United States Patent 1191
`Yoshimura et a1.
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`4,692,778
`Sep. 8, 1987
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`
`IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS WITH A
`RECORDING UNIT AND PAPER FEED
`COVER AND A SEALING MEMBER
`Inventors: Shigeru Yoshimura, Yokohama;
`Tetsuo Suzuki, Kawasaki; Makoto
`Takemura, Tokyo, all of Japan
`Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo,
`Japan
`Appl. N0.: 844,132
`Filed:
`Mar. 26, 1986
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`[21]
`[22]
`[30]
`Mar.
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28. 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`2a, 1985 [JP]
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar,
`28. 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28, 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`28. 1985 [JP]
`Mar.
`Mar,
`28, 1985 [JP]
`
`Japan ................................ .. 60-65103
`Japan ................................ .. 60-65106
`Japan ................................ .. 60-65108
`Japan
`60-65112
`Japan
`.. 60-65114
`Japan
`60-65116
`Japan
`60-65117
`Japan
`60-65118
`Japan
`60-65119
`Japan
`60-65120
`Japan ................................ .. 60-65121
`
`0011) 15/16
`[51] Int. 01.4
`[52] US. Cl. ............................... .. 346/145; 346/140 R
`[58] Field of Search ........................ .. 346/145, 140, 75
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`[15. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,463,361 7/1984 Koumura ...................... ,. 346/140 X
`4.476.486 10/1984 Ayala
`.... ., 358/75 X
`4,559,543 12/1985 Toganoh ........................... .. 346/140
`
`Primary Examiner-Joseph W. Hartary
`Attorney. Agent, or Firm—Fitzpatrick, Cella. Harper &
`Scinto
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`An image formation apparatus includes a cap for a re
`cording unit and a cover for a paper feed unit, both of
`which can be opened and closed. Levers maintain the
`cap and cover in their closed positions and a handle
`releases them from such positions. A sealing member
`closes a mounting portion of the handle to provide dust
`proof properties.
`
`‘1 Claim, 46 Drawing Figures
`
`HP 1004
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheetl of43
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`4,692,7'78
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`FIG. 7
`
`HP 1004
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet2 0M3 4,692,778
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`HP 1004
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`

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`f.MaD..SU
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`omE.eS
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`Sheet 3 of43
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`4,692,778
`
`..iulllmvNI9
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`
`HP 1004
`Page 4 of 62
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`

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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet4 of43
`
`4,692,778
`
`FIG. 4
`
`3/0
`
`HP 1004
`Page 5 of 62
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`SheetS of43
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`4,692,778
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`I0. 4
`
`1.. r .v 0/
`
`HP 1004
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 6 of 43
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`4,692,778
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`TOF
`
`3/0
`
`FIG. 6B
`
`HP 1004
`Page 7 of 62
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`

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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 3,1937
`
`Sheet7 of43
`
`4,692,778
`
`CHECK
`
`HP 1004
`Page 8 of 62
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`

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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet8 Of43
`
`4,692,778
`
`552
`
`I
`3.? 'CAP DOWN
`,OPEN PAPER
`k5:
`5550,36 UN"
`ggfj "TEMPERATuREf
`ggg-orq LINE PRINTING
`
`(1- .
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`EEQCHECK PRINT
`
`FIG. 8
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`554
`8
`I
`F’ :‘
`‘% EFPAPER JAM ERROR
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`g PAPER SET ERROR
`F13
`a INK EMPTY ERROR :
`.
`:
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`.3
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`E c INK EMPTY ERROR :
`‘6
`M INK EMPTY ERROR :
`II>
`3313 Y m EMPTY ERROR : H
`‘IQ
`'
`0g TEMPERATURE ERROR: T: .
`LLI
`E; BJU EMPTY ERROR
`: l: i
`
`II
`
`II
`
`II
`
`II
`
`II
`
`II “550
`
`HP 1004
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet9 of43
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`4,692,778
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`FIG. 9
`
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 10 of43 4,692,778
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`FIG. 70C
`
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheetll 0M3 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 12 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 13 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 14 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 15 0M3 4,692,7’78
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`FIG. 75
`
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 16 of43 4,692,7/78
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheetl7 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`SheetlS of43 4,692,778
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`FIG. 79A
`
`FIG. 798
`
`402
`
`HP 1004
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`U. S. Patent Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheetl9 of43 4,692,778
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`09w 6E mew 6E QSN 6E
`
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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet20 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet2l of43 4,692,778
`
`FIG. 22
`
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`U.?S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 22 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
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`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 23 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
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`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 24 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
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`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 25 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 26 of43 4,692,778
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`HP 1004
`Page 28 of 62
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`Sheet 29 of43 4,692,778
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`HP 1004
`Page 30 of 62
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`

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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 30 of43 4,692,778
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`78Nam,mSWaD...SU
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`Sheet 31 of43 4,692,778
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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
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`Sheet 32 of43 4,692,778
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`Page 33 of 62
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`HP 1004
`Page 34 of 62
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`HP 1004
`Page 35 of 62
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`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet 35 of43 4,692,778
`
`CHECK HARD-
`WARE IN EACH
`UNITS
`
`5/0
`
`F ON LINE MODE
`ON LINE MOD E
`(COMMUNICATION)
`ERRQR RESTQRNG
`OPERATION
`
`T557 ’°R'”T
`
`FORM IMAGE
`(HEAD DRIVING)
`
`S/2
`RETURN on LINE
`MODE
`
`_(PUSH DOWN)
`
`IS ERROR
`OCCg,RRED
`
`HP 1004
`Page 36 of 62
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`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet 36 of43 4,692,778
`
`S20
`
`POWER ON
`
`52/
`BACKWARD A RECORDING
`HEAD ASSEMBLY TO HOME
`POSITION
`
`MOVE DOWN A CAP
`
`322
`
`823
`
`FORWARD A RECORDING
`IEAD ASSEMBLY TO PRINT
`POSITION
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`
`FORM IMAGE
`
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`HEAD ASSEMBLY TO HOME
`POSITION
`
`53/
`
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`(APPLY 24V TO DC MOTOR)
`
`S32
`
`CHANGE OUTPUT OF CAP
`SENSOR FROM 2l.V TO 5V
`(HOLD A CAP)
`
`FORWARD A RECORDING
`HEAD ASSEMBLY TO CAP
`POSITION
`
`CHANGE VOLTAGE TO
`APPLIED TO DC MOTOR TO
`OV (MOVE DOWN A CAP)
`
`CAPP I NG COMPLIT I ON
`
`HP 1004
`Page 37 of 62
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`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8, 1937
`
`Sheet 37 of43 4,692,778
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`HP 1004
`Page 38 of 62
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`HP 1004
`Page 39 of 62
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`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 3,1937
`
`Sheet 39 of43 4,692,778
`
`FIG. 47
`
`U I PORTION PRINTED BY UPPER HEAD
`L '. PORTION PRINTED BY LOWER HEADI
`y
`I
`
`g¢"I|IETFéA‘L ADJUSTING \\
`
`A MOVING DIRECTION
`. WHEN INDICATED VALUE
`IS MADE SMALL
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`A MOVING DIRECTION
`WHEN INDICATED VALUE
`IS MADE LARGE
`
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`
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`ADJUSTING
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`A M
`OVING DIRECTION WHEN
`INDICATED VALUE IS MADE LARGE
`ROUGH ADJUSTMENT 1
`1 STEP 1I2mm
`FINE ADJUSTMENT:
`1 STEP 1/32mm
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`PORTIONSTRAIGHTLINEPATTERN
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`PORTIONSTRAIGHTLINEPATTERN
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`
`HP 1004
`Page 40 of 62
`
`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet4O of43 4,692,778
`
`420-C (cyan)
`
`420- Y (ye/lo w)
`
`HP 1004
`Page 41 of 62
`
`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet4l of43 4,692,778
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`HP 1004
`Page 42 of 62
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`

`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8, 1987
`
`Sheet42 of43 4,692,778.«
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`HP 1004
`Page 43 of 62
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`U. S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1987
`
`Sheet43 of43 4,692,778
`
`;;p,¢,gg,§,9,F;MATI0~
`
`HOST 5»/STEM
`
`COMMAND OR IMAGE
`DATA
`‘
`<1—————j*——-—————————————
`
`[ERROR DETECTION]
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`p S
`N
`
`AME COMMAND OR
`SAME IMAGE DATA
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`[ERROR DETECTION]
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`SAME COMMAND OR
`SAME IMAGE DATA
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`<1————j———————————:————
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`[PORT IS INITIALIZED]
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`[PORT IS INITIALIZED]
`
`AFTER SEVERAL msec
`
`SAME COMMAND OR SAME
`IMAGE DATA AS BEFORE ‘W'
`
`[ERROR IS INITIALIZEDJ
`IN!
`_
`[COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
`[COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
`ERROR IS DETECTED]
`ERROR IS DETECTED]
`
`HP 1004
`Page 44 of 62
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`

`
`1
`
`4,692,778
`
`IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS WITH A
`RECORDING UNIT AND PAPER FEED COVER
`AND A SEALING MEMBER
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to an image formation
`apparatus and, more particularly. to an image formation
`apparatus which has a convey system for a recording
`medium in a continuous paper form such as fan fold
`paper, a recording means for forming images along the
`entire width of the recording medium, and the like.
`2. Related Background Art
`Conventional
`image formation apparatuses of the
`type described above are disclosed in U.S_. patent No.
`4,651,173 whose assignee is the same as that of the pres-
`ent invention. The apparatus disclosed in that patent has
`a recording means (with a convey system and a liquid
`jet recording device which can be connected and dis-
`connected with ease). and a recovery means for recov-
`ering ejection of the liquid jet recording device. When
`the convey system and the recording device are discon-
`nected, replacement of the recording medium and main-
`tenance of the respective parts is easy. When the con-
`vey system and the recording device are connected. the
`respective parts are appropriately arranged, and high-
`quality images can be formed.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention to provide an
`is an object of present
`It
`image formation apparatus in which the operability is
`improved and drawbacks in the conventional apparatus
`are overcome.
`
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising record-
`ing means for recording an image on a recording me-
`dium; biasing means for biasing said recording means to
`a reference surface associated with a recording surface
`of the recording medium during recording of the image;
`and coupling means, arranged in said recording means
`and in contact with the reference surface, for holding a
`positional relationship between said recording means
`and the reference surface.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`recording means; a platen for contacting and holding
`a rear surface of a recording medium; and means for
`elastically pressing at least three portions of said platen
`against said recording means positioned at a predeter-
`mined recording position,
`thereby positioning the
`platen with respect
`to the recording means, and for
`pivotally supporting the platen.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`convey means having convey rollers and a drive
`mechanism, said convey rollers being arranged on the
`upstream and downstream sides of a recording position
`for pressing and clamping a recording medium therebe-
`tween, and said drive mechanism driving said convey
`rollers so as to remove the recording medium from the
`recording position, said drive mechanism comprising:
`means for setting different rotating speeds of said
`convey rollers at the upstream and downstream sides;
`and decelerating means for coupling with one of said
`convey rollers rotating at a higher speed during convey
`of the recording medium so as to decelerate said convey
`
`2
`roller to a speed identical In that of the other convey
`roller.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`convey means and recovery means, said convey
`means having a paper feed roller for conveying a re-
`cording medium toward a recording position; a press
`roller, opposing said paper feed roller, for pressing the
`recording medium against said paper feed roller; and a
`support mechanism for supporting said press roller at a
`pivot portion thereof and for keeping said press roller
`detachable with respect to said paper feed roller; said
`recovery means forcibly pivoting said pivot portion of
`said support mechanism and returning said press roller
`to a position at which said press roller can press against
`said paper feed roller while said press roller is detached
`from said paper feed roller and said convey means is
`located in a recordable position.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`recording means for recording an image on a record-
`ing medium; oscillating means for oscillating said re-
`cording means in accordance with a reference surface
`associated with a recording surface of the recording
`medium during recording of the image; and fixing
`means for inhibiting operation of said oscillating means
`and for fixing a position of said recording means when
`no image is being recorded.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`recording means for recording an image on a record-
`ing medium; a fan; and a regulation member, arranged
`on a surface of said recording means which opposes the
`recording medium, for regulating a recording surface of
`the recording medium, air blown by said fan serving to
`abut
`the recording medium against
`said regulation
`member so as to form the recording surface.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`recording means for recording an image on a record-
`ing medium; oscillating means for oscillating said re-
`cording means in accordance with a reference surface
`associated with a recording surface of the recording
`medium during recording of the image; and oscillation
`auxiliary means for smoothly performing oscillation of
`said recording means.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`recording means storage means for storing recording
`means for recording on a recording medium at a record-
`ing position; convey means storage means for storing
`convey means for guiding the recording medium to the
`recording position and for detaching the recording
`medium from the recording position; open/close means
`for allowing opening/closure of said convey means
`storage means and said recording means storage means;
`fixing means for keeping said recording means storage
`means and said convey means storage means in a closed
`state; releasing means including an operation member
`for releasing the closed state obtained by said fixing
`means; and a sealing member for closing a mounting
`portion of said operation member to provide dustproof
`properties.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising: convey
`means having convey and pinch rollers which are ar-
`ranged on the upstream and downstream sides of a
`recording position to press and clamp a recording me-
`
`HP 1004
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`
`

`
`4,692,778
`
`3
`dium therebetween. said convey means also having a
`drive mechanism for driving said convey rollers so as to
`remove the recording medium from the recording posi-
`tion. and said pinch rollers having flexible ring members
`which are in surface Contact with said convey rollers so
`as to obtain a predetermined nip amount.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`a feedout port for a recording medium; a flap for
`opening/closing said feedout port; and means for inhib-
`iting movement of said flap so as to hold said feedout
`port in an open state.
`It is another object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an image formation apparatus comprising:
`convey means having guide members which guide
`both ends of a recording medium so that the recording
`medium is positioned on a convey path when pinch
`rollers for pressing the recording medium against con-
`vey rollers on the upstream side ofa recording position
`are open.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS. 1. 2A. and 2B are perspective views showing
`an example of the schematic construction of an image
`formation apparatus according to the present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an open paper feed
`unit showing an example of the internal construction of
`a recording system unit 100:
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the open paper
`feed unit for explaining its internal construction;
`FIGS. 5A to 5C are views for explaining an example
`of the internal construction of a controller unit;
`FIGS. 6A to 6D are views showing an example of the
`setting state of fan fold paper as a recording medium;
`FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the
`configuration of a display panel;
`FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display contents of a
`7-segment display;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example ofa
`switch and a display inside the apparatus of FIG. 1;
`FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example
`of replacement procedures of a drain tank;
`FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the detailed
`construction of a paper feed unit;
`FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction of a paper deck section;
`FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction ofa lower paper feed mechanism and a lower
`roller open/close mechanism;
`FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction of a main part of a recording surface forming
`section including a platen;
`FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the con-
`struction of a motor unit;
`FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction of an upper feed roller and its power transmis-
`sion mechanism;
`FIG. I7 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction of a part including upper pinch rollers;
`FIG. 18 is a View showing an example of the con-
`struction of a paper feed unit cover;
`FIGS. 19A and 19B show a flap open/close mecha-
`nism;
`FIGS. 20A to 20C show a state wherein a feed-out
`port is closed, a state wherein a flap is pivoted to a
`predetermined position. and a state wherein the flap is
`closed to open the feed-out port;
`
`4
`FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a paper feed
`unit from below in order to explain the mounting state
`of a stacker;
`FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of a stacker
`arranged below the paper feed unit in a state wherein
`the stacker is used;
`FIGS. 23 and 24 are views showing lock mechanisms
`mounted at upper and lower portions of the paper feed
`unit, respectively;
`FIGS. 25 and 26 are views showing a handle lever
`and its power transmission mechanism;
`FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the con-
`struction of a controller unit;
`FIGS. 28 and 29 are views showing a cap respec-
`tively in the open and closed states with respect to a cap
`cover:
`FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views showing an
`example of the cap cover;
`‘
`FIG. 32 is a view showing an example of the con-
`struction of a head assembly;
`FIG. 33 is an exploded view ofa support structure for
`a recording head assembly in a recording system unit;
`FIG. 34 is a sectional view showing an example of the
`coupled state between a stationary table and a movable
`table:
`FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing an example ofthe
`electrical configuration of the overall image formation
`apparatus according to the present invention;
`FIGS. 36. 37 and 38 are flow charts showing an ex-
`ample of the operation according to the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 39 is a table showing the arrangement of
`switches;
`FIG. 40 is a table showing test patterns;
`FIG. 41 is a view showing a registration adjustment
`process;
`FIG. 42 is a view showing structure near a monitor
`terminal;
`FIG. 43 is a view showing_an example of a head
`voltage adjustment mechanism.
`FIG. 4-4 is the protocol for command data reception;
`FIG. 45 is the protocol for the reception of a print
`start command to reception of image data; and
`FIG. 46 is the protocol for detection of an error in
`hardware of the communication system.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention will be described in more detail
`with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`
`I.l Outer Appearance
`FIGS. 1. 2A and 2B show an example of the sche-
`matic construction of an image formation apparatus of
`the present invention. The image formation apparatus
`of this embodiment can be connected to a host system
`which supplies image information and control signals
`for image recording.
`In FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the reference numerals, and
`the names, functions and meanings of the respective
`parts correspond to each other in the following Table I.
`
`65
`
`Name
`. recording
`I00 .
`system unit
`200 .
`. coiitroller
`
`TABLE I
`Function/Meaning
`Houses printing head. recovery
`system and the like.
`Houses control mechanism. power
`
`HP 1004
`Page 46 of 62
`
`

`
`5
`TABLE 1-continued
`Ftinctioii/Meaning
`murcc and the like.
`Has control panel and exhaust port
`for printed paper at front. and
`paper feed mechanism (cotivcy
`system) inside.
`Feeds printixl paper.
`Has switches for paper feed and
`mode selection.
`Window for allowing the operator
`to look inside to check amount of
`remaining paper.
`Slacks printed paper. Slidable in
`F and 8 directions
`Tank for receiving exhaust liquid
`in a rccovery operation pcrfornictl
`when normal printing is inter-
`rupted.
`Replaced with a new tank wheti full.
`Houses sheet or book giving
`instructions for operation of the
`apparatus.
`Connect.» communication optical
`fiber from host system to lhl.‘
`apparatus.
`Connects communication opticzil
`fiber from the apparatus to host
`system.
`AC input connector
`
`Name
`
`300 .. . paper feed
`unit (convey
`\'_V§l.€ITl unit]
`
`. flap
`.
`400 .
`, display
`.
`500 ,
`panel
`. View
`.
`(:00 .
`window
`
`, stacker
`
`, draiit tank
`
`7[)() ,
`
`800 ,
`
`000 .
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. pocket
`
`. first
`.
`I000 .
`optical fiber
`connector
`H00 .
`.
`. sccoticl
`optical fiber
`ctinncctor
`1200 .
`.
`. power
`input connector
`i300 .
`.
`. power
`output connector
`M00 .
`.
`. handle
`lever
`I500 .
`switch
`
`. power
`
`AC output connector.
`Supplies power to the apparatus
`for interfacing with host system
`Pulled to open paper feed unit.
`
`Power switch for the apparatus.
`
`4,692,778
`
`6
`
`5
`
`Naimc
`
`MU. .
`section
`
`. papcr dccl-t
`
`(2) Interior of Paper Feed Unit
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the open paper
`feed unit 300 so as to show its internal construction. The
`reference numerals, and the names, functions and mean-
`ings of the respective parts correspond to each other as
`follows shown in the following Table 3.
`TABLE 3
`Function/Meaning
`Ptirtinii having members for regu-
`lating cnrtvcy path insidc il
`storagc section storing printing
`paper.
`Lower paper feed mcchutiisrti driven
`hy motor (not shown),
`
`.
`
`. upper pinch
`
`. recording
`.
`39(l .
`surface forming
`section
`
`Mechanism including ll lever for
`opciiiiig or closing lowcr rollers
`when setting. papcr, ttnd the like
`Uppcr papcr feed mcchanisni driven
`by the same motor as for lowcr
`paper feed mechaiiism.
`
`Mccliiitiisni iiicludiiig Ll lever for
`opening or closing upper rollers
`when setting paper. and the like.
`Plate for guiding paper to be sct
`hctwecii upper rolls.-r.~..
`l‘ortion iticludiiig tank 391! F for
`drawing paper to keep it Flat
`during printing. it platen 392 for
`regulating recording surface. and
`the like,
`
`.
`
`. lower feed
`
`320 .
`roller
`. lower piiicli
`.
`330 .
`roller
`. lower
`340. ,
`roller opcti/close
`mechanism
`J50 .
`.
`. upper feed
`roller
`J60 .
`roller
`(Sci: FIG l7l
`370. .
`. upper
`roller opert/‘closr
`mechanism
`380 .
`.
`. pupcr guide
`
`1.2 Internal Construction
`
`(1) Interior of Recording System
`
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an open state of
`the paper feed unit 300 in order to show an example of
`its internal construction. The reference numerals. and
`the names, functions and meanings of the respective
`parts correspond as shown below. In this system, a
`control system including a recording head no and a
`cartridge tank 120 can be an ink-jet printer as disclosed
`in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 244131/l983 to
`24-4l38/1983, whose assignee is the same as that of this
`application.
`
`' Name
`ll0B. ll0C. ll0M.
`ll0Y .
`.
`. recording
`head unit
`120B. IZOC. 120M
`IZOY .
`.
`. cartridge
`tank
`
`. recording
`l30. ,
`head assembly
`
`. cap cover
`,
`lSU.
`(See FIG. 29!
`
`TABLE 2
`Function/Meaning
`Black. cyan. magenta and yellow
`inks are e_iected to print images.
`
`Tanks storing inks of respective
`colors.
`Inks are replenished by replacing
`the tanks.
`Four~co|or recording head unit.
`cartridge tanks and the overall
`control system.
`The overall assembly can be
`detached.
`Cap for protecting recording head
`unit.
`Has a water absorbing material
`inside so as to absorb inks from
`the heads during recovery,
`Covers the cap during printing.
`Prevents drying up of cap and at-
`tachment ofdust or the like thereon.
`
`(3) Interior of Controller
`
`FIGS. 5A to 5C are views for explaining an example
`of the internal construction of the controller unit 200. In
`this embodiment,
`the controller unit 200 is arranged
`below the recording system unit 100. The controller
`unit 200 can be maintained and inspected separately
`from the recording system unit 100. In addition, when
`ink leaks inside the unit 100, the controller unit 200 can
`be shielded from the leaked ink by a shielding plate (to
`be described later). and the ink is guided to the drain
`tank 800. Thus. the controller unit 200 is protected from
`the adverse influence of ink leakage.
`In FIGS. 5A to SC, the reference numerals, and the
`names. functions and meanings of the respective parts
`correspond to each other as shown in the following
`Table 4.
`
`TABLE 4
`Function/Meaning
`Supplies power to the respective
`parts including head units HOB,
`ll(lC. ll0M and IIOY.
`Adjust respective head voltages.
`
`Name
`
`.
`2l0 .
`source
`
`. power
`
`220B. 220C. 220M.
`2203’ .
`. Vop monitor
`terminal
`230 .
`.
`. Vop monitor
`switch
`
`Upon depression. allows head
`voltage adjustment at Vop monitor
`terminals
`Rack housing control circuit board.
`240 .
`Lamp turned on when an overload
`250 .
`occurs (current flow exceeding
`lamp
`rated current from DC power
`S0l.l|'L‘t.' I.
` _—.——
`
`.
`.
`
`. card rack
`. Overload
`
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`Page 47 of 62
`
`

`
`7
`
`4,692,778
`
`8
`An FF switch is depressed to feed the paper. If the
`paper is set in the wrong direction. the TOF mark is
`not detected and the feed operation is stopped.
`The paper feed unit 300 is closed.
`It
`is checked if an error is displayed on the display
`panel
`
`2. I Basic Operation
`The basic operation of the respective parts of the
`apparatus will be described below.
`
`(I) ON/OFF of Power Source
`a. ON
`
`The power source switch 1500 is switched to its
`upper position while the paper feed unit 300 is closed
`(state shown in FIG. 1). Next, a BUSY lamp to be de
`scribed later is turned on. and the respective parts are
`checked.
`the BUSY lamp is
`If no abnormality is detected,
`turned off after about 5 to 10 seconds, and image data
`can be printed.
`If the cap 140 is not fitted to the head unit 110. the
`unit III] is automatically capped.
`However. if an abnormality is detected, an error code
`is displayed on the display panel.
`When the paper feed unit 300 is open. the head unit
`110 is not automatically capped. even if it is not cur-
`rently capped. since it is determined that the cap is open
`regardless ofits position. and a cap UP/DOWN switch
`is depressed to close the cap. b. OFF
`The power source switch 1500 is switched to its‘
`lower position.
`
`(2) ON LINE mode and OFF LINE mode
`
`_
`
`The ON LINE mode corresponds to the ON mode of I
`an ON LINE lamp. and the OFF LINE mode corre-
`sponds to the off state of the ON LINE lamp.
`In the ON LINE mode. the host system controls to
`perform form feed. initialize. and printing of image data.
`In the OFF LINE mode. when an internal switch is
`depressed. paper feed. check print. and recovery can be
`performed.
`Normally, the ON and OFF line modes are switched
`by switching the ON LINE switch. However. in one of 40
`the following modes. a switch from the OFF LINE
`mode to the ON LINE mode cannot be made.
`BUSY lamp is ON.
`Paper feed unit is open.
`Head is not capped.
`Error display is displayed.
`The apparatus is initially in the ON LINE mode
`immediately after it is powered.
`
`50
`
`(3) Paper Setting
`FIGS. 6A to 6C show the procedures for setting
`paper when fan fold paper is used as a recording me-
`dium.
`It is checked if the power source is ON.
`It is checked if the flap 400 is open.
`The paper feed unit 300 is opened.
`Paper P is set in each deck section 310 so that a black
`rectangular mark (TOF mark) is at the left rear side of
`the paper (FIG. 6A).
`The lower paper feed mechanism is opened (FIG. 6B).
`The paper P is inserted between the lower feed roller
`320 and the lower pinch rollers 330 (FIG. 6C).
`The paper P is guided along the paper guide 380 while
`the upper roller 350 is opened. The paper P is kept as
`projecting out of the flap (FIG. 6D).
`The lower paper feed mechanism is closed so that the
`paper is not loosened.
`
`60
`
`(4) Operation of Display Panel
`FIG. 7 shows an example of the construction of the
`display panel 500. Thecorrespondence between the
`reference numerals of the switches and the names, func-
`tions. and the effective times. and the correspondence
`between the reference numerals of the displays,
`the
`names, and ON times are as follows shown in the fol-
`lowing Table 5.
`
`TABLE 5-a
`1|. Switches
`
`NIITIIL‘
`5I() .. . ON
`LINE switch
`
`Fiiiicttiiii
`
`ON/OFF switchiiig.
`Printing is llllCr-
`rupted if OFF LINE
`III(I(.lL'
`I\‘ selected by
`dicprcssiiip ON LINE
`switch
`OFF line motlc is
`set when no paper
`error occurs
`during printing
`
`Paper I.\ led while
`FF switch is
`depressed. When
`switch is released.
`paper is stopped
`upon detection of
`next TOF mark.
`Functions if any of
`[}L\|'1Cl’ JZXTII
`l’I'l'UI'. Iltl
`paper error. or
`paper set error
`occurs
`Resets the apparu»
`tus
`
`Performs check
`printing.
`Allows selection
`from four patterns
`by switch in card
`rack.
`
`EITl:L.'II VL' Time
`OFF LINE ——A ON LINE
`when all following
`Coiidititim are
`salisfietl:
`Cup MI] is closed.
`Paper feed unit 301!
`is cltisccl.
`BUSY state is not
`SCI.
`No Error.
`ON LINE -a OFF LINE
`ON LINE lamp is ON.
`()FF LINE mode but
`not BUSY.
`
`When all the follow-
`ing conditions are
`satisfied:
`OFF LINE mode.
`Cap I40 is closed.
`Paper feed unit 300
`is closed.
`BUSY state is not
`SCI.
`No ERROR.
`
`7-segment LED
`
`Name
`_
`550 .
`.
`(3 units)
`560 .
`.
`. POWER lamp
`570.
`. ON LINE lamp
`580 .
`. BUSY lamp
`
`,
`
`TABLE 5-b
`b Displays
`Meaning of ON Stale
`Set: FIG ti‘
`
`Power is ON.
`The ON LINE mode is selected.
`Processing. in progress upon
`depression of at switch.
`Command {mm the host system
`is being executed.
`
`FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the display contents
`of the 7-segment display 550. In this embodiment. of
`three digit positions, an upper digit position 552 is used
`as an error display section for displaying an error con-
`
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`Page 48 of 62
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`

`
`9
`tent, and a section 554 consisting of two lower digit
`positions is used as a display section for displaying the
`status and display corresponding to each error. Decimal
`points 555, 556 and 557 are respectively turned on when
`the apparatus is normally initialized, when a plurality of 5
`errors are present, and when the recording head assem-
`bly ]30 is not mounted.
`
`(5) Switching Operation Inside the Apparatus
`FIG. 9 shows an example of switches and displays 10
`arranged inside the apparatus. The correspondence
`between the reference numerals of the switches and the
`names, functions and effective times, and correspon-
`dence betwe