阅读说明：本技术 喷墨记录设备 (Ink jet recording apparatus ) 是由 田中佑典 岛田皓树 小森正辉 荒木裕太 于 2020-03-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种喷墨记录设备,其被构造成通过至少从第一记录头喷出墨来进行记录操作,所述喷墨记录设备包括：墨罐,其被构造成收容待供应到所述第一记录头的墨；管,其被构造成连接所述第一记录头和所述墨罐；以及滑架,其包括供所述第一记录头安装的第一安装部、供第二记录头可拆卸地安装的第二安装部以及电连接到所述第二记录头的触点部,并且所述滑架被构造成往复运动。保护所述触点部的保护构件能够以可拆卸的方式安装于所述第二安装部。(An ink jet recording apparatus configured to perform a recording operation by ejecting ink from at least a first recording head, comprising: an ink tank configured to accommodate ink to be supplied to the first recording head; a tube configured to connect the first recording head and the ink tank; and a carriage including a first mounting portion to which the first recording head is mounted, a second mounting portion to which the second recording head is detachably mounted, and a contact portion electrically connected to the second recording head, and configured to reciprocate. A protective member that protects the contact portion may be detachably attached to the second attachment portion.)

1. An ink jet recording apparatus configured to perform a recording operation by ejecting ink from at least a first recording head, comprising:

an ink tank configured to accommodate ink to be supplied to the first recording head;

a tube configured to connect the first recording head and the ink tank; and

a carriage including a first mounting portion to which the first recording head is mounted, a second mounting portion to which a second recording head is detachably mounted, and a contact portion electrically connected to the second recording head, and configured to reciprocate,

wherein a protection member that protects the contact portion is detachably mountable to the second mounting portion.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect an electrical connection between the contact point portion and one of the second recording head and the protective member,

wherein in a case where the detection unit detects that neither the second recording head nor the protective member is mounted to the second mounting portion, the recording operation of the recording head is not performed.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify an error if it is detected that neither the second recording head nor the protective member is mounted to the second mounting portion.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recovery unit disposed outside a recording region where the recording operation is performed, and configured to perform a recovery operation to maintain ejection performance of the first recording head and the second recording head.

5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,

the recovery unit includes a wiper that wipes an ejection orifice surface of the recording head, and

the wiper and the protective member do not abut against each other in a state where the protective member is attached to the second attachment portion.

6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,

the recovery unit includes a cap sealing an ejection orifice surface of the recording head, and

the protection member includes a shielding portion that shields the cover in a state where the protection member is attached to the second attachment portion.

7. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second recording head and said protective member are positioned to said second mounting portion by a common positioning portion of said second mounting portion.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second recording head is integrated with an ink tank that contains ink.

9. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a weight of said protective member is between a first weight of said second recording head in a state where said ink tank of said second recording head is filled with ink and a second weight of said second recording head in a state where no ink is present in said ink tank.

10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit notifies an error in the case where: receiving a color printing instruction in a state where the detection unit detects that the protection member is mounted.

11. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording head ejects black ink supplied from the ink tank, and the second recording head ejects color ink.

12. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:

a detection unit configured to detect an electrical connection between the contact portion and one of the second recording head and the protective member; and

a conversion unit configured to convert the recorded data into recorded data of a single color, if: receiving a color printing instruction in a state where the detection unit detects that the protection member is mounted.

13. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage portion configured to store the protective member or the second recording head.

14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a cover configured to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus,

wherein the storage part is provided at a position to be exposed when the cover is opened.

15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink tank includes an injection portion that injects ink from an ink bottle.

16. A protective member for an inkjet recording apparatus configured to perform a recording operation by ejecting ink from at least a first recording head, the inkjet recording apparatus comprising: an ink tank configured to accommodate ink to be supplied to the first recording head; a tube configured to connect the first recording head and the ink tank; and a carriage including a first mounting portion to which the first recording head is mounted, a second mounting portion to which a second recording head is detachably mounted, and a contact portion electrically connected to the second recording head, and configured to reciprocate,

wherein the protection member is detachably mounted to the second mounting portion and protects the contact portion in a state of being mounted to the second mounting portion.

17. An ink jet recording apparatus configured to perform a recording operation by ejecting ink from at least a first recording head, comprising:

an ink tank configured to accommodate ink to be supplied to the first recording head;

a carriage on which the first recording head is mounted and configured to reciprocate in a first direction;

a recovery unit disposed outside a recording area where the recording operation is performed, and configured to perform a recovery operation of the first recording head;

a tube configured to connect the recording head and the ink tank, and to be bent in the first direction on a side close to the recovery unit; and

a guide plate configured to guide the tube in the first direction,

wherein the guide plate includes an inclined portion inclined downward in the first direction toward a side where the recovery unit is provided.

18. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a conveying unit configured to convey a recording medium in a second direction intersecting the first direction,

wherein the carriage includes a first fixing portion that fixes the tube in the second direction and a second fixing portion that fixes the tube in the first direction.

19. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein,

the carriage includes a first mounting portion to which the first recording head is mounted and a second mounting portion which is farther from the recovery unit than the first mounting portion, and

a second recording head integrated with an ink tank containing ink is mounted to the second mounting portion.

20. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a cover portion configured to cover the bent portion of the tube in a state where the first recording head is located at a recovery position opposed to the recovery unit.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by ejecting ink.

Background

Japanese patent laid-open No. 9-76537 discusses an inkjet recording apparatus in which black ink, which is high in printing frequency, is supplied from an ink bag to a recording head through a tube, and color ink, which is low in printing frequency, is supplied from a recording unit detachably mounted to a carriage to the recording head. The recording apparatus is capable of performing a recording operation regardless of the presence of a color printing recording unit, and is capable of changing control of a carriage drive motor based on the presence of an ink cartridge.

However, in the configuration discussed in japanese patent laid-open No. 9-76537, if the recording operation is continued in a state where the color-print recording unit is not mounted, ink mist may adhere to the contact unit provided to the carriage that makes electrical connection. Further, due to the adhesion of the ink mist, a contact failure of the contact point unit may occur.

The present invention is directed to an inkjet recording apparatus capable of preventing a contact failure between a carriage and an ink cartridge.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, an inkjet recording apparatus configured to perform a recording operation by ejecting ink from at least a first recording head, the inkjet recording apparatus includes: an ink tank configured to accommodate ink to be supplied to the first recording head; a tube configured to connect the first recording head and the ink tank; and a carriage including a first mounting portion to which the first recording head is mounted, a second mounting portion to which the second recording head is detachably mounted, and a contact portion electrically connected to the second recording head, and configured to reciprocate. A protective member that protects the contact portion may be detachably attached to the second attachment portion.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are each an external perspective view illustrating a tank unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4A and 4B are a schematic top perspective view and a schematic front view, respectively, relating to ink supply of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C are each an enlarged sectional view showing details of the tube holder according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing details of the pipe slider according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C are each a top perspective view showing a recording unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8A and 8B are top perspective views showing details of the recording unit and details of the supply pipe according to the first exemplary embodiment, respectively.

Fig. 9A and 9B are each a diagram showing a recording unit located at a home position of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a front view when the recording unit is located at the home position according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C are each a diagram showing a configuration relating to replacement of a black recording head according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12A, 12B, and 12C are each a diagram showing a configuration relating to replacement of a color recording head according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a recording unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams showing details of the contact protector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus after power is turned on according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 17A and 17B are each a diagram illustrating a storage portion of the contact protector in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are diagrams illustrating a contact protector and a color recording head according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention, and all combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are not necessarily essential to the present invention. Further, the relative arrangement, shape, and the like of the constituent elements described in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the described relative arrangement, shape, and the like.

< apparatus construction >

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing an inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a recording apparatus) 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The recording apparatus 1 includes a casing 5, a recording unit 3 that performs a recording operation on a recording medium, and a tank 11 serving as an ink tank that accommodates ink to be supplied to the recording unit 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the ink tank 11 is disposed in front of the casing 5 and fixed to the apparatus main body. Further, an operation unit 4 that enables a user to perform operations (such as an instruction input to the recording apparatus 1) is also provided in front of the housing 5. The operation unit 4 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a display panel capable of displaying an error or the like of the recording apparatus 1.

A paper supply cassette 6 that can be inserted into the housing 5 and removed from the housing 5 by a user is provided at the front of the housing 5. The paper feed cassette 6 includes a window portion 6a, and the window portion 6a allows a user to visually recognize the recording media stacked in the paper feed cassette 6. Desirably, the window portion 6a is constituted by a transparent member such as glass and plastic.

The scanner unit 2 that performs a document reading operation is provided in an upper portion of the housing 5 in such a manner as to be openable/closable with respect to the housing 5. Fig. 2 shows the recording apparatus 1 with the scanner unit 2 and a part of the housing 5 removed. When the scanner unit 2 is opened, the tank cover 12 capable of covering the top surface of the ink tank 11 is exposed. In fig. 2, the can lid 12 is closed. Details of the can lid 12 will be described below. Alternatively, the main body cover to which the scanner unit 2 is not attached can be opened/closed with respect to the housing 5.

The recording apparatus 1 feeds recording media stacked in a paper feed cassette 6 provided in the front of the casing 5 or a paper feed tray 7 provided in the rear of the casing 5 by a feed roller (feed unit) 41. The recording medium fed by the feeding roller 41 is conveyed by a conveying roller (conveying unit) 40 onto a platen 42 disposed at a position facing the recording unit 3. The platen 42 is a member that guides and supports the recording medium recorded by the recording unit 3. The recording medium on which recording has been completed by the recording unit 3 is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray (discharge unit) 43 by a discharge roller. A sheet discharge tray 43 is disposed above the sheet feeding cassette 6.

The direction in which the recording medium is conveyed by the conveying rollers 40 (Y direction shown in fig. 2) is referred to as a conveying direction. In other words, the upstream side in the conveying direction corresponds to the rear side of the casing 5, and the downstream side in the conveying direction corresponds to the front side of the casing 5.

The recording unit 3 is mounted on a carriage 31, and the carriage 31 reciprocates in a main scanning direction (X direction shown in fig. 2) intersecting the conveying direction along a guide rail or the like. In the present exemplary embodiment, the conveyance direction and the main scanning direction are orthogonal to each other. The recording unit 3 ejects ink droplets while moving in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 31 to record an image of one band (band) onto a recording medium (recording operation). After the image of one band is recorded, the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount in the conveying direction by the conveying roller 40 (intermittent conveying operation). An image is recorded on the entire recording medium by repeating the recording operation and the intermittent conveying operation of one band based on the recording data.

The recording apparatus 1 includes a recovery unit within a moving area of the carriage 31 and outside a recording area where a recording operation is performed by the recording unit 3. The recovery unit performs a recovery operation to maintain the ejection performance of the recording unit 3, and is disposed at a position facing an ejection port face where the ink ejection ports are arranged. The recovery unit includes a cap 21 sealing the ejection port face, and a wiper 22 capable of wiping the ejection port face. The detailed configuration of the recovery unit is explained below.

The ink tank 11 is disposed on the left side of the paper feed cassette 6 and the paper discharge tray 43 when the recording apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side. The ink tank 11 according to the present exemplary embodiment contains black ink. The ink tank 11 is connected to the recording unit 3 through a flexible supply tube 8, and the flexible supply tube 8 constitutes an ink supply path for supplying ink to the recording unit 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the ink tank 11 and the recovery unit are arranged separately from each other in the main scanning direction.

< ink injection operation >

Fig. 3A to 3D are each an external perspective view showing the tank unit 10, the tank unit 10 including the ink tank 11 and a peripheral configuration of the ink tank 11. Fig. 3A shows a state when the can lid 12 is closed, and fig. 3B shows a state when the can lid 12 is opened. A user can access the can lid 13 by opening the can lid 12 in direction S1.

An injection portion 14 for injecting ink is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 11, and can be sealed by the tank cover 13. The lid 13 includes a lid portion 13a for sealing the injection portion 14 and a lever portion 13b that supports the lid portion 13a and can be operated by a user. The lever portion 13b is rotatably supported to the main body of the recording apparatus 1. The user can remove the cap portion 13a from the injecting portion 14 to inject the ink while rotating the lever portion 13B in the direction S2 shown in fig. 3B (refer to fig. 3C). The lever portion 13b is rotatably supported by the ink tank 11 or the tank cover 12.

Fig. 3D shows a state in which the ink bottle 15 serving as an ink replenishment container is inserted into the injection portion 14 and ink is injected in a state in which the cap 13 is removed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the ink of the ink bottle 15 is injected into the ink tank 11 by gas-liquid exchange with the air inside the ink tank 11.

< ink supply Structure >

Fig. 4A is a schematic top perspective view of the ink supply unit, and fig. 4B is a schematic front view of the ink supply unit. The supply tube 8 is mounted with a tube guide plate 81, a tube guide piece 82, a plurality of tube holder sliders 83, and a plurality of tube holders 84. The supply tube 8 is laid from the left side where the ink tank 11 is provided to the right side in the X direction where the recovery unit is provided, and then laid in a manner to curve upward in the vertical direction (Z direction), and connected to the recording unit 3. The supply tube 8 extends above the recording area of the recording unit 3 in the X direction. Further, the supply pipe 8 includes a portion that moves with the movement of the recording unit 3 and a portion that does not move with the movement of the recording unit 3.

The tube guide plate 81 fixes a portion of the supply tube 8 that does not move with the movement of the recording unit 3, and supports and guides a portion of the supply tube 8 that moves with the movement of the recording unit 3. The tube guide plate 81 fixes the supply tube 8 to the lower portion of the recording apparatus 1, thereby preventing a user from easily touching the supply tube 8. This prevents the user from pulling the supply tube 8 and disconnecting the supply tube 8 from the recording unit 3, which would prevent the ink inside the supply tube 8 from flying.

When a part of the supply tube 8 moves with the movement of the carriage 31, at a part of the supply tube 8 that may abut the housing 5 and the tube guide plate 81, a tube guide piece 82 is provided to reduce the abrasion of the supply tube 8. The tube guide piece 82 has one end fixed to the tube guide plate 81 and the other end fixed to the recording unit 3. The tube guide piece 82 is also capable of moving together with the supply tube 8 in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the recording unit 3.

Further, the supply tube 8 is held by the tube holder 84 at a plurality of positions. Fig. 5A to 5C are each an enlarged sectional view showing details of one tube holder 84. As shown in fig. 5A, each tube holding member 84 holds the supply tube 8 in such a manner as to pinch the supply tube 8 from the lower side, and includes an opening 84a at the upper portion. The tube retainer 84 prevents abutment of the supply tube 8 and the tube guide tab 82 to reduce wear of the supply tube 8. The direction of the opening 84a is not limited to the upper portion, and the opening 84a may be directed laterally as shown in fig. 5B and 5C.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing details of one tube holder slider 83. The tube holder sliders 83 each include a fixing portion 83a for fixing the supply tube 8 and an opening 83b into which the tube guide piece 82 can be inserted, and the tube holder sliders 83 are provided at a plurality of positions. The supply tube 8 is held by the fixing portion 83a, and the tube guide piece 82 is inserted into the opening 83b, which prevents the supply tube 8 and the tube guide piece 82 from being separated due to the reciprocating movement of the recording unit 3. As shown in fig. 6, the fixing portion 83a is opened in the lateral direction. This makes it possible to restrict the movement of the supply tube 8 in the direction of separation from the tube guide piece 82 (upward direction in fig. 6). Even when the fixing portion 83a of the tube holder slider 83 is opened on the right side in fig. 6, a similar effect can be obtained.

Subsequently, a detailed configuration of the recording unit 3 will be explained with reference to fig. 7A to 7C. The recording unit 3 includes a black recording head (black head cartridge) 100 capable of ejecting black ink and a color recording head (color head cartridge) 101 capable of ejecting color ink. The black recording head 100 is mounted on the first mounting portion 31b of the carriage 31, and the color recording head 101 is mounted on the second mounting portion 31c of the carriage 31. The carriage 31 includes a rotatable first head cover 32 and a rotatable second head cover 33. The first head cap 32 covers the black recording head 100 to fix the black recording head 100 to the carriage 31. The second head seat cover 33 covers the color recording head 101 to fix the color recording head 101 to the carriage 31.

Fig. 7A shows a state in which the first and second head flaps 32 and 33 are located at respective covering positions, and fig. 7B shows a state in which the first and second head flaps 32 and 33 are located at respective exposing positions in which respective heads of the first and second head flaps 32 and 33 are exposed.

Fig. 7C is a top perspective view showing the recording unit 3 with the first head mount cover 32 removed. The black recording head 100 is connected to the supply tube 8 through the joint 34, and supplies the black ink contained in the ink tank 11 through the supply tube 8. The joint 34 is integral with the first head cover 32, and the joint connection is achieved by a user operating the first head cover 32.

More specifically, when the user rotates the first head cover 32 from the exposing position to the covering position, the black recording head 100 is positioned to the carriage 31. Further, when the user presses the pressing portion 32c of the first head cap 32, the connection of the black recording head 100 and the supply tube 8 by the joint of the joint 34 is completed. As a result, ink can be fed from the ink tank 11 to the black recording head 100. Note that the black recording head 100 may be provided integrally with an ink tank capable of accommodating ink supplied from the supply tube 8.

On the other hand, the color recording head 101 is an ink cartridge in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrated, and is selectively detachable from the carriage 31 in the recording apparatus 1.

Fig. 8A and 8B show the detailed configuration of the recording unit 3 and the supply tube 8. Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of the first head-mount cover 32 from which illustration of the top surface thereof is omitted, and fig. 8B is an enlarged top view of the first head-mount cover 32. The supply tube 8 is held by a first fixing portion 32a and a second fixing portion 32b provided to the first head cover 32, and is fixed to the recording unit 3.

The first fixing portion 32a holds the supply tubes 8 arranged along the X direction by a tube guide piece 82 or the like shown in fig. 4A and 4B, and fixes the supply tubes 8 in the Y direction. The second fixing portion 32b holds the supply tube 8 fixed by the first fixing portion 32a while the extending direction of the supply tube 8 is changed from the X direction to the Y direction, and fixes the supply tube 8 in the X direction. As shown in fig. 7C, the supply tube 8 fixed by the second fixing portion 32b is connected to the joint portion 34 along the Y direction.

When the first fixing portion 32a and the second fixing portion 32b hold and fix the supply tube 8 in two different directions, even when the user pulls the supply tube 8 in the X direction, a force is difficult to be applied in the Y direction in which the supply tube 8 is connected to the joint portion 34. This makes it possible to prevent the supply tube 8 from being disconnected from the joint 34. As described above, connecting the supply tube 8 to the joint 34 after fixing the supply tube 8 in the direction different from the connecting direction with the joint 34 prevents the supply tube 8 from being disconnected from the joint 34.

Fig. 9A is an external perspective view of the recording apparatus 1 in a state where the scanner unit 2 is opened, and fig. 9B is a top view thereof. In fig. 9A and 9B, the scanner unit 2 is not illustrated. When the scanner unit 2 is opened, the frame 50 mounted to the housing 5 is exposed. The frame 50 includes an opening 50a that is widely opened to enable a user to perform operations (such as attachment/detachment of a recording head, etc.) and a notch 50b that is a part of the opening 50 a.

Fig. 9A and 9B show a state in which the recording unit 3 is located at a recovery position (home position) opposed to the cover 21 shown in fig. 2. When the recording unit 3 is located at the home position, most of the recording unit 3 is covered by the frame 50, and the user cannot easily reach the recording unit 3. As described above, the frame 50 protects the internal unit to prevent the user from touching the recording unit 3 and the carriage 31 through the portions other than the opening 50a and the notch 50 b.

Further, as described with reference to fig. 4A and 4B, the supply pipe 8 is bent from the lower side to the upper side on the right side (i.e., the side on which the recovery unit is provided in the X direction) as viewed from the front side of the recording apparatus 1. Therefore, when the recording unit 3 is located at the home position opposed to the cover 21 (recovery unit), the bent portion 8a of the supply tube 8 is also covered by the frame 50. This makes it possible to prevent the user from pulling the supply tube 8 or the like. The supply tube 8 exposed from the opening 50a is fixed to the lower portion of the recording apparatus 1 regardless of the position of the recording unit 3.

Fig. 10 is a front view when the recording unit 3 is located at the home position. The tube guide plate 81 includes an inclined portion 81a inclined downward toward the recovery unit. The supply pipe 8 is guided and supported downward by the inclined portion 81 a. As a result, even in a configuration in which the recovery unit is provided near the side surface of the housing 5 and the curved portion 8a of the supply pipe 8 is provided at a position close to the recovery unit in the X direction, the radius of curvature of the curved portion 8a can be made large. In other words, compared to the case where the inclined portion 81a is not provided and the pipe guide plate 81 is flat, the bending of the supply pipe 8 can be relaxed and the deformation of the supply pipe 8 can be suppressed.

Typically, when the recording unit 3 does not perform the recording operation, the recording unit 3 stands by at the home position. Therefore, even in the case where the recording unit 3 is standing by for a long time at the home position, providing the inclined portion 81a on the tube guide plate 81 can suppress creep deformation of the supply tube 8.

< exchange of recording head >

The configuration related to replacement of the black recording head 100 will be described with reference to fig. 11A to 11C. Fig. 11A is an external perspective view showing a replacement position of the recording unit 3 when the black recording head 100 is replaced, and fig. 11B is a plan view thereof. The position of the recording unit 3 in the recording apparatus 1 at this time is referred to as a first replacement position.

In the first replacement position, both the first head cover 32 and the second head cover 33 are exposed from the opening 50a of the frame 50. Therefore, both the first and second head covers 32 and 33 can be operated by the user. When the user rotates the first head cap 32 to the open state while the recording unit 3 is located at the first replacement position, the supply tube 8 connected to the first head cap 32 also moves. At this time, since the notch 50b is provided in the frame 50, the supply pipe 8 moving together with the first head cover 32 and the frame 50 do not abut against each other as shown in fig. 11C. This enables the user to smoothly replace the black recording head 100.

The configuration related to the replacement of the color recording head 101 will be described with reference to fig. 12A to 12C. Fig. 12A is an external perspective view showing a replacement position of the recording unit 3 when the color recording head 101 is replaced, and fig. 12B is a plan view thereof. The position of the recording unit 3 in the recording apparatus 1 at this time is referred to as a second replacement position.

The second replacement position of the recording unit 3 is a position closer to the recovery unit than the first replacement position in the X direction. At the second replacement position, the entire second head cover 33 for replacing the color recording head 101 is exposed from the opening 50a of the frame 50, and the second head cover 33 can be operated by the user. In contrast, the first head cap 32 for replacing the black recording head 100 is partially covered by the opening 50a and the notch 50 b. Therefore, the first header cover 32 cannot be operated by the user.

As described above, at the second replacement position, the first head cover 32 is covered by the frame 50 to prevent replacement of the black recording head 100. This makes it possible to prevent the first head cover 32 from being operated by the user by mistake. Further, when the recording unit 3 is located at the second replacement position, the connection portion of the supply tube 8 and the first head cover 32 is also covered by the frame 50. This makes it possible to prevent the user from accessing the supply tube 8.

As explained in the present exemplary embodiment, the first recording head that supplies ink from the ink tank 11 through the supply tube 8 is disposed on the side of the recording unit 3 close to the recovery unit. In contrast, the second recording head, which is integral with the ink tank and has a higher replacement frequency than the first recording head, is disposed on the side of the recording unit 3 that is away from the recovery unit. Further, the supply tube 8 includes a bent portion 8a bent upward on the side in the X direction on which the recovery unit is provided, and is connected to the recording unit 3 (first head cover) above the tube guide plate 81. Further, the tube guide plate 81 that guides the supply tube 8 includes a slope 81a that slopes downward in the X direction toward the side where the recovery unit is provided.

The above configuration makes it possible to suppress deformation of the supply tube 8 while preventing a user from inadvertently touching the supply tube 8.

< contact protector >

The recording apparatus 1 in the state where the color recording head 101 is mounted has been described above. As shown in fig. 13, the carriage 31 according to the present exemplary embodiment can be mounted with a contact protector 72 as a protective member instead of the color recording head 101. In other words, the contact protector 72 can be attached to the second attachment portion 31c to which the color recording head 101 is attached. In fig. 13, the carriage 31 is mounted with the black recording head 100 and the contact protector 72. The recording apparatus 1 can generally function as a monochrome printer that performs recording with only black ink; however, when the user mounts the color recording head 101 in place of the contact protector 72, the recording apparatus 1 is capable of color printing. The details thereof will be explained below.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the recording apparatus 1. A microprocessor unit (MPU)201 as a control unit controls operations, data processing, and the like of each unit. A Read Only Memory (ROM)202 stores data and programs to be executed by the MPU 201. A Random Access Memory (RAM)203 as a storage unit temporarily stores data of processing performed by the MPU201 and data received from the host computer 214. The recording unit 3 is controlled by a recording unit driver 207.

The carriage motor 204 that drives the carriage 31 is controlled by a carriage motor driver 208. The feed roller 41 and the conveying roller 40 are driven by a feed/conveying motor 205. The feed/convey motor 205 is controlled by a feed/convey motor driver 209. The discharge roller (not shown) is driven by the feed/conveyance motor 205 in synchronization with the conveyance roller 40.

The host computer (host computer)214 includes a printer driver 2141, and the printer driver 2141 collects the recorded image and recorded information such as the quality of the recorded image and the like and communicates with the recording apparatus 1 when the user instructs to perform a recording operation. The MPU201 exchanges recorded images and the like with a host computer 214 via an interface (I/F) unit 213. The sensor controller 215 is a controller that controls the operation of various sensors 216. For example, the sensor 216 is a detection unit capable of detecting electrical connection between the carriage 31 and the recording head.

Subsequently, referring again to fig. 2, a detailed configuration of the recovery unit in the recording apparatus 1 will be explained. The cap 21 of the recovery unit includes a color cap 21a that seals the ejection port face of the color recording head 101 and a black cap 21b that seals the ejection port face of the black recording head 100. The cap 21 is movable to a capping position to seal (cap) the ejection port face and a separating position from the ejection port face. When the recording unit 3 does not perform a recording operation, the cap 21 seals the ejection port face, thereby protecting the ejection ports and preventing the ink inside the ejection ports from evaporating.

The wiper 22 disposed adjacent to the cap 21 includes a color wiper 22a that wipes the ejection port face of the color recording head 101 and a black wiper 22b that wipes the ejection port face of the black recording head 100. The wiper 22 performs a wiping operation by moving in the Y direction while abutting on the ejection orifice surface of the recording head, thereby wiping off the ink adhering to the ejection orifice surface of the recording head. Further, the color wiper 22a and the black wiper 22b are integrally moved in the Y direction by the same drive source.

Fig. 15A to 15C show a detailed configuration of the contact protector 72. Fig. 15A is a side view of a state in which the recording unit 3 is located at the home position and the cap 21 is located at the capping position.

The contact protector 72 includes a base plate 72a that can be brought into contact with a connector (contact portion) 31a of the carriage 31. When the contact protector 72 is mounted to the carriage 31, the connection piece 31a and the base plate 72a abut against each other to establish electrical connection, and the connection piece 31a is shielded by the base plate 72 a. As a result, even when ink mist is scattered due to the recording operation of the black recording head 100, the ink can be prevented from adhering to the joint 31a to cause a poor connection.

The contact protector 72 further includes a cover shielding portion 72b capable of shielding the color cover 21 a. Fig. 15B is a front view corresponding to fig. 15A, and the illustration of the color wiper 22a is omitted. As shown in fig. 15B, the cap shielding portion 72B can prevent foreign substances from adhering to the color cap 21a by shielding the color cap 21a at the capping position in the X direction. In other words, the cap shielding portion 72b includes a protrusion that protrudes downward so as to overlap the color cap 21a at the capping position in the Z direction. As a result, even in the case where the recording unit 3 is on standby for a long time, the color cover 21a is not in an exposed state. Thereby, foreign substances can be prevented from adhering to the color cover 21 a.

Fig. 15C is a front view corresponding to fig. 15A, and the illustration of the color cover 21a is omitted. When the color wiper 22a performs the wiping operation in the Y direction, the cap shielding portion 72b has a concave shape that is retracted from the movement locus. Therefore, when the wiping operation for the black recording head 100 is performed, the color wiper 22a that moves in the Y direction integrally with the black wiper 22b can be prevented from contacting the contact protector 72. Therefore, the wear of the color wiper 22a is also reduced.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation after the recording apparatus 1 is turned on. When the recording apparatus 1 is turned on, the MPU201 detects the electrical connection state of the connection 31a in step S161. In other words, the MPU201 determines which of the contact protector 72 and the color recording head 101 has been mounted to the carriage 31.

In the case where non-mounting is detected (no in step S161), the MPU201 notifies the user of an "ink cartridge non-mounting error" in step S162, and inhibits the recording operation of the recording unit 3. The "ink cartridge non-installation error" can be notified by displaying on, for example, a display panel of the operation unit 4 or a screen of the host computer 214 via the printer driver 2141. Alternatively, a notification unit that performs notification by sound or the like may be used.

In contrast, in the case where mounting is detected in step S161 (yes in step S161), the MPU201 determines which of the contact protector 72 and the color recording head 101 has been mounted in step S163. In the case where the contact protector 72 is mounted (yes in step S163), the MPU201 determines in step S164 whether there is a color print instruction.

In the case where there is a color print instruction (yes in step S164), the MPU201 notifies "color cartridge non-installation error" in step S165. The error notification in this case is also notified by display on the display panel of the operation unit 4, on the screen of the host computer 214, or by sound. This can prompt the user to change the instruction to a monochrome printing instruction or to install a color ink cartridge.

Alternatively, in step S166, the MPU201 may function as a conversion unit that converts image data into monochrome image data, and monochrome printing may be performed by the black recording head 100. This improves usability by eliminating the need for re-entering print instructions by the user.

In contrast, in the case where mounting of the color recording head 101 is detected in step S163 (no in step S163), it is determined in step S167 whether or not there is a color printing instruction. In the case of the color printing instruction (yes at step S167), color printing is performed at step S168. In contrast, in the case of a monochrome printing instruction in step S167 (no in step S167), the process proceeds to step S169, and monochrome printing is performed.

As described above, in the case where it is determined in step S162 that neither the color recording head 101 nor the contact protector 72 is mounted, the recording apparatus 1 cannot perform the recording operation. This prevents the recording operation from being performed when the connector 31a of the carriage 31 is exposed, and reduces poor electrical contact due to adhesion of ink. Alternatively, after the error is notified in step S162, the user may select error elimination to perform the recording operation in a state where neither the color recording head 101 nor the contact protector 72 is mounted.

Fig. 17A and 17B are enlarged perspective views showing storage of the contact protector 72 in the recording apparatus 1. The recording apparatus 1 includes a storage portion 120 at a position located on the front surface of the apparatus and adjacent to the right side of the sheet feeding cassette 6. The contact protector 72 can be placed and stored in the storage section 120. When the scanner unit 2 is opened, the storage part 120 is exposed.

Fig. 17A shows a state where the contact protector 72 is not placed in the storage part 120, and fig. 17B shows a state where the contact protector 72 is placed in the storage part 120. As shown in fig. 17A, a graphic 720 of the contact protector 72 is drawn on the bottom surface of the storage section 120 and guides the user to store the contact protector 72 in the storage section 120.

As described with reference to fig. 16, when neither the contact protector 72 nor the color recording head 101 is mounted to the carriage 31, the recording apparatus 1 cannot perform the recording operation. In the case where the user mounts the color recording head 101 to the carriage 31 in place of the contact protector 72, the user may lose the unused contact protector 72. In the present exemplary embodiment, providing the storage section 120 in the recording apparatus 1 can reduce the risk of the user losing the contact protector 72. Note that the color recording head 101 may be placed in the storage section 120.

Next, the shape of the contact protector 72 and the shape of the color recording head 101 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 18A to 18D. In the present exemplary embodiment, the contact protector 72 and the color recording head 101 have substantially the same shape. This provides the user with the same type of usability of mounting the contact protector 72 and the color recording head 101 to the carriage 31, which enables the usability to be improved.

Fig. 18A is a front view of the contact protector 72, and fig. 18B is a side view of the contact protector 72. Fig. 18C is a front view of the color recording head 101, and fig. 18D is a side view of the color recording head 101. In fig. 18A to 18D, illustration of the substrate 72a of the contact protector 72 and the substrate of the color recording head 101 is omitted.

The contact protector 72 includes a plurality of positioning portions for positioning the contact protector 72 to the carriage 31. More specifically, the contact protector 72 includes a first positioning portion 72c provided on the upper surface, second and third positioning portions 72d and 72e provided on the lower portion, a fourth positioning portion 72f provided on the side surface, and a fifth positioning portion 72g provided on the lower portion.

The first positioning portion 72c is provided to abut against the second head cover 33, and receives the urging force from the urging member of the second head cover 33. The first positioning portion 72c is biased in a direction in which the contact protector 72 is positioned to the carriage 31. The second positioning portion 72d positions the contact protector 72 to the carriage 31 in the X direction.

Further, the third positioning portion 72e and the fourth positioning portion 72f position the contact protector 72 to the carriage 31 in the Y direction. Further, the fifth positioning portion 72g positions the contact protector 72 to the carriage 31 in the Z direction.

Like the contact protector 72, the color recording head 101 further includes a plurality of positioning portions that position the color recording head 101 to the carriage 31. More specifically, the color recording head 101 includes a sixth positioning portion 101c provided on the upper surface, seventh and eighth positioning portions 101d and 101e provided on the lower portion, a ninth positioning portion 101f provided on the side surface, and a tenth positioning portion 101g provided on the lower portion.

The sixth positioning portion 101c corresponds to the first positioning portion 72c of the contact protector 72, and the seventh positioning portion 101d and the eighth positioning portion 101e correspond to the second positioning portion 72d and the third positioning portion 72e, respectively. Likewise, the ninth positioners 101f correspond to the fourth positioners 72f, and the tenth positioners 101g correspond to the fifth positioners 72 g.

As described above, when the positioning of the contact protector 72 with respect to the carriage 31 and the positioning of the color recording head 101 with respect to the carriage 31 are made common, the user operation of mounting the contact protector 72 to the carriage 31 and the user operation of mounting the color recording head 101 to the carriage 31 are also made common, which improves usability.

Further, the weight of the contact protector 72 is within the range: the range from the weight of the color recording head 101 when the ink tank of the color recording head is filled with ink to the weight of the color recording head 101 when no ink is present in the ink tank. Therefore, when the contact protector 72 or the color recording head 101 is mounted on the carriage 31, the weight of the carriage 31 is within a predetermined range. This eliminates the need to change the drive control of the carriage 31.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, a combination of one tube-supply type recording head and one cartridge type recording head has been described as an example. The present exemplary embodiment can be applied to a combination in which the number of tube-supply type recording heads or the number of cartridge type recording heads is two or more, and similar effects can be obtained.

[ other embodiments ]

Fig. 19 shows another exemplary embodiment. In the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which the recovery unit and the ink tanks 11 are arranged separately from each other in the main scanning direction has been described. However, as shown in fig. 19, the present exemplary embodiment can be applied to a configuration in which the ink tanks 11 are arranged on the same side in the main scanning direction as the recovery unit (cover 21).

The supply tube 8 connected to the ink tank 11 is laid in a direction (upstream in the X direction) separating from the recovery unit in the main scanning direction, and then folded back and laid toward the opposite direction (downstream in the X direction). Further, as in the first exemplary embodiment, the supply tube 8 is bent upward in the X direction on the side in the main scanning direction where the recovery unit is provided, and is connected to the recording unit 3. As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the position where the ink tanks 11 are arranged is not limited.

Further, the configuration including the injection portion 14 for injecting the ink into the ink tank 11 has been described, however, the configuration is not limited thereto. The ink tank 11 can be applied to a cartridge detachable from the recording apparatus 1.

According to the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide an inkjet recording apparatus capable of preventing a contact failure between a carriage and an ink cartridge.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.