JPH03290249A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the heat exchange efficiency in a heat exchange member by providing a support member for supporting a record head, first and second heat exchange members. CONSTITUTION:A first heat exchanger 20A for exchanging a heat by means of heat transfer with a record head 1 is consisting of a heat pipe 2 which is made to be nearly rectangular. A second heat exchanger 20B for mainly radiating a heat is consisting of a heat pipe 2A which is made to be nearly square having the same thickness as that of the heat pipe 2. The record head 1 and the heat pipe 2 are connected to each other by a pressure welding member 8 made of a member having the shape of a leaf spring, which presses the heat pipe 2 contacted at this part to one side face of the record head 1 so as to connect them. In a position where the heat pipe 2A and a fin 3 are to be arranged, support member such as housing and the like is not provided. Thus, there is not anything which disturbs an air blasting from a fan 4. As a result, the air blasting for the fin 3 and the heat pipe 2A can be performed satisfactorily, so that a heat radiation in the second heat exchanger 20B will be performed efficiently.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device, and more specifically, a recording head for recording using heat generated by a heating element, and a recording head that is attached to the recording head to perform recording using heat generated by a heating element. The present invention relates to a recording device including a heat exchange member for exchanging heat with a head.

[Background Art 1 Recording methods that perform recording using thermal energy include, for example, a thermal recording method, a thermal transfer recording method, and a method in which ink is ejected as bubbles in the ink grow due to heat generated by an electrothermal conversion element. There is an inkjet method that performs recording.

These recording methods are widely used in printers, copiers, etc. Among them, the above-mentioned inkjet method enables high-definition and high-speed recording, and the recording head of this method uses the same process as that of semiconductor devices. By manufacturing, recording heads and devices can be constructed at relatively low cost, etc.
It has many advantages that other methods do not have.

Incidentally, in recording apparatuses that perform recording using thermal energy, as recording progresses, so-called heat accumulation and temperature distribution between recording elements due to this heat accumulation generally occur. This heat accumulation and temperature distribution affect the recording characteristics of the recording element, resulting in problems such as uneven density in the recorded image and loss of color balance in color recording. .

Such heat accumulation is particularly problematic in the above-mentioned type of inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording using ink.

That is, the recording head of this system includes: - a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, a liquid path communicating with each of the plurality of ejection ports and having an electrothermal conversion element disposed therein; It has a common liquid chamber that stores ink to be supplied to each, and a part of the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal conversion element during recording is transferred as heat to the liquid path and the ink in the common liquid chamber. Ru. As a result, the temperature of the ink in the liquid path and the common liquid chamber changes, and a corresponding distribution of ink temperature occurs between the respective ejection ports.

Such changes in ink temperature affect the viscosity of the ink. As a result, the amount of ink ejected from each ejection port changes, thereby changing the density of the recorded pixel. At this time, if there is a temperature distribution of the ink among the plurality of ejection ports, density unevenness will occur in the recorded image according to this distribution. Furthermore, in color recording, the color balance will be disrupted.

This density unevenness and color balance distortion are seen as problems in so-called full-line type recording heads among inkjet recording heads. In other words, this full-line type recording head arranges a plurality of ejection ports for one line of recording in accordance with the width of the recording paper being conveyed. For example, when using A3 size recording paper, the recording head It has a density of 40 fMpi and has 4376 ejection ports and corresponding electrothermal conversion elements.

When arranging a large number of ejection ports in this way, firstly, the difference in ejection frequency between the ejection ports often becomes large depending on the print data, which may cause a temperature distribution between the ejection ports. Second, for example, when A3 size printing is performed immediately after B5 size printing using a part of the ejection port array, there is a gap between the ejection ports that were previously used for printing and the other ejection ports. Temperature distribution may also occur.

Additionally, when multiple printheads are used for each color ink to perform full-color printing, differences in the frequency of use between these printheads cause temperature differences between the printheads, resulting in subtle differences in the volume of ink ejected. This may cause problems such as color balance being disrupted or density varying depending on the ink color.

The temperature distribution that occurs between the ejection ports of the print head as described above,
Or to reduce temperature differences between multiple recording heads.
Applicant-3-4 proposed a configuration in which a heat exchange member such as a heat pipe is attached to the recording head, and heat exchange is performed between the recording head and the recording head via the heat vibrator or the like.

The heat vibrator with this configuration has a working liquid such as water or fluorocarbon liquid inside its hollow interior, and this working liquid vaporizes or condenses depending on the relative temperature with the recording head, thereby allowing heat exchange (recording This is used to dissipate heat from the head or heat the recording head. The inside of the heat pipe is filled with a working fluid and steam that is vaporized from the working fluid, and due to the rapid heat transfer of this steam, the heat vibe always works to equalize its temperature.

In addition, to promote heat exchange by this heat vibrator,
For example, a heat exchange structure such as a fin for exchanging heat with the atmosphere (heat radiation) and a fan for blowing air to the extended part of the heat vibrator may be provided, or a heater installed at a predetermined part of the heat vibrator may be used. The applicant has also proposed a configuration in which heat is exchanged with a heat vibrator (heating the heat vibrator).

However, in the above-described heat exchange member and the recording head to which it is attached, there remains room for improvement as described below regarding the heat exchange member itself and the configuration of a recording head unit using heat exchange.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In other words, improving the efficiency of heat exchange using a heat exchange member such as a heat vib is to quickly reduce the temperature difference between the ejection ports in the print head and the temperature difference between the print heads. As a result, it is not only possible to perform high-speed recording without density unevenness, but it is also possible to speed up and improve the accuracy of head temperature adjustment control, which controls the recording head temperature within a predetermined range. do. Further, by improving the heat exchange efficiency, effects such as the ability to further downsize the structure for heat exchange can be obtained.

In this type of heat exchange configuration, the major parts that contribute to improved efficiency are the area where the heat vibrator exchanges heat with the recording head, and the area where the heat vibrator is equipped with fins to dissipate heat to the atmosphere. This is the area where the heat vibrator is installed, and the area where the heater is installed on the heat vibrator.

Among these, the area where the heat vibrator is provided with fins is
In consideration of the influence of air flow on the ink ejection of the print head, it is usually arranged outside the area where the print head is arranged. In this area, the airflow into and out of the fins is likely to be obstructed by intersecting other components of the recording device, especially with the recent trend of miniaturization. It is often difficult to place the fins in a sufficient air flow in a recording device.Also, if a fan is installed to blow air to the fins, the fan may Since the location of the airflow is limited to some extent, the direction and range of the air flow are also limited.

On the other hand, some printing apparatuses have a configuration in which a print head unit consisting of a print head and a heat vibrator is integrally supported, and the print head unit is moved in order to perform a camping operation for ejection recovery processing and the like.

During this movement, if the support state of the recording head or heat pipe is unbalanced, relatively large vibrations may occur in them, causing uneven distribution of the working fluid within the heat vibrator, or causing unnecessary damage to the drive mechanism of the recording head unit. This causes problems such as adding load.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned viewpoints of heat dissipation efficiency and operation of the recording head unit, and by applying the present invention to the support structure of the recording head unit, it is possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchange member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus that can perform the following operations and also enable smooth operation of a recording head unit.

[Means for Solving the Problems] To this end, the present invention provides a recording apparatus for recording by using thermal energy on a recording material as the recording material is conveyed. A recording head provided with a heat generating element, a first heat exchange member connected to the recording head for exchanging heat with the recording head, and exchange of heat between the first heat exchange member. A heat exchange member -7- which is capable of a support that is not present in the atmosphere and that supports the recording head, the first heat exchange member, and the second heat exchange member by engaging with the recording head and/or the first heat exchange member; It is characterized by comprising a member.

Further, in a recording apparatus for recording on a recording material using thermal energy as the recording material is conveyed, a recording head provided with a heating element for generating the thermal energy, and a recording head disposed with a heating element for generating the thermal energy; A first heat exchange member that connects to a head and performs heat exchange with the recording head, and a heat exchange member that can transfer heat between the first heat exchange member and the first heat exchange member,
a second heat exchange member for exchanging heat with an atmosphere provided outside an area where the recording head is disposed; the recording head, the first heat exchange member, and the second heat exchange member; Near the center of gravity of the recording head unit consisting of
A support member that supports the recording head unit by engaging with at least one of the recording head, the first heat exchange member, and the second heat exchange member; The apparatus is characterized in that it includes a driving means for driving the recording head unit, and a cap member for capping the recording head in response to driving of the recording head by the driving means.

[Function] According to the above configuration, the movement of the atmosphere around the second heat exchange member, such as the heat vibrator and the fins, is not obstructed by the support member, etc., and heat radiation in the second heat exchange member is efficiently performed. . In particular, when an air current is generated in the atmosphere using a fan, the improvement in heat dissipation efficiency becomes even more remarkable.

In addition, since the support member supports the recording head unit near the center of gravity, when the recovery system unit is moved relative to the recording head unit during capping, for example, this movement becomes smooth. At the same time, for example, the working fluid in the heat pipe can be kept stable at all times.

Furthermore, if the recording head is a so-called serial type,
Scanning movement for recording can be performed smoothly.

(The following is a margin) [Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1(A), (B), and (C) are diagrams showing a copying machine using an inkjet recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a recording section, and each is a schematic sectional view seen from the front. , a schematic cross-sectional view of only the recording section viewed from above, and a schematic cross-sectional view of only the recording section viewed from the side.

The copying machine according to this example is roughly divided into two parts. In these figures, 301 is a scanner unit that reads a document and converts it into an electrical signal. A recording unit 302 performs recording on a recording material such as recording paper based on an electrical signal converted by the scanner unit 301.

In the scanner section 301, 401 is an original, and 406 is an original table on which the original 401 is placed, and is made of transparent glass or the like. 402 scans the original 40 by moving and scanning it.
This is a document reading unit for reading one image. The document reading unit 402 includes a -II rod array lens 403, a same-magnification color separation line sensor (color image sensor) 404, and an exposure means 405. The document reading unit 402 is on the document table 4.
When moving and scanning in the direction of the arrow in the figure by a moving scanning mechanism (not shown) to read the image of the original 401 on 06,
The exposure lamp constituting the exposure means 405 of the document reading unit 402 is turned on, thereby exposing the document 4
01 The reflected light from the above image is reflected by the rod array lens 403
The light is focused on a same-magnification color separation line sensor (hereinafter referred to as a reading sensor) 404. The reading sensor 404 detects color image information of the document image for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) and converts them into electrical digital signals. This digital signal is transferred to the printer unit 302 as recording data.

In the recording unit 302, 305 is a recording head unit,
Yellow (Y), magenta (
The recording head 1 is of a so-called full line type in which ejection ports are formed for each of M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) inks over the entire recording width of a recording material. Furthermore, each of these recording heads is provided with a heat pipe 2 disposed on its side surface for adjusting the temperature of the recording head. Note that each end of the heat pipe in this example was integrated with the other. Reference numeral 306 denotes a recovery cap section, which moves relative to the recording head section 305 as necessary, as will be described later with reference to FIG.
Capping the ejection port forming surface of the recording head. This prevents ink from drying out during non-printing, performs preliminary ejection, etc., and maintains good ejection characteristics of the print head at all times. When not capping, such as during recording, the recording head unit 305 is placed at a position facing the conveyance path of the recording paper, as shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B).

A paper feeding unit 303 includes a cassette 411 for storing a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked state.

The recording paper stored in the cassette 411 is separated one by one by a pickup roller 412 and the like and fed to the recording paper conveyance path. The fed recording paper is transported into a transport path 419 by a pair of transport rollers 413 and 414,
Furthermore, a pair of registration rollers 415416 adjusts the timing of conveyance, and the sheet is conveyed to a position facing the ejection opening surface of the recording head section 305.

A recording paper conveyance path at a position facing the ejection port surface is formed by a belt conveyance section 304. That is, the belt conveyance unit 304 includes an endless belt that charges and adsorbs the recording paper and runs in the conveyance direction at a position facing the ejection port surface, a drive unit that drives the endless belt, and the like. When the recording paper is conveyed while being attracted to the belt, the distance between its recording surface and the ejection orifice surface of the recording head is maintained appropriately by the attraction force or the like. During this time, four recording heads for each ink color are driven based on the recording data, and recording is performed on the recording paper.

The recorded recording paper is further conveyed by a belt conveyance section 304 from a position facing the recording head section 305 to a paper discharge port. During this time, air heated by the infrared heater 308 is sent by the fan 307 to the recording paper on the conveyance path. This promotes the evaporation of moisture in the ink ejected from the recording head and adhered to the paper, and promotes ink fixation of the recorded image. The recording paper that has reached the paper ejection port is transferred to a paper ejection tray 420 by a pair of paper ejection rollers 213 and 214.
Paper is ejected upward.

As described above, a heat vibrator is attached to the recording head of this example, and the temperature of the recording head is adjusted to a desired temperature by this. As a result, the ink temperature within the print head is controlled to a temperature suitable for printing. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 1(B) and 1(C), a part of the heat vibrator 2 is extended outside the area where the recording head is disposed, and the excess heat is radiated there. A heat exchange section is constructed by attaching fins for the recording head, a heater for supplying heat to the recording head, and the like. And below this heat exchange part,
A fan 4 is provided to blow air toward the fins.

FIGS. 2(A) to 2(C) show an example of a printing head unit having a printing head 1 constituting the printing section of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a heat vibrator 2 serving as a heat exchange means. FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view showing only one of the four heads, and FIGS. 2B and 2F are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view of the entire recording head unit. .

In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a so-called full-line type recording head in which ejection ports are provided corresponding to the entire recording width of a recording material. The recording head of this example has 63 ejection ports.
4736 pieces are arranged at a pitch of 5 μm. An electrothermal conversion element is provided in a liquid path provided to communicate with each of these discharge ports. Thermal energy generated by this electrothermal conversion element is used to rapidly increase the temperature of the ink in the vicinity, causing film boiling, and suppressing the rapid pressure change that occurs as bubbles are generated due to this film boiling. Use this to eject ink.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a heat vibrator that is provided in contact with substantially the entire area of each of the recording heads 1 except for a predetermined area in the longitudinal direction of one side surface thereof. Each of these heat vibes 2 forms two substantially square parts in the area at one end that does not come into contact with the recording head 1, and the ends of each part 2A are integrally formed so that the insides communicate with each other. Ru. This integral formation simplifies the configuration, especially for controlling the temperature of each heat vibrator. A meandering fin 3 is attached between each of these portions 2A. As a result, a first heat exchange section 20A that performs heat exchange between the heat vibrator 2 and the recording head 1 and a second heat exchange section 20B that extends outside and is located away from the recording area by the recording head are configured. be done.

The heat vibrator 2.2A is constructed of a body made of aluminum, taking into account not only heat transfer properties but also workability, cost, etc., and a working fluid made of Freon liquid injected into the hollow interior of the body. With heat vibrators, it is generally necessary to consider the amount of heat transported. In other words, there is a limit to the heat transfer amount of the heat vibrator, and in order to obtain appropriate thermal characteristics for recording, within that limit, the maximum amount of heat that can be transferred from the head to the heat vibrate or from the heat vibrate to the head is required. It is necessary to be able to transfer a greater amount of heat.

The limit amount of the heat transport amount has a correlation with the cross-sectional area of the heat pipe, and the larger the cross-sectional area of the heat pipe, the larger the heat transport amount.

On the other hand, when recording a color image using multiple recording heads as in this example, generally speaking, the larger the distance between the recording heads in the conveyance direction of the recording paper, the more difficult it is to store the transferred image data. It may be necessary to increase the memory size of the device, leading to an increase in the cost of the entire device.

In addition, relative positioning between the recording heads and the recording paper (hereinafter also referred to as registration) is performed between each recording head.
In order to improve the accuracy of
The smaller the distance between the recording heads, the better.

Taking these points into consideration, the heat pipe used in this example is designed so that the heat pipe 2 constituting the first heat exchange section 20A that performs heat exchange with the recording head 1 by heat transfer has a substantially rectangular cross section. The two heat vibrators constituting the second heat exchange section 20B that radiate heat are approximately square in shape and have the same thickness as the heat pipe 2, as described above. By using a heat pipe having such a shape, it is possible to reduce the distance between recording heads, and it is also possible to perform efficient heat exchange without reducing the amount of heat transport.

The recording head l and the heat pipe 2 are connected by a pressure contact member 8. That is, 1. The pressing member 8 is a plate spring-like member, and as shown in detail in FIG. heat pipe 2
Connect these two by pressing . Also,
This pressure contact member 8 is provided with several notches in the longitudinal direction as described above. This cut is 0 1 in order to bring the heat pipe 2 into pressure contact with the head l with a uniform pressing force, so that the heat transfer between the head 1 and the heat pipe 2 is performed uniformly over the entire recording head. At the same time, it also allows for smooth attachment and detachment when inserting the heat vibrator.

It is appropriate to use an elastic material such as SUS or phosphor bronze for this pressure contact member, and the thickness is 0.
2mm y 1. Approximately 0 mm is optimal. Since the thickness is very thin, thermal problems such as heat conduction can be ignored even if it is in direct contact with the heat pipe 2.

As described above, the heat radiating fins 3 constituting the heat radiating means are press-fitted into the three regions formed between the four heat pipes 2A in the portion of the heat pipes 2A constituting the second heat exchange section 20B. installed. In order to maximize the heat dissipation function of the heat dissipation fins 3, a fan 4 constituting the heat dissipation means is installed near the heat dissipation fins 3 in a direction opposite to the direction in which ink is ejected from the recording head. It is provided below the heat dissipation fin 3 so as to send the radiation.

The maximum wind speed of this fan 4 is 3 m/sec, and although only a part of it is shown in FIG. 2(A), its air outlet 4A
extends over the three areas in which the fins 3 are provided.

The fan 4 in this embodiment is not limited to any form, and can be installed at a location that will not cause the problem of ink mist or influence on the ink ejection direction, which will be described later.
It can be placed at the most preferable position where miniaturization of the device can be achieved. Also, Fig. 2 (B) and (C)
As is clear from the figure, the heat pipes 2, 2A and the recording head 1 are supported by the housing 101, but there is a housing etc. at the position where the second heat converter, that is, the two heat vibrators and the fins 3 are disposed. There are no supporting members. Thereby, there is nothing that obstructs the air blowing from the fan 4, and the air can be properly blown to the fins 3 and the heat pipe 2A.

Note that although this fan 4 is provided in the main device, it may also be provided in a recording unit such as a recording head.

The radiation fins 3 are provided so that their surfaces are formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 2, as will be described in detail later in FIG. By providing the heat dissipation fins 3 in this manner, the air sent from below the heat dissipation fins 3 by the fan 4 is suppressed from going around to the recording head side (recording area side). This reduces problems such as ink mist flying inside the recording apparatus and changing the direction of ink ejection. As with the heat vibrator 2, the heat radiation fin 3 is made of lightweight aluminum that has relatively good heat radiation properties.

Again in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(C), 5 is a temperature sensor that can be configured with a thermistor or the like, and is provided in the center of the area constituting the second heat exchange section and where the four heat vibrators 2A are integrated. It will be done. A heater 6 is in the form of a planar heater, and is attached to the side surface of each of the outermost heat vibes 2A among the four heat vibes 2A.

The temperature sensor used in this example has a diameter of 1.5 mm (diameter of the contact surface with the heat vibrator) and 2.5 mm (thickness of the sensor).
This is a pea-shaped PCB type thermistor. As in this example, when the heat vibes 2 and 2A are so-called integrated heat vibes in which a plurality of heat vibes communicate with each other at one end and share the working fluid, one temperature sensor 5 detects four heat vibes. The temperature of the recording head I can be detected, and in this case, its mounting position is at each heat pipe 2 as described above.
A is the central part of the integrated connection area.

In general, a temperature sensor is installed to control the temperature of the print head in order to detect the print head temperature that changes with recording.Originally, it would not be possible to attach the temperature sensor directly to the print head to detect the temperature with good responsiveness. Sometimes it is desirable.

However, the inkjet recording apparatus of this example is configured such that the recording heads used therein can be replaced individually if necessary, such as when the ejection characteristics of the recording heads deteriorate. Therefore, if the temperature sensor is attached to the recording head, it is troublesome to remove the temperature sensor from the recording head when replacing it, or even if you replace the entire recording head from which the temperature sensor is removed. temperature sensor
4 5 This results in problems such as increased costs associated with the process.

Furthermore, once the sensor is directly attached, depending on the material that constitutes the recording head, the thermal conductivity may be low (and the temperature of the portion of the recording head other than the portion where the temperature sensor is attached may not be reflected in a responsive manner. This is particularly noticeable in the case of a full line type recording head like the one in this example.

For the above reasons, when a temperature sensor is installed on a heat vibrator, the heat pipe's good thermal conductivity quickly equalizes the temperature, making it possible to detect temperature that responds well to the temperature distribution that occurs in the recording head. It can be carried out.

In this example, only one temperature sensor 5 is provided in the integrated connection area of the heat vibrator 2A, but this is because the temperature of each head is sufficiently uniformed by integrating the heat pipe. This is effective in a printing apparatus that supports a printing mode in which the temperature variation among the four printing heads is relatively small. However, in the case of a removable recording head like the one in this example, the thermal resistance between the heat pipe and the heat pipe is large (sometimes), which may cause a temperature difference between the heads. (If there is a wide variation in temperature, it is desirable to provide a temperature sensor for each of the four print heads in order to perform appropriate temperature control for each print head. The preferred mounting location is the center of each heat pipe 2.

On the other hand, the heater 6 is attached to the sides of the two outermost heat vibrators as described above.

A heat pipe used together with the heater is provided to uniformly transmit the heat generated by the heater to the entire recording head by utilizing the heat pipe's good heat transfer properties. Therefore, it is desirable that the heater on the heat vibrator be attached at a position where at least a portion of the heater corresponds to a portion of the heat vibrator that corresponds to the working fluid. As a result, the heat generated by the heater is quickly transferred to the working fluid, and the working fluid is vaporized by this heat, allowing the gas to quickly transport heat to the entire recording head. By the way, as will be explained in detail in FIG. 3, when the recording head and heat vibrator unit are installed in the inkjet recording apparatus of this example, that is, in the state during recording, the heat vibrator is as shown in FIG. 2 (C). ), the recording head 1 and the heat vibrator 2 take a posture in which the extending direction is the horizontal direction. Therefore, during recording, the hydraulic fluid is in the heat vibrator 2, in the state shown in FIG.
Extends to the bottom of 2A. From the above, in this example, the planar heater 6 is installed over the portion of the heat vibrator that corresponds to the working fluid of the two people.

Furthermore, if a heater is attached to one of the heat vibs 2 in the area corresponding to the recording head 1, the heat generated by the heater is transmitted to the nearby recording head without going through the heat vibe 2, increasing its temperature. may have an adverse effect. In this sense as well, it is desirable to provide the heater 6 on the heat vibe 2A, which is separate from the recording head 1.

The heater 6 is a substantially square planar heater as described above. This is to prevent the heat emitted from the heater from concentrating on a part of the heat vibrator and causing a so-called dryout phenomenon in this part. That is, the purpose is to spread out the heat generated by the heater so that the heat generated by the heater is not concentrated in one part. Further, the heater 6 has an output of 100 W in order to raise the recording head temperature to about 40 degrees or higher when the ambient temperature in which the apparatus of this embodiment is used is low, and to quickly raise the temperature.

In this example, the heater 6 is directly bonded to the body of the heat vibrator 2A, but when using a commonly available heater, the Afi
The heater may be attached through a plate such as a plate, or some holes may be provided in this plate to control the amount of heat transferred to the heat vibrator. Furthermore, if the output of the heater used is relatively large, one heater may be provided at the connecting portion of the heat vibrator 2A. At this time, the sensor 5, which is similarly provided at the connecting portion, is attached above (in FIG. 2(C)) at a distance of about 8 9 from the heater.

Moreover, what is used as the heater 6 is not limited to a planar heater, but may also be a power transistor heater, for example. In this case, since the power transistor is small and generates a relatively large amount of heat, it is attached via a predetermined member in consideration of the dry-out phenomenon described above.

As is clear from the above explanation, according to the heat vibe configuration of this example, it is possible to reduce the number of heaters and temperature sensors, and it is possible to reduce the cost of the configuration for controlling the temperature adjustment of the recording head. Become.

In Figure 2 (B) and (C), 22.23.24
a.

Members 24b and 25 are members for adjusting the registration of the recording head 1, and members 30 to 3
3 is a member for adjusting the warpage of the recording head.

The configuration and operation of these devices are shown in Figures 2 (B) and (C), Figures 11 (A) and (B), and Figure 12 (A).
) to (C) below.

FIG. 3(A) is a schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of the heat vibrator 2 and the two people. In the same figure, 203 is the hydraulic fluid 2
07 is the hydraulic fluid filling section, 206 is the hydraulic fluid filling section 2
This is a partition plate that is provided above the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 and covers almost the entire area of the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 except for both ends thereof. 204 is provided in a portion corresponding to the heat vibrator 2, and the partition plate 20
A working fluid vapor passage 205 formed above the partition plate 206 is provided in a portion corresponding to the heat vibrator 2A.
It is a heat dissipation part (condensation part) formed above.

Using the heat vibrator 2, 2A as described above, this is the 6th
It is connected to the recording head 1 as detailed in the figures. When recording with such a recording head 1, heat generated from the electrothermal conversion elements provided corresponding to each ink ejection port first flows into the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). ).

This heat is rapidly diffused over almost the entire area of the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 as the hydraulic fluid 207 is convected and evaporated due to this heat, thereby making the inside of the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 a uniform temperature. By equalizing the temperature of the filling portion 203, the temperature of the ink in the vicinity of the electrothermal transducer of the recording head 1, that is, the temperature of the recording head, is further equalized.

Further, the steam generated in the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 is transferred to the filling section 203.
03 end where there is no partition plate 206 to reach the steam passage 4, pass through the steam passage 4 (in the direction of arrow E in the figure), reach the heat radiation part 205, and move in the direction of arrow F in the figure. During this transfer, the steam loses heat and condenses. This condensed working fluid 207 travels along the inner wall of the vibe body constituting the heat vibe 2A, moves in the direction of arrow G in the figure due to gravity, and returns to the working fluid filling portion 203.

In the operation of the hydraulic fluid described above, by providing the partition plate 206, the temperature equalization effect of the recording head by the hydraulic fluid can be performed independently of the condensation effect of the hydraulic fluid. In other words, the heat generated with a varying temperature distribution among the ejection ports in the recording head 1 and the heat generated by the heat vibrator 2
As described above, the heat generated from the heater 6 attached to the side surface of A is quickly equalized by the working fluid filling section 203, and as a result, the temperature is made uniform between the ejection ports of the recording head 1. However, at this time, the behavior of heat in the heat radiation section 205 is not transmitted to the hydraulic fluid filling section 203 due to the partition plate 206. This enables efficient temperature equalization and heat dissipation by the heat vibrator. Furthermore, the presence of the partition plate 206 allows for good heat circulation until the excess heat in the working fluid filling section 203 is condensed in the heat dissipation section 205.

Furthermore, the partition plate prevents the working fluid from being wiped away due to the movement of steam, thereby preventing the temperature of the recording head from increasing due to the dry-out phenomenon.

In order to smoothly perform a series of operations using the hydraulic fluid as described above, the heat dissipating parts 205. It is desirable that the steam passage 2041 is provided with a hydraulic fluid filling section 203.

According to the configuration of the heat vibes 2 and 2A as described above, it is possible to equalize the temperature of the recording head and dissipate heat more efficiently than the conventional heat vibe shown in FIG. You can get a heat vibe of the configuration. That is, FIG. 3(C) shows a cross section of a conventional heat vibrator, in which a working fluid that has condensed and adhered to the inner wall of the heat vibrator is brought into contact with the recording head of the heat vibrator by capillary force. A groove is provided for moving the device to the desired position. Therefore, it is necessary to process the inner wall of the heat vibrator to form grooves, which may lead to an increase in cost. Further, with this conventional heat vibrator, efficient temperature equalization cannot be performed because there is no partition plate.

The function of the partition plate 206 according to this example is not only to perform the temperature equalization function and the heat dissipation function independently and efficiently as described above, but also to perform the capping function as described later in FIG. 13, for example. recording head 1 to perform
When moving, this movement causes the heat vibrator 2, 2A to
The partition plate 206 prevents the working fluid from being unevenly distributed within the chamber. Thereby, temperature equalization and heat dissipation can be performed well even during the capping operation. Furthermore, when the recording head used is a so-called serial type recording head that performs recording along with scanning movement, the function of this partition plate is particularly remarkable.

FIG. 3(B) shows an embodiment in which the ink ejection direction is perpendicular to the direction of gravity (horizontal direction). In this case, the heat dissipation section 205. Steam passage 2041 working fluid filling section 203. By configuring the heat generating parts of the recording head 1 in this order, it is possible to achieve the same temperature equalization effect and heat dissipation effect as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(A). In this configuration, the heat generating portion existing on the discharge port surface and its vicinity is replaced by a third
In order to maintain the recording characteristics, it is desirable to dispose them horizontally as shown in Figure (B). Regarding this,
A detailed explanation will be given with respect to FIG. 6 and the like.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of the fin 3 shown in FIG. 2, etc., and is a cross-section viewed from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2(B). In FIG. 4, only part of the fin 3 is shown.

As is clear from FIG. 4, the fin 3 is provided with a plurality of slit plates 3A that open alternately in the lower right or lower left direction in the figure in predetermined areas, and slits 3B formed therewith. Due to this fin configuration, the flow of air blown from below by the fan 4 as shown by the arrow in the figure is as follows.
When it flows into the fin 3, a part of it is deflected by the slit plate 3A according to the direction in which it opens, as shown by the arrow in the figure. As a result, the airflow flowing between each of the plurality of fins 3 becomes turbulent. This turbulent state is caused by the fin 3
heat is transferred to the air flow relatively well, and separation of the air flow from the fins 3 is made difficult to occur, so that the efficiency of heat radiation from the fins 3 is improved.

Furthermore, by providing the slit plate 3A, the fin 3
The overall surface area for heat dissipation increases, which also improves heat dissipation efficiency.

The fins 3 of this example are arranged in three spaces constituted by the four heat vibrators 2A, and form a meandering shape in each space. According to the above configuration, since the heat vibe 2A is made into a plate shape, the installation space of the second heat exchange section is reduced, and at the same time, the heat radiation effect is impaired due to the meandering shape and the configuration of the slit plate. Never.

Note that the shapes of the heat vibrator and the fins are not limited to those in this example, and may be shaped as shown in FIG. 16, for example, depending on the required amount of heat radiation, the amount of air blown from the fan, and the like. Even in this case, the heat dissipation efficiency is improved by providing the fins 3 with slits and slit plates.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the direction in which the slit plates open and the number of slit plates in each region are not limited to the upper side; for example, the direction in which the slit plates open may be alternately changed one by one.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording section 302 using the inkjet recording apparatus of this example. In this figure, illustration of each control structure such as the recording paper conveyance system is omitted.
The control configuration mainly for adjusting the temperature of the recording head 1 is shown.

In FIG. 5, 100 is a CPU, which executes control processes such as operations and data processing in the printing unit 302 using the inkjet printing apparatus of this example. 100A is cput
A RAM 100B used as a work area etc. in the control processing by oo is a ROM that stores processing procedures related to the processing procedure recording section 302, which will be described later in FIG. 14. Further, IA is a head driver for driving the electrothermal transducer elements of the recording head 1 based on a drive data signal and a control signal transferred from the CPU 100, and 4A and 6A are a head driver for driving a fan 4 based on a control signal from the CPU 100, respectively. These are a fan motor driver and a heater driver that drive the fan motor 4B and heater 6 for rotating the fan motor 4B and the heater 6, respectively.

After performing predetermined processing on the print data transferred from the scanner unit 301, the CPU 100 transfers the data as drive data to the head driver IA in synchronization with the conveyance of the print sheet. Also, at the same time, the CPU 100
Based on the temperature of the recording head 1 detected by the temperature sensor 5,
Fan 4. The temperature of the recording head is controlled using the heater 6 as will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of the recording head 1 and the heat vibes 2 and 2A, showing details of the recording head 1 and how the heat vibes 2 and 2A are attached.

In these figures, 10 is an electrothermal conversion element for generating thermal energy used for ejecting ink, and 437
Six pieces are provided, and a discharge port (not shown) is also provided corresponding to each of them. 11 are these electrothermal conversion elements 10
A substrate 12 is bonded to the substrate 11 to form a liquid path in which the electrothermal conversion element 10 is placed and communicated with the ejection port, and a common liquid chamber for supplying ink to this liquid path. It is the top plate. Reference numeral 13 denotes a base body that supports the substrate 11 and forms the main body of the recording head.

In the configuration shown above, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the heat vibe 2 is a side area of the base 13 that supports the substrate 11 provided with the electrothermal conversion element, and is provided with the electrothermal conversion element. It is attached to an area outside of the area corresponding to the area where the device was placed. That is, the heat vibrator is not attached to the area where the electrothermal conversion element is disposed through the substrate 11 and the base body 13 in the thickness direction thereof.

When a heat pipe is provided in a region corresponding to an electrothermal transducer, the ink temperature and ink ejection near the electrothermal transducer are likely to be affected. That is, for example, if a heat pipe is not installed nearby, approximately 40 to 60% of the heat generated by the electrothermal conversion element is used as energy for ejecting ink, whereas When installed near the converter, the amount of heat transferred between the heat pipe and the vicinity increases, and only a portion of the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal conversion element, for example, about 10%, is involved in ink ejection. become unable. If we were to perform good ink ejection under these conditions, it would be necessary to increase the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer, for example, by increasing the voltage or pulse width of the drive pulse. Power consumption increases.Furthermore, as the generated thermal energy increases, it becomes necessary to increase the speed of heat transport in order to equalize the recording head temperature, leading to a complicated configuration.

Additionally, as the amount of heat transfer between the heat pipe and the vicinity of the electrothermal conversion element increases, the heat of the heat pipe becomes easier to transfer to this vicinity, causing the ink temperature in this area to become higher than necessary. In some cases, more ink than the desired amount is ejected, which may affect the density of the recorded image.

As described above, by providing a heat pipe in contact with an area outside the area where the electrothermal transducer of the recording head is provided, excessive heat transfer from and to the vicinity of the electrothermal transducer is caused. Therefore, the ink ejection characteristics and temperature control of the recording head using the heat pipe can be performed satisfactorily.

In addition, according to the arrangement of the heat pipes as described above, the ink temperature mainly in the ink liquid path and the common liquid chamber can be more easily controlled than in the vicinity of the electrothermal conversion element of the recording head. In particular, it is possible to stabilize the ink viscosity throughout the full-line type recording head, and it is possible to stabilize the responsiveness of ink behavior such as ink refill.

FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are a schematic front view and a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the configuration shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 01(B).

In FIGS. 7(A) and (B), 1 is an inkjet recording head according to the present example, 11 is a substrate of the recording head 1, 2 is a heat pipe disposed along the substrate 11, and the substrate 11 is An electrothermal conversion element 10, a liquid path 14, and a discharge port 15 are formed. 16 is the liquid path 14 and the discharge port 1
This is the top plate for forming 5.

Now, for the above-mentioned recording head 1, there is a distance of 1 m on the substrate 11.
When using a silicon plate with a thickness of m, the electrothermal conversion element 10
When a driving pulse of 33 (V) and a pulse width of 7 (μS) is applied, the heat generated by the element 1O is gradually diffused through the substrate 11 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2. At this time, a heater with an output of 50 W and a fan blow air at 2 m/s to
The temperature could always be stably maintained in the range of 45 to 52°C. On the other hand, when a silicon substrate with a thickness of 0.4+n+n was used as the substrate 11, ink could not be ejected even though similar driving pulses were applied.

The above experimental results can be explained as follows. In other words, the thinner the silicon substrate is, the more the substrate J
Heat becomes easier to flow into the heat pipe 2 through the heat pipe 1, and the amount of heat flowing increases.
The amount of heat transferred to the ink in contact with the electrothermal transducer 10 in 4 is reduced.

Therefore, the silicon substrate with a thickness of Q, 5+nm or less is used as the substrate 11.
If the ink is used as an ink, the thermal energy necessary for foaming the ink cannot be obtained from the electrothermal converter 10, and stable ejection cannot be performed. In fact, when we measured the ratio of the amount of heat transferred to the heat pipe 2 in each of the above-mentioned experiments, we found that when the thickness of the silicon substrate is 1 mm, approximately 70% of the power input to the electrothermal conversion element 10 is When the diameter is 0.5 mm, it can be seen that about 80% of the input power flows to the heat pipe 2 side as conversion heat, and from the above experimental results, the amount of heat diffused and transferred to the heat pipe 2 is about 70%. It was found that it is desirable to keep the

FIG. 8(A) and FIG. 8(B) show a recording head and a heat vibrator according to a third embodiment. The recording head l of this example has a first substrate 11A such as a silicon substrate on which an electrothermal transducer 10 etc. are provided, and a second substrate 11B made of aluminum, copper, etc. with good thermal conductivity between the heat vibrator 12 and the like.
This prevents the heat flux from the recording head l side from becoming concentrated by diffusing it as shown by the arrow in FIG. It can be prevented.

As an experiment using the third embodiment, the first substrate 11A was the same as that of the first embodiment, and the second substrate 11B was 5 mm thick.
A low energy drive pulse of 30 (V) and a pulse width of 7 μs is applied to an electrothermal transducer lO using a thick aluminum substrate.
By supplying the ink to the ink, good ink ejection characteristics could be obtained. In addition, in this experiment, the maximum heat transport capacity was 70 (
Use Heat Vibe 2 of W) and keep recording head 1 at 4 at all times.
It was possible to control the temperature between 5°C and 52°C. However, if the thickness of the second substrate 11B is 10 mm or more, the heat transfer becomes too low and it becomes impossible to control the recording head 1 within the range of 45° C. to 52° C.

FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for explaining the configuration of attaching and detaching the recording head, and FIG. 9(A) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which 414 recording heads 1 are attached, as seen from the side. FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which the recording head is attached and detached.

In FIG. 9(A), the heat vibes 2 and 2A are connected to each other by means not shown.
, that is, near the boundary between the first heat conversion section and the second heat conversion section, the recording head l equipped with a pressing member 8 is fixed to the housing 101 near the boundary between the first heat conversion section and the second heat conversion section. Attached to Vibrator 2. The recording head 1 is
Before installation, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the pressing member 8
is slightly inclined toward the recording head 1 side. When mounting the recording head, the heat vibrator 2 is inserted into the space between the suppressing member 8 and the recording head 1, and the elastic force of the pressing member generated at this time relatively presses the heat vibrator 2 toward the recording head 1 side.

FIG. 9(B) shows the state before the recording head 1 is inserted into the housing 1014 5 or after it is detached from the housing 1014 5 . In this way, since the recording head 1 can be attached and detached from each side for each ink color, the recording head can be easily replaced.

In FIG. 10, the recording head is fixed to the housing 101, contrary to the configuration shown in FIG.
This figure shows a configuration in which the book heat vibrator 2 and two people can be attached and detached together. In this configuration, as shown in the figure, the heat vibrator 2,
The insertion direction of 2A is the longitudinal direction of the recording head, and the heat vibrator 2 is inserted between the suppressing member 8 and the recording head 1, respectively.

As described above, when the recording head 1 and the heat vibrator 2 are fixed to each other by the pressing member 8 in the attachment and detachment of the recording head shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.
Good positioning is achieved in the recording paper transport direction, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 1.

Next, the positioning of the recording head in the inkjet recording apparatus configured as described above, the registration mechanism between the heads, and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(B) and 2(C).

In these figures, 101 is a housing in which a plurality of recording heads 1 and a heat vibrator 2 attached along the side surface of these recording heads 1 are held;
and 101B are positioning surfaces on which both ends of each recording head 1 on the ejection surface IA side are brought into contact to perform positioning in the direction of arrow C. Also, one of these positioning surfaces, that is, the heat vibrator 2
A head positioning pin 25 is protruded from the positioning surface 301B on the side where the housing wall 101C is restrained by the housing wall 101C, and a long hole I extending in the direction of the arrow A provided in the recording head L is provided.
By fitting this bottle 25 into B, the head 1
The position of this end is regulated.

22 stands up from the housing 101 and comes into contact with the side surface of the other end of the recording head 1 to regulate the position of the head 1 in the direction of arrow B; 23 stands up from one housing wall 101C; This is a pressing spring that comes into contact with that end surface of the recording head 1 to regulate the position of the head 1 in the six directions of arrows. 24A and 24
B is a rotatable eccentric top member erected on the positioning surface 101A, and the eccentric cam 26A maintains contact with the head 1.
and 26B, and by rotating the eccentric top member 24A, this end of the recording head 1 can be slightly moved in the direction of the arrow B through the cam 26A. Furthermore, by rotating the eccentric top member 24B, this end of the recording head 1 can be slightly moved in the six directions of the arrows via the cam 26B.

Therefore, in the recording head position adjustment mechanism configured as described above, each recording head l is aligned with the corresponding heat vibrator 2 from above the housing 101 with the heat vibrators 2 and 2A attached to the housing 101. The heat vibrator 2 is inserted between the recording head 1 and the pressing member 8 formed of a leaf spring attached to each recording head 1. At the same time, the head fixing pin 25 provided on the housing positioning surface 101B is fitted into the elongated hole IB of the head 1, and both ends of the recording head 1 on the ejection surface IA side are brought into contact with the housing positioning surfaces 101A and 10IB. Then, the head 1 is positioned in the direction of arrow C.

In this state, the longitudinal end of the recording head 1 is in contact with the pressing spring 23, and the other end is kept in a regulated state by the pressing spring 22 and the eccentric top members 24A and 24B. . Therefore, by rotating the eccentric top member 24A, the position of each recording head 1 in the direction of arrow A is adjusted, and the eccentric top member 24B
By rotating the , the position of the end of the recording head L that maintains contact with the eccentric cam 26B can be finely adjusted in the direction of arrow B, centering on the head fixing bin 25. By finely adjusting the mounting position between the recording heads, it is possible to correct the deviation between images recorded by each recording head 1 using, for example, ink of a different color, thereby obtaining higher quality image recording.

Next, referring again to FIGS. 2(B) and 2(C), the warpage adjusting means for each recording head 1 will be explained.

8 9 In these figures, reference numeral 30 denotes a fixed block that is attached to the upper surface of the housing wall 101C across the center thereof; 31
11 is a slide block fitted into the fixed block 30, and this slide block 31 is positioned above the side surface of each recording head 1.
) and (B), the recording head 1 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 1, as shown by the arrow, with respect to the slide block support hole 30A provided in the fixed block 30.

32 is a warpage adjustment screw member screwed onto the slide block 31, and 32A is a tapered portion formed at the tip of the screw member 32. On the other hand, each recording head 1 is provided with a warp adjustment section 33 at a position corresponding to the slide block 31 and the screw member 32, which are approximately at the center in the longitudinal direction. It is configured such that a taber portion 32A is introduced. 34A and 34B are tapered surfaces formed in this hole 34, respectively.

Incidentally, in the inkjet recording apparatus having the full-line recording head 1 as described above, the longer the recording head 1 is, the more likely warpage occurs in the conveyance direction of the recording material. Therefore, if recording is performed with the warpage still present, the recorded image will appear as shown in (A) and (C) in Figure 12.
In this case, a distortion occurs with a tendency as shown by the dashed line. According to the warpage adjustment means of this embodiment, such warpage of the recording head can be easily adjusted so that a normal recorded image as shown in FIG. 12 (B) can be obtained. in,
Now, if you want to adjust the warpage in one recording head 1 in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. By screwing in the screw member 32 so as to press it against the tapered surface 34A of the warp adjustment block 33, the central portion of the recording head 1 together with its heat vibe 2 can be pushed out in the forward direction in the figure.

If you want to adjust the warp in the right direction as indicated by the opposite arrow R, press the tapered part 32A of the threaded member 32 against the tapered surface 34B of the warp adjustment part 33, as shown in FIG. 11(B). The screwing operation of the screw member 32 may be performed. Note that the above-mentioned warpage adjustment means is not only used to completely eliminate warpage as shown in FIG. You can also do that.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a plurality of heat vibrators 2
Although the position adjustment and warp adjustment of the recording head have been described in the case where the recording heads communicate with each other at the end portions 2A, the present invention is limited to the case where such a heat vibrator and recording head are provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B), each heat vibe 2 is individually held in a housing 101, and a recording head 1 is attached to each heat vibe 2. Needless to say, it can also be applied to other types of recording heads (in addition, if necessary, it can be widely applied not only to multiple recording heads but also to those in which a single full-line recording head and a heat vibrator are joined together). It is possible.

In addition, by using the above-mentioned warpage adjustment means together with the position adjustment mechanism mentioned earlier, complete registration can be achieved, and distortion of the recorded image due to head warpage and color misregistration, especially in the case of color, can be avoided. It becomes possible to provide an inkjet recording device that can perform

Furthermore, although not shown, for example, the eccentric top member 24A
Alternatively, the eccentric top member 24B may have a double screw structure, and the screw mechanism may be used to slightly move the end of the recording head 1 in the vertical direction via the cam 26A or 26B, thereby increasing the distance between the recording material and the recording head 1. It is also possible to configure it to be adjusted.

Ru.

13(A) to 13(E) are diagrams for explaining the movement mechanism of the unit consisting of the recording head and the heat vibrator, and FIG. 13(A) shows the recording head unit 305 and the recovery system unit 306. A schematic top view showing these drive systems, FIG. 13(B) is a schematic top view showing the recovery system unit 306 and this drive system, FIGS. 13(C) to (D)
These are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the mutual movement of the recording head unit 305 and the disaster recovery system unit 306, respectively.

Recording head unit 305 and recovery system unit 30 in this example
As described above, in order to perform capping to maintain good ink ejection and ejection recovery processing in this capped state, the inks 6 and 6 move together from the position at the time of printing and take appropriate positions.

In FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), 26 is a recovery system unit drive section, and this drive is carried out by the belt pulley 200.
1 and 2002 and a timing belt 2003 to a recording head unit driving section 2004.

The head unit drive section 2004 includes a helical gear pair 200 with a helical angle of 45° for converting the drive direction to the right angle direction.
5. Spur gear 2006.2007. Further, a worm reducer 2008 is arranged, and the driving force input by the belt is finally transmitted to the rack gear 2009 via a spur gear train. The driving force of the rack gear 2009 is transmitted to racks 201O provided at two longer locations of the rectangular frame-shaped housing 101, and is converted into vertical movement of the housing 101. The housing 101 is provided with rollers 2011 and 2012 at the front and rear, each of which has a head unit movement rail 2013 and 201.
4 by moving along the inner surface of the housing 10
1 vertical movement, that is, vertical movement of the recording head and heat vibrator. As a result, the housing 101 can only be moved by the driving force from the driving source due to the characteristics of the worm decelerator, and the housing 101 can only be moved by the driving force from the driving source side.
There is no accident of the recording head itself falling due to the weight of the multiple heads mounted in the 01, and the position of the head unit can be fixed at the position where the motor is stopped. Ru.

The heat vibes 2 and 2A are connected to the rack gear 2009. of the housing 101. It is supported by the shorter frame near where the rollers 2012 are arranged. Therefore, in this example, the center of gravity of the unit consisting of the recording head 1 and the heat vibrators 2, 2A is set to be located in a region near the portion of the heat vibrator 2, 2A where the heat vibrator 2, 2A is supported. Thereby, when the head unit 305 moves for capping or the like, it is possible to reduce vibrations of the recording head 1 and heat vibrators 2, 2A caused by acceleration and deceleration of this movement. By reducing this vibration, unnecessary flow of the working fluid in the heat vibrator can be particularly prevented, and the temperature of the recording head can be continuously controlled using the heat vibrator even during a capping operation, for example.

13th (C) to (E) show cross-sectional views of main parts of the head unit moving mechanism. There are three stopping positions of the head unit: (1) head recovery position (capping position), (2) recording position, and (2) escape position. FIG. 13(C) shows the recovery position (capping position), FIG. 13CD) shows the recording position, and FIG. 13E shows the evacuation position.

Detection of each of these positions is performed accurately by shielding light from the detection portions of the sensors 51a to 51c disposed corresponding to each stop position by a light shielding plate 2021 provided on the housing 101.

Next, the drive mechanism of the recording head recovery unit 306 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), 26 is a recovery system unit drive section, and this driving force is transmitted to the drive wire pulley 2015. A drive wire 2016 is wound around the drive wire pulley 2015, and both ends of the wire are attached to a member 2019 via tension pulleys 2017 and 2018, respectively. The recovery system container 306A can slide on the slide shaft 2020 via a slide bearing (not shown) on the rear side, and the slide roller 2030 can slide on the rail 2 on the front side.
Slide on 031. Thereby, the drive by the drive unit is converted into a reciprocating motion of the recovery system container 306A, and the recovery system container 306A is moved from the recovery position, that is, the capping position, to the retreat position.

The stopping positions of the recovery container 306A are the position shown in FIG. 13(B), that is, the recovery position, and the position shown in FIG. 13(A), that is, the retracted position. Accurate detection is achieved by using an attached light-shielding plate (not shown) to block light from a detection section using a sensor such as a photo-ink rubber placed in correspondence with each stop position.

FIG. 14(A) is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for recording head temperature control using the control configuration of this example shown in FIGS. 2, 5, etc.

In this process, each time a predetermined amount of recording operation, for example, a recording operation for one line by each print head 1, is performed in step 5IOI, first, in step 5103, it is determined whether the sensor 5 is at a predetermined temperature (for example, 50° C.) or higher. Determine.

If the determination is affirmative here, the fan 4 is driven in step 5105, and the heater 6 (if driven) is stopped. After this process and in the case of a negative determination in step 5103, the process advances to step 5107, and the temperature T is set to the predetermined temperature T.
2 (for example, 45° C.) or lower. If the judgment is affirmative here, the heater 6 is driven in step 5109,
Stop the fan 4 (if it is being driven). Thereafter, in step 5111, it is determined whether or not the recording operation has been completed, and if the determination is affirmative, the process ends, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 5101 and a predetermined amount of recording operation is performed.

The process of this example described above is a process when one temperature sensor 5 is provided at the connecting part of the heat vibrator 2A, which is the part where the four heat vibrators 2 are integrated, as shown in FIG. be. As mentioned above, if there is a significant temperature difference between the four print heads, a temperature sensor is provided for each print head. The temperature control processing procedure in this case is shown in Figure 14 (
Shown in B).

After the recording operation in step 5201, steps 8203~
5209, the temperature Tak+TY detected by the temperature sensor provided corresponding to each recording head,
It is determined whether TM and Tc are higher than the predetermined temperature T. Based on these judgments, if there is even one recording head whose temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature T1, the fan is turned on in step 5211. Next, in steps 5213 to 5219, the detected temperature T- is changed to Ty, T11 . It is determined whether Tc is lower than the predetermined temperature T2.

If even one of these judgments is affirmative, step 52
Step 21 determines whether the fan is off. Only when the fan drive is off, the heater is turned on in step 5223. This prevents the fan and heater from being driven at the same time. That is, by prioritizing the drive of the fan, unnecessary heating of the recording head due to heater drive is prevented.

If it is determined that the temperatures of all four recording heads are below the predetermined temperature T2, the fan drive is turned off in step 5225.

When an image having a high duty portion is recorded by the control procedure shown in FIG. 14(B), for example, the recording duty is Bk=10% for each ink.
, (:=80%, M=70%, Y=20%) Figure 15 (A
). As you can see from this diagram, the recording duty is
The temperature of the recording head (Y, Bk), which is low in temperature, is drastically reduced.

As the temperature decreases, the change in image density also increases.

On the other hand, in addition to the control shown in FIG. 14(B), the drive signal waveform of each recording head is controlled by the following: Voltage value Pulse width Tc, 11. Bk< 40℃ 35 (V)
7 (μ5) Tc, M, Bk<45℃ 33
m ↑”C+M+Bk≧45℃ 31(
V) The voltage of the drive pulse is changed according to the temperature of each head as shown in ↑. According to this, the image density can be made uniform as shown in FIG. 15(B).

In the above case, the voltage of the drive pulse was changed, but the same effect can be obtained by changing the pulse width of the drive pulse. For example, voltage value pulse width Tc+u+! +k<40℃ 31 (V)
9 (μs)T, 11. Bk < 45°CT
8 (μ5) Tc+M+Bk≧45℃ T
A similar effect can be obtained by setting it to 7 (μS).

In addition, by using a two-part pulse for the drive pulse,
It is also possible to further stabilize the image.

For example, 0 1 Voltage value Pulse width TC+ LL+ B□≦35℃ 31m 2 divisions, 4
+ (pause 3) + 5 (μ5) TC, M, IIM < 40℃ T No division 9 (μs
) T,, M, Bk< 45℃ T No division 8
(μ5) TC, M, 111245°C ↑ A greater effect can be obtained by setting 7 (jLs) without division.

Furthermore, since the heat vibrator used in this example has a relatively large thermal melting capacity, it takes a very long time to warm up the recording head after turning on the device power until the recording head temperature reaches a temperature at which recording can start. (This is often the case. Therefore, the first
If the process shown in Figure 4 (C) is performed during warm-up, the warm-up time can be significantly shortened (for example, from 2 minutes to 4 minutes).
0 seconds) can be achieved.

That is, the preheat drive voltage is set in accordance with the head temperature determination performed stepwise in steps 5305 and 5309. For example, when the head temperature is relatively low, breheating is performed with a large voltage.

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) show a recording head 1, a heat vibrator 2, and a housing 10 for supporting them.
1A and 1B are a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional view viewed from the side, respectively, showing other embodiments of a recording head unit made up of a recording head unit according to the present invention.

In the configuration of this example, the four heat pipes 2 are not integrated at their ends but are independent, and the fins 3 are
It differs from the above embodiment in that it is also provided independently. However, the only difference from the above example is the mounting position and number of temperature sensors and heaters, and other than this, there is no difference in the configuration and effects described in each part with respect to the above example.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to an inkjet recording apparatus, the application of the present invention is not limited to this type, and the present invention can also be applied to recording apparatuses of a thermal type or a thermal transfer type.

(Others) Furthermore, as described above, the present invention brings about excellent effects in bubble jet recording heads and recording apparatuses. This is because the overcasting method allows higher recording density and higher definition to be achieved.

As for typical configurations and principles thereof, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it is necessary to arrange the liquid (ink) in accordance with the sheet and liquid path that hold it. The electrothermal converter that is
Generating thermal energy in the electrothermal transducer and producing film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head by applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to recorded information and provides a rapid temperature rise above nucleate boiling. As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal, which is effective. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. If this drive signal is in the form of a pulse, bubble growth and contraction will occur immediately and appropriately.
Particularly responsive liquid (ink) ejection can be achieved,
More preferred. This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262.
Those described in the specification are suitable. Furthermore, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head includes, in addition to the combination configuration of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting section. The present invention also includes configurations using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose configurations in which the wafer is placed in a bending region. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1989-5 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part of a plurality of electrothermal converters.
No. 9-123670 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59/1989 which discloses a configuration compatible with an open discharge part that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy.
The present invention can also be implemented as a configuration based on Publication No.-138461.
4 5 The effect is effective. That is, regardless of the form of the recording head, according to the present invention, recording can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the present invention can be particularly effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus shown in the above embodiment. Such a recording head may have either a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition, the present invention is also applicable to serial type recording heads, such as recording heads that are fixed to the device body, or those that are attached to the device body so that there is no electrical connection between the device body and the recording head. The present invention also applies when using a replaceable chip-type recording head that allows connection and supply of ink from the main body of the apparatus, or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself. It is valid.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus, to the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressure or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination thereof; It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

In addition, regarding the type and number of recording heads installed, for example, in addition to one type that corresponds to single-color ink, there is also a plurality of recording heads that correspond to multiple inks with different recording colors and densities. It may be something that can be done. In other words, for example, the recording mode of the recording device is not only a recording mode for only the mainstream color such as black (although the recording head may be configured integrally or by a combination of multiple heads, it can also be used for multiple colors of different colors). The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one of full colors, or mixed colors.

Additionally, in the embodiments of the present invention described above,
Although ink is described as a liquid, it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or below, but softens or liquefies at room temperature, or in an inkjet method, the ink itself is
Generally, the temperature is adjusted within the range of 0°C or more and 70°C or less so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range, so even if the ink is in a liquid state when the recording signal is applied. Bye. In addition, the temperature increase caused by thermal energy can be actively prevented by using the energy to change the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or ink that solidifies when left standing is used to prevent ink evaporation. In any case, the ink is liquefied by applying thermal energy in accordance with the recording signal, and the liquid ink is ejected, or the ink has already begun to solidify by the time it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable when using ink that is liquefied only by energy. The ink used in this case is
Publication No. 4-56847 or JP-A-60-71260
As described in the above publication, the porous sheet may be held in a liquid or solid state in the recesses or through-holes of the porous sheet, facing the electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is to implement the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, in addition to being used as an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention may also take the form of a copying machine combined with a league, etc., or a facsimile machine having a transmission/reception function. It may also be something.

(The following is a blank space) 8 9 [Effect of the invention] As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the second
For example, the movement of the atmosphere around the heat vibrator and the fins as the heat exchange member is not obstructed by the support member etc.
Heat radiation in the second heat exchange member is efficiently performed. In particular, when an air current is generated in the atmosphere using a fan, the improvement in heat dissipation efficiency becomes even more remarkable.

In addition, since the support member supports the recording head unit near the center of gravity, when performing relative movement with the recovery system unit during capping, for example, this movement becomes smooth and For example, the working fluid inside the heat vibrator can be kept stable at all times. Furthermore, if the recording head is of a so-called serial type, scanning movement for recording can be performed smoothly.

As a result, the temperature distribution of the recording head is reduced, and an image without density unevenness can be recorded.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1A, 1B, and 1C are schematic front sectional views, top sectional views, and side sectional views, respectively, of a copying machine that uses an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in its recording section; 2 (A), (B) and (C) are respectively a perspective view, a top view and a side sectional view of a recording head unit consisting of a recording head and a heat vibrator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 (A) and (B) are schematic sectional views showing the internal structure of a heat vibrator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3(C) is a cross-sectional view of a conventional heat pipe, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional view showing the detailed shape of the fin according to the example; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the example of the present invention; FIGS. 6 (A) and (B) are the invention A schematic cross-sectional view showing the manner in which the heat pipe is attached to the recording head in one embodiment; FIGS. 7(A) and (B) show another embodiment of the manner in which the heat pipe is attached to the recording head shown in FIG. 8(A) and (B) are a front view and a side sectional view showing still another embodiment of the heat pipe installation shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 9(A) is a front view and a side sectional view; and (B) are a sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, showing how the recording head and heat pipe are attached and detached according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11A and 11B are sectional views showing a recording head warpage adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
A) to (C) are schematic diagrams of recorded images for explaining the warpage of the recording head regarding the warp adjustment mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 (A) and (B), and FIGS. 13 (A) and (B) are A top sectional view of a copying machine showing a moving mechanism of a recording unit and a recovery system unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 13(C) to (E) are FIGS.
14(A) is a side sectional view showing the movement positions of the recording head unit and the recovery system unit by the movement mechanism shown in FIG.
~(fly) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of recording head temperature control according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, and FIGS. 15(A) and (B) are FIGS. 14(A) to (C).
FIG. 16 (A
) and (B) are a top view and a side sectional view showing another embodiment of the unit consisting of the recording head and heat pipe shown in FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Recording head, 22A... Heat pipe, 3... Fin, 3A... Slit plate, 3B... Slit, 2 3 4... Fan, 5... Temperature sensor, 6... ...Heater, 8...Press member, IO...Electrothermal conversion element, 11...Substrate, 11A...First board, 11B...Second board, 12...Top plate, 22 ...Pushing spring, 24a, 24b = eccentric top, 25...Fixing pin, 30...Fixing block, 31...Slide block, 32...Warp adjustment screw, 33...Warp Adjustment unit, 100...cpu. 100A...RAM. 100B...ROM. 101... Bouncing, 301... Scanner section, 302... Recording section. JP-A-3 290249 (25) Figure 3 (C) 434- Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 CB) Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 (E?) Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 (B) ) Figure 12 ((1') / Toshi ■Nariba and JP-A-3 290249 (37)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A recording device for recording using thermal energy on a recording material as the recording material is transported, comprising: a heating element for generating the thermal energy; a recording head; a first heat exchange member connected to the recording head to perform heat exchange with the recording head; and a heat exchange member capable of transferring heat between the first heat exchange member and the first heat exchange member. a second heat exchange member provided outside the area where the recording head is disposed for exchanging heat with the atmosphere; and a second heat exchange member that is not present in the atmosphere surrounding the second heat exchange member. ,
By engaging with the recording head and/or the first heat exchange member, the recording head, the first heat exchange member,
and a support member that supports the second heat exchange member. 2) A recording apparatus for recording on a recording material using thermal energy as the recording material is transported, comprising: a recording head provided with a heating element for generating the thermal energy; a first heat exchange member that is connected to a head and performs heat exchange with the recording head; and a heat exchange member that can exchange heat between the first heat exchange member and the recording head. a second heat exchange member for performing heat exchange with an atmosphere provided outside the area where the recording head, the first heat exchange member, and the second heat exchange member are arranged;
a support member that supports the recording head unit by engaging with at least one of the recording head, the first heat exchange member, and the second heat exchange member near the center of gravity of the recording head unit made of the heat exchange member; a driving means for driving the supporting member and the recording head unit by engaging with the supporting member; and a cap for capping the recording head in response to driving of the recording head by the driving means. A recording device characterized by comprising a member. 3) The first heat exchange member comprises a heat pipe, and the second heat exchange member comprises a heat pipe communicating with the heat pipe and a fin connected to the heat pipe. Recording device as described. 4) The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a blowing means for generating an air flow in the atmosphere of the second heat exchange member. 5) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is provided with a plurality of heating elements corresponding to the width of the recording material to be conveyed. 6) The recording head is characterized in that the thermal energy generated by the heating element causes film boiling in the ink, and as bubbles grow due to the film boiling, the ink is ejected, and recording is performed using the ink. Claims 1 to 5
The recording device according to any of the above.