Printing apparatus and cleaning method for printing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of cleaning the transport path. [Solution] The printing apparatus 1 comprises a transport path S on which a medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 that supports the medium M, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M, a reversal path R that branches off from the transport path S at a position Bd in the opposite direction of the transport roller pair 12, reverses the front and back sides of the medium M being transported in the reverse direction Bd, and then rejoins the transport path S, and a control circuit 40 that controls the driving of the transport roller pair 12. The control circuit 40 performs a first control that causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd based on the execution of a cleaning mode of the transport path S, and then performs a second control that causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M in the reverse direction Bd, rejoins the transport path S via the reversal path R, and transports the medium M in the forward direction Fd.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a cleaning method for a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As printing apparatuses for wiping dirt on a platen, those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known. The inkjet recording apparatus of Patent Document 1 causes a user to form a first fold and a second fold on a cleaning sheet, and conveys the cleaning sheet, whereby the dirt on the platen is wiped by the first fold and the second fold. The inkjet printer of Patent Document 2 includes a medium deformation unit that forms a downward convex portion that is convex downward on a part of a normal recording medium such as plain paper, and wipes ink dirt on the platen with the downward convex portion of the recording medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of the one described in Patent Document 1, a user needs to form a first fold and a second fold on a cleaning sheet, and such labor reduces the usability of the user. In the case of the one described in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the inkjet printer is enlarged by the medium deformation unit for forming a downward convex portion on the recording medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a transport path on which a medium is transported; a transport roller for transporting the medium along the transport path; a support for supporting the medium being transported along the transport path; a print head for printing on the medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support; a reversal path that branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, with the direction from the transport roller toward the print head being the forward direction and the direction opposite to the forward direction being the reverse direction, and reversing the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction before merging the medium back into the transport path; and a control unit for controlling the drive of the transport roller. The control unit, upon receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, executes a first control to transport the medium in the forward direction to the transport roller so that the medium reaches at least the support unit; and then executes a second control to transport the medium in the reverse direction to the transport roller so that the medium is rejoined into the transport path via the reversal path, and the transport roller is transported in the forward direction.

[0006] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport path through which a medium is transported, a transport roller for transporting the medium along the transport path, a support for supporting the medium being transported along the transport path, a print head for printing on the medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support, and a control unit for controlling the drive of the transport roller, wherein the control unit, upon receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, causes the transport roller to intermittently transport the medium along the transport path in the direction from the transport roller toward the print head.

[0007] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport path through which a medium is transported, a transport roller for transporting the medium along the transport path, a support for supporting the medium being transported along the transport path, a print head for printing on the medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support, and a control unit for driving the transport roller and controlling the print head, wherein the control unit, upon receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, causes the transport roller to transport the medium along the transport path in the direction from the transport roller toward the print head, and causes the print head to eject droplets, thereby printing a pattern of droplets on the medium.

[0008] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport path through which a medium is transported, transport rollers that transport the medium along the transport path, a support section that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, a print head that prints on the medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support section, and a control unit that drives the transport rollers and controls the print head, wherein the control unit, upon receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, causes the transport rollers to intermittently transport the medium along the transport path in the direction from the transport rollers toward the print head, and causes the print head to eject droplets, thereby printing a pattern of droplets on the medium.

[0009] A cleaning method for a printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a transport path through which a medium is transported; a transport roller that transports the medium along the transport path; a support section that supports the medium being transported along the transport path; a print head that prints on the medium by discharging droplets toward the medium supported by the support section; and a reversal path that branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, with the direction from the transport roller toward the print head being the forward direction and the direction opposite to the forward direction being the reverse direction, and reversing the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction before the medium is rejoined the transport path, wherein the medium is transported in the forward direction to reach at least the support section, and then the medium is transported by the transport roller in the reverse direction to rejoin the transport path via the reversal path, and the medium is transported by the transport roller in the forward direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the printing apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the printing apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a printing apparatus along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the platen of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a method for cleaning the platen of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart relating to a modified example 1 of the cleaning method shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart relating to a modified example 2 of the cleaning method shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of transport parameters. [Figure 10A]This is a diagram showing an example of a printing example. [Figure 10B] This is a diagram showing an example of a printing example. [Figure 10C] This is a diagram showing an example of a printing example. [Figure 10D] This is a diagram showing an example of a printing example. [Figure 10E] This is a diagram showing an example of a printing example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the sake of easy viewing of each component, the dimensional scales may be shown differently depending on the component.

[0012] In the drawings, for convenience of explanation, three axes of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are illustrated, and the tip side of the arrow indicating the axis direction is referred to as the "plus side", and the base end side is referred to as the "minus side". Also, the direction parallel to the X-axis is referred to as the "X-axis direction", the direction parallel to the Y-axis is referred to as the "Y-axis direction", and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is referred to as the "Z-axis direction".

[0013] The X-axis is an axis parallel to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 1 and corresponds to the width direction of the printing apparatus 1 and the width direction of the medium M. The Y-axis is an axis parallel to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 1 and corresponds to the depth direction of the printing apparatus 1. The Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 1 and corresponds to the height direction of the printing apparatus 1. In the printing apparatus 1, the minus side in the Y-axis direction is the front side, and the plus side in the Y-axis direction is the rear side. The plus side in the Z-axis direction is the upper side, and the minus side in the Z-axis direction is the lower side. In addition, the part located on the front side is also referred to as the front part, and the surface facing the front side is also referred to as the front surface. The part located on the rear side is also referred to as the rear part, and the surface facing the rear side is also referred to as the rear surface. The part located on the upper side is also referred to as the upper part, and the surface facing the upper side is also referred to as the upper surface. Also, the part located on the lower side is also referred to as the lower part, and the surface facing the lower side is also referred to as the lower surface.

[0014] 1. Regarding the configuration of the printing apparatus Hereinafter, the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the platen 14 of the printing apparatus 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting droplets onto a medium M based on image data such as characters and graphics. The droplets are, for example, ink. The medium M is, for example, paper.

[0016] The printing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 is the exterior of the printing apparatus 1. The housing 2 includes a front surface 2a. The printing apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 3. The operation panel 3 is provided on the front surface 2a. The operation panel 3 includes a display unit 3a and an input unit 3b. The display unit 3a is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and the input unit 3b is an operation button. Note that the operation panel 3 may be a touch panel display or a VUI (Voice User Interface).

[0017] The printing apparatus 1 includes an opening / closing cover 4. The opening / closing cover 4 is provided on the front surface 2a. The opening / closing cover 4 is openable and closable with respect to the front surface 2a. The opening / closing cover 4 is movable between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 1 includes a placement unit 5. The placement unit 5 is a paper discharge stacker on which the printed medium M is placed. The placement unit 5 can be accommodated in the housing 2. The placement unit 5 is movable in the minus Y-axis direction and the plus Y-axis direction. The placement unit 5 protrudes forward from the front surface 2a in a state where the opening / closing cover 4 is disposed at the open position.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the printing device 1 is provided with a media setting section 6 on its rear side, which can accommodate multiple media M. The media setting section 6 includes a paper feed tray 7 and a hopper 8 on which the media M are placed. The leading edge of the media M is supported in an inclined position on the support surface 8a of the hopper 8. The rear end of the media M, which is not supported by the hopper 8, is supported by the paper feed tray 7, which is located upstream of the hopper 8 in the media M transport path S. The media M transport path S is shown by a dashed line.

[0020] A feed roller 11 is provided at a position opposite the support surface 8a of the hopper 8. The hopper 8 is pivotable around a pivot shaft 9 extending in the X-axis direction upstream of the transport path S of the media M, so that the support surface 8a of the hopper 8 moves back and forth toward the feed roller 11. The hopper 8 is pressed toward the feed roller 11 by a pressing member (not shown). The feed roller 11 feeds the media M toward the print head 31.

[0021] When the support surface 8a of the hopper 8 swings toward the feed roller 11, the medium M placed in the hopper 8 that is closest to the feed roller 11 comes into contact with the feed roller 11. As the feed roller 11 rotates, the medium M is picked up one by one and sent toward the downstream side of the transport path S.

[0022] The medium M sent from the upstream side of the transport path S is transported to the printing position between the print head 31 and the platen 14 by a transport roller pair 12, which consists of a transport drive roller 12a and a transport driven roller 12b. The transport drive roller 12a is driven by a transport motor 51, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the transport roller pair 12 is just one example of a transport roller.

[0023] In the transport path S, if the direction from the transport roller pair 12 toward the print head 31 is defined as the forward direction Fd, and the direction opposite to the forward direction Fd is defined as the reverse direction Bd, then the print head 31 is positioned on the forward direction Fd side of the transport roller pair 12.

[0024] The print head 31 is an inkjet printer head that ejects ink onto the transported medium M to print images such as characters and shapes. The print head 31 is mounted on a carriage 32. The carriage 32 can be equipped with an ink cartridge 33 for supplying ink to the print head 31.

[0025] The carriage 32 receives power from a drive source (not shown) and is configured to reciprocate in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium M, in other words, in the X-axis direction which is the width direction of the medium M.

[0026] The carriage 32 is supported by a first guide rail 35 and a second guide rail 36 that extend in the X-axis direction, and is driven by a carriage motor 52 (described later) to move along the first guide rail 35 and the second guide rail 36.

[0027] The first guide rail 35 is positioned upstream of the print head 31, and the second guide rail 36 is positioned downstream of the print head 31. The first guide rail 35 and the second guide rail 36 are supported by the housing 2 at both ends in the X-axis direction.

[0028] The carriage 32 is equipped with a sensor 34. Sensor 34 is an optical reflective sensor equipped with a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. Sensor 34 functions as a medium detection unit 34a and a medium contamination detection unit 34b, which will be described later.

[0029] The media detection unit 34a receives the reflected light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the media M with the light-receiving unit, and detects the presence or absence of the media M based on the amount of reflected light detected by the light-receiving unit. The media contamination detection unit 34b detects the presence or absence of contamination and the degree of contamination of the media M based on the amount of reflected light detected by the light receiving unit. The sensor 34 may be composed of multiple sensors.

[0030] Below the print head 31 is a platen 14 that supports the media M. The platen 14 constitutes part of the transport path S through which the media M is transported, and the media M is transported along the transport path S in the forward direction Fd or the reverse direction Bd while sliding in contact with the platen 14. In this embodiment, the platen 14 is an example of a support part.

[0031] A gap exists between the lower surface of the print head 31 and the upper surface of the platen 14, allowing the media M to be transported. During printing, the print head 31 ejects ink towards the media M, which is being transported while being supported by the platen 14.

[0032] Downstream of the print head 31, there is a pair of discharge rollers 17 comprising a discharge drive roller 17a and a discharge driven roller 17b. Downstream of the discharge roller pair 17, on the front side of the printing device 1, there is a discharge section 19. Downstream of the discharge section 19, there is a mounting section 5 for receiving the discharged medium M.

[0033] After printing, the media M is transported from the discharge section 19 to the mounting section 5 by a pair of discharge rollers 17. A regulating roller 18 is provided upstream of the discharge driven roller 17b. The regulating roller 18 prevents the media M from floating up upstream of the discharge driven roller 17b. The discharge driven roller 17b and the regulating roller 18 are serrated rollers with protrusions on their outer circumference.

[0034] The printing device 1 is equipped with a reversal mechanism 20 that reverses the front and back sides of the medium M, and can print on both sides of the medium M. The reversing mechanism 20 is positioned on the opposite side Bd of the transport roller pair 12. The reversing mechanism 20 includes a reversing roller 22 for reversing the medium M, and a plurality of driven rollers that are biased and rotated in conjunction with the reversing roller 22. The plurality of driven rollers include a first driven roller 23, a second driven roller 24, and a third driven roller 25. The reversing mechanism 20 reverses the medium M by transporting the medium M along a reversing path R surrounding the reversing roller 22.

[0035] In the printing apparatus 1, when printing on both sides of the medium M, the print head 31 first prints on the first side of the medium M. After that, the medium M is returned to the upstream side of the discharge roller pair 17 by the reverse movement of the transport roller pair 12 and the discharge roller pair 17.

[0036] The medium M is sent from the point indicated by arrow A to the reversal path R by the reverse feeding motion of the discharge roller pair 17. Furthermore, the medium M passes through the reversal path R and is returned to the transport path S from the point indicated by arrow B. The point indicated by arrow A indicates the position where the reversal path R branches off from the transport path S, and the point indicated by arrow B indicates the position where the reversal path R rejoins the transport path S.

[0037] The medium M, which has been flipped over and returned to the transport path S, is again sent below the print head 31 by the transport roller pair 12, and printing is performed on the second side, which is the opposite side of the first side. The medium M, on which the second side has been printed by the print head 31, is discharged from the discharge section 19 to the mounting section 5 by the discharge roller pair 17.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the platen 14 has a plurality of ribs 142 on the opposing surface 141 of the base 14a facing the positive Z-axis direction. A portion of the opposing surface 141 faces the print head 31. Each of the plurality of ribs 142 is integrally formed with the base 14a and contacts the media M. Each of the plurality of ribs 142 is formed to protrude from the opposing surface 141 in the positive Z-axis direction. Each of the plurality of ribs 142 is spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Also, each of the plurality of ribs 142 is spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the plurality of ribs 142 are arranged in a series along the width direction and the transport direction of the media M. The plurality of ribs 142 are arranged to correspond to multiple standard sizes of the media M, such as postcard size and A4 size.

[0039] The media support surface 143, which is the upper surface of the multiple ribs 142, is a surface that aligns with the XY plane. The media support surface 143 is the surface that supports the media M being conveyed on the platen 14. The width of each of the multiple ribs 142, i.e., the length in the X-axis direction, is approximately the same. Of the multiple ribs 142, the Y-axis direction length of the rib 142 formed at the Y-axis positive end of the base 14a, i.e., the upstream end, is longer than the Y-axis direction length of the rib 142 formed at other locations.

[0040] 2. Cleaning of the platen in the transport path The inkjet printing device 1 prints an image onto a medium M by ejecting ink from the print head 31 according to the image data. During this process, tiny droplets are generated as the print head 31 ejects ink, which can float as mist and adhere to the transport path S of the printing device 1. If mist adheres to the surface of the platen 14, particularly the medium support surface 143, in the transport path S, there is a risk of contaminating the medium M that is subsequently printed on.

[0041] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to clean the dirt on the media support surface 143 of the platen 14 using the medium M in the transport path S. The printing apparatus 1 transports the medium M and rubs the medium M against the media support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping the dirt off the media support surface 143 with the medium M.

[0042] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment achieves cleaning of the media support surface 143 of the platen 14 using the media M without compromising usability as described in Patent Document 1, and without increasing the size of the apparatus as described in Patent Document 2. To achieve this, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment employs an ingenious method for transporting the media M. The following describes a method for transporting the medium M, which has been devised to clean the platen 14 in the transport path S, and the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 that enables this transport method.

[0043] 2.1. Configuration for cleaning the platen in the transport path Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of transport parameters. Figures 10A to 10E are diagrams showing an example of printing, and show the respective printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 printed on the medium M during cleaning of the platen 14.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the printing device 1 includes a control circuit 40. The control circuit 40 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control circuit 40 has a memory 41 and an arithmetic unit 42, and the arithmetic unit 42 controls each part of the printing device 1 according to the control program stored in the memory 41. In this embodiment, the control circuit 40 is an example of a control unit.

[0045] Memory 41 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 41 may be mounted on the same chip as the control circuit 40, or on a separate chip.

[0046] The memory 41 includes a control program storage area 411 for storing a control program, a transport parameter storage area 412 for storing transport parameters, and a print pattern storage area 413 for storing print patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5.

[0047] The control program stored in the control program storage area 411 includes a control program for cleaning the platen 14.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the transport parameter storage area 412 stores the set values ​​of transport parameters related to the transport of the medium M when the cleaning mode of the platen 14 is executed. The transport parameters include the number of repetitions, whether or not intermittent transport is performed, the stop time for intermittent transport, the transport speed, the transport distance, etc. Transport parameters are set for each of the first and second controls. Furthermore, in the second control, transport parameters are set for each outbound and return journey. Note that transport parameters may also be set for each outbound and return journey in the first control. Each set value of the transport parameters is set to a predetermined value at the time of factory shipment, but it may be configured so that the user can change it to a desired value.

[0049] The first control includes a step of wiping off dirt from the platen 14 by rubbing the first surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14 while transporting the medium M in the forward direction Fd during cleaning of the platen 14.

[0050] The second control includes the steps of: wiping off dirt from the platen 14 by rubbing the first surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14 while transporting the medium M in the reverse direction Bd during cleaning of the platen 14; and wiping off dirt from the platen 14 by rubbing the second surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14 while transporting the medium M in the forward direction Fd after reversing the front and back sides of the medium M. In the second control, the forward path is the process of transporting the medium M in the reverse direction Bd, and the return path is the process of transporting the medium M in the forward direction Fd.

[0051] The number of repetitions sets the number of repetitions for either the first control or the second control. The default is 1.

[0052] When the number of repetitions of the first control is set to 2, the first control includes a first forward pass step in which the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd while rubbing the first surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14; a first return pass step in which the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd while rubbing the first surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14; and a second forward pass step in which the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd while rubbing the first surface of the medium M against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14. In other words, when the number of repetitions of the first control is set to 2, the transport of the medium M is performed 1.5 times. In the first forward pass step of the first control, the medium M may be transported back and forth alternately in small increments in the forward direction Fd and the reverse direction Bd. For example, in the first forward pass of the first control, the medium M may be transported for a distance of 1 inch in the forward direction Fd, and then transported for a distance of 1 inch in the reverse direction Bd. In the first return pass of the first control, the medium M may be transported back and forth alternately in small increments in the reverse direction Bd and the forward direction Fd. For example, in the first return pass of the first control, the medium M may be transported for a distance of 1 inch in the reverse direction Bd, and then transported for a distance of 1 inch in the forward direction Fd. The transport distance for such back and forth transport is not limited to 1 inch, and any transport distance can be adopted. The transport distance for back and forth transport may be changed with each transport, and the transport speed may be changed with each transport.

[0053] If the number of repetitions of the second control is set to 2, the second control includes a first forward step in which the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd while the first surface of the medium M rubs against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14; a first return step in which, after the medium M is inverted, the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd while the second surface of the medium M rubs against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14; a second forward step in which, after the medium M is inverted, the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd while the second surface of the medium M rubs against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14; and a second return step in which, after the medium M is inverted, the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd while the first surface of the medium M rubs against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, thereby wiping off dirt from the platen 14. In other words, if the number of repetitions of the second control is set to 2, the medium M is transported in two round trips. In the first forward process of the second control, the medium M may be transported back and forth alternately in small increments in the reverse direction Bd and the forward direction Fd. For example, in the first forward process of the second control, the medium M may be transported in the reverse direction Bd for a distance of 1 inch, and then the medium M may be transported in the forward direction Fd for a distance of 1 inch. In the first return process of the second control, the medium M may be transported back and forth alternately in small increments in the forward direction Fd and the reverse direction Bd. For example, in the first return process of the second control, the medium M may be transported in the forward direction Fd for a distance of 1 inch, and then the medium M may be transported in the reverse direction Bd for a distance of 1 inch. The transport distance for such round trip transport is not limited to 1 inch, and any transport distance can be adopted. The transport distance for round trip transport may be changed with each transport, and the transport speed may be changed with each transport.

[0054] Intermittent transport is a setting that determines whether or not intermittent transport is performed. Intermittent transport is a transport method in which the transport and stopping of the medium M are repeated alternately on the outbound or return journey, and is also called step transport.

[0055] The stop time setting determines the stop time during intermittent transport. If the stop time is set to 10 seconds, in intermittent transport, the next transport will start 10 seconds after the medium M has stopped.

[0056] The transport speed setting determines whether or not to change the transport speed during each transport period in intermittent transport. The change speed is set when changing the transport speed. In this embodiment, the value set for the change speed is controlled to be added sequentially. For example, if the change speed is set to 1 inch / sec, the transport speed for each transport period will increase by 1 inch / sec each time the medium M stops. Alternatively, the transport speed for each transport period may be controlled to be subtracted each time the medium M stops.

[0057] The transport distance setting determines whether or not to change the transport distance for each transport period in intermittent transport. The change distance is set when the transport distance is to be changed. In this embodiment, the value set for the change distance is controlled to be added sequentially. For example, if the change distance is set to 1 mm, the transport distance for each transport period will increase by 1 mm each time the medium M stops. Alternatively, the transport distance for each transport period may be controlled to be subtracted each time the medium M stops.

[0058] The print pattern storage area 413 stores the print pattern data for printing each print pattern P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 shown in the print examples in Figures 10A to 10E.

[0059] The calculation unit 42 is electrically connected to the media detection unit 34a, the transport motor 51, the carriage motor 52, the media contamination detection unit 34b, the print head 31, the input unit 3b, and the display unit 3a, and is configured to transmit and receive signals such as various control signals and various notifications to and from each unit.

[0060] The calculation unit 42 includes a media transport control unit 421, a carriage drive control unit 422, a media contamination detection unit 423, a head control unit 424, an input reception unit 425, and a display control unit 426.

[0061] The medium transport control unit 421 controls the transport motor 51 to control the transport of the medium M by the transport roller pair 12, based on the control program stored in the control program storage area 411 and the transport parameters stored in the transport parameter storage area 412.

[0062] The carriage drive control unit 422 controls the carriage motor 52 based on the control program to control the movement of the carriage 32.

[0063] When the media contamination determination unit 423 receives a detection signal from the media contamination detection unit 34b indicating the presence or absence of contamination in the media M and the degree of contamination, it determines whether or not the media M is contaminated based on the detection signal. Based on the determination of the media contamination determination unit 423, the calculation unit 42 repeatedly performs the second control as described later.

[0064] The head control unit 424 controls the print head 31 based on the control program to print images such as print patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 stored in the print pattern storage area 413 onto the medium M.

[0065] The input receiving unit 425 receives user operations entered from the input unit 3b. The display control unit 426 displays the necessary information on the display unit 3a based on the control program.

[0066] 2.2. Cleaning method for the platen in the transport path Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a cleaning method for the platen 14 of the printing apparatus 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart relating to modification 1 of the cleaning method in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a flowchart relating to modification 2 of the cleaning method in Figure 6.

[0067] First, the cleaning method for the printing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. When the user operates the input unit 3b and selects to perform platen cleaning from the maintenance menu displayed on the display unit 3a, the input reception unit 425 accepts the execution of the cleaning mode to clean the platen 14, and the control circuit 40 executes the control program for cleaning the platen 14 stored in the control program storage area 411.

[0068] The execution of the cleaning mode may be initiated by the printing device 1. For example, it may be programmed to be executed every 10 days or at a fixed date and time using a timer or counter, or it may be programmed to be executed when a predetermined cumulative usage time is reached by accumulating usage time. Alternatively, it may be programmed to be executed when the number of printed pages reaches a predetermined amount by counting the number of printed pages. The execution of the cleaning mode initiated by the printing device 1 may be as simple as displaying a screen on the display unit 3a prompting the user to execute the cleaning mode. In this embodiment, the cleaning mode for cleaning the platen 14 is an example of a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S.

[0069] In step S1, the medium M is supplied to the transport path S. The calculation unit 42 drives a motor (not shown) to rotate the feed roller 11 and supply the medium M to the transport path S.

[0070] In step S2, the medium M is detected, and once the medium M is detected, the process proceeds to step S3. The detection of the medium M is performed by a medium detector (not shown) which detects the presence or absence of the medium M. The medium detector is positioned near the upstream entrance of the transport roller pair 12.

[0071] In step S3, the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd. Step S3 initiates the transport of the medium M in the forward direction Fd by the transport roller pair 12. Based on the set values ​​of the transport parameters for the first control stored in the transport parameter storage area 412, the medium transport control unit 421 drives the transport motor 51 to rotate the transport drive roller 12a in the forward direction, transporting the medium M in the forward direction Fd. As the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd, the first surface of the medium M on the negative Z-axis side moves while rubbing against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, wiping away dirt from the medium support surface 143. In this embodiment, steps S3 and S4 in Figure 6 are an example of the first control.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the transport parameter storage area 412 is set with the number of repetitions (1 time) and intermittent transport (none) as the transport parameters for the first control. Therefore, in step S3, the media transport control unit 421 rotates the transport drive roller 12a in the forward direction without intermittent drive and transports the media M once in the forward direction Fd.

[0073] In step S4, it is detected whether the medium M has reached the end point 14e of the platen 14 (see Figure 3). The end point 14e of the platen 14 is the downstream end of the platen 14. Detection in step S4 can be performed, for example, by a code wheel and encoder (not shown).

[0074] When the medium M reaches the end point 14e of the platen 14, the transport of the medium M is stopped in step S5. The medium transport control unit 421 stops the drive of the transport motor 51 and stops the transport roller pair 12.

[0075] In step S6, the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd. Step S3 initiates the transport of the medium M in the reverse direction Bd by the transport roller pair 12. Based on the transport parameter settings for the forward path of the second control stored in the transport parameter storage area 412, the medium transport control unit 421 drives the transport motor 51 to reverse-rotate the transport drive roller 12a and transport the medium M in the reverse direction Bd. As the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd, the first surface of the medium M on the negative Z-axis side moves again, rubbing against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, wiping away dirt from the medium support surface 143. In this embodiment, steps S6 to S8 in Figure 6 are an example of the second control.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the transport parameter storage area 412 is set with the number of repetitions (3 times) as the parameter for the second control, and the parameters for the forward path of the second control are intermittent transport (yes), stop time (10 seconds), transport speed (change), change speed (1 inch / sec), transport distance (change), and change distance (1 mm). Therefore, in step S6, the media transport control unit 421 intermittently drives the transport drive roller 12a and rotates it in reverse, intermittently transporting the media M in the reverse direction Bd. During the transport period of the media M in the reverse direction Bd, the transport drive roller 12a repeats driving for a predetermined time and stopping for 10 seconds. The transport speed of the media M increases by 1 inch / sec each time it stops. The transport distance of the media M also increases by 1 mm each time it stops.

[0077] The medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd, and is sent from the section indicated by arrow A to the inversion path R. After passing through the inversion path R, the first and second surfaces of the medium M are inverted, and it is returned to the transport path S from the section indicated by arrow B.

[0078] Subsequently, in step S7, when the medium M is detected by the medium detector, the process proceeds to step S8, where the medium transport control unit 421 drives the transport motor 51 based on the transport parameter setting value for the return path of the second control stored in the transport parameter storage area 412, causing the transport drive roller 12a to rotate in the forward direction and transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd. As the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd, the second surface of the medium M moves while rubbing against the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14, wiping away dirt from the medium support surface 143.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the transport parameter storage area 412 is set with the following transport parameters for the return path of the second control: intermittent transport (yes), stop time (5 seconds), transport speed (change), change speed (2 inches / sec), transport distance (change), and change distance (3 mm). Therefore, in step S8, the media transport control unit 421 intermittently drives the transport drive roller 12a while rotating it in the forward direction, and intermittently transports the media M in the forward direction Fd. During the transport period of the media M in the forward direction Fd, the transport drive roller 12a repeats a cycle of driving for a predetermined time and stopping for 5 seconds. The transport speed of the media M increases by 2 inches / sec each time it stops. The transport distance of the media M also increases by 3 mm each time it stops.

[0080] Subsequently, in step S9, the medium M is conveyed in the forward direction Fd by the discharge roller pair 17 and discharged from the discharge section 19.

[0081] In this embodiment, in the first control from step S3 to step S4, the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd, and the platen 14 is wiped once by the first surface of the medium M. In the second control from step S6 to step S8, the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd, and the platen 14 is wiped once by the first surface of the medium M. Then, the front and back surfaces of the medium M are reversed by the reversal mechanism 20, and the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd, and the platen 14 is wiped once by the second surface of the medium M. In other words, in the platen 14 cleaning method shown in Figure 6, the platen 14 is wiped a total of three times by the medium M. Therefore, in the platen 14 cleaning method of the transport path S shown in Figure 6, the platen 14 can be cleaned without reducing usability or increasing the size of the printer.

[0082] In this embodiment, the transport of the medium M is performed in the first and second controls based on transport parameters. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 can be further improved by setting the transport parameters. For example, by setting the number of repetitions to multiple times in at least one of the first and second controls, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 can be increased compared to when the number of repetitions is 1. Also, by setting intermittent transport in at least one of the first and second controls, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 can be increased compared to when intermittent transport is not set. Furthermore, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 can be increased by setting the transport speed or transport distance of the intermittent transport to change. Of course, a cleaning effect can be obtained even without repeating either the first or second control. Not repeating either the first or second control corresponds to setting the number of repetitions to 1 in this embodiment. Also, a cleaning effect can be obtained even without intermittent transport in either the first or second control.

[0083] In this embodiment, the platen 14 is cleaned by the first and second controls, but it is also possible to configure the system to perform only the first control. In this case, it is preferable to enable intermittent transport to improve the cleaning effect of the platen 14. And / or to set the number of repetitions to multiple times to improve the cleaning effect of the platen 14. In particular, if the printing device 1 does not have a reversal mechanism 20, the system will be configured to clean the platen 14 with only the first control, so in order to improve the cleaning effect, it is preferable to enable intermittent transport and / or set the number of repetitions to multiple times.

[0084] In this embodiment, in step S3, step S6, or step S8, any of the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 shown in Figures 10A to 10E may be printed on the medium M. By printing any of the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 shown in Figures 10A to 10E on the medium M, a wavy pattern (cockling) can be created on the medium M, making it easier to bring the medium M into contact with the medium support surface 143 of the platen 14. This enhances the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M. Ink can be used to print the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. The color of the ink is not specified. Alternatively, a cleaning liquid may be used instead of ink for printing. In this embodiment, the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 printed with ink are examples of patterns made by liquid droplets. Note that the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 shown in Figures 10A to 10E are examples of preferred printing patterns, but are not limited to these. Other patterns may be used as long as they can produce cockling on the medium M.

[0085] 2.2.1. Cleaning method for the platen of the transport path according to modified example 1 Figure 7 shows a flowchart relating to Modification 1 of the cleaning method shown in Figure 6. In the flowchart of Figure 7, steps S11 and S12 are added between steps S8 and S9 of the flowchart in Figure 6. In Modification 1, the added steps S11 and S12 control the second control to be repeated the number of times set in the transport parameter.

[0086] In step S11, it is detected whether the medium M, which is being transported in the forward direction Fd by step S8, has reached the end point 14e of the platen 14. When the medium M reaches the end point 14e of the platen 14, in step S12, it is determined whether the number of executions of the second control has reached the number of repetitions set in the transport parameter storage area 412. If the number of executions of the second control has not reached the set number of repetitions, the process returns to step S5, and steps S5 to S11 are repeated. If the number of executions of the second control has reached the set number of repetitions, the process proceeds to step S9, and the medium M is discharged from the discharge unit 19.

[0087] When the cleaning method according to Modification 1 is applied to a printing apparatus 1 that does not have a reversal mechanism 20, the platen 14 is cleaned by the first control only. Therefore, in order to improve the cleaning effect, it is preferable to enable intermittent transport and / or set the number of repetitions to multiple times. In this case, in step S6 of Figure 7, the medium M is transported in the reverse direction Bd, and in step S7, it is detected whether the medium M has reached the starting point of the platen 14. If the medium M has reached the starting point of the platen 14, the transport of the medium M is stopped. The starting point of the platen 14 is the upstream end of the platen 14. Detection of whether the medium M has reached the starting point of the platen 14 can be performed, for example, by a code wheel and an encoder (not shown).

[0088] 2.2.2. Cleaning method for the platen of the transport path according to modified example 2 Figure 8 shows a flowchart relating to Modification 2 of the cleaning method shown in Figure 6. In the flowchart of Figure 8, steps S101 to S106 are added between steps S8 and S9 of the flowchart in Figure 6. In Modification 2, the added steps S101 to S106 detect contamination of the medium M, and if the medium M is contaminated, the second control is controlled to be repeated.

[0089] In step S101, the arithmetic unit 42 resets the dirt flag. In step S102, the media contamination detection unit 34b detects contamination in the media M being transported in the forward direction Fd and transmits a detection signal to the calculation unit 42. In step S103, the media contamination determination unit 423 determines whether or not the media M is contaminated based on the detection signal transmitted from the media contamination detection unit 34b. If it is determined that the media M is not contaminated, the process proceeds to step S105. If it is detected that the media M is contaminated, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the arithmetic unit 42 turns on the dirt flag.

[0090] In step S105, the arithmetic unit 42 detects whether the medium M, which is being transported in the forward direction Fd by step S8, has reached the end point 14e of the platen 14. If the medium M has reached the end point 14e of the platen 14, the process proceeds to step S106, where the arithmetic unit 42 checks the contamination flag.

[0091] In step S106, if the dirt flag is on, the process proceeds to step S5, and steps S5 through S105 are repeated. If the dirt flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S9, and the medium M is discharged from the discharge unit 19.

[0092] In the cleaning method according to Modified Example 2, if contamination of the medium M is detected, the transport parameter settings may be changed to improve the cleaning effect. For example, if the intermittent transport setting is not enabled, the intermittent transport setting may be changed to enabled. Furthermore, in the intermittent transport setting, the stop time setting may be increased, the transport speed may be changed, the transport distance may be changed, or the transport parameter settings may be changed for the outward and return journeys. The number of repetitions may also be increased. The change in the transport parameter settings when contamination of the medium M is detected is performed by the calculation unit 42 based on the control program, but the display unit 3a may be configured to display recommended settings and allow the user to change the transport parameter settings. Modified Example 2 is not limited to a configuration in which the second control is repeated when contamination of the medium M is detected. In Modified Example 2, instead of a configuration in which the second control is repeated when contamination of the medium M is detected, a configuration in which the transport parameter settings in the second control are changed may also be used.

[0093] In the cleaning method according to Modification 2, the printing device 1 may alert the user if contamination of the medium M is detected. The alert may be given, for example, by displaying a warning message on the display unit 3a such as "Please wipe the platen 14 with a cotton swab."

[0094] In the cleaning method according to Modified Example 2, if the printing device 1 detects contamination on the medium M, it may print one of the printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 shown in Figures 10A to 10E onto the medium M.

[0095] As described above with reference to the drawings, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a transport path S through which a medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 that supports the medium M being transported along the transport path S, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M by ejecting droplets toward the medium M supported by the platen 14, and a forward direction Fd in the transport path S from the pair of transport rollers 12 toward the print head 31, and a reverse direction Bd in the opposite direction to the forward direction Fd, with the transport path S branching off at the position of the pair of transport rollers 12 in the reverse direction Bd, and the front and back sides of the medium M being transported in the reverse direction Bd being reversed. The system includes a reversal path R that directs the medium M to the transport path S, and a control circuit 40 that controls the driving of the transport roller pair 12. Based on receiving a request to perform a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S, the control circuit 40 first performs a first control that causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd, thereby bringing the medium M to at least the platen 14. Then, it performs a second control that causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M in the reverse direction Bd, thereby directing the medium M to the transport path S via the reversal path R, and also causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd.

[0096] In this way, the printing apparatus 1 can wipe away dirt from the platen 14 using both sides of the medium M by executing the first and second controls. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen 14 in the transport path S can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus 1 or increasing its size.

[0097] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 repeatedly executes the second control. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0098] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment further includes a media contamination detection unit 34b as a sensor for detecting contamination of the media M, and when the control circuit 40 executes the second control, it repeatedly executes the second control based on the result of the media contamination detection unit 34b detecting contamination on the side of the media M opposite to the platen 14. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0099] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 causes the transport roller pair 12 to intermittently transport the medium M in at least one of the first control and the second control. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0100] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 causes the transport roller pair 12 to change the transport speed of the medium M at each intermittent interval of intermittent transport. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0101] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 causes the transport roller pair 12 to change the transport distance of the medium M for each intermittent transport interval. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0102] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 can change the stopping time of the medium M during intermittent transport. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0103] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 causes the transport roller pair 12 to reciprocate the medium M in at least one of the first control and the second control. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0104] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 can change the transport distance and transport speed of the medium M during reciprocating transport. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0105] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40 causes the print head 31 to eject droplets, thereby printing one of the print patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 as a droplet pattern on the medium M, in at least one of the first control and the second control. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0106] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a transport path S through which a medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 that supports the medium M being transported along the transport path S, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M by ejecting droplets toward the medium M supported by the platen 14, and a control circuit 40 that controls the driving of the pair of transport rollers 12. Based on the receipt of a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S, the control circuit 40 causes the pair of transport rollers 12 to intermittently transport the medium M along the transport path S in the positive direction Fd, which is the direction from the pair of transport rollers 12 toward the print head 31.

[0107] In this way, the printing apparatus 1 intermittently transports the medium M in the forward direction Fd along the transport path S, thereby wiping away dirt from the platen 14 with the medium M. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen 14 can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus 1 or increasing its size.

[0108] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a transport path S on which a medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 as transport rollers that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 as a support part that supports the medium M being transported along the transport path S, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M by ejecting droplets toward the medium M supported by the platen 14, and a control circuit 40 as a control unit that drives the pair of transport rollers 12 and controls the print head 31. Based on the receipt of a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S, the control circuit 40 causes the pair of transport rollers 12 to transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd, which is the direction from the pair of transport rollers 12 toward the print head 31 along the transport path S, and causes the print head 31 to eject droplets, thereby printing one of the print patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 as a droplet pattern on the medium M.

[0109] In this manner, the printing apparatus 1 transports the medium M in the forward direction Fd using the transport roller pair 12, and simultaneously discharges droplets from the print head 31, thereby printing one of the droplet printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 onto the medium M.

[0110] Therefore, by causing cockling in the medium M, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved. Thus, with the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen 14 can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus 1 or increasing its size.

[0111] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a transport path S on which a medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 as transport rollers that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 as a support part that supports the medium M being transported along the transport path S, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M by ejecting droplets toward the medium M supported by the platen 14, and a control circuit 40 as a control unit that drives the pair of transport rollers 12 and controls the print head 31. Based on the reception of a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S, the control circuit 40 causes the pair of transport rollers 12 to intermittently transport the medium M in the forward direction Fd, which is the direction from the pair of transport rollers 12 toward the print head 31 along the transport path S, and causes the print head 31 to eject droplets, thereby printing one of the print patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 as a droplet pattern on the medium M.

[0112] In this manner, the printing apparatus 1 intermittently transports the medium M in the forward direction Fd along the transport path S, and ejects droplets from the print head 31, thereby printing one of the droplet printing patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 onto the medium M.

[0113] Therefore, by intermittently conveying the medium M, the dirt on the platen 14 can be wiped away by the medium M, which is undulated by the cockling, thus improving the cleaning effect of the medium M on the platen 14. Thus, with the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen 14 can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus 1 or increasing its size.

[0114] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 40, upon receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path S, causes the transport roller pair 12 to transport the medium M along the transport path S in the forward direction Fd, which is the direction from the transport roller pair 12 toward the print head 31, and to transport it in the reverse direction Bd, which is the opposite direction to the forward direction Fd, multiple times.

[0115] In this manner, the printing apparatus 1 performs transport in the forward direction Fd multiple times, with transport in the reverse direction Bd (opposite to the forward direction Fd) in between. In other words, the printing apparatus 1 transports the medium M back and forth. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning effect of the platen 14 by the medium M can be improved.

[0116] The cleaning method of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a transport path S on which the medium M is transported, a pair of transport rollers 12 as transport rollers that transport the medium M along the transport path S, a platen 14 as a support part that supports the medium M being transported along the transport path S, a print head 31 that prints on the medium M by ejecting droplets toward the medium M supported by the platen 14, and the direction toward the print head 31 from the pair of transport rollers 12 in the transport path S is defined as the positive direction Fd, and the direction opposite to the positive direction Fd is defined as the reverse direction Bd, A cleaning method for a printing apparatus 1, comprising a reversal path R that branches off from the transport path S at a position Bd in the reverse direction of the transport roller pair 12, reverses the front and back sides of the medium M being transported in the reverse direction Bd, and then rejoins the transport path S, wherein the medium M is transported in the forward direction Fd to reach at least the platen 14, and then the transport roller pair 12 transports the medium M in the reverse direction Bd, thereby rejoining the transport path S via the reversal path R, and the transport roller pair 12 transports the medium M in the forward direction Fd.

[0117] Thus, the cleaning method for the printing apparatus 1 allows the platen 14 to be wiped clean using both sides of the medium M by reversing the medium M. Therefore, according to the cleaning method for the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen 14 can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus 1 or increasing its size.

[0118] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that performs a similar function to that of the embodiments described above, and any configuration can be added.

[0119] [Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Note 1) The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, In the aforementioned transport path, the direction from the transport roller toward the print head is defined as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is defined as the reverse direction. A reversal path branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, and reverses the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction before merging the medium back into the transport path. The system includes a control unit that controls the drive of the transport rollers, Based on receiving a request to perform a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit performs a first control to transport the medium in the forward direction on the transport rollers, thereby bringing the medium to at least the support portion. Then, it performs a second control to transport the medium in the reverse direction on the transport rollers, thereby bringing the medium back into the transport path via the reverse path, and transporting the medium in the forward direction on the transport rollers. Printing device.

[0120] Thus, the printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 can wipe away dirt from the transport path using both sides of the medium by executing the first and second controls. Therefore, the printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 can improve the cleaning effect of the transport path without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus or increasing its size.

[0121] (Note 2) The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, The control unit repeatedly executes the second control. Printing device.

[0122] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 2 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0123] (Note 3) A printing apparatus as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, The system further includes a sensor for detecting contamination of the aforementioned medium. When the control unit executes the second control, it repeatedly executes the second control based on the result of the sensor detecting dirt on the side of the medium opposite to the support portion. Printing device.

[0124] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 3 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0125] (Note 4) A printing apparatus as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, The control unit causes the transport roller to intermittently transport the medium in at least one of the first control and the second control. Printing device.

[0126] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 4 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0127] (Note 5) The printing apparatus described in Appendix 4, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport speed of the medium at each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0128] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 5 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0129] (Note 6) A printing apparatus as described in Appendix 4 or Appendix 5, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport distance of the medium for each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0130] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 6 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0131] (Note 7) A printing apparatus as described in any of Appendix 4 to Appendix 6, The control unit can change the stopping time of the medium during intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0132] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 7 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0133] (Note 8) A printing apparatus described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, The control unit, in at least one of the first control and the second control, causes the transport roller to reciprocate the medium. Printing device.

[0134] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 8 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0135] (Note 9) The printing apparatus described in Appendix 8, The control unit can change the transport distance and transport speed of the medium during the reciprocating transport. Printing device.

[0136] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 9 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0137] (Note 10) A printing apparatus as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 9, The control unit, in at least one of the first control and the second control, causes the print head to eject the droplets, thereby printing a pattern of the droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

[0138] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 10 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0139] (Note 11) The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that controls the drive of the transport rollers, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit intermittently transports the medium to the transport rollers in the transport path in the direction from the transport rollers toward the print head. Printing device.

[0140] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 11 can wipe away dirt from the transport path by intermittently transporting the medium along the transport path. Therefore, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 11 can clean the transport path without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus or increasing its size.

[0141] (Note 12) The printing apparatus described in Appendix 11, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport speed of the medium at each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0142] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 12 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media. (Note 13) A printing apparatus as described in Appendix 11 or Appendix 12, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport distance of the medium for each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0143] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 13 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media. (Note 14) A printing apparatus as described in any of Appendix 11 to Appendix 13, The control unit can change the stopping time of the medium during intermittent transport. Printing device.

[0144] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 14 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0145] (Note 15) The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that drives the transport rollers and controls the print head, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit causes the transport roller to transport the medium along the transport path in the direction from the transport roller towards the print head, and causes the print head to eject the droplets, thereby printing a pattern of droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

[0146] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 15 transports the medium on transport rollers and prints a pattern on the medium by ejecting droplets from the print head. Therefore, by causing cockling on the medium, the cleaning effect of the transport path by the medium can be improved. Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 15 can clean the transport path without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus or increasing its size.

[0147] (Note 16) The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that drives the transport rollers and controls the print head, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit intermittently transports the medium to the transport rollers along the transport path in the direction from the transport rollers toward the print head, and ejects the droplets from the print head to print a pattern of droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

[0148] Thus, the printing apparatus according to Appendix 16 intermittently transports the medium M along the transport path and prints a pattern on the medium by ejecting droplets from the print head. Therefore, by intermittently transporting the medium, the medium, which is undulated by the cockling, can wipe away dirt from the transport path, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the transport path by the medium. Thus, the printing apparatus according to Appendix 16 can clean the transport path without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus or increasing its size.

[0149] (Note 17) A printing apparatus as described in any of the appendices 11 to 16, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit causes the transport roller to transport the medium multiple times, transporting it in the forward direction from the transport roller towards the print head along the transport path, with transport in the reverse direction (opposite to the forward direction) in between. Printing device.

[0150] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 17 performs forward transport multiple times, with reverse transport in between. In other words, the printing apparatus transports the medium back and forth. Therefore, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 17 can improve the cleaning effect of the transport path by the medium.

[0151] (Note 18) The printing apparatus described in Appendix 17, The control unit can change the transport distance and transport speed of the medium during the reciprocating transport. Printing device.

[0152] Thus, the printing apparatus described in Appendix 18 can improve the effectiveness of cleaning the transport path by the media.

[0153] (Note 19) The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, A cleaning method for a printing apparatus comprising: a transport path in which the direction from the transport roller toward the print head is defined as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is defined as the reverse direction, and a reversal path that branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, inverts the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction, and then rejoins the transport path, After the medium has reached at least the support portion by being transported in the forward direction, the medium is transported in the reverse direction by the transport roller, thereby merging the medium into the transport path via the reversal path, and the medium is transported in the forward direction by the transport roller. How to clean a printing device.

[0154] Thus, the cleaning method for the printing apparatus 1 according to Appendix 19 allows for cleaning of the transport path using both sides of the medium by reversing its orientation. Therefore, according to the cleaning method for the printing apparatus 1 according to Appendix 19, the transport path can be cleaned without reducing the usability of the printing apparatus or increasing its size. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0155] 1…Printing device, 2…Housing, 2a…Front, 3…Operation panel, 3a…Display unit, 3b…Input unit, 4…Opening / closing cover, 5…Placement unit, 6…Media setting unit, 7…Paper feed tray, 8…Hopper, 8a…Support surface, 9…Oscillating shaft, 11…Feeding roller, 12…Conveying roller pair, 12a…Conveying drive roller, 12b…Conveying driven roller, 14…Platen, 14a…Base, 14e…End point, 141…Opposite surface, 142…Rib, 143…Media support surface, 17…Discharge roller pair, 17a…Discharge drive roller, 17b…Discharge driven roller, 18…Regulating roller, 19…Discharge unit, 20…Reversing mechanism, 22…Reversing roller, 23…First driven roller, 24…Second driven roller, 25…Third driven roller, 31…Print head D, 32...carriage, 33...ink cartridge, 34...sensor, 34a...media detection unit, 34b...media contamination detection unit, 35...first guide rail, 36...second guide rail, 40...control circuit, 41...memory, 411...control program storage area, 412...transport parameter storage area, 413...print pattern storage area, 42...arithmetic unit, 421...media transport control unit, 422...carriage drive control unit, 423...media contamination determination unit, 424...head control unit, 425...input reception unit, 426...display control unit, 51...transport motor, 52...carriage motor, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5...print pattern, Fd...forward direction, Bd...reverse direction, S...transport path, R...reverse path, M...media.

Claims

1. The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, In the aforementioned transport path, the direction from the transport roller toward the print head is defined as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is defined as the reverse direction. A reversal path branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, and reverses the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction before merging the medium back into the transport path. The system includes a control unit that controls the drive of the transport rollers, Based on receiving a request to perform a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit performs a first control to transport the medium in the forward direction on the transport rollers, thereby causing the medium to reach at least the support portion. Then, it performs a second control to transport the medium in the reverse direction on the transport rollers, thereby causing the medium to merge with the transport path via the reverse path, and to transport the medium in the forward direction on the transport rollers. Printing device.

2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit repeatedly executes the second control. Printing device.

3. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The system further includes a sensor for detecting contamination of the aforementioned medium. When the control unit executes the second control, it repeatedly executes the second control based on the result of the sensor detecting dirt on the side of the medium opposite to the support portion. Printing device.

4. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit causes the transport roller to intermittently transport the medium in at least one of the first control and the second control. Printing device.

5. A printing apparatus according to claim 4, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport speed of the medium at each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

6. A printing apparatus according to claim 4, The control unit causes the transport roller to change the transport distance of the medium for each intermittent interval of the intermittent transport. Printing device.

7. A printing apparatus according to claim 4, The control unit can change the stopping time of the medium during intermittent transport. Printing device.

8. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, in at least one of the first control and the second control, causes the transport roller to reciprocate the medium. Printing device.

9. A printing apparatus according to claim 8, The control unit can change the transport distance and transport speed of the medium during the reciprocating transport. Printing device.

10. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, in at least one of the first control and the second control, causes the print head to eject the droplets, thereby printing a pattern of the droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

11. The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that controls the drive of the transport rollers, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit intermittently transports the medium to the transport rollers in the transport path in the direction from the transport rollers toward the print head. Printing device.

12. The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that drives the transport rollers and controls the print head, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit causes the transport roller to transport the medium along the transport path in the direction from the transport roller towards the print head, and causes the print head to eject the droplets, thereby printing a pattern of droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

13. The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, The system includes a control unit that drives the transport rollers and controls the print head, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit intermittently transports the medium to the transport rollers along the transport path in the direction from the transport rollers toward the print head, and ejects the droplets from the print head to print a pattern of droplets onto the medium. Printing device.

14. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, Based on receiving a request to execute a cleaning mode for cleaning the transport path, the control unit causes the transport roller to transport the medium multiple times, transporting it in the forward direction from the transport roller towards the print head along the transport path, with transport in the reverse direction (opposite to the forward direction) in between. Printing device.

15. The transport route through which the medium is transported, A conveying roller that conveys the medium along the conveying path, A support portion that supports the medium being transported along the transport path, A print head that prints on a medium by ejecting droplets toward the medium supported by the support portion, A cleaning method for a printing apparatus comprising: a transport path in which the direction from the transport roller toward the print head is defined as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is defined as the reverse direction, and a reversal path that branches off from the transport path at the position of the transport roller in the reverse direction, inverts the front and back sides of the medium being transported in the reverse direction, and then rejoins the transport path, After the medium has reached at least the support portion by being transported in the forward direction, the medium is transported in the reverse direction by the transport roller, thereby merging the medium into the transport path via the reversal path, and the medium is transported in the forward direction by the transport roller. How to clean a printing device.

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