Recording device and control method of the same

Abstract

To provide a recording device which can inhibit increase in size, and to provide a control method of the recording device.SOLUTION: A control unit causes a wiper carriage to move in step S200. In the moving process of the wiper carriage, the control unit causes an edge detection unit to detect edges of a medium and a liquid discharge head to perform flushing to a liquid storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a serial printer in which a sensor for detecting the edge of a medium is provided on a carriage that carries a recording head. The sensor moves in conjunction with the movement of the carriage, thereby detecting the edge of the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-96991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, unlike serial printers, line printers do not have a carriage carrying a recording head, so a sensor cannot be provided on the carriage carrying the recording head. If a carriage were provided simply to move a sensor that detects the edge of the medium, this could result in an increase in the size of the recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A recording device that solves the above problem comprises a liquid ejection head that is capable of recording on a medium by ejecting liquid from nozzles provided on an ejection surface and that extends along a width direction that intersects with the transport direction of the medium, an opposing portion in which an opening is formed at a position opposing the ejection surface, a cap portion that is exposed through the opening and covers the nozzle, a wiper carriage that has a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage portion that stores liquid, and an edge detection portion that detects the edge of the medium, and a control portion, wherein the control portion moves the wiper carriage, and during the movement of the wiper carriage, causes the edge detection portion to detect the edge of the medium, and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage portion.

[0006] A control method for a recording device that solves the above problem is a control method for a recording device that includes a liquid ejection head that records by ejecting liquid onto a medium from nozzles provided on an ejection surface, and a wiper carriage that has a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage section that stores liquid, and an edge detection section that detects the edge of the medium, and includes moving the wiper carriage, and during the movement of the wiper carriage, detecting the edge of the medium using the edge detection section, and causing the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording unit provided in the recording device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a recording unit included in the recording device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the recording unit with the shutter in the closing position, with the liquid ejection head not shown. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the recording unit with the shutter in the blocking position, with the liquid ejection head not shown. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the recording unit when viewed from the −X direction side with the shutter in the blocking position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the recording unit with the shutter in the open position, with the liquid ejection head not shown. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the recording unit with the shutter in the open position, with the liquid ejection head not shown. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the recording unit when viewed from the −X direction side with the shutter in the open position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a part of the recording section shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a part of the recording section shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the recording unit when viewed from the −X direction side with the liquid ejection head in the capping position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the recording unit when the liquid ejection head is in the recording position, as viewed from the -X direction side. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the recording unit when viewed from the −X direction side with the liquid ejection head at the wiping position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first recording process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the first recording process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the second recording process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment] An embodiment of a recording apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. The recording device is, for example, an inkjet printer that records images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0009] Each figure shows an XYZ coordinate system assuming that the recording device is installed on a horizontal plane. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the medium. The X-axis direction includes the +X direction and the -X direction. The Y-axis direction is the direction along the medium transport direction in the part of the medium where recording is performed. The Y-axis direction includes the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The +Y direction is the medium transport direction in the part of the medium where recording is performed. The medium transport direction is sometimes referred to as downstream, and the direction opposite to the transport direction is sometimes referred to as upstream. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction in the vertical direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction in the vertical direction.

[0010] <Recording device> As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 11 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 has an outlet 12a through which the medium M having an image recorded thereon is discharged. The housing 12 has a storage tray 12b that stores the medium M discharged from the outlet 12a. The recording device 11 includes a medium storage unit 13 that holds the medium M. The medium storage unit 13 may be, for example, a cassette that stores cut-sheet medium M. The medium storage unit 13 may also be configured to store roll-shaped medium M.

[0011] The recording device 11 includes a transport unit 14 that transports the medium M stored in the medium storage unit 13. The transport unit 14 includes a plurality of rollers 14a. The plurality of rollers 14a form roller pairs in a one-to-one or one-to-many relationship. The medium M is transported while being sandwiched between the rollers 14a, 14a.

[0012] The recording device 11 includes a recording unit 15 that records on the medium M. The recording unit 15 is configured to record an image on the medium M. The recording unit 15 records an image on the medium M, for example, by ejecting a liquid onto the medium M. The recording unit 15 is configured to eject the liquid simultaneously across the entire medium M in the width direction. The recording unit 15 is a so-called line head.

[0013] The recording device 11 may include an operation unit. A user operates the recording device 11 using the operation unit. By operating the operation unit, the user can input information into the recording device 11 and give instructions to the recording device 11.

[0014] The recording device 11 may be configured to communicate with a control terminal 16. A user operates the recording device 11 using the control terminal 16. By operating the control terminal 16, the user can input information into the recording device 11 and give instructions to the recording device 11. The control terminal 16 may be, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0015] The recording device 11 includes a control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the entire recording device 11. The control unit 18 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 18 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, that execute at least some of the various processes. The control unit 18 may be configured as a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and a memory. The memory is, for example, a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., a computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0016] <Recording Department> 1, the recording unit 15 includes a liquid ejection mechanism 20, a facing unit 30, a shutter mechanism 40, a first maintenance mechanism 50, a second maintenance mechanism 60, and an edge detection mechanism 70. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0017] <Liquid discharge mechanism> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the liquid ejection mechanism 20 includes a liquid ejection head 21 and a head lifting motor 25. The liquid ejection head 21 extends along the X-axis direction. The liquid ejection head 21 has an ejection surface 21a in the -Z direction. A plurality of nozzles 22 are formed on the ejection surface 21a. The plurality of nozzles 22 are aligned along the X-axis direction. The liquid ejection head 21 is configured to record an image on a medium M by ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles 22 provided on the ejection surface 21a. The liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection head 21 from a liquid tank (not shown). The head lifting motor 25 is configured to move the liquid ejection head 21 in the +Z direction and the -Z direction along the Z-axis direction. Positions of the liquid ejection head 21 along the Z-axis direction include, in order from the -Z direction side toward the +Z direction, a capping position 100, a recording position 101, a wiping position 102, and a carriage scanning position 103 (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

[0018] <Opposite part> 4 to 9, the facing portion 30 includes side walls 31 and 32 spaced apart along the X-axis direction. The facing portion 30 includes support portions 33 and 34 extending along the X-axis direction and disposed between the side walls 31 and 32. The support portions 33 and 34 are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction. The surface of each support portion 33 and 34 on the +Z direction side is a support surface that supports the medium M.

[0019] An opening 35 is formed in the facing portion 30 at a position facing the ejection surface 21a of the liquid ejection head 21. The opening 35 is formed as a space surrounded by the side walls 31, 32 and the support portions 33, 34 when viewed from the +Z direction side. The opening 35 has a shape corresponding to the liquid ejection head 21 when viewed from the +Z direction side, and is larger than the liquid ejection head 21 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0020] <Shutter mechanism> As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the shutter mechanism 40 is provided in the facing part 30. The shutter mechanism 40 includes a shutter 41, an opening / closing motor (not shown), and a power transmission part 45 that transmits the power of the opening / closing motor to the shutter. The shutter 41 is configured to move, by driving the opening / closing motor, between a blocking position 200 where it blocks the opening 35 formed in the facing part 30 and an opening position 201 where it opens the opening 35. When the shutter 41 is in the blocking position 200, the shutter 41 is configured to support the medium M that passes through a position facing the ejection surface 21a of the liquid ejection head 21. The surface of the shutter 41 on the +Z direction side is a support surface for the medium M.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, the shutter 41 includes, in order toward the +Y direction, a first moving portion 42 and a second moving portion 43. Each of the moving portions 42, 43 is, for example, a plate-like member extending along the X-axis direction. The first moving portion 42 and the second moving portion 43 are rotatably connected to each other by a link shaft 44. The moving portions 42, 43 each have guided portions 42a, 43a extending in the -X direction from their respective ends on the -X direction. The moving portions 42, 43 each have guided portions 42b, 43b protruding in the +X direction from their respective ends on the +X direction.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, guide holes 36 and 37 are formed in the side walls 31 and 32, respectively. Each guide hole 36 and 37 includes a first portion 38a extending along the Y-axis direction. Each guide hole 36 and 37 includes a second portion 38b that is connected to the first portion 38a in the +Y direction and inclined in the -Z direction. Each guide hole includes a third portion 38c that is connected to the second portion 38b in the +Y direction and extends along the Y-axis direction. Guided portions 42a and 43a are engaged in the guide hole 36 of the side wall 31. Guided portions 42b and 43b are engaged in the guide hole 37 of the side wall 32.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , the power transmission unit 45 includes a power transmission unit 46 provided at the end of the shutter 41 on the −X direction side and a power transmission unit 47 provided at the end on the +X direction side. The −X direction side of the shutter 41 is the home position 300 side of the wiper carriage 62, and the +X direction side is the return position 301 side of the wiper carriage 62. The power transmission units 46, 47 are symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane that passes through the center of the shutter 41 in the X axis direction. The power transmission unit 47 has a configuration in which the −X direction of the power transmission unit 46 is replaced with the +X direction, and the guided portions 42a, 43a are replaced with guided portions 42b, 43b. Below, the power transmission unit 46 will be described in detail, and descriptions common to the power transmission unit 47 will be omitted.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the power transmission unit 46 includes a first arm 48 connected to a rotary shaft 45a that is rotated by the opening / closing motor. The first arm 48 rotates together with the rotary shaft 45a. A base end of a second arm 49 is rotatably connected to a distal end of the first arm 48. A distal end of the second arm 49 is rotatably connected to a guided portion 42a of the first moving unit 42. The rotary shaft 45a, the first arm 48, and the second arm 49 are examples of driving components of the shutter 41. The driving components are provided at both ends of the shutter 41 in the X-axis direction.

[0025] Here, the opening and closing operation of the shutter 41 will be described. 6 and 9, when the shutter 41 is in the closed position 200, the rotation shaft 45a rotates in the first direction due to the operation of the opening / closing motor. In this case, the second arms 49, 49 move in the +Y direction. The shutter 41 moves to the open position 201 along the guide holes 36, 37 due to the force in the +Y direction applied to the guided portions 42a, 42b via the second arms 49, 49.

[0026] 9 and 6, when the shutter 41 is in the open position 201, the rotation shaft 45a rotates in the second direction due to the operation of the opening / closing motor. In this case, the second arms 49, 49 move in the -Y direction. The shutter 41 moves to the closed position 200 along the guide holes 36, 37 due to the force in the -Y direction applied to the guided portions 42a, 42b via the second arms 49, 49.

[0027] 10 and 11, the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 46 has a reflecting portion 49b configured to reflect light emitted by the reflective sensor on a detection surface 49a, which is the surface on the +Z direction side. When viewed from the +Z direction, the reflecting portion 49b may be, for example, a portion coated with white paint so as to have an edge 49c extending along the Y-axis direction. When viewed from the +Z direction, the reflecting portion 49b may be, for example, a quadrangle. Note that the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 47 does not have a reflecting portion 49b.

[0028] <First Maintenance Organization> 7 and 8, the recording unit 15 includes a first maintenance mechanism 50. The first maintenance mechanism 50 includes a plurality of cap units 51, a main body unit 52, and a suction pump (not shown). The plurality of cap units 51 can be exposed through the opening 35 when the shutter 41 is in the open position 201. The plurality of cap units 51 are configured to cover the plurality of nozzles 22 when the liquid ejection head 21 is in the capping position 100.

[0029] 12 and 13, the first maintenance mechanism 50 is configured to perform first maintenance. The first maintenance is performed in a state where the liquid ejection head 21 is moved to a capping position 100, which is located on the -Z direction side of the recording position 101. The first maintenance may be, for example, a state where the plurality of nozzles 22 are covered by the cap portion 51, and a suction pump is operated to suck ink from each nozzle 22. The liquid sucked by the suction pump is stored in a waste liquid tank (not shown).

[0030] <Second Maintenance Organization> As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second maintenance mechanism 60 includes a wiper 61, a wiper carriage 62, a scanning motor 63, a guide member 64 that supports the wiper carriage 62, and an encoder 65.

[0031] The wiper carriage 62 has a wiper 61 and a liquid storage section 62a that stores liquid. The wiper carriage 62 may be, for example, box-shaped and open in the +Z direction. The liquid storage section 62a may be, for example, formed as an internal space of the wiper carriage 62. The wiper 61 may be, for example, provided so as to extend in the +Z direction from the bottom surface of the liquid storage section 62a.

[0032] The wiper carriage 62 is connected to a waste liquid tube (not shown). The liquid that flows into the liquid storage section 62a is discharged from the waste liquid tube to a waste liquid tank (not shown). The end of the wiper 61 on the +Z direction side is a tip portion 61a.

[0033] The wiper carriage 62 is supported by a guide member 64 extending along the X-axis direction so that the entire wiper carriage 62 is positioned on the +Z side of the opposing portion 30. The wiper carriage 62 is configured to move along the X-axis direction while supported by the guide member 64 by driving the scanning motor 63. Hereinafter, the range within which the wiper carriage 62 can move along the X-axis direction will be referred to as the scanning range. The length of the scanning range along the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the medium M along the X-axis direction. The length of the scanning range along the X-axis direction is longer than the length from the end of the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 46 on the -X direction side to the end of the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 47 on the +X direction side. The encoder 65 preferably measures the amount of rotation of the scanning motor 63. In other words, the encoder 65 can detect the amount of movement of the wiper carriage 62.

[0034] The home position 300 of the wiper carriage 62 is preferably at the end of the scanning range of the wiper carriage 62 on the -X side. The turn-back position 301 of the wiper carriage 62 is preferably at the end of the scanning range of the wiper carriage 62 on the +X side. The home position 300 of the wiper carriage 62 is, for example, located on the -X side of the shutter 41. The wiper carriage 62 and the shutter 41 at the home position 300 do not overlap each other when viewed from the +Z side. The turn-back position 301 is preferably located on the +X side of the shutter 41. The wiper carriage 62 and the shutter 41 at the turn-back position 301 do not overlap each other when viewed from the +Z side.

[0035] 14, the second maintenance mechanism 60 is configured to perform second and third maintenance. The second and third maintenance are performed when the liquid ejection head 21 is at a wiping position 102 or a carriage scanning position 103. The wiping position 102 is a position where the tip 61a of the wiper 61 contacts the ejection surface 21a. The carriage scanning position 103 is located on the +Z direction side of the wiping position 102. The carriage scanning position 103 is a position where the tip 61a of the wiper 61 does not contact the ejection surface 21a.

[0036] In the second maintenance, with the liquid ejection head 21 in the carriage scanning position 103, the wiper carriage 62 is moved from the home position 300 to the return position 301. With the liquid ejection head 21 moved to the wiping position 102, the wiper carriage 62 is moved from the return position 301 to the home position 300. Wiping of the ejection surface 21a by the wiper 61 is performed on the return path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62. In the second maintenance, of the flushing and wiping steps, only wiping is performed.

[0037] In the third maintenance, while the liquid ejection head 21 is at the carriage scanning position 103, the wiper carriage 62 is moved from the home position 300 to the turning position 301. The liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid from the multiple nozzles 22 so that the liquid is ejected toward the liquid storage portion 62a in accordance with the movement of the wiper carriage 62, for example. More preferably, the liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid from the multiple nozzles 22 so that the liquid is ejected toward the tip 61a of the wiper 61 in accordance with the movement of the wiper carriage 62, for example. Flushing of the liquid ejection head 21 is performed during the outward movement of the wiper carriage 62. While the liquid ejection head 21 remains at the carriage scanning position 103, the wiper carriage 62 is moved from the turning position 301 to the home position 300. In the third maintenance, of flushing and wiping, only flushing is performed. Flushing may be performed during the outward movement of the wiper carriage 62.

[0038] <Positional relationship between the wiper carriage and the shutter drive parts> 10, when the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, the second arm 49 is located on the -Z side of the wiper carriage 62 which is in the home position 300. When the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, the second arm 49 may be located in a position where it partially or completely overlaps with the wiper carriage 62 which is in the home position 300 when viewed from the +Z side.

[0039] 11 , when the shutter 41 is in the open position 201, the second arm 49 may be in a position where the overlapping area with the wiper carriage 62 at the home position 300 is smaller when viewed from the +Z direction compared to when the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200. When the shutter 41 is in the open position 201, the second arm 49 may be in a position where there is no overlap with the wiper carriage 62 at the home position 300 when viewed from the +Z direction. When the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, the detected surface 49a on the +Z direction side of the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 46 faces the underside 62b on the -Z direction side of the wiper carriage 62.

[0040] <Edge detection mechanism> As shown in Figures 6, 9, 10, and 11, the edge detection mechanism 70 has an edge detection unit 71 that detects the edge of the medium M, a wiper carriage 62, and a scanning motor 63. The wiper carriage 62 and scanning motor 63 are shared with the second maintenance mechanism 60. The edge detection unit 71 is provided in the wiper carriage 62. The edge detection unit 71 may be located, for example, on the lower surface 62b, which is the surface on the -Z direction side of the wiper carriage 62. The lower surface 62b is the surface that faces the facing unit 30. The lower surface 62b is the surface that faces the detected surface 49a of the second arm 49 when the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200.

[0041] The edge detection unit 71 may be, for example, a reflective sensor. The edge detection unit 71 has, for example, a light projecting unit 72 and a light receiving unit 73. The edge detection unit 71 receives light reflected from the light projecting unit 72 at the light receiving unit 73. The edge detection unit 71 outputs a light reception signal according to the amount of light received. The detectable range of the reflective sensor is determined in the -Z direction (downward) of the reflective sensor.

[0042] 10, when the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200 and the wiper carriage 62 is in the home position 300, the reflecting portion 49b is located in the X-axis direction between the detectable range of the edge detection portion 71 and the end of the shutter 41 on the -X direction side. When the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, the edge detection portion 71 passes on the +Z direction side of the reflecting portion 49b as the wiper carriage 62 moves in the +X direction and reaches the shutter detection position 302.

[0043] 11, when the shutter 41 is in the open position 201 and the wiper carriage 62 is in the home position 300, there is no reflecting portion 49b in the X-axis direction between the detectable range of the edge detection portion 71 and the end of the shutter 41 on the -X direction side. When the shutter 41 is in the open position 201, as the wiper carriage 62 moves in the +X direction to reach the shutter detection position 302, the edge detection portion 71 does not pass on the +Z direction side of the reflecting portion 49b.

[0044] 3 and 14, the edge detection mechanism 70 is configured to perform media edge detection to detect edges M1 and M2 of the medium M. The media edge detection includes first media edge detection and second media edge detection.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 14 , first medium edge detection is performed when the liquid ejection head 21 is at the carriage scanning position 103 and the shutter 41 is at the blocking position 200. In first medium edge detection, a first edge position and a second edge position are acquired during the forward movement of the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the return position 301. The first edge position may be, for example, the position where the light receiving signal of the edge detection unit 71 changes from off to on. The second edge position may be, for example, the position where the light receiving signal changes from on to off. The length of the medium M along the X-axis direction may be calculated from the first edge position, the second edge position, and the detection amount of the encoder 65. In the following description, the length of the medium M along the X-axis direction from edge M1 to edge M2 is referred to as the medium width.

[0046] The second medium edge detection is the same as the first medium edge detection, except that the third maintenance is performed in addition to the detection of each edge position. The second medium edge detection may include flushing of the liquid ejection head 21 performed on the outward path of the wiper carriage 62.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the edge detection mechanism 70 is configured to perform shutter detection, which detects whether the shutter 41 is at the blocking position 200. Shutter detection may be performed, for example, when the liquid ejection head 21 is at the carriage scanning position 103. Shutter detection may be performed, for example, by moving the wiper carriage 62 back and forth from the home position 300 to the shutter detection position 302. The shutter detection position 302 may be located, for example, between the home position 300 and the end of the shutter 41 on the −Z direction side. In shutter detection, for example, if the second arm 49 is located on the −Z direction side of the home position 300, the light receiving signal of the edge detection unit 71 changes from OFF to ON during the forward movement of the wiper carriage 62. In shutter detection, for example, if the second arm 49 is not located on the −Z direction side of the home position 300, the light receiving signal of the edge detection unit 71 remains OFF during the forward movement of the wiper carriage 62.

[0048] <Recording device control> <First recording process> The first recording process executed by the control unit 18 will be described.

[0049] It is assumed that the recording device 11 is in a first standby state. In the first standby state, the shutter 41 is in the open position 201, and the liquid ejection head 21 is in the capping position 100. That is, the nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 are covered by the cap portion 51. Here, it is assumed that a recording instruction has been issued by, for example, the control terminal 16. The recording instruction may include, for example, image data to be recorded on the medium M and data indicating the medium width of the medium M.

[0050] 15, in step S100, the control unit 18 performs first maintenance. The control unit 18, for example, uses a suction pump (not shown) to suck ink from each nozzle 22. In step S101, the control unit 18 moves the liquid ejection head 21 to a carriage scanning position 103.

[0051] In step S102, the control unit 18 performs second maintenance. For example, the control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the turning position 301. The control unit 18 does not flush the liquid ejection head 21 on the outward path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62. The control unit 18 moves the liquid ejection head 21 to the wiping position 102. The control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the turning position 301 to the home position 300. In this way, wiping of the ejection surface 21a by the wiper 61 is performed on the return path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62.

[0052] In step S103, the control unit 18 moves the shutter 41 from the open position 201 to the covering position 200. In step S104, the control unit 18 performs shutter detection to determine whether the shutter 41 is at the covering position 200. The control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the shutter detection position 302 while causing the edge detection unit 71 to perform a detection operation.

[0053] In step S105, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the shutter 41 is at the shielding position 200. For example, when the light receiving signal of the edge detection unit 71 changes from off to on, the control unit 18 determines that the shutter 41 is at the shielding position 200. For example, when the light receiving signal of the edge detection unit 71 does not change from off to on, the control unit 18 determines that the shutter 41 is not at the shielding position 200. If the shutter 41 is not at the shielding position 200, the control unit 18 repeats step S105.

[0054] When the shutter 41 is in the blocking position 200, in step S106, the control unit 18 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the medium M to the recording unit 15. In step S107, the control unit 18 moves the liquid ejection head 21 to the carriage scanning position 103. In step S108, the control unit 18 performs first medium edge detection. The control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the return position 301. During the outward movement of the wiper carriage 62, the control unit 18 detects the first edge position and the second edge position based on the light reception signal of the edge detection unit 71. The control unit 18 calculates the medium width of the medium M based on the first edge position, the second edge position, and the detection amount of the encoder 65.

[0055] In step S109, the control unit 18 determines whether the detected medium width of the medium M is the specified width. The specified width may be, for example, the medium width indicated in the medium width data included in the recording instruction. If the detected medium width is not the specified width, in step S110, the control unit 18 determines whether the medium M has been replaced. If the medium M has not been replaced, the control unit 18 repeats step S110. If the medium M has been replaced, the control unit 18 returns to step S108.

[0056] 16, if the detected medium width is the specified width, in step S111, the control unit 18 moves the liquid ejection head 21 to the recording position 101. In step S112, the control unit 18 starts recording an image on the medium M by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 21 onto the medium M while transporting the medium M in the +Y direction.

[0057] In step S113, the control unit 18 determines whether a maintenance condition is met. The maintenance condition may be, for example, that a specified time has elapsed since the start of image recording or the previous maintenance. The maintenance here may be the first maintenance or the third maintenance.

[0058] If the maintenance conditions are met, in step S115, the control unit 18 suspends recording by stopping the discharge of liquid from the liquid discharge head 21. In step S116, the control unit 18 moves the liquid discharge head 21 to the carriage scanning position 103. In step S117, the control unit 18 performs third maintenance. For example, the control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the turning position 301. The control unit 18 causes the liquid discharge head 21 to perform flushing on the outgoing path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62. The control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the turning position 301 to the home position 300 while keeping the liquid discharge head 21 positioned at the carriage scanning position 103. In step S118, the control unit 18 moves the liquid discharge head 21 to the recording position 101. In step S119, the control unit 18 resumes recording on the medium M. Thereafter, the control unit 18 returns to step S113.

[0059] If the maintenance conditions are not met, in step S114, the control unit 18 determines whether recording on the medium M is complete. If recording is not complete, the control unit 18 returns to step S113. If recording is complete, the control unit 18 ends the process and transitions to a second standby state. Note that the control unit 18 transitions to a first standby state if a predetermined time has passed since recording was completed without a recording instruction being issued. When transitioning to the first standby state, the control unit 18, for example, moves the shutter 41 to the open position 201. The control unit 18, for example, moves the liquid ejection head 21 to the capping position 100.

[0060] <Second recording process> The second recording process executed by the control unit 18 will now be described. It is assumed that the recording device 11 is in a second standby state. In the second standby state, the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, and the liquid ejection head 21 is in the recording position 101. Here, it is assumed that a recording instruction has been issued by the control terminal 16. Note that the same step numbers are used for processes that have the same content as the first recording process, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. That is, steps S106, S107, and S109 to S119 in the second recording process have the same content as steps S106, S107, and S109 to S119 in the first recording process, respectively.

[0061] 17, in step S200, the control unit 18 performs second medium edge detection. For example, the control unit 18 moves the wiper carriage 62 from the home position 300 to the return position 301. The control unit 18 flushes the liquid ejection head 21 on the outward path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62. The control unit 18 detects edges M1 and M2 of the medium M on the outward path of the movement of the wiper carriage 62. When the wiper carriage 62 reaches the return position 301, the control unit 18 moves the liquid ejection head 21 back to the home position 300 while maintaining it at the carriage scanning position 103. In step S200, the shutter 41 is in the blocking position 200.

[0062] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) During the movement of the wiper carriage 62, the control unit 18 causes the edge detection unit 71 to detect the edges M1 and M2 of the medium M and causes the liquid ejection head 21 to flush the liquid storage unit 62a. This prevents the recording device 11 from becoming larger.

[0063] (2) Compared to when the detection of the medium width of the medium M and the flushing of the liquid ejection head 21 are performed separately, the time required to complete the detection of the edges M1 and M2 and the flushing can be reduced.

[0064] (3) Flushing is performed while moving the wiper carriage 62. For this reason, the liquid storage section 62a can be smaller than the liquid ejection head 21. This prevents the recording device 11 from becoming too large.

[0065] (4) The shutter 41 that blocks the opening 35 can also serve as a member that supports the medium M, which prevents the configuration of the recording device 11 from becoming complicated. (5) Flushing can be performed without moving the shutter 41 to the open position 201. That is, it is possible to reduce the frequency of movement of the shutter 41. Therefore, it is possible to lengthen the intervals between maintenance of the shutter 41.

[0066] (6) Edge detection and flushing of the medium M can be performed during one reciprocating movement of the wiper carriage 62. This reduces the time required to perform edge detection and flushing.

[0067] (7) In detecting the edge of the second medium, the liquid is discharged onto the tip 61a of the wiper 61. This removes foreign matter adhering to the wiper 61. In other words, flushing and cleaning of the wiper 61 can be performed simultaneously.

[0068] (8) Flushing is performed on the wiper carriage 62. This makes it difficult for the liquid in the liquid storage portion 62a to thicken, and prevents the liquid discharge path from being blocked. (9) The edge detection unit 71 of the wiper carriage 62 can detect the edge of the medium M and the position of the shutter 41. Therefore, two types of detection can be performed by the common edge detection unit 71, which reduces the number of detection units. This prevents the recording device 11 from becoming larger.

[0069] (10) The edge detection unit 71 is a reflective sensor and includes a reflecting portion 49b on the second arm 49 that drives the shutter 41. This allows the position of the shutter 41 to be detected with a simple configuration. This improves the degree of freedom in designing the components for detecting the position of the shutter 41.

[0070] (11) When the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200 and the wiper carriage 62 is in the home position 300, the reflecting portion 49b is located between the detectable range defined below the reflective sensor and the end of the shutter 41 in the X-axis direction. This allows the movement distance of the wiper carriage 62 to be shorter than in a configuration in which the reflecting portion 49b is provided on the shutter 41. This reduces the time required to detect the position of the shutter 41.

[0071] (12) After it is detected that the shutter 41 is in the shielding position 200, the medium M is transported and the edges of the medium M are detected. Therefore, the medium M is prevented from entering the opening 35 due to being transported even though the shutter 41 is not in the shielding position 200.

[0072] (13) Since the edge detection unit 71 is provided on the wiper carriage 62, the degree of freedom in the positioning of the reflecting unit 49b in the X-axis direction is increased. (14) The edge detection unit 71 is a non-contact sensor, which allows for greater freedom in the placement of the edge detection unit 71 compared to when a contact sensor is used.

[0073] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0074] When only flushing is to be performed among flushing and wiping, the control unit 18 may eject liquid toward the wiper 61 to perform flushing. When flushing and wiping are to be performed during the movement of the wiper carriage 62, the control unit 18 may eject liquid toward a portion of the liquid storage unit 62a other than the wiper 61 to perform flushing. Preferably, the liquid may be ejected toward the liquid storage unit 62a in the same direction as the moving direction of the wiper carriage 62 when wiping is performed, relative to the wiper 61. The liquid may be ejected toward the liquid storage unit 62a in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the wiper carriage 62 when wiping is performed, relative to the wiper 61.

[0075] According to the above configuration, when only flushing is performed, foreign matter adhering to the wiper 61 can be washed away by ejecting liquid toward the wiper 61. When both flushing and wiping are performed, the liquid in the liquid storage portion 62a can be prevented from thickening by ejecting liquid toward a portion of the liquid storage portion 62a different from the wiper 61.

[0076] The reflecting portion 49b may be provided on each of the second arms 49 of the power transmission units 46 and 47. That is, a separate reflecting portion 49b may be provided at a position opposite the reflecting portion 49b across the center of the shutter 41 in the X-axis direction. Based on the detection results of the two reflecting portions 49b, the control unit 18 can detect whether the shutter 41 is tilted in the Y-axis direction and whether the shutter 41 is twisted. Furthermore, the reflecting portion 49b may be provided only on the second arm 49 of the power transmission unit 47 of the power transmission units 46 and 47.

[0077] The reflecting portion 49b is not limited to being provided on the second arm 49, but may also be provided on the first arm 48 or the rotation shaft 45a. That is, the reflecting portion 49b may be provided on any of the drive components of the shutter 41 as long as the edge detecting portion 71 can detect it. The reflecting portion 49b may also be provided on the shutter 41. The reflecting portion 49b may be provided on, for example, the end surface of the shutter 41 on the -X direction side. In this case, the position detecting portion of the shutter 41 may be provided on the side surface of the wiper carriage 62 on the +X direction side. The position detecting portion and the reflecting portion of the shutter 41 may be arranged in any position as long as they can detect a portion whose position changes in conjunction with the movement of the shutter 41.

[0078] The edge detection unit 71 may be capable of detecting that the shutter 41 is in the open position 201. The control unit 18 may move the liquid ejection head 21 to the capping position 100 after determining that the shutter 41 is in the open position 201.

[0079] The recording device 11 may be configured not to perform the second maintenance. The recording device 11 may be configured not to perform the third maintenance. In this case, the control unit 18 may change whether to perform flushing on the wiper carriage 62 or on the cap unit 51 every time a predetermined time elapses in the second standby state. The third maintenance may include wiping the ejection surface 21a.

[0080] In step S113, the control unit 18 may determine which of a plurality of maintenance conditions has been met and change the type of maintenance to be performed depending on the determination result. For example, if the first condition is met, the control unit 18 performs the first maintenance and the second maintenance in that order. For example, if the second condition is met, the control unit 18 performs the third maintenance. The second condition may be, for example, as in the embodiment, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last flushing was performed. The first condition may be that the third maintenance has been performed a predetermined number of times, or that a specific time has elapsed since the last first maintenance was performed. According to this modified example, it is possible to suppress a decrease in recording efficiency while maintaining recording quality.

[0081] After the control unit 18 has performed the second maintenance in step S102, the control unit 18 may subsequently perform the third maintenance. According to this modification, liquid and foreign matter adhering to the wiper 61 can be washed away by wiping.

[0082] During the movement of the wiper carriage 62, wiping may be performed on the outbound path and flushing may be performed on the return path. During the movement of the wiper carriage 62, wiping and flushing may be performed on either the outbound path or the return path. During the movement of the wiper carriage 62, edges M1 and M2 of the medium M may be detected on the outbound path and flushing may be performed on the return path.

[0083] The wiper carriage 62 may be provided with a dedicated detection unit for detecting the position of the shutter 41. The edge detection unit 71 is not limited to a reflective sensor, and may be a proximity sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. The edge detection unit 71 may be a contact sensor. The edge detection unit 71 may be provided on the side of the wiper carriage 62. The wiper carriage 62 does not have to be provided with the edge detection unit 71.

[0084] The amount of liquid ejected for flushing may be changed depending on the environment in which the recording device 11 is installed or the content of the recorded data. For example, when an instruction to operate the control terminal 16 indicates that the recording device 11 is in a dry environment, the control unit 18 may increase the amount of liquid used for flushing compared to when no such instruction is given. For example, the control unit 18 may increase the amount of liquid ejected by slowing down the movement speed of the wiper carriage 62 while keeping the amount of liquid ejected per unit time constant. For example, the control unit 18 may increase the amount of liquid ejected per unit time.

[0085] The liquid ejected by the recording unit 15 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. The recording unit 15 may also eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0086] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0087] (A) A recording device includes a liquid ejection head capable of recording on a medium by ejecting liquid from nozzles provided on an ejection surface and extending along a width direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium, an opposing portion in which an opening is formed at a position opposing the ejection surface, a cap portion that can be exposed through the opening and covers the nozzle, a wiper carriage having a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage portion in which liquid is stored, and an edge detection portion that detects the edge of the medium, and a control portion, wherein the control portion moves the wiper carriage, and during the movement of the wiper carriage, causes the edge detection portion to detect the edge of the medium, and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage portion.

[0088] According to the above configuration, the control unit causes the edge detection unit to detect the edge of the medium during the movement of the wiper carriage and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage unit. This prevents the recording device from becoming larger. Furthermore, the time required to perform edge detection and flushing can be reduced compared to when edge detection of the medium and flushing of the liquid ejection head are performed separately.

[0089] (B) In the recording device, the control unit causes the liquid to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles provided on the ejection surface in order according to the timing when the wiper carriage passes under the ejection surface, thereby performing the flushing. With the above configuration, flushing can be performed while the wiper carriage is moving, which prevents the liquid storage unit from becoming large.

[0090] (C) The recording device includes a shutter that is movable between a blocking position that blocks the opening and an opening position that opens the opening, and the shutter supports a medium that passes through a position facing the ejection surface when in the blocking position. With the above configuration, the shutter that blocks the opening and the member that supports the medium can be used together, thereby preventing the configuration of the recording device from becoming complicated.

[0091] (D) In ​​the above recording device, the flushing is performed with the shutter in the closed position. With the above configuration, flushing can be performed without moving the shutter to the open position. In other words, the frequency of shutter movement can be reduced. Therefore, the interval between shutter maintenance can be extended.

[0092] (E) In the above recording device, the movement process of the wiper carriage includes moving the wiper carriage back and forth from a home position along a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium, and detection of the edge of the medium is performed on the outbound path of the movement process, and the flushing is performed on the return path of the movement process.

[0093] According to the above configuration, edge detection and flushing of the medium can be performed during one reciprocating movement of the wiper carriage, thereby reducing the time required to perform edge detection and flushing.

[0094] (F) In the above recording device, the wiper is located in the liquid storage unit, and when the control unit is to perform only the flushing of the two during the movement of the wiper carriage, the control unit ejects liquid toward the wiper to perform the flushing, and when the control unit is to perform both the flushing and the wiping during the movement of the wiper carriage, the control unit ejects liquid toward a part of the liquid storage unit other than the wiper to perform the flushing.

[0095] According to the above configuration, when only flushing is performed, foreign matter adhering to the wiper can be washed away by ejecting liquid toward the wiper. When both flushing and wiping are performed, thickening of the liquid in the liquid storage unit can be suppressed by ejecting liquid toward a portion of the liquid storage unit other than the wiper.

[0096] (G) In the above recording device, the control unit causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage unit when a first condition is met, and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the cap unit when a second condition is met. This configuration allows the flushing to be performed on the liquid storage unit or the cap unit depending on the met condition. This allows maintenance to be performed according to the met condition.

[0097] (H) A method for controlling a recording device includes, in a recording device including a liquid ejection head that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium from nozzles provided on an ejection surface, and a wiper carriage having a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage section that stores liquid, and an edge detection section that detects an edge of the medium, moving the wiper carriage, and, in the process of moving the wiper carriage, detecting the edge of the medium using the edge detection section, and causing the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage section.

[0098] According to the above configuration, the edge detection unit detects the edge of the medium during the movement of the wiper carriage, and the liquid ejection head flushes the liquid storage unit. This prevents the recording device from becoming larger. Furthermore, the time required to perform edge detection and flushing can be reduced compared to when edge detection of the medium and flushing of the liquid ejection head are performed separately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 11...recording device, 12...casing, 12a...discharge port, 12b...storage tray, 13...medium storage section, 14...transport section, 14a...roller, 15...recording section, 16...control terminal, 18...control section, 20...liquid ejection mechanism, 21...liquid ejection head, 21a...ejection surface, 22...nozzle, 25...head lifting motor, 30...opposing section, 31...side wall, 32...side wall, 33...support section, 34...support section, 35...opening Mouth portion, 36... guide hole, 37... guide hole, 38a... first portion, 38b... second portion, 38c... third portion, 40... shutter mechanism, 41... shutter, 42... first moving portion, 42a... guided portion, 42b... guided portion, 43... second moving portion, 43a... guided portion, 43b... guided portion, 44... link shaft, 45... power transmission portion, 45a... rotation shaft, 46... power transmission portion, 47... power transmission portion , 48...first arm, 49...second arm, 49a...detected surface, 49b...reflecting portion, 49c...edge, 50...first maintenance mechanism, 51...cap portion, 52...main body portion, 60...second maintenance mechanism, 61...wiper, 61a...tip portion, 62...wiper carriage, 62a...liquid storage portion, 62b...bottom surface, 63...scanning motor, 64...guide member, 65...encoder, 70...edge detection mechanism, 71...edge detection portion, 72...light-emitting portion, 73...light-receiving portion, 100...capping position, 101...recording position, 102...wiping position, 103...carriage scanning position, 200...shielding position, 201...open position, 300...home position, 301...turning position, 302...shutter detection position, M...medium, M1...edge, M2...edge, S100 to S200...steps.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection head that is capable of recording on a medium by ejecting liquid from nozzles provided on an ejection surface and that extends along a width direction of the medium that intersects with a transport direction of the medium; an opposing portion having an opening formed at a position opposing the ejection surface; a cap portion that can be exposed through the opening and covers the nozzle; a wiper carriage having a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage section that stores liquid, and an edge detection section that detects an edge of the medium; a control unit, The control unit moves the wiper carriage, and in the process of moving the wiper carriage, causes the edge detection unit to detect the edge of the medium, and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage unit. A recording device characterized by:

2. The control unit causes the liquid to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles provided on the ejection surface in order in accordance with the timing at which the wiper carriage passes under the ejection surface, thereby performing the flushing. The recording device according to claim 1 .

3. a shutter that is movable between a blocking position that blocks the opening and an opening position that opens the opening, The shutter supports a medium passing through a position facing the ejection surface when the shutter is in the blocking position.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The flashing is performed with the shutter in the blocking position. The recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the process of moving the wiper carriage includes reciprocating the wiper carriage from a home position along a direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium; The edge of the medium is detected during the forward movement of the medium; The flushing is performed on the return path of the movement process. The recording device according to claim 1 .

6. the wiper is located in the liquid containing portion; When only the flushing is to be performed among the flushing and the wiping during the movement of the wiper carriage, the control unit ejects liquid toward the wiper to perform the flushing, and when both the flushing and the wiping are to be performed during the movement of the wiper carriage, the control unit ejects liquid toward a portion of the liquid storage unit other than the wiper to perform the flushing. The recording device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit causes the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage unit when a first condition is met, and causes the liquid ejection head to flush the cap unit when a second condition is met. The recording device according to claim 1 .

8. A control method for a recording device including a liquid ejection head that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium from nozzles provided on an ejection surface, and a wiper carriage that has a wiper that wipes the ejection surface, a liquid storage section that stores liquid, and an edge detection section that detects an edge of the medium, comprising: moving the wiper carriage; During the process of moving the wiper carriage, detecting an edge of the medium using the edge detection unit, and causing the liquid ejection head to flush the liquid storage unit. A method for controlling a recording apparatus.

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