Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus. A gap is appropriately adjusted in a structure in which a head unit moves. The recording apparatus includes: a moving device that receives power from a motor and moves a recording unit; a position detection device for detecting a position of the recording section; a rotation detection device that detects rotation of the motor; and a control unit that controls the motor, the position detection device being a linear ENC provided with a linear scale provided along a movement direction of the recording unit and a first detection unit provided in the recording unit and detecting the linear scale, the rotation detection device being a rotation ENC provided with a rotation scale and a second detection unit, the rotation detection unit being a rotation ENC provided in the recording unit and detecting the linear scale. The rotating scale rotates along with rotation of the motor, the second detection portion detects the rotating scale, the mobile device has a speed reduction mechanism whose speed reduction ratio is greater than 1 when power is transmitted from the motor to the recording portion, and the control portion grasps a position of the recording portion in a moving direction based on a signal of the linear ENC and controls the motor based on a signal of the rotating ENC.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The recording device 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. Moreover, the head unit moves to adjust the gap between an opposing portion that opposes a line head and the line head. In the recording device 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] The recording device of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized by including: a conveyance path that conveys a medium; a recording unit that records on the medium and can move in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the conveyance path; an opposing portion that is disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor that serves as a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving device that is powered by the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection device that detects the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path; a rotation detection device that detects the rotation of the motor; and a control unit that controls the motor based on detection signals from the position detection device and the rotation detection device. The position detection device 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 device is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor. The second detection unit detects the rotary scale. The moving device has a speed reduction mechanism. The speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear encoder and controls the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder.

[0006] In addition, the control method of the 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, which is 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 device that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection device for detecting the position of the recording unit relative to the conveyance path; and a rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the motor. The position detection device is a linear encoder including a linear scale and a first detection unit. The linear scale is disposed along the moving direction of the recording unit, and the first detection unit is a detection unit disposed on the recording unit for detecting the linear scale. The rotation detection device is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor, and the second detection unit detects the rotary scale. The moving device has a speed reduction mechanism, and the speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. The control method includes the following steps: grasping the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear encoder, and controlling the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. is a plan view of a 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 diagram showing the operation transition of a line head and a baffle.

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

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

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

[0015] Figure 9 FIG. is a perspective view of a speed reduction mechanism for transmitting power from a head moving motor to a rotating body.

[0016] Figure 10It 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 component.

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

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

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

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

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

[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 25 It is a flowchart showing the process for setting the origin position while raising the line head.

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

[0033] Figure 27 A table showing the relationships among the head movement speed, motor rotation speed, motor driving load, and torque limit value for each of the lever drive area, cam drive area, and rack and pinion drive area.

[0034] Figure 28 A flowchart showing the process in the case of turning on the power without disconnecting from the normal power supply.

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

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

[0037] Hereinafter, the present invention will be briefly described.

[0038] The recording device according to the first mode is characterized by comprising: a conveying path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium, which can move in a direction advancing and retreating relative to the conveying path; an opposing unit disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor serving as a power source when the recording unit moves; a moving device driven by the power of the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection device for detecting the position of the recording unit relative to the conveying path; a rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the motor; and a control unit for controlling the motor according to the detection signals of the position detection device and the rotation detection device. The position detection device 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, and the first detection unit is a detection unit arranged on the recording unit for detecting the linear scale. The rotation detection device is a rotary encoder having a rotary scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor, and the second detection unit detects the rotary scale. The moving device has a speed reduction mechanism, and the speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear encoder and controls the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder.

[0039] According to this mode, since the position detection device 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, and the first detection unit is a detection unit arranged on the recording unit for detecting the linear scale, which is a structure for directly detecting the movement of the recording unit, the position of the recording unit can be appropriately grasped. As a result, it becomes easy to appropriately adjust the gap between the recording unit and the opposing unit.

[0040] Here, since the structure is such that the linear encoder directly detects the movement of the recording unit, depending on the resolution of the linear encoder, the stopping accuracy when stopping the motor may not be achieved, and the recording unit may not be accurately stopped at the desired position. However, in this embodiment, the mobile device has a deceleration mechanism, and the deceleration ratio of the deceleration mechanism is greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. Moreover, the rotation detection device is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor, and the second detection unit detects the rotary scale. Thereby, the resolution of the rotary encoder can be ensured. Moreover, by controlling the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder, the stopping accuracy when stopping the motor can be improved, and it becomes easier to accurately stop the recording unit at the desired position.

[0041] In addition, the meaning of the resolution here is the number of edges (the transition of the waveform from low to high) of the encoder output relative to the unit movement amount. In other words, it means the movement amount of the recording unit for each edge. Moreover, a higher resolution means a larger number of edges output relative to the unit movement amount. In other words, it means a smaller movement amount of the recording unit for each edge.

[0042] The second embodiment is characterized in that it is an embodiment subordinate to the first embodiment. The movement direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component. The mobile device has the following structure: when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight, the idling of the motor is allowed. The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the movement direction based on the position of the recording unit when the linear encoder no longer has a signal change while the rotary encoder has a signal change when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or based on the position of the recording unit when the linear encoder generates a signal change while the rotary encoder has a signal change when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing unit.

[0043] According to this embodiment, since the control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the movement 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, the position of the recording unit relative 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.

[0044] In addition, since the mobile device has the following structure: when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, idling of the motor is allowed after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight, the following operational effects are obtained.

[0045] For example, in the case of a structure that grasps the position in the moving direction of the recording unit by detecting an increase in the drive current value of the motor when the recording unit abuts against the opposing unit, a load may be applied to the mobile device, resulting in breakage of parts. In addition, when the mobile device includes a worm gear mechanism, excessive surface pressure may also be generated between the turbine and the cylindrical worm, causing locking. However, in this embodiment, as described above, since the mobile device has the following structure: when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, idling of the motor is allowed after the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight, the occurrence of the above-mentioned failures can be suppressed.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In addition, in this specification, the recording unit being placed on the opposing unit by its own weight does not necessarily mean that the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit only by its own weight, but also includes a method in which, in addition to its own weight, the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like.

[0048] The third embodiment is characterized in that it is an embodiment subordinate to the second embodiment. The resolution of the linear encoder is set to Rs1, the resolution of the rotary encoder is set to Rs2, and the number of output edges of the linear encoder when a signal change of the linear encoder is detected in a state where a signal change occurs in the rotary encoder when the recording unit rises from the state of being placed on the opposing unit is set to Ce1. The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit based on the linear encoder near the Ce1 edge, and sets the origin position of the recording unit based on the rotary encoder near the Ce1×(Rs2 / Rs1) edge.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the origin position of the recording unit can be accurately set.

[0050] The fourth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the second mode. The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit based on the linear encoder and the origin position of the recording unit based on the rotary encoder with reference to the moment when, while the recording unit is being lowered toward the opposing unit, the linear encoder no longer has a signal change in a state where the rotary encoder has a signal change.

[0051] According to this mode, the origin position of the recording unit can be accurately set.

[0052] The fifth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the second mode. When there is no longer any signal change in both the rotary encoder and the linear encoder during the driving of the motor within the moving area of the recording unit, the control unit stops the motor and performs error processing.

[0053] Even within the moving area of the recording unit, when there is no longer any signal change in both the rotary encoder and the linear encoder during the driving of the motor, it is considered that the recording unit abuts against some kind of obstacle. According to this mode, in such a case, since the control unit stops the motor and performs error processing, it is possible to suppress excessive loads being applied to the recording unit and the mobile device, and it is possible to suppress damage to the recording unit and the mobile device.

[0054] In addition, this mode is not limited to the above-mentioned second mode, and may also be subordinate to the above-mentioned third or fourth mode.

[0055] The sixth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to any one of the second to fifth modes. 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 mobile device includes: a first moving unit that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving unit 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 unit to the state of moving through the second moving unit, and when transferring from the second area to the first area, it changes from the state of moving through the second moving unit to the state of moving through the first moving unit.

[0056] According to this mode, the mobile device that moves the recording unit includes: a first moving unit that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving unit that moves the recording unit in the second area. Moreover, since the first moving unit and the second moving unit are driven by one motor, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the device, and in addition, it is possible to pursue miniaturization of the device.

[0057] In addition, by configuring the mobile device 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 precisely and an area where it is desired to ensure the amount of movement of the recording part, such requests can be appropriately responded to.

[0058] The seventh aspect is characterized in that it is an aspect subordinate to the sixth aspect. The moving area of the recording part has a third area, which is located on the side opposite to the second area with the first area in between. 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 can move along the moving direction. The mobile device has a third moving part that moves the recording part against the pressing force of the pressing member in the third area. 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 it 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.

[0059] According to this aspect, since the third moving part is also driven by one motor in addition to the first moving part and the second moving part, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0060] The eighth aspect is characterized in that it is an aspect subordinate to the seventh aspect. The control part 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 each area.

[0061] According to this aspect, since the control part 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 each area, the recording part can be appropriately positioned by appropriate control corresponding to each area.

[0062] In addition, this aspect is not limited to the above seventh aspect, and can also be subordinate to the above sixth aspect.

[0063] The ninth aspect is characterized in that it is an aspect subordinate to the eighth aspect. The control parameter includes the torque limit value of the motor.

[0064] In each of the regions constituting the moving region, when the load applied to the motor is different, the required motor torque is different. Therefore, when a relatively large torque limit value is set for a region with a small load, an excessive load may be applied to the mechanism parts in the event of an abnormality, resulting in breakage of the mechanism parts or the like.

[0065] However, according to this aspect, since the control parameter includes the torque limit value of the motor, breakage of the above-mentioned mechanism parts or the like can be suppressed.

[0066] The tenth aspect is characterized in that it is an aspect subordinate to the seventh aspect, and the control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region.

[0067] At the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, a collision sound between components may be generated along with the switching of the drive mechanism.

[0068] According to this aspect, since the control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, generation of the above-mentioned collision sound can be suppressed.

[0069] In addition, this aspect is not limited to the above-mentioned seventh aspect, and may also be subordinate to the above-mentioned eighth or ninth aspect.

[0070] The eleventh aspect is characterized in that it is an aspect subordinate to the seventh aspect, and includes a receiving device that receives 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 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.

[0071] At the boundary of each region constituting the moving region, a collision sound between components may be generated along with the switching of the drive mechanism.

[0072] According to this aspect, since the motor is temporarily stopped at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region in the normal mode, generation of the above-mentioned collision sound can be suppressed.

[0073] In addition, according to this aspect, since the motor is continuously driven at the boundary of each region constituting the moving region in the speed priority mode, the throughput of processing can be improved.

[0074] In addition, this aspect is not limited to the above-mentioned seventh aspect, and may also be subordinate to the above-mentioned eighth or ninth aspect.

[0075] The twelfth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the seventh mode. The recording unit further includes: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid along the width direction intersecting the medium conveyance direction, and ejecting liquid from the nozzles without moving along the width direction; and a cover portion that covers the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head at a position opposed to the liquid ejection head, and the cover portion is displaceable in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the liquid ejection head. The first moving unit includes a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and rotates while supporting the recording unit, thereby moving the recording unit. The second moving unit includes: a rack provided on the recording unit; and a pinion that meshes with the rack and rotates by the power of the motor, thereby moving the recording unit. The third moving unit has a pressing portion that presses the recording unit toward the cover portion against the pressing force of the pressing member.

[0076] According to this mode, since the first moving unit includes a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and rotates while supporting the recording unit, thereby moving 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.

[0077] In addition, the second moving unit includes: a rack provided on the recording unit; and a pinion that meshes with the rack and rotates by the power of the motor, thereby moving the recording unit. Thus, even when ensuring a relatively large second area, correspondingly, the recording unit can be moved relatively largely, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0078] In addition, since the third moving unit has a pressing portion that presses the recording unit toward the cover portion against the pressing force of the pressing member, it is possible to reliably press the liquid ejection surface against the cover portion, and the liquid ejection surface can be reliably covered by the cover portion.

[0079] Furthermore, this mode is not limited to the above-mentioned seventh mode, and may also be subordinate to any one of the above-mentioned eighth to eleventh modes.

[0080] The thirteenth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the twelfth mode, and includes a rotating body that is integrally formed by the cam, the pinion, and the pressing portion and rotates by the power of the motor.

[0081] According to this mode, since the cam, the pinion, and the pressing portion are integrally formed, 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 parts 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.

[0082] The fourteenth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and the mobile device includes: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and a turbine meshing with the cylindrical worm and rotating along with the rotation of the cylindrical worm.

[0083] Since the mobile device includes a worm gear mechanism, locking may also occur when excessive surface pressure is generated between the turbine and the cylindrical worm. However, according to the effects of the first mode described above, since no excessive load is applied to the moving mechanism when the position of the recording portion relative to the opposing portion is grasped, the above-mentioned locking can be suppressed.

[0084] In addition, the reduction ratio when transmitting power from the motor to the recording portion can be increased by the worm gear mechanism. As a result, the resolution of the rotary encoder can be made larger than the resolution of the linear encoder, and the recording portion can be accurately positioned relative to the opposing portion.

[0085] In addition, the resolution here means the number of edges (the transition of the waveform from low to high) of the encoder output relative to the unit movement amount. In other words, it means the movement amount of the recording portion for each edge. In addition, a larger resolution means a larger number of edges output relative to the unit movement amount. In other words, it means a smaller movement amount of the recording portion for each edge.

[0086] In addition, this mode is not limited to the above-mentioned first mode, and may also be subordinate to any one of the second to thirteenth modes.

[0087] The fifteenth mode is characterized in that it is a mode subordinate to the twelfth mode, and the control unit holds the information regarding the rotation direction in the storage unit when the motor is driven. Further, when the power supply of the device is turned on and it is not the case of turning on the power supply after a normal power-off, the control unit refers to the information regarding the rotation direction and rotates the motor in the opposite direction of the rotation direction by a predetermined amount, and determines the position of the recording portion in the moving area based on the moving speed of the recording portion at this time.

[0088] When the power supply of the device is turned on, in a case where it is not a power-on after a normal power-off, the accurate position of the recording unit is sometimes not grasped. In this embodiment, the property that the moving speed of the recording unit is different in each area can be utilized to rotate the motor by a predetermined amount, thereby determining the position of the recording unit in the moving area. Here, when the motor is rotated by a predetermined amount, the recording unit may abut against one end or the other end of the moving area, and a load may be applied to the moving device. However, since the control unit holds the information related to the rotation direction when the motor is driven in the storage unit, when the motor is rotated by a predetermined amount, it is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction in the previous drive, so that it is possible to suppress the recording unit from abutting against one end or the other end of the moving area. As a result, it is possible to suppress the application of a load to the moving device.

[0089] In addition, this embodiment is not limited to the above-described twelfth embodiment, and may also be subordinate to any one of the above-described first to eleventh embodiments, or any one of the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments.

[0090] The control method of the recording device according to the sixteenth embodiment is characterized in that the recording device includes: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit for recording on the medium and capable of moving in a direction advancing and retreating with respect to the conveyance path; an opposing unit disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor as a power source when the recording unit moves; a moving device that receives the power of the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection device for detecting the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path; and a rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the motor. The position detection device 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, and the first detection unit is a detection unit provided on the recording unit for detecting the linear scale. The rotation detection device is a rotary encoder including a rotary scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor, and the second detection unit detects the rotary scale. The moving device has a speed reduction mechanism, and the speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is greater than 1 when power is transmitted from the motor to the recording unit. The control method includes the following steps: grasping the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear encoder, and controlling the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder.

[0091] According to this embodiment, in the recording device, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0092] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described.

[0093] Hereinafter, as an example of a recording apparatus 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.

[0094] In addition, in the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure, the X - axis direction is the device width direction, which is the width direction of the medium for recording. 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.

[0095] The Y - axis direction is the device depth direction, which is the direction along the medium conveyance direction during recording. The +Y direction is the direction from the back surface of the device towards the front surface, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device towards the back surface. In the present embodiment, among the side surfaces surrounding the printer 1, the side surface in the +Y direction is the front surface of the device, and the side surface in the -Y direction is the back surface of the device.

[0096] The Z - axis direction is the direction along the vertical direction, which is the device height direction. The +Z direction is the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertically downward direction.

[0097] In addition, hereinafter, the direction of conveying the medium may sometimes be referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream".

[0098] The medium conveyance path of the printer

[0099] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 1 the medium conveyance path of the printer 1 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the printer 1 is provided with a medium storage cassette 2 at the bottom of the device. 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 device.

[0100] A pickup roller 3 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided above the medium storage cassette 2. The pickup roller 3 can advance and retreat with respect to the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2, contacts and rotates with the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2, and thus sends out the medium from the medium storage cassette 2 in the +Y direction.

[0101] Downstream of the medium storage cassette 2, 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. The medium sent out from the medium storage cassette 2 is clamped and separated by the feed roller 5 and the separation roller 6, and is further conveyed downstream.

[0102] Downstream of the supply roller 5 and the separation roller 6, there is a reverse roller 8 driven by a motor (not shown). Around the reverse roller 8, a first clamping roller 9 and a second clamping roller 10 are provided. The medium is clamped between the reverse roller 8 and the first clamping portion 9, and further clamped between the reverse roller 8 and the second clamping roller 10, and is conveyed. The medium is reversed in the conveying direction from the +Y direction to the -Y direction by the reverse roller 8 and is conveyed downstream.

[0103] Downstream of the reverse roller 8, there is a first pair of conveying rollers 15, and the first pair of conveying rollers 15 includes a driving roller 16 driven by a motor (not shown) and a driven roller 17 capable of rotating idly. The medium is conveyed to a position opposed to the line head 40 by the first pair of conveying rollers 15.

[0104] In addition to the medium supply path starting from the medium storage cassette 2, the printer 1 also has a medium supply path starting 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 supply roller 13 driven by a motor (not shown). Reference numeral 14 is a separation roller to which rotational torque is imparted by a torque limiter (not shown).

[0105] Upstream of the first pair of conveying rollers 15, there is a medium detection portion 22. The control portion 100 (described later) (refer to Figure 4 ) can determine the position of the front 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.

[0106] 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 capable of recording on the entire region of the medium width without moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0107] Reference numeral 42a is a head surface that becomes the surface opposed to 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 (described later) (refer to Figure 2 ). The head surface 42a is parallel to the medium conveying direction, that is, the Y-axis direction, at the position opposed to the line head 40. In addition, the head surface 42a is parallel to the X-Y plane. The two-dot chain line indicated by reference numeral Ta is the medium conveying path between the line head 40 and the opposed portion 45. The medium conveying path Ta is parallel to the X-Y plane.

[0108] The printer 1 has an ink storage section (not shown), and the ink ejected from the line head 40 is supplied from the ink storage section to the line head 40 via an ink tube (not shown).

[0109] At a position facing the head surface 42a of the line head 40, an opposing section 45 is provided. The opposing section 45 of the present embodiment includes an upstream support section 46 (see Figure 5 ), and a baffle 47 (see Figure 5 ). The medium is supported by the upstream support section 46 and the baffle 47, thereby defining the gap between the medium and the head surface 42a. Hereinafter, the gap between the opposing section 45 and the head surface 42a may sometimes be referred to as the platen gap.

[0110] The line head 40 is arranged to be movable in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the opposing section 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.

[0111] Hereinafter, sometimes moving the line head 40 or other structural parts in the +Z-axis direction is referred to as "rising", and moving in the -Z direction is referred to as "descending".

[0112] As Figure 4 shown, the line head 40 moves along the Z-axis direction by the power of a head movement motor 101 as an example of a drive source. Here, refer to Figure 4 to outline the movement operation of the line head 40. The power of the head movement motor 101 is converted by a movement device 110 into an operation of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction. The movement device 110 will be described again later.

[0113] A control section 100 that controls the head movement 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 in the case of recording on ordinary paper is set as the first recording position, when recording on special paper with a thickness thicker than ordinary paper, the line head 40 is positioned at a second recording position after rising from the first recording position. Even if the second recording position is selected, in the case where the medium contacts the line head 40, it is positioned at a third recording position after rising further from the second recording position.

[0114] In Figure 4In the figure, reference numerals Am1, Am2, and Am3 denote the moving regions of the line head 40 with respect to the head surface 42a. The moving region of the line head 40 has a first region Am1 and a second region Am2 that is farther from the medium conveyance path Ta than the first region Am1. The first region Am1 includes the first recording position, the second recording position, and the third recording position described above. Of course, the first region Am1 may further include other recording positions. In addition, in the present embodiment, the moving region of the line head 40 includes a third region Am3 that is below the first region Am1.

[0115] When the line head 40 moves to the uppermost position Hp2 of the second region Am2, the gap between the opposing portion 45 and the head surface 42a becomes the widest. Thereby, it is possible to remove the medium that has become jammed in the event of a paper jam. Hereinafter, the position Hp2 will be referred to as the paper jam processing position of the line head 40.

[0116] The position Hp1 is the recording position when recording on the medium. As described above, the position Hp1 varies according to the type of medium. That is, the recording position Hp1 includes the first recording position, the second recording position, and the third recording position described above.

[0117] The position Hp0 is the lowermost position of the third region Am3. This position is where the cover portion 61 described later covers the head surface 42a. Hereinafter, the position Hp0 will be referred to as the cover position of the line head 40.

[0118] Return Figure 1 , a second pair of conveyance rollers 19 is provided downstream of the line head 40. The second pair of conveyance rollers 19 includes a drive 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 conveyed downstream by the second pair of conveyance rollers 19.

[0119] A third pair of conveyance rollers 27 is provided downstream of the second pair of conveyance rollers 19. Further, a pair of discharge rollers 28 is provided downstream of the third pair of conveyance rollers 27. A downward discharge path is formed between the third pair of conveyance rollers 27 and the pair of discharge rollers 28, and the medium on which recording has been performed is discharged to the discharge tray 29 through the pair of discharge rollers 28 with the latest recording surface facing down.

[0120] Structure of the line head

[0121] Next, with reference to Figure 2 The line head 40, which is an example of a liquid ejection head, will be further described.

[0122] As Figure 2 shown, the line head 40 has a plate member 42 provided on a base 41. The base 41 is a structure in which a flow path is provided inside, and the flow path is for supplying ink supplied from an ink storage portion (not shown) to the head chip 43.

[0123] The plate member 42 is a metal plate and forms a head surface 42a.

[0124] A plurality of openings 42d are formed in the plate member 42, and head chips 43 are provided in respective openings 42d. A plurality of nozzles 44 are provided in the head chips 43 along the medium width direction (refer to Figure 1 ). The plate member 42 and the head chips 43 are set flush.

[0125] The head chips 43 are alternately arranged at an upstream position and a downstream position along the X-axis direction, i.e., the medium width direction. In the present embodiment, three head chips 43 at the upstream position are arranged along the medium width direction, and four head chips 43 at the downstream position are arranged along the medium width direction. Thus, a cover portion 61 described later that covers the head chips 43 is alternately arranged at the upstream position and the downstream position along the medium width direction.

[0126] The line head 40 is provided on the unit frame 31 and together with the unit frame 31 constitutes a head unit 30. The head unit 30 is a structure including the line head 40. Therefore, the components constituting the head unit 30 can also be said to be the components provided on the line head 40.

[0127] The line head 40 or the head unit 30 is an example of a recording unit that records on a medium. The power of a head movement motor 101 (refer to Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the unit frame 31, whereby the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0128] Structure of the cover unit

[0129] Next, the cover unit 60 will be described with reference to Figure 3 ).

[0130] The cover unit 60 includes a cover portion 61 that covers the head chips 43. Since the head chips 43 are provided on the head surface 42a, the cover portion 61 can also be said to be a component that covers a part of the head surface 42a. In addition, since the nozzles 44 are provided in the head chips 43, the cover portion 61 can also be said to be a component that covers the nozzles 44.

[0131] A plurality of cover portions 61 constitute the cover unit 60. The cover unit 60 is provided below the opposing portion 45.

[0132] The cover unit 60 is constituted by having a plurality of cover portions 61 in a base portion 62.

[0133] The cover portion 61 includes: a cover main body portion 61b, which is formed in a shape that is long in the X-axis direction and is formed of a resin material or the like; and an elastic portion 61a, which is a portion that contacts the head surface 42a and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The cover main body portion 61b is held by the base portion 62 so as to be displaceable in the Z-axis direction, and the movement limit in the +Z direction is defined by a restricting portion (not shown) formed in the base portion 62. The cover main body portion 61b is pushed in the +Z direction by a cover spring 63, which is an example of a pressing member. In the present embodiment, two cover springs 63 are provided for one cover main body portion 61b.

[0134] A waste liquid pipe (not shown) is connected to each cover main body portion 61b. This waste liquid pipe is connected to a pump (not shown). When the pump operates in a state where the cover portion 61 covers the head surface 42a, a negative pressure is generated inside the cover portion 61, and thereby, ink is sucked from the nozzles 44 of the line head 40.

[0135] The cover portions 61 are alternately arranged at an upstream position and a downstream position along the X-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction. In the present embodiment, three cover portions 61 at the upstream position, that is, in the +Y direction, are provided, and four cover portions 61 at the downstream position, that is, in the -Y direction, are provided.

[0136] Such an arrangement of the cover portions 61 corresponds to the arrangement of the head chips 43 in the line head 40.

[0137] By moving a baffle 47 (described later) from a shielding position to an open position, the cover portion 61 is exposed.

[0138] Structure of the opposing portion

[0139] Next, with reference to Figure 5 The opposing portion 45 will be further described.

[0140] As Figure 5 shown, the opposing portion 45 that opposes the line head 40 includes an upstream support portion 46 and a baffle 47 that is downstream of the upstream support portion 46. The baffle 47 can move along the medium conveyance direction and can move between a shielding position shown by a state ST1 and an open position shown by states ST2 and ST3 in Figure 5 by the power of a motor (not shown). Figure 5 When the baffle 47 moves to the open position, an opening portion 45a is formed in the opposing portion 45, and the cover portion 61 is exposed inside the opening portion 45a.

[0141] When the baffle 47 is in the open position, as in

[0142] Figure 5 ​As shown by state ST3, the line head 40 descends so that the cover portion 61 can cover the head chip 43. At this time, against the pressing force of the cover spring 63, the cover portion 61 is slightly pressed downward in the -Z direction, whereby the cover portion 61 is in close contact with the head surface 42a. In addition, in this way, the descent of the line head 40 when the cover portion 61 is in close contact with the head surface 42a is sometimes referred to as the "cover operation".

[0143] 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 set to the state where the head chip 43 is covered by the cover portion 61 with the shutter 47 in the open position. In addition, during the flushing operation to prevent clogging of the nozzles 44, the control unit 100 sprays ink toward the cover portion 61 with the shutter 47 (to be described later) in the open position.

[0144] When the control unit 100 receives recording data and performs recording, it raises the line head 40, separates the head surface 42a from the cover portion 61, and moves the shutter 47 (to be described later) to the shielding position. Thereby, the entry of the conveyed medium into the opening 45a of the opposing portion 45 and the misalignment of the posture of the medium are suppressed. In addition, the entry of foreign matters such as paper dust into the cover portion 61 during the conveyance of the medium and the impairment of the performance of the cover portion 61 are suppressed.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shutter 47 moves between the shielding position and the open position through the link mechanism 35 (see Figure 6 ), and the link mechanism 35 operates by the reverse rotation of the driving roller 20 constituting the second conveying roller pair 19.

[0146] In addition, the upstream support portion 46 is provided so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction and is pressed in the +Z direction by a coil spring 54 as an example of a pressing member. However, the movement of the upstream support portion 46 in the +Z direction is restricted at a predetermined position by abutting against a restricting portion (not shown).

[0147] Moreover, when performing the cover operation, the line head 40 presses the upstream support portion 46 downward in the -Z direction against the pressing force of the coil spring 54.

[0148] Structure of the moving device for moving the line head

[0149] Hereinafter, a moving device 110 that converts the power of the head moving motor 101 (see Figure 4 into the movement of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction will be described.

[0150] First, the control unit 100 can, based on the detection information sent from the rotary encoder 103 (see Figure 4 and the detection information sent from the linear encoder 107 (see Figure 4The position of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction is grasped by the detection information sent. In addition, hereinafter, the term "encoder" will be abbreviated as "ENC".

[0151] As Figure 9 shown, the rotary ENC 103 includes a rotary scale 104 provided on the motor output shaft of the head movement 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, and this detection pulse signal includes a number of pulses proportional to the rotation amount of the motor output shaft.

[0152] 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, and this detection pulse signal includes a number of pulses proportional to the movement amount of the head unit 30.

[0153] As described above, the head unit 30 having the line head 40 is based on the unit frame 31, and the line head 40 is provided on the unit frame 31.

[0154] In the unit frame 31, as Figure 8 shown, rack members 32 are provided at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction. For the rack member 32 provided at the end in the +X direction with respect to the unit frame 31, the reference numeral 32A is shown, and for the rack member 32 provided at the end in the -X direction, the reference numeral 32B is marked. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the rack members 32A and 32B, they are collectively referred to as the rack member 32.

[0155] As Figure 7 shown, a guide frame 33 is provided in the +Y direction with respect to the unit frame 31. In the guide frame 33, first guide portions 33a are formed at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction. The first guide portion 33a is a portion that constitutes a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane. Further, a second guide portion 33b is formed at the -Y direction end of the first guide portion 33a. The second guide portion 33b is a portion that constitutes a plane parallel to the X-Z plane. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the guide frame 33 is supported by chassis 33A and 33B that are spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0156] As Figure 8As shown, the rack member 32 is provided with guide portions 32c and 32d. By means of the guide portions 32c and 32d, the first guide portion 33a of the guide frame 33 can be clamped in the X-axis direction. In addition, the rack member 32 is provided with guide portions 32e and 32f. By means of the guide portions 32e and 32f, the second guide portion 33b of the guide frame 33 can be clamped in the Y-axis direction. According to such a structure, the unit frame 31, that is, the head unit 30, is guided by the guide frame 33 in the Z-axis direction.

[0157] In addition, the shape of the rack member 32B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the shape of the rack member 32A with the Y-axis as the axis of symmetry at the intermediate position between the rack member 32A and the rack member 32B in the X-axis direction.

[0158] Next, as Figure 7 shown, a shaft 77 parallel to the X-axis direction is rotatably supported by the guide frame 33. Near the +X-direction end portion and the -X-direction end portion of the shaft 77, rotating bodies 74 are provided. The rotating body 74 provided near the +X-direction end portion of the shaft 77 is denoted by reference numeral 74A, and the rotating body 74 provided at the -X-direction end portion is denoted by reference numeral 74B. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the rotating bodies 74A and 74B, they are collectively referred to as the rotating body 74.

[0159] In addition, the shape of the rotating body 74B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the shape of the rotating body 74A with the Y-axis as the axis of symmetry at the intermediate position between the rotating body 74A and the rotating body 74B in the X-axis direction.

[0160] 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 pinion 72, the cam 66, and the pressing portion 75 described later may sometimes be represented by the reference numerals C1 and C2 shown in the drawings.

[0161] 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 (refer to Figure 9 ) for transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the shaft 77.

[0162] Hereinafter, the speed reduction mechanism 76 will be described with reference to Figure 9 .

[0163] The speed reduction mechanism 76 includes the first bevel gear 78, the second bevel gear 79, the spur gear 80, the spur gear 81, the spur gear 82, the worm wheel 83, and the cylindrical worm 84.

[0164] 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 the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ) so as to be rotatable. The mounting frame 34 is screwed to the guide frame 33. In addition, the head movement motor 101 is screwed to the mounting frame 34.

[0165] 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 turbine 83 are integrally formed and are rotatably provided on the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The cylindrical worm 84 meshes with the turbine 83, and a worm gear mechanism is constituted by the turbine 83 and the cylindrical worm 84. The cylindrical worm 84 is provided on the output shaft (not shown) of the head movement motor 101. Thus, when the head movement motor 101 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the shaft 77 via the reduction mechanism 76, and the shaft 77 rotates.

[0166] In addition, in the present embodiment, the reduction ratio of the reduction mechanism 76, specifically, the reduction ratio of the power transmission from the head movement motor 101 to the shaft 77 is 111. The reduction ratio is preferably greater than 1, more preferably greater than 10, and further, as in the present embodiment, preferably greater than 100.

[0167] 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 lever-shaped pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74.

[0168] As Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 shown, a rack 71 constituting a rack and pinion mechanism is formed on the rack member 32. The rack 71 meshes with the pinion 72. Therefore, when the pinion 72 rotates, the head unit 30, that is, 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 pinion 72 rotates in the rotation direction C2, the line head 40 ascends.

[0169] The rack 71 and the pinion 72 constitute a second moving portion 70 that moves the line head 40 in the second region Am2.

[0170] In addition, since the second moving portion 70 raises and lowers the line head 40 through the rack and pinion mechanism, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 through the second moving portion 70 is sometimes referred to as "rack and pinion drive" hereinafter.

[0171] In addition, as Figure 8, Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 As shown in Figure 10 and Figures 13 - 18 , a contact portion 32a capable of contacting the cam 66 is provided on the rack member 32. The contact portion 32a is provided to protrude in the +Y direction, and the cam 66 is disposed below the contact portion 32a. The head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, is supported by the cam 66 via the contact portion 32a in the first region Am1, thereby positioning the Z-axis direction. In other words, the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, can be placed on the cam 66 by its own weight. In addition, the head unit 30, that is, 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 a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like. When the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, is placed on the cam 66 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, that is, the line head 40, is suppressed, and the platen gap is stabilized.

[0172] The outer peripheral surface of the cam 66 is formed such that the distance from the axis center of the shaft 77, that is, the radius, varies along the circumferential direction (refer to Figure 12 ). Figure 12 Therefore, when the cam 66 rotates in a state where the contact portion 32a is placed on the cam 66, the head unit 30, that is, 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.

[0173] The cam 66 and the contact portion 32a constitute a first moving portion 65 that moves the line head 40 in the first region Am1.

[0174] In addition, since the first moving portion 65 raises and lowers the line head 40 by the cam 66, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 by the first moving portion 65 is sometimes referred to as "cam driving" hereinafter.

[0175] The first moving portion 65 and the above-described second moving portion 70 constitute a moving device 110 (refer to Figure 4 ). Figure 4

[0176] In addition, as shown in Figure 10 and Figures 13 - 18 , a pressed portion 32b capable of contacting the pressing portion 75 is provided on the rack member 32. The pressed portion 32b is provided to protrude in the +Y direction, and is configured such that the pressing portion 75 can contact the pressed portion 32b from above. Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18

[0177] When the rotating body 74 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the pressing portion 75 can press the pressed portion 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 portion 75 and the pressed portion 32b constitute a third moving portion 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 is pushed up by the pressing force of a helical spring 54 (refer to Figure 5 ), which is an example of the above-mentioned pressing member. Therefore, the helical spring 54 (refer to Figure 5 ) also constitutes the third moving portion 73.

[0178] In addition, since the third moving portion 73 raises and lowers the line head 40 through the lever-shaped pressing portion 75, the operation of raising and lowering the line head 40 through the third moving portion 73 is sometimes referred to as "lever drive" hereinafter.

[0179] In the present embodiment, the third moving portion 73 constitutes a moving device 110 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0180] Figure 12 Shows the formation ranges of the cam 66 and the pinion 72.

[0181] The pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the tooth portion is missing and a second phase region Ak2 in which the tooth portion is formed. In addition, hereinafter, when simply referred to as "pinion 72", for convenience, it refers to the part of the second phase region Ak2 in which the tooth portion is formed.

[0182] In addition, the cam 66 has a non-supporting phase region Aj1 that does not support the abutting portion 32a and a supporting phase region Aj2 that can support the abutting portion 32a. In the supporting phase region Aj2, the radius Ra of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting abutting portion 32a changes along the circumferential direction. In addition, hereinafter, when simply referred to as "cam 66", for convenience, it refers to the part of the supporting phase region Aj2.

[0183] Hereinafter, the operations of the first moving portion 65, the second moving portion 70, and the third moving portion 73 will be further described.

[0184] Figure 13 Shows a state where the line head 40 is at the first recording position in the first region Am1. In this state, the first moving portion 65 functions. That is, it is a state where 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 in addition, the pressing portion 75 is separated from the pressed portion 32b.

[0185] In the first area Am1, i.e., the area where recording is performed on the medium, since it is necessary to accurately determine the position of the line head 40, cam drive based on the first moving part 65 is adopted.

[0186] When the shaft 77 rotates 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 configured 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.

[0187] Figure 14 Shows the state where the shaft 77 rotates 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.

[0188] In addition, Figure 15 shows the state where the shaft 77 further rotates 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.

[0189] In this way, in the first area Am1, the first moving part 65 with a small movement amount of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77 functions, so that the line head 40 can be accurately positioned at each recording position.

[0190] In addition, when the line head 40 descends from the Figure 15 state and is positioned at the second recording position or the first recording position, or when it is positioned at the cover position Hp0, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C1.

[0191] Next, Figure 16 and Figure 17 are the states where the shaft 77 has 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 17 The state shown is the state where the abutting part 32a is placed on the part where the radius Ra of the cam 66 is the largest. When the shaft 77 further rotates in the rotational direction C2 from this state, the abutting part 32a disengages from the cam 66.

[0192] In addition, as shown in Figure 17 this is the state where the engagement between the rack 71 and the pinion 72 starts.

[0193] 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 part 65 to the state of moving through the second moving part 70.

[0194] In addition, when changing from the cam drive based on the first moving part 65 to the rack and pinion drive based on the second drive part 70, as Figure 16 , Figure 17 shown, a state is temporarily formed in which the cam 66 contacts the abutting part 32a, i.e., the line head 40, and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. Thus, even if the abutting part 32a separates from the cam 66, the line head 40 does not drop thereby.

[0195] Figure 18 The shaft 77 rotates further in the rotational direction C2 from the Figure 16 and Figure 17 state, and the head unit 30 rises to the position in the +Z direction at the maximum through the second moving part 70, i.e., the rack and pinion mechanism. This state is the state in which the line head 40 is farthest from the opposing part 45, and is the paper jam processing position Hp2 in the case of a paper jam.

[0196] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism based on the rack 71 and the pinion 72 is configured such that when the pinion 72 rotates by 1°, the line head 40 rises or drops by approximately 0.26 mm. Therefore, the amount of movement of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77 is much larger for the second moving part 70 than for the first moving part 65.

[0197] In addition, in the present embodiment, the platen gap when the line head 40 is in the paper jam processing position Hp2 is 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0198] In the above process, i.e., in the process of raising the line head 40 from the first recording position to the paper jam processing position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C2 without switching the rotational direction.

[0199] In addition, the lowermost position in the moving area of the line head 40 is the cover position Hp0, and the uppermost position is the paper jam processing position Hp2. Similarly, in the process of raising the line head 40 from the cover position Hp0 to the paper jam processing position Hp2, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C2 without switching the rotational direction.

[0200] In addition, when the line head 40 drops from the paper jam processing position Hp2, it is the opposite of the above. That is, when the line head 40 transfers from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, the drive 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, it becomes a state in which the pinion 72 moves away from the rack 71 and the abutting part 32a is placed on the cam 66.

[0201] Moreover, when the line head 40 is lowered from the cassette processing position Hp2 to the first recording position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction. Further, when the line head 40 is lowered from the cassette processing position Hp2 to the cover position Hp0, similarly, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction.

[0202] 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 is disengaged from the rack 71, the line head 40 does not drop thereby.

[0203] Next, the case where the line head 40 is lowered 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 baffle 47 (refer to Figure 5 ) provided in the opposing part 45 is in the shielding position, before the cover operation, the baffle 47 is moved from the shielding position to the open position as described above.

[0204] Figure 19 The state where the line head 40 is in the first area Am1, and more specifically, in the first recording position, is shown. 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. Although not shown, the protruding part 40a is provided at a position deviated from the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. In addition, the protruding part 40a is provided on both sides of the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. As an example, the protruding part 40a is provided on the unit frame 31.

[0205] When performing the cover operation from this state, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1. Thus, 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.

[0206] When the line head 40 descends, as Figure 20 shown, the protruding part 40a abuts against the upstream support part 46, and the descent of the line head 40 stops. This state is the state where the head unit 30 is placed on the upstream support part 46, that is, the opposing part 45, by its own weight. The pressing force of the coil spring 54 that presses the upstream support part 46 upward is set to a magnitude such that the upstream support part 46 does not displace downward when the head unit 30 is placed on the upstream support part 46 by its own weight.

[0207] In addition, the meaning that the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight is not limited to the way that the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 only by its own weight, and also includes the way that the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 while receiving 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, that is, the line head 40, is placed on the opposing portion 45 while 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, that is, the line head 40, is suppressed, and the platen gap is stabilized.

[0208] In addition, at the moment when the protruding portion 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, that is, the rotating body 74, rotates in the rotation direction C1, there will be a period during which the line head 40 maintains the stopped state. This period is the idling period of the head movement motor 101 described in detail later.

[0209] Moreover, when the shaft 77 further rotates 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 lever drive based on the third moving portion 73 starts, and thereby, the head unit 30, that is, 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.

[0210] Figure 21 The state in which the line head 40 is at the cover position Hp0 is shown. During the movement of the line head 40 toward 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 predetermined amount against the pressing force of the cover spring 63. Thereby, the cover portion 61 is in close contact with the head surface 42a.

[0211] When the head unit 30, that is, 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 being restricted in the Z-axis direction position by the pressing portion 75 and returns to the Figure 20 state.

[0212] When the shaft 77 is further rotated in the rotation direction C2 from the Figure 20 state, the cam drive based on the first moving portion 65 is switched.

[0213] Here, in the Figure 21 , the reference numeral k1 is the distance formed between the cam 66 and the abutting portion 32a. When there is no such distance k1, the state in which the line head 40 is supported by the cam 66 and the state in which the pressing portion 75 presses the pressed portion 32b, that is, the line head 40, may be formed simultaneously, and the rotating body 74 may be in a locked state and unable to rotate any further.

[0214] However, by setting the spacing k1 and not simultaneously forming the state in which the line head 40 is supported by the cam 66 and the state in which the pressing portion 75 presses the line head 40, locking of the rotating body 74 can be avoided.

[0215] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 formed integrally with the pressed portion 32b, the abutting portion 32a, and the rack 71. As a result, it becomes easy to determine the relative positional relationship among the pressed portion 32b, the abutting portion 32a, and the rack 71. As a result, a structure that does not simultaneously form the state in which the line head 40 is supported by the cam 66 and the state in which the pressing portion 75 presses the line head 40 can be reliably achieved.

[0216] Further, even when the cam 66 moves away from the abutting portion 32a to form the spacing k1, since the line head 40 is supported by the upstream support portion 46, the line head 40 does not drop. However, instead of the structure in which the upstream support portion 46 supports the line head 40 in the state where the cam 66 moves away from the abutting portion 32a to form the spacing k1, the cover portion 61 may be configured to support the line head 40.

[0217] As described above, the printer 1 includes: a medium conveyance path Ta that conveys a medium; a line head 40 that is movable relative to the medium conveyance path Ta in a direction intersecting the recording surface of the medium; and a moving device 110 that moves the line head 40.

[0218] The moving area of the line head 40 has a first area Am1 and a second area Am2, and the second area Am2 is farther from the medium conveyance path Ta than the first area Am1.

[0219] The moving device 110 includes a first moving portion 65 that moves the line head 40 in the first area Am1, and a second moving portion 70 that moves the line head 40 in the second area Am2.

[0220] 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. Further, when the line head 40 transfers from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, it changes from the state of moving through the second moving portion 70 to the state of moving through the first moving portion 65.

[0221] Moreover, the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70 are driven by a head moving motor 101 that is a common drive source. As a result, compared with a structure in which the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70 are driven by independent drive sources, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0222] In addition, when the line head 40 transfers 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. In addition, when the line head 40 transfers 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.

[0223] 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 device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0224] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first moving part 65 includes a cam 66 that is a cam rotated by the power of the head moving motor 101 and rotates while supporting the line head 40 to move 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.

[0225] 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 is a pinion meshing with the rack 71 and rotates by the power of the moving motor 101 to move the line head 40. Thereby, even when ensuring a relatively large second area Am2, correspondingly, the line head 40 can be moved relatively largely, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0226] However, the first moving part 65 is not limited to cam drive, and other structures such as rack and pinion drive can also be adopted. In addition, the second moving part 70 is not limited to rack and pinion drive, and other structures such as cam drive can also be adopted.

[0227] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are configured integrally to form a rotating body 74. Thereby, power can be easily transmitted from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70. In addition, since there is no need to transmit power from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70 separately, the number of parts 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.

[0228] However, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 can also be configured separately.

[0229] Further, in the present embodiment, the 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 parts 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.

[0230] However, the pressing portion 75 may be configured separately from the rotating body 74.

[0231] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the tooth portion is missing. When the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, the cam 66 supports the line head 40. Thus, the following effects are obtained.

[0232] That is, when the first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40 and when the second moving portion 70 attempts to move the line head 40, the position adjustment of the line head 40 based on the first moving portion 65 may go wrong. According to this method, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the tooth portion is missing. Since the cam 66 supports the line head 40 when the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, when the first moving portion 65 attempts to move the line head 40, it is possible to suppress the case where the second moving portion 70 has an adverse effect.

[0233] In addition, in the present embodiment, when changing from the movement of the line head 40 based on the cam 66 to the movement of the line head 40 based on the pinion 72, and when changing from the movement of the line head 40 based on the pinion 72 to the movement of the line head 40 based on 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. As a result, a state in which the line head 40 is not supported by either the cam 66 or the pinion 72 does not occur. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a failure in which the line head 40 drops and malfunctions occur in the line head 40 due to a collision. 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 is not the state of the above-described first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position.

[0234] In addition, in the case where the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are configured separately, 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 may not be temporarily formed due to part tolerances, assembly errors, etc. However, in the present embodiment, since the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are configured integrally, the occurrence of the above-described failure can be suppressed.

[0235] In addition, in the present embodiment, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 formed integrally with an abutting portion 32a that abuts against the cam 66 and a rack 71. Thereby, it becomes easy to determine the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71.

[0236] Here, if the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 are formed separately, due to component tolerances, 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, it is easy to determine the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71, so the occurrence of the above-mentioned failures can be suppressed.

[0237] 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, it becomes easy to determine the positional relationship between the rotating body 74 and the rack member 32, appropriately determine the positional relationship between the rack 71 and the pinion 72, and also appropriately determine the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the cam 66. Therefore, the line head 40 can be appropriately moved by the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70.

[0238] In addition, in the present embodiment, the head unit 30 includes a line head 40 as a liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection head includes a plurality of nozzles 44 that eject ink as an example of a liquid along the medium width direction, and ejects ink from the nozzles 44 without moving in the medium width direction. A cover portion 61 is provided at a position facing the line head 40 to cover the head surface 42a that is the liquid ejection surface of the line head 40.

[0239] 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 pushed toward the line head 40 by a cover spring 63 as an example of a pressing member.

[0240] The line head 40 can further move from the first region Am1 toward the cover position Hp0 where the head surface 42a is covered by the cover portion 61.

[0241] A pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74. After the contact between the abutting portion 32a that abuts against the cam 66 and the cam 66 in the line head 40 is released, the pressing portion 75 presses the line head 40 toward the cover portion 61 as the rotating body 74 rotates. Thereby, the following effects are obtained.

[0242] In order to set the state in which the head surface 42a of the line head 40 is 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 it is impossible to press the head surface 42a against the cover portion 61.

[0243] However, a pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74. 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, the pressing portion 75 presses the line head 40 toward the cover portion 61 as the rotating body 74 rotates. As a result, 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.

[0244] In addition, by providing the pressing portion 75 on the rotating body 74, a power source for reliably pressing the head surface 42a against the cover portion 61 is not separately required. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0245] Position detection of the line head

[0246] Next, the position detection of the line head 40 in the moving direction 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.

[0247] 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 in Figure 4 structures that have nothing to do with the movement of the line head 4 are omitted from the illustration.

[0248] 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, according to a software program. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores 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 include a dedicated hardware circuit that performs at least a part of the processing executed by itself, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0249] As an output system, the head movement motor 101 is electrically connected to the control unit 100. In the present embodiment, the head movement motor 101 is a DC motor and is controlled by the control unit 100 by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

[0250] In addition, as an input system, the operation unit 115, the rotary ENC 103, and the linear ENC 107 are electrically connected to the control unit 100. The operation unit 115 is a part that accepts the 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.

[0251] 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 as an example of a storage unit.

[0252] The arithmetic unit 120 performs various operations required to operate the printer 1. For example, the arithmetic unit 120 performs operations on various set values and the like required to execute the program 125 stored in the non-volatile memory 124. The volatile memory 123 is used as a temporary data storage area.

[0253] The motor control unit 121 outputs a current command value, such as a duty ratio signal required for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, to the motor driver 122, and thereby controls the head movement motor 101 via 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.

[0254] In the present embodiment, the motor control unit 121 performs PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control on the head movement motor 101. The motor control unit 121 multiplies the position deviation between the target rotation position of the head movement motor 101 and the actual rotation position obtained from the output signal of the rotary ENC 103 by the gain Kp to calculate the target rotation speed. Then, based on the speed deviation between the target rotation speed and the actual rotation speed obtained from the output of the rotary ENC 103, the motor control unit 121 uses the proportional element, integral element, and differential element to perform operations on the proportional component, integral component, and differential component, and based on the sum of these operation results, sends a duty ratio signal to the motor driver 122.

[0255] Alternatively, instead of the output signal of the rotary ENC 103, the motor control unit 121 may also control the head movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the linear ENC.

[0256] The arithmetic 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 arithmetic 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. Moreover, when detecting one edge, the arithmetic unit 120 performs a counting process in a manner of increasing and decreasing the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 according to the forward rotation and reverse rotation.

[0257] 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 increasing direction, that is, the upward movement direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction is the decreasing direction, that is, the downward movement direction of the line head 40.

[0258] In addition, the rotary ENC 103 outputs two pulse signals, pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B. In either the forward rotation or reverse rotation of the head movement motor 101, the phases of pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B are offset by 90 degrees. When the head movement motor 101 rotates forward, the phase of pulse ENC-A leads pulse ENC-B by 90 degrees accordingly. On the other hand, when the head movement motor 101 rotates in reverse, the phase of pulse ENC-A lags pulse ENC-B by 90 degrees accordingly. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time when the head movement motor 101 rotates by an amount corresponding to the interval of the slits of the rotary scale 104. Thus, the arithmetic 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.

[0259] In addition, the arithmetic 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. Moreover, if the arithmetic 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 cannot be detected, that is, in the case where the linear ENC position described later does not change, even if the position of the rotary ENC 103 changes, the line head 40 does not move.

[0260] 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. Moreover, when the arithmetic unit 120 detects an edge, it performs a counting process in a manner of incrementing and decrementing the position of the line head 40 according to the rise and fall.

[0261] Figure 22 、 Figure 23 The vertical axis of the "linear ENC position" shown in Figure 23 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 increasing direction, that is, the rising direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction is the decreasing direction, that is, the falling direction of the line head 40.

[0262] In addition, the linear ENC 107 outputs two pulse signals, pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B. In any case of the rise and fall of the line head 40, the phases of pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B are offset by 90 degrees. When the line head 40 rises, the phase of pulse ENC-A is advanced by 90 degrees relative to pulse ENC-B accordingly. On the other hand, when the line head 40 falls, the phase of pulse ENC-A lags behind pulse ENC-B by 90 degrees accordingly. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time for the line head 40 to move the amount of the interval of the slit of the linear scale 108 accordingly.

[0263] If the arithmetic unit 120 counts the number of pulse signals, it can detect the moving amount of the line head 40. In addition, if the arithmetic unit 120 detects the time of one cycle of each pulse, it can calculate the moving speed of the line head 40. Figure 22 、 Figure 23 The "linear ENC speed" shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the moving speed.

[0264] Hereinafter, an overview of the origin detection method of the line head 40 will be described.

[0265] As an example, when the line head 40 falls from the Figure 19 shown recording position Hp1, both the rotary ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107 generate signal changes until the protrusion 40a provided on the line head 40 abuts against the upstream support portion 46. This situation is shown as Figure 22 the rotary ENC position and the linear ENC position during the cam drive shown in Figure 22 .

[0266] 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, and thus there is no longer a signal change in the linear ENC 107. This situation is represented as Figure 22 the linear ENC position during the idling of the motor shown. However, since the head movement 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 will continue to occur.

[0267] 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 there is no longer a signal change in the linear ENC 107 while there is a signal change in the rotational ENC 103 when the line head 40 descends toward the opposing portion 45.

[0268] In Figure 22 it, the position Pm0 is the rotational ENC position at the moment when there is no longer a signal change in the linear ENC 107, that is, the origin position of the rotational ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the moment when there is no longer a signal change in the linear ENC 107, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0269] 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 can be grasped according to the origin position of the linear ENC 107. In either case, the distances from the origin position to the boundaries of the respective regions can be stored in advance as known values in the non-volatile memory 124. As a result, the control unit 100 can grasp the current position of the line head 40.

[0270] In addition, in the present embodiment, due to the speed reduction mechanism 76, the rotational ENC 103 has a higher resolution than the linear ENC 107 with respect to the encoder resolution per unit movement amount of the line head 40. 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 movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the rotational ENC 103.

[0271] 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, signal changes occur in both the rotational ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107 until the upstream support portion 46 rises to the rising limit position. This situation is represented as Figure 23 the rotational ENC position and the linear ENC position during the lever drive shown.

[0272] When the upstream support portion 46 rises to the upper limit position and the pressing portion 75 moves away upward from the pressed portion 32b, since the upward movement of the line head 40 temporarily stops, there is no longer a signal change in the linear ENC 107. This situation is represented as Figure 23 the linear ENC position during the motor idling period shown. However, since the head movement motor 101 continues to rotate, as Figure 23 shown by the position of the rotary ENC during the motor idling period, the signal change of the rotary ENC 103 will continue to occur. Moreover, when the cam 66 abuts against the abutting portion 32a and raises the line head 40, the protruding portion 40a moves away from the upstream support portion 46 and the line head 40 rises. This situation is represented as the linear ENC position when transferring from the Figure 23 shown motor idling period to the cam driving period.

[0273] 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 occurs in the linear ENC 107 in a state where a signal change occurs in the rotary ENC 103.

[0274] In Figure 23 , the position Pm0 is the rotary ENC position at the moment when the linear ENC 107 no longer has a signal change, that is, the origin position of the rotary ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the moment when the linear ENC 107 no longer has a signal change, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0275] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 24 the processing performed by the control unit 100 will be further described.

[0276] 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 after the last origin position setting, and so on.

[0277] Next, the control unit 100 sets the rotary ENC position as shown in step S102. In addition, the position in step S102 is the rotary ENC position, but it can also be the linear ENC position.

[0278] Thereby, the rotary 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.

[0279] In addition, the rotary 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.

[0280] In addition, the rotational ENC position in the rack and pinion drive area 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 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0281] In addition, the lengths of the lever drive area and the rack and pinion drive area are also stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0282] 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 user can select whether the printing mode is the normal mode or the speed priority mode via the operation unit 115.

[0283] In the case of the normal mode, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the line head 40 near the area boundary, and in addition, 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 in each area, and in addition, selects control parameters in each area (step S106).

[0284] The control parameters for each area are stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). 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, whereby the drive current value of the head movement motor 101 is limited. The torque limit value for each area is stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). By setting the torque limit value, an excessive load on the drive mechanism is suppressed when an abnormality occurs.

[0285] 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, respectively.

[0286] When the line head 40 descends, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first region Am1, i.e., under cam drive, the highest in the second region Am2, i.e., under rack and pinion drive, and intermediate in the third region Am3, i.e., under lever drive. In addition, when the line head 40 descends, the motor rotation speed is speed 2 in each region. However, for example, in order to mitigate the collision when the line head 40 contacts an obstacle in the second region Am2 and the third region Am3, it can also be set to a speed lower than speed 2.

[0287] In addition, when the line head 40 descends, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 becomes minimum in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and becomes larger than that in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2 in the third region Am3. Therefore, when the line head 40 descends, the torque limit value becomes minimum in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and becomes larger than that in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2 in the third region Am3. This is because in the third region Am3, the pressing portion 75 presses down the line head 40 against the elastic forces of the coil spring 54 (refer to Figure 20 ), and the cover spring 63 (refer to Figure 20 ). This situation is represented by Figure 22 the motor duty ratio in the lever drive region shown. 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 cover spring 63. Therefore, as the line head 40 descends, the motor duty ratio increases. Therefore, the torque limit value becomes maximum in the third region Am3.

[0288] Next, when the line head 40 ascends, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first region Am1, i.e., under cam drive, the highest in the second region Am2, i.e., under rack and pinion drive, and intermediate in the third region Am3, i.e., under lever drive. 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 collision when the line head 40 contacts an obstacle in the second region Am2 and 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.

[0289] In addition, when the line head 40 is rising, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 becomes minimum in the third region Am3 and the first region Am1, and becomes larger than that in the first region Am1 and the third region Am3 in the second region Am2. However, when the line head 40 is rising, the torque limit value is maximum in the third region Am3. This is because when meshing occurs in the worm gear mechanism during head descent, a motor driving load larger than that during head descent may be applied during head ascent. In addition, the torque limit value becomes minimum in the first region Am1 and becomes larger than that in the first region Am1 in the second region Am2.

[0290] 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.

[0291] The control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 in such a manner as to raise the line head 40 in the state where the line head 40 is placed on the upstream support portion 46 via the protruding portion 40a (step S201). Next, when a signal change occurs in the linear ENC 107 (Yes in step S202), assuming that the number of edges of the output pulse of the linear ENC 107 is Ce1, the origin position based on the linear ENC 107 is set near the Ce1 edge (step S203). An example of the number of edges Ce1 is 1.

[0292] Next, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on the rotary ENC 103 near the Ce1×(Rs1 / Rs2) edge (step S204). Here, Rs1 is the resolution of the rotary ENC 103. Specifically, it is the number of edges of the output pulse 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, it is the number of edges of the output pulse of the linear ENC 107 with respect to the unit movement amount of the line head 40.

[0293] 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.

[0294] Next, with reference to Figure 26 A 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 origin detection of the line head 40 will be described.

[0295] The control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 in such a way that the line head 40 descends (step S301). Next, when there is no signal change in the linear ENC 107 (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 moment when there is no signal change in the linear ENC 107 (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 moment when there is no signal change in the linear ENC 107 (step S305).

[0296] 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.

[0297] Figure 24 The origin position setting in step S101 can be either Figure 25 the process shown Figure 26 or the process shown.

[0298] In addition, when there is no signal change in the linear ENC 107 (Yes in step S302), even though it is within the movement area of the line head 40, but when there is also no signal change in the rotary ENC 103 (No in step S303), it is determined that the head unit 30 is in contact with some kind of obstacle, 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.

[0299] Thereby, it is possible to suppress excessive loads on the line head 40 and the moving device 110, and it is possible to suppress damage to the line head 40 and the moving device 110.

[0300] In addition, there are vibrations such as backlash of gears in the moving device 110. Therefore, in particular, after setting the origin position of the line head 40 while lowering the line head 40, when raising the line head 40 or when raising the line head 40 based on the origin position of the rotary ENC 103, it is preferable to set the target stop position of the head movement motor 101 considering the above-mentioned backlash amount.

[0301] Next, referring to Figure 28A process for the case where the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order will be described. 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 is moved 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 in 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 is unplugged while the power supply is in the on state, then, 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, an exception process for grasping the current position of the line head 40 is required.

[0302] In addition, by making the line head 40 abut against one end or the other end of the moving area and detecting an increase in the drive current value of the head movement motor 101 at this time, the position of the line head 40 can also be grasped. However, with 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 ) that constitute the worm gear mechanism, resulting in locking, which is not preferable.

[0303] In addition, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off in the normal order, a power supply mark indicating this meaning is stored in the non-volatile memory 124 (refer to Figure 4 ), so that it is possible to determine whether the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off in the normal order. For example, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off in the normal order, the control unit 100 stores "1" in the non-volatile memory 124 as the above-mentioned power supply mark. Moreover, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above-mentioned power supply mark. If it is "1", the origin position setting ( Figure 24 step S101) is performed in the normal order. And at this time, the above-mentioned power supply mark is reset to "0".

[0304] In addition, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above-mentioned power supply mark. If it is "0", it is regarded that the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order, and the Figure 28 shown exception process is performed.

[0305] In Figure 28 , when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 determines whether it is a power-on after a normal power-off (step S401). If it is a power-on after a normal power-off (yes in step S401), the normal origin position setting is performed (step S405). In addition, the process of step S405 is the same as Figure 24The same processing as step S101.

[0306] When the power is turned on not after a normal power-off (No in step S401), the control unit 100 drives the head movement motor 101 in the direction opposite to the previous driving direction by a predetermined amount (step S402).

[0307] Here, the previous driving direction is 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 stores a direction flag indicating the rotation direction in the non-volatile memory 124 (refer to Figure 4 ). The control unit 100 can grasp the rotation direction when the head movement motor 101 was last driven by reading the above direction flag.

[0308] In addition, the "predetermined 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 "predetermined amount" is converted to the movement amount of the line head 40, it is preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 3.00 mm or less. The above "predetermined amount" is stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as a part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). In this way, by setting the above "predetermined amount" to the minimum, it is possible to suppress the locking of the worm gear mechanism caused by the line head 40 coming into contact with some obstacle when the line head 40 is moved.

[0309] Next, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in according to the linear ENC speed (step S403). As described with reference to Figure 27 , the moving speed of the line head 40, that is, 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 movement motor 101 is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed is different in each area and can be obtained as a known value. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine which of the areas the line head 40 is in according to the linear ENC speed. In addition, of course, if the linear ENC speed is zero when the head movement motor 101 is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed, it can be determined that the line head 40 is in Figure 22 , Figure 23 the motor idling area. The moving speed of the line head 40 in each area when the head movement motor 101 is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed is stored in the non-volatile memory 124 as a part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). Of course, the moving speed is a value with a range considering errors.

[0310] If it is possible to determine which area the line head 40 is in, it is possible to decide in which direction it is better to move the line head 40 in order to set the origin position. Therefore, the control unit 100 performs origin position setting 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. In addition, if the line head 40 is in the third area Am3 or the motor idle 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 Figure 25 the process shown, and the origin position setting based on the lowering of the line head 40 is Figure 26 the process shown.

[0311] In addition, when the head moving motor 101 is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed, in the case where the linear ENC speed is zero, the case where the line head 40 is in the motor idle area and the case where the line head 40 abuts against a certain part and cannot operate 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 abuts against one side end or the other side end of the moving area and cannot operate can be avoided.

[0312] 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. In addition, at this time, the occurrence of the locking of the worm gear mechanism described above can be suppressed.

[0313] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in based on the linear ENC speed. However, instead of the linear ENC speed, the motor drive load, specifically the motor drive current value, can also be used. This is because the motor drive load, that is, the motor drive current value, is different in each area.

[0314] In addition, if the baffle 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 of having a sensor for detecting the position of the baffle 47, the position of the line head 40 can also be grasped with reference to the position of the baffle 47.

[0315] In addition, in the case of having 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, when the lowered position of the cover unit 60 is detected, it can be determined that the line head 40 is in the cover position.

[0316] Next, 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 device for detecting the position of the line head 40 relative to the medium conveyance path Ta is the linear ENC 107, which includes: a linear scale 108 provided along the moving direction of the line head 40; and a first detection unit 109, which is a detection unit provided on the line head 40 for detecting the linear scale 108.

[0317] The moving device 110 that moves the line head 40 by the power of the head moving motor 101 has the following structure: when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, after the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight, the head moving motor 101 is allowed to idle. 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 region shown. That is, the idling of the head moving motor 101 means a state where the rotation of the head moving motor 101 is not converted into the movement of the line head 40 and a state where the head moving motor 101 does not receive a load from the line head 40.

[0318] Moreover, 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 during the descent of the line head 40 ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the change in the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 when rising from the state where the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23 the linear ENC position Pn0), to grasp the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0319] Thereby, the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45 can be appropriately grasped, and furthermore, the platen gap can be appropriately set. In addition, the line head 40 can be appropriately positioned at the cover position Hp0 and the paper jam processing position Hp2.

[0320] In addition, in order to accurately set the platen gap, adjustment in the device assembly process is not required, and the assembly time can be shortened. In addition, even if parts are deformed from the assembled state due to collision during device conveyance, it is easy to obtain the expected platen gap.

[0321] In addition, even if components such as gears that make up the moving device 110 are worn due to long-term deterioration, it is difficult for this to affect the platen gap.

[0322] In addition, since the mobile device 110 has the following structure: when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, after the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight, the idling of the head movement motor 101 is allowed, the following effects can be obtained.

[0323] For example, in a structure where 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, a load may be applied to the mobile device 110, resulting in damage to parts. In addition, it is sometimes difficult to appropriately set the threshold value of the drive current value. In addition, as in this embodiment, when the mobile device 110 includes a worm gear mechanism (refer to Figure 9 ), excessive surface pressure may also be generated between the turbine 83 and the cylindrical worm 84, causing locking. However, the mobile device 110 has the following structure: when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, after the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight, the idling of the head movement motor 101 is allowed. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned failures can be suppressed.

[0324] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rotation ENC 103 is provided as a rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the head movement motor 101. Moreover, 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 accurately grasped.

[0325] In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned rotation detection device is a rotation ENC 103, and the rotation ENC 103 includes: 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 accurately detected.

[0326] In addition, the mobile device 110 includes: a cylindrical worm 84 driven by the head movement motor 101; and a turbine 83 meshing with the cylindrical worm 84 and rotating along with the rotation of the cylindrical worm 84. In such a structure, as described above, when excessive surface pressure is generated between the turbine 83 and the cylindrical worm 84, locking may also occur. However, as described above, when grasping the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45, since an excessive load is not applied to the mobile device 110, the occurrence of the above-mentioned locking can be suppressed.

[0327] In addition, the speed reduction ratio when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the line head 40 can be increased by means of a worm gear mechanism. As a result, the resolution of the rotary ENC 103 can be made larger than the resolution of the linear ENC 107, and the line head 40 can be accurately positioned with respect to the opposing portion 45.

[0328] In addition, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the linear ENC 107 no longer has a signal change 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 moment when the linear ENC 107 has a signal change during the rotation of the head moving motor 101 when the line head 40 rises 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.

[0329] In other words, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the linear ENC 107 no longer has a signal change while the rotary ENC 103 has a signal change 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 moment when the linear ENC 107 has a signal change while the rotary ENC 103 has a signal change when the line head 40 rises 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.

[0330] In addition, the control method implemented by the control unit 100 includes the following steps: setting the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction according to the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the linear ENC 107 no longer has a signal change while the rotary ENC 103 has a signal change when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45, or the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the linear ENC 107 has a signal change while the rotary ENC 103 has a signal change when the line head 40 rises from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45.

[0331] Thereby, the origin of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be appropriately set by using the signal change of the linear ENC 107. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the line head 40 is improved.

[0332] In addition, the line head 40 is provided with a protruding portion 40a that protrudes toward the opposing portion 45, and the protruding portion 40a abuts against the opposing portion 45, so that the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the portion of the line head 40 where the medium is recorded, specifically the head chip 43 (refer to Figure 2)(Contact with the opposing portion 45). As a result, damage to the head chip 43 can be suppressed, and in addition, fouling of the opposing portion 45 can be suppressed.

[0333] In addition, on the basis of providing a plurality of protruding portions 40a in the medium width direction, by bringing the protruding portions 40a into contact with the opposing portion 45, the attitude of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45 is also appropriately determined.

[0334] Therefore, for example, the position of the line head 40 when the protruding portion 40a comes into contact with the opposing portion 45 can be set as the above-described first recording position. As a result, the platen gap can be set very appropriately, and in addition, the parallelism of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45 is ensured, and appropriate recording quality is obtained.

[0335] In addition, in order to grasp the attitude 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 attitude of the line head 40 with respect to the opposing portion 45. In addition, at this time, in order to correct the attitude 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 independent motors.

[0336] In addition, in the present embodiment, the mobile device 110 has a reduction mechanism 76 having 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 steps of: 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.

[0337] According to such a configuration, since the structure directly detects the operation of the line head 40 by the linear ENC 107, the position of the line head 40 can be appropriately grasped. As a result, it becomes easy to appropriately adjust the gap between the line head 40 and the opposing portion 45.

[0338] In addition, in the motor control based on the detection signal of the rotary ENC 103, with reference 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 mobile device 110.

[0339] Here, since the linear ENC 107 directly detects the operation of the line head 40, the stopping accuracy when stopping the head moving motor 101 may not be obtained according to the resolution of the linear ENC 107. As a result, the line head 40 may not be accurately stopped at the desired position. However, in the present embodiment, the moving device 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. Moreover, by controlling the head moving motor 101 according to the signal of the rotary ENC 103, the stopping accuracy when stopping the head moving motor 101 can be improved, and it becomes easier to accurately stop the line head 40 at the desired position.

[0340] 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.

[0341] In addition, the control parameters include the torque limit value of the head moving motor 101. Thereby, the following effects are obtained.

[0342] In each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, when the load applied to the head moving motor 101 is different, the required motor driving torque is different. Therefore, when a large torque limit value is set for an area with a small load, an excessive load may be applied to the mechanism parts in the event of an abnormality, resulting in damage to the mechanism parts, etc.

[0343] However, since the above control parameters include the torque limit value of the head moving motor 101, damage to the above mechanism parts, etc. can be suppressed.

[0344] In addition, the above control parameters may also be other parameters such as the target speed of the head moving motor 101, the gain Kp of PID control, etc., or any two or more of these multiple parameters.

[0345] In addition, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head moving motor 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area ( Figure 24 step S105). That is, at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, a collision sound between parts may be generated along with the switching of the drive mechanism. However, at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area, the generation of the above collision sound can be suppressed by temporarily stopping the head moving motor 101.

[0346] In addition, instead of temporarily stopping the head moving motor 101, the speed of the head moving motor 101 can also be reduced.

[0347] In addition, the printer 1 includes an operation unit 115 as an example of a reception device that receives a selection of either a speed priority mode or a normal mode as a printing mode when moving the line head 40. Further, when the speed priority mode is selected, the control unit 100 continuously drives the head moving mechanism 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area ( Figure 24 step S106). In addition, when the normal mode is selected, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head moving mechanism 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area ( Figure 24 step S105).

[0348] At the boundary of each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, a collision sound between parts may occur along with the switching of the drive mechanism. However, in the normal mode, since the head moving motor 101 is temporarily stopped at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, the generation of the above collision sound can be suppressed.

[0349] In addition, in the speed priority mode, since the head moving motor 101 is continuously driven at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, the throughput of processing can be improved.

[0350] Hereinafter, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0351] The above 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. Therefore, 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.

[0352] In addition, instead of setting the protrusion 40a at the position where it abuts on the upstream support portion 46, it may be set at the position where it abuts on the baffle 47.

[0353] In addition, the control unit 100 may also distinguish and use the encoder used for controlling the head moving motor 101 according to the operation. For example, in the case of performing the origin detection operation, the head moving motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the linear ENC107. Further, after performing the origin detection operation, the head moving motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the rotary ENC103.

[0354] In addition, it is also possible to switch to the following control: control the head movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the linear ENC107, and use the rotary ENC103 during driving after detecting the origin by reducing the speed. During driving, the switching of the target position, that is, the conversion from the linear ENC position to the rotary ENC position, is also smoothly performed. Since it is not accompanied by deceleration, stop, and acceleration, an improvement in throughput can be achieved.

[0355] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modification examples described above. Within the scope of the invention described in the claims, various modifications can be made, and these are of course also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that: have: Conveying path, conveying medium; a recording unit that records on a medium and 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 device, which is driven by the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection device for detecting a position of the recording portion relative to the conveying path; A rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the motor; as well as a control unit that controls the motor according to detection signals of the position detection device and the rotation detection device, The position detection device 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 is used to detect the linear scale. The rotation detection device is a rotary encoder having a rotation scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor. The second detection unit detects the rotating scale. The mobile device has a speed reduction mechanism, wherein the speed reduction mechanism has a speed reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. The control section grasps the position of the recording section in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear encoder, and controls the motor based on the signal of the rotary encoder.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical component. The mobile device has a structure in which, when the recording unit is lowered toward the facing unit, the motor is allowed to idle after the recording unit is placed on the facing unit by its own weight. 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 linear encoder no longer has a signal change while the rotary encoder has a signal change when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or the position of the recording unit when the linear encoder has a signal change while the rotary encoder has a signal change when the recording unit is raised from a state where it is placed on the opposing unit.

3. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that The resolution of the linear encoder is set to Rs1, The resolution of the rotary encoder is set to Rs2, When the recording unit is lifted from the state placed on the opposing unit and a signal change of the linear encoder is detected while the rotary encoder has a signal change, the number of output edges of the linear encoder is defined as Ce1. The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit by the linear encoder just before the edge of Ce1, and sets the origin position of the recording unit by the rotary encoder just before the edge of Ce1×(Rs2 / Rs1).

4. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit based on the linear encoder and the origin position of the recording unit based on the rotary encoder, based on a time when the linear encoder no longer changes its signal while the rotary encoder changes its signal when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit.

5. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control unit stops the motor and performs error processing when there is no more change in the signal of the rotary encoder and the signal of the linear encoder during driving of the motor within the moving region of the recording unit.

6. The recording device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The moving area of ​​the recording unit has: Region 1; and a second area, which is farther from the conveying path than the first area, The mobile device 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 moves from the second area to the first area, the recording unit changes from a state in which the recording unit is moved by the second moving unit to a state in which the recording unit is moved by the first moving unit.

7. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that The moving area of ​​the recording unit includes a third area, and the third area is 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 for pressing the supporting portion toward the recording portion, The support portion is movable along the moving direction, The mobile device includes a third moving portion configured to move 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 moves from the third area to the first area, the recording unit changes from a state in which the recording unit is moved by the third moving unit to a state in which the recording unit is moved by the first moving unit.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, 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 of the areas.

9. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that The control parameter includes a torque limit value of the motor.

10. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that The control unit reduces the speed of the motor or temporarily stops the motor at a boundary between each area constituting the movement area.

11. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that The recording device includes an accepting device, and the accepting device accepts 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 each area constituting the movement area.

12. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that The recording unit further comprises: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid along 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 facing 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, thereby moving the recording part. The second moving part comprises: a rack disposed on the recording portion; and The pinion gear meshes with the rack gear and is rotated by the power of the motor, thereby moving 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.

13. The recording device according to claim 12, characterized in that The recording device includes a rotating body that is integrally formed by the cam, the pinion gear, and the pressing portion and is rotated by power of the motor.

14. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mobile device comprises: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and The worm gear meshes with the cylindrical worm gear and rotates along with the rotation of the cylindrical worm gear.

15. The recording device according to claim 12, characterized in that The control unit stores information related to the rotation direction when the motor is driven in the storage unit, Furthermore, when the power of the device is turned on, and the power is not turned on after normal power disconnection, the control unit refers to the information related to the rotation direction, rotates the motor a predetermined amount in the opposite direction of the rotation direction, and determines the position of the recording unit in the moving area according to the moving speed of the recording unit at this time.

16. A method for controlling a recording device, characterized in that: The recording device comprises: Conveying path, conveying medium; a recording unit that records on a medium and 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 device, which is driven by the motor to move the recording unit; a position detection device for detecting a position of the recording portion relative to the conveying path; as well as a rotation detection device for detecting the rotation of the motor, The position detection device 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 is used to detect the linear scale. The rotation detection device is a rotary encoder having a rotation scale and a second detection unit. The rotary scale rotates along with the rotation of the motor. The second detection unit detects the rotating scale. The mobile device has a speed reduction mechanism, wherein the speed reduction mechanism has a speed reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit. The control method comprises the following steps: The position of the recording section in the moving direction is grasped based on the signal of the linear encoder, and the motor is controlled based on the signal of the rotary encoder.

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