JP2008155386A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder which enables recovery processing by a recovery mechanism even without isolating to a nozzle array a sheet conveyance mechanism that conveys a continuous sheet, and to provide a recovery processing method by the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A recovery judgment control part 13 in the image recorder makes a control part 7 control a sheet movement execution part 12, thereby projecting a predetermined part of the continuous sheet 3 subjected to recording processing to the bottom of a notch 32b formed in a sheet supporting plate 32 at a sheet supporting part 14 of the sheet conveyance mechanism 8. Then, the control part 7 is made to insert and move a suction part 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 to a gap between a nozzle array 6 and the continuous sheet 3 projected to the bottom of the notch 32b. Moreover, the control part 7 is made to control the recovery mechanism 9 to perform recovery processing to a plurality of nozzles of the nozzle array 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that performs a recording process (image recording) by ejecting ink from a nozzle (ink ejection port) of a recording head to a continuous sheet such as roll paper, and particularly to a recovery process for the nozzles of the recording head. The present invention relates to a recovery mechanism and a control technique for the recovery mechanism.

  In general, in an image recording apparatus that performs recording processing by ejecting ink onto a continuous sheet such as roll paper, the ink adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle (ink ejection port) of the recording head (nozzle array) that ejects ink is wiped off. In addition, there is known a configuration provided with a recovery mechanism for causing the nozzles of the recording head to perform recovery processing by periodically ejecting ink from the nozzles.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a maintenance mechanism having a print head (recording head), a transport unit having a plurality of driven rolls for transporting roll paper, a cap unit, a wipe unit, an ink suction unit, a lifting unit, and the like. A configuration of an ink jet printer (image recording apparatus) including the above is disclosed.

In the recovery process of Patent Document 1, first, a space (maintenance space) is secured by separating the transport unit from the nozzle surface of the print head and by taking looseness by pulling the roll paper. Next, in the recovery process of Patent Document 1, a maintenance unit having a maintenance mechanism is inserted and moved into the maintenance space to wipe the nozzle surface of the print head by the wipe unit and to perform ink suction by the cap unit and the ink suction unit. ing.
JP 2003-211683 A

  However, in the maintenance mechanism of Patent Document 1, in addition to the mechanism for inserting and moving the maintenance unit having the maintenance mechanism into the maintenance space, the transport unit having a plurality of driven rolls is separated from the nozzle surface of the print head. Therefore, there is a problem that the size of the image recording apparatus is increased and the cost is increased accordingly.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an image recording apparatus capable of performing a recovery process by a recovery mechanism without separating a sheet transport mechanism for transporting continuous sheets from a nozzle array, An object is to provide a recovery processing method by an apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are formed over a length that is equal to or greater than the width of a conveyed continuous sheet. Conveying surface on which continuous sheet recording processing is performed in an image recording apparatus in which at least one recording unit is provided and performs recording processing on a continuous sheet by ink ejection from a plurality of nozzles and recovery processing for the plurality of nozzles At least a sheet support part that forms at least one notch for projecting a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet downward with respect to the conveyance surface, and the continuous sheet from the conveyance path on the upstream side of the recording unit. At least one sheet conveying mechanism for feeding and collecting on a conveying path downstream of the recording unit and at least one suction unit for performing a recovery process on a plurality of nozzles And a recovery determination control unit that determines execution of recovery processing and causes the recovery mechanism to perform recovery processing for a plurality of nozzles. The recovery determination control unit includes a nozzle row and a part of the conveyance surface. The recovery portion is moved by moving the suction portion of the recovery mechanism into the gap with the continuous sheet protruding downward.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recovery processing method comprising at least a recording unit including at least one nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are formed over a length equal to or greater than the width of a continuous sheet to be conveyed. A recovery processing method by an image recording apparatus in which one is provided and performs a recording process on a continuous sheet by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles and a recovery process for a plurality of nozzles. When it is determined that the process is to be executed, a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet is protruded below at least one notch portion formed in the sheet support unit included in the sheet conveyance mechanism, and a recovery process is performed on the plurality of nozzles. The recovery mechanism having at least one suction portion for performing insertion is moved into the gap between the nozzle row and the continuous sheet protruding downward from the notch portion, and the recovery mechanism is inserted. After process and insertion movement of the moving, performing a recovery process for a plurality of nozzles, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus capable of performing a recovery process by a recovery mechanism without separating a sheet transport mechanism for transporting continuous sheets from a nozzle row, and a recovery processing method by the apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 conceptually shows a configuration example of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the image recording unit is omitted in the arrangement example of each component.

The image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes at least an image recording unit 2, a control unit 7, a sheet conveyance mechanism 8, a recovery mechanism 9, a recorded image determination unit 11, and a sheet movement execution unit 12.
The sheet transport mechanism 8 includes a sheet support unit 14, a sheet feeding unit 15, and a sheet collection unit 16.

  The sheet feeding unit 15 includes a feeding sheet support shaft 33 that supports the roll-shaped continuous sheet 3 so as to be fed, a feeding rotary encoder 34 connected to the feeding sheet support shaft 33, and the feeding sheet support. A feeding motor 35 connected to the shaft 33, and a feeding sheet tension unit 36 having a feeding tension roller 37 and a feeding tension spring 38 for applying a predetermined tension to the continuous sheet 3 fed from the roll are provided.

  The sheet support unit 14 includes a sheet support plate 32 having at least a base 32a and a first notch 32b, and a sheet support roller pair 31 disposed on both sides of the sheet support plate 32 in the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet 3. And comprising.

  The sheet collection unit 16 is connected to the collection sheet support shaft 39 that supports the roll-shaped continuous sheet 3 so as to be collected, the collection rotary encoder 40 connected to the collection sheet support shaft 39, and the collection sheet support shaft 39. A recovery motor 41, and a recovery sheet tension portion 42 having a recovery tension roller 43 and a recovery tension spring 44 for applying a predetermined tension to the continuous sheet 3 wound in a roll shape.

  When the image recording apparatus 1 starts the recording process, the control unit 7 instructs the control unit 7 to drive the feeding motor 35 of the sheet feeding unit 15 and unwinds one end of the continuous sheet 3 from the roll-shaped continuous sheet 3. The sheet is sent to the downstream side, and driving of the collection motor 41 of the sheet collection unit 16 is instructed to wind one end of the continuous sheet 3 around the collection sheet support shaft 39.

  At this time, the sheet support unit 14 causes the back surface of the continuous sheet 3 provided with a predetermined tension by the feeding sheet tension unit 36, the sheet support roller pair 31, and the collected sheet tension unit 42 to slidably contact the sheet support plate 32.

  At this time, the control unit 7 is notified of a pulse signal corresponding to the sending amount (conveyance amount) of the continuous sheet 3 from the feeding rotary encoder 34, and the winding amount (continuous amount) of the continuous sheet 3 from the collecting rotary encoder 40. A pulse signal corresponding to the recovered amount) is notified.

  The image recording unit 2 is arranged such that at least one recording unit 4-1 to 4-n is suspended from a carriage 51 shown in FIG. 3 to be described below so as to face the continuous sheet 3 slidably in contact with the sheet support plate 32. Has been established.

  The recording units 4-1 to 4-n include nozzle row driving units 5-1 to 5-n and nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm. When the image recording apparatus 1 is compatible with four colors, for example, (K) black is the recording unit 4-1, (C) cyan is the recording unit 4-2, (M) magenta is the recording unit 4-3, and ( Y) Yellow is the recording unit 4-4, and the nozzle array driving units 5-1 to 5-4 are provided for each ink color.

  In the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-nm including a plurality of nozzles, the recording units 4-1 to 4-n have ink colors of (K), (C), (M), and (Y), for example. When one nozzle row is configured for each, (K) is the nozzle row 6-1-1, (C) is the nozzle row 6-2-2, (M) is the nozzle row 6-3-3, and (Y ) Becomes the nozzle row 6-4-4.

  In addition, the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-nm have six recording units 4-1 to 4-n for each ink color (K), (C), (M), and (Y), for example. When configured with two nozzle rows, (K) is nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-1-6, (C) is nozzle rows 6-2-7 to 6-2-12, and (M) is a nozzle row. 6-3-13 to 6-3-18 and (Y) are nozzle rows 6-4-19 to 6-4-24.

  The recorded image determination unit 11 is disposed on the downstream side of the recording unit 4 in the conveyance path of the continuous sheet 3, reads the recorded image on the continuous sheet 3 recorded by the image recording unit 2, and compares it with recorded data. Accordingly, the quality of the recorded image is determined, and the determination result is notified to the control unit 7.

  The sheet movement execution unit 12 inserts a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 into the first cutout portion 32 b of the sheet support plate 32 of the sheet support unit 14. The predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 includes a part of the continuous sheet 3 facing the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm.

  About this sheet movement execution part 12, the code | symbol different for every embodiment of the image recording device 1 which concerns on this invention is provided, 1st Embodiment is shown by sheet movement execution part 12A-1 thru | or 12A-n, The second embodiment is shown by a sheet movement execution unit 12B, and the third embodiment is shown by sheet movement execution units 12C-1 to 12C-n.

Details of the sheet movement execution unit 12 will be described later.
The recovery mechanism 9 includes at least a suction unit 21, a movement mechanism unit 25, a suction duct, a negative pressure generation unit 27, and a waste liquid collection unit 28.

The suction sections 21-1 to 21-n include suction nozzle sections 22-1-1 to 22-nm, wiping sections 23-1-1 to 23-nm, and collection sections 24-1 to 24- n.
The suction units 21-1 to 21-n are arranged corresponding to the number of the recording units 4-1 to 4-n (the number of ink colors) described above.

  The suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-nm are arranged corresponding to the number of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm described above, and have ink suction surfaces having ink suction holes. Ink is sucked from a plurality of nozzles in contact with the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-nm.

  The wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-nm are provided with, for example, protruding wiper rubber on the ink suction surfaces of the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-nm, and the nozzle rows 6-1. The ink is wiped by sliding on the 1 to 6-nm ink ejection surface.

  The collection units 24-1 to 24-n are arranged corresponding to the number of the recording units 4-1 to 4-n (the number of ink colors) described above, and the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-n-. The ink pan is configured as an ink pan that supports m and collects the ink sucked by the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-nm.

  The moving mechanism unit 25 moves the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-nm including the wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-nm to the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm. Move to a position facing the ink ejection surface.

  The moving mechanism unit 25 is given different reference numerals depending on the embodiment of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The first to fourth embodiments are indicated by the moving mechanism unit 25A, and the fifth embodiment is moved. It is shown by the mechanism part 25B.

Details of the moving mechanism unit 25 will be described later.
The suction duct 26 supports the ink pans in the collection units 24-1 to 24-n in parallel with the arrangement direction of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm (a plurality of nozzle formation directions), and the collection unit The ink stored in 24-1 to 24-n is sucked.

The negative pressure generation unit 27 is configured by, for example, a suction fan connected to the suction duct 26, and the suction duct 26 is maintained at a negative pressure by driving the suction fan.
The waste liquid collection unit 28 collects waste liquid such as ink collected in the suction duct 26.

  When the image recording apparatus 1 starts the recovery process, the image recording apparatus 1 instructs the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism unit 25, and the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-n-m in the suction units 21-1 to 21-n. Are brought into contact with the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-nm, and then, for example, the suction fan of the negative pressure generating unit 27 is driven to drive the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-1-1 to 6-1-1. Ink is sucked from a plurality of nozzles on the ink ejection surface at 6-nm.

  In the first to fourth embodiments of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention, which will be described later, the moving mechanism unit 25 is driven by an instruction from the control unit 7, and the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-nm. Is moved to the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-nm, for example, the projected wiper rubber in the wiping portions 23-1-1 to 23-nm is in sliding contact with the ink ejection. The ink on the surface is wiped off.

  The recovery mechanism 9 is given different reference numerals depending on the embodiment of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The first to fourth embodiments are indicated by a recovery mechanism 9A, and the fifth embodiment is a recovery mechanism 9B. It is shown in

Note that the symbol n added to the symbol of each component corresponds to the number of recording units in each embodiment of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and n is an integer of 2 ≦ n.
Further, the symbol m added to the symbol of each constituent element corresponds to the number of at least one nozzle row provided with at least one recording unit 4, and m is an integer of 2 ≦ m.

  The control unit 7 includes, for example, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) having a control function and an arithmetic function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as an MPU work memory, and the like. And at least a non-volatile memory that stores setting values relating to control of the image recording apparatus 1.

In the embodiment of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention, for example, the recovery determination control unit 13 is stored in the ROM as a program executed by the arithmetic processing unit of the control unit 7.
The host apparatus 10 is connected as an external device of the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention via, for example, a LAN.

  The host apparatus 10 corresponds to a user computer that causes the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention to perform recording processing, and notifies the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention of job information including recording data as information relating to the recording processing. .

Next, a first embodiment 1 of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, in the configuration including four recording units 4-1 to 4-4 as the color recording-compatible image recording apparatus 1, each of the recording units 4-1 to 4-4 has six nozzle rows 6. Although shown in the configuration provided, the first embodiment and the second to fifth embodiments described later are not limited to the number of recording units 4 and the number of nozzle rows 6.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the sheet support portion of the image recording apparatus according to the first or second embodiment or the fourth embodiment.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment inserts a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet into the notch portion of the sheet support unit and moves it downward.
The sheet movement execution unit 12A of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is illustrated in a configuration in which the image recording apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes four recording units 4-1 to 4-4. Four sheet movement execution units 12A-1 to 12A-4 are shown.

The configuration of the sheet movement execution units 12A-1 to 12A-4 will be described with reference to the sheet movement execution unit 12A-1 shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
The sheet movement execution unit 12A-1 is suspended from the carriage 51 on both sides of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-1-6 in the recording unit 4-1 in the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the continuous sheet 3 and extends in the Z direction. A pair of sheet pressing members 52 that are movably supported, a pair of rack portions 52a formed on the pair of sheet pressing members 52, a pair of pinion members 54 that respectively engage with the pair of rack portions 52a, and the pair of pinion members And a motor pair 53 that rotates the shafts 54 by fitting them to the rotation shaft.

  When the recovery determination control unit 13 in the control unit 7 of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment determines that the recovery process is to be executed, the control unit 7 prevents the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 from being applied to the continuous sheet 3. At the same time, the collection motor 41 is instructed to rotate in the direction opposite to the collection direction, and the continuous sheet 3 is loosened by a predetermined amount.

  The operation process for loosening the continuous sheet 3 by a predetermined amount is notified to the control unit 7 by the cumulative value of the pulse signal of the recovery rotary encoder 40 corresponding to the predetermined amount stored in advance in, for example, the nonvolatile memory of the control unit 7. The rotation of the collection motor 41 is stopped when the accumulated value of the pulse signal generated by the collection rotary encoder 40 coincides.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 in the control unit 7 of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment causes the control unit 7 to rotate the pinion member pair 54 to bring the sheet pressing member pair 52 into contact with the continuous sheet 3. Then, a part of the continuous sheet 3 facing the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-1-6 in a predetermined part of the continuous sheet 3 is inserted into the notch 32b of the support plate 32, and further moved downward. (See FIG. 6).

Next, the moving mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment and second to fourth embodiments described later will be described.
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the moving mechanism in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments.

  Further, FIG. 8 shows that after the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the first embodiment, the suction unit in the recovery mechanism is a nozzle by the operation of the movement mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments. The state facing the column is shown.

  Since the recovery mechanism 9A according to the first to fourth embodiments is shown as a configuration example in which the image recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 7 includes four recording units 4-1 to 4-4, Parts 21-1 to 21-4 are shown.

  Further, the recovery mechanism 9A according to the first to fourth embodiments is shown in a configuration example in which each of the recording units 4-1 to 4-4 shown in FIG. As a recovery process for the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24, suction nozzles 22-1-1 to 22- are provided on the collection units 24-1 to 24-4 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4. It is shown by the structural example provided with 4-2 <4> and the wiping parts 23-1-1 thru | or 23-4-24.

  The recovery mechanism 9A according to the first to fourth embodiments includes suction units 21-1 to 21-4, collection units 24-1 to 24-4, and suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24. , And the number of wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-4-24.

  The moving mechanism portion 25A of the recovery mechanism 9A according to the first to fourth embodiments is disposed on both sides of the upper surface of the carriage 51 in the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the continuous sheet 3 so as to extend in the (X direction). A moving mechanism rack pair 25Ac, a moving mechanism pinion pair 25Ab that engages with the moving mechanism rack pair 25Ac, a moving mechanism motor 25Aa that engages the moving mechanism pinion pair 25Ab with a rotating shaft, and rotates the moving mechanism pinion pair 25Ab, respectively. Have

  The movement mechanism motor 25 </ b> Aa is disposed on the first movement mechanism support member 55 connected to the upper surface of the suction duct 26. Further, one of the moving mechanism pinion pair 25Ab that engages with one of the moving movement mechanism rack pair 25Ac has a protrusion 56a of the second moving mechanism support member 56 connected to the upper surface of the suction duct 26, and the upper surface of the carriage 51. The second moving mechanism support member 56 is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the guide groove 51a formed on the second moving mechanism.

  FIG. 8 shows that after the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the first embodiment, the suction unit in the recovery mechanism is changed to the nozzle row by the operation of the movement mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments. The opposite state is shown.

  The recovery determination control unit 13 in the control unit 7 of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment causes the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism motor 25Aa of the moving mechanism unit 25A, so that the suction unit 21-1- 1 to 21-4-24, the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-2, and the sheet movement execution units 12A-1 to 12A- with respect to the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-2. After the part of the continuous sheet 3 is inserted into the notch 32b of the support plate 32 by the operation process 4, the continuous sheet 3 is moved to the gap with the continuous sheet 3 moved further downward (see FIG. 8).

  Note that the recovery determination control unit 13 in the control unit 7 of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment causes the control unit 7 to drive the movement mechanism motor 25Aa of the movement mechanism unit 25A, thereby causing the suction nozzle unit 22-1-1. In the process of moving through 22-4-2-4 to the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 through 6-4-24, for example, the wiper rubber that protrudes in the wiping units 23-1-1 through 23-4-24 Are slid in contact with the ink, and the ink on the ink discharge surface is wiped, and the wiped ink and the like are collected by the collection units 24-1 to 24-4.

Next, operation processing in the recovery processing method according to all embodiments (including modifications) of the image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described.
This operation process is realized by the arithmetic processing unit of the control unit 7 executing the control program in the recovery determination control unit 13.

  The recovery determination control unit 13 first performs continuous processing based on the determination result of the recording image determination unit 11 that determines the quality of the recorded image recorded on the continuous sheet 3 described above or job information notified from the host device. The execution of the recovery process is determined based on the determination result of the number of recording processes on the sheet.

When the recording image determination unit 11 determines that the recording image recorded on the continuous sheet 3 is defective, the recovery determination control unit 13 instructs the control unit 7 to execute the recovery process.
If the recovery determination control unit 13 determines that the recording process has been performed for the number of times of the recording process set by the user using the operation panel of the image recording apparatus 1, for example, the recovery determination control unit 13 instructs the control unit 7 to execute the recovery process.

  Next, when it is determined that the recovery process is to be executed, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to control, for example, the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 so as not to be applied to the continuous sheet 3 and to the recovery motor 41 in the recovery direction. The continuous sheet 3 is loosened by a predetermined amount by instructing rotation in the opposite direction.

  Then, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to transfer a part of the continuous sheet 3 facing the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 in a predetermined part of the continuous sheet 3 to the sheet support unit of the sheet transport mechanism 8. 14 is protruded downward from the notch 32b formed in 14.

  In addition, the downward protrusion of the notch 32b in a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 is different for each embodiment of the present invention, and the first embodiment is the sheet movement execution unit 12A-1 to 12A-4 described above. The second embodiment is a sheet movement execution unit 12B described later, and the third embodiment is performed by a sheet movement execution unit 12C-1 to 12C-4 described later.

  In addition, the fourth to fifth embodiments do not include the sheet movement execution unit 12, and a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 described later in the fourth embodiment is only a predetermined amount due to the weight of the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3. The fifth embodiment is caused to project below the notch 32b in the course of the operation process of the recovery mechanism 9B described later.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 sets the recovery mechanism 9 in the control unit 7 in the gap between the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-2 4 and the continuous sheet 3 protruding downward from the notch 32b. Insert and move.

  The insertion movement of the recovery mechanism 9 (9A, 9B) differs depending on the embodiment of the present invention. The first to fourth embodiments are performed by the moving mechanism unit 25A described above in the recovery mechanism 9A, and the fifth embodiment. In the recovery mechanism 9B, the movement mechanism unit 25B described later performs this.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to recover the plurality of nozzles in the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 after the insertion mechanism of the recovery mechanism 9 (9A, 9B) and after the insertion movement. Let the process do.

  The process of insertion movement of the recovery mechanism 9 (9A, 9B) and the recovery process performed after the insertion movement differ depending on the embodiment of the present invention, and the first to fourth embodiments are the process of insertion movement in the recovery mechanism 9A. Thus, the wiping portions 23-1-1 to 23- disposed in the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 with respect to the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the protruding wiper rubber is slidably contacted to wipe ink on the ink discharge surface, and in the fifth embodiment, the recovery mechanism 9B does not include the wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-4-24. Therefore, the recovery process is not performed during the insertion movement process.

  In the recovery process after the insertion movement by the recovery mechanism 9 (9A, 9B), the control unit 7 causes the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 to suck ink from the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24. After the holes are brought into contact with the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24, for example, the suction fan of the negative pressure generating unit 27 is driven to drive the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4. Ink is sucked from the plurality of nozzles on the ink discharge surface at −24 through the suction duct 26 and is collected by the waste liquid collecting unit 28.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet movement execution unit 12A uses the predetermined part of the continuous sheet 3 on which the recording process is performed to the sheet support unit 14 of the sheet transport mechanism 8. The suction part 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 is made to protrude below the nozzle row 6 and the continuous sheet 3 protruding below the notch 32b. Since the recovery process for the plurality of nozzles in the nozzle row 6 is performed by being inserted and moved into the gap, the recovery process can be performed without separating the sheet conveying mechanism 8 from the nozzle row 6.

Next, modified examples of the suction unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment and second to fourth embodiments described later will be described.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a modification of the suction unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments.

  In the modification of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 in the recovery mechanism 9A ′, the ink pans in the collection units 24-1 to 24-4 are different from the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 shown in FIG. The difference is that the bottom is formed obliquely from 24a to 24b.

  Thereby, in this modification, the ink sucked from the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 by the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 is collected. 4 always flows to the ink pan 24b side.

  Thus, according to the modification of the suction part in the recovery mechanism according to the present invention, suction is performed from the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 by the suction nozzle parts 22-1-1 to 22-4-24. The collected ink always flows to the 24b side of the ink pan in the collection units 24-1 to 24-4, so that the efficiency of ink collection by the suction duct 26 can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the description of the second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different parts from the first embodiment will be described.

The second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention differs from the above-described first embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention in the configuration of the sheet movement execution unit 12.
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment inserts a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet into the notch portion of the sheet support unit and moves it downward.

  Further, FIG. 12 shows the operation of the recovery mechanism of the second embodiment by the operation of the movement mechanism in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments after the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the second embodiment. A state in which the suction part faces the nozzle row is shown.

One sheet movement execution unit 12B of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is provided for the four recording units 4-1 to 4-4 of the image recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
In the recovery mechanism 9A according to the second embodiment, since the recording units 4-1 to 4-4 shown in FIG. 7 each have six nozzle arrays 6, the nozzle array 6-1 As a recovery process for -1 to 6-4-24, suction nozzles 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 on the collection units 24-1 to 24-4 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4, It is shown by the structural example provided with the wiping parts 23-1-1 thru | or 23-4-24.

  The sheet movement execution unit 12B of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a suction chamber 61 having a suction chamber 62 and a suction fan 63 below the sheet support plate 32A in the sheet support unit 14.

  When it is determined that the recovery process is to be executed, the recovery determination control unit 13 controls the control unit 7 so that, for example, the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 is not applied to the continuous sheet 3 and the recovery motor 41 is the recovery direction. Instructing rotation in the opposite direction causes the continuous sheet 3 to be loosened by a predetermined amount.

  Then, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the suction fan 63 so that a part of the continuous sheet 3 facing the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 in a predetermined part of the continuous sheet 3 is detected. It is made to attract | suck and it is made to project below the notch part 32b formed in the sheet | seat support plate 32A in the sheet | seat support part 14. FIG.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism unit 25A to project the recovery mechanism 9A below the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 and the notch 32b. It is inserted and moved into the gap with the continuous sheet 3.

  Next, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to perform the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A and after the insertion movement, in the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. A recovery process is performed for a plurality of nozzles.

  The recovery process by the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A is arranged in the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 with respect to the ink discharge surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. For example, the projected wiper rubber in the wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-4-24 is slidably brought into contact with the ink on the ink ejection surface.

  Further, the recovery process after the insertion and movement of the recovery mechanism 9A is performed in such a manner that the control unit 7 sets the ink suction holes of the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 in the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 to the nozzle row 6. -1-1 to 6-4-24 abuts on the ink ejection surface, and then, for example, the suction fan of the negative pressure generation unit 27 is driven to eject ink in the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. Ink is sucked from the plurality of nozzles on the surface through the suction duct 26 and is collected by the waste liquid collecting unit 28.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention, as in the first embodiment described above, the sheet movement execution unit 12B performs the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 on which the recording process is performed. Projecting downward from the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A of the sheet support part 14 of the sheet transport mechanism 8, the suction part 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 is connected to the nozzle row 6 and the notch 32b. Since the recovery process for the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row 6 is performed by inserting and moving into the gap between the continuous sheet 3 protruding downward, the recovery process is performed without separating the sheet transport mechanism 8 from the nozzle row 6. be able to.

  Further, since the sheet movement execution unit 12B of the second embodiment has fewer constituent members than the sheet movement execution unit 12A of the first embodiment, it can be manufactured at a relatively low cost except for the problem of noise caused by the suction fan. it can.

Next, a third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the description of the third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different from the first and second embodiments. Will be described.

The third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is different from the first and second embodiments of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention described above in the configuration of the sheet movement execution unit 12.
FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the sheet support portion of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment.
Further, FIG. 15 shows the recovery mechanism of the third embodiment by the operation of the movement mechanism in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments after the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the third embodiment. A state in which the suction part faces the nozzle row is shown.

  Since the sheet movement execution unit 12C of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is illustrated with a configuration in which the image recording apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes four recording units 4-1 to 4-4. The four sheet movement execution units 12C-1 to 12C-4 are shown.

  Furthermore, since the recovery mechanism 9A according to the third embodiment is shown as a configuration example in which the recording units 4-1 to 4-4 shown in FIG. As recovery processing for 1-1-1 to 6-4-24, suction nozzles 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 are provided on the collection units 24-1 to 24-4 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4. And the example of a structure provided with the wiping parts 23-1-1 thru | or 23-4-24 is shown.

  The sheet movement execution unit 12C of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment includes a rotation motor 71 held by the carriage 51, a sheet pressing member 72 connected to the rotation shaft of the rotation motor 71, and rotation. And a projection 73 for stopping the sheet pressing member 72 that has been formed at a predetermined position.

  When it is determined that the recovery process is to be executed, the recovery determination control unit 13 controls the control unit 7 so that, for example, the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 is not applied to the continuous sheet 3 and the recovery motor 41 is the recovery direction. Instructing rotation in the opposite direction causes the continuous sheet 3 to be loosened by a predetermined amount.

  Then, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the rotation motor 71 to pass the sheet pressing member 72 through the notch 32c formed in the sheet support plate 32B of the sheet support unit 14, and then the continuous sheet. 3 presses a part of the continuous sheet 3 facing the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 in a predetermined portion of the sheet 3, and further below the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32B in the sheet support 14. And then stop at the position of the protrusion 73.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism unit 25A to project the recovery mechanism 9A below the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 and the notch 32b. It is inserted and moved into the gap with the continuous sheet 3.

  Next, similarly to the first and second embodiments described above, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to perform the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A and after the insertion movement, and then the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-4. The recovery process is performed for the plurality of nozzles at -24.

  The recovery process by the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A is arranged in the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 with respect to the ink discharge surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. For example, the projected wiper rubber in the wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-4-24 is slidably brought into contact with the ink on the ink ejection surface.

  Further, the recovery process after the insertion and movement of the recovery mechanism 9A is performed in such a manner that the control unit 7 sets the ink suction holes of the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 in the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 to the nozzle row 6. -1-1 to 6-4-24 abuts on the ink ejection surface, and then, for example, the suction fan of the negative pressure generation unit 27 is driven to eject ink in the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. Ink is sucked from the plurality of nozzles on the surface through the suction duct 26 and is collected by the waste liquid collecting unit 28.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention, as in the first to second embodiments described above, the sheet movement execution unit 12C performs the continuous sheet 3 on which the recording process is performed. The predetermined portion of the sheet conveying mechanism 8 protrudes below the notch 32c formed in the sheet support plate 32B of the sheet support 14 of the sheet conveying mechanism 8, and then the suction portion 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 is connected to the nozzle row 6 and the notch. Since the recovery process is performed for the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row 6 by being inserted and moved into the gap with the continuous sheet 3 protruding downward from the portion 32 b, the recovery process is performed without separating the sheet transport mechanism 8 from the nozzle row 6. It can be performed.

In addition, the sheet movement execution unit 12C according to the third embodiment can be manufactured at a relatively low cost because the number of constituent members is smaller than that of the sheet movement execution unit 12A according to the first embodiment.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

The fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is different from the first to third embodiments of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention described above in that the sheet movement execution unit 12 is not provided.
When it is determined that the recovery process is to be executed, the recovery determination control unit 13 controls the control unit 7 so that, for example, the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 is not applied to the continuous sheet 3 and the recovery motor 41 is the recovery direction. Instructing rotation in the opposite direction causes the continuous sheet 3 to be loosened by a predetermined amount. In the fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the notch portion formed in the sheet support plate 32A in the sheet support portion 14 by the weight of the continuous sheet 3 when the continuous sheet 3 is slackened by a predetermined amount. It protrudes below 32b.

  The recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism unit 25A so that the recovery mechanism 9A protrudes downward from the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 and the notch 32b. It is inserted and moved into the gap with the sheet 3.

  Next, similarly to the first and second embodiments described above, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to perform the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A and after the insertion movement, and then the nozzle arrays 6-1-1 to 6-4. The recovery process is performed for the plurality of nozzles at -24.

  The recovery process by the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism 9A is arranged in the suction nozzle portions 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 with respect to the ink discharge surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. For example, the projected wiper rubber in the wiping units 23-1-1 to 23-4-24 is slidably brought into contact with the ink on the ink ejection surface.

  Further, the recovery process after the insertion and movement of the recovery mechanism 9A is performed in such a manner that the control unit 7 sets the ink suction holes of the suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 in the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 to the nozzle row 6. -1-1 to 6-4-24 abuts on the ink ejection surface, and then, for example, the suction fan of the negative pressure generation unit 27 is driven to eject ink in the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24. Ink is sucked from the plurality of nozzles on the surface through the suction duct 26 and is collected by the waste liquid collecting unit 28.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention, as in the first to third embodiments described above, a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 on which the recording process is performed is transferred to the sheet. After the self-weight projects below the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A of the sheet support 14 of the mechanism 8 by the dead weight, the suction part 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 is moved below the nozzle row 6 and the notch 32b. Since the recovery process is performed for the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row 6 by being inserted and moved into the gap with the continuous sheet 3 protruding to the back, the recovery process can be performed without separating the sheet transport mechanism 8 from the nozzle row 6. it can.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 is self-weighted below the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A in the sheet support 14 of the sheet transport mechanism 8. Therefore, although it takes time to project the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3, the sheet movement execution unit 12 can be omitted, and the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the description of the fifth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different from the first to fourth embodiments. Will be described.

  The fifth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is different from the first to fourth embodiments of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention described above in the configuration of the recovery mechanism 9 and is different from the first to third embodiments. The difference is that the sheet movement execution unit 12 is not provided.

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 17 shows an operation state (No. 1) of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows an operation state (No. 2) of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 19 shows the position (part 1) of the suction portion of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows the position (part 2) of the suction portion of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 21 shows the position (part 3) of the suction portion of the recovery mechanism in the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  The recovery mechanism 9B of the image recording apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment is a configuration example in which the image recording apparatus 1 includes four recording units 4-1 to 4-4, as in the first to fourth embodiments described above. Since it is shown, it is shown by the structural example provided with the four suction parts 21-1 thru | or 21-4.

  Further, the recovery mechanism 9B according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated in a configuration example in which each of the recording units 4-1 to 4-4 of the image recording apparatus 1 has six nozzle rows 6, and thus the nozzle row 6 As recovery processing for 1-1-1 to 6-4-24, suction nozzles 22-1-1 to 22-4-24 are provided on the collection units 24-1 to 24-4 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4. It is shown by the structural example provided with.

  The recovery mechanism 9B according to the fifth embodiment includes suction units 21-1 to 21-4, collection units 24-1 to 24-4, and suction nozzle units 22-1-1 to 22-4-24. It is not limited to the number.

  On the other hand, the moving mechanism portion 25B of the recovery mechanism 9B according to the fifth embodiment extends in the (Y direction) on the front side of the apparatus on the upper surface of the carriage 51 that is orthogonal (X direction) to the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet 3. The moving mechanism rack 25Bc1 disposed on the moving mechanism rack 25Bc1, the moving mechanism pinion 25Bb1 engaged with the moving mechanism rack 25Bc1 at a predetermined height position (Z direction), and the moving mechanism pinion 25Bb1 are fitted to the rotating shaft and rotated. A moving mechanism motor 25Ba1 to be moved, and a moving mechanism support member 25Bd1 that extends in the vertical direction (Z direction) from the suction duct 26 and supports the moving mechanism motor 25Ba1 at the extended end portion.

  On the other hand, the moving mechanism portion 25B of the recovery mechanism 9B according to the fifth embodiment has a moving mechanism rack 25Bc2 arranged so as to extend vertically downward (Z direction) from the front side of the apparatus on the lower surface of the carriage 51. A moving mechanism pinion 25Bb2 that engages with the moving mechanism rack 25Bc2, a moving mechanism motor 25Ba2 that engages and rotates the moving mechanism pinion 25Bb2 on the rotation shaft, and the suction duct 26 in the vertical direction (Z direction). A moving mechanism support member 25Bd2 that extends and supports the moving mechanism motor 25Ba2 at the extended end.

 Further, a moving mechanism guide member that is arranged to extend vertically downward (Z direction) from the front side of the apparatus on the lower surface of the carriage 51, and guides the suction duct 26 that moves in the horizontal direction (Y direction) by sliding contact. 57.

Next, an operation process of the movement mechanism unit 25B of the recovery mechanism 9B according to the fifth embodiment will be described.
When it is determined that the recovery process is to be executed, the recovery determination control unit 13 controls the control unit 7 so that, for example, the tension of the recovery tension roller 43 is not applied to the continuous sheet 3 and the recovery motor 41 is the recovery direction. Instructing rotation in the opposite direction causes the continuous sheet 3 to be loosened by a predetermined amount.

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the moving mechanism motor 25Ba2 of the moving mechanism unit 25B to suck the recovery mechanism 9B accommodated and disposed adjacent to the recording units 4-1 to 4-4. The parts 21-1 to 21-4 are lowered to a position where the movement mechanism pinion 25Bb1 of the movement mechanism motor 25Ba1 engages with the movement mechanism rack 25Bc1.

  As a result, the continuous sheet 3 is pressed by the ink pans in the collection units 24-1 to 24 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4, and below the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A in the sheet support unit 14. (See FIG. 20).

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 causes the control unit 7 to drive the movement mechanism motor 25Ba2 of the movement mechanism unit 25B, so that the ink pans in the collection units 24-1 to 24 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4 are transferred to the sheet. The continuous sheet 3 is moved in the horizontal direction (Y direction) in the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A of the support unit 14 while being pressed, and the suction nozzle unit 22 in the suction units 21-1 to 21-4. -1-1 to 22-4-24 at positions where the ink suction holes are in contact with the ink ejection surfaces of the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 in the recording units 4-1 to 4-4. Stop (see FIG. 21).

  Next, the recovery determination control unit 13 drives, for example, a suction fan of the negative pressure generation unit 27 to drive a plurality of nozzles on the ink ejection surface in the nozzle rows 6-1-1 to 6-4-24 through the suction duct 26. The ink is sucked and recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 28.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention, similar to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the collection unit 24-1 of the suction units 21-1 to 21-4. Through 24, the ink pan causes the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet 3 to be recorded to protrude downward from the notch 32b formed in the sheet support plate 32A of the sheet support 14 of the sheet transport mechanism 8. 9 is inserted and moved into the gap between the nozzle row 6 and the continuous sheet 3 protruding downward from the notch 32b to perform recovery processing for a plurality of nozzles in the nozzle row 6. The recovery process can be performed without separating 8 from the nozzle row 6.

  Further, the recovery mechanism 9B of the fifth embodiment does not perform the wiping process on the nozzle row 6, but the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet 3 (X direction) as in the first to fourth embodiments described above. Therefore, a space for inserting and moving the suction portion 21 of the recovery mechanism 9 into the gap between the nozzle row 6 and the continuous sheet 3 protruding downward from the notch portion 32b becomes unnecessary. Can be made compact.

  Note that the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and combined with constituent elements without departing from the gist disclosed.

  For example, a mechanism for moving the suction unit 21 in a direction (X direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet 3 and a wiping unit 23 are added to the movement mechanism unit 25B of the recovery mechanism 9B of the first embodiment. Thus, the configuration may be changed so that the wiping process is performed.

Also, some components may be deleted from the embodiments as desired.
For example, the first to fourth embodiments may be changed to a configuration that does not include the wiping unit 23.

1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the arrangement example of each component of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention with the image recording unit omitted. 1 is a side view schematically showing a configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of a sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the structure of the sheet | seat support part of the image recording apparatus which concerns on 1st thru | or 2nd Embodiment and 4th Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a state where the sheet movement execution unit of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment inserts a predetermined portion of a continuous sheet into a notch portion of the sheet support unit and moves it downward. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the moving mechanism part in the recovery mechanism of the image recording device which concerns on 1st thru | or 4th Embodiment. After the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the first embodiment, the operation of the movement mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments causes the suction unit in the recovery mechanism to face the nozzle row. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the attraction | suction part in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus which concerns on 1st thru | or 4th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the sheet | seat movement execution part of the image recording device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a state in which a sheet movement execution unit of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment inserts a predetermined portion of a continuous sheet into a notch portion of a sheet support unit and moves it downward. After the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the second embodiment, the suction unit in the recovery mechanism of the second embodiment becomes a nozzle row by the operation of the movement mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments. It is a side view which shows the state which opposed. It is a side view which shows the structure of the sheet | seat movement execution part of the image recording device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the structure of the sheet | seat support part of the image recording apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. After the operation of the sheet movement execution unit according to the third embodiment, the suction unit in the recovery mechanism of the third embodiment becomes a nozzle row by the operation of the movement mechanism unit in the recovery mechanism of the image recording apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments. It is a side view which shows the state which opposed. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view (the 1) explaining operation | movement of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view (the 2) explaining operation | movement of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a side view (the 1) which shows the position of the suction part of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a side view (the 2) which shows the position of the suction part of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a side view (the 3) which shows the position of the suction part of the recovery mechanism in the image recording device which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image recording apparatus 2 ... Image recording part 3 ... Recording medium (continuous sheet)
4, 4-1 to 4-n ... recording unit 5, 5-1 to 5-n ... nozzle row driving unit 6, 6-1 1 to 6-nm ... nozzle row 7 ... control unit 8 ... sheet conveyance Mechanism 9 (9A, 9A ', 9B) ... Recovery mechanism 10 ... Host device (job information)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Record image determination part 12 (12A-1 thru | or 12A-n, 12B, 12C-1 thru | or 12C-n) ... Sheet movement execution part 13 ... Recovery determination control part 14 ... Sheet support part 15 ... Sheet feeding part 16 ... Sheet collection unit 21, 211-1 to 21-n ... suction unit 22, 22-1-1 to 22-nm ... suction nozzle unit 23, 23-1-1 to 23-nm ... wiping unit 24, 24-1 to 24-n: Collection unit 24a ... Ink pan tilt start unit 24b ... Ink pan tilt end unit 25 (25A, 25B) ... Movement mechanism unit 25Aa ... Movement mechanism motor 25Ab ... Movement mechanism pinion pair 25Ac ... Movement mechanism rack Pair 25Ba1,25Ba2 ... Moving mechanism motor 25Bb1,25Bb2 ... Moving mechanism pinion 25Bc1,25Bc2 ... Moving mechanism rack 25Bd1,25Bd2 ... Moving mechanism support Holding member 26 ... Suction duct 27 ... Negative pressure generating part 28 ... Waste liquid collecting part 31 ... Sheet support roller pair 32 (32A, 32B) ... Sheet support plate 32a ... Base part 32b, 32c ... Notch part 33 ... Feed sheet support shaft 34 ... Feeding rotary encoder 35 ... Feeding motor 36 ... Feeding sheet tension portion 37 ... Feeding tension roller 38 ... Feeding tension spring 39 ... Recovery sheet support shaft 40 ... Recovery rotary encoder 41 ... Recovery motor 42 ... Recovery sheet tension Part 43 ... Recovery tension roller 44 ... Recovery tension spring 51 ... Carriage 51a ... Guide groove,
52 ... Sheet pressing member pair (sheet movement execution unit 12A)
52a ... Rack unit pair (sheet movement execution unit 12A)
53 ... Motor pair (sheet movement execution unit 12A)
54 ... Pinion part pair (sheet movement execution part 12A)
55 ... 1st moving mechanism support member 55a ... 1st moving mechanism support member protrusion 56 ... 2nd moving mechanism support member 57 ... Movement mechanism guide member 61 ... Suction chamber (sheet movement execution part 12B)
62 ... Suction chamber (sheet movement execution unit 12B)
63 ... Suction fan (sheet movement execution unit 12B)
71: Rotation motor (sheet movement execution unit 12C)
72. Sheet pressing member (sheet movement execution unit 12C)
73 ... Protrusion (sheet movement execution unit 12C)

Claims (22)

The continuous sheet by disposing at least one recording unit having at least one nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are formed over a length equal to or greater than the width of the conveyed continuous sheet, and ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles. In the image recording apparatus that performs the above recording process and the recovery process for the plurality of nozzles,
The continuous sheet is supported on a conveyance surface on which the recording process is performed, and at least a sheet support portion that forms at least one notch for projecting a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet downward with respect to the conveyance surface. A sheet transport mechanism that feeds the continuous sheet from a transport path on the upstream side of the recording unit and collects the continuous sheet on a transport path on the downstream side of the recording unit;
A recovery mechanism having at least one suction part for performing recovery processing on the plurality of nozzles;
A recovery determination control unit that determines execution of the recovery process and causes the recovery mechanism to perform the recovery process on the plurality of nozzles;
The recovery determination control unit causes the suction unit of the recovery mechanism to move to the gap between the nozzle row and the continuous sheet that partially protrudes downward from the conveyance surface to perform the recovery process. An image recording apparatus. A recording image determination unit that is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path of the recording unit and determines the quality of the recording image by reading the recording image subjected to the recording process on the continuous sheet and comparing it with recording data; In addition,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery determination control unit causes the recovery process to be performed based on a determination result of the recorded image determination unit. A control unit;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the recovery determination control unit as a program executed by an arithmetic processing device of the control unit.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet includes a portion of the continuous sheet facing the nozzle row.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutout portion formed in the sheet support portion is formed corresponding to the number of the recording units. A sheet movement execution unit for inserting a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet into the notch formed in the sheet support unit and moving the sheet downward;
The sheet conveying mechanism includes a sheet feeding unit having at least a feeding motor for feeding the continuous sheet wound in a roll shape, and winds the continuous sheet after the recording process into the roll shape. A sheet recovery unit having at least a recovery motor for recovery;
The recovery determination control unit controls the sheet movement execution unit, and the sheet conveying mechanism independently drives the feeding motor and the collecting motor to convey a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet that has been slackened. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is moved downward from a surface.   The sheet movement execution unit is provided on both sides of the nozzle row in the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet, and a pair of sheet presses that press a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet downward against the continuous sheet with the slack The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a member.   The sheet movement execution unit includes a suction chamber that sucks a predetermined portion of the continuous sheet to the lower side of the notch formed in the sheet support unit with respect to the continuous sheet in which the slack is created. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6.   The sheet movement execution unit is rotated substantially in parallel with the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet, and the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet is formed on the sheet support unit with respect to the continuous sheet with the slack. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a sheet pressing member that presses downwardly of the notch.   The recovery determination control unit reverses a winding rotation direction of the collection motor of the sheet transport mechanism to loosen the continuous sheet, and causes the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet in which the slackness is generated to be the predetermined part of the continuous sheet. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image recording apparatus is moved below the cutout portion formed in the sheet support portion by its own weight.   The recovery determination control unit reverses the winding rotation direction of the collection motor of the sheet transport mechanism to loosen the continuous sheet, and then moves the suction unit to a position facing the nozzle row in the process of moving the suction unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the continuous sheet is pressed by a suction portion, and the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet is moved below the notch portion formed in the sheet support portion. .   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery mechanism includes a moving mechanism unit that moves the suction unit to a position facing the nozzle row. The suction part of the recovery mechanism is a suction nozzle part;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collection unit that supports the suction nozzle unit and collects the ink ejected from the nozzle row sucked by the suction nozzle unit. The recovery mechanism includes a suction duct that supports the recovery unit and communicates negative pressure to the suction nozzle unit;
A negative pressure generating section for generating the negative pressure in the suction duct;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a waste liquid recovery unit that recovers the waste liquid of the ink recovered through the suction duct.     The image recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the suction unit includes a wiping unit provided in the suction nozzle unit.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the recovery mechanism to the gap is performed from a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the continuous sheet. A host device as an external device is connected,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein job information including recording data used when performing the recording process on the continuous sheet is received from the host apparatus.   The recovery determination execution unit causes the recovery processing to be performed based on a determination result of the number of times of recording processing on the continuous sheet performed based on the job information notified from the host device. The image recording device according to 17. The continuous sheet by disposing at least one recording unit having at least one nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are formed over a length equal to or greater than the width of the conveyed continuous sheet, and ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles. A recovery processing method by an image recording apparatus that performs the above recording processing and recovery processing for the plurality of nozzles,
Determine execution of the recovery process,
When it is determined that the recovery process is to be performed, the predetermined portion of the continuous sheet is protruded below the at least one notch portion formed in the sheet support portion of the sheet transport mechanism,
A recovery mechanism having at least one suction part for performing a recovery process on the plurality of nozzles is inserted and moved into a gap between the nozzle row and the continuous sheet protruding downward from the notch,
A recovery processing method comprising: performing a recovery process for the plurality of nozzles after the insertion movement process of the recovery mechanism and after the insertion movement.   The determination of execution of the recovery process includes determination based on a determination result of a recorded image determination unit that determines the quality of the recorded image recorded on the continuous sheet. The recovery processing method described.   The determination of execution of the recovery processing includes determination based on a determination result of the number of times of recording processing on the continuous sheet based on job information notified from a host device. Recovery processing method.   The recovery processing method according to claim 19, wherein the recovery processing in the process of the insertion movement includes sliding contact by a wiping portion disposed in the recovery mechanism with respect to the plurality of nozzles.