JP3484282B2 - Drive transmission switching mechanism in recording device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a drive transmission switching mechanism in a recording device such as an ink jet printer or a facsimile, and more particularly to a drive for switching a driving force of a driving source to a state of not transmitting to the negative pressure generating means. The present invention relates to a transmission switching mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording device such as an ink jet printer, air bubbles are generated inside a print head that ejects ink droplets, or ink droplets adhere to the nozzle surface, resulting in ejection failure. Cause Therefore,
In order to solve this problem and recover a good discharge state, there is a device provided with a maintenance device called a purge device. This purging device covers a print head with a suction cap and causes a negative pressure to be generated by a pump to suck ink inside the print head. And
It is known that the drive source of the means for generating the negative pressure is also used as a drive source for transporting a recording medium such as printing paper to reduce the number of parts and cost.

As described above, in the recording apparatus in which the driving source of the negative pressure generating means and the recording medium conveying means are shared, the driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the means when the negative pressure generating means is operated. A drive transmission switching mechanism that switches the transmission of the driving force to the state is provided. In this drive transmission switching mechanism, the drive force transmission gear to which the drive force of the drive source is transmitted is the drive gear of the negative pressure generating means (hereinafter, this is referred to as negative pressure gear) or the drive gear of the recording medium conveying means (hereinafter, It has been proposed that the driving force is transmitted to one or both of these by selectively meshing with a transport gear). The transmission of the driving force to the negative pressure generating means by the driving force transmission gear causes the carriage on which the printing head is mounted to a position where the print head is capped by a protective cap provided in the recording device (hereinafter referred to as a capping position). When it comes, the driving force transmission gear is moved to a position where it meshes with the negative pressure gear.

[0004]

However, in the conventional drive transmission switching mechanism as described above, when the carriage moves from the capping position to another position, the negative pressure generating means is operating. , The driving force transmission gear is disengaged from the negative pressure gear. Therefore, the power is turned off while the carriage is in the capping position and the recovery operation is being performed on the nozzle, and the user manually moves the carriage to a position other than the capping position while the power is turned off. In this case, the driving force transmission gear is disengaged from the negative pressure gear even though the recovery operation is not completed, which makes it difficult to return to the original operating state and causes a failure of the recording apparatus. Further, in the case where the drive transmission switching mechanism as described above is provided in a color printer having a plurality of print heads ejecting ink droplets of a plurality of colors, one purge device is used to print each print head. When the recovery operation is sequentially performed on the nozzles of, the carriage must sequentially move the nozzles of each print head to a position facing the purging device. Therefore, as the carriage moves, the driving force transmission gear moves to the negative pressure gear. Therefore, it is difficult to perform recovery work smoothly on all nozzles.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and once the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear mesh with each other, the maintenance operation is performed regardless of the movement and position of the carriage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive transmission switching mechanism in a recording apparatus capable of holding both gears in a meshed state and transmitting the driving force of a drive source to a negative pressure generating means.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a drive transmission switching mechanism in a recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention generates a negative pressure in a suction cap covering a nozzle of a print head. A negative pressure generating means for controlling the recording medium, a recording medium transporting means for transporting the recording medium, and a drive source for driving the negative pressure generating means and the recording medium transporting means. A driving force transmission switching mechanism in a recording apparatus for switching a driving force of a driving source to a state in which the driving force is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means, and a driving force transmission gear to which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted, and a driving force. and the negative pressure gear for transmitting the driving force of the driving source from the transmission gear to the negative pressure generating means, in a position to mesh from a position leaving the at least one gear to the other gear of the driving force transmission gear and negative gear Consists of a first kick portion for ride motion, the second kick portion for sliding movement and one of the gear provided on the print area side to the disengagement position from the engagement position than the first kick portion, said The first kick portion and the second kick portion are drive transmission switching means and drive transmission switching means that are set so that when one kick portion stands up with a click action, the other kick portion falls down. The permitting means for permitting the sliding movement of at least one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position by the means only at a specific rotational position of the negative pressure gear, and the carriage provided with the print head and moved along the recording medium. When the engagement portion kicks the first kick portion as the carriage moves, the drive transmission switching means moves one gear from the disengaged position to the meshed position. When the engaging portion kicks the second kick portion, the drive transmission switching means slides one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position only when the negative pressure gear is at a specific rotation position. When the negative pressure gear is not in a specific rotation position, one gear is elastically biased from the mesh position to the disengagement position, and the meshing relationship is continuously maintained.

In the above structure, the second kick portion for moving the driving force transmitting gear and the negative pressure gear from the meshing position to the disengaging position by being kicked by the engaging portion provided on the carriage, It is provided closer to the printing area than the first kick portion for moving the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear from the disengaged position to the meshed position by being kicked by the engaging portion. Therefore, after the carriage moves to a point where the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion, and once the driving force transmitting gear and the negative pressure gear are engaged with each other, the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion. The driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are not separated by the movement of the carriage between the point and the point where the engaging portion kicks the second kick portion. Therefore, after the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are engaged with each other, the state in which the driving force from the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means is maintained between the first kick portion and the second kick portion. The carriage can be moved for maintenance work of the print head. This means that in order to reduce the size of the recording apparatus, when the negative pressure generating means is provided in the printing area, the carriage is moved from the capping position in order to suck the print head by the negative pressure generating means. This is effective when it is necessary to move to the print area.

Further, once the driving force transmitting gear and the negative pressure gear start meshing with each other and start rotating, even if the second kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion, as long as the negative pressure gear is not in the specific rotation position, The driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are not disengaged, and the drive transmission switching means only elastically urges one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position. Therefore, for example, when the power of the recording apparatus is turned off during the operation of the negative pressure generating means and the user mistakenly manually moves the carriage in the print area direction during the operation, the second kick portion is kicked due to an erroneous operation. Even if it happens, it is possible to prevent the driving force transmission gear from being disengaged from the negative pressure gear. Then, when the power is turned on, the original state is restored and the operation of the negative pressure generating means can be continued.

Furthermore, since the change of the states of the first kick portion and the second kick portion is performed with a click action,
As described above, when the drive transmission switching means only elastically urges one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position, the drive transmission switching means disengages the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear. Since the desired movement is maintained, when the negative pressure gear reaches a specific rotation position, the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are disengaged, and the first kick portion is completely erected. The second kick part is completely collapsed. Therefore, in the power-off state, even if the carriage moves to the print area side due to an erroneous operation, the switching mechanism and the recording device are not damaged, and the operation can be normally restored.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the second aspect is the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, and the permitting means is
The flange is provided on the side of the teeth of the negative pressure gear adjacent to the driving force transmission gear and has a notched outer peripheral portion.

In the above structure, the sliding motion performed by one of the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear to engage with or disengage from the other gear is notched in the negative pressure gear collar portion. It is possible only in the part of the original shape.
When the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear start to rotate by engaging with each other, the negative pressure gear flange portion suppresses the movement of the driving force transmission gear even if the sliding movement is attempted during the rotation of both gears. Both gears will not come off and the meshed state can be maintained.

The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention is the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the driving force transmission gear is negative by sliding movement. When it is disengaged from the teeth of the pressure gear, it stays in the notch of the collar.

In the above structure, when the driving force of the driving source is transmitted only to the recording medium conveying means, the driving force transmission gear is located at the notch portion of the negative pressure gear flange portion when disengaged from the negative pressure gear. It is possible to prevent the negative pressure gear from rotating because the driving force transmission gear does not mesh with the negative pressure gear while being overlapped with a part of the negative pressure gear. Therefore, the driving force transmission gear can be smoothly meshed with the negative pressure gear, and the distance required for the sliding motion to disengage or mesh with the negative pressure gear can be shortened, and the movement time can be shortened accordingly. it can.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect is the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, and the permitting means is
A flange portion provided so as to rotate integrally with the negative pressure gear and having a shape in which a part of the outer periphery thereof is cut out, and a flange portion provided adjacent to the flange portion so as to rotate integrally with the driving force transmission gear, and It is composed of a disc-shaped portion that can be fitted into the notch portion of the collar portion.

In the above structure, after the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are engaged with each other by the sliding movement, even if the sliding movement is attempted during the rotation of both gears, the notch portion of the negative pressure gear side flange portion is formed. The sliding motion is suppressed until both of them rotate to a position where they can be fitted to the disc-shaped portion on the side of the driving force transmission gear, the both gears are not separated, and the meshed state can be maintained.

The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the disk-shaped portion is
When the driving force transmission gear is disengaged from the teeth of the negative pressure gear due to the sliding motion, the state in which the driving force transmission gear is fitted in the notch portion of the collar portion is maintained.

In the above structure, when the driving force transmitting gear is disengaged from the teeth of the negative pressure gear by the sliding motion, the disc-shaped portion is kept fitted in the cutout portion of the collar portion, so that the driving force is reduced. After the force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are disengaged, the negative pressure gear can be prevented from rotating in either forward or reverse directions.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention is the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first kick portion is kicked by the engagement portion when the carriage moves outside the printing area.

In the above arrangement, when the carriage moves out of the printing area, the first kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion, so that the drive source for the negative pressure generating means is used for maintenance of the print head. The driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the negative pressure generating means only when the transmission of the driving force is required.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the invention as defined in claim 7 is any one of claims 1 to 6.
The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first kick portion has the carriage moved to a position where the nozzle of the print head is capped by a protection cap provided outside the suction cap. It is sometimes kicked by the engaging portion.

In the above structure, when the carriage moves to the position where the print head is capped by the protective cap, the first kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion, so that the print head is positioned for maintenance. The driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the negative pressure generating means only when the carriage moves and the driving force of the driving source needs to be transmitted to the negative pressure generating means.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 is defined by claim 1 to claim 7.
The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second kick portion is engaged when the carriage moves further to the print area side than the suction position where the nozzle of the print head is covered by the suction cap. It is the one that is kicked by the club.

In the above construction, since the second kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion on the print area side of the position where the print head is sucked by the suction cap, the negative pressure generating means is provided in the print area. Even when the carriage has to move toward the print area due to the suction of the print head, the state in which the driving force of the drive source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means can be maintained.

Further, the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the invention of claim 9 is defined by claim 1 to claim 8.
The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engaging portion includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are provided at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage. The first engaging portion is provided closer to the print area than the second engaging portion, the first engaging portion kicks the first kick portion, and the second engaging portion moves the second kick portion. It was designed to kick.

In the above structure, as the engaging portion of the carriage, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided at intervals in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage, and the first engaging portion is provided. Since the first engaging portion kicks the first kick portion and the second engaging portion kicks the second kick portion, the carriage is engaged. The moving distance from the point where the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion, which is necessary for the second kick portion to kick the second kick portion, is longer than the distance between the first kick portion and the second kick portion. You can In other words, compared to the distance the carriage moves to perform the printhead maintenance operation,
Since the distance between the first kick portion and the second kick portion can be shortened, downsizing of the motion transmission switching means including both kick portions can be achieved.

The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the carriage is A plurality of print heads for ejecting inks of different colors are mounted side by side in the moving direction of the carriage.

In the above arrangement, when the carriage has to move many times in the print area direction in order to sequentially perform suction by the suction cap on the nozzles of each of the plurality of print heads mounted on the carriage. However, the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are kept in mesh with each other,
It is possible to maintain a state in which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means while performing suction on all of the plurality of print heads.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A drive transmission switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a color inkjet printer provided with a drive transmission switching mechanism. This color inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as printer) will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 is equipped with an inkjet print head 2 that prints by ejecting four color inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) onto a recording medium such as printing paper (hereinafter referred to as printing paper P). The print head 2 has four nozzles for ejecting each of the four color inks, and is held on a carriage 3 which is linearly reciprocally driven during printing. The print head 2 is provided integrally with the head unit 4, and together with the head unit 4, ink cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d for supplying four colors of ink to the print head 2 are detachably mounted on the carriage 3. It The front portion of the carriage 3 is pivotally supported by a carriage shaft 7 and is movable along the carriage shaft 7. The rear portion of the carriage 3 is slidably supported on the guide plate 8. The reciprocating movement of the carriage 3 is driven by a carriage (CR) motor 9 via a belt 10.

A platen roller 11 is provided at a position facing the print head 2. This platen roller 11
Are driven by the driving force of the line feed (LF) motor 40 (see FIG. 2) being transmitted by the platen gear 12. The printing paper P is conveyed to a position facing the print head 2 by the platen roller 11 and printing is performed.
A purging device 15 is provided on the side of the platen roller 11. The print head 2 may cause ejection failure due to air bubbles generated inside the print head 2 or ink droplets adhering to the ejection surface during its use. There is a purging device 15 for this purpose. The purging device 15 is also driven when the print head 2 or the ink cartridges 5a to 5d is replaced, and functions so that the ink in the cartridge is smoothly supplied to the nozzles of the print head 2.

The purging device 15 will be described in more detail. A cap (protection cap) 16 is provided at the front of the purging device 15. This cap 16
Covers the nozzles of the print head 2 when the carriage 3 moves to the capping position to prevent the ink from drying. A suction cap 20 is provided on the side of the cap 16 (on the print area side). The suction cap 20, when the nozzle of the print head 2 is covered,
The negative pressure generated by the pump 17 sucks bubbles and defective ink inside the print head 2 to restore the print head 2. The sucked defective ink is sent to the storage unit 18. The print head 2 is provided on the side of the suction cap 20.
A wiper 21 for wiping the nozzle is provided. The sucking operation for the defective ink and the wiping operation are sequentially performed for each of the four nozzles of the print head 2. Further, the purging device 15 includes the pump cam 2
8 (see FIG. 8) is configured to execute a required maintenance operation (suction and wiping) during one rotation, and the line feed motor 40 is shared with the platen roller 11 as a drive source thereof. There is. The transmission of the driving force of the line feed motor 40 to the purging device 15 is performed according to the position of the carriage 3,
When it is transmitted to the purging device 15, it is transmitted by a pump cam gear (gear rotatably provided integrally with the pump cam 28 for driving the pump cam 28).

Next, the drive force switching device according to the present invention, which is the drive force purging device 15 for the line feed motor 40, will be described.
A switching mechanism for switching transmission to the carriage 3 according to the position of the carriage 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Figure 2
Is a perspective view showing each member, a gear group, and the like constituting the switching mechanism,
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the switching mechanism, the carriage 3, and the purging device 15, and FIG. 4A shows a rib (engagement portion) provided on the lower portion of the carriage 3 and the first portion when the carriage 3 enters the capping area. Figure showing the relationship with one kick part, (b)
Shows a click action by the pulling spring in this state, FIG. 5A shows a relationship between the rib and the second kick portion when the carriage 3 moves out of the capping area, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the click action by the pulling spring in this state.

The switching mechanism 30 includes the line feed motor 4
A driving force distribution gear (driving force transmission gear) 41 that transmits a driving force of 0 and can move in the axial direction (direction of arrow A), and presses the driving force distribution gear 41 for axial movement. The idle kicker 43 and the compression spring 45 that urges the driving force distribution gear 41 to the right of the arrow A are provided.

The driving force distribution gear 41 transmits the driving force to the gear teeth 41a that mesh with the motor gear 46 attached to the output shaft of the line feed motor 40, the gear teeth 41b that mesh with the platen gear 12 coaxial with the platen roller 11, and the pump cam gear 25. The purge gear (negative pressure gear) 48 has three teeth 41 c that mesh with each other. The tooth 41a and the motor gear 46, the tooth 41b and the platen gear 12, the purge gear 48 and the pump cam gear 25 are always in mesh, and the tooth 41c and the purge gear 48 are
The carriage 3 engages when it enters the capping area.

The idle kicker 43 has a first kick portion 50a.
At the same time, the kicker shaft 52 is formed so as to be rotatable about its axis, and depending on the rotation of the kicker shaft 52, either the state indicated by the solid line or the state indicated by the chain double-dashed line is obtained. A separate kicker shaft 52 is provided on the print area side of the kicker shaft 52.
a is provided, and a second kick portion 50b is formed on the kicker shaft 52a. This second kick part 50b
Is connected to the first kick portion 50a by a connecting member 53.

A pulling spring 54 is hooked on the center of the kicker shaft 52, and the elastic force of the pulling spring 54 and the connecting member 53 cause the first kick portion 50a and the second kick portion 50b.
Is set so that when one kick section is standing, the other kick section is in a fallen state. The operation of each of the kick portions 50a and 50b at this time is performed with a click action by the pulling spring 54. Further, the force of pressing the driving force distribution gear 41 via the idle kicker 43 by the elastic force of the pulling spring 54 is stronger than the elastic force of the compression spring 45.

The posture of the idle kicker 43 is in the state of a solid line when the first kick portion 50a is upright, and is in the state of a two-dot chain line when the second kick portion 50b is upright. Is set to. First kick part 50
a is maintained in an upright state when the carriage 3 is in the print area. Further, the first kick portion 50a and the second kick portion 50b are provided at positions projecting in the movement range of the carriage 3, the first kick portion 50a is at the start point of the capping area, and the second kick portion 50b is within the printing area. It is provided in. A rib (engagement portion) 55 is formed on the lower portion of the carriage 3, and the rib 55 kicks the first kick portion 50a and the second kick portion 50b as the carriage 3 moves. Although FIG. 2 depicts each component separately for easy understanding, the components are actually arranged close to each other.

Next, the shape of the purge gear 48 will be described. 6A and 6B are side views showing the purge gear 48, and FIG. 6C is a perspective view thereof. A flange portion 48 a is provided on the side of the tooth portion of the purge gear 48. This collar part 4
8a is provided only on the tooth side of the surface where the purge gear 48 is adjacent to the driving force distribution gear 41, and a cutout portion 48b is provided in a part thereof. Driving force distribution gear 4
In No. 1, when it is disengaged without meshing with the purge gear 48, the amount of movement is adjusted by using an appropriate stopper means so that it remains in the cutout portion 48b. A sliding motion for the driving force distribution gear 41 to engage with or disengage from the purge gear 48 is performed in the cutout portion 48b,
The collar portion 48a and the cutout portion 48b function as a permitting means for permitting the sliding movement.

Next, the operation of each of the kick portions 50a and 50b and the transmission of the driving force by the meshing of the gears with the movement of the carriage 3 will be described. When the carriage 3 is in the print area, the idle kicker 43 pulls the pull spring 54.
It is in the position shown by the solid line in FIG. At this time, the idle kicker 43 pushes the driving force distribution gear 41 in the leftward direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 against the bias of the compression spring 45. Therefore, the tooth 41c and the purge gear 48 do not mesh with each other, and the pump cam gear 25 is not driven. On the other hand, when the carriage 3 enters the capping area, the rib 55 kicks and knocks down the first kick portion 50a, the idle kicker 43 and the like are in the state of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and the driving force distribution gear 41 is idle. Kicker 43
Is released from the pressing force of. At this time, the driving force distribution gear 4
1 is pushed in the right direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 by the elastic force of the compression spring 45, and the tooth 41c meshes with the purge gear 48. By this engagement, the driving force of the line feed motor 40 can be transmitted to the pump cam gear 25, and the suction by the suction cap 20 of the purging device 15 is performed.

When the carriage 3 moves in the print area direction, the rib 55 kicks and knocks down the second kick portion 50b which is erected by the first kick portion 50a falling when the carriage 3 enters the capping area. As a result, the idle kicker 43 and the like are brought into the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, and the driving force distribution gear 41 is urged by the idle kicker 43. The driving force distribution gear 41 is pushed leftward in the arrow A of FIG. 2, so that the tooth 41 c is disengaged from the purge gear 48.

Next, the meshing of the platen gear 12, the pump cam gear 25, the driving force distribution gear 41, the motor gear 46, and the purge gear 48 will be described. 7A and 7B are schematic side sectional views showing the meshing of the above gears. Bite tooth 41 of driving force distribution gear 41
When c is not meshed with the purge gear 48 (disengaged), the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 is in the notch 48b of the purge gear 48. At this time, the gear teeth 41a of the driving force distribution gear 41 and the motor gear 46, the gear teeth 41b and the platen gear 12, and the purge gear 48 and the pump cam gear 25 mesh with each other (FIG. 7).
(See (a)). When the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 is in a state of meshing with the purge gear 48, the driving force distribution gear 41 slides toward the purge gear 48 to be in the state of FIG. 5 (b). The other gears are kept in the meshed state.

Next, the operation of the carriage 3 and each part of the switching mechanism 30 when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 18 are views showing the states of the carriage 3, the purging device 15, and the switching mechanism 30 when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head 2.
(A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the purging device 15, the carriage 3 and the print head 2, (b) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the ribs 55 at the bottom of the carriage 3 and the kick parts 50a and 50b, and (c) is the purge gear. 48 is a diagram showing engagement between the driving force distribution gear 41 and FIG. 4D is a diagram showing engagement between the purge gear 48, the driving force distribution gear 41, and the idle kicker 43.

When the carriage 3 moves toward the capping position (outside of the purge operation position) and enters the capping area, the carriage 3 moves to the cap 1
The locking piece 16a of No. 6 is contacted, and capping is started (see FIG. 8). At this time, the rib 55 contacts the first kick portion 50a in the upright state. Furthermore, the carriage 3
When it moves to the right in FIG. 9 and reaches the end point (capping position) of the movable range of the carriage 3, the cap 16 finishes capping the print head 2 (2a to 2d). At this time, the rib 55 is attached to the first kick portion 5
0a was kicked and knocked down, and idle kicker 43 pulled spring 54.
9 is rotated clockwise with the click action by, the biting teeth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 are released from the bias by the idle kicker 43. Therefore, the tooth 41c located at the cutout portion 48b of the purge gear 48 moves in the cutout portion 48b in the arrow direction of FIG. 9D by the elastic force of the compression spring 45, and meshes with the purge gear 48. . Further, at the same time when the first kick portion 50a falls down, the second kick portion 50b becomes upright (see FIG. 9).

In this state, the carriage 3 moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10A to suck the nozzles of the print head 2a, and the nozzles of the print head 2a are purged by the purging device 15 provided in the print area. The suction cap 20 is moved to a position (suction position) facing the suction cap 20. The purging device 15 is provided in the print area in order to reduce the size of the printer 1. At this time, the carriage 3 moves into the print area, but since the carriage 3 has not moved to the position where the second kick portion 50b is kicked, the idle kicker 43 is kept in a state of not pressing the bite 41c. Therefore, the tooth 41c is kept in mesh with the purge gear 48 (see FIG. 10D).

When the carriage 3 moves to the above position,
When the line feed motor 40 is energized, the teeth 41c are rotated and the purge gear 48 is rotated once. As a result, the purging device 15 is driven, the suction cap 20 is moved forward with respect to the nozzle of the print head 2a, and suction is performed by the operation of the suction pump (see FIG. 11 (a-1)). When the suction is completed, the suction cap 20 is retracted, the wiper 21 is moved forward, and the carriage 3 is moved by a distance L required for wiping the print head 2a to perform wiping (FIG. 11 (a-2) (a -3)). After completion of the wiping, the wiper 21 is retracted (see FIG. 11 (a-4)). Since the purge gear 48 rotates once, the notch 48b returns to the original position (purge home position) corresponding to the tooth 41c.

After the above operation is completed, the carriage 3 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
The flushing position of (a), that is, the leftmost position of the print area, each nozzle of the print heads 2a to 2d moves to a position facing the flushing ejection ink absorber 100, and the nozzle of the print head 2a is moved. Is flushed (see FIG. 12). During the movement of the carriage 3, the second kick portion 50b is kicked and fallen by the rib 55, and the first kick portion 50a stands up. Along with the standing of the first kick portion 50a, the idle kicker 43 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12 (d) to move the bite 41c in the arrow direction of FIG. 12 (d). Purge gear 48
Since the cutout portion 48b has returned to the position corresponding to the bite tooth 41c, the bite tooth 41c disengages from the purge gear 48 at the cutout portion 48b.

When the flushing operation is completed, the carriage 3 moves to the capping position again (FIG. 13).
reference). During the movement of the carriage 3, the first kick portion 50a is kicked and knocked down by the ribs 55, so that the second kick portion 50a
The kick part 50b stands up. Along with this, the idle kicker 43 also rotates clockwise in FIG.
1c is released from the bias by the idle kicker 43, and again meshes with the purge gear 48 at the cutout portion 41b.

When the carriage 3 moves to the capping position, the suction operation is performed for the nozzles of the print head 2b.
Move in the direction of arrow 4). Then, as in the case of the print head 2a, a series of operations of suction, wiping, and flushing are performed on the print head 2b. After that, the same operation is performed for the nozzles of the print heads 2c and 2d, and the carriage 3 moves to the capping position. At this time, the protective cap 20 caps the print heads 2a to 2d, and the maintenance is completed (see FIG. 15).

When printing is started after the maintenance operation is completed, the carriage 3 moves in the print area direction (the left side in the drawing). Here, since the second kick portion 50b is in the print area, the rib 55 can kick the second kick portion 50b down only after the carriage 3 enters the print area. Therefore, even if the carriage 3 enters the print area, the bite teeth 41c remain in mesh with the purge gear 48 while the carriage 3 is in a part of the print area (while the second kick portion 50b has not been kicked down yet). (See FIG. 16). Therefore, the carriage 3 is once moved to a position where the second kick portion 50b can be kicked down and the bite teeth 41c are disengaged from the purge gear 48 (see FIG. 17), and then the carriage 3 is moved to the position immediately before the start of capping (the right end of the printing area). Part (see FIG. 18), and printing is started from this position.

However, in this operation, it is necessary to start the printing from the right direction to the left direction, such as when printing is performed in both moving directions of the reciprocating movement of the carriage 3 and when performing black-and-white printing (printing using only black ink). Only needed if there is. For example, when the home position of the carriage 3 is set to the left end of the printer 1 and color printing (unidirectional printing) is set to be performed rightward from this position, printing is started after maintenance is completed. At this time, since the carriage 3 idles to the home position at the left end, the second kick portion 50b is kicked down during the movement. As a result, the tooth 41c is disengaged from the purge gear 48, and the above operation is unnecessary.

During printing, the carriage 3 repeats reciprocating movement within the printing area and does not move to the right of the position shown in FIG. 18, so the rib 55 does not kick down the first kick portion 50a, and the purge is performed. The device 15 is not driven. Further, actual printing is performed only on the left side of the position of the carriage 3 shown by the solid line in FIG. Figure 1 on printer 1
The area a of 6 is provided because it is a start-up section for reaching a constant speed again when the carriage 3 changes its moving direction.

Next, the power of the printer 1 is turned off during the maintenance operation, and in this state, the user mistakenly moves the carriage 3 in the position of the suction operation by the purging device 15 toward the printing area. In case of
The operation of the switching mechanism 30 will be described. FIG. 19 is a view showing the operation of the switching mechanism 30 in this case, and FIG. 19A is a view showing the operation of the rib 55 and the kick portions 50a and 50b.
(B) is a diagram showing a click action by the pulling spring 54, (c) is a diagram showing operations of the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c, and (d) is a diagram showing actions of the purge gear 48, the tooth 41c, and the idle kicker 43. Is.

During the suction operation by the purging device 15, the power of the printer 1 is turned off.
1c stops during rotation (see FIG. 19C). At this time, the carriage 3 is located closer to the capping position side than the second kick portion 50b, and the second kick portion 5b
0b is in an upright state. In this case, if the user accidentally manually moves the carriage 3 to the print area side and tilts the second kick portion 50b, the first kick portion 50b
a tries to shift from a fallen state to a standing state (see FIG. 19A), and the idle kicker 43 also pushes the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 to try to disengage the tooth 41c from the purge gear 48. (See FIG. 19 (d)).

However, even if the bite tooth 41c is pushed by the idle kicker 43, the bite tooth 41c is not removed by the purge gear 48.
The purge gear 48.
Cannot be disengaged, and the meshed state is maintained. Also,
Since the idle kicker 43 cannot completely push the chewing teeth 41c completely, the pulling spring 54 stays at a position slightly above the neutral line, and the first kick portion 50a is not completely erected (Fig. 19 (b)). )reference). In this state,
When the power is turned on again, the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c are kept in mesh with each other. Therefore, by restarting the rotation of the line feed motor 40, the purge gear 48 can be normally returned to the home position. it can. That is, the notch 4 of the purge gear 48
8b can be rotated to a position corresponding to the tooth 41c.

Here, as described above, since the pulling spring 54 remains at a position slightly above the neutral line, the first kick portion 50a is continuously urged in the direction of standing up, and the idle kicker 43 also. It is urged in a direction to push the tooth 41c. Therefore, when the cutout portion 48b rotates to a position corresponding to the bite tooth 41c, the bite tooth 41c makes a sliding motion and disengages from the purge gear 48. further,
Since the first kick portion 50a is also in a completely upright state,
The idle kicker 43 and the kick parts 50a and 50b can also be returned to the normal state.

Next, still another embodiment of the switching mechanism 30 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing each member, a gear group, and the like that constitute a switching mechanism 30 ′ that is another embodiment of the switching mechanism 30, and FIG. 21 is a side view showing the switching mechanism 30 ′, the carriage 3, and the purging device 15. Is. In this switching mechanism 30 ', two ribs as an engaging portion, that is, a first rib 60a and a second rib, are provided on the lower portion of the carriage 3.
Ribs 60b are provided. The first ribs 60a and the second ribs 60b are provided at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 3, and the first ribs 60a are provided closer to the printing area than the second ribs 60b. The positions of the first kick portion 50a and the second kick portion 50b are the same as those of the first kick portion 50a.
The rib 60a is set to be shifted in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 3 so that the rib 60a kicks the first kick portion 50a and the second rib 60b kicks the second kick portion 50b. The configuration of the other gear groups is similar to that of the switching mechanism 30.

The operation of each part of the switching mechanism 30 'having the above structure and the carriage 3 when performing maintenance on the print head 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24 are views showing the states of the carriage 3, the purging device 15, and each part of the switching mechanism 30 'when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head 2. FIG. 22A is a diagram showing the purging device 15 and the carriage 3. And (b) shows the positional relationship between the print head 2 and the ribs 60a and 60b at the bottom of the carriage 3 and the kick portions 50a and 50b.
Showing the positional relationship of the purge gear 48, (c) shows the engagement between the purge gear 48 and the driving force distribution gear 41, and (d) shows the purge gear 4.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the engagement of 8, a driving force distribution gear 41, and an idle kicker 43.

When the carriage 3 moves toward the capping position (outside of the purge operation position) and enters the capping area, the first rib 60a contacts the first kick portion 50a in the upright state. Before the first rib 60a contacts the first kick portion 50a, the second rib 6
0b enters the capping area first, but the first kick portion 50a is provided at a position where it does not contact the second rib 60b (see FIG. 20), the second rib 60b kicks the first kick portion 50a. You can't beat it.

When the carriage 3 has moved to the capping position, the first rib 60a kicks the first kick portion 50a to bring it down. As a result, the idle kicker 43 rotates clockwise in FIG. The tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 is released from the pressing force of the idle kicker 43, and slides in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The second kick portion 50b is in a state of standing up at the same time when the first kick portion 50a falls (see FIG. 23 (b)).

When the maintenance is completed and the carriage 3 moves to the print area, the second rib 60b kicks down the second kick portion 50b and the first kick portion 50a stands up, so that the idle kicker 43 moves. Rotate and bite teeth 41c
Is disengaged from the purge gear 48 (see FIG. 24). Also in this case, as in the case where the carriage 3 enters the capping area, the second kick portion 50 of the second rib 60b is also used.
Before contacting b, the first rib 60a first comes into contact with the second kick portion 5
Although the second kick portion 50b reaches the position of 0b, but the second kick portion 50b is provided at a position where it does not contact the first rib 60a (see FIG. 20), the first rib 60a does not knock down the second kick portion 50b. Absent.

According to the switching mechanism 30 'having the above structure, the first
From the point where the rib 60a kicks the first kick portion 50a, the distance that the carriage 3 moves to kick and knock down the second kick portion 50b by the second rib 60b is actually the first kick portion 60a and the second kick portion 60b. Is provided,
It can be made longer than the distance between the first kick portion 60a and the second kick portion 60b. Therefore, the first kick portion 60a
Even if the distance between the second kick portions 60b is narrowed, the movement area of the carriage 3 necessary for the maintenance operation can be secured, so downsizing of the entire switching mechanism 30 'including both kick portions 60a and 60b is possible. Can be achieved.

Next, an embodiment in which the structure of the above-mentioned permitting means of the switching mechanism 30 is changed will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the driving force distribution gear 41 and the purge gear 48 and the meshing with other gears. FIG. 25A shows the purge gear 48 separated from the meshing teeth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41. Is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the purge gear 4 is shown.
8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state in which 8 meshes with the teeth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41, and FIG. 8C shows that the flange portion 48d of the purge gear 48 and the disk-shaped portion 41d of the driving force distribution gear 41 are fitted together. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state.

In this embodiment, the purge gear 48
Is provided on the outer side in the axial direction of the tooth 48c for meshing with the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 and the tooth 48c so as to rotate integrally with the purge gear 48, and is cut on a part of the outer periphery thereof. It is composed of a disk-shaped brim portion 48d in which a notch portion 48e is formed. The driving force distribution gear 41 includes a collar portion 4
A disc-shaped portion 41d is provided adjacent to 8d so as to rotate integrally with the driving force distribution gear 41 (see FIG. 25 (a)). In the above configuration, the purge gear 4
8 and the driving force distribution gear 41 are disengaged, the disc-shaped portion 41d fits into the notch portion 48e of the flange portion 48d (see FIG. 25 (c)). When the driving force distribution gear 41 slides in the direction of the purge gear 48 and the teeth 48c of the purge gear 48 and the teeth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 mesh with each other, the disc-shaped portion 41d has the cutout portion 4 of the flange portion 48d.
8e (see FIG. 25B). In this state,
When the motor gear 46 is rotationally driven, the driving force distribution gear 41
Also, the purge gear 48 rotates, and the flange 48d also rotates integrally with the purge gear 48.

While the purge gear 48 and the flange portion 48d are rotating, the cutout portion 48e is not located at a position corresponding to the disc-shaped portion 41d. Therefore, while the purge gear 48 is rotating,
The urging force of the idle kicker 43 is the driving force distribution gear 41.
If the disk-shaped portion 41d and the cutout portion 48e are not fitted to each other, the driving force distribution gear 41 cannot slide. Therefore, the purge gear 48 and the collar portion 48d are about 36
The tooth 48c of the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 disengage until the notch 48e returns to the initial position, that is, the position corresponding to the disc-shaped portion 41d, by rotating 0 degrees. It is not possible. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The maintenance can be performed on the print heads 2a to 2d in the same manner as shown in FIG.

Another embodiment of the embodiment in which the structure of the permitting means of the switching mechanism 30 is changed will be described. FIG. 26 shows another configuration example of the driving force distribution gear 41 and the purge gear 48,
And (a) is a view showing meshing with other gears,
The purge gear 48 is the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41.
FIG. 4B is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the purge gear 48 meshes with the teeth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41, and FIG. 7C is a flange portion 48g of the purge gear 48. And the disc-shaped portion 41 of the driving force distribution gear 41
It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state with which e was fitted.

In this embodiment, the purge gear 48
Is a tooth 48f for engaging with the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 and an axially inner side of the tooth 48f, that is,
The drive force distribution gear 41 is provided at a position close to the teeth 41c so as to rotate integrally with the purge gear 48, and has a disk-shaped flange portion 48g with a part of the outer periphery cut out.
The driving force distribution gear 41 is adjacent to the collar portion 48g and is rotated integrally with the driving force distribution gear 41 so as to rotate with the teeth 41.
A disc-shaped portion 41e formed in c is provided (FIG. 2).
6 (a)). In the above configuration, the purge gear 48
When the drive force distribution gear 41 and the drive force distribution gear 41 are disengaged from each other, the disc-shaped portion 41e is fitted in the cutout portion 48h of the flange portion 48g (see FIG. 26C). Driving force distribution gear 4
When 1 is slid in the direction of the purge gear 48, the disk-shaped portion 41e separates from the cutout portion 48h of the flange portion 48g,
The tooth 48f of the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 mesh with each other (see FIG. 26B). In this state, when the motor gear 46 is rotationally driven, the driving force distribution gear 41 and the purge gear 48 rotate, and the flange portion 48g also rotates integrally with the purge gear 48.

Here, during the rotation of the purge gear 48 and the flange portion 48g, the cutout portion 48h is not in a position corresponding to the disc-shaped portion 41e. Therefore, while the purge gear 48 is rotating,
The urging force of the idle kicker 43 is the driving force distribution gear 41.
In addition, since the disc-shaped portion 41e and the cutout portion 48h are not fitted to each other, the driving force distribution gear 41 cannot slide. Therefore, the purge gear 48 and the flange portion 48g are about 36
The tooth 48f of the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 disengage until the cutout portion 48h returns to the initial position, that is, the position corresponding to the disc-shaped portion 41e, by rotating 0 degree. It is not possible. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The maintenance can be performed on the print heads 2a to 2d in the same manner as shown in FIG.

Next, the control system of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the printer 1. The printer 1 controls the printing operation based on the host computer 62 that outputs the print data to be printed and the print data received from the host computer 62 via the interface 63, and controls the overall printer 1 by a CPU ( A control means) 66, a ROM 67 that stores a program necessary for the work, and a RAM 68 that temporarily stores print data received from the host computer 62 are provided. An operation panel 69 for inputting an external command is connected to the CPU 66.

Further, the printer 1 comprises a print head 2, a carriage 3, a paper feed mechanism 70 for carrying print paper, and a purging device 15. The operation of the print head 2 is controlled by the CPU 66 via the head drive circuit 71. The carriage 3 also has a C
A carriage (C
R) The operation is performed by driving the motor 9.

The paper feeding mechanism 70 and the purging device 15 are L
CPU 66 via F (line feed) drive circuit 74
As described above, the paper feed mechanism 70 and the purging device 15 which are operated by driving the line feed (LF) motor 40 under the control of (1) share the LF motor 40 as a drive source thereof by the switching mechanism 30. . The CR position sensor 7 detects the operations of the carriage 3 and the purging device 15 and the position of the printing paper P conveyed by the paper feeding mechanism 70.
7, a purge HP (home position) sensor 78, and a PE (paper empty) sensor 79. The detected data is transmitted to the CPU 66 via the counter unit 80 including a CR position counter, an LF position counter, and a purge position counter, and the carriage 3,
It serves as a control reference for each operation of the purging device 15 and the paper feeding mechanism 70.

As described above, according to the switching mechanism 30 of the present embodiment, the carriage 3 enters the capping area, and the rib 55 kicks the first kick portion 50a to drive the driving force distribution gear 41.
And the purge gear 48 mesh with each other, the carriage 3 meshes the purge gear 48 with the meshing tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41 until the rib 55 kicks down the second kick portion 50b in the print area. It is possible to move freely while maintaining the state. Therefore, the purging device 15
Even if the carriage 3 has to move to the print area side due to suction of the print head 2 or the like, for example, when the carriage 3 is provided in the print area, the driving force can be transmitted to the purge device 15. . Furthermore, according to the switching mechanism 30 ', downsizing of the entire switching mechanism can be achieved.

Further, according to the switching mechanisms 30 and 30 'of this embodiment, the power is turned off while the purging device 15 is sucking the print head 2, and the carriage 3 is erroneously manually operated in this state. Even if the second kick portion 50b is tilted by moving it to the print area side, the purge gear 48
The collar portion 48a of the driving force distribution gear 41 suppresses the sliding movement of the tooth 41c of the driving force distribution gear 41, and the purge gear 48 and the tooth 41c
Holds the meshed state, the purge gear 48 can be normally returned to the home position when the power is turned on. Further, since the pulling spring 54 maintains the bias in the direction in which the first kick portion 50a and the aisle kicker 43 also try to operate, the idle kicker 43 and the kick portions 50a and 50b can also be returned to the normal state. it can.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the driving force distribution gear 41 slides in the direction of the purge gear 48 by the elastic force of the compression spring 45, but the purge gear 48 moves in the direction of the driving force distribution gear 41. Good. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the platen gear 12 coaxial with the platen roller 11 is always meshed with the meshing tooth 41b of the driving force distribution gear 41, but when the meshing tooth 41c is meshing with the purge gear 48, the meshing tooth 41b is formed. May be separated from.

In the above embodiment, the maintenance operation is performed on all the nozzles of the print heads 2a to 2d. However, one to three arbitrary nozzles of the print heads 2a to 2d are used. The maintenance operation may be performed only for the above. In the maintenance operation, the suction cap 20 sucks one nozzle of the print heads 2a to 2d,
The wiping and the flushing by the wiper 21 are continuously performed, and after the series of operations is completed, the series of operations is sequentially performed for the other one nozzle. However, for each nozzle of the print heads 2a to 2d, After performing only the suction and wiping operations, the print heads 2a to 2
Flushing may be performed collectively for each nozzle of d. In this case, for example, after the maintenance (suction and wiping) of the print head 2a is completed (see FIG. 11), the next print head 2b does not return the carriage 3 to the capping position and the next print head 2b sucks the cap 20.
Since it suffices to move the carriage 3 to the position corresponding to (see FIG. 14), the maintenance of the print head 2 can be performed in a shorter time.

[0074]

As described above, according to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the second kick portion is provided closer to the printing area than the first kick portion. After the carriage moves to a point where the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion and once engages the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear, from the point where the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion. The driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are not separated by the movement of the carriage until the engagement portion kicks the second kick portion. Therefore, after the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are engaged with each other, the state in which the driving force from the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means is maintained between the first kick portion and the second kick portion. The carriage can be moved for maintenance work of the print head. This means that in order to reduce the size of the recording apparatus, when the negative pressure generating means is provided in the printing area, the carriage is moved from the capping position in order to suck the print head by the negative pressure generating means. This is effective when it is necessary to move to the print area.

Further, once the driving force transmitting gear and the negative pressure gear mesh with each other to start rotation, even if the second kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion, as long as the negative pressure gear is not in the specific rotation position, The driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are not disengaged, and the drive transmission switching means only elastically urges one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position. Therefore, for example, when the power of the recording apparatus is turned off during the operation of the negative pressure generating means and the user mistakenly manually moves the carriage in the print area direction during the operation, the second kick portion is kicked due to an erroneous operation. Even if it happens, it is possible to prevent the driving force transmission gear from being disengaged from the negative pressure gear. Then, when the power is turned on, the original state is restored and the operation of the negative pressure generating means can be continued.

Furthermore, since the change of the states of the first kick portion and the second kick portion is performed with a click action,
As described above, when the drive transmission switching means only elastically urges one gear from the mesh position to the disengagement position, the drive transmission switching means disengages the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear. Since the desired movement is maintained, when the negative pressure gear reaches a specific rotation position, the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are disengaged, and the first kick portion is completely erected. The second kick part is completely collapsed. Therefore, in the power-off state, even if the carriage moves to the print area side due to an erroneous operation, the switching mechanism and the recording device are not damaged, and the operation can be normally restored.

According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, one of the drive force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear meshes with the other gear. Since the sliding motion performed to disengage is possible only in the notched portion of the negative pressure gear collar, after the driving force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear have engaged and started rotating, Even if the sliding motion is attempted during rotation, the negative pressure gear collar portion suppresses the sliding motion of the driving force transmission gear. Therefore, the both gears are not separated, and the state in which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means can be maintained.

According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, when the driving force transmission gear is disengaged from the teeth of the negative pressure gear by the sliding motion, the negative pressure gear collar portion is formed. Since the drive force transmission gear overlaps with a part of the negative pressure gear, it does not rotate the negative pressure gear because it remains in the cutout portion and rotates at this position. Therefore, the driving force transmission gear can be smoothly meshed with the negative pressure gear, and the distance required for the sliding motion for disengaging from or meshing with the negative pressure gear can be shortened. Can also be shortened.

Further, according to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after the drive force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear mesh with each other by the sliding motion, they slide during rotation of both gears. Even if you try to make a motion, the sliding motion is suppressed until the notched part of the collar part on the negative pressure gear rotates to a position where it can be fitted to the disk-shaped part on the drive force transmission gear side, and both gears do not separate. You can Therefore, the state in which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means can be maintained. According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention,
When the driving force transmission gear is disengaged from the teeth of the negative pressure gear due to the sliding movement, the disc-shaped part is kept fitted in the notch part of the collar part. After the gear is disengaged, the negative pressure gear can be prevented from rotating in either the forward or reverse direction.

According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the sixth aspect, the first kick portion is kicked by the engaging portion when the carriage moves out of the printing area. The first kick portion is not kicked by the engaging portion during the movement of the carriage for printing in the print area, and the negative pressure generating means needs to be driven to perform maintenance on the print head. Only in this case, the driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the negative pressure generating means.

According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the first kick portion is engaged when the carriage moves to a position where the print head is capped by the protective cap. Since the first kick portion is not kicked by the engaging portion during the movement of the carriage for printing within the print area, negative pressure is generated to perform maintenance on the print head. The driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the negative pressure generating means only when the driving of the means is necessary.

Further, according to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the second kick portion has the engaging portion on the print area side from the position where the print head is sucked by the suction cap. Even if the carriage has to move toward the print area due to suction of the print head, such as when the negative pressure generating means is provided in the print area, the negative pressure generating means is driven to the negative pressure generating means. The driving force of the source can be kept transmitted.

Further, according to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the first engaging portion is provided as the engaging portion of the carriage at intervals in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage. And a second engaging portion, and the first
The engaging portion is provided closer to the printing area than the second engaging portion, the first engaging portion kicks the first kick portion, and the second engaging portion kicks the second kick portion. However, the moving distance from the point where the engaging part kicks the first kick part, which is required to kick the second kick part by the engaging part, is calculated from the distance between the first kick part and the second kick part. Can also be long. In other words, the distance between the first kick portion and the second kick portion can be shortened as compared with the distance that the carriage moves to perform the maintenance operation of the print head, and therefore the switching means including both kick portions. Overall downsizing can be achieved.

According to the drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the nozzles of the plurality of print heads mounted on the carriage are
Even when the carriage moves toward the print area to perform suction by the suction caps in sequence, the drive force transmission gear and the negative pressure gear are kept in mesh with each other, and while suction is performed on all of the multiple print heads. The state in which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means can be maintained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a color inkjet printer including a drive transmission switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing each member, a gear group, and the like that form a switching mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a switching mechanism, a carriage, and a purging device.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a relationship between the ribs and the first kick portion when the carriage is in a capping area; FIG.
[Fig. 3] is a diagram showing a state of a pulling spring in this case.

5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the ribs and the second kick portion when the carriage moves out of the capping region and further moves, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the state of the tension spring in this case. .

6A and 6B are side views showing a purge gear,
(C) is the same perspective view.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are schematic side sectional views showing the meshing of the platen gear, pump cam gear, driving force distribution gear, motor gear, and purge gear.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state of each part of the carriage, the purging device, and the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the states of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the operation of the switching mechanism when the carriage at the position in the middle of the suction operation by the purging device is moved toward the print area while the power of the printer is off;
(A) is a diagram showing the operation of the rib and each kick portion, (b) is a diagram showing a click action by a pulling spring, (c) is a diagram showing actions of a purge gear and a tooth, and (d) is a purge gear, a tooth. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the idle kicker.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing each member, a gear group, and the like constituting a switching mechanism according to another embodiment.

21 is a side view showing the switching mechanism, the carriage, and the purging device having the configuration of FIG. 20. FIG.

22 is a diagram showing the state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism of the configuration of FIG. 20 when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

23 is a diagram showing a state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism having the configuration of FIG. 20 when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state of the carriage, the purging device, and each part of the switching mechanism of the configuration of FIG. 20 when performing maintenance on the nozzles of the print head.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the driving force distribution gear and the purge gear of the switching mechanism and meshing with other gears. FIG. 25A is a diagram showing that the purge gear is disengaged from the teeth of the driving force distribution gear. Is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the purge gear meshes with the teeth of the driving force distribution gear, and FIG. 7C is a flange portion of the purge gear and a disc of the driving force distribution gear. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state in which the shape part is fitted.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the driving force distribution gear and the purge gear of the switching mechanism different from those in FIG. 25 and engagement with other gears. FIG. 26 (a) is a diagram showing the purge gear engaging with the driving force distribution gear. FIG. 3B is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the purge gear is disengaged from the teeth, FIG. 3B is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the purge gear meshes with the teeth of the driving force distribution gear, and FIG. It is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the disc-shaped portion of the gear is fitted.

FIG. 27 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 printer 2 print head 3 carriage 11 Platen roller 12 Platen gear 15 Purge device 16 Protective cap 20 suction cap 21 wiper 25 pump cam gear 30 switching mechanism 40 line feed motor 41 Driving force distribution gear (driving force transmission gear) 41a, b, c chewing teeth 41d, e disk-shaped part 43 Idol kicker 45 compression spring 48 Purge gear (negative pressure gear) 48a, d, g collar part 48b, e, f Notch 48c chewing teeth 50a First kick part 50b Second kick part 52, 52a kicker shaft 53 Connection member 54 Extension spring 55 Rib (engagement part) 60a 1st rib (engagement part) 60b Second rib (engagement portion)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 23/02 B41J 2/18 B41J 2/185 B41J 11/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A negative pressure generating means for generating a negative pressure in a suction cap covering a nozzle of a print head, a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium, the negative pressure generating means, and the negative pressure generating means. A drive transmission switching mechanism provided in a recording apparatus having a drive source for driving the recording medium conveying means, and switching the drive force of the drive source between a state in which it is transmitted to the negative pressure generating means and a state in which it is not transmitted. A driving force transmission gear for transmitting the driving force of the driving source, a negative pressure gear for transmitting the driving force of the driving source from the driving force transmission gear to the negative pressure generating means, the driving force transmission gear, A first kick portion for slidingly moving at least one of the negative pressure gears from a position where it is disengaged from the other gear to a position where the negative gear is engaged, and a first kick portion is provided on the print area side of the first kick portion. And the one gear
Second for sliding movement from meshing position to disengagement position
The first kick part and the second kick part are configured such that when one kick part stands up with a click action, the other kick part falls down. The print head is mounted with a transmission switching unit, a permitting unit that allows the drive transmission switching unit to slide at least one of the gears from a mesh position to a disengagement position only at a specific rotational position of the negative pressure gear. And an engaging portion provided on a carriage that moves along the recording medium. When the engaging portion kicks the first kick portion as the carriage moves, the drive transmission switching means is When one of the gears is moved from the disengaged position to the meshed position and the engagement portion kicks the second kick portion, the drive transmission switching means causes the negative pressure gear to be in a specific rotation position. Only when the one gear is slid from the mesh position to the disengagement position, and when the negative pressure gear is not in the specific rotation position, the one gear is elastically urged from the mesh position to the disengagement position. A drive transmission switching mechanism in a recording apparatus, characterized in that the engagement relationship is maintained continuously. 2. The permitting means comprises a collar portion provided on the side of the teeth of the negative pressure gear adjacent to the driving force transmission gear and having a notch on the outer periphery thereof. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The driving force transmitting gear remains in the cutout portion of the collar portion when disengaged from the teeth of the negative pressure gear by the sliding motion.
A drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to. 4. The allowance means is provided so as to rotate integrally with the negative pressure gear and has a notched outer peripheral portion, and the drive force transmission is provided adjacent to the notched flange. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive transmission switching mechanism includes a disc-shaped portion that is provided so as to rotate integrally with a gear and that can be fitted into a cutout portion of the collar portion. 5. The disc-shaped portion maintains a state of being fitted to a cutout portion of the collar portion when the driving force transmission gear is disengaged from a tooth of the negative pressure gear due to a sliding motion. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The recording according to claim 1, wherein the first kick portion is kicked by the engagement portion when the carriage moves out of the print area. Drive transmission switching mechanism in the device. 7. The first kick portion is kicked by the engagement portion when the carriage moves to a position where a nozzle of the print head is capped by a protection cap provided outside the suction cap. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The second kick portion is kicked by the engagement portion when the carriage moves toward the print area further than the suction position where the nozzle of the print head is covered by the suction cap. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The engagement portion includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion that are provided at intervals in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the carriage, and the first engagement portion includes It is provided closer to the print area than the second engaging portion, the first engaging portion kicks the first kick portion, and the second engaging portion kicks the second kick portion. The drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The carriage is provided with a plurality of print heads for ejecting inks of different colors arranged side by side in a moving direction of the carriage.
A drive transmission switching mechanism in the recording apparatus according to claim 9.