Recording device and control method of the same

The recording apparatus addresses the issue of foreign substances adhering to the charge removal unit and potentially the recording unit by incorporating a cleaning mechanism that ensures the conveyance belt is cleaned as the static elimination unit returns to its position, thereby maintaining recording quality.

JP2025092181APending Publication Date: 2025-06-19SEIKO EPSON CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023207901
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-08
Publication Date
2025-06-19

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Abstract

To provide a recording device which enables reduction of a possibility that a foreign object adheres to a recording unit, and to provide a control method of the recording device.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a conveyor belt 17 on which a medium is conveyed by electrostatic adsorption; a recording unit 22 which records an image on the medium; a static elimination unit 42 which eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed by the conveyor belt; a cleaning unit 31 which cleans the conveyor belt; and a control unit. The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position where the recording unit is located close to the conveyor belt and a separation position P2 where the recording unit is spaced apart from the conveyor belt. The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position R1 where the static elimination unit contacts with the conveyor belt and a retreat position where the static elimination unit is retreated from the conveyor belt. In a case where the static elimination unit is returned from the retreat position to the static elimination position after retreated from the static elimination position to the retreat position, the control unit causes the conveyor belt to rotate in a state where the recording unit is located in the separation position until a contact portion A1, with which the static elimination unit contacts when returning to the static elimination position, of the conveyor belt passes through the cleaning unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a recording apparatus including a conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, a recording unit that records an image on the medium, and a charge removal unit that removes charge from the medium. By the charge removal unit removing the charge from the medium on the conveyance belt, the medium is more likely to be adsorbed to the conveyance belt.

[0003] The charge removal unit is configured to move between a charge removal position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt. For example, when a medium jam occurs, the charge removal unit moves to the retracted position. By the charge removal unit moving away from the conveyance belt, it becomes easier to remove the medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In such a recording apparatus, when the charge removal unit removes the charge from the medium, foreign substances such as paper dust, fibers, and dust generated from the medium adhere to the charge removal unit. When the charge removal unit moves, foreign substances may fall from the charge removal unit onto the conveyance belt. When the conveyance belt with foreign substances attached rotates, the foreign substances may adhere to the recording unit. If foreign substances adhere to the recording unit, there is a risk that the recording quality will deteriorate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The recording apparatus for solving the above problems includes a conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, a static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt, a cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt, and a control unit. The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt. The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt. When the control unit retracts the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position and then returns the static elimination unit from the retracted position to the static elimination position, the conveyance belt is rotated with the recording unit located at the separation position until the contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit.

[0007] A control method for a recording apparatus for solving the above problems includes a conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, a static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt, and a cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt. The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt. The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt. When the static elimination unit is retracted from the static elimination position to the retracted position and then returned from the retracted position to the static elimination position, the conveyance belt is rotated with the recording unit located at the separation position until the contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the recording apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording apparatus is, for example, an inkjet printer that records images such as characters and photographs by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0010] <Recording apparatus> As shown in Figure 1, the recording apparatus 11 includes a housing 12. The recording apparatus 11 includes a storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 is configured to store a medium 99. The storage unit 13 is, for example, a cassette that can be pulled out from the housing 12. The storage unit 13 stores a plurality of stacked media 99.

[0011] The recording device 11 includes a conveyance path 14. The conveyance path 14 is a path along which the medium 99 is conveyed. The conveyance path 14 extends within the housing 12. The conveyance path 14 extends, for example, so as to discharge the medium 99 from the storage unit 13 to the outside of the housing 12. An image is recorded on the medium 99 as it is conveyed through the conveyance path 14. The medium 99 is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 by being conveyed through the conveyance path 14.

[0012] The recording device 11 includes a conveyance unit 15. The conveyance unit 15 is configured to convey the medium 99. The conveyance unit 15 conveys the medium 99 from the storage unit 13 along the conveyance path 14. The conveyance unit 15 has, for example, one or more rollers 16. The roller 16 is located at a position along the conveyance path 14.

[0013] The conveyance unit 15 has a conveyance belt 17. The conveyance belt 17 is configured to convey the medium 99 by electrostatic adsorption. The conveyance belt 17 adsorbs the medium 99 to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance belt 17 by electrostatic force. Thereby, the conveyance belt 17 supports the medium 99. In one example, the conveyance belt 17 supports the medium 99 in a posture that is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The posture of the medium 99 is stabilized by electrostatic adsorption.

[0014] The conveyance belt 17 conveys the medium 99 by rotating. In FIG. 1, the conveyance belt 17 conveys the medium 99 by rotating clockwise. The conveyance belt 17 conveys the medium 99 in the conveyance direction D1. In one example, the conveyance direction D1 is a direction that goes obliquely upward. The conveyance belt 17 conveys the medium 99 in the conveyance direction D1 without dropping the medium 99 by electrostatic adsorption.

[0015] The conveyance unit 15 has one or more pulleys. In one example, the conveyance unit 15 has a first pulley 18 and a second pulley 19. In one example, the first pulley 18 and the second pulley 19 are arranged in this order in the conveyance direction D1. The conveyance belt 17 is wound around the pulleys. As the pulleys rotate, the conveyance belt 17 rotates.

[0016] The recording device 11 has a charging unit 20. The charging unit 20 contacts the conveyor belt 17. Specifically, the charging unit 20 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 17. The charging unit 20 charges the conveyor belt 17. When the charging unit 20 charges the conveyor belt 17, the medium 99 is electrostatically adsorbed to the conveyor belt 17. The charging unit 20 is, for example, a roller to which a voltage is applied. The charging unit 20 rotates as the conveyor belt 17 rotates.

[0017] The recording device 11 includes a stacker 21. The stacker 21 is loaded with the medium 99 on which an image is recorded. The stacker 21 is attached to the housing 12. The stacker 21 receives the medium 99 discharged outside the housing 12 through the transport path 14.

[0018] The recording device 11 includes a recording unit 22. The recording unit 22 is configured to record an image on the medium 99. In one example, the recording unit 22 is configured to eject liquid onto the medium 99. The recording unit 22 is a so-called head. The recording unit 22 records an image on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 99. The recording unit 22 may record an image on the medium 99 not only with liquid but also with toner, carbon paper, an ink ribbon, etc.

[0019] The recording unit 22 is located at a position along the transport path 14. The recording unit 22 faces the conveyor belt 17. The recording unit 22 records an image on the medium 99 conveyed by the conveyor belt 17. Specifically, the recording unit 22 ejects liquid onto the medium 99 on the conveyor belt 17.

[0020] The recording unit 22 has a nozzle surface 23. One or more nozzles 24 open on the nozzle surface 23. In one example, a plurality of nozzles 24 open on the nozzle surface 23. The recording unit 22 ejects liquid from the nozzles 24. In one example, the recording unit 22 ejects liquid from the nozzles 24 in a direction that is oblique to the horizontal and vertical. Specifically, the recording unit 22 ejects liquid obliquely downward from the nozzles 24.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording unit 22 is configured to move between a recording position P1 and a separation position P2. The recording position P1 is a position where the recording unit 22 approaches the conveyor belt 17. The recording unit 22 is located at the recording position P1 when recording an image on the medium 99 on the conveyor belt 17. The separation position P2 is a position where the recording unit 22 is separated from the conveyor belt 17. The distance between the recording unit 22 located at the separation position P2 and the conveyor belt 17 is greater than the distance between the recording unit 22 located at the recording position P1 and the conveyor belt 17. The recording unit 22 is located at the separation position P2 when waiting.

[0022] The recording unit 22 is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface 23. By moving in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface 23, the recording unit 22 is displaced between the recording position P1 and the separation position P2.

[0023] The recording apparatus 11 may include a cap 25. The cap 25 is configured to contact the recording unit 22. Specifically, the cap 25 caps the recording unit 22 located at the separation position P2. Capping is that the cap 25 covers the nozzle 24 by contacting the recording unit 22. In one example, the cap 25 caps the recording unit 22 by contacting the nozzle surface 23. Capping reduces the risk of the nozzle 24 drying out.

[0024] The cap 25 is configured to move between a standby position Q1 and a capping position Q2. The standby position Q1 is a position where the cap 25 waits. The cap 25 is located at the standby position Q1 when the recording unit 22 is located at the recording position P1. The capping position Q2 is a position between the recording unit 22 and the conveyor belt 17. The cap 25 is located at the capping position Q2 when the recording unit 22 is located at the separation position P2. The recording unit 22 is capped by the cap 25 when located at the separation position P2.

[0025] The recording device 11 includes a control unit 26. The control unit 26 controls the recording device 11. The control unit 26 may be composed of one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 26 may be composed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an ASIC that executes at least a part of various processes. The control unit 26 may be composed of a circuit including a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores program codes configured to cause the CPU to execute processes or instructions. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0026] The recording device 11 may include a counting unit 27. The counting unit 27 is configured to count the number of sheets of the medium 99 conveyed. The counting unit 27 counts the number of sheets of the medium 99 conveyed by the conveying belt 17. In one example, the counting unit 27 is constituted by the control unit 26. The control unit 26 functions as the counting unit 27 by executing a predetermined program code. For example, the counting unit 27 counts the number of conveyed sheets based on a job received by the control unit 26. The job is a signal including an instruction to record an image. The counting unit 27 may be a sensor that detects the medium 99 conveyed through the conveying path 14.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the recording device 11 may include a peeling unit 28. The peeling unit 28 is configured to peel the medium 99 from the conveying belt 17. The peeling unit 28 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the conveying belt 17. The peeling unit 28 and the second pulley 19 are positioned so as to sandwich the conveying belt 17. The peeling unit 28 peels the medium 99 from the conveying belt 17, for example, by contacting the recorded medium 99. In one example, the peeling unit 28 is a scraper.

[0028] The recording device 11 includes a cleaning unit 31. The cleaning unit 31 is configured to clean the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning unit 31 cleans the conveyor belt 17 by contacting it. Cleaning is to remove foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 17. In the conveyor belt 17, foreign matter such as paper dust, fibers, and dust generated from the medium 99 may adhere. If foreign matter adheres to the conveyor belt 17, there is a risk that the foreign matter on the conveyor belt 17 may adhere to the recording unit 22, or that the medium 99 may be less likely to be adsorbed by the conveyor belt 17. By the cleaning unit 31 cleaning the conveyor belt 17, such risks are reduced.

[0029] The cleaning unit 31 contacts the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning unit 31 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 17. In one example, the cleaning unit 31 contacts a portion of the conveyor belt 17 that moves in a direction opposite to the conveying direction D1. The cleaning unit 31 cleans a portion of the conveyor belt 17 immediately before the medium 99 is adsorbed. Thereby, the conveyor belt 17 can adsorb the medium 99 at a portion immediately after being cleaned by the cleaning unit 31.

[0030] The cleaning unit 31 has a cleaning blade 32. The cleaning blade 32 contacts the conveyor belt 17. Specifically, the cleaning blade 32 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning blade 32 scrapes foreign matter from the conveyor belt 17.

[0031] The cleaning blade 32 has a blade portion 33 and a support portion 34. The blade portion 33 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 17. The blade portion 33 is composed of, for example, a resin sheet. The support portion 34 supports the blade portion 33.

[0032] The cleaning unit 31 has a cleaning guide 35. The cleaning guide 35 supports the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning guide 35 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning guide 35 and the cleaning blade 32 are positioned so as to sandwich the conveyor belt 17. The cleaning guide 35 supports the portion of the conveyor belt 17 that is pressed by the cleaning blade 32. Thereby, since the cleaning blade 32 can strongly contact the conveyor belt 17, foreign matter is easily removed from the conveyor belt 17.

[0033] The cleaning unit 31 has a cleaning box 36. The cleaning box 36 is positioned to receive the foreign matter scraped off by the cleaning blade 32. The cleaning box 36 houses the foreign matter scraped off by the cleaning blade 32. The cleaning box 36 supports the cleaning blade 32. Specifically, a support portion 34 is fixed to the cleaning box 36.

[0034] The recording apparatus 11 includes a static elimination mechanism 41. The static elimination mechanism 41 is configured to eliminate static electricity from the medium 99. Specifically, the static elimination mechanism 41 eliminates static electricity from the medium 99 on the conveyor belt 17. When the medium 99 is adsorbed to the conveyor belt 17, it becomes charged in the same manner as the conveyor belt 17. At this time, the medium 99 becomes charged so as to reduce the adsorption force of the conveyor belt 17. By the static elimination mechanism 41 eliminating static electricity from the medium 99, the adsorption force of the conveyor belt 17 is maintained.

[0035] The static elimination mechanism 41 has a static elimination portion 42. The static elimination portion 42 eliminates static electricity from the medium 99 conveyed to the conveyor belt 17. The static elimination portion 42 eliminates static electricity from the medium 99 by contacting the medium 99 on the conveyor belt 17.

[0036] The charge removal unit 42 is located upstream of the recording unit 22 in the conveyance direction D1. The charge removal unit 42 contacts a portion of the conveyance belt 17 that is between the portion wound around the first pulley 18 and the portion facing the recording unit 22. The charge removal unit 42 removes the charge from the medium 99 immediately after it is adsorbed to the conveyance belt 17. Thereby, the recording unit 22 can record an image on the medium 99 in a state where the medium 99 is strongly adsorbed to the conveyance belt 17.

[0037] The charge removal unit 42 has a brush portion 43 and a holder portion 44. The brush portion 43 is the portion that contacts the medium 99. The brush portion 43 includes, for example, conductive resin fibers. When the brush portion 43 contacts the medium 99, the charge is removed from the medium 99. In the brush portion 43, while removing the charge from the medium 99, foreign matter adheres. The holder portion 44 holds the brush portion 43.

[0038] The charge removal unit 42 may have a rotation shaft 45. The charge removal unit 42 is configured to rotate about the rotation shaft 45. The rotation shaft 45 is configured to rotate integrally with the brush portion 43, for example.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the charge removal unit 42 is configured to move between a charge removal position R1 and a retracted position R2. The charge removal position R1 is the position where the charge of the medium 99 is removed. At the charge removal position R1, the charge removal unit 42 contacts the conveyance belt 17. At the charge removal position R1, the charge removal unit 42 can contact the medium 99 on the conveyance belt 17. The charge removal unit 42 is located at the charge removal position R1 when an image is recorded on the medium 99. For example, the charge removal unit 42 is located at the charge removal position R1 when the recording unit 22 is located at the recording position P1. The charge removal unit 42 is normally located at the charge removal position R1. The retracted position R2 is the position where the charge removal unit 42 retracts from the conveyance belt 17. At the retracted position R2, the charge removal unit 42 does not contact the conveyance belt 17.

[0040] The static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 at a predetermined timing. For example, the static elimination unit 42 is located at the retracted position R2 when maintenance of the recording apparatus 11 is necessary. For example, the static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 when a jam of the medium 99 occurs on the conveyance belt 17. For example, the static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 when causing the recovery unit 49 described later to recover foreign matter. After the static elimination unit 42 has retracted from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2, it returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1.

[0041] The static elimination unit 42 moves between the static elimination position R1 and the retracted position R2 by rotating about the rotation shaft 45. In FIG. 3, when the static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2, it rotates clockwise. When the static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1, it rotates counterclockwise. The static elimination unit 42 may be configured to be displaced to the static elimination position R1 and the retracted position R2, for example, by linearly moving. The static elimination unit 42 is displaced, for example, by the power of a motor (not shown).

[0042] The rotation direction of the static elimination unit 42 when it returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1 is opposite to the rotation direction of the conveyance belt 17. In FIG. 3, the rotation direction when the static elimination unit 42 is displaced from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1 is the counterclockwise direction. In contrast, the rotation direction of the conveyance belt 17 is the clockwise direction. The static elimination unit 42 contacts the conveyance belt 17 while being displaced from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. That is, the static elimination unit 42 contacts the conveyance belt 17 before finishing moving to the static elimination position R1. As the conveyance belt 17 rotates, the static elimination unit 42 receives frictional force from the conveyance belt 17 so as to be displaced from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. Therefore, the static elimination unit 42 easily returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1 by contacting the rotating conveyance belt 17.

[0043] The charge removal mechanism 41 may have a return mechanism 46. The return mechanism 46 is a mechanism that returns the charge removal unit 42 from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. The return mechanism 46, for example, applies power to the charge removal unit 42 to rotate the charge removal unit 42 in a direction of displacement from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. Thereby, the charge removal unit 42 is more likely to return from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1.

[0044] The return mechanism 46 has a link member 47 and a spring member 48. The link member 47 is attached to the charge removal unit 42. Specifically, the link member 47 is attached to the charge removal unit 42 so as to rotate integrally with the rotation shaft 45. The spring member 48 is connected to the link member 47. For example, one end of the spring member 48 is connected to the link member 47, and the other end of the spring member 48 is connected to the housing 12. The spring member 48 pulls the link member 47. Specifically, the spring member 48 pulls the link member 47 so as to rotate the charge removal unit 42 in a direction of displacement from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. In FIG. 3, the spring member 48 pulls the link member 47 so that the link member 47 rotates counterclockwise.

[0045] The charge removal mechanism 41 may have a collection unit 49. The collection unit 49 is configured to collect foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42. In one example, the collection unit 49 collects foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42 by contacting the charge removal unit 42 that moves between the charge removal position R1 and the retracted position R2. By the collection unit 49 collecting foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42, the charge removal performance of the charge removal unit 42 is maintained.

[0046] The collection unit 49 has a collection wiper 50. The collection wiper 50 collects foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42 by contacting the charge removal unit 42. Specifically, the collection wiper 50 collects foreign matter adhering to the brush portion 43 by contacting the brush portion 43. The collection unit 49 may collect foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42, for example, by sucking the brush portion 43.

[0047] The recovery wiper 50 has a wiper portion 51 and a holding portion 52. The wiper portion 51 contacts the static elimination portion 42. Specifically, the wiper portion 51 contacts the brush portion 43 during the displacement process of the static elimination portion 42. The wiper portion 51 contacts the brush portion 43 during the process in which the static elimination portion 42 is displaced from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 and during the process in which the static elimination portion 42 is displaced from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. The wiper portion 51 is positioned so as to overlap the movement locus of the brush portion 43. The wiper portion 51 is composed of, for example, a resin sheet. The holding portion 52 holds the wiper portion 51.

[0048] The recovery unit 49 may have a recovery box 53. The recovery box 53 is positioned to receive foreign matter recovered by the recovery wiper 50. The recovery box 53 receives foreign matter that falls from the brush portion 43 when the recovery wiper 50 contacts the brush portion 43. The recovery box 53 accommodates foreign matter scraped off by the recovery wiper 50. The recovery box 53 supports the recovery wiper 50. Specifically, the holding portion 52 is fixed to the recovery box 53.

[0049] <Operation of the recording device> Next, the operation of the recording device 11 will be described. The recording device 11 executes a predetermined operation by the control unit 26.

[0050] The control unit 26 executes a displacement operation. The displacement operation is an operation in which the charge removal unit 42 is displaced from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 and then from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. The displacement operation is an operation in which the charge removal unit 42 reciprocates from the charge removal position R1 to the charge removal position R1. In the displacement operation, the charge removal unit 42 may be displaced from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 and then, after a certain interval, displaced from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. In the displacement operation, the charge removal unit 42 may be displaced from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 and then, without any interval, displaced from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1. The control unit 26 executes the displacement operation, for example, when collecting foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42. When the displacement operation is executed, the charge removal unit 42 comes into contact with the recovery wiper 50. Thus, as the displacement operation is executed, the recovery unit 49 collects foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42.

[0051] The displacement operation is not limited to an operation in which the charge removal unit 42 makes one round trip, and may be an operation in which the charge removal unit 42 makes a plurality of round trips. In this case, since the number of times the charge removal unit 42 comes into contact with the recovery wiper 50 increases, foreign matter is more easily removed from the charge removal unit 42.

[0052] The control unit 26 executes the displacement operation at a predetermined timing. The control unit 26 collects foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42 at a predetermined timing. In one example, the control unit 26 executes the displacement operation when the number of conveyed sheets counted by the counting unit 27 reaches a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, the number of sheets at which foreign matter is expected to accumulate on the brush portion 43.

[0053] In the recording apparatus 11, when the displacement operation is executed, foreign matter may adhere to the conveyance belt 17. When the charge removal unit 42 is displaced, there is a risk that foreign matter will fall from the brush portion 43 onto the conveyance belt 17. When the charge removal unit 42 is displaced from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2, there is a risk that foreign matter will adhere to the conveyance belt 17. When the charge removal unit 42 is displaced from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1, there is a risk that foreign matter will adhere to the conveyance belt 17. In particular, when the brush portion 43 moves away from the conveyance belt 17 and when the brush portion 43 comes into contact with the conveyance belt 17, foreign matter is likely to adhere to the conveyance belt 17.

[0054] When the control unit 26 executes the displacement operation, it also executes a cleaning operation. That is, when the control unit 26 returns the charge removal unit 42 from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1 after retracting the charge removal unit 42 from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2, it executes a cleaning operation. The cleaning operation is an operation of removing foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 17 along with the displacement operation from the conveyor belt 17. The control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 during the cleaning operation. Thereby, the cleaning unit 31 collects foreign matter from the conveyor belt 17. After collecting foreign matter from the conveyor belt 17 during the cleaning operation, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. By the cleaning operation, the conveyor belt 17 can convey the medium 99 with the foreign matter removed.

[0055] The control unit 26 starts the cleaning operation at a predetermined timing with respect to the displacement operation. The control unit 26 may start the cleaning operation before the start of the displacement operation. For example, when an execution instruction for the displacement operation is input, the control unit 26 may start the cleaning operation before starting the displacement operation. The control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 before retracting the charge removal unit 42 from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2. That is, the control unit 26 may retract the charge removal unit 42 from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 after starting the rotation of the conveyor belt 17.

[0056] The control unit 26 may start the cleaning operation during the displacement operation. For example, after retracting the charge removal unit 42 from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2, the control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17. Specifically, after displacing the charge removal unit 42 from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 and before returning the charge removal unit 42 from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1, the control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17.

[0057] The control unit 26 may start the cleaning operation after the displacement operation. For example, the control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 after retracting the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2. Specifically, the control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 after retracting the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 and after returning the static eliminator 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1.

[0058] The control unit 26 may start the cleaning operation simultaneously with the displacement operation. For example, the control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 simultaneously with retracting the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2. The control unit 26 may start the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 simultaneously with returning the static eliminator 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1.

[0059] By performing the cleaning operation in parallel with the displacement operation, foreign matter falling from the static eliminator 42 is dispersed on the conveyor belt 17. That is, the risk of foreign matter concentrating at one location on the conveyor belt 17 is reduced. As a result, foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 17 is more easily removed by the cleaning unit 31. In addition, by performing the cleaning operation in parallel with the displacement operation, the time required until the cleaning operation is completed is shortened compared to the case where the cleaning operation is performed after the displacement operation is completed.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, in the cleaning operation, the control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 by a predetermined amount. Specifically, in the cleaning operation, the control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. The contact portion A1 is a part of the conveyor belt 17. The contact portion A1 is the portion of the conveyor belt 17 that the static elimination unit 42 contacted at the end of the displacement operation. That is, the contact portion A1 is the portion of the conveyor belt 17 that the static elimination unit 42 contacted when it returned to the static elimination position R1. When the static elimination unit 42 reciprocates a plurality of times in the displacement operation, the contact portion A1 is the portion of the conveyor belt 17 that the static elimination unit 42 contacted when it last returned to the static elimination position R1. By the contact portion A1 passing through the cleaning unit 31, foreign matter attached to the conveyor belt 17 due to the displacement operation is removed by the cleaning unit 31. Therefore, the risk of the medium 99 being conveyed with foreign matter attached to the conveyor belt 17 is reduced. After the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17.

[0061] In the cleaning operation, the control unit 26 may rotate the conveyor belt 17 so that the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31 a plurality of times. In this case, foreign matter is further removed from the conveyor belt 17. After the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31 a plurality of times, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17.

[0062] The control unit 26 may rotate the conveyor belt 17 for a predetermined time after the static elimination unit 42 returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. In this case, the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. By the conveyor belt 17 rotating for a predetermined time after the static elimination unit 42 returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1, the contact portion A1 may pass through the cleaning unit 31 a plurality of times.

[0063] When the control unit 26 executes the cleaning operation, it positions the recording unit 22 at the separation position P2. That is, the control unit 26 executes the cleaning operation with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separation position P2. Before starting the cleaning operation, the control unit 26 displaces the recording unit 22 to the separation position P2. The control unit 26 rotates the conveyance belt 17 with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separation position P2.

[0064] In the cleaning operation, as the conveyance belt 17 rotates, foreign matter on the conveyance belt 17 passes between the recording unit 22 and the conveyance belt 17. At this time, if the recording unit 22 is positioned at the recording position P1, there is a risk that foreign matter on the conveyance belt 17 will adhere to the recording unit 22. If foreign matter adheres to the recording unit 22, it may affect the recording quality. In particular, if foreign matter adheres to the nozzle surface 23, the nozzles 24, etc., there is a risk that liquid will not be ejected normally from the nozzles 24. By executing the cleaning operation with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separation position P2, the risk of foreign matter adhering to the recording unit 22 is reduced. In particular, in one example, since the recording unit 22 is capped when it is positioned at the separation position P2, it is even more difficult for foreign matter to adhere to the recording unit 22.

[0065] Next, the recovery operation will be described. The recovery operation is an operation to recover foreign matter from the static elimination unit 42. The recovery operation is an operation including a displacement operation and a cleaning operation. The recovery operation is executed when the number of conveyed sheets counted by the counting unit 27 reaches a predetermined number. The recovery operation may also be executed based on a user's instruction. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are examples of the recovery operation. First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S11, the control unit 26 displaces the recording unit 22 to the separation position P2. In step S12, the control unit 26 caps the recording unit 22 with the cap 25.

[0067] In step S13, the control unit 26 starts the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17. That is, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 before retracting the static eliminator 42 to the retracted position R2.

[0068] In step S14, the control unit 26 starts the displacement operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 retracts the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2. In step S15, the control unit 26 ends the displacement operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 returns the static eliminator 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. At this time, the contact portion A1 is determined on the conveyor belt 17.

[0069] In step S16, the control unit 26 ends the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. After the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. When the control unit 26 finishes the process of step S16, it ends the recovery operation.

[0070] Next, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 will be described. Each of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 has a different execution timing of the cleaning operation with respect to the displacement operation compared to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, for each of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the differences from the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 will be mainly described.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, after step S12, the control unit 26 executes step S21. That is, after the control unit 26 caps the recording unit 22 with the cap 25, it starts the displacement operation. At this time, the control unit 26 retracts the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2.

[0072] In step S22, the control unit 26 starts the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17. That is, after retracting the static eliminator 42 to the retracted position R2, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17.

[0073] In step S23, the control unit 26 ends the displacement operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 returns the static eliminator 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. At this time, the contact portion A1 on the conveyor belt 17 is determined.

[0074] In step S24, the control unit 26 ends the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. After the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. When the control unit 26 finishes the process of step S24, it ends the recovery operation.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, after step S12, the control unit 26 executes step S31. That is, after capping the recording unit 22 with the cap 25, the control unit 26 starts the displacement operation. At this time, the control unit 26 retracts the static eliminator 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2.

[0076] In step S32, the control unit 26 ends the displacement operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 returns the static eliminator 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. At this time, the contact portion A1 on the conveyor belt 17 is determined.

[0077] In step S33, the control unit 26 starts the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17. That is, after returning the static eliminator 42 to the static elimination position R1, the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17.

[0078] In step S34, the control unit 26 ends the cleaning operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 rotates the conveyor belt 17 until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. After the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. When the control unit 26 finishes the process of step S34, it ends the recovery operation.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 11, after step S12, the control unit 26 executes step S41. That is, after the control unit 26 caps the recording unit 22 with the cap 25, it starts the displacement operation and the cleaning operation. In short, when the control unit 26 retracts the static elimination unit 42 from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2, it also starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17.

[0080] In step S42, the control unit 26 ends the displacement operation. Specifically, the control unit 26 returns the static elimination unit 42 from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. At this time, the contact portion A1 is determined on the conveyor belt 17.

[0081] In step S43, the control unit 26 ends the cleaning operation. Specifically, after the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. When the control unit 26 finishes the process of step S43, it ends the recovery operation.

[0082] <Actions and Effects of the Embodiment> Next, the actions and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) When the control unit 26 causes the charge removal unit 42 to return from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 and then return from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1, the transport belt 17 is rotated with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separated position P2 until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. When the charge removal unit 42 retracts from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2, and when the charge removal unit 42 returns from the retracted position R2 to the charge removal position R1, foreign matter is likely to adhere to the transport belt 17 from the charge removal unit 42. As the transport belt 17 rotates, the foreign matter adhering to the transport belt 17 is removed by the cleaning unit 31. According to the above configuration, since the transport belt 17 rotates with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separated position P2, foreign matter adhering to the transport belt 17 is less likely to adhere to the recording unit 22. Therefore, the risk of foreign matter adhering to the recording unit 22 is reduced.

[0083] (2) After the control unit 26 causes the charge removal unit 42 to retract from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2, the control unit 26 starts rotating the transport belt 17 with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separated position P2. According to the above configuration, foreign matter adhering to the transport belt 17 when the charge removal unit 42 retracts from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 can be effectively removed by the cleaning unit 31.

[0084] (3) The control unit 26 starts rotating the transport belt 17 with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separated position P2 at the same time as causing the charge removal unit 42 to retract from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2. According to the above configuration, foreign matter adhering to the transport belt 17 when the charge removal unit 42 retracts from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 can be effectively removed by the cleaning unit 31.

[0085] (4) After the control unit 26 starts the rotation of the conveyor belt 17 with the recording unit 22 positioned at the separation position P2, the static elimination unit 42 is retracted from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2. According to the above configuration, foreign matter that has fallen when the static elimination unit 42 retracts from the static elimination position R1 to the retracted position R2 can be dispersed on the conveyor belt 17. That is, the risk of foreign matter concentrating at one location on the conveyor belt 17 is reduced. As a result, foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 17 is easily removed by the cleaning unit 31.

[0086] (5) After the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. According to the above configuration, the conveyor belt 17 can convey the medium 99 with foreign matter removed.

[0087] (6) After the contact portion A1 has passed through the cleaning unit 31 a plurality of times, the control unit 26 stops the conveyor belt 17. According to the above configuration, foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 17 can be repeatedly removed by the cleaning unit 31.

[0088] (7) The static elimination unit 42 is configured to move between the static elimination position R1 and the retracted position R2 by rotating about the rotation shaft 45. According to the above configuration, the static elimination unit 42 can move between the static elimination position R1 and the retracted position R2 with a simple configuration.

[0089] (8) The rotation direction of the conveyor belt 17 is opposite to the rotation direction of the static elimination unit 42 when the static elimination unit 42 returns from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1. While the static elimination unit 42 is returning from the retracted position R2 to the static elimination position R1, the static elimination unit 42 contacts the conveyor belt 17. At this time, the static elimination unit 42 receives frictional force from the rotating conveyor belt 17. According to the above configuration, the static elimination unit 42 easily returns to the static elimination position R1 due to the frictional force received from the conveyor belt 17.

[0090] (9) The collection unit 49 collects foreign matter from the static elimination unit 42 by contacting the static elimination unit 42 that moves between the static elimination position R1 and the retracted position R2. According to the above configuration, the risk of the static elimination performance of the static elimination unit 42 deteriorating is reduced.

[0091] (10) When the number of conveyed sheets counted by the counting unit 27 reaches a predetermined number, the charge removal unit 42 is retracted from the charge removal position R1 to the retracted position R2 by the control unit 26. According to the above configuration, the recovery unit 49 can recover foreign matter from the charge removal unit 42 at a suitable timing.

[0092] (11) The recording unit 22 is capped by the cap 25 when it is located at the separated position P2. According to the above configuration, with the recording unit 22 capped by the cap 25, the conveyance belt 17 can be rotated until the contact portion A1 passes through the cleaning unit 31. Thereby, the possibility of foreign matter on the conveyance belt 17 adhering to the recording unit 22 is further reduced.

[0093] <Modification Example> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other as long as they do not technically conflict.

[0094] · In the recovery operation, the control unit 26 may displace the recording unit 22 to the separated position P2 after starting the displacement operation. In the recovery operation, it is only necessary for the recording unit 22 to be located at the separated position P2 before the cleaning operation is started. Thereby, the possibility of foreign matter on the conveyance belt 17 adhering to the recording unit 22 is reduced.

[0095] · The liquid discharged by the recording unit 22 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the recording unit 22 may discharge a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, and a surface-emitting display in a dispersed or dissolved form.

[0096] <Technical Idea> The technical idea and its effects grasped from the above-described embodiment and modification examples are described below.

[0097] (A) The recording apparatus includes a conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, a static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt, a cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt, and a control unit. The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt. The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt. When the control unit retracts the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position and then returns the static elimination unit from the retracted position to the static elimination position, the conveyance belt is rotated with the recording unit located at the separation position until the contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts the static elimination unit when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit. When the static elimination unit retracts from the static elimination position to the retracted position and when the static elimination unit returns from the retracted position to the static elimination position, foreign matter is likely to adhere to the conveyance belt from the static elimination unit. As the conveyance belt rotates, the foreign matter adhering to the conveyance belt is removed by the cleaning unit. According to the above configuration, since the conveyance belt rotates with the recording unit located at the separation position, foreign matter adhering to the conveyance belt is less likely to adhere to the recording unit. Therefore, the risk of foreign matter adhering to the recording unit is reduced.

[0098] (B) In the above recording apparatus, the control unit may start rotating the conveyance belt with the recording unit located at the separation position after retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position. According to the above configuration, foreign matter adhering to the conveyance belt when the static elimination unit retracts from the static elimination position to the retracted position can be effectively removed by the cleaning unit.

[0099] (C) In the above-described recording apparatus, the control unit may start the rotation of the conveyance belt while retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position and with the recording unit in the separated position. According to the above configuration, foreign matter attached to the conveyance belt when the static elimination unit retracts from the static elimination position to the retracted position can be effectively removed by the cleaning unit.

[0100] (D) In the above-described recording apparatus, the control unit may retract the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position after starting the rotation of the conveyance belt with the recording unit in the separated position. According to the above configuration, foreign matter that has fallen when the static elimination unit retracts from the static elimination position to the retracted position can be dispersed on the conveyance belt. That is, the risk of foreign matter concentrating at one location on the conveyance belt is reduced. Thereby, foreign matter attached to the conveyance belt is easily removed by the cleaning unit.

[0101] (E) In the above-described recording apparatus, the control unit may stop the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning unit. According to the above configuration, the conveyance belt can convey the medium with foreign matter removed.

[0102] (F) In the above-described recording apparatus, the control unit may stop the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning unit a plurality of times. According to the above configuration, foreign matter attached to the conveyance belt can be repeatedly removed by the cleaning unit.

[0103] (G) In the above-described recording apparatus, the static elimination unit may have a rotation axis and be configured to move between the static elimination position and the retracted position by rotating about the rotation axis. According to the above configuration, the static elimination unit can move between the static elimination position and the retracted position with a simple configuration.

[0104] (H) In the above-described recording apparatus, the rotation direction of the conveyance belt may be opposite to the rotation direction of the static elimination unit when the static elimination unit returns from the retracted position to the static elimination position. While the static elimination unit is returning from the retracted position to the static elimination position, the static elimination unit contacts the conveyance belt. At this time, the static elimination unit receives frictional force from the rotating conveyance belt. According to the above configuration, the static elimination unit is likely to return to the static elimination position by the frictional force received from the conveyance belt.

[0105] (I) The above-described recording apparatus includes a collection unit that collects foreign matter from the static elimination unit. The collection unit may collect foreign matter from the static elimination unit by contacting the static elimination unit that moves between the static elimination position and the retracted position. According to the above configuration, the possibility of the static elimination performance of the static elimination unit being reduced is decreased.

[0106] (J) The above-described recording apparatus includes a counting unit that counts the number of conveyed media. The control unit may retract the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position when the number of conveyed media counted by the counting unit reaches a predetermined number. According to the above configuration, the collection unit can collect foreign matter from the static elimination unit at a suitable timing.

[0107] (K) The above-described recording apparatus includes a cap that caps the recording unit. The recording unit is configured to discharge liquid onto a medium, and the recording unit may be capped by the cap when located at the separated position. According to the above configuration, with the recording unit being capped by the cap, the conveyance belt can be rotated until the contact portion passes through the cleaning unit. Thereby, the possibility of foreign matter on the conveyance belt adhering to the recording unit is further reduced.

[0108] (L) The control method of the recording apparatus includes a conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, a recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, a static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt, and a cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt. The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt. The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt. The control method of the recording apparatus is such that when the static elimination unit is retracted from the static elimination position to the retracted position and then returned from the retracted position to the static elimination position, the conveyance belt is rotated with the recording unit located at the separation position until the contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit. According to the above method, the same effect as the above-described recording apparatus can be obtained.

[0109] (M) The control method of the recording apparatus may include starting the rotation of the conveyance belt with the recording unit located at the separation position after retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position. According to the above method, the same effect as the above-described recording apparatus can be obtained.

[0110] (N) The control method of the recording apparatus may include starting the rotation of the conveyance belt with the recording unit located at the separation position simultaneously with retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position. According to the above method, the same effect as the above-described recording apparatus can be obtained.

[0111] (O) The control method of the recording apparatus may include retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position after starting the rotation of the conveyance belt with the recording unit located at the separation position. According to the above method, the same effect as the above-described recording apparatus can be obtained.

[0112] (P) The control method of the above recording device may include stopping the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning portion. According to the above method, the same effect as the above-described recording device can be obtained.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 11… Recording device, 12… Housing, 13… Storage portion, 14… Conveyance path, 15… Conveyance portion, 16… Roller, 17… Conveyance belt, 18… First pulley, 19… Second pulley, 20… Charging portion, 21… Stacker, 22… Recording portion, 23… Nozzle surface, 24… Nozzle, 25… Cap, 26… Control portion, 27… Counting portion, 28… Separation portion, 31… Cleaning portion, 32… Cleaning blade, 33… Blade portion, 34… Support portion, 35… Cleaning guide, 36… Cleaning box, 41… Static elimination mechanism, 42… Static elimination portion, 43… Brush portion, 44… Holder portion, 45… Rotation shaft, 46… Return mechanism, 47… Link member, 48… Spring member, 49… Recovery portion, 50… Recovery wiper, 51… Wiper portion, 52… Holding portion, 53… Recovery box, 99… Medium, A1… Contact portion, D1… Conveyance direction, P1… Recording position, P2… Separation position, Q1… Standby position, Q2… Capping position, R1… Static elimination position, R2… Retraction position.

Claims

1. A conveyance belt that conveys a medium by electrostatic adsorption, A recording unit that records an image on the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, A static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt, A cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt, And a control unit, The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt, The static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt, When the control unit retracts the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position and then returns the static elimination unit from the retracted position to the static elimination position, until the contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit, the recording unit rotates the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position. A recording apparatus characterized by that.

2. The control unit starts rotating the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position after retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit starts rotating the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position simultaneously with retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit retracts the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position after starting to rotate the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit stops the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning unit.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit stops the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning unit a plurality of times.

7. The charge removing unit has a rotating shaft, and is configured to move between the charge removing position and the retracted position by rotating about the rotating shaft, the recording apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rotation direction of the conveyance belt is opposite to the rotation direction of the charge removing unit when the charge removing unit returns from the retracted position to the charge removing position.

9. is provided with a collecting unit for collecting foreign matter from the charge removing unit, and the collecting unit collects foreign matter from the charge removing unit by contacting the charge removing unit that moves between the charge removing position and the retracted position, the recording apparatus according to claim 1.

10. is provided with a counting unit for counting the number of conveyed media, and the control unit retracts the charge removing unit from the charge removing position to the retracted position when the number of conveyed media counted by the counting unit reaches a predetermined number, the recording apparatus according to claim 9.

11. is provided with a cap for capping the recording unit, the recording unit is configured to discharge liquid onto the medium, and the recording unit is capped by the cap when located at the separated position, the recording apparatus according to claim 10.

12. a conveyance belt for conveying the medium by electrostatic adsorption, A recording unit that records an image on a medium conveyed by the conveyance belt; A static elimination unit that is located upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction of the medium and eliminates static electricity from the medium conveyed to the conveyance belt; A cleaning unit that cleans the conveyance belt by contacting the conveyance belt, and comprising: The recording unit is configured to move between a recording position close to the conveyance belt and a separation position away from the conveyance belt; A control method for a recording apparatus, wherein the static elimination unit is configured to move between a static elimination position in contact with the conveyance belt and a retracted position retracted from the conveyance belt, and When the static elimination unit is returned from the retracted position to the static elimination position after being retracted from the static elimination position to the retracted position, the conveyance belt is rotated in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position until a contact portion of the conveyance belt that contacts when the static elimination unit returns to the static elimination position passes through the cleaning unit.

13. The control method for a recording apparatus according to claim 12, including starting rotation of the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position after retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position.

14. The control method for a recording apparatus according to claim 12, including starting rotation of the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position simultaneously with retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position.

15. The control method for a recording apparatus according to claim 12, including retracting the static elimination unit from the static elimination position to the retracted position after starting rotation of the conveyance belt in a state where the recording unit is located at the separation position.

16. The control method of a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by including stopping the conveyance belt after the contact portion has passed through the cleaning portion.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Sheet carrier unit

    JP2022116534A