JP5152424B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including a line-type head that ejects liquid droplets without moving during image formation.

  As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a combination of these, an ink jet recording apparatus or the like is known as an image forming apparatus of a liquid discharge recording method using a recording head for discharging a recording liquid droplet, for example. . In this liquid discharge recording type image forming apparatus, a recording liquid, for example, ink droplets, is transported from a recording head (not limited to paper, including OHP, and ink droplets, other liquids can be attached) This is also used as a synonym for image formation (recording, printing, printing, printing) by discharging onto a recording medium or recording medium, recording paper, recording paper, etc.). And a serial type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting droplets while the recording head moves in the main scanning direction, and forms an image by ejecting droplets without moving the recording head There is a line type image forming apparatus using a line type head.

  As a line-type image forming apparatus, Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus maintenance kit in which a head unit having an ink jet head is formed so as to be freely drawn out of the apparatus main body, and the function of the head unit is maintained and recovered by the pulled out head unit. It is described that it can be attached freely.

  Patent Document 2 includes a support shaft that supports a plurality of recording heads that eject ink onto a recording medium, and is movable by rotating the recording head between an image recording area and a retreat area outside the image area. And a nozzle recovery unit that performs a nozzle recovery operation of at least one of the other recording heads in the retreat area when any one of the recording heads records an image in the image recording area. Is provided.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a capping and wiping member that integrally includes a capping portion that is disposed so as to be capable of capping the surface on which the nozzles of the recording head are formed, and a cleaner portion that is disposed so as to be able to wipe the transportation surface of the transporting means. It is described that the wiping member has an operating mechanism that can be set at a first position between the surface and the conveying means and a second position as a standby position separated from the first position.

  Patent Document 4 includes a support member that includes a support unit that detachably supports the line-type recording head unit. The supporting member has a position where the recording head unit is capped, a recording position, and a position where maintenance is performed. And means for guiding to obtain.

JP 2004-142365 A JP 2006-123301 A JP 2000-263801 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-16344 JP 2006-123203 A JP 2005-178246 A

  By the way, the line-type head has a larger number of nozzles per head than the short head, and the ejection failure such as the ejection bend in which the ejected droplet bends and the droplet cannot be ejected is relatively unfavorable. It tends to occur. For this reason, a maintenance / recovery mechanism (means or apparatus) for maintaining and recovering the nozzle performance is provided, but it is difficult to always maintain a state where there is no defective nozzle even by the maintenance / recovery operation, and the head can be replaced. I need it.

  However, when a line-type head having a large number of nozzles is replaced, since the recording liquid (hereinafter referred to as “ink”) is built in the head, the ink in the head leaks from the nozzle and the apparatus There is a problem that the inside will be polluted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a line-type head replacement operation to be easily performed.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention provides:
In an image forming apparatus comprising: a line-type head that discharges liquid droplets in a state that does not move when an image is formed on a recording medium; and a maintenance / recovery unit that maintains and recovers nozzle performance of the line-type head
The line-type head is detachably attached to the apparatus main body integrally with the maintenance / recovery means,
A waste liquid tank that contains liquid waste liquid that does not contribute to image formation can be connected to the maintenance and recovery means,
Said line head, and the maintenance and recovery unit, and the waste liquid tank Ri freely mountable der detachable from the apparatus main body in a state of being integrally connected,
The line-type head is arranged to be movable in a horizontal direction between an image forming position for forming an image and a retracted position retracted from the image forming position.
An engaging means for engaging and integrating the line type head and the maintenance / recovery means with the line type head in the retracted position is provided .

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the line type head can be easily replaced.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a right side view of FIG. 1 in a state where the head structure of the apparatus is in an image forming position. FIG. 2 is a right side view of FIG. 1 in a state where the head structure is in the retracted position. It is a perspective explanatory view of a head structure similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view of the head support part of the head structure. It is a principal part perspective view of the head part of the head structure. It is a section explanatory view showing an example of composition of a channel connector part of the head structure. It is a section explanatory view showing other examples of composition of a channel connector part of the head structure. It is a perspective explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of a head rotation drive mechanism and a positioning mechanism. It is a plane explanatory drawing similarly. It is front explanatory drawing of FIG. It is left side explanatory drawing of FIG. It is principal part perspective explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the maintenance recovery mechanism part of the apparatus. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of the rotational drive control of the head structure. It is a plane explanatory view explaining a different state of a head structure similarly. FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view for explaining a connection configuration of a head structure and a maintenance / recovery mechanism. It is a front typical explanatory drawing similarly. It is typical explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the other example of the positioning structure of the head structure. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining still another example of the positioning structure of the head structure. It is typical plane explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is typical plane explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining the connected state of the head portion and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the print preparation state. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the print state in the same manner. It is typical plane explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing of a head part similarly. It is side explanatory drawing of a maintenance recovery mechanism part similarly. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining the connected state of the head portion and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. An example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a left side view of FIG. 1 in a state where the head structure is in the image forming position, and FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the head structure is in the retracted position. It is a right view of FIG. 1 in a certain state.

  The image forming apparatus is a copying apparatus. The apparatus main body 1 includes an image reading unit 2 such as a scanner for reading an original image, and a recording unit 3 for forming an image on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as “recording paper”) P. It is configured.

  Then, the recording paper P stored in the recording paper cassette 4 is separated and fed one by one by the paper feeding roller 5 and the separation pad, and is conveyed to the printing unit 10 through the conveyance path 7. A head structure 11 including a head unit composed of a line-type head that records ink by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording paper P, and the recording paper P are adsorbed and conveyed to the printing unit 10 by electrostatic adsorption or the like. A driving belt 17 and a driven roller 18 that are circulated around the driving roller 17 and the like, and the head structure 11 with respect to the recording paper P that is attracted to the conveying belt 12 and conveyed at a predetermined speed. Ink droplets are ejected from a line-type head mounted on the printer to form an image. Next, the recording paper P on which the image is formed passes through the paper discharge path 13 and is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge stack unit 14.

  Ink is supplied to the head portion of the head structure 11 of the printing unit 10 from an ink cartridge 15 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1 via an ink tube (not shown). Further, the head structure 11 is supported by the rotary shaft 16 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction. At the time of image formation, as shown in FIG. It can be moved to a retracted position facing the maintenance / recovery mechanism (maintenance / recovery means) 20.

  Further, on the front side of the apparatus main body 1, a maintenance / recovery mechanism that performs maintenance / recovery of the head portion of the head structure 11 corresponding to the retracted position of the head structure 11 outside the conveyance area of the recording paper P by the conveyance belt 12. A portion 20 is disposed, and a waste liquid tank 21 is disposed for containing waste liquid of ink that does not contribute to image formation generated in the maintenance and recovery mechanism portion 20.

  Further, an operation unit 24 operated by an operator is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 1. A cover 26 that opens when the head structure 11 is attached to and detached from the recording unit 3 of the apparatus main body 1 integrally with the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 is opened and closed at the lower protruding portion of the operation unit 24. It is provided freely.

  The head structure 11 is detachably attached to the recording unit 3 integrally with the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 as described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment / detachment position of the head structure 11 is a position where the head structure 11 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 face each other, that is, the front surface side of the apparatus main body 1. By allowing the head structure 11 to be attached and detached on the front side of the apparatus main body 1, the head replacement operation is facilitated.

  Next, details of the head structure 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of the head structure, FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view of a head support portion of the head structure, and FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the head portion of the head structure.

  The head structure 11 is configured by detachably mounting the head portion 31 to the head support portion 32. As shown in FIG. 6, the head unit 31 is a nozzle in which a plurality of nozzles 33n for discharging droplets of each color, for example, each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged. Rows 33y, 33m, 33c, and 33k (hereinafter simply referred to as “nozzle row 33” when colors are not distinguished from each other) are also included.

  In this example, the nozzle rows 33y and 33m are formed on one nozzle plate 34a, and the nozzle rows 33c and 33k are formed on one nozzle plate 34b. What formed the nozzle row may be used. Further, here, one nozzle row 33 is configured to have a length corresponding to the width of the recording medium (recording paper P), but a configuration in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads are arranged in the nozzle row direction, or It can also be set as the structure which has arrange | positioned several head blocks (head array).

  An ink tube 35 connected to the ink cartridge 15 is connected to the head support portion 32, and an energy generating means for generating energy for discharging droplets in the head portion 31 from a control portion (not shown) is driven. A signal transmission means for transmitting a signal is connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the head support portion 32 and the head portion 31 are provided with flow path connector portions 41 and 42 for connecting and disconnecting an ink path, which is a liquid supply path, respectively, and an electric signal transmission path. Electrical connector portions 43 and 44 for connection and disconnection are provided. Thereby, when the head part 31 is mounted on the head support part 32, the flow path connector parts 41 and 42 are connected and the ink path is connected, so that ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 15 to the head part 31. In addition, the electrical connector portions 43 and 44 are connected and the signal transmission path is connected, so that the head portion 31 can be driven by a control unit (not shown).

  Further, a handle 36 is provided on the upper surface of the head portion 31, and the head portion 31 can be easily detached from the head support portion 32 by lifting the handle 36. Furthermore, the head portion 31 and the head support portion 32 form a wedge-shaped convex portion 46 and a concave portion 47 (which may be reversed) that are detachably fitted to each other, and the head portion 31 and the head support portion 32 are thereby formed. The means for determining the positional relationship is established.

  Here, an example of the flow path connector portions 41 and 42 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of the flow path connector part.

  The head support portion 32 includes a tube 51, a joint portion 52, and a ring-shaped seal member 53 such as an O-ring. On the other hand, the head portion 31 includes a check valve configured by a lid member 55 that also serves as a valve seat and a valve body 56 that opens and closes an opening 55a on the distal end side of a joint portion 54 that is detachably fitted to the joint portion 52. 57.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the ink is about to flow from the tube 51 side of the head support portion 32 in the direction indicated by the arrow, pressure is applied to the valve body 56 of the check valve 57 and the valve body. 56 moves in a direction away from the opening 55 a of the lid member 55 to create a gap (opens), so that the ink flows toward the joint portion 54 of the head portion 31 and is supplied to the head portion 31. On the other hand, since the valve body 56 of the check valve 57 is in close contact with the lid member 55 and closes against the ink flow from the head portion 31 toward the head support portion 32, ink does not flow. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, even when the head portion 31 is detached from the head support portion 32, ink can be prevented from leaking from the head portion 31 side.

  Another example of the flow path connector portions 41 and 42 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of the flow path connector part.

  The head support portion 32 includes a tube 51, a joint portion 52, and a ring-shaped seal member 53 such as an O-ring, and a protrusion 58 is provided at the center of the joint portion 52. On the other hand, the head portion 31 is provided with a lid member 61 in which a hole (opening) 60 in which the protruding portion 58 can advance and retreat is formed on the distal end side of the joint portion 54, and the protruding portion 58 on the head support portion 32 side. A ball 62 as a valve body capable of closing the hole 60 is disposed between the inner surface of the lid member 61 and biased toward the protruding portion 58 by a spring 63. Further, a flow path 64 is formed in the lid member 61.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the head portion 31 is mounted on the head support portion 32, the protruding portion 58 of the head support portion 32 pushes the ball 62 against the urging force of the spring 63. Since the hole 60 is opened, the ink flows toward the joint portion 54 of the head portion 31 and the ink is supplied to the head portion 31. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the head portion 31 is removed from the head support portion 32, the ball 62 is pressed against the hole 60 by the urging force of the spring 63, thereby closing the hole 60. Therefore, even if the head unit 31 is detached from the head support unit 32, ink can be prevented from leaking from the head unit 31 side.

  Next, the drive mechanism and positioning mechanism of the head structure 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 is an explanatory perspective view of the main part of the recording unit, FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view, FIG. 11 is an explanatory front view of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory front view of FIG.

First, the head support portion 32 of the head structure 11, the side plate 70 constituting the belt structure that holds the conveyor belt 12 so as to be able to move around, and the frame 22 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20 are positioned through the rotary shaft 16. Yes. Thereby, each positional relationship of the head structure 11, the conveyance belt 12, and the maintenance recovery mechanism part 20 can be maintained with high precision.

  Here, the head structure 11 is provided with a head support portion 32 fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft 16, and the side plate 70 that is the structure of the conveyor belt 12 and the frame 22 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20 have the rotating shaft 16. It is provided for relative rotation. A head rotation drive mechanism 75 that rotates the head structure 11 is provided. The head rotation drive mechanism 75 includes a gear 76 that is fixed to the central portion of the rotary shaft 16 and a motor 77 that includes a gear 78 that meshes with the gear 76. By driving the motor 77, the rotary shaft 16 rotates. Thus, the head structure 11 rotates in the horizontal direction. The rotary shaft 16 may be configured such that the head structure 11 itself rotates as a fixed support shaft.

  In addition, an encoder 80 is provided as means for detecting the amount of rotation of the head structure 11. The encoder 80 includes an encoder wheel 81 fixed to the lower end of the rotary shaft 16 and an encoder sensor 82 that detects a slit of the encoder wheel 81.

  In addition, a height adjustment mechanism 83 that is a means for adjusting the vertical height position of the head structure 11 is provided. The height adjustment mechanism 83 includes a gear 84 that is integrally provided in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 16 and a motor 85 that includes a gear 86 that meshes with the gear 84, and the rotary shaft 16 is driven by driving the motor 85. When the head structure 11 is moved up and down, the relative height position of the head structure 11 changes, and the height can be adjusted (changed) during a maintenance and recovery operation or when the head structure 11 is rotated.

  Further, in order to maintain the gap between the head structure 11 and the conveyor belt 12, the rollers 90 are rotatably held on the front end portion and the rotation base side of the head structure 11, respectively, so that the head structure 11 is set to the image forming position. In this state, the rollers 90 are in contact with the side plates 70 and 71 constituting the belt structure that holds the transport belt 12. As a result, the distance X (see FIG. 12) between the head structure 11 and the conveyor belt 12 during image formation can be kept constant.

  Further, the side plate 71 constituting the belt structure is provided with a stopper 92 that restricts the rotation of the head structure 11. Accordingly, when the head structure 11 is rotated to the image forming position, the rotation of the encoder wheel 81 is stopped by engaging with the stopper 92 and stopping, so that the head structure 11 is stopped from the output of the encoder 80. Can be detected. On the other hand, the maintenance / recovery mechanism 20 is also provided with a stopper 93 that restricts the rotation of the head structure 11.

  Thereby, when the head structure 11 is rotated to the retracted position, the rotation of the encoder wheel 81 is stopped by engaging and stopping the stopper 93, so that the head structure 11 is stopped from the output of the encoder 80. Can be detected. Then, the rotation drive of the motor 77 that drives the rotary shaft 16 is stopped by detecting the stop of the head structure 11 by these encoders 80. In this way, the head structure 11 can be rotated to the image forming position during printing, to the standby position, or to the retracted position for the maintenance / recovery operation. Thus, by physically restricting the position of the head structure 11, the head structure 11 can be accurately positioned at the image forming position, and the image quality is improved. In addition, the head structure 11 can be accurately positioned on the maintenance / recovery mechanism 20, and the capping by the cap member 28 can be performed reliably.

  In addition, a sensor 95 for detecting that the head structure 11 is in the image forming position (printing position) and a sensor 96 for detecting that the head structure 11 is in the retracted position for the standby or maintenance / recovery operation are disposed. The drive of the motor 77 is controlled according to the detection signals of the sensors 95 and 96.

  The conveyor belt 12 is an endless belt that is wound around the driving roller 17 and the driven roller 18 as described above, and moves around when the driving roller 17 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). In addition, detection sensors 98 and 99 for detecting the recording medium (recording paper P) are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the conveyor belt 12, respectively, and jam detection is performed by the output signals of these detection sensors 98 and 99. ing.

  The maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 includes a wiper 27 for wiping the surfaces of the nozzle plates 34a and 34b of the head unit 31 (hereinafter referred to as "nozzle surfaces") to form a clean and nozzle meniscus, and a nozzle for moisturizing. And a cap 28 for sealing the surface. The wiper 27 rises at the time of wiping (wiping), and the head surface 11 rotates to wipe the nozzle surface by moving the nozzle surface relative to the wiper 27. Further, the cap 28 rises during standby, and moisturizes by capping the nozzle surface so that the nozzle does not dry.

  Here, another example of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 is configured such that the wiper 101 fixed to the holder 102 is moved and scanned in the longitudinal direction by the belt 104 to wipe the nozzle surfaces (surfaces of the nozzle plates 34a and 34b) of the head unit 31. It is.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 and the plan view shown in FIG.

  First, referring to FIG. 14, when a print command is given, the motor 77 of the head rotation drive mechanism 75 is rotationally driven to move the head structure 11 from the retracted position (standby position) to the image forming position (print position). Rotate. Then, it is checked whether or not the sensor 95 has detected the head structure 11 within a predetermined time to determine whether or not the head structure 11 has moved to the printing position.

  At this time, if the head structure 11 has moved to the printing position within a predetermined time (the state of FIG. 15A), the feeding operation of the recording paper P from the recording paper cassette 4 is started. Then, after the start of paper feeding, the inlet sensor 98 is turned on within a predetermined time, and thereafter, the outlet sensor 99 is turned on by a predetermined time. Further, the inlet sensor 98 is turned off by a predetermined time, and then until the predetermined time. When the exit sensor 99 is turned off, the printing operation has been normally performed, and thus this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not possible to detect that the head structure 11 has moved to the printing position within a predetermined time, the head structure 11 cannot rotate normally due to a foreign object such as jammed paper, or the head structure 11 cannot be rotated normally. Since some trouble has occurred, for example, the drive motor 77 of the rotation drive mechanism 75 does not operate, “error” is displayed on the operation unit 24 and the operation is stopped as it is.

  Further, as described above, after the start of paper feeding, time-out occurs in any one of the sequences of the inlet sensor 98, the outlet sensor 99 being turned on, the inlet sensor 98 being turned off, and the outlet sensor 99 being turned off within a predetermined time (predetermined). When the predetermined state is not reached in time, an error has occurred. Therefore, a “paper jam” is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the motor 77 of the head rotation drive mechanism 75 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction. 11 is rotated in the direction from the print position side to the standby position. Then, it is checked whether the sensor 96 that detects that the head structure 11 is in the standby position has detected the head structure 11 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the head structure 11 has returned to the standby position normally ( 15B), the operation is stopped when the head structure 11 returns to the standby position normally, and the operation is performed when the head structure 11 does not return to the standby position normally. After “error” is displayed on the unit 24, the operation is stopped.

  Next, a configuration in which the head portion 31, the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 of the head structure 11 are integrally attached and detached will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 is an explanatory perspective view of the main part, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory front view.

  Fitting portions 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B are provided on both longitudinal sides of the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20. On the other hand, on both sides of the head portion 31 of the head structure 11 in the longitudinal direction, fitting portions 31A and 31B that fit into the fitting portions 20A and 20B of the maintenance and recovery mechanism portion 20 are provided. These fitting portions 20A, 20B, 31B, 31A constitute an engaging means for connecting and integrating the head portion 31 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20.

  Thereby, when the head structure 11 is turned to the upper part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism part 20, the fitting parts 31A and 31B of the head part 31 and the fitting parts 20A and 20B of the maintenance / recovery mechanism part 20 are connected. Each is fitted (engaged). Further, the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 is provided with a contact surface 20D with which the roller 90 of the head structure 11 abuts, and the height direction of the head portion 31 is the contact surface of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 with the roller 90 of the head portion 31. It is determined by contacting with 20D.

  The frame 22 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 is detachably attached to the support unit 25, and the support unit 25 is positioned and supported by the rotating shaft 16. Thereby, the positional relationship between the head unit 31 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 is maintained. Further, ink generated by wiping, idle discharge, or the like is stored in a waste liquid tank 21 provided below the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20. The waste liquid tank 21 is coupled in a fixed state by engaging an engagement hole 21 </ b> C provided in the waste liquid tank 21 and a convex part 20 </ b> C provided in the frame 22 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20.

  With this configuration, when the head structure 11 is in the standby position, the head unit 31, the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20, and the waste liquid tank 21 are integrally connected (integrated state). The head portion 31 is separated from the head support portion 32 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20 is separated from the support portion 25 by grasping the handle 36 of the head portion 31 and pulling it upward. The maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 can be integrally taken out in a connected state.

  As described above, since the nozzle surface of the head portion 31 can be taken out while being sealed with the cap 28 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 20, the ink remaining inside the nozzle of the head portion 31 is prevented from leaking out. it can. When the head unit 31 is mounted, the reverse procedure is performed.

  Further, since the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 can be integrally attached and detached, the waste liquid tank 21 can be taken out and replaced when the head is replaced, and a waste liquid discharge path between the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 and the waste liquid tank 21 is provided. It is possible to prevent the waste liquid from dripping from the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 without being divided or exposed.

  If the waste liquid tank 21 is not connected to the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20, only the head unit 31 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 20 can be integrally attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1.

  Next, another example of the head positioning mechanism will be described with reference to the schematic explanatory views of FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, a substantially L-shaped swing arm 151 having a pressing member 152 is arranged so as to be swingable by a shaft 153, and the head structure 11 has a structure as shown in FIG. When moving to the image forming position in the direction indicated by the arrow, the swing arm 151 is pushed by the head structure 11 and swung as shown in FIG. The head structure 11 is positioned and held at the image forming position.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19, a substantially L-shaped swing arm 161 having an engagement portion 162 is disposed so as to be swingable about a shaft 163. As shown in FIG. When the arm moves to the image forming position in the direction of the arrow, the swing arm 161 is pushed by the head structure 11 and swings as shown in FIG. The head structure 11 is pressed from above by engaging with an engagement recess 164 provided on the upper surface of the head, and the head structure 11 is positioned and held at the image forming position.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a schematic plan view of FIG.

  In this embodiment, the two head structures 110A and 110B are disposed so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction above the conveyor belt 12, and the two head structures 110 and 110B are different in level as shown in FIG. By arranging in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction, a line type head is configured as a whole. Then, for the two head structures 110A and 110B, maintenance / recovery mechanisms 120A and 120B are disposed outside the area of the conveyor belt 12, respectively, and during the standby state or maintenance / recovery operation, as shown in FIG. The two head structures 110A and 110B are rotated to positions (retreat positions) facing the maintenance / recovery mechanisms 120A and 120B.

  Also in this configuration, by adopting the configuration of the above embodiment, the head structure 110A and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 120A, and the head structure 110B and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 120B can be integrally attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to schematic explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  In this embodiment, the line-type head 200 (200y, 200m, 200c, 200k) is formed integrally with a head portion and a liquid tank that supplies liquid to the head portion, and is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction. The maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 (201y, 201m, 201c, 201k) is arranged to be movable in the horizontal direction. In the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201, a cap member 202 for capping (sealing) the nozzle surface of the line-type head 200 is arranged so as to be vertically movable and biased upward (however, the highest position is shown in FIG. ) Is regulated at the position.).

  Engaging convex portions 211 are provided on both side surfaces of the line-type head 200, and on the other hand, engaging concave portions 212 with which the engaging convex portions 211 can be engaged are provided on the upper side surfaces of the maintenance and recovery mechanism portion 201. Thus, the engaging convex portion 211 and the engaging concave portion 212 constitute an engaging means for connecting and integrating the line type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 201. Furthermore, an engagement recess 213 is provided at the lower part of both side surfaces of the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201, and a lock member 204 that engages with the engagement recess 213 rotates on the support member 205 (see FIG. 23) on the apparatus main body side. Arranged to be possible.

  With this configuration, when the line type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201 are integrally attached and detached, the line type head 200 is raised and maintained in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. After the recovery mechanism 201 is moved horizontally in the direction of the arrow and positioned below the line-type head 200, the line-type head 200 is lowered in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. The nozzle surface of the line type head 200 is capped (sealed) by the cap member 202 of the portion 201.

  When the line-type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 are integrally removed, as shown in FIG. 21C, the line-type head 200 is further attached with the cap member 202 from the state of FIG. By lowering in the direction indicated by the arrow, the engagement convex portion 211 of the line type head 200 is engaged with the engagement concave portion 212 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201, and the line type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201 are connected. Is done.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the line-type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201, for example, hold the handle 214 provided in the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201 and pull it out in the direction of the arrow, The maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 can be removed integrally with the cap member 202 capping the nozzle surface of the line-type head 200.

  Then, when the line type head 200 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 are integrally mounted, after fitting into the apparatus main body in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 22, the lock member 204 is rotated as shown in FIG. The engaging recess 213 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 is engaged. Thereafter, by raising the line-type head 200 in the direction indicated by the arrow, the engagement concave portion 212 of the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 and the engagement convex portion 211 of the line-type head 200 are disengaged, and the line-type head 200 is The maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 201 is pulled out. In the printing state, as shown in FIG. 24, after the maintenance / recovery mechanism 201 is retracted from below the line head 200, the line head 200 is lowered in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the opening 206 of the support member 205 is opened. Set it down.

  Thus, the line type head is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and either the line type head or the maintenance / recovery means is engaged with the other when the line type head is moved downward, Even with the structure having the engaging means for integrating the head and the maintenance / recovery means, the line-type head in use can be detached from the apparatus main body while being held by the maintenance / recovery means. Even if the liquid in the line-type head leaks from the nozzle, it can be held by the maintenance and recovery means, and the line-type head can be easily replaced.

  In this case, the line-type head is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction, the maintenance / recovery means includes a cap means for sealing the line-type head, and an engagement for engaging and integrating the line-type head and the maintenance / recovery means. And the engaging means is provided at a position lower than the first position at which the line-type head starts to come into contact with the cap means when the line-type head is moved downward. The state of capping and connection (integration) can be switched simply by moving up and down.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to schematic explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  In this embodiment, the line type head 300 (300y, 300m, 300c, 300k) is integrally held by the head holder 400 and arranged so as to be horizontally movable in the recording medium conveyance direction by the conveyance belt 12. A maintenance / recovery mechanism 301 is disposed on the downstream side. A cap member 302 for capping (sealing) the nozzle surface of the line-type head 300 is arranged in the maintenance / recovery mechanism 301 so as to be vertically movable and biased upward.

  Engaging convex portions 311 are extended on both side surfaces of the line-type head 300 (both side surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction), and on the other hand, the upper portions of both side surfaces of the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 301 are engaged. An engaging recess 312 that can engage with the protruding portion 311 is extended. These engaging convex portions 311 and engaging concave portions 312 constitute engaging means for connecting and integrating the line type head 300 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism portion 301.

  With this configuration, when the line-type head 300 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 301 are integrally attached and detached, the line-type head 300 in the printing state as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25C and FIG. 28, by moving the recording medium in the recording medium conveyance direction downstream as shown in FIG. 25B, the engaging convex portions 311 on both side surfaces of the line type head 300 are obtained. Is fitted into the engaging recesses 312 on both sides of the maintenance / recovery mechanism 301, and the line head 300 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 301 are connected. In this state, the cap member 302 is raised and the nozzle surface of the line type head 300 is capped (sealed).

  From this state, for example, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 25 (d), the line head 300 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism 301 are integrally pulled upward (or pulled forward) to maintain the line head 300 and the maintenance. The recovery mechanism 301 can be removed integrally with the cap member 302 capping the nozzle surface of the line type head 300. Note that when the line type head 300 and the maintenance / recovery mechanism unit 300 are mounted together, the procedure and operation are reversed.

  As described above, the line type head is disposed so as to be movable in the horizontal direction between the image forming position for forming an image and the retracted position retracted from the image forming position, and the maintenance / recovery means is in the state where the line type head is in the retracted position. Even with the configuration including the engaging means for engaging and integrating the line-type head and the maintenance / recovery means, the line-type head in use can be removed from the apparatus main body while being held by the maintenance / recovery means. Therefore, even if liquid in the line-type head in use leaks from the nozzle, it can be held by the maintenance recovery means, and the line-type head can be easily replaced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium is a conveyance belt has been described. However, a rotating body such as a roller may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 2 Image reading part 3 Recording part 4 Recording paper feed cassette P Paper (recording medium)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing part 11 Head structure 12 Conveyor belt 14 Discharge stack part 20 Maintenance recovery mechanism part 21 Waste liquid tank 28 Cap member 31 Head part 32 Head support part 41, 42 Flow path connector part 43, 44 Electrical connector part 200, 300 line Die head 201, 301 Maintenance / recovery mechanism

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: a line-type head that discharges droplets in a state that does not move when an image is formed on a recording medium; and a maintenance / recovery unit that maintains and recovers the nozzle performance of the line-type head.
The line-type head is detachably attached to the apparatus main body integrally with the maintenance / recovery means,
A waste liquid tank that contains liquid waste liquid that does not contribute to image formation can be connected to the maintenance and recovery means,
Said line head, and the maintenance and recovery unit, and the waste liquid tank Ri freely mountable der detachable from the apparatus main body in a state of being integrally connected,
The line-type head is arranged to be movable in a horizontal direction between an image forming position for forming an image and a retracted position retracted from the image forming position.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an engaging unit that engages and integrates the line type head and the maintenance / recovery unit with the line type head in the retracted position . The line type heads image forming apparatus according to head for ejecting droplets of a plurality of colors in claim 1, characterized in that integrally formed with the Ru head structure der <br/>. It said head structure includes a head portion, and a head support portion which the head portion is removably mounted to the claim 2 the head supporting portion is equal to or attached to the rotation shaft The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the head unit and the head support unit are provided with a connector unit for connecting and disconnecting a liquid supply path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the connector portion includes a valve mechanism that opens and closes a liquid supply path. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the head portion and the head support portion are provided with a connector portion for connecting and disconnecting an electric signal transmission path. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a positioning unit that determines a positional relationship between the head unit and the head support unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the retraction position of the head structure is on the front side of the apparatus main body. At least one of the maintenance / recovery means and a transport belt structure including a transport belt for transporting the recording medium is positioned and attached to a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the head structure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

Images