CN1362331A - Ink suction device, ink jet recording head restoring device, ink jet recording device and ink suction method - Google Patents
Ink suction device, ink jet recording head restoring device, ink jet recording device and ink suction method Download PDFInfo
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- CN1362331A CN1362331A CN01144816A CN01144816A CN1362331A CN 1362331 A CN1362331 A CN 1362331A CN 01144816 A CN01144816 A CN 01144816A CN 01144816 A CN01144816 A CN 01144816A CN 1362331 A CN1362331 A CN 1362331A
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 18
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 158
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001042 pigment based ink Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
- B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
- B41J2/1652—Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head
- B41J2/16523—Waste ink transport from caps or spittoons, e.g. by suction
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Abstract
本发明公开了在设置有阀的管子与设置有泵的管子之间设置负压箱的喷墨记录装置。盖子接触于并贴紧记录头部的墨水排出面之后,关闭阀而阻断管子中流体的流动。然后如果驱动泵,则管子的从阀到负压箱之间、负压箱内、以及从管子的一端到滚轮最初接触于管子的位置之间通过泵的驱动而被减压,发生负压。泵的驱动停止后如果打开阀,则此一负压瞬间地作用于墨水吸引用盖子内。使此一负压成为大的吸引力,从记录头单元内吸引墨水。
The invention discloses an inkjet recording device in which a negative pressure box is arranged between a pipe provided with a valve and a pipe provided with a pump. After the cover is in contact with and tightly attached to the ink discharge surface of the recording head, the valve is closed to block the flow of fluid in the tube. Then, if the pump is driven, the pipe is decompressed by driving the pump from the valve to the negative pressure tank, in the negative pressure tank, and from one end of the pipe to the position where the roller first contacts the pipe, and negative pressure occurs. When the valve is opened after the drive of the pump is stopped, this negative pressure acts momentarily in the cap for ink suction. Make this negative pressure a large attraction force to attract ink from the recording head unit.
Description
技术领域technical field
本发明涉及从基于图像信息把墨水滴排出到记录媒体上的喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水的墨水吸引装置,备有此一墨水吸引装置的喷墨记录头恢复装置,备有此一喷墨记录头恢复装置的喷墨记录装置,以及由此一墨水吸引装置从喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水的墨水吸引方法。The present invention relates to an ink suction device that sucks ink from an ink discharge port of an ink jet recording head that discharges ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information, and an ink jet recording head recovery device equipped with the ink suction device, equipped with the ink jet recording head An inkjet recording apparatus of an inkjet recording head recovery apparatus, and an ink suction method whereby an ink suction means sucks ink from an ink discharge port of the inkjet recording head.
背景技术Background technique
在基于图像信息从喷墨记录头的墨水排出口把墨水滴排出到用纸等记录媒体上而记录图像的喷墨记录装置中,有的构成为靠吸引装置来吸引喷墨记录头内(特别是喷嘴内)的剩余墨水或异物(灰尘或气泡等),借此使喷墨记录头恢复最适合于墨水滴的排出的状态。例如,在日本专利公报专利第2831804号中所述的喷墨记录装置的恢复方法中,使加压滚轮114绕着泵轴112旋转,借此强制挤压管子118,吸引喷嘴内的墨水并送往废墨水吸收体(图6)。In the inkjet recording apparatus based on image information, ink droplets are discharged onto recording media such as paper to record images from the ink discharge port of the inkjet recording head, some are configured to suck the inside of the inkjet recording head by the suction device (especially is the remaining ink or foreign matter (dust, air bubbles, etc.) in the nozzle, thereby restoring the inkjet recording head to the state most suitable for the discharge of ink droplets. For example, in the recovery method of the inkjet recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2831804, the pressure roller 114 is rotated around the pump shaft 112, whereby the tube 118 is forcibly squeezed, the ink in the nozzle is sucked and sent. to the waste ink absorber (Figure 6).
但是,在像这样单靠加压滚轮114强制挤压管子118的构成(仅靠所谓滚柱泵来吸引)中,瞬间地发生吸引去除喷嘴内的剩余墨水或异物所需的高的负压是困难的,因为为了得到高的负压需要长时间,故消耗时间或墨水。However, in such a configuration in which the pressure roller 114 is used to forcibly squeeze the tube 118 (suction is performed only by a so-called roller pump), the high negative pressure required to suction and remove excess ink or foreign matter in the nozzle is instantaneously generated. Difficult, because it takes a long time to obtain a high negative pressure, it consumes time or ink.
与此相反,日本专利公报专利第2801388号中,公开了在泵122与盖子124之间备有加压滚柱126的构成(图7)。在此一构成中,在靠加压滚柱126闭塞管子128的状态下驱动泵122,借此可以在加压滚柱126与泵122之间的管子128中保留高的负压。因此,通过在该状态下使加压滚柱126移动而打开管子128,可以使高的吸引力瞬时地作用于盖子124内。In contrast, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2801388 discloses a configuration in which a
但是,即使在加压滚柱126与泵122之间发生高的负压,在加压滚柱126与盖子124之间的内体积大的场合,在加压滚柱126与泵122之间发生的负压也被加压滚柱126与盖子124之间吸收。因而,无法使高的吸引力作用于盖子124内。However, even if a high negative pressure occurs between the
发明内容Contents of the invention
本发明考虑到上述事实,其目的在于使高的吸引力瞬间地作用,以便能够高效地从喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水。In consideration of the above facts, the present invention aims to apply high suction force instantaneously so that ink can be efficiently sucked from the ink discharge port of the inkjet recording head.
本发明的形态之一是从基于图像信息把墨水滴排出到记录媒体上的喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水的墨水吸引装置,其特征在于,包括:包围前述墨水排出口那样地接触于前述喷墨记录头的盖子构件,能够吸引前述盖子构件内的墨水的吸引装置,把前述盖子构件与前述吸引装置连接起来使之能够输送墨水的墨水输送构件,设在前述墨水输送构件上并开闭墨水输送构件的开闭构件,以及使从开闭构件到前述吸引装置的墨水输送构件的内体积大于从前述盖子构件到前述开闭构件的前述墨水输送构件的内体积的内体积增大装置。One aspect of the present invention is an ink suction device that sucks ink from an ink discharge port of an inkjet recording head that discharges ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information, and includes: The cover member of the aforementioned inkjet recording head, the suction device that can suck the ink in the aforementioned cover member, the ink delivery member that connects the aforementioned cover member and the aforementioned suction unit so that it can deliver ink, is located on the aforementioned ink delivery member and opens An opening and closing member for closing the ink delivery member, and an inner volume increasing means for making the inner volume of the ink delivery member from the opening and closing member to the aforementioned suction means larger than the inner volume of the ink delivery member from the aforementioned cover member to the aforementioned opening and closing member .
再者,在本发明中,从墨水排出口所吸引的“墨水”除了喷墨记录头内(特别是喷嘴内)的剩余墨水外,还包括此一墨水中存在的灰尘或尘埃等异物,或墨水内发生的气泡。Furthermore, in the present invention, the "ink" sucked from the ink discharge port includes, in addition to the remaining ink in the inkjet recording head (especially in the nozzle), foreign matter such as dust or dust present in this ink, or Air bubbles that occur within the ink.
在靠此一墨水吸引装置从喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水的场合,首先,使盖子构件包围墨水排出口那样地接触于喷墨记录头。然后,使开闭构件成为闭状态,闭塞墨水输送构件。When sucking ink from the ink discharge port of the ink jet recording head by this ink suction device, first, the cap member is brought into contact with the ink jet recording head so as to surround the ink discharge port. Then, the opening and closing member is brought into a closed state to close the ink transport member.
如果在此一状态下驱动吸引装置,则墨水输送构件当中,从开闭构件到吸引装置之间的部分被吸引,产生负压。由于从开闭构件到吸引装置的墨水输送构件的内体积靠内体积增大装置加大从而使之大于从盖子构件到开闭构件的墨水输送构件的内体积,所以在从开闭构件到吸引装置的墨水输送构件中可以保留足够大的负压。此时,在从盖子构件到开闭构件间的墨水输送构件中,不发生吸引装置的驱动引起的负压。When the suction device is driven in this state, the part between the opening and closing member and the suction device is sucked among the ink delivery members, and a negative pressure is generated. Since the inner volume of the ink delivery member from the opening and closing member to the suction device is increased by the inner volume increasing device so as to be larger than the inner volume of the ink delivery member from the cover member to the opening and closing member, so in the process from the opening and closing member to the suction. Sufficient negative pressure can be maintained in the ink delivery member of the device. At this time, negative pressure due to the driving of the suction device does not occur in the ink delivery member between the cover member and the opening and closing member.
接着,停止驱动吸引装置,使开闭构件成为开状态,打开墨水输送构件。从开闭构件到吸引装置间的墨水输送构件中所保留的大的负压瞬间地作用于盖子构件内,可以以大的吸引力瞬间地从喷墨记录头吸引墨水。Next, the driving of the suction device is stopped, the opening and closing member is opened, and the ink transport member is opened. A large negative pressure remaining in the ink delivery member between the opening and closing member and the suction device acts momentarily on the inside of the cover member, and the ink can be sucked from the inkjet recording head with a large suction force momentarily.
附图说明Description of drawings
图1是表示具有喷墨记录头恢复装置的,而该喷墨记录头恢复装置备有根据本发明的一个实施例的墨水吸引装置的喷墨记录装置的记录头托架框及其附近的透视图。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording head carriage frame and its vicinity of an ink jet recording apparatus having an ink jet recording head recovery device equipped with an ink suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. picture.
图2是表示根据本发明的一个实施例的喷墨记录头恢复装置的局部剖切透视图。Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an ink jet recording head recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
图3是表示根据本发明的一个实施例的喷墨记录头恢复装置的概略构成的俯视图。3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording head recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
图4是表示构成根据本发明的一个实施例的喷墨记录头恢复装置的墨水吸引装置的概略构成的说明图。4 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an ink suction device constituting an inkjet recording head recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
图5是用时间序列来表示根据本发明的墨水吸引装置进行的墨水吸引过程的各过程的时序图。FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing each process of the ink suction process performed by the ink suction device according to the present invention in time series.
图6是局部表示现有技术的喷墨记录头恢复装置的说明图。Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram partially showing a conventional ink jet recording head recovery device.
图7是局部表示现有技术的喷墨记录头恢复装置的说明图。Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram partially showing a conventional ink jet recording head recovery device.
具体实施方式Detailed ways
图1中,备有根据本发明的一个实施例的维护装置20(喷墨记录头恢复装置)的喷墨记录装置12,放大示出其记录头托架14附近。此外,图2和图3中,维护装置20,图4中,构成维护装置20的本发明的墨水吸引装置10被分别示出。In FIG. 1, an ink jet recording apparatus 12 equipped with a maintenance device 20 (ink jet recording head recovery device) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown enlarged in the vicinity of a recording head holder 14 thereof. In addition, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
此一喷墨记录装置12备有沿一定方向移送记录媒体P(例如用纸等)的记录媒体移送构件16,以及对着此一记录媒体P的移送路径,而且沿着与记录媒体P的移送方向垂直的方向设置的一组导向构件18。记录头托架14靠这些导向构件18来支承。此外,在导向构件18之下且邻接于记录媒体P的移送路径的位置上配置着维护装置20,对记录头托架14进行加盖或墨水的吸引等维护动作。此一维护动作靠控制电路(未画出)控制成在规定的条件或定时下进行。This inkjet recording device 12 is equipped with a recording medium transfer member 16 for transferring a recording medium P (such as paper, etc.) in a certain direction, and a transfer path facing the recording medium P, and along the transfer path with the recording medium P. A group of guide members 18 arranged in a vertical direction. The recording head carriage 14 is supported by these guide members 18 . In addition, a
在对着维护装置20的位置上设定着记录头托架14的原始位置(初始位置),靠位置传感器22来检测此一位置。上述记录头托架14、记录媒体移送构件16、导向构件18、维护装置20和位置传感器22保持于主体壳体24中。在记录头托架14上,经由在挠性基板上形成的信号线传送图像信息。The home position (initial position) of the recording head carriage 14 is set at the position facing the
再者,在附图中,记录头托架14的移动方向(主扫描方向)用箭头M,记录媒体P的移动方向(副扫描方向)用箭头S分别表示。In addition, in the drawing, the moving direction of the recording head carriage 14 (main scanning direction) is indicated by an arrow M, and the moving direction of the recording medium P (sub scanning direction) is indicated by an arrow S, respectively.
记录头托架14由能够沿着导向构件18移动那样地设置的托架框26,和收容在此一托架框26内的规定的收容部中的记录头单元28来构成。喷墨记录头单元28的下部,制成在内部有喷嘴33,在墨水排出面35(记录头部32的下表面)上形成排出喷嘴33内的墨水的墨水排出口37的记录头部32(图4)。此外,在记录头部32的上方配置着向各记录头部32供给墨水的副墨水箱30,由副墨水箱30和记录头部32来构成记录头单元28。副墨水箱30的个数与记录头单元28的个数相对应,在本实施例中取为4个。因而,各个副墨水箱30分别向记录头单元28供给不同颜色的墨水(例如黑色(Bk)、黄色(Y)、红色(M)、蓝色(C))而排出墨水滴,借此可以记录全色图像。而且,本实施例的喷墨记录装置12靠记录媒体移送构件16来移送记录媒体P,并且一边使记录头托架14往复移动,一边根据图像信息排出墨水滴,在记录媒体P上记录图像(图1)。The recording head carriage 14 is constituted by a carriage frame 26 provided so as to be movable along the guide member 18 , and a
其次,维护装置20具有配置在原始位置下方的壳体34(图2~图4)。在壳体34内配置着电动机36。此外,在壳体34的侧壁上,能够以其一端为中心而摆动地轴支承着摆动臂38。电动机36的旋转驱动力作用于摆动臂38的一端侧,在电动机36正转时,摆动臂38沿图2的箭头S方向摆动,设在摆动臂38另一端的输出齿轮40与凸轮驱动用齿轮系42啮合(图2的双点划线)。借此,电动机36的旋转驱动力作用于凸轮驱动用齿轮系42。进而此一旋转驱动力传递到备有多个凸轮(未画出)的凸轮轴44。凸轮轴44的凸轮在凸轮轴44转一圈中对每个角度分配各动作,以便后述的盖子座48、阀58、和擦拭片保持板70分别在规定的定时下进行升降、开闭和往复移动。再者,凸轮轴44的旋转角度靠光电传感器(未画出)来检测,控制电路基于此一信息来控制凸轮轴44的旋转量(旋转角度)。Next, the
与此相反,如果电动机36反转,则摆动臂38沿与箭头S相反的方向摆动,因为如实线所示,输出齿轮40与泵驱动用齿轮系46啮合,故电动机36的旋转驱动力作用于泵驱动用齿轮系46。On the contrary, if the
再者,电动机的旋转(正转和反转)靠控制电路(未画出)来控制,使维护装置20向记录头单元28的往复动作与图像记录动作(墨水滴的排出或主扫描和副扫描)不会同时进行。Moreover, the rotation (forward and reverse) of the motor is controlled by a control circuit (not shown), so that the reciprocating action of the
在壳体34的上部能够升降那样地设有盖子座48,根据凸轮轴44的旋转角度,从凸轮(未画出)经由连杆机构(未画出)作用升降力。在此一盖子座48上配置着与记录头部32的各个相对应的4个盖子50。这些盖子50形成为上部敞开的大体上立方体形,在记录头托架14位于原始位置时如果盖子座48上升,则对每个对应的记录头部32包围墨水排出口37那样地贴紧于墨水排出面35。借此,防止来自墨水排出口37的意外的墨水干燥,或异物的混入等,使记录头单元28维持在最适于墨水滴的排出的状态。A
4个盖子50当中,指定的盖子50(在本实施例中,位于图2的左上的盖子)其底部连接于管子52的一端,制成墨水吸引用盖子50B(图4)。管子52由具有耐墨水性的挠性材料构成,并将整体弯曲成所希望的形状,通过局部地压瘪来闭塞内部,可以阻断流体的流动。Among the four
在此一管子52的中间设有阀58,进而另一端连接于配置在壳体34内的负压箱60的上部。阀58靠凸轮轴44的旋转经由凸轮和连杆机构(未画出)在规定的定时下进行开闭。借此,管子52也在规定的定时下成为流体能够在内部流动的状态(管子连通状态)或不能流动的状态(管子阻断状态)。A
负压箱60形成为大体上筒形(虽然可以是圆筒形或方筒形,但是在本实施例中是圆筒形),内部制成空洞。通过设置这种有空洞的负压箱60,使从阀58到后述的泵62的墨水输送构件56的内体积V2大于从盖子50B到阀58的墨水输送构件56的内体积V1。换句话说,负压箱60配置在满足上述内体积的条件(V1<V2)的合适的位置。The
在壳体34内,配置着靠来自泵驱动用齿轮系46的旋转驱动力所驱动的泵62。从图4可以看出,泵62取为所谓滚柱泵,在旋转板64的周围的规定位置上能够旋转那样地安装着一个或多个滚轮(小型滚柱)66。Inside the
此外,在壳体34内,配置着一端连接于负压箱60的下部的管子54。管子54虽然也与管子52同样,由具有耐墨水性的挠性材料构成,但是与管子52相比制成厚壁,以便提高强度。由管子52和管子54构成根据本发明的墨水输送构件56。In addition, in the
管子54的中间部分越过大约半周,绕挂于构成滚柱泵62的旋转板64的外周,管子54被滚轮66局部地压瘪。因而,如果泵被驱动而旋转板64沿箭头R的方向旋转,则被滚轮66压瘪的部分逐渐向管子54的另一端移动,管子52内的流体向另一端侧移动。The middle portion of the
进而在壳体34的上部,能够沿着轴68移动那样地配置着擦拭片保持板70(图2)。在擦拭片保持板70上安装着与记录头部32的各个墨水排出面35(图4)相对应的4个擦拭片72。擦拭片保持板70靠凸轮轴44的旋转在规定的定时下沿箭头A方向移动(往路动作),进而在规定的定时下沿与箭头A相反方向移动(复路动作)。在记录头托架14位于原始位置时,通过擦拭片保持板70进行这样往复动作,擦拭片72分别擦拭其所对应的记录头部32的墨水排出面35,去除附着于墨水排出面35的异物。Furthermore, on the upper part of the
接下来,说明本实施例的喷墨记录装置12和维护装置20的作用。Next, actions of the inkjet recording apparatus 12 and the
根据图像信息一边从记录头单元28排出墨水滴,一边记录头托架14沿主扫描方向,记录媒体P沿副扫描方向分别移动,借此图像被记录在记录媒体P上。An image is recorded on the recording medium P by moving the recording medium P in the sub-scanning direction and the recording medium P in the main scanning direction while ejecting ink droplets from the
如果记录头单元28成为需要维护的规定状态,则控制电路(未画出)使记录头托架14向原始位置移动。然后,控制电路(未画出)使电动机36正转。由于摆动臂38沿图2箭头S方向摆动,所以电动机36的旋转驱动力经由凸轮驱动用齿轮系42使凸轮轴44旋转。借此,首先,擦拭片保持板70朝箭头A方向及其相反方向往复移动。记录头部32的墨水排出面35被擦拭片擦拭,附着于墨水排出面35的异物被去除。When the
擦拭动作后,如果凸轮轴44靠电动机36的正转进一步旋转,则盖子座48上升,盖子50接触于并贴紧记录头部32的墨水排出面35(接触过程,图4)。借此,因为堵住了记录头部32的喷嘴33(墨水排出口37)的周围,故可以防止来自记录头单元28的意外的墨水干燥或异物的混入。After the wiping action, if the
如果凸轮轴44靠电动机36的正转进一步旋转,则阀58成为闭状态(闭塞过程,图5)。借此,管子52在中间部分被阻断,流体不能在内部流动。When the
像这样在管子52被阻断的状态下,控制电路(未画出)使电动机36反转。摆动臂38沿与箭头S相反方向摆动(图2),因为电动机36的旋转驱动力经由泵驱动用齿轮系46传递到泵62,故泵62被驱动(驱动过程)。借此,由于管子54内的流体被送往管子54的另一端侧,所以管子54内逐渐被减压。再者,此时管子52由于在其中间部分被阀58阻断,所以仅在从阀58到负压箱60的部分处被减压,墨水吸引用盖子50B内,和从墨水吸引用盖子50B到阀58的管子52内不发生负压。也就是说,管子52的从阀58到负压箱60之间,负压箱60内,以及管子54的从一端到滚轮66最初接触的位置之间,成为靠泵62的驱动而减压的减压空间。With the
此时,在本实施例中,从图4可以看出,因为设置了负压箱60,故与未设置这种负压箱60的构成者相比,减压空间的体积V2加大。此外,与从墨水吸引用盖子50B到阀58的管子52内的空间(非减压空间)的体积V1相比,减压空间的体积V2也加大。因此,通过泵62的驱动,产生负压的空间拓展,可以在减压空间内保留足够大的负压。At this time, in this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 4 , since the
如果泵62的驱动达到规定时间而减压空间内保留一定的负压,则控制电路再次使电动机36正转。借此,因为摆动臂38沿图2箭头S方向摆动,故泵62的驱动停止。接着,凸轮轴44旋转,从图5可以看出,阀58成为开状态(打开过程)。借此,因为减压空间中所发生的负压瞬间地作用于墨水吸引用盖子50B内,故可以以大的吸引力从记录头单元28内(特别是喷嘴33内)吸引墨水。所吸引的墨水,作为废墨水排出到设在管子54另一端侧的排出墨水箱(未画出)。When the
最后,如果电动机36进一步正转则因为盖子座48下降,故盖子50离开记录头单元28。当然,为了定常防止来自记录头单元28的墨水干燥或异物的混入,也可以不使盖子座48下降,而维持使盖子50贴紧记录头单元28的状态。Finally, when the
再者,在本实施例中,在多个盖子50当中,仅能从与指定的墨水吸引用盖子50B相对应的记录头单元28吸引墨水。因而,使记录头托架14沿盖子50的排列方向(主扫描方向)移动规定量,使将要吸引墨水的记录头单元28位于墨水吸引用盖子50B的上方,借此可以从所有的记录头单元28吸引墨水。当然,也可以把所有的盖子50全都作为墨水吸引用盖子50B,不用使记录头托架14移动就可以从所有的记录头单元28吸引墨水。In addition, in this embodiment, ink can be sucked only from the
如上所述,在本实施例的墨水吸引装置10(维护装置20)中,由于从阀58到泵62的管子52、54(减压空间)内的内体积V2大于盖子50(墨水吸引用盖子50B)内、和从盖子50到阀58的管子52内的内体积V1,所以在减压空间中发生大的负压,通过使阀58成为开状态,可以使此一负压瞬间地作用于盖子50内。因此,可以以大的吸引力从记录头单元28内(特别是喷嘴33内)吸引墨水。由于墨水的吸引在短时间内结束,并且不过分地吸引墨水,所以可以高效率地吸引。As described above, in the ink suction device 10 (maintenance device 20) of this embodiment, since the internal volume V2 in the
作为像这样用来使从阀58到泵62的墨水输送构件56(管子52、54)的内体积增大的构成(也就是本发明的内体积增大装置),不限定于上述负压箱60。总之,只要具有使减压空间的内体积增大所需的足够大的内体积,而且具有即使减压也不产生变形或损坏的强度就可以了。因而,也可以例如把管子54的一部分或全部制成大直径,壁厚也加厚以便得到所需的强度,但是因为管子54的弹性也因此而提高,故产生了更强力地压住泵62的滚轮66的必要。此外,由于管子54的刚性也提高,所以有时在壳体34内的布线或组装作业上产生限制。与此相反,如果像本实施例这样设置负压箱60,则由于没有必要使管子54本身起着内体积增大装置的作用,所以通过适当地设定弹性和刚性,泵62的滚轮66的挤压力很小就足够了,而且可以提高壳体34内的布线自由度或组装作业性,使墨水吸引装置10小型化成为可能。The configuration for increasing the internal volume of the ink delivery member 56 (
此外,作为管子52的材料,虽然只要如上所述具有耐墨水性就未特别限定,但是如果像本实施例这样由具有挠性的材料来构成,则由于壳体34内的布线的限制减少,所以作为墨水吸引装置10可以谋求小型化,并且组装作业性提高。此外,至少靠阀58开闭(压瘪)的部分,如果与墨水输送构件56的其他部分相比制成低弹性,则以很小的力就可以阻断管子52(墨水输送构件56),所以最好。在本实施例中,把管子52制成比管子54更低弹性,借此实质上把墨水输送构件56当中从盖子50到负压箱60的整个部分制成比构成墨水输送构件56的其他部分的管子54更低弹性,以更小的力就可以阻断墨水输送构件56。当然,也可以在管子52当中仅把被阀58压瘪的部分制成薄壁等,借此制成低弹性。作为把管子52制成低弹性的具体方法,虽然可以举出把管子52制成小直径且薄壁等,但是不限定于此,也可以例如通过选择适当的材料来降低弹性。In addition, the material of the
与此相反,最好是墨水输送构件56当中,从负压箱60到泵62部分的至少一部分,与从盖子50到负压箱60的部分相比,具有更高的强度。也就是说,如上所述在本实施例中虽然由于负压保留在负压箱60中,所以与未设置负压箱60的构成相比作用于墨水输送构件56的负压很小,但是在从负压箱60到泵62的部分处负压相对地提高。因而,在本实施例中,把管子54制成比管子52更厚壁而提高强度,借此来消除墨水输送构件56因负压而变形等。On the contrary, it is preferable that at least a portion of the
作为把管子52、54连接于负压箱60的位置虽然未特别限定,但是如果像本实施例这样把管子52的连接位置设在比管子54的连接位置相对上方的位置,则吸引墨水时墨水的流动成为不与重力相反的方向,所以最好。特别是,如果把管子54的连接位置取为负压箱60的底部,则可以不残留在负压箱60中那样地把墨水完全排出,所以最好。Although the position where the
作为本发明的墨水吸引装置,不限于本实施例的泵62这种滚柱泵等旋转式泵,总之只要是具有作为本发明的吸引装置所需的吸引能力者就可以了。因而,也可以是例如利用柱塞的往复运动来得到吸引力的泵。如果像本实施例这样使用滚柱泵,则由于柱塞或缸体等构件成为不需要的,并且柱塞的移动空间也成为不需要的,所以作为吸引装置可以小型化。此外,由于可以不把电动机36的旋转运动转换成别的运动而用于泵的驱动所以效率高,并且靠旋转板64的旋转角度可以微调整吸引量,所以最好。The ink suction device of the present invention is not limited to a rotary pump such as a roller pump such as the
特别是,虽然在使用颜料类墨水的场合,存在着墨水中的颜料成分等固结于缸体内的危险,但是由于在本实施例的这种旋转式泵中没有缸体,所以也不产生这种颜料成分固结等问题。In particular, although in the case of using pigment-based ink, there is a danger that the pigment components in the ink, etc. may be solidified in the cylinder, but since there is no cylinder in the rotary pump of this embodiment, it does not occur. This kind of pigment composition is solidified and other problems.
作为本发明的墨水吸引装置10,也没有必要一定装入维护装置20(喷墨记录头恢复装置),也可以与维护装置20分体地设在喷墨记录装置12中,墨水吸引装置10也可以由单体(也就是不装入其他装置)来构成。此外,作为本发明的墨水吸引方法,也没有必要一定作为维护动作的一部分来进行,只要是从喷墨记录头(记录头单元28)吸引墨水的场合,就可以运用。As the
作为靠安装有墨水吸引装置10的维护装置20来进行的维护动作,也不限定于上述者。例如,也可以与记录头单元28一起(协调动作)来进行用来消除喷嘴33的堵塞的所谓假喷。The maintenance operation performed by the
在本发明中,由于是一种从基于图像信息把墨水滴排出到记录媒体上的喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水的墨水吸引装置,包括:包围前述墨水排出口那样地接触于前述喷墨记录头的盖子构件,能够吸引前述盖子构件内的墨水的吸引装置,把前述盖子构件与前述吸引装置连接起来使之能够输送墨水的墨水输送构件,设在前述墨水输送构件上并开闭墨水输送构件的开闭构件,以及使从开闭构件到前述吸引装置的墨水输送构件的内体积大于从前述盖子构件到前述开闭构件的前述墨水输送构件的内体积的内体积增大装置,所以使高的吸引力瞬间地作用,以便能够高效地从喷墨记录头的墨水排出口吸引墨水。In the present invention, since it is an ink suction device that sucks ink from an ink discharge port of an inkjet recording head that discharges ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information, it includes: The cover member of the ink recording head, the suction device capable of sucking the ink in the aforementioned cover member, the ink delivery member that connects the aforementioned cover member and the aforementioned suction unit so that it can deliver the ink, is arranged on the aforementioned ink delivery member and opens and closes the ink The opening and closing member of the conveying member, and the inner volume increasing device that makes the inner volume of the ink conveying member from the opening and closing member to the aforementioned suction device larger than the inner volume of the aforementioned ink conveying member from the aforementioned cover member to the aforementioned opening and closing member, so A high attractive force is applied instantaneously so that the ink can be efficiently sucked from the ink discharge port of the inkjet recording head.
Claims (11)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000401953 | 2000-12-28 | ||
| JP2000401953A JP2002200777A (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2000-12-28 | Ink suction device, ink jet recording head recovery device, ink jet recording device, and ink suction method |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1362331A true CN1362331A (en) | 2002-08-07 |
| CN1224515C CN1224515C (en) | 2005-10-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CNB011448164A Expired - Fee Related CN1224515C (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2001-12-26 | Ink suction device, ink jet recording head restoring device, ink jet recording device and ink suction method |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2002200777A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100671806B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1224515C (en) |
| TW (1) | TW521044B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN100352655C (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2007-12-05 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Inkjet printer and cap unit for maintenance unit of inkjet printer |
| CN106476442A (en) * | 2015-08-28 | 2017-03-08 | 罗兰Dg有限公司 | Liquid-supplying system and the inkjet recording device possessing this liquid-supplying system |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| JP5213319B2 (en) | 2006-08-31 | 2013-06-19 | キヤノン株式会社 | Inkjet recording device |
| JP6167540B2 (en) | 2013-02-05 | 2017-07-26 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Suction device, suction method, discharge device |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH1044471A (en) * | 1996-08-07 | 1998-02-17 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Ink jet recording device |
| JPH10211720A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-08-11 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recording apparatus and discharge recovery processing method |
| JP3695502B2 (en) * | 1998-08-06 | 2005-09-14 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Ink jet recording apparatus and recording head cleaning control method in the same |
| JP2000190534A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-07-11 | Copyer Co Ltd | Restoration device |
-
2000
- 2000-12-28 JP JP2000401953A patent/JP2002200777A/en active Pending
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2001
- 2001-11-30 TW TW090129671A patent/TW521044B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-12-13 KR KR1020010078872A patent/KR100671806B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN100352655C (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2007-12-05 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Inkjet printer and cap unit for maintenance unit of inkjet printer |
| CN106476442A (en) * | 2015-08-28 | 2017-03-08 | 罗兰Dg有限公司 | Liquid-supplying system and the inkjet recording device possessing this liquid-supplying system |
| CN106476442B (en) * | 2015-08-28 | 2019-06-11 | 罗兰Dg有限公司 | Liquid supply system and ink jet recording apparatus provided with the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
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| JP2002200777A (en) | 2002-07-16 |
| KR20020055370A (en) | 2002-07-08 |
| TW521044B (en) | 2003-02-21 |
| CN1224515C (en) | 2005-10-26 |
| KR100671806B1 (en) | 2007-01-19 |
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