CN1056806C - Recording apparatus and ink cassette therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A recording apparatus includes a recording head for effecting an recording operation on a recording material while it is being moved; a plurality of detectors for detecting plural conditions of the apparatus; a controller for effecting the recording operation in accordance with the conditions detected by the detectors; the plurality of detectors includes a detecting element movable together with the recording head and a plurality of members to be detected corresponding to the conditions of the apparatus and disposed along a movement path of the detecting element.

Description

Recording equipment and ink cassette thereof

The present invention relates to a kind of recording equipment, this equipment disposes the balladeur train that is used for carrying a record head, and this record head then preferably is loaded on this balladeur train in separable mode, simultaneously, the invention still further relates to a kind of ink cassette that is used for this equipment.

The present invention is particularly useful for a kind of recording equipment of inkjet type, and it also has the recovery function of the ink in autofeed function and absorption record head or the like except having common defeated paper function.

Figure 16 is the perspective view as the ink-jet printer of a typical case of this class recording equipment.

Figure 17 is the detailed side view of the ink-jet printer part of Figure 16.

This kind equipment comprises that one transports to the friction roller 5 of record position by friction with record-paper.Friction roller 5 is bearing on the axle 43, and the latter does not show bright left plate and right plate supporting in the conveyer again thus.Record-paper 6 is drawn before the periphery of friction roller 5 by a paper disc 38, and does not show that by one the bright roll-in that compresses contacts on the friction roller 5.Like this, when friction roller 5 rotated, record-paper 6 promptly borrowed frictional force to transport on the pressboard 4 that is located at the friction roller top.The rotation of friction roller 5 is to be realized by the intermediate gear 20 on the axle 43 that is fixed in friction roller by a feeding motor 21.8 pairs of record-papers that transfer to pressboard 4 of paper restraining plate play guide effect, and the recording surface that makes it to push plate 4 to and make this record-paper keeps smooth along plate 4.

Be installed in ink jet print head 1 on the balladeur train 2 by band to position in the face of the recording surface of the record-paper 6 on the plate 4.More particularly, this balladeur train 2 is slidably to cooperate with the axis of guide 3 and a back axis of guide 45, and this back axis of guide does not then show that with respect to this place, printing frame 44 opposite ends the pressboard 4 between bright left and right side plate extends in parallel.Balladeur train 2 links to each other with the part of a toothed belt 47, and this toothed belt is parallel with the axis of guide 3, walks around the belt pulley on the printing machine opposite end.Like this, balladeur train 2 just can be moved along the axis of guide 3 and the back axis of guide 45 by this toothed belt 47 by a carriage motor 46.Along with above-mentioned motion, ink jet print head 1 is just finished its record operation.This record head starts so that carry out record by the tracer signal that record head cable 48 provides according to the controller that is located on the printed circuit board (PCB).

In the activation record head, promptly give ink jet print head 1 by an ink barrel 50 and an additional reservoir 51 with the ink spray feed by an ink cassette 27.Recording areas one adjacent position that is being covered by ink jet print head 1 movable range, be provided with a retracting device 52, it comprise one can towards or the lid 13 that deviates from the motion of this record head 1 ink ejection side, and one can cover the bright pump that do not show that 13 ink jet exits are drawn ink by this.Adjacent with retracting device 52 and, be used for removing residual ink, water droplet, dust or similarly be deposited on the lip-deep material of ink ejection side of this record head along being provided with a remover 26 on the motion path of record head 1.

What reference number 11 was indicated is an original position sensor, is used for judging the position of this movable record head 1, is that position when detecting the part of balladeur train with this sensor 11 is as the home position here.Also promptly this writes down cephalomotor reference position as control with this.What indicate with reference number 53 then is the ink cassette sensor, is used for judging whether the ink cassette of this supply ink has installed on this equipment.

Figure 17 is the detailed side view of retracting device 52 among Figure 16.The lid 13 of record-oriented head 1 ejection side all is movable with the pump 24 that is used for drawing ink, by the rotation of a pump cam 23, can move at left and right directions among this figure and above-below direction respectively.Cam 23 does not show that by one bright pump motor drives.In order to distinguish the turned position of this cam 23, a retracting device original position sensor 54 is housed in a side of this cam 23.When cam 23 rotated, original position sensor just began to survey, and with the turned position storage that detects, and controlled according to the degree of rotation of this memory location and cover 13 and the operation of pump 24.

But when adopting said structure, the lead of making various differentiation usefulness in recording equipment is a dispersed placement, thereby from this sensor to having the printed substrate 49 of controlling the controller of recording equipment according to the sensor result of detection, the wiring between them is very complicated.Such wiring is also further complicated because of following situation, promptly also has to be used for tracer signal is offered the record head cable 48 of record head 1.Complicated wiring has caused the high price of equipment, also needs very long lead simultaneously.

In addition, after the said equipment is complicated, is used for surveying and is loaded on ink cassette on the recording equipment with removably whether mechanism on the throne has also brought problem.

Prior art DE-A-2705282 discloses a kind of recording equipment, this equipment has a balladeur train that carries a record head in recording process along the one scan path, this balladeur train also carries a detector, be used for surveying sign, and the record operation is to control according to the duty that detects along expression the said equipment duty of above-mentioned scanning pattern setting.

Main purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of recording equipment, on the balladeur train of this equipment, sniffer is housed, just can differentiate the duty of this equipment according to the result of detection of this type of sniffer on predetermined sledge position, and according to these states, just can make the unlikely dispersion of wiring of various sensors, maintenance and assembling are more easily carried out.

The present invention also aims to provide a kind of ink cassette that is used for above-mentioned equipment.

The invention provides a kind of recording equipment, comprising:

One along scanning pattern carry a record head in case on a recording medium, finish the record operation balladeur train;

Detectable device along scanning pattern setting and expression the said equipment duty;

Carry and be used for surveying the sniffer of above-mentioned detectable device by described balladeur train, and the control device of controlling the record operation according to the duty that above-mentioned detection arrives, it is characterized in that above-mentioned detectable device comprises a movable piece and a control piece, this control piece is used for responding ink cassette is installed to operation on the said equipment, control the motion of above-mentioned movable piece, make this movable piece can be in sniffer outside the above-mentioned scanning pattern a undetectable position and being in can be detected on the above-mentioned scanning pattern between the position that device detects and move, thus, the position of this movable piece provides one to represent whether above-mentioned ink cassette is installed to a sign on the described equipment.

The present invention also provides a kind of ink cassette that inserts according to the described equipment of claim 1, it is characterized in that this ink cassette is roughly rectangle, it is in topmost and inserts two jiaos of the said equipment at first is the oblique angle, this ink cassette is provided with the stop part that combines with the lug boss that is carried by the said equipment, when ink cassette inserted the said equipment, above-mentioned lug boss and combining of stop part made above-mentioned control piece drive the precalculated position of above-mentioned movable piece to the one scan path.

The present invention above with other purpose, characteristics and advantage, will be by more clear with reference to the present invention does following description to most preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is the perspective view according to the complete ink-jet printer of one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the side view of the balladeur train of the ink cassette among Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of illustrating a kind of light-transmission type sensor.

Fig. 4 is the perspective schematic view of explanation sniffer operation.

Fig. 5 is the control flow chart of sniffer shown in Figure 4.

Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of explanation ink jet printing machine operation.

Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B are the flow charts of explanation control operation shown in Figure 6.

Fig. 8 is the perspective schematic view of a sniffer operation of explanation second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of explanation sniffer operation shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 and 11 is explanation profiles when detecting the no record medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is the perspective schematic view of explanation sniffer operation shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of explanation according to the reflection sensor of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is the perspective view that the operation of sensor shown in Figure 13 is described.

Figure 15 is the flow chart of explanation sniffer operation shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 and 17 is respectively a kind of perspective view and part side view of common ink-jet printer.

Figure 18 is the profile that is equipped with the recording equipment of autofeed device (ASF).

Figure 19 and 20 is perspective views that the travelling gear switching mechanism is described according to another part of the present invention.

Figure 21 A explanation is used for the travelling gear switching mechanism of mechanism shown in Figure 19 and 20.

Figure 21 B understands the slide teeth wheel shaft that is used in Figure 21 A mechanism in detail.

Figure 22 A, 22B and 22C explanation engages situation according to a part of the present invention between the supporting member of balladeur train and lid.

Figure 23 is a perspective view, shows the gear teeth that has improved in the travelling gear switching mechanism of a bright foundation part of the present invention.

Figure 24 A, 24B, 25A and 25B show and understand a kind of mechanism that is used to survey ink cassette, and wherein Figure 24 A and 25A are depicted as ink cassette and are unkitted and are downloaded to this equipment situation before, and Figure 24 B and 25B are depicted as the situation of loading ink cassette.

With reference now to accompanying drawing, most preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail in detail.

In the following description, adopted similar front to a kind of ink-jet printer described in the conventional equipment, thus in Fig. 1 to 15 identical reference number number in use and Figure 16 and 17, for the sake of simplicity, also just omitted detailed description to them.

Fig. 1 to 7 explanation is according to the sniffer of the ink-jet printer of first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a kind of perspective view of ink-jet printer, and its general layout is described.Fig. 2 is the balladeur train and the ink cassette of this ink-jet printer.Fig. 3 is a schematic top view, is used for illustrating the operation principle of the transparent type sensor of the sniffer that is used for present embodiment.Fig. 4 is a perspective view, and the elemental operation of sniffer is described.Fig. 5 is the flow chart of explanation sniffer control step.Fig. 6 shows the position of understanding the balladeur train with sniffer and the relation between various operation.Fig. 7 A and 7B are the flow charts of the above-mentioned control step of explanation.

As Fig. 1 and shown in Figure 2, ink jet print head 1 is installed on the balladeur train 2, and the latter can slide along an axis of guide 3 during towards pressboard 4 when the ejection side of record head 1.Rotation by friction roller 5 can be supplied with plate 4 with a record-paper 6, makes record head 1 realize record on record-paper.Balladeur train 2 has an integrally formed spring part 2a, it slidably be configured in paper guide 7 on rail 7a engage.By engaging of this spring part 2a and rail 7a, balladeur train 2 promptly is forced to enter the rotation direction around the axis of guide 3.Balladeur train 2 is provided with a seat part 2b in its slide plate side.Rotation by spring part 2a pushes, and this seat part 2b is affixed to a paper restraining plate 8.Be about to recognize that balladeur train 2 begins to slide when seat part 2b and 8 sliding-contacts of paper restraining plate, like this, record head 1 is just separated a predetermined gap with record-paper 6, so just can carry out stable record operation.

1 rear side place is provided with electric contact with the receiving record signal at contiguous record head.These electric contacts and a record head connector 9 are electrically connected.10 of record head printed circuit board (PCB)s do not show that by one bright record head cable and does not show that bright printed circuit board (PCB) is carried out and is electrically connected.Balladeur train 2 also is provided with the original position sensor 11 of a light-transmission type forms of sensor and the wide acquisition sensor 12 of paper of an optical reflective-type sensor form.Original position sensor 11 is used for differentiating the various conditions in the recording equipment.The width of record-paper 6 is surveyed in 12 utilizations of the wide acquisition sensor of paper from record-paper 6 and the light reflection difference that comes from other parts.

The lid 13 of retracting device is mounted on retracting device one motion parts 14.Along with retracting device motion parts 14 along the moving of retracting device axle 15, lid 13 promptly by the motion that is located at the cam 16 that covers 13 rears towards or deviate from record head 1 ink-jet printing and move, and can determine selectively to add a cover or not add a cover state.The left-hand of retracting device motion parts 14 motion is at balladeur train 2 during to left movement among Fig. 1, and arm 17 by retracting device combines with the projection 2c of balladeur train 2 and realizes.On the other hand, the motion of the dextrad of this motion parts 14 then is owing to spring 18 thrust to the right reaches.

What reference number numbers 19 was indicated is a kind of convertible change gear train, and it determines that according to the position of balladeur train 2 with retracting device motion parts 14 different speed change pads is with conversion speed.More particularly, be that the driving force with feeding motor 21 passes to middling speed feed gear wheel 20 by change gear train 19, rotating integrally formed pump cam 23, drive pump 24 by the latter.

In the movable zone of record head 1 and with lid 13 adjacent positions, be provided with absorption plant 25 and remover 26.When record head 1 motion, absorption plant is lip-deep water droplet of absorbing recording head ejection side or similar substance, and remover 26 is promptly removed top dust or residual ink.

Contiguous place disposes a balladeur train guide 28 in record head behaviour area left-hand end, along ink cassette 27 can be packed into this equipment or unload from it of this guide, is fixed on needle pin on this guide 28 with one and inserts in this case or take off from it in this process.Ink in the ink cassette 27 does not show bright ink barrel supply record head 1 by one.Place, a fixed position is provided with a home position probe mark 30 on guide 28, is used for determining the position of balladeur train 2.These home position sign 30 motions by balladeur train 2 are disposed at a slit place of the original position sensor 11 of balladeur train 2.According to this sign, can detect this home position.Similarly, in Fig. 1 on the guide 28 left side of home position probe mark 30 an ink cassette probe mark 31 is arranged.When ink cassette 27 plugs together on the guide 28, just oppress a last lug boss 28b of guide 28 integrally formed ink cassette bar 28a therewith, this just makes this bar 28a flexibly crooked, draws end 28c before it and moves backward thereby make.So the cam 31a of ink cassette probe mark 31 just by on push away, similarly, ink cassette probe mark 31 promptly rotates around the axle 31b of sign 31, and makes sign 31 fixing (downwards).And when sign 31 fixing (making progress), the result will make original position sensor 11, be detected ink cassette 27 thus and not exist from the on-state to the off-state by the motion of balladeur train 2.

The home position probe mark 32 that is used for retracting device is assembled into, and the axle 32a that can be set around Fig. 1 China and Mexico water tank guide 28 back rotates.This probe mark 32 has a 32c of sign portion and a 32b of bar portion, and the latter is formed on from the 32c of sign portion and crosses on the position of a 32a.When the 32b of bar portion was the lug boss 23a reduction of pump cam 23, the 32c of sign portion promptly navigated in the motion path of balladeur train 2.At this moment, sensor 11 and the 32c of sign portion promptly combine owing to the motion of balladeur train 2, thereby go out retracting device and be in its original position with regard to detectable.If the latter is not in its home position, the 32c of this sign portion is with regard to no-fix, and retracting device does not just detect yet.

The original position sensor 11 that is used for present embodiment as shown in Figure 3, is a kind of sensor of light-transmission type.Usually, the light that is sent by light-emitting component 33 is received by light receiving element 34, makes this sensor be in on-state.When this corresponding sign navigated in the above-mentioned slit, the light that sends from light-emitting component 33 promptly was cut off, and feasible electric current by light receiving element 34 stops (sensor becomes off-state), thereby is detected the existence of sign.

Referring to Fig. 4 and 5, wherein described for surveying the example that various conditions are controlled.Fig. 5 is the flow chart of initial several roads step in the ink jet printer.

For shown in Figure 4, the home position is surveyed the fixed signal 30 of usefulness, the sign 31 of ink cassette detection usefulness and the sign that usefulness is surveyed in the retracting device home position and is all arranged from right to left according to their serial numbers from small to large in this figure.In order to make home position probe mark 30 at first can detect the initial position of record head 1, it is right-hand to allow balladeur train 2 shift to by one section distance that is not less than (L1+L2) in step S51 in Fig. 4, and then allow this balladeur train 2 in step S52 to left movement.At step S53, simultaneously whether this sign has been detected in balladeur train 2 motion and to have differentiated.When this sign is detected out, promptly the sign that detects of decidable this first is the fixed signal 30 that usefulness is surveyed in the home position.At step S54, above-mentioned position is promptly stored as home position 4.At step S55, balladeur train 2 is shifted to left by the distance of a section approximate (L1+L2) from home position A, and like this, original position sensor 11 just enters the position C among the figure, can survey the position that the 32C of sign portion that uses sign 32 is surveyed in the retracting device home position immediately.At this, balladeur train 2 remains in present position C, and pump cam 23 lower-lefts one step S56 promptly rotates 0 owing to this rotation, and the 32C of sign portion (step S57) of just detectable retracting device home position probe mark 32 is then with the home position storage of this position as pump cam 23 left step S58.

After having finished above-mentioned initial job,,, balladeur train 2 and pump cam 23 are controlled by with respect to these home position motion or the turned known number of degrees promptly based on above-mentioned home position of having stored.When balladeur train 2 moves to when making original position sensor 11 arrive at position B, whether the state of original position sensor 11 is just detected, can determine ink cassette 27 fit in view of the above.

In the ink-jet printer of first embodiment of the invention, use carriage motor (CR motor) and make the home position motion of balladeur train 2 with respect to record head 1.Fig. 6 has shown the relation between the operation corresponding with it of the step pitch number (angle position) of this carriage motor.

Fig. 7 A and 7B are the explanation control steps that carry out each position during from the initial job to the first of ink-jet printer row record according to balladeur train 2.This kind carriage motor (CR motor) is equipped with encoder, in order to measure the turned position of himself.

Flow chart is described below.In step S701, S702 and S703, when turning over 50 step pitches, carriage motor detects the output of encoder under each step pitch, and this moment, sledge movements was to right-hand (looking from Fig. 6).When balladeur train 2 is in 50 step pitches of starting at from the recording equipment right-hand member and so on before the initial job, balladeur train 2 is stop motion because of right-hand member therewith joins, and the carriage motor of this moment is no longer rotation just, and the result can not change the output of encoder.Under such situation, and carrying out being similar to move the operation under the completed situation of 50 step pitches.Secondly, when step S704 and S705, carriage motor rotates in forward step by step, make balladeur train 2 move to original position sensor 11 left and detect the home position detection with till indicating at 30 o'clock, and when this sign 30 had been detected out, promptly stored as the home position of step S706 this position of this moment.

At step S707 and S708, carriage motor forward ground makes balladeur train 2 move to the ink cassette detecting location by 11 step pitches, detects the state of original position sensor 11 at this.As the sign part 31c that detects ink cassette probe mark 31, that is when sensor 11 is in off-state, do not load onto with regard to decidable ink cassette 27, this operating process will be told an error routine for ink cassette vacancy situation simultaneously.Part 31c does not detect when sign, that is when sensor 11 is in on-state, has installed with regard to decidable ink cassette 27, can carry out then continue after step.

At step S709, carriage motor further by 37 step pitches, makes balladeur train 2 move to the job position of pump along forward rotation.In this position, convertible change gear train is pump gear 22 and has prepared drive path, so feeding motor 21 (LF enter a new line motor) promptly rotates pump cams 23 by pump gear 22.When balladeur train 2 remains on this position, be the state of detectable original position sensor 11 at step S710.When detecting the sign part 32c of retracting device home position probe mark 32, that is when sensor 11 is in off-state, make feeding motor 21 once more in step S712, S713 and S714 counter-rotating, to establish sign part (detecting 32c) state when not having.Setting up this state or when step S710 does not detect sign part 32c, feeding motor 21 just in step S714 and S715 according to forward rotation.The position of the retracting device home position probe mark 32 that is detected by sensor 11 is promptly as the home position storage of retracting device.

In step S716-S721, the feeding motor further just changes with respect to the home position of this retracting device, and 2 of balladeur trains remain on this position simultaneously, and carry out a series of recovery operation.Comprising forcing air feed operation, suction operation, absorbing state to keep operation and unloaded suction operation.Afterwards, under step S722-S725, carriage motor is a backward rotation, makes balladeur train 2 turn back to LF (line feed) operating position through 21 step pitches, makes the drive path of convertible change-speed gearing row 19 be transformed into middling speed feed gear wheel 20 thus.At this moment, feeding motor 21 is reverse and forward ground rotates, and has eliminated the adverse effect of gear backlash to a side by gear shift.Then, from the position of carriage motor after 88 step pitch backward rotation, opening entry operation under step S726.

Fig. 8 and 9 is respectively according to the perspective schematic view of the equipment of third embodiment of the invention and the flow chart that is used to illustrate its operation.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 4 are similar, with Fig. 4 difference be the width W a that the fixed signal 31 of usefulness is had is surveyed at this moment home position, be not equal to the retracting device home position probe mark 32 and the width W b of ink cassette probe mark 31.In Fig. 8, width W a is less than width W b.In Fig. 4, home position probe mark 30 requires to be in right-hand member.But in this embodiment, 30 of fixed signals can be got the optional position with respect to sign 31 and sign 32.In Fig. 8, this fixed signal then is between two probe marks 31 and 32.

Come now referring to flow chart shown in Figure 9, the initial job of the ink jet printer of Fig. 8 is described.

At first, at step S101, balladeur train 2 moves to the right (by direction shown in Figure 8) by one section distance that is not less than L2.Secondly, at step S102, balladeur train 2 motions are to left, simultaneously by original position sensor 11 monitoring, never detect the position of state-transition when detecting state to detect corresponding sign.At step S103, detect this sign, balladeur train and then the position (S104) that from then on detects be to left movement then, roughly is not less than width W a but is no more than the distance of width W b by one section, with the result that detects of sensor 11 for this reason certainly.At step S105, be that Wa or Wb decision making to the width of this sign.If Wb, then the sign that decidable detected is the sign part 31c of ink cassette probe mark 31.Return the operation of step S102 then, make sledge movements to left by step S106.If the width of this sign is Wa, then the sign that decidable detected is that store as home position B in the home position.Continue after, to S111, balladeur train 2 further is moved to the left from step S108, by the distance of one section approximate L2, and carries out the initial job of pump cam.

Figure 10 to 12 shows the bright third embodiment of the present invention.Figure 10 and 11 is a profile, is used for illustrating the operation of a relevant sign 36, in order to survey the vacancy of record-paper in the present embodiment.Figure 12 then is the perspective schematic view of used sniffer structure in the explanation present embodiment.

State when Figure 10 shows no record paper shows state when being mounted with record-paper 6 to Figure 11.When not supplying with record-paper, or a paper vacancy bar 37 is walked around on the edge behind record-paper 6, make 37 not to be obstructed in the figure when pivot 37a inhour is moved towards to rotate, like this, the weight of the sign part 36a that paper vacancy probe mark 36 promptly indicates thus, be docile and obedient hour hands around pivot 36b and move towards to rotate, so paper vacancy bar 37 just raises because of its rotation around pivot 37a.In this state, the sign part 36a of this paper vacancy probe mark 36 just falls the slit part of original position sensor 11.

As shown in figure 11, as paper feeding to and between friction roller 5 and hold-down roller 39 time along paper disc 38, paper vacancy bar 37 promptly descends because of record-paper 6, because the decline of this bar 37, paper vacancy probe mark 36 just is docile and obedient hour hands around pivot 36b and is moved towards to rotate, so sign part 36a just inserts in the slit of sensor 11.

As shown in figure 12, its width of sign part 36a of having of paper vacancy probe mark 36 is greater than the respective width of other three signs.Therefore, have only when balladeur train to be among the figure in the region D, when the back edge of record-paper 6 is surveyed, paper is sent into, just can carry out this detection, so the position of balladeur train is unrestricted when paper is sent into.

Figure 13 to 15 shows the clear fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein adopts optical reflective-type sensor to survey various states.

Figure 13 has schematically shown the structure of the sensor that a kind of detection paper of smooth reflection-type is wide.When object 40 to be detected had high index of refraction, the light that is sent by light-emitting component 33 was light receiving element and detects.When this refractive index was low, the light that is sent by light-emitting component 33 just can not arrive light receiving element, thereby does not just have electric current to flow through light receiving element yet.

As shown in figure 14, along the motion path of the wide acquisition sensor 12 of paper and in the recording areas left adjacent area that record-paper 6 is sent into, be provided with a home position and survey the ink cassette that has a brightness b with fixation reflex plate 41 and and survey with reflecting plate 42 with brightness a, the latter can be respectively installing or dismantling down and move up and down according to ink cassette.Above-mentioned two kinds of reflecting plates 41 and 42 are all through coating, make the similar of its white level (high index of refraction) and record-paper 6.In contrast, dash area in the figure promptly on the surface of pressboard 4, for example then makes it to have black (low-refraction).

Figure 15 is the flow chart of explanation ink-jet printer initialization.At step S161, balladeur train is at first shifted to as shown in the drawing right-hand by one section preset distance, in step S162 balladeur train is shifted to left then, is monitored by the wide acquisition sensor 12 of paper simultaneously, seeks the white level position.Under step S163, detect white level, under steps such as S164, S165 and S166, continue to be moved to the left again,, use range counter (not showing bright) counting simultaneously until detecting black level.After calculating the white level width, judge at step S167 whether this width is a.If this width is not a, the white level that then detects is not that the home position is surveyed with fixation reflex plate 41, thereby operation is turned back to step S162 and balladeur train 2 is continued to left movement.If width is a, then this position is stored as the home position A in step S168.Allow afterwards balladeur train with respect to this home position moved can survey ink cassette once the known number of degrees existence whether.

According to structure and the control mode among above-mentioned first, second, third and fourth embodiment, be used for surveying wirings various in this equipment and only relate to sensor 11 and sensor 12 on the balladeur train.Such wiring can be configured in the printed circuit board (PCB) of record head on the balladeur train.So the result who detects just can send above-mentioned printed circuit board (PCB) to by the record head cable in the simple circuit.

In addition, for the detection of home position sensing, ink cassette and the sensing in retracting device home position or the like, all only need to get final product with a kind of simple sensors.

In above-mentioned several embodiment, the condition that this recording equipment need be surveyed is the home position of having or not of the existence of ink cassette or vacancy, record-paper and retracting device.But the condition of intending surveying also can be an other.The condition of for example intend surveying can comprise the existence of type box or not exist and the state that opens or closes of a covering.By increasing the number of probe mark, just can there be a sensor to realize this class detection purpose.

In the various embodiments described above, although sniffer is used for ink-jet printer, these embodiment then applicable to the recording equipment of other type, get final product so long as realize writing down operation in the sledge movements process.

From the above as can be known, according to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention, the various conditions of relevant this equipment can be detected simultaneously in that record is cephalomotor, and detectable signal then can transmit by the same circuit of activation record head.

The result has just simplified the maintenance and the assembling of equipment.In addition, can differentiate this condition with the detecting element of minimum number, thereby along with the minimizing of detecting element has also just reduced cost significantly.

Shown in Fig. 1 and 2, sign spare wherein is to be inserted in the detection distance of detecting element or to remove from it, and the insertion of this sign or remove with ink cassette is associated.The equipment that is applicable to this ink cassette is described below.

When ink cassette 27 has been installed in the equipment,, then can when installing, sign part 31 make it be displaced to a position that can hinder sliding pine motion if attempt remains on the precalculated position ink cassette with certain tolerance.Shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the leading part that this kind ink cassette is intended two seamed edges in its top to be inserted in the equipment is processed into taper.After this tapering part, then form two stop parts 84.

Be used to be installed in the lid of the ink cassette on top paper guide 7 one sides at one, be provided with two lug bosses 86 in top arris place.These two lug bosses 86 can allow the tapered portion of ink cassette pass through, but push away stop this ink cassette when it and 84 pairs of stop parts close before.Sign part 31c is in outside the scope of activities of balladeur train 2, makes motion unlikely being obstructed when ink cassette 27 affacts the 28c of bar portion of this ink cassette of balladeur train.Remove this, above-mentioned involutory position will be selected to sign part 31c is not contacted with sensor 11, but must be in the gap that forms in the sensor 11.

Like this, can guarantee ink cassette 27 supply inks, can prevent from simultaneously for example to indicate from the detecting element of an activity 31 motion path insert with the parts of withdrawing from by outside the precalculated position.

The major part of recording equipment among Fig. 1 is described referring to Figure 18-23 below.As shown in figure 18, Gu Ding pressboard 4 can make record-paper 6 spray the gap that side maintenance one is scheduled to apart from record head 1.Friction roller 5 plays a part feeding recordable paper.Hold-down roller 66 and friction roller 5 contact as pressure, are that friction roller 5 drives, and formation one roll gap makes record-paper from failing therebetween between friction roller 5 and hold-down roller 66.Being provided with a hold-down roller supporting member 83 is used for providing pressure required power of when contact for hold-down roller 66.This supporting member is made by corrosion resistant plate and so on material, and its elastic force can be pressed to hold-down roller on the friction roller 5 effectively.

The record-paper of being supplied by friction roller 5 and hold-down roller 66 6 is kept by fixing pressboard 4, and the latter recedes about 30 °, thereby is convenient to watch attentively printing process.6 of record-papers that carried out the record operation on it are an outlet roller 62 and make roller 63 clampings that pressure contacts with it, are transported to stacking machine 61 then.Equipment among bright Fig. 1 shown in Figure 180 is under such condition, promptly is provided with enclosing cover 64 and autofeed device (ASF).Record-paper can be sent into from the front side by hand, also can supply with by ASF60 from behind.If adopt a kind of pin-feed paper hauling machine, also can utilize the paper of continuous type.The rear side of fixing pressboard 4 can be provided with a heater, at this moment just can adopt to be difficult for dry ink.

Ink supply system, recovery system and sheet transfer system are described below.These a few systems are configured in the left side of recording interval among Fig. 1 with one heart.Just simplify transmission system thus and saved the space that needs usefulness.In addition, the transmission power source here then can be used for various purposes.Feeding motor 21 is this transmission power sources.The back will illustrate that this feeding motor 21 can also make the recovery system running by a series of recovery operation except driving friction roller 5, outlet roller 62 and ASF60.

Comprise in conjunction with the described retracting device of Fig. 1: 13 carry and to hold part 13A, guide support and cover 13 lid and carry the lid axis of guide 15 that holds part 13A and use, make and build 13 rails that move to record head ink ejection side 1A place, be used for pushing the spring 18 that covers 13 right side initial positions and the pump 24 that is used for drawing ink covers in lid 13, supporting.

In reclaiming operation, make in lid 13 by driving pump 24 after adding a cover and produced vacuum, pump does not show that via one bright pipeline links to each other with lid, makes the ink can be through the nozzle suction of record head 1.

Contrast Figure 19 and 20 describes the mapping device of feeding motor 21 below.

Indicate a free pulley with reference number numbers 68 among Figure 19, it passes to the travelling gear 70 that is bearing on the gear shaft 69 slidably with driving force from feeding motor 21.This gear shaft 69 has the cross section of D type, slidably passes through slidably gear 71 of a sliding bearing 72 supportings one.As shown in figure 20, this sliding bearing 72 has two x-leg 72A of downward extension.Leg 72A engages with a pipe fitting 74, and the latter parallels by a framework 73 supporting or with gear shaft 69, like this, along with leg 72A along the moving of tube-like piece 74, balladeur train 71 is just with sliding bearing 72 motions.Carry from lid and to hold part 13A and be extended with an auxiliary 13C who arrives on the tube-like piece 74, a slice spring 13D is arranged at an end upper support of this auxiliary.This sheet spring 13D then is clamped between two x-leg 72A of sliding bearing 72.

To illustrate that as following when left moved, according to direction motion same as described above, 71 of balladeur trains remained on and cover 13 corresponding positions to balladeur train supporting member 72 by sheet spring 13D owing to engage with balladeur train 2 when lid 13.Modulus can be 19 with balladeur train 71 meshed gears, as shown in figure 20, is supported on the top of balladeur train 71 by framework 73.

Gear train 19 some the lightest gears are the paper sheet delivery gears 79 that include a gear wheel 80A and a pinion 80B.Gear wheel 80A and balladeur train 71 engagements, pinion 80B is then by free pulley 20 and outlet roller gear 62A engagement.Friction roller 5 and outlet roller 62 can be driven by feeding motor 21 under balladeur train 71 and condition that paper output gear 79 is meshed, by feed gear wheel 75 and outlet roller gear 62A, make forward and backward rotation.

Referring to Figure 20, ASF output gear 78 has the gear wheel 80A number of teeth and the modulus in opposite directions with optical axis.It can be according to the position of balladeur train 71 and balladeur train engagement, simultaneously also with the input gear 60A engagement of ASF60.So under balladeur train 71 and condition that the output gear 78 of ASF60 is meshed, input gear 60A can be according to rotating forward or backwards.For example paper can be by ASF60 by its rotational conveyance forward or backwards; Can also be engaged in complicated function operation, for example make one's options from first and second storage bins.

Pump output gear 77 is configured in the leftmost side of Figure 20 middle gear row 19, and it is in leftmost position and balladeur train 71 engagements (chain-dotted line among Figure 21 A), and meshing with the travelling gear 31A that is used for pump cam 23 first in those pump output gears 77.So when balladeur train 71 moved to such position, feeding motor 21 was a driving pump cam 23 and this cam 23 just impels pump 24 to realize pump-absorb actions.As previously described, depend on the stop position of balladeur train 2, the driving force of feeding motor can be passed to the output gear 78 and pump output gear 77 of paper output gear 79, ASF selectively by balladeur train 71.

Along with the left movement outside of balladeur train 2 towards recording areas, lid carries and to hold part 13A also according to the position motion of balladeur train 2.Along with lid carries the motion of holding part 13A, balladeur train 71 promptly meshes with above-mentioned output gear.The operation of this respect is described below.In the conversion operation of output gear, be connected lid and carry the effect that the sheet spring 13D that holds between part 13A and the sliding bearing 72 plays buffer.

When balladeur train 2 right-hand recording areas from Fig. 1 arrives the position shown in Figure 22 A, and further arrives position shown in Figure 22 B to left movement, at this moment record head 1 engages with the arm 13B of cover support 13A, year holds part 13A and just can move along the axis of guide 15 now so cover.Among Figure 22 A to 22C of a left side, (A) refer to four such positions to (D), promptly they can covers 13 lid and carry and hold part 13A and sliding bearing 72 and balladeur train 71 and occupied by having.(A) to (C) in the position, for example covers 13 and pushes record head 1 to by the motion arm 13E along the lid 13 of rail 81 guidings.Position D is being engaged in the holding fix before paper sheet delivery between the record operational period.Shown in Figure 22 C, when balladeur train 2 is in position D, balladeur train 71 and 79 engagements of paper output gear, but this engagement is not expressed in figure.Under such state, paper can be carried by motor 21.

At position D place, the record head face at this moment can be according to the signal of telecommunication to the record head electrothermal transducer towards lid, and the preparation type of not being engaged in the record operation sprays.In the present embodiment, it is to carry out when presswork begins that this kind preparation property sprays, and the record operation was then carried out one minute continuously.

When balladeur train 2 moved to the left of crossing position (D), promptly (D) located to throw off 78 engagements of paper output gear to balladeur train 71 in the position.But in this case,, just can not set up normal engagement with ASF output gear 78 if these teeth can not be meshing with each other.But, lid carries and to hold part 13A and at this moment be forced to arrive and corresponding position, position (B), like this, because the move distance difference that the mismatch of tooth causes is just absorbed by flexible sheet spring 13D.When being driven by feeding motor 21 then, as shown in Figure 3, balladeur train 71 promptly drives by travelling gear 70, then just set up correct engagement on tooth cooperates the time, thus can drive ASF output gear 78.

For example be meshed with paper output gear 79 and be right after after paper sends at balladeur train 71, the tooth of these two gears meshes very firmly, thereby they are difficult for owing to friction is therebetween thrown off.Even under such situation, this firm engagement also just temporarily is maintained by flexible sheet spring 13D, and then, feeding motor 21 will backward rotation and made the friction-type between these teeth mesh disengagement by force.

Position (A) is a position that is used for reclaiming operation pump purt or similar operation.Figure 22 C has shown this situation.Under such state, balladeur train 44 can mesh with pump output gear 32.Shown in Figure 21 A, pump 24 can be by a drive among the pump cam 23 internal tooth wheels 77A.Position (C) is the position that is used for waiting for the record head 1 that has lid.Even under such condition, paper also can be carried.

Figure 23 has shown the gear teeth of balladeur train 71, and the gear in balladeur train 71 meshed gears to 19 therewith.The tooth top 82 of these a few teeth has given cavetto, can exchange engagement smoothly with balladeur train 71.

As mentioned above, according in conjunction with the indicated structure of Figure 18 to 23, wherein providing a series of is arranged in parallel and is the gear that a paper sheet delivery transmission power source is driven along the sledge movements direction, and one according to the position of balladeur train outside recording areas must with a selected gear member that is meshed in this batch gear, at this, just can conveyance of sheets when this gear member is therewith on the gears engaged in the gear row; And when this gear member when in this batch gear another is meshed, can also be engaged in another operation different with the conveyance of sheets operation.So, can be engaged in multiple needed operation selectively with single transmission power source.So just, can reduce cost significantly; The forward of transmission power source and reverse two kinds of rotations all can be adopted, thereby have increased working range.

In addition, by increasing or reduce the number of gears in the gear row, also be easy to increase or reduce the operation number of being engaged in by single transmission power source.If combine, just can add a cover interrelatedly or reclaim operation with the mechanism that drives lid.

Figure 24 and 25 has shown a kind of ink cassette sniffer of compactness.When being provided with when being used for protecting the protective device of probe or probe groups, also owing to need set up and survey that ink cassette exists or non-existent circuit and corresponding switching device, this kind device size will strengthen.Figure 24 A, 24B, 25A and 25B have illustrated the structure that can eliminate this inconvenience, and whole device size is reduced.The structure of this embodiment can be exchanged with the ink cassette detecting structure that adopts the sign among Fig. 1.In this embodiment, around the probe 29 that is used for ink cassette is connected with recording equipment, be provided with the plate that can open of making by conductive material.A kind of plate like this can be opened along with the insertion of ink cassette.

After the ink cassette insertion finished, above-mentioned this protective plate had just formed such circuit in ink cassette existence or non-existent detection line unit, the just existence of detectable ink cassette thus, and the current-carrying part of above-mentioned plate can be confined to switch sections.

Figure 24 has clearly illustrated that this kind protector and probe.Ink cassette 27 is got the mounting means under detachable, installs when correct when it, can be the probe 29 that passes through via an ink tubes and record head and runs through.Be provided with a hinged probe cover plate 91 that can rotate at the one end, and be provided with a window 91A that the probe top end is adjacent therewith.The articulated section of cover plate 91 is provided with the disc spring of a distortion, cover plate 91 is pushed to the top end of probe.

Be provided with the claw 87 that can be used to lock cover plate 91.When not having ink cassette, can stop the Push And Release of cover plate 91.There are two electrodes 88 and 89 to constitute and are used for surveying a part that has circuit 90 not at the ink cassette at its rear.

When ink cassette when arrow points is inserted, claw 87 just is that a thruster of ink cassette is compeled, and makes the probe lid pine oil of locking.Probe lid 91 can directly be subjected to the compressing of case 27 and freely rotate at this moment, and is backward rotation.Expose the top end of this probe simultaneously by window 91.Probe 29 sooner or later will be for ink cassette leads to, and an end of probe lid 91 just contacts with 89 with electrode 88.Probe lid 91 current-carrying parts that had make the detection line short at this moment, make resistance reduce to several milliohms from infinity, and the reduction of resistance just can be used as the mensuration that ink cassette exists.Circuit 90 can constitute the form of surveying resistance variations or other variation, and changes in resistance then can be from high to low or from low to high.

When ink cassette 27 was withdrawn from, along with the outer of ink cassette removed, probe lid 91 was just pushed the place ahead to for disc spring, just reorientates for claw 87 pinnings then.In this state, the top end of probe can be protected when having foreign substance to insert, and removes this, also can make it to escape injury even operator's hand mistake is inserted.

Figure 25 A and 25B are and the similar perspective view of said structure, but employing is a collection of ink cassette.Ink cassette 27A has comprised the ink cassette of three kinds of different colours, and the ink cassette 27B that contains a kind of color ink.Correspondingly, the main frame of recording equipment is equipped with three probes 29 that are used for ink cassette 27A and the lid of the probe with corresponding three windows 94; With a probe 29 that is used for ink cassette 27B and probe lid 93 with corresponding window.Ink cassette 27A and 27B have disposed claw 87A and the 87B suitable with Figure 24 A claw 87.When a collection of ink cassette 27A and 27B insert, can form two electrodes 88 and 89 of the circuit surveying the ink cassette existence or do not exist by the probe lid 93 and 94 that conductive material constitutes.When two kinds of ink cassette 27A and 27B insert, there is a common electrode 95 to cover 23 and covers 94 with probe and contact with probe.In this situation, plate 93 and 94 current-carrying part are only to form in the closing of circuit part.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, the probe protective plate of only just opening when ink cassette inserts is made by conductor material, thus when having finished the insertion of ink cassette with regard to the detectable existence that goes out it, make the number of switch or like to reduce, thereby also just reduced cost.

Owing to reduced required switch or like, just can save requisite space.

In addition, for because of having air to be dissolved in the ink and/or because the resistance in the ink has had variation, and the problem that causes existing or do not exist the detection operation of ink cassette to make a mistake then can come closed circuit to be solved by the mode of contact.

The present invention is specially adapted to foam jet record head and the recording equipment that Japanese Canon Co., Ltd. is developed.This is owing to can realize highdensity picture elements and high-resolution record.

Best a kind of typical structure operating principle is disclosed in U.S. Patent number 4723129 and 4740796.This principle is applicable to so-called (on-demand) type register system and the continuous type register system of should needing immediately, but it is particularly useful for should needing type immediately, this is because its operation principle is, drive signal to one of major general and be added to the electrothermal transducer that is configured on liquid (ink) maintenance or the fluid path, be enough to provide a kind of rapid warm raising to drive signal away from the nucleation boiling point, like this, just can form film boiling by the heat energy that electrothermal transducer provided, form a foam so just can in liquid (ink), drive signal corresponding to each at the heating part of record head.Development by this foam with break, just by jet ejection liquid (ink) and form at least one dropping liquid pearl.This driving signal is preferably got impulse form because the development of foam with break and can instantaneously realize, thereby liquid (ink) can spray with quick response.The driving signal of impulse form is preferably as U.S. Patent number 4463359 and 4345262 disclosed the sort of.Remove this, the temperature rate of rise of heating surface is preferably as disclosed in the U.S. Patent number 4313142.

The structure of record head can be bright shown in U.S. Patent number 4558333 and 445960, and heating part wherein is configured in a sweep, and in addition, the combining structure of jet, fluid passage and electrothermal transducer is then as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent.Again, the present invention also is applicable to disclosed structure in Japan's special permission (disclosing) application number 123670/1984, wherein a public slit is used as the jet of a plurality of electrothermal transducers; The present invention is equally applicable to disclosed structure in Japan's special permission (disclosing) application number 138461/1984, wherein is formed with an aperture that absorbs the heat energy pressure wave corresponding to this spout part.Why can be like this, and though be since the present invention can record head type how can both be reliably and write down operation efficiently.

The present invention can be effectively used to the record head with the length that is equivalent to the dominant record width of so-called solid line (fall-line) type.This kind record head can be a record head, also can be made up of a plurality of record heads and covers whole width.

The present invention also is applicable in addition: the serial type record head is that record head is fixed on the main frame here; Replaceable chip-shaped record head, it is electrically connected with main frame and can supplies ink owing among being installed in main frame; Box type record head, it has all-in-one-piece ink cassette.

They preferably provide retracting device and the servicing unit that is used for the preparation property operation, because can further make effect stability of the present invention.As for this servicing unit, be useful on capping device, cleaning device, pressurization or the suction means of record head, by ejection-type electrothermal transducer or the preparation property heater formed of the additional heating element heater of quasi-converter and as the preparation property injection rather than be used to write down the device of operation thus, this device can make the tape deck stabilisation.

As for can be in the kind of the record head of installing, it can be the single record hair style corresponding with the solid color ink, also can be a record hair style more than the material of ink in batch with different recording color or density is corresponding.The present invention can be effectively used to so a kind of equipment, and it has is a kind of working method of monochrome at least, and this mainly is a black, and the polychrome of band different colours ink material; Full-color operation mode by the mixture of shades of colour material is arranged simultaneously, and this equipment can be integrally formed recording equipment or the equipment that is combined into by a plurality of record heads.

In above-described embodiment, said ink material refers to liquid.But it can be a kind of ink material that solidifies in room temperature or when being lower than room temperature, and the ink material that liquefies when room temperature.Because in this ink injection record, ink is controlled in the temperature range that is not less than 30 ℃ and is not higher than 70 ℃, provide stable injection with the viscosity of stablizing ink, in this common class recording equipment, used ink is liquid in the said temperature scope when applying tracer signal.In addition, the temperature that causes because of heat energy raises, and is certain to be prevented owing to ink has consumed heat energy from the solid-state this state variation that becomes liquid state, perhaps adopts the ink material that solidifies when lying idle, in order to avoid evaporation of ink.No matter be above that a kind of situation, the heat energy that the application records signal produces can make the ink feed liquidization, and the ink material that has liquefied can spray.This ink can begin to solidify when it arrives on the record-paper.The suitable the sort of ink material that liquefies by heat application that adopts of the present invention.This ink material can be used as liquid material or solid material and remains among the through hole that is formed on a kind of micropore paper or recessed, as disclosed in Japan's special permission (disclosing) application number 56847/1979 and 71260/1985.Such paper with its front towards electrothermal transducer.For above-mentioned ink material the most effective a kind of be the film boiling system.

Above-mentioned ink jet recording device can be used as the output of following various information treatment facility, for example computer or its similar device, the copying equipment that is combined with image reader or its similar device or having information sends with the facsimile machine of receiving function etc.

Although the present invention is described with reference to structure disclosed herein already, but do not provide constraints for the details that is outlined, the application's purpose then is will summarize the improvement target that might appear at the appended claim book or govern scope interior all remodeling or change.

Claims (9)

1. recording equipment comprises:

One along scanning pattern carry a record head in case on a recording medium, finish the record operation balladeur train (2);

Detectable device (30,31,32,42) along scanning pattern setting and expression the said equipment duty;

Carry and be used for surveying the sniffer (11 of above-mentioned detectable device by described balladeur train, 12), and the control device of controlling the record operation according to the duty that above-mentioned detection arrives, it is characterized in that above-mentioned detectable device comprises a movable piece (31,42) and a control piece (28C), this control piece is used for response ink cassette (27) is installed to operation on the said equipment, control the motion of above-mentioned movable piece, make this movable piece can be in sniffer outside the above-mentioned scanning pattern a undetectable position and being in can be detected on the above-mentioned scanning pattern between the position that device detects and move, thus, the position of this movable piece provides one to represent whether above-mentioned ink cassette is installed to a sign on the described equipment.

2. according to the equipment of claim 1, it is characterized in that also being included as ink cassette and be installed to the guider (28) that leads on the equipment (2), this guider (28) has the elastic rod (28a) of a carrying control piece (28c), when ink cassette is installed on the said equipment, this bar produces crooked, make the control piece (28c) of its carrying force above-mentioned movable piece (31,42) to move to the sign ink cassette and be installed to position on the said equipment.

3. according to the equipment of claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that described sniffer (11) comprises an optical pickocff.

4. according to the equipment of claim 1, it is characterized in that above-mentioned movable piece (42) is the light reflection-type.

5. according to the equipment of claim 1, it is characterized in that also comprising the ink cassette (27) that is installed on the said equipment.

6. according to the equipment of claim 5, it is characterized in that described ink cassette comprises that one engages to prevent that ink cassette from inserting the stop part (84) of errors present with described recording equipment.

7. according to the equipment of claim 5, it is characterized in that above-mentioned ink cassette is roughly rectangular, it is in topmost and inserts two jiaos of the said equipment at first is the oblique angle.

8. according to the equipment of claim 7, it is characterized in that also comprising the have lug boss paper guide (7) of (86), this lug boss cooperates with the oblique angle part of ink cassette, to allow the insertion of this ink cassette, after ink cassette inserted the said equipment fully, above-mentioned lug boss then engaged with stop part (84) on the ink cassette.

9. ink cassette that can insert according to the described equipment of claim 1, it is characterized in that this ink cassette is roughly rectangle, it is in topmost and inserts two jiaos of the said equipment at first is the oblique angle, this ink cassette is provided with the stop part (84) that combines with the lug boss (86) that is carried by the said equipment, when ink cassette inserts the said equipment, above-mentioned lug boss and combining of stop part make above-mentioned control piece (28c) drive the precalculated position of above-mentioned movable piece (31,42) to the one scan path.

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