JP2003260791A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A recording head and an ink tank are separately replaced without causing ink leakage. A carriage (22) has a tip (63b) of a lever (63).
When it is separated from the carriage 22, the tip 63b of the lever 63 is rotated toward the carriage 22 by a spring, the support rod 62 moves to the opposite side to the carriage 22, and each upper lock claw 61 Each ink tank 32 cannot be detached because it is caught by 32c. At this time, if the carriage 22 is moved to the opening 11a, the recording head 31 can be removed from the carriage 22 through the opening 11a. Also, the carriage 22
Is moved and abuts against the tip 63b of the lever 63, the support bar 62 moves toward the carriage 22, the upper lock claws 61 are disengaged from the projections 32c of the ink tanks 32, and the ink tanks 32 can be removed. .

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus in which a recording head is mounted on a carriage and ink is ejected from the recording head to recording paper while moving the carriage to record on the recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image recording apparatus of this type, there is an ink jet type apparatus which ejects ink droplets from a recording head onto a recording sheet while moving a carriage carrying the recording head. In this apparatus, it is necessary to replace the ink tank or refill the ink tank, and in recent years, replacement of the ink tank has become the mainstream. Furthermore,
There is one in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrally mounted on a carriage, and the recording head and the ink tank are simultaneously replaced to facilitate maintenance.

However, when the recording head and the ink tank are integrated, before the recording head is consumed,
Since the ink in the ink tank is used up and the recording head and the ink tank are both replaced, the recording head that can be used thereafter is wasted.

Further, when printing a document, since the recording paper has a large margin and the amount of ink used for one recording paper is small, it is possible to record a large number of recording papers with one ink tank. However, in recent years, images are often printed, and in this case, the margin of the recording paper is extremely small and the amount of ink used for one recording paper is large. Therefore, frequent replacement of the recording head and the ink tank is required. It became necessary.

Therefore, for example, by increasing the capacity of the ink tank, it is possible to extend the use period of the recording head and the ink tank. However, unless the carriage on which the recording head and the ink tank are mounted is accelerated and decelerated quickly, the recording quality of documents, images, etc. cannot be maintained. For this reason, the mass of the carriage, the recording head, the ink tank, etc. is reduced. It was necessary, and this was contrary to the increase in the capacity of the ink tank, and the capacity of the ink tank could not be increased.

Therefore, in the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-227653, a main ink tank having a large capacity is installed apart from the carriage, and a sub ink tank having a small capacity is mounted on the carriage. Ink is sent from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank through the ink tube, and the ink is supplied from the sub ink tank to the recording head.

In this case, since the ink is constantly replenished in the sub ink tank, the capacity of the sub ink tank can be made sufficiently small, and quick acceleration / deceleration of the carriage can be realized. Furthermore, the capacity of the main ink tank can be increased sufficiently to reduce the frequency of replacement of the main ink tank.

[0008]

However, in the apparatus described in the above publication, when replacing the main ink tank, not only the main ink tank but also the main ink tank,
The ink tube, the sub ink tank, and the recording head were collectively replaced. That is, the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, which are connected by the ink tube, are not separated but are entirely replaced. This is to replace the ink tank without removing the ink tube because the ink leaks if the ink tube is removed carelessly.

However, even if the capacity of the main ink tank is made sufficiently large, the ink in the main ink tank is used up before the recording head is consumed, and this recording head is wasted. Also, not only the recording head but also the ink tubes and sub ink tanks are wasted.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides an image recording apparatus in which the recording head and the ink tank can be separately replaced without causing ink leakage. The purpose is to

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention mounts a recording head on a carriage in a detachable manner and ejects ink from the recording head onto a recording medium while moving the carriage. In an image recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium, an ink tank that is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body and an ink that is detachably connected to the recording head and the ink tank and guides the ink from the ink tank to the recording head. A tube and a removal regulation means for prohibiting the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus body when the other is possible.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, when one of the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus main body is possible, the other is prohibited. Therefore, when the print head is removed from the carriage and the ink tube is removed from the print head, the ink tank is connected to the ink tube, and when the ink tank is removed and the ink tube is removed from the ink tank, The head is connected to the ink tube. Therefore, when either the recording head or the ink head is replaced, only one end of the ink tube is opened and the other end is not opened. In this case, the ink does not easily leak from the ink tube. That is, the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced separately without causing ink leakage.

Further, in the present invention, when the ink tube is detached from one of the recording head and the ink tank, the inside of the ink tube has a negative pressure.

When the inside of the ink tube is kept at a negative pressure in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent ink leakage from the ink tube.

Further, in the present invention, a porous member that absorbs ink is provided inside the ink tank, and when the ink tube is removed from the recording head, the inside of the ink tube is negative due to the porous member inside the ink tank. It becomes pressure.

The porous member absorbs the ink in the ink tank. When the ink tube is removed from the recording head, the ink in the ink tube connected to the ink tank is sucked and the inside of the ink tube is sucked. Keep negative pressure.

Further, in the present invention, the recording head is provided with an orifice for ejecting ink to the recording medium, and when the ink tube is removed from the ink tank,
The orifice of the recording head creates a negative pressure inside the ink tube.

Surface tension is generated on the surface of the ink in the orifice of the recording head, and the surface of the ink is dented in a meniscus shape. When the ink tube is removed from the ink tank, the ink in the ink tube is sucked by the surface tension of the ink in the orifice, and the inside of the ink tube is kept at a negative pressure.

Further, in the present invention, the removal restricting means prohibits the removal of the ink tank when the recording head is moved in the recording area for recording on the recording medium.

In this case, the ink tank is not removed in the state where the recording can be performed by the recording head, and the recording defect can be prevented.

Further, in the present invention, the removal restricting means locks the opening provided in the main body of the apparatus for removing the recording head from the carriage and the ink tank, and prohibits the removal of the ink tank. And locking the ink tank by the locking means when the recording head is moved to a preset position different from the opening by the carriage.

In this case, the recording head can be detached from the carriage through the opening of the apparatus main body and taken out, and at this time, the removal of the ink tank is prohibited by the locking means. Further, when the recording head is moved by the carriage to a preset position different from the opening, it becomes impossible to take out the recording head through the opening, and at this time, the lock means locks the ink tank. Once released, the ink tank can be removed.

Further, in the present invention, the locking means is
When the locking claw for locking the ink tank and the recording head are moved to a preset position different from the opening by the carriage, the locking claw is moved in conjunction with the carriage, and the locking claw is used. And a link means for releasing the lock of the ink tank.

In this case, removal of the ink tank is prohibited by the locking claw of the locking means, and when the recording head is moved to a preset position different from the opening by the carriage, it interlocks with the carriage. The locking claw is moved, and the ink tank can be removed.

Further, in the present invention, the removal restricting means is a door provided in the main body of the apparatus for removing and carrying out the ink tank, and a locking means for locking the door when the recording head can be removed from the carriage. It has and.

Here, the door is locked when the recording head can be removed from the carriage, and the ink tank is prohibited from being removed through this door.

Further, in the present invention, the removal restricting means is an electric lock means for prohibiting one of the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus main body, and the electric lock means when the other is possible. Control means for controlling the locking means to prohibit one of them.

Here, one of the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus main body is prohibited by the electric lock means, and the other is enabled.

Further, in the present invention, a plurality of ink tanks and empty state detecting means for detecting whether or not each ink tank is empty are provided, and the removal restricting means is emptied by the empty state detecting means. It is possible to remove only the ink tank that is detected to have been removed, and at this time, the removal of the recording head from the carriage is prohibited.

For example, when performing color printing, it is necessary to store ink of each color in each ink tank. Therefore, it is detected whether or not each ink tank is empty, and only the ink tank that is detected to be empty can be removed.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to remove only the ink tank which is detected as empty by the empty state detecting means, and at this time, the removal of the recording head from the carriage is prohibited. It is provided with a removal assisting means that enables removal of the ink tank detected by the empty state detecting means as not empty.

Here, it is also possible to remove a non-empty ink tank. Thereby, for example, the color of ink can be changed.

Further, in the present invention, a plurality of ink tanks are provided, and the removal restricting means prohibits the removal of each ink tank at the same time and enables the removal of each ink tank at the same time.

As described above, the ink tanks may be collectively removed.

Further, in the present invention, a plurality of ink tanks, a plurality of ink tubes for guiding the respective inks from the respective ink tanks to the recording head, and an ink tube provided at one end of each of the ink tubes to be integrated, And a plurality of nozzles that are simultaneously inserted and removed.

By thus integrating the nozzles of each ink tube, each nozzle can be easily attached and detached.

On the other hand, the present invention is an image recording apparatus in which a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage, and ink is ejected from the recording head to a recording medium while moving the carriage to record on the recording medium. , An ink tank that is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body, an ink tube that is removably connected to the recording head and the ink tank and that guides ink from the ink tank to the recording head, and one end of the ink tube is connected to the recording head and the ink tank. And a removal restricting means for prohibiting removal of the other end when the other end of the tank is removed.

According to the present invention having such a structure, when one end of the ink tube is opened, the other end is not opened. Therefore, the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced separately without causing ink leakage.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1, 2, and 3 are a front view, a plan view, and a schematic view showing a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. In addition, in FIG. 1 and FIG.
The main body upper cover 11 and the main body lower cover 12 shown in are removed.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, a plurality of recording sheets P
Are stacked and accommodated on the paper feed tray 13, and the uppermost recording paper P is pulled out by the pickup roller 14,
The recording paper P is guided along the guide member 15 into the space between the conveying rollers 16, and the recording paper P is conveyed to the conveying rollers 16.
Then, the recording paper P is conveyed by the conveying rollers 17 in the sub-scanning direction, and the recording paper P is discharged by the discharging rollers 18. The transport motor 19 rotationally drives the pickup roller 14, the transport rollers 16, the transport rollers 17, and the discharge rollers 18 through a power transmission unit 21 that is a combination of gears and pulleys.

The carriage 22 is movably supported in the main scanning direction by passing the support shaft 23 through the guide hole 22a of the carriage 22. Furthermore, each rail member 2
4, 25 are the slits 22b and 22c of the carriage 22.
The carriage 22 holds the carriage 22 in position.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the drive mechanism of the carriage 22. A belt 26 is provided on the back side of the carriage 22.
The belt 26 over the pair of pulleys 27, 28.
Is connected to the carriage 22. Then, one pulley 27 is rotationally driven by the main scanning motor 29 to rotationally move the belt 26, and the carriage 22 is reciprocally moved in the main scanning direction along the support shaft 23.

A recording head 31 is mounted on the carriage 22. The recording head 31 is for color recording and has an orifice for ejecting ink droplets of each color. Each orifice of the recording head 31 is directed downward, and ejects ink droplets of each color through the lower opening 22a of the carriage 22.

Further, the respective ink tanks 32 containing the respective color inks are arranged on the bottom plate 33 of the apparatus main body, and the respective color inks are supplied from the respective ink tanks 32 to the recording head 31 through the respective ink tubes 34. Each ink tube 34 has a sufficient length and is bent in a U shape on the conveyance path of the recording paper P.

The control section 41 controls the conveyance motor 19, the main scanning motor 29, the recording head 31 and the like in a centralized manner, processes image data, and controls recording on the recording paper P. That is, the recording paper P is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying rollers 16 and the conveying rollers 17, and the carriage 22 is repeatedly reciprocated in the main scanning direction while ejecting ink droplets of each color from the recording head 31. The recording in the main scanning direction is repeatedly performed by the recording head 31, and characters, images, etc. are recorded on the recording paper P.

When the carriage 22 reciprocates, the U-shaped portion of each ink tube 34 is easily deformed, and each ink tube 34 is moved to the recording head 31 of the carriage 22.
Follows smoothly. Further, the protection frame 35 supports and fixes the central portion 34a of each ink tube 34,
In addition, the U-shaped portion of each ink tube 34 is covered, and this portion is prevented from being deformed and protruding to the front side of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 5 shows the carriage 22 and the recording head 3.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing 1 and each ink tube 34. The ink tubes 34 are integrated by a bundling member 42, and a connector 43 is connected to their tips. The connector 43 has respective nozzles 44 for discharging the ink of the respective ink tubes 34. These nozzles 44 are fitted into the holes 31a of the recording head 31, and the hook claws 43a of the connector 43 are attached to the recording head 31.
Hooked in the concave portion 31b of the recording head 31
The connector 43 is connected and attached to the recording head 31 by being screwed into the main body. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the recording head 31 is fitted into the carriage 22, and a part of each ink tube 34 is cut into the carriage 22.
Put in e. Further, the center of the spring 46 is hooked on the hook 31c on the side wall of the recording head 31, and the hook-shaped end portions 46a and 46b of the spring 46 are connected to the protrusions 22 on the side wall of the carriage 22.
The recording head 31 is pressed downward inside the carriage 22 to be supported thereby. In order to support the recording head 31 inside the carriage 22,
A spring 47 as shown in FIG. 7 may be hooked on each protrusion 22h, 22i on the side wall of the carriage 22.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flexible substrate 48 is superposed on each ink tube 34 and guided to the recording head 31, and the flexible substrate 48 is connected to the recording head 31. The flexible substrate 48 connects the recording head 31 and the control unit 41, and enables the control unit 41 to control the recording head 31.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the recording head 31.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector 43 as viewed from the front and the side. FIG. In the connector 43, each ink tube 34 is smoothly bent downward by 90 °, and the tip of each ink tube 34 is connected to each nozzle 44. Each hole 31a of the recording head 31 has a step inside thereof, and the diameter is reduced from the step portion. The nozzle 44 at the tip of each ink tube 34 is made of an elastic synthetic resin or the like, and each hole 31 of the recording head 31.
It is pressed against the step of a. As a result, the nozzle 44 at the tip of each ink tube 34 and each hole 31 of the recording head 31.
The liquid-tightness is maintained between a and ink leakage between them is prevented.

The recording head 31 is of an ink jet type and has ink passages 31 for guiding ink for each color.
d and a plurality of orifices 31e for ejecting ink droplets. Inside these orifices 31e, surface tension is generated on the surface of the ink, and the surface of the ink is depressed like a meniscus.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing each ink tank 32 and each ink tube 34. Here, since the ink tanks 32 and the ink tubes 34 are overlaid in the sub-scanning direction, one ink tank 32 and one ink tank 32 are shown.
Only the ink tube 34 of the book is shown.

Also on the side of each ink tank 32, the tip of each ink tube 34 is connected to each nozzle 51. The connection portion 52 of each ink tank 32 has a plurality of holes 52.
a, and the diameter is reduced from the step portion inside these holes 52a. The nozzle 51 at the tip of each ink tube 34 is made of elastic synthetic resin or the like, and is pressed against the step of each hole 52a of the connecting portion 52. As a result, the nozzle 51 at the tip of each ink tube 34 and the connecting portion 5
Ink leakage between the two holes 52a is prevented.

The connecting portion 52 is connected to each ink tank 32.
Each cylindrical end 52b fitted in the opening 32a of the
have. Each tubular end portion 52b has a corresponding tubular end portion 5
2b and the respective seal members 53 sandwiched between the openings 32a of the respective ink tanks 32 are fitted, and the ink between the cylindrical end portions 52b and the openings 32a of the respective ink tanks 32 is fitted by these seal members 53. Prevents leakage.

Further, a sponge 54 is housed inside each ink tank 32, and the sponge 54 is impregnated with ink.

Further, the elastic arm 55 is connected to the bottom plate 3 of the apparatus main body.
3, a lower lock claw 56 is provided at the tip of the elastic arm 55. The elasticity of the elastic arm 55 urges the lower lock claw 56 upward so that the lower lock claw 56 is hooked in the recess 32b of the ink tank 32. Further, the upper lock claw 61 is hooked on the protrusion 32c of the ink tank 32. These lower lock claw 56 and upper lock claw 61
Therefore, the ink tank 32 is fixed. The lower lock claw 55 and the upper lock claw 61 are provided for each ink tank 32.
Is provided to fix each ink tank 32.

Now, in the image recording apparatus having such a structure,
When any one of the ink tanks 32 is used up, it is necessary to replace the empty ink tank 32. Rather than requesting a store, a maker, or the like to replace the empty ink tank 32, the user can replace the empty ink tank 32 more quickly, and the maintenance cost can be reduced. However, when replacing the ink tank 32 on the user side, it is assumed that the ink tank 32 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the ink tank 32 is removed from the connection portion 52 leading to the ink tube 34, and the ink tube 3
When the No. 4 nozzle 44 is pulled out from the recording head 31, both ends of the ink tube 34 are opened, so that the ink remaining in the ink tube 34 leaks out from both ends of the ink tube 34, and this image recording is performed. Dirty the device and surroundings. Not only that, the leaked ink adheres to each of the carrying rollers, each of the discharging rollers, the electronic parts, etc. of the apparatus, which causes a failure of the apparatus and increases the maintenance cost.

However, as shown in FIG. 11A, from the connecting portion 52 leading to the ink tube 34 to the ink tank 32.
When the nozzle is removed, the nozzle 44 of the ink tube 34
If the state in which the ink is connected to the recording head 31 is maintained, only one end of the ink tube 34 is opened and the other end is not opened, so that it is difficult for ink to leak from the ink tube 34. Therefore, in order to let the user replace the ink tank 32, when the ink tank 32 is removed from the connecting portion 52 leading to the ink tube 34, the ink tube 3
It is desirable to prohibit withdrawing the No. 4 nozzle 44 from the recording head 31.

In order to further extend the maintenance range, the ink tube 34 should be connected to the connecting portion 5 of the ink tank 32.
In addition to being able to be pulled out of the recording head 31, the ink tube 34 must be able to be pulled out of the recording head 31. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the nozzle 44 of the ink tube 34 is pulled out from the recording head 31, even if the state in which the ink tank 32 is connected to the connecting portion 52 is held, only one end of the ink tube 34 is held. Is opened, the ink is less likely to leak from the ink tube 34. Therefore, when the nozzle 44 of the ink tube 34 is pulled out from the recording head 31, the ink tube 34
It is desirable to prohibit the removal of the ink tank 32 from the connection portion 52 leading to the.

In this embodiment, when the ink tank 32 can be removed from the bottom plate 33 of the apparatus main body, the removal of the recording head 31 from the carriage 22 is prohibited, and conversely, when the recording head 31 can be removed. In addition, the removal of the ink tank 32 is prohibited so that only one end of the ink tube 34 is opened and the other end is not opened.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body upper cover 1
If the carriage 22 is moved to the opening 11a in the sub scanning direction, the spring 46 (shown in FIG. 5) is removed and the recording head 31 is removed from the carriage 22 through the opening 11a. be able to. No other opening is provided in the main body upper cover 11, and the opening 1
The recording head 31 cannot be removed except through 1a. Further, since the main body upper cover 11 is fixed to the apparatus main body by screwing or the like, the main body upper cover 1
It is not easy to remove the recording head 31 by removing the first one.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the lower lock claw 55 and the upper lock claw 6 are provided for each ink tank 32.
1 is provided to fix each ink tank 32. Each upper lock claw 61 is provided so as to protrude from the support rod 62. The support rod 62 is supported so as to be movable in the sub scanning direction, and each upper lock claw 61 is also movable in the sub scanning direction. A rear end 63c of the lever 63 is rotatably supported by one end of the support rod 62.

The lever 63 is biased by a spring (not shown) so that the tip 63b of the lever 63 is rotated toward the carriage 22. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the carriage 22 is separated from the tip 63b of the lever 63, the tip 63b of the lever 63 rotates and moves toward the carriage 22 with the fulcrum 63a as the rotation center. , The rear end 63c of the lever 63 is rotationally moved to the side opposite to the front end 63b. Along with this, the support bar 62 moves to the side opposite to the tip 63b, the upper lock claws 61 overlap with the step projections 32d of the ink tanks 32, and the upper lock claws 61 protrude from the protrusions 32c of the ink tanks 32. Get caught in. In this state, as shown in FIG. 13, the elastic arm 55 is pushed downward to move the lower lock claw 56 into the ink tank 3.
Even if it is removed from the second recess 32b, the upper lock claw 61 is still hooked on the protrusion 32c of the ink tank 32.
The ink tank 32 cannot be removed. Of course, each of the ink tanks 32 is in the same state and cannot be removed.

When the carriage 22 moves and strikes against the tip 63b of the lever 63 as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), the tip 63b of the lever 63 is rotated and moved.
The lever 63 is raised until it is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction, and the rear end 63c of the lever 63 rotationally moves to the side opposite to the front end 63b. Along with this, the support rod 62 moves to the side opposite to the tip end 63b, and the upper lock claws 61 move toward the ink tanks 32.
Of the upper lock claw 61 is disengaged from the projection 32c of each ink tank 32. In this state, as shown in FIG. 15, the elastic arm 55 is pushed downward to move the lower lock claw 56 into the recess 32b of the ink tank 32.
Once removed, the ink tank 32 can be removed. Of course, each of the ink tanks 32 is in the same state and can be removed. The lower main body cover 12 is supported by the main body of the apparatus so as to be openable and closable, and each ink tank 32 can be easily removed by opening the lower main body cover 12.

Therefore, when the carriage 22 is separated from the tip 63b of the lever 63, the tip 63b of the lever 63 is rotationally moved to the carriage 22 side by the spring, and the support rod 62 is moved to the side opposite to the tip 63b. The upper lock claws 61 are caught by the protrusions 32c of the ink tanks 32, and the ink tanks 32 cannot be removed. Further, when the carriage 22 moves to hit the tip 63b of the lever 63 and the tip 63b of the lever 63 rotates, the support rod 62 moves to the side opposite to the tip 63b, and the upper lock claws 61 move to the respective ink tanks. 32 protrusions 3
Each ink tank 32 can be removed by removing it from 2c.

FIG. 16 schematically shows the moving area of the carriage 22. The moving area A of the carriage 22 is an image recording area B where recording can be performed by the recording head 31 while moving the carriage 22, and the carriage 22 is lever 6
3, an ink tank replacement area C in which each upper lock claw 61 is abutted against the protrusion 32c of each ink tank 32, and an isolation for separating the image recording area B and the ink tank replacement area C from each other. It consists of area D.

When the carriage 22 is moved in the image recording area B, the carriage 22 is separated from the tip 63b of the lever 63, and the ink tanks 32 cannot be removed. Further, since the opening 11a of the main body upper cover 11 is arranged in the image recording area B, if the carriage 22 is moved to the opening 11a as described above,
The recording head 31 is inserted into the carriage 22 through the opening 11a.
Can be removed from. Therefore, when the recording head 31 can be removed, the removal of each ink tank 32 is prohibited, and the recording head 31 is removed and the nozzle 44 of each ink tube 34 is connected to the recording head 3.
Even if it can be pulled out from 1, each ink tube 34
It is not possible to remove each ink tank 32 from the connection portion 52 leading to the.

That is, when the recording head 31 is replaced, even if one end of each ink tube 34 is opened, the other end is not opened. This prevents ink from leaking from each ink tube 34. The sponge 54 in each ink tank 32 absorbs the ink in the ink tank 32, and when each ink tube 34 is removed from the recording head 31, it also absorbs the ink in each ink tube 34. The inside of the ink tube 34 is kept at a negative pressure. As a result, ink leakage from each ink tube 34 can be prevented more reliably.

When the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank replacement area C, the carriage 22 moves to the lever 63.
Since the support bar 62 moves to the side opposite to the tip 63b and the upper lock claws 61 are disengaged from the protrusions 32c of the ink tanks 32, the main body lower cover 12 is opened and the ink tanks 32a and 32b are opened. Can be removed. At this time, the recording head 31 cannot be taken out through the opening 11a. Therefore, even if each ink tank 32 can be removed from the connection portion 52 that communicates with each ink tube 34, the nozzle 4 of each ink tube 34 can be removed.
4 cannot be pulled out from the recording head 31.

That is, when replacing the ink tank 32, even if one end of each ink tube 34 is opened, the other end is not opened. This prevents ink from leaking from each ink tube 34. Further, surface tension is generated on the surface of the ink in the orifice 31e of the recording head 31, and the surface of the ink is dented in a meniscus shape. When each ink tube 34 is removed from each ink tank 32, the ink in each ink tube 34 is sucked by the surface tension of the ink in each orifice 31e of the recording head 31, and the inside of each ink tube 34 is kept at a negative pressure. Be drunk As a result, ink leakage from each ink tube 34 can be prevented more reliably.

Further, since the image recording area B and the ink tank replacement area C are separated from each other, recording is not performed by the recording head 31 during the removal of each ink tank 32, and recording is performed. It is possible to prevent defects.

17 and 18 are a front view and a side view schematically showing the second embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention. In the image recording apparatus of this embodiment, instead of the upper lock claw 61, the support rod 62, and the lever 63 in the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 16, a cam unit 71, an encoder unit 72, an empty detection sensor of each ink tank 32A. 7
3 and the position detection sensor 74 are applied, and each ink tank 32A is selectively removable. Further, respective keys 94 for indicating each ink tank 32A are provided.

The cam unit 71 includes the cams 81 corresponding to the six ink tanks 32A and the cams 81.
Cam shaft 82 for supporting the shaft, a motor 83 and a speed reducer 84 for rotationally driving the cam shaft 82, and each arm 85.
And an arm shaft 86 that rotatably supports each arm 85. Each cam 81 is of a disc type as shown in FIG. 19, and has respective convex portions 81a. The rotational positions of the convex portions 81a of each cam 81 are offset from each other. Further, a rotation area E where none of the convex portions 81a of each cam 81 exists is provided. Each arm 85
Has respective rear end portions 85a contacting the respective cams 84 and respective front end portions 85b hooked on the convex portions 32f of the respective ink tanks 32A, and the respective front end portions 85b are caused by respective springs (not shown). It is urged downward. The rotation area E of each cam 81 corresponds to the rear end portion 8 of each arm 85.
5a, the tip portion 8 of each arm 85 is in contact with
5b is caught in the convex portion 32f of each ink tank 32A, and each ink tank 32A cannot be removed.
Further, when each cam 81 appropriately rotates and any convex portion 81a of each cam 81 abuts on the rear end portion 85a of the arm 85, this arm 85 rotates and moves, and the tip portion 85b of this arm 85. Is moved upward to come off the convex portion 32f of the ink tank 32A, and the ink tank 32A can be removed.

The encoder unit 72 includes the encoder 9
1 and a rotational position sensor 92 that detects the rotational position of the encoder 91. The rotational position sensor 92 is
The rotation position of the encoder 91 is detected as the rotation position of the cam shaft 82, and a detection signal indicating this rotation position is output to the control unit 41.

Each of the sky detection sensors 73 is, for example, a light reflection type sensor, irradiates the ink in the ink tank 32A with light, receives the reflected light and photoelectrically converts it, and this signal indicates the presence or absence of ink. It is output to the control unit 41 as a detection signal. The position detection sensor 74 is also a light reflection type sensor, for example, which irradiates the carriage 22 with light, receives the reflected light, and photoelectrically converts the reflected light.
2 is output to the control unit 41 as a detection signal indicating whether or not the ink has moved to the ink tank replacement area C in FIG.

In such a configuration, the control section 41 detects the rotational position of the cam shaft 82 through the rotational position sensor 92, controls the drive of the motor 83, rotates the cam shaft 82 appropriately, and causes each cam 81 to rotate. The rotation region E of is contacted with the rear end portion 85a of each arm 85. Then, the control unit 41 monitors the position of the carriage 22 through the position detection sensor 74, and unless the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank replacement area C of FIG.
The rotational position of the No. 1 camshaft 82 is maintained as it is.
In this state, the tip portion 85b of each arm 85 is caught by the convex portion 32f of each ink tank 32A, and each ink tank 32A cannot be removed. On the other hand, the carriage 22 can be moved to the opening 11a and the recording head 31 can be removed from the carriage 22 through the opening 11a. Therefore, the recording head 31 is removed, and the nozzles 44 of each ink tube 34 are connected to the recording head 3.
Even if it can be pulled out from 1, each ink tube 34
It is not possible to remove each ink tank 32 from the connection portion 52 leading to the.

When the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank replacement area C of FIG. 16, the control section 41 determines whether each ink tank 32A is empty based on the detection signal of each empty detection sensor 73. To judge. If none of the ink tanks 32A is empty, the camshaft 8
The rotation area E of each cam 81 does not rotate each arm 8
The state of being in contact with the rear end portion 85a of No. 5 is continuously maintained, and the removal of each ink tank 32A is prohibited. If any of the ink tanks 32A is empty, the controller 41
Indicates the rotational position of the camshaft 82 by the rotational position sensor 9
While detecting through 2, the cam shaft 82 is appropriately rotated to rotationally move the convex portion 81a of the cam 81 corresponding to the empty ink tank 32A to the rear end portion 85a of the arm 85. As a result, the arm 85 is rotationally moved, the tip 85b of the arm 85 is moved upward to be removed from the convex portion 32f of the empty ink tank 32A, and the empty ink tank 32A can be removed. . Of course, at this time, the recording head 31 cannot be taken out through the opening 11a. For example, when the inks of the respective colors are contained in the respective ink tanks 32A, only the empty ink tank 32A can be removed, so that the ink can be replenished properly and easily.

Further, in the state where the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank exchange area C in FIG. 16, the key 94 indicating the arbitrary ink tank 32A is irrespective of whether or not the arbitrary ink tank 32A is empty. The arbitrary ink tank 32A can be removed by pressing. When the key 94 indicating the arbitrary ink tank 32A is pressed down, the control unit 41 appropriately rotates the cam shaft 82 to cause the convex portion 81a of the cam 81 corresponding to the arbitrary ink tank 32A to move to the arm 85. The ink tank 32A can be removed by rotating and moving it to the rear end portion 85a. Thereby, for example, the color of ink can be changed.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are front views schematically showing the third embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.
In the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the plunger 101a of the solenoid 101 is connected to the tip 63b of the lever 63 in the apparatus of FIGS.
The position detection sensor 102 for detecting the movement to the ink tank replacement area C of No. 6 is applied. The position detection sensor 102 is similar to the position detection sensor 74 in FIG.

The control section 41 monitors the position of the carriage 22 through the position detection sensor 102, and does not energize the solenoid 101 unless the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank replacement area C in FIG. At this time, the tip 63b of the lever 63 is urged toward the carriage 22 by a spring (not shown) to position the support rod 62,
Each upper lock claw 61 is a protrusion 32c of each ink tank 32.
Get caught in. In this state, each ink tank 32 cannot be removed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the carriage 22 can be moved to the opening 11a and the recording head 31 can be removed from the carriage 22 through the opening 11a.

When the carriage 22 is moved to the ink tank replacement area C shown in FIG. 16, the control section 41 shows the state shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), the solenoid 101 is urged to move the tip 63b of the lever 63 to the side opposite to the carriage 22. Along with this, the support rod 62 has the tip 63b.
And the upper lock claws 61 are disengaged from the protrusions 32c of the ink tanks 32. In this state, each ink tank 32 can be removed as shown in FIG. Of course, at this time, the recording head 31 is placed in the opening 1
It cannot be taken out through 1a.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be variously modified. For example, instead of prohibiting the removal of the ink tank with a lock claw or arm, the main body lower cover 12 is fixed to the apparatus main body, and a door for taking out the ink tank is specially provided on the main body lower cover 12, and the carriage 22 is The door may be opened only when the door is moved to the ink tank replacement area C in FIG. Further, only when the carriage 22 is moved to the image recording area B in FIG. 16,
One end of each ink tube 34 can be detached from the recording head 31, and the carriage 22 can be moved to the position shown in FIG.
Any known mechanism may be used in combination as long as the other end of each ink tube 34 can be separated from each ink tank 32 only when it is moved to the ink tank replacement area C.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, when one of the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus main body is possible, the other is prohibited. Therefore, when the print head is removed from the carriage and the ink tube is removed from the print head, the ink tank is connected to the ink tube, and when the ink tank is removed and the ink tube is removed from the ink tank, The head is connected to the ink tube. Therefore, when either the recording head or the ink head is replaced, only one end of the ink tube is opened and the other end is not opened. In this case, the ink does not easily leak from the ink tube. That is, the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced separately without causing ink leakage.

Further, according to the present invention, when the ink tube is removed from one of the recording head and the ink tank, the inside of the ink tube has a negative pressure. For this reason,
It is possible to reliably prevent the ink from leaking from the ink tube.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a porous member that absorbs ink is provided in the ink tank. This porous member absorbs the ink in the ink tank, and when the ink tube is removed from the recording head, the ink in the ink tube connected to the ink tank is sucked and the inside of the ink tube is negatively pressured. Keep on.

Further, according to the present invention, the orifice for ejecting the ink to the recording medium is provided in the recording head. Surface tension is generated on the surface of the ink in the orifice of the recording head, and the surface of the ink is depressed like a meniscus.
When the ink tube is removed from the ink tank, the ink in the ink tube is sucked by the surface tension of the ink in the orifice, and the inside of the ink tube is kept at a negative pressure.

Further, according to the present invention, the removal of the ink tank is prohibited when the recording head is moved in the recording area for recording on the recording medium. For this reason, the ink tank is not removed in the state where the recording can be performed by the recording head, and the recording failure can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, the recording head can be detached from the carriage through the opening of the apparatus main body and taken out, and at this time, the removal of the ink tank is prohibited by the locking means. Further, when the recording head is moved by the carriage to a preset position different from the opening, it becomes impossible to take out the recording head through the opening, and at this time, the lock means locks the ink tank. Once released, the ink tank can be removed.

Further, according to the present invention, removal of the ink tank is prohibited by the locking claw of the locking means, and when the recording head is moved by the carriage to a preset position different from the opening, The locking claw is moved in conjunction with the carriage, and the ink tank can be removed.

Further, according to the present invention, the door is locked when the recording head can be removed from the carriage,
Removing the ink tank through this door is prohibited.

Further, according to the present invention, one of the removal of the recording head from the carriage and the removal of the ink tank from the apparatus main body is prohibited by the electric lock means, and the other is enabled.

Further, according to the present invention, only the empty one of the plurality of ink tanks can be removed, and the removal of the recording head from the carriage is prohibited at this time. For example, when the inks of the respective colors are contained in the respective ink tanks, only empty ink tanks can be removed, so that the ink can be replenished properly and easily.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to remove a non-empty ink tank. Thereby, for example, the color of ink can be changed.

Further, according to the present invention, the removal of each ink tank is prohibited at the same time, and the removal of each ink tank is enabled at the same time.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the nozzles of each ink tube are integrated to facilitate the attachment and detachment of each nozzle.

Further, according to the present invention, when one end of the ink tube is detached from either the recording head or the ink tank, it is prohibited to detach the other end. Therefore, when one end of the ink tube is opened, the other end is not opened. Therefore, the recording head and the ink tank can be replaced separately without causing ink leakage.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.

2 is a plan view schematically showing the device of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the apparatus of FIG. 1 with each ink tube, protection frame and the like removed.

5 is a diagram illustrating a carriage, a recording head, and the like in the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing each ink tube.

6 is a side view showing a state where the recording head of FIG. 5 is mounted on a carriage.

7 is a side view showing a modified example of a spring or the like for fixing the recording head of FIG. 5 to a carriage.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing the recording head and the connector of FIG. 5 as viewed from the front and side.

9 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink tank and an ink tube in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where both ends of the ink tube are separated from the recording head and the ink tank.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a state in which the other end of the ink tube is connected to the recording head when the ink tank is removed from the connection portion leading to the ink tube,
FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the ink tank is connected to a connecting portion that communicates with the ink tube when the other end of the ink tube is pulled out from the recording head.

12A and 12B are a plan view and a front view schematically showing a state in which the ink tank is locked by each upper lock claw, support rod, lever, etc. in the apparatus of FIG. is there.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the vicinity of the ink tank of FIG.

14A and 14B are a plan view and a front view schematically showing a state where the lock of the ink tank by each upper lock claw, the support rod, the lever and the like in the apparatus of FIG. 1 is released. Is.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing the vicinity of the ink tank of FIG.

16 is a diagram schematically showing a moving area of a carriage in the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a front view schematically showing a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view schematically showing the device of FIG.

19 is a diagram schematically showing a cam in the device of FIG.

20A and 20B are a plan view and a front view schematically showing a third embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the invention.

21A and 21B are a plan view and a front view schematically showing a state in which the upper lock claws, the support rods, and the lock of the ink tank by the solenoid and the like in the apparatus of FIG. 20 are released. Is.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Body top cover 12 Lower body cover 22 carriage 23 spindle 24,25 Rail member 26 belt 27, 28 pulley 29 Main scanning motor 31 recording head 32 ink tank 33 Bottom plate 34 ink tube 35 protective frame 41 Control unit 42 Bundling member 43 connector 44,51 nozzles 48 flexible board 52 Connection 53 Seal member 54 Sponge 55 Elastic Arm 56 Lower lock claw 61 Upper lock claw 62 Support rod 63 lever 71 cam unit 72 Encoder unit 73 Sky detection sensor 74,101 Position detection sensor 101 solenoid

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kengo Matsuyama             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F term (reference) 2C056 EA22 EB11 EB20 EB36 EB42                       EC11 FA10 HA07 HA37 KC11                       KC22                 2C061 AQ05 BB10 CD01

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus in which a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage, and ink is ejected from the recording head to a recording medium while moving the carriage to record on the recording medium. An ink tank that is detachably mounted, an ink tube that is removably connected to the recording head and the ink tank, and that guides ink from the ink tank to the recording head, and the recording head that is removed from the carriage and the ink from the main body of the device. An image recording apparatus comprising: a removal restricting unit that prohibits one of the removal of the tank when the other is possible. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a negative pressure is applied to the inside of the ink tube when the ink tube is removed from one of the recording head and the ink tank. 3. A porous member that absorbs ink is provided inside the ink tank, and when the ink tube is removed from the recording head, the inside of the ink tube becomes a negative pressure due to the porous member inside the ink tank. The image recording device according to claim 2. 4. An orifice for ejecting ink to a recording medium is provided in the recording head, and when the ink tube is removed from the ink tank, the inside of the ink tube becomes a negative pressure due to the orifice of the recording head. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removal restricting unit prohibits removal of the ink tank when the recording head is moved in a recording area for recording on the recording medium. 6. The removal restricting means includes an opening provided in the apparatus main body for removing the recording head from the carriage and carrying it out, and a locking means for locking the ink tank to prohibit the removal of the ink tank. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the recording head is moved by the carriage to a preset position different from the opening, the lock of the ink tank is released by the lock unit. 7. The locking means includes a locking claw for locking the ink tank and a locking claw that interlocks with the carriage when the recording head is moved to a preset position different from the opening by the carriage. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a link unit that moves the claw and releases the locking of the ink tank by the locking claw. 8. The removal restricting means comprises a door provided in the apparatus main body for removing and carrying out the ink tank, and a locking means for locking the door when the recording head can be removed from the carriage. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 9. An electric lock means for prohibiting one of removal of a recording head from a carriage and removal of an ink tank from an apparatus main body,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the electric lock unit to prohibit the other when the other is possible. 10. A plurality of ink tanks and an empty state detecting means for detecting whether or not each ink tank is empty, wherein the removal restricting means is an ink which is detected as empty by the empty state detecting means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the removal of the tank is allowed, and at this time, the removal of the recording head from the carriage is prohibited. 11. The empty state detecting means allows the ink tank that has been detected to be empty by the empty state detecting means to be removed, and at this time the removal of the recording head from the carriage is prohibited. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a removal assisting unit that enables removal of the ink tank detected as not empty.
The image recording device described in 1. 12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ink tanks, wherein the removal restricting means prohibits the removal of each ink tank at the same time and enables the removal of each ink tank at the same time. apparatus. 13. A plurality of ink tanks, a plurality of ink tubes for guiding respective inks from the respective ink tanks to the recording head, and an ink tube provided at one end of each of the ink tubes so as to be integrated and simultaneously inserted into and removed from the recording head. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of nozzles. 14. An image recording apparatus in which a recording head is detachably mounted on a carriage, and ink is ejected from the recording head to a recording medium while moving the carriage to perform recording on the recording medium. An ink tank that is detachably mounted, an ink tube that is removably connected to the recording head and the ink tank and that guides ink from the ink tank to the recording head, and one end of the ink tube is either the recording head or the ink tank. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a removal restricting unit that prohibits the other end from being removed when it is further released.