JPH0929982A - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize both of high speed recording and high reliability at low price, contrive to simplify maintenance and management and realize both the simplicity of a serial recording device and the high functionality of a line recording device. SOLUTION: A plurality of ink jet cartridges 1 are arranged in the state that discharge opening surfaces 2 are in a same plane, the directions of discharge opening rows 3 are parallel to one another, and the pitches in all discharge openings, seen from the direction normal to the discharge opening rows 3, are equal to one another. In a platen 6, openings 10, for bringing cap 8 and plate 9 in contact with each discharge opening surface 2 are provided.

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 a function such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or the like, or a recording device used as an output device such as a composite electronic device including a computer or a word processor or a workstation, is based on paper based on the recording information. It is configured to record an image (including characters and symbols) on a recording material (recording medium) such as a recording medium or a plastic thin plate. The recording apparatus, depending on the recording method, inkjet type, wire dot type, thermal type,
It can be divided into laser beam type and the like.

In a serial type recording apparatus for recording while performing main scanning in a direction intersecting with a recording material conveying direction (sub-scanning direction), after the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, the recording material is set on the recording material. The entire recording material is recorded by combining the recording operation by the recording means moving along with the conveying operation of feeding the recording material in the direction intersecting the moving direction of the recording means.

On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus which records a recording material only in a sub-scanning direction in which the recording material is fed in the conveying direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position and the recording for one line is continuously performed. A predetermined amount of paper feed (pitch feed) is performed while performing the recording, and an image is recorded on the entire recording material.

[0005] Among the above recording apparatuses, an ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means (recording head) onto a recording material. It is easy, can record high-definition images at high speed, can record on plain paper without requiring special processing, running cost is low, and because it is a non-impact method, there is little noise, and It has the advantage that it is easy to record a color image using multicolor inks. Above all, a line type using a full multi-type recording means in which a large number of discharge ports are arranged in the paper width direction can further increase the recording speed.

[0006] In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for discharging ink by using thermal energy,
Through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, sputtering, etc., an electrothermal converter, an electrode,
By forming the liquid path wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a device having a high-density liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement), and to further reduce the size.

On the other hand, there are various requirements for the material of the recording material, and in recent years, in addition to the ordinary recording material such as paper and resin thin plate (OHP, etc.), thin paper or processed paper (for filing) is used. It has become necessary to use bunched paper, perforated paper, paper of any shape, etc.).

As described above, the above-mentioned ink jet recording apparatus scans a recording head having a recording width of one line or several lines, and performs recording on a recording area while conveying a recording material. And a line recording apparatus that uses a recording head having a length that covers a predetermined area in the width direction of a recording material and performs recording in the recording area only by conveying the recording material.

In the serial recording apparatus, since the recording width (line height) that can be recorded at a time is narrow, it takes time to record, and the mechanism for scanning the recording head and the position of the recording head are detected. This is disadvantageous in that it requires a detecting means for that and the device configuration becomes complicated.

On the other hand, in the line recording apparatus, since the recording head is fixed, the line recording apparatus can have a simple structure with few moving parts and can reduce noise and vibration. Since it is possible to record the entire width of the material, it is excellent in that the recording time can be greatly shortened.
On the other hand, it is difficult to manufacture a long recording head over the entire width of the recording material with high reliability and at low cost.If a part of the recording head fails, the long recording head must be replaced in its entirety. Instead, the burden on the user increases,
It is inferior in that it is difficult to secure long-term reliability.

The present invention has been made in view of the disadvantages of the serial recording apparatus and the line recording apparatus, and an object of the present invention is to enable high-speed recording and to obtain high reliability. Can be manufactured at a low price,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a line-type ink jet recording apparatus which can perform maintenance very easily and has the advantages of a serial recording apparatus.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, recording means for a plurality of serial recording devices, which can be easily attached and detached, is arranged so that the arrangement length of all the ejection openings thereof corresponds to a predetermined recording width. By arranging the same in the above, a pseudo full-line ink jet recording apparatus is provided.

That is, according to the invention of claim 1, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from the recording means to the recording material, at least three or more are arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material. The above-described object is achieved by providing a mounting portion for mounting the recording means having a plurality of ejection ports, and by configuring each recording means with the same ink.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means to a recording material, an ink jet head portion having a plurality of ejection ports and an ink reservoir for supplying ink to the head portion. At least three of the inkjet cartridges each having a section are provided with an array section arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material, and each inkjet cartridge is filled with the same ink. Is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, each of the plurality of recording means has ejection port surfaces in the same plane, and the ejection port arrays are parallel to each other. The above object is achieved by arranging such that the pitches of all the ejection openings are equal when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection opening array.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the second aspect, the plurality of ink jet cartridges have respective ejection port surfaces in the same plane, and the respective ejection port arrays are parallel to each other. The above object is achieved by arranging such that the pitches of all the ejection openings are equal when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection opening array.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or third aspect, a cap and an ejection port surface for protecting the ejection port surface are provided at positions facing the ejection port surface of each of the plurality of recording units. A blade to be cleaned is provided, and a platen having a through hole through which the cap and the blade can pass is provided between the cap and the blade and the discharge port surface, thereby achieving the above object. To do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or fourth aspect, a cap for protecting the ejection port surface and a ejection port surface are provided at positions facing the ejection port surfaces of the plurality of ink jet cartridges. A blade to be cleaned is provided, and a platen having a through hole through which the cap and the blade can pass is provided between the cap and the blade and the discharge port surface, thereby achieving the above object. To do.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the relative arrangement of a plurality of recording means (inkjet cartridges), a platen and a cap unit of the first embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the recording means of FIG. 2 from below in a vertical direction and showing a platen and a cap unit.

Each recording means (each ink jet cartridge) 1 has a structure in which an ink jet head portion 11 (ink ejection unit) and an ink storage portion (ink tank) 12 are integrated. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a plurality of ink jet cartridges (recording means) 1 for a serial recording apparatus are closely stacked in the thin direction (thickness direction) and are parallel to the ejection port in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction). The rows are staggered by the length of the rows. 2 is each inkjet cartridge (recording means)
The ejection port surface 1 and the ejection port array 3 are formed on each ejection port surface 2.

The ejection port surface 2 of each cartridge 1 is in the same plane, and the ejection port arrays 3 of each cartridge 1 are parallel to each other. Further, when the ejection port arrays 3 of the cartridges 1 are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection port arrays 3 in the ejection port surface, all the ejection ports are arranged so that their pitches are equal without overlapping. Has been done. Further, the steps 5 on the arrangement between the adjacent cartridges 1 are all the same.

1 and 2, 6 is a platen and 7 is a platen.
Is a cap unit. This cap unit 7
Is provided with a plurality of caps 8 for protecting the respective ejection opening surfaces 2 and a plurality of blades 9 made of a rubber-like elastic material for wiping and cleaning the respective ejection opening surfaces 2. The platen 6 is in the same plane as a transport surface for transporting (paper transporting) a recording material such as a recording paper, and a plurality of caps 8 penetrate the platen 6 to come into contact with the ejection port surface 2. Through hole (opening) 10 is formed.

The cap unit 7 is arranged to face the discharge port surface 2 with the platen 6 interposed therebetween. Each cap 8
And each blade 9 are mounted so that the height can be relatively changed, the cap 8 becomes high when capping the discharge surface 2 and the blade 9 becomes high when wiping and cleaning the discharge surface 2, Each of them is configured to come into contact (abut) with the ejection port surface 2 at a high position.

The ink jet cartridge 1 is fixed to a support (not shown) provided in the main body of the apparatus.
This support includes a plurality of inkjet cartridges 1
Positioning guide (not shown) for positioning the
And electrical contacts (not shown) for driving each recording head 1.
And

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a recording material (not shown) such as recording paper is conveyed on a conveying surface including the platen 6 in a direction perpendicular to the ejection port array 3 of each cartridge 1,
It is recorded by each cartridge 1. Needless to say, when a character or an image is recorded on the recording material, the step 5 between the adjacent cartridges 1 electrically delays and corrects the recording data.

The ink jet head portion 11 of the ink jet cartridge (recording means) 1 is an ink jet recording means for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy, and has an electrothermal converter for generating heat energy. Is. In addition, the head unit 11 ejects ink from an ejection port to perform recording by utilizing a pressure change caused by growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling generated by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. Is.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection section of the ink jet head section 11. In FIG. 3, a plurality of ejection openings 82 are formed at a predetermined pitch on the ejection opening surface 2 that faces a recording material such as recording paper with a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.5 to 2.0 mm). Each liquid passage 8 that is formed and connects the common liquid chamber 83 and each discharge port 82
An electrothermal converter (heating resistor, etc.) 85 for generating energy for ink ejection is provided along the wall surface of No. 4.

The ink jet head portion 11 having such a structure is positioned and fixed to the apparatus main body in a state where a plurality of ink jet head portions 11 are arranged in a stepwise manner as described above. Then, based on the image signal or the ejection signal, the electrothermal converter 85 of each ejection port 82 of the ejection port array 3 of each head unit 11 is driven (energized) to cause the ink in the liquid channel 84 to boil. A line-type recording unit that ejects ink from the ejection port 82 by the pressure generated at that time is configured.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a relative arrangement of a plurality of ink jet cartridges (recording means) of a second embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, together with a recording material (continuous paper) 13 as viewed from vertically below. It is a top view. In this embodiment, the width of the recording apparatus is reduced by devising the arrangement of the ink jet cartridge 1 in comparison with the first embodiment described above.

In FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the cartridge 1 (No. 1, No. 2, ... No. n) is stepwise formed from one side (right side in the drawing) of the recording area as in the case of the first embodiment. In order to prevent the cartridge 1 from protruding from the other end (the left side in the drawing) of the recording area from the n + 1th position (No.n + 1) in the middle, the direction of the cartridge 1 is reversed by 180 degrees and the stairs are similarly formed. It is arranged in a shape. In the reversed cartridge 1, the recording data is also reversed.

According to the second embodiment of FIG. 4, the total width of the plurality of ink jet cartridges 1 with respect to the recording area of the same width can be narrowed as compared with the above-mentioned first embodiment. It is possible to reduce the width dimension of the device and to achieve miniaturization.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the relative arrangement of a plurality of ink jet cartridges of the third embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, as seen from vertically below. In this embodiment, the length of the cartridge array in the transport direction (paper feed direction) of the recording material is reduced by devising the array of the ink jet cartridges 1 in comparison with the first embodiment. .

In FIG. 5, a plurality of cartridges 1 are arranged on the extension line of the ejection port array 3 of one ink jet cartridge 1 so as not to overlap with each other. As in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the right side of the drawing is shown. From the 1st cartridge No. 1 to the 2nd to nth cartridge
No.2, No.3 ... No.n are arranged in a staircase pattern.

After arranging n cartridges 1 up to No.n in a stepwise manner, the n + 1th cartridge No.n +
The ejection port array 3 of No. 1 is on the extension line of the ejection port array 3 of the No. 1 cartridge, and the ejection port 82 at the right end of the ejection port array 3 of the No. n + 1 cartridge and the ejection port array 3 of the No. n cartridge. The leftmost ejection ports 82 are in a positional relationship such that the distance between them is equal to the pitch between the ejection ports 82 in each cartridge 1 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection port array 3 on the paper surface.

According to the third embodiment of FIG. 5, the length dimension of the cartridge array in the recording material conveying direction (paper feeding direction) can be made smaller than that in the first embodiment described above, and in that direction. The size (depth size) of the recording device can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the ejection port surfaces 2 and 2 of adjacent ink jet cartridges 1 and 1 of the fourth embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 6, each inkjet cartridge 1 is arranged so that one or more ejection ports 82 overlap each other at the joint between the individual cartridges 1 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection port array 3 in the ejection port surface 2. ing.

According to the fourth embodiment of FIG. 6, when recording,
The overlapping discharge ports 82 are used according to an arbitrary rule or randomly selected. Thereby, the discontinuity of the joint due to the individual difference of the inkjet cartridge 1 can be mitigated, and the occurrence of the joint stripe or the joint unevenness can be prevented.

According to the embodiment described above, the recording means (inkjet cartridge) 1 for a plurality of easily attachable / detachable serial recording devices has a length in which the total array length of the ejection openings 82 corresponds to a predetermined recording width. Since the pseudo full-line recording apparatus is configured by arranging so as to be small, it is possible to realize a line-type inkjet recording apparatus that is high-speed, highly reliable, low-priced, and extremely easy to maintain. .

The present invention uses a replaceable ink jet cartridge 1 in which the ink jet head portion 11 and the ink storage portion (ink tank) 12 are integrated, and the ink jet head and the ink storage portion are provided separately.
It can be similarly applied to any arrangement of the recording head and the ink tank, such as a configuration in which a tube for supplying ink is connected between them, and the same effect can be obtained.

In the case of an ink jet recording apparatus, the present invention can be applied to, for example, an apparatus using a recording means using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording means of a discharge type. According to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

[0041]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting the ink from the recording means (or the ink jet cartridge) to the recording material, The recording medium is provided with a mounting portion for mounting recording means having a plurality of ejection openings arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material, and each recording means is filled with the same ink. Because of the configuration, high-speed recording is possible, high reliability can be obtained, it can be manufactured at a low price, maintenance can be performed very easily, and the line has the advantages of a serial recording device. An inkjet recording device is provided.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from the recording means onto the recording material, the ink is supplied to the ink jet head section having a plurality of ejection ports and the head section. At least three of ink-jet cartridges having an ink reservoir
Since each ink jet cartridge has an arrangement part arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material and each ink jet cartridge is filled with the same ink, high speed recording is possible and high reliability is obtained. Therefore, a line type inkjet recording apparatus is provided which can be manufactured at low cost, can be maintained and managed very easily, and has the advantages of the serial recording apparatus.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the plurality of recording means (inkjet cartridges) have respective ejection port surfaces in the same plane, and Since the directions of the ejection port arrays are parallel to each other and the pitches of all the ejection ports are arranged to be equal when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the ejection port array, high-speed recording is possible. Therefore, a line type ink jet recording apparatus is provided which has high reliability, can be manufactured at a low price, can be maintained and managed very easily, and has the advantages of the serial recording apparatus.

According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first or second aspect, a cap for protecting the ejection port surface at a position facing the ejection port surface of each of the plurality of recording means. And a blade for cleaning the discharge port surface are arranged,
Between the cap and the blade and the discharge port surface, since the platen having a through hole through which the cap and the blade can penetrate is arranged, high-speed recording is possible,
Provided is a line type inkjet recording apparatus which can obtain high reliability, can be manufactured at a low price, can perform maintenance very easily, and has the advantages of a serial recording apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a relative arrangement of recording means and the like of a first embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a related portion of the recording device of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from vertically below.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a structure of an ink ejection unit of the recording unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a relative arrangement of recording means of a second embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from vertically below.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a relative arrangement of recording means of a third embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from vertically below.

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the ejection port surface of the adjacent recording means of the fourth embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording means (inkjet cartridge) 2 Discharge port surface 3 Discharge port array 5 Step 6 Platen 7 Cap unit 8 Cap 9 Blade 10 Through hole (opening) 11 Inkjet head part 12 Ink storage part (ink tank part) 13 Recording material ( Recording paper) 82 Discharge port 84 Liquid path 85 Electrothermal converter

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Hajime Kaneko 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kazuo Iwata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Within the corporation

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink from a recording means onto a recording material, the recording having at least three or more ejection openings arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a mounting portion for mounting the means, wherein each recording means is filled with the same ink. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting ink from a recording means to a recording material for recording, and an ink jet head section having a plurality of ejection ports, and an ink storing section for supplying ink to the head section. An inkjet recording apparatus, wherein at least three of the cartridges are provided with an array portion arranged in a stepwise manner in the width direction of the recording material, and the same ink is filled in each inkjet cartridge. 3. The plurality of recording means have respective ejection port surfaces in the same plane, the respective ejection port arrays are parallel to each other, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the ejection port arrays, The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording devices are arranged so that the pitches between the ejection ports are equal. 4. The plurality of ink jet cartridges have respective ejection port surfaces in the same plane, the respective ejection port arrays are parallel to each other, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the ejection port arrays, The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ejection openings are arranged so that the pitches between the ejection openings are the same. 5. A cap that protects the ejection port surface and a blade that cleans the ejection port surface are provided at positions facing the ejection port surface of each of the plurality of recording units, and the cap, the blade, and the ejection port surface are disposed. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a platen having a through hole through which the cap and the blade can penetrate is disposed between the platen and the platen. 6. A cap that protects the ejection port surface and a blade that cleans the ejection port surface are provided at positions facing the ejection port surface of each of the plurality of inkjet cartridges, and the cap, the blade, and the ejection port surface are disposed. 5. A platen having a through hole through which the cap and the blade can pass is disposed between the platen and the platen.
3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The ink jet recording means according to claim 1, wherein the recording means is an ink jet recording means including an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for ejecting ink. Recording device. 8. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording unit ejects the ink from the ejection port by utilizing the film boiling generated in the ink by the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter. .