JP4497678B2 - Liquid discharge recording head and recording apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge recording head,and,Recording device provided with the sameInRelated. In addition to a general printing apparatus, the present invention is an apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile having a communication system, a word processor having a printing unit, and an industrial recording apparatus combined with various processing apparatuses. Can be applied.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Inkjet recording apparatuses have been put to practical use as recording apparatuses that perform a recording operation on the recording surface of a recording medium. In general, an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink cartridge having a recording head that ejects ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium, as also shown in FIGS.
[0003]
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the ink cartridge includes ink tanks 4Y, 4M, and 4C that store inks of predetermined colors, for example, yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively, and an ink tank 4Y. ˜4C, a recording element substrate 10 provided at the bottom of the holder 2 for ejecting ink from the ink tanks 4Y to 4C through a plurality of ejection openings, and a recording element substrate 10 electrically connected to the recording element substrate 10 for recording. And a flexible wiring board 8 for supplying a control signal group to the element substrate 10.
[0004]
The recording element substrate 10 includes substrates 10C, 10M, and 10Y that discharge inks of the respective colors. Since the substrates 10C, 10M, and 10Y have the same configuration, the substrate 10M will be described, and the description of the other substrates will be omitted.
[0005]
For example, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 21, the substrate 10M has an ink discharge port group 10a formed in a thin plate shape with silicon and formed in a staggered pattern along one direction along the longitudinal direction. ing. Each ink flow path leading to each ink ejection port is provided with a heater as an electrothermal converter. In addition, an electrode group 10e for supplying a supplied control signal to each heater through a conductor layer (not shown) is formed on the short sides of both ends. On the back side of the substrate 10M, an elongated recess 10b is formed corresponding to the ink discharge port group 10a.
[0006]
A frame member 12 having an opening at the center is provided at a raised portion at the bottom of the holder 2 made of a resin material. A support member 14 is disposed in the opening of the frame member 12. The support member 14 serves to dissipate heat generated when the recording element substrate 10 is driven, and to play a role parallel to the mounting surfaces of the substrates 10Y to 10C. Since the frame member 12 is bonded and fixed to the support member 14, it serves as a heat radiating member in the same manner as the support member 14. The support member 14 and the frame member 12 are formed of, for example, silicon or alumina that has a relatively high processing accuracy of flatness equivalent to that of the material of the recording element substrate 10 and has excellent heat dissipation. . The support member 14 has ink supply ports 14a through which the ink from the respective ink tanks can pass at three locations at predetermined intervals, and is fixed to the holder 2 by adhesion. As the adhesive, for example, an ink-resistant adhesive that also acts as a sealant is used, and an elastic silicon-modified epoxy adhesive that compensates for the difference in linear expansion coefficient between different materials such as alumina and resin materials is used. Is done.
[0007]
Recesses 2A are provided at both ends of the raised portion at the bottom of the holder 2 as the holder member. Each recess 2A is formed to be surrounded by four flat surfaces. A reference surface 2RS, which is one of the four surfaces, is formed along the moving direction of the holder 2 that is moved along with the ink tanks 4Y to 4C, that is, the direction indicated by the arrow S in FIG. . Each reference surface 2RS of each recess 2A is engaged with an engaging portion 16K of a carriage member 16 described later.
[0008]
Furthermore, on the frame member 12, as shown in FIG. 22, a flexible wiring board 8 electrically connected to the electrode group 10e of the substrates 10C to 10Y of each recording element substrate 10 is disposed. The flexible wiring substrate 8 has an opening at a position corresponding to the recording element substrate 10.
[0009]
The holder 2 in which the ink tanks 4Y to 4C are accommodated is inserted into the carriage member 6 along the direction indicated by the arrow as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 23, and is covered in the carriage member 16 provided in the recording apparatus. It is mounted on the mounting part as indicated by the solid line.
[0010]
The carriage member 16 is movably supported by the guide shaft GS being slidably fitted in the through hole 16b at the base end. In addition, an opening 16 a communicating with the mounted portion is formed at the bottom of the carriage member 16. Furthermore, the engaging part 16K which has the to-be-engaged surface with which the reference surface 2RS of the recessed part 2A of the above-mentioned holder 2 engages is provided in the periphery of the opening part 16a. The engaging portion 16K protrudes into the opening portion 16a along the direction indicated by the arrow S in FIG. 23, that is, the moving direction of the carriage member 16.
[0011]
In forming the pixel at a predetermined position on the recording surface of the recording medium while moving in the direction indicated by the arrow S, the ink discharge port group 10a of the recording element substrate 10 as described above is formed by the arrow S in FIGS. It is required to be positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction shown, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction shown.
[0012]
Accordingly, when positioning and fixing the recording element substrate 10 at a predetermined position in the holder 2, first, recording is performed so that the direction of the ink ejection port group 10a of each of the substrates 10Y to 10C is substantially perpendicular to the reference surface 2RS. The element substrate 10 is positioned on the support member 14 in the opening of the frame member 12 and fixed by adhesion. As the adhesive, for example, an epoxy-based epoxy thermosetting adhesive that also serves as a sealant is used. As a result, the recording element substrate 10 is fixed so that the ink discharge port group 10a extends in the holder 2 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the reference surface 2RS.
[0013]
Next, in positioning the ink discharge port group 10a of the recording element substrate 10 in the holder 2 with respect to a predetermined position of the mounted portion of the carriage member, as shown in FIG. 23, the holder 2 is in the recess 2A. By inserting and arranging the reference surface 2RS in the mounted portion so as to contact the engaging surface of the engaging portion 16K, the position of the ink discharge port group 10a of the mounted recording element substrate 10 is automatically changed to an arrow. Positioning is performed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction indicated by S.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, the positioning of the recording element substrate 10 with respect to the support member 14 in the holder 2 and the positioning of the recording element substrate 10 indirectly with respect to the carriage member 16 are performed based on different reference planes. As a result, positioning errors of the recording element substrate 10 with respect to the carriage member 16 are accumulated. Accordingly, the positioning accuracy of the recording element substrate 10 may be reduced.
[0015]
  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge recording head capable of improving the positioning accuracy of a recording element substrate with respect to a carriage member with a simple mechanism,and,Recording equipment equipped with itPlaceThe main purpose is to provide
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention includes a plurality of recording element substrates having recording elements for discharging liquid, a support that supports the recording element substrate, and a support. A liquid ejection recording head comprising: a carriage that moves with the holder; and a holder that includes a positioning unit that positions the holders, wherein the positioning unit in the holder includes a support and It also serves as a positioning part for positioning between the holders.
[0017]
  The recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid discharge recording head that performs recording by discharging liquid, and a liquid discharge recording head.MoveCarriage toWhenThe liquid discharge recording head includes a plurality of recording element substrates having recording elements for discharging liquid, a support that supports the recording element substrate, and a support.A holder, the holderWithMoveDoPosition between the carriage and holderA holder having a positioning portion, and the positioning portion in the holder isPositioning between support and holderIt also serves as a positioning part.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a recording apparatus including a liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
In the embodiments described below, a printer is taken as an example of a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method.
[0021]
In this specification, “print” (sometimes referred to as “recording”) is not only for forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also for human beings visually perceived regardless of significance. Regardless of whether or not it has been manifested, it also refers to a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium or the medium is processed.
[0022]
Here, “print medium” refers not only to paper used in general printing apparatuses, but also to materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. Shall also say.
[0023]
Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted widely as the definition of “print” above, and it is applied to a print medium so that an image, a pattern, a pattern, etc. It shall refer to a liquid that can be subjected to formation or processing of the print medium, or ink processing (eg, solidification or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the print medium).
[0024]
[Device main unit]
1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer using the ink jet recording method. In FIG. 1, the printer main body M1000 in this embodiment includes an exterior member including a lower case M1001, an upper case M1002, an access cover M1003, and a discharge tray M1004, and a chassis M3019 (see FIG. 1) housed in the exterior member. 2).
[0025]
The chassis M3019 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped metal members having a predetermined rigidity, forms a skeleton of the recording apparatus, and holds each recording operation mechanism described later.
The lower case M1001 forms a substantially lower half part of the exterior of the apparatus main body M1000, and the upper case M1002 forms a substantially upper half part of the exterior of the apparatus main body M1000. A hollow body structure having a storage space for storing the mechanism is formed. An opening is formed in each of the upper surface portion and the front surface portion of the apparatus main body M1000.
[0026]
Further, one end of the discharge tray M1004 is rotatably held by the lower case M1001, and the opening formed on the front surface of the lower case M1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray M1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening so that the recording sheets can be discharged and the discharged recording sheets P are sequentially stacked. It has come to be able to do. In addition, the discharge tray M1004 contains two auxiliary trays M1004a and M1004b. By pulling out each tray as needed, the sheet support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It has become.
[0027]
One end of the access cover M1003 is rotatably held by the upper case M1002, and can open and close an opening formed on the upper surface. By opening the access cover M1003, the access cover M1003 is housed inside the main body. It is possible to replace the print head cartridge H1000 or the ink tank H1900. Although not specifically shown here, when the access cover M1003 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.
[0028]
On the upper surface of the rear part of the upper case M1002, a power key E0018 and a resume key E0019 are provided so that they can be pressed, and an LED E0020 is provided. When the power key E0018 is pressed, the LED E0020 lights up and recording is possible. This is to inform the operator. Further, the LED E0020 has various display functions such as blinking method and color change, and informing the operator of printer troubles. Further, the buzzer E0021 (FIG. 7) can be leveled. When the trouble is solved, the recording is resumed by pressing the resume key E0019.
[0029]
[Recording mechanism]
Next, the recording operation mechanism in the present embodiment that is housed and held in the printer apparatus main body M1000 will be described.
[0030]
As a recording operation mechanism in the present embodiment, an automatic feeding unit M3022 that automatically feeds the recording sheet P into the apparatus main body, and a recording sheet P that is sent one by one from the automatic feeding unit are recorded in a predetermined manner. A conveyance unit M3029 for guiding the recording sheet P from the recording position to the discharge unit M3030, a recording unit for performing desired recording on the recording sheet P conveyed to the recording position, and a recovery process for the recording unit And a recovery unit (M5000).
[0031]
(Recording part)
Here, the recording unit will be described. The recording unit includes a carriage M4001 that is movably supported by a carriage shaft M4021, and a recording head cartridge H1000 that is detachably mounted on the carriage M4001.
[0032]
Recording head cartridge
First, a recording head cartridge used in the recording unit will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0033]
The recording head cartridge H1000 in this embodiment includes an ink tank H1900 that stores ink and a recording head H1001 that ejects ink supplied from the ink tank H1900 from nozzles according to recording information, as shown in FIG. . The recording head H1001 adopts a so-called cartridge system that is detachably mounted on a carriage M4001 described later.
[0034]
The recording head cartridge H1000 shown here is provided with ink tanks H1900 that are independent of each color of black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow, for example, in order to enable high-quality color recording with photographic tone. As shown in FIG. 4, each is detachable from the recording head H1001.
[0035]
As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5, the recording head H1001 includes a recording element substrate H1100, a first plate H1200, an electric wiring substrate H1300, a second plate H1400, a holder H1500, a flow path forming member H1600, a filter. It consists of H1700 and seal rubber H1800.
[0036]
In the recording element substrate H1100, a plurality of recording elements for ejecting ink to one side of the Si substrate and electric wiring such as Al for supplying power to each recording element are formed by a film forming technique. A plurality of corresponding ink channels and a plurality of ejection ports H1100T are formed by photolithography, and ink supply ports for supplying ink to the plurality of ink channels are formed to open on the back surface. . The recording element substrate H1100 is bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200, and an ink supply port H1201 for supplying ink to the recording element substrate H1100 is formed therein. Further, a second plate H1400 having an opening is bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200, and the electric wiring substrate H1300 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate H1100 via the second plate H1400. Is held to be connected. The electrical wiring board H1300 applies an electrical signal for ejecting ink to the recording element substrate H1100. The electrical wiring board H1300 is located at the end of the electrical wiring and corresponds to the electrical wiring from the main body. It has an external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving a signal, and the external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed on the back side of a holder H1500 described later.
[0037]
On the other hand, in the holder H1500 that detachably holds the ink tank H1900, a flow path forming member H1600 is fixed by, for example, ultrasonic welding to form an ink flow path H1501 extending from the ink tank H1900 to the first plate H1200. Yes. In addition, a filter H1700 is provided at the end of the ink flow path H1501 that engages with the ink tank H1900 on the ink tank side so as to prevent dust from entering from the outside. Further, a seal rubber H1800 is attached to the engaging portion with the ink tank H1900 so that ink can be prevented from evaporating from the engaging portion.
[0038]
Further, as described above, the holder portion composed of the holder H1500, the flow path forming member H1600, the filter H1700, and the seal rubber H1800, the recording element substrate H1100, the first plate H1200, the electric wiring substrate H1300, and the second plate H1400. The recording head unit H1001 is configured by bonding the recording element unit constituted by the above by bonding or the like.
[0039]
(carriage)
Next, the carriage M4001 on which the recording head cartridge H1000 is mounted will be described with reference to FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a carriage M4001 formed of a resin material includes a carriage cover M4002 that engages with the carriage M4001 and guides the recording head H1001 to a predetermined mounting position on the carriage M4001, and a recording head. A head set lever M4007 that engages with the holder H1500 of the H1001 and presses the recording head H1001 to be set at a predetermined mounting position is provided.
That is, the head set lever M4007 is provided on the upper portion of the carriage M4001 so as to be rotatable with respect to the head set lever shaft, and a spring-set head set plate (not shown) is engaged with the recording head H1001. And is configured to be mounted on the carriage M4001 while pressing the recording head H1001 by this spring force.
[0041]
Further, a contact flexible printed cable (see FIG. 7, hereinafter referred to as a contact FPC) E0011 is provided at another engagement portion of the carriage M4001 with the recording head H1001, and the contact portion on the contact FPC E0011 and the recording head H1001 are provided. The provided contact portion (external signal input terminal) H1301 is in electrical contact so that various information for recording can be exchanged and power can be supplied to the recording head H1001.
[0042]
Here, an elastic member such as rubber (not shown) is provided between the contact portion of the contact FPC E0011 and the carriage M4001, and the contact portion and the carriage M4001 are connected by the elastic force of the elastic member and the pressing force by the headset lever spring. It is designed to enable reliable contact. Further, the contact FPC E0011 is connected to a carriage substrate E0013 mounted on the back surface of the carriage M4001 (see FIG. 7).
[0043]
[Scanner]
The printer in this embodiment can also be used as a reading device by mounting a scanner on the carriage M4001 instead of the recording head cartridge H1000 described above.
[0044]
This scanner moves in the main scanning direction together with the carriage M4001 on the printer side, and reads the original image fed instead of the recording medium in the course of movement in the main scanning direction. By alternately performing the reading operation and the document feeding operation in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to read one document image information.
[0045]
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the scanner M6000 upside down in order to explain the schematic configuration of the scanner M6000.
[0046]
As shown in the figure, the scanner holder M6001 has a substantially box shape, and an optical system and a processing circuit necessary for reading are accommodated therein. Further, when the scanner M6000 is mounted on the carriage M4001, a reading unit lens M6006 is provided in a portion facing the document surface, and reflected light from the document surface is converged on the internal reading unit by the lens M6006. Therefore, the original image is read. On the other hand, the illumination unit lens M6005 has a light source (not shown) inside, and light emitted from the light source is irradiated onto the document through the lens M6005.
[0047]
A scanner cover M6003 fixed to the bottom of the scanner holder M6001 is fitted so as to shield the inside of the scanner holder M6001, and a louver-shaped grip portion provided on the side surface improves the detachable operability to the carriage M4001. Yes. The outer shape of the scanner holder M6001 is substantially the same as that of the recording head H1001, and it can be attached to and detached from the carriage M4001 by the same operation as that of the recording head cartridge H1000.
[0048]
The scanner holder M6001 accommodates a substrate having a reading processing circuit, and a scanner contact PCB connected to the substrate is exposed to the outside. When the scanner M6000 is mounted on the carriage M4001, The scanner contact PCB M6004 contacts the contact FPC E0011 on the carriage M4001 side, and the substrate is electrically connected to the control system on the main body side via the carriage M4001.
[0049]
[Configuration of printer electrical circuit]
Next, an electrical circuit configuration in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the electrical circuit in this embodiment.
[0050]
The electrical circuit in this embodiment is mainly configured by a carriage substrate (CRPCB) E0013, a main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) E0014, a power supply unit E0015, and the like.
Here, the power supply unit E0015 is connected to the main PCB E0014 and supplies various driving powers.
The carriage substrate E0013 is a printed circuit board unit mounted on the carriage M4001 (FIG. 2). The carriage substrate E0013 functions as an interface for exchanging signals with the recording head through the contact FPC E0011. Based on the pulse signal output from the sensor E0004, a change in the positional relationship between the encoder scale E0005 and the encoder sensor E0004 is detected, and the output signal is output to the main PCB E0014 through a flexible flat cable (CRFFC) E0012.
[0051]
Further, the main PCBE0014 is a printed circuit board unit that controls driving of each part of the ink jet recording apparatus in this embodiment, and includes a paper edge detection sensor (PE sensor) E0007, an ASF (automatic paper feeder) sensor E0009, a cover sensor E0022, a parallel sensor. The board has I / O ports for an interface (parallel I / F) E0016, a serial interface (serial I / F) E0017, a resume key E0019, an LED E0020, a power key E0018, a buzzer E0021, and the like. Still further, a motor (CR motor) E0001 that serves as a drive source for main-scanning the carriage M1400, a motor (LF motor) E0002 that serves as a drive source for transporting the recording medium, the rotation operation of the recording head, and the recording medium In addition to being connected to a motor (PG motor) E0003 that is also used for paper feeding operation to control these driving, it has a connection interface with ink empty sensor E0006, GAP sensor E0008, PG sensor E0010, CRFFC E0012, and power supply unit E0015. .
[0052]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the main PCB E0014. In the figure, E1001 is a CPU, and this CPU E1001 has a clock generator (CG) E1002 connected to an oscillation circuit E1005 inside, and generates a system clock by its output signal E1019. Further, it is connected to a ROM E1004 and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) E1006 through a control bus E1014, and controls the ASIC E1006, an input signal E1017 from the power key, and an input signal E1016 from the resume key according to a program stored in the ROM. Ink empty detection signal connected to the built-in A / D converter E1003 by detecting the state of the cover detection signal E1042 and the head detection signal (HSENS) E1013 and further driving the buzzer E0021 by the buzzer signal (BUZ) E1018. While detecting the state of the temperature detection signal (TH) E1012 by the (INKS) E1011 and the thermistor, it performs various other logical operations and condition determinations and controls the drive of the ink jet recording apparatus.
[0053]
Here, the head detection signal E1013 is a head mounting detection signal input from the recording head cartridge H1000 via the flexible flat cable E0012, the carriage substrate E0013, and the contact flexible print cable E0011, and the ink empty detection signal E1011 is an ink empty sensor. An analog signal output from E0006 and a temperature detection signal E1012 are analog signals from a thermistor (not shown) provided on the carriage substrate E0013.
[0054]
E1008 is a CR motor driver, which uses a motor power source (VM) E1040 as a drive source, generates a CR motor drive signal E1037 in accordance with a CR motor control signal E1036 from the ASIC E1006, and drives the CR motor E0001. E1009 is an LF / PG motor driver, which uses a motor power source E1040 as a drive source, generates an LF motor drive signal E1035 according to a pulse motor control signal (PM control signal) E1033 from the ASIC E1006, and drives the LF motor thereby At the same time, a PG motor drive signal E1034 is generated to drive the PG motor.
[0055]
E1010 is a power supply control circuit that controls power supply to each sensor having a light emitting element in accordance with a power supply control signal E1024 from the ASIC E1006. The parallel I / F E0016 transmits the parallel I / F signal E1030 from the ASIC E1006 to the parallel I / F cable E1031 connected to the outside, and transmits the signal of the parallel I / F cable E1031 to the ASIC E1006. The serial I / F E0017 transmits the serial I / F signal E1028 from the ASIC E1006 to the serial I / F cable E1029 connected to the outside, and transmits the signal from the cable E1029 to the ASIC E1006.
[0056]
On the other hand, a head power supply (VH) E1039, a motor power supply (VM) E1040, and a logic power supply (VDD) E1041 are supplied from the power supply unit E0015. Also, a head power ON signal (VHON) E1022 and a motor power ON signal (VMOM) E1023 from the ASIC E1006 are input to the power supply unit E0015, and control ON / OFF of the head power E1039 and the motor power E1040, respectively. The logic power supply (VDD) E1041 supplied from the power supply unit E0015 is voltage-converted as necessary, and then supplied to each part inside and outside the main PCB E0014.
[0057]
The head power signal E1039 is smoothed on the main PCB E0014 and then sent to the flexible flat cable E0011 to be used for driving the recording head cartridge H1000.
[0058]
E1007 is a reset circuit that detects a decrease in the logic power supply voltage E1041, supplies a reset signal (RESET) E1015 to the CPU E1001 and the ASIC E1006, and performs initialization.
[0059]
The ASIC E1006 is a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit and is controlled by the CPU E1001 through the control bus E1014. The above-described CR motor control signal E1036, PM control signal E1033, power supply control signal E1024, head power supply ON signal E1022, and motor power supply The ON signal E1023 and the like are output to exchange signals with the parallel I / F E0016 and the serial I / F E0017, as well as the PE detection signal (PES) E1025 from the PE sensor E0007, and the ASF detection signal from the ASF sensor E0009 ( ASFS) E1026, GAP detection signal (GAPS) E1027 from sensor (GAP) sensor E0008 for detecting the gap between the recording head and the recording medium, PG detection signal (PGS) E10 from PG sensor E0010 Detects the second state, and transmitted to the CPU E1001 through the control bus E1014 data representing the state, CPU E1001 based on the input data performs a flashing LEDE0020 controls the driving of an LED drive signal E1038.
[0060]
Further, the state of the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 is detected to generate a timing signal, and the head control signal E1021 is used to interface with the printhead cartridge H1000 to control the printing operation. Here, the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 is an output signal of the CR encoder sensor E0004 inputted through the flexible flat cable E0012. The head control signal E1021 is supplied to the recording head H1000 via the flexible flat cable E0012, the carriage substrate E0013, and the contact FPC E0011.
[0061]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of ASIC E1006.
[0062]
In the figure, the connection between each block shows only the flow of data related to the control of the head and each mechanism component, such as recording data and motor control data. Such control signals, clocks, and control signals related to DMA control are omitted in order to avoid complications described in the drawings.
[0063]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral E2002 denotes a PLL controller. As shown in FIG. 9, a clock (CLK) E2031 and a PLL control signal (PLLON) E2033 output from the CPU E1001 are supplied to most of the ASIC E1006. (Not shown).
[0064]
Reference numeral E2001 denotes a CPU interface (CPU I / F). The reset signal E1015, a soft reset signal (PDWN) E2032 output from the CPU E1001, a clock signal (CLK) E2031, and a control signal from the control bus E1014 Controls register read / write for each block as described, supplies clocks to some blocks, accepts interrupt signals (not shown), and outputs an interrupt signal (INT) E2034 to the CPU E1001 Then, the occurrence of an interrupt in the ASIC E1006 is notified.
[0065]
Reference numeral E2005 denotes a DRAM having areas such as a reception buffer E2010, a work buffer E2011, a print buffer E2014, and a development data buffer E2016 as recording data buffers, and a motor control buffer E2023 for motor control. Furthermore, the buffer used in the scanner operation mode has areas such as a scanner take-in buffer E2024, a scanner data buffer E2026, and a send buffer E2028 that are used in place of the recording data buffers.
[0066]
The DRAM E2005 is also used as a work area necessary for the operation of the CPU E1001. That is, E2004 is a DRAM control unit, which switches between access from the CPU E1001 to the DRAM E2005 by the control bus and access from the DMA control unit E2003 to the DRAM E2005, which will be described later, and performs a read / write operation to the DRAM E2005.
[0067]
The DMA control unit E2003 receives a request (not shown) from each block, and in the case of a write operation, an address signal or a control signal (not shown), and write data E2038, E2041, E2044, E2053, E2055, E2057. Are output to the DRAM control unit E2004 to access the DRAM. In the case of reading, read data E2040, E2043, E2045, E2051, E2054, E2056, E2058, and E2059 from the DRAM control unit E2004 are transferred to the request source block.
[0068]
E2006 is an IEEE 1284 I / F, which performs a bidirectional communication interface with an external host device (not shown) through a parallel I / F E0016 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. Data received from the I / F E0016 (PIF reception data E2036) is transferred to the reception control unit E2008 by DMA processing, and data stored in the transmission buffer E2028 in the DRAM E2005 when reading the scanner (1284 transmission data (RDPIF) E2059) Is transmitted to the parallel I / F by DMA processing.
[0069]
E2007 is a universal serial bus (USB) I / F, and performs a bidirectional communication interface with an external host device (not shown) through the serial I / F E0017 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. The received data (USB received data E2037) from the serial I / F E0017 is transferred to the reception control unit E2008 by DMA processing at the time of printing, and the data (USB transmitted data (RDUSB) stored in the transmission buffer E2028 in the DRAM E2005 is read by the scanner. E2058) is transmitted to the serial I / F E0017 by DMA processing. The reception control unit E2008 writes the reception data (WDIF) E2038) from the I / F selected from the 1284 I / F E2006 or USB I / F E2007 to the reception buffer write address managed by the reception buffer control unit E2039. Include.
[0070]
E2009 is a compression / decompression DMA controller, which receives received data (raster data) stored in the receiving buffer E2010 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001, and receives the received buffer read address managed by the received buffer control unit E2039. The data (RDWK) E2040 is compressed / expanded in accordance with the designated mode, and written in the work buffer area as a recording code string (WDWK) E2041.
[0071]
E2013 is a recording buffer transfer DMA controller, which reads the recording code (RDWP) E2043 on the work buffer E2011 under the control of the CPU E1007 via the CPU I / F E2001, and sets each recording code in the order of data transfer to the recording head cartridge H1000. The data are rearranged to an appropriate address on the print buffer E2014 and transferred (WDWP E2044). Reference numeral E2012 denotes a work clear DMA controller, which designates work fill data (WDWF) for an area on the work buffer that has been transferred by the recording buffer transfer DMA controller E2013 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. E2042 is repeatedly written.
[0072]
E2015 is a recording data expansion DMA controller, and the recording written and rearranged on the print buffer is triggered by the data expansion timing signal E2050 from the head controller E2018 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. The code and the development data written on the development data buffer E2016 are read out, and the development record data (RDHDG) E2045 is written into the column buffer E2017 as column buffer write data (WDHDG) E2047. Here, the column buffer E2017 is an SRAM that temporarily stores transfer data (development recording data) to the recording head cartridge H1000, and a handshake signal (not shown) between the recording data expansion DMA controller E2015 and the head control unit E2018. ) Is shared and managed by both blocks.
[0073]
E2018 is a head control unit that controls the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001 to interface with the printhead cartridge H1000 or the scanner via a head control signal, and also a head drive timing signal from the encoder signal processing unit E2019. Based on E2049, a data expansion timing signal E2050 is output to the recording data expansion DMA controller.
[0074]
At the time of printing, in accordance with the head drive timing signal E2049, the developed recording data (RDHD) E2048 is read from the column buffer, and the data is output to the recording head cartridge H1000 as the head control signal E1021.
In the scanner reading mode, the take-in data (WDHD) E2053 input as the head control signal E1021 is DMA-transferred to the scanner take-in buffer E2024 on the DRAM E2005. Reference numeral E2025 denotes a scanner data processing DMA controller. Under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001, the acquisition buffer read data (RDAV) E2054 stored in the scanner acquisition buffer E2024 is read and subjected to processing such as averaging. The processed data (WDAV) E2055 is written into the scanner data buffer E2026 on the DRAM E2005.
[0075]
E2027 is a scanner data compression DMA controller. Under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001, the processed data (RDYC) E2056 on the scanner data buffer E2026 is read and compressed, and compressed data (WDYC) E2057 is read. Write and transfer to the send buffer E2028.
[0076]
An encoder signal processing unit E2019 receives an encoder signal (ENC) and outputs a head drive timing signal E2049 according to a mode determined by the control of the CPU E1001, and also the position and speed of the carriage M4001 obtained from the encoder signal E1020. Is stored in a register and provided to the CPU E1001. Based on this information, the CPU E1001 determines various parameters in the control of the CR motor E0001. Reference numeral E2020 denotes a CR motor control unit which outputs a CR motor control signal E1036 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001.
[0077]
E2022 is a sensor signal processing unit that receives detection signals E1033, E1025, E1026, and E1027 output from the PG sensor E0010, PE sensor E0007, ASF sensor E0009, and GAP sensor E0008, and is determined by the control of the CPUE1001. In addition to transmitting the sensor information to the CPU E1001 according to the mode, a sensor detection signal E2052 is output to the DMA controller E2021 for LF / PG motor control.
[0078]
The LF / PG motor control DMA controller E2021 reads a pulse motor drive table (RDPM) E2051 from the motor control buffer E2023 on the DRAM E2005 and outputs a pulse motor control signal E1033 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. In addition to outputting, depending on the operation mode, a pulse motor control signal E1033 is output using the sensor detection signal as a control trigger.
[0079]
E2030 is an LED control unit that outputs an LED drive signal E1038 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. Further, E2029 is a port control unit that outputs a head power ON signal E1022, a motor power ON signal E1023, and a power control signal E1024 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001.
[0080]
[Printer operation]
Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0081]
When the apparatus main body 1000 is connected to the AC power source, first, in step S1, a first initialization process of the apparatus is performed. In this initialization process, an electrical circuit system check such as a ROM and RAM check of the apparatus is performed to confirm whether or not the apparatus can operate normally.
[0082]
Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the power key E0018 provided on the upper case M1002 of the apparatus body M1000 is turned on. If the power key E0018 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S3. Here, a second initialization process is performed.
[0083]
In this second initialization process, various drive mechanisms and recording heads of this apparatus are checked. That is, when initializing various motors and reading head information, it is confirmed whether the apparatus can operate normally.
[0084]
In step S4, an event is waited for. That is, the apparatus monitors a command event from the external I / F, a panel key event by a user operation, an internal control event, and the like, and executes processing corresponding to the event when these events occur.
[0085]
For example, if a print command event is received from the external I / F in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. If a power key event is generated by a user operation in the same step, the process proceeds to step S10. If another event occurs in the same step, the process proceeds to step S11.
Here, in step S5, the print command from the external I / F is analyzed, the designated paper type, paper size, print quality, paper feed method, etc. are judged, and data representing the judgment result is stored in the apparatus. Store in RAM E2005 and proceed to step S6.
[0086]
Next, in step S6, paper feeding is started by the paper feeding method specified in step S5, the paper is sent to the recording start position, and the process proceeds to step S7.
In step S7, a recording operation is performed. In this recording operation, the recording data sent from the external I / F is temporarily stored in the recording buffer, then the CR motor E0001 is driven to start the movement of the carriage M4001 in the main scanning direction, and the print buffer E2014. Is supplied to the recording head H1001 to record one line, and when the recording operation for one line of recording data is completed, the LF motor E0002 is driven and the LF roller M3001 is rotated to rotate the sheet. Are sent in the sub-scanning direction. Thereafter, the above operation is repeatedly executed, and when the recording of one page of recording data from the external I / F is completed, the process proceeds to step 8.
[0087]
In step S8, the LF motor E0002 is driven, the paper discharge roller M2003 is driven, and the paper feeding is repeated until it is determined that the paper is completely sent out from the apparatus. When the paper is finished, the paper is placed on the paper discharge tray M1004a. The paper is completely discharged.
[0088]
Next, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the recording operation for all the pages to be recorded has been completed. If pages to be recorded remain, the process returns to step S5. The above operations are repeated, and when the recording operation for all the pages to be recorded is completed, the recording operation ends, and then the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.
[0089]
On the other hand, in step S10, printer termination processing is performed to stop the operation of the apparatus. In other words, in order to turn off the power of various motors and heads, after shifting to a state where the power can be turned off, the power is turned off and the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.
[0090]
In step S11, event processing other than the above is performed. For example, processing corresponding to a recovery command from various panel keys of this apparatus, an external I / F, or a recovery event that occurs internally is performed. After the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S4 and waits for the next event.
[0091]
In addition, one form in which the present invention is effectively used is a form in which bubbles are formed by causing film boiling in a liquid using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal transducer.
[0092]
The recording head H1001 will be described in more detail.
[0093]
The recording head H1001 is a bubble jet side shooter type recording head that performs recording using an electrothermal transducer that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling to the ink in accordance with an electrical signal. .
[0094]
As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 24, the recording head H1001 includes a recording element unit H1002 and a holder unit H1003. Further, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 25, the recording element unit H1002 includes a recording element substrate H1100, a first plate H1200, an electric wiring substrate H1300, and a second plate H1400, and a holder. The unit H1003 includes a holder (liquid supply member) H1500, a flow path forming member H1600, six filters H1700, and six seal rubbers H1800.
[0095]
(Recording element unit)
FIG. 26 is a partially exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the recording element substrate 1100.
[0096]
In the recording element substrate H1100, as described above, a plurality of recording elements, a plurality of ink flow paths corresponding to the recording elements, and a plurality of ejection ports H1100T are formed by a photolithography technique, and an ink supply port is provided. It is formed so as to open on the back surface. In addition, the recording element substrate H1100 is, for example, a side shooter type, and is configured by a single substrate. In the substrate, the plurality of ejection openings H1100T formed in two rows in a staggered pattern are formed, for example, at about 1200 dpi for each ink color, and each ejects ink of different ink colors.
[0097]
For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the recording element substrate H1100 includes an Si substrate 1101 having a thin film formed on the surface thereof, and an orifice plate H1112 formed on the substrate 1101.
[0098]
The substrate 1101 has, for example, a thickness of 0.5 to 1 (mm), and six rows of ink supply ports H1102 each having a long groove-like through-hole as a six-color ink flow path are integrally formed in parallel with each other. The distance between adjacent ink supply ports H1102 is set to about 2.5 mm, for example. Since the mutual distance is relatively small as described above, the recording head can be reduced in size. On both sides of each ink supply port H1102, a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements H1103 as recording elements are arranged in a zigzag pattern, for example, approximately 1200 dpi for each ink color.
[0099]
A plurality of electrothermal transducers H1103 formed on the substrate 1101 and electrical wiring such as Al for supplying electric power to each electrothermal transducer H1103 (not shown in FIG. 26) are formed by a film forming technique. Yes. Moreover, the electrode part H1104 for supplying electric power to the electric wiring is formed along the end in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrothermal conversion elements H1103. The electrode portion H1104 is provided with a plurality of bumps H1105 such as gold corresponding to the electrode terminals H1302 of the electric wiring board H1300 described above.
[0100]
The ink supply port H1102 is formed, for example, by performing anisotropic etching using the crystal plane orientation of the Si substrate 1101. When the crystal plane orientation is <100> on the wafer surface and <111> in the thickness direction, an angle of about 54.7 degrees (surface to be etched) is obtained by alkaline etching (KOH, TMAH, humanradine, etc.) Etching proceeds at the inner angle of the rising edge.
[0101]
By using this method, the ink supply port H1102 is formed by etching to a desired depth.
[0102]
Further, as shown in FIG. 26, the orifice plate H1112 formed on the substrate H1101 has an ink flow path wall H1106 and an ejection port 1100T for forming an ink flow path corresponding to each electrothermal conversion element H1103. Are formed by photolithography. Accordingly, the adjacent ejection ports 1100T are partitioned from each other by the ink flow path wall H1106.
[0103]
Six orifices H1100T corresponding to the six colors of ink supplied from each ink supply port H1102 are integrally formed in one orifice plate H1105. Similar to the arrangement of the electrothermal conversion elements H1103, the discharge port H1100T array is formed in a staggered manner, for example, about 1200 dpi for each ink color. That is, the discharge port H1100T is provided to face the electrothermal conversion element H1103.
[0104]
Accordingly, since the electrothermal conversion element H1103 and the ejection port H1100T row are formed on the same substrate so that six types of ink can be ejected, the recording element substrate H1100 has a ejection port row for each ink as in the prior art. The recording element substrate H1100 can be downsized as compared with the case where it is divided and formed.
[0105]
Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the orifice plate H1105 obstructs entry of undesired impurities, for example, dust, contained in the ink supplied from the ink supply port H1102 of the substrate H1101 into the ejection port array H1100T. A plurality of block pins H1110 to be collected are formed. The block pin H1110 is formed in the vicinity of the ink flow path wall H1106 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the ink supplied from the ink supply port H1102. Further, the block pins H1110 are formed at predetermined intervals in parallel with the respective ejection port H1100T rows. For example, the distance CL between the ink flow path wall H1106 and the block pin H1110, or the distance CL between adjacent block pins H1110 is about 10 (μm).
[0106]
Accordingly, dust and the like contained in the ink are collected by the block pin H1110, so that dust or the like mixed in the recording head when the recording head is assembled or the like is clogged in the ejection port H1107 row. It is prevented from causing vomiting.
[0107]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the filter H1700 excellent in preventing dust from entering from the outside is disposed in the holder H1500, and a filter structure for preventing clogging of the discharge port in the recording element substrate H1100 is provided in the orifice plate H1105. Since it is formed, an inexpensive and highly reliable recording head can be provided.
[0108]
The first plate H1200 shown in FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B is made of, for example, alumina (Al₂O_Three) Made of material. The material of the first plate is not limited to alumina, and preferably has a linear expansion coefficient equivalent to that of the material of the recording element substrate H1100 such as ceramics, and the recording element substrate H1100. It may be made of a material having a thermal conductivity equivalent to or higher than the thermal conductivity of the material. The material of the first plate H1200 is, for example, silicon (Si), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconia, silicon nitride (Si_ThreeN_Four), Silicon carbide (SiC), molybdenum (Mo), or tungsten (W). In the first plate H1200, six ink supply ports H1201 for supplying six colors of ink to the recording element substrate H1100 are formed. The six ink supply ports H1102 of the recording element substrate H1100 are positioned corresponding to the six ink supply ports H1201 of the first plate H1200, respectively, and the recording element substrate H1100 has a high positional accuracy with respect to the first plate H1200. Bonded and fixed. The first adhesive H1202 used for bonding is applied on the first plate H1200 in a substantially recording element substrate shape, and so as not to generate an air path between adjacent ink supply ports. The first adhesive H1202, for example, has a relatively low viscosity, a thin adhesive layer formed on the contact surface, a relatively high hardness after curing, and ink resistance. desirable. The first adhesive H1202 is, for example, a thermosetting adhesive mainly composed of an epoxy resin, and the thickness of the adhesive layer is desirably 50 μm or less.
[0109]
As shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the first plate H1200 has protrusions H1200A at both ends. The protrusion H1200A has an engagement surface H1200a (hereinafter also referred to as a reference surface 1200a) as a reference surface that is engaged with the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b described above. The protrusion H1200A protrudes substantially perpendicular to the side surface, that is, along the moving direction of the holder H1500. Further, a through hole H1200d with which the tip of the positioning pin IP is engaged is formed at a position corresponding to the positioning pin IP of the holder H1500.
[0110]
As shown in FIG. 33B, each ink supply port H1201 communicates with an enlarged portion H1202 serving as an ink flow path that opens toward an end surface H1200s to which the recording element substrate H1100 is bonded. The enlarged portion H1202 that is an elongated groove is formed to be surrounded by a slope portion H1202a and a slope portion H1202b that are formed to face each other, and its cross-sectional area increases as it goes to the end face to which the recording element substrate H1100 is bonded. It is supposed to be.
[0111]
For example, when the shape of the ink supply passage H1201 ″ of the first plate H1200 ″ is a cylindrical tube shape as shown in FIG. When ink is replaced from the recording element substrate H1100 by the recovery means (not shown) when the ink tank is replaced or when other printing defects occur, ink flow stagnation portions at both ends of the recording element substrate H1100 Since bubbles are generated, bubbles AI tend to accumulate. Therefore, there is a possibility that printing failure may be caused due to insufficient recovery.
[0112]
Therefore, since the shape of the ink flow path of the first plate 1200 is a tapered shape that widens toward the ink supply port provided in the recording element substrate H1100, the ink flow at both ends of the recording element substrate H1100 becomes smooth and bubbles are accumulated. Is resolved.
[0113]
Therefore, a highly reliable recording head can be easily supplied without increasing the size and cost of the recording head.
[0114]
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the electrical wiring substrate H1300 applies an electrical signal for ejecting ink to the recording element substrate H1100, and has an opening H1300a for incorporating the recording element substrate H1100. And an electrode terminal H1302 corresponding to the electrode portion H1104 of the recording element substrate H1100 and an external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving an electric signal from the main body device located at the end of the wiring.
[0115]
The opening H1300a of the electrical wiring substrate H1300 corresponds to the opening H1400a of the recording element substrate H1100 and the second plate H1400 disposed on the first plate H1200.
The electrical wiring substrate H1300 and the recording element substrate H1100 are electrically connected. As the connection method, for example, a thermosetting adhesive resin H1304 (not shown) is applied between the electrode portion H1104 of the recording element substrate H1100 and the electrode terminal H1302 of the electric wiring substrate H1300, and then the electrode portion H1104 of the recording element substrate H1100. And the electrode terminal H1302 of the electrical wiring board H1300 are collectively heated and pressed by a heat tool to cure the thermosetting adhesive resin H1304, whereby the electrode portion H1104 and the electrode terminal H1302 are electrically collectively Connected. Further, as the thermosetting adhesive resin H1304, the case where an anisotropic conductive adhesive containing conductive particles is used is also possible. In the configuration of this embodiment, for example, an anisotropic conductive adhesive film composed of conductive particles having a single particle diameter of nickel of 2 to 6 μm and an adhesive mainly composed of an epoxy resin is used to form the recording element substrate H1100. When the electrode part H1104 and the electrode terminal H1302 plated with gold on the electric wiring board H1300 were heat-pressed at a temperature of 170 to 250 ° C., electrical connection was suitably made. As a material of the electrical wiring board H1300, for example, a flexible wiring board having a two-layer structure is used, and the surface layer is covered with a resist film. In addition, a reinforcing plate H1303 is bonded to the back side of the external signal input terminal H1301 to improve the flatness of the external signal input terminal H1301. As a material of the reinforcing plate H1303, for example, a heat-resistant material such as 0.5 to 2 mm glass epoxy resin or aluminum is used.
[0116]
The second plate H1400 is made of, for example, alumina (Al₂O_Three) Made of material. The material of the second plate is not limited to alumina, and has a linear expansion coefficient equivalent to that of the recording element substrate H1100 and the first plate H1200, and is equivalent to or higher than their thermal conductivity. It may be made of a material having thermal conductivity. As shown in FIG. 25, the second plate H1400 has a shape having an opening larger than the outer dimension of the recording element substrate H1100 bonded and fixed to the first plate H1200. Further, the second plate H1400 is bonded to the first plate H1200 with the second adhesive H1203 so that the recording element substrate H1100 and the electric wiring substrate H1300 can be electrically connected in a plane. On the other hand, the back surface of the electric wiring board H1300 is also bonded and fixed to the second plate H1400 by the third adhesive H1306. In addition, the electric wiring board H1300 is bonded to the second plate H1400, and at the same time, is bent on one side of the first plate H1200 and the second plate H1400, and the third bonding is performed on the side of the first plate H1200. Bonded with agent H1306. As the second adhesive H1203, for example, an adhesive having a low viscosity, a thin adhesive layer formed on the contact surface, and having ink resistance is used. Further, as the third adhesive H1306, for example, a thermosetting adhesive film having a thickness of 10 to 100 μm mainly composed of an epoxy resin is used.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 24, the electrical connection portion between the recording element substrate H1100 and the electrical wiring substrate H1300 of the recording element unit H1002 configured as described above includes a first sealant (not shown) and a second sealing agent. It is sealed with a sealant H1308 to protect the electrical connection portion from ink corrosion and external impact. The first sealing agent mainly seals the outer peripheral portion of the recording element substrate H1100, and the second sealing agent seals the edge of the opening of the electrical wiring substrate H1300. Further, the folded electric wiring board H1300 is further formed in accordance with the back surface shape of the holder H1500.
[0118]
(Holder unit)
The holder H1500 is formed by resin molding, for example. As the resin material, it is desirable to use a resin material mixed with 5 to 40% of glass filler in order to improve the shape rigidity. The holder H1500 holds a detachable ink tank H1900, and engages the tank positioning pin H1908, the first claw H1909, the second claw H1910, and the third claw H1911 of the ink tank H1900 shown in FIG. A tank positioning hole 1520, a first hole (not shown), a second hole (not shown), a third hole 1521, and an opening H1506 for the prism H1913 used for ink remaining amount detection are shown. 25 as shown. The holder H1500 includes a mounting guide H1507 for guiding the recording head cartridge H1000 to a mounting position on the carriage M4001 of the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, and an engaging portion H1508 (for mounting and fixing the recording head cartridge to the carriage by a head set lever). 27), and an X abutting portion H1509, a Y abutting portion H1510, and a Z abutting portion H1511 for positioning at a predetermined mounting position of the carriage. The holder H1500 has a terminal fixing portion H1512 for positioning and fixing the external signal input terminal H1301 portion of the recording element unit H1002. Since a plurality of ribs are provided around the terminal fixing portion H1512 and its periphery, the rigidity of the surface having the terminal fixing portion H1512 is enhanced. Also, ribs H1516 (FIG. 30) for preventing color mixing of the respective colors are provided between the cells in which the respective ink tanks H1900 are mounted. Further, the handle H1513 (FIG. 25) is provided on the side surface of the holder H1500, so that the handling performance of the recording head H1001 is improved.
[0119]
As shown in FIG. 28, the holder H1500 is a component of the holder unit H1003 that forms an ink flow path H1501 for guiding ink from the ink tank H1900 to the recording element unit H1002. An ink flow path H1501 is formed by ultrasonically welding the flow path forming member H1600 to the holder H1500. Further, a filter H1700 for preventing dust from entering from the outside is joined to the joint H1517 engaged with the ink tank H1900 by heat welding, and further, in order to prevent ink from evaporating from the joint portion H1517. A seal rubber H1800 is attached. The filter H1700 is, for example, a filter obtained by sintering SUS fibers having a pore diameter of 10 μm or less, formed in a dome shape, and fixed to the joint portion H1518 by heat welding. In that case, as the dome-shaped convex amount, a shape having a maximum curvature radius of about 0.1 to 0.5 (mm) is preferable.
[0120]
By providing such a filter H1700, not only is it effective against the entry of dust from the outside, but also the connection between each joint H1517 and the ink tank H1900 is improved.
[0121]
As shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of slits SL are formed in the front portion of the holder H1500 so as to correspond to the ink containing portions. In addition, a plurality of vertical grooves H1530 that form a concavo-convex surface are formed at two locations substantially in the center of the lower end portion of the holder H1500 below the holder H1500.
[0122]
The vertical grooves H1530 on each uneven surface are set to have a groove width of 1 mm, a depth of 0.2 mm, a number of grooves of 14 and a groove interval of 2 mm. As shown in FIG. 28, the vertical groove H1530 has a groove width, depth, and number of grooves so that a capillary force that can sufficiently hold the ink IK accumulated on the lower end surface is generated during the wiping operation. And the shape may be arbitrarily set.
[0123]
Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the cleaning blade BL for cleaning the ink discharge port forming surface is entered from the bent portion side (rear side) of the wiring board H1300 and moved to the front portion side. In the case where the wiping operation is repeatedly performed, the ink may be collected on the lower end surface by the blade BL, and the ink IK may accumulate on the end surface. In this case, when the ink IK falls, there is a possibility that the recording paper underneath is soiled.
[0124]
However, since the longitudinal groove H1530 is provided on the end face, the ink IK reservoir is held by the capillary force, and can be prevented from falling onto the recording paper, for example, and the recording paper can be prevented from being contaminated and recording quality deteriorated. Is done.
[0125]
As shown in FIG. 11, in the holder H1500, the portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed has one end communicating with the ink supply hole H1520 and the other end being the ink flow of the flow path forming member H1600. A groove-like ink flow path H1521 formed corresponding to the open end of the path is formed corresponding to each ink tank H1900. Therefore, the other end of each ink flow path H1521 is the opening of the ink flow path of the flow path forming member H1600 so that the mutual distance between the other ends of the respective ink flow paths H1521 is smaller than the mutual distance between the one ends. It gathers corresponding to the edge. An ink supply path that supplies each ink from each ink tank H1900 to each ink flow path of the flow path forming member H1600 by joining the contact surface of the flow path forming member H1600 to a fixed portion of the holder H1500. Will be formed.
[0126]
Further, positioning pins IP that are engaged with the flow path forming member H1600 and the first plate H1200 are planted in a portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed.
[0127]
(Combination of recording head unit and holder unit)
As shown in FIG. 24 described above, the recording head H1001 is completed by coupling the recording element unit H1002 to the holder unit H1003. The coupling is performed as follows.
[0128]
A fourth adhesive so that the ink supply port of the recording element unit H1002 (ink supply port H1201 of the first plate H1200) and the ink supply port of the holder unit H1003 (ink supply port H1601 of the flow path forming member H1600) communicate with each other. H1602 is applied, and the first plate H1200 and the flow path forming member H1600 are bonded and fixed. In addition to the ink supply port portion, several portions of the recording element unit H1002 that are in contact with the holder unit H1003 are also bonded and fixed with a fifth adhesive H1603. The fourth adhesive H1602 and the fifth adhesive H1603 are desirably adhesives that have ink resistance, are cured at room temperature, and can withstand the linear expansion difference between different materials. In this embodiment, for example, a moisture absorption curing type silicone adhesive is used. Further, the fourth adhesive resin H1602 and the fifth adhesive resin H1603 may be the same adhesive. Further, when the recording element unit H1002 is bonded to the holder unit H1003 with the fourth adhesive H1602 and the fifth adhesive H1603, the recording element unit H1002 is applied to the flow path forming member H1600. The positioning is fixed by H1604. The sixth adhesive H1604 is desirably an adhesive that cures instantaneously. In this embodiment, for example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive is used, but other adhesives may be used.
[0129]
The external signal input terminal H1301 portion of the recording element unit H1002 is positioned and fixed to one side surface of the holder H1500 by terminal positioning pins H1515 (two places) and terminal positioning holes H1309 (two places). For example, the terminal coupling pins H1516 (six locations) provided in the holder H1500 and the terminal coupling holes H1310 (six locations) provided around the external signal input terminal H1301 of the electrical wiring board H1300 are fitted together. The terminal coupling pin H1515 is fixed by heat welding, but other fixing means may be used.
[0130]
(Description of recording head cartridge)
FIG. 27 described above is a diagram for explaining the mounting of the recording head H1001 and the ink tank H1900 constituting the recording head cartridge H1000. Each ink tank H1900 has a corresponding ink supply port H1201 of the recording head H1001. Ink of different colors or inks having different densities are stored. Each ink tank has an ink supply port H1907 for supplying ink in the ink tank to the recording head H1001. In a state where the ink tank H1901 is attached to the recording head H1001, for example, black ink in the ink tank H1900 is supplied to the recording head H1001 via the ink supply port H1907.
[0131]
Each ink tank H1900 inserted along the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 27 and attached to the holder H1500 of the recording head H1001 is detachable independently. Each ink tank H1900 stores, for example, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink.
[0132]
Further, each ink tank H1900 is provided with a movable lever H1912 that is operated at the time of attachment and detachment, and a claw portion H1909 that is formed integrally with the movable lever H1912 and that selectively engages with the holder H1500. Yes. Further, claw portions H1911 and H1910 that are engaged with the through holes H1521 and H1508 of the holder H1500 when mounted are formed on the end surface portion facing the one end surface portion, respectively.
[0133]
Further, an ink supply port H1907 connected to each joint portion H1517 of the holder H1500 is provided at the bottom of each ink tank H1900. Accordingly, each ink is supplied to each communication path H1600d of the flow path forming member H1600 through the joint portion H1517.
[0134]
In addition, a prism H1913 is provided at the bottom of the light tank. The prism H1913 is irradiated with a light beam from a detector for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank H1900. Further, a positioning pin H1908 is formed adjacent to the prism H1913.
[0135]
FIG. 28 described above is a cross-sectional view of the recording head cartridge H1000. As shown in FIG. 28, a recording element substrate H1100 is provided on one side of the lower surface of the box-shaped recording head H1001. Further, as described above, the joint portion H1517 is provided in the recording head H1001, and an ink flow path H1501 extending toward the recording element substrate H1100 is formed in the joint portion H1517. As an ink flow in such a print head cartridge, an ink tank H1900 for black ink will be described as an example. The ink in the ink tank H1900 is supplied into the recording head H1001 through the ink supply port H1907 and the joint H1517 of the ink tank H1900. The ink supplied into the recording head H1001 is supplied to the first plate H1200 through the ink flow path H1501, and further supplied from the first plate H1200 to the ink supply port H1102 (FIG. 26) of the recording element substrate H1100. . And it supplies to the foaming chamber with the electrothermal conversion element H1103 and the discharge outlet H1100T. The ink supplied to the foaming chamber is ejected toward a recording sheet as a recording medium through each ejection port H1100T by thermal energy given to the electrothermal conversion element H1103.
[0136]
Further, FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing the carriage M4001 and its periphery in the embodiment of the recording apparatus including the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
[0137]
The carriage M4001 is configured to be reciprocally scanned in a direction indicated by an arrow S while being guided by a carriage shaft M4012 and a carriage rail (not shown) installed between both side surfaces of the chassis M3019. A pair of carriage bearings formed by impregnating a sintered metal or the like with a lubricant such as oil is integrally formed on the bearing portion of M4012 by a method such as insert molding. Further, a carriage slider (CR slider) M4014, which is a contact member made of resin having excellent slidability and wear resistance, is provided at the contact portion of the carriage M4001 with the carriage rail. It is configured to enable smooth scanning of M4001.
[0138]
The carriage M4001 is fixed to a carriage belt M4018 that is stretched between the idler pulley and the carriage motor pulley substantially in parallel with the carriage shaft M4012. The carriage motor pulley is rotated by the driving of the carriage motor, and the carriage M4001 can be scanned along the carriage axis M4012 by moving the carriage belt M4018 in the forward movement direction or the backward movement direction. The carriage motor pulley is held at a fixed position by the chassis. However, the idler pulley is held movably with respect to the chassis M3019 together with the pulley holder M4021 (see FIG. 2), and moves away from the carriage motor pulley. Since it is urged by the spring, a moderate tension is always applied to the carriage belt M4018, and a good erection state without slack is maintained.
A carriage belt stopper is provided at the attachment portion between the carriage belt M4018 and the carriage M4001, so that the carriage belt M4018 and the carriage M4001 can be reliably attached.
[0139]
The carriage M4001 is engaged with the carriage M4001 and engaged with the carriage cover M4002 for guiding the recording head H1001 to the mounting position of the carriage M4001, and the holder H1500 of the recording head H1001, and the recording head H1001 is set at a predetermined mounting position. There is provided a headset lever M4007 for pressing.
That is, the head set lever M4007 is provided on the upper portion of the carriage M4001 so as to be rotatable with respect to a head set lever shaft (not shown in FIG. 16), and the engaging portion of the head set lever M4007 with the recording head H1001. Is provided with a head set plate (not shown) via a spring, and is configured to be mounted on the carriage M4001 while pressing the recording head 1001 by the spring force.
[0140]
Further, a contact flexible print cable (hereinafter referred to as a contact FPC) E0011 is provided at another engagement portion of the carriage M4001 with the recording head H1001, and is provided on the contact portion E0011a on the contact FPC E0011 and the recording head H1001. The contact portion (external signal input terminal) H1301 is in electrical contact so that various information for recording can be exchanged and power can be supplied to the recording head H1001.
[0141]
Here, an elastic member such as rubber (not shown) is provided between the contact portion of the contact FPC E0011 and the carriage M4001. The contact portion and the carriage M4001 can be reliably contacted by the elastic force of the elastic member and the pressing force of the spring of the headset lever. Further, the contact FPC E0011 is pulled out to both side portions of the carriage M4001, and both ends thereof are sandwiched and fixed to both side portions of the carriage M4001 by a pair of FPC pressers M4003. The contact FPC E0011 is connected to a carriage substrate mounted on the back surface of the carriage M4001 (not shown in FIG. 16).
[0142]
Further, the bottom portion of the carriage M4001 is divided into two parts by a connecting member M4002B that connects both sides thereof, thereby forming an opening M4002A and an opening M4002B that allow the inside of the carriage M4001 to communicate with the lower side. ing.
[0143]
As shown in FIG. 12, engaging portions M4002a are formed on the periphery of the opening M4002A so as to face each other. The engaging portion M4002a has a pair of engaging surfaces as reference surfaces to which the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 to be attached are detachably engaged.
[0144]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the holder H1500 constituting a part of the recording head H1001 to be mounted has reference end face parts H1502a and H1502b at the lower end part on the back side where the external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed. have. The reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b are formed on the same plane in the wall portion that forms the periphery of the portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed. Therefore, since the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b are formed on the same plane, it becomes easy to form them simultaneously during the forming process.
[0145]
Further, the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b are in communication with the sides through notches H1503a and H1503b formed at the periphery of the portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed, respectively. Further, a notch H1504 with which the end of the first plate H1200 is engaged is formed at the center of the wall where the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b are formed.
[0146]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the flow path forming member H1600 has projecting pieces H1600a and H1600b that sandwich both end portions of the first plate H1200 on the side facing the first plate H1200 to be combined. is doing.
[0147]
At that time, a predetermined gap is formed between the protrusion pieces H1600a and H1600b fixed to the holder H1500 and the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500, and the protrusions H1200A of the first plate H1200 are engaged with each other. Will be.
[0148]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 34 (A) and (B), the ink supply ports H1201 of the first plate H1200 and the above-described protrusions H1600a and H1600b are disposed between the opposing protrusions H1600a and H1600b. Corresponding to the other end of each ink flow path H1521, communication holes H1600d are formed in a straight line parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. At the opening end portion of each communication hole H1600d, a circular edge H1600e is formed so as to protrude from the other portion on the periphery on the side to which the first plate H1200 is bonded. Each edge H1600e is engaged with each ink supply port H1201 of the first plate H1200 when it is joined to the first plate H1200. That is, each communication hole H1600d communicates with the first plate H1200.
[0149]
In such a configuration, when assembling the recording head H1001 described above, first, the recording element substrate H1100 on which the ejection port H1100T is formed is positioned on the surface corresponding to the ink supply port H1201 of the first plate H1200. Distributed. In positioning, the recording element substrate H1100 is positioned so that the arrangement direction of the ejection ports H1100T forms a predetermined angle with respect to the engaging surface H1200a of the protrusion H1200A. At this time, for example, a thermosetting adhesive is applied and bonded to the recording element substrate H1100 with the first plate H1200. Even when the thermosetting adhesive is used in this way, the linear expansion coefficient of the recording element substrate H1100 and the linear expansion coefficient of the first plate H1200 are relatively approximate values. It is avoided that the positioning accuracy due to. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the recording element substrate H1100 with respect to the first plate H1200 and the positioning accuracy of the recording element substrate H1100 with respect to the moving direction of the holder H1500 are improved.
[0150]
The positioning method of the recording element substrate H1100 with respect to the first plate H1200 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C, with the alignment marks Ay1, Ay2, Am1, Am2, and Ac1. , And Ac2, a reference surface H1200a, and a reference surface 1200b described later.
[0151]
As described above, the first plate H1200 is provided with the reference surfaces H1200a in the two arrow Y directions (directions substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction of the carriage M4002) on the protrusions H1200A on both sides in the longitudinal direction. This Y-direction reference plane H1200a (the plane perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 13B) holds the first plate H1200 in the holder H1500 in the direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c. It is a reference when positioning to.
[0152]
Further, in the vicinity of the protrusion H1200A on one end surface of the first plate H1200, a reference surface H1200b in a direction indicated by an arrow X orthogonal to the reference surface H1200a (a surface perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 13B). ) Is formed.
[0153]
For example, a line connecting these two Y-direction reference planes H1200a to each other is referred to as a Y-reference line YL, while passing through an X-direction reference plane H1200b provided on the first plate H1200, with respect to the Y reference line YL. A line extending vertically is called an X reference line XL.
[0154]
Further, the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c are provided with alignment marks Ay1, Ay2, Am1, Am2, Ac1, and Ac2, respectively, at predetermined positions near both ends in the longitudinal direction. The pair of alignment marks Ay1, Ay2 are provided on a common straight line. A pair of alignment marks Am1, Am2, Ac1, and Ac2 are similarly provided on a common straight line.
[0155]
The alignment mark Ay1 is set at a predetermined position corresponding to the alignment marks Am1 and Ac1 of each substrate, and the alignment mark Ay2 is set at a predetermined position corresponding to the alignment marks Am2 and Ac2 of each substrate.
[0156]
When positioning the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c, first, image processing is used for positioning from the recording element substrate H1100y that is closest to the reference plane H1200a in the Y direction on the side where the alignment mark is provided. Done. At that time, each of the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c is held by gripping means (not shown) and positioned in a state in which the recording element substrates are close to an adherend surface described later.
[0157]
The alignment mark Ay1 of the recording element substrate H1100y is positioned so as to be separated from the reference plane H1200a in the y direction by a distance of a predetermined value Yy1, and is also positioned so as to be separated from the reference plane H1200b in the X direction by a predetermined value Xy1. Is done.
[0158]
Next, the alignment mark Ay2 is positioned so as to be separated from the reference surface H1200b in the X direction by a distance of a predetermined value Xy2. When the inclination of the end face of the recording element substrate 1100y is 90 ° with respect to the Y reference line YL, the predetermined value Xy1 and the predetermined value Xy2 are equal.
[0159]
Subsequently, the recording element substrate H1100m is positioned. Alignment marks Am1 and Am2 on the recording element substrate H1100m are set at predetermined distances X (m1-y1) and X (m2-y2) that are arbitrary values relative to the alignment marks Ay1 and Ay2 on the recording element substrate H1100y in the X direction. Each is positioned to be spaced apart. On the other hand, the position in the Y direction of the alignment mark Am1 is positioned so that the distance Ym1 from the Y reference line YL is equal to the predetermined value Yy1.
[0160]
Similarly, the recording element substrate H1100c has predetermined values X (c1-y1) and X (c2-y2) whose alignment marks Ac1 and Ac2 are arbitrary values with respect to the alignment marks Ay1 and Ay2 of the recording element substrate H1100y. They are positioned so as to be separated by a distance. On the other hand, the position of the alignment mark Ac1 in the Y direction is positioned so that the distance Yc1 from the Y reference line YL is equal to the predetermined value Yy1.
[0161]
After the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c are thus positioned, the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c are bonded to the first plate H1200 using the thermosetting adhesive H1204 as described above. Is done. In this embodiment, as the thermosetting adhesive, an adhesive that can be used in combination with curing by ultraviolet rays is used. That is, first, after the recording element substrates H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c are temporarily fixed by irradiating the adhesive with ultraviolet rays, the adhesive is completely heated by heating the adhesive, and as a result, the recording element substrate is obtained. H1100y, H1100m, and H1100c are securely fixed.
[0162]
Further, since the contact area of the reference surface H1200a of the first plate H1200 is relatively small, when processing the reference surface H1200a, it becomes easy to increase the processing accuracy.
[0163]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, the second plate H1400 and the electric wiring substrate H1300 are placed on the first plate H1200 so as to be electrically stacked, and the electric wiring substrate H1300 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate. It is connected to the electrode of H1100.
[0164]
Next, as shown in FIG. 14, a silicon-based adhesive Bo that cures at room temperature or at a relatively low temperature is applied around the through-hole H1600d of the holder unit H1003 (flow path forming member H1600). As shown in FIG. 15, the first plate H1200 to which the recording element substrate H1100 and the electric wiring substrate H1300 of the recording element unit H1002 are fixed is sandwiched between the protruding pieces H1600a and H1600b, and is engaged with the notch H1504. The forming member H1600 is bonded to the surface where the through hole H1600d is formed. At that time, the first plate H1200 has its protrusion H1200A engaged between the protrusions H1600a and H1600b and its reference end face H1502a and H1502b, and its engagement face H1200a is its reference end face H1502a and It abuts on H1502b and is fixedly bonded by a sixth adhesive H1604 (see FIG. 24). Therefore, the first plate H1200 of the recording element unit H1002 is not heated during the bonding, and with respect to the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 of the ejection port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100. The predetermined positioning accuracy is maintained and fixed.
[0165]
Subsequently, the holder H1500 to which the printing element unit H1002 is fixed is inserted and mounted in the carriage M4002 along the direction indicated by the arrow as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A together with the ink tank H1900. At that time, the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 are brought into contact with the engaging surface of the engaging portion M4002a, respectively. Accordingly, the ejection port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100 in the mounted holder H1500 is accurately positioned on the carriage M4002 at a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the carriage M4002.
[0166]
17 and 18 show the main part of a second embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
[0167]
In FIG. 17, in addition to the protrusion piece H1600a and the protrusion piece H1600b of the flow path forming member H1600 in the example shown in FIG. 14, the pressing piece H1505 is integrated with the periphery of the portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed. Is formed. The pressing piece H1505 presses the engagement surface H1200a of the first plate H1200 against the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 with its elastic force.
[0168]
17 and 18, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the examples shown in FIGS. 13A, 14, and 15, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.
[0169]
One end of the pressing piece H1505 is connected to an intermediate portion between the protruding piece H1600a and the protruding piece H1600b at the periphery of the portion where the flow path forming member H1600 is inserted and fixed, and the other end of the pressing piece H1505 is The free end is displaceable according to the applied external force.
[0170]
In such a configuration, when assembling the above-described recording head H1001, first, the recording element substrate H1100 on which the ejection port H1100T is formed is supplied with ink from the first plate H1200 as in the first embodiment. Corresponding to the mouth H1201, the surface thereof is positioned and arranged with respect to the engagement surface H1200a. At that time, for example, a thermosetting adhesive is applied and bonded to the recording element substrate H1100 between the first plate H1200. Next, the second plate H1400 and the electric wiring substrate H1300 are placed on the first plate H1200 so that the electric wiring substrate H1300 is electrically connected to the electrodes of the recording element substrate H1100. , And a recording element unit H1002 as shown in FIG.
[0171]
Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 24, a silicon-based adhesive Bo that cures at room temperature or a relatively low temperature was applied around the through-hole H1600d of the holder unit H1003 (flow path forming member H1600). Thereafter, the first plate H1200 of the recording element unit H1002 is sandwiched between the protruding pieces H1600a and H1600b against the elastic force of the pressing piece H1505, and is engaged with the notch H1504 to form a through hole H1600d. Glued to the surface. At that time, the first plate H1200 has its protrusion H1200A engaged between the protrusions H1600a and H1600b and its reference end face H1502a and H1502b, and its engagement face H1200a is its reference end face H1502a and It abuts on H1502b. In addition, the engagement surface H1200a of the first plate H1200 is pressed against the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b by the elastic force of the pressing piece H1505.
[0172]
Accordingly, the first plate H1200 is not heated during bonding, and has a predetermined positioning accuracy with respect to the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 of the discharge port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100. It will be kept and fixed. Furthermore, since the load can always be applied to the first plate H1200 in the abutting direction during the curing waiting time (8 to 12 hours) of the adhesive Bo, which is a room temperature curing type, and after curing, the ejection port array is surely provided. The tilt accuracy can be obtained. Also in the heat cycle test, it has been confirmed by the test by the present inventor that the abutting accuracy of the engagement surface H1200a against the end surface portions H1502a and H1502b is good.
[0173]
Subsequently, the external signal input terminal H1301 portion of the recording element unit H1002 is positioned and fixed to one side surface of the holder H1500 as shown in FIGS.
[0174]
Subsequently, the recording head H1001 is inserted and mounted in the carriage M4002, as shown in FIG. 18, together with the ink tank H1900. At that time, the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 are brought into contact with the engaging surface of the engaging portion M4002a, respectively. Therefore, the ejection port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100 in the mounted holder H1500 is automatically and accurately positioned on the carriage M4002 at a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the carriage M4002.
[0175]
FIG. 19 shows a main part of a third embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention, together with a carriage M4002. FIG. 19 shows a state in which a holder 1500 assembled with a recording element substrate H1100, an electrical wiring substrate H1300, and the like is mounted in the carriage M4002.
[0176]
In the example shown in FIG. 19, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the engagement surface H1200a of the first plate H1200 is pressed against the reference end face portions H1502a and H1502b by the elastic force of the pressing piece H1505. Instead, the engagement surface H1200a ′ of the first plate H1200 ′ is pressed against the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b by the component force in the radial direction of the fastening force of the countersunk screw Bs.
[0177]
The first plate H1200 ′ is made of the same material as the first plate H1200 in the above-described example, and has a recording element substrate H1100 that is positioned and bonded with the same adhesive as in the above-described example at a substantially central portion thereof. ing. Further, the first plate H1200 ′ has engagement surfaces H1200a ′ as reference surfaces that are in contact with the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b at both ends of the holder H1500 facing the notches H1503a and 1503b, respectively. ing. Furthermore, circular through holes H1200b 'and H1200B' into which countersunk screws Bs are inserted are formed at both ends. As shown in FIG. 20, a conical seat surface portion Ba corresponding to the head of the countersunk screw Bs is formed at the peripheral edge portion of the through hole H1200b '. The inner diameter of the through hole H1200b 'is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion of the countersunk screw Bs. The circular through-hole H1200B 'is formed continuously with the through-hole H1200b' and the seat surface portion Ba. The diameter of the circular through hole H1200B 'is larger than the diameter of the through hole H1200b'.
[0178]
Further, a female screw hole H1500s into which the countersunk screw Bs is screwed is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole H1200b 'in the holder H1500.
[0179]
Therefore, as described above, after the adhesive is applied to the surface of the flow path forming member H1600 where the through holes H1600d are formed, the countersunk screws Bs are inserted into the through holes H1200b ′ and H1200B of the first plate H1200 ′. Is inserted into the female screw hole H1500s, and the head of the countersunk screw Bs presses the seat surface portion Ba, whereby the first plate H1200 'is fastened and the first plate H1200' is engaged. The mating surface H1200a ′ is pressed against the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b.
[0180]
Thereby, it is possible to proceed to the next step without waiting for the adhesive to be cured (8 to 12 hours), and the manufacturing time is greatly reduced.
[0181]
Also in such a configuration, the recording head H1001 is inserted and mounted in the carriage M4002 as shown in FIG. 19, together with the ink tank H1900, as in the above example. At that time, the reference end surface portions H1502a and H1502b of the holder H1500 are brought into contact with the engaging surface of the engaging portion M4002a, respectively. Accordingly, the ejection port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100 in the mounted holder H1500 is accurately positioned with respect to the carriage M4002 at a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the carriage M4002.
[0182]
35, 36 and 37 show a fourth embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
[0183]
35 to 37, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the arrangement of the open ends of the communication path H1600d in the flow path forming member H1600 is arranged at a predetermined interval on a straight line. The members H1600 ′ are arranged so that the arrangement of the open ends of the communication passages H1600d ′ is a staggered pattern.
[0184]
35 to 37, the same components as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.
[0185]
In the portion of the holder H1500 where the flow path forming member H1600 ′ is inserted and fixed, one end communicates with the ink supply hole H1520 and the other end corresponds to the open end of the ink flow path of the flow path forming member H1600 ′. Each of the groove-shaped ink flow paths H1521 ′ formed in this manner is formed corresponding to each ink tank H1900. Therefore, the other end of each ink flow path H1521 is the same as the ink flow path of the flow path forming member H1600 so that the mutual distance between the other ends of each ink flow path H1521 ′ is smaller than the mutual distance between the one ends. They are gathered in a zigzag pattern corresponding to the open ends.
[0186]
Each ink flow path H1521 ′ is joined to the contact surface of the flow path forming member H1600 ′, so that each ink from each ink tank H1900 is supplied to each ink flow path of the flow path forming member H1600 ′. A supply path is formed.
[0187]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 38 (A) and (B), the ink supply ports H1201 ′ of the first plate H1200 ′ are provided between the protruding pieces H1600a and the protruding pieces H1600b facing each other. In addition, communication holes H1600d ′ are formed in a staggered manner in parallel to each other at a predetermined mutual interval corresponding to the other ends of the ink flow paths H1521 ′ described above. At the opening end of each communication hole H1600d ', a circular edge H1600e' is formed so as to protrude from the other part on the periphery on the side to which the first plate H1200 'is bonded. Each edge H1600e 'engages with each ink supply port H1201' of the first plate H1200 'when joined to the first plate H1200'. That is, each communication hole H1600d 'communicates with the first plate H1200'.
[0188]
Further, as shown in FIG. 35, the first plate H1200 ′ includes six ink supply ports H1201 ′ for supplying the six color inks from the flow path forming member H1600 ′ to the recording element substrate H1100, respectively. It is formed in a zigzag pattern corresponding to each of the communication holes H1600d ′ described above. Each ink supply port H1201 ′ communicates with an enlarged portion H1202 as an ink flow path that opens toward the end surface H1200s to which the recording element substrate H1100 is bonded, as shown in FIG. is doing.
[0189]
Therefore, by arranging each communication hole H1600d ′ and the ink supply ports H1201 ′ in a two-row staggered arrangement, the arrangement pitch between the ink supply ports is widened, and the ink supply ports are not made smaller without making the ink supply ports smaller. It is possible to provide a groove or a step shape and secure a sufficient adhesion region. As a result, a highly reliable and compact inkjet recording head that does not cause ink leakage or the like can be provided.
[0190]
38, 39 and 40 show a fifth embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
[0191]
38 to 40, the same components in FIG. 2 and FIG. 13A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.
[0192]
In the above-described example, the recording head H1001 has been described using the configuration in which the ink tank H1900 is mounted on the holder H1500. However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and the recording element unit and the tank unit as described above. Needless to say, the present invention may be applied to a recording head generally called a disposable head, which has an integral configuration.
[0193]
In the example shown in FIG. 39, the ink tanks H2000A, H2000B, H2000C, H2000D, H2000E, and H2000E that respectively supply a plurality of different ink colors to the recording head H1004 are separated from the carriage M4001, and the apparatus main body M1000 Prepared on the side. For example, the ink tanks H2000A to H2000F are arranged at positions below the moving path of the carriage M4001. In FIG. 39, the ink tanks H2000D, H2000E, and H2000F are not shown.
[0194]
Each of the ink tanks H2000A to H2000F supplies the stored ink to the recording head H1004 mounted on the carriage M4001 through an ink tube group H2010 including a plurality of ink supply tubes connected at one end. Each ink is automatically guided by the negative pressure or capillary force in the recording head H1004 that is generated according to the recording operation of the recording head H1004.
[0195]
As shown in FIG. 40, the recording head H1004 includes a recording element unit H1002 and a holder H1550 that holds the recording element unit H1002 and has a common ink chamber in which each supplied ink is stored. It is configured.
[0196]
Each common ink chamber of the holder H1550 is connected to the other end of the ink tube group H2010.
[0197]
The holder H1550 has reference end face portions H1550a and 1550b at the lower end portion on the back side where the external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed. The reference end surface portions H1550a and 1550b are in communication with the sides through notches H1550Sa and H1550Sb formed on the periphery thereof.
[0198]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the holder H1550 has projecting pieces H1550Ga and H1550Gb that sandwich both end portions of the first plate H1200 on the side facing the first plate H1200 to be combined. ing.
[0199]
At that time, a predetermined gap is formed between the protrusions H1550Ga and H1550Gb of the holder H1550 and the reference end face portions H1550a and 1550b of the holder H1550, respectively, with which the protrusions H1200A of the first plate H1200 are engaged. Become.
[0200]
Further, the reference end surface portions H1550a and 1550b of the holder H1550 are brought into contact with the engagement surface of the engagement portion M4002a, respectively. Therefore, the ejection port H1100T row of the recording element substrate H1100 in the mounted holder H1550 is accurately positioned on the carriage M4002 at a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the carriage M4002.
[0201]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the positioning portion of the carriage with respect to the carriage has a basic configuration that also serves as the positioning portion of the support and the holder. Positioning accuracy can be improved with a simple structure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where an exterior member of the printer shown in FIG. 1 is removed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a recording head cartridge used in a printer according to an embodiment of the invention is assembled.
4 is an exploded perspective view showing the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head shown in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from below.
6 (a) and 6 (b) are views showing a configuration of a scanner cartridge that can be mounted on a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention instead of the recording head cartridge of FIG. 3, respectively. It is a perspective view shown upside down.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an electrical circuit in a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a main PCB in the electric circuit shown in FIG.
9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of an ASIC in the main PCB shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head shown in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from below.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention, together with a part of a recording apparatus to which the liquid discharge recording head is applied.
13A is a plan view showing a main part of the liquid discharge recording head mounted in the example shown in FIG. 12. FIG. (B) and (C) are diagrams used for explaining the assembly of the recording element substrate in the example shown in FIG.
14 is a perspective view for explaining assembly in the example shown in FIG. 12. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view for explaining assembly in the example shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a carriage of an ink jet printer as an example of a recording apparatus including a liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the invention.
18 is a plan view showing a liquid discharge recording head mounted in the example shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the main part of a third embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
20 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a conventional holder and a recording element substrate.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view for explaining the assembly of a conventional holder and recording element substrate.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state where the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 21 is mounted in the carriage.
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the recording element unit used in the embodiment of the present invention is assembled together with a holder.
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing a recording element unit and a holder unit used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a recording element substrate constituting a part of each embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the invention.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an ink tank used in an embodiment of the present invention together with a recording head.
28 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the ink tank is mounted in the holder shown in FIG.
FIG. 29 is a front view of a holder constituting a part of each embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the invention.
30 is a plan view of the holder in the example shown in FIG. 29. FIG.
FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the inside of the orifice plate in the example shown in FIG.
32A is a plan view of the first plate in the example shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 32B is a side view of the first plate in the example shown in FIG.
33A and 33B are partial cross-sectional views of the first plate shown in FIG. 32A, respectively. (C) is a fragmentary sectional view used for description of the plate as a comparative example.
34 (A) is a plan view showing the communication path of the flow path forming member in the example shown in FIG. 11. FIG. (B) is a fragmentary sectional view in the part shown by (A).
FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention.
36 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the flow path forming member is fixed to the holder and the first plate is assembled to the electric wiring board in the example shown in FIG. 35. FIG.
FIG. 37 is a plan view of the first plate in the example shown in FIG. 35.
38 (A) is a plan view showing a communication path of the flow path forming member in the example shown in FIG. 35. FIG. (B) is the fragmentary sectional view in the part shown by (A).
FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the liquid discharge recording head according to the present invention, together with a recording apparatus to which the fifth embodiment is applied.
40 is a perspective view showing a liquid discharge recording head used in the example shown in FIG. 39. FIG.
41 is a plan view showing a main part of the liquid discharge recording head mounted in the example shown in FIG. 39. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
M1000 main unit
M1001 Lower case
M1002 Upper case
M1003 Access cover
M1004 discharge tray
M2015 Paper gap adjustment lever
M2003 Paper discharge roller
M3001 LF roller
M3019 chassis
M3022 Automatic feeding section
M3029 transport section
M3030 discharge section
M4000 recording unit
M4001 Carriage
M4002 Carriage cover
M4007 Headset lever
M4021 Carriage shaft
M5000 recovery unit
M6000 scanner
M6001 Scanner holder
M6003 Scanner cover
M6004 Scanner contact PCB
M6005 Scanner illumination lens
M6006 Scanner reading lens 1
M6100 storage box
M6101 storage box base
M6102 Storage box cover
M6103 Storage box cap
M6104 Storage box spring
E0001 Carriage motor
E0002 LF motor
E0003 PG motor
E0004 Encoder sensor
E0005 Encoder Scale
E0006 Ink end sensor
E0007 PE sensor
E0008 GAP sensor (Paper gap sensor)
E0009 ASF sensor
E0010 PG sensor
E0011 Contact FPC (Flexible Print Cable)
E0012 CRFFC (flexible flat cable)
E0013 Carriage board
E0014 main board
E0015 Power supply unit
E0016 Parallel I / F
E0017 Serial I / F
E0018 Power key
E0019 Resume key
E0020 LED
E0021 Buzzer
E0022 Cover sensor
E1001 CPU
E1002 OSC (CPU built-in oscillator)
E1003 A / D (A / D converter with built-in CPU)
E1004 ROM
E1005 Oscillator circuit
E1006 ASIC
E1007 Reset circuit
E1008 CR motor driver
E1009 LF / PG motor driver
E1010 Power supply control circuit
E1011 INKS (ink end detection signal)
E1012 TH (Thermistor temperature detection signal)
E1013 HSENS (Head detection signal)
E1014 Control bus
E1015 RESET (Reset signal)
E1016 RESUME (resume key input)
E1017 POWER (Power key input)
E1018 BUZ (Buzzer signal)
E1019 Oscillator circuit output signal
E1020 ENC (encoder signal)
E1021 Head control signal
E1022 VHON (Head power ON signal)
E1023 VMON (motor power ON signal)
E1024 Power control signal
E1025 PES (PE detection signal)
E1026 ASFS (ASF detection signal)
E1027 GAPS (GAP detection signal)
E0028 Serial I / F signal
E1029 Serial I / F cable
E1030 Parallel I / F signal
E1031 Parallel I / F cable
E1032 PGS (PG detection signal)
E1033 PM control signal (pulse motor control signal)
E1034 PG motor drive signal
E1035 LF motor drive signal
E1036 CR motor control signal
E1037 CR motor drive signal
E0038 LED drive signal
E1039 VH (head power supply)
E1040 VM (motor power supply)
E1041 VDD (logic power supply)
E1042 COVS (Cover detection signal)
E2001 CPU I / F
E2002 PLL
E2003 DMA controller
E2004 DRAM controller
E2005 DRAM
E2006 1284 I / F
E2007 USB I / F
E2008 Reception control unit
E2009 Compression / decompression DMA
E2010 Receive buffer
E2011 Work buffer
E2012 Work area DMA
E2013 Recording buffer transfer DMA
E2014 Print buffer
E2015 Recording data expansion DMA
E2016 Data buffer for decompression
E2017 Column buffer
E2018 Head control unit
E2019 Encoder signal processor
E2020 CR motor controller
E2021 LF / PG motor controller
E2022 Sensor signal processor
E2023 Motor control buffer
E2024 Scanner capture buffer
E2025 Scanner data processing DMA
E2026 Scanner data buffer
E2027 Scanner data compression DMA
E2028 Sending buffer
E2029 Port control unit
E2030 LED controller
E2031 CLK (clock signal)
E2032 PDWM (software control signal)
E2033 PLLON (PLL control signal)
E2034 INT (interrupt signal)
E2036 PIF received data
E2037 USB reception data
E2038 WDIF (received data / raster data)
E2039 Reception buffer control unit
E2040 RDWK (Reception buffer read data / raster data)
E2041 WDWK (work buffer write data / record code)
E2042 WDWF (Workfill data)
E2043 RDWP (work buffer read data / record code)
E2044 WDWP (Sort recording code)
E2045 RDHDG (data for recording development)
E2047 WDHDG (column buffer write data / development record data)
E2048 RDHD (column buffer read data / development record data)
E2049 Head drive timing signal
E2050 Data development timing signal
E2051 RDPM (pulse motor drive table read data)
E2052 Sensor detection signal
E2053 WDHD (captured data)
E2054 RDAV (acquisition buffer read data)
E2055 WDAV (data buffer write data / processed data)
E2056 RDYC (data buffer read data / processed data)
E2057 WDYC (send buffer write data / compressed data)
E2058 RDUSB (USB transmission data / compressed data)
E2059 RDPIF (1284 transmission data)
H1000 recording head cartridge
H1001 Recording head
H1100 recording element substrate
H1100T Discharge port
H1200 first plate
H1201 Ink supply port
H1300 Electric wiring board
H1301 External signal input terminal
H1400 second plate
H1500, H1550 holder
H1501 ink flow path
H1600 flow path forming member
H1700 filter
H1800 seal rubber
H1900, H2000A, H2000B, H2000C ink tank
H1200A Protrusion
H1200a, H1200a 'engagement surface
H1502a Reference end face
H1505 pressing piece
M4002a Engagement part
H1200 'first plate
H1200b 'through hole
H1500s female screw hole
Bs countersunk screw
Ba Seat part
H1600d, H1600d 'communication path

Claims (19)

A plurality of recording element substrates having a recording element for ejecting liquid, a support for supporting the recording element substrate, a holder for holding the support carriage and the move as accompanied the holder A liquid ejection recording head comprising a holder having a positioning portion for positioning between the holders,
The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion of the holder also serves as a positioning portion for positioning the support and the holder.   The support has protrusions serving as positioning portions that perform positioning with the holder in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the recording element substrates at both ends along the arrangement direction of the recording element substrates. The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1.   The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of recording element substrates are positioned using the protrusions of the support.   4. The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 3, wherein the recording element substrate includes a plurality of alignment marks for positioning the recording element substrate with respect to the support.   5. The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the alignment marks are arranged on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the recording element substrate.   The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1, wherein the support is made of ceramic.   The liquid is supplied to the recording element substrate via the holder and the support, and the support has a plurality of liquid supply ports respectively corresponding to the plurality of recording element substrates. The liquid discharge recording head according to 1.   8. The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of liquid supply ports are arranged in a staggered pattern.   The liquid discharge recording according to claim 8, wherein the support includes a liquid supply path having an enlarged portion that communicates with the liquid supply port and has a flow path cross-sectional area that increases toward the recording element substrate. head.   9. The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 8, wherein the holder has a liquid outlet port corresponding to the liquid supply port and is integrally formed.   The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a detachable liquid supply member that stores the liquid supplied to the recording element substrate.   The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1, wherein the recording element is an electrothermal conversion element for heating the liquid.   The liquid discharge recording head according to claim 1, wherein the support is bonded to the holder with a low-temperature or room-temperature curable adhesive. In a recording apparatus comprising: a liquid discharge recording head that performs recording by discharging liquid; and a carriage that moves by mounting the liquid discharge recording head.
The liquid discharge recording head includes a plurality of recording element substrates having recording elements for discharging the liquid, a support that supports the recording element substrate, and a holder that holds the support.
The carriage that moves with the holder, and a holder that includes a positioning portion that positions the holders, and
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion of the holder also serves as a positioning portion for positioning the support and the holder.   The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recording element is an electrothermal conversion element for heating the liquid.   The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the support is bonded to the holder with a low-temperature or room-temperature curable adhesive.   The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the holder includes a detachable liquid supply member that stores the liquid supplied to the recording element substrate.   The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the support has a plurality of liquid supply ports respectively corresponding to the plurality of recording element substrates.   The recording apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of liquid supply ports are arranged in a staggered pattern.

Images