BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing position controller incorporated in an
ink-jet recording apparatus and a flushing method used for the same. More particularly,
the present invention relates to an ink-jet recording apparatus comprising an ink-jet
recording head which is mounted on a carriage so as to travel in the widthwise direction
of recording paper and which forms an image on a recording medium by ejecting jets
of ink droplets via nozzle orifices, and a flushing region provided on the path along
which the recording head travels for receiving ink droplets to be jetted when a flushing
drive signal is supplied to the recording head; a flushing method for use with such
an ink-jet recording apparatus; and a flushing position controller for use with the
ink-jet recording apparatus.
[0002] Ink-jet recording apparatus can print small dots at a comparatively low noise level
at high density, and hence they have recently been used in many printing applications,
including color printing.
[0003] Such an ink-jet recording apparatus comprises an ink-jet recording head which receives
ink supplied from an ink cartridge, and a paper feeder for feeding recording paper
relative to the recording head. Text or an image is recorded on the recording paper
by causing the recording head to eject ink droplets toward the recording paper while
the recording head travels together with a carriage in the widthwise direction of
the recording paper.
[0004] For example, a black recording head for ejecting black ink and a color recording
head capable of ejecting various colors of ink, such as yellow, cyan, and magenta,
are mounted on a single recording head. The ink-jet recording apparatus enables full-color
printing through use of black ink and other colors of ink, as well as printing of
text, by means of changing the proportions of color inks to be ejected.
[0005] Such an ink-jet recording head performs a printing operation by ejecting ink, which
is pressurized in a pressure generating chamber, in the form of ink droplets by way
of nozzles. The ink-jet recording head suffers problems such as printing failures,
which are caused by an increase in the viscosity of ink due to evaporation of a solvent
by way of nozzle orifices, solidification of ink, adhesion of dirt or dust to the
nozzles, or mixing of air bubbles into ink.
[0006] In order to prevent the printing failures, the ink-jet recording apparatus is equipped
with a capping member for sealing the nozzle orifices of the recording head while
the recording apparatus is in a non-printing mode, and a cleaning device for cleaning
a nozzle plate, as required.
[0007] The capping member acts as a cap for preventing ink from being dried by way of the
nozzle orifices while the recording apparatus is in a non-printing mode. Further,
in the event that the nozzle orifices become clogged, the capping member seals the
nozzle plate and eliminates clogging in the nozzle orifices caused by solidification
of ink or an ink ejecting failure caused by mixing of air bubbles into the ink flow
channel, by suctioning ink by way of the nozzle orifices and by means of negative
pressure imparted by a suction pump.
[0008] Forced discharging operation, which is performed in order to eliminate clogging in
the recording head or air bubbles mixed into the ink flow channel, is usually called
cleaning operation. The cleaning operation is performed when a printing operation
is resumed after the recording apparatus has remained in an idle mode for a long period
of time or when the user actuates a cleaning switch for eliminating degradation in
the quality of a recorded image. The cleaning operation involves removal of ink droplets
from the recording head by means of negative pressure applied through suction, and
wiping of the surface of the recording head by means of a wiping blade formed from
rubber or an elastic plate.
[0009] The capping member also has a capability of ejecting ink droplets by application
to the recording head of a drive signal that is irrelevant to printing. This function
is usually called flushing operation. The flushing operation is performed at predetermined
cycles for the purposes of: recovering meniscuses, which are formed irregularly in
the vicinity of nozzle orifices of the recording head as a result of wiping action
of the wiping blade during the cleaning operation; discharging mixed ink which has
flowed back from the nozzles as a result of wiping operation; and preventing clogging
in the nozzle orifices from which a small amount of ink droplets is ejected during
a printing operation, which would otherwise be caused by an increase in the viscosity
of ink.
[0010] The schematic configuration of an ink-jet recording apparatus capable of effecting
a flushing operation and a cleaning operation such as those mentioned previously will
now be described by reference to Fig. 19.
[0011] In Fig. 19, reference numeral 1 designates a carriage. The carriage 1 is configured
so as to travel back and forth along a carriage shaft 4 which is horizontally supported
by side frames 2 and 3, by way of movement of a timing belt driven by an unillustrated
carriage motor.
[0012] An ink-jet recording head 5 is mounted on the carriage 1 so as to face downward,
and a black ink cartridge 6 for supplying black ink to the recording head 5 and a
color ink cartridge 7 are removably mounted on the top of the carriage 1.
[0013] A paper guide member 8 is situated below the recording head 5 and extends in the
same direction as that in which the recording head 5 scans, and recording paper 9
serving as a recording medium is placed on the paper guide member 8. The recording
paper 9 is fed in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the recording
head 5, by means of an unillustrated paper feeder.
[0014] Reference numeral 10 designates a capping member disposed in a non-print region (i.e.,
the home position). When the recording head 5 has moved to a position immediately
above the non-print region, the capping member 10 can seal a nozzle plate serving
as a nozzle forming surface of the recording head 5.
[0015] A suction pump 11 is disposed below the capping member 10 so as to impart negative
pressure to the interior space of the capping member 10.
[0016] The capping member 10 acts as a cap for preventing drying of the nozzle orifices
of the recording head 5 while the ink-jet recording apparatus is in a non-print mode,
and as a member for sucking ink by imparting negative pressure supplied from the suction
pump 11 to the recording head 5.
[0017] A wiping member 12 formed from rubber or an elastic plate is provided in the vicinity
of the capping member 10. When the carriage 1 travels back and forth toward the capping
member 10, the wiping member 12 wipes a nozzle forming surface of the recording head
5.
[0018] A flushing region 13A is provided in another non-print region which is located opposite
the non-print region where the capping member 10 is provided, with a center print
region located therebetween.
[0019] The flushing region 13A is defined by an aperture 13a formed in the paper guide member
8.
[0020] An ink-absorbing member 14 is disposed behind the aperture 13a (or on the inner bottom
of the recording apparatus) and doubles as a member for absorbing and retaining the
ink discharged by the suction pump 11 from the interior space of the capping member
10. The ink-absorbing member 14 is housed in an ink-absorbing material housing case
disposed along the paper guide member 8; i.e., a waste-ink tank 15.
[0021] In the recording apparatus, nozzles are periodically flushed in order to prevent
ejecting failures, which would otherwise be caused by an increase in the viscosity
of ink remaining in the nozzles which are not used during the printing operation.
[0022] Particularly, a recent large-scale model of the ink-jet recording apparatus performs
flushing of ink at an average rate of several tens of droplets per nozzle every several
seconds.
[0023] After a cleaning operation, at the beginning of a printing operation, or periodically
during a printing operation, thousands of droplets or even tens of thousands of droplets
of ink may be ejected.
[0024] The recording head may be flushed within the capping member 10 or in the flushing
region 13A constituted of the aperture formed in the paper guide member 8.
[0025] Particularly, the recording head is flushed within the flushing region in order to
prevent an overflow of ink, which would otherwise be caused when ink droplets are
continuously ejected after the capping member 10 has already been filled with ink.
[0026] As mentioned above, the related ink-jet recording apparatus is required to temporarily
suspend a printing operation in order to flush the recording head, move the carriage
to the capping member or the flushing region, return the carriage to the position
where the printing operation was interrupted, after flushing of the recording head
is completed, and resume the printing operation.
[0027] Because of these requirements, the related recording apparatus encounters technological
problems; i.e., a deterioration in throughput associated with the flushing operation;
and an increase in print time.
[0028] If the recording head is to be flushed while situated at the non-print region opposite
the capping member, the carriage must temporarily travel to the capping member, thus
considerably deteriorating throughput.
[0029] Since the ink-absorbing member receives ink ejected by the recording head, the ink-absorbing
member must be placed in a position opposite the flushing region. However, in some
cases the ink-absorbing member cannot be disposed opposite the flushing region, because
of a limitation imposed by the layout of other components.
[0030] Further, there exists demand for a further reduction in the size of the ink-absorbing
member in order to make the recording apparatus compact.
[0031] There has also been recently provided a model of ink-jet recording apparatus which
is pre-installed with a sequence for flushing a recording head within a flushing region
formed opposite the traveling direction of the carriage, without moving the recording
head to the capping member in order to improve throughput.
[0032] A sequence for flushing a recording head in a flushing region other than the capping
member is employed in a case where a time interval between required periodic flushing
operations is short, where considerable time is required to move the carriage across
paper of large size, or where the direction of printing is out of synchronism with
the timing at which flushing is effected.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 19, if the aperture 13a is formed in the paper guide member 8 as
the flushing region, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 5 is spaced
several centimeters away from the ink-absorbing member 14, thus inevitably involving
an increase in the distance over which ink is to be ejected.
[0034] Some of ink droplets ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording head turn
into mist as a result of air resistance and are suspended in air before arrival at
the ink-absorbing member 14, thus staining the surroundings.
[0035] Ink droplets ejected from the nozzle orifices are electrically charged to a considerably
degree. The ink droplets are affected by the electrostatic charge developed in a drive
section of the recording apparatus and are accelerated by an air flow induced by an
exhaust fan disposed for preventing an increase in the internal temperature of the
recording apparatus or an air flow resulting from movement of the carriage, thus staining
as well the (external) area surrounding the recording apparatus.
[0036] In a recent recording apparatus which controls the quantity of single ink droplets
so as to form the smallest-possible ink droplets in order to implement high picture
quality, the foregoing problems become more pronounced.
[0037] A conceivable measure for preventing the problems is to place waste-fluid absorbing
material in proximity to the recording head. However, a mechanism, such as a paper
feed roller, is usually disposed in an area within a range of carriage travel facing
the head, thus making it difficult to ensure a sufficient capacity for the mechanism.
Further, the waste-fluid absorbing material is selected so as to have higher capability
of absorbing a waste-fluid (i.e., ink). Therefore, if ink droplets are sprayed directly
onto the waste-fluid absorbing material during flushing operation, the waste-fluid
absorbing material is susceptible to clogging. Further, such a waste-fluid absorbing
material is slow to absorb ink.
[0038] To solve such a problem, the present inventors of the invention proposed that a slant
member for guiding the ejected ink into the ink-absorbing member 14 be interposed
between the aperture 13a formed in the paper guide member 8 and the ink-absorbing
member 14.
[0039] Even in this case, the ink ejected from the recording head 5 tends to solidify on
the surface of the slant member, thus raising the new technical problems of the thus-solidified
ink hindering the flow of ink and the smooth introduction of ink toward the ink-absorbing
member 14.
[0040] Particularly, black ink is given a high solid content in order to increase the thickness
of a character and has a property of being susceptible to an increase in viscosity
and is likely to solidify when solvent contained in the ink has evaporated.
[0041] The black ink solidified on the slant surface hinders flow of black ink ejected subsequent
to the solidified black ink, or flow of ink of another color.
[0042] Even if the slant member is not provided, black ink solidified within the ink-absorbing
member hinders absorption of black ink ejected subsequent to the solidified black
ink, or absorption of ink of another color.
[0043] Recently, an ink-jet recording apparatus has been required to have capability of
producing a large volume of printed matter at high speed.
[0044] In order to meet this demand, a large amount of ink must be ejected during the cleaning
and flushing operations performed for recovering the print capability of the recording
head. Therefore, a large amount of waste ink cannot be discharged by an ink-jet recording
apparatus in which the capping member performs a cleaning operation in conjunction
with a flushing operation.
[0045] To prevent this problem, there has already been seen an ink-jet recording apparatus
which is provided with an area designated specifically for flushing operation and
which performs a flushing operation in the designated area.
[0046] A processing routine employed for the flushing operation comprises a step of deactivating
a carriage motor within a predetermined flushing region and flushing a recording head,
and a step of performing a print operation. As mentioned above, such a processing
routine encounters a difficulty in increasing throughput.
[0047] For example, in the case of an ink-jet recording apparatus comprising a plurality
of recording heads provided on a carriage, wherein the respective recording heads
perform printing operation while traveling in the direction of their arrangement in
a row, there must be ensured a flushing region whose width is equal to or greater
than the width of the plurality of recording heads in the traveling direction of the
carriage. Thus, the ink-jet recording apparatus cannot elude a further increase in
size.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0048] In view of the above, a first object of the present invention is to provide an ink-jet
recording apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in throughput, which would otherwise
be caused by a flushing operation.
[0049] A second object of the present invention is to provide an ink-jet recording apparatus
which can solve the previously-described problem and receive the ink ejected by a
recording head without requiring placement of an ink-absorbing member at a position
opposite the flushing region.
[0050] A third object of the present invention is to provide an ink-jet recording apparatus
capable of effectively preventing generation of mist, which would otherwise be suspended
in the form of minute droplets particularly during flushing operation; in other words,
an ink-jet recording apparatus which has great commercial value and prevents staining
of the inside or outside of the recording apparatus.
[0051] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an ink-jet recording apparatus
which prevents solidification of the ink ejected from a recording head, which would
otherwise hinder the absorption of ink by an ink-absorbing member.
[0052] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an ink-jet recording apparatus
which solves the above-described problem by flushing recording heads within a flushing
region at timings corresponding to the respective recording heads while the carriage
is traveling.
[0053] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which
comprises means by way of which a adjusting value for controlling the flushing timings
is input and which can accurately flush the recording heads within the flushing region.
[0054] The invention provides an ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1. Preferred
embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.
[0055] According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
flushing regions situated on the traveling path of the carriage in non-print regions
which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing regions for receiving
ink droplets ejected from the recording head when a flushing operation is performed;
and
capping means provided in one of the non-print regions for sealing the nozzle orifices.
[0056] Accordingly, at the time of flushing of the recording head, the carriage is moved
to the closer of the two flushing regions, where the recording head then ejects ink.
[0057] Since the flushing region is provided also in the area opposite the capping member,
a necessity for flushing the recording head by returning the carriage to the capping
member can be eliminated as well.
[0058] Consequently, throughput associated with flushing operation is improved, and a print
time can be shortened.
[0059] Preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises: a plate member provided
with apertures situated in the respective flushing regions; and an ink absorbing member
for receiving the ink droplets which have been passed through the apertures. More
preferably, the respective apertures are larger than a size of surface on which the
nozzle orifices are formed.
[0060] The aperture prevents splashing of ink ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording
head, and the thus-ejected ink is absorbed by the ink-absorbing material.
[0061] Preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises: a guide member disposed
in at least one of the flushing regions so as to be situated between the aperture
and the ink absorbing member, the guide member having a slant surface on which the
ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member. More preferably, an extending
direction of the slant surface is arbitrarily selected with respect to the traveling
direction of the carriage. More preferably, a slant angle of the slant surface is
set within a domain of 30° < θ < 60°.
[0062] As a result of provision of the slant member between the aperture and the ink-absorbing
member, after the ink ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording head has adhered
to the slant surface of the slant member, the ink is guided to the ink-absorbing member.
[0063] Consequently, there is no necessity for locating the ink-absorbing member opposite
the flushing region, thus contributing to an increase in the degree of freedom in
laying out other components.
[0064] More preferably, a water-repellent layer is formed on the slant surface.
[0065] Accordingly, the ink adhering to the slant surface is likely to drop toward the ink-absorbing
member in the form of an ink droplet, thus preventing solidification of the ink adhering
to the slant surface.
[0066] Further, formation of the water-repellent layer enables a further decrease in the
slant angle θ. Consequently, the slant member can be made more compact.
[0067] Preferably, the recording head ejects a plurality colors of ink such that ink having
higher viscosity lands on a lower position of the slant surface.
[0068] Even when such ink to be ejected from the nozzle orifices corresponding to a lower
portion of the slant surface is likely to adhere thereto, as a result of dropping
of ink having lower viscosity that has adhered to the upper portion of the slant surface
and that is less likely to solidify, and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing material.
[0069] More preferably, a landing position of black ink is higher than landing positions
of any other colors of ink.
[0070] According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus, comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including an ink absorbing member for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed;
capping means provided in one of the non-print regions for sealing the nozzle orifices;
and
a guide member disposed in the flushing region and having a slant surface on which
the ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member.
[0071] By means of the slant member, after the ink ejected from the nozzle orifices of the
recording head has adhered to the slant surface of the slant member, the ink is guided
to the ink-absorbing member.
[0072] Consequently, there is no necessity for locating the ink-absorbing member opposite
the flushing region, thus contributing an increase in the degree of freedom in laying
out other components. Further, since the ink-absorbing material can be made compact,
the ink-jet recording apparatus can be made more compact.
[0073] Preferably, the flushing region includes a plate member provided with an aperture
though which the ink droplets pass. The aperture is situated between the recording
head and the guide member.
[0074] The aperture prevents splashing of ink ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording
head.
[0075] More preferably, the respective apertures are larger than a size of surface on which
the nozzle orifices are formed.
[0076] The ink ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording head can be completely
absorbed by the ink-absorbing material by way of the aperture without splashing.
[0077] Preferably, an extending direction of the slant surface is arbitrarily selected with
respect to the traveling direction of the carriage.
[0078] Consequently, there is no necessity for locating the ink-absorbing member opposite
the flushing region, thus contributing to an increase in the degree of freedom in
laying out other components.
[0079] In some cases, ink adheres to the slant surface as the slant angle θ of the slant
surface approaches 0° and fails to drop toward the ink-absorbing material. For this
reason, the slant angle θ of the slant surface is desirably set to an angle of more
than 0°.
[0080] As the slant angle θ of the slant surface approaches 90°, the ink-absorbing material
cannot be made compact. Hence, the ink-absorbing material must be disposed opposite
the flushing region. For this reason, the slant angle θ of the slant surface is desirably
set to an angle of less than 60°
[0081] Hence, preferably, a slant angle of the slant surface is set within a domain of 30°
< θ < 60°.
[0082] Preferably, a water-repellent layer is formed on the slant surface.
[0083] Accordingly, the ink adhering to the slant surface is likely to drop toward the ink-absorbing
member in the form of an ink droplet, thus preventing solidification of the ink adhering
to the slant surface.
[0084] Further, formation of the water-repellent layer enables a further decrease in the
slant angle θ of the slant surface. Consequently, the slant member can be made more
compact.
[0085] Preferably, the recording head ejects a plurality colors of ink such that ink having
higher viscosity lands on a lower position of the slant surface.
[0086] Even when such ink to be ejected from the nozzle orifices corresponding to a lower
portion of the slant surface is likely to adhere thereto, as a result of dropping
of ink having lower viscosity that has adhered to the upper portion of the slant surface
and that is less likely to solidify, and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing material.
[0087] More preferably, a landing position of black ink is higher than landing positions
of any other colors of ink.
[0088] According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith; and
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including a porous sheet member for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed and an ink absorbing member for absorbing
ink received by the porous sheet member.
[0089] Preferably, a distance between the porous sheet member and a surface on which the
nozzle orifices are formed is set within a domain of 1 to 5 mm when the flushing operation
is performed.
[0090] Preferably, the porous sheet member is hydrophilic.
[0091] Preferably, a mean pore size of the porous sheet is set within a domain of 100 to
500 µm.
[0092] Preferably, the periphery of the porous sheet member is enclosed by a case. The ink
ejected during flushing operation flows along the interior of the case and is absorbed
by the ink absorbing member.
[0093] More preferably, a portion of the porous sheet member facing the nozzle forming surface
is arranged so as to be parallel therewith. A lower end portion of the porous sheet
member extends vertically independent from the angle of the portion facing the nozzle
forming surface. A lower end of the porous sheet member contacts with an inner face
of the casing.
[0094] More preferably, the lower end of the porous sheet member is partially notched such
that an opening is defined by the notch and the inner face of the casing.
[0095] More preferably, the opening is situated so as not to face the nozzle forming surface
when the flushing operation is performed.
[0096] Preferably, the porous sheet member is secured to the casing by a fixing member.
The fixing member is situated so as not to face the nozzle forming surface when the
flushing operation is performed.
[0097] In the ink-jet recording apparatus according to the third aspect, ink droplets ejected
from the recording head within the flushing region during flushing operation are received
by the porous sheet member disposed in proximity to and so as to face the recording
head.
[0098] Since the porous sheet is disposed in close proximity to the recording head, substantially
all the ink droplets or minute droplets ejected from the nozzle orifices fly to the
porous sheet member, thus minimizing the chance of a portion of the ink droplets or
minute droplets being suspended in the air in the form of a mist.
[0099] The ink droplets received by the porous sheet member are transferred to and absorbed
by the waste-liquid absorbing material by way of the case retaining the porous sheet
member.
[0100] Consequently, the present invention enables solving of a problem; i.e., staining
of the interior or exterior of the ink-jet recording apparatus, which would otherwise
be caused by the mist.
[0101] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus, comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including an ink receiver unit for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed;
a plurality of plate members provided within the ink receiver unit for receiving the
ink droplets at a predetermined angle with respect to a flight direction of the ink
droplets.
[0102] Preferably, the ink receiver unit includes a cylindrical casing. The plural plate
members are arranged with in the casing at substantially equal intervals and at the
predetermined angle.
[0103] More preferably, the ink receiver unit includes a cylindrical guide body extending
from the cylindrical casing continuously and vertically for leading the received ink
to a waste-ink tank.
[0104] More preferably, the predetermined angle is set within a domain of 40 to 80 degrees.
[0105] In the ink-jet recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present
invention, the ink droplets ejected from the recording head within the flushing region
are captured by any one of the plurality of plate members disposed at a predetermined
angle with respect to the direction of flight of the ink droplets.
[0106] The waste ink captured by the plate members is guided to the waste-ink tank disposed
below the plate members (i.e., in the downward direction).
[0107] The distance over which the ink droplets are to fly can be reduced by setting to
a small value the angle formed between the direction of flight of ink droplets and
the orientation of the plate members, thus diminishing the extent to which a mist
is produced. However, the angle at which ink droplets impinge on the surface of the
plate members becomes close to a normal, thus generating a mist when the plate members
cause the ink droplets to splash.
[0108] In contrast, if the angle formed between the direction of flight of ink droplets
and the orientation of the plate members is set to a large value, the mean distance
over which ink droplets are to fly becomes greater, thus generating a mist to a large
extent.
[0109] For these reasons, the angle formed between the direction of flight of ink droplets
and the orientation of the plate members is desirably set to an angle of about 60°.
Consequently, the extent to which the mist is generated can be diminished, thus preventing
contamination of interior or exterior of the ink-jet recording apparatus.
[0110] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith; and
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording head when a flushing operation
is performed,
wherein the flushing operation includes a first flushing and a second flushing, and
wherein the first flushing for ejecting ink droplets of a first ink is performed at
a first position in the flushing region, and the second flushing for ejecting ink
droplets a second ink different from the first ink is performed at a second position
of the flushing region.
[0111] Accordingly, cumulative deposition of ink can be prevented and ensuring absorption
of ink by the ink-absorbing material.
[0112] Preferably, the first flushing and the second flushing is performed in order.
[0113] Preferably, the second flushing is performed without stopping the carriage.
[0114] Preferably, the first flushing is performed before the carriage starts to travel.
[0115] Preferably, the first flushing is performed without stopping the carriage.
[0116] If ink is ejected without the carriage being stopped, cumulative deposition of ink
can be prevented, as mentioned above.
[0117] Preferably, the first position and the second position are fixed.
[0118] Preferably, one of the first and second positions is fixed and the other is variable.
[0119] Preferably, the recording head includes three pairs of nozzle orifice arrays. A distance
X between the first and second positions satisfies one of the following relationships:

and

where L1 denotes a distance between the respective pairs of nozzle orifice arrays,
and L2 denotes a distance between the respective nozzle orifice arrays.
[0120] Even when the carriage is stopped, the flushing method is particularly desirable
because it can prevent cumulative deposition of ink by changing the first and second
positions.
[0121] Preferably, the first position is situated at an outer traveling limit of the carriage,
and a second position is situated where is closer to the print region than the first
position.
[0122] More preferably, the first ink is black ink, and the second ink is at least one of
cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink.
[0123] Preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises: a plate member provided
with an aperture situated in the flushing region; and an ink absorbing member for
receiving the ink droplets which have been passed through the aperture.
[0124] More preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises: a guide member
disposed in at least one of the flushing regions so as to be situated between the
aperture and the ink absorbing member, the guide member having a slant surface on
which the ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member.
[0125] More preferably, the respective apertures are larger than a size of surface on which
the nozzle orifices are formed.
[0126] More preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises a ventilation
fan. The ventilation fan is halted during the flushing operation.
[0127] Accordingly, there can be prevented solidification of black ink on the slant surface,
or otherwise hindering flow of black ink or ink of another color ejected later and
flow of the ink to the ink-absorbing material.
[0128] As mentioned above, the black ink is susceptible to an increase in viscosity or solidification
when the solvent of black ink evaporates. Even when the slant member is not provided,
the flushing method of the present invention can prevent solidification of black ink
within the ink-absorbing material, which would otherwise prevent absorption of black
ink or ink of another color ejected later.
[0129] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet
recording apparatus comprising:
a plurality of ink-jet recording heads mounted on a carriage which travels in the
widthwise direction of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting
ink droplets from nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
for receiving ink droplets ejected from the moving recording head when a flushing
operation is performed; and
a flushing position controller including means for inputting a value for adjusting
a timing of outputting an flushing drive signal for triggering the flushing operation.
[0130] Preferably, the adjusting value is inputted as a first value for correcting a preset
flushing position of one of the plural recording heads.
[0131] More preferably, the first correcting value is managed by counting reference pulses.
A second correcting value for a preset flushing position of the other recording head
inputted as the adjusting value is managed by a delay time period from a flushing
drive signal based on the first correcting value.
[0132] More preferably, the first correcting value is managed by counting reference pulses.
A second correcting value for a preset flushing position of the other recording head
inputted as the adjusting value is also managed by counting the reference pulses.
[0133] More preferably, the reference pulses is an encoder signal generated according to
the traveling of the carriage.
[0134] More preferably, the ink-jet recording apparatus further comprises a non-volatile
memory for storing the correcting values. The output timing of the flushing drive
signal is determined with reference to the correcting values in the non-volatile memory
and the encoder signal.
[0135] More preferably, the respective apertures are smaller than a size of surface on which
the nozzle orifices are formed.
[0136] Consequently, the throughput pertaining to flushing can be improved, and the width
of the flushing region can be set to a smaller value, thus rendering the recording
apparatus compact.
[0137] Furthermore, the accuracy of timing at which each of the recording heads ejects ink
for flushing can be improved, and the ink droplets can be ejected within a narrower
specified area, thus enabling a further reduction in the size of the flushing region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0138] In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front view showing a main unit of an ink-jet recording apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the main unit being
shown in cross section;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of a control circuit provided in the
ink-jet recording apparatus of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a front view showing a main unit of an ink-jet recording apparatus according
to a second embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the main unit being
shown in cross section;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a flushing region shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of a slant member whose tapered surface is formed
in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of a carriage, with a portion
of the slant surface being shown in cross section;
Fig. 6 is a perspective external view showing one example of a large-sized ink-jet
recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied;
Fig. 7 is a front view showing the outline of the internal configuration of the recording
apparatus shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus shown in
Fig. 7 as taken through a flushing region;
Figs. 9A and 9B show an ink receiver unit to be positioned in the flushing region
of the ink-jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment, wherein Fig. 9A
is a front view showing the configuration of the ink receiver unit, and Fig. 9B is
a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same;
Figs. 10A and 10B show an ink receiver unit to be positioned in the flushing region
of the ink-jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, wherein Fig.
10A is a front view showing the configuration of the ink receiver unit, and Fig. 10B
is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same;
Figs. 11 and 12 are conceptual renderings for describing flushing operation to be
performed according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 13A and 13B are conceptual renderings for describing the position of a recording
head while the recording head is flushed;
Fig. 14 is a conceptual rendering for describing the size of a nozzle plate and the
size of an aperture according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a front view showing the interior configuration of an ink-jet recording
apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a timing chart for describing the operation of the flushing position controller
installed in the ink-jet recording apparatus of Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the flushing position controller
installed in the ink-jet recording apparatus of Fig. 15;
Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the flushing position controller
installed in the ink-jet recording apparatus of Fig. 15; and
Fig. 19 is a front view showing a main unit of a related ink-jet recording apparatus,
with a portion of the main unit being shown in cross section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0139] An ink-jet recording apparatus, a flushing method, and a flushing position controller
according to the present invention will be described hereinbelow by reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0140] To start, an ink-jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention will now be described by reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
[0141] Fig. 1 shows configuration of a main unit of an ink-jet recording apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 shows an example of a control
circuit provided in the recording apparatus.
[0142] In Figs. 1 and 2, the elements which are identical with or correspond to those shown
in Fig. 19 are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their detailed
explanations is omitted here for brevity.
[0143] The ink-jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment is characterized
in that flushing regions 13A and 13B for receiving ink droplets to be ejected when
a flushing drive signal is supplied to a recording head 5 are disposed in non-print
regions such that the flushing region 13A is provided in the non-print region where
capping member 10 for sealing the recording head is disposed and the flushing region
13B is provided in the remaining non-print region which is opposite the capping member
10, with a center print region provided therebetween.
[0144] The flushing region 13A provided in the non-print region opposite the capping member
10 is provided in the ink-jet recording apparatus shown in Fig. 19, as well. The flushing
region 13A is defined by an aperture 13a formed in a paper guide member 8.
[0145] An ink-absorbing member 14 which serves as a member not only for absorbing the ink
discharged from the capping member 10 by a suction pump 11 but also for retaining
the same is disposed below the aperture 13a (i.e., at the inner bottom of the ink-jet
recording apparatus). The ink-absorbing member 14 is housed in an ink-absorbing member
housing case disposed along the paper guide member 8; i.e., a waste-ink tank 15.
[0146] The flushing region 13B is newly provided in the non-print region ensured in the
vicinity of the capping member 10 for sealing the recording head 5. The flushing region
13B is identical in configuration with the flushing region 13A and is defined by an
aperture 13b formed in the paper guide member 8.
[0147] The ink-absorbing member 14 housed in the waste-ink tank 15 is disposed below the
aperture 13b (i.e., at the inner bottom of the recording apparatus).
[0148] The ink ejected from the recording head 5 for flushing purpose within the flushing
region 13A or 13B is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14 housed in the waste-ink
tank 15.
[0149] A control circuit of the recording apparatus having the foregoing configuration will
now be described by reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, reference numeral 30 designates
a print controller. The print controller 30 produces bit-mapped data on the basis
of print data output from a host computer of the recording apparatus. On the basis
of the thus-produced bit-mapped data, a head driver 31 generates a drive signal, thus
causing the recording head 5 to eject ink.
[0150] In addition to producing the drive signal on the basis of print data, the head driver
31 is also configured so as to output a flushing drive signal to the recording head
5 upon receipt of a flushing instruction signal from a flushing controller 32, thus
effecting ejecting of ink irrelevant to the printing operation.
[0151] Reference numeral 33 designates a cleaning controller. Upon receipt of an instruction
signal output from the cleaning controller 33, a pump driver 34 is activated to drive
the suction pump 11.
[0152] The cleaning controller 33 receives an instruction signal from the print controller
30 and cleaning instruction detector 35.
[0153] An instruction switch 36 is connected to the cleaning instruction detector 35. In
response to the user depressing the instruction switch 36, the instruction detector
35 is activated, thus enabling manually-instructed cleaning operation.
[0154] A carriage position controller 37 is connected to the flushing controller 32. At
the time of flushing operation, the flushing controller 32 sends a control signal
to the carriage position controller 32, thus activating a carriage motor 38. As a
result, the recording head 5 mounted on the carriage 1 is moved to either the flushing
region 13A or the flushing region 13B.
[0155] At this time, the flushing controller 32 sends a control signal to the carriage position
controller 37, thus determining whether the recording head 5 mounted on the carriage
1 is to be moved to the flushing region 13A or to the flushing region 13B, whichever
results in a smaller decrease in throughput, in consideration of the direction of
printing or the distances between the recording head 5 situated in the print region
and the respective flushing regions.
[0156] Further, the flushing controller 32 is connected to a fan drive controller 39. At
the time of flushing operation, the flushing controller 32 sends a control signal
to the fan drive controller 39, to thereby temporarily stop a fan motor 40 which drives
a ventilation fan (not shown) for preventing an increase in the internal temperature
of the recording apparatus.
[0157] As is obvious from the foregoing description, the ink-jet recording apparatus of
the first embodiment comprises the flushing regions 13A and 13B for receiving ink
droplets to be ejected when a flushing drive signal is supplied to the recording head
5; more specifically, the flushing region 13B is provided in the non-print region
where the capping member 10 for sealing the recording head 5 is to be disposed, and
the flushing region 13A is provided in the remaining non-print region which is opposite
the capping member 10, with the center print region located therebetween. By employment
of these flushing regions 13A and 13B, the present invention prevents a problem of
much print time being required in association with the flushing operation.
[0158] Furthermore, the recording head 5 is to be moved to the flushing region 13A or to
the flushing region 13B, whichever results in a smaller decrease in throughput. Thus,
the first embodiment can eliminate a problem of considerable print time being required
as a result of flushing operation.
[0159] An ink-jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention
will now be described by reference to Figs. 3 and 4.
[0160] Fig. 3 shows the configuration of a main unit of the recording apparatus according
to the second embodiment, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the flushing region shown
in Fig. 3.
[0161] In Figs. 3 and 4, the elements which are identical with or correspond to those shown
in Figs. 1 and 19 are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their
detailed explanations is omitted here for brevity.
[0162] Since the control circuit of the recording apparatus is identical with that shown
in Fig. 2, repetition of its explanation is omitted.
[0163] As shown in Fig. 3, the ink-jet recording apparatus of the second embodiment is characterized
in that slant members 20, each having a slant surface 20a tilted toward the print
region, are interposed such the one slant member 20 is interposed between the aperture
13a formed in the paper guide member 8 provided in the flushing region 13A and the
ink-absorbing member 14 disposed below the aperture 13a (i.e., at the inner bottom
of the recording apparatus), and the other slant member 20 is interposed between the
aperture 13b formed in the paper guide member 8 provided in the flushing region 13B
and the ink-absorbing member 14 disposed below the aperture 13b (i.e., at the inner
bottom of the recording apparatus).
[0164] As a result of presence of the slant member 20 tilted toward the print region between
the aperture 13a and the ink-absorbing member 14 disposed below the aperture 13a,
the ink ejected from the recording head 5 passes through the aperture 13a and adheres
to the slant surface 20a of the slant member 20. Similarly, as a result of presence
of the slant member 20 tilted toward the print region between the aperture 13b and
the ink-absorbing member 14 disposed below the aperture 13b, the ink ejected from
the recording head 5 passes through the aperture 13b and adheres to the slant surface
20a of the slant member 20.
[0165] When ink adheres to the slant surface 20a to a certain extent, ink drops toward the
ink-absorbing member 14 in the form of droplets and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing
member 14.
[0166] As mentioned above, the slant members 20 tapered toward the print region are interposed
between the apertures 13a and 13b and the ink-absorbing member 14 disposed below the
apertures 13a and 13b, to thereby guide to the ink-absorbing member 14 the ink ejected
from the recording head 5. Thus, the present invention eliminates a necessity for
placing the ink-absorbing member 14 at a position where it faces the flushing regions
13A and 13B.
[0167] The recording apparatus is subjected to a less stringent limitation imposed by the
layout of other components, thus increasing the degree of freedom in designing a recording
apparatus.
[0168] Further, the ink-absorbing member 14 can be made compact and placed at the center
of the recording apparatus, thus rendering the ink-jet recording apparatus compact.
[0169] Although the example shown in Fig. 3 illustrates the slant members 20 disposed in
the respective flushing regions 13A and 13B, the slant members 20 are not necessarily
required to be placed in both flushing regions 13A and 13B; the slant member 20 may
be disposed in either the flushing region 13A or the flushing region 13B.
[0170] Further, the slant surfaces 20a may be integrally formed with the respective apertures
13a and 13b.
[0171] The slant angle θ of the slant surface 20a of the slant member 20 falls within the
domain of 0°<θ<90°.
[0172] In some cases, as the slant angle θ of the slant surface 20a of the slant member
20 approximates 0°, ink adheres to the slant surface 20a and fails to drop to the
ink-absorbing member 14.
[0173] For this reason, the slant angle θ of the slant surface 20a is desirably set to an
angle of 30° or more.
[0174] In contrast, if the slant angle θ of the slant surface 20a approximates 90°, the
ink-absorbing member 14 cannot be made compact. Therefore, the ink-absorbing member
14 must be disposed at a position where it faces the flushing regions 13A and 13B.
[0175] In this case, the slant angle θ of the slant surface 20a of the slant member 20 preferably
falls within the domain of 30° < θ < 60°.
[0176] Preferably, the slant surface 20a is coated with a water-repellent agent such as
silicon, fluorine, TEFLON, or a like chemical.
[0177] If the slant surface 20a is coated with a water-repellent layer, the ink adhering
to the slant surface 20a becomes ink droplets and becomes likely to fall to the ink-absorbing
member 14, thus preventing solidification of the ink on the slant surface 20a.
[0178] Even if the slant surface 20a has a small slant angle θ, the ink adhering to the
slant surface 20a becomes ink droplets as a result of the water-repellent layer formed
on the slant surface 20a and falls to the ink-absorbing member 14. Accordingly, the
ink-absorbing member 14 can be made compact.
[0179] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the slant surface 20a of the slant member 20 is tapered
with respect to the traveling direction of the carriage 1. However, as shown in Fig.
5, the slant surface 20a may alternatively be tapered with respect to a direction
perpendicular to the traveling direction of the carriage 1 (i.e., the direction normal
to the drawing sheet of Fig. 5) or at a predetermined angle with respect to the traveling
direction of the carriage 1.
[0180] As mentioned above, the degree of freedom in laying out the ink-absorbing member
14 can be increased by changing the direction of tapering of the slant surface 20a.
[0181] Further, as shown in Fig. 4, the size "I" of the apertures 13a and 13b is preferably
made greater than the size "L" of a nozzle plate 5e of the recording head 5.
[0182] So long as the size "I" of the apertures 13a and 13b is made greater than the size
"L" of the nozzle plate 5e of the recording head 5 as mentioned above, the ink ejected
from nozzle orifices of the recording head 5 passes through the apertures 13a and
13b without splashing and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0183] Preferably, nozzle orifices for ejecting ink which are likely to dry and solidify
(i.e., ink having high viscosity) are formed in the area of the recording head 5 corresponding
to a lower portion of the slant surface 20a.
[0184] For example, a nozzle orifice 5d is desirably used for ejecting black ink.
[0185] In other words, at least a nozzle orifice 5a is desirably used for ejecting ink of
another color, such as yellow, cyan, or magenta.
[0186] The illustrated black ink has a higher content of a dye component than do inks of
other colors: i.e., yellow, cyan, and magenta. When the solvent contained in the black
ink evaporates, the black ink is susceptible to a considerable increase in viscosity
and is likely to solidify.
[0187] Because of such a property, if black ink adheres to a higher portion of the slant
surface 20a, the black ink may solidify thereon.
[0188] In contrast, if black ink adheres to an intermediate or lower portion of the slant
surface 20a, the black ink flows down over the slant surface 20a without solidification
in association with falling of ink adhering to a position higher than the position
to which the black ink adheres and is finally absorbed by the ink-absorbing member
14.
[0189] The black ink is illustrative, and ink of another color which is likely to dry and
solidify (i.e., ink of another color and having high viscosity) may also be employed.
[0190] As is mentioned above, the ink-jet recording apparatus of the second embodiment comprises
the slant members 20 provided in the respective flushing regions 13A and 13B, and
the ink ejected from the recording head 5 is guided to the ink-absorbing member 14
by way of the slant member 20. As a result, the present invention eliminates a necessity
for placing the ink-absorbing member 14 at a position where it faces the flushing
regions 13A and 13B. The recording apparatus is subjected to a less stringent limitation
imposed by the layout of other components, thus increasing the degree of freedom in
design of a recording apparatus.
[0191] The ink-absorbing member 14 can be made more compact, thus rendering the ink-jet
recording apparatus compact.
[0192] An ink-jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention
will now be described.
[0193] Figs. 6 and 7 show the configuration of a large-sized ink-jet recording apparatus
(hereinafter also called "printer") installed directly on the floor. Fig. 6 is a perspective
outline of the printer, and Fig. 7 is a front view showing the internal configuration
of the printer.
[0194] Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the printer shown in Fig. 7 taken
through a flushing region to be described later.
[0195] In this printer are arranged a paper feed section 101, a print section 102, and a
paper output section 103, in this order from top to bottom.
[0196] A paper transport channel is formed into a substantially linear path which is tilted
relative to the vertical line and extends from the paper feed section 101 to the paper
output section 103 by way of the print section 102.
[0197] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, long roll paper 104 having a width of, for example, up
to 40 inches can be loaded on the paper feed section 101 as a recording medium. At
the time of replacement, the roll paper 104 can be removed. The position where the
paper supply section 101 is set is optimal for the operator replacing the roll paper
104 with new roll paper while remaining in a standing position.
[0198] As shown in Fig. 6, the front surface of the roll paper 104 loaded on the paper feed
section 101 can be covered with a reclosable roll paper cover 105. When the roll paper
cover 105 is in a closed position, the upper surface of the roll paper cover 105,
the print section 102, and a paper delivery guide 106 to be described later are substantially
brought into alignment, thus enabling supply or discharge of paper, such as a rigid
cardboard, of a type other than the roll paper 104.
[0199] As shown in Fig. 7, in the paper feed section 101 a pair of spindle receivers 108a,
108b are disposed below another pair of spindle receivers 107a, 107b.
[0200] The spindle receiver pairs 107 and 108 are mounted on a pair of frames 109, 109 of
the printer main unit. A spindle 107 having the long roll paper 104 fitted thereon
is supported by the spindle receivers 107a and 107b, and another spindle 108 having
the long roll paper 104 fitted thereon is supported by the spindle receivers 108a
and 108b.
[0201] As can be seen from Figs. 6 and 7, the upper spindle 107 and the lower spindle 108
are aligned so as to be parallel and to assume a diagonal relationship; specifically,
the lower spindle 108 is located closer to the operator than the upper spindle 107.
[0202] The respective sheets of roll paper 104 are transported along the paper transport
path, which is formed substantially linearly and inclined toward the entrance of the
paper output section 103 by way of the print section 102.
[0203] As shown in Fig. 7, a guide rod 110 is provided in the print section 102 and is horizontally
attached to the frames 109, 109. A carriage 111 is provided on the guide rod 110 so
as to travel back and forth along the same, and a recording head 112 is mounted on
the carriage 111.
[0204] The paper delivery guide 106 is formed below the area scanned by the recording head
112, so as to constitute a portion of the paper transport path.
[0205] The paper output section 103 receives printed paper and comprises a catch cloth 113
whose paper-receiving surface is formed from a collapsible canvas sheet.
[0206] As shown in Fig. 8, the paper output section 103 is switched by a paper delivery
changeover lever 114 so as to guide printed paper to a first receiving section 115
located substantially immediately below the print section 102 or so as to guide printed
paper to an unillustrated second receiving section which is temporarily formed in
the vicinity of the front side of the printer by expansion of the catch cloth 113
over the floor in front of the printer main unit.
[0207] In a case where printed paper is guided to the first receiving section 115, an opening
116 is formed between a rear edge 106a of the paper delivery guide 106 situated at
a position lower than the print section 102 and an upper edge 113a of the catch cloth
113 protruding into the paper transport path, by means of the paper delivery changeover
lever 114.
[0208] In a case where printed paper is guided to the second receiving section, the upper
edge 113a of the catch cloth 113 is retracted backward relative to the paper transport
path, by means of the paper delivery changeover lever 114. A catch cloth fixing lever
117 is withdrawn from the front side of the printer, and a hook 118 on which the front
end of the catch cloth 113 is fixed is engaged with the front end of the fixing lever
117, whereby the catch cloth 113 can be spread to extend forward of the front side
of the printer main unit.
[0209] As shown in Fig. 7, one end of the area over which the recording head 112 mounted
on the carriage 111 travels corresponds to a non-print region (the home position),
where a capping member 121 is disposed.
[0210] The recording head 112 is mounted on the carriage 111 such that a nozzle forming
surface of the recording head 112 is slightly tilted relative to the perpendicular,
as will be described later. The capping member 121 is arranged so as to seal the nozzle
forming surface of the recording head 112 when the recording head 112 moves to the
non-print region.
[0211] A suction pump 122 for imparting negative pressure to the interior space of the capping
member 121 is provided below the capping member 121.
[0212] The capping member 121 acts as a cap member for preventing drying of the nozzle orifices
of the recording head 112 while the printer is in an idle mode. Further, the capping
member 121 acts as head cleaning means for sucking ink by imparting negative pressure
generated by the suction pump 122 to the recording head 112.
[0213] The waste ink discharged by the suction pump 122 is delivered to a first waste ink
tank 123 and is absorbed by a waste-fluid absorbing material 123a housed in the tank
123.
[0214] A first flushing region 125 is formed on the path over which the recording head 112
travels, so as to become adjacent to the capping member 121. An ink receiver unit
127, which will be described in detail by reference to Fig. 9, is disposed in the
first flushing region 125. The waste ink collected by the ink receiver unit 127 is
delivered to the first waste ink tank 123 and is absorbed by the waste-fluid absorbing
material 123a housed in the tank 123.
[0215] A second flushing region 126 is formed in the remaining end opposite the capping
member 121, with the center print area placed therebetween.
[0216] The ink receiver unit 127 is provided even in this second flushing region 126, and
the waste ink collected by the ink receiver unit 127 is delivered to a second waste-fluid
tank 128, where the waste ink is absorbed by a waste-fluid absorbing material 128a
housed in the tank 128.
[0217] The ink-jet recording apparatus is pre-installed with a flushing sequence for selectively
using either the first or second flushing region, according to the width of paper
to be subjected to printing, as required. As a result, the reliability of printing
can be ensured by flushing without involvement of a decrease in throughput.
[0218] As shown in Fig. 8, cartridge holders 141 for retaining ink cartridges are provided
at opposite ends of and behind the print section 102 of the recording apparatus.
[0219] Each cartridge holder 141 is configured so as to be pivotable through about 45 degrees
between a cartridge exchange mode and an ink supply mode. In the cartridge exchange
mode, the cartridge holder 141 is tilted from its longitudinal direction at an angle
of 45 degrees, to thereby enable the operator to exchange ink cartridges. In the ink
supply mode, the cartridge holder 141 is in a horizontal position, and ink is supplied
to the recording heads.
[0220] Fig. 9 shows the configuration of the ink receiver units 127 disposed in the respective
first and second flushing regions. Fig. 9A is a front view of the ink-receiver unit,
and Fig. 9B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ink-receiver unit taken
along substantially the center thereof.
[0221] The ink receiver unit 127 comprises a case member 131 and a porous sheet 132. The
case member 131 is divided, along its center, into a first cylindrical body 131 a
and a second cylindrical body 131b. The first cylindrical body 131 a forms an angle
of about 130° with the second cylindrical body 131 b. An opening is formed in the
first cylindrical body 131 a of the case member 131, and the substantially-square
porous sheet 132 is attached to the opening.
[0222] The ink receiver unit 127 is attached to the recording apparatus such that an axial
line 131 c of the second cylindrical body 131b is aligned substantially normal to
the recording apparatus.
[0223] The porous sheet 132 is attached to the square opening formed in the first cylindrical
body 131a, by means of four strip-shaped attachment members 133. The four strip-shaped
attachment members 133 are secured on a rib formed within the first cylindrical body
131a, by means of screws 134. As shown in Fig. 9B, the periphery of the porous sheet
132 is surrounded by the opening of the case member 131. The ink ejected for flushing
purpose flows over the interior of the case member 131 via the porous sheet 132 and
is absorbed by the waste-fluid absorbing material 123a (128a).
[0224] As indicated by a phantom line (two-dot chain line) shown in Fig. 9B, the porous
sheet 132 is arranged such that the distance "t" between the nozzle forming surface
112a of the recording head 112 and the porous sheet 132 preferably assumes a value
of about 1 to 5 mm when the recording head 112 is situated in the flushing region.
[0225] The smaller the distance "t," the smaller the chance of a mist being caused by flushing.
However, if the distance "t" is set to a value of less than 1 mm, the nozzle forming
surface 112a of the recording head 112 is prone to being damaged by movement of the
recording head 112 for reasons of an error in the attachment of a drive mechanism
or unit, thus deteriorating the reliability of operation.
[0226] If the distance "t" exceeds a value of 5 mm, the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle
orifices during flushing are suspended in the air to an unacceptably great extent.
[0227] Preferably, the mean pore size of the porous sheet 132 falls within the domain of
about 100 to 500 µm.
[0228] A comparatively large mean pore size is desirable. If the mean pore size exceeds
500 µm, the ink-retention capability of the porous sheet 132 is deteriorated.
[0229] If the mean pore size assumes a value of less than 100 µm, the ink-retention capability
of the porous sheet 132 is increased. For instance, in a case where the recording
apparatus remains in a non-print mode over a comparatively long period of time and
the porous sheet becomes dried, the porous sheet is susceptible to clogging, thus
deteriorating the function of the recording apparatus.
[0230] Preferably, material subjected to hydrophilic processing is used as the porous sheet.
As a result, ink encounters difficulty in remaining on the surface of the porous sheet,
thus preventing splashing of ink during flushing.
[0231] As shown in Fig. 9B, a lower edge 132a of the porous sheet 132 is slightly bent toward
the inside of the first cylindrical body 131a and is brought into contact with the
interior wall of the first cylindrical body 131 a.
[0232] By means of such a configuration, the amount of ink exceeding the ink-retention capability
of the porous sheet 132 can efficiently travel to the interior wall surface of the
cylindrical body 131a. The superfluous ink can flow to the waste-fluid absorbing material
123a by way of the second cylindrical body 131b whose axial core is aligned substantially
to the recording apparatus.
[0233] As shown in Fig. 9A, two rectangular notches 132b are formed in the lower edge 132a
of the porous sheet 132 which remains in contact with the interior wall surface of
the cylindrical body 131a. The notches 132b constitute openings 132c communicating
with the interior wall surface of the first cylindrical body 131a.
[0234] In the event that the porous sheet 132 becomes clogged and the ink-retention capability
of the porous sheet 132 becomes deteriorated, the ink ejected for flushing is temporarily
received by the porous sheet 132 and is guided to the inside of the first cylindrical
body 131a by way of the openings 132c.
[0235] The operational reliability of the ink receiver unit 127 can be ensured over a long
period of time.
[0236] As shown in Fig. 9A, the openings 132c are desirably formed so as not to extend to
a position where they face the row of nozzle orifices 112b of the recording head 112.
[0237] By means of such a configuration, the ink ejected from the nozzle orifices 112b flies
directly to the surface of the porous sheet 132 without fail, thus preventing occurrence
of a mist, which would otherwise be caused when the ink flies to the openings 132c.
[0238] If the attachment members 133 are provided at positions where they face the row of
nozzle orifices 112b, ink droplets remain on the surface of the attachment members
133 and are splashed, thus staining the nozzle forming surface 112a and the surroundings
thereof.
[0239] Staining of the nozzle forming surface 112a and the surroundings thereof can be prevented,
by selection of positions where the attachment members 133 are to be mounted, in the
manner as mentioned previously.
[0240] Although the foregoing description is based on the case where the ink-jet recording
apparatus of the third embodiment corresponds to a particularly large-sized recording
apparatus shown in Figs. 6 through 8, the present invention is not limited to such
a specific type of recording apparatus. Needless to say, the same working-effect can
be yielded even when the present invention is applied to another type of ink-jet recording
apparatus.
[0241] As is evident from the foregoing description, in the ink-jet recording apparatus
of the third embodiment, the porous sheet 132 is provided so as to become close to
and face the recording head 112 when the recording head 112 is situated in the flushing
region 125 or 126. The majority of ink droplets ejected from the recording head for
flushing can be captured and absorbed by the porous sheet 132.
[0242] The ink droplets received by the porous sheet 132 are transferred to and absorbed
by the waste-fluid absorbing material 123a by way of the case member 131 retaining
the porous sheet 132.
[0243] Consequently, the chance of a portion of the ink droplets being suspended in the
air in the form of a mist can be minimized.
[0244] Thus, the third embodiment can provide an ink-jet recording apparatus whose commercial
value is improved to a great extent and which solves the problem of occurrence of
a mist, which would otherwise stain the inside and outside of the recording apparatus.
[0245] An ink-jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
will now be described.
[0246] Figs. 6 through 8 used in connection with the description of the ink-jet recording
apparatus of the third embodiment are referred to, exactly as they are, for describing
the ink-jet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
[0247] Other than Fig. 10, which shows the configuration of an ink receiver unit characterizing
the fourth embodiment, explanations of the configuration, elements, and reference
numerals provided in Figs. 6 through 8 are omitted here for brevity.
[0248] Fig. 10 shows configuration of an ink receiver units 127 to be disposed in the respective
first and second flushing regions 125 and 126 in the ink-jet recording apparatus shown
in Figs. 6 through 8. Fig. 10A is a front view of the ink receiver unit, and Fig.
10B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ink receiver unit taken substantially
along its center.
[0249] The ink receiver unit 127 comprises a cylindrical section 231 whose opening is directed
toward the direction of flight of the ink droplets ejected from the recording head
112, and a cylindrical guide section 232 for guiding ink toward the waste-fluid tank
123 or 128. The cylindrical section 231 and the cylindrical guide section 232 are
integrally formed from synthetic resin. The ink receiver unit 127 is attached to the
recording apparatus such that an axial line 232c of the guide section 232 is aligned
substantially normal to the recording apparatus.
[0250] A plurality of plate members 233 for receiving ink droplets are provided within the
cylindrical section 231 at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of
flight of the ink droplets ejected from the recording head 112.
[0251] In the fourth embodiment, four plate members 233 are provided in the cylindrical
section 231. The plate members 233 are arranged at substantially a uniform interval
within the cylindrical section 231 and in parallel with the axis of the cylindrical
section 231, because of a limitation imposed by rapping operation.
[0252] In the present embodiment, the plate members 233 are set such that the direction
of the plate forms an angle of about 60° with the direction of flight of the ink droplets
ejected from the recording head 122. As shown in Fig. 10B, the angle θ which is formed
by an extension of the nozzle forming surface 112a of the recording head 112 and the
axial core of the cylindrical section 231 is 60°.
[0253] As indicated by the dashed-arrows shown in Fig. 10B, the ink droplets ejected from
the recording head impinge on and are captured by the surface of each of the plate
members 233 at an angle of about 30°. The waste ink captured by the respective plate
members 233 is guided to the waste-fluid tank 123 or 128 located below the plate members
233, or in the direction in which gravity acts, by way of the interior of the guide
section 232.
[0254] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment the angle formed by the direction of
flight of the ink droplets ejected from the recording head 112 and the orientation
of the plate members is 60°. Preferably, the angle is set so as to fall within the
domain of 40° to 80°.
[0255] If the angle is less than 40°, the distance over which ink droplets are to fly can
be reduced. However, the angle at which the ink droplets impinge on the surface of
the plate members 233 becomes too close to the perpendicular, and the ink droplets
are splashed by the surface of the plate members 233, resulting in generation of a
mist.
[0256] In contrast, if the angle is in excess of 80°, the average distance over which ink
droplets are to fly becomes greater, thus resulting in an increase in the degree of
formation of a mist.
[0257] Particularly, in a case where ink droplets ejected from the recording head 112 pass
by the plate members 233 close to the orifices and are received by other plate members
233 distant from the orifices, as indicated by the chained arrows shown in Fig. 10B,
the distance over which the ink droplets are to fly becomes extremely long, thus resulting
in an increase in the degree of formation of a mist.
[0258] Further, as shown in the present embodiment, in a case where the recording head 112
is attached to the carriage 111 such that ink droplets are ejected in substantially
a horizontal direction, if the angle formed between the direction of flight of ink
droplets and the orientation of the plate members 233 exceeds 80°, the axis of the
cylindrical section 231 becomes close to the horizontal direction, thus deteriorating
flow of waste ink within the cylindrical section 231.
[0259] Even when the angle assumes a larger value, the distance over which ink droplets
are to fly can be reduced by means of increasing the number of the plate members 233.
However, an increase in the number of the plate members 233 results in a decrease
in the interval between the plate members 233, thus deteriorating outflow of ink and
operability for maintenance.
[0260] For the foregoing reasons, the angle is desirably set so as to fall within the domain
of 40° to 80°.
[0261] Although four plate members 233 are provided in the fourth embodiment, the number
of plate members 233 can be changed to an appropriate value according to the size
of the cylindrical section 231 constituting the plate members 233, as required.
[0262] Although the foregoing description is based on the case where the ink-jet recording
apparatus corresponds to a particularly large-sized recording apparatus shown in Figs.
6 through 8, the present invention is not limited to such a specific type of recording
apparatus. Needless to say, the same working-effect can be yielded even when the present
invention is applied to another type of ink-jet recording apparatus.
[0263] As is evident from the foregoing description, the ink-jet recording apparatus of
the fourth embodiment is equipped with the ink receiver units 127 for receiving ink
droplets ejected from the recording head 112 which are located within the respective
flushing regions 125 and 126. The plurality of plate members 233 are disposed within
each of the ink receiver units 127 such that the angle formed by the direction of
flight of ink droplets ejected from the recording head 112 and the orientation of
the plate members 233 is set to about 60°. Ink droplets ejected for flushing are captured
by any one of the plate members 233 within a comparatively short distance over which
the ink droplets fly.
[0264] By means of such a configuration, the chance of a portion of ink droplets being suspended
in the air in the form of a mist can be diminished, thus solving a problem of generation
of a mist, which would otherwise stain the inside and outside of the recording apparatus.
[0265] An ink-jet recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 through 4 and 11 through 14.
[0266] Figs. 2 through 4 used in connection with the description of the ink-jet recording
apparatus of the second embodiment are referred to, exactly as they are, for describing
the ink-jet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
[0267] Figs. 11 and 12 are schematic representations for describing the flushing operation
to be performed in this embodiment.
[0268] Figs. 13A and 13B are schematic representations for describing the position of the
recording head where the recording head is to be flushed. Fig. 13A shows the position
of the recording head within the flushing region 13B, and Fig. 13B shows the position
of the recording head within the flushing region 13A.
[0269] Fig. 14 is a conceptual rendering for describing the sizes of the nozzle plate and
the aperture.
[0270] Since the configuration, elements, and reference numerals shown in Figs. 2 through
4 have already been described, repetition of their explanations is omitted here for
brevity.
[0271] As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the recording head 5 comprises three sets of nozzle
orifices, each set including two rows of nozzle orifices. As shown in Fig. 11, three
rows of nozzle orifices arranged at the left side (i.e., the leftmost set of nozzle
orifices and a single row of nozzle orifices of the middle set) 5a eject black ink.
The remaining row of nozzle orifices of the middle set 5b adjacent to the nozzle orifices
5a eject yellow ink. A row of nozzle orifices 5c of the right-side set adjacent to
the row of nozzle orifices 5b eject cyan ink, and the remaining, rightmost row of
nozzle orifices 5d of the right-side set adjacent to the row of nozzle orifices 5c
eject magenta ink.
[0272] Flushing operation will now be described.
[0273] Flushing operations performed within the respective flushing regions 13A and 13B
are based on the same principle. First, the flushing operation performed within the
flushing region 13B will be described.
[0274] Upon receipt of a control signal from the flushing controller 32 shown in Fig. 2,
the carriage position controller 37 sends a control signal, thus activating a pulse
motor for moving the carriage 1 and moving the recording head 5 of the carriage 1
to position A (called a first position) within the flushing region 13B, where the
carriage 1 is stopped.
[0275] When the recording head 5 of the carriage 1 arrives at position A shown in Fig. 12
(i.e., the first position), the carriage position controller 37 sends a control signal
to the flushing controller 32, whereupon black ink is ejected from the nozzle orifices
5a assigned to black ink.
[0276] At this time, other colors of ink are not ejected from the nozzle orifices 5b, 5c,
and 5d assigned to yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink, respectively.
[0277] Consequently, only the black ink ejected from the nozzle orifices 5a adheres to the
slant surface 20a.
[0278] The black ink adhering to the slant surface 20a flows downward over the slant surface
20a and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0279] Since black ink has a higher solid concentration than do yellow ink, cyan ink, and
magenta ink, the black ink is susceptible to an increase in viscosity and is likely
to solidify when solvent contained in the black ink evaporates.
[0280] After ejecting of black ink is completed, the flushing controller 32 sends a control
signal to the carriage position controller 37, which in turn sends a control signal,
thus activating the pulse motor for moving the carriage 1. As a result, the carriage
1 is moved to position B shown in Fig. 12 (called a second position), where the carriage
1 is stopped.
[0281] Position A (i.e., the first position) is set on the rightmost end of a range over
which the carriage 1 can travel, and position B (i.e., the second position) is set
on a position closer to the center print region relative to the first position.
[0282] As shown in Fig. 12, a positional relationship between position A (the first position)
and position B (the second position) is determined such that an overlap exists between
the nozzle orifices for ejecting black ink when the recording head 5 is located at
position A and the nozzle orifices for ejecting yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta
ink when the recording head 5 is located at position B.
[0283] When the carriage 1 arrives at position B (the second position), the carriage position
controller 37 sends a control signal to the flushing controller 32, whereupon the
nozzle orifices 5b, 5c, and 5d, which are assigned to yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta
ink, respectively, eject these colors of ink.
[0284] At this time, black ink is not ejected from the nozzle orifices 5a assigned to black
ink.
[0285] Consequently, only the yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink ejected from the corresponding
nozzle orifices 5b, 5c, and 5d adhere to the slant surface 20a.
[0286] The yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink adhering to the slant surface 20a flows
downward over the slant surface 20a and are absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0287] At this time, even if the black ink ejected at position A (the first position) does
not flow downward over and instead adheres to the slant surface 20a, the yellow ink,
cyan ink, and magenta ink ejected at position B (the second position) will be mixed
with the black ink adhering to the slant surface 20a, thus preventing solidification
of the black ink. Accordingly, the black ink flows downward over the slant surface
20 and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0288] As mentioned above, since a specific positional relationship exists between position
A (the first position) and position B (the second position), other colors of ink can
adhere to the position where black ink is to adhere, thus preventing solidification
of black ink.
[0289] In the present embodiment, an overlap exists between the nozzle orifices for ejecting
black ink when the recording head is located at position A (the first position) and
the nozzle orifices for ejecting yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink when the recording
head is located at position B (the second position). However, the present invention
is not limited to such a configuration.
[0290] As shown in Fig. 13A, the recording head comprises three sets of nozzle orifices,
each set including two rows of nozzle orifices. Given that respective rows of nozzle
orifices are assigned reference symbols "a" to "f," that L1 represents the distance
between the row of nozzle orifices "a" and the row of nozzle orifices "c" and the
distance between the row of nozzle orifices "b" and the row of nozzle orifices "e,"
and that L2 represents the distance between the row of nozzle orifices "a" and the
row of nozzle orifices "b," the distance between the row of nozzle orifices "c" and
the row of nozzle orifices "d," and the distance between the row of nozzle orifices
"e" and the row of nozzle orifices "f," distance "X" between position A (the first
position) and position B (the second position) is defined as

[0291] If the distance X falls within the domain of 2(L1-L2) ≤ X ≤ 2(L1+L2), the yellow
ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink ejected at position B (the second position) are sufficiently
mixed with the black ink adhering to the slant surface 20a, thus preventing solidification
of the black ink.
[0292] For this reason, essential requirement is that the distance X between position A
(the first position) and position B (the second position) falls within the domain
of L1-L2 ≤ X ≤ L1+L2 or 2(L1-L2) ≤ X ≤ 2(L1+L2).
[0293] In the previous embodiments, after the carriage has stopped at either position A
(the first position) or position B (the second position), predetermined ink is to
be ejected.
[0294] However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The yellow
ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink, which are ejected at position B (the second position),
may be ejected while the carriage is in motion.
[0295] Specifically, when the carriage arrives at position B (the second position), yellow
ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink may be ejected without stoppage of the carriage; namely,
while the carriage is in motion.
[0296] By means of such a configuration, even if the black ink ejected at position A (the
first position) splashes to a wide extent over the slant surface 20a, the thus-splashed
black ink can be prevented from becoming solidified, flows downward over the slant
surface 20a, and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0297] Even under this flushing method, black ink is ejected at position A (the first position)
while the carriage is stopped, in order to prevent splashing of black ink over a wide
range.
[0298] In the previous embodiments, position A (the first position) and position B (the
second position) are set in pre-determined locations. However, the present invention
is not limited to such embodiments. Position B (the second position) may be set to
a fixed position, and position A (the first position) may be changed whenever necessary,
such that the distance X between position A (the first position) and position B (the
second position) is limited within the domain of L1-L2 ≤ X ≤ L1+L2 or 2(L1-L2) ≤ X
≤ 2(L1+L2).
[0299] Conversely, position B (the second position) may be changed, whenever necessary.
[0300] Particularly, in a case where position A (the first position) can be changed whenever
necessary, position A (the first position) is desirably prevented from being set in
the same location, by changing the location every time ink is ejected at position
A (the first position). In this case, even if black ink to be ejected at position
A (the first position) becomes solidified, the black ink is prevented from being deposited
on a single location on the slant surface 20a as a result of shifting of position
A (the first position).
[0301] In the previous embodiments, the first ink is to be ejected when the carriage is
stopped at the first position of the recording head. However, the first ink may be
ejected at the instant at which the carriage begins to accelerate.
[0302] Alternatively, black ink may be ejected when the carriage has arrived at position
A (the first position), without the carriage being stopped. Further, the first ink
may be ejected at the instant the carriage begins to accelerate, and other colors
of ink; i.e., yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink, may be ejected when the carriage
has arrived and is stopped at position B (the second position).
[0303] Since black ink is ejected while the carriage is in motion, black ink is prevented
from being deposited on a single location on the slant surface 20.
[0304] The flushing operation to be performed in the flushing region 13A will now be described.
[0305] Upon receipt of a control signal from the flushing controller 32, the carriage position
controller 37 sends a control signal, thus activating a pulse motor for moving the
carriage 1 and moving the recording head 5 of the carriage 1 to position A (called
a first position) shown in Fig. 11, where the carriage 1 is stopped.
[0306] When the recording head 5 of the carriage 1 arrives at position A (i.e., the first
position), the carriage position controller 37 sends a control signal to the flushing
controller 32, whereupon yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink are ejected from the
nozzle orifices 5b, 5c, and 5d assigned to yellow, cyan, and magenta.
[0307] At this time, black ink is not ejected from the nozzle orifices 5a assigned to black
ink.
[0308] Consequently, only the yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink ejected from the nozzle
orifices 5b, 5c, and 5d adhere to the slant surface 20a.
[0309] These colors of ink adhering to the slant surface 20a flow downward over the slant
surface 20a and are absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0310] After ejecting of yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink is completed, the flushing
controller 32 sends a control signal to the carriage position controller 37, which
in turn sends a control signal, thus activating the pulse motor for moving the carriage
1. As a result, the carriage 1 is moved to position B shown in Fig. 11 (called a second
position), where the carriage 1 is stopped.
[0311] Position A (i.e., the first position) is set on the leftmost end of a range over
which the carriage 1 can travel, and position B (i.e., the second position) is set
on a position closer to the center print region relative to the first position.
[0312] As shown in Fig. 11, a positional relationship between position A (the first position)
and position B (the second position) is determined such that an overlap exists between
the nozzle orifices for ejecting yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink when the recording
head 5 is located at position A (the first position) and the nozzle orifices for ejecting
black ink when the recording head 5 is located at position B (the second position).
[0313] When the carriage 1 arrives at position B (the second position), the carriage position
controller 37 sends a control signal to the flushing controller 32, whereupon the
nozzle orifices 5a assigned to black ink eject black ink.
[0314] At this time, the remaining colors of ink are not ejected from the nozzle orifices
5b, 5c, and 5d assigned to yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink, respectively.
[0315] Consequently, the black ink ejected from the nozzle orifices 5a adhere to the slant
surface 20a.
[0316] The yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink which are ejected at position A (the first
position) and partially remain on the slant surface 20a are mixed with the black ink,
flow downward over the slant surface 20a, and are absorbed by the ink-absorbing member
14.
[0317] Alternatively, the other colors of ink; i.e., yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink,
become dissolved after ejecting of black ink, whereby the black ink flows over the
slant surface 20a and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0318] As mentioned above, since a specific positional relationship exists between position
A (the first position) and position B (the second position), other colors of ink can
adhere to the position where black ink is to adhere, thus preventing solidification
of the black ink.
[0319] In the previous embodiments, position A (the first position) and position B (the
second position) are set in pre-determined locations. However, the present invention
is not limited to such embodiments. As shown in Fig. 13B, position B (the second position)
may be set to a fixed position, and position A (the first position) may be changed
whenever necessary, such that the distance X between position A (the first position)
and position B (the second position) is limited within the domain of L1-L2 ≤ X ≤ L1+L2
or 2(L1-L2) ≤ X ≤ 2(L1+L2).
[0320] Conversely, position B (the second position) may be changed, whenever necessary.
[0321] Particularly, in a case where position A (the first position) can be changed whenever
necessary, position A (the first position) is desirably prevented from being set in
the same location, by changing the location every time ink is ejected at position
A (the first position). In this case, yellow ink, cyan ink, and magenta ink are ejected
over a wide range and are mixed with black ink to be subsequently ejected over a wide
range, thus preventing solidification of black ink. The thus-mixed colors of ink flow
down over the slant surface 20a and are absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 14.
[0322] Alternatively, position A (the first position) may be set to a fixed position, and
position B (the second position) may be changed whenever necessary, such that the
distance X between position A (the first position) and position B (the second position)
is limited within the domain of L1-L2 ≤ X ≤ L1+L2 or 2(L1-L2) ≤ X ≤ 2(L1+L2).
[0323] Even in this case, if the black ink to be ejected at position A (the first position)
becomes solidified, position A (the first position) is shifted, and black ink is prevented
from being cumulatively deposited on a single location on the slant surface 20a.
[0324] In the previous embodiments, the first ink is to be ejected when the carriage is
stopped at position A (the first position) of the recording head. However, the present
invention is not limited to such a configuration. The first ink may be ejected at
the instant at which the carriage begins to accelerate.
[0325] Alternatively, other colors of ink; i.e., yellow, cyan, and magenta, may be ejected
when the carriage has arrived at position A (the first position), without the carriage
being stopped.
[0326] Further, in the previous embodiments, black ink is ejected when the carriage arrives
at position B (the second position) and while the carriage is stopped. However, the
present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Black ink may be ejected
at the instant when the carriage being to accelerate from a stationary state.
[0327] Moreover, black ink may be ejected when the carriage has arrived at position B (the
second position) without the carriage being stopped.
[0328] As mentioned above, since black ink is ejected while the carriage is in motion, the
black ink is prevented from being deposited on the same location on the slant surface
20.
[0329] Although in the previous embodiments various flushing methods are to be performed
within the respective flushing regions 13A and 13B, the flushing method to be performed
within the flushing region 13B may be identical with or differ from that to be performed
in the flushing region 13A.
[0330] Within the flushing region 13A, the ink to be ejected at position A (the first position)
and the ink to be ejected at position B (the second position) may be the reverse of
those ejected in the previous embodiments. More specifically, when the carriage arrives
at position A (the first position), black ink is ejected without the carriage being
stopped. When the carriage arrives at position B (second position), the carriage may
be stopped and the yellow, cyan, and magenta colors of ink may be ejected.
[0331] Flushing operations other than the foregoing flushing methods, such as those previously,
described may also be applied to the flushing operation.
[0332] The manner of ejecting ink without the carriage being stopped has been described
in connection with description of the flushing method. This manner is preferable in
terms of an improvement in throughput.
[0333] As is evident from the foregoing description, the ink-jet recording apparatus of
the firth embodiment yields the advantage of preventing solidification of the ink
ejected from the recording head and ensuring absorption of ink by the ink-absorbing
member.
[0334] Further, the ink-jet recording apparatus of the present invention yields the advantage
of receiving the ink ejected from the recording head without a necessity for placing
the ink-absorbing member at positions where it faces the flushing regions and guiding
the thus-ejected ink to the ink-absorbing member without solidification of the ink
on the slant member.
[0335] In the previous embodiments, the apertures 13a and 13b are formed in the paper guide
member 8 so as to become larger than the nozzle orifices with respect to the traveling
direction of the carriage. However, since ink drops are not ejected from all the nozzle
orifices at position A (the first position) and position B (the second position),
taking a suitable flushing method, the ink passes through the apertures 13a and 13b
without splashing onto the surroundings even if the length Z of the apertures 13a
and 13b formed in the paper guide member 8 within the respective flushing regions
13A and 13B with respect to the traveling direction of the carriage is smaller than
the length Y of the nozzle plate as shown in Fig. 14.
[0336] As an example of such a case, an ink-jet recording apparatus according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention will now be described by reference to Figs 6,
8 and 15 through 18.
[0337] Figs. 6 and 8 used in connection with the description of the ink-jet recording apparatus
of the third embodiment are referred to, exactly as they are, for describing the ink-jet
recording apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
[0338] Other than Fig. 15, which shows the configuration of an ink receiver unit characterizing
the sixth embodiment, explanations of the configuration, elements, and reference numerals
provided in Figs. 6 and 8 are omitted here for brevity.
[0339] Fig. 15 is different from Fig. 7 in connection with the following points.
[0340] A plurality of recording heads 112a and 112b are mounted side-by-side on the carriage
111 with respect to the traveling direction of the carriage 111.
[0341] One end of the area over which the recording heads 112a and 112b mounted on the carriage
111 travel corresponds to a non-print region (the home position), where capping member
121 is disposed.
[0342] The recording heads 112a and 112b are mounted on the carriage 111 such that nozzle
forming surfaces of the recording heads 112a and 112b are slightly tilted relative
to the perpendicular. The capping member 121 comprises two cap members which are arranged
so as to correspond to and be able to seal the respective nozzle forming surfaces
of the recording heads 112a and 112b when the recording heads 112a and 112b move to
the non-print position.
[0343] A suction pump 122 for imparting negative pressure to the interior space of the capping
member 121 is provided below the capping member 121.
[0344] The capping member 121 acts as a cap member for preventing drying of the nozzle orifices
of the recording heads 112a and 112b while the printer is in an idle mode. Further,
the capping member 121 acts as head cleaning means for sucking ink by imparting negative
pressure generated by the suction pump 122 to the recording heads 112a and 112b.
[0345] Ink receiver units 127 disposed in the respective flushing regions 125 and 126 are
formed so as to become substantially identical in configuration. The width W1 of the
ink receiver unit 127 in the traveling direction of the carriage is set so as to become
smaller than the total width W2 of the first and second recording heads 112a and 112b
in the traveling direction of the carriage.
[0346] More specifically, the ink receiver unit 127 is formed such that the width W1 of
the ink receiver unit 127 becomes slightly larger than the width of each of the first
and second recording heads 112a and 112b.
[0347] Since any other configuration, elements, and reference numerals are identical with
those shown in Fig. 7, repetition of their explanations is omitted here for brevity.
[0348] Figs. 16 through 18 show the operation and configuration of the flushing position
controller incorporated in the ink-jet recording apparatus of this embodiment.
[0349] The ink receiver units 127 disposed in the respective first and second flushing regions
125 and 126 are formed such that the width W1 of the ink receiver unit 127 in the
traveling direction of the carriage becomes smaller than the total width W2 of the
first and second recording heads 112a and 112b in the traveling direction of the carriage.
[0350] The recording heads 112a and 112b are controlled so as to be flushed at respective
predetermined timings while the carriage is in motion. Even in the case of the foregoing
relationship existing between the width W1 of the ink receiver unit 127 and the total
width W2 of the first and second recording heads 112a and 112b, the ink droplets ejected
for flushing purpose can be captured by the corresponding ink receiver units 127 without
fail.
[0351] In order to effect such operation of the flushing position controller, the timings
at which flushing control signals are output to the first and second recording heads
112a and 112b must be controlled.
[0352] Fig. 16 is a timing chart relating to a control method for use with the flushing
position controller.
[0353] As shown in Fig. 16, a linear encoder signal is utilized as a reference position
which is set beforehand and corresponds to the flushing region.
[0354] The linear encoder signal is produced when a sensor disposed on the carriage reads
a mark or a magnetic scale provided in a strip pattern in the traveling direction
of the carriage.
[0355] For convenience of explanation, the linear encoder signal shown in Fig. 16 is assigned
reference symbols, such as N-1, N, N+1, and N+2.
[0356] A nozzle charge (NCHG) signal is delivered to each of the first and second recording
heads. When the NCHG signal is high (hereinafter also called simply "H"), the recording
head is brought into a flushing state in which all of the nozzles of each head eject
ink.
[0357] At the time of adjustment of the position where the first recording head is to be
flushed, the N-th encoder signal counted from the home position is utilized as a reference
position. An NCHG signal for the first recording head is temporarily become high at
the N-th encoder signal.
[0358] At the time of adjustment of the position where the second recording head is to be
flushed, the N-th encoder signal counted from the home position is utilized as a reference
signal, as in the case of the first recording head. An NCHG signal for the second
recording head is temporarily set to become high at a timing which lags T (µsec) from
the reference position.
[0359] These two temporal flushing positions are taken as design references of the recording
apparatus.
[0360] Fig. 17 shows operation procedures relating to a sequence for inputting an adjusting
value for accurately determining flushing positions where ink droplets are reliably
ejected to the opening of each of the ink receiver units 127 while the recording heads
are in motion, by addition of correction values to the temporal flushing positions
described in connection with Fig. 16.
[0361] The adjusting value is input at the time of, for example, shipping products from
the factory, or may be performed by the end user.
[0362] First, in step S11 shown in Fig. 17, n=0 and t=0 are set.
[0363] Here, "n" designates a correction value to be used for correcting the reference position
N of the encoder signal and is managed by the number of pulses.
[0364] Further, "t" designates a correction value to be used for correcting the timing which
lags delay time T behind the reference position N of the encoder signal. Therefore,
"t" is managed as a delay time.
[0365] As mentioned above, numerical values of these elements "n" and "t" are set to 0 at
the beginning.
[0366] Subsequently, processing proceeds to step S12. In this state, since n=0, the NCHG
signal for the first recording head becomes high at the timing of N-th encoder signal
(design reference).
[0367] Flushing is effected in step S13, and a determination is made as to whether or not
the flushing position for the first recording head is appropriate.
[0368] In step S13, if the flushing position for the first recording head is determined
to be appropriate (YES is selected), processing proceed to step S15. In contrast,
if the flushing position is determined to be inappropriate (NO is selected), a numerical
value is input to "n" in step S14.
[0369] On the basis of a result of flushing performed in step S13, the operator inputs an
appropriate value for "n" determined on the basis of a certain degree of experience
and instinct. Processing then returns to step S12, where the NCHG signal for the first
recording head is set so as to become high at the (N+n)-th encoder signal.
[0370] Therefore, "n" may assume a positive or negative value.
[0371] After the adjustment of "n," flushing is again effected in step S13, and a determination
is made as to whether or not the flushing position for the first recording head is
appropriate.
[0372] If in step S13 the flushing position for the first recording head is determined to
be appropriate (YES is selected), processing then returns to step S15, where the flushing
position for the second recording head is adjusted.
[0373] As mentioned above, since t=0, in step S15 the NCHG signal for the second recording
head is set so as to become high at a timing which lags T µsec behind the reference
position (i.e., design reference).
[0374] In step S16, flushing is effected, and a determination is made as to whether or not
the flushing position for the second recording head is appropriate.
[0375] In step S16, if the flushing position is determined to be appropriate (YES is selected),
processing proceeds to step S18. In contrast, if the flushing position is determined
to be inappropriate (NO is selected), a value is input to "t" in step S17.
[0376] Even in the case of "t," on the basis of a result of flushing performed in step S16,
the operator inputs an appropriate value for "t" determined on the basis of a certain
degree of experience and instinct. Processing then returns to step S15, where the
NCHG signal for the second recording head is set so as to become high at a position
which lags (T+t) µsec behind the reference position.
[0377] Therefore, "t" may also assume a positive or negative value.
[0378] After the adjustment of "t," flushing is again effected in step S16, and a determination
is made as to whether or not the flushing position for the second recording head is
appropriate.
[0379] If in step S16 the flushing position for the second recording head is determined
to be appropriate (YES is selected), processing then returns to step S18, where the
value of "n" set in step S14 and the value of "t" set in step S17 are written into
non-volatile memory. The operations for inputting adjusting values are now completed.
[0380] As can be understood from the foregoing description, the values of "n" and "t" written
in the non-volatile memory correspond to reference values plus the time of flight
of ink droplets ejected for flushing. Flushing positions can be accurately determined
through use of a control system, which will be described below.
[0381] Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing a control system for effecting appropriate flushing
operation on the basis of the correction value input by way of the previously-described
adjusting value input sequence.
[0382] In the drawing, reference numeral 331 designates an adjusting value input section
for executing the adjusting value input sequence described in connection with Fig.
17.
[0383] Reference numeral 332 designates a non-volatile memory in which the correction values
of "n" and "t" input by way of the adjusting value input section 331 are stored.
[0384] An encoder signal, which is produced in association with the carriage being moved
by a carriage controller 333, is input to a flushing controller 334. The corrected
values relating to "n" and "t" are supplied to the flushing controller 334 from the
non-volatile memory 332.
[0385] The flushing controller 334 produces a flushing control signal for the first recording
head at a timing corresponding to the value of N+n, and a flushing control signal
for the second recording head at a timing corresponding to the value of T+t.
[0386] The flushing control signal corresponding to the value of N+n is supplied to a head
driver 335, and a drive signal for flushing a first recording head 112a is produced.
[0387] Similarly, the flushing control signal corresponding to the value of T+t is also
supplied to the head driver 335, and a drive signal for flushing a second recording
head 112b is produced.
[0388] The respective recording heads 112a and 112b are flushed at the positions opposite
the openings of the ink receiver units 127 while the carriage is in motion.
[0389] The ink receiver units 127 capture ink droplets ejected from the recording heads
for flushing without fail when the carriage passes very closely by the ink receiver
units 127, and the thus-captured waste ink can be discharged to the waste-ink tanks.
[0390] The foregoing description has described the adjustment of the flushing positions
within the first flushing region 125 close to the home position. Adjustment of flushing
positions within the second flushing region can be effected by taking, as a reference
position, the position pertaining to an encoder signal which is a design reference
position for the second flushing region 126; i.e., N+xxxx, and by performing operations
similar to those mentioned previously.
[0391] In the foregoing description, the correction value to be used for correcting the
reference flushing position of the first recording head is managed by means of the
number of pulses, and the correction value to be used for correcting the reference
flushing position of the second recording head is managed by means of the delay time.
However, the correction values to be used for correcting the reference flushing positions
of the first and second recording heads may be managed by means of the number of pulses.
[0392] Although the previous embodiment illustrates the recording apparatus equipped with
two recording heads, the flushing positions of recording heads may be determined by
means similar to those mentioned previously, even in the case of a recording apparatus
equipped with three or more recording heads.
[0393] The foregoing description has described the example in which the present invention
is applied to a particularly large-sized recording apparatus, such as one of those
shown in Figs. 6, 8, and 15. However, the present invention is not limited to such
a specific type of recording apparatus. As a matter of course, the present invention
can be applied to another type of ink-jet recording apparatus and yield the same working-effect.
[0394] As is evident from the foregoing descriptions, the flushing controller in the ink-jet
recording apparatus of the sixth embodiment comprises the adjusting value input section
for controlling the timings at which flushing control signals are to be output to
the respective recording heads. The timings at which the flushing control signals
are to be output to the respective recording heads are determined by utilization of
the adjusting values input by way of the adjusting value input section. Therefore,
ink droplets can be accurately ejected within the flushing regions while the recording
heads are in motion, thus enabling an improvement in flushing throughput. Further,
since the area where ink droplets are to be shot can be specified to a narrower area
within the flushing regions, the width of the flushing regions can also be reduced,
thus contributing to rendering the recording apparatus compact.
[0395] The invention also relates to the following items:
- 1. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
flushing regions situated on the traveling path of the carriage in non-print regions
which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing regions for receiving
ink droplets ejected from the recording head when a flushing operation is performed;
and
capping means provided in one of the non-print regions for sealing the nozzle orifices.
- 2. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 1, further comprising:
a plate member provided with apertures situated in the respective flushing regions;
and
an ink absorbing member for receiving the ink droplets which have been passed through
the apertures.
- 3. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 2, wherein the respective
apertures are larger than a size of surface on which the nozzle orifices are formed.
- 4. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 2, further comprising:
a guide member disposed in at least one of the flushing regions so as to be situated
between the aperture and the ink absorbing member, the guide member having a slant
surface on which the ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member.
- 5. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 4, wherein an extending direction
of the slant surface is arbitrarily selected with respect to the traveling direction
of the carriage.
- 6. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 4, wherein a slant angle of
the slant surface is set within a domain of 30° < θ < 60°.
- 7. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 4, wherein a water-repellent
layer is formed on the slant surface.
- 8. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 4 to 7, wherein the
recording head ejects a plurality colors of ink such that ink having higher viscosity
lands on a lower position of the slant surface.
- 9. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 8, wherein a landing position
of black ink is higher than landing positions of any other colors of ink.
- 10. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including an ink absorbing member for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed;
capping means provided in one of the non-print regions for sealing the nozzle orifices;
and
a guide member disposed in the flushing region and having a slant surface on which
the ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member.
- 11. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 10, wherein the flushing
region includes a plate member provided with an aperture though which the ink droplets
pass, and
wherein the aperture is situated between the recording head and the guide member.
- 12. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 11, wherein the respective
apertures are larger than a size of surface on which the nozzle orifices are formed.
- 13. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 10, wherein an extending
direction of the slant surface is arbitrarily selected with respect to the traveling
direction of the carriage.
- 14. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 10, wherein a slant angle
of the slant surface is set within a domain of 30° < θ < 60°.
- 15. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 10, wherein a water-repellent
layer is formed on the slant surface.
- 16. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 10, 13 to 15, wherein
the recording head ejects a plurality colors of ink such that ink having higher viscosity
lands on a lower position of the slant surface.
- 17. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 16, wherein a landing position
of black ink is higher than landing positions of any other colors of ink.
- 18. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith; and
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including a porous sheet member for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed and an ink absorbing member for absorbing
ink received by the porous sheet member.
- 19. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 18, wherein a distance between
the porous sheet member and a surface on which the nozzle orifices are formed is set
within a domain of 1 to 5 mm when the flushing operation is performed.
- 20. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 18, wherein the porous sheet
member is hydrophilic.
- 21. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 18, wherein a mean pore size
of the porous sheet is set within a domain of 100 to 500 µm.
- 22. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 18, wherein the periphery
of the porous sheet member is enclosed by a case, and
wherein the ink ejected during flushing operation flows along the interior of the
case and is absorbed by the ink absorbing member.
- 23. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 22, wherein a portion of
the porous sheet member facing the nozzle forming surface is arranged so as to be
parallel therewith,
wherein a lower end portion of the porous sheet member extends vertically independent
from the angle of the portion facing the nozzle forming surface, and
wherein a lower end of the porous sheet member contacts with an inner face of the
casing.
- 24. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 23, wherein the lower end
of the porous sheet member is partially notched such that an opening is defined by
the notch and the inner face of the casing.
- 25. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 24, wherein the opening is
situated so as not to face the nozzle forming surface when the flushing operation
is performed.
- 26. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 22 to 25, wherein
the porous sheet member is secured to the casing by a fixing member, and
the fixing member is situated so as not to face the nozzle forming surface when the
flushing operation is performed.
- 27. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
including an ink receiver unit for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording
head when a flushing operation is performed;
a plurality of plate members provided within the ink receiver unit for receiving the
ink droplets at a predetermined angle with respect to a flight direction of the ink
droplets.
- 28. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 27, wherein the ink receiver
unit includes a cylindrical casing, and
wherein the plural plate members are arranged with in the casing at substantially
equal intervals and at the predetermined angle.
- 29. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 28, wherein the ink receiver
unit includes a cylindrical guide body extending from the cylindrical casing continuously
and vertically for leading the received ink to a waste-ink tank.
- 30. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 27 to 29, wherein
the predetermined angle is set within a domain of 40 to 80 degrees.
- 31. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
an ink-jet recording head mounted on a carriage which travels in the widthwise direction
of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting ink droplets from
nozzle orifices provided therewith; and
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording head when a flushing operation
is performed,
wherein the flushing operation includes a first flushing and a second flushing, and
wherein the first flushing for ejecting ink droplets of a first ink is performed at
a first position in the flushing region, and the second flushing for ejecting ink
droplets a second ink different from the first ink is performed at a second position
of the flushing region.
- 32. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the first flushing
and the second flushing is performed in order.
- 33. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the second flushing
is performed without stopping the carriage.
- 34. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the first flushing
is performed before the carriage starts to travel.
- 35. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the first flushing
is performed without stopping the carriage.
- 36. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the first position
and the second position are fixed.
- 37. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein one of the first
and second positions is fixed and the other is variable.
- 38. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the recording
head includes three pairs of nozzle orifice arrays, and
wherein a distance X between the first and second positions satisfies one of the following
relationships:

and

where L1 denotes a distance between the respective pairs of nozzle orifice arrays,
and L2 denotes a distance between the respective nozzle orifice arrays.
- 39. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, wherein the first position
is situated at an outer traveling limit of the carriage, and a second position is
situated where is closer to the print region than the first position.
- 40. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 39, wherein the first ink
is black ink, and the second ink is at least one of cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow
ink.
- 41. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 31 to 40, further
comprising:
a plate member provided with an aperture situated in the flushing region; and
an ink absorbing member for receiving the ink droplets which have been passed through
the aperture.
- 42. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 41, further comprising:
a guide member disposed in at least one of the flushing regions so as to be situated
between the aperture and the ink absorbing member, the guide member having a slant
surface on which the ink droplets land and flow toward the ink absorbing member.
- 43. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 41, wherein the respective
apertures are larger than a size of surface on which the nozzle orifices are formed.
- 44. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 42, wherein the respective
apertures are larger than a size of surface on which the nozzle orifices are formed.
- 45. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 31, further comprising a
ventilation fan,
wherein the ventilation fan is halted during the flushing operation.
- 46. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprising:
a plurality of ink-jet recording heads mounted on a carriage which travels in the
widthwise direction of a recording medium for recording an image thereon by ejecting
ink droplets from nozzle orifices provided therewith;
a flushing region situated on the traveling path of the carriage in at least one of
non-print regions which are arranged both sides of a print region, the flushing region
for receiving ink droplets ejected from the moving recording head when a flushing
operation is performed; and
a flushing position controller including means for inputting a value for adjusting
a timing of outputting an flushing drive signal for triggering the flushing operation.
- 47. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 46, wherein the adjusting
value is inputted as a first value for correcting a preset flushing position of one
of the plural recording heads.
- 48. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 47, wherein the first correcting
value is managed by counting reference pulses, and
wherein a second correcting value for a preset flushing position of the other recording
head inputted as the adjusting value is managed by a delay time period from a flushing
drive signal based on the first correcting value.
- 49. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 47, wherein the first correcting
value is managed by counting reference pulses, and
wherein a second correcting value for a preset flushing position of the other recording
head inputted as the adjusting value is also managed by counting the reference pulses.
- 50. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 47, wherein the reference
pulses is an encoder signal generated according to the traveling of the carriage.
- 51. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in item 50, further comprising a
non-volatile memory for storing the correcting values, and
wherein the output timing of the flushing drive signal is determined with reference
to the correcting values in the non-volatile memory and the encoder signal.
- 52. The ink-jet recording apparatus as set forth in any of items 47 to 51, wherein
the respective apertures are smaller than a size of surface on which the nozzle orifices
are formed.