Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus. The recording device is provided with: a recording unit (25) that records on a medium (16); a transport unit (26) that transports the medium (16); a cleaning unit (31) for cleaning the conveying unit (26); a movable body (32) capable of moving; an opening / closing cover that can be opened and closed between an open state in which access to the inside of the device from the outside is possible and a closed state in which access to the inside of the device from the outside is not possible; and a control unit which is capable of executing a cleaning mode in which the cleaning space (65) can be cleaned from the outside in the open state of the opening / closing cover, and in which the control unit moves the moving body (32) from a position included in the cleaning space (65) to the outside of the cleaning space (65).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device such as a printer and a control method of the recording device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus as an example of a recording device that ejects ink droplets, an example of liquid, from a recording head, an example of a liquid ejection head, and forms an image on a recording paper, an example of a medium. The image forming apparatus includes a conveyor belt and a cleaning blade, an example of a cleaning unit. The conveyor belt electrostatically attracts the recording paper and conveys it. The cleaning blade removes foreign matter such as paper dust attached to the conveyor belt by scraping it.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-180002

[0004] The foreign matter scraped from the conveying part tends to accumulate under the conveying part. When the foreign matter accumulates in the device, it may affect the recording on the medium. Therefore, it is required to improve the workability of cleaning the accumulated foreign matter. Summary of the invention

[0005] A recording device that solves the above-mentioned problem comprises: a recording unit for recording a medium; a conveying unit for conveying the medium; a cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying unit; a movable body; an opening and closing cover that can be opened and closed between an open state and a closed state, wherein the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside in the open state, and the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside in the closed state; and a control unit that can execute a cleaning mode in which a cleaning space can be cleaned from the outside in the open state of the opening and closing cover, and in the cleaning mode, the control unit moves the movable body from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space.

[0006] In a control method for a recording device that solves the above-mentioned problem, the recording device comprises: a recording unit that records a medium; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the conveying unit; a movable moving body; and an opening and closing cover that can be opened and closed, the opening and closing cover can be opened and closed to an open state and a closed state, the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside in the open state, and the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside in the closed state, and the control method of the recording device includes: executing a cleaning mode that can clean a cleaning space from the outside in the open state; and when executing the cleaning mode, moving the movable body from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a recording device.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the conveyor belt and the cover of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the conveyor belt and the cover of the second embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the conveyor belt and cover of the third type.

[0011] Description of Reference Numerals

[0012] 11 ... recording device, 12 ... medium storage unit, 13 ... stacker, 14 ... touch panel, 16 ... medium, 18 ... opening and closing cover, 19 ... maintenance port, 21 ... detection unit, 22 ... control unit, 23 ... counting unit, 25 ... recording unit, 26 ... conveying unit, 27 ... static elimination unit, 28 ... conveying detection unit, 29 ... driving unit, 30 ... displacement mechanism, 31 ... cleaning unit, 32 ... moving body, 34 ... liquid ejection head, 35 ... nozzle, 36 ... nozzle surface, 38 ... conveying path, 39 ... conveying roller, 40 ... conveying belt, 41 ... driving pulley, 42 ... driven pulley, 43 ... …frame, 45…displacement motor, 46…rotation axis, 47…first link plate, 48…second link plate, 50…scraper, 52…cover, 53…cover moving mechanism, 55…moving motor, 56…screw shaft, 57…slider, 58…first link member, 59…second link member, 60…wall, 62…guide, 63…guide rail, 65…cleaning space, Dc…conveying direction, P1…conveying position, P2…retreat position, P3…processing position, P4…standby position, P5…entry position, X…width direction, Y…depth direction, Z…vertical direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] [Implementation Method]

[0014] An embodiment of a recording device and a recording device control method is described below with reference to the drawings. The recording device is an inkjet printer that ejects ink, an example of liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts to perform recording.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, the recording device 11 is a device placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z axis, and the direction along the horizontal plane is indicated by the X axis and the Y axis. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0016] <Recording Device>

[0017] like Figure 1As shown, the recording device 11 may include a medium storage unit 12 , a stacker 13 , and a touch panel 14 .

[0018] The medium storage unit 12 can store a plurality of media 16. The stacker 13 receives the recorded media 16. The touch panel 14 functions as an operation unit for operating the recording device 11. The touch panel 14 functions as a notification unit for providing notification by displaying a message, for example.

[0019] The recording device 11 includes an opening and closing cover 18. The opening and closing cover 18 may be provided on the front side of the device. The opening and closing cover 18 can be opened and closed. The opening and closing cover 18 may also be moved to the left side by rotating around a hinge (not shown). Figure 1 A closed position is shown and an open position is not shown.

[0020] The opening and closing cover 18 in the closed position covers and hides the maintenance hole 19. The state in which the opening and closing cover 18 is in the closed position is also referred to as a closed state. In the closed state, the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside.

[0021] The opening and closing cover 18 in the open position exposes the maintenance hole 19. The state in which the opening and closing cover 18 is in the open position is also referred to as the open state. In the open state, the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside. In the open state, the user can access the inside of the device from the maintenance hole 19.

[0022] The recording device 11 may include a detection unit 21. The detection unit 21 can detect the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover 18.

[0023] The recording device 11 includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 centrally controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 11. The control unit 22 controls various operations performed by the recording device 11.

[0024] The control unit 22 can be configured to include the following circuits: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a part of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an integrated circuit for a specific purpose. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or instruction configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. The memory, i.e., a computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0025] The control unit 22 may also function as the counting unit 23 by executing a program stored in the memory. Therefore, it can be said that the recording device 11 includes the counting unit 23. The counting unit 23 counts the number of recorded sheets. The number of recorded sheets is the number of sheets of the medium 16 on which the recording is performed. The counting unit 23 may also count the number of sheets of the medium 16 fed from the medium storage unit 12 as the number of recorded sheets. The counting unit 23 may also count the number of sheets of the medium 16 discharged to the stacker 13 as the number of recorded sheets.

[0026] <Internal Structure>

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording device 11 includes a recording unit 25 and a transport unit 26. The recording device 11 may also include a static elimination unit 27, a transport detection unit 28, a driving unit 29, a displacement mechanism 30, a cleaning unit 31, and a moving body 32. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the position of the maintenance hole 19 is shown by a dotted line.

[0028] The recording unit 25 records on the medium 16. The recording unit 25 may also include a liquid ejection head 34. The liquid ejection head 34 can eject liquid from the nozzle 35. The liquid ejection head 34 may also have a nozzle face 36 in which a plurality of nozzles 35 are opened. The liquid ejection head 34 may also be a line type that ejects liquid to the transported medium 16 in a stopped state. The liquid ejection head 34 may also be a serial type that ejects liquid while moving.

[0029] The transport unit 26 transports the medium 16. The transport unit 26 moves along Figure 2 The conveying path 38 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2 conveys the medium 16. The conveying unit 26 conveys the medium 16 in a conveying direction Dc. The conveying direction Dc is a direction along the conveying path 38. The conveying unit 26 may include a conveying roller 39, a conveying belt 40, a driving pulley 41, a driven pulley 42, and a frame 43.

[0030] The transport unit 26 may include a plurality of transport rollers 39 . The transport rollers 39 rotate while sandwiching the medium 16 , thereby transporting the medium 16 .

[0031] The conveyor belt 40 is annular. The conveyor belt 40 can be opposite to the recording unit 25. The conveyor belt 40 is mounted on a driving pulley 41 and a driven pulley 42. The frame 43 supports the driving pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42, and the driving pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42 can rotate separately. The driven pulley 42 is rotatably provided. The driven pulley 42 is driven to rotate relative to the circulating conveyor belt 40. The conveyor belt 40 rotates in a state where the medium 16 is electrostatically adsorbed, thereby conveying the medium 16.

[0032] The static eliminator 27 may be formed of a brush. The static eliminator 27 is in contact with the conveyor belt 40. The static eliminator 27 can be in contact with the medium 16 supported by the conveyor belt 40. The static eliminator 27 removes electric charges from the surface of the medium 16 conveyed by the conveyor belt 40.

[0033] The transport detection unit 28 can detect the medium 16 being transported. The transport detection unit 28 may detect the medium 16 supported by the transport belt 40 . The transport detection unit 28 may detect the medium 16 sandwiched between the transport belt 40 and the static elimination unit 27 .

[0034] The driving unit 29 drives the conveying unit 26. The driving unit 29 may rotate the driving pulley 41. The driving unit 29 may rotate the conveying belt 40 by rotating the driving pulley 41. The driving unit 29 may rotate one or more conveying rollers 39.

[0035] The displacement mechanism 30 may include a displacement motor 45 , a rotating shaft 46 , a first link plate 47 , and a second link plate 48 .

[0036] The rotating shaft 46 is rotated by the drive of the displacement motor 45. One end of the first link plate 47 is fixed to the rotating shaft 46. The second link plate 48 is rotatably mounted on the other end of the first link plate 47. One end of the second link plate 48 is mounted on the first link plate 47. The other end of the second link plate 48 is mounted on the frame 43.

[0037] The displacement mechanism 30 can also displace the conveyor belt 40 by rotating the frame 43 around the driving pulley 41. The displacement mechanism 30 displaces the conveyor belt 40 to Figure 2 The conveying position P1 shown, Figure 3 The retreat position P2 shown, and Figure 4 The conveyor belt 40 may be movable to the conveying position P1, the retreating position P2, and the processing position P3.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveying position P1 is a position in a recording state in which the recording unit 25 performs recording. In the recording state, the driving pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42 are arranged in the width direction X. The conveying belt 40 located at the conveying position P1 faces the nozzle surface 36 across the conveying path 38. The conveying belt 40 supports a part of the medium 16 in a flat state. The conveying belt 40 located at the conveying position P1 sandwiches the medium 16 between the neutralizing unit 27.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the retreat position P2 is a position when the recording unit 25 is in a standby state without recording. In the standby state, the driving pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42 are aligned in the vertical direction Z. The retreat position P2 is a position where the conveyor belt 40 is away from the recording unit 25 .

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the processing position P3 is, for example, a position for processing a clogged medium 16. The processing position P3 is a position between the conveying position P1 and the retreating position P2. The conveying belt 40 at the processing position P3 is away from the static eliminating unit 27.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning unit 31 cleans the conveying unit 26. The cleaning unit 31 may include a scraper 50 that can contact the conveying belt 40. The scraper 50 can contact the conveying belt 40 in the depth direction Y. The scraper 50 contacts the conveying belt 40 that is circulating, thereby cleaning by scraping foreign matter such as paper dust attached to the conveying belt 40. The cleaning unit 31 separates the foreign matter from the conveying belt 40. The cleaning unit 31 may also be able to move to the conveying position P1, the retreat position P2, and the processing position P3 together with the conveying belt 40.

[0042] The moving body 32 is provided to be movable. The moving body 32 may include a cover 52 and a cover moving mechanism 53. The cover moving mechanism 53 is a mechanism for moving the cover 52. The cover 52 can be moved to Figure 2 The standby position P4 and Figure 3 The entry position P5 is shown. The standby position P4 is the position in the recording state. The entry position P5 is the position in the standby state.

[0043] The cover moving mechanism 53 may include a moving motor 55 , a screw shaft 56 , a slider 57 , a first link member 58 , a second link member 59 , and a wall portion 60 .

[0044] The moving motor 55 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. The screw shaft 56 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions along with the rotation of the moving motor 55. The screw shaft 56 extends in the width direction X. The slider 57 is screwed with the screw shaft 56. The slider 57 moves in the width direction X or in the direction opposite to the width direction X along with the rotation of the screw shaft 56.

[0045] The first link member 58 connects the slider 57 and the cover 52. The second link member 59 connects the wall portion 60 and the cover 52. The second link member 59 may have a guide portion 62. A guide rail 63 may be formed on the wall portion 60. The guide portion 62 is inserted into the guide rail 63. The guide portion 62 can move along the guide rail 63.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the moving motor 55 is driven to rotate forward with the cover 52 at the standby position P4, the slider 57 moves away from the moving motor 55. As a result, the cover 52 rises and moves to the entry position P5. The cover moving mechanism 53 moves the cover 52 from the standby position P4 to the entry position P5 by moving the cover 52 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, when the moving motor 55 is driven in reverse with the cover 52 located at the entry position P5, the slider 57 moves so as to approach the moving motor 55. As a result, the cover 52 is lowered and moved to the standby position P4.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the cap 52 can cover the nozzle 35. When the cap 52 is located at the entry position P5, the nozzle 35 is covered. A portion of the cap 52 located at the entry position P5 is located in the cleaning space 65. The conveyor belt 40 located at the retreat position P2 is also located in the cleaning space 65.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning space 65 is a space located below the conveyor belt 40 at the conveying position P1 in the vertical direction Z. In the drawing, the cleaning space 65 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Foreign matter separated from the conveyor belt 40 is likely to accumulate in the cleaning space 65 .

[0050] The cleaning space 65 is a space for allowing displacement of the conveyor belt 40. The cleaning space 65 is a space for allowing movement of the cover 52. The cleaning space 65 is connected to the maintenance hole 19. When viewed from the front side of the device, at least a portion of the cleaning space 65 may overlap with the maintenance hole 19. The cover 52 located at the standby position P4 is offset from the cleaning space 65 in the width direction X. The displacement mechanism 30 that causes the conveyor belt 40 to be located at the conveying position P1 is offset from the cleaning space 65 in the depth direction Y.

[0051] <Control method of cleaning mode>

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 22 sets the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 to the first mode when recording on the medium 16. In the first mode, the conveyor belt 40 is located at the conveying position P1. In the first mode, the cover 52 is located at the standby position P4.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 22 sets the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 to the second mode when the recording device 11 is in standby mode without recording on the medium 16, when the recording device 11 is in sleep mode, and when the power is turned off. In the second mode, the conveyor belt 40 is located at the retreat position P2. In the second mode, the cover 52 is located at the entry position P5.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 22 sets the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 to the third mode when a paper jam occurs in which the medium 16 is blocked around the recording unit 25. In the third mode, the conveyor belt 40 is located at the processing position P3. In the third mode, the cover 52 is located at the standby position P4.

[0055] The control unit 22 can execute the cleaning mode. The control unit 22 can also receive an execution instruction of the cleaning mode from the outside. The control unit 22 can also execute the cleaning mode according to the received execution instruction. The user can instruct the execution of the cleaning mode from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a tablet computer. The user can also instruct the execution of the cleaning mode by operating the touch panel 14.

[0056] When recording on the medium 16, the counting unit 23 may also count the number of recorded sheets. When the counted number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 22 may also perform a notification to remind the execution of the cleaning mode. When the load of the driving unit 29 is greater than a threshold value, the control unit 22 may also perform a notification to remind the execution of the cleaning mode. The control unit 22 may cause the touch panel 14 to make a notification. The control unit 22 may also notify an external device.

[0057] The cleaning mode allows the cleaning space 65 to be cleaned from the outside when the opening and closing cover 18 is open. The cleaning mode is executed during standby or sleep mode. That is, before the cleaning mode is executed, the conveyor belt 40 is located at the retreat position P2 and the cover 52 is located at the entry position P5.

[0058] When the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit 22 sets the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 from the second mode to the first mode. That is, in the cleaning mode, the moving body 32 is moved from the entry position P5 included in the cleaning space 65 to the outside of the cleaning space 65. In the cleaning mode, the moving body 32 is moved from the entry position P5 included in the cleaning space 65 to a position not included in the cleaning space 65. In the cleaning mode, the moving body 32 is moved from the entry position P5 included in the cleaning space 65 to a space outside the cleaning space 65. In the cleaning mode, the cover 52 is located at the standby position P4. In the cleaning mode, the conveyor belt 40 is located at the conveying position P1. In the cleaning mode, the cleaning space 65 can be cleaned from the outside when the opening and closing cover 18 is opened. The cleaning space 65 can be cleaned from the maintenance hole 19. The cleaning of the cleaning space 65 can be performed, for example, by sucking foreign matter accumulated in the cleaning space 65 or wiping the foreign matter.

[0059] The control unit 22 may also terminate the cleaning mode when a predetermined time has passed since the cleaning mode was executed. The predetermined time may be a pre-set time or a time determined by the user. The detection unit 21 may also detect the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover 18 after the cleaning mode is executed. The control unit 22 may also terminate the cleaning mode when the detection unit 21 detects that the opening and closing cover 18 has shifted from the open state to the closed state after the cleaning mode is executed. The control unit 22 may also notify the end of the cleaning mode before terminating the cleaning mode.

[0060] When the cleaning mode is terminated, the control unit 22 sets the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 to the second state. That is, the control unit 22 moves the conveyor belt 40 to the retracted position P2. The control unit 22 moves the cover 52 to the advanced position P5.

[0061] <How to handle paper jams>

[0062] When clogging of the medium 16 occurs during recording, the control unit 22 stops recording. In other words, the control unit 22 stops driving of the driving unit 29 and discharging of the liquid from the liquid discharging head 34 .

[0063] When the conveyance detection unit 28 detects the medium 16 in the state where recording is stopped, the control unit 22 may also set the conveyor belt 40 and the cover 52 to the third mode. The control unit 22 changes from the first mode to the third mode. The cover 52 waits at the standby position P4. The conveyor belt 40 moves from the conveyance position P1 to the processing position P3. The conveyor belt 40 at the processing position P3 makes the supported medium 16 face the maintenance hole 19. In addition, the conveyor belt 40 at the processing position P3 is away from the static elimination unit 27. Therefore, the user can reduce the possibility of damage to the medium 16 and easily remove the medium 16 from the maintenance hole 19.

[0064] <Effects of Implementation Methods>

[0065] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] The moving body 32 at the entry position P5 is partially located in the cleaning space 65. When the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit 22 moves the moving body 32 to the standby position P4. The user can clean the cleaning space 65 while the moving body 32, which may become an obstacle when cleaning the cleaning space 65, is retreated from the cleaning space 65.

[0067] <Effects of Implementation Methods>

[0068] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0069] (1-1) The movable body 32 can move into and out of the cleaning space 65. When the movable body 32 is located in the cleaning space 65, the movable body 32 becomes an obstacle to cleaning. In this regard, when the control unit 22 executes the cleaning mode, the movable body 32 moves out of the cleaning space 65. Therefore, the workability of cleaning performed by the user can be improved.

[0070] (1-2) When the control unit 22 is instructed to execute the cleaning mode, it executes the cleaning mode. Therefore, the user can execute the cleaning mode at any timing.

[0071] (1-3) The accumulation of foreign matter increases in proportion to the number of recorded sheets. When the number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 22 performs a notification to prompt the user to execute the cleaning mode. Therefore, the user can clean the cleaning space 65 at a timing when cleaning is necessary.

[0072] (1-4) When foreign matter adheres to the driving unit 29, the load of the driving unit 29 may increase. When the load of the driving unit 29 exceeds the threshold, the control unit 22 performs a notification to remind the user to execute the cleaning mode. Therefore, the user can clean the cleaning space 65 at the timing when cleaning is required.

[0073] (1-5) Foreign matter separated from the conveyor belt 40 by cleaning the conveyor belt 40 is likely to accumulate under the conveyor belt 40. In this regard, the cleaning space 65 is located under the conveyor belt 40. Therefore, the space where foreign matter is likely to accumulate can be easily cleaned.

[0074] (1-6) In the standby state, cover 52 is located in cleaning space 65. However, control unit 22 moves cover 52 outside cleaning space 65 by executing the cleaning mode. Therefore, even when cleaning is performed in the standby state, cleaning work can be easily performed.

[0075] (1-7) The conveyor belt 40 and the cap 52 are located at the same position in the recording state and in the cleaning mode. Therefore, the mechanism can be simplified compared to a case where different positions are set in the recording state and in the cleaning mode.

[0076] (1-8) The movable body 32 includes the cover moving mechanism 53. The control unit 22 executes the cleaning mode to move the cover 52 and the cover moving mechanism 53 out of the cleaning space 65. Therefore, the cleaning work can be easily performed.

[0077] (1-9) When the cap 52 is located at the standby position P4, the liquid in the nozzle 35 is in a state that is easy to dry. In this regard, the control unit 22 moves the cap 52 to the entry position P5 when a predetermined time has passed after the cleaning mode is executed. That is, since the liquid ejection head 34 can be capped by the cap 52 moved to the entry position P5, the drying of the liquid can be reduced.

[0078] (1-10) The control unit 22 notifies the user of the end of the cleaning mode before a predetermined time has passed. Therefore, the user can be informed in advance that the cover 52 has been moved.

[0079] (1-11) The control unit 22 ends the cleaning mode when the opening and closing cover 18 is closed. Therefore, the user's workability can be improved compared to the case where the user performs the operation to end the cleaning mode.

[0080] (1-12) The cleaning unit 31 includes the scraper blade 50 . The scraper blade 50 can perform cleaning by scraping off foreign matter attached to the conveyor belt 40 .

[0081] (1-13) The opening and closing cover 18 is provided on the front side of the device. The user can efficiently perform cleaning work from the front side.

[0082] [Change example]

[0083] This embodiment can be implemented by changing the following. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0084] The opening and closing cover 18 may be provided at any position of the recording device 11. For example, the opening and closing cover 18 may be provided on the side of the recording device 11. The opening and closing cover 18 may be provided on the upper surface of the recording device 11.

[0085] The cleaning part 31 may include a brush for scraping off foreign matter. The cleaning part 31 may include a vibrator for flicking off foreign matter. The cleaning part 31 may include a net formed of fibers in a sheet shape. The cleaning part 31 may wipe off foreign matter with a net.

[0086] The cleaning unit 31 may also clean the transport roller 39 .

[0087] The detection unit 21 may detect the opening and closing cover 18 located at the open position. When the detection unit 21 detects that the opening and closing cover 18 has moved from the open position, the control unit 22 may end the cleaning mode.

[0088] When the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit 22 may notify that the cleaning mode is in progress. The control unit 22 may terminate the notification that the cleaning mode is in progress before terminating the cleaning mode.

[0089] The cover moving mechanism 53 may reciprocate the cover 52 in the width direction X. The cover moving mechanism 53 may reciprocate the cover 52 in the depth direction Y. The cover moving mechanism 53 may reciprocate the cover 52 in the vertical direction Z.

[0090] In the cleaning mode, the conveyor belt 40 may be located at the retreat position P2.

[0091] The recording device 11 may be configured not to include the displacement mechanism 30. The conveyor belt 40 may be configured not to be displaced from the conveyance position P1.

[0092] The transport unit 26 may not include the transport belt 40. The transport unit 26 may transport the medium 16 by a plurality of transport rollers 39. The cleaning space 65 may be a space below the transport rollers 39.

[0093] The movable body 32 may include a wiper for wiping the nozzle surface 36 .

[0094] The control unit 22 may prompt the user to execute the cleaning mode when the load of the motor that moves the wiper exceeds a threshold value.

[0095] The cleaning unit 31 may be movable to, for example, a position in contact with the conveyor belt 40 or a position away from the conveyor belt 40. The position away from the conveyor belt 40 may be outside the cleaning space 65. The control unit 22 may move the cleaning unit 31 outside the cleaning space 65 when executing the cleaning mode.

[0096] At least one of the recording device 11 and the external device may also include a notification unit capable of notification. The notification unit may also include a speaker that notifies by emitting sound. The notification unit may also notify by playing sound, or by emitting a warning sound, etc. The notification unit may also include a lamp that notifies by emitting light. The notification unit may notify by using light, for example, to make the message stand out, or by flashing the light.

[0097] The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot matrix printer, a digital printer, or the like.

[0098] The recording device 11 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects or sprays other liquids other than ink for recording. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device as a tiny amount of droplets also includes the state of granular, tear-like, and linear tailing. The liquid mentioned here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any liquid in the state of the substance in the liquid phase, including fluid bodies such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and molten metals. Liquids include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also substances in which particles of functional materials composed of solid substances such as pigments or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in solvents. As representative examples of liquids, inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, inks include general aqueous inks and oily inks as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of a liquid ejection device, there is a device that ejects a liquid that contains materials such as electrode materials or pigments used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device that is used as a precision pipette and ejects a liquid that becomes a sample, a printing and dyeing device, or a micro-dispenser. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that accurately ejects lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks or cameras, or a device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a tiny hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali in order to etch a substrate.

[0099] [definition]

[0100] The expression "at least one" used in this specification means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "both of the two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option", "a combination of two arbitrary options", or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0101] [Note]

[0102] The following describes technical ideas and operational effects that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

[0103] (A) The recording device comprises: a recording unit for recording on a medium; a conveying unit for conveying the medium; a cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying unit; a movable body; an opening and closing cover that can be opened and closed to an open state and a closed state, in which the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside in the open state and the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside in the closed state; and a control unit that can execute a cleaning mode in which a cleaning space can be cleaned from the outside in the open state of the opening and closing cover, and in which the control unit moves the movable body from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space.

[0104] According to this configuration, the mobile body can move into and out of the cleaning space. When the mobile body is located in the cleaning space, the mobile body becomes an obstacle to cleaning. In this regard, when the control unit executes the cleaning mode, the mobile body moves outside the cleaning space. Therefore, the workability of cleaning performed by the user can be improved.

[0105] (B) In the recording device described in (A), the control unit may execute the cleaning mode by receiving an execution instruction of the cleaning mode from the outside.

[0106] According to this configuration, the control unit executes the cleaning mode when the execution of the cleaning mode is instructed. Therefore, the user can execute the cleaning mode at any timing.

[0107] (C) The recording device described in (A) or (B) may include a counting unit for counting the number of recorded sheets, and the control unit may perform notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when the number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number.

[0108] The accumulation of foreign matter increases in proportion to the number of recorded sheets. According to this configuration, when the number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number, the control unit performs a notification to remind the user to perform the cleaning mode. Therefore, the user can clean the space at the timing when cleaning is required.

[0109] (D) In ​​the recording device described in (A) to (C), a driving unit for driving the transport unit may be provided, and the control unit may perform notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when a load on the driving unit exceeds a threshold value.

[0110] When foreign matter is attached to the driving unit, the load of the driving unit may sometimes increase. According to this configuration, when the load of the driving unit is greater than a threshold value, the control unit performs a notification to remind the user to perform the cleaning mode. Therefore, the user can clean the space at the timing of cleaning.

[0111] (E) In the recording device described in (A) to (D), the transport unit may include a conveyor belt that can face the recording unit, and the cleaning space may be located below the conveyor belt in a vertical direction.

[0112] Foreign matter separated from the conveyor belt by cleaning the conveyor belt is easy to accumulate below the conveyor belt. In this regard, according to this structure, the cleaning space is located below the conveyor belt. Therefore, the space where foreign matter is easy to accumulate can be easily cleaned.

[0113] (F) In the recording device described in (E), it may be that the recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, the movable body includes a cover capable of sealing the nozzle, the conveyor belt can move to a conveying position where the recording unit is located when it is in a recording state in which recording is performed, and a retreat position where the recording unit is located when it is in a standby state in which recording is not performed, the cover can move to a standby position where it is located in the recording state, and an entry position where it is located in the standby state, and the nozzle is capped when located at the entry position, and a portion of the cover located at the entry position is located in the cleaning space.

[0114] According to this configuration, in the case of the standby state, the cover is located in the cleaning space. However, the control unit moves the cover outside the cleaning space by executing the cleaning mode. Therefore, even when cleaning is performed in the standby state, the cleaning operation can be easily performed.

[0115] (G) In the recording device described in (F), in the cleaning mode, the conveyor belt may be located at the conveying position, and the cover may be located at the standby position.

[0116] According to this configuration, the conveyor belt and the cover are located at the same position in the recording state and the cleaning mode. Therefore, the mechanism can be simplified compared to the case where different positions are set in the recording state and the cleaning mode.

[0117] (H) In the recording device described in (F) or (G), the movable body may include a cover moving mechanism for moving the cover, and the cover moving mechanism may move the cover from the standby position to the entry position by moving the cover in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

[0118] According to this configuration, the movable body includes the cover moving mechanism. The control unit moves the cover and the cover moving mechanism outside the cleaning space by executing the cleaning mode. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be easily performed.

[0119] (I) In the recording device described in (F) to (H), the control unit may end the cleaning mode and move the cover to the entry position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning mode was executed.

[0120] When the cap is in the standby position, the liquid in the nozzle is in a state that is easy to dry. In this regard, according to this configuration, when a predetermined time has passed since the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit moves the cap to the entry position. That is, since the liquid ejection head can be capped by the cap moved to the entry position, the drying of the liquid can be reduced.

[0121] (J) In the recording device described in (F) to (I), the control unit may notify the end of the cleaning mode before the cleaning mode ends.

[0122] According to this configuration, the control unit notifies the user of the end of the cleaning mode before the predetermined time has passed, so that the user can be informed of the cover movement in advance.

[0123] (K) In the recording device described in (F) to (J), it is also possible to have a detection unit capable of detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover, and when the detection unit detects that the opening and closing cover has moved from the open state to the closed state after executing the cleaning mode, the control unit ends the cleaning mode and moves the cover to the entry position.

[0124] According to this configuration, the control unit ends the cleaning mode when the opening and closing cover is closed. Therefore, the user's workability can be improved compared to the case where the user performs the end operation of the cleaning mode.

[0125] (L) In the recording device described in (E) to (K), the cleaning unit may include a blade that can come into contact with the conveyor belt.

[0126] According to this configuration, the cleaning unit includes a scraper blade, and the scraper blade can perform cleaning by scraping off foreign matter attached to the conveyor belt.

[0127] (M) In the recording device described in (A) to (L), the opening and closing cover may be provided on the front side of the device.

[0128] According to this configuration, the opening and closing cover is provided on the front side of the device, and the user can efficiently perform cleaning work from the front side.

[0129] (N) A control method for a recording device, the recording device comprising: a recording unit for recording on a medium; a conveying unit for conveying the medium; a cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying unit; a movable body; and an opening and closing cover that can be opened and closed, the opening and closing cover being able to be opened and closed between an open state and a closed state, the inside of the device being accessible from the outside in the open state, and the inside of the device being inaccessible from the outside in the closed state, the control method for the recording device comprising: executing a cleaning mode in the open state for cleaning a cleaning space from the outside; and when executing the cleaning mode, causing the movable body to move from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space.

[0130] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0131] (O) The recording device control method described in (N) may include: receiving an execution instruction of the cleaning mode from an external device; and executing the cleaning mode according to the execution instruction.

[0132] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0133] (P) Alternatively, the recording device control method described in (N) or (O) may include: counting the number of recorded sheets; and when the counted number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number, performing a notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode.

[0134] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0135] (Q) In the recording device control method described in (N) to (P), the recording device may further include a drive unit that drives the conveying unit, and the recording device control method may include executing a notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when a load on the drive unit is greater than a threshold value.

[0136] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0137] (R) In the control method of the recording device described in (N) to (Q), it may be that the recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, the movable body includes a cover capable of capping the nozzle, the conveying unit includes a conveying belt capable of being opposite to the recording unit, the conveying belt can move to a conveying position where the recording unit is located when it is in a recording state in which recording is performed and a retreat position where the recording unit is located when it is in a standby state in which recording is not performed, the cover can move to a standby position where it is located in the recording state and an entry position where it is located in the standby state, and the nozzle is capped when it is located at the entry position, and a part of the cover located at the entry position is located in the cleaning space, and the control method of the recording device includes ending the cleaning mode and moving the cover to the entry position when a predetermined time has passed since the execution of the cleaning mode.

[0138] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0139] (S) The recording device control method described in (N) to (R) may include notifying the end of the cleaning mode before the end of the cleaning mode.

[0140] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

[0141] (T) In the control method of the recording device described in (N) to (S), the recording device may further include a detection unit capable of detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover, and in the control method of the recording device, the recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, the movable body includes a cover capable of sealing the nozzle, and the conveying unit includes a conveying belt capable of being opposed to the recording unit, the conveying belt being capable of moving to a conveying position at which the recording unit is located when it is in a recording state for recording, and a conveying position at which the recording unit is located when it is in a standby state for not recording. The cover is in a retracted position, the cover is capable of moving to a standby position located in the recording state and an entry position located in the standby state, and the nozzle is capped when located in the entry position, a part of the cover located in the entry position is located in the cleaning space, and the control method of the recording device includes: detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover after executing the cleaning mode; and when the detection unit detects that the opening and closing cover has moved from the open state to the closed state, ending the cleaning mode and moving the cover to the entry position.

[0142] According to this method, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned recording device can be achieved.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that: have: A recording unit, recording the medium; A conveying unit for conveying the medium; A cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying unit; A mobile body capable of movement; An opening and closing cover that can be opened and closed to an open state and a closed state, wherein the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside in the open state and the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside in the closed state; as well as Control Department, The control unit is capable of executing a cleaning mode in which a cleaning space can be cleaned from the outside in the open state of the opening and closing cover. In the cleaning mode, the control unit moves the moving body from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit executes the cleaning mode by receiving an execution command of the cleaning mode from the outside.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording device includes a counting unit for counting the number of recorded sheets. The control unit performs notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when the number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number of sheets.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording device includes a driving unit for driving the conveying unit. The control unit performs notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when the load of the driving unit is greater than a threshold value.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The conveying unit includes a conveying belt capable of being opposed to the recording unit. The cleaning space is located below the conveyor belt in a vertical direction.

6. The recording device according to claim 5, characterized in that The recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, The moving body includes a cover capable of covering the nozzle. The conveyor belt is movable to a conveying position where the recording unit is in a recording state in which recording is being performed, and to a retreat position where the recording unit is in a standby state in which recording is not being performed. The cap is movable to a standby position located in the recording state and an entry position located in the standby state, and caps the nozzle when located in the entry position, A portion of the cover located at the entry position is located in the cleaning space.

7. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that In the cleaning mode, the conveyor belt is located at the conveying position, and the cover is located at the standby position.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that The moving body includes a cover moving mechanism for moving the cover, The cover moving mechanism moves the cover from the standby position to the entry position by moving the cover in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

9. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that The control unit ends the cleaning mode and moves the cover to the entry position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning mode was executed.

10. The recording device according to claim 9, characterized in that The control unit notifies the end of the cleaning mode before ending the cleaning mode.

11. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that The recording device includes a detection unit capable of detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover. The control unit ends the cleaning mode and moves the lid to the entry position when the detection unit detects that the opening and closing cover is displaced from the open state to the closed state after the cleaning mode is executed.

12. The recording device according to claim 5, characterized in that The cleaning unit includes a scraper capable of contacting the conveyor belt.

13. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening and closing cover is provided on the front side of the device.

14. A method for controlling a recording device, characterized in that: The recording device comprises: a recording unit for recording on a medium; a conveying unit for conveying the medium; a cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying unit; a movable body; and an openable and closable cover. The opening and closing cover can be opened and closed to an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the inside of the device can be accessed from the outside, and in the closed state, the inside of the device cannot be accessed from the outside. The control method of the recording device comprises: In the open state, a cleaning mode is performed to clean the cleaning space from the outside; and When the cleaning mode is executed, the moving body is moved from a position included in the cleaning space to outside the cleaning space.

15. The recording device control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The control method of the recording device comprises: receiving an execution instruction of the cleaning mode from the outside; and The cleaning mode is executed according to the execution instruction.

16. The recording device control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The control method of the recording device comprises: Counting the number of records; and When the counted number of recorded sheets reaches a predetermined number of sheets, a notification is performed to prompt execution of the cleaning mode.

17. The recording device control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The recording device further includes a driving unit that drives the conveying unit. The control method of the recording device includes performing a notification to prompt execution of the cleaning mode when a load of the driving unit is greater than a threshold value.

18. The recording device control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, The moving body includes a cover capable of covering the nozzle. The conveying unit includes a conveying belt capable of being opposed to the recording unit. The conveyor belt is movable to a conveying position where the recording unit is in a recording state in which recording is being performed, and to a retreat position where the recording unit is in a standby state in which recording is not being performed. The cap is movable to a standby position located in the recording state and an entry position located in the standby state, and caps the nozzle when located in the entry position, A portion of the cover located at the entry position is located in the cleaning space, The control method of the recording device includes ending the cleaning mode and moving the cover to the entry position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning mode was executed.

19. The recording device control method according to claim 18, characterized in that: The control method of the recording device includes notifying the end of the cleaning mode before ending the cleaning mode.

20. The recording device control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The recording device further includes a detection unit capable of detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover. The recording unit includes a liquid ejection head capable of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, The moving body includes a cover capable of covering the nozzle. The conveying unit includes a conveying belt capable of being opposed to the recording unit. The conveyor belt is movable to a conveying position where the recording unit is in a recording state in which recording is being performed, and to a retreat position where the recording unit is in a standby state in which recording is not being performed. The cap is movable to a standby position located in the recording state and an entry position located in the standby state, and caps the nozzle when located in the entry position, A portion of the cover located at the entry position is located in the cleaning space, The control method of the recording device comprises: detecting the open state and the closed state of the opening and closing cover after the cleaning mode is executed; and When the detection unit detects that the opening and closing cover has been displaced from the open state to the closed state, the cleaning mode is terminated and the lid is moved to the entry position.

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