Inkjet recording device

Abstract

To provide an inkjet recording device which can surely execute connection of a recording head to a recording device without applying any burden to users.SOLUTION: A joint unit 30 has a connection part 34 for supplying ink to a recording head 80, a shaft part 36 which is rotated by a drive source 37 and is moved in an axial direction, and a support part 31 which supports the connection part 34 and rotatably supports the shaft part 36. The connection part 34 and the support part 31 are movable together with the shaft part 36. The recording head 8 has a head joint 82 which is connectable to the connection part 34, and has an engagement part 81 which is engageable with one end of the shaft part 36. The shaft part 36 is rotated and is engaged with the engagement part 81, and thereby the head joint 82 and the connection part 34 are connected to each other, and ink can be supplied to the recording head 8 from a tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink to record an image. [Background technology]

[0002] There is provided an inkjet recording device that allows the user to replace the recording head. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, with the recording head attached to the recording device, the user connects a joint portion for supplying ink to the recording head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-47547 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the user must manually connect the guide pins arranged in the joint portion and the guide holes arranged in the recording head while visually checking these, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing apparatus that can reliably connect a print head to the printing apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a recording head that ejects ink, the recording head including a tank that stores ink, a first connection portion for supplying ink from the tank to the recording head, a second connection portion for recovering ink from the recording head, and a shaft portion that is movable together with the first connection portion. a head holder that holds the recording head and moves in a vertical direction;the recording head has a first head joint connectable to the first connection portion, a second head joint connectable to the second connection portion, and an engagement portion engageable with one end of the shaft portion, and when the shaft portion engages with the engagement portion, the first head joint and the first connection portion are connected, thereby enabling the supply of ink from the tank to the recording head. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the printhead can be reliably connected to the printing apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] When the recording device is in standby mode [Diagram 2] Control configuration diagram of the recording device [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the recording device in a recording state [Figure 4] A transport path diagram of a recording medium fed from a first cassette [Diagram 5] A diagram showing a transport path of a recording medium fed from a second cassette. [Figure 6] A transport path diagram when performing a recording operation on the back side of a recording medium. [Figure 7] A diagram of the recording device in the maintenance state [Figure 8] Diagram showing the head holder [Figure 9] A diagram showing how to insert a recording head [Figure 10] A diagram showing the connection between the recording head and the joint unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows a recording head and a joint unit in a head holder. [Figure 12] Diagram showing how the joint unit moves up and down [Figure 13] Diagram showing the joint unit position and the sensor detection position [Figure 14] Close-up of the lift plate and lift plate cover [Figure 15] A diagram showing the state of each member with respect to the relative position of the joint unit. [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the lifting and lowering sequence of the joint unit [Figure 17] Flowchart of recording head installation confirmation sequence [Figure 18] Flowchart of Head Release Verification Sequence DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter, recording apparatus 1) used in this embodiment. In the figure, the x direction indicates the horizontal direction, the y direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) indicates the direction in which ejection ports are arranged in a recording head 80 (described later), and the z direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0010] The recording device 1 is a multifunction device equipped with a print unit 2 and a scanner unit 3, and various processes related to recording and reading operations can be executed by the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 individually or in conjunction with each other. The scanner unit 3 is equipped with an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner), and can read documents automatically fed by the ADF and read (scan) documents placed on the platen of the FBS by a user. Note that although this embodiment is a multifunction device equipped with both the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3, it may be configured not to include the scanner unit 3. FIG. 1 shows the recording device 1 in a standby state in which neither recording nor reading operations are being performed.

[0011] In the printing section 2, a first cassette 5A and a second cassette 5B for accommodating recording media (cut sheets) S are removably installed at the bottom vertically below the housing 4. The first cassette 5A accommodates relatively small recording media up to A4 size, while the second cassette 5B accommodates relatively large recording media up to A3 size, stacked flat. A first feeding unit 6A is provided near the first cassette 5A for separating and feeding the accommodated recording media one by one. Similarly, a second feeding unit 6B is provided near the second cassette 5B. When a recording operation is performed, the recording media S is selectively fed from one of the cassettes.

[0012] The transport rollers 7, discharge rollers 12, pinch rollers 7a, spurs 7b, guides 18, inner guides 19, and flapper 11 constitute a transport mechanism for guiding the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The transport rollers 7 are disposed upstream and downstream of the head unit 8, and are drive rollers driven by a transport motor (not shown). The pinch rollers 7a are driven rollers that nip the recording medium S together with the transport rollers 7 and rotate. The discharge rollers 12 are disposed downstream of the transport rollers 7, and are drive rollers driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spurs 7b, together with the transport rollers 7 and discharge rollers 12 disposed downstream of the head unit 8, pinch and transport the recording medium S.

[0013] The guide 18 is provided on the transport path of the recording medium S and guides the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The inner guide 19 is a member extending in the y direction, has a curved side, and guides the recording medium S along the side. The flapper 11 is a member for switching the direction in which the recording medium S is transported during double-sided recording operation. The discharge tray 13 is a tray for stacking and holding the recording medium S discharged by the discharge roller 12 after the recording operation is completed.

[0014] The head unit 8 of this embodiment is configured by mounting the recording head 80 on a head holder 20, which will be described later. The recording head 80 is a full-line type color inkjet recording head, and a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink according to recording data are arranged in the y direction in FIG. 1, corresponding to the width of the recording medium S. When the head unit 8 is in the standby position, the ejection port surface 8a of the head unit 8 (recording head 80) faces vertically downward as shown in FIG. 1 and is capped by a cap unit 10. When performing a recording operation, the orientation of the head unit 8 is changed by a print controller 202, which will be described later, so that the ejection port surface 8a faces a platen 9. The platen 9 is configured by a flat plate extending in the y direction, and supports the recording medium S, on which the recording operation is performed by the head unit 8, from the rear. The movement of the head unit 8 from the standby position to the recording position will be described in detail later.

[0015] The ink tank unit 14 stores each of the four colors of ink to be supplied to the head unit 8. The ink supply unit 15 is provided in the middle of a flow path connecting the ink tank unit 14 and the head unit 8, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the ink in the recording head 80 to appropriate ranges. In this embodiment, a circulation type ink supply system is adopted, and the ink supply unit 15 adjusts the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 80 and the flow rate of the ink collected from the recording head 80 to appropriate ranges.

[0016] The maintenance unit 16 includes a cap unit 10 and a wiping unit 17, and operates these at a predetermined timing to perform a maintenance operation on the recording head 80.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The control configuration mainly comprises a print engine unit 200 that controls the print section 2, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner section 3, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire recording apparatus 1. A print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to instructions from a main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The control configuration will be described in detail below.

[0018] In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 constituted by a CPU controls the entire recording device 1 using a RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 107. For example, when a print job is input from a host device 400 via a host I / F 102 or a wireless I / F 103, an image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data in accordance with instructions from the main controller 101. The main controller 101 then transmits the processed image data to a print engine unit 200 via a print engine I / F 105.

[0019] The recording device 1 may obtain image data from the host device 400 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may obtain image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the recording device 1. The communication method used for wireless communication or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as a communication method used for wireless communication. Also, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like can be used as a communication method used for wired communication. Also, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits the command to the scanner unit 3 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0020] The operation panel 104 is a mechanism for a user to perform input and output to the recording device 1. The user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set the print mode, and recognize information about the recording device 1 via the operation panel 104.

[0021] In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202 constituted by a CPU controls various mechanisms of the print unit 2 according to programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 203, using a RAM 204 as a work area. When various commands and image data are received via a controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 causes an image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into recording data so that the head unit 8 can use the data for a recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the head unit 8 to execute a recording operation based on the recording data via a head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feeding units 6A and 6B, the conveying roller 7, the discharge roller 12, and the flapper 11 shown in FIG. 1 via a conveying control unit 207 to convey the recording medium S. According to an instruction from the print controller 202, the recording operation by the head unit 8 is executed in conjunction with the conveying operation of the recording medium S, and printing processing is performed.

[0022] The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the head unit 8 depending on the operating state of the recording device 1, such as the maintenance state or recording state. The head carriage control unit 208 also controls the connection between the head unit 8 and a joint unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 2) for connecting ink to the head unit 8. Specifically, the head carriage control unit 208 has an elevation motor 37 for raising and lowering the joint unit 30, and a first sensor 21 and a second sensor 22 for checking the up and down position of the joint unit 30, and drives the elevation motor 37 based on the detection results of these sensors. The connection control between the head unit 8 and the joint unit 30 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit 15 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the head unit 8 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the operations of the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 in the maintenance unit 16 when performing a maintenance operation on the head unit 8.

[0024] In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 using the RAM 106 as a work area according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. This controls various mechanisms of the scanner unit 3. For example, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, so that the document placed on the ADF by the user is transported via the transport control unit 304 and read by the sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 can convert the image data acquired as described above into recording data, thereby causing the head unit 8 to perform a recording operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows the recording apparatus 1 in a recording state. Compared to the standby state shown in Fig. 1, the cap unit 10 is spaced away from the ejection port surface 8a of the head unit 8, and the ejection port surface 8a faces the platen 9. In this embodiment, the plane of the platen 9 is inclined at about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and the ejection port surface 8a of the head unit 8 in the recording position is also inclined at about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction so that the distance from the platen 9 is maintained constant.

[0026] When the head unit 8 moves from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the recording position shown in FIG. 3, the print controller 202 uses the maintenance control unit 210 to lower the cap unit 10 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 3. This separates the ejection port surface 8a of the head unit 8 from the cap member 10a. Thereafter, the print controller 202 rotates the head unit 8 by 45 degrees while adjusting the vertical height of the head unit 8 using the head carriage control unit 208, so that the ejection port surface 8a faces the platen 9. When the recording operation is completed and the head unit 8 moves from the recording position to the standby position, the print controller 202 performs the above steps in reverse.

[0027] Next, a description will be given of the transport path of the recording medium S in the printing section 2. When a recording command is input, the print controller 202 first uses the maintenance control section 210 and the head carriage control section 208 to move the head unit 8 to the recording position shown in Fig. 3. Then, the print controller 202 uses the transport control section 207 to drive either the first feeding unit 6A or the second feeding unit 6B in accordance with the recording command, and feeds the recording medium S.

[0028] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing the conveying path when the A4 size recording medium S contained in the first cassette 5A is fed. The topmost recording medium S in the first cassette 5A is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the first feeding unit 6A, and is conveyed toward the recording area P between the platen 9 and the head unit 8 while being nipped between the conveying roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a. FIG. 4(a) shows the conveying state just before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed from the horizontal direction (x direction) to a direction inclined at about 45 degrees from the horizontal direction while being fed by the first feeding unit 6A and reaching the recording area P.

[0029] In the recording area P, ink is ejected from a plurality of ejection ports provided in the recording head 80 toward the recording medium S. The back surface of the recording medium S in the area where the ink is applied is supported by a platen 9, and the distance between the ejection port surface 8a and the recording medium S is kept constant. The recording medium S after the ink is applied passes the left side of the flapper 11, the leading end of which is tilted to the right, while being guided by the transport roller 7 and the spur 7b, and is transported vertically upward in the recording device 1 along the guide 18. FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is transported vertically upward. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed vertically upward from the position of the recording area P, which is tilted at about 45 degrees from the horizontal direction, by the transport roller 7 and the spur 7b.

[0030] The recording medium S is transported vertically upward, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 13 by the discharge rollers 12 and spurs 7b. Fig. 4(c) shows a state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the discharge rollers 12 and is discharged onto the discharge tray 13. The discharged recording medium S is held on the discharge tray 13 with the side on which the image is recorded by the head unit 8 facing down.

[0031] 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing the conveying path when A3 size recording media S contained in the second cassette 5B are fed. The top recording medium S in the second cassette 5B is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the second feeding unit 6B, and is conveyed toward the recording area P between the platen 9 and the head unit 8 while being nipped between the conveying roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a.

[0032] 5(a) shows a conveying state immediately before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. A plurality of conveying rollers 7, pinch rollers 7a, and an inner guide 19 are arranged on the conveying path from when the recording medium S is fed by the second feeding unit 6B to when it reaches the recording area P, so that the recording medium S is conveyed to the platen 9 while being curved in an S shape.

[0033] The subsequent transport path is the same as that of the A4-sized recording medium S shown in Figures 4(b) and (c). Figure 5(b) shows the state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is transported vertically upward. Figure 5(c) shows the state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the discharge rollers 12 and is discharged onto the discharge tray 13.

[0034] Figures 6(a) to (d) show the transport path when performing a recording operation (double-sided recording) on ​​the back side (second side) of an A4-sized recording medium S. When performing double-sided recording, the first side (front side) is recorded, and then the recording operation is performed on the second side (back side). The transport process when recording on the first side is the same as in Figures 4(a) to (c), so a description thereof will be omitted here. Hereinafter, the transport process from Figure 4(c) onwards will be described.

[0035] When the recording operation on the first side by the head unit 8 is completed and the rear end of the recording medium S passes the flapper 11, the print controller 202 rotates the transport roller 7 in the reverse direction to transport the recording medium S into the recording device 1. At this time, the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that its leading end is tilted to the left, so that the leading end of the recording medium S (the rear end in the recording operation on the first side) passes the right side of the flapper 11 and is transported vertically downward. FIG. 6(a) shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S (the rear end in the recording operation on the first side) passes the right side of the flapper 11.

[0036] The recording medium S is then transported along the curved outer peripheral surface of the inner guide 19, and is transported again to the recording area P between the head unit 8 and the platen 9. At this time, the second surface of the recording medium S faces the ejection port surface 8a of the head unit 8. Fig. 6(b) shows the transport state immediately before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P for the recording operation on the second surface.

[0037] The transport path thereafter is the same as in the case of first-side recording shown in Figures 4(b) and (c). Figure 6(c) shows the state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is transported vertically upward. At this time, the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that the leading edge moves to a position tilted to the right. Figure 6(d) shows the state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the discharge rollers 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

[0038] Next, a description will be given of the maintenance operation for the head unit 8. As described in Fig. 1, the maintenance unit 16 of this embodiment includes a cap unit 10 and a wiping unit 17, and performs the maintenance operation by operating these at a predetermined timing.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the recording device 1 in a maintenance state. When moving the head unit 8 from the standby position shown in Fig. 1 to the maintenance position shown in Fig. 7, the print controller 202 moves the head unit 8 upward in the vertical direction and moves the cap unit 10 downward in the vertical direction. Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 from the retracted position to the right in Fig. 7. After that, the print controller 202 moves the head unit 8 downward in the vertical direction to a maintenance position where maintenance operation can be performed.

[0040] On the other hand, when the head unit 8 moves from the recording position shown in Fig. 3 to the maintenance position shown in Fig. 7, the print controller 202 moves the head unit 8 vertically upward while rotating it 45 degrees. Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 from the retracted position to the right. After that, the print controller 202 moves the head unit 8 vertically downward to the maintenance position where the maintenance operation by the maintenance unit 16 can be performed.

[0041] Next, we will explain the configuration for mounting the recording head 80 to the recording device 1. When mounting or removing the recording head 80 to or from the recording device 1, the head unit 8 moves to a position several centimeters higher than the maintenance position shown in FIG.

[0042] 8 is a diagram showing the head holder 20 provided in the recording device 1 for mounting the recording head 80. The head holder 20 is a hollow housing extending in the y direction, and the recording head 80 is mounted on the device body by being inserted in the +y direction from the side of the head holder 20. At the back side of the head holder 20, a connection part (not shown in FIG. 8) for electrically connecting with the inserted recording head 80 and a joint unit 30 for fluid connection are arranged.

[0043] 9(a) and (b) are diagrams showing how the recording head 80 is inserted into the head holder 20. When a new recording head 80 is attached to the recording device 1, the user inserts the recording head 80 into the empty head holder 20 in the +y direction. A head-side electrical connection part 84 is disposed at the leading end of the recording head 80 in the insertion direction, and a holder-side electrical connection part 23 is disposed on the inside of the head holder 20 at a position opposite to the head-side electrical connection part 84. Therefore, when the user inserts the recording head 80 into the head holder 20 and slides it in the y direction, these are coupled, and the recording head 80 is electrically connected to the recording device 1. During this time, the joint unit 30 for connecting the recording head 80 and the ink supply unit 15 is retracted in the +z direction from the area where the recording head 80 slides. Therefore, the sliding movement of the recording head 80 is not hindered by the joint unit 30.

[0044] 10(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the state of connection between the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30. Fig. 10(a) shows the joint unit 30, and Fig. 10(b) shows the connection area of ​​the recording head 80 with the joint unit 30. The connection area of ​​the recording head 80 is located on the rear side of the surface of the recording head 80 on which the ejection port surface 8a is formed, on the rear side in the insertion direction (+y direction side).

[0045] The joint unit 30 has a supply joint part 32 for supplying ink to the recording head 80 and a recovery joint part 33 for recovering ink from the recording head 80. The joint unit 30 is fixed to a holder plate 31 (see FIG. 11) that serves as a support part. A hole 31a is provided in the approximate center of the holder plate 31 to allow a shaft part used for connecting to the recording head 80 to pass through.

[0046] 10(b), the recording head 80 is provided with a head joint (hereinafter referred to as a needle 82) for receiving and sending ink, and a positioning pin 83. The needles 82 connected to the supply joint portion 32 and the needles 82 connected to the recovery joint portion 33 are provided for each of four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Two positioning pins 83 are provided for each of the supply joint portion 32 and the recovery joint portion 33.

[0047] On the connection surface of the joint unit 30 with the recording head 80, needle joints 34 are disposed at positions corresponding to the needles 82, and pin guides 35 are disposed at positions corresponding to the positioning pins 83. The eight needles 82 are guided by the insertion of the positioning pins 83 into the pin guides 35, and connected to the eight needle joints 34, respectively, thereby realizing the connection between the recording device 1 (ink supply unit 15) and the recording head 80. In this manner, the connection direction (z direction) between the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 intersects with the direction (y direction) in which the recording head 8 is mounted on the recording device 1. Note that while FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which the tubes 39 are connected to the supply joint part 32 and the recovery joint part 33, the tubes 39 are omitted in other figures for convenience.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 are connected in the head holder 20. The holder plate 31 rotatably supports the screw shaft 36 with the screw shaft 36 penetrating through a hole 31a located approximately in the center. The screw shaft 36 has a first screw portion 36a at the top and a second screw portion 36b at the bottom. The first screw portion 36a can be engaged with a nut hole 40a of the lift plate 40, and the second screw portion 36b can be engaged with a head nut 81 that serves as an engagement portion on the recording head 80 side. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the first screw portion 36a is not engaged with the nut hole 40a, and the second screw portion 36b is engaged with the head nut 81.

[0049] In addition to the above-mentioned supply joint section 32 and recovery joint section 33, the holder plate 31 is also provided with a lift motor 37 serving as a drive source, and a gear train 38 for transmitting the drive force of the lift motor 37 to the screw shaft 36. The lift motor 37 is controlled by a head carriage control section 208 under the control of the print controller 202 shown in Fig. 2. That is, the head carriage control section 208 can raise and lower the entire joint unit 30 in the axial direction of the screw shaft 36 by switching the rotation direction of the lift motor 37, thereby controlling the connection and separation between the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30.

[0050] 12(a) and (b) are diagrams showing how the joint unit 30 moves up and down in the head holder 20. Fig. 12(a) shows a state in which the joint unit 30 is separated from the recording head 80. Fig. 12(b) shows a state in which the joint unit 30 is connected to the recording head 80.

[0051] 12(a), the screw shaft 36 is held at the upper position, and its upper end protrudes from the lift plate 40. The first screw portion 36a engages with the nut hole 40a of the lift plate 40, and the second screw portion 36b is separated from the head nut 81. Therefore, the needle joints 34 of the supply joint portion 32 and the recovery joint portion 33 are separated from the needle 82 of the recording head 80, and the recording head 80 is not connected to the recording device 1. In this embodiment, the user attaches and detaches the recording head 80 to and from the head holder 20 in this separated state.

[0052] 12(b), the screw shaft 36 is held at the lower position, and the first screw portion 36a is in a state of being pulled out below the lift plate 40. In other words, the first screw portion 36a is not engaged with the nut hole 40a of the lift plate 40, and only the second screw portion 36b projects into and engages with the head nut 81. At this time, the needle joint 34 is coupled with the needle 82 of the recording head 80, so that the recording head 80 and the recording device 1 can be connected.

[0053] In this embodiment, such a separated state and a connected state are automatically switched by using the lift motor 37. Therefore, the connection and disconnection of the recording head 80 and the recording device 1 can be smoothly performed without bothering the user as in the conventional case.

[0054] Incidentally, when transitioning from the separated state to the connected state, the print controller 202 performs the transition after confirming the passage of electricity between the head side electrical connection portion 84 and the holder side electrical connection portion 23. However, if the electrical contact is affected by static electricity or the like, the print controller 202 may erroneously detect that the recording head 80 is attached even when the recording head 80 is not attached. If the joint unit 30 is lowered in this state, the screw shaft 36 may fall onto the bottom surface of the head holder 20 at the timing when the first screw portion 36a is disengaged from the nut hole 40a, causing a risk of damaging the head holder.

[0055] Furthermore, if ink supply is started from the supply joint 32 in a state where the recording head 80 is erroneously detected as being attached, the inside of the device will be contaminated by the supplied ink. In particular, in a full-line type inkjet recording device, the ink may be pressurized and supplied to the recording head having high-density nozzles in order to ensure stable ink supply. The recording device 1 of this embodiment also employs a configuration in which ink is pressurized and supplied from a sub-tank arranged in the ink supply unit 15 to the recording head 80 by a pump (not shown), and there is a greater concern about ink leakage and contamination than in a supply configuration that utilizes the ink head difference.

[0056] In other words, considering the influence of static electricity, etc., it is not preferable from the viewpoint of reliability to reliably determine whether or not the recording head 80 is actually attached based only on the presence or absence of electricity. Therefore, in this embodiment, a sensor for detecting the up and down position of the joint unit 30 is further provided, and the joint unit 30 is controlled so as not to be raised and lowered more than necessary.

[0057] 13(a) to 13(d) are diagrams for explaining in a stepwise manner the relationship between the position of the joint unit 30 and the detection position of the sensor in the head holder 20. A lift flag 31b having a predetermined width in the vertical direction is attached to the side surface of the holder plate 31 so as to protrude outward from the holder plate 31. Therefore, the lift flag 31b can move in the vertical direction together with the holder plate 31 as the screw shaft 36 rotates. Meanwhile, inside the head holder 20 and midway along the path through which the lift flag 31b passes, a first sensor 21 and a second sensor 22 are disposed at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction.

[0058] The first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 are optical sensors having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. When the lift flag 31b is in a position away from the sensor, the light emitted from the light emitting portion is received by the light receiving portion. When the lift flag 31b is in a position corresponding to the sensor, the light emitted from the light emitting portion is blocked by the lift flag 31b and is not received by the light receiving portion. The head carriage control unit 208 determines the vertical position of the joint unit 30 based on a combination of the presence or absence of light reception by the first sensor (Open / Close) and the presence or absence of light reception by the second sensor (Open / Close).

[0059] A lift plate cover 41 that covers the lift plate 40 is placed on the upper surface of the lift plate 40 and is screwed to the head holder 20. However, the lift plate 40 and the lift plate cover 41 are not fixed to each other, and the lift plate 40 is allowed to move slightly in both the xy direction and the z direction relative to the head holder 20. In the normal state, a small gap G is formed between the lift plate 40 and the lift plate cover 41 (see FIG. 14(a)).

[0060] Fig. 13(a) shows a separated state similar to Fig. 12(a). The lower end of the screw shaft 36 is located above and away from the head nut 81, and the needle joint 34 and the pin guide 35 are respectively separated from the needle 82 and the positioning pin 83 of the recording head 80. The lift flag 31b is located above the first sensor 21, and the detection results of both the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 indicate Open (not blocked).

[0061] When the head carriage control unit 208 drives the lift motor 37 in the forward direction, the screw shaft 36 descends with the first threaded portion 36a engaging with the nut hole 40a, and the entire joint unit 30 also gradually descends accordingly. After this descent continues for a while, the second threaded portion 36b of the screw shaft 36 eventually enters the head nut 81.

[0062] When the second screw portion 36b engages with the head nut 81, the screw shaft 36 engages with both the lift plate 40 and the recording head 80. Then, until the first screw portion 36a and the screw connection in the nut hole 40a are in phase, the second screw portion 36b engages with the head nut 81 while aligning itself in the xy plane, and receives an upward resistance from the head nut 81. As the screw shaft 36 receives this upward resistance, a force that lifts the lift plate 40 upward acts.

[0063] 14(a) and (b) are enlarged views for explaining the above state in detail. In the normal state, a gap G exists between the lift plate 40 and the lift plate cover 41 as shown in FIG. 14(a). On the other hand, when the screw shaft 36 receives a resistance force from the head nut 81, the lift plate 40 is lifted and the gap G narrows, and the lift plate 40 may come into contact with the lift plate cover 41 as shown in FIG. 14(b). In this way, by providing the gap G between the lift plate 40 and the lift plate cover 41, it is possible to prevent the resistance force received from the head nut 81 from being applied to other members.

[0064] Thereafter, when the screw connection between the second screw portion 36b and the head nut 81 matches the phase of the screw connection between the first screw portion 36a and the nut hole 40a, the screw shaft 36 starts to descend again. At this time, the screw shaft 36 does not receive resistance from the head nut 81, so the lift plate 40 returns to the position shown in FIG. 14(a) again. When the screw shaft 36 descends further, the first screw portion 36a falls downward from the nut hole 40a, and the engagement between the first screw portion 36a and the nut hole 40a is released. In other words, the screw shaft 36 is released from the engagement with the lift plate 40 and is in a state where it only engages with the recording head 80.

[0065] In this manner, the first screw portion 36a and the second screw portion 36b are provided on the screw shaft 36 in a positional relationship spaced a predetermined distance apart so that the screw shaft 36 is engaged with both the lift plate 40 and the recording head 80. This allows the joint unit 30 to be smoothly moved from a state in which it is engaged with the head holder 20 to a state in which it is engaged with the recording head 80. The size of the gap G is preset so as to correspond to the region (length) of the screw shaft 36 that engages with both the lift plate 40 and the recording head 80.

[0066] Incidentally, even when the joint unit 30 is separated from the recording head 80, the screw shaft 36 receives a resistance from the head nut 81. That is, the screw shaft 36 receives a resistance from the head nut 81 and lifts the lift plate 40 until the phase of the screw engagement between the first screw portion 36a and the nut hole 40a matches the phase of the screw engagement between the second screw portion 36b and the head nut 81. In any case, by providing a gap G of an appropriate size between the lift plate 40 and the lift plate cover 41 in advance, the joint unit 30 can be smoothly raised and lowered.

[0067] As already described, the lift plate 40 has an area in which it can move in the x and y directions relative to the head holder 20. Therefore, the entire joint unit 30 can move in accordance with the alignment of the ascending and descending screw shaft 36.

[0068] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 13, Fig. 13(b) shows a state in which the joint unit 30 is further lowered and the lower end of the lift flag 31b blocks the first sensor 21. At this time, the detection value of the first sensor 21 indicates Close (blocked), and the detection value of the second sensor 22 indicates Open (not blocked). The second screw portion 36b of the screw shaft 36 is engaged with the head nut 81, and the first screw portion 36a is engaged with the nut hole 40a of the lift plate 40.

[0069] Figure 13(c) shows a state in which the joint unit 30 is further lowered and both the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 are blocked by the lift flag 31b. Between Figures 13(b) and 13(c), the positioning pin 83 of the recording head 80 gradually enters the pin guide 35 of the joint unit 30, and the needle 82 of the recording head 80 gradually enters the needle joint 34 of the joint unit 30. Then, in the state of Figure 13(c), the positioning pin 83 and the pin guide 35, and the needle 82 and the needle joint 34 are completely connected.

[0070] At this time, the detection values ​​of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 both indicate Close (disconnected). The print controller 202 can determine that the print head 80 is connected to the printing device 1 based on the detection values ​​of these sensors.

[0071] 13(d) shows a state in which the joint unit 30 descends and overruns while the recording head 80 is not attached to the head holder 20. Because the upper end of the lift flag 31b passes the position of the first sensor 21, the detection value of the first sensor 21 becomes Open (not blocked). In other words, the print controller 202 can estimate that the recording head 80 is not normally attached to the head holder 20 based on the detection results of these sensors.

[0072] 15 is a diagram showing the relative position of the joint unit 30 with respect to the recording head 80, the engagement state of the screw shaft 36 corresponding to each position, and the detection results of the sensors. The print controller 202 can determine the position of the joint unit 30 and the connection state of the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 based on a combination of the detection results of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22. Also, when the detection value of the first sensor 21 is Open and the detection value of the second sensor 22 is Close, it can be assumed that the recording head 80 is not installed properly.

[0073] 16 is a flowchart showing a sequence for raising and lowering the joint unit 30, which is executed by the print controller 202 using the head carriage control unit 208. This process is started by a user's instruction or by the decision of the print controller 202 when it becomes necessary to connect or separate the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30, for example, when replacing the recording head 80.

[0074] When this process starts, the print controller 202 first checks the value of the joint flag (FLG) in S101. The joint flag is a flag that specifies the state of connection between the joint unit 30 and the recording head 80, and is set to FLG=1 when a connection operation is performed, and to FLG=2 when a separation operation is performed. If neither is the case, FLG=0 is set; for example, FLG=0 is set when the recording device 1 is shipped.

[0075] If FLG=1 in S101, the print controller 202 proceeds to S102 to execute the operation of connecting the joint unit 30 and the recording head 80. If FLG=2, the print controller 202 proceeds to S108 to execute the operation of separating the joint unit 30 and the recording head 80. If FLG=0, the print controller 202 determines that it is not necessary to raise or lower the joint unit 30, and after performing a predetermined error process in S114, ends this process.

[0076] When performing a connecting operation between the joint unit 30 and the recording head 80, the print controller 202 checks the detection result of the second sensor 22 in S102. If the detection result of the second sensor 22 indicates Open, the print controller 202 determines that the joint unit 30 can be lowered from the current state, and proceeds to S105.

[0077] On the other hand, if the detection result of the second sensor 22 is Close in S102 even though FLG=1 (connection operation is specified) in S101, there is a concern that the previous operation was not performed normally, such as the power being cut off during the previous connection or separation operation. Therefore, the print controller 202 raises the joint unit 30 once to reset the state. That is, the print controller 202 proceeds to S103, where the lift motor 37 is rotated in the reverse direction to raise the joint unit 30 by a predetermined amount. Then, when it is confirmed in S104 that the detection result of the second sensor 22 is Open, the process proceeds to S105 to lower the joint unit 30.

[0078] In S105, the print controller 202 rotates the lift motor 37 in the forward direction to lower the joint unit 30 by a predetermined amount. Then, when it is confirmed in S106 that the detection results of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 are both "Closed", the print controller 202 proceeds to S107 and sets a connection flag which means that the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 are connected.

[0079] On the other hand, if the detection result of the second sensor 22 is Close in S104, or if the detection result of at least one of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 is Open in S106, this means that the lifting and lowering of the joint unit 30 was not performed normally. Therefore, the print controller 202 performs a predetermined error process in S114 and then ends this process.

[0080] Next, a description will be given of the case of the separation operation in which FLG=2 is confirmed in S101. In the case of the separation operation, the head carriage control unit 208 confirms the detection result of the first sensor 21 in S108. If the detection result of the first sensor 21 is Close, the print controller 202 determines that the joint unit 30 can be lifted from the current state, and proceeds to S111.

[0081] On the other hand, if the detection result of the first sensor 21 in S108 is Open even though FLG=2 (separation operation is specified), there is a concern that the previous connection or separation operation was not performed normally or that the screw shaft 36 has fallen off. Therefore, the print controller 202 lowers the joint unit 30 once to reset the state. That is, in S109, the head carriage control unit 208 rotates the lift motor 37 in the forward direction to lower the joint unit 30 by a predetermined amount. Then, when it is confirmed in S110 that the detection result of the first sensor 21 is Close, the print controller 202 proceeds to S111 to raise the joint unit 30.

[0082] In S111, the print controller 202 rotates the lift motor 37 in the reverse direction to lift the joint unit 30 by a predetermined amount. Then, when the print controller 202 confirms in S112 that the detection results of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 are both Open, it sets a separation flag which means that the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 are separated.

[0083] On the other hand, if the detection result of the first sensor 21 is Open in S110, or if the detection result of at least one of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 is Close in S112, the lifting and lowering of the joint unit 30 is not performed normally. Therefore, the print controller 202 performs a predetermined error process in S114 and then ends this process.

[0084] As described above, the print controller 202 of this embodiment controls the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the lift motor 37 while checking the detection results of the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22. This makes it possible to reliably connect and separate the recording head 80 and the joint unit 30 without bothering the user.

[0085] 17 is a flowchart of a print head attachment confirmation sequence executed by the print controller 202 after the user attaches the print head 80 to the head holder 20. This process is started by a user instruction or by the decision of the print controller 202 after the user attaches the print head 80 to the head holder 20 according to the procedures shown in FIGS.

[0086] When this process starts, in S11, the print controller 202 checks, via the head carriage control unit 208, whether or not there is electrical continuity between the holder side electrical connector 23 and the head side electrical connector 84. If electrical continuity is checked, the print controller 202 determines that the recording head 80 is electrically connected to the recording device 1, and proceeds to S12.

[0087] In S12, the print controller 202 sets the joint flag to 1 (FLG=1), and in the following S13, executes the joint unit lifting / lowering sequence described in Fig. 16. Because the joint flag is set to 1, the joint unit lifting / lowering sequence in Fig. 16 proceeds to S102, and if the fluid connection operation is performed normally, the connection flag is set in S107.

[0088] When the joint unit lifting and lowering sequence is completed, the print controller 202 proceeds to S14 and checks whether the connection flag (S107) is set. If the connection flag is set, the print head 80 and the recording device 1 can be considered to be electrically and mechanically connected, so the print controller 202 proceeds to S15 and permits the circulation of ink to the print head 80. In other words, the supply of ink from the ink supply unit 15 to the print head 80 and the recovery of ink from the print head 80 to the ink supply unit 15 are permitted.

[0089] On the other hand, if power cannot be confirmed in S11, or if the connection flag cannot be confirmed in S14, the print controller 202 proceeds to S16 and performs a predetermined error process, such as notifying the user that the installation of the print head 80 has failed.

[0090] 18 is a flowchart of a head separation confirmation sequence executed by the print controller 202. This process is started by a user instruction or by the decision of the print controller 202 when, for example, the currently installed print head 80 is to be removed from the printing apparatus 1.

[0091] When this process starts, the print controller 202 sets the joint flag to 2 (FLG=2) in S21. Then, proceeding to S22, the print controller 202 executes the joint unit lifting / lowering sequence described in Fig. 16. Because the joint flag is set to 2, the process proceeds to S108 in the joint unit lifting / lowering sequence in Fig. 16, and if the separation operation is performed normally, the separation flag is set in S113.

[0092] When the joint unit lifting / lowering sequence is completed, the print controller 202 proceeds to S23 and checks whether the separation flag (S113) is set. If the separation flag is set, the print controller 202 performs a predetermined process to permit removal of the recording head in S24, and ends this process.

[0093] On the other hand, if the separation flag cannot be confirmed in S23, the print controller 202 proceeds to S25, where it performs a predetermined error process, such as notifying the user that disconnection of the recording head 80 has failed, and then ends this process.

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, the connection and separation of the print head from the printing apparatus can be performed reliably without placing a burden on the user.

[0095] Although the above description has been given taking an example of an inkjet recording apparatus using a circulation type ink supply system, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration that includes a joint unit for supplying ink from an ink tank to a recording head is sufficient, and a configuration for recovering ink from the recording head is not essential.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above description, the joint unit 30 is connected vertically from above to the recording head 80 attached to the head holder 20, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the joint unit 30 may be connected to the recording head 80 in a horizontal direction.

[0097] In this case, the screw shaft 36 moves horizontally, and the first and second sensors are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. In addition, since gravity does not act in the direction in which the screw shaft moves, it is preferable to provide a spring means or the like for biasing the lift holder in the direction toward the recording head.

[0098] Furthermore, although the above description has been given using a full-line type color inkjet recording head, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The recording head may be of a serial type. It may also be a monochrome head using only black ink, or a recording head capable of ejecting more types of ink, such as light cyan ink and light magenta ink.

[0099] In any case, if the ink jet printing apparatus is one in which the print head can be attached and detached independently of the ink tank, the print head must be connected to the printing apparatus every time the print head is attached and detached, and the present invention can function effectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Inkjet recording device 8. Head Unit 14 Ink tank unit 30 Joint Unit 31 Holder plate (support part) 34 Needle joint (connection part) 36 Screw shaft (shaft) 37 Lifting motor (drive source) 80 Recording head 81 Head nut (engagement part) 82 Needle (head joint)

Claims

1. a tank for storing ink to be supplied to a recording head that ejects ink; a first connection portion for supplying ink from the tank to the recording head; a second connection portion for recovering ink from the recording head; A shaft portion movable together with the first connection portion; a head holder that holds the recording head and moves in a vertical direction; Equipped with the recording head includes a first head joint connectable to the first connection portion, a second head joint connectable to the second connection portion, and an engagement portion engageable with one end of the shaft portion, An inkjet recording device characterized in that, when the shaft portion engages with the engagement portion, the first head joint and the first connection portion are connected, thereby enabling ink to be supplied from the tank to the recording head.

2. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second head joint and the second connection portion are connected to each other, thereby enabling recovery of ink from the recording head to the tank.

3. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink is circulated between the tank and the recording head.

4. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is a full-line type inkjet recording head in which ejection ports for ejecting ink are arranged over a length corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

5. a first tube for supplying ink from the tank to the recording head; a second tube for recovering ink from the recording head; 5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first tube is connected to the first connection portion, and the second tube is connected to the second connection portion.

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