Description
Title of Invention: RECORDING DEVICE AND RECORDING
METHOD
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device that performs recording on a
medium and a recording method that is used in a recording device.
Background Art
[0002] In the related art, ink jet type printers, which are provided with a support table (a
support unit) that includes a support surface on which a medium is supported, and a
printing unit (recording unit), which is provided so as to extend over the top of the
support table, and which is configured to be moveable along the support surface on the
basis of drive power which is transmitted from a drive motor, are widely known as a
kind of recording device (for example, refer to PTL 1). In printers that are configured
in this manner, a printing head, which is built into a carriage, performs printing on a
medium that is supported on a support surface while the carriage that configures a
printing unit scans in a scanning direction, which is intersects a movement direction of
the printing unit.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003] PTL 1: JP-A-2009-291995
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] Given that, in the abovementioned printers, a power source, which is to be a supply
source of a voltage of an entire device that includes a printing unit, is arranged on a
support table. Further, in a case in which a voltage is supplied to the printing unit from
the power source, it is necessary to make a length of a cable that leads from the power
source to the printing unit sufficiently long to an extent at which the cable does not
interfere with movement of the printing unit. As a result of this, there is a problem in
that it is more likely that a voltage drop will occur when supplying a voltage to the
printing unit from the power source.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording device
that can suppress the occurrence of a voltage drop in a voltage that is supplied to a
recording unit, and a recording method that is used in the recording device.
Solution to Problem
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording device
including: a support unit that includes a support surface that supports a medium; and a
recording unit, which is capable of moving relatively in a direction that runs along the
support surface with respect to the medium that is supported on the support unit, and
which performs a recording operation on the medium from a recording head, in which
the support unit includes a first power source, and a support control unit that controls
operation of the support unit on the basis of power that is supplied from the first power
source, and the recording unit includes a second power source, and a recording control
unit that controls operation of the recording unit on the basis of power that is supplied
from the second power source.
[0007] According to the abovementioned configuration, the recording unit includes the in
dividual second power source that is separate from the first power source that is
provided in the support unit. Therefore, even if a configuration in which the recording
unit moves relatively in a direction that runs along the support surface with respect to
the support unit, is used, a cable that leads from the second power source does not
interfere with the relative movement. Therefore, as a result of the fact that shortening
of the length of a cable that leads from the second power source is made possible, it is
possible to suppress a voltage drop from occurring in a voltage that is supplied from
the second power source to the recording unit through a cable.
[0008] In addition, in the abovementioned recording device, it is preferable that the support
control unit and the recording control unit are capable of executing a reset operation
that returns respective operational states to an initial state, and in a case in which one
control unit of the support control unit and the recording control unit has initiated the
reset operation, the corresponding control unit transmits a reset initiation signal, which
initiates the reset operation after causing an operational state save operation to be
performed, to the other control unit.
[0009] In addition, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
recording method that is used in a recording device that is provided with a support unit
that includes a support surface that supports a medium, and a recording unit, which is
capable of moving relatively in a direction that runs along the support surface with
respect to the medium that is supported on the support unit, and which performs a
recording operation on the medium from a recording head, in which the support unit
includes a first power source, and a support control unit that controls operation of the
support unit on the basis of power that is supplied from the first power source, and the
recording unit includes a second power source, and a recording control unit that
controls operation of the recording unit on the basis of power that is supplied from the
second power source. The recording method causes the recording device to execute a
power source OFF signal transmission step of transmitting a power source OFF signal,
which shows that supply of power from the first power source and the second power
source has been terminated, from the first power source and the second power source
to the control units to which the first power source and the second power source
correspond, and a reset initiation signal transmission step of transmitting a reset
initiation signal, which initiates a reset operation, from a control unit to which the
power source OFF signal was transmitted in the power source OFF signal transmission
step to a partner control unit after causing an operational state save operation to be
performed.
[0010] According to the abovementioned configuration or method, when one control unit of
the support control unit and the recording control unit initiates a reset operation, an op
erational state save operation is performed in the other control unit, and a reset
operation of the control unit is subsequently initiated. Therefore, since there is not a
circumstance in which only one of the control units of the support control unit and the
recording control unit performs a reset operation, it is possible to avoid a circumstance
in which a communication error is generated between the control units.
[001 1] In addition, in the abovementioned recording device, it is preferable that the support
control unit and the recording control unit are capable of mutually transmitting a reset
completion signal in a case in which the respective reset operations have been
completed, and each control unit determines whether or not the reset operation of both
control units has been completed on the basis of whether or not the reset completion
signal has been transmitted from a partner control unit in a state in which a self-reset
operation has been completed.
[0012] In addition, it is preferable that the abovementioned recording method further causes
the recording device to execute a reset completion signal transmission step of mutually
transmitting a reset completion signal in a case in which the support control unit and
the recording control unit have completed the respective reset operations, and a reset
completion determination step of causing each control unit determine whether or not
the reset operations of both control units have been completed on the basis of whether
or not the reset completion signal was transmitted from a partner control unit in the
reset completion signal transmission step in a state in which a self-reset operation has
been completed.
[0013] According to the abovementioned configuration or method, it is possible to
determine whether or not a reset operation of both control units has been completed
due to the support control unit and the recording control unit mutually transmitting a
reset completion signal.
[0014] In addition, in the abovementioned recording device, it is preferable that each control
unit terminates transmission of the reset completion signal to the partner control unit in
a case in which the reset completion signal has been transmitted from the partner
control unit in a state in which the self-reset operation has been completed.
[0015] In addition, it is preferable that the abovementioned recording method further cause
the recording device to execute a reset completion signal termination step of causing
each control unit to terminate transmission of the reset completion signal to the partner
control unit in the reset completion determination step in a case in which it is de
termined that the reset operation of the partner control unit has been completed.
[0016] According to this configuration or method, since the transmission of the reset
completion signal by each of the support control unit and the recording control unit to
the partner control unit is not necessary after the reset operation of both control units
has been completed, the transmission of the reset completion signal is terminated.
Therefore, it is possible to avoid a circumstance in which the support control unit and
the recording control unit transmit the reset completion signal over a period of time
that is longer than necessary.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0017] [fig.l]Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a printer.
[fig.2]Fig. 2 is a block diagram that shows a control configuration of a printer of the
same embodiment.
[fig.3]Fig. 3 is a flowchart that shows a process routine of a reset operation that the
printer of the same embodiment executes.
[fig.4]Fig. 4 is a diagram that shows timing charts of the process routine of the reset
operation that the printer of the same embodiment executes. Part (a) is a timing chart
that shows a transition of an AC voltage that is supplied to a first power source device
from an AC power source, Part (b) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a DC
voltage that is supplied to a first CPU from the first power source device, Part (c) is a
timing chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of an AC OFF signal that is
transmitted to the first CPU from the first power source device, Part (d) is a timing
chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of a memory writing signal that is
transmitted to a first non-volatile memory from the first CPU, Part (e) is a timing chart
that shows a transition of a signal voltage of a reset signal that is transmitted to the first
CPU from a first reset IC, Part (f) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a signal
voltage of an NMI signal that is transmitted to a second CPU from the first CPU, Part
(g) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of a synchronization
signal that is transmitted to the second CPU from the first CPU, Part (h) is a timing
chart that shows a transition of an AC voltage that is supplied to a second power source
device from an AC power source, Part (i) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a
DC voltage that is supplied to the second CPU from the second power source device,
Part (j) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of an AC OFF signal
that is transmitted to the second CPU from the second power source device, Part (k) is
a timing chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of a memory writing signal
that is transmitted to a second non-volatile memory from the second CPU, Part (1) is a
timing chart that shows a transition of a signal voltage of a reset signal that is
transmitted to the second CPU from a second reset IC, Part (m) is a timing chart that
shows a transition of a signal voltage of an NMI signal that is transmitted to the first
CPU from the second CPU, and Part (n) is a timing chart that shows a transition of a
signal voltage of a synchronization signal that is transmitted to the first CPU from the
second CPU.
Description of Embodiment
[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the recording device is realized in an ink jet
type printer will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, a printer is provided with a base platform 12 as an example of a
support unit that is configured to include a support frame 11 with a frame structure
placed on the bottom surface thereof. An upper surface of the base platform 12 forms a
support surface 13 on which a medium P is supported, and a plurality of suction holes
14 are open in the support surface 13. In addition, a decompression chamber 15 is
provided in a bottom part of the support surface 13 of the base platform 12, and a
vacuum pump 16 is connected to the decompression chamber 15. In addition, a first
power source device 17, as an example of a first power source that is provided in the
bottom part of the support surface 13 of the base platform 12, is connected to the
vacuum pump 16 via a cable CI. Further, in a case in which the vacuum pump 16 is
driven on the basis of power that is supplied from the first power source device 17 via
the cable CI, a suction force acts on the medium P, which is supported on the support
surface 13 of the base platform 12, via the suction holes 14 due to the decompression
chamber 15 reaching a decompression atmosphere.
[0020] A guiding groove 18 is formed on a side surface of both sides (only one side is i l
lustrated in Fig. 1) of the base platform 12 that run along a length direction X of the
medium P. A bottom end part of a liquid ejecting unit 20, as an example of a gate type
recording unit that extends in one direction, is engaged with the guiding groove 18 in a
manner in which reciprocating movement along the length direction X of the medium
P is possible.
[0021] In addition, a ball screw 2 1 is installed in the base platform 12 along a side surface of
one side (the right side in Fig. 1) in the length direction X of the medium P. A drive
mechanism 22 that is provided in a bottom end part of one side of the liquid ejecting
unit 20 in a longitudinal direction thereof, is linked to the ball screw 21. The drive
mechanism 22 is configured to include a nut member that engages with the ball screw
21, and a drive motor that performs rotational drive of the nut member in forward and
reverse directions. A second power source device 23, as an example of a second power
source that is provided on one side of the liquid ejecting unit 20 in a longitudinal
direction thereof, is connected to the drive mechanism 22 via a cable C2. Further, in a
case in which the drive motor of the drive mechanism 22 is driven on the basis of
power that is supplied from the second power source device 23 via the cable C2, the
liquid ejecting unit 20 performs reciprocating movement in the length direction X of
the medium P while being guided by the guiding groove 18 due to the nut member of
the drive mechanism 22 moving along the ball screw 2 1 while rotating.
[0022] The liquid ejecting unit 20 includes a main shaft 24 and an auxiliary shaft 25 that run
along a longitudinal direction. A carriage 26, which extends in a direction that in
tersects the length direction X of the medium P, is supported by the shafts 24 and 25 in
a manner in which sliding movement along the longitudinal direction is possible.
[0023] A drive pulley 27 and driven pulley 28 are supported in a freely rotatable manner at
positions in the liquid ejecting unit 20 that correspond to both end parts of the shafts 24
and 25. In addition to an output shaft of a carriage motor 29, which acts as a drive
source when performing reciprocating movement of the carriage 26, being linked to
the drive pulley 27, an endless timing belt 30, a portion of which is linked to the
carriage 26, is hung between the pair of pulleys 27 and 28. Therefore, the carriage 26
moves along the longitudinal direction of the shafts 24 and 25 via the endless timing
belt 30 due to drive power of the carriage motor 29 while being guided by the shafts 24
and 25.
[0024] Ink cartridges 3 1 that accommodate UV curable ink (hereinafter, referred to as "UV
ink") are arranged in a predetermined position on an end side (the right end side in Fig.
1) of the liquid ejecting unit 20 in the longitudinal direction thereof. The UV ink inside
the ink cartridges 3 1 can be supplied toward a recording head 32 that is supported on a
bottom surface side of the carriage 26 through an ink supply tube 33. Further, the
recording head 32 performs printing on the medium P that is supported on the support
surface 13 of the base platform 12 by ejecting the UV ink that is supplied from the ink
cartridges 31.
[0025] In addition, a pair of irradiation instruments 35 are supported by both side surfaces of
the carriage 26. The irradiation instruments 35 are supported by both sides in a
movement direction of the carriage 26 with the recording head 32 interposed
therebetween. In addition, the second power source device 23 is connected to the ir
radiation instruments 35 via a cable C3. Further, each irradiation instrument 35 cures
UV ink by irradiating UV ink that is ejected onto the medium P with irradiating UV
rays on the basis of power that is supplied from the second power source device 23
through the cable C3.
[0026] Next, a control configuration of the printer of the present embodiment will be
described.
[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the printer has a plurality of control substrates that include a first
control substrate 40A and a second control substrate 40B. Each control substrate 40A
and 40B is provided with CPUs 41A and 41B, reset ICs 42A and 42B, and non-volatile
memories 43A and 43B. When a command is received from the CPUs 4 1A and 4IB,
the reset ICs 42A and 42B initiate a reset operation that returns respective operational
states of the control substrates 40A and 40B to an initial state in the CPUs 41A and
41B. In addition, in a case in which the reset operation has been initiated by the reset
ICs 42A and 42B, the CPUs 41A and 41B save respective operational states of the
control substrates 40A and 40B on the non-volatile memories 43A and 43B.
[0028] A signal line S is connected between the first CPU 41A of the first control substrate
40A and the second CPU 41B of the second control substrate 40B, and the CPUs 41A
and 41B of both of the control substrates 40A and 40B can mutually perform commu
nication of various signals via the signal line S. In addition, the first power source
device 17 and the second power source device 23 are respectively connected to the first
CPU 41A of the first control substrate 40A and the second CPU 41B of the second
control substrate 40B. The power source devices 17 and 23 are connected to a common
AC power source 44, and after converting an AC voltage that is supplied from the AC
power source 44 to a DC voltage, supply the converted DC voltage to the CPUs 4 1A
and 41B of the control substrates 40A and 40B to which the power source devices 17
and 23 respectively correspond. In addition, in a case in which supply of an AC
voltage from the AC power source 44 is terminated, the power source devices 17 and
23 transmit an AC OFF signal, which is an example of a power source OFF signal that
shows that effect, to the CPUs 41A and 41B of the control substrates 40A and 40B to
which the power source devices 17 and 23 correspond.
[0029] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the first control substrate 40A functions as
the support control unit that controls various operations in the base platform 12.
Further, the first control substrate 40A controls an adsorption operation of the medium
P to the support surface 13 of the base platform 12 by controlling driving of the
vacuum pump 16, for example. Meanwhile, the second control substrate 40B functions
as the recording control unit that controls various operations in the liquid ejecting unit
20. Further, the second control substrate 40B controls a reciprocating operation of the
liquid ejecting unit 20 along the length direction X of the medium P by controlling
driving of the drive mechanism 22 for example, and controls an irradiation operation of
UV light onto UV ink that is ejected onto the medium P by controlling driving of each
irradiation instrument 35.
[0030] Next, a summary of a process routine of a reset operation that the printer of the
present embodiment executes during an instantaneous power outage will be described
with reference to the timing charts that are shown in Fig. 4.
[0031] Firstly, as shown in Fig. 3, when an instantaneous power outage occurs, supply of an
AC voltage from the AC power source 44 to the first power source device 17 and the
second power source device 23 is terminated. Then, the first power source device 17
immediately transmits an AC OFF signal, which shows that the supply of an AC
voltage from the AC power source 44 has been terminated, to the first CPU 4 1A, as a
power source OFF signal transmission step. Meanwhile, even if the supply of an AC
voltage from the AC power source 44 has been terminated, the second power source
device 23 does not transmit an AC OFF signal that shows that effect to the second
CPU 41B immediately. That is, when the supply of an AC voltage to the from the AC
power source 44 to each power source device 17 and 23 has been terminated, a timing
of the transmission of an AC OFF signal from each power source device 17 and 23 to
the CPUs 4 1A and 4 IB to which the power source devices 17 and 23 correspond is in
dividually different in each power source device 17 and 23. The reason for this is that
due to the fact that control targets of the control substrates 40A and 40B to which the
DC voltages are supplied from each power source device 17 and 23 differ, conditions
for initiating a reset operation of each control substrate 40A and 40B also differ.
[0032] Subsequently, when an AC OFF signal is received from the first power source device
17, the first CPU 41A writes an operational state of the first control substrate 40A of
that time to the first non- volatile memory 43A (Step SUA). In addition, when an AC
OFF signal is received from the first power source device 17, as a reset initiation signal
transmission step, after saving the operational state of the second control substrate 40B
at that time to the second CPU 4 IB as an interrupt operation, the first CPU 4 1A
transmits a Non Maskable Interrupt (NMI) signal as an example of a reset initiation
signal in order to initiate a reset operation. Further, when an NMI signal is received
from the first CPU 4 1A, the second CPU 4 IB writes an operational state of the second
control substrate 40B at that time to the second non- volatile memory 43B (Step SI IB).
[0033] Subsequently, when a preparation process of the reset operation that includes writing
to the first non-volatile memory 43A has been completed, the first CPU 41A transmits
a signal that shows that effect to the first reset IC 42A. Then, the first CPU 41A
initiates a reset operation due to a signal that prompts the initiation of a reset operation
being transmitted from the first reset IC 42A to the first CPU 4 1A (Step S12A).
Further, when the reset operation has been completed (Step S13A), as a reset
completion signal transmission step, the first CPU 41A sets a synchronization signal,
which is an example of a reset completion signal in order to perform mutual con
firmation with the second CPU 4 IB of the completion or non-completion of the re
spectively reset operations, to High (Step S14A). In addition, after setting a self syn
chronization signal to High, the first CPU 41A initiates a request for a partner synchro
nization signal from the second CPU 4 IB.
[0034] Meanwhile, when a preparation process of the reset operation that includes writing to
the second non-volatile memory 43B has been completed, the second CPU 41B
transmits a signal that shows that effect to the second reset IC 42B. Then, the second
CPU 4 IB initiates a reset operation due to a signal that prompts the initiation of a reset
operation being transmitted from the second reset IC 42B to the second CPU 4 IB (Step
S12B). Further, when the reset operation has been completed (Step S13B), after setting
a self synchronization signal to High (Step S14B), the second CPU 41B initiates a
request for a partner synchronization signal from the first CPU 41A.
[0035] That is, after setting the self synchronization signals thereof to High, the first CPU
41A and the second CPU 41B request a partner synchronization signal. Further, as a
reset completion determination step, both of the CPUs 4 1A and 4 IB determine the fact
that reset operations of both of the control substrates 40A and 40B have been
completed by confirming the fact that a partner synchronization signal has been set to
High. Further, as a reset completion signal termination step, after setting the self syn
chronization signals thereof to Low (Steps S15A and S15B), both of the CPUs 4 1A
and 4 IB stand by until a new AC OFF signal is input from the power source devices
17 and 23.
[0036] More specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in Parts (a) and (h) of Fig. 4,
the supply of an AC voltage from the AC power source 44 to each power source device
17 and 23 is terminated at a time tl. Further, at this time, as shown in Parts (a) and (i)
of Fig. 4, the supply of a DC voltage from each power source device 17 and 23 to the
CPUs 41A and 41B of the control substrates 40A and 40B to which the power source
devices 17 and 23 correspond is maintained. That is, even if the supply of an AC
voltage from the AC power source 44 is terminated temporarily, the power source
devices 17 and 23 maintain the supply of a DC voltage to the CPUs 4 1A and 4 IB of
the control substrates 40A and 40B to which the power source devices 17 and 23
correspond using power that has been accumulated in an electrolytic capacitor or the
like. In addition, at this time, as shown in Part (c) of Fig. 4, an AC OFF signal is
transmitted from the first power source device 17 to the first CPU 4 1A at a time t2.
Meanwhile, as shown in Part (j) of Fig. 4, an AC OFF signal is not transmitted from
the second power source device 23 to the second CPU 4 IB at the same time t2.
[0037] Further, as shown in Part (d) of Fig. 4, the first CPU 41A initiates writing to the first
non- volatile memory 43A at a time t3 after the AC OFF signal has been received from
the first power source device 17. Subsequently, as shown in Part (e) of Fig. 4, the first
CPU 4 1A initiates a reset operation on the basis of a signal that is received from the
first reset IC 42A at a time t5 after a preparation process of the reset operation that
includes writing to the first non-volatile memory 43A has been completed. Further, as
shown in Part (g) of Fig. 4, after setting a synchronization signal to High, the first CPU
41A initiates a request for a synchronization signal from the second CPU 41B at a time
t7 after the reset operation has been completed.
[0038] In this case, a reset operation of the second CPU 41B has not been completed at the
time t7. Therefore, the first CPU 4 1A determines that the reset operation of the second
CPU 4 IB has not been completed yet due to a Low signal being received as the syn
chronization signal from the second CPU 4 IB. Further, the first CPU 4 1A continues to
request a synchronization signal from the second CPU 4 IB at fixed intervals while
continuing to set a self synchronization signal as high until a High signal is received as
the synchronization signal from the second CPU 4 IB.
[0039] In addition, as shown in Part (f) of Fig. 4, the first CPU 4 1A initiates the
transmission of an NMI signal to the second CPU 4 IB at the time t3 after the AC OFF
signal has been received from the first power source device 17. Then, as shown in Part
(k) of Fig. 4, the second CPU 41B initiates writing to the second non-volatile memory
43B at a time t4 after the NMI signal has been received from the first CPU 4 1A. Addi
tionally, as shown in Part (m) of Fig. 4, when the second CPU 41B initiates writing to
the second non- volatile memory 43B with the reception of the NMI signal from the
first CPU 4 1A as a trigger thereof, the first CPU 4 1A initiates writing to the first non
volatile memory 43A. Therefore, in this case, an NMI signal that prompts the initiation
of writing to the first non- volatile memory 43A is not transmitted to the first CPU 4 1A
from the second CPU 4 IB. Further, the second CPU 4 IB initiates a reset operation on
the basis of a signal that is received from the second reset IC 42B at a time t6 after a
preparation process of the reset operation that includes writing to the second non
volatile memory 43B has been completed. In addition, as shown in Part (n) of Fig. 4,
after setting a synchronization signal to High, the second CPU 41B initiates a request
for a synchronization signal from the first CPU 4 1A at a time t8 after the reset
operation has been completed.
[0040] In this case, a reset operation of the first CPU 4 1A has already been completed at the
time t8. Therefore, the second CPU 4 IB determines that the reset operation of the first
CPU 41A has already been completed due to a High signal being received as the syn
chronization signal from the first CPU 4 1A. In addition, at the same time, the first CPU
41A determines that the reset operation of the second CPU 41B has already been
completed due to a High signal being received as the synchronization signal from the
second CPU 41B.
[0041] Further, as shown in Parts (g) and (n) of Fig. 4, after the setting self synchronization
signals thereof to Low, the first CPU 41A and the second CPU 41B stand by until a
new AC OFF signal is input from the power source devices 17 and 23 at a time t9 after
it has been determined that the reset operation of a partner CPU has been completed.
[0042] Additionally, in the present embodiment, a self synchronization signal is set to Low
at a time point at which the first CPU 4 1A determines that a reset operation of the
second CPU 41B has been completed, that is, when a short amount of time has passed
after the time t8 at which the synchronization signal of the second CPU 4 IB is set to
High. The reason for this is that, a short time lag is generated between a time point at
which the second CPU 41B sets the self synchronization signal thereof to High along
with the completion of the reset operation until the synchronization signal of the first
CPU 4 1A is received. Further, if the synchronization signal of the first CPU 4 1A is set
to low before the second CPU 4 IB determines completion of the reset operation of the
first CPU 41A as a result of this time lag, it is not possible for the second CPU 41B to
determine completion of the reset operation of the first CPU 41A. In such an instance,
in the present embodiment, the synchronization signal of the first CPU 41A is set to
low after securing a period of time from when the synchronization signal of the second
CPU 4 IB is set to High to when the second CPU 4 IB receives the synchronization
signal of the first CPU 4 1A.
[0043] Next, effects of the printer of the present embodiment will be described.
[0044] In the present embodiment, the base platform 12 and the liquid ejecting unit 20 are
provided with the power source devices 17 and 23, which respectively act as supply
sources of power. Further, the second power source device 23 that supplies power to
the liquid ejecting unit 20 is integral with the liquid ejecting unit 20, and performs r e
ciprocating movement along the length direction X of the medium P. Therefore, even
if the liquid ejecting unit 20 performs reciprocating movement in a manner that crosses
above the medium P that is supported on the support surface 13 of the base platform 12
in the length direction X of the medium P, a relative position of the liquid ejecting unit
20 and the second power source device 23 according to the reciprocating movement of
the liquid ejecting unit 20 does not change. That is, a distance between the liquid
ejecting unit 20 and the second power source device 23 does not change according to
the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejecting unit 20. Therefore, the lengths of the
cables C2 and C3 that lead from the second power source device 23 to the liquid
ejecting unit 20 can be reduced further than a case in which the length of the cables C2
and C3 that lead from the second power source device 23 to the liquid ejecting unit 20
are made long to an extent at which the cables do not interfere with the reciprocating
movement of the liquid ejecting unit 20 in consideration of a range through which the
liquid ejecting unit 20 performs reciprocating movement. Therefore, since a cir
cumstance in which a voltage drop occurs when a voltage is supplied from the second
power source device 23 to the liquid ejecting unit 20 via the cables C2 and c3 is
suppressed, the operation of the liquid ejecting unit 20 can be performed stably.
[0045] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first control substrate 40A and the second
control substrate 40B respectively control the operation of the targets thereof while
mutually performing communication of various items of information. Therefore, when
a timing with which an AC OFF signal is transmitted from a power source when an in
stantaneous power outage has arisen is relatively fast, and only the first control
substrate 40A has initiated a reset operation, it is possible to that a communication
error will occur between the control substrates 40A and 40B, and the entire operation
of the printer will be terminated.
[0046] With respect to this, in the present embodiment, when the first control substrate 40A
initiates a reset operation when an instantaneous power outage has arisen, the
transmission of an NMI signal from the first control substrate 40A to the second
control substrate 40B is also performed. Therefore, even if an AC OFF signal is not
transmitted from the second power source device 23 to the second control substrate
40B when an instantaneous power outage has arisen, the second control substrate 40B
initiates a reset operation with the reception of an NMI signal from the first control
substrate 40A as a trigger thereof. Therefore, since both of the first control substrate
40A and the second control substrate 40B reliably perform a reset operation when an
instantaneous power outage arises, the occurrence of communication errors between
the control substrates 40A and 40B is suppressed.
[0047] In the manner described above, according to the abovementioned embodiment, it is
possible to obtain the effects that are shown below.
[0048] (1) The liquid ejecting unit 20 includes an individual second power source device 23
that is separate from the first power source device 17 that is provided in the base
platform 12. Therefore, even if the liquid ejecting unit 20 has a configuration of
moving relatively in a direction that runs along the support surface 13 with respect to
the base platform 12, the cables C2 and C3 that lead from the second power source
device 23 do not interfere with the relative movement. Therefore, due to the fact that it
is possible to shorten the length of the cables C2 and C3 that lead from the second
power source device 23, it is possible to suppress a voltage drop from occurring in a
voltage that is supplied from the second power source device 23 to the liquid ejecting
unit 20 via the cables C2 and C3.
[0049] (2) When one of the control substrates of the first control substrate 40A and the
second control substrate 40B initiates a reset operation, the other control substrate
initiates a reset operation after performing an operational state save operation.
Therefore, since there is not a circumstance in which only one of the control substrates
of the first control substrate 40A and the second control substrate 40B performs a reset
operation, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of communication errors between the
control substrates 40A and 40B.
[0050] (3) Due to the first control substrate 40A and the second control substrate 40B
mutually transmitting synchronization signals, it is possible to determine whether or
not the reset operations of both of the control substrates 40A and 40B have been
completed.
[0051] (4) Each of the first control substrate 40A and the second control substrate 40B sets
the synchronization signal thereof to low after the reset operations of both of the
control substrates 40A and 40B have been completed. Therefore, it is possible for each
of the first control substrate 40A and the second control substrate 40B to return to a
stand-by state, in which reception of a new AC OFF signal from the power source that
corresponds thereto is possible, after it has been determined that the reset operation of
a partner control substrate has been completed.
[0052] Additionally, the present embodiment can be realized in the following forms.
[0053] In the present embodiment, the first control substrate 40A may initiate a request for a
synchronization signal from the second control substrate 40B with the reception of an
AC OFF signal from the first power source device 17 as a trigger thereof.
[0054] In the present embodiment, the second control substrate 40B may initiate a request
for a synchronization signal from the first control substrate 40A with the reception of
an NMI signal from the first control substrate 40A as a trigger thereof.
[0055] In the present embodiment, after a reset operation has been completed, each of the
first control substrate 40A and the second control substrate 40B need not transmit a
signal that shows that effect to the partner control substrate. That is, as long as the first
control substrate 40A has a configuration that prompts the initiation of a reset
operation in the second control substrate 40B when an AC OFF signal is received from
the first power source device 17, each of the first control substrate 40A and the second
control substrate 40B need not determine whether or not the reset operation of a
partner substrate has been completed.
[0056] In the present embodiment, the communication of information in the control con
figuration of the printer was performed on the basis of a signal potential that is retained
between High and Low, but the communication of the information may be performed
on the basis of serial communication or the like that uses a command signal.
[0057] In the present embodiment, the printer as the recording device may be any line head
type printer which forms images by fixing either a recording head or a medium and
moving the other, and in which nozzles that are arranged in a direction that intersects
the length direction of the medium are provided to correspond to length in a direction
that interests the length direction of the medium.
[0058] In the present embodiment, the printer as the recording device may be any fluid
ejecting device that performs recording by ejecting or discharging a fluid other than
ink (including liquid state materials that are formed by particles of a liquid or a
functional material being dispersed, or mixed into a liquid, fluid states such as gels,
and solid that can be fluidized and ejected as fluid). For example, any liquid ejecting
apparatus that performs printing by ejecting a liquid state material that includes
materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials), which are
used in the manufacturing of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence)
displays, surface-emitting displays and the like in a dispersed or dissolved form may be
used. In addition, a fluid form material ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid form
material such as a gel (for example, a physical gel), or a granule ejecting apparatus (for
example, a toner jet type printing apparatus) that ejects a solid of which a powder (a
granular material) such as toner is an example of, may be used. Further, it is possible to
adopt the present invention in these kinds of fluid ejecting devices. Additionally, in the
present specification, "fluid" refers to a concept that does not include a fluid that is
formed from gas only and for example, includes liquids (inorganic solvents, organic
solvents, liquid solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metallic melts)), liquid state
materials, fluid state materials, granular materials (including powder and granules),
and the like.
Reference Signs List
12 Base platform as an example of a support unit
13 Support surface
17 First power source device as an example of a first power source
20 Liquid ejecting unit as an example of a recording unit
23 Second power source device as an example of a second power source
26 Carriage
32 Recording head
40A First control substrate as an example of a support control unit
40B Second control substrate as an example of a recording control unit
P Medium
WO 2015/133109 PCT/JP2015/001059
Claims
[Claim 1] A recording device comprising:
a support unit that includes a support surface that supports a medium;
and
a recording unit, which is capable of moving relatively in a direction
that runs along the support surface with respect to the medium that is
supported on the support unit, and which performs a recording
operation on the medium from a recording head,
wherein the support unit includes a first power source, and a support
control unit that controls operation of the support unit on the basis of
power that is supplied from the first power source, and
the recording unit includes a second power source, and a recording
control unit that controls operation of the recording unit on the basis of
power that is supplied from the second power source.
[Claim 2] The recording device according to Claim 1, wherein the support control
unit and the recording control unit are capable of executing a reset
operation that returns respective operational states to an initial state,
and
in a case in which one control unit of the support control unit and the
recording control unit has initiated the reset operation, the corre
sponding control unit transmits a reset initiation signal, which initiates
the reset operation after causing an operational state save operation to
be performed, to the other control unit.
[Claim 3] The recording device according to Claim 2, wherein the support control
unit and the recording control unit are capable of mutually transmitting
a reset completion signal in a case in which the respective reset op
erations have been completed, and
each control unit determines whether or not the reset operation of both
control units has been completed on the basis of whether or not the
reset completion signal has been transmitted from a partner control unit
in a state in which a self-reset operation has been completed.
[Claim 4] The recording device according to Claim 3, wherein each control unit
terminates transmission of the reset completion signal to the partner
control unit in a case in which the reset completion signal has been
transmitted from the partner control unit in a state in which the selfreset
operation has been completed.
[Claim 5] A recording method that is used in a recording device that is provided
WO 2015/133109 PCT/JP2015/001059
with a support unit that includes a support surface that supports a
medium, and a recording unit, which is capable of moving relatively in
a direction that runs along the support surface with respect to the
medium that is supported on the support unit, and which performs a
recording operation on the medium from a recording head, in which the
support unit includes a first power source, and a support control unit
that controls operation of the support unit on the basis of power that is
supplied from the first power source, and the recording unit includes a
second power source, and a recording control unit that controls
operation of the recording unit on the basis of power that is supplied
from the second power source, the recording method causing the
recording device to execute
a power source OFF signal transmission step of transmitting a power
source OFF signal, which shows that supply of power from the first
power source and the second power source has been terminated, from
the first power source and the second power source to the control units
to which the first power source and the second power source
correspond; and
a reset initiation signal transmission step of transmitting a reset
initiation signal, which initiates a reset operation, from a control unit to
which the power source OFF signal was transmitted in the power
source OFF signal transmission step to a partner control unit after
causing an operational state save operation to be performed.
[Claim 6] The recording method according to Claim 5, further causing the
recording device to execute
a reset completion signal transmission step of mutually transmitting a
reset completion signal in a case in which the support control unit and
the recording control unit have completed the respective reset op
erations, and
a reset completion determination step of causing each control unit
determine whether or not the reset operations of both control units have
been completed on the basis of whether or not the reset completion
signal was transmitted from a partner control unit in the reset
completion signal transmission step in a state in which a self-reset
operation has been completed.
[Claim 7] The recording method according to Claim 6, further causing the
recording device to execute
a reset completion signal termination step of causing each control unit
PCT/JP2015/001059
to terminate transmission of the reset completion signal to the partner
control unit in the reset completion determination step in a case in
which it is determined that the reset operation of the partner control
unit has been completed.