JPH07186451A - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize the proper use of two hands and the coping with recording papers having respective sizes by a method wherein the printing breadth range of a small array head unit is made larger than that of a large array head unit. CONSTITUTION:A recording device has a large array head unit 1, the recording head of which has large nozzle arrangement rigion, and a small array head unit 4, the recording head of which has small nozzle arrangement region. The large array head unit is a line printer, while the small array head unit 4 is a serial printer, which executes printing by reciprocating in front of a body to be recorded 3. Further, the printing region of the small array head unit 4 is larger than that of the large array head unit 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, and in particular, it has two kinds of recording heads, and two kinds of recording are performed according to the size of paper to be recorded or the kind (black / color) of a recorded image. Use different heads,
Alternatively, the present invention relates to a recording device that performs recording efficiently while sharing the recording area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The non-impact recording method has attracted attention for office use and the like because noise generation during recording is so small that it can be ignored. Among them, the so-called inkjet recording method, which is capable of high-speed recording and can be recorded on so-called plain paper without requiring a special fixing process, is an extremely powerful method.
Various methods have been proposed in the past, and have already been commercialized and put into practical use. In such an ink jet recording method, a so-called ink droplet, which is a so-called ink, is ejected and adhered to a recording medium to perform recording. The method of generating the droplet of the recording liquid and the flight direction of the droplet. There are several methods depending on the control method for controlling, but in either method, the advantage of being able to easily realize color printing or the advantage of being able to print in a wide area is Has been widely used in the industry.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the development and popularization of computer graphics, desktop publishing, desktop presentation, etc., color documents or OHP sheets have come to be frequently used in general offices. However, the documents used in general offices are rarely such that the entire document is a color or color photograph, and in many cases, a color document or photograph is inserted in a part of a text document (= black record). Is. In principle, such a color document can be printed by using a recording head capable of printing three color inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Separately black (B)
It is often the case that a recording head capable of printing is used to print a black portion by itself instead of printing black by combining Y, M, and C.

As a recording apparatus having such a recording head, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-194542 is known. This is achieved by using four recording heads (4
(Color: Y, M, C, B) Color recording is performed by arranging on the carriage and scanning the recording head in a direction substantially orthogonal to the nozzle row. In general, such a printing apparatus generally has about 48 to 128 nozzle rows, and the range that can be printed when the printing head scans once is several mm to several tens mm.
The print speed is not so fast.

[0005]

However, as described above, in the office, black printing is predominantly large in proportion, and there is a demand for a printer capable of quickly printing a text document. In order to satisfy such a demand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-63454 discloses an example of a so-called full line multi-array type recording apparatus which covers the entire recording paper width. In such an apparatus, since the recording unit covers the entire recording paper width, the recording speed is high, and the printing speed of several tens of sheets per minute is possible. However, the size of the apparatus is large, and the recording apparatus having four colors is too large in structure, which is not very realistic.

The size of paper used in the office is generally A4 size, but in the design field, the larger size is the mainstream and covers such a large paper size. Such a full-line multi-array type cannot be realized from the viewpoint of reliability. Therefore, at present, there is no printer that can be suitably used in both the office field and the design field, and its realization is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and is capable of efficiently printing a color document or a color design print produced in both the office field and the design field with an apparatus having a simple structure. An object is to provide a recording device.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has (1) a large array head unit having a large nozzle array area of a recording head and a small array head unit having a small nozzle array area. In a recording apparatus in which the small array head unit prints while reciprocating in front of a recording medium, a printing area of the small array head unit is larger than a printing area of the large array head unit. Further, (2) the large array head unit and the small array head unit both perform printing with black ink, and the head unit can be used according to the size of the recording medium to be used. Or (3) the large array head unit is printed with black ink. And the small array head unit performs printing with a plurality of color inks, or (4) the large array head unit performs printing with a black ink and the small array head unit performs printing with a plurality of colors. Printing with the color ink and the black ink, or (5) in (1) to (4), the small array head unit has a recording head unit and an ink container unit integrated with each other. Alternatively, (6) in the above (1) to (5), in the small array head unit, the recording head part and the ink container part are separable, or (7) the above (1), (3). ) Or (4), in the small array head unit, the recording head unit and the ink container unit are integrated for each of a plurality of colors. Or (8) In the above (7), the head cartridge is capable of separating the recording head portion and the ink container portion, or (9) the above (1). In (3) or (4), the small array head unit is composed of a head cartridge in which a head unit for ejecting ink of a plurality of colors and an ink container unit are integrated, or (10) the above (9) In the head cartridge, the head part and the ink container part are separable from each other, or (1
1) In the above (10), the ink container portion is separable for each color, or (12) In any one of the above (1) to (11), the nozzle array of the large array head unit. The density is the same as the pixel density printed by the large array head unit, or (13) in any one of (1) or (2) or (4) to (12) above, the small When printing with the black ink of the array head unit, when the head unit reciprocates,
Printing on both the return path, or (14) in any one of (1) or (3) to (12) above,
When printing with the color ink of the small array head unit, printing is performed only on either the forward path or the backward path when the head unit reciprocates, or (15) above (1) to In any one of (14), the head drive frequency of the small array head unit is a natural multiple of the drive frequency of the large array head unit, or (16) the above (1) to (15) In any one of the above, the effective number of nozzles of the large array head unit is a natural multiple of the effective number of nozzles of the small array head unit.

[0009]

The printing width area of the small array head unit is made larger than the printing width of the large array head unit, so that both heads can be used properly and recording paper of each size can be dealt with.

[0010]

1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present invention, in which 1 is a large array head unit, 2 is a nozzle of the head, 3 is recording paper, and 4 is small. The array head unit includes 41, 42, 43,
44 is capable of printing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B), respectively. Reference numeral 5 is a nozzle of the head, 6 is a carriage, 7 is a guide rod of the carriage, 8 is a screw rod for moving the carriage, 9 is a recording paper conveying roller, and 10 is a recording paper pressing roller.

In the present invention, as an example, assuming that the size of the recording paper 3 is A3 size, the large array head unit 1 can cover a half area thereof, that is, an area corresponding to A4 size as a printing area. It is a nozzle head, and the head is fixed, and printing is performed by moving the paper in front of the head, while the small array head unit 4 has a printing width of several millimeters to 2 mm.
The head unit is about 6 mm, but the carriage 6
It can be printed on a wide area by being reciprocated in front of the paper, and in the example of FIG. 1, it can be printed on A3 size paper.

That is, according to the present invention, there are two types of head units, a large array head unit and a small array head unit, and two types of head units are used depending on the size of the paper used. Specifically, A4 size paper, which is used in large quantities in general offices, is quickly printed by the large array head unit, and a large size paper with a low frequency of use is used in the large array head unit. If the printing width exceeds the printing width, printing is performed with a small array head unit that reciprocates in front of the paper surface. Therefore, in the present invention, the moving area of the carriage on which the small array head unit is mounted is a wide area that exceeds the printing width of the large array head unit.

In the example of FIG. 1, the small array head unit 4 shows an example in which color printing is performed, but a head of only black (B) may be used. In this case, since the large array head unit is also printed with the black (B) ink, it becomes a monochrome printer in which the head unit used is changed according to the paper size, from small paper size to large paper size.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. Figure 1
In the example, the small head unit has 4 types of Y, M, C and B.
Although an example in which a color head is mounted is shown, in principle, three colors Y, M, and C can be used for color printing.
That is, B (black) printing is performed in the large array head unit, and Y, M, C in the small array head unit.
This is a structure for performing printing, that is, color printing. The recording apparatus having such a configuration is used in large quantities in an office, for example, for an A4 size monochrome document,
Printed by the large array head unit, if
When printing a mixed document of monochrome characters and color images in which a part of the document has a color area, only the color part is shared by the small array head unit.
It is printed. Alternatively, when a large size color print is required as in a design office, the small array head unit performs color print.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. In the above example, the small array head unit Y,
Although an example of performing color printing with the three color inks of M and C has been described, here, in addition to that, a head of B ink is also provided. As described above, in principle, Y, M, C3 colors can be used for color printing, but Y, M, C3
It is possible to obtain a clear image without color bleeding and the like by printing only the black portion with B alone, rather than mixing the colors to produce black.

Generally, as a so-called serial printer in which a recording head mounted on a carriage prints while reciprocating in front of a paper surface, a so-called serial printer as described above is disclosed.
The one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 194542 is known. In this case, an ink tank is provided separately from the recording head, and both are connected by an ink supply tube to supply ink, but when the carriage reciprocates, the supply tube Will be extremely disturbing. In particular, in the case of a large paper size as in the present invention, when reciprocating movement of the carriage is used to print on a large area, a serious problem occurs.

Therefore, in the present invention, the small array head unit having the structure shown in FIG. 2 is used so that such a supply tube may not be used. Figure 2
FIG. 3 is an example of a recording head unit applied to the small array head unit of the present invention, (a) is an overall perspective view, and (b) is an exploded perspective view. This head unit 2
Reference numeral 0 indicates that the head chip 21 that ejects ink and the ink container portion 24 that supplies the ink thereto are integrally formed. The head chip 21 is connected to an FPC (flexible printed circuit) 22, and electric contacts provided on the FPC are replaced with contacts on the carriage side (not shown).
Upon contact with the printer, an electric signal is received from the printer body side, and ink is ejected for recording. 25 is a back cover, and 26 is an ink absorber.
Is a sponge impregnated with ink, and is configured so that bubbles do not occur in the ink inside the container even when the carriage moves and vibrates. Absorber 2
When the ink impregnated in 6 is used up, the entire head unit is replaced. In the present invention, since there is no ink supply tube in this manner, there is no problem of processing the tube associated with the reciprocating movement of the carriage, and there is no problem of ink replenishment. Is also very easy to handle).

3A and 3B show the head unit 23 and the ink container 24 which are separable from each other in the above-described head unit. FIG. 3A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view. In this case, since the head portion 23 and the ink container portion 24 are separable via the elastic member 24a, only the ink container portion 24 needs to be replaced when the ink is used up, and the running cost is low. The area is realized. Of course, when the head portion 23 and the ink container portion 24 are connected to each other (FIG. 3A), the operability is as shown in FIG. Is the same as

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. The example shown in FIG. 2 is an example in which the head portion for only one color and the ink container portion are integrally configured, but in the present invention, such an integrated head is used for three colors of Y, M, and C. Alternatively, four colors of Y, M, C and B, that is, three or four colors are mounted on the carriage and used. A monochrome printer with a single small head unit of black requires only one ink supply tube, but in the case of color,
3 or 4 colors are required, which is very complicated. However, in the present invention, since the integrated head as shown in FIG. 2 is mounted for 3 to 4 colors (3 to 4), the handling is very easy. In such a configuration, when the ink of the integrated head of a certain color is used up, the head of that color is replaced. The configuration example of the printer is as shown in FIG. 1 (however, the small head unit 4
Note that the shape of does not look like Figure 2.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. Here, the small head unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 is used.
An example in which a head unit capable of separating the head unit and the ink container unit of FIG. 3 is mounted will be described. Generally, color printing is different from monochrome black printing (mainly character printing) in that an image is printed. Therefore, the amount of ink required to complete one printing is much larger than that of the character printing, and a large amount of ink is consumed. Therefore, in the example of the present invention, the head unit shown in FIG. 3 in which the head unit and the ink container unit are separable is mounted for three to four colors of the small head unit. By doing so, even in the case of color printing that consumes a large amount of ink, it is only necessary to replace the ink container portion when the ink is used up, so the running cost can be reduced.

FIG. 4 shows a plurality of colors (Y, M, C in this example).
3) is an example in which a head unit capable of ejecting ink of three colors) is integrally formed with an ink container portion. (A) is an overall perspective view, (b) is an exploded perspective view, in which 30 is a head unit, 31 is a head chip, 32 is a printed circuit,
33 is an upper lid, 34 is a cartridge, 35 (35Y, 35
M, 35C) is a filter, 36 (36Y, 36M, 3
6C) is an ink container, 37 is a bottom lid, 38 is a cap,
In this example, in the ink container-integrated head unit as shown in FIG. 2 (in this case, a single color), the head part and the ink container part communicating with the head part are divided into three parts inside,
The Y, M, and C inks are separately filled. In this way, the head unit that integrates multiple colors can be made very compact, and when mounted on a carriage, it is lightweight and compact, so a small carriage is enough.
Also, the motor for driving the carriage can be made compact and energy saving can be realized.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example in which the ink container integrated head unit for a plurality of colors shown in FIG. 4 is configured so that only the ink container portion can be separated.
(A) is an overall perspective view of the head unit 40, and (b) is a perspective view of the head unit 40 with a recording head portion 41 and an ink container portion 42 separated. As a result, even if a large amount of ink is consumed by printing a color image, only the ink container portion 42 needs to be replaced, so that cost reduction is realized. Moreover, the advantages of the color integrated head described with reference to FIG. 4 are maintained.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example in which the ink container portion can be separated for each color of ink in the above-described integrated head unit, and FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the whole. (B) shows a recording head portion 41 of the head unit 40.
And each color ink container portion 42 (42Y, 42M, 42C)
The perspective view of the state which separated. The advantage of doing this is that Y,
Since the inks of M and C are not consumed at the same speed, in the example of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, even if other ink remains when one of the inks runs out, the head unit or the integrated type It is necessary to replace the entire ink container, which is disadvantageous in terms of running cost, whereas by keeping the ink containers of each color separate as in the present invention, it is possible to replace only the ink container that has run out. This will further reduce the running cost.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. The present invention has a large array head unit and a small array head unit, and these are used alone or in combination for printing. At this time, the small array head unit performs printing by the reciprocating motion of the carriage and the conveyance of the paper, so the printing density is determined by the speed of the carriage, the speed of the paper, and the nozzle array density of the head. It Therefore, for example, even if the nozzle array density is about 8 lines / mm, by appropriately selecting the carriage speed, the paper speed and the printing timing, a printing density of 16 lines / mm or more can be obtained. It is possible to record with.

However, when printing is performed by the large array head unit, since the head is fixed, the printing density in the paper transport direction can be set by appropriately selecting the paper feed speed and the printing timing. The printing density is free, but the printing density in the direction perpendicular to it, that is, in the direction of the nozzle array, is the same as the nozzle array density. Therefore, in order to obtain high quality printing quality, for example, a nozzle arrangement of about 16 lines / mm (corresponding to about 400 dpi) is required, and such a high density nozzle arrangement density was previously proposed by the present applicant. This can be realized by a recording head manufactured by a semiconductor manufacturing process, utilizing the principle of thermal ink jet as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-9429. Since the large array head unit is manufactured by such means, a printing density as high as the nozzle array density can be obtained. Moreover, since the large array head unit is fixed, the recording apparatus has high reliability.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. When the black printing is performed by the small array head unit of the present invention, this is the case where the large array head unit prints on a large size paper that exceeds the printing. Therefore, when printing on such a large size, the printing speed is slow in the printing of a so-called serial printer system in which the small array head unit is mounted on the carriage, and therefore, in the present invention, both the forward and backward passes of the carriage are performed. Printing speed is increased by printing. This is particularly effective when printing on a large size paper as in the present invention.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. When performing color printing in the present invention, as described above, the color small array head unit is used to perform printing by carriage scanning. However, unlike the black printing described above, either the carriage forward path or the return path is used. Printing is performed during one scan. This is Y, M, C
When synthesizing colors with, for example, the amount of ink to be ejected is one when one color is produced by hitting in the order of Y → M → C, and another color is produced by hitting in the order of M → Y → C. Even if they are the same, if the stroke order is changed, the color balance will be slightly lost and the same color cannot be reproduced. Therefore, in the present invention, printing is performed in only one direction of carriage scanning in order to obtain good color development.

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, a large array head unit and a small array head unit are provided in one recording device, and these are used alone or in combination to obtain a print. At that time, considering the case where the image signals are sent to both head units, it is desirable that both are sent at the same timing, or that the frequency of ejecting ink from both head units is the same. For example, if the frequency of ink droplets ejected from one nozzle (head drive frequency) is set to the same 4 kHz in both head units, it is very convenient when sending an image signal (on the contrary, for example, one is 3 kHz, It is difficult to send the image signal by setting the other to 5kHz, etc.).

However, since the small array head unit has a small number of nozzles for printing, it is desirable to set the driving frequency high, and the large array head unit has a large number of nozzles, so the small array head unit is inevitable. The drive frequency does not need to be as high as that of the array head unit (of course, it does not matter if it is set high). Therefore,
In the present invention, the drive frequency of the small array head unit is set to be a natural multiple of that of the large array head unit. Specifically, the drive frequency of the large array head unit is set to 2 kHz and that of the small array head unit is set to 8 kHz. In this case, 8 is broken by 2, so no problem occurs when processing the image signal (the above-mentioned Not possible with a combination of 3kHz and 5kHz).

Next, another feature of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, the effective number of nozzles of the large array head unit is set to be a natural number multiple of that of the small array head unit. Where "effective"
This is because there are cases where dummy nozzles are held for purposes other than the nozzles that are actually used for printing (for reasons such as manufacturing yield and jetting to check the remaining amount of ink). Because. Specifically, when the number of nozzles of the small array head unit is 128, the number of nozzles of the large array head unit is 3584. The nozzle array density at this time is equivalent to 400 dpi.

The present invention is not necessarily limited to the combination of 128 nozzles and 3584 nozzles described above,
64 nozzles (small array head unit)
And 7168 nozzles (large array head unit) may be combined. In short, the number of nozzles of the large array head unit is set to be a natural multiple of the number of nozzles of the small array head unit. The reason for doing this is due to the processing reason when the image signal is sent, as in the case of the driving frequency described above. That is, if the relationship between the two is not a natural multiple, the image signal cannot be sent when printing is performed by the joint work of both head units. Another reason is that the large array head unit shown in FIG. 1 is a paper width integrated type large array head unit, but it is also possible to connect small array heads to form one large array head unit. Because there is. For example, 128 small array head units
As a nozzle 400 dpi, 28 heads (28 is a natural number) can be arranged to form a large array head unit with 3584 nozzles 400 dpi. By doing this, you can use it for a small head unit or a large array head unit just by making a head with 128 nozzles 400 dpi at the time of manufacturing the head, it can be mass-produced and it can be made very cheaply. Is (3584 nozzle 40
It is not necessary to make a large array head made on one substrate of 0 dpi).

The ink jet of the present invention includes:
The on-demand type ink jet can be effectively used, but the thermal ink jet method which can be manufactured by utilizing the semiconductor wafer process is preferably used. Particularly, as the large array head unit of the present invention,
6 / mm or more array density can be easily obtained,
A thermal inkjet method is used in which the array density is the printing density as it is.

[0033]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. Effects corresponding to the means 1 and 2 for solving the problems: Since the printing area of the small array head unit is made larger than the printing width of the large array head unit, it is possible to cope with each size of paper by using them properly. (Large size is also possible, small size can be printed at high speed). The effect corresponding to the means 3 for solving the problem; black character and color image mixed document can be printed. It can also handle large size paper. Effect corresponding to means 4 for solving the problem: The black printing section by the small array head unit has a dedicated black head, so that clear black printing is possible. Effect corresponding to the means 5 for solving the problem: Since the head is integrated, the supply tube is not complicated, and the recording apparatus has a very simple structure. Effect corresponding to the means 6 for solving the problem; low running cost is possible. Effect corresponding to the means 7 for solving the problem: Since the heads are integrated for each color by color, the supply tube is not complicated and the recording apparatus has a simple structure. The effect corresponding to the means 8 for solving the problem; the running cost can be reduced. Effect corresponding to the means 9 for solving the problem: Since the small head unit of the plural colors is integrated, it is possible to be small and lightweight. Therefore, the carriage is small, the drive motor is small, and it is possible to save energy. Effects corresponding to the means 10 for solving the problem: In addition to the above 9, running cost can be reduced. An effect corresponding to the means 11 for solving the problem;
In addition to the above 9 and 10, the running cost can be further reduced. Effect corresponding to the means 12 for solving the problem; Since the printing density by the printing of the large array and the nozzle array density are made the same, the large array head unit is fixed and has no moving part, so that the reliability is high. . The effect corresponding to the means 13 for solving the problem: It is possible to increase the printing speed in large-sized monochrome printing. An effect corresponding to the means 14 for solving the problem; a high-quality color image can be realized without losing color balance. Effect corresponding to the means 15 for solving the problem: Image signal processing from the recording device to each head unit is facilitated. Effect corresponding to means 16 for solving the problem: In addition to the effect of 15 described above, a large array head unit can be realized by splicing (combination) of small array heads, resulting in mass production effect and cost reduction Became.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing an example of a recording head unit to which a small array head unit according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a small array head unit in which a head unit and an ink container unit can be separated.

FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a small array head unit that can eject ink of a plurality of colors.

5A and 5B are an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a color small array head unit in which an ink container portion can be separated.

6A and 6B are an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a small array head unit in which an ink container portion can be separated for each color of ink.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Large array head unit, 2 ... Nozzle, 3 ... Recording paper, 4 ... Small array head unit, 5 ... Nozzle, 6 ... Carriage, 7 ... Guide rod, 8 ... Screw rod,
9 ... Recording paper conveying roller, 10 ... Recording paper pressing roller, 20
... recording head unit, 21 ... head chip, 22 ... F
PC, 23 ... Head part, 24 ... Ink container, 25 ... Back cover, 26 ... Ink absorber, 30 ... Color head unit, 31 ... Head chip, 32 ... Print circuit,
33 ... Top lid, 34 ... Cartridge, 35 ... Filter,
36 ... Ink container, 37 ... Bottom lid, 38 ... Cap, 40
Recording head unit, 41 head unit, 42 ink container unit.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 12, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Document name] Statement

Ink jet recording apparatus

[Claims]

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a color ink jet printer.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a recording device,
It can be attached to and detached from the body, and
Inkjet recording with removable ink supply section
Recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The non-impact recording method has attracted attention for office use and the like because noise generation during recording is so small that it can be ignored. Among them, the so-called inkjet recording method, which is capable of high-speed recording and can be recorded on so-called plain paper without requiring a special fixing process, is an extremely powerful method.
Various methods have been proposed in the past, and have already been commercialized and put into practical use. In such an ink jet recording method, a so-called ink droplet, which is a so-called ink, is ejected and adhered to a recording medium to perform recording. The method of generating the droplet of the recording liquid and the flight direction of the droplet. There are several methods depending on the control method for controlling, but in either method, the advantage of being able to easily realize color printing or the advantage of being able to print in a wide area is Has been widely used in the industry.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the development and popularization of computer graphics, desktop publishing, desktop presentation, etc., color documents or OHP sheets have come to be frequently used in general offices. However, the documents used in general offices are rarely such that the entire document is a color or color photograph, and in many cases, a color document or photograph is inserted in a part of a text document (= black record). Is. In principle, such a color document can be printed by using a recording head capable of printing three color inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Separately black (B)
It is often the case that a recording head capable of printing is used to print a black portion by itself instead of printing black by combining Y, M, and C.

As a recording apparatus having such a recording head, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-194542 is known. This is achieved by using four recording heads (4
(Color: Y, M, C, B) Color recording is performed by arranging on the carriage and scanning the recording head in a direction substantially orthogonal to the nozzle row. In many cases, such a printing apparatus generally has about 48 to 128 nozzle rows, and the range that can be printed when the printing head scans once is several mm to 10 mm.
The width is several mm, and the printing speed is not so high.

FIG . 4 shows an example of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
It is a figure for explaining an example, where 1 is a large array head.
Unit, 2 is the nozzle of the head, 3 is recording paper, 4 is
Small array head unit, 41, 42, 4
3, 44 are yellow (Y) and magenta, respectively
You can print (M), cyan (C), black (B)
Growling. 5 is a nozzle of the head, 6 is a carriage
J, 7 is the guide rod of the carriage, 8 is the carriage
A screw rod for moving, 9 is a recording paper conveyance roller, 10
Is a recording paper pressing roller.

Here, the size of the recording paper 3 is, for example, A3 size.
If I say, the large array head unit 1 is half that
Minute area, that is, A4 size equivalent is the printing area
It is a multi-nozzle head that can be
Is fixed by moving the paper in front of the head
Printing is performed while the small array head unit 4 is printed.
The print width is about a few millimeters to 20 millimeters.
The head unit is mounted on the carriage 6 and moves in front of the paper surface.
By moving back, a large area can be printed.
Then, you can print on A3 size paper.

That is, in the illustrated recording apparatus, the large array
Two types, head unit and small array head unit
It has a head unit of the same kind, depending on the size of the paper used.
And use two types of head units properly
It Specifically, it is used in large quantities in general offices.
For A4 size paper, etc., use the large array head unit.
Therefore, printing is done quickly, and the larger
The size of the paper exceeds the printing width of the large array head unit.
In the case of a small, small reciprocating motion in front of the page
Print with the array head unit. Therefore, small
Movement area of the carriage that mounts the array head unit
Is wider than the printing width of the large array head unit.
It is considered as an area.

The example of FIG. 4 shows an example in which the small head unit is equipped with heads of four colors Y, M, C and B. In principle, in order to perform color printing, Is Y,
It can be realized with 3 colors of M and C. That is, the large array head unit performs B (black) printing, and the small array head unit performs Y, M, C printing, that is, color printing. A recording device having such a configuration is used in large quantities in an office, for example,
A4 size monochrome document is printed by the large array head unit. If you print a mixed document of monochrome characters and color image such that part of the document has a color area, only the color part is printed. , Allotted to and printed on the small array head unit. Alternatively, as a design office, if that require color Shirushiutsushi of large size, Sumo Lumpur array head
Color printed by the unit.

Further, in the example of FIG. 4, the small array head is
Color marking with three color inks of unit Y, M, C
I explained the example of copying, but in addition to this, B
It also has a head of the link. As mentioned above
In principle, color printing is possible with Y, M, and C colors.
But rather than mixing Y, M, and C colors to produce black, B
It is better to print the black part with only
A clear image can be obtained without bleeding.

Generally, the front of the paper is mounted on the carriage.
The recording head prints while reciprocating,
As a real printer, the above-mentioned JP-A-58-
Known as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 194542.
Has been. In this case, apart from the recording head
An ink tank is installed in the
The ink is supplied by connecting with the
As the bag reciprocates, its supply tube is extremely
Become a monster. Especially for large paper sizes
In addition, the reciprocating motion of the carriage is used to print on a large area.
If you do, it will be a serious problem.

Therefore, in order to avoid using such a supply tube, a small array head unit having the structure shown in FIG. 5 is used. 5 is an example of a recording head unit applied to a serial printer such as the small array head unit described above.
5A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view.
The head unit 20 integrally includes a head chip 21 that ejects ink and an ink container portion 24 that supplies ink to the head chip 21. Head chip 2
1 is FPC (flexible printed circuit) 22
By contacting an electric contact provided on the FPC with a contact (not shown) on the carriage side, an electric signal is received from the printer main body side, and ink is ejected for recording. 25 back cover, 26 is an ink absorber, the absorber 26 is a sponge impregnated with ink, even if vibration carriage moves, bubbles are generated during <br/> Lee ink inside the container With a configuration that does not
Has become. Use the ink impregnated in the absorber 26
When this happens, replace the entire head unit
It has become. Thus, without the ink supply tube
With the configuration, the actuator that is associated with the reciprocating motion of the carriage is
There are no problems with ink handling, and there is no problem with ink supply.
(When the ink is exhausted, replace the entire head unit.
It is very easy to handle.

FIG . 6 shows a plurality of colors (Y, M, C in this example ) .
Head unit that can eject three colors of ink)
This is an example of being integrally formed with the container part, and FIG.
A perspective view and FIG. 6 (b) are exploded perspective views, in which 30 is a head.
Unit, 31 is a head chip, 32 is a print server
Kit, 33 is an upper lid, 34 is a cartridge, 35 (35
Y, 35M, 35C) is a filter, 36 (36Y, 3)
6M, 36C) is an ink container, 37 is a bottom cover, and 38 is a cap.
In this example, the head and
The ink container is divided into three parts, and the Y, M, and C inks are
They are filled separately. In this way, multiple colors are integrated
Molded head unit can be made very compact
Therefore, it is lightweight and compact when mounted on the carriage.
Therefore, only a small carriage is required, and the carriage is driven.
The motor can be small and energy efficient.

[0013]

However, the above ink jet
In a wet head unit, the head and the head
Integrated with the ink container for supplying ink to the printer
Since it is formed on the
The expensive head part will be discarded together with the container part.
There was a problem that the running cost was high. Well
If the head becomes clogged, the ink container may still
Ink head, remove the head together with the ink
It had to be replaced, which was uneconomical. further,
Make sure that the head is firmly attached to the main unit of the recording device with screws.
Therefore, it is difficult to remove and install the head.
It was strange.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
The head part can be freely attached to and detached from the recording device body.
If the head part needs to be replaced due to clogging,
In this case, the head part can be replaced more easily,
Prevents print quality from deteriorating due to jams, etc.
Even if the ink is gone, remove the ink container from the head.
Separated so that only the ink container part can be discarded
In order to keep running costs low
It was made for the purpose of doing.

[0015]

The present invention solves the above problems.
To determine, (1) Ink ejection for ejecting ink
A head part having a mouthpiece and for supplying to the head part
Inkjet having an ink container part provided with ink
In the recording apparatus, the head portion has a plurality of ink ejection ports.
And is detachable from the main body of the recording apparatus.
The ink container section is different for each ink ejection port.
Consisting of a single container that supplies different colors of ink, and
Separable from the head portion, further,
(2) The ink container section is provided in each of the ink ejection ports.
Having a plurality of ink containers that supply different colors of ink,
Characterized by the separable ink container for each color
It is a thing.

[0016]

Operation: A head portion having an ink ejection port, and the head portion
Color in having an ink supply section for supplying ink to the
In a jet recording device, the head unit is a recording device.
In addition to being removable from the main body, it also supplies the ink
Part is removable from the head part,
Only when the head is clogged, etc.
Can be replaced, and when the ink runs out,
Only the ink supply part can be removed and replaced.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a main part Overview Once the configuration view illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, this embodiment,
In the inkjet head unit as shown in FIG.
The head unit 20 is attached to and detached from the recording apparatus main body.
The head portion 23 and the ink container portion 24 are made free.
Is made separable, and FIG. 1 (a) is an overall perspective view,
FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view showing the head portion 23 and
It can be separated from the ink container 24 via an elastic member 24a.
Function, so when you run out of ink,
Only the container part 24 needs to be replaced, which reduces running costs.
Low frequencies are realized. Also, the head is clogged.
When removing the head part from the user side,
You can replace the
If ink remains, continue to use the ink container
can do.

Generally, color printing is a monochrome black and white.
Unlike KU printing (mainly character printing), it prints an image
It Therefore, the ink required to complete the printing of one sheet
The amount of ink is much larger than that of character printing, and a large amount of ink
Consume. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the head unit for only one color is used.
This is an example in which the ink container part is separable, but
In the case of Ra printing, such a separation type head is used for Y, M,
3 colors of C or 4 colors of Y, M, C, B, that is, 3
Or, four of them are mounted on the carriage for use. Smoke
Monochrome pudding with black head unit
On the other hand, the ink supply tube requires only one color, but
In case of-, 3 or 4 colors are required, which is extremely
It becomes complicated. Then, as shown in Fig. 1, it can be separated.
With 3 to 4 color heads (3 to 4),
When the ink of a certain color head is used up, that color
If you replace the ink supply container of
It will always be easier. By doing this, a large amount of ink will be erased.
Even when the color printing is expensive, when the ink is exhausted
Only needs to be replaced with the ink container.
The strike can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the head unit and the ink container unit are separable from each other in the head unit for ejecting a plurality of colors of ink, and FIG.
2B is an overall perspective view of the head unit 40. FIG. 2B shows the head unit 40 with the recording head portion 41 and the ink container portion 4.
The perspective view of the state which separated 2 is shown. As a result, the color over
Even if a large amount of ink is consumed by printing an image, the ink container
Since only the part 42 needs to be replaced, cost reduction can be realized.
It

FIG . 3 shows a head unit as shown in FIG.
The head part of the ink container for each color of ink.
Figure for explaining the example that enables more separation.
3 (a) is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 3 (b) is a head unit.
Recording head portion 41 of ink jet unit 40 and ink container portion 42 of each color
A perspective view of (42Y, 42M, 42C) separated
Show. The advantage of doing this is the color image.
In printing, the inks of Y, M, and C are not always the same speed.
As shown in Fig. 2, it is not consumed by
In the example, when one of the inks runs out, the other
Head unit or integrated type
The entire container has to be replaced, running costs
In this way, each color of ink is
By keeping the containers separate,
Only the container can be replaced, and more runnin
The cost reduction is realized.

[0021]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention
According to the above, there are the following effects. Corresponding to claim 1
Effect: head in color inkjet recording device
Since the part is detachable from the recording device body, the head
Replace only the head section when clogging occurs in the section
It is possible to reduce the running cost
it can. Furthermore, the ink supply section can be separated from the head section.
Function, so when the ink runs out, the ink supply
Can be replaced, reducing running costs
It Effect corresponding to claim 2: The ink supply unit is provided for each color.
When using multiple ink containers, separate each ink container
Since it can be separated, only the ink container of the color
Can be replaced, reducing running costs
You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, in which a head part and an ink container part are provided.
Is a perspective view showing one color portion of the head unit that can be separated
It is a figure and an exploded perspective view.

FIG. 2 Ink in a color inkjet recording device
The container part can be separated from the main body of the inkjet recording device.
FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the head unit.

[Fig. 3] It is possible to separate ink container parts for each color of ink .
FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the head unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an inkjet recording device .
FIG.

FIG. 5 shows one example of a monochrome ink jet recording head unit.
It is the whole perspective view and exploded perspective view which show an example.

FIG. 6 shows a head unit capable of ejecting ink of a plurality of colors .
It is the whole perspective view and an exploded perspective view.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... Large array head unit, 2 ... Nozzle, 3 ... Recording paper, 4 ... Small array head unit, 5 ... Nozzle, 6 ... Carriage, 7 ... Guide rod, 8 ... Screw rod,
9 ... Recording paper conveying roller, 10 ... Recording paper pressing roller, 20
... recording head unit, 21 ... head chip, 22 ... F
PC, 23 ... Head part, 24 ... Ink container, 25 ... Back cover, 26 ... Ink absorber, 30 ... Color head unit, 31 ... Head chip, 32 ... Print circuit,
33 ... Top lid, 34 ... Cartridge, 35 ... Filter,
36 ... Ink container, 37 ... Bottom lid, 38 ... Cap, 40
Recording head unit, 41 head unit, 42 ink container unit.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 3]

[Figure 4]

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location B41J 19/18 G B41J 3/04 102 Z

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A recording head comprising a large array head unit having a large nozzle array area and a small array head unit having a small nozzle array area, the small array head unit performing reciprocating motion in front of a recording medium. In the recording apparatus for copying, the printing area of the small array head unit is larger than the printing area of the large array head unit. 2. The large array head unit and the small array head unit both perform printing with black ink, and selectively use the head unit according to the size of the recording medium to be used.
The recording device according to 1. 3. The large array head unit prints with black ink, and the small array head unit prints with color ink of a plurality of colors or color inks and black ink. The recording device according to 1. 4. The small array head unit,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of head cartridges in which a recording head unit and an ink container unit are integrated for each of a plurality of colors. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the head cartridge is capable of separating a recording head portion and an ink container portion. 6. The recording according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle array density of the large array head unit is the same as the pixel density printed by the large array head unit. apparatus. 7. When printing with the black ink of the small array head unit, printing is performed on both the forward and backward paths when the head unit reciprocates, and printing is performed with the color ink of the small array head unit. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when performing the printing, the printing is performed only on one of the forward path and the backward path when the head unit reciprocates. 8. The head drive frequency of the small array head unit is a natural multiple of the drive frequency of the large array head unit.
The recording apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. The effective number of nozzles of the large array head unit is a natural multiple of the effective number of nozzles of the small array head unit, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The recording device described.