JPH02204041A - Liquid jet recorder and recording head cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a recording head cartridge high in quality and releability without any dot deviation by a method wherein a part to be detected which is attached to each recording head is detected with a detector fixed to the main body while a carrier is being scanned, and discharge timing of each recording head is controlled. CONSTITUTION:Before recording operation is started, a CPU 7 firstly scans a carrier 1 from a home station to a recording area position. At that time, a detector 4 firstly detects a home detection board 1a of the carrier 1 (a little longer cycle T1 pulse) and then detects respective boards to be detected 3 Bd to 3 Yb in an order of respective recording heads 3B, 3C, 3M, and 3Y (synchronizing pulse of S2, S1). A CPU 7 refers a detection waveform of this signal CS to a reference clock Ts in the CPU 7, detects an amount of deviation DELTAS3 from a reference position (timing) thereby, and stores it in a RAM 9. Then, since the CPU 7 performs recording correcting discharge timing by referring to the slippage amount DELTAS3 stored in the RAM 9 in recording an image, an ink dot is recorded at a regular position and when many colors are brought out by superposed recording of color ink, ink dots are superposed on one another with excellent precision.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a liquid jet recording device and a recording head cartridge, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid jet recording device and a recording head cartridge. Recording from the outlet? ? The present invention relates to a serial type liquid jet recording device that records an image by ejecting kT (generally ink) toward a recording medium, and a recording head cartridge used in the device.

[Prior Art] FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of this type of serial type liquid jet recording apparatus, which is called a conventional inkjet printer or the like.

In FIG. 6, a carrier (also called a carriage) 1 is slidably held on a guide shaft 2, and is moved along the recording area (in the digit direction) by a drive mechanism such as a carrier motor (not shown). Moved and scanned. This carrier l is equipped with a plurality of recording heads 3 for four colors: Y (yellow), 1 M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black), and each recording head is connected to 3Y, 3M, and 3CjB.
shall be. These recording heads 3Y, 3&l, 3C, 3B
Reference wall 1 for positioning when attaching to carrier 1
01JO2j03゜104 is installed above the carrier 1, and the above-mentioned t1 head 3Y, :IM, 3(:, 3
B is attached so as to be in close contact with each of the reference walls 101 to l port 4.

Further, reference numeral 1a denotes a home detection plate protruding from the lower surface of the carrier 1, and when the detection plate 1a passes through the home position sensor 4 while the carrier 1 is scanning, the home position is detected. 5 is a recovery system unit for preventing ink ejection failure at the ejection port; 6a, 6b, 6e;
, 6d are the recording heads 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3B, respectively.
This is a cap provided on the front surface of the recovery unit 5 so as to face each other at the home position. Roughly speaking, 7 is a paper feed roller that feeds the recording paper in the row direction, 8 is a vapor pan that guides the recording paper, and 9 is a base that is integrated with the main body of the apparatus.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional apparatus as described above, the reference walls 101 to 104 are first machined with high precision in order to perform the dot alignment of each recording head necessary for color recording. A recording head 3 manufactured on a carrier 1 made of Guicast, with the dimensions from the reference surface to the ejection port being controlled with high precision.
Y, 3M, 3G, 3a) are placed on the paper, and then the images are actually recorded on the paper, and the positional deviation of the output dots is detected with the naked eye or by image recognition using some kind of image reading means such as an optical sensor. However, the ejection timing was adjusted manually by electrically switching a dip switch or by changing resistance to avoid dot misalignment.

Therefore, the carrier 1 is required to be processed with extremely high precision, and as a result, it is necessary to use gui-cast parts, which are expensive, heavy, and have a large size.

Furthermore, even after the recording head is installed, dot misalignment may occur again due to aging, etc., and readjustment may be necessary.
There were problems such as complicated operation and poor mass productivity. Furthermore, since each recording head requires a reference wall as described above, the width of the carrier becomes large, which in turn increases the size and weight of the printing apparatus itself, which is disadvantageous.

Furthermore, since it is not easy to adjust dot misalignment, using a so-called cassette-type recording head, which allows each recording head to be freely replaced, is recommended for color printers to achieve even higher definition and higher image quality recording. This was difficult in practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems without requiring a high-precision carrier and requiring manual labor. This eliminates the adjustment process described in F, and allows the use of a cassette-type recording head with an integrated ink tank, resulting in a high-quality, inexpensive, compact, lightweight, and highly reliable liquid printing head with no dot misalignment. injection recording device,
The present invention also provides a recording head cartridge for use in the apparatus.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides two interchangeable
While scanning a carrier equipped with the above recording heads,
In a liquid jet recording device that forms an image by ejecting recording liquid from an ejection port of a print head, a detected portion is attached to each of the print heads and maintains a correlation with the position of the ejection port of the print head; a detector that is fixed to the recording apparatus main body and detects the detected portion while the carrier is scanning; I
J control circuit.

In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, an individual pattern for identifying the recorded color is formed on the detected portion, and the control circuit detects the color on the carrier based on the individual pattern detected via the detector. It is characterized by identifying the color used and the mounting position of each recording head attached to the recording head.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, as another feature 2.1, the detected portion is formed integrally with the recording head.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the detected portion has a length that penetrates the carrier.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the detected portion is used as a positioning member for positioning the recording head to the carrier.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the recording head is provided with an energy generator that generates energy used to discharge recording liquid from the discharge ports.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that the energy generator generates thermal energy as energy.

Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an ejection port for ejecting liquid, an ejection energy generating element that generates energy for ejecting the liquid, and a liquid storage section for storing the ejected liquid. and a protrusion provided corresponding to the position of the discharge port.

[Function] With the above configuration, the present invention detects the detected portion attached to each print head while maintaining a correlation with the position of the ejection port of each print head while scanning the carrier using a detector fixed to the main body. , the ejection opening interval of each print head in the carrier scanning direction is detected at the output timing of the detector, and depending on the detection result, the ejection of each print head in the carrier scanning direction is adjusted so as not to cause a positional deviation of 1 d in output dot position. Since the timing is adjusted (corrected) by the control circuit, dot alignment is automatically performed easily, quickly and accurately. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily use a Q disposable type recording head that is detachable from a carrier and integrated with an ink tank, and an inexpensive carrier such as plastic molding can be used. Even if the dot position is replaced, the dot position is always corrected automatically, eliminating the need for adjustment during the manufacturing process.As a result, a low-cost, small, lightweight, high-quality, and highly reliable liquid jet recording device and the recording data used in the device are produced. Head cartridges are available.

Further, in the present invention, by using the detected portion provided on the recording head for positioning with the carrier, basic positioning of the recording head and the carrier and attachment of the recording head to the carrier can be easily performed. Furthermore, if the connecting portion between the detected portion and the carrier is made to have a different shape and/or size for each recording head, it is also possible to restrict the attachment of the recording heads.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the external configuration of a liquid jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that illustration of other mechanical parts that are not directly involved in the present invention is omitted.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a carrier, and a home detection plate 1a for detecting a home position is provided at the lower end of the carrier. Further, mounting holes (through holes) Ib for positioning the recording heads 3, which will be described in detail later, are formed at predetermined positions on the carrier 1 along the same direction as the home detection plate 1a, corresponding to the number of recording heads to be mounted. ing. Also, when the recording head 3 is attached to the carrier 1, the recording head 3
Locking claws 1c for holding the carrier 1 are formed rising from the upper surface of the carrier 1 at the front and rear positions of the recording heads, corresponding to the mounting positions of each recording head. However, the illustration of the rear locking claw is omitted. This carrier 1 is slidably attached to the guide glaze 2.

The recording head 3 has Y (yellow), 1M (magenta), and C (
There are four colors each: cyan) and B (black), and the respective heads are 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3B.

As the recording head 3, a disposable cartridge-type recording head that is removable and integrated with an ink tank (liquid reservoir) for storing ink can be used. Also, inside the recording head 3, a recording liquid (
An energy generating element is provided that generates energy used for ejecting the ink (ink), and the energy generating element includes, for example, an ejection energy generating element such as an electrothermal conversion element that generates thermal energy as the above-mentioned energy. is used.

Furthermore, since the structure and form of each recording head are the same, a 3Y recording head will be explained as a representative.

In the recording head 3Y, an ejection port 3Ya for ejecting ink is provided at the front facing a recording sheet (not shown), and the relationship between the position of the ejection port 3Ya and a reference surface is accurately and precisely controlled. A detection plate 3Yb, which is a detected portion (protrusion), is formed integrally with the recording head 3Y and extends downwardly from the bottom of the recording head. Here, one end surface 3Yb' of the detection target plate 3Yb becomes its reference surface. The detection plate 3Yb is also used as a positioning member for positioning the recording head 3Y on the carrier 1.

Further, grooves 3Yc for engaging with the locking claws 1c of the carrier 1 described above are formed on the front and rear surfaces (
formed on the back). 3Yd is a knob for attaching and detaching. When installed, the detection plate 3Yb of the recording head 3Y is inserted into and penetrates the mounting hole 1b of the carrier 1, and the recording head 3
Y is held and fixed by the locking claw 1c. Note that there is no problem even if the detection plate 3Yb is inserted into the mounting hole 1b with some loose fit.

Further, %4 is a detector that also serves as a home position sensor, and a transmission type photointerrupter () is used. Note that this detector 4 is preferably a high-resolution type detector in which a slit is attached to the light receiving section.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a recovery system unit, and caps 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are attached to the unit 5 to face the ejection ports of each of the recording heads 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3B. 2
θ is a circuit connected to the detector 4.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the circuit 20 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the central processing unit (CPII) 7, R
The OM8 and RAM9 constitute a control section, and the ROM8 stores in advance a recording timing control program (iljJ control procedure). The recording data stored in the RAJ 9 is outputted via the I10 port (PI^) 10 and applied as a recording drive pulse to the recording heads 3Y to 3B in synchronization with a pulse signal from a timer (PTM) 11. Further, the timing signal detected by the detector (sensor) 4 is multiplied by j1 in an amplifier and then sent to the CPU 7 via 110 baud 1-10, and the output timing of the pulse signal from the timer 11 is adjusted as described below. CPII7
Adjusted by

Next, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment in the above configuration will be explained.

At a predetermined time such as when the power is turned on, reset, or after replacing the recording head, the CPU 7 first scans the carrier 1 from the home station to the position of the recording area before starting the recording operation. At this time, the home position signal C5 inputted from the detector 4 via the I10 port has a waveform as shown in FIG. That is, the detector 4 first detects the home detection plate 1a of the carrier 1 (TI pulse with a slightly longer period), and then detects the home detection plate 1a of the carrier 1 (TI pulse), and then detects each of the recording heads 3B, 3.
[:, 3M, 3Y are detected in the order of each detected board: 1Bb to 3Yb (52.51 synchronization pulse). The CPU 7 uses the detected waveform of this signal C5 as the reference clock Ts in the CPIJ7.
The amount of deviation ΔS3 from the reference position (timing) is thereby detected and stored in nAM9.

Next, when recording an image, the CPU 17 uses the above-mentioned RAM! i
Since printing is performed while correcting the ejection timing by referring to the deviation amount ΔS3 stored in Overlap.

Even if the recording dot 3 is replaced, the carrier 1 is always scanned to check the amount of deviation of the ejection port from the standard position, so that the dot position can always be corrected automatically. Also,
Even if no recording head 3 is installed, the home position signal is output, so the carrier 1 can be reset.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a detection plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The detected plate 3Y'b in this embodiment is the detected plate 3Yb in FIG.
In this case, a slit 3Ye is inserted.

However, the slits 3Ce and 3Me are not placed in the detection plate 3Bb of the black recording head 3B.

3Ye is formed at a different position in the horizontal direction (carrier scanning direction) for each color, as shown in (^) in FIG. 5, so when carrier 1 is scanned as described above, The CPII 7 can easily detect which color recording head is mounted at which position on the carrier 1 using a home position signal C5 as shown in FIG. 5(B). This eliminates the need to specify the mounting position of the recording head for each color in advance, which not only improves operability but also improves the
It is also possible to attach the recording heads to the carrier irregularly such as M, M, etc., and use them by specifying the color.

The arrangement of the output dots in the height direction (vertical direction of 5 rows) can be achieved relatively easily since it is only necessary to ensure the flatness of the recording head mounting surface of the carrier 1, and the recording head can be arranged on the mounting surface. What is necessary is to ensure the accuracy from the discharge port to the discharge port.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, by detecting the detected portion provided in each replaceable print head with a detector, the ejection timing of the print head is adjusted and the output dots are adjusted. Since positional deviations do not occur, there is no need for high-precision processed carriers, and complicated adjustment processes can be eliminated.Also, a disposable type recording head with an integrated ink tank can be used, so it is always possible to It is possible to obtain a high-quality, inexpensive, small, lightweight, and highly reliable liquid jet recording device without dot misalignment, and a recording head cartridge for use in the device.

Furthermore, in the present invention, by using the detected portion provided on the recording head for positioning with the carrier, basic positioning of the recording head and the carrier and attachment of the recording head to the carrier can be easily performed. . Furthermore, if the connecting portion between the detected portion and the carrier is made to have a different shape and/or size for each recording head, the attachment of the recording heads can also be regulated υ1.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the external configuration of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the control circuit in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the recording head according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a detected plate and detected waveform of the recording head of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing an example of the configuration of a conventional device. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Carrier, 2...Guide shaft, 3Y-3B...Recording head, 3Yb-3Bb...Detected plate, 4...Detector, 7...CPU. 8... [(OM. 9...mouth^M5 1O...Ilo boat (['lA), 11...
・Timer (PchoM). Figure 3

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A liquid jet recording apparatus that forms an image by ejecting recording liquid from the ejection ports of the recording heads while scanning a carrier equipped with two or more exchangeable recording heads, a detected part attached to each of the recording heads and maintained in correlation with the position of the ejection port of the recording head; and a detected part fixed to the recording apparatus main body to detect the detected part during scanning of the carrier. What is claimed is: 1. A liquid jet recording apparatus, comprising: a detector for detecting the carrier, and a control circuit for adjusting ejection timing in the scanning direction of the carrier of each of the recording heads according to the output timing of the detector. 2) An individual pattern for identifying recorded colors is formed on the detected portion, and the control circuit is configured to detect the detection area attached to the carrier based on the individual pattern detected via the detector. 2. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color used and the mounting position of each recording head are identified. 3) The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected portion is formed integrally with the recording head. 4) The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected portion has a length that penetrates the carrier. 5) The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected portion is used as a positioning member for positioning the recording head to the carrier. 6) The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is provided with an energy generator that generates energy used to discharge the recording liquid from the discharge ports. 7) The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the energy generator generates thermal energy as the energy. 8) A discharge port for discharging liquid; a discharge energy generating element that generates energy for discharging the liquid; a liquid storage section for storing the liquid to be discharged; and a discharge port at the position of the discharge port. A recording head cartridge comprising: a correspondingly provided protrusion; and a recording head cartridge.