JP2005144944A - Ink-jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink-jet recording device which enables an ink tank to be changed easily to be identified at the time of changing the ink tank and is excellent in operability during the change. <P>SOLUTION: The ink-jet recording device comprises a recording head 1, a plurality of ink tanks, and a carriage 3 which moves with the recording head and ink tanks mounted thereon. A spring 13 fitted with a notch 40a1 of an ink tank 40 is fixed to the carriage 3. The lower part of the carriage 3 is provided with an ejector rod 11 moving up the bottom of an arbitrary ink tank 40 fixed in the carriage 3 to cancel the fixed state of the ink tank 40 and a motor 12 or the like for moving it up and down. Based on the signal from a sensor responsive to an ink residual quantity detection section 40b, a control means controls the carriage 3 to bring the ink tank 40 over the ejector rod 11, where the ejector rod 11 is moved up and down to cancel the fixed state of the ink tank 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium, and more particularly to an ink tank attachment / detachment mechanism that stores ink to be supplied to an ink jet recording head.

  FIG. 26 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a mechanism related to ink tank replacement in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the ink tank 104 is provided with an engaging claw 104a, and the carriage 102 is formed with an engaging hole 102a that engages with the engaging claw 104a. The ink tank 104 can be fixed by engaging its engaging claw 104 a with the engaging hole 102 a of the carriage 102. When the user replaces the ink tank, the user opens the cover (not shown) of the casing 1016 of the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, pulls the lever 104d toward the arrow H in FIG. 26, and removes the engaging claw 104a from the engaging hole 102a. The tank 104 can be unlocked.

  The carriage 102 is supported so as to be guided along the guide shaft 103 and moves along the guide shaft 103 by moving a timing belt 105 engaged with an engaging claw 104 b provided on the back side of the carriage 102. be able to. A sliding piece 109 is integrally disposed on the bottom of the carriage 102 and slides on the main scanning rail 108 when the carriage 103 moves. When the carriage 102 is moving, an image can be recorded on the recording medium by ejecting ink droplets with the recording head 101 disposed below the carriage 102.

A hole 102a is formed at the bottom of the carriage 102, and a hole 108a is formed at a position corresponding to the hole 102a in the main scanning rail 108. A sensor 1011 is disposed below the hole 108a of the main scanning rail 108, and is attached to the sensor mounting base 107a. The sensor 1011 includes a light emitting unit 1011a and a light receiving unit 1011b. The presence of the ink tank 104 can be detected by the sensor 1011 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-138854

However, the conventional configuration has the following problems.
1. The user must release the ink tank.
2. It's hard to tell which ink has run out.
3. When removing multiple ink tanks from the carriage, it is difficult to know where to install the ink tanks.
4). When the user is blind or weakly sighted, it is dangerous because the user must search the inside of the main body to find the carriage when replacing the ink.
5). Since the user replaces the ink tank by self-judgment while looking at information such as the driver, the information is sometimes overlooked and may not be noticed until ink is not printed on the paper.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus which is easy to identify an ink tank to be replaced when replacing an ink tank and has excellent operability at the time of replacement. It is in.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a recording head for performing recording by discharging ink droplets, an ink tank for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, A fixing means for fixing the ink tank, a fixing releasing means for releasing the fixed state of the carriage, a command means for issuing a command for replacing the ink tank, and Control means for controlling the fixing release means with a command. With this configuration, the fixed ink tank to be replaced can be automatically released, and the user's operation can be reduced.

  The ink jet recording apparatus includes a plurality of the ink tanks that are replaceable in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, and includes one fixing release unit for one ink tank among the plurality of ink tanks. The apparatus further comprises a moving means for moving the tank or the fixing release means, and the control means controls the fixing releasing means and the moving means in accordance with a command from the command means, and selectively releases the fixed state of the ink tank. It is preferable. With this configuration, when it is detected that the amount of ink in the ink tank is exhausted, the fixed state of the ink tank can be released, so that the operability when replacing the ink tank is improved.

  In the above-described ink jet recording apparatus, it is preferable that a plurality of the ink tanks are provided, and one fixing release unit is provided for each of the plurality of ink tanks. With this configuration, the fixed state of the plurality of ink tanks can be released simultaneously for all the tanks.

  Further, a plurality of the ink tanks are installed in the ink jet recording apparatus main body so as to be replaceable, and one of the plurality of ink tanks is provided with one of the fixing release means, and the plurality of ink tanks or the fixed It is preferable that a moving means for moving the releasing means is further provided, and the control means controls the fixing releasing means and the moving means in accordance with a command from the commanding means to selectively release the fixed state of the ink tank. With this configuration, in the ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink tank is fixed to the main body, the number of the fixing release means can be reduced, and as a result, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The ink jet recording apparatus includes: an ink remaining amount detecting unit that detects that the ink in the ink tank has run out; and a storage unit that stores information detected by the ink remaining amount detecting unit. The fixing unit and the moving unit are preferably controlled based on information stored in the storage unit according to a command from the command unit. With this configuration, even when the ink tank is fixed to the ink jet recording apparatus main body, the fixed state of the ink tank can be released, so that the operability when replacing the ink tank is improved.

  Further, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a plurality of the ink tanks that are replaceable with the carriage, and includes one fixing release unit for one ink tank out of the plurality of ink tanks, and moves the carriage. Preferably, the control means controls the fixing release means and the moving means in accordance with a command from the command means, and selectively releases the fixed state of the ink tank. With this configuration, in the ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink tank is fixed to the carriage, the number of the fixing release means can be reduced. As a result, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In this case, the plurality of ink tanks are arranged in parallel along the carriage scanning direction, the ink tank is selected by controlling the carriage stop position by the control means, and the fixed state of the ink tank is released. It is preferable to do. According to this configuration, the fixed state of the ink tank can be selectively released using the movement of the carriage in the scanning direction. As a result, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  It is preferable to have an identification unit that identifies the ink tank that has been unfixed when the ink tank is released from the fixed state by the fixing release unit. With this configuration, the ink tanks that have been released from the fixed state are limited and can be easily recognized.

  When the fixed state of the ink tank is released by the fixing release unit, it is preferable that a part of the fixing release unit protrudes outward from the carriage or the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus. With this configuration, it becomes easy for the user to visually recognize the ink tank to be replaced.

  It is preferable that the ink tank has a detaching unit that detaches the ink tank from the set unit, and the detaching unit detaches the ink tank from the set unit after releasing the ink tank from a fixed state. With this configuration, the end surface of the ink tank to be replaced protrudes beyond the end surfaces of the other ink tanks, so that the ink tank to be replaced can be easily viewed. In addition, the portion of the ink tank that is to be replaced that protrudes from the end face of the other ink tank is the portion that is held when the ink tank is replaced.

  In addition, at least one opening is formed in a part of the casing constituting the appearance of the ink jet recording apparatus and facing the fixing release unit, and the ink tank is fixed from the fixed state by the fixing release unit. After releasing, it is preferable that a part of the ink tank protrudes outside the casing through the opening. With this configuration, only the ink tank to be replaced protrudes outside the housing of the inkjet recording apparatus, and the ink tank to be replaced can be taken out without touching other ink tanks.

  Further, the opening has substantially the same shape as the projected shape when the ink tank is projected from a direction facing one surface of the ink tank. With this configuration, after the ink tank is removed from the set portion, the set portion of the next ink tank exists immediately below the opening portion, and the set portion and the opening portion have substantially the same shape. Sometimes the opening will form a guide to the ink tank set, allowing the user to easily set the ink tank.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a lid for opening and closing the opening is provided. With this configuration, the inside of the ink jet recording apparatus main body is not exposed except when the ink tank is replaced, and dust can be prevented from entering.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the shape of the lid is such that the outer surface of the casing constituting the inkjet recording apparatus has no irregularities and is difficult to open from the outside of the casing. With this configuration, it is difficult for the user to open the lid during recording, and as a result, the user is not injured.

  According to the present invention, when an ink tank is replaced, it is easy to identify the ink tank to be replaced, and it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus excellent in operability at the time of replacement. Specifically, the following effects can be obtained.

  By configuring the control unit to release the ink tank fixed state by controlling the fixing release unit according to the command from the command unit, it is possible to reduce the user's operation when replacing the ink tank, and to replace the ink tank. Can improve the sex.

  By providing one fixing release means for each of the plurality of ink tanks, it becomes possible to replace all of the plurality of ink tanks at the same time, and the workability of ink tank replacement is further improved.

  A plurality of ink tanks are installed in the ink jet recording apparatus in a replaceable manner, and one of the plurality of ink tanks is provided with one fixing release means, and the control means moves and moves according to the command of the commanding means. By controlling the means and selectively releasing the fixed state of the ink tank, it is possible to save space and reduce costs in the ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink tank is fixed to the main body.

  A plurality of ink tanks are installed in the carriage in a replaceable manner, and one fixing release means is provided for one ink tank among the plurality of ink tanks. The control means controls the fixing release means and the moving means in accordance with a command from the command means. In addition, by selectively releasing the fixed state of the ink tank, the number of fixing release means can be reduced in the ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink tank is fixed to the carriage. Cost can be reduced.

  Since the plurality of ink tanks are arranged in parallel along the carriage scanning direction, the ink tank is selected by controlling the carriage stop position by the control means, and the fixed state of the ink tank is released. The configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In the apparatus configuration in which the ink tank is mounted on the carriage, the presence or absence of the ink tank is automatically detected and the fixed state of the ink tank is automatically released, so that the workability of replacing the ink tank is further improved.

  In the apparatus configuration in which the ink tank is mounted on the main body, the presence or absence of the ink tank is automatically detected and the fixed state of the ink tank is automatically released, so that the workability of replacing the ink tank is further improved.

  Since the ink tank that has been unfixed is limited by having an identification unit that identifies the ink tank that has been unlocked when the ink tank is unfixed by the unlocking means, the ink tank that is to be replaced is limited. This makes it easy to recognize, facilitates replacement, and prevents erroneous ink tank removal.

  When the fixing state of the ink tank is released by the fixing release means, a part of the fixing release means is configured to protrude outward from the carriage or the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus. The ink tank can be easily viewed, the ink tank can be easily replaced, and erroneous ink tank removal can be prevented.

  The ink tank is released from being fixed by having a release means for releasing the ink tank from the set portion, and the release means is configured to release the ink tank from the set portion after releasing the ink tank from the fixed state. Is removed from the set portion, the visibility is improved for the user who replaces the ink, and the ink tank to be replaced can be easily taken out.

  At least one opening is formed in a part of the casing constituting the appearance of the apparatus and facing the fixing release means, and after the ink tank is released from the fixed state by the fixing release means, a part of the ink tank is By constructing it so that it protrudes outward from the housing through the opening, it is not necessary to open the lid of the main body of the device, and the visibility of the ink tank to be replaced is improved, and the workability when replacing the ink tank is improved. improves.

Since the opening is substantially the same as the projected shape when the ink tank is projected from the direction facing the one surface of the ink tank, the ink is removed by the opening when the ink tank is attached to the set portion. Since the tank is accurately guided to the set unit, the user can easily attach the ink tank to the set unit.
.

  By providing the lid for opening and closing the opening, the inside of the ink jet recording apparatus main body is not exposed except when the ink tank is replaced, and dust can be prevented from entering.

  In addition, the shape of the lid described above is such that the outer surface of the casing constituting the inkjet recording apparatus has no irregularities and is difficult to open from the outside of the casing. It is possible to avoid the danger that the user sometimes removes the lid, puts his hand and hits the carriage.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording medium is described by taking paper as an example. However, the recording medium applied to the recording apparatus of the present invention is not limited to paper, and may be any sheet-like material such as a film or cloth.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the left side in the drawing shows the ink tank replacement side (D in FIG. 1), and the right side in the drawing shows the ink remaining amount detection side (E in FIG. 1). 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus viewed from the ink tank replacement side D, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus viewed from the ink tank replacement side D when the ink tank is replaced.

  2 and 3 is mounted on the carriage 3 together with an ink tank (cyan) 40, an ink tank (magenta) 41, an ink tank (yellow) 42, and an ink tank (black) 43. Printing is performed by spraying the ink in... The ink tanks 40 to 43 are mounted in parallel along the main scanning direction of the carriage 3 and all have the same shape.

  In the following, the ink tank (cyan) 40 will be described as an example of a tank that replaces the ink tank (cyan) 40. The carriage 3 is supported by the sliding shaft 2 and the guide 8. The carriage 3 is provided with a belt fixing portion 3b. When the belt 15 attached to the belt fixing portion 3b is moved by a drive motor (not shown), the carriage 3 moves along the sliding shaft 2 with the sheet 35. The reciprocating motion is performed so as to be orthogonal to the transport direction. When a stepping motor is employed as the drive motor, the position of the carriage can be managed by the number of steps, and this is employed in the present embodiment.

  Inside the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, the housing 9 is fixed to a chassis (not shown), and the sliding shaft 2 and the guide 8 are both attached to the chassis.

  The paper feeder 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a record (hereinafter referred to as printing in the present embodiment, but printing is not limited to characters but refers to expressions including figures, numbers, meaningless geometric patterns, etc.) This is a device for sending the paper 35 to be printed to the printing unit A, and is fixed to a chassis (not shown). A paper discharge tray 6 is attached to the housing 9 and the printed paper 35 is discharged here. Furthermore, the housing 9 is provided with an opening (not shown) for exchanging the head and removing the jammed paper 35, and the open cover 7 is attached to the opening.

  An ink tank replacement sensor 18 is attached to an edge of the opening where the open cover 7 is fitted. Thus, when the user closes the lid 10a after setting the ink tank (cyan) 40, a signal is transmitted from the ink tank replacement sensor 18 to a control device (not shown). The lid 10a is provided in the opening 23 of the housing 9, and the ink tank (cyan) 40 is exchanged therefrom.

  The opening 23 is provided in a portion facing the protruding rod 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and the width of the opening 23 can be made 1 mm to 10 mm larger than the width of the ink tank (cyan) 40. ing.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where the carriage 3 is moved toward the ink tank replacement side D (FIG. 1) when the ink tank (cyan) 40 is replaced. In the state shown in this figure, the only tank that can be taken out from the opening 23 is the ink tank (cyan) 40, and the other ink tanks 41 to 43 are not under the opening 23 and cannot be taken out. Further, the lid 10a is configured so that the outer surface of the casing constituting the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus does not have a convex portion, a concave portion or the like, and is difficult for the user to open from the outside of the main body of the apparatus.

  A rod guide portion 9 a that guides the protruding rod 11 that lifts the ink tank (cyan) 40 is provided in the housing 9.

  A slide hole 9 b is provided in the rod guide portion 9 a, and a slide portion 11 b that can move up and down along the slide hole 9 b is attached to the protruding rod 11.

  A motor 12 is fixed to the rod guide portion 9a.

  The protruding rod 11 is provided with a latch portion 11a, and a groove is cut in the latch portion 11a so as to mesh with the gear portion 12a of the motor 12.

  With the above configuration, the ejector rod 11 moves up and down as the motor 12 rotates to lift the ink tank (cyan) 40.

A spring 13 is fixed to the inner wall of the carriage 3 that holds the ink tank (cyan) 40. The spring 13 is bent toward the inside of the carriage and fits into the notch 40 a ₁ of the ink tank (cyan) 40 accommodated in the carriage 3 to fix the ink tank (cyan) 40.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus viewed from the ink remaining amount detection side E shown in FIG.

  On the bottom surface of the ink tank (cyan) 40, an ink remaining amount detection unit 40b is provided. The remaining ink amount detection unit 40b is made of a prism. Below the ink tank (cyan) 40, a sensor 14 facing the ink remaining amount detection unit 40b is disposed. The sensor 14 includes a light emitting unit 14a and a light receiving unit 14b.

  When there is no ink in the ink tank (cyan) 40, the light beam emitted from the light emitting part 14a of the sensor 14 reaches the light receiving part 14b of the sensor 14 through the route from the arrow B to the arrow C. Cyan) When there is ink in 40, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 14a does not reach the light receiving portion 14b.

  In this way, the presence or absence of ink in the ink tank (cyan) 40 can be detected based on the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 14b.

  In addition, the sensor used for detecting the remaining amount of ink is not limited to the one using the above-described prism, but a dot count method for counting ink ejection or a voltage applied between two electrodes arranged in the tank. A method of measuring a current value may be used.

  Next, the operation of the replacement sequence of the ink tank (cyan) 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of components for controlling tank replacement in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart for performing tank replacement of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the ink tank (cyan) 40 after the protrusion bar 11 has moved up and down, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the ink tank (cyan) 40 after the protrusion bar 11 has moved up and down. It is a state.

  The control device 17 issues a signal for detecting the remaining amount of ink (step S1 in FIG. 8). The ink remaining amount detection start signal is output, for example, by adding an ink tank replacement button as a command means for issuing a command for replacing the ink tank to the printing operation panel of the apparatus main body, and pressing the button. The Alternatively, an item for issuing an ink tank replacement command may be provided in application software for controlling the printing operation of the ink jet recording apparatus so that the above ink remaining amount detection signal can be output from the host computer equipped with the application software to the ink jet recording apparatus. It may be.

  The drive motor 16 is rotated by the ink remaining amount detection start signal output from the control device 17, and the carriage 3 moves to the ink remaining amount detection side (E in FIG. 1) (step S2 in FIG. 8). First, the carriage 3 stops when the end of the ink tank faces the position of the sensor (see reference numeral 14 in FIG. 4) (step S3 in FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the carriage 3 moves above the sensor 14, a light beam is emitted from the light emitting portion 14a of the sensor 14 (step S4 in FIG. 8). At that time, if there is no ink in the ink tank (cyan) 40, the output of the sensor 14 is turned on. Conversely, if there is ink in the ink tank (cyan) 40, the output of the sensor is turned off. The presence or absence of ink is stored in the storage device 19 together with the location information of the ink tank (cyan) 40 (step S5 in FIG. 8). The storage device 19 is not only in the ink jet recording apparatus main body but also in some cases a semiconductor chip or the like is attached to the ink tank.

  Steps S2 to S5 in FIG. 8 are repeated for other ink tanks (step S6 in FIG. 8). After determining in step S6 that the ink remaining amount detection has been completed for all ink tanks, the carriage 3 moves to the ink tank replacement side (D in FIG. 1) (step S7 in FIG. 8).

  In response to an instruction from the control device 17 based on the information stored in the storage device 19, the carriage 3 stops so that the ink tank (cyan) 40 without ink comes on the stick 11 (step S8 in FIG. 8). . Therefore, the motor 12 rotates to move the protrusion rod 11 up and down (step S9 in FIG. 8).

While the ejecting rod 11 moves up and down once, the ejecting rod 11 pushes up the bottom surface of the ink tank (cyan) 40 and tilts the ink tank (cyan) 40 as shown in FIG. corner 40c ₁ is pushed up in the direction of opening the lid 10a of the ceiling surface 40 (see FIG. 3).

After projecting rod 11 is moved up and down once, caught on the corner portion 40c ₂ spring 13 in the bottom surface of the ink tank (cyan) 40 as shown in FIG. 6, an ink tank (cyan) 40 maintains the inclined state Therefore, the lid 10a is also kept open.

  In this state, the user replaces the ink tank (cyan) 40. The ink tank (cyan) 40 is taken out from the opening 23 on the stick 11 and a new ink tank (cyan) 40 containing ink is set. At this time, since the ink tank (cyan) 40 without ink is different in posture from the other ink tanks 41 to 43, the user can easily replace the ink tank (cyan) 40.

  Further, if the ink tanks 40 to 43 are configured so that the user can touch the ink tanks 40 to 43 by hand by touching the ink tanks 40 to 43, the ink tank (cyan) 40 can be identified. The color of the ink can be identified even by a person with low vision such as blind.

When setting a new ink tank (cyan) 40 on the carriage 3, the user is fitted into the notch 40a ₁ deflects the spring 13 by pressing the ink tank (cyan) 40 from above.

  Further, when the ink tank (cyan) 40 is set on the carriage 3, there is only one place where the ink tank is not on the carriage 3, and the opening 23 is provided at a place corresponding to the place. The user can reliably set the ink tank (cyan) 40 on the carriage 3 where the ink tank is not on. The ink tank (cyan) 40 after being set is fixed on the carriage 3 by the restoring force of the spring 13.

  The user sets the ink tank (cyan) 40 and then closes the lid 10a.

  When the lid 10a is closed, the output of the ink tank replacement sensor 18 is turned on (step S10 in FIG. 8), and the control device 17 has another empty ink tank to be replaced based on the information recorded in the storage device 19. (Step S11 in FIG. 8).

  If there is another empty ink tank to be replaced, the control device 17 moves the carriage 3 by the drive motor 16 (step S12 in FIG. 8), and repeats steps S8 to S11 in FIG. If there is no other ink tank to be replaced, the carriage 3 is moved to a predetermined position by the drive motor 16 (step S13 in FIG. 8), and the ink tank replacement sequence is terminated (step S14 in FIG. 8).

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example in which one fixing release means (the protruding rod 11 and parts for driving the same) is provided for each of the plurality of ink tanks has been described. In the second embodiment, the fixing release is performed for each of the plurality of ink tanks. Here is an example that has one means. Note that the same components and operations as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

  In the second embodiment, since all ink tanks have the same shape, the configuration will be described taking the ink tank (cyan) 40 as an example, and the operation will be described assuming that the ink tank (cyan) 40 is replaced.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the ink tank replacement side (D in FIG. 1), and FIG. 10 shows a schematic view as viewed from the front of the apparatus.

On the lower surface of the ink tank (cyan) 40, a leaf spring portion 40d, which is a detaching means for detaching the ink tank from the set position, is provided. The carriage 3 is provided with a lever attaching portion 3c for attaching the lever 22 to be rotatable. Hook portion 22a of the lever 22 to engage the notch 40a ₂ of the ink tank (cyan) 40 is provided.

  A solenoid 20 is attached to a guide 8 that guides when the carriage 3 slides, and a lever engaging portion 21 is disposed at the tip of the solenoid 20. The lever meshing portion 21 meshes with the end portion on the opposite side of the hook 22 a of the lever 22.

  As shown in FIG. 10, there are as many solenoids 20 and levers 22 as the number of ink tanks, and accordingly there are as many openings 23, lids 10a, and ink tank replacement sensors 18 as the number of ink tanks.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the replacement sequence of the ink tank (cyan) 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 shows the state of the ink tank when the solenoid 20 is energized and the lever 22 falls. FIG. 12 shows the state of the ink tank when the current is turned off again after the solenoid 20 is energized.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of components for controlling tank replacement in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart for performing tank replacement of the present embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, after repeating steps S2 to S6 for the number of ink tanks, the carriage 3 moves to the ink tank replacement side (step S7 in FIG. 14).

  The carriage 3 stops at a position where the end of the lever 22 engages with the lever engaging portion 21 in accordance with an instruction from the control device 17 based on the information stored in the storage device 19 (step S8 in FIG. 14).

  Therefore, a current is passed through all the solenoids 20 corresponding to the empty ink tanks in accordance with an instruction from the control device 17 based on the information stored in the storage device 19 (step S9 in FIG. 14).

  In the following description, it is assumed that only the ink tank (cyan) 40 is empty.

While the current flows through the solenoid 20, the solenoid 20 extends in the direction of the recording head 1 as shown in FIG. 11, so that the lever engaging portion 21 moves in the direction of the recording head 1. As a result, the hook 22a of the lever 22 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 9 in the direction of arrow F, and at the same time, the ink tank (cyan) 40 is tilted by the restoring force of the leaf spring 40d of the ink tank (cyan) 40. . As a result, the corner 40c ₁ of the ceiling surface of the ink tank (cyan) 40 is pushed up in the direction of opening the lid 10a.

  Thereafter, the current to the solenoid 20 is cut off (step S10 in FIG. 14), and the lever 22 returns to the original position as shown in FIG.

  The ink tank (cyan) 40 is inclined by the restoring force of the leaf spring portion 40d of the ink tank (cyan) 40, and the leaf spring portion 40d maintains the ink tank (cyan) 40 in an inclined state. As a result, the lid 10a is also opened.

  The user takes out an empty ink tank (cyan) 40 from the opening 23 from which the lid 10a is removed, and replaces it with a new ink tank (cyan) 40 containing ink.

  At this time, since the empty ink tank (cyan) 40 is inclined, the user can easily recognize the empty ink tank (cyan) 40 with visual and tactile sensations.

  When a new ink tank (cyan) 40 is set on the carriage 3, the arm portion 22b of the lever 22 rotates to the side opposite to the recording head 1, and the user can push in the new ink tank 40 from above. It is easy to set a new ink tank (cyan) 40.

  The user sets a new ink tank (cyan) 40 and then closes the lid 10a. When the lid 10a is closed, the output of the ink tank replacement sensor 18 is turned on (step S11 in FIG. 14), and the control device 17 receives the signal.

  When the number of ON signals from the ink tank replacement sensor 18 is the same as the number of empty ink tanks 4 stored in the storage device 19, the carriage 3 is moved to a predetermined position (step S12 in FIG. 14), and the ink tank replacement sequence is performed. Is finished (step S13 in FIG. 14).

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is one ink tank to be replaced has been described. However, when there are a plurality of ink tanks that need to be replaced, each of the ink tanks is energized by energizing the solenoid 20 corresponding to each ink tank. The lid 10a corresponding to the tank is pushed up by each ink tank, and the ink tanks that need to be replaced can be replaced at a time.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, the ink tanks 40 to 43 are provided with braille, irregularities, etc., so that the user can touch the ink tanks 40 to 43 by hand to identify the ink colors in the ink tanks. In this case, the ink color of the ink tank (cyan) 40 can be identified even by a person with low vision such as blind.

(Third embodiment)
In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the ink tanks 40 to 43 are mounted on the carriage 3, but in the third embodiment, the ink tanks 40 to 43 are mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus main body. Explain the case. In addition, about the structure and operation | movement similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, it abbreviate | omits.

  FIG. 15 is an overall view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 16 to 18 are sectional views of ink tank replacement portions of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG.

  An ink tank case 24 is disposed inside the housing 9 as a part of the ink jet recording apparatus main body of the present embodiment, and one ink tank 25 is stored in one ink tank case 24. A lid 10b corresponding to the opening of the ink tank case 24 is disposed in a part of the housing 9, and closes the opening.

  The ink tank 25 is provided with an ink remaining amount detector 25b as in the first and second embodiments. A sensor 14 is disposed under the ink remaining amount detection unit 25b, and detects the presence or absence of ink in the ink tank 25 as in the first and second embodiments.

The lid 10b is attached rotatably around a shaft 10b ₁ which is supported in the housing 9. The lid 10b, the end opposite to the shaft 10b _1, plate 33 made of material (such as iron) to draw the magnet is fixed.

Further, a magnet 26 is disposed in a portion facing the plate 33, and the magnet 26 attracts the plate 33 to maintain the lid 10b closed.

  The magnet 26 is fixed to the ink jet recording apparatus main body via the ink tank replacement sensor 18. The ink tank replacement sensor 18 can detect opening and closing of the lid 10b.

  A joint 27 is disposed in the back of the ink tank case 24, and the ink tank 25 can be inserted into and removed from the joint 27.

  A tube 28 is connected to the opposite side of the ink tank 25 across the joint 27, and the other end of the tube 28 is connected to an ink jet recording head (not shown).

  There are as many ink tanks 25 as described above, and as shown in FIG. 15, ink tank replacement buttons 34 corresponding to the respective ink tanks are provided below the lids 10b. The ink tank replacement button 34 is command means for issuing a command for replacing the ink tank to the control device 17 when pressed by the user.

  An opening is provided on the side surface of each ink tank case 24, and one protrusion rod 29 is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening, and is fixed to the guide 31 via a solenoid 30. . There is a threaded hole in the center of the guide 31, and the screw 32 passes through the hole.

  When the screw 32 is rotated by a drive source (not shown), the guide 31, the solenoid 30, and the protruding rod 29 can be moved in the direction of the arrow G in FIG. 16, and can be stopped at an arbitrary place.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the ink tank 25 replacement sequence will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state around the ink tank when the solenoid 30 is energized and the protrusion rod 29 extends. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state around the ink tank when the energization of the solenoid 30 is turned off and the protruding rod 29 is contracted. FIG. 19 is a block diagram of components for controlling tank replacement in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart for performing tank replacement of the present embodiment.

  First, ink remaining amount detection is started (step S1 in FIG. 20).

  Light rays are emitted from the light emitting portions of all the sensors 14 (step S2 in FIG. 20). At that time, if there is no ink in each ink tank 25, the output of the sensor 14 corresponding to that is turned ON, and conversely, if there is ink in the ink tank 25, the output of the sensor is turned OFF.

  After detecting the remaining amount of ink, information indicating which ink is exhausted is stored in the storage device 19 (step S3 in FIG. 20), and the carriage 3 is moved to the home position (step S4 in FIG. 20).

  Based on the information in the storage device 19, the screw 32 is rotated to move the solenoid 30, thereby moving the ejecting rod 29 in front of the target ink tank 25 (step S 5 in FIG. 20), and passing a current through the solenoid 30. (Step S6 in FIG. 20), the solenoid 30 is extended and the ink tank 25 is pushed out by the stick 29.

  At this time, the joint between the ink tank 25 and the joint 27 is released.

  At the same time, the lid 10 b is pushed against the ink tank 25 so that the magnet 26 cannot attract the plate 33, the lid 10 b is opened, and as a result, a part of the ink tank 25 protrudes from the opening of the ink tank case 24. Become.

  Thereafter, the current to the solenoid 30 is cut off (step S7 in FIG. 20), but the lid 10b is open as shown in FIG. 18, and the ink tank 25 also protrudes from the ink tank case 24.

  If it is determined that there is another ink tank 25 without ink (step S8 in FIG. 20) by comparing with the information recorded in the storage device 19, the solenoid 30 is moved (step S5 in FIG. 20). The steps S5 to S7 are repeated.

  In step S8, when it is determined that there is no other ink tank 25 without ink, the user replaces the ink tank 25 with a new one, and then closes the lid 10b to replace the ink tank. The signal from the sensor 18 is turned on (step S9 in FIG. 20).

  If it is determined that all the signals from the ink tank replacement sensor 18 are ON (step S10 in FIG. 20), the ink tank replacement sequence ends (step S11 in FIG. 20).

  In this embodiment, there is another ink replacement method. Here's how. The user presses an ink tank replacement button 34 (FIG. 15) as instruction means corresponding to the tank to be replaced.

  Information on the ink tank corresponding to the pressed ink tank replacement button 34 is stored in the storage device 19, and ink replacement can be performed at the user's will by performing steps S <b> 4 to S <b> 11. Even if the ink tank replacement button 34 is not provided, if an item for giving an instruction is provided on the printer driver or the like, ink replacement can be similarly performed by the user's will.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, a configuration is described in which a part of a lever that fixes an ink tank projects out of the ink jet recording apparatus main body, thereby instructing that there is no ink in the ink tank.

  Here, the same configuration and operation as those of the second embodiment are omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state when ink is replaced in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the ink tank is replaced by opening the open cover 7. FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view when the ink tank is replaced.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a slit 36 corresponding to each ink tank is provided on the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus main body. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a slit 36 is provided in the guide 8 that supports and guides the carriage 3 when sliding.

  A color display portion 22c is provided at one end of the lever 22 on the opposite side of the hook portion 22a. The color display portion 22 c is provided at a location facing the slit 36 of the guide 8.

  A mark corresponding to the color of each ink tank is written on the color display portion 22c. The color display unit 22c serves as an identification unit that identifies the content (for example, ink color) of the ink tank that has been released from the fixed state when the fixed state of the ink tank is released. In the case of FIG. 23, “C” is written on the color display portion 22c assuming cyan ink, but other colors and characters symbolize ink information (color, material, etc.) in each ink tank. It only has to be.

  A cover open sensor 37 is provided in a part of the housing 9 so that the opening / closing of the open cover 7 can be detected. Furthermore, a part of the housing 9 has a replacement end button 39 for transmitting to the control device 17 that the ink replacement is completed on the front of the apparatus, and for notifying the user that the ink in the ink tank has been exhausted. A display device 38 is also provided.

  Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, a leaf spring portion (reference numeral 40d in FIGS. 11 and 12) provided at the lower portion of the ink tank (cyan) 40 is provided. And the lever engaging portion 21 is provided not at the left end of the apparatus but at a position corresponding to the central slit 36.

  Next, the operation of replacing the ink tank (cyan) 40 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the state around the ink tank when the solenoid 20 is energized and the lever 22 falls. FIG. 24 is a block diagram of components for controlling tank replacement in an ink jet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a flowchart for performing tank replacement of this embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, after steps S2 to S6 are repeated for the number of ink tanks, the presence or absence of ink is displayed on the display device 38 based on the information stored in the storage device 19 (step S7 in FIG. 25). ).

  Here, the display device 38 is on the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, but it may be displayed on a screen of a host computer (not shown) connected to the ink jet recording apparatus.

  When the user opens the open cover 7 while viewing the content displayed on the display device 38, the output of the cover open sensor 37 is turned on (step S8 in FIG. 25), and the end of the lever 22 is instructed by an instruction from the control device 17. The carriage 3 moves to a position where the portion engages with the lever engaging portion 21 (step S9 in FIG. 25) and stops (step S10 in FIG. 25).

Therefore, a current is passed through the solenoid 20 corresponding to the ink tank (cyan) 40 in accordance with an instruction from the control device 17 based on the information stored in the storage device 19 (step S11 in FIG. 25). As a result, the solenoid 20 extends in the direction of the recording head 1, so that the lever engaging portion 21 moves in the direction of the recording head 1 as shown in FIG. 23. As a result, the hook 22a of the lever 22 rotates in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 23, the hook 22a is disengaged from the notch 40a _{2 of} the ink tank (cyan) 40, and the ink tank (cyan) 40 is released from being fixed. The color display portion 22c of the lever 22 protrudes from the slit 36 of the guide 8 to the outside of the housing.

  Accordingly, the user can determine at a glance whether or not the ink in the ink tank (cyan) 40 has run out, based on the position and mark of the color display portion 22c.

  When the replacement of the ink tank (cyan) 40 is completed, the user presses the replacement end button 39 (step S12 in FIG. 25), and the solenoid according to the instruction from the control device 17 according to the signal output by pressing the replacement end button 39. 20 is released (step S13 in FIG. 25), and the color display portion 22c of the lever 22 is housed outside the housing through the slit 36 of the guide 8.

  When the user confirms that the color display portion 22c of the lever 22 is stored and then closes the open cover 7, the output of the cover open sensor 37 is turned OFF (step S14 in FIG. 25), and the control device 17 is in response to the signal. The carriage 3 moves to a predetermined position in accordance with the instruction from (step S15 in FIG. 25), and the ink tank replacement sequence ends (step S16 in FIG. 25).

  When it is desired to replace a plurality of ink tanks, it can be replaced at once by energizing all the solenoids 20 corresponding to the respective ink tanks, as in the second embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a so-called serial type ink jet recording apparatus that performs printing by moving a carriage equipped with an ink jet recording head in the main scanning direction has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a so-called line-type ink jet recording apparatus including an ink jet recording head in which an ink discharge unit is provided over the entire direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium. The present invention can be applied to either a configuration in which one or a plurality of ink tanks are detachably mounted on a carriage, or a configuration in which one or a plurality of ink tanks are detachably installed in a recording apparatus main body.

1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink tank is present on an ink tank replacement side D shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing a state in which a protruding rod pushes up the ink tank on the ink tank replacement side D shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink tank is present on an ink remaining amount detection side E shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which an ejecting rod pushes up an ink tank to be replaced at the time of ink replacement in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the ink tank after the protrusion rod has moved up and down once during ink replacement of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components that control tank replacement in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart when tank replacement is performed in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus showing a state where a stick stick pushes up an ink tank on an ink tank replacement side of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front of the ink tank replacement side. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing a state when a solenoid is energized in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus showing a state when energization of a solenoid is terminated in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the component which controls tank replacement | exchange in the inkjet recording device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart when tank replacement is performed in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the inkjet recording device by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an apparatus cross-sectional view illustrating an ink tank housing portion of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a state when a solenoid is energized in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a state when energization of a solenoid is terminated in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the component which controls tank replacement | exchange in the inkjet recording device by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart when tank replacement is performed in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the inkjet recording device by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing a state where no current is supplied to a solenoid in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an apparatus cross-sectional view showing a state when a solenoid is energized in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the component which controls tank replacement | exchange in the inkjet recording device by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart when tank replacement is performed in an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is an apparatus sectional view at the time of ink replacement of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording head 2 Slide shaft 3 Carriage 3a Mounting part 3b Belt fixing part 3c Lever mounting part 5 Paper feeder 6 Paper discharge tray 7 Open cover 8 Guide 9 Case 9a Bar guide part 9b Slide hole 10a, 10b Lid 10b ₁ axis DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Extrusion stick | rod 11a Latch part 11b Slide part 12 Motor 12a Gear part 13 Spring 14 Sensor 14a Light emission part 14b Light reception part 15 Belt 16 Drive motor 17 Control device 18 Ink tank exchange sensor 19 Storage device 20 Solenoid 21 Lever engagement part 22 Lever 22a Hook Part 22b arm part 23 opening part 24 ink tank case 25 ink tank 25b ink remaining amount detection part 26 magnet 27 joint 28 tube 29 protruding bar 30 solenoid 31 guide 32 screw 33 plate 34 for ink tank replacement button 35 Paper 36 Slit 37 Cover open sensor 38 Display device 39 Replacement end button 40 Ink tank (cyan)
40a1, 40a2 Notch 40b Ink remaining amount detector 40c1 Corner (upper)
40c2 Corner (bottom)
41 Ink tank (magenta)
42 Ink tank (yellow)
43 Ink Tank (Black)
102 Carriage 102a Engagement hole 104 Ink tank 104a Engagement claw 104d Lever A Printing part B Pass C Cassette unit D Ink tank replacement side E Ink remaining amount detection side F Lever rotation direction G Protrusion bar movement direction H Lever pull direction

Claims (14)

In an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a recording head for discharging ink droplets to perform recording; an ink tank for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head; and a carriage on which the recording head is mounted.
Fixing means for fixing the ink tank;
Fixing release means for releasing the fixed state of the carriage;
Command means for issuing a command for replacing the ink tank;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the fixing release means according to a command of the command means. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus includes a plurality of the ink tanks and includes one fixing release unit for each of the plurality of ink tanks. A plurality of the ink tanks are installed in the ink jet recording apparatus body in a replaceable manner, and one fixing release means is provided for one ink tank among the plurality of ink tanks,
A moving means for moving the plurality of ink tanks or the fixing release means;
2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the fixing release unit and the moving unit in accordance with a command from the command unit, and selectively releases the fixed state of the ink tank. A plurality of the ink tanks are installed in the carriage in a replaceable manner, and one fixing release means is provided for one ink tank among the plurality of ink tanks,
A moving means for moving the carriage;
2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the fixing release unit and the moving unit in accordance with a command from the command unit, and selectively releases the fixed state of the ink tank. The plurality of ink tanks are arranged in parallel along a scanning direction of the carriage, and the ink tank is selected by controlling a stop position of the carriage by the control unit, and the ink tank is released from a fixed state. Item 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to Item 4. An ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the ink in the ink tank has run out, and a storage means for storing information detected by the ink remaining amount detecting means,
6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the fixing release unit based on information stored in the storage unit according to a command from the command unit. An ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the ink in the ink tank has run out, and a storage means for storing information detected by the ink remaining amount detecting means,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the fixing release unit and the moving unit based on information stored in the storage unit according to a command from the command unit. 8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an identification unit that identifies an ink tank that has been unfixed when the fixed state of the ink tank is released by the fixing release unit. 9. The part of the fixing release unit projects outward from the carriage or the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus when the fixing state of the ink tank is released by the fixing release unit. Inkjet recording apparatus. 10. The inkjet recording according to claim 8, further comprising: a detaching unit that detaches the ink tank from the set position, wherein the detaching unit releases the ink tank from the set position after releasing the ink tank from the fixed state. apparatus. At least one opening is formed in a part of the casing constituting the appearance of the ink jet recording apparatus and facing the fixing release unit, and the ink tank is released from the fixed state by the fixing release unit. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a part of the ink tank is projected outward from the casing through the opening. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the opening has substantially the same shape as a projected shape when the ink tank is projected from a direction facing one surface of the ink tank. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a lid for opening and closing the opening is provided. 14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the shape of the lid is such that the outer surface of the casing constituting the inkjet recording apparatus is not uneven and is difficult to open from the outside of the casing.

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