JP2002240311A - Maintenance cartridge and ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a maintenance cartridge which can use a maintenance liquid easily replaceable with ink and can be used for capping a recording head at the time of shipping a recorder and for cleaning the recording head during use of the recorder, and an ink jet recorder. SOLUTION: The cartridge body 18 of a maintenance cartridge 17 is formed to have an external shape substantially identical to that of an ink cartridge being fixed to the recording head 13 of an ink jet recorder 11 and maintenance liquid is contained in that cartridge body 18. The cartridge body 18 is provided with an opening 23 for supplying the maintenance liquid to an ink supply needle 14 on the recording head 13 and a cap 24 for sealing the ink supply needle 14 such that they can be coupled selectively with the ink supply needle 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a maintenance cartridge suitable for an ink jet recording apparatus in which recording is performed while ink is supplied from an ink cartridge to a recording head, and an ink jet recording apparatus using the maintenance cartridge. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by supplying ink to a recording head from an ink cartridge mounted on a carriage, when the recording head is shipped from a factory, the inside of the recording head is dried or removed. The recording head is filled with a maintenance liquid in order to prevent dust from entering. As the maintenance liquid, a liquid having a low volatility and a relatively high viscosity is used because it is necessary to maintain a predetermined liquid amount until the ink is supplied to the recording head and used for printing.

[0003]

When the ink cartridge is first mounted and recording is started, it is necessary to supply ink from the ink cartridge to the recording head to replace the maintenance liquid with the ink. . In this case, as described above, when a maintenance liquid having a low volatility and a relatively high viscosity is used, the maintenance liquid is difficult to be discharged, and thus the amount of ink used for the initial filling of the recording head increases. However, there has been a problem that the amount of printing with the ink cartridge installed first is reduced.

If a trouble such as ink clogging occurs in the recording head during use of the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink cartridge is removed from the carriage, maintenance liquid is supplied to the recording head, and the ink is supplied to the inside of the recording head. Need to be cleaned. Also in this case, if a high-viscosity liquid is used as the maintenance liquid, the amount of ink required for replacement with the maintenance liquid at the time of mounting the ink cartridge thereafter increases, and the printing amount of the ink cartridge increases. There was a problem that there was less.

In addition, conventionally, the maintenance liquid is
For example, the recording head is installed at a place other than the recording head outside the recording apparatus or the like, and is supplied to the recording head from there via a tube or the like. For this reason, it is necessary to route the tube or the like or to connect the tip of the tube to the recording head, and the work involved in the above-described cleaning or the like is troublesome. In addition, since the management of the type and the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid depends on the operator, there is a possibility that an error may occur in the management.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems existing in the conventional technology. Its purpose is to be able to use a maintenance liquid that can be easily replaced with ink, and to use it for capping the recording head at the time of shipping the recording device and cleaning the recording head during use of the recording device. To be able to do it. Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily perform maintenance work such as cleaning of a recording head, and to accurately perform maintenance of a maintenance liquid.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a maintenance cartridge according to the present invention, which has substantially the same outer shape as an ink cartridge mounted on a recording head of an inkjet recording apparatus. A maintenance liquid is accommodated in a cartridge main body, and a maintenance liquid supply port for supplying the maintenance liquid to the ink supply needle on the recording head and a cap for sealing the ink supply needle are provided in the cartridge main body. It is characterized by being provided so as to be selectively connectable to a needle.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head such that the cap side is connected to the ink supply needle at the time of shipping of the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink can be supplied. The supply needle is shut off from the atmosphere, and the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head can be maintained at a predetermined amount regardless of the volatility or the like. Also, if a problem such as ink clogging of the recording head occurs during use of the inkjet recording apparatus, replace the ink cartridge with an ink cartridge so that the maintenance liquid supply port side is connected to the ink supply needle.
When the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head, the maintenance liquid is supplied to the recording head from inside the cartridge body via the ink supply needle, and the inside of the recording head can be cleaned. Therefore, a maintenance liquid that can be easily replaced with ink can be used, the amount of ink required for replacement with the maintenance liquid is reduced, and the amount of printing with the ink cartridge can be increased.
Then, one maintenance cartridge can be used for both capping the recording head at the time of shipping the recording apparatus and cleaning the recording head during use of the recording apparatus. In addition, since the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head, the work of drawing and connecting the tube and the like is not required, and the work involved in cleaning and the like is simple.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the maintenance liquid supply port and the cap are disposed at symmetric positions on the cartridge body.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, one of the maintenance liquid supply port and the cap is connected to the ink supply needle only by reversing the mounting state of the maintenance cartridge with respect to the recording head. And can be easily connected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the cartridge main body has one of a maintenance liquid supply port and a cap connected to an ink supply needle on a recording head. A detection unit for detecting whether the operation has been performed is provided.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is determined which of the maintenance liquid supply port and the cap is connected to the ink supply needle when the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head. It can be easily detected and mistakes in mounting can be prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the detecting section includes a readable and writable storage element for storing attribute information on the maintenance liquid. is there.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the maintenance liquid supply port is connected to the ink supply needle, and the attribute information on the maintenance liquid is read out from the storage element based on the information. The maintenance operation can be controlled, and the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid can be easily and without error by writing the attribute information of the maintenance liquid in the storage element.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the detection unit is configured such that the storage element is connected to the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus in a state where the maintenance supply port is connected to the recording head. Then, information is exchanged with the control unit.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since information is exchanged between the storage element and the ink jet recording apparatus, the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid can be managed and the type of the maintenance liquid can be controlled. The corresponding operation of the ink jet recording apparatus can be performed accurately.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, recording is performed by receiving ink from an ink cartridge which is detachably attached to an ink supply needle via an ink supply port and which is provided with a storage element for storing attribute information on ink. An ink jet head comprising: a head; an information transfer unit that reads and writes information from and to the storage element; and a control unit that controls a printing operation based on the attribute information of the ink read by the information transfer unit. In the recording apparatus, a maintenance cartridge is detachably mounted in place of the recording head in place of an ink cartridge. The maintenance cartridge has substantially the same outer shape as the ink cartridge, and has a maintenance liquid inside. And a cartridge so as to be selectively connected to the ink supply needle. Provided the ridge body, and a cap for sealing the maintenance liquid supply port and the ink supply needle for supplying the maintenance liquid to the ink supply needle of the recording head,
A storage element that is attached to the cartridge body and stores attribute information related to the maintenance liquid, so that the maintenance liquid supply port side is connected to the ink supply needle so as to correspond to the information transfer section. When the mouth side is detected to be connected to the ink supply needle, the maintenance operation is controlled based on the attribute information of the maintenance liquid read by the information transfer unit.

Therefore, according to the invention, when the recording apparatus is shipped, the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head such that the cap side is connected to the ink supply needle. The ink supply needle can be capped, and the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head can be maintained at a predetermined amount.
If a problem such as ink clogging occurs in the recording head during use of the recording apparatus, the maintenance cartridge is mounted on the recording head so that the maintenance liquid supply port is connected to the ink supply needle. The maintenance operation is performed based on the attribute information of the maintenance liquid read from the storage element, and the recording head can be cleaned.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the control unit detects that the cap side is connected to the ink supply needle, the control unit measures the elapsed time from the start of connection of the cap. The counting is performed, and a warning signal is generated when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the recording apparatus is stored in a stopped state during use, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed with the cap connected to the ink supply needle. In addition, it is possible to easily recognize the capping state, and it is possible to suppress occurrence of drying or the like in the recording head.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a recording head 13 is provided on a carriage 12 of the ink jet recording apparatus 11. A plurality of ink supply needles 14 are provided on the recording head 13 so as to correspond to each color of ink, and an introduction hole 15 is formed at the tip thereof. Normally, a plurality of ink cartridges (not shown) containing ink are removably mounted on the carriage 12, and ink supply ports provided in the ink cartridges are connected to the respective ink supply needles 14. In this state, the ink in the ink cartridge is supplied from the ink supply port to the ink supply needle 14.
The carriage 12 is reciprocated while being supplied to the recording head 13 via the recording head 13 to perform a recording operation.

An information transfer section 16 is provided on the carriage 12.
Are arranged. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage 12, a storage element on a detection unit (not shown) attached to the ink cartridge is arranged corresponding to the information transfer unit 16. In this state, the information transfer section 1
6, attribute information such as the type of ink, the amount of ink, the date of manufacture, and the serial number is read and written between the storage element and a later-described control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 11, and the read information is stored in the read information. The control of the recording operation and the management of the ink cartridges are performed based on this.

Next, the maintenance cartridge 17 which is replaced with the ink cartridge and which is detachably mounted on the carriage 12 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cartridge body 18 of the maintenance cartridge 17 is formed so as to have substantially the same outer shape as the ink cartridge. It is housed in a state where it has been placed. As the maintenance liquid, a liquid having a low viscosity and which can be easily replaced with ink is used.

It should be noted that the cartridge body 18 is
8a and a lid 1 for closing the upper opening of the container 18a
8b. A replenishing hole 44 and an atmospheric hole 45 are provided through the lid 18b. On the upper surface of the lid 18b,
A narrow air passage 43 communicating with the air hole 45 is formed. The first and second sheets 41 and 42 are adhered to the upper surface of the lid 18b.
The top openings of the holes 44 and 45 are closed, and the top openings of the atmosphere passage 43 excluding the tip are closed. The second sheet 42 closes the upper surface opening at the tip of the air passage 43. When the maintenance liquid is used, the second sheet 42 is peeled off and removed, and the cartridge body 1 is removed through the atmosphere passage 43 and the atmosphere hole 45 by this peeling and removal.
The inside of the cartridge body 8 communicates with the atmosphere to prevent the inside of the cartridge body 18 from becoming negative pressure even when the maintenance liquid is used. First
When the sheet 41 is peeled, the maintenance liquid can be replenished from the replenishing hole 44.

The container section 18a of the cartridge body 18
A pair of connection ports 20 and 21 are formed on the bottom surface so as to be symmetrically located. A seal member 22 made of an elastic material such as rubber is fitted into one connection port 20. The seal member 22 includes a base 22a fitted and fixed to the periphery of the opening of the connection port 20, and a cylindrical seal portion 22b formed by folding inward from the outer end of the base 22a. A maintenance liquid supply port 23 is formed at the inner end. A cap 24 made of an elastic material such as rubber is fitted to the other connection port 21. The cap 24 includes a base 24a that is fitted and fixed to the periphery of the opening of the connection port 21, and a cap 24b that is formed by folding back from the outer end of the base 24a.

The maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24 are selected in close contact with the ink supply needle 14 on the recording head 13 by reversing the mounting state of the maintenance cartridge 17 on the carriage 12. The connection is made. And
As shown in FIG. 4, when the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14,
The maintenance liquid in 8 is supplied from the maintenance liquid supply port 23 into the recording head 13 via the ink supply needle 14, and the recording head 13 is cleaned. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14, the introduction hole 15 of the ink supply needle 14 is sealed by the cap portion 24b.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first detecting portion 25 is attached to a side of the both sides of the cartridge body 18 corresponding to the maintenance liquid supply port 23. The first detection unit 25 includes an electrode 26 and a storage element 27. In addition, the storage element 27 can read and write attribute information such as a type, a liquid amount, a production date, and a production number of the maintenance liquid.

When the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 so that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14 as shown in FIG. The electrode 26 is arranged corresponding to the information transfer unit 16, and the electrode 26 is connected to an electrode (not shown) of the information transfer unit 16. In this state, the information transfer section 16 uses the maintenance cartridge 1 based on the correspondence with the electrode 26.
7 is mounted on the carriage 12 and the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the storage element 27 based on the fact that the information is read from the storage element 27. The connection to the needle 14 is detected.

Of the two side surfaces of the cartridge body 18, the side corresponding to the cap 24 is provided on the second detecting portion 2.
8 is attached. The second detector 28 includes the electrode 2
Only 9 are provided. That is, the second detector 2
8 does not include the storage element 27 in the first detection unit 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 so that the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14, the second detection unit 28 corresponds to the information transfer unit 16. The electrode 29 is arranged and connected to an electrode (not shown) of the information transfer section 16. In this state, the information transfer section 16 detects that the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 based on the correspondence with the electrodes 29, and that the maintenance cartridge 17 does not correspond to the storage element 27, that is, the storage element Based on the inability to read the information from 27, it is detected that the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14.

Next, the circuit configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a central processing unit (CPU) 3 as a control unit
1 controls the operation of each unit of the recording device 11. The read only memory (ROM) 32 stores various control programs necessary for the operation of the recording device 11. The random access memory (RAM) 33 temporarily stores data and the like obtained with the execution of the control program.

The information transfer section 16 reads and writes information from and to the storage element of the ink cartridge or the storage element 27 of the maintenance cartridge 17 under the control of the CPU 31. The recording control unit 34 is a CPU 31
The recording head 1 based on the information of the recording operation from
3. Operate and control a carriage moving device 35 for moving the carriage 12 and a paper feeding device 36 for transporting recording paper.

An external computer 38 is connected to the CPU 31 through an interface 37, and a display unit 39 such as a CRT display device and an operation unit 40 such as a keyboard are connected to the computer 38. Then, the recording information and the like are input from the computer 38 to the CPU 31, and various information such as a warning display is output from the CPU 31 to the computer 38.

Next, regarding the ink jet recording apparatus 11 configured as described above, in particular, the maintenance cartridge 1 will be described.
7 will be described.

When the ink jet recording apparatus 11 is assembled, the recording head 13 is filled with a maintenance liquid and shipped. As the maintenance liquid, a liquid having a low viscosity and which can be easily replaced with ink is used. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 so that the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14, and the introduction hole 15 of the ink supply needle 14 is sealed. Accordingly, the ink supply needle 14 side of the recording head 13 is shielded from the outside air by the cap 24, and thus, regardless of a change in the environment, drying of the recording head 13 and intrusion of dust into the inside of the recording head 13 can be prevented.

In order to use the ink jet recording apparatus 11 thus shipped, the maintenance cartridge 17 is removed from the carriage 12 by the same operation as when the ink cartridge is replaced, and then the ink cartridge is mounted. I do. For this reason, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge into the recording head 13 via the ink supply needle 14, and the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head 13 is replaced with the ink. In this case, since the maintenance liquid has a low viscosity, the replacement is smoothly performed, the amount of ink used at the time of initial filling can be significantly reduced, and the time required for the replacement can be shortened.

If a problem such as ink clogging occurs in the recording head 13 during use of the ink jet recording apparatus 11, the ink cartridge is removed from the carriage 12. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 such that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14.

As described above, when the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted, the first detection section 25 on the side surface of the cartridge body 18 is arranged corresponding to the information transfer section 16. And the first
The mounting state of the maintenance cartridge 17 is detected by the information transfer unit 16 based on the correspondence with the electrode 26 on the detection unit 25 (step S1 in FIG. 6). After that, the information transfer section 1
6 corresponds to the storage element 27 on the first detection unit 25,
It is determined whether information can be read from the storage element 27 (step S2).

In this case, since the information can be read out, it is recognized that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is in the maintenance state connected to the ink supply needle 14, and the information transfer unit 16 reads the maintenance liquid from the storage element 27. The attribute information is read out, and
The data is written to the AM 33 (step S3). Then, based on the attribute information of the maintenance liquid, the recording control unit 3
4, the maintenance operation of the recording head 13 is performed, the maintenance liquid in the cartridge body 18 is supplied from the maintenance liquid supply port 23 into the recording head 13 via the ink supply needle 14, and the inside of the recording head 13 is cleaned. (Step S4).

As described above, when the cleaning of the recording head 13 is performed for a predetermined period of time and the maintenance operation is completed (step S5), the amount of the maintenance liquid used in the maintenance operation is calculated, and the cartridge body is used based on the usage amount. The remaining amount of the maintenance liquid in 18 is calculated and written into the RAM 33. Then, the attribute information including the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid is read from the RAM 33, and written into the storage element 27 on the first detection unit 25 by the information transfer unit 16 (Step S6).

Thereafter, the maintenance cartridge 17 is removed from the carriage 12 and the carriage 12 is removed.
When an ink cartridge is mounted on the upper side and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge into the recording head 13, the maintenance liquid in the recording head 13 is replaced with the ink. Also in this case, as in the case of the initial replacement of the ink, the maintenance liquid is made of a low-viscosity liquid, so that the amount of ink used during the replacement can be greatly reduced, and the time required for the replacement is shortened. can do.

On the other hand, when the ink jet recording apparatus 11 is stored in a stopped state during use, the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14 in the same manner as when the trouble such as ink clogging occurs. The maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 as described above. In this state, by supplying the maintenance liquid from the inside of the cartridge body 18 into the recording head 13, the recording head 13 can be cleaned and the recording head 13 can be filled with the maintenance liquid.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the carriage 12 so that the side is connected to the ink supply needle 14, and the introduction hole 15 of the ink supply needle 14 is sealed. Thereby, the ink supply needle 14 side of the recording head 13 is shielded from the outside air by the cap 24, and during storage of the recording apparatus 11, drying of the recording head 13 and intrusion of dust into the inside can be prevented.

When the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted with the cap 24 connected to the ink supply needle 14 as described above, the second detector 28 on the side surface of the cartridge body 18 is turned on by the information transfer unit 16. Is arranged correspondingly. Then, the mounting state of the maintenance cartridge 17 is detected by the information transfer unit 16 based on the correspondence with the electrode 29 on the second detection unit 28 (step S1 in FIG. 6). afterwards,
As in the case described above, the information transfer section 16 determines whether information can be read from the storage element 27 (step S2).

In this case, the storage element 2
7 is not provided, and information cannot be read, so that it is recognized that the cap 24 is in a capping state connected to the ink supply needle 14, and the elapsed time from the start of the capping is counted ( Step S7). Then, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the capping has exceeded a predetermined time set in advance (step S8).
1 generates a warning signal to the computer 38. As a result, a warning display such as "the recording head capping state has continued for a predetermined time or more. Please perform maintenance." Is displayed on the display unit 39 (step S9). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the recording head 13 from being left in the capping state for a long time and causing troubles such as drying.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the maintenance cartridge 17, a maintenance liquid is contained in a cartridge body 18 having substantially the same outer shape as the ink cartridge mounted on the recording head 13 of the ink jet recording apparatus 11. The cartridge body 18 has a maintenance liquid supply port 23 for supplying a maintenance liquid to the ink supply needle 14 on the recording head 13 and a cap 24 for sealing the ink supply needle 14. It is provided so as to be selectively connectable.

For this reason, when the ink jet recording apparatus 11 is shipped, the maintenance cartridge 17 is connected to the recording head 1 such that the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14.
3, the ink supply needle 14 is shut off from the atmosphere, and the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head 13 is removed.
The predetermined amount of liquid can be maintained irrespective of the volatility or the like. If a problem such as ink clogging occurs in the recording head 13 during use of the ink jet recording apparatus 11, replace the ink cartridge with an ink cartridge so that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14. The maintenance cartridge 17 to the recording head 13
The maintenance liquid is supplied to the recording head 13 from the inside of the cartridge body 18 via the ink supply needle 14 so that the inside of the recording head 13 can be easily cleaned.

Therefore, the maintenance liquid having a low viscosity can be used, the ink can be easily replaced with the maintenance liquid, and the amount of ink required for the replacement can be reduced. One maintenance cartridge 17 is attached to and detached from the recording head 13 in the same manner as a normal ink cartridge, so that the recording head 13 is capped when the recording apparatus 11 is shipped, and when the recording apparatus 11 is in use. It can be used for cleaning and it is convenient.

Further, since the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the recording head 13, unlike the above-mentioned conventional one,
The work of drawing and connecting the tube and the like is not required, and the work involved in cleaning and the like is simple.

(2) In the maintenance cartridge 17, the maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24
Are arranged at symmetric positions on the cartridge body 18. For this reason, by inverting the mounting state of the maintenance cartridge 17 with respect to the recording head 13, one of the maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24 is
It can be easily connected to the ink supply needle 14.

(3) In the maintenance cartridge 17, the cartridge body 18 detects which of the maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14 on the recording head 13. Detection units 25 and 28 are provided. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably detect which of the maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14 in a state where the maintenance cartridge 17 is mounted on the recording head 13. . Therefore, for example, during storage, the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14.
Can be prevented beforehand.

(4) In the maintenance cartridge 17, the readable and writable storage element 27 for storing attribute information relating to the maintenance liquid is provided in the detection unit 25 on the side corresponding to the maintenance liquid supply port 23. I have. Therefore, by reading out the attribute information on the maintenance liquid from the storage element 27 in a state where the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14, the maintenance operation can be controlled based on the information. Further, by writing the attribute information of the maintenance liquid into the storage element 27 after the maintenance operation is completed, it is possible to easily manage the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid. For this reason, the remaining amount management and the like can be performed for each maintenance cartridge 17, and even if the attachment and detachment of the maintenance cartridge 17 are repeated, the remaining amount management and the like can be executed without error.

(5) In the ink jet recording apparatus 11, ink is supplied from an ink cartridge which is detachably attached to the ink supply needle 14 via an ink supply port and which is provided with a storage element for storing attribute information on ink. The recording head 13 receives the information, the information transfer section 16 reads and writes information from and to the storage element, and the CPU 31 controls the printing operation based on the attribute information of the ink read by the information transfer section. Equipped. A maintenance cartridge 17 is detachably mounted on the recording head 13 in place of the ink cartridge. When the CPU 31 detects that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 side is connected to the ink supply needle 14, the CPU 31 controls the maintenance operation based on the attribute information of the maintenance liquid read by the information transfer unit 16. It has become.

Therefore, when the recording apparatus 11 is shipped, the maintenance cartridge 17 is attached to the recording head 13 so that the cap 24 is connected to the ink supply needle 14 so that the ink supply needle 14 is capped. The maintenance liquid filled in the recording head 13 can be maintained at a predetermined amount. If a trouble such as ink clogging occurs in the recording head 13 during use of the recording apparatus 11, the maintenance cartridge 17 is moved so that the maintenance liquid supply port 23 is connected to the ink supply needle 14. When the recording head 13 is attached, the maintenance operation is performed based on the attribute information of the maintenance liquid read from the storage element 27, and the recording head 13 can be cleaned. Therefore, maintenance of the recording head 13 can be appropriately performed, and good print quality can always be ensured.

(6) In this ink jet recording apparatus 11, when it is detected that the cap 24 side is connected to the ink supply needle 14, the CPU 31 counts the elapsed time from the start of connection of the cap 24. If the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, a warning signal is generated. For this reason, the recording device 11
If you want to keep the product in a stopped state during use,
When a predetermined time has elapsed with the cap 24 connected to the ink supply needle 14, the capping state can be easily recognized, and the occurrence of drying or the like of the recording head 13 can be suppressed.

(Modification) This embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows.

As shown in FIG. 7, the maintenance cartridge 17 has a size corresponding to a plurality of ink cartridges for different colors. In this case, a plurality of pairs of maintenance liquid supply ports 2 corresponding to each color are provided.
3 and a cap 24 are provided. However, the detection units 25 and 28
May be one each.

With this configuration, there is no need to provide the maintenance cartridge 17 for each color, and the number of maintenance cartridges 17 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cap portion 24b of the cap 24 is normally closed, and the cap portion 24b is expanded by the ink supply needle 14 against its own elasticity.

With this configuration, the cap portion 24b
When the ink supply needle 14 is inserted into the
4b will expand for the first time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air from being pushed into the ink supply needle 14, that is, the inside of the recording head 13, due to the piston effect, and it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the recording head 13.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cap portion 24b
Forming the convex part 50 on the inner peripheral surface of.

With this configuration, the ink supply needle 14
In the process of attaching the cap portion 24b to the
Air can be evacuated from the gap between the ink supply needle 14 and the ink supply needle 14, and the generation of bubbles in the recording head 13 can be suppressed as described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 28 are provided on both side surfaces of the cartridge main body 18 so as to correspond to the maintenance liquid supply port 23 and the cap 24. Second on the corresponding side
A configuration in which the detection unit 28 is omitted.

In the above embodiment, a warning is displayed on the display unit 39 when the recording head 13 has been in the capping state for a predetermined time or more, but a warning sound or the like is generated.

Even in the case of such a configuration, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

When the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid in the maintenance cartridge 17 becomes a predetermined value or less before it becomes zero, a warning is displayed on the display unit 39 of the computer 38.

With this configuration, the maintenance liquid can be notified before the maintenance liquid runs out, and the maintenance liquid for replenishment or the new maintenance liquid cartridge 17 can be notified.
Can be prepared.

When the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid in the maintenance cartridge 17 becomes zero, the computer 38
Is configured to be displayed as a warning on the display unit 39.

With this configuration, when the maintenance liquid runs out, it can be notified that the maintenance liquid has run out, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the operator erroneously recognizes that the apparatus is out of order.

[0071]

As described above in the embodiment, in the present invention, a maintenance liquid which can be easily replaced with ink can be used, and the maintenance cartridge can be replaced with a recording head when the recording apparatus is shipped. Can be conveniently used for both capping and cleaning of the recording head during use of the recording apparatus. In addition, according to the present invention, maintenance work such as cleaning of the recording head can be easily performed, and the remaining amount of the maintenance liquid can be accurately managed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a maintenance cartridge according to an embodiment and a recording head of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the maintenance cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the maintenance cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the maintenance cartridge in which the cap side of the maintenance cartridge is connected to the ink supply needle on the recording head;

FIG. 4 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of the maintenance cartridge in which the maintenance liquid supply port side of the maintenance cartridge is connected to the ink supply needle on the recording head.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a maintenance operation of the inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a maintenance cartridge showing a modification.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a cap showing a modification.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a cap showing a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ink-jet recording apparatus 12 ... Carriage 13 ... Recording head 14 ... Ink supply needle 16 ... Information transfer part 17 ... Maintenance cartridge 18 ... Cartridge main body 22 ... Seal member 23 ... Maintenance liquid supply port 24 ... Cap 25 ... 1st detection part 27 storage element 28 second detection unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] A maintenance liquid is contained in a cartridge body having substantially the same outer shape as an ink cartridge mounted on a recording head of an ink jet recording apparatus. A maintenance cartridge, wherein a maintenance liquid supply port for supplying a liquid and a cap for sealing the ink supply needle are provided so as to be selectively connectable to the ink supply needle. 2. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance liquid supply port and the cap are disposed at symmetric positions on the cartridge body. 3. The cartridge body according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect which of the maintenance liquid supply port and the cap is connected to the ink supply needle on the recording head. Alternatively, the maintenance cartridge according to claim 2. 4. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit includes a storage element that stores attribute information on a maintenance liquid. 5. The detection section, wherein a storage element is connected to a control section of the ink jet printing apparatus in a state where the maintenance supply port is connected to the print head, and information is exchanged with the control section. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 4. 6. The storage device according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit includes a storage element capable of reading and writing information on the remaining amount of ink of the maintenance liquid or the amount of used ink.
A maintenance cartridge according to item 1. 7. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit includes a storage element that can read and write information on a use history of the maintenance liquid. 8. A maintenance liquid supply port and a plurality of caps each corresponding to a plurality of ink supply needles, wherein the maintenance liquid supply port is formed so as to communicate with a common maintenance liquid storage chamber in the cartridge body. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance cartridge is provided. 9. The maintenance cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance liquid storage chamber contains a porous member impregnated with a maintenance liquid. 10. A recording head which is supplied with ink from an ink cartridge which is detachably attached to an ink supply needle via an ink supply port and which is provided with a storage element for storing attribute information on ink, An information transfer unit that reads and writes information between the information transfer unit and a control unit that controls a print operation based on the attribute information of the ink read by the information transfer unit; The head is replaced with an ink cartridge so that a maintenance cartridge can be removably mounted.The maintenance cartridge has almost the same outer shape as the ink cartridge and a cartridge body containing maintenance liquid inside. Provided on the cartridge body so as to be selectively connected to the ink supply needle. A maintenance liquid supply port for supplying the maintenance liquid to the ink supply needle on the recording head, a cap for sealing the ink supply needle, and a maintenance liquid supply port side connected to the ink supply needle so as to correspond to the information transfer section. To
A storage element that is attached to the cartridge body and stores attribute information on the maintenance liquid.When the control unit detects that the maintenance liquid supply port side is connected to the ink supply needle, the control unit reads out the information from the information transfer unit. An ink jet recording apparatus for controlling a maintenance operation based on attribute information of a maintenance liquid. 11. The control unit, when detecting that the cap side is connected to the ink supply needle, counts an elapsed time from the start of connection of the cap, and issues a warning signal when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein 12. A recording head which is detachably attached to an ink supply needle via an ink supply port and receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge provided with a storage element for storing attribute information relating to ink, and the storage element An information transfer unit that reads and writes information between the information transfer unit and a control unit that controls a print operation based on the attribute information of the ink read by the information transfer unit; The head is replaced with an ink cartridge so that a maintenance cartridge can be removably mounted.The maintenance cartridge has almost the same outer shape as the ink cartridge and a cartridge body containing maintenance liquid inside. Provided on the cartridge body so as to be selectively connected to the ink supply needle. A maintenance liquid supply port for supplying the maintenance liquid to the ink supply needle on the recording head, a cap for sealing the ink supply needle, and a maintenance liquid supply port side connected to the ink supply needle so as to correspond to the information transfer section. To
A storage element that is attached to the cartridge body and stores attribute information on the maintenance liquid.When the control unit detects that the maintenance liquid supply port side is connected to the ink supply needle, the control unit reads out the information from the information transfer unit. An ink jet recording apparatus for controlling a maintenance operation based on attribute information of a maintenance liquid.