JPH10330011A - Inkjet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support temporarily at the upper side of a discharge means even when any size record sheet is used and prevent the disorder of a recorded picture by controlling a support member for supporting a discharged record sheet temporarily at the upper side of a discharge means by the detection information of a detection means. SOLUTION: When a sheet guide 3 is moved so as to hit to the side of a record sheet P loaded on an auto sheet feeder 2, the lower end 3a of the sheet guide 3 is contacted to either one of switches 9a, 9b in response to a standard size and the size of the record sheet P is cleared up. Then, the support member 8 is projected according to the detection size by the switches 9a, 9b and under this state, the picture is recorded and the support members 7, 8 for supporting both sides of the discharged record sheet P are opened to right/left and the record sheet P is dropped and loaded on the discharge tray 6. Therefore, the record sheet P discharged later can be loaded without rubbing to the record sheet P discharged ahead.

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 forming an image by discharging ink onto a recording medium, and more particularly to a discharge means for stacking recording sheets after recording.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ink jet recording apparatuses have been widely used in personal computers, word processors, facsimile machines, etc. due to their characteristics such as high-speed printing and high printing quality. These ink jet recording apparatuses are characterized in that the ink is dried on the surface of the recording sheet by recording the image by discharging the ink,
If the surface of the recording sheet is touched before fixing, the recording surface becomes dirty.

In order to solve this problem, in a conventional ink-jet image forming apparatus, a heater is incorporated in the apparatus as a means for promoting drying, or a recording sheet on which an image is recorded later during a continuous image recording is replaced with a previous recording sheet. For example, a support member is provided as means for delaying the time of loading the sheets.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the ink jet recording apparatus, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing a discharge tray which is a discharge unit, where FIG. 7A is a perspective view and FIG.

[0005] The ink jet recording apparatus 100 is provided with a discharge tray 104 as discharge means for stacking recording sheets 106 on which images have been recorded. A plate-like support member 105 is attached to each side of the discharge tray 104, and is rotatably supported by the discharge tray 104 so that the recording sheet
It is configured to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of 106 and in directions opposite to each other.

A case where an image is recorded on the next recording sheet 101 in the ink jet recording apparatus 100 in a state where the recording sheet 106 has already been stacked on the discharge tray 104 will be described. The new recording sheet 101 is conveyed by an internal recording sheet conveying mechanism (not shown) according to the progress of the image recording operation, and is discharged from the discharge port 103. At this time, the support members 105 on both sides of the discharge tray 104 are both inclined and supported inward.

[0007] The discharged recording sheet 101 is discharged along the supporting sheet 105 while both sides are supported by the supporting member 105. That is, the recording sheet 101 is
The recording sheet 106 is supported above the recording sheet 106 and can be discharged without rubbing the surface of the recording sheet 106 already loaded.

At a predetermined timing, the support member 10
5 is rotated by a cam shaft (not shown)
Open wider than 101 width. Then, the recording sheet 101 supported upward falls onto the discharge tray 104 and is stacked on the recording sheet 106. Here, the predetermined timing is, for example, when the discharge of the recording sheet 101 is completed, when a predetermined time has elapsed, or when the discharge of the next recording sheet is started.

With the above configuration, the time required for recording an image on at least one recording sheet elapses from the time when the preceding recording sheet 106 is stacked to the time when the subsequent recording sheet 101 is stacked. During this time, the ink on the previous recording sheet 106 dries, and it is possible to prevent the recorded images from being disturbed due to overlapping or rubbing between the recording sheets.

[0010]

However, recording sheets of various sizes are usually used as needed in an ink jet recording apparatus. On the other hand, the width of the support member in the above configuration is fixed, and is set, for example, in accordance with the width of the A4 size recording sheet. In this case, for narrower B5 plates and postcard size recording sheets,
There was a problem that the support member could not be used.

Therefore, in the case where continuous image recording is performed using these narrow recording sheets, in order to prevent the recorded image from being disturbed by undried ink, the recording sheets discharged by the user are sequentially discharged from the discharge tray. I needed to take it out.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus for recording an image by discharging ink onto a recording sheet. Feeding means, and a detecting means for detecting the width of the recording sheet,
Conveying means for conveying the recording sheet, image recording means for discharging ink on the recording sheet, discharging means for discharging the recording sheet, and discharging the recording sheet disposed on both sides of the discharging means. And a support member for temporarily supporting above the means, wherein the support member is controlled by detection information of the detection means.

According to the present invention, when a recording sheet of any size is used, the recording sheet is temporarily supported above the discharging means,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing a recorded image from being disturbed.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of an automatic sheet feeder.

An automatic sheet feeder 2, which is a feeding means for feeding the recording sheets P one by one, is provided behind the apparatus main body 1 of the ink jet recording apparatus A shown in FIG. The sheet guide 3 is movably attached to the automatic sheet feeder 2, and can be manually moved by a user along the slide groove 4.

A switch base 9 as a detecting means is provided near the auto sheet feeder 2 in the apparatus main body 1, and a plurality of switches 30, 31, and 32 are provided. These switches are mounted at positions corresponding to the standard size of the recording sheet P, and are configured such that the lower end 3a of the sheet guide 3 comes into contact with the movement. Thus, it is possible to know which standard size recording sheet the user intends to use.

A conveying means and an image recording means (not shown) are provided inside the apparatus main body 1 and are configured to record an image while conveying the recording sheet P supplied from the automatic sheet feeder 2 by a predetermined amount. . Recording sheet P
Is gradually discharged from the apparatus main body 1 at the same time as the image is recorded.

In front of the ink jet recording apparatus A, there is provided a discharge tray 6 as discharge means for stacking the discharged recording sheets P. Support members 7 and 8 are provided on both sides of the discharge tray 6, and are configured to be movable by a rack and a pinion mechanism (not shown) in parallel with the bottom surface of the discharge tray 6, respectively. These can move synchronously in opposite directions to the left and right.
When the support member 8 moves in the direction of arrow 17, the support member 8 moves in the opposite direction of arrow 16. Here, the maximum movement range of the support member 7 is 30 mm, and the maximum movement range of the support member 8 is 30 mm.
120 mm.

Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus A according to this embodiment will be described. First, the user loads the recording sheet P on the automatic sheet feeder 2 and moves the sheet guide 3 so as to contact the side of the recording sheet P in order to prevent skew during feeding. At this time, since the lower end 3a of the sheet guide 3 contacts one of the three switches 9a, 9b, 9c according to the standard size, the size of the stacked recording sheets P is determined. Each switch 9
A detection error of about 5 mm is provided for a, 9b, and 9c so that the sheet can be detected if the sheet guide 3 is substantially aligned with the edge of the recording sheet P.

Next, the support member 8 is projected according to the size detected by the switches 9a, 9b, 9c. For example, the protrusion amount is 10 mm for A4 or the like and 120 mm for postcards. In this state, when a recording signal is given to the inkjet recording apparatus A to perform image recording and discharge the recording sheet P,
The recording sheet P is supported on both sides by the support members 7 and 8. Then, the support members 7 and 8 are opened left and right, the recording sheet P is dropped, and is stacked on the discharge tray 6. After the recording sheet P falls, the support members 7 and 8 are closed again for the recording sheet to be discharged next, and the above operation is repeated.

Therefore, when a plurality of recording sheets P are continuously recorded, the recording sheet P discharged later is stacked on the recording sheet P0 discharged earlier without being rubbed. Therefore, the ink on the previous recording sheet P0 can be dried and fixed, and there is no risk of disturbing the recorded image.

By controlling the amount of protrusion of the support member 8 according to the size of the recording sheet P as described above, the recording sheet P of any size can be temporarily supported at the time of ejection, and can be ejected first. It is possible to prevent the recorded image from being disturbed by rubbing the recorded sheet. Further, since the operation range of the support member 8 can be minimized according to the recording sheet size, the recording speed can be increased.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a front view of a discharge tray. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The support members 2 provided on both sides of the discharge tray 6 of the ink jet recording apparatus B according to the present embodiment.
Numerals 0 and 21 denote plate-shaped members whose upper sides are bent inward, and are rotatably supported at their lower sides by shafts 22 and 23 and urged inward by springs and stoppers (not shown). Have been. The shaft 23 of one support member 21 is attached to a support member support 24. The support portion support 24 can slide along the pins 27 by inserting the pins 29 into the grooves 27 and 28, and is configured to be moved by driving means (not shown).

A switch base 9 is provided near the automatic sheet feeder 2 as in the first embodiment, and the lower end 3a of the sheet guide 3 contacts the switches 30, 31, 32 to reduce the size of the recording sheet P. Can be detected. The support member support 24 is configured to move based on this detection information.

Next, the operation will be described. At the time of image recording, the sheet guide 3 is moved to the recording sheet P as in the first embodiment.
Move to the size of switch 9
a, 9b, 9c detect and the support member support 24 moves accordingly. When image recording is performed in this state and the recording sheet P is discharged, the recording sheet P is supported by the support members 20 and 21. Next, a support member is provided by a cam (not shown).
When the sheets 20 and 21 are rotated in the directions of arrows 25 and 26, respectively, the recording sheets P are stacked on the discharge tray 6.

With the above-described configuration, the recording sheet P can be supported regardless of its size, even if a rotary support member is used. Rotating support member 20,
The use of 21 has an effect that the width of the discharge tray 6 is less than that of the support members 7 and 8 retracted in the horizontal direction shown in the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the position of the sheet guide is detected using an electric switch to control the position of the support member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the seat guide and the support member may be mechanically connected to each other, and the support member may be configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the seat guide.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the inside of the ink jet recording apparatus. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first or second embodiment, and the description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, a carriage shaft 30 is provided inside the apparatus main body 1, along which the carriage 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction. A cartridge 32 is attached to the carriage 31 by a detachable lever 31a. The cartridge 32 can eject ink on a recording sheet P in accordance with an image signal sent from the apparatus main body 1 and record an image.

The carriage 31 is provided with an optical sensor 34 for constantly sending light to the recording sheet P and detecting the amount of reflected light. Here, by making the reflectance of the platen 35 different from that of the recording sheet P,
The width of the recording sheet P can be detected from the amount of reflected light. By controlling the movable range of the support member 8 and the position of the support member support 24 based on this detection information, both sides of the discharged recording sheet P can be supported.

With the above configuration, the arrangement of the recording sheet supporting members can be appropriately set according to the size of the recording sheet P currently being conveyed, and the user does not set the sheet guide 3 correctly. It is also possible to cope with a case where recording sheets P of different sizes are mixed.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a cartridge used in the ink jet recording apparatus. Parts that are the same as those in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The cartridge 36 has recording sheets P stacked thereon and is detachably attached to an ink jet recording apparatus (not shown). Inside the cartridge 36, there are provided side guides 37 and 38 for defining the position of the recording sheet P in the horizontal direction.
41 is fitted and movable. Further, a back guide 39 for defining a position behind the recording sheet P is provided, and is configured to be movable by fitting a pin 43 into a vertical slit.

A block 37a is attached to the tip of one side guide 37 so as to be exposed in front of the cartridge 36. Therefore, when the side guide 37 is moved according to the size of the recording sheet P, the position of the block 37a also changes.
It is possible to detect the size of the recording sheets P stacked in the sheet 36. Based on the detection information, the support member 8
By controlling the movable range of the recording sheet P and the position of the support member support 24, both sides of the discharged recording sheet P can be supported.

With the above-described structure, when the cartridge 36 is mounted, no special operation is required, and the arrangement of the recording sheet supporting member can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the recording sheets P loaded thereon. Can be set.

[0037]

As described above, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, by controlling the movable range and position of the support member by detecting the size of the recording sheet on which an image is to be recorded, A recording sheet of any size can be temporarily supported above the discharging means. Therefore, there is no possibility that the undried ink of the previously discharged recording sheet will come into contact with the subsequently discharged recording sheet, and the recorded image will not be disturbed. In addition, the user does not need any special operation to obtain this effect, and there is an effect of improving operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic sheet feeder according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a discharge tray according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inside of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a cartridge used in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a conventional example.

8A and 8B are views showing a discharging means according to a conventional example, wherein FIG. 8A is a perspective view and FIG. 8B is a front view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A, B: ink jet recording apparatus P: recording sheet 1: apparatus main body 2: auto sheet feeder 3: sheet guide 3a: lower end 4: slide groove 6: discharge tray 7, 8, 20, 21 ... support member 9: switch stand 9a , 9b, 9c ... Switch 22, 23 ... Axis 24 ... Support member support 25 ... Arrow 27, 28 ... Groove 29 ... Pin 30 ... Carriage shaft 31 ... Carriage 31a ... Removable lever 32 ... Cartridge 34 ... Optical sensor 35 ... Platen 36 … Cartridge 37, 38… Side guide 37a… Block 39… Back guide 40… Horizontal slit 42… Vertical slit 41, 43… Pin

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus for recording an image by discharging ink onto a recording sheet, comprising: a feeding unit that loads and supplies the recording sheet; and a detection unit that detects a width of the recording sheet. Conveying means for conveying the recording sheet; image recording means for discharging ink on the recording sheet; discharging means for discharging the recording sheet; and discharging the recording sheet disposed on both sides of the discharging means. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a support member that temporarily supports above an ejection unit; and wherein the support member is controlled by detection information of the detection unit. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding unit is an auto sheet feeder that feeds the recording sheets stacked on a sheet feeding tray one by one, and has a sheet guide movable in a direction orthogonal to a sheet feeding direction. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means is configured to detect a position of said sheet guide. 3. The image recording means is a carriage which detachably mounts an ink cartridge for ejecting ink and is driven in the main scanning direction, and the detecting means is a sensor which is mounted on the carriage and detects a sheet width. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The feeding means is a cartridge having the recording sheet loaded therein and detachably attached to the apparatus main body, the sheet feeding means having a sheet guide movable in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means is configured to detect a position of said sheet guide. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a discharge direction of the recording sheet and in a direction parallel to a bottom surface of the discharge means, and to operate in directions opposite to each other. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The support member is provided so as to be rotatable in a direction orthogonal to a discharge direction of the recording sheet and in a direction opposite to each other, and at least one of the support members is attached to a support member support, and the support member support is moved in the discharge direction. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is configured to be movable in an orthogonal direction.