Recording apparatus

Abstract

In a configuration in which a gap between a print head and a guide frame is detected by an optical sensor, the light receiving intensity of reflected light is reduced due to contamination of a reference member, and the gap may not be accurately set. The recording apparatus includes: a recording unit movable in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to a conveyance path; an opposing section disposed so as to face the recording section; a motor which is a power source for moving the recording unit; and a moving unit that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit, the moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component, and a position detection unit for detecting the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path is a linear encoder including: a linear scale provided along the moving direction of the recording unit; and a first detection unit that is provided to the recording unit and detects the linear scale, and the moving unit has a configuration that, when the recording unit is lowered toward the facing unit, allows idling of the motor after the recording unit is placed on the facing unit by a self-load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording on a medium. Background Art

[0002] The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes: a guide frame that guides printing paper; a print head held by a carrier that moves above the guide frame; and an alignment sensor provided on the carrier. The guide frame moves up and down according to the thickness of the printing paper. When the alignment sensor moves above the reference member, the cover slides and the reference member is exposed. The alignment sensor irradiates light on the reference member, receives the reflected light from the reference member, and outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the light reception intensity.

[0003] The printer described in Patent Document 1 detects the height position of the guide frame based on the above light reception signal, that is, detects the gap between the print head and the guide frame.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-55798

[0005] As described above, in the configuration in which the gap between the print head and the guide frame is detected by irradiating light on the reference member and receiving the reflected light from the reference member, the light reception intensity of the reflected light may decrease due to contamination of the reference member. The decrease in the light reception intensity directly affects the detection accuracy of the gap between the print head and the guide frame, and thus it may not be possible to accurately set the gap. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The recording apparatus of the present invention for solving the above technical problems is characterized by including: a conveyance path that conveys a medium; a recording unit that records on the medium and is movable in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the conveyance path; an opposing unit that is disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor that is a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection unit that detects the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path; and a control unit that controls the motor. The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder including the following components: a linear scale provided along the moving direction of the recording unit; and a first detection unit provided at the detection unit of the recording unit and detecting the linear scale. The moving unit has a configuration in which when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight and then the motor is allowed to idle. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit, or a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit rises from the state of being placed on the opposing unit. Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall media conveyance path of the printer.

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

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

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control system involved in the movement of the line head.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the action progression of the line head and the baffle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] Figure 25 It is a flowchart showing the process when the origin position is set while raising the line head.

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

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

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

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals

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

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

[0038] The recording apparatus according to the first aspect is characterized by including: a conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording unit that records on the medium and is movable in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the conveyance path; an opposing unit that is disposed opposite to the recording unit; a motor that is a power source when moving the recording unit; a moving unit that receives the power of the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection unit that detects the position of the recording unit with respect to the conveyance path; and a control unit that controls the motor. The moving direction of the recording unit includes a component in the vertical direction. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having the following components: a linear scale disposed along the moving direction of the recording unit; and a first detection unit disposed on the recording unit and detecting the linear scale. The moving unit has a configuration in which when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight and then the idling of the motor is allowed. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit, or a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit rises from the state of being placed on the opposing unit.

[0039] According to this aspect, since the control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit, or a change in the detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit rises from the state of being placed on the opposing unit, it is possible to appropriately grasp the position of the recording unit with respect to the opposing unit, and further, it is possible to appropriately set the gap between the recording unit and the opposing unit.

[0040] In addition, since the moving unit has a configuration in which when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight and then the idling of the motor is allowed, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] For example, in a configuration in which the position of the recording unit in the moving direction is grasped by detecting an increase in the drive current value of the motor when the recording unit abuts against the opposing unit, applying a load to the moving unit may cause damage to components. In addition, when the moving unit includes a worm and worm gear mechanism, excessive surface pressure may also be generated between the worm and the cylindrical worm and cause locking. However, in this aspect, as described above, since the moving unit has a configuration in which when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight and then the idling of the motor is allowed, the occurrence of the above defects can be suppressed.

[0042] It should be noted that the idling of the motor refers to a state where the rotation of the motor is not converted into the movement of the recording unit, and the motor does not receive a load from the recording unit.

[0043] In addition, in this specification, the recording unit being placed on the opposing portion by its own weight means that it is not limited to the recording unit being placed on the opposing portion only by its own weight, but also includes a method of being placed on the opposing portion 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.

[0044] The second mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized by including a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the motor, and the control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the detection signal of the position detection unit and the detection signal of the rotation detection unit.

[0045] According to this mode, since the control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the detection signal of the position detection unit and the detection signal of the rotation detection unit, the position of the recording unit in the moving direction can be grasped with good accuracy.

[0046] The third mode is a mode subordinate to the second mode, characterized in that the rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder having the following components: a rotary scale provided on the output shaft of the motor; and a second detection unit that detects the rotary scale.

[0047] According to this mode, since the rotation detection unit includes a rotary scale provided on the output shaft of the motor and a second detection unit that detects the rotary scale, the rotation of the motor can be detected with good accuracy.

[0048] The fourth mode is a mode subordinate to the third mode, characterized in that the moving unit includes: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and a worm wheel meshing with the cylindrical worm and rotating as the cylindrical worm rotates.

[0049] Since the moving unit includes a worm gear mechanism, there is a possibility of locking when excessive surface pressure is generated between the worm wheel and the cylindrical worm. However, due to the effect of the first mode described above, when grasping the position of the recording unit relative to the opposing portion, an excessive load is not applied to the moving unit, so the occurrence of the above-mentioned locking can be suppressed.

[0050] Moreover, through the worm gear mechanism, the reduction ratio when transmitting power from the motor to the recording unit can be increased. As a result, the resolution of the rotary encoder can be made higher than the resolution of the linear encoder, and the recording unit can be accurately positioned relative to the opposing portion.

[0051] It should be noted that the resolution refers to the number of pulses output per unit amount of movement. For example, if it is the resolution of the rotary encoder, it is the number of pulses output for one rotation of the output shaft of the motor. Additionally, if it is the resolution of the linear encoder, it is the number of pulses output for the unit movement amount of the recording unit.

[0052] The fifth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit at the moment when the change in the signal of the linear encoder disappears during the rotation of the motor when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or the position of the recording unit at the moment when the change in the signal of the linear encoder occurs during the rotation of the motor when the recording unit is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing unit.

[0053] According to this mode, the origin of the recording unit in the moving direction can be appropriately set using the change in the signal of the linear encoder. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the recording unit is improved.

[0054] It should be noted that this mode is not limited to the above-mentioned first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to fourth modes.

[0055] The sixth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the recording unit has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the opposing unit, and the protruding portion abuts against the opposing unit so that the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight.

[0056] According to this mode, since the recording unit has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the opposing unit and the protruding portion abuts against the opposing unit so that the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit by its own weight, it is possible to avoid contact between the portion of the recording unit where the medium is recorded and the opposing unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the portion of the recording unit where the medium is recorded, and it is also possible to suppress soiling of the opposing unit.

[0057] It should be noted that this mode is not limited to the above-mentioned first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to fifth modes.

[0058] The seventh mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the moving area of the recording unit has: a first area; and a second area, farther from the conveying path than the first area. The moving unit includes: a first moving part that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving part that moves the recording unit in the second area. When the recording unit migrates from the first area to the second area, it transfers from the state of moving through the first moving part to the state of moving through the second moving part. When migrating from the second area to the first area, it transfers from the state of moving through the second moving part to the state of moving through the first moving part. Both the first moving part and the second moving part are driven by the motor.

[0059] According to this mode, the moving unit that moves the recording unit includes: a first moving part that moves the recording unit in the first area; and a second moving part that moves the recording unit in the second area. And since the first moving part and the second moving part are driven by a common motor, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the device, and it is also possible to miniaturize the device. In addition, by configuring the moving unit to include the first moving part and the second moving part, it is possible to make the amount of movement of the recording unit with respect to one rotation of the output shaft of the motor different between the first moving part and the second moving part. As a result, in the case where the moving area includes an area where it is desired to move the recording unit with good accuracy and an area where it is desired to ensure the amount of movement of the recording unit, such requests can be appropriately addressed.

[0060] It should be noted that this mode is not limited to the above first mode, and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to sixth modes.

[0061] The eighth mode is a mode subordinate to the seventh mode, characterized in that the first moving part includes a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and moves the recording unit by rotating while supporting the recording unit. The second moving part includes: a rack provided on the recording unit; and a pinion that meshes with the rack and moves the recording unit by rotating using the power of the motor.

[0062] According to this mode, since the first moving part includes a cam that rotates by the power of the motor and moves the recording unit by rotating while supporting the recording unit, it is possible to finely adjust the position of the recording unit at a position close to the medium conveying path. As a result, the recording unit can be positioned at an appropriate position corresponding to the thickness of the medium.

[0063] In addition, the second moving part includes: a rack provided on the recording part; and a pinion gear that meshes with the rack and moves the recording part by rotating using the power of the motor. Accordingly, even when the second area is ensured to be large, the recording part can be moved significantly accordingly, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0064] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described.

[0065] Hereinafter, an inkjet printer 1 will be described as an example of a recording device that records on a medium. Hereinafter, the inkjet printer 1 will be simply referred to as the printer 1.

[0066] It should be noted that 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 on which recording is performed. When viewed from 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.

[0067] 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 toward the front surface, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back surface. In the present embodiment, among the side surfaces surrounding the printer 1, the side surface in the +Y direction becomes the front surface of the device, and the side surface in the -Y direction becomes the back surface of the device.

[0068] 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.

[0069] It should be noted that hereinafter, the direction in which the medium is conveyed may sometimes be referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream".

[0070] Medium conveyance path of the printer

[0071] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 1 the medium conveyance path of the printer 1 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the printer 1 includes 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.

[0072] A paper feed roller 3 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided above the medium storage cassette 2. The paper feed roller 3 can move forward and backward with respect to the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2, and sends the medium out of the medium storage cassette 2 in the +Y direction by contacting and rotating with the medium stored in the medium storage cassette 2.

[0073] Downstream of the medium storage cassette 2, there are provided a feed roller 5 driven by a motor (not shown) and a separation roller 6 to which a rotational torque is imparted by a torque limiter (not shown). The medium sent out from the medium storage cassette 2 is separated by being clamped between the feed roller 5 and the separation roller 6, and is further conveyed downstream.

[0074] Downstream of the feed roller 5 and the separation roller 6, there is provided a turning roller 8 driven by a motor (not shown). Around the turning roller 8, there are provided a first clamping roller 9 and a second clamping roller 10. The medium is clamped between the turning roller 8 and the first clamping roller 9, and then is clamped between the turning roller 8 and the second clamping roller 10 and conveyed. The conveying direction of the medium is reversed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction by the turning roller 8 and is conveyed downstream.

[0075] Downstream of the turning roller 8, there is provided 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 that can rotate in a driven manner. The medium is conveyed by the first pair of conveying rollers 15 to a position opposed to the line head 40.

[0076] It should be noted that the printer 1 has, in addition to the medium feeding path from the medium storage cassette 2, a medium feeding path from the medium support portion 12. The medium support portion 12 supports the medium in an inclined posture, and the supported medium is conveyed to the first pair of conveying rollers 15 by a feed roller 13 driven by a motor (not shown). Reference numeral 14 is a separation roller to which a rotational torque is imparted by a torque limiter (not shown).

[0077] Upstream of the first pair of conveying rollers 15, there is provided a medium detection portion 22. The control portion 100 (described later) (refer to Figure 4 ) can determine the position of the leading end of the medium relative to the line head 40 based on the detection information of the medium detection portion 22, and for example, can position the medium at the recording start position.

[0078] 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 as an example of a liquid onto the medium and records. The line head 40 is a liquid ejection head in which a plurality of nozzles 44 for ejecting ink are arranged so as to cover the entire region in the width direction of the medium. The line head 40 is long in the width direction of the medium and is configured as a liquid ejection head that can record the entire region of the medium width without moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0079] 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 (refer to Figure 2)(formed). The head surface 42a is parallel to the medium conveyance direction, i.e., 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 the reference sign Ta is the medium conveyance path between the line head 40 and the opposed portion 45. The medium conveyance path Ta is parallel to the X-Y plane.

[0080] The printer 1 includes an ink storage portion (not shown), and the ink ejected from the line head 40 is supplied to the line head 40 from the ink storage portion via an ink tube (not shown).

[0081] An opposed portion 45 is provided at the position of the line head 40 opposed to the head surface 42a. The opposed portion 45 according to the present embodiment includes an upstream support portion 46 (see Figure 5 ) and a baffle 47 (see Figure 5 ), and the gap between the medium and the head surface 42a is defined by supporting the medium with the upstream support portion 46 and the baffle 47. Hereinafter, the gap between the opposed portion 45 and the head surface 42a may sometimes be referred to as an impression plate gap.

[0082] The line head 40 is provided so as to be movable in the direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the opposed portion 45, i.e., the adjustment direction of the impression plate gap. In the present embodiment, the adjustment direction of the impression plate gap is parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0083] Hereinafter, the movement of the line head 40 or other component parts in the +Z-axis direction may sometimes be referred to as "rising", and the movement in the -Z direction may be referred to as "descending".

[0084] As Figure 4 shown, the line head 40 moves along the Z-axis direction by the power of a head movement motor 101 which is an example of a drive source. Here, an overview of the movement operation of the line head 40 will be described with reference to Figure 4 . The power of the head movement motor 101 is converted into the operation of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction by a movement unit 110. The movement unit 110 will be described again later.

[0085] A control unit 100 that controls the head movement motor 101 raises and lowers the line head 40 in accordance with the medium type included in the received print data and corresponding to the thickness of the medium, and adjusts the impression plate gap. For example, when the position of the line head 40 when recording on plain paper is taken as the first recording position, in the case of recording on a special paper having a thickness greater than that of plain paper, the line head 40 is positioned at a second recording position which is raised from the first recording position. In the case where the medium contacts the line head 40 even when the second recording position is selected, it is positioned at a third recording position which is further raised from the second recording position.

[0086] In Figure 4In the figure, reference numerals Am1, Am2, and Am3 indicate 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 above-described first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position. Of course, the first region Am1 may also include other recording positions. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the moving region of the line head 40 includes a third region Am3 that is below the first region Am1.

[0087] When the line head 40 moves to the position Hp2, which is the uppermost position of the second region Am2, the gap between the facing portion 45 and the head surface 42a becomes the widest. Thus, it is possible to remove the jammed medium 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.

[0088] The position Hp1 is the recording position when recording on the medium. As described above, the position Hp1 varies according to the type of the medium. That is, the recording position Hp1 includes the above-described first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position.

[0089] The position Hp0 is the lowermost position of the third region Am3. This position is where the cover portion 61, which will be described later, covers the head surface 42a. Hereinafter, the position Hp0 will be referred to as the cover position of the line head 40.

[0090] Returning to 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 follower 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.

[0091] A third pair of conveyance rollers 27 is provided downstream of the second pair of conveyance rollers 19, and further, a pair of discharge rollers 28 is provided downstream of the third pair of conveyance rollers 27. A discharge path facing downward 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 by the pair of discharge rollers 28 with the most recent recording surface facing downward.

[0092] Configuration of the line head

[0093] Next, with reference to Figure 2 The line head 40, which is an example of a liquid ejection head, will be further described.

[0094] As Figure 2 shown, the line head 40 has a plate member 42 on a base 41. The base 41 is a structure in which a flow path for supplying ink, which is supplied from an ink storage portion (not shown), to the head chip 43 is provided inside.

[0095] The plate member 42 is a metal plate that forms the head surface 42a.

[0096] A plurality of openings 42d are formed in the plate member 42, and head chips 43 are provided in the respective openings 42d. A plurality of nozzles 44 are provided along the medium width direction on the head chip 43 (refer to Figure 1 ). The plate member 42 and the head chip 43 are set flush.

[0097] The head chips 43 are alternately arranged at the upstream position and the downstream position along the X-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction. In the present embodiment, three head chips 43 are provided along the medium width direction at the upstream position, and four head chips 43 are provided along the medium width direction at the downstream position. Thus, the 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.

[0098] The line head 40 is provided on the unit frame 31 and together with the unit frame 31 constitutes the head unit 30. The head unit 30 is a structure including the line head 40. Therefore, the components constituting the head unit 30 can be, in other words, the components provided on the line head 40.

[0099] The line head 40 or the head unit 30 is an example of a recording unit that records on the medium. The power of the head movement motor 101 (refer to Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the unit frame 31, whereby the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0100] Configuration of the cover unit

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 3 to describe the cover unit 60.

[0102] The cover unit 60 includes a cover portion 61 that covers the head chip 43. Since the head chip 43 is provided on the head surface 42a, the cover portion 61 can also be referred to as a member that covers a part of the head surface 42a. In addition, since the nozzles 44 are provided on the head chip 43, the cover portion 61 can also be referred to as a member that covers the nozzles 44.

[0103] A plurality of cover portions 61 constitute the cover unit 60. The cover unit 60 is provided on the lower side of the opposing portion 45.

[0104] The cover unit 60 is formed by providing a plurality of cover portions 61 on the base portion 62.

[0105] The cover portion 61 is formed in a shape that is long in the X-axis direction, and includes a cover main body portion 61b formed of a resin material or the like and an elastic portion 61a that is in contact with the head surface 42a and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The cover main body portion 61b is held by a 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 pressed 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.

[0106] Each cover main body portion 61b is connected to a waste liquid pipe (not shown). The 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.

[0107] 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 in the +Y direction are provided, and four cover portions 61 at the downstream position in the -Y direction are provided.

[0108] Such an arrangement of the cover portions 61 corresponds to the arrangement of the head chips 43 in the line head 40.

[0109] The cover portion 61 is exposed by moving a baffle 47 (described later) from a shielding position to an open position.

[0110] Configuration of the opposing portion

[0111] Next, with reference to Figure 5 the opposing portion 45 will be further described.

[0112] 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 in Figure 5 and open positions shown by states ST2 and ST3 in Figure 5 by the power of a motor (not shown).

[0113] When the baffle 47 moves to the open position, an opening 45a is formed in the opposing portion 45, and the cover portion 61 is exposed inside the opening 45a.

[0114] In a state where the baffle 47 is in the open position, as in Figure 5As shown in the middle use state ST3, the line head 40 descends, so that the cover portion 61 can cover the head chip 43. At this time, the cover portion 61 is slightly pressed downward in the -Z direction against the pressing force of the cover spring 63, whereby the cover portion 61 closely adheres to the head surface 42a. It should be noted that the descent of the line head 40 when the cover portion 61 is closely adhered to the head surface 42a is sometimes referred to as the "cover operation".

[0115] When the power of the device is turned off or in the recording standby state when the power is turned on, the control unit 100 is in a state where the head chip 43 is covered by the cover portion 61 with the shutter 47 in the open position. In addition, when performing a flushing operation for preventing clogging of the nozzles 44, the control unit 100 sprays ink onto the cover portion 61 with the shutter 47 (to be described later) in the open position.

[0116] 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, it is possible to suppress the medium being conveyed from entering the opening 45a of the opposing portion 45 or the posture of the medium from being disturbed. Moreover, it is possible to suppress foreign matters such as paper scraps from entering the cover portion 61 during the conveyance of the medium, and the performance of the cover portion 61 from being damaged.

[0117] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the shutter 47 moves between the shielding position and the open position by a link mechanism 35 (see Figure 6 ) that operates by reversing the drive roller 20 that constitutes the second conveying roller pair 19.

[0118] It should be noted that 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 upstream support portion 46 abuts against a limiting portion (not shown), and thus the movement in the +Z direction is restricted at a specified position.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Configuration of the moving unit that moves the line head

[0121] Hereinafter, a moving unit 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.

[0122] First, the control unit 100 can use the detection information sent from the rotary encoder 103 (see Figure 4 ) and the detection information sent from the linear encoder 107 (see Figure 4Based on the detection information sent, the position of the line head 40 in the Z-axis direction is grasped. It should be noted that hereafter, the term "encoder" will be abbreviated as "ENC".

[0123] As Figure 9 shown, the rotary ENC 103 is composed of 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 including pulses in a quantity proportional to the rotation amount of the motor output shaft.

[0124] In addition, the linear ENC 107 is composed of a linear scale 108 provided on a guiding frame 33 described later and a first detection unit 109 that detects the movement of the linear scale 108. The linear ENC 107 detects the light-transmitting scale of the linear scale 108 and outputs a detection pulse signal including pulses in a quantity proportional to the movement amount of the head unit 30.

[0125] 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.

[0126] As Figure 8 shown, rack members 32 are provided at the +X-direction end and -X-direction end of the unit frame 31. The rack member 32 provided at the +X-direction end relative to the unit frame 31 is denoted by reference numeral 32A, and the rack member 32 provided at the -X-direction end is labeled with reference numeral 32B. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the rack members 32A and 32B, they are collectively referred to as the rack member 32.

[0127] As Figure 7 shown, a guiding frame 33 is provided in the +Y direction relative to the unit frame 31. First guiding portions 33a are formed at the +X-direction end and -X-direction end of the guiding frame 33. The first guiding portion 33a is a portion that forms a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane. Moreover, a second guiding portion 33b is formed at the -Y-direction end of the first guiding portion 33a. The second guiding portion 33b is a portion that forms a plane parallel to the X-Z plane. It should be noted that, as Figure 6 shown, the guiding frame 33 is supported by base frames 33A and 33B spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0128] As Figure 8As shown, the rack member 32 is provided with guided portions 32c and 32d. By means of the guided portions 32c and 32d, the first guiding portion 33a of the guiding frame 33 can be clamped in the X-axis direction. In addition, the rack member 32 is provided with guided portions 32e and 32f. By means of the guided portions 32e and 32f, the second guiding portion 33b of the guiding frame 33 can be clamped in the Y-axis direction. With such a configuration, the unit frame 31, that is, the head unit 30, is guided by the guiding frame 33 in the Z-axis direction.

[0129] It should be noted that the shape of the rack member 32B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the Y-axis at the intermediate position between the rack member 32A and the rack member 32B in the X-axis direction of the shape of the rack member 32A.

[0130] Next, as Figure 7 shown, a shaft 77 parallel to the X-axis direction is rotatably supported by the guiding frame 33. Rotating bodies 74 are provided near the +X-direction end portion and the -X-direction end portion of the shaft 77. 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 end portion in the -X direction is attached with 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.

[0131] It should be noted that the shape of the rotating body 74B is a shape that is line-symmetric with respect to the Y-axis at the intermediate position between the rotating body 74A and the rotating body 74B in the X-axis direction of the shape of the rotating body 74A.

[0132] The rotating body 74 rotates integrally with the shaft 77. It should be noted that 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.

[0133] 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 reduction mechanism 76 (refer to Figure 9 ) for transmitting power from the head movement motor 101 to the shaft 77.

[0134] Hereinafter, the reduction mechanism 76 will be described with reference to Figure 9 .

[0135] The reduction mechanism 76 includes members such as a first bevel gear 78, a second bevel gear 79, a spur gear 80, a spur gear 81, a spur gear 82, a worm gear 83, and a cylindrical worm 84.

[0136] 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 rotatably supported by the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The mounting frame 34 is fixed to the guide frame 33 with screws. In addition, the head movement motor 101 is fixed to the mounting frame 34 with screws.

[0137] The spur gear 80 meshes with the spur gear 81. The spur gear 81 is rotatably provided on the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The spur gear 82 meshes with the spur gear 81. The spur gear 82 and the worm gear 83 are integrally formed and are rotatably provided on the mounting frame 34 (see Figure 6 ). The cylindrical worm 84 meshes with the worm gear 83, and the worm gear mechanism is constituted by the worm gear 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, its rotation is transmitted to the shaft 77 via the reduction mechanism 76, and the shaft 77 rotates.

[0138] It should be noted that, 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 preferably greater than 100 as in the present embodiment.

[0139] Next, as shown in Figure 11 , a pinion 72 constituting a rack and pinion mechanism is provided on the rotating body 74. In addition, a cam 66 is provided on the rotating body 74. In addition, a rod-shaped pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74.

[0140] As shown in Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 , 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, i.e., the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the pinion 72 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the line head 40 descends, and when the rack 71 rotates in the rotation direction C2, the line head 40 ascends.

[0141] The rack 71 and the pinion 72 constitute a second moving portion 70 that moves the line head 40 in the second region Am2.

[0142] It should be noted that, 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".

[0143] In addition, as shown in Figure 8 , Figure 10 ,Figures 13 - 18 As shown, a contact portion 32a capable of contacting the cam 66 is provided on the rack member 32. The contact portion 32a is provided so as to protrude in the +Y direction, and the cam 66 is disposed below the contact portion 32a. The head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is supported by the cam 66 via the contact portion 32a in the first region Am1, thereby defining the position in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, can be placed on the cam 66 by its own weight. It should be noted that the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, can be placed on the cam 66 only by its own weight, or can be placed on the cam 66 by receiving a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like. When the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is placed on the cam 66 by receiving a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like, the floating of the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, is suppressed and the impression plate gap is stabilized.

[0144] The outer peripheral surface of the cam 66 is formed such that the distance from the axis center of the shaft 77, i.e., the radius, changes along the circumferential direction (see Figure 12 ). Therefore, when the cam 66 rotates in a state where the contact portion 32a is placed on the cam 66, the head unit 30, i.e., the line head 40, moves in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, when the cam 66 rotates in the rotation direction C1, the line head 40 descends, and when the cam 66 rotates in the rotation direction C2, the line head 40 ascends.

[0145] 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.

[0146] It should be noted that 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 may sometimes be referred to as "cam drive".

[0147] The first moving portion 65 and the above-described second moving portion 70 constitute a moving unit 110 (see Figure 4 ).

[0148] In addition, as Figure 10 , Figures 13 - 18 shown, a pressed portion 32b capable of contacting the pressing portion 75 is provided on the rack member 32. The pressed portion 32b is provided so as to protrude in the +Y direction, and is configured such that the pressing portion 75 can contact the pressed portion 32b from above.

[0149] 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 the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, downward 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. It should be noted that when the line head 40 rises in the third region Am3, the line head 40 rises by receiving the pressing force of the coil spring 54 (refer to Figure 5 ), which is an example of the above-mentioned pressing member. Therefore, the coil spring 54 (refer to Figure 5 ) also constitutes the third moving portion 73.

[0150] It should be noted that since the third moving portion 73 raises and lowers the line head 40 through the rod-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 "rod drive" hereinafter.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the third moving portion 73 constitutes a moving unit 110 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0152] Figure 12 The formation ranges of the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are shown.

[0153] The pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 in which a part of the teeth is missing and a second phase region Ak2 in which teeth are formed. It should be noted that hereinafter, when simply referred to as "pinion 72", for convenience, it refers to the part of the second phase region Ak2 in which teeth are formed.

[0154] In addition, the cam 66 has a non-supporting phase region Aj1 that does not support the contact portion 32a and a supporting phase region Aj2 that can support the contact portion 32a. In the supporting phase region Aj2, the radius Ra of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting contact portion 32a changes along the circumferential direction. It should be noted that hereinafter, when simply referred to as "cam 66", for convenience, it refers to the part of the supporting phase region Aj2.

[0155] Hereinafter, the operations of the first moving portion 65, the second moving portion 70, and the third moving portion 73 will be further described.

[0156] Figure 13 The state in which the line head 40 is at the first recording position in the first region Am1 is shown. In this state, the first moving portion 65 functions. That is, the head unit 30 is placed on the cam 66 by its own weight. In this state, the rack 71 is not engaged with the pinion 72, and the pressing portion 75 is spaced apart from the pressed portion 32b.

[0157] In the first area Am1, which is the area for recording on the medium, it is necessary to accurately determine the position of the line head 40 with good precision. Therefore, cam drive by the first moving part 65 is adopted.

[0158] 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 formed such that when the cam 66 rotates by 1°, the radius changes by 0.01 mm. That is, when the cam 66 rotates by 1°, the line head 40 moves up or down by 0.01 mm.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] In this way, in the first area Am1, the first moving part 65 with a small amount of movement of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77 functions, whereby the line head 40 can be accurately positioned at each recording position.

[0162] It should be noted that when the line head 40 is lowered from the Figure 15 state to be in 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.

[0163] Next, Figure 16 and Figure 17 are the states where the shaft 77 further rotates 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 at 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 detaches from the cam 66.

[0164] In addition, as Figure 17 shows, this state is the state where the rack 71 starts to engage with the pinion 72.

[0165] In this way, when the line head 40 migrates from the first area Am1 to the second area Am2, it transfers from the state of moving through the first moving part 65 to the state of moving through the second moving part 70.

[0166] It should be noted that when transferring from the cam drive based on the first moving part 65 to the rack and pinion drive based on the second moving 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 detaches from the cam 66, the line head 40 will not drop due to this.

[0167] 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 is raised to the position in the +Z direction by the second moving part 70, i.e., the rack and pinion mechanism. This state is the state where the line head 40 is most spaced apart from the opposing part 45, and becomes the paper jam processing position Hp2 when a paper jam occurs.

[0168] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism composed of the rack 71 and the pinion 72 is configured such that when the pinion 72 rotates 1°, the line head 40 rises or falls by approximately 0.26 mm. Therefore, in terms of the amount of movement of the line head 40 per unit rotation angle of the shaft 77, the second moving part 70 is much larger than the first moving part 65.

[0169] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the platen gap when the line head 40 is at the paper jam processing position Hp2 is 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0170] In the above process, even when the line head 40 rises from the first recording position to the paper jam processing position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotational direction C2 without switching the rotational direction.

[0171] It should be noted that the lowest position in the movement area of the line head 40 is the cover position Hp0, and the highest position is the paper jam processing position Hp2. When the line head 40 is raised from the cover position Hp0 to the paper jam processing position Hp2, the shaft 77 is also rotated in the rotational direction C2 without switching the rotational direction.

[0172] It should be noted that when the line head 40 descends, it is the opposite of the above. That is, when the line head 40 migrates from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, it transfers 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 migrates from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, a state is formed in which the pinion 72 separates from the rack 71 and the abutting part 32a is placed on the cam 66.

[0173] Further, during the process of lowering the line head 40 from the paper jam processing position Hp2 to the first recording position, the shaft 77 is rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction. Further, during the process of lowering the line head 40 from the paper jam processing position Hp2 to the cover position Hp0, the shaft 77 is similarly rotated in the rotation direction C1 without switching the rotation direction.

[0174] Further, when shifting from the rack and pinion drive based on the second moving part 70 to the cam drive based on the first moving part 65, as Figure 16 、 Figure 17 shown, a state is temporarily formed in which the cam 66 contacts the abutting part 32a, that is, the line head 40, and the pinion 72 meshes with the rack 71. Thus, even if the pinion 72 disengages from the rack 71, the line head 40 will not drop as a result.

[0175] 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. It should be noted that, 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, the baffle 47 is moved from the shielding position to the open position as described above before the cover operation.

[0176] Figure 19 shows the state where the line head 40 is in the first area Am1, and more specifically, in the first recording position. A protruding part 40a protruding toward the opposing part 45 is provided at a position opposing the upstream support part 46 in the head unit 30. In this state, a gap Gp is formed between the protruding part 40a and the upstream support part 46. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the protruding part 40a is provided at a position deviated from the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. Further, the protruding part 40a is provided on both sides of the medium conveyance area in the X-axis direction. The protruding part 40a is provided on the unit frame 31 as an example.

[0177] In the case of 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 drops.

[0178] When the line head 40 drops, 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 such a magnitude that the upstream support part 46 will not be displaced downward when the head unit 30 is placed on the upstream support part 46 by its own weight.

[0179] It should be noted that the line head 40 being placed on the opposing portion 45 by its own weight means that it is not limited to the line head 40 being placed on the opposing portion 45 only by its own weight, but also includes a method in which, in addition to its own weight, a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component is received from a spring or the like and the line head 40 is placed on the opposing portion 45. When the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, receives a pressing force in a direction including a vertically downward component from a spring or the like and is placed on the opposing portion 45, the floating of the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, can be suppressed and the platen gap can be stabilized.

[0180] It should be noted that 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 portion to be pressed 32b, even if the shaft 77, that is, the rotating body 74, rotates in the rotation direction C1, there is a period during which the line head 40 maintains a stopped state. This period is the idling period of the head movement motor 101, which will be described in detail later.

[0181] And, when the shaft 77 further rotates in the rotation direction C1 from the Figure 20 state, the pressing portion 75 abuts against the portion to be pressed 32b and presses the portion to be pressed 32b downward. That is, the rod 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.

[0182] Figure 21 The state where the line head 40 is in the cover position Hp0 is shown. During the movement of the line head 40 to the cover position Hp0, the head surface 42a of the line head 40 contacts the cover portion 61, and further, the head surface 42a presses the cover portion 61 downward by a predetermined amount against the pressing force of the cover spring 63. Thereby, the cover portion 61 closely adheres to the head surface 42a.

[0183] When raising the head unit 30, that is, the line head 40, 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 is restricted in the Z-axis direction position by the pressing portion 75 and rises by the elastic force of the coil spring 54, returning to the Figure 20 state.

[0184] 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.

[0185] Here, in the Figure 21 , the reference numeral k1 is the gap formed between the cam 66 and the abutting portion 32a. When there is no such gap k1, the state of supporting the line head 40 by the cam 66 and the state of the pressing portion 75 pressing the portion to be pressed 32b, that is, the line head 40, are formed simultaneously, and the rotating body 74 may be in a locked state and unable to rotate.

[0186] However, by setting the gap k1, the states of the line head 40 being supported by the cam 66 and the pressing portion 75 pressing down the line head 40 are not formed simultaneously, and the locking of the rotating body 74 can be avoided.

[0187] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 in which the pressed portion 32b, the abutting portion 32a, and the rack 71 are formed integrally. Thus, it is easy to determine the relative positional relationship among the pressed portion 32b, the abutting portion 32a, and the rack 71. As a result, the configuration in which the states of the line head 40 being supported by the cam 66 and the pressing portion 75 pressing down the line head 40 are not formed simultaneously can be reliably achieved.

[0188] It should be noted that even when the cam 66 moves away from the abutting portion 32a to form the gap k1, since the line head 40 is supported by the upstream support portion 46, the line head 40 does not descend. However, it is also possible to configure that the cover portion 61 supports the line head 40 instead of the configuration in which the upstream support portion 46 supports the line head 40 in a state where the gap k1 is formed when the cam 66 moves away from the abutting portion 32a.

[0189] As described above, the printer 1 includes: a medium conveyance path Ta for conveying a medium; a line head 40 that can move relative to the medium conveyance path Ta in a direction intersecting the recording surface of the medium; and a moving unit 110 that moves the line head 40.

[0190] The moving area of the line head 40 has a first area Am1 and a second area Am2 that is farther from the medium conveyance path Ta than the first area Am1.

[0191] The moving unit 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.

[0192] When the line head 40 migrates from the first area Am1 to the second area Am2, it transfers from the state of moving through the first moving portion 65 to the state of moving through the second moving portion 70. In addition, when the line head 40 migrates from the second area Am2 to the first area Am1, it transfers from the state of moving through the second moving portion 70 to the state of moving through the first moving portion 65.

[0193] Moreover, the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70 are driven by a head moving motor 101 as a common drive source. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the first moving portion 65 and the second moving portion 70 are driven by different drive sources, the cost increase of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, the miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0194] In addition, when the line head 40 migrates from the first area Am1 to the third area Am3, it transfers 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 migrates from the third area Am3 to the first area Am1, it transfers from the state of moving through the third moving part 73 to the state of moving through the first moving part 65.

[0195] 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.

[0196] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first moving part 65 includes a cam 66, which is a cam rotated by the power of the head moving motor 101, and moves the line head 40 by rotating while supporting the line head 40. Thereby, the position of the line head 40 can be finely adjusted 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.

[0197] 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 meshing with the rack 71, and moves the line head 40 by rotating using the power of the head moving motor 101. Thereby, even when the second area Am2 is ensured to be large, the line head 40 can be moved significantly accordingly, which can contribute to the convenience of maintenance work and the like.

[0198] However, the first moving part 65 is not limited to cam drive, and other configurations 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 configurations such as cam drive can also be adopted.

[0199] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are integrally formed to form a rotating body 74. Thereby, the 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 separately transmit power from the head moving motor 101 to the first moving part 65 and the second moving part 70, the number of components can be reduced. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved. However, the cam 66 and the pinion 72 can also be separately formed.

[0200] Moreover, in the present embodiment, a pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74. Thereby, power can be easily transmitted from the head movement 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 movement motor 101 to the first moving portion 65, the second moving portion 70, and the third moving portion 73, the number of components can be reduced. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and the device can be miniaturized.

[0201] However, the pressing portion 75 may be configured independently of the rotating body 74.

[0202] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 where a part of the teeth is missing. When the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, the cam 66 supports the line head 40. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0203] That is, when the first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40, if the second moving portion 70 also tries to move the line head 40, the position adjustment of the line head 40 based on the first moving portion 65 may be disturbed. According to this method, the pinion 72 has a first phase region Ak1 where a part of the teeth is missing. When the first phase region Ak1 faces the rack 71, the cam 66 supports the line head 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second moving portion 70 from having an adverse effect when the first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40.

[0204] In addition, in the present embodiment, when transferring 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 transferring 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 where 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 where the line head 40 is not supported by either the cam 66 or the pinion 72 will not occur. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of defects such as the line head 40 falling and the line head 40 being defective due to impact. It should be noted that the state where the cam 66 is in contact with the line head 40 and the pinion 72 is engaged with the rack 71 deviates from the above-described first recording position, second recording position, and third recording position.

[0205] In addition, when the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are separately configured, it may not be possible to temporarily form a state where the cam 66 is in contact with the line head 40 and the pinion 72 is engaged with the rack 71 due to component tolerances or assembly errors. However, in the present embodiment, since the cam 66 and the pinion 72 are integrally formed, the occurrence of the above-described defects can be suppressed.

[0206] In addition, in the present embodiment, the line head 40 includes a rack member 32 integrally formed with an abutting portion 32a that abuts against the cam 66 and a rack 71. Thus, it is easy to determine the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71.

[0207] Here, assuming that the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 are separately formed, due to component tolerances or assembly errors, etc., it may not be possible to temporarily form a state where 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, the positional relationship between the abutting portion 32a and the rack 71 is easy to determine, so the occurrence of the above-mentioned defects can be suppressed.

[0208] 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, which is 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 rotatably supported by the guide frame 33. Thus, it is 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.

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, the head unit 30 includes a line head 40. The line head 40 includes a plurality of nozzles 44 that eject ink, which is an example of a liquid, along the medium width direction, and is a liquid ejection head that 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, which is the liquid ejection surface of the line head 40.

[0210] The cover portion 61 can be displaced in a direction of advancing and retreating relative to the line head 40, and the cover portion 61 is pressed against the line head 40 by a cover spring 63, which is an example of a pressing member.

[0211] The line head 40 can further move from the first region Am1 to a cover position Hp0 where the head surface 42a is covered by the cover portion 61.

[0212] A pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74. After the contact between the abutting portion 32a, which abuts against the cam 66 in the line head 40, 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. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0213] In order to make the head surface 42a of the line head 40 in a state reliably covered by the covering portion 61, it is necessary to press the head surface 42a against the pressing force of the cover spring 63 to the cover portion 61. The first moving portion 65 moves the line head 40 in the first region Am1, and in addition, the rotation of the cam 66 moves the line head 40, and the head surface 42a cannot be pressed to the cover portion 61.

[0214] 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. Thereby, the head surface 42a can be reliably pressed to the cover portion 61, and the head surface 42a can be reliably covered by the cover portion 61.

[0215] In addition, since the pressing portion 75 is provided on the rotating body 74, there is no need for an additional power source for reliably pressing the head surface 42a to the cover portion 61. As a result, an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed, and in addition, miniaturization of the device can be achieved.

[0216] Position detection of the line head

[0217] Next, the position detection in the moving direction of the line head 40 will be described. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as the moving direction, it means the moving direction (Z-axis direction) of the line head 40.

[0218] First, with reference to Figure 4 The control unit 100 will be further described. It should be noted that the control unit 100 controls the entire printer 1, but the configuration unrelated to the movement of the line head 40 is omitted in Figure 4 .

[0219] The control unit 100 performs various controls including the recording control of the printer 1. The control unit 100 includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, in other words, software. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, and the memories store program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control unit 100 is not limited to a controller that performs software processing. For example, the control unit 100 may also 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) for a specific purpose.

[0220] A head moving motor 101 is electrically connected to the control unit 100 as an output system. In the present embodiment, the head moving motor 101 is a DC motor and is subjected to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control by the control unit 100.

[0221] In addition, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to components such as the operation unit 115, the rotary ENC 103, and the linear ENC 107 as an input system. The operation unit 115 is a part that accepts the power-on / off of the printer 1, various settings, and recording execution. For example, it can be composed of a touch panel that realizes a user interface through the control of the control unit 100.

[0222] 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.

[0223] The arithmetic unit 120 performs various operations required for operating the printer 1. For example, the arithmetic unit 120 performs various operations such as setting values required for executing the program 125 stored in the non-volatile memory 124. The volatile memory 123 is used as a temporary data storage area.

[0224] The motor control unit 121 controls the head movement motor 101 via the motor driver 122 by outputting a current command value, such as a duty ratio signal required for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, to the motor driver 122. The motor driver 122 includes a D / A converter and controls the current supplied to the head movement motor 101 by performing PWM control based on the duty ratio signal.

[0225] In this embodiment, the motor control unit 121 performs PID control on the head movement motor 101. The motor control unit 121 calculates the target rotational speed by multiplying the position deviation between the target rotational position of the head movement motor 101 and the actual rotational position obtained from the output signal of the rotary ENC 103 by the gain Kp. Then, based on the speed deviation between the target rotational speed and the actual rotational speed obtained from the output of the rotary ENC 103, the motor control unit 121 performs operations on the proportional component, integral component, and differential component using the proportional element, integral element, and differential element, and sends a duty ratio signal to the motor driver 122 based on the sum of these operation results.

[0226] It should be noted that the motor control unit 121 can also control the head movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the linear ENC instead of the output signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0227] The operation unit 120 detects the edges of the output pulses of the rotary ENC 103, counts their number, and calculates the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 based on the count value. The operation unit 120 differentiates the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the head movement motor 101 according to the comparison process of the two pulse signals output from the rotary ENC 103. Then, the operation unit 120 performs a counting process to increment and decrement the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 corresponding to the forward rotation and reverse rotation when one edge is detected.

[0228] Figure 22 , Figure 23 The "rotary ENC position" shown in the figure has the rotational position of the head movement motor 101 obtained by the above counting process on the vertical axis, with the upward direction being the increment direction, i.e., the upward movement direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction being the decrement direction, i.e., the downward movement direction of the line head 40.

[0229] It should be noted that 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 is in forward rotation, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of pulse ENC-B. On the other hand, when the head movement motor 101 is in reverse rotation, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees behind the phase of pulse ENC-B. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time for the head movement motor 101 to rotate by an amount corresponding to the interval between the slits of the rotary scale 104. Thus, the operation unit 120 can detect the rotational speed of the head movement motor 101. Figure 22 , Figure 23 The "rotary ENC speed" shown in the figure corresponds to the above rotational speed.

[0230] It should be noted that the operation unit 120 can calculate the movement amount of the line head 40 based on the rotational amount of the head movement motor 101 and the reduction ratio of the above reduction mechanism 76. In addition, if the operation unit 120 detects the time of one cycle of each pulse, it can calculate the movement speed of the line head 40 based on the reduction ratio of the above reduction mechanism 76. However, in the case where the signal change of the linear ENC 107 is not detected, that is, when 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.

[0231] 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 between the rising and falling of the line head 40 based on the comparison process of the two pulse signals output from the linear ENC 107. Then, the arithmetic unit 120 performs a counting process to increment and decrement the position of the line head 40 corresponding to the rising and falling when one edge is detected.

[0232] Figure 22 , Figure 23 The "linear ENC position" shown in the figure has a position obtained by the above counting process on the vertical axis, which corresponds to the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction. The upward direction of the linear ENC position becomes the increment direction, that is, the rising direction of the line head 40, and the downward direction becomes the decrement direction, that is, the falling direction of the line head 40.

[0233] It should be noted that the linear ENC 107 outputs two pulse signals, pulse ENC-A and pulse ENC-B. In any case of the rising and falling of the line head 40, the phase of pulse ENC-A is shifted by 90 degrees from the phase of pulse ENC-B. When the line head 40 is rising, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of pulse ENC-B. On the other hand, when the line head 40 is falling, the phase of pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees behind the phase of pulse ENC-B. The time of one cycle of each pulse is equal to the time for the line head 40 to move by the amount of the slit interval of the linear scale 108.

[0234] 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 the figure corresponds to the moving speed.

[0235] Hereinafter, an outline of the origin detection method of the line head 40 will be described.

[0236] As an example, when the line head 40 descends from the Figure 19 shown recording position Hp1, before the protruding portion 40a provided on the line head 40 abuts against the upstream support portion 46, signal changes occur in both the rotary ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107. This is shown in the Figure 22 shown rotary ENC position and linear ENC position during the cam drive.

[0237] When the protrusion 40a provided on the line head 40 abuts against the upstream support portion 46, the downward movement of the line head 40 temporarily stops, and thus the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears. This is shown in Figure 22 the linear ENC position during the idling of the motor as shown. However, since the head movement motor 101 continues to rotate, as shown in Figure 22 the rotational ENC position during the idling of the motor as shown, the signal change of the rotational ENC 103 continues to occur.

[0238] The control unit 100 can utilize this property to set the origin position of the line head 40. That is, the control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotational ENC 103 when the line head 40 descends toward the opposing portion 45.

[0239] In Figure 22 the position Pm0 is the rotational ENC position at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the rotational ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0240] The position of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be grasped based on the origin position of the rotational ENC 103 or based on the origin position of the linear ENC 107. In any case, the distances from the origin position to the boundaries of the respective regions can be stored 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.

[0241] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, with respect to the encoder resolution of the unit movement amount of the line head 40 by the speed reduction mechanism 76, the rotational ENC 103 is higher than the linear ENC 107. Therefore, in order to ensure the stop position accuracy of the line head 40, it is preferable to perform basic speed control of the head movement motor 101 based on the output signal of the rotational ENC 103.

[0242] It should be noted that 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 rises from the cover position Hp0, before the upstream support portion 46 rises to the upper limit position, signal changes occur in both the rotational ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107. This is shown in Figure 23 the rotational ENC position and the linear ENC position during the rod drive as shown.

[0243] When the upstream support portion 46 rises to the upper limit position and the pressing portion 75 moves upward away from the pressed portion 32b, the ascent of the line head 40 temporarily stops, and thus the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears. This is manifested in Figure 23 the linear ENC position during the motor idling period as shown. However, since the head movement motor 101 continues to rotate, as shown in Figure 23 the rotational ENC position during the motor idling period, the signal change of the rotational ENC 103 continues to occur. And 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 is manifested in the linear ENC position when migrating from the Figure 23 shown motor idling period to the cam driving period.

[0244] The control unit 100 can utilize this property to set the origin position of the line head 40. That is, the control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotational ENC 103.

[0245] In Figure 23 , the position Pm0 is the rotational ENC position at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the rotational ENC 103, and the position Pn0 is the linear ENC position at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears, that is, the origin position of the linear ENC 107.

[0246] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 24 the processing performed by the control unit 100 will be further described.

[0247] The control unit 100 sets the origin position of the line head 40 described above at a prescribed timing (step S101). This origin position setting can be performed when the power of the printer 1 is turned on, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last origin position setting, and the like.

[0248] Next, the control unit 100 sets the rotational ENC position as shown in step S102. It should be noted that the position in step S102 refers to the rotational ENC position, but it can also be the linear ENC position.

[0249] Thereby, the rotational ENC position in the lever drive region is set to "position < origin - dx1". The distance dx1 is the distance from the origin position to the lever drive region.

[0250] In addition, the rotational ENC position in the cam drive region is set to "origin ≤ position < origin + dx2". The distance dx2 is the distance from the origin position to the rack and pinion drive region.

[0251] 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 (see Figure 4 ).

[0252] It should be noted that the lengths of the rod 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 ).

[0253] Next, when the control unit 100 moves the line head 40 (yes in step S103), it determines whether the printing mode is the normal mode (step S104). The printing mode can be selected by the user via the operation unit 115 as either the normal mode or the speed priority mode.

[0254] In the case of the normal mode, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the line head 40 in front of the area boundary and selects control parameters in each area (step S105). In the case of the speed priority mode, the control unit 100 continuously drives without stopping the line head 40 at the area boundary and selects control parameters in each area (step S106).

[0255] 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, thereby limiting the drive current value of the head movement motor 101. 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, it is possible to suppress excessive load on the drive mechanism in case of an abnormality.

[0256] Figure 27 The head movement speed, motor rotation speed, motor drive load, and torque limit value for each area when the line head 40 rises and falls are shown. When the line head 40 descends, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first area Am1, i.e., in the case of cam drive, the highest in the second area Am2, i.e., in the case of rack and pinion drive, and intermediate in the third area Am3, i.e., in the case of rod drive. In addition, when the line head 40 descends, the motor rotation speed is speed 2 in each area. However, for example, in order to mitigate the impact when the line head 40 contacts an obstacle in the second area Am2 or the third area Am3, it can also be set to a speed lower than speed 2.

[0257] In addition, when the line head 40 descends, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 is minimized in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and is larger in the third region Am3 than in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2. Therefore, when the line head 40 descends, the torque limit value is minimized in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2, and is larger in the third region Am3 than in the first region Am1 and the second region Am2. In the third region Am3, the pressing portion 75 presses down the line head 40 in order to counteract the spring force of the coil spring 54 (see Figure 20 ), or the lid spring 63 (see Figure 20 ). This is shown in the motor duty ratio of the lever drive region shown in Figure 22 . When the line head 40 descends, in the third region Am3, the head movement motor 101 first receives a load from the coil spring 54, and then receives loads from both the coil spring 54 and the lid spring 63. Therefore, as the line head 40 descends, the motor duty ratio increases. Therefore, the torque limit value of the third region Am3 is the largest.

[0258] Next, when the line head 40 ascends, the head movement speed is the lowest in the first region Am1 where it is cam-driven, the highest in the second region Am2 where it is rack-and-pinion driven, and intermediate in the third region Am3 where it is lever-driven. In addition, when the line head 40 ascends, the motor rotation speed is speed 1 in each region. However, for example, in order to mitigate the impact when the line head 40 abuts against an obstacle in the second region Am2 or the third region Am3, a speed lower than speed 1 may be set. It should be noted that speed 1 may be equal to speed 2, higher than speed 2, or lower than speed 2.

[0259] In addition, when the line head 40 ascends, the driving load of the head movement motor 101 is minimized in the third region Am3 and the first region Am1, and is larger in the second region Am2 than in the first region Am1 and the third region Am3. However, when the line head 40 ascends, the torque limit value is the largest in the third region Am3. This is because when meshing occurs in the worm gear mechanism during head descent, when the head ascends, a motor driving load larger than the motor driving load during head descent may be applied. It should be noted that the torque limit value is the smallest in the first region Am1 and is larger in the second region Am2 than in the first region Am1.

[0260] Next, a process for detecting the origin of the line head 40 by 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 will be described with reference to Figure 25 .

[0261] With the line head 40 placed on the upstream support portion 46 via the protruding portion 40a, the control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 to raise the line head 40 (step S201). Next, when a signal change in the linear ENC 107 occurs (Yes in step S202), when the number of edges of the output pulses of the linear ENC 107 is Ce1, the origin position based on the linear ENC 107 is set in front of the Ce1 edge (step S203). An example of the number of edges Ce1 is 1.

[0262] Next, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on the rotary ENC 103 in front of the Ce1×(Rs1 / Rs2) edge (step S204). Here, Rs1 is the resolution of the rotary ENC 103, specifically, the number of edges of the output pulses of the rotary ENC 103 with respect to the unit movement amount of the line head 40. In addition, Rs2 is the resolution of the linear ENC 107, specifically, the number of edges of the output pulses of the linear ENC 107 with respect to the unit movement amount of the line head 40.

[0263] 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.

[0264] Next, refer to Figure 26 A process of performing origin detection of the line head 40 by lowering the line head 40 from a state where the protruding portion 40a of the line head 40 is separated from the upstream support portion 46 will be described.

[0265] The control unit 100 starts driving the head movement motor 101 to lower the line head 40 (step S301). Next, when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (Yes in step S302), if there is a signal change in the rotary ENC 103 (Yes in step S303), the origin position based on the linear ENC 107 is set to the linear ENC position at the moment when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (step S304). In addition, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on the rotary ENC 103 to the rotary ENC position at the moment when the signal change in the linear ENC 107 disappears (step S305). By setting the origin position of the line head 40 in this way, the origin position of the line head 40 can be accurately set.

[0266] Figure 24 The origin position setting in step S101 of Figure 25 can adopt the process shown in Figure 26 or the process shown in

[0267] Note that when the signal change of the linear ENC107 disappears (Yes in step S302), and when the signal change of the rotary ENC103 also disappears even within the moving area of the line head 40 (No in step S303), it is determined that the head unit 30 is in contact with some obstacles, and the head movement motor 101 is stopped (step S306), and error processing is performed. As an example of the error processing, the operation unit 115 is caused to display an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred.

[0268] Thereby, it is possible to suppress excessive loads being applied to the line head 40 or the moving unit 110, and it is possible to suppress breakage of the line head 40 or the moving unit 110.

[0269] Note that there is play such as backlash of gears in the moving unit 110. Therefore, particularly when the line head 40 is lowered and then the origin position of the line head 40 is set and the line head 40 is raised, and when the line head 40 is raised based on the origin position of the rotary ENC103, it is preferable to set the target stop position of the head movement motor 101 in consideration of the amount of the above-mentioned backlash.

[0270] Next, a description will be given of the processing when the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order. When the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off in the normal order, specifically, when the user presses a power button (not shown) and the power is turned off, the line head 40 moves to the cover position. Therefore, in this case, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 can determine that the line head 40 is 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 pulled out while the power is on, 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, exception processing for grasping the current position of the line head 40 is required. Figure 28 Note that the position of the line head 40 can also be grasped by bringing the line head 40 into contact with 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. However, with this method, it is possible to cause excessive surface pressure between the worm wheel 83 (refer to

[0271] Figure 9 Figure 9 Figure 9 Figure 9 ), which constitutes a worm gear mechanism, and the cylindrical worm 84 (refer to

[0272] Figure 4 Figure 4to determine whether the power supply of the printer 1 has been turned off in the normal order. For example, when the power supply of the printer 1 has been turned off in the normal order, the control unit 100 saves "1" as the above power supply flag to the non-volatile memory 124. Then, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above power supply flag. If it is "1", the origin position setting is performed in the normal order ( Figure 24 step S101). Then, at this time, the above power supply flag is reset to "0".

[0273] In addition, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 reads the above power supply flag. If it is "0", the Figure 28 shown exception handling is performed, indicating that the power supply of the printer 1 has not been turned off in the normal order.

[0274] In Figure 28 , when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 100 determines whether the power-on is started from a normal power-off (step S401). If the power-on is started from a normal power-off (yes in step S401), the normal origin position setting is performed (step S405). It should be noted that the processing of step S405 is the same as that of Figure 24 step S101.

[0275] When the power-on of the printer 1 is not started from a normal power-off (no in step S401), the control unit 100 drives the head movement motor 101 a specified amount in the direction opposite to the previous driving direction (step S402).

[0276] Here, the previous driving direction refers to the driving direction when the control unit 100 drove the head movement motor 101 last time. Whenever the head movement motor 101 is driven, the control unit 100 saves the direction flag indicating the rotation direction to the non-volatile memory 124 (refer to Figure 4 ). By reading the above direction flag, the control unit 100 can grasp the rotation direction when the head movement motor 101 was driven last time.

[0277] In addition, preferably, the "specified amount" in step S402 is as small as possible within the range where the linear ENC speed can be detected. For example, when the above "specified amount" is converted into the movement amount of the line head 40, it is preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 3.0 mm or less. The above "specified amount" is saved to the non-volatile memory 124 as a part of the control parameter 126 (refer to Figure 4 ). In this way, by setting the above "specified amount" to the minimum, it is possible to suppress the locking of the worm and worm gear mechanism caused by the line head 40 coming into contact with some obstacles when the line head 40 moves.

[0278] Next, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in based on the linear ENC speed (step S403). As described with reference to Figure 27 the moving speed of the line head 40, 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 moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed is different in each area and can be obtained as a known value. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine which of the areas the line head 40 is in based on the linear ENC speed. Additionally, of course, if the linear ENC speed when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed is zero, it can be determined that the line head 40 is in the Figure 22 , Figure 23 motor idling area. The moving speed of the line head 40 in each area when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed 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 width considering errors.

[0279] If it is possible to determine which area the line head 40 is in, it can be determined that to set the origin position, it is only necessary to move the line head 40 in a certain direction. Therefore, the control unit 100 sets the origin position based on which area the line head 40 is in (step S404). For example, if the line head 40 is in the second area Am2 or the first area Am1, the origin position can be set by lowering the line head 40. Additionally, if the line head 40 is in the third area Am3 or the motor idling area, the origin position can be set by raising the line head 40. The origin position setting based on the raising of the line head 40 is the Figure 25 shown process, and the origin position setting based on the lowering of the line head 40 is the Figure 26 shown process.

[0280] It should be noted that when the linear ENC speed is zero when the head moving motor 101 rotates at a prescribed rotational speed, it can be considered that the line head 40 is in the motor idling area and that the line head 40 is in contact with some part and cannot move. However, in step S402, the head moving motor 101 is driven in the direction opposite to the previous driving direction. Therefore, at least a state where the line head 40 cannot move because it abuts against one end or the other end of the moving area can be avoided.

[0281] As described above, even when the power supply of the printer 1 is not turned off in the normal order, the current position of the line head 40 can be grasped based on the detection information of the rotational ENC 103 and the linear ENC 107. Additionally, at this time, the occurrence of the locking of the above-described worm gear mechanism can be suppressed.

[0282] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the control unit 100 determines which area the line head 40 is currently in based on the linear ENC speed. However, the motor drive load, specifically the motor drive current value, can be used instead of the linear ENC speed. This is because the motor drive load, that is, the motor drive current value, is different in each area.

[0283] It should be noted that 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the printer 1 configured as described above will be described. First, as described above, the moving direction of the line head 40 includes a vertical direction component. The position detection unit for detecting the position of the line head 40 relative to the medium conveyance path Ta is the linear ENC 107. The linear ENC 107 includes a linear scale 108 provided along the moving direction of the line head 40 and a first detection unit 109 for detecting the linear scale 108 provided in the detection unit of the line head 40.

[0286] The moving unit 110 that receives the power of the head moving motor 101 to move the line head 40 is configured as follows: When the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposed portion 45, after the line head 40 is placed on the opposed portion 45 by its own weight, the head moving motor 101 is allowed to idle. The idling of this head moving motor 101 corresponds to Figure 22 , Figure 23 the rotation of the head moving motor 101 in the motor idling area shown. That is, the idling of the head moving motor 101 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.

[0287] Then, the control unit 100 is based on the change in the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 when the line head 40 is placed on the opposed portion 45 when the line head 40 is lowered ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the change in the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 when the line head 40 rises from the state of being placed on the opposed portion 45 ( Figure 23The linear ENC position Pn0) to grasp the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0288] Accordingly, the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45 can be appropriately grasped, and thus the impression plate gap can be appropriately set. In addition, the line head 40 can be appropriately positioned at the cover position Hp0 or the paper jam processing position Hp2.

[0289] Moreover, since the impression plate gap can be set with good accuracy, adjustment in the device assembly process is not required, and the assembly time can be shortened. In addition, even if the components are deformed from the assembled state due to the impact during device transportation, it is easy to obtain the same impression plate gap as the target.

[0290] In addition, even if components such as gears constituting the moving unit 110 are worn due to aging, it is difficult for them to affect the impression plate gap.

[0291] In addition, since the moving unit 110 has the following configuration: 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 movement motor 101 is allowed to idle, the following effects can be obtained.

[0292] For example, in the case of a configuration in which the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction is grasped by detecting an increase in the drive current value of the head movement motor 101 when the line head 40 abuts against the opposing portion 45, applying a load to the moving unit 110 may cause damage to the components. In addition, it is sometimes difficult to appropriately set the threshold value of the drive current value. In addition, when a worm gear mechanism (refer to Figure 9 ) is included in the moving unit 110 as in the present embodiment, excessive surface pressure may be generated between the worm wheel 83 and the cylindrical worm 84 and locking may occur. However, the moving unit 110 has the following configuration: 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 movement motor 101 is allowed to idle. Accordingly, the occurrence of the above-mentioned defects can be suppressed.

[0293] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rotation ENC 103 serving as a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the head movement motor 101 is provided. Then, the control unit 100 grasps the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the detection signal of the linear ENC 107 and the detection signal of the rotation ENC 103. Accordingly, the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction can be grasped with good accuracy.

[0294] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation detection unit is a rotation ENC 103 including a rotation scale 104 provided on the motor output shaft of the head movement motor 101 and a second detection unit 105 that detects the rotation scale 104. Thus, the rotation of the head movement motor 101 can be detected with good accuracy.

[0295] In addition, the moving unit 110 includes a cylindrical worm 84 driven by the head movement motor 101 and a worm wheel 83 that meshes with the cylindrical worm 84 and rotates as the cylindrical worm 84 rotates. In such a configuration, as described above, when excessive surface pressure is generated between the worm wheel 83 and the cylindrical worm 84, locking may also occur. However, as described above, when grasping the position of the line head 40 relative to the opposing portion 45, an excessive load is not applied to the moving unit 110, so the occurrence of the above locking can be suppressed.

[0296] Moreover, through the worm gear mechanism, the reduction ratio when transmitting power from the head movement motor 101 to the line head 40 can be increased. As a result, the resolution of the rotation ENC 103 can be made greater than the resolution of the linear ENC 107, and the line head 40 can be positioned relative to the opposing portion 45 with good accuracy.

[0297] In addition, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears during the rotation of the head movement 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 signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs during the rotation of the head movement motor 101 when the line head 40 is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23 the linear ENC position Pn0), to set the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0298] In other words, the control unit 100 is based on the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears in a state where there is a signal change of the rotation ENC 103 when the line head 40 is lowered toward the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 22 the linear ENC position Pn0), or the position of the line head 40 at the moment when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs in a state where there is a signal change of the rotation ENC 103 when the line head 40 is raised from the state of being placed on the opposing portion 45 ( Figure 23 the linear ENC position Pn0), to set the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction.

[0299] In addition, the control method implemented by the control unit 100 includes the following steps: based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the rotary ENC 103 exists and the signal change of the linear ENC 107 disappears when the line head 40 descends toward the opposing part 45, or based on the position of the line head 40 when the signal change of the linear ENC 107 occurs when the line head 40 rises from the state of being placed on the opposing part 45 in the state where there is a signal change of the rotary ENC 103, the origin position of the line head 40 in the moving direction is set.

[0300] Thereby, the origin in the moving direction of the line head 40 can be appropriately set using the signal change of the linear ENC 107. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the line head 40 is improved.

[0301] In addition, the line head 40 includes a protruding part 40a that protrudes toward the opposing part 45. By the contact of the protruding part 40a with the opposing part 45, the line head 40 is placed on the opposing part 45 by its own weight. Thereby, contact between the part for recording on the medium in the line head 40, specifically the head chip 43 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the opposing part 45 can be avoided. As a result, damage to the head chip 43 can be suppressed, and in addition, the opposing part 45 can be prevented from being soiled.

[0302] In addition, by providing a plurality of protruding parts 40a in the medium width direction and then bringing the protruding parts 40a into contact with the opposing part 45, the posture of the line head 40 relative to the opposing part 45 is also appropriately determined.

[0303] Therefore, for example, the position of the line head 40 when the protruding part 40a contacts the opposing part 45 can be used as the above-mentioned first recording position. Thereby, the impression plate gap can be set very appropriately, and in addition, the parallelism of the line head 40 relative to the opposing part 45 can be ensured, and appropriate recording quality can be obtained.

[0304] It should be noted that in order to grasp the posture of the line head 40 relative to the opposing part 45, a plurality of linear ENC 107s can be provided at intervals in the X-axis direction, thereby detecting the posture of the line head 40 relative to the opposing part 45. In addition, at this time, in order to correct the posture of the line head 40 relative to the opposing part 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 can be driven by different motors.

[0305] In addition, in the present embodiment, the moving unit 110 has a reduction mechanism 76 with a reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the recording head. The control unit 100 grasps the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear ENC 107, and controls the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103. In other words, the control method implemented by the control unit 100 includes the following steps: grasping the position of the line head 40 in the moving direction based on the signal of the linear ENC 107, and controlling the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0306] According to such a configuration, since the configuration directly detects the movement 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 is easy to appropriately adjust the gap between the line head 40 and the opposing portion 45.

[0307] In addition, in the motor control based on the detection signal of the rotary ENC 103, by referring to the detection signal of the linear ENC 107, the position of the line head 40 can be accurately grasped without being affected by the backlash of the gears constituting the moving unit 110.

[0308] Here, since the linear ENC 107 directly detects the movement of the line head 40, depending on the resolution of the linear ENC 107, it may not be possible to obtain the stop accuracy when the head moving motor 101 stops. As a result, it may not be possible to accurately stop the line head 40 at the desired position. However, in the present embodiment, the moving unit 110 has a reduction mechanism 76 with a reduction ratio greater than 1 when transmitting power from the head moving motor 101 to the line head 40. Thereby, the resolution of the rotary ENC 103 can be ensured. And by controlling the head moving motor 101 based on the signal of the rotary ENC 103, the stop accuracy when the head moving motor 101 stops can be improved, and it is easy to accurately stop the line head 40 at the desired position.

[0309] 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.

[0310] In addition, the control parameter includes the torque limit value of the head moving motor 101. Thereby, the following effects can be obtained.

[0311] When the loads applied to the head movement motor 101 are different in the respective areas constituting the moving area of the line head 40, the required motor drive torque is different. Therefore, when a large torque limit value is set for an area with a small load, an excessive load is applied to the mechanism components in the event of an abnormality, which may cause damage to the mechanism components and the like.

[0312] However, since the above control parameters include the torque limit value of the head movement motor 101, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the above mechanism components and the like.

[0313] It should be noted that the above control parameters may also be other parameters such as the target speed of the head movement motor 101, the gain Kp of PID control, or any two or more of these multiple parameters.

[0314] In addition, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head movement 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 components may be generated along with the switching of the drive mechanism. However, by temporarily stopping the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area, the generation of the above collision sound can be suppressed.

[0315] It should be noted that instead of temporarily stopping the head movement motor 101, the speed of the head movement motor 101 can be reduced.

[0316] In addition, as an example of an acceptance unit that accepts a selection of either a speed priority mode or a normal mode when moving the line head 40, the printer 1 has an operation unit 115. Then, when the speed priority mode is selected, the control unit 100 continuously drives the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area ( Figure 24 step S106). In addition, when the normal mode is selected, the control unit 100 temporarily stops the head movement motor 101 at the boundary of each area constituting the moving area ( Figure 24 step S105).

[0317] At the boundary of each area constituting the moving area of the line head 40, a collision sound between components may be generated along with the switching of the drive mechanism. However, in the normal mode, since the head movement 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.

[0318] In addition, in the speed priority mode, since the head movement 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.

[0319] Hereinafter, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0320] The above-described medium conveyance path Ta is not limited to being parallel to the X-Y plane, and may have an angle with respect to the X-Y plane. 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.

[0321] Alternatively, instead of disposing the protruding portion 40a at a position where it abuts against the upstream support portion 46, it may be disposed at a position where it abuts against the baffle 47.

[0322] Further, the control unit 100 may also separately use, corresponding to the operation, an encoder used in the control of the head movement motor 101. For example, in the case of performing the origin detection operation, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the linear ENC 107. Then, after the origin detection operation is performed, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the rotary ENC 103.

[0323] Alternatively, the head movement motor 101 may be controlled based on the output signal of the linear ENC 107, and if the origin is detected due to a speed reduction, the control using the rotary ENC 103 may be switched during driving. By seamlessly switching the target position during driving, that is, by converting from the linear ENC position to the rotary ENC position, throughput can be improved because there is no accompanying deceleration, stop, or acceleration.

[0324] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modified examples described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these modifications are of course included in 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; The motor is a power source for moving the recording unit; A moving unit receives power from the motor and moves the recording unit; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the recording portion relative to the conveying path; and a control unit, controlling the motor, The moving direction of the recording unit includes a vertical component. The position detection unit is a linear encoder having the following components: a linear scale disposed along a moving direction of the recording portion; and a first detection unit, which is provided on the recording unit and detects the linear scale; The moving unit has a configuration that allows the motor to run idle after the recording unit is placed on the opposing portion by its own weight when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing portion. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on a change in a detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit is placed on the opposing unit or a change in a detection signal of the position detection unit when the recording unit is lifted from the state of being placed on the opposing unit.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording device includes a rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation of the motor. The control unit grasps the position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the detection signal of the position detection unit and the detection signal of the rotation detection unit.

3. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that The rotation detection unit is a rotary encoder having the following components: a rotating scale, disposed on the output shaft of the motor; and The second detection unit detects the rotation scale.

4. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that The mobile unit comprises: a cylindrical worm driven by the motor; and The worm wheel is meshed with the cylindrical worm and rotates along with the rotation of the cylindrical worm.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit sets the origin position of the recording unit in the moving direction based on the position of the recording unit at the moment when the signal change of the linear encoder disappears during the rotation of the motor when the recording unit is lowered toward the opposing unit, or the position of the recording unit at the moment when the signal change of the linear encoder occurs during the rotation of the motor when the recording unit is raised from the state where it is placed on the opposing unit.

6. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward the opposing portion, The protruding portion abuts against the facing portion, so that the recording portion is placed on the facing portion by its own weight.

7. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The moving area of ​​the recording unit has: Region 1; and a second area further away from the transport path than the first area, The mobile unit comprises: a first moving unit that moves the recording unit in the first area; as well as a second moving unit that moves the recording unit in the second area, The recording section: When migrating from the first area to the second area, the state of being moved by the first moving unit is changed to the state of being moved by the second moving unit. When migrating from the second area to the first area, the state of being moved by the second moving part is changed to the state of being moved by the first moving part. The first moving part and the second moving part are both driven by the motor.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first moving part includes a cam, the cam is rotated by the power of the motor, and the cam rotates while supporting the recording part to move 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 to move the recording unit.

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