. A pair of left and right document guide bodies 8 and 8 for guiding left and right side edges of the conveyed document are mounted on the document placement unit 4 so as to be movable in the left and right direction in synchronization.
[0020]
The printer device 1 according to the present invention is configured to set various processing operations, read a document image by the document reading unit 5, read a document according to various commands from a user input according to various key operations on the operation panel unit 6. Image transmission data, transmission data encoding, transmission / reception of facsimile data to be transmitted to other facsimile machines via a communication line such as a telephone line, decoding of received data, paper in a recording unit of decoded facsimile data In addition to the normal facsimile function of executing recording on P, the document reading unit 5 uses a CIS (contact image sensor) of the original reading unit 5 and the copy (copying) process of forming a color image on the paper P by each unit of the recording unit. Function, via an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) A printer processing function for receiving the transmitted print data and forming a color image on the paper P according to the data, and a scanner processing function for transmitting the image data read using the document reading unit 5 to the external device Is also provided.
[0021]
The lower surface of the main lower case 1a is closed by a bottom cover plate 7 made of a metal plate or the like, and the inner space of the main lower case 1a is not shown but can be connected via a control board, a power supply board, and a telephone line. A control unit 9 such as an NCU (network control unit) board is provided for enabling conversation and facsimile data transmission / reception between the telephone apparatus and the facsimile apparatus. Further, although not shown, a handset for carrying out a conversation with another telephone device is placed on a cradle projecting outward from the side of the main lower case 1a. A calling speaker is fixed to the rear side of the right side surface of the main lower case 1a.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the carriage 10 in the recording unit 2 slides on a round shaft-like guide shaft 11 whose lower rear end is mounted on the lower surface side of the vertically long frame 12. It is mounted so as to be movable and rotatable.
[0023]
The timing belt 18 extending in parallel with the guide shaft 11 is fixed to an output shaft of a drive motor 19 such as a driven pulley (not shown) disposed on one side of the frame 12 and a stepping motor that can rotate forward and backward. The carriage 10 can be reciprocated in parallel with the guide shaft 11 by being wound around the drive pulley 20 and connecting one portion of the timing belt 18 to the carriage 10. The sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding tray 3 are fed from a sheet feeding roller 21 and a separation pad or a friction separation plate as a sheet feeding mechanism having a conventionally known structure disposed in the rear part of the main lower case 1a. The sheet P is separated one by one by the separating means, and the position of the leading edge of the sheet P is once adjusted at the position of the registration roller 22 and then between the lower portion of the recording head unit 15 and the platen 25. In the course of being fed and nipped and transported by a pair of upper and lower transport rollers 23 and 24 on the downstream side of the transport, ink droplets are ejected onto the upper surface of the paper P in accordance with a print command, and an image is recorded. The tray 26 is configured to be discharged.
[0024]
Further, a maintenance section 27 is provided near the moving end of the carriage 10 outside the recording area, for example, on the right side of the platen 25 shown in FIG. The maintenance unit 27 includes a nozzle wiping device (wiper device) for wiping ink drops adhering to the surface (face surface) of the nozzle unit 15 a of the recording head unit 15, and non-ejection of ink from the recording head unit 15. Alternatively, a purge device (nozzle suction device) 28 for recovering a discharge failure is arranged. In this purge device 28, the nozzle portion of the recording head unit 15 is covered with a suction cap 28a, and an LF (line feed) motor is provided. The defective ink in the recording head unit 15 is sucked by a negative pressure generated by a pump driven by 95 (may be driven by a purge-dedicated motor) to recover from the recording failure. The purge device 28 in the maintenance unit 27 is at the home position (right end in FIG. 2) of the moving end of the carriage 10, covers all the nozzles 15 a of the recording head unit 15 of the carriage 10, and dries the ink. The suction cap 28a also has a function of a protective cap. In FIG. 2, a flushing portion 29 is provided at the left end of the platen 25 so as to eliminate ink clogging by ejecting ink from each nozzle portion 15a of the color recording head unit 15 on a trial basis.
[0025]
Next, the configuration of the recording unit 2 will be described. A color ink jet type cartridge type recording head unit 15 shown in FIG. 6 and the like is detachably mounted on the carriage 10 downward. The recording head unit 15 for executing color recording has four nozzle portions 15 a for discharging ink of each color of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black on the lower surface side, and is supplied to the recording head unit 15. As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, the ink cartridge 16 for each color in which the ink to be stored is detachably mounted on the upper surface side of the recording head unit 15. Each ink cartridge 16 can be pressed and fixed downward by a presser lever 17 (four in the embodiment) that can be rotated upward and downward on the upper end side of the carriage 10.
[0026]
In the carriage 10, left and right side plates 32, 32 protrude forward from the left and right sides of the back plate 31 (see FIGS. 7 and 8), and the left and right sides of the bottom plate of the recording head unit 15 are at the lower ends of the side plates 32. Are supported so that the nozzle portion 15a of the recording head unit 15 is exposed downwardly between the bottom support portions 33, 33. A storage portion D1 is configured (see FIGS. 2, 7, 8, and 9). Accordingly, the head storage portion D1 is formed on the side facing the back plate 31 and above. Is big As shown in FIG. 8, the recording head unit 15 and the ink cartridge 16 can be extremely easily detached from the front upper direction of the carriage 10 as shown in FIG.
[0027]
An example of an elastic pressing body is provided in the mounting hole 38 provided on the upper end side outside the left and right side plates 32, 32, while the recess 35 is provided at the front edge part of the left and right side plates 32, 32 in the carriage 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the base ends of the metal wire springs 36 and 36 having elasticity are attached to be rotatable (the left side is shown in FIG. 4 and the right side is shown in FIG. 10). Further, a first lock which is below the recesses 35 and 35 and is fixed to the outer surfaces of the left and right side plates 32 and 32 so that the lower end side (free end side) of each wire spring 36 is immovably moved upward. The part 37 is formed so as to protrude, and a second locking part 39 in the form of a diagonally downward hook is provided at a position slightly spaced downward from the part 37 so that the free end side of each wire spring 36 does not come off the outside of the side plate 32.
[0028]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the recording head unit 15 is provided with a nozzle portion 15a on the lower surface side of the bottom plate 15b, and the bottom plate 15b, the left and right side plates 15c and 15c, the back plate 15d, and the short front plate. The interior surrounded by 15e constitutes an ink cartridge storage portion D2 that is open upward and forward for storing the ink cartridge 16. In the ink cartridge storage portion D2, as described above, the four manifold ports 62 that coincide with the ink discharge ports 16a (see FIGS. 8 and 11) on the lower surface of the four-color ink cartridge 16 have the upper surface of the bottom plate 15b. In addition, a partition plate 15f is erected so that the ink cartridges 16 of the respective colors can be partitioned and arranged.
[0029]
Engagement pins 34 and 34 (see FIG. 6) as an example of a pressed portion are protruded laterally at the upper portion on the outer surfaces of the left and right side plates 15c and 15c of the recording head unit 15, and also on the right side. Near the lower part of the outer surface of the plate 15 c, a contact block 45 that abuts on a cam 44 a (see FIG. 10) in an inclination adjusting mechanism 44 provided on the carriage 10 side when the right and left inclination of the recording head unit 15 is adjusted protrudes. Further, abutting projections 46, 46 projecting rearward are formed near the upper ends of the left and right sides of the back plate 15d (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 10). The bottom plate 15b of the recording head unit 15 is integrally provided with bottom support portions 47 that slightly protrude downward on both the left and right sides, and one of the bottom support portions 47 (left side) is further positioned to protrude downward. A protrusion 47a is provided.
[0030]
In order to accurately position and firmly fix the recording head unit 15 disposed in the head housing part D1 whose upper and front sides are opened in the carriage 10, first, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the recording head unit is used. Engagement pins 34, 34 as an example of pressed portions projecting outward from the left and right sides of 15 are disposed in recesses 35 formed in the left and right side plates 32, 32 of the carriage 10. Then, the bottom abutment 47 is mounted on the bottom support portions 33, 33 on the left and right sides of the carriage 10, and the receiving groove 48 (recessed) is formed in one (left side) bottom support portion 33. The positioning protrusion 47a is fitted to and supported by FIG. In this state, in the longitudinal middle part of the wire spring 36 (shown on the left side in FIG. 4 and on the right side in FIG. 10) rotatably attached to the mounting hole 38 on the upper end side outside the left and right side plates 32, 32. Then, the position of each engagement pin 34 is pressed obliquely downward, while the lower end side (free end side) of each wire spring 36 is moved upward by a first locking portion 37 formed to protrude outside the side plate 32. Further, it is locked so that the free end side of each wire spring 36 is not disengaged from the outside of the side plate 32 by a second locking portion 39 having a hook shape that is obliquely downward.
[0031]
4 and FIG. 10, the engaging pin 34 of the recording head unit 15 is inclined toward the back side of the carriage 10 in the middle of each linear spring 36 extending obliquely downward. By pressing in the direction, the abutting force is applied to the projecting support portions (abutting surfaces) 49, 49 on the rear plate 31 of the carriage 10 with the X component force (X direction (horizontal direction) in FIG. 8) of the pressing force. The protrusions 46 and 46 are pressed and abutted in a substantially horizontal direction (see FIGS. 9 and 10), and the contact block 45 is pressed against the cam 44a (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, the downward force from the bottom pad 47 can be supported by the bottom support portions 33 on the left and right sides of the carriage 10 by the Y component force in the Y direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8). Further, by setting the inclination angle θ of the linear spring 36 with respect to the vertical line to 45 degrees or more, the X component force can be designed to be larger than the Y component force, whereby the carriage 10 of the recording head unit 15 can be designed. It is necessary to make the pressing force against the back support portion larger than the pressing force toward the bottom support portion 33 so that the carriage can be firmly attached to the back plate 31 having high rigidity, and the bottom support portion 33 needs to have high rigidity. Absent. Further, the recording head unit 15 can be attached to the carriage 10 firmly and without rattling, and the posture and positioning of the recording head unit 15 are facilitated. In addition, since the head storage portion D1 is largely open with respect to the front side of the carriage 10 (and thus the front side of the printer apparatus 1), it is extremely easy to attach and detach the recording head unit 15 from the front side of the printer apparatus 1.
[0032]
Next, the configuration for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 12 (a), 12 (b), 13 (a), and 13 (b). As shown in the drawing, a pivot shaft 63 is installed horizontally on the upper end side of the left and right side plates 32, 32 in the carriage 10, and the base end of the presser lever 17 for individually pressing the upper surface of each ink cartridge 16. The side is rotatably supported by the pivot shaft 63 through a mounting hole 64 having a downward dharma shape. The lower diameter of the mounting hole 64 is substantially equal to the diameter of the pivot shaft 63, and the upper diameter of the mounting hole 64 is set to about 1.5 times the diameter of the pivot shaft 63. One end 65a of a torsion spring 65 as an example of an urging means loosely fitted to the pivot shaft 63 is locked to the upper locking portion 31a of the back plate 31 in the carriage 10, and always rotates upward. It is biased in the direction (see FIGS. 4, 12 (a) and 13 (a)).
[0033]
A pressing block 66 as a pressing means for pressing the upper surface of each ink cartridge 16 downward is mounted on the pressing lever 17 so as to be able to move up and down and not drop off, at a portion near the free end of the U-shaped section. The pressing block 66 is biased downward via a biasing spring 67 disposed between the top plate of the presser lever 17 and the pressing block 66. Then, the pressing point of the ink cartridge 16 by the pressing block 66, and thus the pressing force in the Y direction, is set to be in the vicinity of a manifold port 62 as an example of an ink supply port in the recording head unit 15. Thus, in a fixed state where the recording head unit 15 of the carriage 10 is pressed in the XY direction by the wire spring 36, the recording head unit 15 does not move further in the XY direction. By pressing the recording head unit 15 downward in the Y direction through the ink cartridge 16, the ink cartridge 16 can be firmly attached without imposing a large external force load on the bottom support portions 33, 33 of the carriage 10.
[0034]
Since the presser lever 17 is loosely fitted to the pivot shaft 63 through a mounting hole 64 that is long in the vertical direction, the ink cartridge 16 is not mounted and the presser lever 17 is in an open state as shown in FIG. In some cases, the pivot shaft 63 is in contact with the upper end of the mounting hole 64 so that the locking surface 68 and the lock portion 69a are not engaged. When the upper part of the open end side of the presser lever 17 is pressed downward, the ink block 16 is pressed against the ink cartridge 16 by the press block 66 on the front side of the presser lever 17. The base end side of the presser lever 17 moves upward around the pressing point, and as shown in FIG. 11, the presser lever 17 rotates while contacting the lower surface of the upper end cover plate 69, and the upper end cover plate 69 is cut. The base end side of the presser lever 17 jumps up by the length of the long hole of the mounting hole 64 to come into contact with the pivot shaft 63 and the lower end of the mounting hole 64, so that the locking surface 68 and the lock portion 69a can be engaged with each other. The vertical locking surface 68 of the substantially triangular shape as a locking portion on the proximal end side of the presser lever 17 is a front end of the upper end cover plate 69 of the carriage 10. It is held engaged with the lock portion 69a and the posture is (see FIGS. 4 and 13 (a)). That is, the reaction force (reaction moment) of the pressing lever 17 that presses the upper surface of the ink cartridge 16 downward in the Y direction is applied to the locking portion on the proximal end side (rear plate 31 side) of the carriage 10 where the locking surface 68 has high rigidity. Since the balance is maintained by the pressing force against 69a, there is no need to increase the rigidity of the front side of the carriage 10 facing the back plate 31, and the carriage 10 can be configured compactly. Further, since a click feeling is obtained when the proximal end side of the presser lever 17 jumps up, it is easy to understand whether or not it is locked.
[0035]
In order to release the pressure on the ink cartridge 16, when the operation portion 70 near the base on the upper surface of the presser lever 17 is pressed downward, the base end side of the presser lever 17 moves downward via the mounting hole 64, and the engagement When the stop surface 68 is disengaged from the lock portion 69a having high rigidity, the front side (free end side) of the presser lever 17 can be largely rotated upward by the biasing force of the torsion spring 65, and the upper front side of the carriage 10 can be rotated. A large space is formed, and the ink cartridge 16 can be attached and detached easily (see FIGS. 8 and 11). In this case, the operation unit 70 can be brought into contact with the lock unit 69a to maintain the upward rotation posture (see FIG. 12A).
[0036]
The vertical dimension of the lock portion 69a is shorter than the range in which the presser lever 17 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the pivot 63 (the value obtained by subtracting the diameter of the pivot 63 from the vertical length of the mounting hole 64). By setting, the amount of downward movement of the operation unit 70 can be reduced and the lock can be easily released.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 13 (b), since the regulating piece 71 is protruded downward on the lower surface in the front-rear direction midway of the presser lever 17 having a U-shaped cross-section, the presser lever 17 is pressed. The left and right side edges of the restriction piece 71 are in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of the left and right upward side plates 72, 72 on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 16, so that the ink cartridge 16 can be restricted so as not to tilt in the left-right direction.
[0038]
Next, referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, the configuration of the manifold cap 14 for covering the upper surface of the recording head unit 15 instead of the ink cartridge 16 and sealing the manifold port 62 as the ink supply port, and its Sensor means as detection means will be described. The manifold cap 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and the like corresponds to the recording head unit 15 for color printing (four colors) and is semitransparent such as milky white made of synthetic resin that can seal the four manifold ports 62 at a stroke. It is a one-piece. That is, the manifold cap 14 includes a rearward box 75 that is opened toward the back plate 31 in the carriage 10, and a substantially disk-shaped sealing portion 76 corresponding to the four manifold ports 62 is formed on the lower plate 75 a. Projected on the bottom surface. In addition, a pair of left and right foot pieces 77 and 77 and a pair of left and right arms 78 and 78 projecting rearward from the upper and lower middle portions of the lower plate 75a and the left and right side plates 75b and 75b of the box body 75 are connected to the manifold cap 14. When fitted in the recording head unit 15, it is configured to abut against the back plate 15 a and not to fall down. The left and right side plates 75b, 75b have elastic pieces 79, 79 extending downward from the top plate 75c of the box 75, and have engaging claws 80, 80 at their lower ends. It is comprised so that it may engage elastically with the locking hole 101 drilled in both sides 15c and 15c. On the inner surface of the front plate 75d of the box body 75, a vertically long prismatic light reflecting portion 81 is integrally formed. The top plate 75c of the box body 75 is a place where the pressing block 66 of the pressing lever 17 contacts.
[0039]
On the other hand, in order to detect whether or not the regular ink cartridge 16 or the manifold cap 14 is attached to the carriage 10 and thus the ink cartridge housing portion D2 of the recording head unit 15 near the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 31 of the carriage 10. A first sensor 73 is provided as the sensor means. A specific example of the first sensor 73 is a total of four limit switches. When the presser lever 17 presses the regular ink cartridge 16 and a manifold cap 14 to be described later and the locking surface 68 is engaged with the lock portion 69a, the rotatable sensing lever 73a is a presser lever. 17 is pressed by the base end portion of the 17 and the sensing portion of the first sensor (limit switch) 73 is pushed to output a predetermined signal (ON). When the free end side of the presser lever 17 is upward, and the ink cartridge 16 or the manifold cap 14 is not mounted. of Thus, when the free end of the presser lever 17 is inclined downward, it is determined that the ink cartridge 16 or the manifold cap 14 is not present, and an OFF signal is output.
[0040]
The second sensor 74 shown in FIG. 17 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, irradiates detection light such as infrared rays from the light projecting unit toward the detected unit, and receives the light reflected by the detected unit. If the light is received, the signal becomes ON, and when it does not receive light, the signal becomes OFF. The second sensor 74 is arranged on the left side of the maintenance unit 27 and in the return area (L2). The first function of the second sensor 74 is provided on the front side of each ink cartridge 16 on the front side of the carriage 10 in order to detect the presence or absence of ink in each color ink cartridge 16 mounted on the carriage 10. The detection light is irradiated toward the prism-like light reflecting portion 82 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The light reflecting portion 82 is formed at the same height and inclination as the light reflecting portion 81 in the manifold cap 14.
[0041]
The ink cartridge 16 is not shown, but the inside of the hollow box-like body is partitioned into an air introduction chamber, a main ink chamber, and a sub ink chamber by a partition wall, and the main ink chamber is porous so as to be impregnated with ink. Quality is stored. When the ink in the main ink chamber is completely consumed, the ink in the sub ink chamber is supplied to the manifold port 62 of the recording head unit 15. In a state where the sub ink chamber is filled with ink, the light refractive index of the ink and the prismatic light reflecting portion 82 is substantially the same, and the light irradiated from the second sensor 74 enters the sub ink chamber. Since the light is not reflected by the light reflecting portion 82, an OFF signal is output, and the control portion 9 described later determines that ink is present. On the other hand, when the ink level in the sub ink chamber comes below the light reflecting portion 82, the light emitted from the second sensor 74 is reflected by the light reflecting portion 82, received by the light receiving portion, and outputs an ON signal. Then, it is determined that there is no ink by the control unit 9 described later.
[0042]
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 9, which is an electronic control means of the microcomputer, which is a CPU 90 for executing control such as an initial introduction operation described later, and a ROM storing a program for executing the control. (Read-only memory) 91, RAM (temporarily readable / writable memory) 92 for temporarily storing various data, non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 93 storing data even when the power is turned off, power supply A switch 94, a first sensor 73, a second sensor 74, a motor that drives the registration roller 22, and the like, and an LF motor 95 that also drives the purge device 28 disposed in the maintenance unit 27; A carriage motor 96 for reciprocating the carriage left and right, and a print driving cycle for driving the recording head unit 15. It is connected like 97.
[0043]
Next, initial introduction control and the like by the first power-on after the user purchases the printer apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. As described above, at the time of shipment from the factory, the recording head unit 15 set in the carriage 10 is filled with a preserving liquid in advance, and the manifold port 62 is sealed as shown in FIG. 14 is set in the recording head unit 15 and is locked by the presser lever 17. Further, in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM), the flag F is set to 1 in order to determine whether or not the power is first turned on after the product is purchased and to perform the initial introduction purge only when the power is first turned on. It is assumed that it is set.
[0044]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, when the user turns on the power switch 94 (S1), initial values are set (S2). In this initial value setting, general initialization, for example, operation such as memory clear of the RAM 92 is performed. Next, the carriage motor 96 is operated to operate to detect the origin (in the embodiment, the home position position 28 is the origin, but it may be the left end position or other position) (S3). The origin is a reference for executing various processes on the recording head unit 15 and executing a printing operation in accordance with the moving distance from that position to the left (or to the right if the origin is the left end position).
[0045]
Before the origin detection is performed, it is checked whether the printer cover (document placement unit 4) is closed and whether the first sensor 73 outputs an ON signal. Both are satisfied. The origin detection is executed only when it is set. That is, the fact that the first sensor 73 does not output an ON signal means that the corresponding presser lever 17 is not locked, and in this state, the tip of the presser lever 17 protrudes upward. Therefore, the carriage 10 cannot be moved. Further, even if all the presser levers 17 are locked, it is dangerous to move the carriage 10 with the printer cover open.
[0046]
Next, the detection operation of the first sensor 73 is executed to check whether an ON signal is output (S4). Normally, in the printer apparatus 1 that has been unwrapped immediately after purchase, the manifold sensor 14 is locked by the presser lever 17 as described above, and therefore the first sensor 73 outputs an ON signal. Next, the carriage 10 is moved to stop at a position where the light reflecting portion 81 of the manifold cap 14 faces the second sensor 74, and the detection operation by the second sensor 74 is started (S5). Next, it is determined whether or not the flag F is 1 (S6). When the power is turned on for the first time, since the initial introduction operation has not yet been performed, the flag F = 1 (S6: yes), and the presence or absence of ink is determined based on the detection operation by the second sensor 74 (S7). ). Since there are a plurality of light reflecting portions 81 in the manifold cap 14 along the movement direction of the carriage 10, the second sensor 74 detects whether or not there is light reflection for each of the light reflecting portions 81. Then, in the light reflecting portion 81 of the manifold cap 14 where ink is not present, the detection light from the light projecting portion is reflected by the effect of the prism, and when no ink signal is detected for at least one color, there is no ink. (S7: yes). In this case, since the flag F is 1 as described above, it is determined that the manifold cap 14 is attached to the carriage 10, and the display unit 6b of the printer apparatus 1 is prompted to remove the manifold cap 14. Display (S8).
[0047]
In accordance with this display, the user opens the printer cover (document placement portion 4) while reading the instruction manual (S9), and performs the ink cartridge replacement operation (S10). In this case, since the manifold cap 14 is mounted, the new (unused) ink cartridge 16 is mounted after the manifold cap 14 is removed. Then, by locking each presser lever 17, when the mounting of the ink cartridges 16 for each color is completed, the printer cover is closed (S11). Thereafter, when a predetermined key operation is performed to execute the purge operation, in response to this, it is checked again whether all the first sensors 73 output the ON signal (S4), then the second The detection operation of the sensor 74 is executed (S5), and it is further determined whether or not the initial introduction operation is completed (S6). At this stage, since the initial introduction operation has not yet been performed (S6: yes), the presence / absence of ink by the detection of the second sensor 74 is determined again (S7). At this stage, since the ink is “full” (full) in any of the four color ink cartridges 16, the detection light from the light projecting unit in the second sensor 74 is reflected in the prismatic light reflecting unit 82. Not reflected by. Accordingly, since the light receiving unit cannot receive the signal and an OFF signal is output, it is determined that all four colors have ink (S7: no). As a result, it is determined that the regular ink cartridge 16 is mounted, and the initial introduction purge operation is executed (S12). In the initial introduction purge, after all the preserving liquid in the recording head unit 15 has been sucked out at the location of the purge device 28, a plurality of suction purges are performed so that the recording head is filled with ink supplied from the ink cartridge 16. Execute. When this is completed, the flag F is converted to 0, and the value of the flag F is stored in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 93. The value of the flag F = 0 is held as it is even when the power switch 94 is turned off. However, for example, when the recording head unit 15 or the carriage 10 is converted to a factory due to a failure or the like, exchange / repair is performed, and then returned to the user, the flag F = 1 is reset.
[0048]
In this way, after the initial introduction operation is completed, it is possible to shift to a normal printing operation.
[0049]
During the printing operation after the initial introduction operation is completed, the presence or absence of ink in the ink cartridge 16 is monitored by the detection operation in step S5. In step S6, since the flag F = 0 (S6: no), the monitored state is displayed on the display unit 6b in step S14.
[0050]
When there is an indication that there is no ink of any color among the ink cartridges 16 of a plurality of colors or the print standby state, and there is an indication that there is no ink, the printer cover was opened and the ink cartridge was replaced. The rear printer cover may be closed (steps S9 to S11).
[0051]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the manifold cap 14 is normally removed by using the first sensor 73 and the second sensor 74 for detecting the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 16 or the presence or absence of ink. Thus, the initial introduction operation can be performed safely and reliably, and after the initial introduction operation is performed, the presence or absence of the ink cartridge and the ink can be monitored.
[0052]
As a modification, the carriage 10 has a shape different from that of the first sensor 73 associated with the presser lever 17 by using the different shapes of the ink cartridge 16 and the manifold cap 14. Sensor means capable of discriminating and detecting the manifold cap 14 and the ink cartridge 16 is provided. According to the detection result of the sensor means, when the manifold cap is set, an indication to remove it is given to alert the user, It is also possible to control so that the initial introduction operation can be surely executed.
[0053]
Further, the second sensor 74 may move left and right within the movement range of the carriage 10. The May be arranged at any suitable position in the middle, and by providing it at a location convenient for monitoring the presence or absence of ink during a normal printing operation, the installation of a separate sensor can be dispensed with.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the gap adjustment mechanism 30 adjusts the size of the gap between the face surface of the recording head unit 15 (the lower surface of the nozzle portion 15a) and the paper P.
[0055]
On the upper end side of the rear plate 31 in the carriage 10, a rearward downward bracket portion 40 is integrally formed via a pair of left and right bracket connecting portions 40a, 40a. As shown in FIG. 5 (a) which is a back view and FIG. 5 (b) which is a front view, the switching block body 13 made of synthetic resin which is rotatably attached to the bracket portion 40 is viewed from the front (back surface). (View) It is formed in a fan shape, and the rearward pivot shaft 50 at its upper end is rotatably fitted in a support hole 41 formed in the bracket portion 40. The switching block body 13 is provided between an unsprung mounting portion 51 projecting backward at the center of the lower end of the switching block body 13 and a sprung mounting portion 42 projecting rearward at the upper end of the bracket portion 40. Are switched by a switching coil spring 43 as urging means for maintaining the posture (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The switching block body 13 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D is mounted on the upper end portion of the carriage 10, and the first contact portion 52 or the second contact portion 53 in the switching block body 13 is the frame 12. Is in sliding contact with a linear sliding contact portion 12a on the back side of the upper portion of the head. When the switching block body 13 is pivoted to the left and right, the fan-shaped end surface of the switching block body 13 is in contact with the lower surface of one of the left and right bracket connecting portions 40a (40a) and beyond. The angle is regulated so as not to rotate.
[0056]
As shown in FIGS. 5 (b), 5 (c) and 5 (d), the switching block body 13 has a height higher than the sliding contact portion 12 a on the back upper end side of the frame 12. A first abutment portion 52 and a second abutment portion 53 that selectively abut at different heights are connected via an inclined guide surface 54. The first contact portion 52, the second contact portion 53, and the inclined guide surface 54 are set so that the radial distances from the central axis of the pivot 50 are substantially equal. The first contact portion 52 has a large height dimension H1 from the surface of the switching block body 13, and the second contact portion 53 has a small height dimension H2. Further, on the surface of the switching block body 13, a switching contact portion 55 is integrally projected in a forward direction at a position where the radial distance from the central axis of the pivot 50 is shorter than the contact portions 52 and 53. ing.
[0057]
On the other hand, the frame 12 has a horizontal rail portion 12b bent forward at a position higher than the sliding contact portion 12a, and in the vicinity of the left end of the horizontal rail portion 12b (on the left side of the flushing portion 29). Is provided with a first posture changing piece 56 cut and raised in a substantially vertical direction as posture changing means for switching and guiding the horizontal rotation posture of the switching block body 13. Near the right end of the horizontal rail portion 12b (approximately the center side in the left-right direction of the maintenance portion 27), a second posture changing piece 57 having a front-view chevron shape (H shape) is provided (see FIG. 2).
[0058]
The operation and action of adjusting the size of the gap (gap) between the recording head unit 1 and the upper surface of the platen 25 (the surface and the passage path of the paper P as a recording medium) having the above configuration will be described. For example, when the printer processing function is executed, printer driver software installed in an external device such as a personal computer is started. Then, the type of recording medium (paper P) to be printed (recorded) is selected. At this time, when plain paper is selected, the gap can be set small, and when an envelope is selected, the gap can be set large.
[0059]
First, the case of printing on plain paper will be described. When the print command is issued, the carriage 10 located at the home position (purge device) 28 in FIG. Further, when the carriage 10 (switching block body 13) moves to the left (arrow A direction) in FIG. 2B, the side surface of the switching contact portion 55 is substantially perpendicular to the first posture changing piece 56. Colliding with the right surface, the switching block 13 rotates counterclockwise in front view.
[0060]
In this case, the central axis of the switching coil spring 43 (the line connecting the sprung mounting portion 42 and the unsprung mounting portion 51) approaches the center of the pivot 50 that is the rotation center of the switching block body 13 from the left side, and the inclined guide surface When 54 is rotated while being in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion 12a and further moved to the right, the switching block body 13 is rotated counterclockwise so that the right side thereof is upward by moving beyond the so-called fulcrum. The second abutting portion 53 having a small height in the front surface of the switching block body 13 is rotated so as to approach the back surface of the vertical frame 12. Accordingly, the face surface, which is the lower surface of the nozzle portion 15a of the recording head unit 15 in the carriage 10, approaches the upper surface of the platen 25, and the posture is changed to a state where the gap dimension G1 is small.
[0061]
Next, the carriage 10 is moved in the right direction (arrow B direction) in FIG. 2B, and characters and the like can be printed on plain paper within the recordable (printable) range of L1. Note that the range of L2 including the recordable (printable) range L1 is a range of carriage return in the case of writing on plain paper, and is on the left side of a position to be switched so as to increase the gap described later (FIG. 2 ( b)).
[0062]
That is, when printing on plain paper, it is necessary to move the carriage 10 within the range L2 with the acceleration distance (ΔL) added to the left and right sides of the recordable range L1 of plain paper. Even when 10 moves, the gap is still kept small (the switching contact portion 55 does not contact the mountain-shaped second posture changing piece 57).
[0063]
Therefore, the posture changing operation by the second posture changing piece 57 for increasing the gap is performed at the right side position further than the right end position of L2, and the home is positioned at the right side of the position where the posture changing operation is further performed. On the other hand, the flushing position is at least on the left side of the left end position of the recordable range L1, further on the left side of the flushing position, and on the left side of the left end position of L2. Since the posture changing operation is performed by the first posture changing piece 56 for reducing the cap, the gap is kept small at least while the carriage 10 reciprocates within the range of L2. Printing on plain paper is performed as it is. Further, during the printing, for example, even when flushing is performed at regular intervals, the flushing operation is performed with the gap kept small.
[0064]
When printing on a thick paper envelope, unless the gap is increased, the envelope moving along the paper conveyance path contacts the nozzle portion 15a and stains the envelope surface with ink. Therefore, the gap is changed and adjusted so as to increase. In this case, for example, if the previous printing operation was printing on plain paper, the carriage 10 is moved to the home position (cap position) 28 after the printing is finished, and the carriage 10 is moved as shown in FIG. When moved in the right direction (arrow B direction), as the switching contact portion 55 gets over the upper end portion of the mountain-shaped second posture changing piece 57, the switching block body 13 rotates clockwise, and the inclined guide surface 54 The first contact portion 52 having a high height is selected so as to change to a posture in which it slides on the sliding portion 12a of the frame 12. At this time, when the center line of the switching coil spring 43 connecting the sprung attachment part 42 and the unsprung attachment part 51 shifts to the left side of the center line of the pivot 50 and exceeds the fulcrum, the switching block body 13 has its left side at the upper position. The posture is quickly changed so that the posture is maintained by the urging force of the switching coil spring 43.
[0065]
Accordingly, the first abutting portion 52 having a large height in the front surface of the switching block body 13 on the upper side of the carriage 10 slides on the sliding portion 12a on the back surface of the vertical frame 12, so that the guide shaft 11 As a result, the lower surface side of the carriage 10 is turned upward (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) and turned so as to increase the gap dimension G1 (see FIG. 4).
[0066]
When printing on an envelope, the recordable range L3 of the envelope is narrower than the recordable range L1 of plain paper and is set on the inner side of L1, so that an acceleration distance is provided on each of the left and right sides of L3. When the carriage 10 is moved within the range of L4 to which (ΔL) is added, even when the carriage 10 is moved to the left end position of L4, and even when the carriage 10 is moved to the flushing position, the gap is still large. (The switching contact portion 55 does not collide with the substantially vertical first posture changing piece 56).
[0067]
Therefore, at least as long as the carriage 10 reciprocates within the range of L4, printing on the envelope is performed with the gap kept large. Further, during the printing, for example, even when flushing is performed at regular time intervals, the flushing operation is performed with the gap kept large. For this reason, every time flushing is performed, there is no need to perform an operation of moving the carriage 10 to the position where the switching contact portion 55 contacts the mountain-shaped second posture changing piece 57, and the printing operation on the envelope Can proceed quickly.
[0068]
The present invention can be applied to the case where the recording head is integrally formed on the carriage 10, and the nozzle portion 15 a of the recording head 15 is arranged not horizontally but horizontally. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration such as the carriage 10.
[0069]
Further, the light reflecting portions of the ink cartridge 16 and the manifold cap 14 are not only the prism shape but also a plate or film shape such as a mirror surface on the surface if at least the presence or absence of ink can be detected. You may provide by attaching. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to the printer apparatus described above but also to a copying machine and an image scanner.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the ink cartridge connected to the supply port of the recording head is detachably mounted on the carriage that can reciprocate in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a removable manifold cap for closing the supply port of the recording head instead of the ink cartridge; and sensor means for detecting the presence or absence of ink, After purchasing the image forming device When it is determined that there is no ink by the detection signal from the sensor means at the first power-on, The recording head is filled with the ink supplied from the ink cartridge while discharging all the preservative liquid in the recording head at the purge unit. Control means for controlling the execution of the initial introduction purge so as not to be permitted is provided. By controlling in this way, the user Forgetting to remove it, the initial introduction purge is performed with the manifold cap set, and the problem that normal printing cannot be performed can be prevented without fail, so the start-up of the image forming apparatus is safe. And there is an effect that it can be surely performed.
[0071]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the sensor means includes a first sensor that detects whether the manifold cap or the ink cartridge is attached, and the ink cartridge. And a second sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink. When the power is first turned on, it is determined that a manifold cap or an ink cartridge is present by a detection signal from the first sensor, and ink is detected by a detection signal from the second sensor. When it is determined that there is no ink, the execution of the initial introduction purge is not permitted. When it is determined that the manifold cap or the ink cartridge is present based on the detection signal from the first sensor, and the ink is detected based on the detection signal from the second sensor. And a control means for controlling to permit execution of the initial introduction purge. Than is.
[0072]
As described above, since the presence or absence of the manifold cap can be detected by using the first sensor and the second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the ink cartridge and the presence or absence of the ink, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified and compact.
[0073]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, after the execution of the initial introduction purge, it is determined that there is an ink cartridge based on a detection signal from the first sensor, and the second When it is determined that there is no ink based on a detection signal from the sensor, a display requesting replacement of the ink cartridge is performed, or control is performed so that the printing operation is not permitted.
[0074]
As described above, after the initial introduction purge is performed, the first sensor and the second sensor can be used for monitoring the presence or absence of a normal ink cartridge and ink, so that the control system is simplified, and the result is obtained. If the display or the control for disabling the printing work is executed, the user can carry out the wrong work to guide the image forming apparatus so as not to break down.
[0075]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is configured such that the ink cartridge or the manifold cap is fixed by a presser lever mounted on a carriage in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, Since the first sensor is provided in relation to the rotation position of the presser lever, the user can automatically detect the presence or absence of the manifold cap or the presence or absence of the ink cartridge as the manifold cap is removed or the ink cartridge is attached or detached. There is an effect that detection can be eliminated. Further, since the second sensor is disposed at an appropriate position within the range in which the carriage moves, the presence or absence of ink can be detected in accordance with the movement operation of the carriage, and no special operation is required. Play.
[0076]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the second sensor reflects light from an ink cartridge or a manifold cap when there is no ink. This is a so-called non-contact type sensor that is not interfered with the movement of the carriage, ink cartridge, or manifold cap, and is compact and compact. Play.
[0077]
A manifold cap according to a sixth aspect is a detachable manifold cap for closing an ink supply port of a recording head mounted on a carriage in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects. One of the side surfaces is provided with a light reflecting portion for reflecting the light emitted from the second sensor. With this configuration, there is an effect that the second sensor can determine that the manifold cap is out of ink.
[0078]
The manifold cap according to claim 7 is for closing a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying inks of different colors, and at least one of the ink caps has no ink by the second sensor. Since it is characterized by including a light reflecting portion that allows a signal to be detected, the manifold cap can be reliably determined as having no ink.
[0079]
An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is configured such that an ink cartridge connected to a supply port of a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of a recording medium. The image forming apparatus comprises a removable manifold cap for closing the supply port of the recording head instead of the ink cartridge, and a sensor means for detecting whether the manifold cap is attached, and a detection signal from the sensor means. When it is determined that there is a manifold cap, The recording head is filled with ink supplied from the ink cartridge while all the preserving liquid in the recording head to be executed at the first power-on after the purchase of the image forming apparatus is discharged in the purge unit. Do And control means for controlling the execution of the initial introduction purge so as not to be permitted. By controlling in this way, it is possible to prevent the problem that normal printing cannot be performed in advance without fail because the initial introduction purge is performed with the manifold cap set because the user forgot to remove it. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be started up safely and reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a printer apparatus.
2A is a schematic front view showing a left-right movement state of a carriage relative to a frame, and FIG. 2B is a schematic front view showing a positional relationship of a switching block body with respect to the frame.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a recording unit in a state where a gap is small.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a recording unit with a large gap.
5A is a rear view, FIG. 5B is a front view, FIG. 5C is a left side view, and FIG. 5D is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line Vd-Vd in FIG. 5B. It is a figure and is a figure which shows the height of a contact part.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a recording head unit.
FIG. 7 is a front view of a carriage on which a recording head unit is mounted.
8 is a side sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a right side view of a carriage on which a recording head unit is mounted.
FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the carriage showing a state before the ink cartridge is fixed.
12A is a side view showing a state where the presser lever is largely opened, and FIG. 12B is a view taken along the line XIIb-XIIb in FIG. 12A.
13A is a side view showing a state in which the presser lever is closed, and FIG. 13B is a partially cutaway view taken along line XIIIb-XIIIb in FIG. 13A.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a manifold cap.
15A is a front view of a manifold cap, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of a light reflecting portion.
16A is a side view of a manifold cap, and FIG. 16B is a bottom view.
FIG. 17 is a side view of the carriage showing a state in which a manifold cap is fixed to the carriage.
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of the carriage showing a state before the manifold cap is fixed.
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a control device.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of initial introduction operation control and the like.
[Explanation of symbols]
P paper
1 Printer device
2 Recording section
3 Paper tray
10 Carriage
14 Manifold cap
15 Recording head unit
15a Nozzle part
16 Ink cartridge
17 Presser lever
31 Back plate
32, 32 left and right side plates
33, 33 Bottom support
36 wire spring
37 First locking portion
38 Mounting hole
62 Manifold as ink supply port
63 Pivot axis
64 mounting hole
65 Torsion spring as biasing means
66 Presser block
68 Locking surface as locking part
69a Lock part
73 First sensor
74 Second sensor
75 box
76 Sealing part
81 Light reflector
82 Light reflector

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus in which an ink cartridge connected to a supply port of a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction that intersects a conveyance direction of a recording medium.
A detachable manifold cap for closing the recording head supply port instead of the ink cartridge;
Sensor means for detecting the presence or absence of ink,
When it is determined that there is no ink based on a detection signal from the sensor means when the power is turned on for the first time after the purchase of the image forming apparatus, all of the storage liquid in the recording head is ejected by the purge unit while the ink is discharged. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control so as not to permit execution of an initial introduction purge that fills a recording head with ink supplied from a cartridge . The sensor means includes a first sensor that detects whether the manifold cap or the ink cartridge is mounted;
A second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of ink in the ink cartridge;
During the initial power up, the at by the detection signal first sensor determines that there manifold cap also ink cartridges, when it is determined that no ink is in and the detection signal by the second sensor, execution of the initial introduction purge Disallowed,
The first determines that there manifold cap also an ink cartridge in accordance with the detection signal sensor, and when it is determined that there is ink in the detection signal by the second sensor, control means for controlling to allow execution of the initial introduction purge The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   After performing the initial introduction purge, when it is determined that there is an ink cartridge based on the detection signal from the first sensor and it is determined that there is no ink based on the detection signal from the second sensor, a display requesting replacement of the ink cartridge is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so as to perform or prohibit the printing operation.   The ink cartridge or the manifold cap is fixed by a presser lever mounted on the carriage, the first sensor is provided in relation to the rotation position of the presser lever, and the carriage is moved by the second sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed at an appropriate position within a range.   The said 2nd sensor is comprised by the light reflection type which detects that light is reflected from the said ink cartridge or a manifold cap when there is no ink, The any one of Claim 2 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   6. A detachable manifold cap for closing an ink supply port of a recording head mounted on a carriage in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second side is provided on one side thereof. A manifold cap comprising a light reflecting portion for reflecting light emitted from a sensor.   The manifold cap according to claim 6 is for closing a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying inks of different colors, and for at least one of the colors, there is no ink by the second sensor. A manifold cap comprising a light reflecting portion for detecting the above-mentioned signal. In an image forming apparatus in which an ink cartridge connected to a supply port of a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction that intersects a conveyance direction of a recording medium.
A detachable manifold cap for closing the recording head supply port instead of the ink cartridge;
Sensor means for detecting the presence or absence of mounting of the manifold cap,
When it is determined by the detection signal from the sensor means that a manifold cap is present , all the preserving liquid in the recording head to be executed at the first power-on after the purchase of the image forming apparatus is stored in the purge unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control so as not to permit execution of an initial introduction purge that fills a recording head with ink supplied from an ink cartridge while discharging .

Images