Recording apparatus and control method of recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus. In a structure in which the head unit moves, it is desirable to accurately detect the position of the head unit in the moving direction and to appropriately adjust the gap. The recording apparatus includes an opposing portion disposed to face a recording portion, and a moving unit that receives power of a motor and moves the recording portion. The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed in the facing portion by a self-load when the recording unit is lowered toward the facing portion. When the recording unit is lowered toward the facing unit, the control unit determines the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state in which the signal change of the rotary encoder is present. Or the original position of the recording part in the moving direction is set according to the position of the recording part when the signal of the linear encoder is changed under the condition that the signal of the rotary encoder is changed when the recording part is lifted from the state of being placed on the facing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording on a medium. Further, the present invention relates to a control method for a recording apparatus. Background Art

[0002] The recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a head unit that can move between a recording position for recording on a medium and a retracted position retracted from a medium conveyance path. Further, the gap between the opposing portion opposed to the line head and the line head is adjusted by moving the head unit. In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the opposing portion is constituted by a conveyor belt.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-076882

[0004] In a configuration in which the head unit moves, it is desired to accurately detect the position of the head unit in the moving direction and appropriately adjust the gap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A recording apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems, a recording apparatus, comprising: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium, the recording unit being movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the conveyance path; an opposing portion disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor as a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting the position of the recording unit relative to the conveyance path; a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the motor; and a control unit for controlling the motor, the moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component, the position detection unit is a linear encoder including a linear scale and a first detection unit, the linear scale is provided along the moving direction of the recording unit, the first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detects the linear scale, the rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotary scale, the rotary scale rotates as the motor rotates, the moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing portion by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing portion, and the control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing portion, or based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion.

[0006] In addition, a control method for a recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the recording apparatus includes: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium, the recording unit being movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the conveyance path; an opposing unit disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor serving as a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit receiving the power of the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting the position of the recording unit relative to the conveyance path; and a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the motor. The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder including a linear scale and a first detection unit. The linear scale is provided along the moving direction of the recording unit. The first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit for detecting the linear scale. The rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotary scale. The rotary scale rotates as the motor rotates. The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit. The control method includes the following steps: setting the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. is a view showing the overall medium conveyance path of a printer.

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. is a top view of the head surface of a line head.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view of a cover unit.

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. is a block diagram showing a control system related to the movement of a line head.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. is a view showing the operation transition of a line head and a shutter.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. is a perspective view of a head unit, a guide frame, and a base frame.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. is a perspective view of a guide frame and a head unit.

[0014] Figure 8It is a perspective view of the head unit and the rotating body.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the reduction mechanism that transmits power from the head movement motor to the rotating body.

[0016] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the head unit and the linear encoder.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the rotating body.

[0018] Figure 12 It is a front view of the rotating body.

[0019] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0020] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0022] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0023] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0024] Figure 18 It is a perspective view of the rotating body and the rack member.

[0025] Figure 19 It is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the cover unit.

[0026] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the cover unit.

[0027] Figure 21 It is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the cover unit.

[0028] Figure 22 It is a graph of the rotational ENC position, rotational ENC speed, linear ENC position, linear ENC speed, and motor duty ratio when the line head is lowered.

[0029] Figure 23 It is a graph of the rotational ENC position, rotational ENC speed, linear ENC position, linear ENC speed, and motor duty ratio when the line head is raised.

[0030] Figure 24 It is a flowchart showing the process performed by the control unit.

[0031] Figure 25It is a flowchart showing the process of setting the origin position while raising the line head on one side.

[0032] Figure 26 It is a flowchart showing the process of setting the origin position while lowering the line head on one side.

[0033] Figure 27 It is a table showing the relationships of the head movement speed, motor rotation speed, motor drive load, and torque limit value in each of the lever drive area, cam drive area, and rack and pinion drive area.

[0034] Figure 28 It is a flowchart showing the process when power is not turned on after being disconnected from the normal power supply.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals

[0036] 1... Inkjet printer; 2... Media cassette; 3... Pickup roller; 5... Feed roller; 6... Separation roller; 8... Reverse roller; 9... First clamping roller; 10... Second clamping roller; 12... Media support portion; 13... Feed roller; 14... Separation roller; 15... First pair of conveying rollers; 16... Driving roller; 17... Driven roller; 19... Second pair of conveying rollers; 20... Driving roller; 20a... Rotation shaft; 21... Driven roller; 22... Media detection portion; 27... Third pair of conveying rollers; 28... Discharge roller pair; 29... Discharge tray; 30... Head unit; 31... Unit frame; 32, 32A, 32B... Rack members; 32a... Contact portion; 32b... Pressed portion; 32c, 32d... Guided portions; 33... Guide frame; 33a... First guide portion; 33b... Second guide portion; 33A, 33B... Base frames; 34... Mounting frame; 35... Link mechanism; 40... Line head; 40a... Protrusion; 41... Base; 41d... Rack portion; 42... Plate member; 42a... Head surface; 42d... Opening; 43... Head chip; 44... Nozzle; 45... Opposing portion; 45a... Opening; 46... Upstream support portion; 47... Gate; 49... Second moving portion; 54... Helical spring; 60... Cover unit; 61... Cover portion; 61a... Elastic portion; 61b... Cover main body portion; 62... Base portion; 63... Cover spring; 65... First moving portion; 66... Cam; 70... Second moving portion; 71... Rack; 72... Pinion; 72a... First phase region; 73... Third moving portion; 74, 74A, 74B... Rotating bodies; 75... Pressing portion; 76... Reduction mechanism; 77... Shaft; 78... First bevel gear; 79... Second bevel gear; 80, 81, 82... Spur gears; 83... Worm gear; 84... Cylindrical worm; 100... Control portion; 101... Head movement motor; 103... Rotary encoder; 104... Rotary scale; 105... Second detection portion; 107... Linear encoder; 108... Linear scale; 109... First detection portion; 110... Moving unit; 115... Operation portion; 120... Arithmetic portion; 121... Motor control portion; 122... Motor driver; 123... Volatile memory; 124... Non-volatile memory; 125... Program; 126... Control parameters; Am1... First region; Am2... Second region; Am3... Third region; Hp0... Cover position; Hp1... Recording position; Hp2... Paper jam processing position. Detailed implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, the present invention will be briefly described. The recording apparatus according to the first aspect is characterized by comprising: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium, the recording unit being movable in a direction advancing and retreating with respect to the conveyance path; an opposing unit disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor serving as a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit receiving the power of the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path; a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the motor; and a control unit for controlling the motor. The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having a linear scale and a first detection unit, the linear scale is provided along the moving direction of the recording unit, the first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detecting the linear scale, the rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder having a rotation scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotation scale, the rotation scale rotates as the motor rotates, the moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, and the control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing unit.

[0038] According to this aspect, since the position detection unit is a linear encoder having a linear scale provided along the moving direction of the recording unit and a first detection unit that is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detecting the linear scale, and since it is configured to directly detect the movement of the recording unit, the position of the recording unit can be appropriately grasped. As a result, it is easy to appropriately adjust the gap between the recording unit and the opposing unit.

[0039] Moreover, according to this aspect, the control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the signal changes of the linear encoder and the rotary encoder when the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight or when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing unit. Therefore, the position of the recording unit with respect to the opposing unit can be appropriately grasped. As a result, the gap between the recording unit and the opposing unit can be appropriately adjusted.

[0040] In addition, the moving unit is configured to allow the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, so that the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0041] For example, in a configuration where the position of the recording unit in the moving direction is grasped by detecting an increase in the drive current value of the motor when the recording unit abuts against the opposing unit, applying a load to the moving unit may cause damage to components. In addition, when the moving unit includes a worm and worm gear mechanism, excessive surface pressure may be generated between the worm wheel and the cylindrical worm, resulting in locking. However, in this solution, as described above, the moving unit is configured to allow the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, so that the occurrence of the above-mentioned defects can be suppressed.

[0042] In addition, the idling of the motor means a state in which the rotation of the motor is not converted into the movement of the recording unit, and a state in which the motor does not receive a load from the recording unit.

[0043] In addition, in this specification, the recording unit being placed on the opposing unit by its own weight means not only the way in which the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit only by its own weight, but also includes the meaning of being placed on the opposing unit by receiving a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like in addition to its own weight.

[0044] The second solution is a solution subordinate to the first solution, and is characterized in that the moving area of the recording unit has: a first area; and a second area, which is farther from the conveying path than the first area, the moving unit includes: a first moving part that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving part that moves the recording unit in the second area, when the recording unit transfers from the first area to the second area, it changes from the state of moving through the first moving part to the state of moving through the second moving part, and when the recording unit transfers from the second area to the first area, it changes from the state of moving through the second moving part to the state of moving through the first moving part.

[0045] According to this solution, the moving unit that moves the recording unit includes: a first moving part that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving part that moves the recording unit in the second area. In addition, since the first moving part and the second moving part are driven by one motor, the cost increase of the device can be suppressed, and the miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0046] In addition, by configuring the moving unit to include the first moving part and the second moving part, the amount of movement of the recording part relative to one rotation of the output shaft of the motor can be made different between the first moving part and the second moving part. As a result, in a case where the moving area includes an area where it is desired to move the recording part with good accuracy and an area where it is desired to ensure the amount of movement of the recording part, such requests can be appropriately addressed.

[0047] The third aspect is an aspect subordinate to the second aspect, characterized in that the moving area of the recording part has a third area located on the side opposite to the second area with the first area therebetween, the opposing part includes: a supporting part that supports the recording part when the recording part is placed on the opposing part by its own weight; and a pressing member that presses the supporting part toward the recording part, the supporting part being movable along the moving direction, the moving unit includes a third moving part that moves the recording part in the third area against the pressing force of the pressing member, when the recording part transfers from the first area to the third area, it changes from the state of moving through the first moving part to the state of moving through the third moving part, and when the recording part transfers from the third area to the first area, it changes from the state of moving through the third moving part to the state of moving through the first moving part.

[0048] According to this aspect, in addition to the first moving part and the second moving part, the third moving part is also driven by one motor, so that an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0049] The fourth aspect is an aspect subordinate to the second or third aspect, characterized in that the control unit detects each area constituting the moving area based on the origin position of the recording part in the moving direction, and controls the motor by control parameters corresponding to the respective areas.

[0050] According to this aspect, the control unit detects each area constituting the moving area based on the origin position of the recording part in the moving direction, and controls the motor by control parameters corresponding to the respective areas. Therefore, through appropriate control corresponding to the respective areas, the recording part can be appropriately positioned.

[0051] The fifth aspect is an aspect subordinate to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the control parameter includes a torque limit value of the motor.

[0052] When the loads applied to the motor in the respective regions constituting the moving region are different, the required motor torque is different. Therefore, if a large torque limit value is set for a region with a small load, an excessive load will be applied to the mechanism components in the event of an abnormality, which may lead to damage to the mechanism components and the like.

[0053] However, according to this solution, since the control parameter includes the torque limit value of the motor, it is possible to suppress the breakage and the like of the above-mentioned mechanism components.

[0054] The sixth solution is a solution subordinate to the second or third solution, characterized in that the control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region.

[0055] At the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, with the switching of the drive mechanism, there may be a collision sound between components.

[0056] According to this solution, the control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, so it is possible to suppress the generation of the above-mentioned collision sound.

[0057] In addition, this solution is not limited to the above-mentioned second or third solution, and may also be subordinate to the above-mentioned fourth or fifth solution.

[0058] The seventh solution is a solution subordinate to the second or third solution, characterized in that the recording device includes an acceptance unit that accepts the selection of either the speed priority mode or the normal mode. When the speed priority mode is selected, the control unit continuously drives the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region. When the normal mode is selected, the control unit temporarily stops the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region.

[0059] At the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, with the switching of the drive mechanism, there may be a collision sound between components.

[0060] According to this solution, in the speed priority mode, the motor is continuously driven at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, so the throughput of the process can be improved. In addition, in the normal mode, since the motor is temporarily stopped at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, the generation of the above-mentioned collision sound can be suppressed.

[0061] In addition, this solution is not limited to the above-mentioned second or third solution, and may also be subordinate to the above-mentioned fourth or fifth solution.

[0062] The eighth solution is a solution subordinate to the third solution, characterized in that the recording unit further includes: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid in a width direction intersecting the medium conveyance direction, and ejecting liquid from the nozzles without moving in the width direction; and a cover portion covering the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head at a position opposed to the liquid ejection head, the cover portion being displaceable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the liquid ejection head, the first moving portion including a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and rotates while supporting the recording unit to move the recording unit, the second moving portion including: a rack provided on the recording unit; and a pinion gear that meshes with the rack and rotates by the power of the motor to move the recording unit, and the third moving portion having a pressing-down portion that presses the recording unit toward the cover portion against the pressing force of the pressing member.

[0063] According to this solution, since the first moving portion includes a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and rotates while supporting the recording unit to move the recording unit, it is possible to finely adjust the position of the recording unit at a position close to the conveyance path. As a result, the recording unit can be positioned at an appropriate position corresponding to the thickness of the medium.

[0064] In addition, the second moving portion includes: a rack provided on the recording unit; and a pinion gear that meshes with the rack and rotates by the power of the motor to move the recording unit. Thus, even when the second region is ensured to be large, the recording unit can be moved significantly accordingly, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0065] In addition, since the third moving portion has a pressing-down portion that presses the recording unit toward the cover portion against the pressing force of the pressing member, the liquid ejection surface can be reliably pressed against the cover portion, and the liquid ejection surface can be reliably covered by the cover portion.

[0066] Furthermore, this solution is not limited to the above-mentioned third solution, and may also be subordinate to any one of the above-mentioned fourth to seventh solutions.

[0067] The ninth solution is a solution subordinate to the eighth solution, characterized in that the recording device includes a rotating body in which the cam, the pinion gear, and the pressing-down portion are integrated, and the rotating body rotates by the power of the motor.

[0068] According to this solution, since the cam, the pinion, and the pressing portion are integrated, power can be easily transmitted from the motor to the first moving portion, the second moving portion, and the third moving portion. In addition, since there is no need to separately transmit power from the motor to the first moving portion, the second moving portion, and the third moving portion, the number of components can be reduced. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and the device can be miniaturized.

[0069] The tenth solution is a solution subordinate to the first solution, characterized in that the moving unit includes: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and a worm gear meshing with the cylindrical worm and rotating as the cylindrical worm rotates.

[0070] Since the moving unit includes a worm gear mechanism, locking may also occur when excessive surface pressure is generated between the worm gear and the cylindrical worm. However, due to the effects of the first solution described above, when the position of the recording portion relative to the opposing portion is grasped, an excessive load is not applied to the moving mechanism, so the occurrence of the above locking can be suppressed.

[0071] Moreover, through the worm gear mechanism, the reduction ratio when transmitting power from the motor to the recording portion can be increased. As a result, the resolution of the rotary encoder can be made higher than the resolution of the linear encoder, and the recording portion can be positioned with good accuracy relative to the opposing portion.

[0072] In addition, the resolution here means the number of edges (where the waveform transitions from low to high) of the encoder output per unit amount of movement, in other words, the amount of movement of the recording portion for each edge. Also, a high resolution means a large number of edges are output per unit amount of movement, in other words, the amount of movement of the recording portion for each edge is small.

[0073] In addition, this solution is not limited to the first solution described above, and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to ninth solutions described above.

[0074] The eleventh solution is a solution subordinate to the first solution, characterized in that the recording portion has a protruding portion protruding toward the opposing portion, and the recording portion is self-weighted on the opposing portion by abutting the protruding portion against the opposing portion.

[0075] According to this solution, the recording unit has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the opposing portion. By abutting the protruding portion against the opposing portion, the recording unit is self-weighted on the opposing portion, so that contact between the portion for recording the medium in the recording unit and the opposing portion can be avoided. As a result, damage to the portion for recording the medium in the recording unit can be suppressed, and in addition, soiling of the opposing portion can be suppressed.

[0076] In addition, this solution is not limited to the above first solution, and can also be subordinate to any one of the above second to tenth solutions.

[0077] A control method for a recording device according to a twelfth solution is characterized in that the recording device includes: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium, the recording unit being movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the conveyance path; an opposing portion disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor as a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting the position of the recording unit relative to the conveyance path; and a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the motor. The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having a linear scale and a first detection unit. The linear scale is provided along the moving direction of the recording unit. The first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detects the linear scale. The rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder having a rotary scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotary scale. The rotary scale rotates as the motor rotates. The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is self-weighted on the opposing portion when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing portion. The control method includes the following steps: setting the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing portion, or based on the position of the recording unit when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary encoder when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion.

[0078] According to this solution, the same operational effects as those of the above first solution can be obtained in the recording device.

[0079] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described.

[0080] Hereinafter, as an example of a recording device for recording on a medium, an inkjet printer 1 will be described. Hereinafter, the inkjet printer 1 will be simply referred to as the printer 1.

[0081] In addition, in the X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in the respective drawings, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the apparatus, which is the width direction of the medium to be recorded. From the perspective of the operator of the printer 1, the +X direction is the left side, and the -X direction is the right side. Hereinafter, the X-axis direction may sometimes be referred to as the medium width direction or simply the width direction.

[0082] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the apparatus, which is the direction along the medium conveyance direction during recording. The +Y direction is the direction from the back side to the front side of the apparatus, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front side to the back side of the apparatus. In the present embodiment, among the side surfaces surrounding the printer 1, the side surface in the +Y direction becomes the front side of the apparatus, and the side surface in the -Y direction becomes the back side of the apparatus.

[0083] The Z-axis direction is the direction along the vertical direction, which is the height direction of the apparatus. The +Z direction is the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertically downward direction.

[0084] In addition, hereinafter, the direction in which the medium is conveyed may sometimes be referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream".

[0085] The medium conveyance path of the printer

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 1 the medium conveyance path of the printer 1 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the printer 1 has a medium storage cassette 2 at the bottom of the apparatus. The reference numeral P indicates the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2. As an example of the medium, recording paper can be cited. The medium storage cassette 2 is provided so as to be detachable from the front side of the apparatus.

[0087] A paper feed roller 3 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided above the medium storage cassette 2. The paper feed roller 3 can advance and retreat with respect to the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2, and rotates by contacting the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2, thereby sending the medium from the medium storage cassette 2 in the +Y direction.

[0088] A feed roller 5 driven by a motor (not shown) and a separation roller 6 given a rotational torque by a torque limiter (not shown) are provided downstream of the medium storage cassette 2. The medium sent out from the medium storage cassette 2 is separated by being clamped by the feed roller 5 and the separation roller 6, and is further conveyed downstream.

[0089] A reverse roller 8 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided downstream of the feed roller 5 and the separation roller 6. A first pinch roller 9 and a second pinch roller 10 are provided around the reverse roller 8. The medium is clamped by the reverse roller 8 and the first pinch roller 9, and then clamped by the reverse roller 8 and the second pinch roller 10 and conveyed. The conveyance direction of the medium is reversed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction by the reverse roller 8, and the medium is conveyed downstream.

[0090] Downstream of the reversing roller 8, a first pair of conveying rollers 15 is provided. The first pair of conveying rollers 15 includes a driving roller 16 driven by a motor (not shown) and a driven roller 17 that can rotate idly. The medium is conveyed by the first pair of conveying rollers 15 to a position opposite to the line head 40.

[0091] In addition to the medium feeding path from the medium storage cassette 2, the printer 1 also has a medium feeding path from the medium support portion 12. The medium support portion 12 supports the medium in an inclined posture, and the supported medium is conveyed to the first pair of conveying rollers 15 by a feeding roller 13 driven by a motor (not shown). Reference numeral 14 is a separating roller to which a rotational torque is imparted by a torque limiter (not shown).

[0092] A medium detection portion 22 is provided upstream of the first pair of conveying rollers 15. The control portion 100 (refer to Figure 4 ) described later can determine the position of the leading end of the medium relative to the line head 40 based on the detection information of the medium detection portion 22, and can, for example, position the medium at the recording start position.

[0093] The line head 40 is an example of a recording portion that records on the medium. In addition, the line head 40 is an example of a liquid ejection head that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium for recording. The line head 40 is a liquid ejection head in which a plurality of nozzles 44 for ejecting ink are arranged so as to cover the entire region in the width direction of the medium. The line head 40 is long in the width direction of the medium and is configured as a liquid ejection head that can record on the entire region of the medium width without moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0094] Reference numeral 42a is a head surface that becomes the surface facing the medium. The head surface 42a can also be referred to as a liquid ejection surface or a nozzle surface. The head surface 42a is formed by a plate member 42 (refer to Figure 2 ) described later. The head surface 42a is parallel to the medium conveying direction at the position opposite to the line head 40, that is, the Y-axis direction. In addition, the head surface 42a is parallel to the X-Y plane. The two-dot chain line indicated by Ta is the medium conveying path between the line head 40 and the opposing portion 45. The medium conveying path Ta is parallel to the X-Y plane.

[0095] The printer 1 includes an ink storage portion (not shown), and the ink ejected from the line head 40 is supplied from the ink storage portion to the line head 40 via an ink tube (not shown).

[0096] An opposing portion 45 is provided at a position opposite to the head surface 42a of the line head 40. The opposing portion 45 according to the present embodiment includes an upstream support portion 46 (refer to Figure 5 ) and a shutter 47 (refer to Figure 5), the gap between the medium and the head surface 42a is defined by supporting the medium with the upstream support portion 46 and the shutter 47. Hereinafter, the gap between the opposing portion 45 and the head surface 42a may sometimes be referred to as the platen gap.

[0097] The line head 40 is arranged to be movable in the direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the opposing portion 45, that is, in the adjustment direction of the platen gap. In the present embodiment, the adjustment direction of the platen gap is parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0098] Hereinafter, sometimes moving the line head 40 or other component parts in the +Z-axis direction is referred to as "rising", and moving in the -Z direction is referred to as "descending".

[0099] As Figure 4 shown, the line head 40 moves along the Z-axis direction by the power of the head moving motor 101 which is an example of a drive source. Here, with reference to Figure 4 , an overview of the movement operation of the line head 40 will be given. The power of the head moving motor 101 is converted into the Z-axis direction movement of the line head 40 by the moving unit 110. The moving unit 110 will be described again later.

[0100] The control unit 100 that controls the head moving motor 101 raises and lowers the line head 40 according to the thickness of the medium based on the medium type included in the received print data, and adjusts the platen gap. For example, when the position of the line head 40 when recording on plain paper is taken as the first recording position, when recording on special paper whose thickness is thicker than that of plain paper, the line head 40 is positioned at a second recording position that is higher than the first recording position. In the case where the medium still contacts the line head 40 even when the second recording position is selected, it is positioned at a third recording position that is further higher than the second recording position.

[0101] In Figure 4 , the reference numerals Am1, Am2, and Am3 indicate the movement areas of the line head 40 with respect to the head surface 42a. The movement area of the line head 40 has a first area Am1 and a second area Am2 that is farther from the medium conveyance path Ta than the first area Am1. The first area Am1 includes the above-mentioned first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position. Of course, the first area Am1 may also include other recording positions. In addition, in the present embodiment, the movement area of the line head 40 includes a third area Am3 that is lower than the first area Am1.

[0102] When the line head 40 moves to the position Hp2 which is the uppermost position of the second area Am2, the interval between the opposing portion 45 and the head surface 42a becomes the widest. Thus, it is possible to remove the jammed medium in the case of paper jam. Hereinafter, the position Hp2 will be referred to as the paper jam processing position of the line head 40.

[0103] Position Hp1 is the recording position when recording on the medium. As described above, position Hp1 varies according to the type of medium. That is, the recording position Hp1 includes the above-mentioned first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position.

[0104] Position Hp0 is the lowermost position of the third region Am3. This position is where the later-described cover portion 61 covers the head surface 42a. Hereinafter, position Hp0 will be referred to as the cover position of the line head 40.

[0105] Return to Figure 1 , downstream of the line head 40, a second pair of conveying rollers 19 is provided. The second pair of conveying rollers 19 includes a driving roller 20 driven by a motor (not shown) and a driven roller 21 that can rotate idly. The medium on which recording has been performed is sent downstream by the second pair of conveying rollers 19.

[0106] Downstream of the second pair of conveying rollers 19, a third pair of conveying rollers 27 is provided. Further downstream of the third pair of conveying rollers 27, a pair of discharging rollers 28 is provided. A discharging path facing downward is formed between the third pair of conveying rollers 27 and the pair of discharging rollers 28. The medium on which recording has been performed is discharged by the pair of discharging rollers 28 to the discharging tray 29 in a state where the most recent recording surface faces downward.

[0107] Configuration of the line head

[0108] Next, with reference to Figure 2 The line head 40, which is an example of a liquid ejection head, will be further described.

[0109] As Figure 2 shown, the line head 40 has a plate member 42 on a base 41. The base 41 is a structure in which a flow path for supplying ink, which is supplied from an ink storage portion (not shown), to the head chip 43 is provided inside.

[0110] The plate member 42 is a metal plate and forms a head surface 42a.

[0111] A plurality of openings 42d are formed in the plate member 42, and a head chip 43 is provided in each opening 42d. A plurality of nozzles 44 (refer to Figure 1 ) are provided along the width direction of the medium on the head chip 43. The plate member 42 and the head chip 43 are provided flush.

[0112] The head chips 43 are alternately arranged at upstream positions and downstream positions along the X-axis direction, that is, the width direction of the medium. In the present embodiment, three head chips 43 are provided along the width direction of the medium at the upstream position, and four head chips 43 are provided along the width direction of the medium at the downstream position. As a result, the later-described cover portion 61 that covers the head chips 43 is alternately arranged at upstream positions and downstream positions along the width direction of the medium.

[0113] The line head 40 is provided in the unit frame 31, and constitutes the head unit 30 together with the unit frame 31. The head unit 30 is a structure including the line head 40. Therefore, the components constituting the head unit 30 can be referred to as components provided in the line head 40.

[0114] The line head 40 or the head unit 30 is an example of a recording unit that records on a medium. Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the unit frame 31, whereby the head unit 30, namely the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0115] Composition of cover unit

[0116] Next, refer to Figure 3 The cover unit 60 will be described.

[0117] The cap unit 60 includes a cap portion 61 that covers the head chip 43. Since the head chip 43 is provided on the head surface 42a, the cap portion 61 can also be referred to as a member that covers a portion of the head surface 42a. In addition, since the head chip 43 is provided with the nozzle 44, the cap portion 61 can also be referred to as a member that covers the nozzle 44.

[0118] The plurality of cover portions 61 constitute a cover unit 60 . The cover unit 60 is provided on the lower side of the facing portion 45 .

[0119] The cover unit 60 includes a base portion 62 and a plurality of cover portions 61 .

[0120] The cover portion 61 is formed in a shape long in the X-axis direction, and includes a cover body portion 61b formed of a resin material or the like, and an elastic portion 61a formed of an elastic material such as rubber in a portion in contact with the head surface 42a. The cover body portion 61b is held by the base portion 62 so as to be displaceable in the Z-axis direction, and a limit of movement in the +Z direction is defined by a restriction portion (not shown) formed on the base portion 62. The cover body portion 61b is pressed in the +Z direction by a cover spring 63 as an example of a pressing member. In the present embodiment, two cover springs 63 are provided with respect to one cover body portion 61b.

[0121] Each cap body 61 b ​​is connected to a waste liquid pipe (not shown). The waste liquid pipe is connected to a pump (not shown). When the pump is operated with the cap 61 covering the head surface 42 a, negative pressure is generated in the cap 61 , thereby sucking ink from the nozzles 44 of the line head 40 .

[0122] The caps 61 are alternately arranged upstream and downstream along the X-axis direction, i.e., the medium width direction. In this embodiment, three caps 61 are arranged upstream, i.e., in the +Y direction, and four caps 61 are arranged downstream, i.e., in the -Y direction.

[0123] Such a configuration of the cover portion 61 corresponds to the configuration of the head chip 43 in the line head 40.

[0124] The cover portion 61 is exposed by moving the gate 47, which will be described later, from the shielding position to the open position.

[0125] Configuration of the opposing portion

[0126] Next, with reference to Figure 5 The opposing portion 45 will be further described.

[0127] As Figure 5 shown, the opposing portion 45 opposing the line head 40 includes an upstream support portion 46 and a gate 47 located downstream of the upstream support portion 46. The gate 47 can move along the medium conveyance direction and can be moved between the shielding position shown by the state ST1 in Figure 5 and the open positions shown by the states ST2 and ST3 in Figure 5 by the power of a motor (not shown).

[0128] When the gate 47 moves to the open position, an opening 45a is formed in the opposing portion 45, and the cover portion 61 is exposed inside the opening 45a.

[0129] In a state where the gate 47 is in the open position, as Figure 5 shown by the state ST3 in, the line head 40 descends, so that the cover portion 61 can cover the head chip 43. At this time, the cover portion 61 overcomes the pressing force of the cover spring 63 and is slightly pressed downward in the -Z direction, whereby the cover portion 61 comes into close contact with the head surface 42a. In addition, the descent of the line head 40 when the cover portion 61 is brought into close contact with the head surface 42a is sometimes referred to as the "cover operation".

[0130] When the power of the device is turned off or in the recording standby state when the power is turned on, the control unit 100 is in a state where the head chip 43 is covered by the cover portion 61 with the gate 47 in the open position. In addition, when performing a flushing operation for preventing clogging of the nozzles 44, the control unit 100 sprays ink toward the cover portion 61 with the gate 47, which will be described later, in the open position.

[0131] When the control unit 100 receives recording data and performs recording, the control unit 100 raises the line head 40, separates the head surface 42a from the cover portion 61, and moves the gate 47, which will be described later, to the shielding position. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the medium to be conveyed from entering the opening 45a of the opposing portion 45 or the posture of the medium from being disturbed. Moreover, it is possible to suppress foreign matters such as paper powder from entering the cover portion 61 during the conveyance of the medium and the performance of the cover portion 61 from being impaired.

[0132] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gate 47 is operated by a link mechanism 35 that is reversed by the drive roller 20 constituting the second conveyance roller pair 19 (refer toFigure 6 It moves between the shielding position and the open position.

[0133] In addition, the upstream support portion 46 is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction and is pressed in the +Z direction by a coil spring 54 which is an example of a pressing member. However, the upstream support portion 46 abuts against a restricting portion (not shown), and thus the movement in the +Z direction is restricted to a specified position.

[0134] In addition, in the case of performing the cover operation, the line head 40 presses down the upstream support portion 46 in the -Z direction against the pressing force of the coil spring 54.

[0135] Configuration of the moving unit that moves the line head

[0136] Hereinafter, a moving unit 110 that converts the power of a head moving motor 101 (refer to Figure 4 ) into an operation in the Z-axis direction of the line head 40 will be described.

[0137] First, the control unit 100 can grasp the position of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction based on the detection information transmitted from a rotary encoder 103 (refer to Figure 4 ) and the detection information transmitted from a linear encoder 107 (refer to Figure 4 ). In addition, hereinafter, the term "encoder" will be abbreviated as "ENC".

[0138] As Figure 9 shown, the rotary ENC 103 includes a rotary scale 104 provided on the motor output shaft of the head moving motor 101 and a second detection unit 105 that detects the rotation of the rotary scale 104. The rotary ENC 103 detects the light-transmitting scale of the rotary scale 104 and outputs a detection pulse signal including a number of pulses proportional to the rotation amount of the motor output shaft.

[0139] In addition, the linear ENC 107 includes a linear scale 108 provided on a guide frame 33 described later and a first detection unit 109 that detects the movement of the linear scale 108. The linear ENC 107 detects the light-transmitting scale of the linear scale 108 and outputs a detection pulse signal including a number of pulses proportional to the movement amount of the head unit 30.

[0140] As described above, the head unit 30 having the line head 40 is based on a unit frame 31, and the line head 40 is provided on the unit frame 31.

[0141] As Figure 8As shown, rack members 32 are provided at the +X-direction end and the -X-direction end of the unit frame 31. The rack member 32 provided at the +X-direction end with respect to the unit frame 31 is denoted by reference numeral 32A, and the rack member 32 provided at the -X-direction end is labeled with reference numeral 32B. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the rack members 32A and 32B, they are collectively referred to as the rack member 32.

[0142] As Figure 7 shown, a guide frame 33 is provided in the +Y direction with respect to the unit frame 31. First guide portions 33a are formed at the +X-direction end and the -X-direction end of the guide frame 33. The first guide portion 33a is a portion where a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane is formed. Moreover, second guide portions 33b are formed at the -Y-direction ends of the first guide portions 33a. The second guide portion 33b is a portion where a plane parallel to the X-Z plane is formed. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the guide frame 33 is supported by base frames 33A and 33B spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0143] As Figure 8 shown, guided portions 32c and 32d are provided on the rack member 32. Through the guided portions 32c and 32d, the first guide portion 33a of the guide frame 33 can be sandwiched in the X-axis direction. In addition, guided portions 32e and 32f are provided on the rack member 32. Through the guided portions 32e and 32f, the second guide portion 33b of the guide frame 33 can be sandwiched in the Y-axis direction. With such a configuration, the unit frame 31, i.e., the head unit 30, is guided in the Z-axis direction by the guide frame 33.

[0144] In addition, the shape of the rack member 32B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the Y-axis at the intermediate position between the rack member 32A and the rack member 32B in the X-axis direction with the shape of the rack member 32A.

[0145] Next, as Figure 7 shown, a shaft 77 parallel to the X-axis direction is pivotally supported by the guide frame 33 so as to be rotatable. Rotating bodies 74 are provided near the +X-direction end and the -X-direction end of the shaft 77. The rotating body 74 provided near the +X-direction end of the shaft 77 is denoted by reference numeral 74A, and the rotating body 74 provided at the -X-direction end is labeled with reference numeral 74B. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the rotating bodies 74A and 74B, they are collectively referred to as the rotating body 74.

[0146] In addition, the shape of the rotating body 74B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the Y-axis at the intermediate position between the rotating body 74A and the rotating body 74B in the X-axis direction with the shape of the rotating body 74A.

[0147] The rotating body 74 rotates integrally with the shaft 77. In addition, hereinafter, the rotation directions of the shaft 77, the rotating body 74, and the components such as the pinion 72, the cam 66, and the pressing portion 75 described later are sometimes represented by the reference numerals C1 and C2 shown in the drawings.

[0148] As Figure 9 shown, a first bevel gear 78 is provided between the rotating body 74A and the rotating body 74B. The first bevel gear 78 rotates integrally with the shaft 77. The first bevel gear 78 constitutes a speed reduction mechanism 76 (see Figure 9 ) for transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the shaft 77.

[0149] Hereinafter, the speed reduction mechanism 76 will be described with reference to Figure 9 .

[0150] The speed reduction mechanism 76 includes components such as a first bevel gear 78, a second bevel gear 79, a spur gear 80, a spur gear 81, a spur gear 82, a worm wheel 83, and a cylindrical worm 84.

[0151] The second bevel gear 79 meshes with the first bevel gear 78. The second bevel gear 79 and the spur gear 80 are integrally formed and are supported by a mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ) so as to be rotatable. The mounting frame 34 is fixed to the guide frame 33 by screws. In addition, the head moving motor 101 is fixed to the mounting frame 34 by screws.

[0152] The spur gear 80 meshes with the spur gear 81. The spur gear 81 is rotatably provided on the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The spur gear 82 meshes with the spur gear 81. The spur gear 82 and the worm wheel 83 are integrally formed and are rotatably provided on the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The cylindrical worm 84 meshes with the worm wheel 83, and the worm wheel 83 and the cylindrical worm 84 constitute a worm and worm wheel mechanism. The cylindrical worm 84 is provided on the output shaft (not shown) of the head moving motor 101. Thus, when the head moving motor 101 rotates, its rotation is transmitted to the shaft 77 via the speed reduction mechanism 76, and the shaft 77 rotates.

[0153] In addition, in the present embodiment, the reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism 76, specifically, the reduction ratio of the power transmission from the head moving motor 101 to the shaft 77 is 111. The reduction ratio is preferably greater than 1, more preferably greater than 10, and still more preferably greater than 100 as in the present embodiment.

[0154] Next, as Figure 11 shown, a pinion 72 constituting a rack and pinion mechanism is provided on the rotating body 74. In addition, a cam 66 is provided on the rotating body 74. In addition, a rod-shaped pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74.

[0155] As shown in Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 , a rack 71 that forms a rack and pinion mechanism is formed on a rack member 32. The rack 71 meshes with a pinion 72. Therefore, when the pinion 72 rotates, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the pinion 72 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the line head 40 descends, and when the rack 71 rotates in the rotation direction C2, the line head 40 ascends.

[0156] The rack 71 and the pinion 72 constitute a second moving part 70 that moves the line head 40 in the second region Am2.

[0157] In addition, since the second moving part 70 raises and lowers the line head 40 through a rack and pinion mechanism, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 through the second moving part 70 is sometimes referred to as "rack and pinion drive".

[0158] In addition, as shown in Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 , a contact part 32a that can contact a cam 66 is provided on the rack member 32. The contact part 32a is provided so as to protrude in the +Y direction, and the cam 66 is disposed below the contact part 32a. The head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is supported by the cam 66 via the contact part 32a in the first region Am1, thereby defining the position in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, can be placed on the cam 66 by its own weight. In addition, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, can be placed on the cam 66 only by its own weight, or can be placed on the cam 66 by receiving a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like. When the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is placed on the cam 66 by receiving a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like, the floating of the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is suppressed, and the impression plate gap is stabilized.

[0159] The outer peripheral surface of the cam 66 is formed such that the distance from the axis center of the shaft 77, i.e., the radius, changes along the circumferential direction (see Figure 12 ). Therefore, when the cam 66 rotates in a state where the contact part 32a is placed on the cam 66, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the cam 66 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the line head 40 descends, and when the cam 66 rotates in the rotation direction C2, the line head 40 ascends.

[0160] The cam 66 and the contact part 32a constitute a first moving part 65 that moves the line head 40 in the first region Am1.

[0161] In addition, since the first moving part 65 raises and lowers the line head 40 by means of the cam 66, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 by the first moving part 65 may hereinafter be referred to as "cam drive".

[0162] The first moving part 65 and the above-described second moving part 70 constitute a moving unit 110 (see Figure 4 ).

[0163] In addition, as Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 shows, a pressed part 32b that can come into contact with the pressing part 75 is provided on the rack member 32. The pressed part 32b is provided so as to protrude in the +Y direction, and is configured such that the pressing part 75 can come into contact with the pressed part 32b from above.

[0164] When the rotating body 74 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the pressing part 75 can press the pressed part 32b from above and press down the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, in the -Z direction, that is, downward. The pressing part 75 and the pressed part 32b constitute a third moving part 73 that lowers the line head 40 in the third region Am3. In addition, when the line head 40 rises in the third region Am3, the line head 40 rises by the pressing force of a coil spring 54 (see Figure 5 ), which is an example of the above-described pressing member. Therefore, the coil spring 54 (see Figure 5 ) also constitutes the third moving part 73.

[0165] In addition, since the third moving part 73 raises and lowers the line head 40 by means of the rod-shaped pressing part 75, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 by the third moving part 73 may hereinafter be referred to as "rod drive".

[0166] In the present embodiment, the third moving part 73 constitutes the moving unit 110 (see Figure 4 ).

[0167] Figure 12 Shows the formation ranges of the cam 66 and the pinion 72.

[0168] The pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the teeth is missing and a second phase region Ak2 in which teeth are formed. In addition, when simply referred to as the "pinion 72" hereinafter, for convenience, it refers to the part of the second phase region Ak2 in which teeth are formed.

[0169] In addition, the cam 66 has a non-supporting phase region Aj1 that does not support the contact part 32a and a supporting phase region Aj2 that can support the contact part 32a. In the supporting phase region Aj2, the radius Ra of the outer peripheral surface that supports the contact part 32a changes along the circumferential direction. In addition, when simply referred to as the "cam 66" hereinafter, for convenience, it refers to the part of the supporting phase region Aj2.

[0170] Next, the operations of the first moving unit 65, the second moving unit 70, and the third moving unit 73 will be further described.

[0171] Figure 13 The state where the line head 40 is located at the first recording position in the first area Am1 is shown. In this state, the first moving unit 65 functions. That is, the head unit 30 is placed on the cam 66 by its own weight. In this state, the rack 71 is not engaged with the pinion 72, and the pressing portion 75 is separated from the pressed portion 32b.

[0172] In the first area Am1, which is the area for recording on the medium, it is necessary to accurately determine the position of the line head 40. Therefore, cam driving by the first moving unit 65 is adopted.

[0173] When the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C2 from the Figure 13 state, the cam 66 also rotates in the rotational direction C2. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cam 66 is formed such that when the cam 66 rotates by 1°, the radius changes by 0.01 mm. That is, when the cam 66 rotates by 1°, the line head 40 moves up or down by 0.01 mm.

[0174] Figure 14 The state where the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C2 from the Figure 13 state and the line head 40 moves to the second recording position in the first area Am1 is shown.

[0175] In addition, Figure 15 The state where the shaft 77 is further rotated in the rotational direction C2 from the Figure 14 state and the line head 40 moves to the third recording position in the first area Am1 is shown.

[0176] In this way, in the first area Am1, the first moving unit 65, in which the amount of movement of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77 is small, functions, so that the line head 40 can be accurately positioned at each recording position.

[0177] In addition, when the line head 40 is lowered from the Figure 15 state and positioned at the second recording position or the first recording position, or positioned at the cover position Hp0, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C1.

[0178] Next, Figure 16 and Figure 17 are the states where the shaft 77 is further rotated in the rotational direction C2 from the Figure 15 state, Figure 16 and Figure 17 are diagrams of the same state. Figure 16 、 Figure 17The state shown is the state in which the contact portion 32a is placed at the portion where the radius Ra of the cam 66 is the largest. When the shaft 77 further rotates in the rotation direction C2 from this state, the contact portion 32a disengages from the cam 66.

[0179] In addition, as Figure 17 shown, this state is the state in which the rack 71 starts to engage with the pinion 72.

[0180] In this way, when the line head 40 transfers from the first area Am1 to the second area Am2, it changes from the state of moving through the first moving portion 65 to the state of moving through the second moving portion 70.

[0181] Furthermore, when changing from the cam drive based on the first moving portion 65 to the rack and pinion drive based on the second moving portion 70, as Figure 16 , Figure 17 shown, a state is temporarily formed in which the cam 66 contacts the contact portion 32a, that is, the line head 40, and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. Thus, even if the contact portion 32a disengages from the cam 66, the line head 40 does not drop due to this.

[0182] Figure 18 is the state in which the shaft 77 further rotates in the rotation direction C2 from the Figure 16 and Figure 17 states, and the head unit 30 is raised to the position in the most +Z direction by the second moving portion 70, that is, the rack and pinion mechanism. This state is the state in which the line head 40 is most separated from the opposing portion 45, and becomes the paper jam processing position Hp2 when a paper jam occurs.

[0183] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism formed by the rack 71 and the pinion 72 is configured such that when the pinion 72 rotates by 1°, the line head 40 rises or falls by approximately 0.26 mm. Therefore, with respect to the amount of movement of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77, the second moving portion 70 is much larger than the first moving portion 65.

[0184] In addition, in the present embodiment, the platen gap when the line head 40 is located at the paper jam processing position Hp2 is 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0185] In the above process, even when the line head 40 rises from the first recording position to the paper jam processing position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C2, and there is no need to switch the rotation direction.

[0186] In addition, the lowest position in the movement area of the line head 40 is the cover position Hp0, and the uppermost position is the paper jam processing position Hp2. Similarly, when the line head 40 is raised from the cover position Hp0 to the paper jam processing position Hp2, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C2, and there is no need to switch the rotation direction.

[0187] In addition, when the line head 40 descends from the paper jam processing position Hp2, the situation is opposite to the above. That is, when the line head 40 transfers from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, it changes from the rack and pinion drive based on the second moving part 70 to the cam drive based on the first moving part 65. Specifically, when the line head 40 transfers from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, the pinion 72 leaves the rack 71, and the abutting part 32a is placed on the cam 66.

[0188] In addition, during the process of lowering the line head 40 from the paper jam processing position Hp2 to the first recording position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction. Also, during the process of lowering the line head 40 from the paper jam processing position Hp2 to the cover position Hp0, the shaft 77 is similarly rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction.

[0189] In addition, when changing from the rack and pinion drive based on the second moving part 70 to the cam drive based on the first moving part 65, as Figure 16 , Figure 17 shown, a state is temporarily formed in which the cam 66 contacts the abutting part 32a, that is, the line head 40, and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. Thus, even if the pinion 72 disengages from the rack 71, the line head 40 does not descend due to this.

[0190] Next, the case of lowering the line head 40 from the first area Am1, that is, the case of performing the cover operation, will be described. In addition, in the case of performing the cover operation, when the shutter 47 provided in the opposing part 45 (refer to Figure 5 ) is in the shielding position, the shutter 47 is moved from the shielding position to the open position before the cover operation as described above.

[0191] Figure 19 shows the state where the line head 40 is located in the first area Am1, and more specifically, the state where it is located in the first recording position. In the head unit 30, a protruding part 40a protruding toward the opposing part 45 is provided at a position opposing the upstream support part 46. In this state, a gap Gp is formed between the protruding part 40a and the upstream support part 46. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the protruding part 40a is provided at a position deviated from the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. Also, the protruding part 40a is provided on both sides of the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. The protruding part 40a is provided on the unit frame 31 as an example.

[0192] When performing the cover operation from this state, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1. As a result, since the radius Ra of the cam 66 at the position where the abutting part 32a contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cam 66 becomes smaller, the line head 40 descends.

[0193] When the line head 40 descends, as Figure 20 shown, the protrusion 40a abuts against the upstream support portion 46, and the descent of the line head 40 stops. This state is the state in which the head unit 30 is placed on the upstream support portion 46, i.e., the opposing portion 45, by its own weight. The pressing force of the coil spring 54 that presses the upstream support portion 46 upward is set to a magnitude such that the upstream support portion 46 does not displace downward when the head unit 30 is placed on the upstream support portion 46 by its own weight.

[0194] In addition, the line head 40 being placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight means not only the case where the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 only by its own weight, but also includes the meaning of being placed on the opposing portion 45 by a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like in addition to its own weight. When the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is placed on the opposing portion 45 by a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like, the floating of the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, can be suppressed, and the platen gap is stabilized.

[0195] In addition, at the time point when the protrusion 40a abuts against the upstream support portion 46, since the pressing portion 75 does not abut against the pressed portion 32b, even if the shaft 77, i.e., the rotating body 74, rotates in the rotation direction C1, there is a period during which the line head 40 maintains the stopped state. This period is the idling period of the head moving motor 101, which will be described in detail later.

[0196] In addition, when the shaft 77 rotates further in the rotation direction C1 from the Figure 20 state, the pressing portion 75 abuts against the pressed portion 32b and presses the pressed portion 32b downward. That is, the rod driving by the third moving portion 73 starts, and thereby, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, descends. At this time, the head unit 30 presses the upstream support portion 46 downward against the pressing force of the coil spring 54.

[0197] Figure 21 The state in which the line head 40 is located at the cover position Hp0 is shown. During the movement of the line head 40 to the cover position Hp0, the head surface 42a of the line head 40 contacts the cover portion 61, and further, the head surface 42a presses the cover portion 61 downward by a specified amount against the pressing force of the cover spring 63. Thereby, the cover portion 61 is in close contact with the head surface 42a.

[0198] When the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is raised from the Figure 21 state, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C2. As a result, since the pressing portion 75 is displaced upward, the line head 40 rises by the elastic force of the coil spring 54 while the Z-axis direction position of the line head 40 is restricted by the pressing portion 75, and returns to the Figure 20 state.

[0199] When the shaft 77 is rotated from Figure 20When the state further rotates in the rotation direction C2, the cam drive by the first moving part 65 is switched.

[0200] Here, in Figure 21 the reference numeral k1 is the gap formed between the cam 66 and the abutting part 32a. Without this gap k1, the state of supporting the line head 40 by the cam 66 and the state of pressing the pressed part 32b, that is, the line head 40, by the pressing part 75 are formed simultaneously, and the rotating body 74 may be in a locked state and unable to rotate.

[0201] However, by providing the gap k1, the state of supporting the line head 40 by the cam 66 and the state of pressing the line head 40 by the pressing part 75 are not formed simultaneously, and the locking of the rotating body 74 can be avoided.

[0202] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 integrally formed with the pressed part 32b, the abutting part 32a, and the rack 71. Thereby, it is easy to determine the relative positional relationship among the pressed part 32b, the abutting part 32a, and the rack 71. As a result, a configuration in which the state of supporting the line head 40 by the cam 66 and the state of pressing the line head 40 by the pressing part 75 are not formed simultaneously can be reliably achieved.

[0203] In addition, even when the cam 66 moves away from the abutting part 32a to form the gap k1, the line head 40 is supported by the upstream support part 46, so the line head 40 does not drop. However, it may be configured that the cover part 61 supports the line head 40 instead of the configuration in which the upstream support part 46 supports the line head 40 in a state where the gap k1 is formed when the cam 66 moves away from the abutting part 32a.

[0204] As described above, the printer 1 includes: a medium conveyance path Ta for conveying a medium; a line head 40 capable of moving relative to the medium conveyance path Ta in a direction intersecting the recording surface of the medium; and a moving unit 110 for moving the line head 40.

[0205] The moving area of the line head 40 has a first area Am1 and a second area Am2 farther from the medium conveyance path Ta than the first area Am1.

[0206] The moving unit 110 includes a first moving part 65 for moving the line head 40 in the first area Am1 and a second moving part 70 for moving the line head 40 in the second area Am2.

[0207] When the line head 40 is transferred from the first area Am1 to the second area Am2, it changes from the state of moving through the first moving part 65 to the state of moving through the second moving part 70. Further, when the line head 40 is transferred from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, it changes from the state of moving through the second moving part 70 to the state of moving through the first moving part 65.

[0208] In addition, the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70 are driven by a head moving motor 101 as a common drive source. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70 are driven by different drive sources, an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the apparatus can be achieved.

[0209] Further, when the line head 40 is transferred from the first area Am1 to the third area Am3, it changes from the state of moving through the first moving part 65 to the state of moving through the third moving part 73. Further, when the line head 40 is transferred from the third area Am3 to the first area Am1, it changes from the state of moving through the third moving part 73 to the state of moving through the first moving part 65.

[0210] That is, in the present embodiment, in addition to the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70, the third moving part 73 is also driven by one head moving motor 101. As a result, an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the apparatus can be achieved.

[0211] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first moving part 65 includes a cam 66 that rotates by the power of the head moving motor 101 and moves the line head 40 by rotating while supporting the line head 40. Thereby, fine adjustment of the position of the line head 40 can be performed at a position close to the medium conveyance path Ta. As a result, the line head 40 can be positioned at an appropriate position corresponding to the thickness of the medium.

[0212] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second moving part 70 includes: a rack 71 provided on the line head 40; and a pinion 72 that meshes with the rack 71 and moves the line head 40 by rotating using the power of the head moving motor 101. Thereby, even when the second area Am2 is ensured to be large, the line head 40 can be moved significantly accordingly, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0213] However, the first moving part 65 is not limited to cam drive, and other configurations such as rack and pinion drive may be employed. In addition, the second moving part 70 is not limited to rack and pinion drive, and other configurations such as cam drive may be employed.

[0214] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are integrally formed to constitute the rotating body 74. Thus, power can be easily transmitted from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70. In addition, since there is no need to separately transmit power from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70, the number of components can be reduced. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved. However, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 may also be separately formed.

[0215] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74. Thus, power can be easily transmitted from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving portion 65, the second moving portion 70, and the third moving portion 73. In addition, since there is no need to separately transmit power from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving portion 65, the second moving portion 70, and the third moving portion 73, the number of components can be reduced. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0216] However, the pressing portion 75 may also be separately formed from the rotating body 74.

[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the teeth is missing. When the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, the cam 66 supports the line head 40. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0218] That is, when the first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40, if the second moving portion 70 also tries to move the line head 40, the position adjustment of the line head 40 by the first moving portion 65 may be disrupted. According to this solution, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the teeth is missing. When the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, the cam 66 supports the line head 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second moving portion 70 from being adversely affected when the first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40.

[0219] In addition, in the present embodiment, when changing from the movement of the line head 40 by the cam 66 to the movement of the line head 40 by the pinion 72, and when changing from the movement of the line head 40 by the pinion 72 to the movement of the line head 40 by the cam 66, a state in which the cam 66 is in contact with the line head 40 and the pinion 72 is engaged with the rack 71 is temporarily formed. Thus, a state in which the line head 40 is not supported by either the cam 66 or the pinion 72 will not occur. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of defects such as the line head 40 falling and the line head 40 being defective due to impact. In addition, the state in which the cam 66 is in contact with the line head 40 and the pinion 72 is engaged with the rack 71 deviates from the above-described first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position.

[0220] In addition, in the case where the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are separately formed, due to component tolerances or assembly errors, etc., it may not be possible to temporarily form a state in which the cam 66 contacts the line head 40 and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. However, in the present embodiment, since the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are integrally formed, the occurrence of the above-described defects can be suppressed.

[0221] In addition, in the present embodiment, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 integrally formed with an abutting portion 32a that abuts against the cam 66 and the rack 71. Thereby, the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 can be easily determined.

[0222] Here, assuming that the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 are separately formed, due to component tolerances or assembly errors, etc., it may not be possible to temporarily form a state in which the cam 66 contacts the line head 40 and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. However, since the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 are integrally formed and the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 can be easily determined, the occurrence of the above-described defects can be suppressed.

[0223] In addition, in the present embodiment, the printer 1 includes a guide frame 33 that guides the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the moving direction of the line head 40, and a shaft 77 that is the rotation axis of the rotating body 74. The shaft 77 is supported by the guide frame 33 so as to be rotatable. Thereby, the positional relationship between the rotating body 74 and the rack member 32 can be easily determined, the positional relationship between the rack 71 and the pinion 72 can be appropriately determined, and the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the cam 66 can also be appropriately determined. Therefore, the line head 40 can be appropriately moved by the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70.

[0224] In addition, in the present embodiment, the head unit 30 includes a plurality of nozzles 44 that eject ink, which is an example of a liquid, in the medium width direction, and includes a line head 40 that is a liquid ejection head that ejects ink from the nozzles 44 without moving in the medium width direction. At a position opposed to the line head 40, a cover portion 61 that covers the head surface 42a, which is the liquid ejection surface of the line head 40, is provided.

[0225] The cover portion 61 can be displaced in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the line head 40, and the cover portion 61 is pressed toward the line head 40 by a cover spring 63, which is an example of a pressing member.

[0226] The line head 40 can move further from the first region Am1 toward a cover position Hp0 where the head surface 42a is covered by the cover portion 61.

[0227] The rotating body 74 is provided with a pressing portion 75. After the contact between the contact portion 32a of the line head 40 that abuts against the cam 66 and the cam 66 is released in the line head 40, the line head 40 is pressed toward the cover portion 61 as the rotating body 74 rotates. Thus, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0228] In order to make the head surface 42a of the line head 40 be in a state reliably covered by the cover portion 61, it is necessary to press the head surface 42a against the cover portion 61 against the pressing force of the cover spring 63. The first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40 in the first region Am1, and in addition, the rotation of the cam 66 moves the line head 40, and the head surface 42a cannot be pressed against the cover portion 61.

[0229] However, the rotating body 74 is provided with a pressing portion 75. After the contact between the contact portion 32a of the line head 40 that abuts against the cam 66 and the cam 66 is released in the line head 40, the line head 40 is pressed toward the cover portion 61 as the rotating body 74 rotates. Thus, the head surface 42a can be reliably pressed against the cover portion 61, and the head surface 42a can be reliably covered by the cover portion 61.

[0230] In addition, since the pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74, there is no need for an additional power source for reliably pressing the head surface 42a against the cover portion 61. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0231] Position detection of the line head

[0232] Next, position detection in the moving direction of the line head 40 will be described. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as the moving direction, it means the moving direction (Z-axis direction) of the line head 40.

[0233] First, refer to Figure 4 The control unit 100 will be further described. In addition, the control unit 100 controls the entire printer 1, but illustrations of components that have nothing to do with the movement of the line head 40 are omitted. Figure 4 The control unit 100 performs various controls including the recording control of the printer 1. The control unit 100 includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, in other words, software. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memories store program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control unit 100 is not limited to performing software processing. For example, the control unit 100 may also include a dedicated hardware circuit that performs hardware processing on at least a part of the processing it executes, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0234] The control unit 100 performs various controls including the recording control of the printer 1. The control unit 100 includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, in other words, software. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memories store program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control unit 100 is not limited to performing software processing. For example, the control unit 100 may also include a dedicated hardware circuit that performs hardware processing on at least a part of the processing it executes, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0235] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the head movement motor 101 which is an output system. In the present embodiment, the head movement motor 101 is a DC motor and is PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controlled by the control unit 100.

[0236] In addition, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to components such as the operation unit 115, the rotary ENC 103, and the linear ENC 107 which are input systems. The operation unit 115 is a part that accepts power on / off of the printer 1, various settings, and recording execution, and can be constituted by, for example, a touch panel that realizes a user interface through the control of the control unit 100.

[0237] The control unit 100 includes an arithmetic unit 120, a motor control unit 121, a motor driver 122, a volatile memory 123, and a non-volatile memory 124 which is an example of a storage unit.

[0238] The arithmetic unit 120 performs various operations required for operating the printer 1. For example, the arithmetic unit 120 performs operations on various set values and the like required for executing the program 125 stored in the non-volatile memory 124. The volatile memory 123 is used as a temporary data storage area.

[0239] The motor control unit 121 controls the head movement motor 101 via the motor driver 122 by outputting a current command value, for example, a duty ratio signal required for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, to the motor driver 122. The motor driver 122 includes a D / A converter and controls the current supplied to the head movement motor 101 by performing PWM control based on the duty ratio signal.

[0240] In the present embodiment, the motor control unit 121 performs PID control on the head movement motor 101. The motor control unit 121 calculates the target rotational speed by multiplying the position deviation between the target rotational position of the head movement motor 101 and the actual rotational position obtained from the output signal of the rotary ENC 103 by the gain Kp. Then, based on the speed deviation between the target rotational speed and the actual rotational speed obtained from the output of the rotary ENC 103, the motor control unit 121 performs operations on the proportional component, the integral component, and the differential component using the proportional element, the integral element, and the differential element, and based on the sum of these operation results, sends a duty ratio signal to the motor driver 122.

[0241] In addition, the motor control unit 121 can also control the head movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the linear ENC instead of the output signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0242] The operation unit 120 detects the edges of the output pulses of the rotary ENC 103, counts their number, and calculates the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 based on the count value. The operation unit 120 distinguishes the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the head movement motor 101 based on the comparison process of the two pulse signals output from the rotary ENC 103. Then, the operation unit 120 performs a counting process so that when one edge is detected, the increment and decrement of the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 are executed according to the forward rotation and reverse rotation.

[0243] Figure 22 , Figure 23 The vertical axis of the "rotary ENC position" shown in the figure is the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 obtained through the above counting process. The upward direction is the increment direction, that is, the upward movement direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction is the decrement direction, that is, the downward movement direction of the line head 40.

[0244] In addition, the rotary ENC 103 outputs two pulse signals, pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B. In either the case of the forward rotation or reverse rotation of the head movement motor 101, the phases of pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B are shifted by 90 degrees. When the head movement motor 101 is in forward rotation, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of pulse ENC-B. On the other hand, when the head movement motor 101 is in reverse rotation, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees behind the phase of pulse ENC-B. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time for the head movement motor 101 to rotate by the amount of the interval of the slits of the rotary scale 104. Thus, the operation unit 120 can detect the rotational speed of the head movement motor 101. Figure 22 , Figure 23 The "rotary ENC speed" shown in the figure corresponds to the rotational speed.

[0245] In addition, the operation unit 120 can calculate the movement amount of the line head 40 based on the rotational amount of the head movement motor 101 and the reduction ratio of the above reduction mechanism 76. In addition, if the operation unit 120 detects the time of one cycle of each pulse, it can calculate the movement speed of the line head 40 based on the reduction ratio of the above reduction mechanism 76. However, in the case where the signal change of the linear ENC 107 is not detected, that is, in the case where the linear ENC position does not change hereinafter, even if the position of the rotary ENC 103 changes, the line head 40 does not move.

[0246] In addition, the arithmetic unit 120 can also detect the edges of the output pulses of the linear ENC 107, count their number, and calculate the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the count value. The arithmetic unit 120 distinguishes the rise and fall of the line head 40 based on the comparison process of the two pulse signals output from the linear ENC 107. Then, the arithmetic unit 120 performs a counting process to increment and decrement the position of the line head 40 based on the rise and fall when one edge is detected.

[0247] Figure 22 , Figure 23 The vertical axis of the "linear ENC position" shown in is the position obtained through the above counting process, corresponding to the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction. The upward direction of the linear ENC position is the increment direction, i.e., the rising direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction is the decrement direction, i.e., the falling direction of the line head 40.

[0248] In addition, the linear ENC 107 outputs two pulse signals, pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B. In either the rising or falling of the line head 40, the phases of pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B are shifted by 90 degrees. When the line head 40 is rising, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of pulse ENC-B. On the other hand, when the line head 40 is falling, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees behind the phase of pulse ENC-B. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time for the line head 40 to move the interval of the slit of the linear scale 108.

[0249] If the arithmetic unit 120 counts the number of pulse signals, the movement amount of the line head 40 can be detected. In addition, if the arithmetic unit 120 detects the time of one cycle of each pulse, the movement speed of the line head 40 can be calculated. Figure 22 , Figure 23 The "linear ENC speed" shown in corresponds to the movement speed.

[0250] Hereinafter, an outline of the origin detection method of the line head 40 will be described.

[0251] As an example, when the line head 40 descends from the Figure 19 shown recording position Hp1, before the protrusion 40a provided on the line head 40 abuts against the upstream support portion 46, signal changes occur in both the rotary ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107. This is shown in the Figure 22 rotary ENC position and linear ENC position during the cam drive shown.

[0252] When the protrusion 40a provided on the line head 40 abuts against the upstream support portion 46, the descent of the line head 40 temporarily stops, so the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears. This is shown inFigure 22 The linear ENC position during the idling of the motor shown. However, since the head moving motor 101 continues to rotate, as Figure 22 shown by the rotational ENC position during the idling of the motor, the signal change of the rotational ENC 103 continues to occur.

[0253] The control unit 100 can utilize this property to set the origin position of the line head 40. That is, the control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotational ENC 103 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing unit 45.

[0254] In Figure 22 , the position Pm0 is the rotational ENC position at the time point when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the rotational ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the time point when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0255] The position of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be grasped based on the origin position of the rotational ENC 103 or based on the origin position of the linear ENC 107. In any case, the distance from the origin position to the boundary of each region can be stored as a known value in the non-volatile memory 124. As a result, the control unit 100 can grasp the current position of the line head 40.

[0256] In addition, in the present embodiment, regarding the encoder resolution per unit movement amount of the line head 40 by the speed reduction mechanism 76, the rotational ENC 103 is higher than the linear ENC 107. Therefore, in order to ensure the stop position accuracy of the line head 40, it is preferable to perform basic speed control of the head moving motor 101 based on the output signal of the rotational ENC 103.

[0257] In addition, when the line head 40 is raised, the origin position of the line head 40 can also be set. For example, when the line head 40 is raised from the cover position Hp0, before the upstream support portion 46 rises to the upper limit position, both the rotational ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107 generate signal changes. This is shown in Figure 23 the rotational ENC position and the linear ENC position during the rod driving shown.

[0258] When the upstream support portion 46 rises to the upper limit position and the pressing portion 75 moves upward away from the pressed portion 32b, the rise of the line head 40 temporarily stops, so the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears. This is shown in Figure 23 the linear ENC position during the idling of the motor shown. However, since the head moving motor 101 continues to rotate, asFigure 23 As shown by the rotational ENC position during the idling of the motor, the signal change of the rotational ENC 103 continues to occur. In addition, when the cam 66 abuts against the abutting portion 32a and raises the line head 40, the protruding portion 40a separates from the upstream support portion 46, and the line head 40 rises. This is manifested in the linear ENC position when transitioning from the Figure 23 idling period of the motor shown to the cam drive period.

[0259] The control unit 100 can utilize this property to set the origin position of the line head 40. That is, the control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 based on the position of the line head 40 when a signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs in a state where a signal change of the rotational ENC 103 exists.

[0260] In Figure 23 , the position Pm0 is the rotational ENC position at the time point when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the rotational ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the time point when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0261] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 24 the processing performed by the control unit 100 will be further described.

[0262] The control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 as described above at a predetermined timing (step S101). This origin position setting can be performed when the power of the printer 1 is turned on, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last origin position setting, and so on.

[0263] Next, the control unit 100 sets the rotational ENC position as shown in step S102. In addition, the position in step S102 refers to the rotational ENC position, but it can also be the linear ENC position.

[0264] Thereby, the rotational ENC position in the lever drive region is set to "position < origin - dx1". The distance dx1 is the distance from the origin position to the lever drive region.

[0265] In addition, the rotational ENC position in the cam drive region is set to "origin ≤ position < origin + dx2". The distance dx2 is the distance from the origin position to the rack and pinion drive region.

[0266] In addition, the rotational ENC position in the rack and pinion drive region is set to "origin + dx2 ≤ position". The values dx1 and dx2 are stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as part of the control parameter 126 (see Figure 4 ).

[0267] In addition, the lengths of the lever drive area and the rack and pinion drive area are also stored as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ) in the non-volatile memory 124.

[0268] Next, when the control unit 100 moves the line head 40 (Yes in step S103), it determines whether the printing mode is the normal mode (step S104). The printing mode can be selected by the user via the operation unit 115 as either the normal mode or the speed priority mode.

[0269] In the case of the normal mode, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the line head 40 in front of the area boundary and selects control parameters in each area (step S105). In the case of the speed priority mode, the control unit 100 continuously drives without stopping the line head 40 at the area boundary and selects control parameters in each area (step S106).

[0270] The control parameters for each area are stored as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ) in the non-volatile memory 124. The control parameters for each area include the torque limit value of the head movement motor 101. As an example, the torque limit value is the limit value of the duty ratio signal sent to the motor driver 122, thereby limiting the drive current value of the head movement motor 101. The torque limit value for each area is stored as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ) in the non-volatile memory 124. By setting the torque limit value, it is possible to suppress an excessive load on the drive mechanism in the event of an abnormality.

[0271] Figure 27 Shows the head movement speed, motor rotation speed, motor drive load, and torque limit value for each area when the line head 40 is rising and falling. When the line head 40 is descending, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first area Am1, i.e., in the case of cam drive, the highest in the second area Am2, i.e., in the case of rack and pinion drive, and intermediate in the third area Am3, i.e., in the case of lever drive. In addition, when the line head 40 is descending, the motor rotation speed is speed 2 in each area. However, for example, in order to mitigate the impact when the line head 40 contacts an obstacle in the second area Am2 or the third area Am3, it can also be set to a speed lower than speed 2.

[0272] In addition, when the line head 40 descends, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 is minimized in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and is larger in the third region Am3 than in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2. Therefore, when the line head 40 descends, the torque limit value is minimized in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and is larger in the third region Am3 than in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2. This is because, in the third region Am3, the pressing portion 75 presses down the line head 40 against the spring force of the coil spring 54 (refer to Figure 20 ), or the lid spring 63 (refer to Figure 20 ). This is manifested in the motor duty ratio in the lever drive region shown in Figure 22 . When the line head 40 descends, in the third region Am3, the head movement motor 101 first receives a load from the coil spring 54, and then receives loads from both the coil spring 54 and the lid spring 63. Therefore, as the line head 40 descends, the motor duty ratio increases. Consequently, the torque limit value becomes maximum in the third region Am3.

[0273] Next, when the line head 40 ascends, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first region Am1 where the cam drives, the highest in the second region Am2 where the rack and pinion drive, and intermediate in the third region Am3 where the lever drives. In addition, when the line head 40 ascends, the motor rotation speed is speed 1 in each region. However, for example, in order to mitigate the impact when the line head 40 abuts against an obstacle in the second region Am2 or the third region Am3, it can also be set to a speed lower than speed 1. In addition, speed 1 can be set to be equal to speed 2, higher than speed 2, or lower than speed 2.

[0274] In addition, when the line head 40 ascends, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 becomes minimized in the third region Am3 and the first region Am1, and is larger in the second region Am2 than in the first region Am1 and the third region Am3. However, when the line head 40 ascends, the torque limit value is maximum in the third region Am3. This is because, when the worm gear mechanism bites in during head descent, when the head ascends, it is possible to apply a motor driving load larger than the motor driving load during head descent. In addition, the torque limit value becomes minimized in the first region Am1, and is larger in the second region Am2 than in the first region Am1.

[0275] Next, with reference to Figure 25 a process of raising the line head 40 from the state where the line head 40 is placed on the upstream support portion 46 via the protruding portion 40a and performing origin detection of the line head 40 will be described.

[0276] With the line head 40 placed on the upstream support portion 46 via the protruding portion 40a, the control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 to raise the line head 40 (step S201). Next, when a signal change in the linear ENC 107 occurs (Yes in step S202), when the number of edges of the output pulses of the linear ENC 107 is Ce1, the origin position based on the linear ENC 107 is set in front of the Ce1 edge (step S203). An example of the number of edges Ce1 is 1.

[0277] Next, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on the rotary ENC 103 in front of the Ce1×(Rs1 / Rs2) edge (step S204). Here, Rs1 is the resolution of the rotary ENC 103, specifically, the number of edges of the output pulses of the rotary ENC 103 with respect to the unit movement amount of the line head 40. In addition, Rs2 is the resolution of the linear ENC 107, specifically, the number of edges of the output pulses of the linear ENC 107 with respect to the unit movement amount of the line head 40.

[0278] By setting the origin position of the line head 40 in this way, the origin position of the line head 40 can be accurately set.

[0279] Next, with reference to Figure 26 , the process of lowering the line head 40 from the state where the protruding portion 40a of the line head 40 is separated from the upstream support portion 46 and performing the origin detection of the line head 40 will be described.

[0280] The control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 to lower the line head 40 (step S301). Next, when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (Yes in step S302), if there is a signal change in the rotary ENC 103 (Yes in step S303), the origin position based on the linear ENC 107 is set to the linear ENC position at the time point when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (step S304). In addition, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on the rotary ENC 103 to the rotary ENC position at the time point when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (step S305). By setting the origin position of the line head 40 in this way, the origin position of the line head 40 can be accurately set.

[0281] Figure 24 The origin position setting in step S101 of Figure 25 can adopt the processing shown in Figure 26 , or can also adopt the processing shown in

[0282] In addition, when the signal change of the linear ENC107 disappears (Yes in step S302), and when the signal change of the rotary ENC103 also disappears within the moving area of the line head 40 (No in step S303), it is determined that the head unit 30 has come into contact with some obstacles, and the head movement motor 101 is stopped (step S306), and error processing is performed. As an example of error processing, the operation unit 115 is caused to display an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred.

[0283] Thereby, it is possible to suppress excessive loads applied to the line head 40 or the moving unit 110, and it is possible to suppress breakage of the line head 40 or the moving unit 110.

[0284] In addition, there is play such as backlash of gears in the moving unit 110. Therefore, particularly when the line head 40 is raised after setting the origin position of the line head 40 while lowering the line head 40, when the line head 40 is raised based on the origin position of the rotary ENC103, it is preferable to set the target stop position of the head movement motor 101 in consideration of the amount of the above-mentioned backlash.

[0285] Next, refer to Figure 28 Describe the processing when the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order. When the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off in the normal order, specifically, when the user presses a power button (not shown) to turn off the power supply, the line head 40 moves to the cover position. Therefore, in this case, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 can determine that the line head 40 is located at the cover position. However, when the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order, for example, when the power cord has been unplugged while the power supply is on, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on later, the control unit 100 cannot grasp the accurate current position of the line head 40. Therefore, in this case, exception processing for grasping the current position of the line head 40 is required.

[0286] In addition, it is also possible to detect an increase in the drive current value of the head movement motor 101 at this time by bringing the line head 40 into contact with one end or the other end of the moving area, thereby grasping the position of the line head 40. However, in this method, excessive surface pressure may be generated between the worm wheel 83 (refer to Figure 9 ) and the cylindrical worm 84 (refer to Figure 9 ) of the worm and worm wheel mechanism, resulting in locking, so it is not preferable.

[0287] In addition, when the power supply of the printer 1 has been turned off in the normal order, it is possible to save a power supply flag indicating this meaning to the non-volatile memory 124 (refer to Figure 4)(to determine whether the power supply of the printer 1 has been turned off in the normal order. For example, when the power supply of the printer 1 has been turned off in the normal order, the control unit 100 saves "1" as the above power supply flag to the non-volatile memory 124. Then, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above power supply flag. If it is "1", the origin position setting is performed in the normal order ( Figure 24 step S101). Then, at this time, the above power supply flag is reset to "0".

[0288] In addition, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above power supply flag. If it is "0", it is determined that the power supply of the printer 1 has not been turned off in the normal order, and Figure 28 the exception handling shown is performed.

[0289] In Figure 28 , when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 determines whether the power-on is started from a normal power-off (step S401). If the power-on is started from a normal power-off (yes in step S401), the normal origin position setting is performed (step S405). In addition, the processing of step S405 is the same as the processing of Figure 24 step S101.

[0290] When the power-on is not started from a normal power-off (no in step S401), the control unit 100 drives the head movement motor 101 in a direction opposite to the previous driving direction by a specified amount (step S402).

[0291] Here, the previous driving direction refers to the driving direction when the control unit 100 last drove the head movement motor 101. Each time the control unit 100 drives the head movement motor 101, it saves a direction flag indicating the rotation direction to the non-volatile memory 124 (refer to Figure 4 ). By reading the above direction flag, the control unit 100 can grasp the rotation direction when the head movement motor 101 was last driven.

[0292] In addition, the "specified amount" in step S402 is preferably as small as possible within the range where the linear ENC speed can be detected. For example, when the above "specified amount" is converted into the movement amount of the line head 40, it is preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 3.0 mm or less. The above "specified amount" is saved to the non-volatile memory 124 as a part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). In this way, by setting the above "specified amount" to the minimum, it is possible to suppress the line head 40 from coming into contact with some obstacles when the line head 40 moves and causing the above locking of the worm and worm gear mechanism.

[0293] Next, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in based on the linear ENC speed (step S403). As described with reference to Figure 27 , the moving speed of the line head 40, i.e., the linear ENC speed, is different in each of the first area Am1, the second area Am2, and the third area Am3. That is, the linear ENC speed when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed is different in each area and can be obtained as a known value. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine which area in each area the line head 40 is in based on the linear ENC speed. Additionally, of course, if the linear ENC speed when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed is zero, it can be determined that the line head 40 is in Figure 22 , Figure 23 's motor idling area. The moving speed of the line head 40 when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed is saved as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ) in the non-volatile memory 124. Of course, the said moving speed has a width considering errors.

[0294] If it can be determined which area the line head 40 is in, it can be decided in which direction the line head 40 needs to move to set the origin position. Therefore, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on which area the line head 40 is in (step S404). For example, if the line head 40 is in the second area Am2 or the first area Am1, the origin position can be set by lowering the line head 40. Additionally, if the line head 40 is in the third area Am3 or the motor idling area, the origin position can be set by raising the line head 40. The origin position setting based on the raising of the line head 40 is the process shown in Figure 25 , and the origin position setting based on the lowering of the line head 40 is the process shown in Figure 26 .

[0295] In addition, when the linear ENC speed is zero when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed, the case where the line head 40 is in the motor idling area and the case where the line head 40 abuts against some part and cannot move can be considered. However, in step S402, the head moving motor 101 is driven in the direction opposite to the previous driving direction. Therefore, at least the state where the line head 40 cannot move due to abutting against one end or the other end of the moving area can be avoided.

[0296] As described above, even when the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order, the current position of the line head 40 can be grasped based on the detection information of the rotational ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107. Additionally, at this time, the occurrence of the locking of the above-mentioned worm and worm gear mechanism can be suppressed.

[0297] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in based on the linear ENC speed. However, the motor drive load, specifically the motor drive current value, may be used instead of the linear ENC speed. This is because the motor drive load, that is, the motor drive current value, is different in each area.

[0298] In addition, if the shutter 47 (refer to Figure 5 ) is closed, the line head 40 is in the first area Am1 or the second area Am2. Therefore, in the case where there is a sensor for detecting the position of the shutter 47, the position of the line head 40 can also be grasped with reference to the position of the shutter 47.

[0299] In addition, in the case where there is a sensor for detecting that the cover unit 60 is in the lowered position, the position of the line head 40 can also be grasped with reference to the state of this sensor. For example, if the cover unit 60 is not in the lowered position, the line head 40 is lowered. Thus, in the case where the lowered position of the cover unit 60 is detected, it can be determined that the line head 40 is in the cover position.

[0300] Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the printer 1 configured as described above will be described. First, as described above, the moving direction of the line head 40 includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit for detecting the position of the line head 40 relative to the medium conveyance path Ta is the linear ENC 107, and the linear ENC 107 includes a linear scale 108 provided along the moving direction of the line head 40, and a first detection unit 109 that is provided in the detection unit of the line head 40 and detects the linear scale 108.

[0301] The moving unit 110 that receives the power of the head moving motor 101 and moves the line head 40 is configured to allow the head moving motor 101 to idle after the line head 40 is self-loaded on the opposing portion 45 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45. The idling of the head moving motor 101 corresponds to Figure 22 , Figure 23 the rotation of the head moving motor 101 in the motor idling area shown. That is, the idling of the head moving motor 101 refers to a state where the rotation of the head moving motor 101 is not converted into the movement of the line head 40 and the head moving motor 101 does not receive a load from the line head 40.

[0302] Then, the control unit 100 is based on the change in the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 when the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 when the line head 40 is lowered ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the change in the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 when the line head 40 rises from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23The linear ENC position Pn0) to grasp the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0303] Thereby, the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45 can be appropriately grasped, and thus the impression plate gap can be appropriately set. In addition, the line head 40 can be appropriately positioned at the cover position Hp0 or the paper jam processing position Hp2.

[0304] Moreover, since the impression plate gap can be set with good accuracy, adjustment in the device assembly process becomes unnecessary, and the assembly time can be shortened. In addition, even if the components are deformed from the assembled state due to the impact during device conveyance, the desired impression plate gap can be easily obtained.

[0305] In addition, even if components such as gears constituting the moving unit 110 are worn due to aging, it is difficult for them to affect the impression plate gap.

[0306] In addition, since the moving unit 110 is configured to allow the idling of the head movement motor 101 after the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, the following effects can be obtained.

[0307] For example, in the case of a configuration in which the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction is grasped by detecting an increase in the drive current value of the head movement motor 101 when the line head 40 abuts against the opposing portion 45, applying a load to the moving unit 110 may cause damage to the components. In addition, it is sometimes difficult to appropriately set the threshold value of the drive current value. In addition, when the moving unit 110 includes a worm gear mechanism as in this embodiment (refer to Figure 9 ), there may also be excessive surface pressure between the worm wheel 83 and the cylindrical worm 84, resulting in jamming. However, the moving unit 110 is configured to allow the idling of the head movement motor 101 after the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned defects can be suppressed.

[0308] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rotation ENC 103 is provided as a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the head movement motor 101. Then, the control unit 100 grasps the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 and the detection signal of the rotation ENC 103. Thereby, the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be grasped with good accuracy.

[0309] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation detection unit is a rotation ENC 103 including a rotation scale 104 provided on the motor output shaft of the head movement motor 101 and a second detection unit 105 for detecting the rotation scale 104. Thereby, the rotation of the head movement motor 101 can be detected with good accuracy.

[0310] In addition, the moving unit 110 includes a cylindrical worm 84 driven by a head moving motor 101 and a worm wheel 83 that meshes with the cylindrical worm 84 and rotates as the cylindrical worm 84 rotates. In such a configuration, as described above, when excessive surface pressure is generated between the worm wheel 83 and the cylindrical worm 84, locking may also occur. However, as described above, when the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45 is grasped, an excessive load is not applied to the moving unit 110, so the occurrence of the above locking can be suppressed.

[0311] Moreover, the reduction ratio when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the line head 40 can be increased by the worm and worm wheel mechanism. As a result, the resolution of the rotary ENC 103 can be made greater than the resolution of the linear ENC 107, and the line head 40 can be accurately positioned relative to the opposing portion 45.

[0312] In addition, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the time when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears during the rotation of the head moving motor 101 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the position of the line head 40 at the time when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs during the rotation of the head moving motor 101 when the line head 40 is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23 the linear ENC position Pn0), to set the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0313] In other words, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the time when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears in the state where there is a signal change of the rotary ENC 103 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the position of the line head 40 at the time when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs in the state where there is a signal change of the rotary ENC 103 when the line head 40 is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23 the linear ENC position Pn0), to set the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0314] In addition, the control method implemented by the control unit 100 includes the following steps: Based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary ENC 103 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, or the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotary ENC 103 when the line head 40 is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45, the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction is set.

[0315] Thereby, the origin of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be appropriately set using the signal change of the linear ENC 107. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the line head 40 is improved.

[0316] In addition, the line head 40 includes a protruding portion 40a that protrudes toward the opposing portion 45. By bringing the protruding portion 40a into contact with the opposing portion 45, the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight. Thereby, it is possible to avoid contact between the portion of the line head 40 that records on the medium, specifically, the head chip 43 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the opposing portion 45. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the head chip 43 and also suppress contamination of the opposing portion 45.

[0317] In addition, on the basis of providing a plurality of protruding portions 40a in the medium width direction, the protruding portion 40a is brought into contact with the opposing portion 45, so that the posture of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45 is also appropriately determined.

[0318] Therefore, for example, the position of the line head 40 when the protruding portion 40a is in contact with the opposing portion 45 can be used as the above-mentioned first recording position. Thereby, the impression plate gap can be set very appropriately, and the parallelism of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45 can also be ensured, and appropriate recording quality can be obtained.

[0319] In addition, in order to grasp the posture of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45, a plurality of linear ENCs 107 may be provided at intervals in the X-axis direction, thereby detecting the posture of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45. In addition, at this time, in order to correct the posture of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45, the rotating body 74A provided near the +X direction end of the shaft 77 and the rotating body 74B provided at the -X direction end may be driven by different motors.

[0320] In addition, in the present embodiment, the moving unit 110 has a reduction mechanism 76 with a reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the recording head. The control unit 100 grasps the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear ENC 107, and controls the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103. In other words, the control method implemented by the control unit 100 includes the following steps: grasping the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear ENC 107, and controlling the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0321] According to such a configuration, since it is a configuration in which the movement of the line head 40 is directly detected by the linear ENC 107, the position of the line head 40 can be appropriately grasped. As a result, it is easy to appropriately adjust the gap between the line head 40 and the opposing portion 45.

[0322] In addition, during the motor control based on the detection signal of the rotary ENC 103, by referring to the detection signal of the linear ENC 107, the position of the line head 40 can be accurately grasped without being affected by the backlash of the gears constituting the moving unit 110.

[0323] Here, since the linear ENC 107 is a configuration that directly detects the movement of the line head 40, depending on the resolution of the linear ENC 107, it may not be possible to obtain the stop accuracy when stopping the head moving motor 101. As a result, it may not be possible to accurately stop the line head 40 at the desired position. However, in the present embodiment, the moving unit 110 has a reduction mechanism 76 with a reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the line head 40. Thereby, the resolution of the rotary ENC 103 can be ensured. In addition, by controlling the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103, the stop accuracy when stopping the head moving motor 101 can be improved, and it is easy to accurately stop the line head 40 at the desired position.

[0324] In addition, the control unit 100 detects each area constituting the moving area based on the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction, and controls the head moving motor 101 with control parameters corresponding to each area. Therefore, through appropriate control corresponding to each area, the line head 40 can be appropriately positioned.

[0325] In addition, the control parameters include the torque limit value of the head moving motor 101. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0326] When the loads applied to the head movement motor 101 are different in the respective areas that make up the moving area of the line head 40, the required motor drive torque is different. Therefore, when a large torque limit value is set for an area with a small load, an excessive load is applied to the mechanism components in the event of an abnormality, which may cause damage to the mechanism components and the like.

[0327] However, since the above control parameters include the torque limit value of the head movement motor 101, it is possible to suppress damage to the above mechanism components and the like.

[0328] In addition, the above control parameters may be other parameters such as the target speed of the head movement motor 101, the gain Kp of PID control, or any two or more of these multiple parameters.

[0329] In addition, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area ( Figure 24 step S105). That is, at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area of the line head 40, a collision sound between components may be generated as the drive mechanism switches. However, by temporarily stopping the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area, the generation of the above collision sound can be suppressed.

[0330] In addition, instead of temporarily stopping the head movement motor 101, the speed of the head movement motor 101 can be reduced.

[0331] In addition, the printer 1 includes an operation unit 115, which is an example of a reception unit that receives the selection of either a speed priority mode or a normal mode as a printing mode when moving the line head 40. Then, when the speed priority mode is selected, the control unit 100 continuously drives the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area ( Figure 24 step S106). In addition, when the normal mode is selected, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area ( Figure 24 step S105).

[0332] At the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area of the line head 40, a collision sound between components may be generated as the drive mechanism switches. However, in the normal mode, since the head movement motor 101 is temporarily stopped at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area of the line head 40, the generation of the above collision sound can be suppressed.

[0333] In addition, in the speed priority mode, since the head movement motor 101 is continuously driven at the boundary of each area that makes up the moving area of the line head 40, the throughput of processing can be improved.

[0334] Hereinafter, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0335] The above-described medium conveyance path Ta is not limited to being parallel to the X-Y plane, and may have an angle with respect to the X-Y plane. Accordingly, the moving direction of the line head 40 is not limited to being parallel to the Z-axis direction, and may have an angle with respect to the Z-axis direction.

[0336] Alternatively, instead of disposing the protruding portion 40a at a position where it abuts against the upstream support portion 46, it may be disposed at a position where it abuts against the shutter 47.

[0337] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may separately use the encoders used in the control of the head movement motor 101 according to the operation. For example, in the case of performing the origin detection operation, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the linear ENC 107. Then, after the origin detection operation has been performed, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0338] Alternatively, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the linear ENC 107, and when the origin is detected by a speed reduction, the control using the rotary ENC 103 may be switched during driving. By seamlessly switching the target position during driving, that is, by performing the conversion from the linear ENC position to the rotary ENC position, throughput can be improved because there is no deceleration, stop, or acceleration.

[0339] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these modifications are of course included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that: have: Conveying path, conveying medium; a recording unit for recording on a medium, wherein the recording unit is movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the conveying path; an opposing portion, arranged to be opposite to the recording portion; A motor serving as a power source for moving the recording unit; A moving unit receives power from the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the recording portion relative to the conveying path; a rotation detection unit to detect the rotation of the motor; and a control unit, controlling the motor, The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having a linear scale and a first detection unit. The linear scale is arranged along the moving direction of the recording unit, The first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detects the linear scale. The rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotary scale. The rotary scale rotates as the motor rotates. The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the facing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the facing unit. The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit when a signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where a signal change of the rotary encoder occurs when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or the position of the recording unit when a signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where a signal change of the rotary encoder occurs when the recording unit is raised from a state where it is placed on the opposing unit.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The moving area of ​​the recording unit has: First region; as well as a second area, which is farther from the conveying path than the first area, The mobile unit comprises: a first moving unit that moves the recording unit in the first area; as well as a second moving unit that moves the recording unit in the second area, When the recording unit is transferred from the first area to the second area, the recording unit changes from a state of being moved by the first moving unit to a state of being moved by the second moving unit. When the recording unit is transferred from the second area to the first area, the recording unit changes from a state of being moved by the second moving unit to a state of being moved by the first moving unit.

3. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that The moving area of ​​the recording unit includes a third area located on the opposite side of the second area across the first area. The opposing portion comprises: a supporting portion that supports the recording portion when the recording portion is placed on the facing portion by its own weight; and A pressing member presses the support portion toward the recording portion, The support portion is movable along the moving direction, The moving unit includes a third moving portion that moves the recording portion in the third region against the pressing force of the pressing member. When the recording unit is transferred from the first area to the third area, the recording unit changes from a state of being moved by the first moving unit to a state of being moved by the third moving unit. When the recording unit is transferred from the third area to the first area, the recording unit changes from a state of being moved by the third moving unit to a state of being moved by the first moving unit.

4. The recording device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The control unit detects each area constituting the moving area based on the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction, and controls the motor using a control parameter corresponding to each area.

5. The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that The control parameter includes a torque limit value of the motor.

6. The recording device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at a boundary between the regions constituting the movement region.

7. The recording device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The recording device includes an accepting unit for accepting a selection of either a speed priority mode or a normal mode. When the speed priority mode is selected, the control unit continuously drives the motor at the boundaries of the respective areas constituting the movement area. When the normal mode is selected, the control unit temporarily stops the motor at a boundary between the regions constituting the movement region.

8. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that The recording unit further comprises: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid in a width direction intersecting a medium conveying direction, and ejecting liquid from the nozzles without moving in the width direction; as well as a cover portion that covers a liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head at a position opposed to the liquid ejection head, The cover portion is displaceable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the liquid ejection head, The first moving part includes a cam, and the cam is rotated by the power of the motor and rotates while supporting the recording part to move the recording part. The second moving part comprises: a rack disposed on the recording portion; and A pinion gear meshes with the rack gear and is rotated by the power of the motor to move the recording unit. The third moving portion includes a pressing portion that presses the recording portion toward the cover portion against the pressing force of the pressing member.

9. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that The recording device includes a rotating body in which the cam, the pinion gear, and the pressing portion are integrally formed, and the rotating body is rotated by power of the motor.

10. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mobile unit comprises: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and The worm wheel is meshed with the cylindrical worm and rotates along with the rotation of the cylindrical worm.

11. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward the opposing portion, The protruding portion comes into contact with the facing portion, so that the recording portion is placed on the facing portion by its own weight.

12. A method for controlling a recording device, characterized in that: The recording device comprises: Conveying path, conveying medium; a recording unit for recording on a medium, wherein the recording unit is movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the conveying path; an opposing portion, arranged to be opposite to the recording portion; A motor serving as a power source for moving the recording unit; A moving unit receives power from the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the recording portion relative to the conveying path; as well as a rotation detection unit, detecting the rotation of the motor, The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having a linear scale and a first detection unit. The linear scale is arranged along the moving direction of the recording unit, The first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit and detects the linear scale. The rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a detection unit for detecting the rotary scale. The rotary scale rotates as the motor rotates. The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to idle after the recording unit is placed on the facing unit by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the facing unit. The control method includes the following steps: setting the origin position of the recording portion in the moving direction based on the position of the recording portion when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears in a state where the signal change of the rotary encoder occurs when the recording portion is lowered toward the opposing portion, or the position of the recording portion when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs in a state where the signal change of the rotary encoder occurs when the recording portion is raised from a state where it is placed on the opposing portion.

Images