JPH0725038A - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an ink jet recording device wherein the number of electric wires to be connected to a record head is reduced and electric power required for recording can be lowered CONSTITUTION:In a recording device having a plurality of record heads mounted on one carriage, a signal line 11 and a power source supply line 12 for a record head 9 are used in common and the record head 9 is selected at every scanning of the carriage 6 and recording operation is carried out. When a plurality of heads 9 which discharge different kinds of inks respectively are mounted on one carriage 6, recording operations of all the heads 9 are carried out likewise repeatedly. Further, the same operation is performed also in the case that a head 9 having a plurality of nozzle groups which discharge different kinds of inks respectively is mounted on the carriage 6.

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 as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, a computer, a word processor or a combination of these.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a signal line and a power supply line to a recording unit of a conventional example, and FIG. 7B is an operation procedure explanatory diagram of this example.

An ink jet recording apparatus may be equipped with a plurality of recording heads for the purpose of performing multicolor printing, and a power source having a sufficient capacity for simultaneously driving and recording those recording heads. A large number of power supply lines and signal lines are prepared and connected to the recording head.

As an example of an actual ink jet recording apparatus having such a structure, a perspective view of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 2 showing an embodiment of the present invention, a sectional view of FIG. 3 and a conventional example of FIG. This will be described with reference to schematic diagrams of examples.

The apparatus is roughly divided into a recording device section 2 and an electric circuit section 3. The recording device unit 2 includes a paper feed roller 4, a paper discharge roller 5, a carriage 6, and the like. The paper 7 inserted from the direction of arrow a or the direction of arrow b is sent to the front surface of the carriage 6 by the paper feed roller 4. The carriage 6 reciprocates along the paper surface of the paper 7 at right angles to the paper feed direction, and ejects ink from the recording head 9 of the mounted recording unit 8 to perform recording. At this time, the carriage 6 reciprocates so that the ink ejection surface of the recording head 9 faces the paper surface of the paper sheet 7 while keeping a constant distance from the paper surface.

Here, for example, one recording unit 8 is for black ink which is frequently used, and the other recording unit 8 ₁
The recording head 9 ₁ has Y: yellow, M: magenta,
C: Multi-color printing can be performed by mounting a multi-head for three color inks of cyan and appropriately using them.

Alternatively, the same applies when a recording unit 8 is mounted for each color.

The electric circuit section 3 comprises a circuit board 10 and a power source section (not shown), and drives and controls the recording apparatus section 2. Among these, the drive and control of the recording head are performed by electrically connecting the circuit board 10 and the recording head 9 with a flat cable or the like having a sufficient length so as not to hinder the movement of the carriage 6. As shown in FIG. 7A, a signal line for control is required for each color individually.

[0009]

When a plurality of recording heads are simultaneously driven for recording by using the above apparatus, it is necessary to control each recording head individually. The number of signal lines for the signal is significantly increased as compared with the case where there is one recording head. Further, the power supply also needs a capacity sufficient to drive all the recording heads at the same time, and the number of power supply lines must be increased as necessary.

Since the number of electric wires such as signal wires and power supply wires increases in this way, problems such as cost increase, difficulty in laying wires inside the apparatus, and increase in influence of electromagnetic noise occur. In addition, a power supply device having a large capacity is required, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost and downsizing of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus which solves the above problems and has a structure that reduces the number of electric wires connected to the recording head and the electric power required for recording. Is.

[0012]

In an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of recording heads are mounted on a single carriage, and the recording heads can be reciprocally moved together with the carriage. The signal lines for driving the heads and the power supply lines are shared, and the recording operation is performed by selecting a partial number of print heads each time the carriage scans once. Also, different types of ink are ejected. In a configuration in which a plurality of recording heads are mounted on one carriage and the recording heads can be reciprocally moved together with the carriages, the signal line for driving each recording head and the power supply line are shared, and the carriage is It is possible to repeat the recording operation by selecting a partial number of recording heads for each scanning, and to perform the recording operation for all the recording heads by scanning a plurality of times. In addition, when a recording head having a plurality of nozzle groups for ejecting different kinds of ink is mounted on a carriage and the recording head can be reciprocally moved together with the carriage, each nozzle group is driven. The signal line and the power supply line are shared, the recording operation is repeated by selecting a partial number of nozzle groups each time the carriage scans once, and the recording operation of all nozzle groups is performed by a plurality of scans. It is characterized by doing.

In any of these ink jet recording apparatuses, the recording head uses thermal energy to eject ink from the ejection port, and the electrothermal converter is a means for generating the thermal energy. It is preferable to have

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the recording of one head is repeated for each one-way movement of the carriage as many times as necessary. For example, in the case of performing multicolor printing of four colors, ink is ejected by driving the heads of the first color on the outward path of the carriage and the second color on the return path of the carriage. Third color, fourth
Record the color as well. In this case, the recording of the four colors is completed by two reciprocations, and then the paper is fed. By repeating this, four-color printing can be performed on the paper surface.

With this arrangement, since only one recording head is driven at any one time, it is not necessary to prepare a signal line and a power supply line for driving the recording head for each recording head, and one recording head is enough. The signal line, the power supply line, and the signal line for recording head selection may be connected. The signal line and the power supply line are shared by all recording heads, but since only the recording head selected by the recording head selection signal becomes effective, there is no problem in operation.

Further, the power source for driving the recording heads only needs to have a capacity for one recording head.

As a result, the number of electric wires connected to the recording head can be reduced, and the size of the power source required for recording can be reduced.
The aforementioned problems are solved.

[0018]

1A is a schematic view showing a signal line, a power supply line and the like to a recording unit of an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an operation of this embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plane A of FIG.
-A is a schematic sectional view.

The general structure and operation of each part shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are the same as those described in the conventional example for the sake of convenience, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

In FIG. 1A, it is assumed that four print heads eject inks of different colors.
The electric wires connected to the electric circuit unit are only the recording head selection signal line 13, the control signal line 11 for one recording head, and the power supply line 12.

The control signal line 11 is shared by all recording heads, and the power is supplied to one recording head selected by the information from the recording head selection signal line 13. Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, first, recording is performed by the first recording head (for example, Y: yellow) while the carriage moves one way, and the second recording head is reversed when the direction is reversed and the carriage returns. (For example, M: magenta). Similarly, the third and fourth recording heads (for example, C: cyan and black) can perform multicolor printing by sequentially switching the recording head selection for each one-way movement of the carriage back and forth. At this time, it is desirable to always switch the heads in a fixed order in order to avoid a change in color tone due to a difference in the order of ink ejection.

By using such a structure and recording method, the number of electric wires can be greatly reduced as compared with the conventional one, and since it is not necessary to drive a plurality of heads at the same time, the capacity of the power supply can be small. Therefore, it is effective in cost reduction and miniaturization of the device, and it is also less likely to become a source of electromagnetic noise, and conversely less susceptible to external electromagnetic noise. The equivalent is obtained.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing signal lines, power supply lines, etc. to the recording unit of the second embodiment. This example
It is assumed that a single-color recording head and three-color multi-head are mounted on one carriage. Even when the recording head has a plurality of nozzle groups for ejecting different kinds of ink like the multi-head at this time, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained by using the present invention.

Of course, it is possible to use the present invention when only one multi-head is mounted on the carriage to obtain a plurality of kinds of required inks. In this case, the number of signal lines can be reduced. Although no decrease can be expected, the effect of suppressing the capacitance of the electrode can be obtained.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing signal lines, power supply lines and the like to the recording unit of the third embodiment, and FIG.
[FIG. 7] is an operation procedure explanatory diagram of the present embodiment. In this example, instead of ejecting ink one color at a time as in the first embodiment, ejection is performed every half of the number mounted on the carriage.

In this case, the effect as great as that of the first embodiment cannot be expected. However, it is possible to solve the problem that the recording speed, which is a drawback of the first embodiment, is considerably slower than the conventional one.

In general, when performing multicolor printing, changing the order in which the colors are overlapped changes the tint. Therefore, reciprocal recording was not possible even in the conventional example. That is, FIG.
As shown in the operation procedure explanatory diagram of the conventional example in (b), in order to prevent the color shade from changing for each line due to the reverse order of color overlapping in the forward and return paths of the carriage, only in one direction. As a result of performing the recording at 1, the recording speed becomes one line per carriage reciprocation.

In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), half the colors can be recorded on the outward path and the rest can be recorded on the return path. As a result, there is an advantage that a recording speed and a recording result equivalent to those of the conventional example can be obtained in the end, and moreover, an electric wire and a power source capacity can be smaller than those of the conventional example.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing signal lines, power supply lines and the like to the recording unit of the fourth embodiment. This example
This is similar to the second embodiment in which a single-color head and a multi-head are combined, but the number of signal lines is increased so that each nozzle group of the multi-head can be driven simultaneously. Therefore, the effect is less than that of the second embodiment, but there is an advantage that the recording speed does not need to be reduced as in the third embodiment. In addition, in terms of frequency of use and color density, a single-color head is black, and a multi-head is Y, M, or C.
It seems that colors are assigned, but in this case it is necessary to keep the recording direction of the multi-head constant, but it is considered that black does not have an influence by the above-mentioned driving order, so the recording direction will be It doesn't matter if they are reversed.

The present invention brings excellent effects particularly in a bubble jet type recording head and a recording device of the ink jet recording type. 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. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
It can be applied to any of the continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to the recorded information and gives a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal in a one-to-one correspondence
It is effective because bubbles can be formed inside. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings by the growth and contraction of the bubbles to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape because bubbles can be immediately and appropriately grown and contracted, so that liquid (ink) ejection with excellent responsiveness can be achieved.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 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. 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.
The structure using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention.

In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a structure in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a pressure wave of thermal energy is absorbed. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration in which an opening corresponds to a discharge portion. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be surely and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as one recording head integrally formed.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main body of the apparatus or the ink from the main body of the apparatus is electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus by being attached to the main body of the apparatus. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided in the present invention as a configuration of the recording apparatus, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
Capping means, cleaning means, pressurization or suction means for the recording head, preheating means by an electrothermal converter or another heating element or a combination thereof, and ejection different from recording Performing the preliminary ejection mode is also effective for stable recording.

Regarding the type or number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, only one is provided corresponding to a single color ink, or a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities are supported. A plurality of pieces may be provided. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but it may be either the recording head is integrally formed or a plurality of combinations may be used. The present invention is also extremely effective for a device provided with at least one of full colors by color mixing.

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 that softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet system. In general, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within 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 within the stable ejection range. Anything can be used. In addition, the temperature rise due to the thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as the energy for the state change of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or the ink that solidifies in the standing state is used for the purpose of preventing the evaporation of the ink. However, in any case, when heat ink is liquefied by applying heat energy according to the recording signal and liquid ink is ejected, or when the ink reaches the recording medium, it is already solidified. The present invention is also applicable to the case of using an ink that has a property of being liquefied only by energy. In this case, the ink is disclosed in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60.
As described in JP-A-71260, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or the through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

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

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a plurality of heads are mounted on one carriage for recording, the number of wires connecting the circuit board and the recording heads can be greatly reduced. It is effective for cost reduction, improvement of assembling, and reduction of influence of electromagnetic noise.

Further, since it is not necessary to drive all the heads at the same time, there is an effect that the capacity of the power source for driving the head can be small.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a signal line, a power supply line and the like to a recording unit of an embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an operation procedure explanatory diagram of the embodiment. Is.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present embodiment.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the plane AA of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a signal line, a power supply line, etc. to a recording unit of a second embodiment.

5A is a schematic diagram showing signal lines, power supply lines and the like to the recording unit of the third embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an operation procedure explanatory diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a signal line, a power supply line, etc. to a recording unit of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a signal line to a recording unit of a conventional example,
A schematic diagram showing a power supply line, (b) is an operation procedure explanatory diagram of the present example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording apparatus main body 2 Recording apparatus section 3 Electric circuit section 4 Paper feed roller 5 Paper discharge roller 6 Carriage 7 Paper 8,8 ₁ to 8 ₃ Recording unit 9,9 _{1 to} 9 ₃ Recording head 10 Circuit board 11,11 ₁ To 11 ₃ recording head control signal lines 12, 12 _{1 to} 12 ₃ recording head power supply line 13 recording head selection signal line

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location B41J 3/04 104 D

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of recording heads mounted on one carriage, and the recording heads capable of reciprocating together with the carriages, a signal line for driving each recording head, and a power supply. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a line is shared, and a recording operation is performed by selecting a partial number of recording heads each time the carriage scans once. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus in which a plurality of recording heads for ejecting different kinds of ink are mounted on one carriage, and the recording heads can be reciprocally moved together with the carriages. The signal line for driving and the power supply line are shared, and the carriage is 1
An inkjet recording apparatus characterized in that a recording operation is performed by selecting a partial number of recording heads each time scanning is performed, and the recording operation of all recording heads is performed by scanning a plurality of times. 3. An ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording head having a plurality of nozzle groups for ejecting different kinds of ink is mounted on a carriage, and the recording head can be reciprocally moved together with the carriage. The signal line and the power supply line for driving the nozzles are shared, and the recording operation is repeated by selecting a partial number of nozzle groups each time the carriage scans once. An inkjet recording apparatus, which performs a recording operation. 4. The recording head is for ejecting ink from an ejection port by utilizing thermal energy, and has an electrothermal converter as a means for generating the thermal energy. 7. The inkjet recording device according to any one of 1.