CN101468548A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an image forming device which allows a printing head to be easily mounted on and separated from the image forming device. The image forming device includes: a main body, a print head, the print head includes a nozzle portion having a length at least equal to the width of the printing medium, a head mounting portion provided on the main body to mount the print head, at least one first connector is disposed on the head mounting portion, At least one second connector is disposed on the printhead to correspond to the at least one first connector. When the print head is mounted to the head mounting part, the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

Description

imaging device

technical field

The present invention relates to an imaging device, in particular to an array imaging device, wherein the length of the nozzle portion corresponds to the width of the printing medium.

Background technique

An image forming device is a device that develops a black-and-white image or a color image on a printing medium such as paper according to a printing signal. Examples of image forming devices include laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and devices combining these functions.

Among various image forming devices, an inkjet type image forming device is designed to form an image by ejecting liquid ink to the surface of a printing medium according to a printing signal. Such an inkjet type image forming apparatus includes a printing head that ejects ink according to a printing signal. When the print head ejects ink droplets according to the printing signal, images such as letters, graphics, etc. are printed on the printing medium.

Inkjet type image forming devices are classified into shuttle type image forming devices and array type image forming devices. In the shuttle-type image forming apparatus, the print head ejects ink while reciprocating in a direction perpendicular to the transfer direction of the printing medium (ie, the width direction of the printing medium). In the array type image forming apparatus, the length of the print head corresponds to the width of the print medium to enable printing.

A print head of an array type image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of head chips arranged in a width direction of a printing medium in order to enable line printing, a regulator for applying a negative pressure to ink supplied to the head chips, a device for storing ink to be ejected from the head chips ink tank etc.

The print head of the array type image forming apparatus described above is superannuated, so it is detachably installed into the main body to be replaceable. However, replacement of the print head requires troublesome assembly and separation operations because the power supply and signal wires extending from the print head must be separated from the print head before the print head is detached, and when the new print head is assembled into the main body, the power wires and The signal cable must be reconnected to the new printhead.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including an easily replaceable print head.

Additional features and utilities of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging device, which includes: a main body; a print head, the print head includes a nozzle part whose length is at least greater than the width of the printable printing medium; a head mounting part, the head mounting part is arranged on the main body for the print head at least one first connector, which is arranged on the head mounting part; and at least one second connector, which is correspondingly arranged on the print head with at least one first connector; wherein when the print head is installed on the head mounting part When the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

The first connectors may include at least a first power connector for supplying power to the printhead, a first signal connector for transmitting signals to the printhead, a first supply connector for connecting to an ink supply tube for supplying ink, and a first supply connector for discharging ink from the printhead. Connect the ink drain tube to one of the first drain connectors.

The second connector may include at least a second power connector connected to the first connector to receive power, a second signal connector connected to the first signal connector to receive signals transmitted thereto, and a first supply connector. One of a second supply connector connected to supply ink to the nozzle portion and a second discharge connector connected to the first discharge connector to receive ink transferred thereto.

The first supply connector may include a first connector body having a first chamber and a first sealing member mounted in the first connector body and having a first hole connected to the first chamber , the second supply connector may include a second connector body having a second chamber and a second seal mounted in the second connector body and having a second hole connected to the second chamber member, and the flow path connection device may be installed between the first connector body and the second connector body, and the flow path connection device may include a flow path tube having an end inserted into the first hole, thus It can be connected with the first chamber, and the other end can be inserted into the second hole to be connected with the second chamber.

A first valve member that opens or closes the first hole and a first valve spring that urges the first valve member so that the first valve member comes into contact with the first sealing member may be installed in the first chamber, opening or closing the second hole A second valve member and a second valve spring that urges the second valve member to bring the second valve member into contact with the second sealing member may be installed in the second chamber.

The second discharge connector may include a third connector body having a third chamber and a third sealing member installed in the third connector body and having a third hole connected to the third chamber , the first discharge connector may include an insertion tube inserted into the third hole to be connected with the third chamber.

A third valve member opening or closing the third hole and a third valve spring urging the third valve member so that the third valve member contacts the third sealing member may be installed in the third chamber.

The imaging device may further include a bracket provided with the head mounting part and pivotably mounted to the main body.

The head mounting part may be provided on an upper surface of the main body so that the print head is mounted to or detached from the head mounting part by vertical movement thereof.

The image forming apparatus may further include a guide to guide attachment/detachment of the print head.

The guide may include a guide protrusion protruding from any one of the main body and the print head, and a guide hole formed on the other of the main body and the print head, into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides an imaging device, which includes: a main body; a print head, which includes a nozzle portion whose length is at least greater than the width of a printable printing medium; a bracket, which is pivotally mounted on the main body And it is provided with a head mounting part detachably receiving the print head; at least one first connector provided on the head mounting part; at least one second connector corresponding to the at least one first connector provided on the print head; wherein The first connector and the second connector are connected to each other when the print head is mounted on the head mounting part.

The imaging device may further include: a pivot shaft and a support spring, wherein the pivot shaft is provided on the bracket to pivotably mount the bracket on the main body; and the support spring is mounted on the pivot shaft as a torsion spring to pivot the bracket upward.

A guide groove guiding the installation of the printhead may be provided on an opposite side of the installation part of the bracket, and the printhead may be provided with a guide rail to be inserted into the guide groove.

The image forming apparatus may further include: a separation lever pivotally connected to a side of the frame and having a protrusion formed at one end thereof to be inserted into the head mounting part through an opening formed in the side of the frame, wherein the print head has A fixing recess for inserting the protruding part is formed on its side.

The image forming apparatus may further include: a separation spring installed at a side of the bracket and used to elastically support the other end of the separation lever.

The imaging device may further include: fixing protrusions protruding from opposite sides of the bracket; insertion recesses provided on opposite sides of the main body, into which the fixing protrusions are inserted when the bracket pivots to the closed position; and slidably mounted on the main body The slide bar on the opposite side of the slide bar is used to push down the fixing protrusion inserted into the insertion recess.

The image forming apparatus may further include a stopper installed vertically movably in the corresponding slide bar and a stopper spring elastically pressing the stopper downward, wherein the stopper has a lower end that is pushed to be inserted into the insertion position. Fix the upper end of the protrusion in the recess.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide an imaging device, which includes: a main body; a print head having a nozzle portion whose length is greater than the width of a printable print medium; at least one first connector disposed on the upper surface of the main body; At least one second connector is provided on the lower surface of the print head corresponding to the at least one first connector, wherein the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other when the print head is mounted on the main body through its vertical movement.

Description of drawings

These and/or other features and utilities of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent and understandable from the detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the print head is separated from the holder;

3 is a schematic side view of the imaging device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the imaging device according to the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the carriage moved to its closed position;

5 is an exploded perspective view showing a separation lever of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

6 is a perspective view schematically showing a print head of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the printing head and the frame of the image forming apparatus are connected according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

8 is a perspective view schematically showing first and second supply connectors of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a first supply connector and a channel connection device of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

10 is a side sectional view illustrating a mated state of a first supply connector and a channel connection device of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

11 is a side sectional view schematically showing a second supply connector of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

12 is a perspective view schematically showing a first discharge connector of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

13 to 15 are side sectional views showing the sequence of connecting the print head to the frame of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

16 is a perspective view schematically showing an imaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view basically showing a print head of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of Fig. 16 .

Detailed ways

Reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 101 and a print head 140 provided separately from the main body 101 and detachably mounted on the main body 101 to be replaced when necessary. The head mounting portion 114 ( FIG. 2 ) in which the print head 140 is mounted is located in the upper area of the main body 101 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the print head 140 is an array print head 140 , wherein the total length of the nozzles 146 a is at least greater than the printable width of the print medium. Here, the array printhead 140 may be a single printhead 140 having a length substantially corresponding to the width of the printing medium, or may be a plurality of printheads 140 having a total length substantially corresponding to the width of the printing medium. In this embodiment, the print head 140 includes a plurality of head chips 146, each head chip has a nozzle 146a, so that the total length of the nozzle 146a corresponds to the width of the printing medium.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a bracket 110 enabling the print head 140 to be easily mounted to the main body 101 is pivotally installed at an upper region of the main body 101 . The above-mentioned head mounting portion 114 is provided in the bracket 110 .

Main body 101 contains various rollers (not shown) that deliver the print media, motors (not shown) that operate these rollers, a power supply (not shown) that supplies energy, inkjet nozzles 146a that manage printhead 140 to ensure ink A maintenance device (not shown) ejected through the nozzle 146a, a controller (not shown) that controls the general operation of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. The above-mentioned components are conventionally provided in the imaging device 100 and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body 101 further includes ink tanks 102 respectively storing inks of different colors (eg, black, magenta, cyan, and yellow inks) and a regulator 103 disposed between the ink tanks 102 and the print head 140 . The role of the regulator 103 is to apply a negative pressure to the ink to supply an appropriate amount of ink to the print head 140 only when the print head 140 is ejecting ink.

The bracket 110 is mounted to an upper region of the main body 101 such that it is pivotally rotated by a predetermined angle. The rear ends of the two sides of the bracket 110 are supported on the main body 101 by pivots 111 . The pivot 111 may be provided on the main body 101 or may be provided on the bracket 110 . When the pivot 111 is disposed on the main body 101 , the bracket 110 has a hinge portion (not shown) that cooperates with the pivot 111 . When the pivot 111 is disposed on the bracket 110 , the main body 101 has a hinge portion that cooperates with the pivot 111 .

In order to pivotably rotate the stand 110 , the main body 101 is provided with a pivoting device 112 . The pivot means 112 includes a pair of support springs 113 which are torsion springs mounted around respective pivot shafts 111 . Each support spring 113 has one end that fits with the main body 101 and the other end that fits with the bracket 110 . Each supporting spring 113 applies elastic force to the bracket 110 to lift the front end of the bracket 110 . The elastic force of each support spring 113 has a strength sufficient to pivotally rotate the bracket 110 to an open position where the upper portion of the main body 101 is exposed.

Here, the open position of the bracket 110, as shown in FIG. 2, is a position where the front end of the bracket 110 is raised to expose the upper part of the main body 101 to the outside. In the present invention, the stand 110 has an angle of 45 degrees relative to the ground in the open position. Once the bracket 110 is pivotally rotated to the open position, a user can easily attach or detach the printhead 140 to or from the head mounting portion 14 of the bracket 110 . Furthermore, even when a printing medium is jammed in printing, it is easy to remove the jammed printing medium from the main body 101 .

Considering the fact that the bracket 110 is elastically pressed by a pair of supporting springs 113 so that the front end of the bracket 110 is lifted, the main body 101 is provided with a pair of fixing devices 120 to fix the bracket 110 to a closed position where the bracket 110 is level with the ground. Each fixing device 120, as shown in FIG. 4 , includes a slide bar 121 and a stopper 124, the slide bar is installed in a sliding recess 105 defined on either side of the main body 101 so as to slidably move back and forth, the stopper 124 The actuator is vertically movably mounted in a mounting recess 123 defined in the slide bar 121. A stopper spring 125 is also installed in the installation recess 123 to apply downward elastic force to the stopper 124 .

If the user pushes the stand 100 to move the stand 100 to the closed position, the fixing protrusion 118 provided on the opposite side of the stand 110 is inserted into the insertion recess 104 formed on the opposite side of the main body 101 to correspond to the fixing protrusion 118 . If the user pushes the handle 122 of each slide bar 121 forward, the stopper 124 comes into contact with the corresponding fixing protrusion 118 of the bracket 110 inserted into the insertion recess 104 . In this case, the stopper 124 presses the fixing protrusion 118 to fix the bracket 110 in the closed position. The fixing protrusion 118 has a slope 118a. If the user pushes the slide bar 121 after the stand 110 is moved to the closed position, the stopper 124 is raised along the slope 118 a and positioned on top of the fixing protrusion 118 . Then, if the user pushes the slide bar 121 backward under the condition that the stopper 124 presses the fixing protrusion 118 of the bracket 110, the stopper 124 is separated from the fixing protrusion 118 of the bracket 110, and the bracket 110 is moved by the elastic force of the supporting spring 113. Pivotably rotates to an open position.

In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to the supporting spring 113, the pivoting device 112 that pivotally rotates the bracket 110 may be selected from various devices capable of pivotally rotating the bracket 110 by a predetermined angle, such as a gear device or a cylinder device.

The holder 110 has a head mounting part 114 capable of receiving the print head 140, and the head mounting part 114 has an open bottom. Once the print head 140 is connected to the head mount 114 , the head chip assembly 145 (see FIG. 6 ) at the bottom of the print head 140 is exposed to the outside through the open bottom of the head mount 114 .

In this embodiment, the print head 140 is designed to be operable upon receiving signals and power from the main body 101 and ink from the ink tank 102 and the regulator 103, which are provided separately from the print head 140 and mounted on the main body 101 in.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the head mounting part 114 is provided with a plurality of first connectors 131 , 133 , 150 and 180 to transmit ink, power and signals to the print head 140 .

The first connectors 131, 133, 150, and 180 include a first power connector 131 that supplies power to the print head 140, a first signal connector 133 that transmits signals to the print head 140, and enables ink to flow between the ink tank 102 and the print head 140. The flow between the first supply connector 150 and the second discharge connector 180. The first supply connector 150 supplies ink to the print head 140 , and the first discharge connector 180 takes ink out of the print head 140 .

The first supply connector 150 connects the regulator 103 installed in the main body 101 with the print head 140 in an ink flow manner. The first discharge connector 180 connects the ink tank 102 installed in the main body 101 with the print head 140 in an ink flow manner.

The first connector 131 , the first signal connector 133 , the first supply connector 150 , and the first discharge connector 180 are horizontally arranged on the rear wall 115 of the head mounting portion 114 inside the bracket 110 so as to move forward with respect to the main body 101 . direction exposure. A plurality of fitting protrusions 116a and 116b protrude forward from the rear wall 115 . The first power connector 131 has a plurality of terminal holes 132 , and the first signal connector 133 has a single terminal hole 134 . The first power connector 131 and the first signal connector 133 may be any type of structure suitable for supplying power or signals, similar to conventional connectors.

Hereinafter, detailed structures of the first supply connector 150 and the first discharge connector 180 will be described when referring to the second supply connector 170 and the second discharge connector 190 provided on the print head 140 .

Both side surfaces of the head mounting part 114 inside the bracket 110 are provided with guide grooves 117 to guide the print head 140 when the print head 140 is fitted to the head mounting part 114 . Guide grooves 117 are formed horizontally to enable the printhead 140 to be horizontally fitted into the head mount 114 , and separation bars 126 are provided at both side surfaces of the bracket 110 to keep the printhead 140 fitted into the head mount 114 . Each release lever 126, as shown in FIG. One end of the separation lever 126 is formed with a protrusion 127 which may be inserted into the head mounting part 114 through an opening 110 a perforated in a corresponding side surface of the bracket 110 . The other end of the separation lever 126 is provided with a button 128 for manual operation by the user.

The other end of the separation rod 126 is subjected to the elastic force of the separation spring 129 installed on the outer surface of the bracket 110 . The separation spring 129 is mounted to the spring fixing protrusion 119 provided on the bracket 110 and is used to press the button 128 of the separation lever 126 . Accordingly, the protrusion 127 of the separation lever 126 remains at a position inserted into the head mount 114 through the opening 110 a of the bracket 110 , and is separated from the head mount 114 only when the user presses the button 128 . Once the print head 140 is fitted into the head mount 114 , the print head 140 is caught by the protrusions 127 of the two separation levers 126 so as not to be easily detached from the head mount 114 .

The print head 140 is detachably fitted to the frame 110 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the print head 140 includes a head body 141 , a head chip assembly 145 disposed at the bottom of the head body 141 , and a plurality of first connectors 131 , 133 , 150 and 180 are connected to a plurality of second connectors 135 , 137 , 170 and 190 .

A plurality of second connectors 135, 137, 170 and 190 provided on the print head 140 include a second power connector 135 connected to the first power connector 131 to receive power, and a first signal connector 133 to connect The main body 101 receives the second signal connector 137 of the signal, the second supply connector 170 connected with the first supply connector 150 to receive the ink, and the first discharge connector 180 connected to receive the ink discharged from the print head 140. Second discharge connector 190 .

The head body 141 is provided with a handle 142 on its front surface for manual operation by a user, and guide rails 143 corresponding to the guide grooves 117 of the bracket 110 are provided on both side surfaces thereof. The guide rail 143 extends longitudinally in a horizontal direction of the main body 141 so as to be inserted into the guide groove 117 and move straight therein. Both side surfaces of the head body 141 are respectively provided with fixing recesses 144 corresponding to the protrusions 127 of the separation lever 126 . When the printhead 140 is fitted to the head mount 114 of the holder 110 , the protrusion 127 inserted into the head mount 114 is caught by the fixing recess 144 , preventing the printhead 140 from being easily separated from the head mount 114 . Although not shown, the head main body 141 internally defines ink passages for ink flow. The ink channels interconnect the head chip assembly 145, the second supply connector 170, and the second discharge connector 190.

The head chip assembly 145 includes a plurality of head chips 146 . In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 is an array type, including a plurality of head chips 146 arranged in a row on the lower surface of the head chip assembly 145 . Each head chip 146 includes a plurality of nozzles 146a that eject ink and a driver (not shown) such as a heater or a piezoelectric element to generate ink ejection force to eject ink through the nozzles 146a.

When the print head 140 is installed on the bracket 110 , the head chip assembly 145 is exposed to the inside of the main body 101 through the open bottom of the bracket 110 .

The second power connector 135, the second signal connector 137, the second supply connector 170, and the second discharge connector 190 are horizontally arranged on the rear wall 147 of the head main body 141 to connect with the first power connector 131, the first The signal connector 133, the first supply connector 150 and the first drain connector 180 correspond. Due to this arrangement, by simply inserting the print head 140 into the head mount 114, the user can connect the second power connector 135, the second signal connector 137, the second supply connector 170, and the second discharge connector 190 to the The first power connector 131 , the first signal connector 133 , the first supply connector 150 and the first discharge connector 180 of the main body 101 are mated without a separate manual operation by the user.

The rear wall 147 of the head body 141 is provided with a plurality of fitting recesses 148 a and 148 b corresponding to the plurality of fitting protrusions 116 a and 116 b of the bracket 110 . When the print head 140 is fitted to the head mounting portion 114, the fitting protrusions 116a and 116b are inserted into the fitting recesses 148a and 148b, respectively.

The second power connector 135 has a plurality of terminal pins 136 for electrical connection. When the plurality of terminal pins 136 are inserted into the plurality of terminal holes 132 of the first power connector 131 , the first power connector 131 and the second power connector 135 are mechanically matched and, at the same time, electrically connected to each other. The second signal connector 137 has electrical terminals 138 for electrical communication. When the terminal 138 is inserted into the terminal hole 134 of the first signal connector 133, the first signal connector 133 and the second signal connector 137 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the second supply connector 170 is connected with the first supply connector 150 of the main body 101 to supply the ink stored in the ink tank ( 102 , see FIG. 3 ) into the print head 140 . The second discharge connector 190 is connected with the first discharge connector 180 of the main body 101 to discharge ink from the print head 140 to the ink tank 102 . The first supply connector 150 mates with a plurality of ink supply tubes 107, which in turn are connected to the regulator 103 (see FIG. 3). The first discharge connector 180 mates with a plurality of ink discharge tubes 108 which in turn are connected to the ink tank 102 . The second supply connector 170 and the second discharge connector 190 have the same structure.

An ink pump (not shown) is installed midway through the ink discharge tube 108 to circulate ink between the printhead 140 and the ink tank 102 . In this embodiment, the ink pump does not have any special features and may be a conventional ink pump capable of circulating ink. By operating the ink pump, ink to be condensed in the print head 140 or ink containing air can be collected to supply normal ink stored in the ink tank 102 into the print head 140 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first supply connector 150 includes a first connector body 151 fitted to the bracket 110 and connected to the plurality of ink supply tubes 107 . The flow channel connecting device 160 is installed on the front side of the first connector 151 to connect the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 to each other. The second supply connector 170 includes a second connector body 171 that mates with the printhead 140 . The second connector body 171 is provided on its side surface with a plurality of connection tubes 172 connected to ink channels (not shown) of the print head 140 .

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the first supply connector 150 includes a first connector body 151 , and a plurality of first sealing members 155 and a plurality of first valve members 156 installed in the first connector body 151 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , a side surface of the first connector body 151 is provided with a plurality of connecting pipes 152 to which a plurality of ink supply pipes 107 are fitted. The other side of the first connector body 151 is provided with a plurality of first connection holes 151 a and a mounting recess 151 b that are fitted with a plurality of connection pipes 152 . The installation recess 151b is located approximately at the center of the first connector body 151, and the return spring 153 is installed in the installation recess 151b. The first connector body 151 has first guide grooves 151c formed on upper and lower outer surfaces of the first connector body 151 . Each first guide groove 151c has a stepped portion 151d.

The flow path connection device 160 is fitted to the other surface of the first connector body 151 having the first connection hole 151a. The flow connection device 160 has a plurality of flow tubes 161 . Each flow path tube 161 includes a first tube 161a protruding backward so as to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first connection holes 151a, and a second tube 161b protruding forward so as to connect with the second tube 161b. A tube 161a is connected. The first pipe 161a is formed with a first inlet 162a at its end, and the second pipe 161b is formed with a second inlet 162b at its end. The first tube 161a has a smaller diameter than the second tube 161b. The flow path connection device 160 is formed at its top and bottom with a first guide bar 163 protruding backward similar to the first tube 161a and a second guide bar 165 protruding forward similar to the second tube 161b. Each first guide bar 163 is formed with a hook 164 at an end thereof.

The pair of first guide bars 163 are slidably inserted into the pair of first guide grooves 151c, respectively. When the flow path connection device 160 moves forward and becomes farther away from the first supply connector 150, the first guide strips 163 can slide along the respective first guide grooves 151c. When the first guide bar 163 moves forward, if the hook 164 of the first guide bar 163 is caught by the stepped portion 151d of the first guide groove 151c, the first guide bar 163 stops and cannot move further. When the hook 164 of the first guide bar 163 is caught by the stepped portion 151d, the flow path connection device 160 cannot be separated from the first supply connector 150. Referring to FIG.

When the flow path connection device 160 is fitted to the first supply connector 150 , the return spring 153 installed on the other side surface of the first connector body 151 applies elastic force to the flow path connection device 160 . Due to the elastic operation of the return spring 153 , the plurality of first tubes 161 a of the flow path connection device 160 are kept at positions separated from the plurality of first connection holes 151 a of the first connector body 151 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the first connector body 151 internally defines a plurality of first chambers 154 through which the plurality of connection pipes 152 and the plurality of connection holes 151 a are connected to each other. Ink supplied through the connection tube 152 may move to the first connection hole 151 a through the first chamber 154 . The first sealing member 155 is installed between the first chamber 154 and the first connection hole 151a. Each of the first sealing members 155 has a first hole 155a for ink movement and a first seat 155b in close contact with the first valve member 156 to close the first hole 155a. The first sealing member 155 is composed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. If the first valve member 156 is in close contact with the first seat 155b, the first hole 155a is closed to prevent ink from moving.

A plurality of first valve members 156 are movably mounted into respective first chambers 154 so as to selectively contact or disengage from respective first sealing members 155 . Each first chamber 154 is provided with a first valve spring 157 to bring the first valve member 156 into close contact with the first seat 155 b of the first sealing member 155 . If the first tube 161a of the fluid connection device 160 is not inserted into the first chamber 154, the first valve member 156 is in close contact with the first seat 155b, preventing ink from moving through the first hole 155a.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the second supply connector 170 includes a second connector body 171 , and a plurality of second sealing members 174 and a plurality of second valve members 175 installed in the second connector body 171 .

A plurality of connection pipes 172 are provided on one side surface of the second connector body 171 , and a plurality of second connection holes 171 a are formed on the other side surface of the second connector body 171 to correspond to the plurality of connection pipes 172 . The second connector main body 171 has a second guide groove (171b, see FIG. 8 ) formed on its upper and lower outer surfaces, so that the second guide bar 165 of the flow path connection device 160 can be slidably inserted into the second guide groove. Groove 171b. When the second supply connector 170 is mated with the flow path connection device 160, the second guide strip 165 is inserted into the second guide groove 171b to be slidable along the second guide groove 171b, so that the second supply connector 170 and the flow path connection device 160 Stable fit.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the second connector main body 171 internally defines a plurality of second chambers 173 through which the plurality of connection pipes 172 and the plurality of connection holes 171a are connected to each other. A plurality of second sealing members 174 are installed between the second chamber 173 and the second connection hole 171a. Each second sealing member 174 has a second hole 174a for ink movement and a second seat 174b in close contact with the second valve member 175 to seal the second hole 174a. The second sealing member 174 is composed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, similarly to the first sealing member 155 .

A plurality of second valve members 175 are movably installed in the respective second chambers 173 so as to selectively contact or separate from the respective second sealing members 174 . Each second chamber 173 is provided with a second valve spring 176 to bring the second valve member 175 into tight contact with the second seat 174 b of the second sealing member 174 . If the second tube 161b does not push the second valve member 175, the second valve member 175 is in close contact with the second seat 174b, preventing ink from moving through the second hole 174a.

The second sealing member 174 of the second supply connector 170 has a higher hardness than the first sealing member 155 of the first supply connector 150 . Therefore, when the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 are not connected to each other, it is considered that the second sealing member 174 has a higher hardness than the first sealing member 155, and between the first tube 161a and the first chamber 154 After separation, the second tube 161b must be separated from the second chamber 173 .

When the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 are disconnected, if the second tube 161b is first separated from the second chamber 173 while the first tube 161a is still inserted in the first chamber 154, There is a risk that external air enters the regulator 103 through the flow path tube 161 , the first chamber 154 , the connection tube 152 and the ink supply tube 107 . In this case, the negative pressure of the ink in the regulator 103 disappears, causing a predetermined amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzles 146a of the printhead 140 when the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 are connected again. Thus, when the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 are disconnected, after the first tube 161a is separated from the first chamber 154 of the first supply connector 150, the second tube 161b is connected to the second supply It is important to separate the second chamber 173 of the device 170.

In addition, considering that the hardness of the second sealing member 174 is higher than that of the first sealing member 155, when the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 are connected to each other through the flow path connection device 160, when the first tube 161a is connected to After the first chamber 154 , the second tube 161 b must be connected to the second chamber 173 . If the first tube 161a is connected to the first chamber 154 after the second tube 161b is connected to the second chamber 173, there is a risk of external air entering the print head 140 through the flow path tube 161, the second chamber 173 and the connecting tube 172 .

There are various ways to connect or disconnect the first tube 161a to or from the first chamber 154 with less force than the force required to connect or disconnect the second tube 161b to or from the second chamber 173 . For example, as described above, when the second tube 161b has a larger outer diameter than the first tube 161a, the second tube 161b is separated from the second chamber 173 after the first tube 161a is separated from the first chamber 154 . In another similar example, the first and second tubes 161a, 161b have the same outer diameter, but the first hole 155a may have a larger diameter than the second hole 174a.

The second discharge connector 190 has the same structure as the second supply connector 170 . Specifically, the second discharge connector 190, as shown in FIG. , the body has a plurality of third connection holes 191a and a plurality of third cavities 193 . Each third sealing member 194 has a third hole 194a and a third seat 194b. Each third chamber 193 is provided with a third valve spring 196 to push the third valve member 195 so that the third valve member 195 is in close contact with the third seat 194b.

A plurality of connection pipes 192 are provided on one side surface of the third connector body 191 . The third connector body 191 also has a pair of third guide grooves (191b, see FIG. 8 ) formed on upper and lower outer surfaces thereof.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the first discharge connector 180 includes a fourth connector body 181 fitted to the bracket 110 , a plurality of connections protruding from one side surface of the fourth connector body 181 so as to cooperate with a plurality of ink discharge tubes 108 . A tube 182 , and a plurality of insertion tubes 183 protrude from the other side surface of the fourth connector body 181 to correspond to the plurality of connection tubes 182 . Each insertion tube 183 has a third inlet 183a formed at its end, and when the insertion tube 183 is inserted into the third chamber 193 by pushing the third valve member 195 of the second discharge connector 190, the ink in the third chamber 193 An insertion tube 183 is introduced through this inlet.

A pair of guide bars 184 protrude from the top and bottom of the other side surface of the fourth connector body 181 so as to be slidably inserted into a pair of guide grooves 191 b of the third connector body 191 . When the first discharge connector 180 and the second discharge connector 190 are mated with each other, the pair of guide strips 184 provided on the first discharge connector 180 are arranged along the pair of third guide grooves provided on the second discharge connector 190 . 191b slides so that the first drain connector 180 and the second drain connector 190 are mated stably.

Hereinafter, a sequence of fitting the print head 140 to the holder 110 will be described with reference to the drawings.

To mount the printhead 140 on the carriage 110, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the carriage 110 is first moved to the open position. If the print head 140 is pushed into the head mounting portion 114 of the frame 110 at the opening position of the frame 110 , the guide rail 143 of the print head 140 moves along the guide groove 117 of the frame 110 , and the print head 140 linearly moves and is inserted into the head mounting portion 114 .

When the print head 140 is pushed into the head mounting portion 114 , the second tube 161 b of the flow path connection device 160 contacts at its end with the second sealing member 174 of the second supply connector 170 through the second connection hole 171 a. Then, if the print head 140 is further pushed, as shown in FIG. In this case, since the hardness of the second sealing member 174 is higher than that of the first sealing member 155, and the outer diameter of the second tube 161b is larger than that of the first tube 161a, the first tube 161a is inserted into the first hole 155a. Meanwhile, the second tube 161b cannot be inserted into the second hole 174a of the second sealing member 174 .

If the print head 140 is inserted deeper into the head mounting part 114, as shown in FIG. 14, the first tube 161a is inserted into the first chamber 154 through the first hole 155a by pushing the first valve member 156. In this case, the ink in the first chamber 154 may be introduced into the first tubes 161a through the first inlets 162a formed at the ends of the respective first tubes 161a. While the first tube 161 a is inserted into the first chamber 154 , the second tube 161 b is inserted into the second hole 174 a of the second sealing member 174 .

Finally, after the print head 140 is fully inserted into the head mounting part 114, as shown in FIG. 15, the second tube 161b is inserted into the second chamber 173 through the second hole 174a by pushing the second valve member 175. In this case, the first chamber 154 and the second chamber 173 are connected to each other through the flow path connection device 160 . The ink introduced into the first tube 161a moves along the second tube 161b to be introduced into the second chamber 173 through the second inflow hole 162b formed at the end of each second tube 161b. Accordingly, the ink in the ink tank 102 can be supplied into the printhead 140 .

During connection of the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170 , the insertion tube 183 of the first discharge connector 180 is inserted into the third chamber 193 through the third hole 194 a of the second discharge connector 190 . Accordingly, the first discharge connector 180 and the second discharge connector 190 may be connected to each other to move ink therethrough.

After the print head 140 is completely installed on the support 110, the first power connector 131 and the first signal connector 133 arranged on the support 110 are respectively connected to the second power connector 135 and the second signal connector 137 of the print head 140. Cooperate to supply power and signals to printhead 140 . Then, when the protruding portion 127 of the separation lever 126 provided on the bracket 110 is inserted into the fixing recess 144 of the print head 140 , the print head 140 is not easily separated from the bracket 110 .

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 described above, the second power connector 135 and the second signal connector 137 of the print head 140 can be connected to the first A power connector 131 is connected to the first signal connector 133 . Therefore, easy mounting and detaching of the print head 140 can be achieved.

Also, in the image forming apparatus 100 described above, the bracket 110 may move upward from the main body 101 by a predetermined distance. Therefore, when the carriage 110 is moved to the open position, the print head 140 is easily inserted into or separated from the carriage 110 . In addition, even if the printing medium is jammed during the printing operation, the printing medium can be easily removed from the main body 101 by moving the holder 110 to the open position to expose the upper portion of the main body 101 to the outside.

In the image forming apparatus 100 described above, both the ink tank 102 and the regulator 103 are installed in the main body 101 , and the print head 140 is detachably installed in the main body 101 independently of the ink tank 102 and the regulator 103 . Due to this structure, it is possible to replace only the print head 140 without discarding the ink tank 102 and the regulator 103 . Therefore, maintenance handling can be reduced.

Moreover, when the print head 140 is separated from the main body 101 or reinstalled into the main body 101, by virtue of the interaction of the first supply connector 150 and the second supply connector 170, the regulator 103 can maintain the initial negative pressure therein while Connected to the print head 140. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 can substantially prevent external air from entering the ink to be supplied into the print head 140, and can prevent ink from leaking once the negative pressure inside the regulator 103 is released.

In the imaging device 100 , the first power connector 131 , the second power connector 135 , the first signal connector 133 and the second signal connector 137 are all arranged perpendicular to the main body 101 based on the bottom surface of the main body 101 . Since the connectors 131, 135, 133, 137 are thus arranged, the print head 140 having the second power connector 135 and the second signal connector 137 can be configured to have a minimized compact size, and thus can be manufactured with reduced material cost .

In the present embodiment, although the print head 140 is installed in the main body 101 through the bracket 110 installed in the main body 101, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the print head 140' can be directly installed on the upper surface of the main body 101' without any structure corresponding to the bracket. Specifically, a head mounting part 114' provided with a plurality of first connectors 131', 133', 150' and 180' is provided on an upper surface of the main body 101'. The print head 140' is provided on its lower surface with a plurality of second connectors 135', 137', 170' and 190'. When the print head 140' is installed in the main body 101' by its vertical movement, the second connectors 135', 137', 170' and 190' provided on the print head 140' are respectively provided in the head mounting part 114'. The first connectors 131', 133', 150' and 180' are connected.

The above-mentioned image forming device is provided with guides to assist the printing head 140' to be accurately installed on the ideal position of the main body 101'. In this embodiment, the guide includes a protrusion 109 protruding upward from the main body 101' and a guide hole 149 formed on the lower surface of the print head 140' to allow the guide protrusion 109 to be inserted. Therefore, when the print head 140' is moved downward to be mounted on the upper surface of the main body 101', the guide protrusions 109 are inserted into the respective guide holes 149, and the position of the print head 140' can be accurately adjusted. This ensures a precise fit of the first connectors 131', 133', 150' and 180' and the second connectors 135', 137', 170' and 190'. In this embodiment, although the guide protrusion 109 is formed in the main body 101' and the guide hole 149 is formed in the print head 140', a reverse structure may also be employed.

As apparent from the above description, in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the print head is mounted to the head mounting portion so that the first power connector, the first signal connector, the first supply connector The first discharge connector is respectively connected with the second power connector, the second signal connector, the second supply connector and the second discharge connector provided on the print head. Therefore, the electric energy and signal are effectively transmitted to the print head and the effective supply and discharge of ink is ensured, and the print head is easy to install or separate.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any changes can be made in the embodiment without departing from the principle and spirit of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and its equivalents.

Claims (23)

1, a kind of imaging device comprises:

Main body;

Printhead, this printhead comprise that length is at least greater than the spray nozzle part of printable print media width;

Installation portion, this installation portion are arranged on the main body so that printhead to be installed;

At least one first connector, this first connector is arranged on the installation portion; With

At least one second connector, this second connector is arranged on the printhead, with corresponding with described at least one first connector;

Wherein first connector and second connector are connected to each other when printhead is installed to the end installation portion.

2, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein first connector comprise first power connector to printhead power supply, to first signal connector of printhead transmission signal, first supply connector that is connected with the ink supply pipe of supply ink with the first discharge connector that the venting pipe of the ink of discharge printhead is connected at least one.

3, device as claimed in claim 2, wherein second connector comprise be connected with first connector is connected with the second source connector that receives electric energy, with first signal connector with receive is connected to the secondary signal connector of the signal of its transmission, with first supply connector with second supply connector from ink to spray nozzle part that supply be connected with the first discharge connector with at least one in the second discharge connector of the ink of its transmission of reception.

4, device as claimed in claim 2, wherein first supply connector comprises first connector body, during this first connector body has first chamber and is installed in first connector body and have first containment member in first hole that is connected with first chamber; Second supply connector comprises second connector body, during this second connector body has second chamber and is installed in second connector body and have second containment member in second hole that is connected with second chamber; And flow path connecting device is installed between first connector body and second connector body, and this flow path connecting device comprises flow channel tube, and this flow channel tube has an end that inserts in first hole, is connected with first chamber thus; And insert the other end in second hole, be connected with second chamber thus.

5, device as claimed in claim 4, thereby first valve member that wherein opens or closes first hole is installed in first chamber with first valve spring that pushing first valve member makes first valve member contact with first containment member, thereby second valve member that opens or closes second hole is installed in second chamber with second valve spring that pushing second valve member makes second valve member contact with second containment member.

6, device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second discharge connector comprises the 3rd connector body, during the 3rd connector body has the 3rd chamber and is installed in the 3rd connector body and have the 3rd containment member in the 3rd hole that is connected with the 3rd chamber, thereby first discharge connector and comprise and be inserted into the insertion pipe that is connected with the 3rd chamber in the 3rd hole.

7, device as claimed in claim 6, thus the 3rd valve member that wherein opens or closes the 3rd hole is installed in the 3rd chamber with the 3rd valve spring that pushing the 3rd valve member makes the 3rd valve member contact with the 3rd containment member.

8, device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

Support, this support is provided with an installation portion and is pivotally mounted on the main body.

9, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an installation portion is arranged on the upper surface of main body so that printhead moves both vertically by it installation portion is installed to the end or is separated from it.

10, device as claimed in claim 9 wherein further comprises:

Guiding piece is with the installation/separation of guiding printhead.

11, device as claimed in claim 10, wherein this guiding piece comprises from main body and printhead guide protrusion that any is outstanding and is formed in main body and the printhead bullport on another, this guide protrusion inserts in this bullport.

12, a kind of imaging device comprises:

Main body;

Printhead, this printhead comprise that length is at least greater than the spray nozzle part of printable print media width;

Support, this support are pivotably mounted on the main body and are provided with an installation portion that receives printhead separably;

At least one is arranged on first connector on the installation portion; With

At least one be arranged on the printhead corresponding with described at least one first connector second connector;

Wherein described first connector and second connector are connected to each other when printhead is installed to the end on the installation portion.

13, device as claimed in claim 12, wherein first connector comprise first power connector to printhead supply electric energy, to printhead transmit first signal connector of signal, with ink feed to first supply connector of printhead with regain first at least one of discharging in the connector of the ink of printhead.

14, device as claimed in claim 13, wherein second connector comprise be connected with first power connector is connected with the second source connector that receives electric energy, with first signal connector with is connected from the secondary signal connector of main body received signal, with first supply connector with second supply connector of the ink that receives supply be connected with the first discharge connector with at least one from the second discharge connector of the ink of printhead discharge of reception.

15, device as claimed in claim 12 further comprises:

Pivot, this pivot are arranged on the support so that support is pivotably mounted on the main body; With

Support spring, this support spring are installed on the pivot as torsionspring so that support upwards pivots.

16, device as claimed in claim 12, the guiding groove that wherein guides printhead to install is arranged on the relative both sides of the installation portion of support, and printhead is provided with and will be inserted into the guide rail of this guiding groove.

17, device as claimed in claim 12 further comprises:

Declutcher control lever, this declutcher control lever is coupled to the side surface of support pivotally, and has the jut that is formed on the one end, and this jut is by being formed on the opening insert head installation portion on bracket side surface,

Wherein printhead have be formed on its side surface, for jut insert fixing recessed.

18, device as claimed in claim 17 further comprises:

Cut spring, this cut spring are installed in the side surface of support and are used for the other end of resiliency supported declutcher control lever.

19, device as claimed in claim 12 further comprises:

From relative two of support side-prominent fixed projections;

The insertion that is arranged on the relative both sides of main body is recessed, when support is pivoted to the closed position fixed projection insert this insertion recessed in; With

Be slidably mounted in the slide bar of the relative both sides of main body, this slide bar is used for pushing downwards being inserted into the recessed fixed projection of described insertion.

20, device as claimed in claim 19 further comprises:

Vertically be slidably mounted in the retainer in the corresponding slide bar, and this retainer has the lower end, this lower end pushing is inserted into the upper end of the fixed projection of described insertion in recessed; With

The retainer spring of the retainer of elasticity pushing downwards.

21, a kind of imaging device comprises:

Main body;

Printhead, this printhead comprise the spray nozzle part of length greater than printable print media width;

Be arranged at least one first connector of main body upper surface; With

Be arranged on the printhead lower surface, with corresponding at least one second connector of at least one first connector,

Wherein moving both vertically by it at printhead, described first connector and second connector are connected to each other when being installed on the main body.

22, device as claimed in claim 21 further comprises:

Guiding piece is with the installation/separation of guiding printhead.

23, device as claimed in claim 22, wherein this guiding piece comprise from main body and printhead guide protrusion that any one is outstanding and be formed on main body and printhead in bullport on another, guide protrusion inserts in this bullport.

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