JPH05162299A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To change ink color simply without mixing colors by preventing ink from scattering when an ink tank and a recording head are replaced by a method wherein an ink passage means which can be respectively connected to the ink tank and the recording head and separated therefrom, and a connection means which can be connected respectively to the recording head and a recorder and separated therefrom, are provided, CONSTITUTION:By raising up a tank lever 107 in the direction (a) by rotating it, a lever in a carrier 102 is engaged with an ink tank guide groove provided to a side surface of an ink tank 2 and moves in the direction (b). Since a recording head 1 is fixed and is never moved together with the ink tank 2 at that time, an engaged part of the recording head 1 with the ink tank 2 is released, and they can be separated. Further, by moving the ink tank 2 in the direction (c), the ink tank can be removed from the carrier 102.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus using an ink jet recording system for recording by ejecting ink.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, many information recording devices such as printers, facsimiles and word processors have been developed. The inkjet recording system is widely used as such a recording device because of its advantages such as high resolution, high speed recording, low cost and miniaturization. Among these, downsizing of the device and reduction of running cost are important factors.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 18, a recording head 1081a and an ink tank 18 filled with ink are used.
There has been a method in which the head cartridge 1801 integrally configured with 01b is replaceably connected to the mounting portion 1802 of the recording apparatus. However, this method has a drawback that the running cost becomes high because the recording head is a consumable item.
Also, at the time of ink consumption, the recording head 1801a
18 has not reached the end of its life and can record.
There was a waste of discarding 01a.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, there is a method in which the recording head 1901 and the ink tank 1903 are separately configured and separately connected to the mounting portion 1903 of the recording apparatus in a replaceable manner. However, in this method, the ink supply path 1 for supplying the ink in the ink tank to the recording head is used.
Since 904 is required on the recording apparatus, it has been an obstacle to cost increase and miniaturization. Further, in the case of using ink tanks having different ink colors, even if the recording head 1901 and the ink tank 1902 are exchanged, a color mixture with the ink in the ink flow path of the recording apparatus occurs, so the recording head 1901 and the ink tank 1902. It is necessary to separately provide the ink supply path 1904 and the ink supply path 1904 for each color on the mounting portion 1903. For example, as shown in FIG.
001 is connected and fixed to the mounting portion 2002 of the recording apparatus, and the ink tank 2003 is attached to the recording head 2001.
There was a way to connect interchangeably. However, this method cannot easily replace the recording head in case of failure. Further, when the ink tanks having different ink colors are used, the inks in the recording heads are mixed, so that it is necessary to separately provide the recording heads 2001 on the mounting portion 2002 for each ink color.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to reduce running costs, simple replacement of ink tanks and recording heads, ink tanks and recordings. It is to prevent the ink from scattering when replacing the head, and to replace ink colors easily and without color mixing.

[0006]

The typical means of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an ink flow path means which can be connected to and separated from each other in an ink tank and a recording head, and a recording head and a recording apparatus. It is characterized by having connection means that can be connected and separated from each other.

[0007]

In the above means, the running cost can be reduced by replacing only the ink tank after the ink is consumed.

Further, the print head can be easily replaced after the life of the print head or at the time of failure.

Further, the ink tank and the recording head can be stored and replaced in an integrated manner for each ink color, and the color of the recording apparatus can be easily changed.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a recording head portion and a carrier portion of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a recording head that ejects ink by an electric signal, 2 is an ink tank that stores ink and supplies it to the recording head 1, and 102 is provided in the main body of the recording apparatus that holds the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2. The carrier, 106 is a head lever that holds and releases the recording head 1, 107 is an ink tank lever that attaches and detaches the ink tank 2, and 108 is the carrier 10.
2, a head fixing spring for fixing the recording head 1 to each other, and each of these portions constitutes a recording head portion and a carrier portion of the recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 10 is an ink supply hole that serves as a passage for supplying ink from the ink tank 2 to the recording head, 11 is an ink supply hole for supplying ink from the ink tank 2 to the recording head 1, and 12 is the recording head 1 and the ink. A coupling claw for guiding and holding both when the tank 2 is integrated, a coupling claw guide groove 13 for engaging with the coupling claw 12, and an ink tank 14 for attaching and detaching the ink tank 2 and the recording head 1. 2 is an ink tank guide groove for holding 2, and the head cartridge 101 is configured by these respective parts.

The recording head 1 includes a substrate on which a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements that generate thermal energy used for ink ejection and a drive circuit for driving the electrothermal conversion elements are formed, and the plurality of electrothermal conversion elements on the substrate. It is configured by stacking discharge ports and liquid passages corresponding to each of the conversion elements, and a top plate for forming a common liquid chamber communicating with each liquid passage. Then, the recording head thus configured is mounted on the apparatus so that the ejection port surface on which the ejection ports are arranged faces the recording medium.

The ink tank 2 is a tank for appropriately supplying ink to the recording head 1 in order to supplement the ink consumed by recording while holding the ink. When the ink tank 2 alone is present, the ink supply hole 11 is provided. It is sealed by a sealing means (not shown) so that the ink does not leak from the printer. The sealing means is automatically or manually opened when integrated with the recording head 1 to supply the ink. I can. In addition, a mechanism may be provided to introduce atmospheric air from the outside according to the ink volume that decreases due to ink consumption. Furthermore, by keeping the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head slightly negative, it is possible to have a mechanism inside which improves the printing quality and prevents ink leakage.

The recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are used in the recording apparatus in the recording operation in the state of the integrated head cartridge 101. Next, a method of integrating the both will be described.

Basically, the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are integrated by connecting the ink supply hole 10 and the ink supply hole 11, so that the ink leaks at this portion.
Alternatively, the shape is such that gas is prevented from entering the ink flow path. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, the elasticity of the mold member is used. That is, the ink supply hole 10a and the ink supply hole 11a are formed in a cylindrical shape by a molding member, and the inner diameter of the ink supply hole 11a is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink supply hole 10a. .. Therefore, when the ink supply hole 10a is press-fitted into the ink supply hole 11a, both are slightly deformed in the radial direction and are closely attached to be integrated. Further, the coupling part is not limited to the mold member, and any component having a sealing function may be used. Therefore, other types of coupling methods will be described later.

When the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are integrated, the ink supply hole 10 and the ink supply hole 1 described above are used.
Although it is sufficient to connect only one, in order to prevent it from coming off easily when an unexpected external force is applied when handling the head cartridge 101, or to provide a guide that can be easily integrated when integrated. In addition, in this embodiment, the coupling is further strengthened by the coupling claw 12 and the coupling claw guide groove 13. That is, the coupling claw 12 that is integrally molded with the ink supply hole 10 and is elastically deformable has a protrusion at the tip, and the protrusion is elastically deformed by the height of this protrusion. While engaging with the coupling claw guide groove 13, the coupling claw guide groove 1
The engagement is completed when the projection of the coupling claw 13 reaches the deepened portion of the groove provided in the inner part of 3.

Further, the coupling claw 12 also serves as a guide so that the ink supply hole 10 and the ink supply hole 11 can be easily coupled when the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are coupled. That is, the coupling claws 12 serve as the ink supply holes 10.
The connecting claw 12 comes into contact with the ink tank 2 before the ink supply hole 10 comes into contact with the ink supply hole 11. Here, the tip of the coupling claw 12 is obliquely cut out, and the oblique portion can be easily engaged with the coupling claw guide groove as a guide in the direction of arrow a in FIG.
Further, the projection provided at the tip of the coupling claw 12 is also cut out obliquely to serve as a guide in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2 to facilitate easy engagement.

In this embodiment, the coupling claw is provided on the recording head side, but the coupling claw is not restricted to this and may be provided on the ink tank 2 side or both the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2.

Next, a method of mechanically and electrically connecting the recording head 1 to the carrier 102 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the connecting portion of the recording head 1 to the carrier 102 as seen from the direction of FIG. 1a. In the figure, 109 is a positioning pin which is fixed to the carrier 102 and engages with a hole provided in the recording head 1 to perform positioning in the vertical direction and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing, and 110 is fixed to the carrier 102 and is in the direction of FIG. 3a. A stopper for receiving the recording head 1 pressed against the recording head 401, a flexible cable 401 for electrically connecting the recording apparatus main body and the recording head 1, 111 a flexible cable 40 sandwiched between the flexible cable 401 and the carrier 102.
A pad elastically supporting 1 and a contact portion 15 provided on the recording head 1 and electrically connected to a heater portion in the recording head 1.

The recording head 1 is pressed from the head fixing spring 108 in the direction a through a lever (not shown), and its position is determined by the engagement of the hole provided in the recording head 1 with the positioning pin 109 and the stopper 110. Uniquely determined by the interference of. In this way, the recording head 1 and the carrier 102 are mechanically connected.

Further, a plurality of electrical contacts are provided at opposite positions on the contact portion 15 provided on the recording head 1 and the end surface of the flexible cable 401, and these are contacted with a predetermined pressure. Thus, the recording apparatus main body and the recording head 1 are electrically connected. At this time, it is necessary to press-connect a plurality of electrical contacts at a time, and therefore the pad 111 made of an elastic material is used to press them uniformly.
Is put in the pressing part. The material of the pad 111 is, for example, silicon rubber, and the reaction force generated when the pad 111 is pressed is configured to be much smaller than the force of the head fixing spring 108 pressing the recording head 1.

In particular, the electrical contacts provided on the flexible cable 401 may be formed in a protruding shape in order to concentrate the stress when pressed and ensure the connection.

In the present embodiment, the electrical or mechanical coupling portion is provided on the recording head side, but it is not restricted by this, and the ink tank 2 side or the recording head 1 side and the ink tank 2 side is provided. It may be provided on both sides, or the electrical coupling part and the mechanical coupling part may be separately provided on either side.

Next, the method of handling the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2, that is, the ink tank 2 that has run out of ink
A method for replacing the ink cartridge 2 with a new ink tank 2 or for replacing the recording head 1 that has become unusable for some reason will be described.

As a first form, the recording head 1 and the carrier 102 are released from the fixed state, and the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are taken out from the carrier 102 in an integrated state, and are removed from the carrier 102 (hereinafter , The off-carrier state), the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are separated or integrated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view when the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are taken out from the carrier 102 as a unit. In this case, the head lever 106 is shown in FIG.
4A is rotated in the direction of FIG. 4A and caused to reach such a position, the pressing force on the recording head 1 by the head fixing spring 108 is released. At this time, the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are moved in the direction of FIG. 4b while being integrated by the lever (not shown) in the carrier 102. As a result, the engagement between the positioning pin 109 and the hole of the recording head 1 is released, so that the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2
Can be moved in the direction of FIG. 4c as they are, and can be in an off-carrier state. After the off-carrier state, it is possible to separate the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 by applying a force in a direction opposite to the coupling direction when they are integrated. Then, the one to be replaced is replaced with a new one, and the two are integrated by the above-described integration method and housed in the carrier 102 in the reverse order, whereby the replacement work is completed.

In this embodiment, the head lever 1
06 is used to release the pressing force of the recording head 1,
The lever for pressing the recording head 1 may be directly moved without being restricted by this. In addition, although the head fixing spring 108 is used as the fixing method of the recording head for pressing, the recording head is not restricted by this and may be fixed by using a latch hook having a spring property.

Further, the recording head 1 may be directly held and the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 may be integrally attached and detached against the pressing force.

When the first mode is adopted, there are the following effects.

That is, when either the recording head or the ink tank needs to be replaced, only the one that needs replacement needs to be replaced, so that the economical efficiency is improved.

Further, since the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 can be exchanged as a unit, the recording head and the ink tank in which the ink color is changed are integrally stored, and by exchanging them, a simple color change can be performed. You can

As a second mode, there is a method in which the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are separated on the carrier (hereinafter, on-carrier state) while the recording head 1 and the carrier 102 are fixed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the state where the ink tank 2 is separated from the recording head 1 on the carrier 102. In this case, by rotating the tank lever 107 from the state of FIG. 1 in the direction of FIG. 5a and raising it to such a position, the lever in the carrier 102 (not shown) is provided in the ink tank guide groove 14 provided on the side surface of the ink tank 2.
To move in the direction of FIG. 5b. At this time, the recording head 1 is fixed in the same manner as in the state of FIG. 1 and does not move together with the ink tank 2, so that the engaging portion between the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 can be disengaged and separated. Further, the ink tank 2 can be removed from the carrier 102 by moving it in the direction of FIG. 5c.

At this time, when the recording head 1 is elastically pressed by the head fixing spring 108 as in the present embodiment, the fixing of the head may be released due to the force applied during the separation. Therefore, the following configuration is recommended. FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view showing how the force is applied. In the figure, the recording head 1 is pressed against the carrier 102 by a head fixing spring 108 with a force of f1. Further, it is assumed that a force of f2 is required to remove the coupling claw 12 and the ink supply hole 10 in order to separate the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2. At this time, the magnitude of force is f1> f
By setting the number to 2, it is possible to prevent the recording head 1 from being unfixed during the separating operation.

In this embodiment, the tank lever 1
07 is used to generate a force corresponding to f2 for separation, but is not restricted by this and directly holds the ink tank 2 and pulls in the direction b in FIG. 5 to separate the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2. It may be configured as follows.

When the second mode is adopted, the following effects are obtained in addition to the case of the first mode.

That is, by appropriately designing the cam shape of the tank lever 107, it is possible to control the drawing speed at the time of separation, and the ink supply hole 10 can be controlled.
It is possible to prevent ink from scattering from the ink supply holes 11.

Further, since it is not necessary to directly hold the recording head 1 by hand, the vicinity of the ink ejection nozzles of the recording head 1 is not touched by hand, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary contamination that adversely affects printing.

Further, since the portion of the ink tank 2 to which a force is applied is specified, it is sufficient to construct a structure that can withstand only that portion, and the other portions can be made thin and lightweight, and the internal volume can be increased. There is.

Next, the above-described recording head 1 and ink tank 2
The configuration and operation of the recording device equipped with the carrier 102 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the outline of the recording apparatus according to this embodiment.

The carrier 102, on which the head cartridge 101 is mounted, engages with the pin (which engages with the spiral groove 105 of the lead screw 103 which rotates via a transmission mechanism (not shown) in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the carrier motor 402a. (Not shown), and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b with the rotation of the lead screw 103. Reference numeral 104 denotes a sliding shaft that regulates the rotation of the carrier. In addition, the carrier sensor 5
10, the carrier 102 determines the position (home position) in the directions of the arrows a and b. Reference numeral 301 denotes a recovery unit, which is a cap 3 that faces the ejection port surface of the head cartridge 101 at a predetermined position (for example, home position) outside the recording area of the head cartridge 101.
02, and a cap advancing / retreating drive unit (not shown) for abutting this on the ejection port surface to protect the ejection port surface during non-recording. Further, at the time of the contact, a pump for sucking the ink from the discharge port to discharge the thickened ink, dust, bubbles and the like to improve the ink discharge state, and a member for storing the sucked waste ink are provided. It may be provided.

Further, it has a wiper (not shown) for cleaning the vicinity of the ejection port of the head cartridge 101.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a conveying roller for conveying the recording medium 6 in the direction c in the figure, and 202 denotes a pinch roller for pressing the recording medium 6 against the conveying roller 201, which is sandwiched between the pair of rollers for recording. At times, the recording medium 6 is intermittently fed in the direction c in the figure. The transport roller 201 is engaged with the transport motor 402b via the power transmission mechanism of the transport roller gear 205 and the transport roller idler gear 206, and receives the driving force. Further, the pinch roller 202 comes into contact with the conveyance roller 201 by operating the release lever 210.
Separation is possible.

Reference numeral 207 is a platen for regulating the recording surface of the recording medium 6 to be flat. Also, this platen 20
A member for bringing the recording medium 6 into close contact with the recording medium 7 and preventing the recording medium 6 from floating may be provided.

Reference numeral 213 denotes a paper discharge roller that rotates in synchronism with the conveying roller 201 to discharge the recording medium 6 on which recording has finished in the direction c in the figure, and faces the paper discharge roller 213 via the recording medium 6. The spur roller 214 is driven at the position
Is provided. The recording medium 6 is ejected to the outside of the printer by these rollers after recording is completed.

Next, the configuration and electric circuit of the information processing apparatus incorporating the recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the outer appearance of an information processing apparatus 604 incorporating the recording apparatus according to this embodiment.

In the figure, 601 is the above-mentioned printer unit, 602 is a keyboard unit having keys for inputting characters, numbers and other characters, keys for giving various commands, and a display having a 603 display. Department. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electric circuit configuration of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 is a controller that performs main control, 502 is a CPU that executes a certain procedure, for example, a CPU in the form of a microcomputer, and 503 is an area for expanding text data and image data, a work area, and the like. A RAM provided with 504, a ROM 504 that stores fixed data such as a program corresponding to the above procedure and other font data, and a reference numeral 505 that creates an execution cycle of the CPU 502 and a timing necessary for a printing operation by the printer unit 601. Timer, 506 is CPU
An interface unit that connects a signal from 502 and a peripheral device.

Reference numeral 507 is a controller of the printer unit 601, reference numeral 508 is a head driver for sending a recording signal and electric power to the head cartridge 101, and 509.
Reference numerals a and b denote motor drivers that send out signals and electric power necessary for driving the carrier motor 402a and the conveyance motor 402b, respectively. A reference numeral 510 indicates the position of the carrier 102 and determines whether the carrier 102 is at the home position, for example. A carrier sensor 511 for detecting the presence / absence of the recording medium 6 in order to prevent recording to a place other than the recording medium 6 when the recording medium 6 is not inserted or the recording is completed up to the end of the page. It is a paper sensor.

Further, 605 is, for example, FDD, HDD,
An external storage device 512 such as a RAM card is an external interface for communicating with another information processing device or for directly connecting to an internal bus to control peripheral devices.

Although not included in the block diagram of FIG. 9, there is another power supply unit for supplying electric power to the above electric circuit, which includes, for example, a rechargeable battery or a disposable dry battery, Alternatively, there is a converter for AC power supply when the information processing apparatus main body is fixed and used.

Recording is performed on the recording medium 6 by the recording device section with the above-described electric circuit configuration. The outline of the recording operation control sequence will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The following series of procedures is started by a recording start instruction by the recording command key from the display operation unit of the printer body or an external recording start instruction by the external interface.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the display / operation unit is online. This is a measure to prevent the recording operation from being started when the printer is not ready when the recording operation start instruction is sent from the outside mainly by communication. When it is determined, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 6 is set in the printer unit based on a signal from the paper sensor 511 or the like. This is because, particularly in a recording apparatus such as an inkjet printer, when printing is started without a recording medium, ink is scattered in the printer unit to contaminate the apparatus itself, or waste ink such as a recording medium is wasted. This is to prevent it from getting lost.

Further, in this step S2, not only the presence or absence of the recording medium but also the pinch roller 202 and the conveying roller 20 are used.
It may be possible to judge whether or not 1 has been released.
This is to prevent the recording medium 210 from being conveyed normally when the pinch roller 202 is released even if the recording medium 210 is set, so that this is prevented.
The release of the pinch roller 202 can be determined by means such as providing a mechanical switch on the release lever. If it is determined that the recording medium is not properly set, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, a message is issued to draw the operator's attention and set the recording medium. As a method of generating the message, for example, a message may be displayed by turning on a light on the display operation unit, or a method of sounding a buzzer may be displayed.

If it is determined in step S3 that the recording medium 6 is set, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the recording operation is started. C
In response to an instruction from the PU 502, the head driver 508 drives the head cartridge 101, and in synchronization with this, the motor drivers 509a and 509 drive the carrier motor 402a and the carry motor 402b, respectively.
Printing is performed while moving 02 in the main scanning direction, moving the recording medium in the sub scanning direction, and cleaning the head recording head 1.

Finally, in step S5, for example, the CPU 50
When the recording operation is instructed by a signal from 2, or when it is determined that a predetermined number of recording lines in one sub-scanning direction within one page is reached and further recording cannot be performed on the recording medium, or the paper sensor 511 performs recording. When the end of the recording area of the medium 6 is detected, the recording operation is determined to be completed, and the recording operation procedure is determined to be completed.

As a procedure for ending the recording operation in step S6, first, the carrier 102 is returned to the home position.
This is to cover the ink ejection surface of the recording head 1 with a cap in case the power is turned off after the recording operation is completed. Next, for example, the conveyance motor 402b is driven by a predetermined amount, or the conveyance motor 402b is driven until the recording medium 6 is confirmed to be ejected by the paper sensor 510, thereby ejecting the recording medium. Then, the CPU 502 displays the end of recording on the display / operation unit or notifies the peripheral device through the external interface to complete the recording operation.

As described above, the ink jet recording is performed so that the recording head and the ink tank can be separated as in the present embodiment, and the separation or integration work can be performed while the carrier is placed on the carrier or detached from the carrier. By configuring the device, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, since the ink tank is mounted on the carrier, a tube or the like for supplying ink is unnecessary, and the apparatus can be downsized.

When the ink is used up, the running cost can be reduced because it is only necessary to replace the ink tank, not the cartridge integrated with the head.

Further, when either the recording head or the ink tank needs to be replaced, only the one that needs replacement needs to be replaced, so that the economical efficiency is improved.

Further, when the recording head and the ink tank are separated from each other on the carrier by the lever or the like, the drawing speed can be controlled, and the ink is prevented from scattering from the ink supply hole 10 and the ink supply hole 11. You can

Further, when the recording head and the ink tank are separated on the carrier, it is not necessary to directly hold the recording head by hand, so that the vicinity of the ink discharge nozzle of the recording head 1 is not touched by hand, which adversely affects printing. It is possible to prevent unnecessary pollution that causes

Further, when the recording head and the ink tank are separated on the carrier, the portion of the ink tank 2 on which the force is applied is specified. Therefore, it is sufficient to make the structure capable of withstanding only that portion. Can be made thin and lightweight, and the internal volume can be increased. Also, when it is necessary to replace the ink colors, the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced as a unit, so there is no mixing of ink colors.
Can be easily replaced. And so on.

(Second Embodiment No. 1) FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

This drawing corresponds to the plan view of FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment as seen from above, 112 is a head clamp lever for fixing the recording head 1 to the carrier 102, and 113 is a first The head contact portion for electrically connecting the head as described in the embodiment, 114 is integrated with the ink tank 2 in association with the ink tank lever 107.
An ink tank pressing lever for separation, and each of these parts constitutes a head part and a carrier part of the ink jet recording apparatus.

In the first embodiment, as a method of mechanically connecting the recording head 1 and the carrier 102, the recording head 1 is pushed to the stopper 110 in the direction of FIG. 6a and pressed by the head fixing spring 108. The fixing method is not limited to this, and may be the following method.

That is, the head clamp lever 112 is constructed as a rigid lever that can rotate and translate instead of being pressed by an elastic member. Here, a method of fixing the recording head to the carrier 102 will be described. First, the head clamp lever 112 is retracted to the position shown by the broken line. Next, the recording head 1 alone or the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are integrated in FIG.
The recording head 1 is inserted from the direction a and moved until the end surface of the recording head 1 contacts the head contact portion 113. From this state, the head clamp lever 112 moves in the direction of FIG. 11c while rotating, reaches the position shown by the solid line, and is fixed in that state.

Since the head contact portion 113 is sandwiched by the pads 111 which are elastic members as described in the first embodiment, the recording head 1 is pushed back in the direction of FIG. 11b, but moved by the action of the head clamp lever 112. It cannot be fixed and is fixed. The contact pressure of the head contact portion 113 is secured by the pushing back force at this time. Further, the recording head 1 and the carrier 102 can be separated by moving in the direction of FIG. 11b by performing the operation opposite to the above.

The ink tank 2 can be separated by operating the ink tank lever 107 (not shown) to move the ink tank pressing lever 114 in the direction of FIG. 11b. With the above structure, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, when the ink tank 2 is separated in the on-carrier state, the force applied to the recording head 1 is received by the head clamp lever 112, so that the recording head 1 does not move and the reliability is improved. ..

In addition, when the ink tank 2 alone is separated in the on-carrier state or when the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are integrated and separated from the carrier 102, the moving direction is the direction shown in FIG. The property is improved. And so on.

(Second Embodiment, Part 2) FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a second method of the second embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 115 is a head pressing lever having a head contact portion 113 and capable of rotating or translating, and 116 is a head stopper fixed inside the carrier.

In this embodiment, in order to fix the carrier 102 and the recording head 1, the following procedure is performed. The head fixing lever 115 rotatably fixed to the carrier 102 is rotated to the position indicated by the broken line in the figure. Next, the recording head 1 alone or the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2
Insert the integrated one from the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 12,
The protruding portion of the recording head 1 is set between the head stopper 116 and the head pressing lever 115. Then, the head fixing lever 115 is rotated to the position indicated by the solid line, and the head fixing lever 115 is fixed by means not shown. At this time, since the pad 111 made of an elastic material is used for the head contact portion 113 as in the case of the first embodiment, the contact pressure is secured by the compression repulsive force of the elastic member.

Further, the recording head 1 and the carrier 102 can be separated by moving in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 12 by performing the operation opposite to the above.

The ink tank 2 can be separated by operating the ink tank lever 107 (not shown) to move the ink tank pressing lever 114 in the direction of FIG. 12b. With the above structure, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, when the ink tank 2 is separated in the on-carrier state, the force applied to the recording head 1 is received by the head stopper 116, so that the recording head 1 does not move and the reliability is improved.

[Other Embodiments] FIGS. 13 (b), 13 (c) and 14 show another embodiment of the present invention, which is an ink flow path connecting portion of a recording head and an ink tank. FIG.
(B) shows the case where the ink supply hole 11b is made of a more elastic material such as rubber, and the inner diameter of the ink supply hole 11b can be made smaller than the outer diameter of the ink supply hole 10a, and the recording head 1 and The adhesion between the ink supply hole 10a and the ink supply hole 11b when the ink tank 2 is connected is improved,
The ink channel sealing performance is improved. Further, since the force required for the deformation of the ink supply hole 11b may be small, the operating force at the time of attaching / detaching the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 can be made small.

FIG. 13C shows a case where the ink supply hole 10c has a tubular structure with a sharp end and the ink supply portion 11c is made of an elastic material such as rubber having no hole and is separated from the recording head 1. In this state, the ink supply section 11c of the ink tank 2 is closed and there is no ink leakage from the ink supply section 11c, and the ink tank 2 alone is excellent in handling. Further, when the ink tank 2 is connected to the recording head 1, the sharp end of the ink supply hole 10c forms a hole in the ink supply portion 11c to form an ink flow path, so that stable flow path connection can be achieved. It is possible to reduce the operating force when the ink tank 2 is separated and connected.

FIG. 14 shows a case in which the guide portions 10e and 11e are provided in the direction perpendicular to the ink flow path direction. By moving the ink tank 2 relative to the recording head 1 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, coupling and separation are performed. In addition, a seal member 10f made of an elastic material such as rubber is provided at the joint to prevent ink from leaking. When the attachment / detachment direction of the recording head 1 is the same as the attachment / detachment direction of the ink tank 2, the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but when it is taken in the directions of arrows a and b, the recording head 1 is Since the attaching / detaching directions of the ink tank 2 are different, there is no relationship of forces as shown in FIG. 6, and the ink tank 2 and the recording head 1 can be attached / detached with the required minimum force.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment according to the present invention in which attachment / detachment of the ink tank 2 is restricted. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are not provided. 1
Reference numeral 51 denotes a head detection lever that rotates according to attachment / detachment of the recording head 1, and reference numeral 151 a denotes a pinion portion that transmits the rotation of the head detection lever 151 to the rack portion 152 a of the stopper 152. Reference numeral 153 is a tank restriction lever for restricting the mounting of the ink tank 2. When the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are not present, the head detection lever 15
1 and the tank control lever 153 are springs or the like (not shown)
It is configured so that the mounting paths of the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are closed by the biasing force of. Also, stopper 1
52 is moved to a position where the head detection lever 151 restricts the rotation of the tank restriction lever 153 in the mounting direction of the ink tank 2. That is, when the recording head 1 is not attached, the tank regulating lever 153 prevents the ink tank 2 from being attached. FIG. 15B shows a state in which the recording head 1 is mounted. Head detection lever 15
1 is rotated by mounting the recording head 1 to a state shown in the drawing. The rotation of the head detection lever 151 is performed by the pinion unit 15
It is transmitted to the stopper 152 via 1a, and the rotation restriction of the tank restriction lever 153 is released as shown in the figure. That is, the ink tank 2 can be mounted while the recording head 1 is mounted. Therefore, by prohibiting the mounting of the ink tank 2 when the recording head 1 is not mounted in a simple configuration in which the ink tank 2 is detachably attached to the recording head 1 and only the recording head 1 is attached to and detached from the carrier 102, It is possible to prevent erroneous operation.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment according to the present invention in which attachment / detachment of the recording head 1 is restricted. FIG. 16A shows a state in which the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are mounted.
Although the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 4, a tank detection lever 160 is provided below the ink tank 2 mounting portion of the carrier 102. Tank contact portion 160 of tank detection lever 160
The position of a is regulated by the ink tank 2, the hook portion 160b of the ink detection lever 160 is released from the cutout portion 106a of the head lever 106, and the head lever 106 is freely rotatable. By rotating in the direction of arrow 16a, the recording head 1 and the ink tank 2 are moved in the direction of arrow 16b in the same state as in FIG. 4 and can be removed. FIG. 16B shows the recording head 1 in the mounted state and the ink tank 2 in the unmounted state. The tank detection lever 160 is biased in the direction of the arrow 16d by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring. When the ink tank 2 is absent, the tank detection lever 160 is rotated to the illustrated state, and the hook portion 160b is cut out into the cutout portion 106a. And the rotation of the head lever 106 is restricted. That is, the recording head 1 cannot be taken out without the ink tank 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary contamination that adversely affects recording without handling the recording head 1 alone and touching the vicinity of the ink ejection nozzles of the recording head 1 or the vicinity of the ink supply holes 10. .. Further, by handling the recording head 1 alone, it is possible to surely prevent the trouble that the air is mixed into the ink flow path from the ink ejection nozzle or the ink supply hole 10 and adversely affects the recording.

In the first embodiment, whether or not the recording head 1 is present on the carrier 102 can be detected by determining whether or not the recording head 1 is electrically connected. It has no means for detecting the remaining amount of ink and transmitting information regarding whether the ink tank 2 is present on the carrier 102 to the information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have means for detecting the above-mentioned matters.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. In the figure, 51
Reference numeral 3 is an ink tank sensor that detects whether the ink tank 2 is present on the carrier 102, and 514 is an ink remaining amount sensor that detects whether printable ink is present in the ink tank 2, and FIG. The description of the elements having the same numbers as those is omitted.

Specifically, the ink tank sensor 513 may be provided with a mechanical contact on the carrier 102, or may be provided with an optical sensor. The ink remaining amount sensor 514 may be configured to optically detect the remaining amount from the outside by making the ink tank 2 from a transparent material, or a sensor that comes into contact with the liquid may be provided in the ink tank 2. From there, place contacts on the surface of the ink tank,
It may be configured to make contact on the carrier 102.

When the recording operation is started without the ink tank 2 or the recording head 1 by using the sensor as described above, or when the printing operation cannot be performed because the ink is exhausted during the recording operation. , Transmits information to the CPU 502 via the interface unit 506,
It can issue warnings and take appropriate actions.

For example, the ink tank 2 is attached to the recording head 1.
Immediately after the connection, the bubbles may be mixed in the recording head 1 to make the recording operation impossible. In order to prevent this, when the ink tank 2 is present from the state where the recording head 1 is present on the carrier 102 but the ink tank 2 is not present, this is an on-carrier state and the ink tank is It is also possible to determine that the new connection has been made, return the carrier 102 to the home position, and suck the ink by the recovery unit 301.

With the above-mentioned structure, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, when the ink runs out during recording, the ink can be automatically stopped to prompt the replacement of the ink, so that the recording medium is not wasted.

Further, since it is not necessary to manually perform the recovery operation after replacing the ink tank, the operability is improved. And so on.

The present invention, in particular, in an ink jet recording apparatus, is provided with means for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink, and recording of a system in which the thermal energy causes a change in ink state. In the head and the recording device, the effect is excellent. According to this method, the recording density is increased,
This is because high definition can be achieved.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, a liquid (ink) is used.
By applying at least one driving signal to the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or the flow path in which the , Heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and the film is boiled on the heat acting surface of the recording head,
As a result, bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal, which is effective. The growth of this bubble,
The contraction causes the liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape, because the bubble growth and contraction are immediately and appropriately performed, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved. This pulse-shaped drive signal is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Those described in 345262 are suitable. If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,244 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise on the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, The configuration using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose the configuration in which the heat acting portion is arranged in the bending region, is also effective in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal conversion pair for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to the ejection portion.

Further, although the serial type ink jet recording apparatus is shown in the embodiment, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum recordable width. As a full-line type recording head, by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification, either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as one recording head integrally formed Although good, the present invention can more effectively exhibit the effects described above.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head and preliminary auxiliary means provided as a constitution of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or sucking means, an electrothermal converter or a heating element other than this, or a preheating means for the recording head, and recording for the recording head. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which another ejection is performed for stable recording.

The recording head to be mounted and the type and number of inks are, for example, single-color ink and 1-color ink.
In addition to the one provided with a plurality of recording heads, a plurality of heads may be provided corresponding to a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities, and any combination is effective. The present invention is effective not only in the recording mode such as black as the recording mode of the recording apparatus but also in each of the recording modes of full-color due to mixed colors of different colors or mixed colors.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but it is an ink that coagulates at room temperature or lower and that softens or melts at room temperature, or the ink jet described above. Generally, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted in the range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. If it is good. In addition, in order to prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy, use ink that is positively used as energy for phase change from solid state to liquid state, or use ink that solidifies when left standing for the purpose of preventing ink evaporation. However, in any case, by applying heat energy such as ink that is liquefied by applying heat energy according to the recording signal and ejected as an ink liquid, or that has already started to solidify when it reaches the recording medium. The use of an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is also applicable to the present invention. In such a case, the ink is disclosed in
JP-A-4-56847 or JP-A-60-71260
As described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP-A-2003-115, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the porous sheet recess or through hole. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Further, the present invention is an ink jet system such as a piezo jet system in which electricity is converted into force to eject ink and a recording system in which a recording head is arranged in non-contact with a recording medium and ink is ejected for recording. Is effective in.

In addition, as a form of the recording apparatus of the present invention, a copying apparatus which is integrally or separately provided as an output terminal of information processing equipment such as the word processor and the computer as described above, or a copying apparatus which is combined with a scanner or the like, Further, it may be in the form of a facsimile phase having a transmission / reception function.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the recording head and the ink tank can be selectively replaced, the economical efficiency can be improved and the running cost can be reduced.

Further, since the recording head and the ink tank can be exchanged as a unit, the recording head and the ink tank whose ink colors have been changed can be stored as a unit, and by exchanging them, a simple color change can be performed.

Further, since the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced on the carriage, the operability is improved and the ink scattering can be prevented.

Furthermore, since the opportunity to directly touch the recording head with hands is reduced, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering and air from entering.
Record reliability is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view showing a partially enlarged view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a replacement system according to a first mode of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a second mode of exchange method of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing how a force is applied in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the entire recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an information processing apparatus using the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of an information processing apparatus using the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a recording operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a second method of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the information processing apparatus showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Recording Head 2 Ink Tank 6 Recording Medium 10 Ink Supply Hole 11 Ink Supply Hole 12 Coupling Claw 13 Coupling Claw Guide Groove 14 Ink Tank Guide Groove 15 Contact Part 101 Head Cartridge 102 Carrier 103 Lead Screw 104 Sliding Shaft 105 Spiral Groove 106 Head lever 107 Ink tank lever 108 Head fixing spring 109 Positioning pin 110 Stopper 111 Pad 112 Head clamp lever 113 Head contact portion 114 Ink tank holding lever 115 Head holding lever 116 Head stopper 201 Conveying roller 202 Pinch roller 204 Pinch roller shaft 205 Conveying roller gear 206 Conveyor Roller Idler Gear 207 Platen 209 Paper Feed Port 210 Release Lever 213 Paper Ejection Roller 214 Beats Roller 301 Recovery unit 302 Cap 401 Flexible cable 402a Carrier motor 402b Conveyor motor 501 Main controller 502 CPU 503 RAM 504 ROM 505 Timer 506 Interface unit 507 Printer controller 508 Head driver 509 Motor driver 510 Ink carrier sensor 511 Paper sensor 512 External interface 513 Tank sensor 514 Ink remaining amount sensor 601 Printer unit 602 Keyboard unit 603 Display unit 604 Information processing device 605 External storage device

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink cartridge containing ink, a recording head for selectively ejecting ink for recording, a mounting portion for mounting the ink cartridge and the recording head, ink of the ink cartridge and the recording head. A flow path coupling portion provided in either or both of the ink cartridge and the recording head for separating and connecting the flow path, and the ink for holding the ink cartridge in a separable manner by guiding the ink cartridge to the recording head. A holding portion provided on either or both of the cartridge and the recording head, and provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion for electrically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. And an electrical connection portion for mechanically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a mechanical coupling portion provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion. 2. An ink cartridge containing ink, a recording head for selectively ejecting ink for recording, an ink cartridge and a mounting portion for mounting the recording head, the ink cartridge and the ink of the recording head. A flow path coupling portion provided in either or both of the ink cartridge and the recording head for separating and connecting the flow path, and the ink for holding the ink cartridge in a separable manner by guiding the ink cartridge to the recording head. A holding portion provided on either or both of the cartridge and the recording head, and provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion for electrically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. And an electrical connection portion for mechanically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a mechanical coupling portion provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion, and the ink cartridge can be attached and detached on the mounting portion. 3. An ink cartridge containing ink, a recording head for selectively ejecting ink for recording, an ink cartridge and a mounting portion on which the recording head is mounted, the ink cartridge and the ink of the recording head. A flow path coupling portion provided in either or both of the ink cartridge and the recording head for separating and connecting the flow path, and the ink for holding the ink cartridge in a separable manner by guiding the ink cartridge to the recording head. A holding portion provided on either or both of the cartridge and the recording head, and provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion for electrically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. And an electrical connection portion for mechanically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. A mechanical coupling portion provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion, and enabling attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge on the mounting portion only when the recording head is mounted. An inkjet recording device characterized by the following. 4. An ink cartridge containing ink, a recording head for selectively ejecting ink for recording, an ink cartridge and a mounting portion on which the recording head is mounted, the ink cartridge and the ink of the recording head. A flow path connecting portion provided in either or both of the ink cartridge and the recording head for separating and connecting the flow path, and the ink for guiding the ink cartridge to the recording head and holding the ink cartridge in a separable manner. A holding portion provided on either or both of the cartridge and the recording head, and provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion for electrically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. And an electrical connection portion for mechanically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. A mechanical coupling portion provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion, and the recording head can be removed only when the ink cartridge is mounted. Inkjet recording device. 5. An ink cartridge containing ink, a recording head for selectively ejecting ink for recording, an ink cartridge and a mounting portion on which the recording head is mounted, the ink cartridge and the ink of the recording head. A flow path coupling portion provided in either or both of the ink cartridge and the recording head for separating and connecting the flow path, and the ink for holding the ink cartridge in a separable manner by guiding the ink cartridge to the recording head. A holding portion provided on either or both of the cartridge and the recording head, and provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion for electrically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. And an electrical connection portion for mechanically separating and connecting the recording head to the mounting portion. A mechanical coupling portion provided on either or both of the recording head and the mounting portion, and the recording head can be attached and detached only when the ink cartridge is mounted. Inkjet recording device.