JPH04219253A - Ink-jet recording device and discharge recovery method in same device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To discharge bubbles staying in an ink-jet recording head and having an adverse effect on ink discharge simply, and to reduce ink consumption accompanied by discharge. CONSTITUTION:In a recording head with a plurality of discharge openings Nk-1, Nk, Nk+1 for discharging ink and electrothermal conversion elements 1k-1, 1k, 1k+1 mounted in response to each of a plurality of these discharge openings, the electrothermal conversion elements 1k-1, 1k+1 of the discharge openings Nk-1, Nk+1 adjacent to at least the discharge opening Nk are driven with the exception of the discharge opening Nk conducting discharge recovery in the array of the discharge openings Nk-1, Nk, Nk+1, thus discharging ink from the discharge openings Nk-1, Nk+1. Accordingly, bubbles are discharged from the discharge opening Nk.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording system used for outputting information such as characters and images in information processing equipment such as copying machines, facsimiles, printers, word processors, and personal computers, and particularly relates to an inkjet recording system used for outputting information such as characters and images in information processing equipment such as copying machines, facsimiles, printers, word processors, and personal computers. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for restoring ink ejection of a print head in a printer.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Among the various ejection methods used in inkjet recording apparatuses, there is a method that generates some heat during ejection. Depending on the ejection method, there are two ways in which heat is generated: heat is generated for ink ejection, that is, ink is ejected using that thermal energy, and heat is generated as a result of ink ejection. A distinction can be made between cases in which heat is generated incidentally. Among these, a typical example of an inkjet recording device that uses thermal energy to eject ink is one in which film boiling is caused in the ink using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal conversion element as an ejection energy generating element. , an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink based on the rapid generation of bubbles due to film boiling. This device has the advantage of being able to easily arrange a large number of ink ejection ports and corresponding electrothermal conversion elements at high density, and has become popular in recent years. This method also has the advantage of good ejection response to driving of the electrothermal transducer and high-speed recording. Furthermore, as an ejection method that incidentally generates heat, there is a method that uses a well-known piezoelectric element as an ejection energy generating element, for example. In this method, when the piezoelectric element vibrates to eject ink, a small amount of heat is generated.

[0003] In inkjet recording apparatuses, it is known that the heat generated during ink ejection as described above causes the following problems.

[0004] In the above-described inkjet printing apparatus, when printing a relatively high printing duty, such as a visual image or an image including a solid area, the driving cycle of the ejection energy generating element becomes short. Therefore, the next ink ejection is performed before the excess heat generated due to ink ejection is sufficiently exhausted. This results in
Heat is accumulated in the ink in the ink path in which the ejection energy generating element is disposed, and the temperature of the ink rises. At this time, the microbubbles remaining in the ink path grow due to the high temperature environment of the ink due to the heat accumulation as recording progresses, and
They also grow by merging with each other. The stagnant bubbles that have grown to a certain size in this way affect the behavior of the ink during ejection within the ink path, making the ink ejection unstable by changing the ejection direction and ejection amount. Furthermore, such retained bubbles may grow further and block the inside of the ink path, and in such a case, ink will no longer be ejected. In addition, the phenomenon in which microbubbles grow to a size that affects ejection is caused not only by the above-mentioned heat accumulation, but also when the inkjet recording device is not used for a long period of time, or when ejection is caused by recording data among multiple ejection ports. This can also occur if no discharge is performed at the outlet for a long period of time.

[0005] The fine bubbles that remain in the ink path are
Generally, this occurs when the ink reaches a relatively high temperature due to heat accumulation as described above. In addition, in the method of ejecting ink based on the rapid generation of bubbles using thermal energy, the generation of bubbles involved in this ejection may generate multiple fine bubbles that are not involved in ejection. may remain in the ink path. Furthermore, air may enter the tube through the ink tube, etc. for supplying ink to the recording head from the ink tank storing ink, and these air may become fine bubbles that move into the ink path and remain there. There is also. The relatively fine air bubbles that have accumulated in the ink path in this way are removed by ink ejection associated with recording and empty ejection performed as part of the ejection recovery process.
A portion of the ink is discharged from the ejection port along with the ink. However, as mentioned above, some of the trapped bubbles grow to a predetermined size due to heat accumulation or long-term storage of the device, etc.
This may adversely affect ink ejection.

In order to prevent the harmful effects caused by the accumulated bubbles as described above, the ink in the ink path is forcibly sucked out through the ejection port by a predetermined suction mechanism, and the ink is removed by a predetermined pressure mechanism. Conventionally, ink is discharged by pressurizing the inside of the ink channel, and as the ink is discharged, the remaining air bubbles are removed from the ink channel.

However, when the above-mentioned suction and pressurization are performed, the amount of ink discharged by these is relatively large, so that a large amount of ink is consumed unnecessarily for purposes other than recording, and as a result, this recording device This will increase running costs. Furthermore, in order to perform the suction and pressurization operations described above, a relatively large number of operations are required, such as, for example, moving the recording head to the capping position, capping, and further suction and pressurization operations. For this reason, for example, if suction or pressurization is performed during recording, the recording speed of the entire apparatus may be reduced.

In addition to the above-described problems to be solved by the present invention, the characteristic configuration of the recording head considered in one aspect of the present invention will be described below.

This configuration is particularly common in recording heads that eject ink using bubbles generated by thermal energy as described above, and heat is generated by applying electric pulses (hereinafter also referred to as drive pulses). A substrate on which an electrothermal transducer element and electrode wiring for supplying power thereto are formed using manufacturing IC technology, a groove for forming an ink path in which the electrothermal transducer element is disposed, and ink supplied to this ink path. A groove for a common liquid chamber for storing liquid, etc. is provided with a top plate formed by etching, for example. Then, the substrate and the top plate are bonded and fixed to each other with an adhesive, thereby forming a common liquid chamber, an ink path, and an ejection port.

However, the above configuration of the recording head has several problems regarding adhesive fixation. First, the adhesive used for bonding may overflow into the ink path or the ejection port, causing the shape of the ink path or the ejection port not to be the desired shape, or causing the ink path or the ejection port to be blocked. Second, depending on the material used for the substrate or top plate, deformation or warping may occur, which may reduce adhesion during bonding. Third, by using an adhesive for bonding, positioning etc. must be performed strictly, which poses problems such as complicating the manufacturing process of the recording head.

[0011] In contrast, the applicant, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 192954, a recording head has been proposed in which the bonding force between the substrate and the top plate is obtained by a biasing member such as a leaf spring. According to this configuration, adhesive is not used when bonding the substrate and the top plate, or the amount of adhesive can be reduced to the necessary minimum, so that the ink path or discharge port may be improperly shaped due to the adhesive protruding. There is no risk of damage to the recording head, and recording head defects that lead to ejection failure can be prevented. Furthermore, since the adhesive is not used, alignment during bonding becomes relatively easy, and the manufacturing process of the recording head is simplified.

On the other hand, in the method of ejecting ink using thermal energy, as mentioned above, the electrothermal conversion element is driven during ejection to rapidly generate bubbles in the ink. The bubble expands and then contracts, and pressure waves propagate in the ink in the ink path and the common liquid chamber in response to the expansion and contraction of the bubble. In addition, the driving of the electrothermal transducer for such ejection is necessary to control the characters to be recorded,
This is done based on drive data corresponding to an image, etc., and the drive frequency in normal recording is several KHz.

As described above, when a pressure wave of a certain frequency propagates in the ink path or the common liquid chamber due to the driving of the electrothermal transducer for ink ejection, the substrate constituting the ink path or the common liquid chamber A periodic force due to this pressure wave acts on the top plate.

In this case, the inventors have confirmed that the following phenomenon occurs in the recording head. That is, in the configuration of the recording head that obtains the bonding force between the top plate and the substrate using a biasing member such as a leaf spring as described above, the bonding force by the biasing member and the force due to the pressure wave are applied to the top plate and the substrate. acts non-uniformly on them, causing them to oscillate at a certain frequency. When such vibrations occur, especially from the rear of the ink passage where the bonding force exerted by the biasing member is relatively small, that is, from the part where the electrothermal transducer is disposed on the partition wall separating each ink passage. Also, a constant gap occurs at the rear due to vibration.

[0015] Furthermore, the substrate on which the electrothermal transducer element is disposed has a certain degree of unevenness because a plurality of layers, such as layers for forming these elements and a protective layer thereof, are laminated. Furthermore, there are some parts where the board and top plate are warped. For this reason, when the partition walls between the ink channels are formed by joining the substrate and the top plate, minute gaps may be formed in these partition walls due to the unevenness, warpage, etc. Also,
This gap is further enlarged by the vibration.

The ink passages communicate with each other through the gaps generated or formed as described above.

[0017]

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to remove the bubbles by ejecting the bubbles a plurality of times continuously for the ink channels including at least the ink channels adjacent to the ink channel excluding the ink channel from which the bubbles are to be discharged. An object of the present invention is to provide an ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording apparatus, which are capable of ejecting air bubbles in an ink path to be ejected and thereby recovering ejection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a configuration for discharging accumulated air bubbles that actively utilizes the gaps created in the partition walls between the ink channels, and in particular, by using a biasing member such as a leaf spring to In a recording head that is fixedly bonded to the top plate, continuous ejection is performed for the ejection ports including at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection port excluding the ejection port from which bubbles are to be ejected, and the air bubbles are ejected through the gap. An object of the present invention is to provide an ejection recovery method in which air bubbles are drawn into the liquid path and discharged along with ejection, and an inkjet recording apparatus capable of implementing the method.

[0019]

[Means for Solving the Problems] To this end, in the present invention,
A plurality of inks comprising a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink and ejection energy generating elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports and communicating with the corresponding ejection ports for ejecting the ink. and a common liquid chamber that communicates with the plurality of ink channels, and the method includes: A process of ejecting ink from an ejection port by successively driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port multiple times, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery in the arrangement of ejection ports. It is characterized by having the following.

Further, in an inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, there are a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports. a recording head provided with a plurality of ink passages each having an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink and communicating with the corresponding ejection opening, and a common liquid chamber communicating with the plurality of ink passages; In the array of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, ink is ejected from the ejection port by driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port multiple times in succession. A recording head driving means is provided.

Further, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports, and each of the plurality of ejection ports is connected to the corresponding ejection port to eject ink. A recording head having a plurality of ink passages each having an ejection energy generating element for the purpose of forming the ink passages, the recording head comprising: a first base body and a second base body for configuring the plurality of ink passages by joining each other; The recording head is provided with a pressing member for generating linear pressure on the first substrate and/or the second substrate so that the first substrate and the second substrate press against each other, and In an ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a medium, in the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection ports except for the ejection port that performs ejection recovery The present invention is characterized in that it includes a process of ejecting ink from the ejection port by driving an ejection energy generating element at the exit a plurality of times in succession.

Further, in an inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports are provided. A recording head having a plurality of ink paths, each of which is provided with an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink and communicates with the corresponding ejection port, and the plurality of ink paths are configured by joining to each other. a first base body and a second base body, and a linear pressure is generated on the first base body and/or the second base body in order to press the first base body and the second base body against each other during the joining; In the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, the ejection energy generating elements of at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection ports, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery, are continuously driven multiple times. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection ports.

[0023]

[Operation] According to the above configuration, continuous ejection is performed multiple times for the ejection ports including at least the adjacent ejection ports, excluding the ejection port where air bubbles are discharged and ejection recovery is attempted. As a result, the air bubbles remaining in the ink path of the ejection port subjected to the ejection recovery process are discharged from the ejection port.

Further, according to the above configuration, continuous ejection is performed multiple times for the ejection ports including at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection port, excluding the ejection port for which ejection recovery is to be performed by discharging air bubbles. By doing so, the ink that is generated in the liquid path and the gap due to the above ejection is removed through the gap caused by this ejection, the gap in the liquid path partition wall that originally exists, or the gap caused by both. Air bubbles are drawn into the ink path by the ink flow accompanying refilling, and are discharged as the ink is ejected from the ink path.

[0025]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording head for explaining a bubble evacuation process as an ejection recovery process according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording head to which bubble evacuation processing is applied, and showing a state of bubble retention.

In FIG. 2, electrothermal conversion elements 11 to 1
Each of n corresponds to a corresponding ink path 21 to 2n.
The thermal energy is generated by applying electric pulses. This thermal energy causes the ink path 21 to
~2n, each of the electrothermal conversion elements 21 ~2n
Rapid bubble expansion and subsequent contraction occurs in the vicinity of each. As a result, ink is ejected from the ejection ports N1 to Nn corresponding to the respective ink paths. Along with this ink discharge, ink is supplied from the common liquid chamber 3 to each of the ink paths 21 to 2n.

FIG. 2 shows the state of the accumulation of air bubbles in the ink channels 21 to 2n after continuous solid printing on two sheets of recording paper. Air bubbles remain. Bubbles that grow and stay in the ink path are cooled by the surrounding ink and reduce their size, but once they have grown to a certain size, it takes a relatively long time for them to disappear. , the foam may not disappear before the next recording. If printing is performed in this state, the quality of the printed image may be impaired due to unstable ejection as described above. In addition, if this recording device is left in a relatively high temperature environment with the accumulated bubbles growing to a certain extent, or if it is left unused for a long period of time without recording, the air bubbles will form when the next recording is made. may grow further and block the ink path, resulting in non-ejection.

A process for discharging air bubbles that adversely affects ink ejection will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, air bubbles remain in the central ink path 2K, and in this case, the electrothermal transducer 1K-1 of the adjacent ink paths 2K-1 and 2K+1
, 1K+1 at a predetermined frequency, the same electric pulses as during recording are applied to the ejection ports NK-1 and NK-1, respectively.
, NK+1. At this time, first, ejection is performed from ejection port NK-1 10 to 100 times, and then ejection is performed the same number of times from ejection port NK+1. As a result, air bubbles accumulated in the ink path 2K are removed from the discharge port N.
It is discharged from K.

[0031] Similarly to the above, the discharge ports NK-1 and N
After sequentially ejecting a predetermined number of times starting from K+1, the same number of continuous ejections may be performed again from the outlet NK-1, thereby making it possible to more effectively discharge bubbles. Also, discharge ports NK-1, NK+1
The process of sequentially discharging in the same manner as described above may be regarded as one cycle, and this may be performed for several cycles.

Furthermore, in order to ensure the discharge of air bubbles, even if ink is ejected from the adjacent ejection ports as described above, ink is ejected from the target ejection port from which air bubbles are to be ejected last. good. According to this, ink is ejected from an adjacent ejection port, and bubbles that stay in the target ink path are normally discharged from that ejection port, but if the bubbles are relatively large, the air bubbles are ejected from the target ink path. A meniscus with these air bubbles is formed, making it difficult to discharge the air bubbles. Therefore, by finally driving the electrothermal conversion element of the target ink path, ink can be ejected from the target ejection port, and air bubbles can be discharged along with this ejection.

Electrothermal conversion element of adjacent ink path, 1K-1
, 1K+1, if the driving frequency is the same as that during recording, the corresponding ink path 2K-1
, 2K+1 The temperature of the ink increases due to heat accumulation, which is undesirable because air bubbles grow. For this reason,
It is generally preferable that the ejection from the adjacent ejection ports NK-1 and NK+1 be performed at a lower driving frequency than during recording.

Additionally, this driving frequency can also be changed. For example, as described above, the discharge port NK-1
, NK+1, the drive frequency can be gradually reduced as the number of cycles increases. According to the ejection drive method, the remaining bubbles can be efficiently ejected depending on their various sizes. This is because, for example, it is considered that relatively large accumulated bubbles are efficiently discharged by ejection at a relatively high driving frequency, and relatively small accumulated bubbles are likely to be ejected by ejection at a low driving frequency. Further, by gradually reducing the drive frequency in this way, it is possible to suppress the increase in print head temperature accompanying ink ejection during this ejection recovery process.

Note that such a change in the driving frequency can also be made in accordance with an index indicating the size of the bubble, such as non-recording time or recording duty. The above-described ejection drive that changes the drive frequency is effective for all types of ink ejection for ejection recovery according to this example.

In order to discharge air bubbles, in the above example, ink was ejected back and forth from the ejection ports on both adjacent sides, but air bubbles can also be ejected by ejecting from only one side. Further, the ejection may be performed simultaneously from the adjoining ejection ports on both sides. Accordingly, the bubbles can be ejected effectively and the time required for evacuation can be shortened.

[0037] The first explanation of the possible principle behind the bubble ejection phenomenon explained above is as follows.
This will be explained with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 shows ink paths 2K-1 and 2K+ adjacent to the target ink path 2K for discharging air bubbles.
1 shows the case where ink is ejected simultaneously from the respective ejection ports NK-1 and NK+1. In this case, the principle can be considered as follows. That is, by continuous ink discharge from the ink paths on both sides, ink flows are apparently formed from the common liquid chamber 3 to each of the ink paths 2K-1 and 2K-1 as shown by the arrows in the figure. This ink flow increases the ink pressure near the boundary between the ink path 2K and the common liquid chamber 3, which causes the ink path 2K to increase.
In this case, a pressure gradient is generated that is high on the common liquid chamber 3 side and low on the discharge side. This pressure gradient causes a force (buoyant force in a broad sense) toward the discharge port due to the pressure distribution around the bubbles staying in the liquid path 2K, and it is thought that this force causes the bubbles to move toward the discharge port.

Furthermore, as another principle, bubble discharge can be considered to occur as follows. That is, the rapid expansion of air bubbles to cause ink to be ejected in the adjacent ink paths 2K-1 and 2K+1 causes pressure waves in the ink in the respective ink paths 2K-1 and 2K+1, and these pressure waves Discharge port NK-1, NK
Propagates to the +1 side and the common liquid chamber 3 side. The pressure waves propagated to the common liquid chamber 3 side are propagated to other ink paths through reflection, interference, etc. within the common liquid chamber 3. In such pressure propagation, the intensity of the pressure wave is hardly attenuated within the ink path that generates the pressure wave, but when propagating within the common liquid chamber,
The attenuation is approximately proportional to the square of the distance from the ink path. Therefore, in FIG. 1, a relatively strong pressure wave propagates to the ink paths 2K adjacent to the ink paths 2K-1 and 2K+1 that eject ink, and this pressure wave propagates to the ink paths 2K
It can also be considered that the remaining air bubbles are discharged when they propagate inside to the discharge port NK side. Alternatively, it can be considered that due to the propagation of the pressure waves, a predetermined pressure gradient is generated in the ink path 2K, similar to the principle described above, and the accumulated bubbles are thereby discharged. It can also be considered that the accumulated bubbles are discharged by a synergistic effect of the bubble discharge effect due to the propagation of pressure waves and the bubble discharge effect due to the pressure gradient described above.

Furthermore, as a third presumed principle, the pressure gradient generated in the ink path 2K causes an ink flow in the ink path 2K toward the ejection port NK, and this ink flow discharges the remaining air bubbles. You can also think that.

In the ejection recovery process described above, ink is ejected only from adjacent ejection ports to eliminate air bubbles, but for example, in order to remove air bubbles from the ink path 23 shown in FIG. Outlets N1, N2 and discharge port N4
, N5 may be ejected simultaneously or alternately. In this way, if discharge is performed not only from adjacent discharge ports but also from a plurality of discharge ports including the adjacent discharge ports, the effect of air bubble discharge will be even greater.

[0041] Furthermore, the following ejection recovery process can also be performed using the above-described bubble evacuation process of the present invention. If the recording apparatus is left unused for a long period of time, as described above, the accumulated bubbles will grow and the ink will evaporate from the ejection ports, increasing the viscosity of the ink in the ink path. For this reason, it becomes particularly difficult to perform normal ejection after being left for a long period of time, and in some cases, ejection may fail. In this case, high-duty, ie, high-frequency ejection driving is first performed to lower the viscosity of the ink by raising the temperature inside the ink path, and then discharge the highly concentrated ink in the ink path through ejection. After that, ejection is performed at a lower driving frequency. By performing such ink ejection continuously and alternately from the odd-numbered ejection ports and the even-numbered ejection ports in the ejection port array, high-concentration ink is removed from the ink path, and the present invention The remaining air bubbles are discharged, and normal discharge becomes possible. As a result, even if the recording device is left unused for a while, stable, high-quality images can be obtained.

Further, a modification of the ejection recovery process using the bubble discharge process of the present invention will be described below.

In FIG. 2, the ejection is performed continuously from the ejection port N1 10 to 100 times, then the ejection is made in the same way from the ejection port N2, and then sequentially from N3, N4, and so on, to all the ejection ports in the head. Discharge is performed. This process has the advantage that it is possible to simultaneously discharge accumulated air bubbles and check whether or not each discharge port is discharging normally. For example, in the case of a recording head with 64 ejection ports, air bubbles are ejected from each ejection port by repeating this series of ejections from ejection port 1 to ejection port 64 several times. be able to. At this time, it is also possible to change the continuous ejection time for one ejection port by making it longer in the first cycle and slightly shorter in the next cycle.

The ejection recovery processing shown in each of the above embodiments is as follows:
This method is effective as a dry ejection method when heat is accumulated in the ink path due to continuous high-duty printing. Additionally, when this process is used in a printer or fax recording device, it can be performed while waiting for a recording command or while data is being transferred, which may reduce the recording speed of the entire device. Nor.

Furthermore, when used for a copying machine, this process can be performed for example when high-duty recording is performed or for each recording on a single sheet of recording paper, and even without performing suction processing, etc. High-quality images can be obtained continuously.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus capable of implementing the ejection recovery method shown in each of the above embodiments.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 14 denotes a head cartridge, which includes a recording head chip having an ink ejection opening and an electrothermal transducer as an ejection energy generating element provided corresponding thereto, and an ink tank as an ink supply source. It is a combination of This head cartridge 14 is
It is fixed on the carriage 15 by a holding member (fixed lever) 41, and these members can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction along the shaft 21. The ink ejected from the ejection openings of the recording head chip reaches the recording paper 18 as a recording medium whose recording surface is regulated by a platen 19 disposed at a slight distance from the ejection openings, and the ink is ejected onto the recording paper 18 to form an image.

The electrothermal transducer arranged in the recording head chip is supplied with an ejection signal corresponding to image data from an appropriate data supply source via a cable 16 and a terminal connected thereto. One head cartridge 14 is provided.

In FIG. 3, 17 is a carriage motor for operating the carriage 15 along the shaft 21, and 22 is a wire for transmitting the driving force of the motor 17 to the carriage 15. Further, 20 is a feed motor coupled to the platen roller 19 for conveying the recording paper 18.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a cap member that is disposed at a position corresponding to the home position of the carriage 15, for example, and can cover the ejection port forming surface of the head chip, and prevents ink from drying near the ejection ports and solidification caused by this. It has the function of preventing A pump 30 is connected to the cap member 25 via a tube 4, and when the pump 30 is driven to eliminate ejection failure, ink is suctioned from the ejection port by its suction force. That is, during long periods of non-recording or depending on image data, there may be ejection ports that do not eject for a long period of time. In this case, in order to remove thickened ink and fixed ink generated near the ejection ports, ejection recovery processing by suction is performed in addition to the bubble discharge according to the present invention. The cap member 25 also includes a member for receiving ink ejected during the ejection recovery process.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a blade that is provided so as to be able to protrude into the moving range of the recording head, and by wiping the ejection orifice forming surface after ejection recovery processing, etc., removes wetness and dust such as paper powder on the ejection orifice forming surface. Perform removal.

FIG. 4 shows details of the recording head cartridge 14 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. When the head chip runs out, both the head chip and the head chip are replaced with new ones.

The recording head chip 101 includes a plurality of adjacent ejection ports N formed on the surface facing the recording paper, a plurality of mutually adjacent ink paths (not shown) extending inwardly of the ejection ports N,
It has an electrothermal conversion element (not shown) disposed in each of these ink paths, and a common liquid chamber (not shown) communicating with each ink path. The supply tank section 104 includes the ink tank 11
It functions as a sub-tank that receives ink supply from the zero side and guides the ink to the common liquid chamber in the print head chip 101.

An ink absorber 112 is disposed within the ink tank 110 and is impregnated with ink, and can be formed using a porous material, fiber, or the like. 114 is an ink tank 110 lid member.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3. With this control configuration, each embodiment of the ejection recovery process described above can be controlled.

In FIG. 5, 200 is a CPU that executes signal processing for various controls in the device, and 200A is a CPU that executes signal processing for various controls in the device.
The RAM 200B, which is used as a work area and the like in the process execution of the PU 200, is a ROM that stores drive data, processing procedures, etc. when performing ejection as shown in the ejection recovery processing of each of the above embodiments. During the above-mentioned ejection recovery process, the CPU transmits the ejection port selection data, electric pulse width data, and drive frequency data to the head driver 101A according to the processing procedure stored in the ROM 200B.
supply to.

Furthermore, the CPU 200 supplies necessary data to the carriage motor driver 17A and the paper feed motor driver 20A as needed during recording, etc.
The carriage motor 17 and the paper feed motor 20 are driven to control the movement of the carriage 15 and the paper feed of the recording paper.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing full color recording. In an apparatus equipped with such a plurality of recording heads, by performing the ejection recovery process by discharging bubbles according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of ink suction processes for ejection recovery. , the effect of saving the amount of ink consumed by the suction process is large.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for discharging accumulated air bubbles by actively utilizing the gap created in the ink path partition wall of the recording head as described above. That is, when configuring a recording head, normally, no gaps are created between the ink path partition walls. For this reason, when bonding the substrate and the top plate, sufficient attention is paid to the application of adhesive and the configuration for generating bonding force. However, in a recording head in which the substrate and the top plate are joined to each other by a leaf spring or the like as described above, and the construction for joining is simplified, a gap may be created in the partition wall between the ink channels. This example actively utilizes this. This process will be explained below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the bubble evacuation process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a part of the recording head.

In FIG. 7, air bubbles that have an adverse effect on ejection remain in the central ink path 2K. In this case, by applying the same electric pulse as during recording at a predetermined frequency to the electrothermal transducer elements 1K-1 and 1K+1 of the adjacent ejection ports NK-1 and NK+1, Perform ink discharge. At this time, first, ejection is performed from ejection port NK-1 10 to 100 times, and then ejection is performed the same number of times from ejection port NK+1. As a result, air bubbles remaining in the ink path 2K are discharged from the ejection port NK-1 or NK+1, unlike the first embodiment.

[0062] Also, for example, discharge ports NK-1, NK+1
The same discharge as above may be performed for the discharge port NK-1, and then the same continuous discharge may be performed again for the same number of times through the discharge port NK-1, thereby making it possible to discharge the bubbles more effectively.

At this time, the electrothermal conversion element, 1K-1,
The driving frequency of 1K+1 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0064] In order to discharge air bubbles, in the above example, ink was ejected back and forth from the ejection ports on both adjacent sides, but air bubbles can also be ejected by ejecting from only one side.

One of the possible principles of the bubble discharge phenomenon described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows adjacent discharge ports NK-1 of the ink path 2K for discharging air bubbles.
A case is shown in which ink is ejected simultaneously from 1 and NK+1, and the principle in this case can be considered as follows. That is, the discharge ports NK-1 and NK+1 on both sides
Due to continuous ink ejection, ink flow as shown by arrows in the figure occurs from the common liquid chamber 3 to the ink paths 2K-1 and 2K-1 due to ink refill. Due to this ink flow, an ink flow as shown by the arrow S in the figure is also generated through the gap created between the partition walls WK-1 and WK by pressure waves and the like during ink discharge. Due to the ink flow S through this gap, the air bubbles accumulated in the ink path 2K are drawn into the ink path 2K-1 or 2K+1 via the partition walls WK-1 and WK, and
As the ink is ejected through this ink path, the ejection port NK-1
Or ejected from NK+1.

At this time, bubbles are rarely drawn in by one ejection from adjacent ink paths, but are gradually drawn in through gaps by continuous ejection a plurality of times. Also, when ejecting is performed simultaneously in adjacent ink paths, which side of the ink path the ink is drawn into is determined by
It is thought that this is determined by the position where the bubble was originally located and the size of the gap.

In the bubble evacuation process according to this example, the number of ejection ports for ejection, the continuous ejection time, etc.
Settings can be made in the same manner as in the embodiment. Furthermore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

An example of a recording head and an inkjet recording apparatus using the same that can suitably carry out the bubble evacuation process according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above will be described below.

The recording head of this example has a relatively inexpensive and simple configuration, and moreover, it can efficiently and reliably record accumulated bubbles by utilizing mutual interference between adjacent ink paths, which is generally considered to be inconvenient. The ink can be discharged from the ink path of the head. Specifically, two members, a top plate in which a groove is formed to form a common ink channel liquid chamber, and a substrate in which an electrothermal conversion element is formed, are assembled by applying pressure (partially using adhesive). In addition, grooves for forming ink paths, etc., and electrothermal conversion elements may be formed on either the top plate or the substrate.) They are bonded.

[0070] The configuration described in the following examples is a configuration in which the force caused by the above-mentioned pressure is applied uniformly in the area corresponding to the electrothermal transducer of the recording head to the ejection port, especially in the very vicinity of the ejection port. Disclosed. Linear pressure is utilized to achieve this uniform force bonding. Examples of such a recording head include the following.

As a first embodiment, an ink discharge port through which ink is discharged, an ink path communicating with the ink discharge port,
The recording head is equipped with, for example, an electrothermal conversion element as an ejection energy generating element that is provided at a predetermined location of the ink path and generates energy used for ejecting ink, and the ink path and the ejection are connected to each other. Examples include a recording head in which a first base body and a second base body for forming an outlet are pressed together by a linear pressure pressing member that generates linear pressure.

As a second example, a first base body has an ejection energy generating element for generating energy used to eject ink from an ink ejection port, and the above-mentioned A second base body having an uneven portion for forming an ink path communicating with an ink discharge port, and a leaf spring member used for mechanically joining the first base body and the second base body. A recording head comprising:
It is also possible to include a recording head in which the first base body and the second base body are brought into pressure contact by generating linear pressure by the end portion of the protruding portion of the leaf spring member whose protruding side portion is bent.

Furthermore, as a third example, the ink ejection orifice is formed with a first base having an ejection energy generating element for generating energy used to eject ink from the ink ejection orifice. an orifice plate; a front plate member that is integrally provided with the orifice plate and a portion of which protrudes to the outside; and a front plate member that is joined to the first base to form an ink path that communicates with the ink discharge port. A recording head comprising: a second base integrally provided with a concavo-convex portion; and a leaf spring member used for mechanically joining the first base and the second base, the protrusion A linear pressure is applied by the end of the protrusion of the plate spring member in a state where the side part of the plate spring member whose side part is bent is in contact with the surface of the front plate member on the opposite side to the ink ejection direction. Examples include a recording head in which the first base body and the second base body are brought into pressure contact with each other.

According to these head configurations, in joining the first base body and the second base body, the joining force is obtained by making the contact surface between the leaf spring member and the second base body linear. The area of the top plate corresponding to the ink path near the ink ejection port can be pressed with a substantially uniform pressing force. As a result, it is possible to generate a vibratory gap in the ink path partition wall by ejecting ink for discharging air bubbles as described above.

FIGS. 8 to 12 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a recording head having the above-described structure and an inkjet recording apparatus using the same.

As shown in FIG. 9, the recording head cartridge IJC of this example integrally includes an ink tank IT and a recording head unit IJU, each of which has a relatively large ink storage ratio. The recording head unit IJU has a shape in which its leading end protrudes from the ink tank IT. The recording head cartridge IJC is removably attached to the carriage HC (see FIG. 11) of the inkjet recording apparatus main body IJRA using positioning means and electrical contacts, which will be described later. As a result, the recording head cartridge I
When the ink tank IT runs out of ink, the JC can be replaced with a new one together with the recording head IJU.

(i) Recording head unit IJU The inkjet unit IJU is a recording method that ejects ink using an electrothermal conversion element that generates thermal energy to cause film boiling in the ink in response to an electrical signal. This is a unit using a head.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 100 shows electrothermal transducers (discharge heaters) arranged in a plurality of rows on a Si substrate, electrical wiring made of Al or the like for supplying power to these elements, etc., formed by film-forming technology. This is a heater board consisting of Reference numeral 1200 denotes a wiring board for the heater board 100, which includes wiring corresponding to the wiring of the heater board 100 (for example, connected by wire bonding), and a pad 1201 located at the end of this wiring and receiving an electric signal from the main device. have.

Reference numeral 1300 denotes a top plate in which grooves are formed to form partition walls for dividing a plurality of ink paths, a common liquid chamber for storing ink for supplying ink to each ink path, and the like. An ink receiving port 1500 that receives ink supplied from the top plate 1300 ink tank IT and introduces it into the above-mentioned common liquid chamber, and an orifice plate 400 that has a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each ink path are integrally molded. be. Although polysulfone is preferable as the material for integrally molding these, other resin materials for molding can also be used.

Reference numeral 300 denotes a support made of metal, for example, which flatly supports the back surface of the wiring board 1200, and serves as a bottom plate of the recording head unit. Reference numeral 500 denotes a pressing spring, which has an M-shape and presses the part of the top plate 1300 corresponding to the common liquid chamber with light pressure at the center of the M-shape, and also presses the front sagging part 501 formed protruding from the side thereof. At the end, a part of the ink path, preferably a top plate in a region corresponding to the vicinity of the ejection port, is concentratedly pressed with linear pressure. The pressing force of the pressing spring 500 is generated by the foot of the pressing spring 500 passing through the hole 3121 of the supporting body 300 and engaging with the back side of the supporting body 300, and the pressing spring 500 sandwiching the heater board 100 and the top plate 1300. arise. The heater board 100 and the top plate 1300 can be crimped and fixed by the pressing force of the pressing spring 500 and its front sagging portion 501 as described below. Further, the support body 300 is an ink tank IT.
In addition to having positioning holes 312, 1900, 2000 that engage with two positioning protrusions 1012, 1012 and positioning and heat-sealing holding protrusions 1800, 1801 provided in It has protrusions 2500, 2600 on the back side. In addition, the support 300 also has a hole 320 that allows an ink supply pipe 2200 (described later) to pass therethrough, which allows ink to be supplied from an ink tank. The wiring board 200 is attached to the support body 300 by adhering it with an adhesive or the like. Note that the recesses 2400 and 2400 of the support body 300 are provided near the positioning projections 2500 and 2600, respectively. The positions where the recesses 2400, 2400 are provided are located in the assembled recording head unit IJU (Fig. 9).
), the three sides around it are parallel grooves 3000, 3
At the extension point of the head tip region formed by a plurality of projections 2500 and 2601, dust, ink, etc.
be placed in such a position that it will not reach the Parallel groove 30
As shown in FIG. 8, the lid member 800 on which 00 is formed forms the outer wall of the print head cartridge IJC, and houses the IT and print head unit IJU together with the ink tank. Further, the ink supply member 600 in which the parallel grooves 3001 are formed includes an ink conduit 1600 communicating with the ink supply pipe 2200 described above in a cantilever shape with the supply pipe 2200 side fixed, and the ink conduit 1600 includes:
A sealing pin 602 is inserted to ensure capillarity between the fixed side and the ink supply tube 2200. The free end of the ink conduit 1600 is in pressure contact with an ink receptacle 1500 provided on the top plate 1300 of the recording head. 601 is a packing for sealing the connection between the ink tank IT and the supply pipe 2200, and 700 is a filter provided at the tank side end of the supply pipe.

Since the ink supply member 600 is molded, it is not only inexpensive, has high positional accuracy, and eliminates deterioration in manufacturing accuracy, but also can be used in mass production because the conduit 1600 is a cantilevered structure. conduit 1600
The state of pressure contact with the ink receptacle 1500 can be stabilized. In this example, by simply pouring the sealing adhesive from the ink supply member side under this pressure-contact state, a communication state that maintains a sealed state can be reliably obtained. Ink supply member 600
is fixed to the support body 300 through the hole 19 of the support body 300.
01, 1902 of the ink supply member 600 to the holes 1901, 1902 of the support body 300.
This can easily be done by projecting through the support body 300 and heat-sealing the protruding portion to the back side of the support body 300. This slightly protruding area of the heat-sealed back surface is located in the ink tank I.
The recess on the side wall surface of the recording head unit IJU mounting surface of T (
(not shown), the positioning surface of the unit IJU can be accurately obtained.

(ii) Ink tank IT ink tank I
T represents the cartridge main body 1000 and the ink absorber 90
0 and a lid member 1100 that seals the ink absorber 900 after the ink absorber 900 is inserted from the side opposite to the unit IJU mounting surface of the cartridge main body 1000.

[0083] Reference numeral 900 denotes an absorber for impregnating ink, and is disposed within the cartridge body 1000. 1
220 is a unit IJ consisting of the above parts 100 to 600.
It is a supply port for supplying ink to U, and is also used to impregnate the absorber 900 with ink by injecting ink from the supply port 1220 in a process before installing the unit in the cartridge main body 1000. It is also the entrance.

In this example, the parts through which ink can be injected into the ink tank IT are the atmosphere communication port and the supply port. However, in the ink tank IT of this example, when supplying ink to the recording head IJU, in order to ensure good ink supply performance from the ink absorber, the ribs 2 in the main body 1000
300 and partial ribs 2500, 2400 of the lid member 1100
The in-tank air presence region formed by
It is formed in the corner area furthest from the ground. Therefore, in order to inject relatively good and uniform ink into the absorber, ink is preferably injected through this supply port 1220. The main body 1000 has a rib 230 parallel to the moving direction of the carriage on the rear surface of the ink tank.
It has four zeros to prevent the absorber from coming into close contact with the rear surface. Furthermore, the partial ribs 2400 and 2500 are similar to the lid member 110 on the corresponding extension of the rib 2300.
However, unlike the rib 2300, it is in a divided state. This increases the space in which air exists compared to the former. Also, partial rib 2500
, 2400 are distributed over half or less of the total area of the lid member 1000. These ribs allow the ink in the area of the corner farthest from the tank supply port 1220 to
It can be guided more stably to the supply port 1220 side by capillary force. Reference numeral 1401 denotes an atmosphere communication port provided in the lid member to communicate the inside of the cartridge with the atmosphere. Reference numeral 1400 denotes a liquid-repellent material disposed inside the atmosphere communication port 1401, which prevents ink from leaking from the atmosphere communication port 1400.

The ink storage space of the ink tank IT described above has a rectangular shape with its long sides on the sides, so the arrangement of the ribs described above is particularly effective. When the lid member 1100 has sides or is cube-shaped, the ink supply from the ink absorber 900 can be stabilized by providing ribs on the entire lid member 1100. A rectangular parallelepiped shape is suitable for storing as much ink as possible within a limited space, but in order to use the stored ink for recording without wasting it, as mentioned above, it is necessary to It is effective to provide ribs that can perform the above-mentioned action on two adjacent surface areas. Furthermore, the inner surface ribs of the ink tank IT in this embodiment are arranged in a substantially uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped ink absorber. This configuration is important because it can equalize the atmospheric pressure distribution and almost eliminate the remaining amount of ink with respect to the ink consumption of the entire absorber. Furthermore,
To explain in detail the technical idea behind the arrangement of the ribs, the arrangement of the ribs is based on the shape of an arc whose radius is the long side of the ink tank IT and whose center is the projected position of the ink supply port 1220 of the ink tank. In addition, the ribs are arranged on the surface outside the arc so that the absorbent body located outside the arc can be quickly exposed to atmospheric pressure. In this case, the atmosphere communication port 140 of the ink tank IT
1 is not limited to this example, as long as it is a position where the atmosphere can be introduced into the rib arrangement area.

In addition, in this embodiment, the rear surface of the recording head cartridge IJC relative to the head is flattened to minimize the space required when incorporated into the apparatus, and to maximize the amount of ink that can be accommodated. is taking. This not only makes it possible to downsize the device, but also reduces the frequency of cartridge replacement. Utilizing the rear part of the space for integrating the recording head unit IJU of the recording head cartridge IJC, a protruding part for the atmosphere communication port 1401 is formed there, and the inside of this protruding part is hollowed out. A space 1402 for supplying atmospheric pressure corresponding to the thickness direction of the absorber 900 described above.
has been formed. This atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 is a relatively large space, and the atmospheric communication port 1401 is located above, so even if ink leaks from the absorber due to some abnormality, this atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 The ink can be temporarily retained and reliably collected by the absorber.

Further, the structure of the mounting surface of the recording unit IJU in the ink tank IT is shown in FIG. If L1 is a straight line passing approximately through the center of the discharge port formed in the orifice plate 400 and parallel to the mounting reference plane of the bottom of the tank IT or the surface of the carriage HC, then the support 30
The two positioning protrusions 1012 that engage with the holes 312 of 0 are on this straight line L1. The height of this protrusion 1012 is slightly lower than the thickness of the support 300, and positions the support 300. In the drawing of FIG. 10, on the extension of the straight line L1, there is a positioning hook 4 provided on the carriage HC.
Claw 21 for engaging with right angle engagement surface 4002 of 001
00 is set. As a result, a force for positioning the recording head cartridge IJC with respect to the carriage HC acts on a surface area parallel to the reference plane that includes this straight line L1. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, these relationships are effective because the positioning accuracy of the print head cartridge IJC with respect to the carriage HC is equivalent to the positioning accuracy of the ejection ports of the print head IJH.

Furthermore, the protrusions 1800 and 1801 of the ink tank corresponding to the fixing holes 1900 and 2000 on the side surface of the ink tank of the support body 300 are longer than the aforementioned protrusion 1012, so that they protrude through the support body 300. do. Thereby, this protruding portion can be thermally fused to the support 300 to fix the support 300 to the side surface of the ink tank IT. When a straight line perpendicular to the above line L1 and passing through the protrusion 1800 is L3, and a straight line passing through the protrusion 1801 is L2, the approximate center of the supply port 1220 is located on the straight line L3. As a result, the supply port 1220 and the supply pipe 22
It is possible to stabilize the bonded state with 00, and reduce the load on these bonded states even when dropped or impacted. The straight lines L2 and L3 do not overlap, and the recording head IJH
There are protrusions 1800, 18 around the protrusion 1012 on the discharge port side of the
01 exists, the recording head unit I
This further provides a reinforcing effect in positioning the JU to the ink tank IT. The curve indicated by reference numeral L4 indicates the position of the outer shape of the ink supply member 600 when it is installed. Since the protrusions 1800 and 1801 are provided along this curve L4, they can stably support the weight of the recording head unit IJU, and have sufficient strength and positional accuracy for this purpose. I can do it. 2700 is the tip collar of the ink tank IT, which is inserted into the hole in the front plate 4000 of the carriage when the print head cartridge IJC is installed on the carriage HC, to prevent abnormalities such as extremely bad displacement of the print head cartridge IJC. do. Reference numeral 2101 denotes a retainer for the carriage HC, which is provided for a bar (not shown) of the carriage HC. According to this configuration, when the cartridge IJC is rotated and mounted as will be described later in FIG. The attached state can be maintained even if the device is affected.

The recording head cartridge IJC covers the lid 800 after the recording head unit IJU is fixed. As a result, the cartridge IJC surrounds the recording head unit IJU except for the lower part thereof. However, when the cartridge IJC is attached to the carriage HC,
Since this lower opening is close to the mounting surface of the carriage HC, it forms a total surrounding space. Therefore, the heat generated by the ink ejection from the print head IJH in this surrounding space can be effectively absorbed by keeping the temperature of the print head constant by using this space as a heat retention space. When discharge is performed continuously for a period of time, a slight temperature rise occurs. For this reason, in this example, a slit 1700 having a width smaller than this space is provided in the upper surface of the recording head cartridge IJC, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in order to aid natural heat dissipation from the support 300. This makes it possible to make the temperature distribution of the entire recording head unit IJU uniform without being influenced by the environment while preventing the temperature from rising within the surrounding space.

When the recording head cartridge IJC is assembled as shown in FIG.
20 and into the supply tank 600 through an inlet provided on the back side of the supply tank 600, and after passing through the interior, the common ink is supplied from the outlet through an appropriate supply pipe and an ink receiving port 1500 of the top plate 1300. It flows into the liquid chamber. A packing made of, for example, silicone rubber or butyl rubber is disposed at the above-mentioned connection portion for ink communication, and this seals the ink supply path to ensure an ink supply path.

In this embodiment, the top plate 1300 is made of a resin having excellent ink resistance such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polypropylene, etc., and is simultaneously molded together with the orifice plate portion 400 using a mold. be able to.

As mentioned above, the integrally molded parts are the ink supply member 600, the top plate/orifice plate integrated, and the ink tank body 1000, which not only achieves a high level of assembly precision but is also extremely effective in improving the quality of mass production. It is. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the conventional method.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the above-described assembled shape, the upper surface portion 603 of the ink supply member 600 and the end portion 40 of the roof provided with the slit 1700 of the ink tank IT.
A slit S shown in FIG. 9 is formed between the bottom surface 604 and the head side end 4011 of the thin plate member to which the lid 800 of the ink tank IT is bonded. A slit (not shown) is formed. These slits between the ink tank IT and the ink supply member 600 substantially act to further promote heat dissipation through the slit 1700, and even if there is unnecessary force applied to the tank IT, this is directly transferred to the supply member. At best, this prevents the damage from affecting the recording head unit IJT.

(iii) Attaching the recording head cartridge IJC to the carriage HC In FIG. 11, 5000 is a platen roller that guides the recording medium P such as recording paper from the bottom to the top of the drawing in FIG. Carriage HC is platen roller 5000
can move along. Carriage HC has
On the front platen side, there is a recording head cartridge IJC.
A front plate 4000 (thickness: 2 mm) is provided on the front surface of the carriage HC, and a support plate 4003 is provided on the left side of the center, substantially perpendicular to the surface of the carriage HC. This support plate 40
03 is a flexible sheet 4005 having pads 2011 corresponding to the pads 1201 of the wiring board 200 of the cartridge IJC, and a flexible sheet 4005 that is attached to each pad 20 from the back side.
A rubber pad sheet 4006 having elastic force to press against the rubber pad sheet 4006 is held. Further, the carriage HC is provided with a positioning hook 4001 for fixing the recording head cartridge IJC at a proper position. Front plate 4
000 has two positioning protruding surfaces 4010 corresponding to the aforementioned positioning protrusions 2500 and 2600 of the cartridge support 300, and when the cartridge IJC is mounted, a force perpendicular to these protruding surfaces 4010 is applied. act. For this reason, the front plate 4000 has a rib (
(not shown). This rib is slightly (approximately 0.
(approximately 1 mm) protrudes toward the platen roller 5000 side, thereby protecting the recording head from recording paper and the like. The support plate 4003 has a plurality of reinforcing ribs 4004 in a direction perpendicular to the ribs, and the proportion of lateral protrusion decreases from the platen side toward the hook 4001 side. This also serves the function of tilting the position when the cartridge is installed as shown in the figure. Further, in order to stabilize the electrical contact state, the support plate 4003 exerts an acting force on the wiring board 1200 to the cartridge IJC in a direction opposite to the direction of the force exerted on the cartridge by the two positioning protruding surfaces 4010. That is, two positioning surfaces 4007 are provided on the support plate 4003. A pad contact area is formed between these, and a positioning surface 4007,
4007 uniquely defines the deformation amount of the notch of the rubber sheet 4006 with a notch corresponding to the pad 2011. The positioning surface configured in this way is
When C is installed in the correct position, it comes into contact with the surface of the wiring board 1200. In this example, the wiring board 12
Since the pads 1201 of 00 are distributed symmetrically with respect to the aforementioned line L1, the rubber sheet 4006
The deformation amount of each bocchi is made uniform and the pads 2011 and 12 are
The contact pressure of 01 can be made more stable. The distribution of pads 1201 in this example is two rows above, two rows below, and two columns vertically.

The hook 4001 has an elongated hole that engages with the fixed shaft 4009 of the carriage HC, and after rotating counterclockwise from the position shown in the figure using the movement space of this elongated hole, the hook 4001 is connected to the platen roller 5000. Move parallel to the left side. As a result, the inkjet cartridge IJC is attached to the carriage HC. The hook 4001 may be moved in any way, but a configuration in which it can be moved using a lever or the like is preferable. To explain in detail how the cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC, the rotation of the hook 4001 causes the cartridge IJC to move toward the platen roller 5000, and the positioning protrusions 2500 and 2600 move toward the positioning surface 40 of the front plate.
10, and by moving the hook 4001 to the left, the right-angled hook surface 4002 comes into close contact with the right-angled surface of the claw 2100 of the cartridge IJC. The pads 201 and 2011 rotate in a horizontal plane around their contact areas, and eventually the pads 201 and 2011 begin to come into contact with each other. and hook 4
When 001 is held in a predetermined position, that is, in a fixed position, the pads 201 and 2011 are in complete contact with each other, the positioning surfaces 2500 and 4010 are in complete contact with each other, and the perpendicular surface 40
02 and the perpendicular surfaces of the claws, and surface contact between the wiring board 1200 and the positioner 4007 are simultaneously made, and the mounting of the cartridge IJC onto the carriage HC is completed.

(iv) Apparatus Main Body FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus IJRA using the above-mentioned cartridge IJC. The lead screw 5005 is connected to the transmission gear train 5009, 5010,
The forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 transmitted through the motor 5011 rotates in a direction corresponding to the forward or reverse rotation. Then, a pin (not shown) of the carriage HC engages with the spiral groove 5005 of the lead screw 5004. This allows the recording head cartridge HC to move in the direction of arrow a or b. 5002 is a paper press plate,
The recording paper P is placed on the platen 50 in the direction of carriage movement.
Press against 00. 5007 and 5008 are photocouplers, and levers 500 provided on the carriage HC
6 in this area, it is possible to detect the home position used for switching the rotational direction of the motor 5013, etc. A support member 5016 supports a cap 5022 for capping the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 is a suction device that generates negative pressure within the cap and suctions ink from the ejection ports of the print head. This suction means suctions ink from the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 5017 is a cleaning blade;
Reference numeral 019 denotes a member that allows this blade to move in the front and back direction, and these are supported by the main body support plate 5018. The blade 5017 may be a known cleaning blade instead of this form. Further, 5021 is a lever for starting suction by the suction device 5015, and the cam 5 engages with this lever when the carriage HC moves.
It moves along with the movement of 020. Thereby, the driving force from the drive motor 5013 is transmitted to the suction device 5015 via a known transmission mechanism such as clutch switching.

These capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are performed as the carriage HC moves toward the home position. That is, the lead screw 50
According to the rotation of 04, desired processing can be performed at the corresponding positions. However, any configuration that can perform the above processes at known timings can be applied to this example.

Note that the leaf spring 500 shown in FIG. 8 is provided to mechanically press the substrate and the grooved top plate together to form the ink path and the common liquid chamber, as described above. For example, phosphor bronze, stainless steel for springs, FRP
It is made of etc. Here, an adhesive is used to temporarily bond the substrate and the grooved top plate, and specifically, a photocurable adhesive is used.

[0099] The leaf spring 500 has an approximately M-shape with a spring portion that is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the grooved top plate, and a side portion that runs along the side surfaces of the substrate and the grooved top plate. The portion is further provided with a pawl portion that engages with the support plate to generate a pressing force on the leaf spring 500. Further, the leaf spring 500 is provided with a protruding part 501 that protrudes and extends from the side of the spring part and is bent toward the upper surface side of the grooved top plate. The protruding line portion 501 allows the substrate and the grooved top plate to be pressed together by linear pressure, thereby concentrating the stress during pressing and obtaining a uniform pressing force.

[0100] Such a joining member preferably has something like the protrusion 501, but in order to obtain the effect of air bubble movement through the gap between adjacent ink channels as described above, the protrusion 501 is is not necessarily necessary. This type of leaf spring uses its surface to press the grooved top plate from above, so the pressing force is distributed over the vicinity of the ejection port and the entire ink path area, where a reliable bond is required, resulting in a uniform bond. However, a weak bonding force is applied to the surrounding area, which is preferable as a condition for the generation of the gap.

[0101] Phosphor bronze is used as the material of the leaf spring in this embodiment, and a force of 1 kg is generated with a plate thickness of 0.15 mm. Moreover, the protruding portion 5 as a linear pressure generating portion is provided on the leaf spring.
01 is provided. The ink path forming region or the vicinity of the ejection ports can be uniformly pressed over substantially the entire area corresponding to the region where the ejection ports are arranged, and the bonding between adjacent ink path partition walls can be ensured. As a result, the difference in relative pressing force in the direction in which the ink path extends increases, so vibrations of the top plate etc. due to pressure waves in the ink accompanying ejection are caused by the electrothermal transducer and the common liquid behind. You can concentrate on the area on the room side. Therefore, the effect of separating air bubbles that are difficult to remove from the inner wall and removing them through the gaps can be more efficiently exhibited.

As explained above, the ejection recovery processing according to the two embodiments of the present invention is effective for a print head having a common liquid chamber and a plurality of ink passages communicating with the common liquid chamber. The arrangement of the ink paths for the common liquid chamber is not limited to the above example. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which a predetermined number of ink path arrays form a plurality of layers and these ink paths have a common common liquid chamber.
By ejecting ink from the lower, left, and right ink paths, air bubbles in the ink paths can be discharged. Further, the present invention is effective regardless of whether the ink is ejected in the recording head in an upward, downward, or horizontal direction.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a process for discharging accumulated air bubbles in a recording head of a type in which air bubbles are generated in ink using thermal energy and ink is ejected based on the generation of the air bubbles has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an ejection type recording head that uses ejection energy elements such as piezo elements that generate pressure waves in ink.

Furthermore, in this specification, ink is ejected from the ejection ports including at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection ports, excluding the ejection ports whose ink ejection is affected by the accumulation of air bubbles, and thereby, the distance between these ejection ports is The present invention discloses a process for discharging air bubbles by utilizing pressure fluctuations and ink flows that occur in the process. Therefore, as long as such processing is possible, the recording head does not necessarily have to have the structure shown in each of the above embodiments.

As is clear from the above description, the present invention, when discharging air bubbles accumulated in an ink path or the like in a recording head, does not eject ink from the ejection port from which bubbles are to be ejected, but at least from the ejection port. By ejecting ink from other ejection ports including the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port, air bubbles accumulated in the ink path corresponding to the ejection port are discharged. In this respect, it differs from the conventionally well-known ejection recovery process based on so-called dry ejection. Such discharge recovery processing is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-1
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 94967. Here, ink is ejected from the ejection port where ejection recovery is to be performed, thereby making it possible to discharge thickened ink and relatively small accumulated air bubbles. However, it is difficult to discharge the accumulated bubbles that have grown relatively large by such idle discharge.

(Others) The present invention particularly relates to means for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink in an inkjet recording system.
For example, the present invention provides an excellent effect in a recording head or recording apparatus that is equipped with an electrothermal converter (for example, an electrothermal converter, a laser beam, etc.) and uses the thermal energy to cause a change in the state of the ink. This is because such a system can achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

[0107] For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat.
Preferably, it is carried out using the basic principles disclosed in the '796 specification. This method is the so-called on-demand type.
It is applicable to both continuous types, but in particular, in the case of on-demand type, it is applicable to the electrothermal converter placed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. , by applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to recorded information and provides a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy to produce film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head. liquid (ink) that corresponds one-to-one to this drive signal.
This is effective because it can form air bubbles inside. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to use this drive signal in a pulse form, since the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, making it possible to eject liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness. This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in US Pat. No. 4,463,359 and US Pat.
345262 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.

[0108] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that is a combination 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, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 44 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, JP-A-59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a hole that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is disclosed. The effects of the present invention are also effective even with a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 138461/1985 which discloses a configuration corresponding to the discharge section. 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 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 a recording apparatus. 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, even in the case of a serial type as in the above example, the recording head is fixed to the main body of the apparatus, or by being attached to the main body of the apparatus, electrical connection with the main body of the apparatus and ink flow from the main body of the apparatus are possible. The present invention is also effective when using a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied with ink or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself.

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.

[0112] Regarding the type and number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to one type that corresponds to single-color ink, there are also types and numbers of recording heads that are installed to correspond to multiple inks of different recording colors and densities. A plurality of them may be provided. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode for only a mainstream color such as black, but may also be a recording mode in which the recording head is configured integrally or in a combination of multiple colors, The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, softens or liquefies at room temperature, or inkjet method. In general, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within the range of 30°C to 70°C to keep the viscosity of the ink within the stable ejection range. Any eggplant is fine. 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 such cases is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-56847 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-1989.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 71260, the material may be held in a liquid or solid state in a porous sheet recess or through-hole and face an 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, a recording device equipped with a recording mechanism using the liquid jet recording head of the present invention can be used as an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a workstation, personal computer, host computer, word processor, etc. The present invention may be used as a copying device combined with a reader or the like, a facsimile device having a transmission/reception function, or as an information output means of an optical disk device.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a usage apparatus equipped with an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention as an information output means.

In FIG. 13, 10000 indicates a device to be used, which can be, for example, a workstation, a personal or host computer, a word processor, a copying machine, a facsimile, or an optical disk device. Further, 11000 indicates an inkjet recording apparatus as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, or 12. Recording device 11
000 receives processing information from the usage device 10000 under the control of the usage device 10000 and records and outputs it in hard copy form.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the portable printer according to the present invention. This can be combined with utilization devices such as workstations, personal computers, host computers, word processors, copying machines, facsimile machines, or optical disk drives.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 10001 indicates such a device. Reference number 12
000 is a schematically shown portable printer, which incorporates an inkjet recording apparatus (IJRA) 11000 as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, or 12, and has interface circuits 13000 and 14000. These interface circuits communicate information processed by the utilization device 11001 and the inkjet recording device 11.
Receives various control data for controlling 000. The control data also includes handshake control signals and interrupt control signals from the utilization device. Such control signals are those implemented in conventional printer control techniques.

[0119]

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the discharge ports including at least the adjacent discharge ports, excluding the discharge port from which air bubbles are discharged to perform discharge recovery. By performing continuous ejection a plurality of times, the air bubbles remaining in the liquid path of the ejection port during the ejection recovery process are discharged from the ejection port.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, continuous ejection is performed multiple times for the ejection ports including at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection port, excluding the ejection port for which ejection recovery is to be performed by discharging air bubbles. By doing so, the ink that is generated in the liquid path and the gap due to the above ejection is removed through the gap caused by this ejection, the gap in the liquid path partition wall that originally exists, or the gap caused by both. The air bubbles are drawn into the liquid path by refilling and are discharged as they are discharged from the liquid path.

As a result, the discharge recovery process for discharging bubbles can be performed with a simple configuration, and the time required for the bubble discharging process can be shortened compared to the conventional method.

Furthermore, since it is no longer necessary to perform ink suction, which was conventionally performed to discharge air bubbles, or the number of suction operations can be reduced, ink consumption due to this process can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a recording head shown for explaining ejection recovery processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a recording head to which the ejection recovery process of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an inkjet recording apparatus capable of performing ejection recovery processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of an inkjet recording apparatus capable of performing the ejection recovery process according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a recording head shown for explaining ejection recovery processing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a recording head cartridge including a recording head that can suitably implement another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an assembled perspective view of the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. 8. FIG.

10 is a perspective view showing details of the ink tank unit shown in FIG. 8. FIG.

FIG. 11: Recording head cartridge IJC shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment to the device.

12 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. 8 is applied.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus using the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a portable printer according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ~1n, 1K-1, 1K, 1K+1
Electrothermal conversion elements 21 to 2n, 2K-1, 2K,
2K+1 Liquid path 3 Common liquid chamber N1 ~ Nn , NK-1 , NK , NK+1
Ejection port WK-1, WK Ink path partition wall 101, IJH Recording head 101A Head driver 200 CPU 500 Leaf spring member

Claims (41)

[Claims] 1. A recording head having a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink and an ejection energy generating element provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports, the ink is ejected onto a recording medium. In an ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting, in the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, ejection energy is generated in at least an ejection port adjacent to the ejection port, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery. An ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus, comprising a process of ejecting ink from the ejection port by driving an element. 2. A plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and an ejection energy generating element provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports and communicating with the corresponding ejection port for ejecting ink. Discharge recovery of an inkjet recording apparatus, which includes a recording head having a plurality of ink passages and a common liquid chamber communicating with the plurality of ink passages, and performs recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium. In the method, in the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port is continuously driven a plurality of times to generate energy from the ejection port. An ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus, comprising a process of ejecting ink. 3. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein after ink is ejected from the at least adjacent ejection ports, ink is ejected from the ejection port for which the ejection recovery is to be performed. 4. The ejection ports for ejecting ink are a plurality of ejection ports including the adjacent ejection ports, and ink is ejected simultaneously from the plurality of ejection ports. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording device described in . 5. In the array of the plurality of ejection ports, the ejection energy generating elements of the odd-numbered ejection ports and the even-numbered ejection ports are alternately and consecutively driven a plurality of times, and all of the plurality of ejection ports are driven. 4. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein ejection recovery is performed for an inkjet recording apparatus. 6. In the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, ink is ejected from each ejection port by successively driving the ejection energy generating element of each ejection port multiple times in the arrangement order, and 4. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein ejection recovery is performed for all of the ejection ports. 7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driving frequency of the plurality of consecutive drivings of the ejection energy generating element is lower than the driving frequency required for recording. Discharge recovery method. 8. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the driving frequency can be changed depending on the state of bubbles staying in the ink path. 9. The ejection energy generating element is an electrothermal conversion element that is driven by application of an electric pulse and generates heat as ejection energy. An ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording device. 10. A plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and an ejection energy generating element provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports and communicating with the corresponding ejection port for ejecting ink. A recording head having a plurality of ink passages, the first base body and the second base body for configuring the plurality of ink passages by being joined to each other; A recording head including a pressing member for generating linear pressure on the first base and/or the second base so that the two bases press against each other, and discharges ink onto the recording medium. By doing so, in the ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus for recording, in the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port is An ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus, comprising a process of ejecting ink from the ejection port by driving the ejection port a plurality of times in succession. 11. The ink jetting device according to claim 10, wherein the ejection ports that eject ink are a plurality of ejection ports including the adjacent ejection ports, and ink is ejected simultaneously from the plurality of ejection ports. ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording device. 12. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
According to claim 10, the ejection energy generating elements of the odd-numbered ejection ports and the even-numbered ejection ports are alternately and consecutively driven a plurality of times to perform ejection recovery for all of the plurality of ejection ports. The ejection recovery method for the inkjet recording device described above. 13. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
Ink is ejected from each ejection port by successively driving the ejection energy generating elements of each ejection port multiple times in the arrangement order, and ejection recovery is performed for all of the plurality of ejection ports. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10. 14. The driving frequency of the plurality of consecutive drivings of the ejection energy generating element is lower than the driving frequency required for recording.
The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording device according to any one of the above. 15. The ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the driving frequency can be changed depending on the state of bubbles staying in the ink path. 16. The ejection energy generating element is an electrothermal conversion element that is driven by application of an electric pulse and generates heat as ejection energy. An ejection recovery method for an inkjet recording device. 17. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, including a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports. Driving at least the ejection energy generating elements of the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection ports, excluding the ejection ports that perform ejection recovery, in the recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided therein and the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports. 1. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a recording head driving means for discharging ink from the discharge port. 18. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, including a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports. a recording head provided with a plurality of ink passages each having an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink and communicating with the corresponding ejection opening, and a common liquid chamber communicating with the plurality of ink passages; In the array of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, ink is ejected from the ejection port by driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port multiple times in succession. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a recording head driving means. 19. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 18, wherein after ink is ejected from the at least adjacent ejection ports, ink is ejected from the ejection port that performs the ejection recovery. 20. The ejection ports for ejecting ink are a plurality of ejection ports including the adjacent ejection ports, and ink is ejected simultaneously from the plurality of ejection ports. The inkjet recording device described in . 21. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
19. The ejection energy generating elements of odd-numbered ejection ports and even-numbered ejection ports are alternately driven a plurality of times in succession, and ejection recovery is performed for all of the plurality of ejection ports. 20. The inkjet recording device according to 19. 22. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
Ink is ejected from each ejection port by successively driving the ejection energy generating elements of each ejection port multiple times in the arrangement order, and ejection recovery is performed for all of the plurality of ejection ports. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 18 or 19. 23. The driving frequency of the plurality of consecutive drivings of the ejection energy generating element is lower than the driving frequency involved in recording.
The inkjet recording device according to any one of the above. 24. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the driving frequency can be changed depending on the state of bubbles staying in the ink path. 25. The ejection energy generating element is an electrothermal conversion element that is driven by application of an electric pulse and generates heat as ejection energy. Inkjet recording device. 26. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, including a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports. A recording head having a plurality of ink paths, each of which is connected to the corresponding ejection port and has an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink, and the plurality of ink paths are configured by being joined to each other. a first base body and a second base body, and a linear pressure is generated on the first base body and/or the second base body in order to press the first base body and the second base body against each other during the joining; In the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, the ejection energy generating elements of at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection ports, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery, are continuously driven multiple times. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection opening. 27. The ink jetting device according to claim 26, wherein the ejection ports that eject ink are a plurality of ejection ports including the adjacent ejection ports, and ink is ejected simultaneously from the plurality of ejection ports. inkjet recording device. 28. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
27. The ejection energy generating elements of the odd-numbered ejection ports and the even-numbered ejection ports are alternately driven a plurality of times in succession, and ejection recovery is performed for all of the plurality of ejection ports. The inkjet recording device described above. 29. In the arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports,
Ink is ejected from each ejection port by successively driving the ejection energy generating elements of each ejection port multiple times in the arrangement order, and ejection recovery is performed for all of the plurality of ejection ports. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 26. 30. Claims 26 to 29, wherein the driving frequency of the plurality of consecutive drivings of the ejection energy generating element is lower than the driving frequency required for recording.
The inkjet recording device according to any one of the above. 31. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the driving frequency can be changed depending on the state of bubbles staying in the ink path. 32. The ejection energy generating element according to claim 26, wherein the ejection energy generating element is an electrothermal conversion element that is driven by application of an electric pulse and generates heat as ejection energy. Inkjet recording device. 33. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, comprising: a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink;
A recording head having a plurality of ink paths provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports, each communicating with the corresponding ejection port and disposed with an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink, a first base body having the ejection energy generating element; a second base body having irregularities for configuring the plurality of ink paths by being joined to the first base body;
a plate spring for mechanically joining the first base body and the second base body, a protrusion extending from a side of the plate spring is bent, and a linear pressure is applied by the bent protrusion. In the recording head in which the first base body and the second base body are joined by generating, and the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports,
A recording head drive control means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by successively driving ejection energy generating elements of at least the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection port, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery; An inkjet recording device comprising: 34. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, comprising: a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink;
A recording head having a plurality of ink paths provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports and each having an ejection energy generating element for ejecting ink and communicating with the corresponding ejection port, the ejection A first base body having an energy generating element, an orifice plate in which the plurality of discharge ports are formed, a front plate member integrally provided on the outer periphery of the orifice plate, and the first base body are joined to each other. A second base body integrally having a concavo-convex portion for configuring a plurality of ink channels, and a plate spring for mechanically joining the first base body and the second base body, the plate spring bending a protrusion extending from a side of the protrusion, and generating linear pressure by the protrusion in a state where one surface of the protrusion is in contact with a surface of the front plate member opposite to the ink ejection direction; In this case, in the recording head in which the first base body and the second base body are joined, and the arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, ejection energy is generated at least in the ejection ports adjacent to the ejection port, excluding the ejection port that performs ejection recovery. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection opening by driving an element multiple times in succession. 35. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A copying device characterized by: 36. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A facsimile device characterized by: 37. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A word processor characterized by: 38. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. An optical disc device characterized by: 39. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A workstation characterized by: 40. An inkjet recording device for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, comprising a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection ports. A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A computer characterized by: 41. An inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink; A recording head having an ejection energy generating element provided as a main body, and an arrangement of the plurality of ejection ports, excluding the ejection port performing ejection recovery, driving at least the ejection energy generating element of the ejection port adjacent to the ejection port. a recording head driving means for ejecting ink from the ejection port by discharging ink, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the recording head, and a conveyor for conveying the recording medium to the recording position of the recording head. means and
The inkjet recording device has an inkjet recording device as an information output means, which includes a drive means for driving the ejection energy generating element of the recording head according to processing information to be recorded, and a means for controlling the conveyance means. A portable printer characterized by: