JPH07223321A - Ink-jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent color mixing among discharge port groups from being caused by preventing ink wiped off at the time of wiping of a discharge port surface having a plurality of discharge port groups from being run away to the adjoining discharge port group, prevent lowering of image quality by the color mixing from being caused and reduce the consumption of the ink by decreasing a number of predischarging times. CONSTITUTION:A wiping device wiping and cleaning a discharge port surface 81 possessing a plurality of discharge port groups 33, 34, 35, 36 is formed of two sheets of wipers arranged into 'sideways V-shaped type' at every discharge port groups each and in the discharge port groups each, the discharge port surface 81 is wiped off by the two sheets of the wipers in the direction facing on the central part from both ends of the discharge port groups.

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 for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means onto a recording material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording device having functions such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile, or a recording device used as an output device of a multifunction machine or a workstation including a computer, a word processor, etc., is a sheet or a plastic thin plate based on image information. An image (including characters and symbols) is recorded on a recording material (recording medium) such as (OHP). The recording device can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a heat sensitive type, a thermal transfer type, a laser beam type and the like depending on the recording system of the recording means used.

In a serial type recording apparatus which employs a recording system in which a main scanning is performed in a direction intersecting a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording material, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position and then the recording material is set. An image (including characters, symbols, etc.) is recorded by a recording unit (recording head) mounted on a carriage that moves (main scanning) along, and after one line of recording is completed, a predetermined amount of paper is fed (sub-scan). An image is recorded in a desired range of the recording material by repeating the operation of performing (scanning) and then recording (main scanning) the image of the next row. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that records a recording material only in the sub-scanning direction in which the recording material is fed in the transport direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and one line of recording is continuously performed at one time. A predetermined amount of paper feed (pitch feed) is performed, and an image is recorded on the entire recording material.

Among them, the ink jet type (ink jet recording apparatus) is a means for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means (recording head) onto a recording material, and it is easy to make the recording means compact and high definition. Images can be recorded at high speed, plain paper can be recorded without requiring special processing, running costs are low, and the non-impact method reduces noise and uses multicolor inks. Therefore, it has an advantage that it is easy to record a color image. Above all, a line type recording apparatus using a line type recording means in which a large number of ejection ports are arranged in the paper width direction can further speed up recording.

In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy,
Through the semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, and sputtering, the electrothermal converter formed on the substrate, the electrode,
By forming the liquid passage wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a liquid discharge device having a high-density liquid passage arrangement (ejection port arrangement), and to further reduce the size. Further, by utilizing the advantages of IC technology and micro processing technology, it is easy to make the recording means long and planar (two-dimensional), and it is also easy to make the recording means full-multi and high-density mounting. is there.

An ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting ink from a fine ejection port toward a recording material for recording can easily realize miniaturization of the apparatus as compared with other recording methods such as an electrophotographic method. Therefore, various technologies have been developed in recent years because it is possible to construct a high-quality recording device at low cost. In this ink jet recording apparatus, the state of the ejection port surface of the recording head that ejects ink greatly affects the recording quality.

That is, when the ejection port surface is wet with ink or water droplets or foreign matter is attached, the ejected ink droplets are wet or attracted by the foreign matter, and the ejection direction is bent.
Normal ejection may be disturbed and ejection failure (including ejection failure) may occur. In order to remove the ink and foreign matter attached to the ejection port surface, the ejection port surface is wiped and cleaned (wiping) with a wiper (blade) made of a plate-like rubber-like elastic body. This wiping operation is performed by, for example, returning the print head to the home position at predetermined timings and rubbing the ejection opening surface with the wiper to wipe the ejection opening surface to remove wetting and foreign matter. To be done.

Further, in the case of monochromatic recording, recording is performed while main scanning is performed by one recording head mounted on the carriage. In the case of color recording, a plurality of recording heads are arranged in the main scanning direction and ink of a plurality of colors is formed. A color image can be easily recorded by ejecting. In addition, special fair 1
No. -12675 proposes an integrated color recording head having a plurality of ejection port groups. According to this method, it is possible to perform recording in a plurality of colors with one recording head, and thus it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the color recording apparatus.

[0009]

However, in the integrated color recording head, since the ejection ports for ejecting different color inks are arranged on the same ejection port surface, the wiping cleaning (wiping) of the ejection port surface is performed. In some cases, the inks of different colors may invade the inside of the ejection port to mix the colors. Further, in order to remove the mixed color ink, it is necessary to perform preliminary ejection many times, which may increase the ink consumption amount. Observing how color mixing occurs during wiping and cleaning of the ejection port surface, firstly, ink adhered to the surface of the wiper made of a plate-like rubber-like elastic body is Color mixing may occur and the mixed color ink may be pushed into the ejection port during the wiping operation. Secondly, when wiping and cleaning the ejection port surface, ink of the adjacent color may overflow from the wiper and mix.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional technique, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-color integrated type recording means in which a plurality of ejection port groups of different colors are arranged on the same ejection port surface. Also in the case of an inkjet recording apparatus, it is possible to prevent deterioration of image quality due to color mixture during wiping and cleaning of the ejection port surface, and to reduce ink consumption by reducing the number of preliminary ejections after wiping and cleaning. Is to provide.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording unit onto a recording material, the recording unit having different ink colors arranged in a sub-scanning direction. A wiper that has a plurality of ejection port groups and wipes and cleans the ejection port surface is an ejection port group other than the ejection port groups at least at both ends of the recording unit, and the ejection port surface extends from both ends of the ejection port group toward the central portion. By configuring to wipe the ink, the wiper collects the ink wiped from the ejection port surface so that it does not escape to the adjacent ejection port group, and the color mixture between the ejection port groups when the ejection port surface is wiped and cleaned is performed. Prevent,
Therefore, the above object is achieved.

According to the inventions of claims 2 and 3, in addition to the configuration of claim 1, the wiper is a separate member independent for each ejection port group, or the wiper other than at least both ends of the recording means. In the outlet group, two wipers are provided for each ejection port group, and these two wipers are attached at angles opposite to each other with respect to the sub-scanning direction, thereby further improving efficiency. Well, the wiper collects the ink wiped from the ejection port surface so as not to escape to the adjacent ejection port group, and prevents the color mixture between the ejection port groups when the ejection port surface is wiped and cleaned. Is achieved.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a replaceable cartridge type recording means (recording head) having an integrated ink tank, and 2 is a carriage carrying the recording head 1 and reciprocating in the directions of arrows A and B in the figure. Is. The recording head 1
Is the flexible cable 7 for the control circuit of the device body.
Is electrically connected through.

Reference numeral 3 is a hook for attaching the recording head 1 to the carriage 2, and 4 is a lever for operating the hook 3. The carriage 2 is formed with a concave portion 5 into which a convex portion 24 described later enters. Reference numeral 6 is a support plate for supporting an electric connection portion for the recording head 1, and reference numeral 7 is a flexible cable for connecting the electric connection portion and a control portion of the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 8 is a guide rail that is inserted into the carriage 2 and guides and supports the carriage 2 in the directions of arrows A and B. Reference numeral 9 denotes a timing belt which is connected to the carriage 2 and transmits power for moving the carriage 2 in the directions of arrows A and B. The timing belt 9 includes pulleys 10A, 10A arranged on both sides of the device.
It is suspended on B. The driving force is transmitted from the carriage motor 11 to one pulley 10B via a transmission mechanism such as a gear.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 is a conveying roller,
Reference numeral 13 denotes a carry motor that drives the carry roller. The conveyance roller 12 regulates the recording surface of a recording material (recording medium) such as paper and conveys the recording material (paper feeding) at the time of recording or the like. Reference numeral 14 is a paper pan for guiding the recording material to the recording apparatus, and 15 is a feed roller for pressing the recording material toward the conveying roller 12. The feed roller 15 is provided in the conveying path of the recording material, and is for applying a conveying force to the recording material by pressing the recording material against the conveying roller 12.

Reference numeral 16 is a paper discharge roller for discharging the recording material toward a discharge port (not shown), and 17 is a paper discharge roller 1.
It is a spur provided corresponding to 6. The paper discharge roller 1
Reference numeral 6 is arranged downstream of the recording position in the recording material conveyance direction. Further, the spur 17 is provided for discharging the recording material to the paper discharge roller 1.
It is for applying the conveying force of the paper discharge roller 16 to the recording material by pressing it to the recording material 6. Reference numeral 18 denotes a platen provided at a position facing the ink ejection port of the recording head 1, and the platen 18 is urged toward a paper pan front surface portion 19 by an elastic member (not shown) and presses a recording material between them. It is arranged to hold.

In the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, as the recording means (recording head) 1, an ink jet recording head for recording while ejecting ink droplets toward a recording material is employed. Therefore, it is necessary to set the distance between the ejection port of the recording head 1 and the recording surface of the recording material small, and to strictly control the distance to avoid contact between the recording material and the ejection port. The paper pan front surface portion 19 is useful for regulating the position of the recording material and properly managing the distance from the ejection port.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a feed roller 15, a spur 17 and a platen 18 for attaching and detaching a recording material.
Is a release lever for releasing each bias of
Reference numeral 21 is a sensor for detecting the position of the carriage 2.
The sensor 21 detects the position of the carriage 2 by passing a protrusion (not shown) provided on the carriage 2.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a cap that faces the ejection port surface (the surface on which the ink ejection ports are arranged) of the recording head 1 at the home position of the carriage 2. This cap 2
Reference numeral 2 is formed of a rubber-like elastic material and is supported so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the ejection port surface of the recording head 1, and protects the ejection port of the recording head 1 during non-recording and performs ejection recovery processing. At this time, it is used to abut the discharge port surface and seal the discharge port. The ejection recovery process is to force ink by ejecting ink from all ejection ports into the cap 22 (preliminary ejection) or by applying suction force to the ejection ports with the cap 22 covering the ejection port surface. This is a process for removing ejection failure factors such as air bubbles, dust, ink that has become thicker and is no longer suitable for recording.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 23 is a pump used in the discharge recovery process. The pump 23 acts as a suction force for forcibly discharging the ink, and is also used for sucking the ink received by the cap 22 during the discharge recovery process by the forced discharge or the discharge recovery process by the preliminary discharge. A convex portion 24 that enters the concave portion 5 of the carriage 2 is formed on the outer shape of the pump 23. 25
Is a waste ink tank for storing the waste ink sucked by the pump 23, and 26 is the pump 23
And the waste ink tank 25.

Reference numeral 27 is a wiping member (cleaning member) for wiping and cleaning foreign matter such as ink adhered to the ejection port surface of the recording head 1. The wiping member 27 is formed of a plate-shaped rubber-like elastic body, and projects toward the recording head 1 side to wipe the ejection port surface (wiping) in the process of movement of the recording head 1 (movement in the main scanning direction). It is movably supported between an advancing position for cleaning) and a retracted position that does not contact the ejection port surface of the recording head 1. The operation of the pump 23 and the drive of the recovery mechanism such as the movement (forward and backward) of the cap 22 and the wiping member 27 can be performed by a common motor (recovery system motor).

The recording means (recording head) 1 is an ink jet recording means for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy, and is provided with an electrothermal converter for generating heat energy. Further, the recording head 1 is
Recording is performed by ejecting ink from the ejection port by utilizing the pressure change caused by the growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by the thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection portion of the recording head 1. In FIG. 2, a recording material (recording paper or the like) and a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.5).
A plurality of ejection openings 82 are formed at a predetermined pitch on the ejection opening surfaces 81 facing each other at a distance of about 2.0 mm), and each of the liquid passages 84 that communicates the common liquid chamber 83 with each ejection opening 82. An electrothermal converter (heat generating resistor, etc.) 85 for generating energy for ejecting ink is arranged along the wall surface.
In this example, the recording head 1 is mounted on the carriage 2 in such a positional relationship that the ejection ports 82 are arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the carriage 2. Thus
A recording unit that drives (energizes) the corresponding electrothermal converter 85 based on the image signal or the ejection signal to cause the ink in the liquid passage 84 to film-boil and eject the ink from the ejection port 82 by the pressure generated at that time. 1 is configured.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the main part of the first embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the wiping member 27 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the ejection port surface 81 of the recording unit 1 with which the wiping member 27 of FIG. 4 contacts. In FIG. 3, the recording means 1 mounted on the carriage 2 is composed of a replaceable head cartridge in which a recording head portion (ejection unit) 31 and ink tank portions (ink storage portions) 32A and 32B are integrated. The carriage 2 is shown in FIG.
However, as described above, it can reciprocate along the guide rails 8 in the directions of arrows A and B (main scanning direction). Then, at a position outside the recording area within the moving range of the recording means 1, the cap 22 is capable of contacting and separating from the ejection port surface 81.
And the wiping member 27 is arranged.

Discharge port surface 81 of recording means (recording head) 1
A plurality of ejection port groups 33, 34, 35, 36 for ejecting inks of different colors are formed in each. As shown in the drawing, these ejection port groups are divided and arranged in the sub-scanning direction (direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning directions A and B). As the colors of ink ejected from the ejection port groups 33, 34, 35, 36, for example, each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is selected. That is, the inks of the different colors are supplied to the ejection units (recording head portions) having the ejection port groups 33, 34, 35, 36, and predetermined ejection is performed by the ejection signal from the control circuit (not shown). By driving a predetermined ejection port of the outlet group, an image is recorded while ejecting ink droplets of a predetermined color from the predetermined ejection port.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the wiping member 27 includes a discharge port group 3 of the recording means (recording head) 1.
Corresponding to 3, 34, 35, 36, two wipers 37, 37 are attached to each ejection port group in a "horizontal C-shape". The central portion of each of the two wipers overlaps by a certain amount. Further, each wiper 37 protrudes outward from the endmost ejection port at both ends of each ejection port group, but the amount of protrusion is selected so as not to reach adjacent ejection ports of different colors. Two wipers 37 are provided for each discharge port group, and the two wipers 37, 37 for each discharge port group are attached at angles opposite to each other with respect to the sub-scanning direction. They are arranged in the above-mentioned “horizontal C-shape”.

In this way, the recording means 1 has a plurality of ejection port groups 33, 3 of different ink colors arranged in the sub-scanning direction.
The wiper 37 on the wiping member 27, which has 4, 35, and 36 and wipes and cleans the discharge port surface 81, is the recording unit 1.
In each of the ejection port groups, an ink jet recording apparatus is configured that operates so as to wipe the ejection port surface 81 in a direction from both ends of the ejection port group toward the central portion. The wiper 37 corresponding to each ejection port group is formed on the common wiping member 27, but in terms of wiping function, it is formed as a separate member independent for each ejection port group. . In addition,
Each of the wipers 37 may be a member separately assembled to form the wiping member 27, or the entire wiper 37 may be integrally formed to form the wiping member 27.

3 to 5, when the ejection port surface 81 of the recording head 1 is wiped and cleaned, the wiping member 27 is projected (advanced) so that each wiper 37 slides on the ejection port surface 81, and recording is performed. Wiping (wiping cleaning) is performed by moving the head 1 on the wiping member 27 from a direction in which each V-shaped wiper 37 is opened to a direction in which the wiper 37 is closed (from right to left in FIG. 4). Then, the yellow ink adhering to the periphery of the yellow ejection port group 33 is wiped by being scraped up by the corresponding two wipers to the central portion of the ejection port group 33, so that the adjacent ejection port group (magenta) is wiped. The yellow ink does not overflow toward the ejection port group 34).

Further, since the magenta ink adhering to the periphery of the magenta ejection port group 34 is wiped by being scraped up to the central portion of the ejection port group 34 by the corresponding two wipers, the adjacent yellow and The magenta ink does not overflow to either of the cyan ejection port groups 33 and 35. The same applies to each of the two wipers abutting the other ejection port groups 35 and 36, and ink is prevented from overflowing to the adjacent ejection port groups during wiping. Therefore, it is possible to prevent color mixing of ink (mixing of inks of different colors) when the ejection port surface 81 of the recording head 1 is wiped and cleaned, and as a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of image quality due to color mixing. Ink consumption can be reduced by reducing the number of preliminary ejections after wiping and cleaning.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the second embodiment of the wiping member 27 according to the present invention. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, among the plurality of ejection port groups 33, 34, 35, 36 dividedly arranged on the ejection port surface 81 in the sub-scanning direction, the wiped ink is ejected in the ejection port groups 33, 36 at both ends. It is not always necessary to collect in the center of the discharge port group, and the discharge port surface 81
You may sweep it to both ends of. Therefore, in the second embodiment of FIG. 6, the wiper 37 corresponding to the ejection port groups 33 and 36 at the upper and lower ends is inclined in the direction in which the ink around the ejection port group is swept toward the edge of the ejection port surface as illustrated. It consists of one wiper each. With such a configuration, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the wiping member 27 according to the present invention, FIG. 8 is a front view of the wiping member 27 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a line 9-- in FIG. 9
It is the end view seen from. 7 to 9, in the present embodiment, the wiper 37 of the wiping member 27 is formed of an integral foldable wiper member that is continuous over all ink colors. Reference numeral 38 in FIGS. 7 to 9 indicates a contact-side tip edge of the wiper 37. This wiper 37
Also has a plurality of wiping parts (wiper parts) formed in a mountain shape in accordance with each of the discharge port groups 33, 34, 35, 36, and when rubbing against each of the discharge port groups 33 to 36, the above-mentioned first As in the case of the embodiment, wiping (wiping cleaning) is performed so as to contact the ejection ports 82 at both ends of each ejection port group and scrape the ink toward the central portion of the ejection port group.

Also in the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the ink wiped by the wiper 37 from the ejection opening surface 81 can be collected so as not to escape toward the adjacent ejection opening group during wiping. It is possible to prevent color mixture of ink between adjacent ejection port groups when the ejection port surface 81 is wiped and cleaned, and thus to prevent deterioration of image quality due to color mixture as in the case of the first embodiment. Therefore, an ink jet recording apparatus capable of reducing the amount of ink consumption can be obtained by reducing the number of preliminary ejections after wiping and cleaning.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the serial recording method in which the recording means (recording head) is moved in the main scanning direction has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the full width or one width of the recording material. Even in the case of a line recording method for recording only by sub-scanning using a line recording means having a length that covers a portion,
The same can be applied and the same effect can be achieved. Further, the present invention is a recording apparatus having a plurality of ejection port groups, not only for inks of different colors, but also for a gradation recording apparatus having a plurality of ejection port groups for recording the same color at different densities. The same can be applied and the same effect can be achieved.

Further, according to the present invention, when a replaceable head cartridge in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrated is used, or when the recording head and the ink tank are separately provided, and a space between them is connected by an ink supply tube or the like. The same can be applied to any arrangement of the recording head and the ink tank, and similar effects can be obtained.

The present invention can be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording means (recording head) using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, but among them, thermal energy is used. Then, an excellent effect is brought about in an ink jet recording apparatus which uses a recording means of a method of ejecting ink. This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding the typical structure and principle thereof, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
This is preferably done using the basic principles disclosed in 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type, but particularly in the case of the on-demand type, a liquid (ink) is used.
By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which is stored, which corresponds to the recorded information and causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling. , Generates heat energy in the electrothermal converter to cause film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording means (recording head), and as a result, bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. So effective.

Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make the driving signal into a pulse shape because bubbles can be grown and contracted immediately and appropriately, and thus a liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be ejected. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat.
Those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,633,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Incidentally, US Pat. No. 43131 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface.
If the conditions described in the specification of No. 24 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the discharge 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. US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a structure based on Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 138461/1984, which discloses a structure in which the discharge section is associated with the discharge section. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, as described above, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording material (recording medium) which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. . As such a recording head,
Either a structure that satisfies the length by combining a plurality of recording heads or a structure as one recording head integrally formed may be used. In addition, even with the serial type as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the device main body,
Alternatively, a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be electrically connected to the device body and supply ink from the device body when mounted on the device body, or an ink tank is integrally provided on the recording head itself. The present invention is also effective when the cartridge type recording head described above is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means or preliminary auxiliary means to the recording head provided as a constitution of the recording apparatus in the present invention because the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, in addition to the above-mentioned capping means, cleaning means, and suction recovery means for the recording head, a pressure-type recovery means, an electrothermal converter, or a heating other than this. It is also effective to perform stable recording by performing a preliminary heating means using an element or a combination thereof and a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet. In the method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted within a 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 within a stable ejection range. It may be in a liquid form. in addition,
Whether the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively used as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or the ink that solidifies when left standing for the purpose of preventing evaporation of the ink is used. In any case, the ink is liquefied by applying the thermal energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink is ejected,
The present invention is also applicable to the case of using an ink that has a property of being liquefied only by thermal energy, such as one that has already started to solidify when it reaches the recording medium.

In addition, as the form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, besides the one used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function. And the like may be used.

[0043]

As is clear from the above description, according to the first aspect of the invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from the recording means to the recording material, the recording means is divided in the sub-scanning direction. A wiper that has a plurality of ejection port groups of different ink colors arranged and wipes and cleans the ejection port surface is an ejection port group other than at least the ejection port groups at both ends of the recording unit, and the central portion from both ends of the ejection port group. Since it is configured to wipe the ejection port surface in the direction toward, the wiper collects the ink wiped from the ejection port surface so that it does not escape to the adjacent ejection port group, and the ejection port when cleaning the ejection port surface is wiped out. It is possible to prevent color mixture between the outlet groups, and thus to prevent deterioration of image quality due to color mixture, and reduce ink consumption by reducing the number of preliminary ejections after wiping and cleaning. Door recording apparatus is provided.

According to the inventions of claims 2 and 3,
In addition to the constitution of claim 1, the wiper is a separate member independent for each ejection port group, or in the ejection port group other than at least both ends of the recording means, two wipers are provided for each ejection port group. Since the two wipers are provided so as to be attached at angles opposite to each other with respect to the sub-scanning direction, the ink wiped from the ejection port surface by the wiper can be more efficiently adjoined to the adjacent ejection port. The discharge ports are assembled so that they do not escape toward the group, and color mixture between the discharge port groups can be prevented when wiping and cleaning the discharge port surface, thus preventing deterioration of image quality due to color mixing. Provided is an inkjet recording apparatus that can reduce the amount of ink consumption by reducing the number of ejections.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of an ink ejection portion of the recording means in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a main configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the wiping member in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a discharge port surface of the recording unit in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a second embodiment of the wiping member according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the wiping member according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the wiping member of FIG.

9 is a schematic end view of the wiping member of FIG. 7. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Recording Means (Recording Head) 2 Carriage 7 Flexible Cable 8 Guide Rail 9 Timing Belt 11 Carriage Motor 12 Conveying Roller 13 Conveying Motor 14 Paper Pan 15 Feed Roller 16 Paper Ejection Roller 18 Platen 22 Cap 23 Pump 27 Wiping Member 31 Recording Head Section 32 Ink Tank Section 33 Discharge Port Group (Yellow) 34 Discharge Port Group (Magenta) 35 Discharge Port Group (Cyan) 36 Discharge Port Group (Black) 37 Wiper 38 Contact Side Tip Edge (Wiper) 81 Discharge Port Surface 82 Discharge Port 84 liquid path 85 electrothermal converter

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means to a recording material, wherein the recording means has a plurality of ejection port groups of different ink colors arranged in a sub-scanning direction, The wiper that wipes and cleans the outlet surface is an ejection port group other than the ejection port group at least at both ends of the recording unit, and the ejection port surface is wiped in a direction from both ends of the ejection port group toward the central portion. . 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiper is a separate member independent for each ejection port group. 3. A discharge port group other than at least both ends of the recording means is provided with two wipers for each discharge port group, and these two wipers have angles opposite to each other with respect to the sub-scanning direction. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is attached. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means is an inkjet recording means including an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for ejecting ink. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording means ejects the ink from the ejection port by utilizing film boiling generated in the ink by the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter. .