JPH04347655A - Inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically recovering discharging when a head cartridge is mounted, thereby to solve the troublesome task for the recovery and to improve the recording quality. CONSTITUTION:When a head cartridge 9 is mounted to a carriage 11 and locked as an operating level 15 is pressed down, a protrusion of a hook 629 depresses a switch terminal of a microswitch 631 a to turn on the switch. As a result, in accordance with an instruction from a control device, the discharging operation is automatically restored by a discharging/restoring device.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink from the discharge ports of a recording head.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Recording apparatuses for recording on recording media such as paper and OHP sheets have been proposed in the form of mounting recording heads using various recording methods. In other words, there are three types of recording heads: wire dot type, thermal type, thermal transfer type, and inkjet type. Among these, recording apparatuses equipped with inkjet type recording heads eject ink onto the recording medium. Because it records data, it has low running costs and is attracting attention as a quiet recording method.

In this inkjet recording apparatus, the recording head is formed with a plurality of fine ejection ports through which ink is ejected and an ejection port forming surface, which is a surface on which the respective ejection ports are arranged and opened. If dust or thickened ink adheres to each of the ejection ports, or if air bubbles are mixed into the ink within the recording head, ink ejection failure will occur. If this ink ejection failure occurs, apply pressure to the ink in the print head with the cap facing the ejection port forming surface to force the ink to eject from each ejection port, or remove the ink from the print head. You can cover the ejection port forming surface with a cap and create a negative pressure inside the cap to forcibly discharge ink from each ejection port, or you can cover each ejection port of the recording head with the cap facing the ejection port forming surface. By ejecting ink in the same manner as during recording, ejection recovery processing is performed to remove causes of ejection failure such as dust, thickened ink, and air bubbles. The ink (hereinafter referred to as "waste ink") discharged from each ejection port of the recording head along with the cause of the ejection failure by the ejection recovery process is transferred to and stored in a storage member such as a waste ink tank.

[0004] Conventionally, inkjet recording apparatuses that use a head cartridge in which a recording head and an ink tank for supplying ink to the recording head are integrated, require that a new head cartridge be installed in the recording apparatus main body. or when a head cartridge that has been temporarily removed from the printing apparatus main body is installed in the printing apparatus main body for reuse. In order to achieve this, the above-mentioned ejection recovery process is manually performed by key operation or the like.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The above-mentioned conventional inkjet recording device is used for recording when a new head cartridge is installed in the recording device main body, or when a head cartridge that has been temporarily removed from the recording device main body is reused. When installed in the main body of the device, each time the ejection recovery process is performed manually, such as by key operation, to remove the cause of the ejection failure and guide the ink in the ink tank to the ejection port, the ejection recovery process can be easily performed. This operation is troublesome, and if the user forgets the operation, recording progresses with poor ink ejection conditions, resulting in a problem in that the recording quality of the recorded image deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the ejection recovery processing operation is automatically performed when a head cartridge is installed, thereby eliminating the troublesomeness of the above-mentioned operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device with improved recording quality.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a recording head that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium from an ejection port, and a system for supplying ink to the recording head. In an inkjet recording apparatus, a head cartridge integrated with an ink tank is removably attached to the recording apparatus main body, and is equipped with an ejection recovery device for performing ejection recovery processing of the print head, wherein the head cartridge is attached to the recording apparatus main body. a detection means for detecting that the head cartridge has been installed in the recording apparatus main body;
The present invention is characterized by comprising a control device that outputs a command for performing ejection recovery processing of the recording head to the ejection recovery device.

[0008] The present invention also includes a storage member communicating with a cap for receiving waste ink discharged from the ejection ports of the recording head by ejection recovery processing and for storing waste ink from the cap, the storage member An opening is formed in the opening, and a ventilation cloth is placed over the opening.

Furthermore, the recording head may be a serial type recording head, a full line type recording head in which ejection ports are formed over the entire width of the recording area of the recording medium, or a recording head that uses thermal energy. The ink discharger may eject ink, and may include an electrothermal transducer for generating the thermal energy.

0010

[Operation] In the present invention configured as described above, when a new head cartridge is installed in the recording apparatus main body, or a head cartridge that has been temporarily removed is installed in the recording apparatus main body for reuse, the installed head cartridge is automatically removed. is detected by the detection means. Thereby, the control device outputs a command for performing the ejection recovery processing to the ejection recovery processing device, so that the ejection recovery processing device automatically performs the ejection recovery processing of the recording head.

[0011]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of the external appearance of an electronic typewriter having an inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment when it is in use and when it is not in use, respectively.

The keyboard section 1 is an input device for inputting documents, etc., and has a key group 2 arranged thereon, including keys for inputting characters such as letters and numbers, and control keys. Display 6
is a portion for displaying documents, etc. input from the keyboard section 1. The keyboard part 1 is rotatably held on the main body of the typewriter by a hinge 3, and is shown in FIG. 1(B).
As shown in , it can be folded over the main body when not in use. The paper feed tray 4 supports recording paper, which is a recording medium, when the paper is fed and discharged.
Similarly, when not in use, it is stored covering the printer section. The knob 5 is used to manually feed and discharge recording paper. Reference numeral 7 denotes a handle used when transporting the typewriter according to this example.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "recording apparatus") of this embodiment, which serves as the printer section.

Head cartridge 9 shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure
, a recording head described later and an ink tank for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head are integrated, and the head opening (not shown) provided in the head cartridge 9 is a carriage that is the main body of the recording apparatus. It is fitted into a support plate 19 erected on the carriage 11 and removably attached to the carriage 11. The head cartridge 9 mounted on the carriage 11 is fixed by a hook 13, and
Fixation by the hook 13 and release thereof are performed by operating the operating lever 15. This operating lever 15 has
A marker 17 is provided for making it possible to read the print position, setting position, etc. of the recording head of the head cartridge 9 by indicating a scale provided on a device cover (not shown).

The head cartridge 9 is mounted on the support plate 19.
An electrical connection part (not shown) is provided for electrically connecting with the main body control part (not shown) and the F
It is electrically connected via a PC (flexible print cable) 21. Thereby, the head cartridge 9 mounted on the carriage 11 is electrically connected to the main body control section. The configuration related to the FPC 21 will be described later. The carriage 11 is slidably fitted through a bearing 25 to a guide shaft 23 disposed in the recording apparatus, and also has guide shafts 23 disposed at both ends of the recording apparatus.
The timing belt 27 is connected to one point of the timing belt 27, which is passed around the pulleys 29A and 29B. The two pulleys 2
The driving force of the carriage motor 31 is transmitted to one of the pulleys 9A and 29B, 29B, through a transmission mechanism such as a gear, so that the pulley 29B rotates forward or reverse. As a result, the timing belt 2
7 rotates forward and backward, and the carriage 11 is guided by a guide shaft 23 and reciprocates in the directions of arrows SR and SL.

A conveying roller 33 disposed parallel to the guide shaft 23 is used to convey the recording paper during recording, etc., and is driven by a conveying motor 35. The curved paper pan 37 disposed along the circumferential surface of the conveyance roller 33 has two elongated holes extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the conveyance roller 33.
Two feed rollers 39A and 39B are rotatably supported in each elongated hole. The feed rollers 39A and 39B are connected to the paper feed tray 4 (see FIG. 1).
The recording paper inserted between the conveyance roller 33 and the paper pan 37 from the side is pressed against the conveyance roller 3 by a pressing means (not shown).
Press toward 3. As a result, the recording paper is transported toward the paper pan 37 as the transport roller 33 rotates.

Both ends of the platen 34 located above the paper pan 37 are connected to the plates 7 at both ends of the recording device.
A paper ejection roller shaft 41 rotatably supported by 5A and 75B
A, and the platen 34 is always urged by a spring (not shown) in the direction from the conveyance roller 33 to the paper pan 37. Furthermore, scoop portions 34A are formed on the platen 34 in correspondence with the small diameter portions 33A provided at a plurality of locations on the conveyance roller 33. The paper discharge roller shaft 41A is configured to be rotated by the conveyance motor 35 via a transmission mechanism such as a gear. A plurality of paper ejection rollers 41 are fixed at appropriate positions on the paper ejection roller shaft 41A, and a spur 42 rotatably supported by a spur cover (not shown) is pressed against each paper ejection roller 41. ing.

The recording paper conveyed by the conveyance roller 33 passes between the paper pan 37 and the platen 34 in a pinched state, rises along the platen 34, and then passes through each paper ejection roller 41. The sheet is sandwiched between the respective spurs 42 and is ejected toward a paper ejection port (not shown) by rotation of each ejection roller 41. In addition, when setting recording paper, etc., each feed roller 39A, 39B and each spur 42 are moved simultaneously, and each feed roller 39
A release lever 43, which will be described later, is provided to release the urging force of each spur A, 39B and each spur 42 against the recording paper. As mentioned above, the paper pan 37 is
This is to suppress lifting of the recording paper in the vicinity of the recording position and to ensure close contact with the conveyance roller 33. In this example, an inkjet recording head that performs recording by ejecting ink is used as the recording head. Therefore, the distance between the ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head and the recording surface of the recording medium is relatively small, and the distance must be strictly controlled to avoid contact between the ejection orifice forming surface and the recording medium. Therefore, it is effective to provide a paper press plate 45, which will be described later. This paper presser plate 4
5 is provided with a scale 47, and a marker 49 is provided on the carriage 11 corresponding to this scale 47. These also allow the printing position and setting position of the recording head to be read.

A discharge recovery device for performing discharge recovery processing is provided on the left side of the conveyance roller 33 in the drawing. The cap 51 of the ejection recovery device is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and when the carriage 11 stops at the home position at the left end of the guide shaft 23 in the figure, the ejection recovery device cap 51 prevents the ejection of the recording head of the head cartridge 9 mounted on the carriage 11. It is arranged at a position facing the exit forming surface. Further, the cap 51 is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the ejection port forming surface of the recording head. Said cap 5
1 is in communication with a pump 53 driven by the driving force of a motor 61 via a cam device 63 via a waste ink transfer path (not shown), and the pump 53 is connected to a tube 57 or the like that serves as the waste ink transfer path. The first waste ink tank 55 is connected to a first waste ink tank 55 which is a storage member for storing waste ink. This first waste ink tank 55 is further connected to a tube 7.
1 communicates with the second waste ink tank 70.

The ejection recovery process is performed as follows. After the cap 51 contacts and seals the ejection port formation surface of the recording head located at the home position, the pump 53 is driven and the suction force of the pump 53 creates a negative pressure inside the cap 51, which closes all the ejection ports of the print head. Waste ink is forcibly discharged from the In addition, ink is ejected from all ejection ports of the print head toward the cap 51 located away from the ejection port formation surface of the print head located at the home position in the same manner as during printing (hereinafter referred to as "preparation"). It is also done by "discharge"). The cap 51
These waste inks discharged into the pump 53 reach the pump 53 via the waste ink transfer path due to the suction force of the pump 53, and the waste ink that has reached the pump 53 passes through the tube 57 due to the discharge force of the pump 53 and is sent to the first waste ink tank. 55.

The blade 59 disposed adjacent to the cap 51 is for wiping the ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head, and is used for wiping the ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head and protruding onto the moving path of the ejection orifice forming surface. It is configured to be able to reciprocate between the position and a retracted position retreated from the movement path of the discharge port forming surface. The reciprocating movement of the blade 59 is performed by the driving force of the motor 61 via the cam device 63.

Next, details of the above-mentioned head cartridge 9 will be explained.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the head cartridge 9, in which a recording head 9a and an ink tank 9b for supplying ink to the recording head 9a are integrated, as viewed obliquely from below. In the figure, the pawl 906e is hooked by a hook 13 (see FIG. 2) provided on the carriage 11 when the head cartridge 9 is installed.
This pawl 906e is disposed inside the entire extension of the recording head. The carriage 11 is located in the head opening 906f.
A support plate 19 (see FIG. 2) erected therein is inserted. This support plate 19 is for supporting the flexible substrate (electrical connection part) and the rubber pad. Further, near the recording head 9a of the head cartridge 9, an abutting portion for positioning is provided, although not shown in this figure.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the head cartridge 9 seen from a different direction from FIG.
(B) is an external perspective view of FIG. 4(A) after assembly. Here, the recording head 9a will be explained.

In FIG. 4A, the heater board 91
1 is a device in which an electrothermal transducer and wiring such as Al for supplying power to the electrothermal converter are formed on a Si substrate by film-forming technology, and the corresponding wiring on the heater board 911 and the wiring board 921 is as follows. , for example, by wire bonding. The top plate 940 bonded to the heater board 911 is made of a resin material, and the top plate 940 includes a plurality of fine ejection ports through which ink is ejected and an ejection port in which the ejection ports are arranged and opened. An exit forming surface is formed. Further, inside the top plate 940 (not visible in the figure), there are a plurality of flow path walls for configuring liquid flow paths that communicate with each of the discharge ports, and a common liquid that communicates with each of the liquid flow paths. A chamber is formed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge port forming surface 940b
When the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11, the surface is inclined by an angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the recording surface of the recording paper, and a plurality of ejection ports 940c are arranged in parallel. A step 940a is formed in the portion where the This slope corresponds to the wall behind the top plate 940 (not shown).
Avoiding the
This is due to the method of manufacturing the discharge port 940c, which involves drilling 0c. On the other hand, a presser spring 950 is attached to a metal support 930 (see FIG. 4A) with a heater board 911 and a top plate 940 sandwiched between the supporter 930 and the presser spring 950. The heater board 911 and the top plate 940 are crimped and fixed by the urging force of the pressing spring 950. A wiring board 921 is attached to the support 930, and the wiring board 921 forms one surface of the inner wall of the head opening 906f (see FIG. 3). Further, the support body 930 also functions as a member that radiates and cools the heat of the heater board 911 that is generated as the ink is ejected.

On the other hand, the sub-tank 906 temporarily stores ink supplied from the ink tank 9b serving as an ink supply source, and supplies the ink to a common liquid chamber formed by joining the heater board 911 and the top plate 940. The outer wall of the head cartridge 9 and the head opening 9
It is sealed by a lid member 980 that becomes the inner wall of 06f. The ink in the sub-tank 960 is filtered through a filter 970.
, the ink inlet 942 and is supplied to the common liquid chamber.

The ink tank 9b is filled with an absorber 900 (see FIG. 4A) for impregnating the inside with ink, and is sealed with a lid member 1100. Further, the inside of the ink tank 9b is communicated with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 1300. The absorber 900 has a recording head 9a.
Before the ink tank 9b is attached to the attachment surface 1010 of the ink tank 9b, ink is filled through a supply port 1200 bored in the attachment surface 1010. The recording head 9 is mounted on the mounting surface 1010.
Positioning and fixing when installing a is done on the mounting surface 10.
This is done by fitting two protrusions 1012a, 1012b protruding from the support 930 into two corresponding holes 931a, 931b drilled in the support body 930, respectively. Ink is supplied from inside the ink tank 9b to the supply port 1.
200 is supplied into the sub-tank 960 by sequentially passing through holes 932 drilled in the support body 930, and is supplied into the sub-tank 960.
The ink that has reached the inside is supplied to the common liquid chamber as described above. A packing made of, for example, silicone rubber or butyl rubber is provided at each connection part of the above ink path.
This ensures ink supply without ink leakage.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view and a left side view showing details of the carriage 11, respectively.

In these figures, the support plate 19 is erected at the bottom of the carriage 11.
supports a flexible substrate 604 and a rubber pad 605 having a protrusion 605A provided corresponding to a terminal pad formed on the flexible substrate 604. An abutment member 607 is erected at the bottom of the carriage 11 in front of the carriage 11, and the abutment member 607 pushes the ink tank as far as possible within the limited installation space of the head cartridge 9 and carriage 11. In order to take up a large space, the wall thickness is made thin. For this reason, the abutting member 607
Three ribs 608 are formed to ensure strength, and the direction in which each rib 608 extends corresponds to the direction of movement of the carriage 11, which has strength corresponding to the movement in the rotating direction when the head cartridge is attached or detached. do. Further, each rib 608 is formed so as to protrude approximately 0.1 mm forward from the ejection port forming surface when the head cartridge is installed. As a result, even if the recording paper protrudes into the movement path of the recording head due to some action, the recording paper is prevented from rubbing against the ejection port formation surface and causing damage.

The operating lever 15 for attaching and detaching the head cartridge is a hook 13 rotatably supported by a shaft 601d provided on the main body of the carriage 11.
is used to attach and detach the head cartridge, which is partially engaged, by the movement of the operating lever 15 when the lever 15 is partially engaged. This hook 13 performs the above-mentioned attachment/detachment operation by having an elongated hole 603c formed therein guided by a guide shaft 601e provided in the main body of the carriage 11. Since the attachment/detachment operation mechanism consisting of the operation lever 15, the hook 13, etc. is provided on the side of the carriage 11, that is, on the side in the movement direction of the carriage 11, the attachment/detachment operation mechanism does not form a large dead space due to the movement of the carriage 11. .

Next, the abutting portion for positioning when the head cartridge 9 is mounted will be explained.

Two abutment portions 601a are provided on the side of the abutment member 607 for positioning the head cartridge 9 in the left-right direction. In addition to the abutting portion 601a, an abutting portion 601f provided on the support plate 19 is used for positioning in the left-right direction. An abutting portion 601b for positioning the head cartridge 9 in the front-rear direction is formed at the lower side of the abutting member 607, and two abutting portions 601b are formed at the lower side of the abutting member 607 and at the lower side of the support plate. An abutment portion 601c for positioning the head cartridge 9 in the vertical direction is formed in the.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a top view and a left side view, respectively, showing the state in which the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11.

In these figures, the head cartridge 9 is provided with an abutting portion 906a that can come into contact with the abutting portion 601a of the carriage 11 when the head cartridge is attached, and 906b and 906c are similarly connected to the abutting portion 601b. and 601c (see FIG. 6A), respectively.

[0036] Here, the engagement relationship of each part when the head cartridge is mounted on the carriage will be outlined.

The contact portion 906a of the head cartridge 9 is in contact with the abutment portion 601a of the carriage 11, and at the same time, the claw 906e of the head cartridge 9 is connected to the coil spring 610 via the hook 13 hooked thereto. Due to the urging force of , a force is applied to the left in FIG. 7(A). As a result, the head cartridge 9 is moved to the contact portion 906.
It receives a moment force centered at a. At this time, the substrate 906d provided on the head cartridge 9 comes into contact with the abutting portion 601f, thereby positioning the head cartridge 9 in the left-right direction and maintaining that position. At this time, the protrusion 605A of the rubber pad 605 is compressed and deformed by contact with the substrate 906d. This deformation generates a force that presses the terminal pads (not shown) of the flexible substrate 604 and the terminals of the substrate 906d. In this case, since the substrate 906d is in contact with the abutment portion 601f, the amount of deformation of the protrusion 605A is constant, and the above-mentioned stable pressure contact force can be obtained. Note that the compressed and deformed state of the protrusion 605A is not shown in each figure. Also,
The head cartridge 9 is positioned in the longitudinal and vertical directions during the mounting process.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the carriage 11. Here, 613 is a roller spring described later, and 61
5 is a mounting portion 617 on the carriage 11 for attaching the operating lever 15.
It is a lever clasp for attaching to. 619 is a mounting member for fixing the upper edge portions of the flexible substrate 604 and the rubber pad 605 to the support plate 19, and 621 is a mounting member for fixing the lower edge portions.

In addition to the configuration described above, in this example,
When the head cartridge 9 is not installed, the flexible substrate 604 on the carriage side is covered to prevent contact with an operator's hand or the like, damage caused by such contact, or the action of electrostatic force.
A board cover 623 is provided to protect the flexible board 604 and the main body circuit coupled thereto. This board cover 623 is rotatably provided with respect to the pin 621A of the board mounting member 621 on the lower edge side. 62
5 is a board cover 6 in a direction covering the flexible board 604.
A spring 627 provides rotational behavior to the head cartridge 23, and a recess 627 accommodates the board cover 623 when the head cartridge 9 is installed.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B,
The operation of the board cover 623 will be explained. When the head cartridge 9 is not installed, the board cover 623 is in a state of covering the flexible board 604 due to the biasing force of the spring 625, as shown in FIG. When the head cartridge 9 is installed from above from this state, the substrate cover 623
It rotates clockwise in the figure around the pin 621A against the biasing force of the spring 625. And head cartridge 9
When the flexible board 604 and the head-side board 906d are in contact with each other, the board cover 623 is pressed by the lower surface of the head cartridge 9 and stored in the recess 627, as shown in FIG. 9(B). The state will be as follows. Note that if the head cartridge 9 is removed, the board cover 6
23 immediately returns to the state shown in FIG. 6A, so that the flexible substrate 604 is protected.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view mainly showing the recording medium transport system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the like.

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of each element during normal conveyance of a recording medium. It is introduced into the conveyance path to be formed. In this conveyance path, as the conveyance roller 33 rotates clockwise in the figure, two feed rollers 39A and 39B
The recording medium is conveyed by the frictional force between the conveyance roller 33 and the recording medium based on the pressing force. Thereafter, the recording medium is introduced between the conveying roller 33 and the paper pressing plate 45, and is simultaneously conveyed by the frictional force between the conveying roller 33 and the recording medium based on the pressing force of the paper pressing plate 45. Further, the recording medium is conveyed between the paper ejection roller 41 and the spur 42 while its direction is regulated by the paper press plate 45, and during this time recording is performed on the recording medium by ink droplets ejected from the head cartridge 9. Ru.

FIG. 11 shows a paper pan 37 and a release plate 4, which will be described later, for urging the paper pan 37 toward the conveyance roller 33.
FIG. 2 is a view from above of the device in a state where the device is separated from the device shown in FIG.

The mechanism involved in conveying the recording medium will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Release plate 40
is the feed roller 39A via the paper pan 37,
This is a member for pressing 39B against the conveying roller 33 and releasing this pressing. That is, the release plate 40 has shaft portions 40C formed at both ends thereof that are connected to the bottom plate 1 of the device.
By engaging with the shaft support hole 101A provided in the release plate shaft support member 101 erected at 00, the release plate shaft support member 101 is rotatably supported. As a result, the spring 401 that engages at two locations on one end of the release plate 40 causes the one end portion to
When the release plate 40 is biased diagonally downward and to the right, the release plate 40 rotates clockwise about the shaft portion 40C as a fulcrum. Ribs 371 are formed at two locations on the lower side of the paper pan 37, and these ribs 371 come into contact with the pressing portions 40A of the release plate 40 when the release plate 40 rotates, as shown in FIG.
Pressed upward during 0. As a result, the feed rollers 39A and 39B, which are supported by the ribs 371,
Press. The release of the pressure by the release plate 40 is shown in FIG.
3, the shoulder portion 40B extending at one end of the release plate 40 is pushed down in FIG. 10 against the rotational force of the spring 401. When this pressure is released, the paper pan 37
The feed rollers 39A, 39B move downward due to their own weight, and a predetermined gap is formed between the feed rollers 39A, 39B and the conveyance roller 33. 372 is a rectangular protrusion formed by a portion of the paper pan 37 extending downward. This protruding portion 372 is provided with a rectangular hole 372A, and this hole 372A engages with the protrusion 102 provided upright on the bottom plate 100 with a predetermined amount of play. This engagement positions the paper pan 37 and, in turn, the feed rollers 39A and 39B with respect to the conveyance roller 33.

[0045] Due to the structure with play in the engagement, the rear end of the recording medium being conveyed is connected to the feed roller 39B.
It is possible to eliminate the negative effects of the so-called kicking that occurs when passing through. That is, as shown in FIG. 13(A), the recording medium leaves the state in which the rear end of the recording medium is pressed against the conveyance roller 33 by the feed roller 39B and moves to FIG. 13(B). As shown, the recording medium is pushed out from between the feed roller 39B and the conveyance roller 33 while the feed roller 39B and the conveyance roller 33 come into contact with each other. In this example configuration,
As the rear end of the recording medium is pushed out, the paper pan 37
However, since it can escape to the right in the figure by the play d (see FIG. 13A) in the engagement, no force due to extrusion acts on the recording medium and the conveyance roller 33.

Referring again to FIG. 10, reference numeral 451 is a spring for biasing the paper pressing plate 45 toward the conveyance roller 33. One end of the spring 451 extending from the coil-shaped portion engages with a part of the paper pressing plate 45, the other end engages with a part of the bottom plate 100 of the recording device, and the coil-shaped portion engages with a part of the bottom plate 100 of the recording device. Partially supported. The paper press plate 45 is a roller 9 provided at the front end of the carriage 11, as will be described later.
1 by the carriage 11. The distance between the ejection opening of the head cartridge 9 and the recording surface of the recording medium is maintained appropriately by the pressure applied through the spring 451 and the roller 91. The paper pressing plate 45 applies a pressing force to the conveyance roller 33 via the recording medium by the above-mentioned pressing force, and conveys the recording medium by the frictional force between the recording medium and the conveyance roller 33 based on this pressing force. conduct. Here, in order to perform good conveyance according to various recording media, the paper press plate 4 is
The friction forces generated between the roller 5 and the recording medium and between the conveyance roller 33 and the recording medium must be appropriate. That is, it is desirable that the frictional force between the paper press plate 45 and the recording medium be as small as possible, and that the frictional force between the conveyance roller 33 and the recording medium be as large as possible. Therefore, in this example, POM (polyacetal) is used as the material for the paper presser plate 45, and 5 to 10% (5 to 10%) of nylon resin monofilament is used for the conveyance roller 33 in CR (chloroprene rubber, hardness 60°/A scale). (weight ratio) was used. Note that fluorocarbon resin may be used as the material for the paper press plate 45.

By configuring the paper presser plate and the conveyance roller with the above-mentioned materials, the coefficient of friction between the paper presser plate 45 and the recording medium can be reduced, so that the paper presser plate 45 can be conveyed as described above. It can be configured to press against the roller 33. As a result, it has become easier to manage the distance between the recording medium and the head cartridge, for example, compared to the conventional case where it was not possible to adopt a pressing configuration that could accommodate the paper thickness of various recording media. Ta. Further, since the coefficient of friction between the recording medium and the conveyance roller is large, no slippage occurs during conveyance, and the recording medium can be conveyed favorably.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a shaft member extending parallel to the paper pressing plate 45 and having both ends pivotally supported by the apparatus frame, and the cross section of this shaft member 46 is shaped like the letter D. When the recording medium is conveyed, its rotational position is determined so that the straight line portion of the letter D is in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction in the figure) as shown in the figure. On the other hand, when releasing the pressure on the conveyance roller 33 by the paper pressing plate 45, as shown in FIG. 14(B) and FIG. (in the middle left/right direction), it comes into contact with a part of the spring 451 and displaces it, thereby releasing the engagement between the spring 451 and the paper press plate 45. As a result, only the pressing force on the paper pressing plate 45 is released without displacing its position. As a result, even if the carriage 11 operates with this pressing force released in order to insert a recording medium, etc., the head cartridge 9 and the paper press plate 45 will not interfere and damage the head cartridge 9 etc. . In other words, the paper press plate 45
Even when the pressing force is released, it is possible to move the carriage 11 and perform various operations. In addition, Coro 91
The pressing force applied to the paper press plate 45 via the paper press plate 45 is not released at this time, but this press force acts on one point of the paper press plate 45 facing the carriage 11, and when the recording medium is inserted, etc. There is no problem.

Again, in FIG. 10, 41 is a paper discharge roller, and a spur 42 is engaged with this paper discharge roller 41. The spur 42 is urged toward the paper ejection roller 41 by a later-described urging means shown in FIGS. The recording medium is conveyed by the frictional force. The spur 42 is urged toward the paper ejection roller 41 as described above via the holding member 42A, and also performs a detachment operation from the paper ejection roller 41 via this to release the engagement. You can also do it.

The paper pan 37 (feed rollers 39A, 39B) and paper press plate 4 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 above
5 and the spur 42, the urging force is released in each manner as described above. These releases are performed all at once by operating the release lever 43 shown in FIG. 2, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B), FIG. 15()
14A and 14B are views showing the mechanisms for releasing the biasing force, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are views of these mechanisms in the recording apparatus as seen from the right side, and FIGS. (
A) and (B) are views from the left side.

FIG. 14(A) and FIG. 15(A) are
This shows a state in which the biasing force is not released when the recording medium is transported. At this time, in these figures, the conveyance roller 33
The release lever 43 is rotatably supported by a shaft of
It is arranged at the other end of the end where the cam member 431, gear 432, and release lever 43, which are in a spring state due to the biasing force of a spring described later and are fixed to the release lever 43, are arranged, A gear 432a fixed to a shaft concentric with the conveyance roller 33 is engaged in a predetermined positional relationship with a gear train that rotates the shoulder portion 40B of the release plate 40 and the shaft member 46. Further, the spur arms 421 and 421a extending from the holding member 42A of the spur 42 and disposed at both ends are engaged with the spring 422 and It is urged toward the rear of the device by the tensile force of 422a. In this biased state, each spur arm 42
Each engaging part 421A, 421A provided in 1,421a
a engages with the shaft of the paper ejection roller 41, so that the spur 4
2 and the paper ejection roller 41, the pressing force, etc. are appropriate.

Since the spur arm 421 and the release lever 43 are engaged with each other with a predetermined amount of play, the spur arm 421 and the paper ejection roller 41 can be easily engaged without requiring much precision in the shape of the spur arm 421. It becomes possible to perform appropriate engagement with the Further, the rotation of the release lever 43 is transmitted to the shaft member 46 via the gear 432 and the intermediate gear train, and is further transmitted to the intermediate gear train on the other end side and the gear 43 through the shaft member 46.
2a, is transmitted to the connecting member 433, and finally moves the spur arm 421a. At this time, backlash between the intervening gears is caused by the release lever 43 and the spur arm 421.
It is absorbed by the loose engagement.

FIG. 14(B) and FIG. 15(B) are
The drawing shows a state in which the urging force of the spur 42, the paper press plate 45, and the paper pan 37 is released. These releases are performed by rotating the release lever 43 toward the front of the device against the tension of the spring 422. That is, when the release lever 43 is rotated, the gear 432 is rotated accordingly. At this time, as described above, the shaft member 46 rotates via the intermediate gear train that engages with the gear 432, and the straight line portion of the letter D is set in the horizontal direction. As a result, Figure 10
As described above, the shaft member 46 pushes the spring 451 in the narrowing direction, and the engagement between the spring 451 and the paper pressing plate 45 is released. As a result, the biasing force of the paper press plate 45 is released.

Further, as the release lever 43 rotates, the cam member 431 rotates. The cam portion of the cam member 431 is engaged with the shoulder portion 40B of the release plate 40 described above in FIG. Rib 371
The engagement with the rib 371 is released and the rib 371 is no longer pressed. As a result, the paper pan 37 (feed roller 39A,
39B) to the conveyance roller 33 is released, and the paper pan 37 moves downward due to its own weight. By rotating the release lever 43, the shoulder portion 40B and the cam member 4 are finally released.
By engaging the stepped cam portions 31, these engagement positions are fixed, and the rotational position of the release lever 43 is thereby fixed.

Further, as the release lever 43 rotates, the spur arm 421 moves toward the front of the device, and as described above, the rotation is transmitted through the shaft member 46 so that one spur arm on the other end side 421a also moves to the front of the device. As a result, these two spur arms 421, 421a
The engagement of the spur 42 connected to the discharge roller 41 is released. In this manner, by rotating the release lever once, the urging by the paper pan, paper press plate, and spur can be released, and this can be done with a simple configuration.

FIG. 16(A) is a schematic front view showing the assembled state of the knob fixed to the shaft of the conveyance roller 33 and the release lever, and FIG. 16(B) is an exploded view of FIG. 16(A). It is a diagram.

In FIG. 16A, a driven gear 321 for rotationally driving a conveyance roller (not shown) is fixed to a shaft 333 of the conveyance roller, and the knob 5 is connected to the shaft 333.
It is fixed to the shaft 333 by a spring pin 332 driven into the shaft 333. The release lever 43 is rotatably supported between these levers, but its rotation is restricted by a spring or the like as described above.

As shown in FIG. 16(B), the shaft 33
A spring pin 332 is driven into 3 in advance, and
A driven gear 331 is fixed. Axis 33 in this state
3, insert the release lever 43 through the opening 43A. The opening 43A has a shape that allows the shaft 333 and the spring pin 332 to pass therethrough, thereby allowing the release lever 43 to move beyond the position where the spring pin 332 is driven toward the driven gear 331 side. Thereafter, the knob 5 is fixed to the shaft 333 by fitting the spring pin 332 into the fastening hole 44A while inserting the knob 5 into the shaft 333. With the above configuration, the release lever 43 and the knob 5 can be fixed in the axial direction by the spring pin 332 and the driven gear 331. Furthermore, since the spring pin 332 is driven into the shaft 333 in advance, assembly is easier than driving the spring pin after inserting the release lever.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a side view and a top view, respectively, showing the mechanism around the head cartridge shown in FIG. 2 and the like.

In these figures, reference numeral 91 denotes a roller rotatably supported at the front end of the carriage 11 as described above. This roller 91 is provided so that a portion thereof protrudes forward from the discharge port forming surface of the head cartridge 9, and contacts the paper press plate 45 and rotates thereon. 613 is a roller spring provided at the rear end of the carriage 11, and this roller spring 613 is connected to the roller 61.
3A, a connecting member 613B that pivotally supports the roller 613A,
A spring 61 that urges the connecting member 613B in a predetermined rotational direction
Consists of 3C etc. The roller 613A is attached to the bottom plate 10 of the device.
0 comes into contact with a front end plate 105, which is erected to extend parallel to the guide shaft 23, and rotates thereon. The connecting member 613B is rotatably supported by a predetermined shaft 113 of the carriage 11, and is supported by a spring 613C.
is supported by a predetermined shaft of the carriage 11 and connects the connecting member 61.
3B is biased to rotate counterclockwise around the shaft 113. Due to the configuration of the roller spring 613 as described above, the carriage 11 is always urged in the direction of the paper pressing plate 45.

Reference numeral 25 denotes bearings that engage with the guide shaft 23 and are mounted on both ends of the carriage 11. Bearing 25
As will be described later, the bearing portion is eccentric with respect to the case in which it is mounted, and the two bearings 25 are mounted so that their eccentric directions are opposite to each other. Further, one bearing 25 on the side shown in FIG. 17 is provided so as to be swingable about a boss 112 provided on the carriage 11 as an axis. That is, the portion of the carriage 11 where the bearing 25 is mounted is an elongated hole, and the two projections 25A of the bearing 25 are restricted from moving in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 17) by the boss 112. As a result, this bearing 25 swings relative to the carriage 11 in accordance with the movement of the carriage 11 as will be described later. At this time, the movement of the bearing 25 in the direction of the guide shaft 23 is caused by the projection 25B provided on the bearing 25 being a part of the carriage 11 (for example,
(see Figure 10).

The rollers 19 described above are the roller springs 613
Automatic adjustment of the distance (hereinafter also referred to as gap) between the recording medium and the ejection port forming surface of the head cartridge based on the configuration of the bearing 25 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. This gap is automatically adjusted by the paper presser plate 4.
This is done according to the thickness of the recording medium inserted between the conveyance roller 33 and the conveyance roller 33. When recording on a relatively thin commonly used recording medium as shown in FIG. 19(A), the relative position of the bearing 25 on the left side in FIG. 19(A) in the elongated hole is located approximately at the center. . That is, the carriage 11 is urged in the direction of the paper presser plate 45 by the reaction force from the front end plate 105 caused by the roller spring 613 pressing the front end plate 105, and thereby the rollers 91 press the paper presser plate 45. The reaction forces of the force of the rollers 91 pressing against the paper press plate 45 and the force of the above-mentioned roller springs 613 pressing the front end plate 105 are the moments with the bearing 25 on the right side in FIG. 19A as the fulcrum. The position of the bearing 25 in the elongated hole is determined by balancing these two moments. In other words, the position of the carriage 11 relative to the guide shaft 23 and the bearing 25 fixed to the apparatus main body is determined, and the gap d between the ejection port forming surface of the head cartridge 9 mounted thereon and the recording medium is determined. .

FIG. 19B shows the position of the carriage 11 when recording on a relatively thick recording medium such as an envelope. In this case, the rollers 91 and therefore the carriage 11 retreat downward in the figure in accordance with the thickness of the recording medium when compared with the case in FIG. 19A. As a result, the reaction force from the front end plate 105 generated by the roller spring 613 changes, and the position at which the moment is balanced changes accordingly. As a result, the bearing 25 and carriage 11 on the left side of the figure
The front end of the carriage 11 is in a position where the left side is open in FIG. 16, and the gap between the ejection port forming surface and the recording medium is as shown in FIG. 19A. The gap d is approximately equal to . At this time, the left bearing 2
5 relatively swings as shown by the arrow in FIG. 20 to change the position within the elongated hole. In the above configuration, the roller spring 613, as shown in detail in FIG.
Since the rollers 613A come into contact with the bent oblique portion of the front end plate 105, the rollers 613A are pressed downward in the figure, thereby pressing the entire carriage 11 downward. As a result, the carriage 11 is prevented from floating, and the direction of ink droplet ejection by the mounted head cartridge 9 is stabilized.

Referring again to FIG. 18, reference numeral 111 is a notch provided at the lower left side of the carriage 11, and is engaged with a pulley shaft 290A provided near the home position. This engagement is performed as the carriage 11 moves to the position where the discharge port forming surface is capped, and at this engagement position, the cap 51 (see FIG. 2) engages the discharge port forming surface, and thus the capping is performed. It will be done. Due to this engagement, the carriage 11 cannot move in the front-rear direction even when vibration is applied to the recording apparatus, so that the cap 51 and the ejection port forming surface of the head cartridge 9 do not separate. , the capping can be performed reliably. Furthermore, since the pulley shaft 290A is also used as a member that engages with the notch 111 of the carriage 11, a special member for this engagement is not required, resulting in a simple and low-cost configuration.

FIG. 21 is a schematic elevational view of the head cartridge 9 and carriage 11 viewed from the recording medium side.

As is clear from the figure, the carriage 11 and the head cartridge 9 mounted thereon are inclined with respect to the axial direction of the guide shaft 23, that is, the moving direction of the carriage 11. As a result, the direction of the ejection port array is also tilted. This inclination is obtained by using two bearings 25 whose bearing portions are eccentric as described above. That is, the left bearing 25 (right side in FIG. 21) is mounted so that its eccentric position is located downward, as shown in FIGS. 17, 20, etc.
5 (left side in FIG. 21) uses the same type of bearing and is mounted so that its eccentric position is located upward.

The configuration in which the ejection port array is inclined as shown above is a configuration that is adopted when a plurality of ejection ports are driven in a time-division manner. That is, when driving an inkjet recording head, generally, time-division driving is performed from the standpoint of not being able to increase the recording speed or driving power. In a configuration in which the ejection port array is not tilted when time-divisionally driven in 8 blocks, if carriage movement is taken into consideration, (A
), and when viewed macroscopically, it appears as a diagonal line. On the other hand, when recording is performed with the ejection port array tilted as in this example, recording as shown in FIG. 22(B) is performed, which becomes a vertical line when viewed macroscopically. Note that this tilt configuration is effective not only for time-divisional driving for each block as shown in the above example, but also for time-divisional driving for each ejection port.

The inclination according to this example is constructed by the bearings 25 attached to both ends of the carriage 11, and since the distance between these bearings 25 is relatively long, it is easy to achieve inclination accuracy. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to mount one type of bearing upside down, the configuration of the inclination becomes simple. Furthermore, if the timing of time-division driving differs depending on the speed of the carriage, etc., by changing only the bearing without changing the carriage or recording head, it is possible to configure the inclination according to the above timing. , carriage, etc. can also be shared.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are a top view and a top view, respectively, showing details of the surroundings of pulley 29B, which is disposed at the right end of the device among the two pulleys that drive the timing belt for moving the carriage. It is an elevational view.

A driven gear 291 is fixed coaxially with the pulley 29B, and this driven gear 291 meshes with a drive gear 294 fixed to the rotating shaft of the carriage motor 31. A shaft that fixes the pulley 29B and the driven gear 291 is rotatably supported by a bracket 292. One end of a spring 293 is connected to this bracket 292, and the other end of the spring 293 is connected to a protrusion 106 erected on the bottom plate 100. As a result, the bracket 292
is biased in a direction having a predetermined angle with the direction in which the timing belt 27 extends. At this time, the bracket 29
2 (and the driven gear 291 and pulley 29B that are pivotally supported by the driven gear 291 and the pulley 29B) are connected to an L-shaped member 295A that is erected on the bottom plate 100.
It is free except that movement in the vertical direction and in a predetermined direction along the bottom plate 100 is restricted by and 295B. Therefore, the tension of the timing belt 27 and the meshing force between the driven gear 291 and the driving gear 274 can be obtained according to the biasing force of the spring 293.

Next, the cap 51, pump 53, blade 59, motor 61 and cam device 63 shown in FIG.
A discharge recovery device consisting of the following will be explained. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the discharge recovery device.

In FIG. 24, the cap 51 is fixed to the cap holder 503 by fitting the protrusion formed on the back surface into the hole of the cap holder 503 using the elasticity of the cap 51. The cap holder 503 to which the cap 51 is fixed is fixed to the tip of the cap lever 505 by a snap means, and the operating portion 517 protruding from the tip comes into close contact with the protruding portion of the cap 51. Further, an absorber 501 that absorbs waste ink is fitted inside the cap 51.

[0074] Here, the cap 51 and cap holder 503 will be explained. FIG. 25 shows the cap 51
and a perspective view showing details of the cap holder 503.

As shown in FIG. 25, the cap 51 includes:
A square-shaped rib 51a is formed that comes into contact with the ejection port forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a, and the cross-sectional shape of the rib 51a is similar to the step 940a of the ejection port forming surface 940b (FIG.
(see), it has a trapezoidal shape that is thinner at the tip and thicker at the base. Further, the discharge port forming surface 9 of the rib 51a
The square-shaped tip that comes into contact with the square-shaped tip 40b is a discharge forming surface 940 that is inclined by the angle θ mentioned above with respect to the plane formed by the square-shaped tip.
b are formed so that they are parallel to each other.

On the other hand, the cap 5 of the cap holder 503
Two stop ribs 503c are formed on the surface to which the cap 51 is attached.
This prevents the cap 51 from sliding sideways due to the inclination of the angle θ and from deforming when the cap 51 is pressed against the discharge port forming surface 940b with a pressing force of 60 g to 80 g. Further, the cap holder 50
One stop plate 503b is formed on each side of 3, and each stop plate 503b stops against the cap lever 505 (see FIG. 24) when the cap 51 is pressed against the discharge port forming surface 940b. This prevents it from tilting.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the cap 51, in which (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, and (C) is a view of (A).
It is a sectional view taken along line M-M in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 26, a waste ink flow path 563 is formed in the cap 51, and one opening end (suction port 561) of the waste ink flow path 563 forms an ejection port of the recording head 9a. It is located at the lower part of the recess covering the surface 940b, and the other open end communicates with a waste ink inlet 517a, which is bored in the action part 517 of the cap lever 505 and communicates with the pump 53. In addition, the suction port 56
1 is covered by an absorber 501. In order for the cap 51 to follow the shape of the discharge port forming surface 940b, it is preferable that the tip of the rib 51a is thin and the hardness is low, but at the same time, it is necessary to withstand the negative pressure generated during suction and maintain sealing performance. It is necessary that the rib 51a has a certain degree of strength. Further, it is necessary that the discharge port forming surface 940b not be permanently deformed when left in a sealed state for a long period of time. Taking these into consideration, the cross-sectional shape of the rib 51a was selected as follows. That is, in (C) of FIG. 26, W1=0.3 mm, W2=0.5 mm, H=0.
The diameter was 4 mm, and the rubber hardness was 60°. At the same time, rib 5
The peripheral part 51b around the rib 51a is sufficiently large relative to the shape of the rib 51a, for example, the width from the root to the outer end of the rib 51a of the peripheral part 51b is 2 to 3 mm or more, and the thickness is 2 to 3 mm.
By setting it to mm or more, the above function becomes more reliable. Note that the rubber used for the cap 51 is butyl rubber,
Chlorinated butyl rubber, silicone rubber, etc. can be used.

By the way, the discharge port forming surface 940b and the rib 5
It does not necessarily have to be parallel to the plane formed by the square-shaped tip of 1a. If they are parallel, when the cap 51 contacts and separates, the entire square-shaped tip simultaneously contacts and separates from the discharge port forming surface 940b, causing a large pressure fluctuation in the space sealed by the cap 51. This is because this may occur instantaneously, and the meniscus of ink within each ejection port 940c may not be maintained properly. That is, by making the ribs 51 non-parallel, when the cap 51 comes into contact with the ribs 51, the square-shaped tips of the ribs 51a gradually come into contact with the discharge port forming surface 940b until a completely sealed state is achieved. Further, when the cap 51 is separated, the square-shaped tips of the ribs 51a gradually separate from each other until the cap 51 is separated completely. From this point of view, the structure of the cap 51 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is not necessarily the same as that shown in FIG.
The present invention is not applied only to the ejection port forming surface 940b as shown in FIG. That is, for example, the cap 51 may also be formed on the ejection port forming surface formed parallel to the recording paper.
configuration becomes applicable. Also, from the above point of view, the plane formed by the square-shaped tip of the rib 51a does not necessarily have to be inclined as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26; The tip may be provided with unevenness for preventing the pressure fluctuation.

Next, referring back to FIG. 24, the explanation of the discharge recovery device will be continued.

A jig 513 having a hole is fitted into the support portion 515 provided upright on the pump 53, and the jig 513 has a hole.
05 is a pin 507a protruding from both sides thereof.
, 507b are rotatably fitted into the holes of the jig 513 and the holes drilled in the fastening member 516, and are held between the support portion 515 and the fastening member 516. The fastening member 516 is fixed to the support portion 515 by snap means. The cap lever 505 has an action section 51 inside it.
A hole leading from the waste ink inlet 517a of No. 7 to the circumferential surface of the pin 507a is bored, and a hole communicating with the hole is formed in the jig 513.
The hole is drilled from the inner peripheral surface of the hole through the inside to the lower end surface, and the hole that communicates with the hole of this jig 513 is drilled through the inside from the surface of the support section 515 that contacts the lower end surface of the jig 513. A cylinder 53a (not shown) formed inside the cap 53 is perforated, and these three holes are connected to the cap 51.
This constitutes a waste ink transfer path from the pump 53 to the pump 53.

A shaft portion 519a protrudes from the right end face of the pump 53 in the drawing, and a blade support member 535 to which a blade 59 is attached is rotatably supported on the shaft portion 519a. The pump 53 equipped with the blade support member 535 has a small-diameter shaft portion 519b that further protrudes from the end surface of the shaft portion 519a and is fitted into a hole in the side plate 520b, and a shaft that protrudes from the end surface of the cylinder cap 531. (not shown) is fitted into a hole of the cam device mounting member 520a, and is rotatably supported by the cam device mounting member 520a and the side plate 520b.

On the other hand, the shaft portion of the cam 549 of the cam device 63 is connected to the hole of the cam device mounting member 520a, the camshaft 63a.
The cam device is sequentially inserted into the shaft hole of the cam device and the hole of the side plate 520b, and is rotatably supported by the cam device mounting member 520a and the side plate 520b (forward rotation and reverse rotation). The camshaft 63
A has a home position switch (hereinafter referred to as "H.P.
SW”. ) 555, a switch cam 557 for opening and closing the pump 555, and a pump lever 545 protruding from the pump 53.
A cap cam 547 for rotating the support part 515 of the pump 53 by contacting with a blade lever 551 protruding from the blade support member 535 and a blade cam 553 for rotating the blade support member 535 by contacting with a blade lever 551 protruding from the blade support member 535. In addition, the camshaft 63a is connected to the cam 54.
It is fixed to the shaft portion of 9.

The other end of a spring 539, one end of which is locked to the cam device mounting member 520a, is locked to the locking portion formed at the lower part of the pump 53, and the tension of the spring 539 causes the pump 53 to move. The pump lever 545 and the cap cam 547 are always urged in the direction of the arrow E and come into contact with each other. When the pump lever 545 rotates while being guided by the cap cam 547, the support portion 515 rotates, and the cap lever 505 moves forward and backward relative to the discharge port forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a. There is. Further, a pin 511 protruding from the cam device mounting member 520a is slidably fitted into the fork-shaped end 509 of the cap lever 505, and the fork-shaped end 509 is fitted into the pin 511.
09, the posture of the cap lever 505 when moving forward and backward is maintained.

[0085] The other end of a spring 537, one end of which is locked to the cam device mounting member 520a, is locked to a locking portion formed at the lower part of the blade support member 535.
Due to the tensile force, the blade support member 535 always moves in the direction of arrow E
The blade lever 551 and the blade cam 553 are urged in this direction and come into contact with each other. When the blade lever 551 rotates while being guided by the blade cam 553, the blade support member 535 rotates, and the blade 59 reciprocates between the wiping position and the retracted position. The rotational driving force of the motor 61 attached to the cam device mounting member 520a is transmitted to the cam 549 via two gears 541a and 541b, and the cam 549 rotates (forward rotation, reverse rotation). A part of the rotational driving force of the cam 549 is transmitted to the piston shaft 527 via the pin 533 and used to drive the pump 53, and the other part rotates the camshaft 63a to drive the cap lever 505 and the blade support member 535. Used for driving. Shaft portion 51 of the pump 53
The discharge port 53d is opened in the end face of the tube 9b, and the discharge port 53d is sealed by a lid member 521 supported by a tube attachment member 523. However, the lid member 521
Holes that communicate with each other are bored inside each of the tube attachment members 523, and the discharge port 53d and the tube 57 are communicated with each other through the holes. Each of the holes and the tube 57 constitute a waste ink transfer path from the pump 53 to the first waste ink tank 55.

Next, the first waste ink tank 55 and the second
The waste ink tank 70 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to providing the first waste ink tank 55, a second waste ink tank 70 is provided by effectively utilizing the space inside the recording apparatus, and these first and second waste ink tanks are provided. Tanks 55 and 70 are connected by a tube 71.

The waste ink transferred by the ejection recovery device first passes through the tube 57 to the first waste ink tank 5.
5 will be introduced. Waste ink is stored in the first waste ink tank 55 while there is room to store the waste ink in the first waste ink tank 55, but after that, the first waste ink tank 55 cannot store the waste ink. When it runs out, the first
Waste ink overflowing from the waste ink tank 55 flows into the tube 71.
The waste ink is introduced into the second waste ink tank 70 via the ink tank 70. Each of the waste ink tanks 55 and 70 is provided with an absorber, which will be described later, for absorbing waste ink. In this example, since the ink flow path is provided in the cap lever, the waste ink flow path 563 in the cap 51 (Fig. 26
(C)) is shown in the figure, but if the ink suction path is provided separately, the ink flow path in the cap does not need to be configured as shown. That is, the suction port 561
(See FIG. 26) is provided below the cap 51 in the vertical direction, the configuration of the ink flow path can be determined in any manner.

FIG. 27 shows the first waste ink tank 5 according to this example.
An example of the configuration of No. 5 is shown below.

Here, 181 is an ink absorber that holds waste ink, and 55A is an ink absorber when the device is in use (state (A) in FIG. 1).
The bottom surface 55B is the bottom surface when the recording device is stored as shown in FIG. 1B and carried by the handle 7. 55C is a slope portion that does not face downward in the vertical direction in any case, and a rectangular opening is formed in this slope portion 55C, and the opening is covered with a ventilation cloth 183 attached to the slope portion 55C. . This ventilation cloth 183 allows ink solvent vapor to pass through but not liquid ink, and specifically, for example, Vapor Load (manufactured by Teijin Co., Ltd.) can be used. By arranging the ventilation cloth 183 in this manner, ink leakage from the first waste ink tank 55 hardly occurs, but in this example, the leakage is completely prevented by making the slope portion 55C the above-mentioned slope portion 55C. I'm trying to make it happen. That is, as shown in FIGS. 28(A) and 28(B), when the device is in use, the portion 55A is the bottom surface and the sloped portion 55C is facing upward, and when the device is stored (transported), the portion 55B is the bottom surface. This is because the slope portion 55C faces upward after all, and waste ink does not seep out through the ventilation cloth 183 and leakage does not occur.

Next, the H. P. SW555, cap 51,
Regarding each operating state of the pump 53 and blade 59,
The states (a) to (h) will be explained separately.

FIG. 29 shows the rotation angle of the cam 549 (hereinafter referred to as
This is called the "cam rotation angle." ) against H. P. SW55
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each operating state of the cap 51, the pump 53, and the blade 59. FIG. 30 shows the H. P. SW555
, is an explanatory diagram schematically showing each operating state of the cap 51, the pump 53, and the blade 59. In addition, Figure 2
The number in 9 indicates the cam rotation angle. [State (a)] The position of the cam 549 at this time is used as a reference, with the cam rotation angle being 0°. In other words, this is the home position of the cam device 63. This is a standby state of the ejection recovery device when the printing apparatus is performing a printing operation. H. P. S
W555 is closed, and the cap 51 is attached to the recording head 9a.
The piston 525 of the pump 53 is located at the top dead center, and the blade 59 is located at the retracted position. [State (b)] The cam 549 is rotated from state (a), and the cam rotation angle is 45°. When the recording apparatus is not in use, the ejection opening forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a that is stopped at the home position is sealed by the cap 51 that has been moved to the contact position. H.
P. SW555 is open and piston 5 of pump 53
25 is located at the top dead center, and the blade 59 is located at the retracted position. [State (c)] The cam 549 is rotated from state (b), and the cam rotation angle is 135°. This is a state in which the piston 525 of the pump 53 has finished moving from the top dead center to a position near the bottom dead center, and the suction force of the pump 53 is generated from each discharge port 940c of the discharge port forming surface 940b sealed by the cap 51. Waste ink is forcibly discharged (hereinafter referred to as
It's called "pumping." ). Further, in this state, each communication hole of the piston 525 and the shaft hole are sealed by the flange portion 527a of the piston shaft 527, and the illustrated left chamber of the cylinder 53a is maintained at negative pressure. H. P. SW5
55 is closed, the cap 51 is in the abutting position, and the blade 59 is in the retracted position. [State (d)] The cam rotation angle is 169.8°. This is a state in which the piston 525 of the pump 53 has finished moving further to the bottom dead center. A small suction force is generated again in the pump 53, and during the movement of the piston 525, the cap 51 is moved from the contact position to the separation position, the seal by the cap 51 is broken, and the waste ink remains in the middle of the waste ink transfer path. The waste ink that has been in the tank is further taken into the left chamber of the cylinder 53a (hereinafter referred to as "small air suction"). H. P. SW
555 is closed and the blade 59 is in the retracted position. [State (g)] State (g) will be explained first. The cam rotation angle is 261°. The waste ink filled in the cylinder 53a of the pump 53 due to the popping is discharged from the discharge port 5.
3d (see FIG. 24) is a preparation state when starting hollow suction and large hollow suction to be described later. The piston 525 of the pump 53 is stopped and the valve port 53c
is closed. H. P. The SW555 is closed, the cap 51 is in the separated position, and the blade 5
9 is located almost at the retracted position. [State (e)] The cam rotation angle is 180°. This is the state in which the piston 525 of the pump 53 has been moved to the bottom dead center and the large air suction has been completed. This large air suction causes the waste ink (ink absorber 52
8) is discharged from the discharge port 53d. H. P. The SW 555 is closed, the cap 51 is almost at the separated position and the seal by the cap 51 is broken, and the blade 59 is at the retracted position. [State (f)] The cam rotation angle is 210°. This is the state in which the piston 525 of the pump 53 is reciprocated an appropriate number of times to complete hollow suction. By this hollow suction, the waste ink remaining in the waste ink transfer path is sucked, the waste ink is moved from the left chamber in the illustration to the right chamber in the illustration, and the waste ink is discharged from the waste ink discharge port 53d in the right chamber in the illustration. Exhaust to the outside takes place at the same time. The position of the piston 525 has not reached the bottom dead center. H. P. SW555 is closed, cap 51 is in the separated position, and
Blade 59 is located in the retracted position. [State (h)] The cam rotation angle is 300°. The blade 59 is located in the wiping position, and the blade 59 is in the wiping position.
9 and the ejection port forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a rub against each other to clean the ejection port forming surface 940b. H. P. The SW 555 is closed, the cap 51 is in the separated position, and the piston 5 of the pump 53 is closed.
25 is located at top dead center.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the recording apparatus will be explained. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system.

The MPU 1000 controls each part to execute the control procedures explained in FIGS. 32 to 37, and the ROM 1001 stores programs corresponding to the control procedures. 11 (see FIG. 2), and is used as a work area when executing the control procedure. The timer 1003 measures times such as T seconds, t seconds, and α seconds, which will be described later, when executing the control procedure. When executing the control procedure, the position of the carriage 11 is detected by the carriage home sensor 67, and the position of the cap 51 is detected by the recovery system home sensor 65. Further, movement of the carriage 11 to the designated position, input of the designated position setting, etc. are performed using the space key and predetermined keys provided on the keyboard section 1 (see FIG. 1). MPU1000, ROM1001 and RAM10 mentioned above
A control device 200 is configured as a main body control section that outputs a command for performing a discharge recovery process using a computer 02 or the like to a discharge recovery device.

The head cleaning procedure, which is one of the ejection recovery processes executed by the ejection recovery device under the control of the MPU 1000, will be described (see FIG. 32). The head cleaning starts from a state (b) in which the discharge port forming surface 940b is sealed by the cap 51 and the piston 525 of the pump 53 is located at the top dead center (step S1). From the above state (b) to state (c)
Pumping is performed with the change to (step S3), and state (c) is maintained for 3 seconds to ensure sufficient suction of waste ink (step S5). From the state (c) to the state (d
) to perform small air suction (step S7), and maintain state (d) for one second so that the waste ink is further taken into the pump 53 (step S9). Next, the state (d) is changed to the state (g) to prepare for hollow suction (step S11), and the state (g) is changed to the state (g) to prepare for hollow suction (step S11).
) to state (f) three times. That is, the piston 525 of the pump 53 is repeatedly moved three times to perform hollow suction (steps S11 to S19). After the hollow suction is completed, the state (g) is changed to the state (e), the large hollow suction is performed (step S21), and the state is returned to the state (g) (step S23). Next, the recording head 9a performs preliminary ejection toward the cap 51 in the separated position (step S25), and the state (h) changes from the state (g).
The blade 59 is moved to the wiping position (step S27), the carriage 11 is moved to perform wiping (step S29), and finally the state is returned to state (b) (step S31). The head cleaning is
This can be done as appropriate in the main control routine of the recording device, or
It can also be executed in response to instructions from the operator.

[0096] Next, a procedure for empty suction when transferring waste ink discharged into the cap 51 by preliminary ejection appropriately executed during recording to the first waste ink tank 55 will be described (see Fig. 33).

[0097] The above-mentioned idle suction is performed by interrupting recording during recording, and the ejection port forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a that has moved to the home position is
The process starts from a state (a) in which the cap 51 is located at the separated position (step S41). From the state (a), the cam 549
is reversed and changed to state (g) to prepare for hollow suction (step S43), and the state (f) is changed from state (g) to state (f).
) to perform hollow suction (step S45).
. Next, the state (f) is changed to the state (g) to prepare for large air suction (step S47), and the state (g)
) to state (e) to perform large empty suction (step S49), and return from state (e) to state (a) to complete the empty suction (step S51). Thereafter, the recording head 9a moves from the home position to the recording paper side and resumes recording.

Next, an example of the procedure of recording processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35.

In FIG. 34, when the power is turned on, the ejection recovery device is set to state (a), the cap 51 is set to the separated position (step S61), and then the carriage 11 is set to the home position ( Step S6
3). Next, when the number of preliminary ejections reaches a predetermined number (7 or 15 times in this embodiment), a counter value n1 of a counter used to execute the empty suction procedure is set.
(step S65), the ejection recovery device is changed from state (a) to state (b), and the ejection orifice forming surface 940b of the recording head 9a located at the home position is reset.
is sealed with the cap 51 (step S67), and waits until a recording signal is input (step S69). Note that sealing the discharge port forming surface 940b with the cap 51 is hereinafter referred to as "capping."

When the recording signal is input, feeding of recording paper is started (step S71), and the ejection recovery device is changed from state (b) to state (a) to release the capping (step S73). Then, preliminary ejection is performed and the counter value n1 is incremented by +1 (step S75).
. Next, the time t1 of a timer T1 for performing preliminary ejection at predetermined intervals (for example, every 30 seconds) during the recording operation is reset, and the timer T1 is started (step S77), and one line of paper is printed on the recording paper. Recording is executed (step S79). After this, the time t1 of the timer T1
determines whether or not exceeds 30 seconds (step S81),
If the determination is affirmative, step S8 is similar to step S75.
3 and step S85 which is similar to step S77, the process proceeds to step S87, and if the determination is negative, the process immediately proceeds to step S87. In step S87, it is determined whether the counter value n1 has reached 15, and if the determination is affirmative, the empty suction procedure (see FIG. 33) is executed (step S89), and the counter value n1 is reset. (Step S91) Move to step S93. Further, if a negative determination is made in step S87, step S87 is immediately performed.
Proceed to 93. In step S93, it is determined whether recording for one page has been completed and a page break has been instructed, and if the determination is negative, the process advances to step S95 to determine the presence or absence of a recording signal. If an affirmative determination is made in step S95, it is determined in step S97 whether or not there is an END signal indicating the end of recording, and if the determination is negative, the process moves to step S79 to record the next line.

On the other hand, if the recording signal is not input in step S95, the process proceeds to step S99 (see (A) in FIG. 35), in order to perform capping when the recording signal is not input for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds) or more. The time t2 of the timer T2 used for this is reset and started. Next, in step S101, it is determined whether there is a recording signal,
If the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step S79 and the next line is recorded. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, step S103
It is determined whether the time t2 of the timer T2 exceeds 5 seconds or not, and if the determination is negative, the process advances to step S104, and E
If no ND signal is input, the process returns to step S101.

If the time t2 of the timer T2 has exceeded 5 seconds, capping is performed in step S105, and the timer T1 is stopped in step S107, and the capping state is continued for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds). Timer T3 for executing subsequent preliminary discharge
Reset and start.

Next, in step S109, it is determined whether or not an END signal is input. If there is no input, the process advances to step S111. If there is a recording signal in step S111, the capping is canceled in step S113, and the process proceeds to step S111. In S115, the timer T3 determines whether the time t3 exceeds 60 seconds. If the determination is affirmative here, the process moves to step S75, while if the determination is negative, the timer T1 is started in step S117, and then the process returns to step S79.

By the way, if a page break command is input in step S93, step S119 ((B in FIG. 35)
(see), and it is determined whether the counter value n1 is "7" or more. If the determination is affirmative here, step S1
After empty suction is performed in Step 21 and the counter value n1 is reset in Step S123, the process proceeds to Step S125.On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process immediately proceeds to Step S125 and a wiping operation using the blade 59 is performed. After capping is performed in step S127 and the recording paper on which recording has been completed is discharged in step S129, the process advances to step S69 to wait for a recording signal for the next page. Note that step S97, step S104 or S10
If the END signal is detected in step S13
1 (see FIG. 34) is executed. As shown in FIG. 35(C), the ending operation is an empty suction (step S
141), resetting the counter value n1 (step S1
43), wiping (step S145), capping (step S147), and ejecting the recording paper (step S149).

[0105] To summarize the above main operations, first is preliminary ejection. In this embodiment, preliminary ejection is performed immediately before recording, and thereafter, preliminary ejection is performed at 30 second intervals. Further, a timer T1 is used for this 30 second interval integration. Since timer T1 is stopped when capping starts (step S105), timer T1 is stopped (step S1
07), the time during capping is not accumulated in this 30 second interval. Furthermore, if capping lasts for 60 seconds or more (steps S105 to S115), the control procedure returns to preliminary ejection (step S75).

In this embodiment, preliminary ejection is performed inside the cap 51. Therefore, when repeatedly performing preliminary ejection, it is necessary to perform empty suction in order to transfer the waste ink that accumulates in the cap 51 to the first waste ink tank 55. Basically, when starting a page without recording, the counter value n1 of the preliminary ejection counter is 7.
If this is the case, empty suction in step S121 is performed. However, if the counter value n1 becomes 15 or more when starting a line in addition to a page break, in other words, in a text that requires a long recording time, empty suction is performed in step S89. will be held.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are a timing chart and a flowchart, respectively, showing control procedures for other printing position instruction modes in the inkjet printing apparatus of this example.

The recording position instruction mode according to this example is a control activated when recording on format paper or recording paper on which some recording has already been made, such as in an electronic typewriter in which the recording position of this example is used. It is a procedure. That is, while the carriage (print head) is moved, the print position is checked and set, and the print range is set, but no ink droplets are ejected during this time. For this reason, preliminary ejection and capping are performed to prevent ink thickening and non-ejection, but these processes such as recording position setting by the processing carriage are interrupted and the carriage is moved to the position for preliminary ejection at predetermined intervals. It is meant to be moved.

[0109] Below, based on the flowchart of Fig. 37,
The control procedure of the recording position instruction mode will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 36.

[0110] When a recording position instruction command is issued by inputting a predetermined key, this control procedure is started, and the cap 51 is opened in step S201 (FIG. 36, from point (1) onwards,
In step S202, for example, the carriage 11 is moved toward the designated position in response to an input of the space key (time (2)). During this time, in step S203, it is determined whether or not this position has been set by a predetermined key input as a result of the carriage 11 reaching the indicated position;
If the determination is negative, it is determined in step S204 whether a predetermined time T seconds has elapsed since the cap was opened.

[0111] If T seconds have elapsed, step S205
The current position of the carriage 11 is stored in step S2.
At 06, the carriage 11 is moved to the preliminary ejection position (time point (3)). Further, in step S207, a predetermined amount (A times of ejection) is preliminarily ejected (time point (4)). Thereafter, in step S208, the carriage 11 is moved to the previously stored position, and in step S209, it is moved to the designated position in the same manner as above. During this time, in step S210, it is determined whether or not there is an input for setting the designated position in the same manner as described above, and if the determination is negative, step S211 is performed for a predetermined time α from the position command command, that is, from the start of this control procedure. This α second, which is used to judge whether seconds have elapsed or not, is normally the appropriate time after the setting of the indicated position is completed, and the cap of the recording head is left open after this time has elapsed. This has been set as a cause of serious trouble in ejecting ink droplets. If a negative determination is made in step S211, it is determined in step S212 whether a predetermined time t seconds has elapsed since the previous preliminary ejection, and if t seconds have elapsed, steps S213 and S similar to the above are performed.
After the process in step S214, preliminary ejection for B times of ejection is performed in step S215, and the process returns to step S208.

[0112] If there is a designated position setting input in step S203 or S210, step S216 is performed, respectively.
Alternatively, the position is memorized in S217, and the position is stored in step S217.
If it is determined in step S211 that α seconds have elapsed, the process advances to step S218. In step S218, the carriage 11 is moved to the cap position (time point (5)), capped in step S219 (time point (6)), and the instruction mode is reset in step S220 to end this processing procedure. Note that the elapsed times T seconds, t seconds, and α seconds can be set depending on the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere, for example, or sensors for temperature, etc. may be provided, and the elapsed times may be set according to the detection by these sensors. It may be set automatically.

[0113] Movement to the indicated position in the above control procedure is as follows:
This is done while the operator presses down the space key, and at this time, the carriage 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 18 etc.
By using both the marker 49 on the paper holding plate 45 and the scale 47 on the paper pressing plate 45, it is possible to know the position of the carriage 11 with respect to the recording medium, that is, the position of the ejection port. Although the position of the marker 49 and the position of the discharge port are different,
This offset amount is stored in advance and is automatically corrected during recording operations and the like. The scale 47 is
Since it is written on a member unique to inkjet recording devices, such as the paper press plate 45, the scale 47 is placed very close to the paper press plate 45.
can be adjusted to suit the recording medium. Similarly, in operations related to movement to the indicated position, etc., the
and marker 1 on the operating lever 15 shown in FIG. 18 etc.
7 and a scale marked on the window (not shown) of the device cover, the amount of movement of the carriage 11 can be known in particular. As described above, the markers 49, 17 and the configuration used together with them are such that when the recording apparatus of this embodiment is an inkjet type and the position confirmation operation by moving the carriage is interrupted for preliminary ejection, etc. This is particularly effective when returning the carriage to the original position.

Next, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 38A, a hook lever portion 628 is formed by extending the portion of the operating lever 15 that is supported by the shaft 601d. hook 629
has a locking portion 629a at one end, a protrusion on the upper surface of the approximately central portion, and an elongated hole 635 approximately at the tip,
The long hole 635 has a carriage 11 which is the main body of the recording apparatus.
A shaft 634 affixed to is engaged. Further, a rotation preventing member 636 is fixed to the carriage 11 and comes into contact with the lower end of the locking portion 629a of the hook 629. With these configurations, the hook 629 is movable by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction), and the shaft 63
4 as a fulcrum and is rotatable only in the clockwise direction shown in the figure. The rear end (right end in the figure) of the hook 629 is
The hook 629 is held in a horizontally extending state by being pulled diagonally upward in the drawing by a hook spring 630 that is engaged with the carriage 11. Furthermore, a stopper member 633 that can engage with the locking portion 629a of the hook 629 is fixed to the front portion of the carriage 11. When the operating lever 15 is lifted to unlock the head cartridge 9, the rear end of the hook 629 is pushed forward by the hook lever portion 628 and moves.
The locking portion 629a is locked to the stopper member 633 (
(see FIG. 38(B)), even if the operation lever 15 is returned to the original position shown in FIG. 38(A) from this state, the hook 6
The locking portion 629a of No. 29 is configured to be held while being caught on the stopper member 633.

The switch lever 637 is provided above the hook 629, one end of which is rotatably supported on the carriage 11 by a lever shaft 639, and the other end biased diagonally upward by a lever spring 638. has been done. The microswitch 631a is fixed to the center of the switch lever 637 with its switch terminal facing downward.
It is connected to the control device 200 (see FIG. 31) via 2a. When the switch terminal of the microswitch 631a is turned ON, a signal to that effect is input to the control device 200, and the control device 200 outputs a command for performing the discharge recovery process shown in FIG. 32 to the discharge recovery device. It becomes. When the operating lever 15 is rotated counterclockwise to lock the head cartridge 9, the other end of the switch lever 637 is pushed down by the operating lever 15 against the spring force of the lever spring 638. The position of the switch 631a moves downward (state (A) in FIG. 38). At this time, hook 6
When the locking portion 629a of the hook 629 is locked to the stopper member 633, the switch terminal of the microswitch 631a is pressed by the protrusion of the hook 629 and turned on (see FIG. 39(A)). On the contrary, operation lever 1
5 clockwise, and remove the head cartridge 9.
When the lock is released, the other end of the switch lever 637 is pushed up by the lever spring 638, and the microswitch 631a moves upward, so that the locking portion 629a of the hook 629 remains locked to the stopper member 633. However, the switch terminal of the microswitch 631a does not turn on (see (B) in FIG. 38). In the state of FIG. 39(A) described above, the fulcrum of the shaft 634 is
The rear end of the rotation prevention member 636 and the microswitch 631a
It is located between the switch terminal and the switch terminal.

On the other hand, the hook release lever 5451 is provided integrally with the pump lever 545.
It rotates integrally with the As shown in FIG. 39(B), the discharge recovery device is activated and the cap cam 54
7 rotates, the pump lever 545 is pushed down and the cap 51 is opened. At the same time, the hook release lever 5451 also rotates to release the hook 6.
The locking portion 629a of the locking portion 629 is pushed up, thereby locking the locking portion 6
29a and the stopper member 633 are disengaged. In FIG. 39(B), the pushed-up hook 629 is immediately pulled back from this state by the hook spring 630 (see FIG. 40).

[0118] The operation of the above configuration will be explained. Figure 38
As shown in (B), when the operating lever 15 is rotated clockwise to unlock the head cartridge 9 mounted on the carriage 11, the hook lever section 628 is rotated in conjunction with this. The hook 629 moves forward, and the locking portion 629a engages with the stopper member 633.
is locked. In this state, the head cartridge 9 can be removed from the carriage 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 39A, a new head cartridge 9 or a head cartridge 9 temporarily removed from the carriage 11 is installed.
is attached to the carriage 11 (recording apparatus main body) for reuse, and the head cartridge 9 is locked by pushing down the operating lever 15 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. At this time, the other end of the switch lever 637 is pushed down by the operating lever 15, and the microswitch 631a moves downward.
The switch terminal of the micro switch 631a is connected to the hook 62
9 is pressed to turn on, and a signal to that effect is input to the control device 200. As a result, the control device 200
The ejection recovery processing device automatically performs the ejection recovery processing for the recording head shown in FIG. 32 based on the command from the ejection recovery processing device. During this process, as shown in FIG. 39(B), the cap cam 547 rotates, so that the cap 51 becomes open, and at the same time, the hook release lever 5451 pushes up the locking portion 629a of the hook 629. This results in
The engagement between the locking portion 629a and the stopper member 633 is released, and the state shown in FIG. 40 is immediately established. Then, unless the head cartridge 9 is unlocked by the operation lever 15, the switch terminal of the microswitch 631a will not be turned on. Furthermore, even if the head cartridge is attached or detached when the power of the recording apparatus is turned off, the (
As shown in A), since the switch terminal of the microswitch 631a is held in the ON state, it can be detected, and when the power is turned on, the ejection recovery process is performed.

As is clear from the above description, the microswitch 631a, the hook 629, the stopper member 633, the hook release lever 5451, etc. constitute a detection means for detecting that the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11. ing. (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the flexible substrate 6 on the carriage 11 (see FIG. 1)
04 on two terminal pads (not shown).
Terminals 604a and 604b are provided respectively, while a terminal 9 is provided on the board 906d on the head cartridge 9 side.
06d1 is provided, and this terminal 906d1 is connected to the first and second terminals 604a and 604b when the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11.
They are pressed into contact with each other. This pressure contact brings the first and second terminals 604a and 604b into electrical continuity via the terminal 906d1.

As shown in FIG. 42, the first terminal 604
a is connected to the signal generator 604X via a signal line, and the second terminal 604b is connected to the signal detector 604Y, which is connected to the control device 200a.
is connected to. First and second terminals 604a, 60
4b becomes conductive and a signal generated by the signal generator 604X is input to the signal detector 604Y, the control device 200a issues a command to perform the discharge recovery process shown in FIG. 32 to the discharge recovery device. It is configured to output to . Each terminal 604a, 604b, 900d1, signal generator 6
04X, a signal receiver 604Y, and the like constitute a detection means.

In this embodiment configured as described above, when the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11, the terminal 906d1 of the substrate 906d is connected to the first and second terminals 60.
4a and 604b, respectively, and the first and second terminals 604a and 604b are in a conductive state. As a result, the signal generated by the signal generator 604X is transmitted to the first terminal 604a,
The control device 200 is input to the signal detector 604Y via the terminal 906d1 and the second terminal 604b in sequence.
Based on the command from a, the discharge recovery device
The ejection recovery process shown in 2 is automatically performed, and then printing is started. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment and the operation is also the same, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] In this embodiment, the ejection recovery process is performed immediately after the signal detector detects a signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that the ejection recovery process is performed after a period of time has elapsed, and in this case, the ejection recovery process is not disturbed by the operator's hands or the like when the head cartridge is installed. Alternatively, the ejection recovery process may be started when the first recording command is received after the head cartridge is installed.

[0124] When the power of the recording device is OFF, the signal is stored in a memory using a backup battery or the like, and when the power is turned ON, the signal is read from the memory and the ejection recovery process is performed. This also makes it possible to replace the head cartridge when the power is turned off. (Third Example) In this example, (A) and (B) of FIG.
), a pressing part 636a as a protrusion is integrally provided in the middle part of the operating lever 15, and a microswitch 631b is fixed to the carriage 11. The position of this microswitch 631b is (B) in FIG.
), after the head cartridge 9 is installed, the pressing portion 636a is set to press the switch terminal of the microswitch 631b and turn it on as the operating lever 15 rotates. Further, the microswitch 631b has a lead wire 632b and an FPC 21 (FIG.
control device 200b (see FIG. 4).
4) and is connected to the micro switch 631b.
When the switch terminal of is turned on, the control device 200b
The configuration is such that a command for performing the ejection recovery process shown in FIG. 32 is output to the ejection recovery device. The microswitch 631b, the lead wire 632b, the pressing part 636a, etc. constitute a detection means.

In this embodiment configured as described above, when the head cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 11 and the operating lever 15 is pushed down to lock the head cartridge 9 (see (B) in FIG. 43), the micro switch is activated. 631
The switch terminal b is pressed by the pressing portion 636a and turned on, and a signal to that effect is input to the control device 200b. Thereby, the ejection recovery process shown in FIG. 32 is automatically performed by the ejection recovery device based on the command from the control device 200, and printing is then started. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0126] By devising the shape of the FPC, it is possible to connect the microswitch directly to the signal line of the FPC without using a lead wire, thereby improving the ease of assembly. etc. may also be used. (Fourth Example) In this example, (A) and (B) of FIG.
), a microswitch 631c is fixed to the side part of the carriage 11, and this microswitch 631c is fixed to the side part of the carriage 11.
As shown in FIG. 45(B), the position of 1c is such that after the head cartridge 9 is installed, the side surface of the head cartridge 9 presses the switch terminal of the microswitch 631c as the head cartridge 9 is locked by the operation lever 15. It is set to turn on. In addition, the microswitch 631c has a lead wire 632c and an FPC (
control device 200c (see FIG. 2).
(see Figure 46), and this macro switch 6
When the switch terminal 31c is turned on, the control device 200
c is configured to output a command for performing the ejection recovery process shown in FIG. 32 to the ejection recovery device. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the operation is also the same as that of the third embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] The present invention brings about excellent effects particularly in a bubble jet type recording head and recording apparatus, which is proposed by Canon Inc. among ink jet recording types.

[0128] 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 cause film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head. As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal, which is effective. The growth and contraction of these bubbles causes the liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening.
Form at least one drop. 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 U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,359 and U.S. Pat.
Suitable are those described in No. 62 specification. 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.

[0129] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that combines 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. 4 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 123670 of 1982 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 present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461 of 1981, which discloses a configuration in which a discharge portion corresponds to a discharge portion.

Furthermore, a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus can be produced by combining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used, but the present invention can more effectively exhibit the above-mentioned effects.

[0131] In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that is attached to the apparatus main body enables electrical connection with the apparatus main body and ink supply from the apparatus main body, or a print head that is integrated into the print head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. for the recording head, which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these are:
It is also effective to provide a pressurizing means for the recording head, a preheating means using an electrothermal transducer, a separate heating element, or a combination thereof to perform stable recording.

Furthermore, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode for only mainstream colors such as black, but may also include a recording head that is configured integrally or a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or multiple colors of different colors or The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one of the following: , full color by color mixing.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is explained as a liquid, but it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, and is softened or liquid at room temperature, or in the above-mentioned inkjet, the ink itself is Generally, the temperature is adjusted within the range of ℃ to 70℃ to keep the viscosity of the ink within the stable ejection range, so if the ink is in a liquid state when the recording signal is applied, good. In addition, the temperature rise 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 an ink that solidifies when left standing is used to prevent ink evaporation. In any case, the ink may be liquefied by application of thermal energy in accordance with the recording signal and ejected as liquid ink, or the ink may have already begun to solidify by the time it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to the use of ink that is liquefied for the first time. In such a case, the ink used is JP-A-54-56847.
No. 60-71260 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-71260, as a form in which it is held in a porous sheet recess or through hole as a liquid or solid substance and faces an electrothermal converter. Good too. In the present invention, the most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is to implement the above-mentioned film boiling method.

[0135] Also, regarding the type and number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to one type that corresponds to a single color ink, there are also types that can correspond to multiple inks of different recording colors and densities. A plurality of them may be provided.

In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention can be used as an image output terminal of information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, etc., and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting/receiving function. It may take the form of

[0137]

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it is possible to attach a new head cartridge to the recording apparatus main body, or to record a head cartridge that has been temporarily removed from the recording apparatus main body for reuse. When attached to the main body of the apparatus, the ejection recovery process of the recording head is automatically performed, which eliminates the troublesome operation of the ejection recovery process and eliminates the problem of poor ink ejection caused by forgetting the operation. The recording does not progress, and as a result, the recording quality of the recorded image is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic typewriter as a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows a state in use and (B) shows a state in storage.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus applicable to the present invention.

3 is an external perspective view of the head cartridge shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

4 is a perspective view of the head cartridge shown in FIG. 3, in which (A) is an exploded perspective view and (B) is an external perspective view.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top plate of the recording head.

6 is a diagram of the carriage shown in FIG. 2, in which (A) is a top view and (B) is a side view.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the head cartridge is mounted on the carriage, with (A) being a top view and (B) being a side view.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the carriage.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the carriage, in which (A) is a side view and (B) is a side view showing a state in which a head cartridge is mounted on the carriage.

10 is a side sectional view of a recording medium transport system in the printer shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

FIG. 11 is an exploded top view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a state in which each biasing force is released in the conveyance system.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing a configuration for explaining escape of the feed roller in the conveyance system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a portion of the mechanism for releasing the bias of the feed roller, paper press plate, and spur in the conveyance system, which is disposed on the right side of the device, and (A) is a side view before the bias is released; (B) is a side view after the bias is released.

15 is a diagram showing a portion of the same mechanism as in FIG. 11 disposed on the left side of the device, and (A) is a side view before the bias is released;
(B) is a side view after the bias is released.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the engaged state of the lever and knob for releasing the bias, where (A) is a schematic front view and (B) is (
It is an exploded perspective view of the mechanism shown in A).

17 is a side view for explaining the engagement relationship between the carriage and other elements shown in FIG. 2, etc.; FIG.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the carriage.

FIG. 19 is a schematic top view showing how the carriage changes its position according to the thickness of the recording medium;
(A) shows the case of thin paper, and (B) shows the case of thick paper.

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view for explaining the displacement of the bearing of the guide shaft due to the above change.

21 is a schematic front view showing a mechanism for tilting the ejection port array with respect to the moving direction of the carriage in the carriage shown in FIG. 2, etc.; FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a recording medium showing examples of recording without and with the tilting mechanism (configuration).

23 is a diagram showing a belt tension mechanism and its drive mechanism for driving the carriage shown in FIG. 2,
(A) is a top view, and (B) is a front view.

24 is an exploded perspective view of the discharge recovery device shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a cap and a cap holder.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a cap, (A) is a front view;
(B) is a plan view, and (C) is a sectional view taken along the line MM of (A).

FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of a waste ink tank that stores ink discharged by the ejection recovery operation.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the waste ink tank with respect to the printer, in which (A) shows the state when in use, and (B) shows the state when stored.

FIG. 29: H. of the discharge recovery device. P. 5 is a timing chart for explaining each operating state of the SW, cap, pump, and blade.

FIG. 30: H. of the discharge recovery device. P. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operating states of the SW, cap, pump, and blade.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a head cleaning (ejection recovery process) procedure.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for idle ejection.

FIG. 34 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of recording processing.

FIG. 35 is another part of the flowchart of an example of the recording processing procedure.

36 is a timing chart of a recording position instruction mode in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2, etc.; FIG.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a recording position instruction mode in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the like.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the vicinity of the carriage, which is a feature of the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which the head cartridge is locked, and (B) shows a state in which the lock is released; There is.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the vicinity of the carriage of this embodiment;
(A) shows the state when the head cartridge is reinstalled and locked, and (B) shows the state when the hook release lever is interlocked from the above state (A).

FIG. 40 is a side view of the vicinity of the carriage of this embodiment;
This shows the state immediately after FIG. 39(B) above.

FIG. 41 is a diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention, (A)
(B) is a front view of the main part of the substrate on the recording head side, and (B) is a front view of the main part of the flexible board on the carriage side.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing a mode control configuration according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a side view of the vicinity of a carriage according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows a state in which a head cartridge is not installed, and (B) shows a state in which a head cartridge is installed and locked. Indicates the condition.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a mode control configuration according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a top view of the vicinity of the carriage according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows a state in which the head cartridge is not installed, and (B) shows a state in which the head cartridge is installed and locked; It shows the state of being.

FIG. 46 is a block diagram showing a mode control configuration according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Keyboard section 2 Key group 3 Hinge 4 Paper feed tray 5 Knob 6 Display 7 Handle 9 Head cartridge 9a Recording head 9b Ink tank 11 Carriage 13 Hook 15 Operation lever 17 Marker 19 Support plate 21 FPC 23 Guide shaft 25 Bearing 27 Timing belt 29A, 29B Pulley 31 Carriage motor 33 Conveyance roller 34 Platen 35 Conveyance motor 37 Paper pan 39A, 39B Feed roller 40 Release plate 41 Paper discharge roller 42 Spur 43 Release lever 45 Paper press plate 46 Shaft member 47 Scale 49 Marker 51 Cap 53 Pump 55 First waste ink tank 57, 71 Tube 59 Blade 61 Motor 63 Cam device 70 Second waste ink tank 91 Roller 100 Bottom plate 181 Ink absorber 183 Ventilation cloth 200 Control device 501 Absorber 561 Suction port 604 Flexible substrate 604a, 604b Terminal 613 Roller spring 623 Board cover 628 Hook lever part 629 Hook 630 Hook spring 631a, 631b, 631c Micro switch 632a, 632b, 632c Lead wire 63
3 Stopper member 634 Shaft 635 Elongated hole 636 Detent member 637 Switch lever 638 Lever spring 639 Lever shaft 906d Board 906d1 Terminal 906e Pawl 940 Top plate 5451 Hook release lever.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A head cartridge that is integrated with a print head that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a print medium from ejection ports and an ink tank for supplying ink to the print head is attached to a main body of a printing apparatus. In an inkjet recording apparatus that is removable and includes an ejection recovery device for performing ejection recovery processing of the print head, the head cartridge includes a detection means for detecting that the head cartridge is attached to the recording apparatus main body, and a detection means for detecting that the head cartridge is installed in the recording apparatus main body; Inkjet recording characterized by comprising: a control device that outputs a command for performing an ejection recovery process of the print head to the ejection recovery device when the detection means detects that the print head is attached to the print apparatus main body. Device. 2. A storage member communicating with a cap for receiving waste ink discharged from the ejection ports of the recording head by ejection recovery processing and for storing waste ink from the cap, the storage member 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening is formed in the inkjet recording apparatus, and a ventilation cloth is stretched to cover the opening. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is a serial type recording head. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is a full-line type recording head in which ejection ports are formed over the entire width of the recording area of the recording medium. 5. The recording head discharges ink using thermal energy, and includes an electrothermal converter for generating the thermal energy. The inkjet recording device described in .