JPH0929994A - Recording device and facsimile apparatus employing recording device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To conduct an absorbing recovery and record with effective use of ink through a life prolongation control while detecting a residual amount of ink by controlling the device to cease recording operation based upon each amount of discharge and consumption of ink after the determination of no remaining ink. SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 9 comprises a sponge 92 provided as a cushioning material for supplying ink to a recording head 94 always at a constant pressure and an ink reservoir tank for gradually supplying ink to the sponge 92. Since the ink remaining detection is made for detecting liquid ink in the ink reservoir tank, a small amount of ink remains in the ink reservoir tank and sponge 92 even in the determination of no remaining ink. When a recording operation is carried on in these conditions while conducting a life prolongation control, ink within the ink reservoir tank is exhausted, resulting in a condition where only ink contained in the sponge 92 remains.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus, and more particularly to a recording apparatus for recording according to an inkjet method and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various techniques have been used in a recording apparatus for recording in accordance with an ink jet method in order to detect the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank provided in the apparatus. As a typical example of such a technique, there is a method of using a transmission type optical sensor or an electrode arranged in an ink tank to detect an electric signal obtained from these elements which changes according to a change in the remaining amount of ink. there were. Then, when it is determined that the ink does not remain, the recording operation is controlled to stop immediately.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has a drawback that it cannot be detected that the ink is completely left. For example, a sponge is provided in a part of the ink tank in order to prevent the ink from flowing out. First, the ink is absorbed by the sponge from the ink reservoir where the sponge is not provided, and the ink is sufficiently absorbed before recording. An ink tank having a structure for supplying ink to the head is known. In the case of the ink tank having such a configuration, it is difficult to detect the amount of ink remaining on the sponge by the above method.

Therefore, the above-mentioned method has a problem that the ink remaining on the sponge cannot be used for recording because the recording operation is stopped even though the ink is absorbed and remains on the sponge. In order to solve such a problem, even after it is determined that no ink remains, the number of dots printed by ejecting ink reaches a predetermined value while counting the number of dots printed. There has also been proposed a device configured to control up to recording (this is called life extension control).

However, in such a structure, an apparatus having a mechanism for performing suction recovery by suctioning the nozzles with a suction pump or the like periodically or intermittently so that the ink discharge ports (nozzles) of the recording head are not clogged. In this case, there is a problem that the ink cannot be used unless the amount of ink discharged by suction is taken into consideration. The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and performs suction recovery, and
An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus, which can perform recording by further effectively using ink by life extension control while detecting the remaining amount of ink.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a recording apparatus is provided with a recording unit that ejects ink from a recording head to perform recording on a recording medium, and an ink tank that stores the ink, and a detection unit that detects the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank. A suction means for sucking the ink of the recording head, a counting means for counting the ink ejection amount by the recording operation of the recording head, and a counting operation in the recording operation after the detection means determines that no ink remains. And a recording control unit that controls to stop the recording operation by the recording unit based on the ink discharge amount counted by the recording unit and the ink consumption amount by the suction operation by the suction unit. .

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus using the above recording apparatus, the communication means transmitting / receiving an image signal via a communication line, and the storage means temporarily storing the image signal. And a facsimile apparatus characterized by having.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With the above-described structure, the present invention detects the amount of ink remaining in an ink tank that stores ink in recording using a recording unit that ejects ink from a recording head to perform recording on a recording medium. Then, in the recording operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain by the detection, the recording is performed based on the ink discharge amount from the recording head by the recording operation counted by the counting unit and the ink consumption amount by the suction operation of the suction unit. The recording operation by the means is controlled to stop.

Here, the ink ejection amount and the ink consumption amount due to the recording operation and the suction operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain are accumulated. Further, in this recording control, immediately after the recording operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain, the accumulated ink consumption amount is compared with the first threshold value, or
Immediately after the suction operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain, the accumulated ink consumption amount is compared with the second threshold value. Here, the first threshold is a value smaller than the second threshold.

The accumulated ink consumption amount is reset when it is determined that the ink remains. further,
The ink ejection amount and the ink consumption amount are converted into the number of dots printed by ink ejection by the print head and treated. Furthermore, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the scanning means for reciprocating the recording head and the ink tank as a unit and the detection condition for detecting the remaining ink amount are always the same during the reciprocating movement of the recording head and the ink tank. Timing control means for controlling the detection timing to satisfy the detection condition is provided. Here, the detection condition is that the timing of detecting the remaining amount of ink is any one of the stationary state, the accelerating state, the decelerating state, and the constant velocity moving of the recording head and the ink tank during the reciprocating movement. It is characterized by
Alternatively, the remaining ink amount is detected under all the detection conditions while the recording head and the ink tank are stationary, accelerating, decelerating, or moving at a constant speed, and the detection results under all these detection conditions are combined to obtain the final result. It is also possible to use a typical ink remaining amount detection result.

Specifically, for detecting the remaining amount of ink, a reflection type sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element and a reflection plate for reflecting the light from the light emitting element are used, and the reflection type sensor and the reflection plate are used. Is configured so that the light emitting direction of the light emitting element and the reflecting direction of the reflecting plate are the reciprocating direction of the recording head and the ink tank by the scanning means, and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate faces the light emitting direction. , And the reflective sensor
The reflection plate is provided inside the ink tank so as to be in contact with the side wall of the ink tank.

The above-mentioned recording head is a recording head for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy, and is provided with a heat energy converter for generating heat energy to be given to the ink. According to another aspect of the invention, a facsimile is provided by using the recording device having the above-mentioned configuration and including a communication unit for transmitting and receiving an image signal via a communication line and a storage unit for temporarily storing the image signal. Operate as a device.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Explanation of Apparatus Configuration (FIGS. 1 to 5)> Mechanical Configuration FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a mechanical configuration of a facsimile apparatus including a recording unit according to an inkjet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. is there.

First, the structure of the recording unit of the facsimile apparatus will be described. In FIG. 1, 1 is a frame that is the main structure of the entire apparatus, and 2 is an AS fixed to the frame 1.
F (Auto Sheet Feeder)
It is a chassis. The ASF chassis 2 is a structure of an ASF section in which a plurality of recording papers are mounted and separated one by one during recording and sent to the recording portion. Further, 3 is an intermediate plate, and 4 is an intermediate plate pressing spring. The middle plate 3 is rotatably attached to the ASF chassis 2 and is urged clockwise by a middle plate pressing spring 4 in the figure. 5 is a drive system (not shown)
Thus, the recording paper separating roller which rotates clockwise in the figure, and 6 are transmissive sensors (hereinafter, roller position sensors) for detecting the home position of the recording paper separating roller 5.

The position of the intermediate plate 3 shown in FIG. 1 is in a standby state where it is stopped at a position where it is rotated counterclockwise in the figure by an intermediate plate operation cam portion (not shown) of the drive system. Sometimes it corresponds. When the cam is disengaged, it rotates clockwise and contacts the outer periphery of the recording paper separating roller 5. The operation of the intermediate plate 3 and the cutout position of the recording paper separating roller 5 are synchronized with each other.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a recording paper conveying roller that rotates counterclockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown), and 8 denotes a recording paper provided so as to abut on the outer periphery of the recording paper conveying roller 7 by a spring (not shown). It is a transport roller. The recording paper conveyance roller 7 and the recording paper conveyance roller 8 hold the recording paper at their contacting portions and convey it to the left in the drawing (hereinafter, this conveyance direction is referred to as the sub-scanning direction). Reference numeral 9 denotes a replaceable type (disposable type) ink cartridge in which a recording head according to the inkjet system and an ink tank for storing ink are integrally built in, and 10 denotes a carriage to which the ink cartridge 9 is detachably attached.

The recording surface of the ink cartridge 9 is located below the ink cartridge 9 in the figure, and a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the horizontal direction in the figure to form a head recording surface. During the recording operation, the ink cartridge 9 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzles are arranged (a direction perpendicular to the drawing: this direction is hereinafter referred to as the main scanning direction), and ink is selectively ejected from these nozzles. It is possible to perform printing on an area corresponding to the printing width by a plurality of nozzles. After that, the recording paper is conveyed by the recording width in the sub-scanning direction, and the recording operation is repeated to perform recording on the recording paper (such a recording system is called a multi-scan system).

Further, an ink remaining amount detecting sensor by a reflection type photo sensor is attached to the carriage 10.
The amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 9 is detected. The detection direction of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is approximately the same direction as the reciprocating scanning direction of the ink cartridge 9, and since the ink remaining amount sensor is attached to the carriage 10, the carriage 10 moves together with the ink cartridge 9. Not to mention moving. Note that this point will be described later in detail.

Reference numerals 12 and 13 respectively denote guide rails for assisting the smooth reciprocating movement of the carriage 10 in the main scanning direction. The carriage 10 moves to the two rails 12 and 13 in the main scanning direction. Attachable,
It reciprocates by a drive system (not shown). Reference numeral 14 denotes a platen which faces the recording head and causes the recording paper to face the recording head and maintains a distance from the recording head at the recording position, 15
Is a paper discharge roller, and 16 is a paper discharge roller. The paper ejection roller 16 is urged against the paper ejection roller 15 by a pressing member (not shown), and ejects the recording paper while sandwiching the recording paper at the contact portion between the paper ejection roller 15 and the paper ejection roller 16. . Reference numeral 17 denotes a recording paper cover, which is configured to open with the lower part as a fulcrum when the ink cartridge 9 is replaced.

Next, the structure of the reading unit of the facsimile apparatus will be described. Reference numeral 20 denotes a reading / separating roller that rotates counterclockwise in the drawing by a drive system (not shown) to convey the set originals one by one to the left in the drawing. Reference numeral 21 denotes a pressing member (not shown). A separating piece 22 made of a material having a high frictional force, such as rubber, which is urged against the reading / separating roller 20 and separates a plurality of originals set one by one, reads an image drawn on the original and reads it. A contact type line image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as an image sensor) that converts information represented by an image into an electric signal, 23 is a CS spring, and 24 is a white CS roller that rotates clockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown). is there. Here, the CS spring 23 is provided so as to press the image sensor 22 against the CS roller 24. Further, the CS roller 24 is the image sensor 22.
It has the role of bringing the original into close contact with the entire reading surface of the document, conveying the original to the left in the drawing, and serving as the background for reading the original.

Reference numeral 25 is a document guide for guiding the lower surface of the document fixed to the frame 1 which also serves as a structure for supporting the reading section and the operation panel (described later), and 26 is the document guide 2.
A manuscript guide fixed to 5 for guiding the upper surface of the manuscript, 27 an operation board having operation switches, 28 an operation board 27 fixed to the manuscript guide 25, and itself fixed to the manuscript guide 25. .

Reference numeral 30 is a power supply section composed of a power transformer and a capacitor, and 31 is an electric control board which is attached to the frame 1 and controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The electric control board 31 includes electric elements and parts (image sensor 22, operation board 27, power supply section 30,
The bundle lines from the ink cartridge 9, each drive motor (not shown), the roller position sensor 6, and each sensor (not shown) are all connected. It should be noted that various sensors of the reading unit, sensors for detecting the presence / absence of recording paper, and the like, which are not described here, are directly mounted on the electric control board 31 without interposing a bundle. Further, external interfaces (for example, public telephone line network interface, auxiliary telephone interface, external child telephone interface, personal computer interface such as Centronics) are all connected to the electric control board 31.

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view showing the detailed construction of the ink cartridge 9. In FIG. 2, 11 is a reflection type photo sensor (hereinafter referred to as a photo sensor), 91 is ink, 92 is a sponge, 93 is a reflection plate that reflects light from the reflection type photo sensor, and 94 is a recording head. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the carriage 10 is stationary and the ink cartridge 9 mounted therein is also stationary. Therefore, the liquid surface of the ink 91 is also smooth without shaking.

Further, as is apparent from FIG. 2, the reflector 9
3 is provided near the bottom surface of the ink container, and its position is near the wall surface of the ink cartridge in which the photo sensor 11 is installed. This is because by providing the reflection plate 93 near the photo sensor 11, the intensity of the reflected light received by the photo sensor 11 when the ink does not remain is increased and the S / N ratio related to the remaining ink amount detection is improved. is there. At this time, the distance (detection gap) between the side surface of the ink cartridge on which the photo sensor 11 is installed and the reflection plate 93 depends on the relationship between the surface tension of the ink and the water repellency between the ink and the wall and between the ink and the reflection plate. Accurate residual amount detection is achieved by setting the interval (2 to 4 mm) so that ink does not collect.

Even if the reflection plate 93 is provided in this manner, the spaces on the left and right of the reflection plate 93 are not separate depressions, but the reflection plate is only the center and the space where the actual ink is stored is the reflection plate. Communicate with each other by the side. With this configuration, the liquid level detected between the photo sensor 11 and the reflection plate 93 changes like the liquid level in the ink cartridge. Further, the configuration is not limited to this, and a hole communicating with the bottom of the reflection plate may be provided so that the liquid surfaces on both sides of the reflection plate are equal.

Now, the photo sensor 11 uses the ink 9 when the ink 91 is filled in the ink cartridge 9.
Since the reference numeral 1 shields the light from the photo sensor 11, the photo sensor can hardly capture the reflected light from the reflection plate 93, and the output current from the photo sensor 11 becomes almost zero. On the other hand, when there is no ink in the ink cartridge 9, the photo sensor 11 captures the reflected light from the reflection plate 93, and as a result, the photo sensor 11 outputs a current according to the intensity of the reflected light.

Electrical Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus whose mechanical configuration is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 10
1 is a CPU including a microprocessor and the like, 1
Reference numeral 02 designates a ROM for storing control programs and processing programs executed by the CPU 101, 103 designates a recording area for storing image data for facsimile transmission / reception and image data read for copy processing, and the CPU 101.
RAM used as a work area when executing a control program or a processing program, 104 is a DRAM or SRAM 103 having a backup power supply so that information can be stored and held without power supply from the power supply unit 30, or an EEPROM, etc. It is a non-volatile memory composed of.

Further, 105 is a JIS code, ASCII
A character generator (CG) that generates a character pattern according to a character code expressed according to a code system such as a code, 106 is a recording unit having the configuration described in FIG. 1, 107 is a reading unit having the configuration described in FIG.
8 is a modem (MODEM), 109 is a network control unit (NCU), 110 is a telephone line, 111 is a telephone, 11
Reference numeral 2 denotes an operation unit formed by a part of the operation panel 28 of the operation board 27 described with reference to FIG. 1, reference numeral 113 indicates a part of the operation panel 28 of the operation board 27 described by FIG.
It is a display unit including D and the like.

The CPU 101 has a ROM 102,
RAM 103, non-volatile memory 104, CG 105, recording unit 106, reading unit 107, modem 108, NCU
The control unit 109, the operation unit 112, and the display unit 113 are controlled. Now, the RAM 103 stores the binarized image data read by the reading unit 107 or the binarized image data recorded in the recording unit 106, and also the modem 108.
Modulated by NCU 109 and telephone line 110
And the encoded image data obtained by demodulating the analog image signal received via the telephone line 110 via the NCU 109 and the modem unit 108. In addition, the non-volatile memory 104 stores data (for example, a speed dial number or the like) to be saved regardless of whether power is supplied. CG105 is CPU10
The character pattern data corresponding to the input code is generated as needed under the control of 1.

The electric system of the recording section 106 is composed of a DMA controller, a recording head according to the ink jet system, a CMOS logic IC, etc., and under the control of the CPU 101, takes out image data stored in the RAM 103 and outputs it. On the other hand, the electrical system of the reading unit 107 is DM
A controller, image processing IC, image sensor, CM
The image data read from the image sensor (CS) 22 is binarized under the control of the CPU 101, which is composed of an OS logic IC and the like, and the binarized data is sequentially read by R
Output to AM103. The setting state of the document on the reading unit 107 can be detected by a document detection unit (not shown) using a photosensor provided in the document transport path.

The modem 108 is composed of a G3 / G2 modem and a clock generation circuit connected to these modems, and the like, and under the control of the CPU 101, modulates the coded transmission data stored in the RAM 103 to generate the NCU10.
Output to the telephone line 110 via 9 or the telephone line 11
An analog image signal received via 0 is input via the NCU 109, the signal is demodulated to obtain encoded reception data, and this is stored in the RAM 103. NCU109 is
The telephone line 110 is connected to the modem 10 under the control of the CPU 101.
8 or telephone 111 to connect to. Further, the NCU 109 has a detection circuit for detecting a calling signal (CI), and when the calling signal is detected, sends an incoming signal to the CPU 101.

The telephone 111 is a telephone which is integrated with the main body of the facsimile apparatus, and comprises a handset, a speech network, a dialer, a ten-key pad, a one-touch key, and the like. The operation unit 112 includes a key for starting image transmission / reception, a resolution selection key for switching the resolution of a facsimile image during transmission / reception to fine, standard, etc., a mode selection key for designating an operation mode such as automatic reception, and dialing. It consists of a numeric keypad and a one-touch key. The display unit 113 is an LCD in which a 7-segment LCD for time display, a pictographic LCD for displaying various modes, and a dot matrix LCD capable of displaying 5 × 7 dots (1 character) × 1 line are combined. It is composed of a module and an LED.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink remaining amount detecting section provided in the recording section 106 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the remaining ink amount detecting section. FIG.
In the reference numeral 151, 151 is a current / voltage conversion unit for converting into a voltage according to the output current intensity from the photosensor 11, 152 is a smoothing circuit block that functions to remove noise and suppress output voltage fluctuation due to fluctuation of the ink surface, 153 is A /
A D conversion unit, 154 is an output port unit that gives a switching signal described later to the current / voltage conversion unit 151 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 101, and 155 is an input port unit that inputs outputs of various sensors and outputs the signals to the CPU 101. 15
A cartridge attachment / detachment detection sensor 6 detects whether or not the ink cartridge 9 is attached to the carriage 10. The current / voltage conversion unit 151 can change the ratio of current / voltage conversion by a switching signal from the outside (here, the CPU 101), and the A / D conversion unit 153.
Is output to the CPU 101.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the current / voltage converter 151. As is clear from FIG.
When the ink cartridge 9 has ink, the output from the photo sensor 11 is small, so a “Low” level signal is input to the A / D converter 153, while when there is no ink in the ink cartridge 9, the photo sensor 11 Since the output from the A / D conversion unit 1 is high,
53 is input. In addition, O from the output port unit 154
The switch 157 opens / closes (ON / OFF according to the N / OFF signal).
OFF). At this point, the switch 157 is closed (O
N) Then, since the resistors are connected in parallel, the A / D converter 1
The switch 157 opened the input voltage to 53 (OFF)
Smaller than time.

Further, in FIG. 5, reference numeral 158 denotes a smoothing capacitor, which functions as a pair with the resistance component of the preceding stage to smooth the signal. <Explanation of the recording operation of the apparatus> -Mechanical operation When the recording operation is required due to the copy of the original or the reception of the facsimile image signal, the recording paper separating roller 5 is rotated clockwise by the rotation of the drive system (not shown). The cam, which is a part of the drive system, stops pushing down the intermediate plate 3, and the spring 4 presses the intermediate plate 3 so that the intermediate plate 3 is rotated and the uppermost recording sheet of the plurality of recording sheets mounted in the ASF portion. Comes into contact with the recording paper separating roller 5. Further, when the recording paper separating roller 5 rotates, only the uppermost recording paper is conveyed to the lower left. The fed-out paper is guided to the contact portion between the recording paper carrying roller 7 and the recording paper carrying roller 8. During this period, the leading edge position of the recording sheet is detected by the sheet leading edge position detection sensor (not shown), and the subsequent recording sheet conveyance amount is calculated based on the detection result.

The recording paper held by the roller pair composed of the recording paper transport roller 7 and the recording paper transport roller 8 is further transported to the left. At this time, since the roller rotation speed of the recording paper separating roller 5 is set to be slightly higher than that of the recording paper conveying roller 7, the frictional force between the recording paper separating roller 5 and the recording paper is the same. It does not become a load against the carrying force. Further, when the recording paper is conveyed, the recording paper is also carried by a roller pair composed of a recording paper discharge roller 15 and a paper discharge roller 16. The paper feed speed of this roller pair is faster than that of the recording paper conveying roller 7, but its conveying force is much smaller than that of the recording paper conveying roller 7, so that the recording paper conveying amount is determined by the recording paper conveying roller 7. ,
At the same time, the recording paper is lightly stretched.

When the recording paper separating roller 5 rotates once and the roller position sensor 6 detects the home position of the recording paper separating roller 5, the rotation is temporarily stopped. Immediately before this, the intermediate plate 3 is pushed down again by the cam (not shown) as in the standby state. Thereafter, the rotations of the recording paper conveyance roller 7 and the recording paper discharge roller 14 are reversed, and the recording paper is conveyed in the opposite direction according to the paper feed amount counted from the time when the front end of the recording paper is detected by the paper front end position detection sensor. Then, the head is moved so that the leading edge of the recording paper comes to the recording position of the recording head.

Then, while scanning the carriage 10 in the main scanning direction, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzles according to the image data to be printed, and printing is performed. When the carriage 10 completes one scan (forward scan) in the main scanning direction, the recording paper transport roller 7 and the recording paper discharge roller 15 are normally rotated (counterclockwise) during the backward scan, and a predetermined amount (recording head) is reached. The recording paper is conveyed to the left by the recording width of. afterwards,
Again, scan the carriage 10 in the main scanning direction (outward scan)
Then, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzle to perform recording. By repeating such an operation, a recorded image is formed on the entire surface of the recording paper. Finally, the recording operation for one recording sheet is completed by detecting the trailing edge of the recording sheet by the sheet front end position detection sensor.

When recording a plurality of recording sheets, the above operation is repeated. Recording Control (FIG. 6) Next, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The recording control according to the remaining ink amount, which is executed in association with 01 and the remaining ink amount detecting unit, will be described. In the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the facsimile image signal is received and the recording is required by the instruction to copy the image original, the following processing is executed. Here, the device is powered on,
For example, with respect to a counter of the measured ink ejection amount set in the non-volatile memory 104 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a counter, which is assumed to be configured as a subtraction counter), etc., various initial settings and initial settings necessary for the recording operation are performed. It is assumed that the conversion processing has already been performed.

(1) Outline of recording control First, in step S1, it is checked whether or not a recording operation is requested. Here, if the recording operation is requested, the process proceeds to step S2, while if the recording operation is not requested, the process proceeds to step S7. Next, step S
In 2, the recording operation (here, the recording of the recording width of the recording head performed by one scan of the recording head in the main scanning direction) is executed, and recording is performed on the recording sheet. At this time, the number of ink ejection dots (DN) at which ink ejection occurs due to the recording operation is counted.

Further, in step S3, it is checked whether or not the ink remains by using the detection result of the ink remaining amount detecting section. Here, if it is determined that the ink remains, the process proceeds to step S4, while if it is determined that the ink does not remain, the process proceeds to step S6. The details of the remaining ink amount detection in step S3 will be described later.

Next, in step S4, the counter set in the nonvolatile memory 104 is reinitialized. In this embodiment, since the counter is configured as a subtraction counter, a predetermined threshold value (CNT: this is the life extension discharge amount) having a positive value is set in this reinitialization. This counter is used to count the ink ejection amount in the recording operation after the judgment is made when it is judged that the ink is not remaining. It is never used.

In step S5, the count value (CNT) of the counter is compared with "0". Where CNT> 0
If so, it is determined that the recording operation is possible, the process returns to step S1, and the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, if CNT ≦ 0, it is determined that the recording operation is impossible, and the process proceeds to step S11 to forcibly stop the recording operation, after which the recording control process ends.

In step S6, the number of ink ejection dots (DN) obtained in the recording operation of step S2 is subtracted from the counter value (CNT) in step S6, and the difference is used as a new counter value (CNT). The process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, the process checks in step S7 whether a recovery operation is requested. Here, if the recovery operation is requested, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the recovery operation is not requested, the process returns to step S1 and the above-described operation is repeated.

In step S8, a recovery operation is executed.
The recovery operation is a series of operations to recover (recover) the ink discharge port from being clogged due to dust or ink sticking due to drying, etc. Refers to the operation of. This recovery operation is a manual recovery operation performed by the user of the apparatus by observing the recorded image to judge whether the image quality is good or bad and operating the manual key operation.
In order to prevent clogging of the ink ejection ports due to drying, there is an automatic recovery that is automatically performed at regular time intervals (for example, 72 hours) by a timer, but no particular distinction is made here.

Next, in step S9, the ink discharge amount conversion value (S) corresponding to the ink amount sucked by the pump is subtracted from the counter value (CNT) of the counter by one recovery operation. Then, the obtained difference is set as a new counter value (CNT). This converted value is a predetermined constant. This constant will be described later. Further, in step S10, the counter value (C
NT) is compared with a predetermined threshold (n). Where CN
If T> n, the process returns to step S1 to repeat the above operation. On the other hand, if CNT ≦ n, the process proceeds to step S11, the recording operation is forcibly stopped, and the recording control process ends. The threshold value (n) will be described later.

The above-described operation will be summarized and described again according to the ink amount as follows. When the ink cartridge 9 is initially installed, the ink tank has a sufficient amount of ink, and therefore the recording control process is repeated in the route of step S1 → step S2 → step S3 → step S4 → step S5 → step S1. The recording operation is executed. In this case, since the counter value is always initialized in step S4, the counter value (CN
T) maintains a constant value. A recovery operation is performed on the way, and the recording control process is step S1 → step S7 → step S8 → step step S9 → step S10 →
Even if the counter value is temporarily decreased through the path of step S1, the remaining ink amount is detected in step S3 and the counter is initialized again in step S4 in the next recording operation, so the counter value is decreased. do not do.

On the other hand, if the ink is low, it is determined in step S3 that no ink will remain, so the process is step S1 → step S2 → step S3 → step S6 → step S5 → step S1. Run on the route. At this time, since the number of dots (DN) at which ink ejection actually occurs per recording operation counted in step S2 is subtracted from the counter value in step S6, the counter value (CNT) gradually decreases. go. When the recording operation further progresses and the counter value (CNT) becomes “0” or less, C is set in step S5.
It is determined that NT ≦ 0, and the recording operation is forcibly stopped.

Therefore, even if it is determined that the ink does not remain, the counter value (CNT) is CNT ≦ 0.
Until such time, recording can be performed using the ink that actually remains. This is the life extension control according to this embodiment. Since the ink remaining amount detecting section directly detects the remaining amount of liquid ink, even if it is detected that no ink remains due to the structure of the ink cartridge as shown in FIG. A small amount of ink remains and the sponge 92 also contains ink, so recording is still possible. Therefore, in order to increase the printable amount, it is necessary to perform print control so that the print operation can be performed even after it is detected that the ink does not remain (life extension control). This control can be said to be indispensable particularly in the case of an apparatus using a replaceable disposable type ink cartridge as described here.

When a recovery request is made during the life extension control, the process is step S1 → step S7 → step S8.
-> Step S9-> Step S10-> Step S1 ... Is executed along the path to perform the recovery operation, and thereafter the process goes to the state of waiting for a recording request or a recovery request in Step S1-> Step S7-> Step S1. Since the recovery operation is the operation of sucking the ink by the pump as described above,
Although the amount of ink decreases as in the case of ejection, it is counted separately from the ink consumption of ink ejection during recording operation. This is done by subtracting a constant (S) of a value obtained by converting the ink consumption amount in one recovery operation into the number of ejected dots from the counter value (CNT) in step S10. In this way, the ink consumption due to the recovery operation that occurs during the life extension control is considered. This conversion value (S) is set in consideration of variations in the nozzles generated in the manufacturing process of the recording head, variations in the suction ink amount of the suction pump provided in the apparatus, variations in the suction ink amount due to temperature changes, and the like.

Further, even if it is judged that the ink remains, if it is judged that the ink does not remain at the end time of the recovery operation by the subsequent recovery operation, the life extension control is performed from the end time of the recovery operation. If the counting is performed, the count value may be in a state where the actual remaining ink amount is small by the ink consumption amount due to the recovery operation.

For example, when the apparatus carries out a facsimile image receiving operation, since there is no original document on the receiving side, the received data must be recorded on recording paper or stored in the memory until the apparatus becomes recordable. Alternatively, the normal reception operation may be executed even if there is no ink, by notifying the transmitting device that the facsimile cannot be received at present and not performing the facsimile communication. It is necessary to make control so that there is no

Therefore, considering that it may be judged that the ink does not remain immediately after the recovery operation as described above, it is necessary to consider the ink consumption by the recovery operation before that in the life extension control. Therefore, here, regardless of whether or not ink remains, the conversion value corresponding to the ink amount consumed by the recovery operation is subtracted from the counter value in step S9, while the ink is consumed during the printing operation in step S3. If it is determined that the ink consumption remains, the counter value is reinitialized in step S4 to cancel the deduction of the ink consumption amount due to the previous recovery operation.

Next, the recovery operation in the state where the recording operation progresses and the ink is actually removed from the ink cartridge will be described. As described above, the ink cartridge 9 has the sponge 92 provided as a cushioning material for supplying ink to the recording head 94 at a constant pressure, and the ink tank portion that stores the ink 91 as a liquid. The ink is gradually supplied to the sponge 92. Since the remaining ink is detected by detecting the liquid ink in the ink tank portion, a little liquid ink remains in the ink tank portion and the sponge 92 even if it is detected that the ink does not remain. In such a state, if the recording operation is further continued while performing the life extension control as described above, all the ink in the ink tank portion is used up, and only the ink contained in the sponge 92 remains.

At this time, when ink is consumed by the normal recording operation, when the ink inside the recording head 94 is discharged from the ink discharge port, the air pressure in the nozzle corresponding to the discharged ink volume decreases. For sponge 9
The ink in the sponge 92 is led out through an ink lead-out pipe (not shown) that is in contact with the second member 2. Since the ink supply progresses slowly, the ink in the sponge 92 is led out without interruption due to mutual surface tension. Actually, the ink viscosity, the surface tension, the sponge material / density, the diameter of the outlet pipe, etc. are set so as to be like this.

However, when the ink is abruptly sucked and discharged as in the recovery operation, the ink is not supplied to the nozzles of the recording head 94 as described above, but the air contained in the sponge 92 or around the sponge 92 exists. It sucks in air, resulting in incorrect recording.
Therefore, in particular, when the recovery operation is executed during the life extension control, it is not possible to execute the recording operation using the ink that actually remains until the ink is completely exhausted. In other words, the effective ink usable amount is smaller than the remaining ink amount.

In the embodiment described here, the purpose is to detect the ink remaining in the liquid ink and to continue the recording operation within the range where the ink supply is not interrupted by the remaining ink by the life extension control. Therefore, control that meets this purpose is desired. For this reason, the recording control as to whether or not the recording operation is forcibly ended after the ink is consumed in the recovery operation during the life extension control and the similar recording control performed after the ink is consumed in the recording operation during the life extension control are separately performed. Need to be run. If this is not the case, control is made to continue the recording operation even though the remaining ink has decreased to the point where normal recording can no longer be performed, and the recording control is particularly unsuitable for facsimile reception operation. I will end up.

Therefore, in step S10, the count value (C
NT) and a threshold value (n) provided separately are provided, and a determination (forced recording operation after recovery operation) different from the processing in step S5 (determination of forced termination of recording operation after recording operation) is performed. The decision of whether to end) is made. The threshold value (n) is set to a value larger than the threshold value (that is, “0”) in step S5, and is determined so that the normal recording operation is possible even when the recovery operation is performed immediately before the ink is completely exhausted. . Further, this value is determined in consideration of variations that occur in the manufacturing process of the recording head, variations in the pump performance of the apparatus, various variation factors due to temperature changes, and the like.

Note that once air is supplied into the nozzle as described above, an air supply path is formed in the sponge 92, and thereafter, ink is not supplied even if a recording operation is performed. Will remain. Needless to say, the ink shortage caused by the air being supplied into the nozzle during the recovery operation does not occur at the moment when the liquid ink runs out, but varies depending on the device and the installation environment.

The ink in the ink tank is reduced,
In an area where the determination by the ink remaining amount detection unit that ink is remaining and the determination that ink is not remaining are delicate, ink may remain at each recording operation due to factors such as the recording head moving speed, recording width, and device inclination. The determination may be different from the determination that the ink does not remain. When such a phenomenon occurs, when it is determined that the ink remains, the recording control is processed through the route of step S1 → step S2 → step S3 → step S4 → step S5 → step S1 ... As described above. Step S4
The counter value (CNT) is reinitialized. Therefore,
Finally, from the next recording operation when it detects that ink remains,
The counter value (CNT) will decrease. Similarly, even if the ink is erroneously determined not to remain due to the incidence of sunlight or the like even if the ink is actually sufficient, if the ink actually remains, the ink will be used in the next recording operation. If it is determined that the error occurs, the counter value is reinitialized, and as a result, malfunction is prevented.

However, conversely, due to device noise or the like,
If it is detected that the ink remains even though there is no ink, the counter value (CNT) may be re-initialized, resulting in a malfunction. In order to prevent such a malfunction, although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, in reality, the count value is not reinitialized according to the ink remaining determination only once, and the ink is continuously discharged several times. The count value may be reinitialized when it is determined that the count value remains.

Although the process of stopping the recording process is not directly related to the feature of this embodiment, normally, the page of the recording sheet on which the recording is being performed at the time when it is determined that the recording process should be stopped is not completely completed. Considering that recording is not possible, for example, if a facsimile image signal is being received from the beginning of the page, switching to proxy reception of storing received data in memory and recording when recording is possible again Can be resumed.
This is because, in the case of facsimile image reception, since there is no original document on the receiving side, it is necessary to take measures so that the received data can be recorded at some timing.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, such a recording stop process is an immediate stop, but the page currently being recorded is unconditionally continued to be recorded so that the page is not recorded. The recording may be controlled so that the processing is ended when the processing is completed. On the other hand, when performing the recording operation accompanying the copy operation, the user can determine the recording state by himself / herself at the place where the apparatus is, so unlike the processing at the time of facsimile image reception as described above, for example, It is also possible to display a message on the display unit 113 that the ink does not remain and only to warn the user, to record until the end of the recording paper, and to let the user determine the subsequent action.

However, in any case, the present apparatus is capable of performing two recording operations, a facsimile receiving operation and a copying operation, and it is not predetermined when that operation will occur. Considering that an operation occurs, it is always necessary to detect the remaining ink amount, count the ink ejection amount, and compare the ink ejection amount with a predetermined threshold, and determine that the ink ejection amount has exceeded the predetermined amount. Then, it is desirable to promptly warn the user.

(2) Details of Detection of Ink Remaining Amount of remaining ink is emitted from the photo sensor 11 and reflected by the reflecting plate 93 by using the reflecting plate 93 and the photo sensor 11 installed inside the ink cartridge as described above. Then, it is detected again from the reflected light intensity received by the photo sensor 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the photosensor 11 and the reflection plate 93 are both provided along the reciprocating direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 10, and the sensor light receiving surface and the reflection surface thereof are in the main scanning direction. Are arranged vertically.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes in the moving speed when the carriage 10 moves. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a case in which the print head executes a print operation, that is, a case in which the carriage 10 performs forward scan (this direction is referred to as forward direction). When moving in the forward direction as shown in FIG. 7, the moving speed of the carriage 9 carrying the ink cartridge 9 changes from point A to point B to point C to point D.

That is, from point A to point B, the carriage 10 located at the home position starts acceleration at a predetermined acceleration from a stationary state, and the moving speed reaches a predetermined speed (X) and moves to uniform speed. Is the acceleration part up to (this is called ramp-up). Carriage 1 from point B to point C at constant velocity (X)
0 is a constant velocity part for recording while moving. A point C → a point D is a deceleration portion until the carriage 10 having the recording head, which has finished recording, decelerates from the speed (X) at a predetermined negative acceleration and stops (this is referred to as a ramp down).

Since the carriage 10 moves in this way, acceleration (inertial force) acts on the ink cartridge 9.
That is, point A → point B in the forward movement (outward scan)
The ink surface of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG. 8 during deceleration in the accelerating portion of FIG. On the other hand, during deceleration of point C → point D in forward movement (forward scanning) and acceleration in backward movement (forward scanning), the ink surface of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG.
It becomes as shown in. It should be noted that when the carriage 10 is moving at a constant speed or is in a stationary state, no acceleration acts on the ink cartridge 9, so that the ink surface of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG.

As described above, the state of the ink liquid surface of the ink cartridge 9 (correctly, the gap between the side surface of the ink cartridge on the side where the photo sensor 11 is installed and the reflection plate 93) changes depending on the movement of the carriage 10. Therefore,
Even if the remaining ink amount is the same, it may be determined that the ink does not remain at a certain timing or that the ink remains at another timing due to a change in the ink liquid level. In other words, it may be determined that the ink apparently does not remain, or it may be determined that the ink remains even though the ink does not remain, depending on the change in the ink surface.

Based on the above, in the present embodiment, either of the following two controls is performed. (1) While monitoring the movement of the carriage, the remaining ink amount is detected in each of the above three states, and the results are comprehensively analyzed to consider the change in the ink level due to the movement state of the carriage 10. Ink remaining amount is detected.
For example, the average of the detection results obtained from the three states is obtained, or the detection results are integrated over time for a predetermined time (during a plurality of scans) to make a comprehensive determination. (2) The timing of the remaining ink amount detection is always set to one of the above three states (for example, the state shown in FIG. 2) so that the ink level is always the same. Timing control is performed so as to detect the remaining amount of ink.

In any case, the result thus obtained is used for the determination of the ink remaining amount detection in step S3. Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, even if it is determined that the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge has decreased and no ink remains, the life extension control allows the recording operation using the ink that actually remains. it can. Further, even if the recovery operation is performed and the ink is rapidly discharged to the outside of the apparatus, the remaining ink amount control is performed in consideration of the discharged ink amount. Further, even if the recovery operation is executed during the life extension control, the recording operation is performed by the recovery operation in consideration of the possibility of air inflow. As a result, more precise recording control can be executed in consideration of the effective ink remaining amount.

The detection result is displayed, for example, on the display unit 1.
A message may be displayed on the LCD 13 or a specific LED may be turned on to notify the user that no ink remains. In this way, a more user-friendly device can be provided. Further, it is possible to grasp the usage state of the apparatus by counting the ink usage time, the time interval for detecting the remaining ink amount, the number of recording pages, the number of recording dots, etc., and control the apparatus based on this information. For example, if the ink usage time for each time is stored and it is detected that no ink remains,
It is also possible to perform a display control such as predicting a time until the ink is completely exhausted based on the accumulated ink use time and notifying the user of the time by a message.

In the above embodiment, particularly in the ink jet recording system, a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink is provided, and It is possible to achieve high density recording and high definition recording by using a method of causing a change in ink state by energy. For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 472.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 3129 and 4740796.
This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding film boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby causing the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, and This is effective because it causes film boiling on the heat-acting surface, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When this drive signal is made into a pulse shape, the growth and contraction of bubbles are immediately and appropriately performed,
In particular, liquid (ink) discharge with excellent responsiveness can be achieved,
More preferable.

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 structure of the recording head, in addition to the combination structure (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) of the ejection port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting surface is also provided. Alternatively, a configuration using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 or US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which the element is arranged in a bending region, may be used. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer for a plurality of electrothermal transducers, or an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is discharged. A configuration based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to each unit, may be adopted.

In addition, by being mounted on the apparatus main body, it can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body and can be supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by a replaceable chip type recording head or the recording head itself. Alternatively, a cartridge type recording head provided with an ink tank may be used.
Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. to the structure of the recording apparatus described above because the recording operation can be made more stable.
To be more specific, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer or a separate heating element or a preheating means using a combination thereof may be provided. For example, a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording may be provided.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but the recording head may be integrally formed or a plurality of combinations may be used. Alternatively, the device may be provided with at least one of full-color mixed colors. In the embodiments described above, the description is made on the assumption that the ink is a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, or one that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used, or an inkjet In the method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally 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. May be liquid.

In addition, the form of the recording apparatus according to the present invention may be provided integrally or separately as an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a computer, or in the form of a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like. It may be one. The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the recording medium into the system or device, the system or device operates in a predetermined manner.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, the recording operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain depends on the ink discharge amount counted by the counting unit and the ink consumption amount of the suction by the suction unit. Since the control is performed on the basis of the ink consumption, there is an effect that the recording can be performed by the more effective life extension control in consideration of both the ink consumption due to the suction operation and the ink consumption during the recording operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a mechanical configuration of a facsimile apparatus including a recording unit according to an inkjet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view showing a detailed configuration of the ink cartridge 9.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus whose mechanical configuration is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ink remaining amount detecting unit.

5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a current / voltage conversion unit 151. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of recording control processing according to the remaining ink amount.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes in the moving speed of the carriage.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of an ink liquid level in the ink cartridge 9 during carriage acceleration / deceleration.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of an ink liquid level in the ink cartridge 9 during carriage acceleration / deceleration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Frame 7 Recording Paper Conveying Roller 9 Ink Cartridge 10 Carriage 11 Reflective Photo Sensor 12, 13 Rail 15 Recording Paper Discharging Roller 31 Control Board 151 Current / Voltage Converter 153 A / D Converter

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page (72) Inventor Hideyuki Terashima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Naohiro Iwata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Within the corporation

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus comprising a recording device for ejecting ink from a recording head to perform recording on a recording medium, wherein an ink tank for storing the ink and an ink remaining amount in the ink tank are detected. In the recording operation after the detection means, the suction means for sucking the ink of the recording head, the counting means for counting the ink ejection amount due to the recording operation of the recording head, and the recording operation after it is determined that the ink does not remain A recording control unit that controls the recording unit to stop the recording operation based on the ink discharge amount counted by the counting unit and the ink consumption amount by the suction operation by the suction unit. apparatus. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising accumulating means for accumulating the ink ejection amount and the ink consumption amount by the recording operation and the suction operation after it is determined by the detection means that no ink remains. The recording device described. 3. The recording control means comprises a first comparing means for comparing the accumulated ink consumption amount and a first threshold value immediately after the recording operation, and the accumulated operation immediately after the suction operation. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second comparing unit that compares the ink consumption amount with a second threshold value. 4. A reset means for resetting the accumulated ink consumption amount, and a reset control means for controlling the reset means to perform the reset at the time when the detection means determines that ink remains. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first threshold value is a value smaller than the second threshold value. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink ejection amount and the ink consumption amount are treated in terms of the number of dots printed by ink ejection by the recording head. 7. A scanning unit that reciprocates the recording head and the ink tank as a unit, and a detection condition for detecting the remaining ink amount by the detection unit is such that the recording head and the ink tank are always reciprocated during the reciprocating movement. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a timing control unit that controls a detection timing so that the detection conditions are the same. 8. The detection condition is that the timing at which the detection unit detects the remaining amount of ink is such that the recording head and the ink tank are stationary or accelerating during the reciprocating movement.
The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording apparatus is decelerating or is moving at a constant speed. 9. The detecting means is configured to:
It is characterized in that the remaining ink amount is detected under all the detection conditions during deceleration or constant speed movement, and the detection results under all the detection conditions are combined to obtain the final ink remaining amount detection result. The recording device according to claim 8. 10. The detection means includes a reflective sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and a reflective plate that reflects light from the light emitting element, wherein the reflective sensor and the reflective plate are configured to emit the light. The light emitting direction of the element and the reflection direction of the reflection plate are provided so as to be the reciprocating direction of the recording head and the ink tank by the scanning means, and the reflection surface of the reflection plate is opposed to the light emission direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflection type sensor is in contact with a side wall of the ink tank, and the reflection plate is provided inside the ink tank. 11. The recording head is a recording head which ejects ink by utilizing thermal energy, and is provided with a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy applied to the ink. Item 2. The recording device according to item 1. 12. A facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a communication unit for transmitting and receiving an image signal via a communication line, and a storage unit for temporarily storing the image signal. A facsimile machine characterized by having.