JP2019188782A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

To recognize an accumulation state of foreign matters in an inside of a device.SOLUTION: A multifunction machine 10 includes: a sensor 110 which emits light of a light amount in response to an input signal, and outputs an output signal in response to a light amount of reflection light of the light; a platen 42 which has a horizontal surface 153A and an inclined surface 153B; a memory 140 which stores a first value and a second value; and a controller 130. The controller 130 emits the light from the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A (S30), acquires a third value in response to the output signal output by the sensor 110 (S40), emits the light from the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B (S60), acquires a fourth value in response to the output signal output by the sensor 110 (S70), determines that foreign matters are accumulated in an inside of a device when the acquired third value is smaller than the first value (S80:YES) and the fourth value is larger than the second value (S90:YES), and sets a value of a flag stored in the memory 140 to "1" (S100).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records an image on a sheet.

  Conventionally, an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a sheet is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection apparatus that records an image on a sheet by ejecting ink droplets toward the sheet.

  The image recording device is installed in a dusty or dusty environment (for example, outdoors where sand dust dances, or a stall that faces such outdoors and has no or no partitions such as windows and doors). In such a case, foreign matter such as dust may enter the inside of the housing through an opening or gap formed in the housing of the image recording apparatus. If foreign matter accumulates inside the housing, there is a risk that operations such as sheet conveyance and image recording on the sheet may be hindered. As a countermeasure for the above problem, it is conceivable that the structure of the housing is made a structure in which a foreign object does not easily enter, for example, an opening or a gap formed in the housing is closed.

JP 2013-215983 A

  However, it is very difficult to completely seal the inside of the housing from the outside. Further, when the inside of the casing is hermetically sealed, the temperature inside the casing rises during the operation of the image recording apparatus, and the possibility that the components arranged inside the casing will break down increases.

  Therefore, in an environment with a lot of dust or dust, instead of completely excluding foreign objects from entering the inside of the housing, foreign matter can accumulate inside the housing by grasping the accumulation status of the foreign materials inside the housing. Even in such a case, it is required to reduce the possibility of trouble in operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide means capable of grasping the accumulation state of foreign matter inside the apparatus.

  (1) An image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a housing, the interior of the housing, a recording unit that records an image on a sheet, and a light amount of light corresponding to an input signal at least in a predetermined optical path. A sensor that emits and outputs an output signal corresponding to the amount of light; a first surface that is provided inside the housing and reflects light in the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a predetermined direction; and A reflective portion having a second surface that reflects light in the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a direction away from the sensor from the predetermined direction, and the sensor are mounted, and the sensor faces the first surface. And a carriage in which the sensor is movable to a second position facing the second surface, a memory for storing the first value and the second value as reference values, and a controller. The controller moves the carriage to the first position, emits a first amount of light from the sensor to the first surface, and acquires a third value corresponding to the output signal output by the sensor. Then, the carriage is moved to the second position, a second amount of light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface, and a fourth value corresponding to the output signal output from the sensor is obtained. In response to the acquired third value being smaller than the first value and the fourth value being greater than the second value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the preset fifth value to the first value. The sixth value is different from the five values.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the first surface, light emitted from the sensor to the first surface is irregularly reflected on the first surface. Therefore, the amount of light reaching the sensor is reduced as compared with the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the first surface. At this time, an output signal having a third value smaller than the output signal value (first value) when almost no foreign matter is deposited on the first surface is output from the sensor.

  Further, the second surface reflects light of a predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a direction away from the sensor rather than a predetermined direction. Therefore, when light is emitted to the second surface, the amount of light reaching the sensor is reduced compared to when light is emitted to the first surface. Therefore, most of the light reflected by the second surface does not reach the sensor.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the second surface, the light emitted from the sensor to the second surface is irregularly reflected on the second surface. For this reason, the amount of light reaching the sensor increases compared to the case where almost no foreign matter is deposited on the second surface (a case where much of the light reflected by the second surface does not reach the sensor). At this time, an output signal having a fourth value that is larger than the output signal value (second value) when almost no foreign matter is deposited on the second surface is output from the sensor.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the sixth value in response to the third value being smaller than the first value and the fourth value being larger than the second value. Here, when the fifth value is stored in the memory, the controller determines that almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the reflecting portion, and when the sixth value is stored in the memory, the foreign matter has some degree on the reflecting portion. By determining that the particles are accumulated, it is possible to grasp that foreign substances are accumulated in the reflecting portion.

  Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to estimate the accumulation state of the foreign matter in another member provided in the housing, for example, the recording unit, by detecting the foreign matter accumulation on the reflecting portion.

  (2) The controller compares the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value with a threshold value read from the memory, and In response to being larger than the threshold value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to a seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.

  As the amount of accumulated foreign matter on the first surface increases, the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor to the first surface becomes more intense, and the amount of light reaching the sensor decreases. That is, the greater the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the first surface, the smaller the third value of the output signal output from the sensor.

  Further, the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the second surface, the more the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor to the second surface becomes, so the amount of light reaching the sensor increases. That is, as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the second surface increases, the fourth value of the output signal output from the sensor increases.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the seventh value in response to the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value being larger than the threshold value. And Here, when the sixth value is stored in the memory, the controller determines that there is little foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion, and when the seventh value is stored in the memory, the controller accumulates on the reflecting portion. By determining that there are many foreign matters, it is possible to grasp the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion.

  (3) The controller compares the sum of the difference between the third value and the first value and the difference between the fourth value and the second value with a threshold value read from the memory, and calculates the sum. When the value is larger than the threshold value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.

  In this configuration, the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion is determined based on both the foreign matter accumulation state on the first surface and the foreign matter accumulation state on the second surface. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneous determination such that it is determined that there is a large amount of foreign matter accumulated in the entire reflecting portion when some foreign matter is accidentally deposited on only one of the first surface and the second surface. That is, it is possible to grasp the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion with higher accuracy than the configuration (2).

  (4) The controller sets the fifth value in the memory in response to the third value being larger than the first value or the fourth value being smaller than the second value.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is set as the fifth value in response to the third value being larger than the first value or the fourth value being smaller than the second value. Here, when the controller stores the fifth value in the memory, it can be determined that almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the reflective portion by determining that the foreign matter has hardly accumulated on the reflective portion.

  (5) The controller moves the carriage to the first position, emits the first amount of light from the sensor to the first surface, and responds to the output signal output from the sensor. The first value is stored in the memory, the carriage is moved to the second position, the second amount of light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface, and the output signal output by the sensor is output to the output signal. The corresponding second value is stored in the memory.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire the first value and the second value according to the surrounding environment where the image recording apparatus is arranged.

  (6) An image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a casing, a recording section that records an image on a sheet, and emits light corresponding to an input signal to at least a predetermined optical path. And a sensor that outputs an output signal according to the amount of light, a first surface that is provided inside the housing and reflects light in the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a predetermined direction, and the sensor A reflecting portion having a second surface that reflects the emitted light of the predetermined optical path in a direction away from the sensor from the predetermined direction, and the sensor are mounted, and the sensor is opposed to the first surface. 1 position and a carriage in which the sensor can move to a second position facing the second surface, a memory for storing a first value and a second value as reference values, and a controller. The controller moves the carriage to the first position, emits light from the sensor to the first surface while changing the amount of light, and the input when the sensor outputs a predetermined output signal. A third value corresponding to the signal is acquired, the carriage is moved to the second position, light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface while changing the amount of light, and the sensor outputs the predetermined output signal. A fourth value corresponding to the input signal at the time of output, and the acquired third value is larger than the first value and the fourth value is smaller than the second value, The value stored in the memory is changed from a preset fifth value to a sixth value different from the fifth value.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the first surface, light emitted from the sensor to the first surface is irregularly reflected on the first surface. Therefore, the amount of light reaching the sensor is reduced as compared with the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the first surface. At this time, the first input signal for obtaining the predetermined output signal from the sensor is compared with the first value of the input signal for obtaining the predetermined output signal from the sensor when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the first surface. The ternary value increases.

  Further, the second surface reflects light of a predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a direction away from the sensor rather than a predetermined direction. Therefore, when light is emitted to the second surface, the amount of light reaching the sensor is reduced compared to when light is emitted to the first surface. Therefore, most of the light reflected by the second surface does not reach the sensor.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the second surface, the light emitted from the sensor to the second surface is irregularly reflected on the second surface. For this reason, the amount of light reaching the sensor increases compared to the case where almost no foreign matter is deposited on the second surface (a case where much of the light reflected by the second surface does not reach the sensor). At this time, the input signal for obtaining the output signal of the predetermined value from the sensor is compared with the second value of the input signal for obtaining the predetermined output signal from the sensor when the foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the second surface. The fourth value becomes smaller.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the sixth value in response to the third value being larger than the first value and the fourth value being smaller than the second value. Here, when the fifth value is stored in the memory, the controller determines that almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the reflecting portion, and when the sixth value is stored in the memory, the foreign matter has some degree on the reflecting portion. By determining that the particles are accumulated, it is possible to grasp that foreign substances are accumulated in the reflecting portion.

  Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to estimate the accumulation state of the foreign matter in another member provided in the housing, for example, the recording unit, by detecting the foreign matter accumulation on the reflecting portion.

  (7) The controller compares the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value with a threshold value read from the memory, and In response to being larger than the threshold value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to a seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.

  As the amount of accumulated foreign matter on the first surface increases, the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor to the first surface becomes more intense, and the amount of light reaching the sensor decreases. That is, the third value of the input signal for obtaining a predetermined output signal from the sensor increases as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the first surface increases.

  Further, the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the second surface, the more the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor to the second surface becomes, so the amount of light reaching the sensor increases. That is, the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the second surface, the smaller the fourth value of the input signal for obtaining a predetermined output signal from the sensor.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the seventh value in response to the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value being larger than the threshold value. And Here, when the sixth value is stored in the memory, the controller determines that there is little foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion, and when the seventh value is stored in the memory, the controller accumulates on the reflecting portion. By determining that there are many foreign matters, it is possible to grasp the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion.

  (8) The controller compares the sum of the difference between the third value and the first value and the difference between the fourth value and the second value with a threshold value read from the memory, and calculates the sum. When the value is larger than the threshold value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to the seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.

  In this configuration, the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion is determined based on both the foreign matter accumulation state on the first surface and the foreign matter accumulation state on the second surface. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneous determination such that it is determined that there is a large amount of foreign matter accumulated in the entire reflecting portion when some foreign matter is accidentally deposited on only one of the first surface and the second surface. That is, it is possible to grasp the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the reflecting portion with higher accuracy than the configuration (7).

  (9) The controller sets the fifth value in the memory in response to the third value being smaller than the first value or the fourth value being larger than the second value.

  In this configuration, the value stored in the memory is set as the fifth value in response to the third value being smaller than the first value or the fourth value being larger than the second value. Here, when the controller stores the fifth value in the memory, it can be determined that almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the reflective portion by determining that the foreign matter has hardly accumulated on the reflective portion.

  (10) The controller moves the carriage to the first position, emits light from the sensor to the first surface while changing the amount of light, and the sensor outputs the predetermined output signal. The first value corresponding to the input signal is stored in the memory, the carriage is moved to the second position, and the light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface while changing the amount of light. The second value corresponding to the input signal when the sensor outputs the predetermined output signal is stored in the memory.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire the first value and the second value according to the surrounding environment where the image recording apparatus is arranged.

  (11) The image recording apparatus according to the present invention further includes a notification device. The controller activates the alarm device in response to the sixth value being set in the memory.

  According to this configuration, it can be notified that foreign matter has accumulated in the housing.

  (12) The image recording apparatus according to the present invention further includes a notification device. The controller causes the notification device to notify the first notification in response to the sixth value being set in the memory, and in response to the seventh value being set in the memory. To notify the second notification different from the first notification.

  According to this configuration, notification according to the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the casing can be performed.

  (13) The carriage has the recording unit mounted thereon. In response to the fifth value being set in the memory, the controller drives the motor that transmits driving to the carriage with a first current value, and moves the carriage to the sheet by the recording unit. According to the fact that the sixth value is set in the memory, the motor is driven with a second current value larger than the first current value and the carriage is moved while moving the carriage. To record an image on the sheet.

  According to this configuration, the carriage for moving the recording unit in the scanning direction when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet can be used as the carriage for moving the sensor to the first position and the second position.

  In addition, according to this configuration, even when a load is applied to the movement of the carriage due to the foreign matter accumulated in the housing, the carriage that drives and transmits the carriage to the carriage is driven with the second current value. Can be moved appropriately.

  (14) An image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes the reflection unit and includes a support unit that supports the sheet. The sensor emits light toward the support portion.

  According to this configuration, the sensor for detecting whether or not the sheet is supported by the support unit and the size of the sheet supported by the support unit is used as the sensor for detecting the accumulation of foreign matter on the reflection unit. Can be diverted.

  (15) The reflection unit is configured such that, among the support units, the minimum size sheet among a plurality of types of sheets set so as to be supported by the support unit is supported by the support unit. It is provided in an area located below the size sheet.

  Among the support portions, when the minimum size sheet among the plurality of types of sheets set so as to be supported by the support portion is supported by the support portion, an area located below the minimum size sheet is: Even if the sheet of any size is supported by the support portion, the sheet is positioned below the sheet. Therefore, when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet, there is a low possibility that ink will adhere to the area.

  According to this configuration, the reflective portion is provided in the region. Therefore, when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet, there is a low possibility that ink will adhere to the reflective portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink adhering to the reflection part is determined as the foreign matter that has entered from the outside to the inside of the image recording apparatus has accumulated on the reflection part.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the accumulation state of foreign matters inside the apparatus.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the feeding tray 20. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the platen 42. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the transport roller 60, the platen 42, and the discharge roller pair 55. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller 130 and the memory 140. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the foreign matter accumulation state determination control according to the first embodiment. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the sensor 110 and the horizontal surface 153A of the platen 42. FIG. 8A shows a state where almost no foreign matter is deposited on the horizontal surface 153A, and FIG. It shows the deposited state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the sensor 110 and the inclined surface 153B of the platen 42. FIG. 9A shows a state where almost no foreign matter is deposited on the inclined surface 153B, and FIG. 9B shows the inclined surface 153B. Shows a state in which foreign matter is accumulated. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the characteristics of the level of the electrical signal output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 in accordance with the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the characteristics of the level of an electrical signal output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 according to the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the state in which the multifunction machine 10 is installed (the state shown in FIG. 1), and the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 is formed as the front surface. The left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction machine 10 is viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, in a state where the multifunction machine 10 is installed to be usable, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

[Overall Configuration of Multifunction Device 10 of Embodiment 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 (an example of an image recording apparatus) is generally formed in a rectangular parallelepiped. The multi-function device 10 includes a printer unit 11 that records (prints) an image on a sheet 12 (see FIG. 2) using an inkjet recording method at the bottom. The multifunction machine 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function. The printer unit 11 includes a housing 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 11 includes a feeding tray 20, a discharge tray 21, a positioning unit 90 (see FIG. 3), a feeding unit 15, a transport roller pair 54, and a discharge roller pair 55. A recording head 39 (an example of a recording unit), a carriage 23, a platen 42 (an example of a support unit), a sensor 110, a controller 130 (see FIG. 6), and a memory 140 (see FIG. 6). .

  The housing 14 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 14 includes an internal space 30 (see FIG. 2). A conveyance path 65 described later is formed in the internal space 30. Further, the internal space 30 includes a feeding unit 15, a conveyance roller pair 54, a discharge roller pair 55, a recording head 39, a carriage 23, a platen 42, a sensor 110, a controller 130 (see FIG. 6), and a memory 140 (see FIG. 6). ) Is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a touch panel 17 (an example of a notification device) for inputting and displaying various types of information is disposed on the top of the housing 14. In addition, what is used to input and display various information is not limited to the touch panel 17, and may include, for example, a button for inputting various information and a liquid crystal display for displaying various information.

[Feeding tray 20]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer unit 11 includes an opening 13 on the front surface. The feeding tray 20 can be inserted and removed from the opening 13 in the front-rear direction 8. The feeding tray 20 can support sheets 12 of various sizes.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the feeding tray 20 has a box shape with the top opened. The feeding tray 20 includes a bottom plate 32. The bottom plate 32 can support a plurality of standard size sheets 12 such as A4 size, B5 size, legal size, and postcard size. The bottom plate 32 is provided with a mark indicating the position of one side end portion (left end portion in FIG. 3) of the sheet 12 of various standard sizes in the left-right direction 9. In FIG. 3, two types of “A4” and “B5” are shown as examples of the mark, but the mark is not limited to these.

[Discharge tray 21]
As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge tray 21 is located above the feeding tray 20. The discharge tray 21 supports the sheet 12 printed and discharged by the recording head 39.

[Positioning part 90]
As shown in FIG. 3, the positioning portion 90 is disposed on the bottom plate 32. The positioning unit 90 positions both ends in the left-right direction 9 of the sheet 12 supported by the bottom plate 32. The positioning unit 90 positions the sheets 12 of various fixed sizes supported by the bottom plate 32 by centering. The center alignment means an alignment in which the center of the sheet 12 in the left-right direction 9 is matched with the center of the bottom plate 32 in the left-right direction 9.

  The positioning unit 90 includes a pair of guide members 91 and 92 and a pinion gear 93. The pair of guide members 91 and 92 are disposed to face the left-right direction 9. The pair of guide members 91 and 92 are supported by the bottom plate 32 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction 9. The pinion gear 93 moves the pair of guide members 91 and 92 in conjunction with each other. The pinion gear 93 is arranged at the center of the bottom plate 32 in the left-right direction 9 with the central axis line along the up-down direction 7.

  The user places the sheet 12 between the guide members 91 and 92 on the bottom plate 32. Next, the user moves one of the guide members 91 and 92 so as to contact the right end or the left end of the sheet 12. The other of the guide members 91 and 92 is interlocked with the movement of one of the guide members 91 and 92 via the pinion gear 93. The sheet 12 moves so as to be in contact with the left end or the right end. As a result, the guide member 91 contacts the right end of the sheet 12, and the guide member 92 contacts the left end of the sheet 12. In this way, the sheets 12 of various fixed sizes supported by the bottom plate 32 are positioned in the left-right direction 9 by centering by the positioning unit 90.

[Feeding unit 15]
As shown in FIG. 2, the feeding unit 15 is disposed above the bottom plate 32 of the feeding tray 20 that is inserted into the printer unit 11. The feeding unit 15 includes a feeding roller 25, a feeding arm 26, and a shaft 27.

  The feed roller 25 is rotatably supported at the distal end portion of the feed arm 26. The feeding roller 25 rotates with a driving force applied from the feeding motor 101 (see FIG. 6). The feeding roller 25 may be rotated by applying a driving force from a conveyance motor 102 described later.

  A proximal end portion of the feeding arm 26 is rotatably supported on the shaft 27. The shaft 27 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26 is urged to rotate toward the bottom plate 32 by its own weight or an elastic force of a spring or the like. The feed roller 25 picks up the sheet 12 supported by the bottom plate 32 and feeds it to the conveyance path 65 by rotating in contact with the sheet 12 supported by the bottom plate 32.

[Conveyance path 65]
As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path 65 indicates a space defined by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 that face each other at a predetermined interval in the printer unit 11. The conveyance path 65 is a path that extends rearward from the rear end portion of the feed tray 20, makes a U-turn while extending upward from below at the rear portion of the printer unit 11, and reaches the discharge tray 21 through the recording head 39. The conveyance path 65 communicates with the discharge tray 21 through a nipping position by the conveyance roller pair 54, between the recording head 39 and the platen 42, and a nipping position by the discharge roller pair 55. Note that the conveyance direction 16 of the sheet 12 in the conveyance path 65 is indicated by a dashed-dotted arrow in FIG.

[Conveying roller pair 54 and discharging roller pair 55]
As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance roller pair 54 is disposed in the conveyance path 65. The conveyance roller pair 54 includes a conveyance roller 60 and a pinch roller 61. The discharge roller pair 55 is disposed downstream of the conveyance direction 16 with respect to the conveyance roller pair 54 in the conveyance path 65. The discharge roller pair 55 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63.

  The conveyance roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 are in contact with each other. The discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 are in contact with each other. The conveyance roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 are rotated by a driving force transmitted from the conveyance motor 102 (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the conveyance roller pair 54 and the discharge roller pair 55 sandwich the sheet 12 and convey it in the conveyance direction 16.

[Recording head 39 and carriage 23]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording head 39 is disposed between the conveyance roller pair 54 and the discharge roller pair 55 in the conveyance path 65. The recording head 39 is arranged at a position facing the platen 42 above the conveyance path 65. The recording head 39 is mounted on the carriage 23. The carriage 23 reciprocates in the scanning direction (left-right direction 9) orthogonal to the transport direction 16.

  The carriage 23 is supported by guide rails (not shown) arranged at an interval in the front-rear direction 8 of the platen 42. A known belt mechanism (not shown) is provided on at least one of the guide rails. The carriage 23 is connected to a belt mechanism. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage driving motor 103 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the carriage 23 reciprocates in the left-right direction 9.

  A plurality of nozzles 40 are formed on the lower surface of the recording head 39 (the surface facing the platen 42). Ink is supplied to the recording head 39 from an ink cartridge or an ink tank (not shown). The recording head 39 ejects ink from the nozzle 40 as fine ink droplets. When the carriage 23 reciprocates in the left-right direction 9, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 40 toward the platen 42. As a result, ink droplets land on the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42 and are printed on the sheet 12.

[Platen 42]
As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 42 is disposed between the conveyance roller pair 54 and the discharge roller pair 55 in the conveyance path 65. The platen 42 is disposed so as to face the recording head 39 and the carriage 23 in the vertical direction 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of ribs 66 projecting upward are formed on the upper surface of the platen 42. Each rib 66 extends in the front-rear direction 8 at least in a region facing the nozzle 40 (see FIG. 2) of the recording head 39. The region in which each rib 66 can face the nozzle 40 is a region in the range indicated by the reference symbol S1 in the front-rear direction 8 and the reference symbol S2 in the left-right direction 9 in FIG. The ribs 66 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction 9. The sheet 12 conveyed on the conveyance path 65 is supported by the platen 42, specifically, a plurality of ribs 66 formed on the platen 42.

  The upper surface of the platen 42 includes a first region 151, a second region 152, and a third region 153.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first area 151 is an area in a range indicated by a reference sign S <b> 3 in the front-rear direction 8 and a reference sign S <b> 4 in the left-right direction 9. The first region 151 is configured by a plane extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9.

  The second area 152 is an area having a range indicated by a reference sign S5 in the front-rear direction 8 and a reference sign S2 in the left-right direction 9, and a range indicated by a reference sign S3 in the front-rear direction 8 and a reference sign S6 in the left-right direction 9. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the second region 152, an inclined surface 154 inclined with respect to the left-right direction 9 and a slit 155 are formed.

  The inclined surface 154 is inclined with respect to the left and right direction 9 so as to be directed downward toward the left and the first inclined surface 154A inclined with respect to the left and right direction 9 toward the right. And a second inclined surface 154B. The first inclined surfaces 154A and the second inclined surfaces 154B are alternately formed along the front-rear direction 8. A plurality of slits 155 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction 9. Each slit 155 extends in the front-rear direction 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second area 152, the area in the range indicated by the reference sign S <b> 5 in the front-rear direction 8 and the reference sign S <b> 2 in the left-right direction 9 is the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42. This is an area where the front end of the sheet 12 (the downstream end in the conveying direction 16 of the sheet 12) is located when borderless printing is performed without printing margins.

  In the second region 152, borderless printing is performed on the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42 in the region indicated by the reference symbol S <b> 1 in the front-rear direction 8 and the reference symbol S <b> 6 in the left-right direction 9. In some cases, the side ends of the sheet 12 (the right end and the left end of the sheet 12) are located. Here, in the second area 152, areas in the range indicated by the reference sign S <b> 1 in the front-rear direction 8 and the reference sign S <b> 6 in the left-right direction 9 are set so as to be supported by the feeding tray 20 and the platen 42. It is provided at a plurality of locations (4 locations in FIGS. 4 and 5 but not limited to this) according to the standard size.

  When borderless printing is executed, the ink ejected from the recording head 39 lands on the second region 152 of the platen 42. The ink that has landed on the second region 152 flows along the inclined surface 154 (see FIG. 4) toward the slit 155 (see FIG. 4), passes through the slit 155, and reaches below the platen 42. An ink absorbing member (not shown) made of a porous material is disposed below the platen 42, and the ink that has reached the lower side of the platen 42 is absorbed by the ink absorbing member.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the third region 153 (an example of the reflecting portion) is a range behind the range indicated by the reference sign S <b> 1 in the front-rear direction 8 (upstream in the transport direction 16), and is 9 in the left-right direction. This is a region in the range on the center side in the left-right direction 9 of the platen 42 from the range indicated by reference numeral S6. In the first embodiment, the third region 153 is a region in the range indicated by the reference symbol S7 in the front-rear direction 8 and the reference symbol S8 in the left-right direction 9 shown in FIG.

  The third region 153 is a region behind the range indicated by the reference sign S1 in the front-rear direction 8 (the range facing the nozzle 40 in the up-down direction 7). The third region 153 is a region on the center side in the left-right direction 9 of the platen 42 with respect to the range indicated by the reference sign S6 in the left-right direction 9 in the second region 152. That is, in the third region 153, the minimum size sheet 12 among the various standard size sheets 12 set so as to be supported by the feeding tray 20 and the platen 42 on the upper surface of the platen 42 is supported by the platen 42. This is an area located below the sheet 12 of the minimum size when it is done.

  The third region 153 includes a horizontal surface 153A (an example of the first surface) having the same configuration as the first region 151, and an inclined surface 153B (an example of the second surface) having the same configuration as the inclined surface 154 of the second region 152. ing. 4 and 5, a horizontal plane 153A is formed on the left side of the third region 153, and an inclined surface 153B is formed on the right side of the third region 153. However, the horizontal plane 153A and the inclined surface 153B are The formation position is not limited to the position shown in FIGS.

[Linear encoder 50]
An encoder strip (not shown) is disposed on the guide rail that supports the carriage 23. The encoder strip is in the form of a strip made of a transparent resin. The encoder strip is installed in the left-right direction 9.

  The encoder strip has a pattern in which translucent portions that transmit light and light-shielding portions that block light are alternately arranged at equal pitches in the longitudinal direction. An optical sensor 51 (see FIG. 6), which is a transmissive sensor, is provided at a position corresponding to the encoder strip in the carriage 23. The encoder strip and the optical sensor 51 constitute a linear encoder 50 for detecting the position of the carriage 23. The signal detected by the optical sensor 51 is output to the controller 130 (see FIG. 6).

[Sensor 110]
As shown in FIG. 2, a sensor 110 used to detect the sheet 12 conveyed on the conveyance path 65 is mounted on the carriage 23. The sensor 110 is arranged on the lower surface of the carriage 23 and upstream of the nozzle 40 in the transport direction 16. The sensor 110 is disposed in a position facing the range indicated by reference numeral S7 on the upper surface of the platen 42 in the front-rear direction 8 in the up-down direction 7. That is, as the carriage 23 moves, the sensor 110 can face the horizontal surface 153A and the inclined surface 153B of the third region of the platen 42. The position of the carriage 23 when the sensor 110 faces the horizontal surface 153A is the first position. The position of the carriage 23 when the sensor 110 faces the inclined surface 153B is the second position. That is, the carriage 23 is movable to the first position and the second position.

  The sensor 110 includes a light emitting unit 111 (see FIG. 6) made of a light emitting diode or the like, and a light receiving unit 112 (see FIG. 6) made of an optical sensor or the like. The light emitting unit 111 emits light toward the platen 42 with a light amount corresponding to the level of the electrical signal received from the controller 130 (see FIG. 6). The emitted light is reflected on the platen 42 or the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42. The reflected light is received by the light receiving unit 112. The sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112 to the controller 130. For example, the sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal having a higher level to the controller 130 as the amount of received light is larger.

  In the present embodiment, the platen 42 is black or a dark color close to black, and the sheet 12 is white or a light color close to white. Therefore, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 is reflected by the platen 42, the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112 is small, and the level of the electrical signal output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 is low. On the other hand, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 is reflected by the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42, the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112 becomes large, and thus an electrical signal output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130. The level of will be higher.

[Controller 130 and memory 140]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the controller 130 and the memory 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The present invention is realized by the controller 130 performing the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 according to the flowcharts described later (see FIGS. 7 and 10 to 12).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 130 includes a CPU 131 and an ASIC 135. The memory 140 includes a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an EEPROM 134. The CPU 131, the ASIC 135, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, and the EEPROM 134 are connected by an internal bus 137.

  The ROM 132 stores a program for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

  The first value and the second value are stored in the EEPROM 134 by the controller 130.

  The first value is a reference value set in advance as follows. In the multifunction machine 10 before factory shipment (that is, the multifunction machine 10 in which almost no foreign matter is accumulated in the housing 14), the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 to the first position. Thereafter, the controller 130 outputs an electric signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110, whereby a predetermined light amount LA1 (an example of the first light amount) is transmitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A of the third region 153 of the platen 42. Light is emitted. In response to the emission, an electrical signal is output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal stores the level value of the electrical signal in the EEPROM 134 as the first value.

  The second value is a reference value set in advance as follows. In the MFP 10 before shipment from the factory, the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 to the second position. Thereafter, the controller 130 outputs an electric signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110, whereby a predetermined light amount LA2 (an example of the second light amount) from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B of the third region 153 of the platen 42. The light is emitted. In response to the emission, an electrical signal is output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal stores the level value of the electrical signal in the EEPROM 134 as the second value. The light amount LA2 may be the same amount as the light amount LA1 or a different amount.

  The first value and the second value are not limited to those acquired in the MFP 10 before factory shipment and stored in the EEPROM 134, but may be acquired in the MFP 10 after factory shipment and stored in the EEPROM 134. . However, when the first value and the second value are acquired in the multifunction machine 10 after shipment from the factory, it is desirable that the acquisition be performed at a time when no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A and the inclined surface 153B. However, when the first value and the second value are acquired after foreign matter has already accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A and the inclined surface 153B, it is desirable that the acquisition be performed after the foreign matter has been removed from the platen 42.

  In addition, the first value and the second value are not limited to those obtained by actually emitting light to the sensor 110 in the multifunction machine 10, and may be predetermined values set in advance based on, for example, experiments.

  In addition, the first value and the second value are not limited to the EEPROM 134 but may be the ROM 132, for example.

  The EEPROM 134 stores a flag. The flag is preset to a value of “0” (an example of a fifth value) or “1” (an example of a sixth value). In the first embodiment, the controller 130 sets the flag value to “0” when it is determined that no foreign matter is deposited or almost not deposited in the internal space 30 (particularly on the platen 42) of the housing 14. When it is determined that foreign matter has accumulated to some extent in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 (particularly on the platen 42), the flag value is set to “1”.

  Connected to the ASIC 135 are a feeding motor 101, a conveying motor 102, and a carriage driving motor 103. The ASIC 135 incorporates a drive circuit that controls each motor. The CPU 131 outputs a drive signal for rotating each motor to a drive circuit (not shown) corresponding to each motor. The drive circuit outputs a drive current corresponding to the drive signal acquired from the CPU 131 to the corresponding motor. As a result, the corresponding motor rotates. That is, the controller 130 controls the feeding motor 101 to cause the feeding unit 15 to feed the sheet 12. Further, the controller 130 controls the conveyance motor 102 to cause the conveyance roller pair 54 and the discharge roller pair 55 to convey the sheet 12. The controller 130 controls the carriage driving motor 103 to move the carriage 23.

  A sensor 110 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 outputs input signals, which are electrical signals of various levels, to the sensor 110 through the ASIC 135. The light emitting unit 111 emits light of a light amount corresponding to the level of the input signal output from the controller 130 and input to the sensor 110 downward. The light receiving unit 112 receives light reflected from the platen 42 or the sheet 12 of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111. The sensor 110 outputs to the controller 130 an output signal that is an electric signal at a level corresponding to the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112. The controller 130 recognizes the amount of reflected light received based on the level of the output signal acquired from the sensor 110.

  When the controller 130 emits light from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 toward the region where the sheet 12 in the platen 42 can be supported, the level of the output signal of the sensor 110 is a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as a sheet threshold). .), The sheet 12 is determined to be supported in the area, and if the sensor output signal level is lower than the sheet threshold, it is determined that the sheet 12 is not supported in the area.

  Further, the optical sensor 51 of the linear encoder 50 is connected to the ASIC 135. The CPU 131 determines the position of the carriage 23 based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 51.

[Determination control of foreign matter accumulation state in internal space 30 of casing 14]
In the multi-function device 10 configured as described above, the controller 130 executes determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. Hereinafter, the process of the determination control will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the initial state, the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 is set to “0”, which means that no foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 or is almost not deposited. . Hereinafter, a state in which foreign matter is not accumulated or almost not accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 is described as a state in which “almost foreign matter is not accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14”.

  In the first embodiment, the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 is executed when a predetermined period, for example, one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control. For example, the controller 130 determines, based on a built-in timer, whether one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control. If the multifunction device 10 is powered on when one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, the current determination control is executed when one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control. The On the other hand, when the multifunction device 10 is turned off when one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, the current determination control is executed when the multifunction device 10 is turned on. That is, in this case, the current determination control is executed when more than one month has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control.

  Note that the timing at which the foreign matter accumulation state determination control in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 is executed is not limited to the point in time when one month or more has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control. For example, the timing may be the time when two months or six months have elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, or the time when a period shorter than one month has elapsed. The timing may be a timing at which a print instruction for the sheet 12 is sent from the external device or the like to the controller 130. That is, every time a print instruction is sent to the controller 130, the determination control may be executed.

  If the controller 130 determines that a predetermined period, for example, one month has elapsed since the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 is executed based on a built-in timer (S10: Yes). Then, the carriage driving motor 103 is driven to move the carriage 23 to the first position (S20). In addition, when one month has not passed since the previous determination control of the foreign material accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 (S10: No), the determination control is not executed.

  Next, the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110 to emit light of the light amount LA1 from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A of the third region 153 of the platen 42 (S30). . The light is reflected at the horizontal plane 153A.

  Here, the light emission direction from the light emitting unit 111 is downward. The horizontal surface 153A is a surface extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the angle θ1 formed by the optical path 113 (an example of the predetermined optical path) of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 and the horizontal plane 153A is 90 degrees. In other words, the optical path 113 and the horizontal plane 153A intersect at 90 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A, most of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 111 is reflected by the horizontal surface 153A and is received along the optical path 114. To reach. The direction of the optical path 114 is an example of a predetermined direction. In addition, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 is diffusely reflected as schematically indicated by the dashed arrow, and thus does not reach the light receiving unit 112.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A, irregular reflection of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 by the foreign matter becomes intense. The fact that the irregular reflection is intense is indicated by the fact that the number of broken arrows in FIG. 8B is larger than the number of broken arrows in FIG. Since the light traveling along the optical path 113 is irregularly reflected by the foreign matter on the horizontal surface 153A, the amount of light traveling along the optical path 114 is reduced. As a result, the amount of light that does not reach the light receiving unit 112 increases. In other words, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 along the optical path 114 is smaller than that in the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A.

  The sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112 to the controller 130. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal stores the level value of the electrical signal in the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 as a third value. That is, the controller 130 acquires the third value (S40).

  FIG. 13 shows the characteristics of the level of an electrical signal (output signal) output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 in accordance with the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111. In FIG. 13, a characteristic 161 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the horizontal surface 153 </ b> A on which almost no foreign matter is deposited. The characteristic 162 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the horizontal surface 153A on which foreign matter is accumulated. In the light amount range (practical range R) used for detection, the level of the output signal of the characteristic 162 is lower than the level of the output signal of the characteristic 161. In other words, the amount of reflected light reaching the light receiving unit 112 is reduced by the accumulation of foreign matter on the horizontal surface 153A, so the level of the output signal of the sensor 110 is low.

  Next, the controller 130 drives the carriage driving motor 103 to move the carriage 23 to the second position (S50).

  Next, the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110 to emit light of the light amount LA2 from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B of the third region 153 of the platen 42 (S60). ). The light is reflected on the inclined surface 153B.

  Here, as described above, the emission direction of light from the light emitting unit 111 is downward. The inclined surface 153 </ b> B is a surface inclined with respect to the left-right direction 9. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the angle θ2 formed by the optical path 113 of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 and the inclined surface 153B is an acute angle.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when almost no foreign matter is deposited on the inclined surface 153B, most of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 111 is reflected by the inclined surface 153B and received along the optical path 115. Proceed in a direction away from the unit 112. That is, the inclined surface 153 </ b> B reflects the light of the optical path 113 emitted from the light emitting unit 111 in the direction away from the light receiving unit 112 than the direction of the optical path 114. Therefore, most of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 does not reach the light receiving unit 112. Further, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 reaches the light receiving unit 112 by being irregularly reflected as schematically indicated by a broken-line arrow.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B, irregular reflection of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 by the foreign matter becomes intense. Note that the fact that the irregular reflection is intense is indicated by the fact that the number of broken arrows in FIG. 9B is larger than the number of broken arrows in FIG. Since the light traveling along the optical path 113 is irregularly reflected by the foreign matter on the inclined surface 153B, the amount of light traveling along the optical path 115 is reduced. On the other hand, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 is increased by increasing the amount of irregularly reflected light. In other words, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 along the broken-line arrow in FIG. 9B is greater than when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the inclined surface 153B.

  The sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 112 to the controller 130. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal stores the level value of the electrical signal in the RAM 133 or the EEOROM 134 as the fourth value. That is, the controller 130 acquires the fourth value (S70).

  In FIG. 13, a characteristic 163 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the inclined surface 153 </ b> B on which almost no foreign matter is deposited. The characteristic 164 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the inclined surface 153 </ b> B on which foreign matter is accumulated. In the practical range R, the output signal levels of the characteristics 163 and 164 are lower than the output signal levels of the characteristics 161 and 162. That is, it is shown that most of the reflected light reflected by the inclined surface 153B does not reach the light receiving unit 112 because it travels away from the light receiving unit 112. In the practical range R, the level of the output signal having the characteristic 164 is higher than the level of the output signal having the characteristic 163. In other words, the amount of reflected light reaching the light receiving unit 112 increases due to the accumulation of foreign matter on the inclined surface 153B, so the level of the output signal of the sensor 110 is high.

  Note that steps S50 to S70 may be executed prior to steps S20 to S40.

  Next, the controller 130 compares the third value acquired in step S40 with the first value stored in the EEPROM 134 (S80), and stores the fourth value acquired in step S60 and the EEPROM 134. The second value is compared (S90).

  When the third value is smaller than the first value (S80: Yes) and the fourth value is larger than the second value (S90: Yes), the controller 130 accumulates foreign matter in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. The flag value stored in the EEPROM 134 is changed from “0” to “1” (S100). In this case, the controller 130 notifies the fact by displaying on the touch panel 17 that, for example, “foreign matter is deposited inside the housing” (S110). The notification is not limited to displaying a message on the touch panel 17. For example, the notification may be executed by a voice message or a buzzer.

  On the other hand, when the third value is larger than the first value (S80: No) or the fourth value is smaller than the second value (S90: No), the controller 130 has foreign matter in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. It is determined that there is almost no accumulation, and the value of the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 is maintained at “0” (S120).

  In the above description, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 when foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A is smaller than when almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. Become. Therefore, the third value when the foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A is acquired in the third value when the foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A (or the state where the foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. Smaller than the first value).

  In the above description, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 when the foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153 </ b> B has almost no foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153 </ b> B. More than the case. Therefore, the fourth value when foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B is the fourth value when foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the inclined surface 153B (or in the state where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B. It is larger than the acquired second value.

  Therefore, when the third value is smaller than the first value (S80: Yes) and the fourth value is larger than the second value (S90: Yes), the controller 130 has foreign matter in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. It is determined that it is deposited.

  Note that steps S80 and S90 may be executed in parallel, or step S90 may be executed prior to step S80.

  Moreover, when it becomes "Yes" determination in step S80, the case where a 3rd value and a 1st value are equal may be included. Moreover, when it becomes "Yes" determination in step S90, the case where a 4th value and a 2nd value are equal may be included. The same applies to Embodiments 2 and 3 and modifications described later.

  Further, the controller 130 increases the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 when the third value is larger than the first value and the fourth value is larger than the second value than when the first value and the second value are acquired. For example, it may be determined that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 is larger than expected.

  In FIG. 14, a characteristic 165 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the horizontal surface 153 </ b> A on which almost no foreign matter has accumulated in the multifunction device 10 in which the power supply voltage of the multifunction device 10 has increased. The characteristic 166 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the inclined surface 153 </ b> B in which almost no foreign matter is deposited in the multifunction machine 10 in which the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 is increased. Since the power supply voltage of the multi-function device 10 is rising, in the practical range R, the level of the output signal of the characteristic 165 is higher than the level of the output signal of the characteristic 161, and the level of the output signal of the characteristic 166 is It is higher than the output signal level of 163.

  In addition, the controller 130 reduces the power supply voltage of the multifunction device 10 when the third value is smaller than the first value and the fourth value is smaller than the second value than when the first value and the second value are acquired. For example, it may be determined that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 is smaller than expected.

  In FIG. 14, a characteristic 167 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the horizontal surface 153 </ b> A in which almost no foreign matter is deposited in the multifunction device 10 in which the power supply voltage of the multifunction device 10 is lowered. Further, the characteristic 168 is a characteristic when light is emitted from the light emitting unit 111 to the inclined surface 153 </ b> B in which almost no foreign matter is deposited in the multifunction machine 10 in which the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 is lowered. Since the power supply voltage of the multifunction device 10 has dropped, in the practical range R, the level of the output signal of the characteristic 167 is lower than the level of the output signal of the characteristic 161, and the level of the output signal of the characteristic 168 is It is lower than the level of the output signal 163.

  As described above, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the sensor 110 with time by determining the increase or decrease of the power supply voltage in the determination control of the foreign matter accumulation state. This eliminates the need for the controller 130 to execute a dedicated process for determining deterioration of the sensor 110 with time.

  Further, the controller 130 determines that there is an abnormality in the platen 42 when acquiring the first value and the second value when the third value is larger than the first value and the fourth value is smaller than the second value. May be.

  When various determinations as described above are performed, the controller 130 needs to selectively set more than two types of values of “0” and “1” in the flag. In this case, the controller 130 may indicate each type of flag with a value of 3 bits or more, for example. For example, when the controller 130 determines that no foreign matter is accumulated or almost not accumulated in the internal space 30 of the casing 14 (particularly on the platen 42), the flag value is “001” and the casing 130 When it is determined that foreign matter has accumulated to some extent in the internal space 30 of the body 14 (particularly on the platen 42), the flag value is set to “010”, and when it is determined that the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 has increased, When the power supply voltage of the multifunction device 10 is determined to have dropped, the flag value is set to “100”, and when it is determined that the platen 42 is abnormal, the flag value is set to “101”. To do.

[Control of printing on sheet 12 by controller 130 according to flag value]
The controller 130 refers to the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 when executing printing on the sheet 12. Then, settings and processing are changed according to the value of the flag.

  For example, when the flag is set to “1”, the controller 130 may reduce the influence of foreign matter accumulated on the upper surface of the platen 42 in determining whether the sheet 12 is supported on the platen 42. Change the sheet threshold so that it is possible.

  Further, for example, when “0” is set in the flag, the controller 130 drives the carriage driving motor 103 with the driving current value I1 (an example of the first current value) to perform recording while moving the carriage 23. Printing is performed on the sheet 12 by the head 39. On the other hand, when “1” is set in the flag, the controller 130 drives the carriage driving motor 103 with a driving current value I2 (an example of a second current value) larger than the driving current value I1 to Printing is performed on the sheet 12 by the recording head 39 while moving 23. As a result, it is possible to reduce the movement of the carriage 23 being hindered by foreign matter accumulated on the carriage 23 or the guide rail.

  For example, when “1” is set in the flag, the controller 130 suppresses simultaneous driving of the motors 101, 102, and 103 and drives the motors 101, 102, and 103 independently. Thereby, the drive current value to each motor 101,102,103 can be increased. As a result, the motors 101, 102, and 103 can be driven even when a drive current value larger than usual is required for driving the motor due to the accumulation of foreign matter.

  For example, when the flag is set to “1”, the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 at a lower speed than when the flag is set to “0”. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of damage to the recording head 39 by moving the carriage 23 at a high speed while foreign matter is accumulated.

  The above-described setting and processing change may be executed unconditionally when “1” is set in the flag. On the other hand, the above-described setting or process change may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied when “1” is set in the flag. For example, even when “1” is set in the flag, when the printing is executed with the normal setting and processing and an abnormality (for example, the carriage 23 does not move) occurs in the printing, Processing changes may be performed and printing may be retried.

[Effect of Embodiment 1]
According to the first embodiment, when foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A, the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A is irregularly reflected on the horizontal surface 153A. Therefore, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is reduced as compared with a case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. At this time, the sensor 110 outputs an output signal having a third value smaller than the value (first value) of the output signal when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A.

  Further, the inclined surface 153B is inclined in a direction in which reflected light is separated from the sensor 110 from the horizontal surface 153A. Therefore, when light is emitted to the inclined surface 153B, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is reduced as compared with the case where light is emitted to the horizontal surface 153A. Therefore, most of the light reflected by the inclined surface 153B does not reach the sensor 110.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B, the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B is irregularly reflected by the inclined surface 153B. For this reason, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is increased as compared with the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B (when most of the light reflected by the inclined surface 153B does not reach the sensor 110). At this time, the sensor 110 outputs an output signal having a fourth value that is larger than the value of the output signal (second value) when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the inclined surface 153B.

  In the first embodiment, the flag value is set to the third value of the platen 42 in response to the third value being smaller than the first value (S80: Yes) and the fourth value being larger than the second value (S90: Yes). It is set to “1”, which is a value indicating that foreign matter has accumulated in the region 153 (S100). Thereby, it can be grasped that foreign matter is accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, by detecting the accumulation of foreign matters on the third region 153 of the platen 42, the accumulation state of foreign matters in other members provided in the housing 14, for example, the recording head 39, is determined. Can be estimated.

  In the first embodiment, the flag value of the platen 42 is set in response to the third value being larger than the first value (S80: No) or the fourth value being smaller than the second value (S90: No). It is set to “0”, which is a value indicating that no foreign matter has accumulated in the third region 153 (S120). Thereby, it can be grasped that no foreign matter is accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the controller 130 obtains the first value and the second value by emitting light from the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A and the inclined surface 153B. The corresponding first value and second value can be acquired.

  Moreover, according to Embodiment 1, it can alert | report that the foreign material has accumulated on the housing | casing 14 (S110).

  According to the first embodiment, the carriage 23 for moving the recording head 39 in the scanning direction when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet 12 is used as a carriage for moving the sensor 110 to the first position and the second position. Can be diverted.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the carriage drive motor 103 that transmits the drive to the carriage 23 is driven with a drive current value even when a load is applied to the movement of the carriage 23 due to the foreign matter accumulated in the housing 14. By driving with I2, the carriage 23 can be moved appropriately.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, a sensor for detecting whether or not the sheet 12 is supported by the platen 42 and the size of the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42 are provided to the third region 153 of the platen 42. The sensor 110 for detecting the accumulation of foreign matter can be used.

  Further, among the platens 42, when the minimum size sheet 12 of the plurality of types of sheets 12 set so as to be supported by the platen 42 is supported by the platen 42, the minimum size sheet 12 is positioned below the minimum size sheet 12. The area to be positioned is located below the sheet 12 regardless of the size of the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42. Therefore, when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet 12, the possibility that ink will adhere to the area is low.

  According to the first embodiment, the third region 153 of the platen 42 is provided in the region. Therefore, when ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet 12, there is a low possibility that ink will adhere to the third region 153 of the platen 42. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the foreign matter that has entered the third area 153 of the platen 42 from the outside of the multifunction machine 10 has accumulated in the third area 153 of the platen 42 is determined to be accumulated in the third area 153 of the platen 42. Can do.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the first value, the second value, the third value, and the fourth value are values of the level of the electrical signal (output signal) output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130. However, the first value, the second value, the third value, and the fourth value may be values of the level of an electric signal (input signal) output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110. Hereinafter, regarding the second embodiment, configurations and processes different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configurations and processes as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in principle and will be described as necessary. In other words, the configuration and processing of the second embodiment that are not described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the first value is a value obtained as follows, for example. In the multifunction machine 10 before factory shipment, the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 to the first position. Thereafter, the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal to the sensor 110, thereby causing light to be emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the horizontal plane 153 </ b> A of the third region 153 of the platen 42. At this time, the controller 130 outputs the level of the electric signal to the sensor 110 while changing the level from a small value (for example, a value close to zero) to a large value. Then, an electrical signal is output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 for the emission. At this time, the level of the electric signal is input to the controller 130 while changing from a small value to a large value. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal compares the level of the received electrical signal with a set level stored in advance in the EEPROM 134 or the ROM 132. Then, the controller 130 stores the value of the level of the electrical signal output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110 in the EEPROM 134 as the first value when the level reaches the set level as the level of the electrical signal increases. . That is, the controller 130 stores the value of the level of the input signal necessary for obtaining the output signal of the set level in the EEPROM 134 as the first value.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the second value is a value obtained as follows, for example. In the multifunction machine 10 before factory shipment, the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 to the second position. Thereafter, the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal to the sensor 110, thereby causing light to be emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153 </ b> B of the third region 153 of the platen 42. At this time, the controller 130 outputs the level of the electric signal to the sensor 110 while changing the level from a small value (for example, a value close to zero) to a large value. Then, an electrical signal is output from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 for the emission. At this time, the level of the electric signal is input to the controller 130 while changing from a small value to a large value. The controller 130 that has received the electrical signal compares the level of the received electrical signal with a setting level stored in advance in the EEPROM 134 or the ROM 132. Then, when the controller 130 reaches the set level by increasing the level of the received electrical signal, the controller 130 stores the value of the level of the electrical signal output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110 as the second value in the EEPROM 134. Remember. That is, the controller 130 stores the value of the level of the input signal necessary for obtaining the set level output signal in the EEPROM 134 as the second value.

  In the above description, the controller 130 outputs the electric signal to the sensor 110 while changing the level of the electric signal from a small value to a large value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 130 may output to the sensor 110 while changing the level of the electrical signal from a large value to a small value, contrary to the above.

  In addition, the first value and the second value are not limited to those acquired in the multifunction machine 10 before factory shipment, and the first value and the second value may be predetermined values set in advance based on experiments or the like. A good point is the same as in the first embodiment in that the first value and the second value are not limited to the EEPROM 134.

  Hereinafter, the processing for determining the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the description about the process same as the process (control process shown by FIG. 7) of the foreign material accumulation state determination in the internal space 30 of the housing | casing 14 in Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

  Steps S210 and S220 are the same as steps S10 and S20, respectively.

  After the carriage 23 is moved to the first position (S220), the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110 (S230). The predetermined level is set to a small value (for example, a value close to zero). The light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 that has received the electrical signal of a predetermined level emits light to the horizontal surface 153A of the third region 153 of the platen 42. The light is reflected by the horizontal surface 153A, and at least a part of the reflected light reaches the light receiving unit 112. The sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal having a level corresponding to the amount of reflected light that has reached the light receiving unit 112 to the controller 130.

  The controller 130 compares the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 with the above-described setting level (the level used when setting the first value and the second value). When the level of the electrical signal is equal to the set level (S240: Yes), the input signal to the sensor 110 corresponding to the output signal (the electrical signal) from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 (output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110). The level of the electric signal is stored in the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 as the third value (S260).

  On the other hand, when the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 is different from the set level (in this description, the level of the electrical signal is lower than the set level) (S240: No), the controller 130 A signal is output to the sensor 110 (S250). Hereinafter, until the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 reaches the set level (S240: Yes), the electrical signal is output to the sensor 110 while increasing the predetermined level (S250). When the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 reaches the set level (S240: Yes), the input signal to the sensor 110 corresponding to the output signal (the electrical signal) from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 at that time. The level of the electric signal output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110 is stored as a third value in the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 (S260).

  As described above, the controller 130 acquires the value of the level of the input signal necessary for obtaining the output signal of the set level as the third value (S260).

  Next, the controller 130 moves the carriage 23 to the second position as in step S50 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment (S270).

  Next, the controller 130 outputs an electrical signal of a predetermined level to the sensor 110 (S280). The predetermined level is set to a small value (for example, a value close to zero) as in step S230. The light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 that has received the electrical signal of a predetermined level emits light to the inclined surface 153B of the third region 153 of the platen 42. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 153B, and at least a part of the reflected light reaches the light receiving unit 112. The sensor 110 outputs an electrical signal having a level corresponding to the amount of reflected light that has reached the light receiving unit 112 to the controller 130.

  The controller 130 compares the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 with the set level described above. When the level of the electrical signal is equal to the set level (S290: Yes), the input signal to the sensor 110 corresponding to the output signal (the electrical signal) from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 (output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110). The level of the electrical signal is stored as a fourth value in the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 (S310).

  On the other hand, when the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 is different from the set level (in this description, the level of the electrical signal is lower than the set level) (S290: No), the controller 130 sets the electrical level at a predetermined level higher than the previous level. A signal is output to the sensor 110 (S300). Hereinafter, until the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 reaches the set level (S290: Yes), the electrical signal is output to the sensor 110 while increasing the predetermined level (S300). When the level of the electrical signal received from the sensor 110 reaches the set level (S290: Yes), the input signal to the sensor 110 corresponding to the output signal (the electrical signal) from the sensor 110 to the controller 130 at that time. The level of the electric signal output from the controller 130 to the sensor 110 is stored in the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 as a fourth value (S310).

  As described above, the controller 130 acquires the value of the level of the input signal necessary for obtaining the output signal of the set level as the fourth value (S310).

  In the above description, the controller 130 outputs the electric signal to the sensor 110 while changing the level of the electric signal from a small value to a large value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 130 may output to the sensor 110 while changing the level of the electrical signal from a large value to a small value, contrary to the above.

  Steps S270 to S310 may be executed before steps S220 to S260.

  Next, the controller 130 compares the third value acquired in step S260 with the first value stored in the EEPROM 134 (S320), and stores the fourth value acquired in step S310 and the EEPROM 134. The second value is compared (S330).

  When the third value is larger than the first value (S320: Yes) and the fourth value is smaller than the second value (S330: Yes), the controller 130 accumulates foreign matter in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. The flag value stored in the EEPROM 134 is changed from “0” to “1” as in step S100 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment (S340). In this case, the controller 130 performs notification similarly to step S110 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment (S360).

  On the other hand, when the third value is smaller than the first value (S320: No) or the fourth value is larger than the second value (S330: No), the controller 130 has a foreign object in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. It is determined that there is almost no deposition, and the value of the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 is maintained at “0” as in step S120 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment (S350).

  As described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 when the foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A is larger than that when the foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. Less. Therefore, the third value when the foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A (the value of the level of the input signal necessary for obtaining the set level output signal) is the third value when the foreign matter is hardly accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. It becomes larger than the three values (or the first value acquired in a state where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A).

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 9 in the first embodiment, when the foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 112 is almost equal to the foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153B. More than if not. Therefore, the fourth value (the value of the input signal level necessary to obtain the output signal at the set level) when foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B is the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B. The fourth value (or the second value acquired in a state where almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the inclined surface 153B).

  Therefore, when the third value is larger than the first value (S320: Yes) and the fourth value is smaller than the second value (S330: Yes), the controller 130 has foreign matter in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. It is determined that it is deposited.

  Note that steps S320 and S330 may be executed in parallel, or step S330 may be executed before step S320.

  In addition, the controller 130 increases the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 when the third value is smaller than the first value and the fourth value is smaller than the second value than when the first value and the second value are acquired. For reasons such as that described above, it may be determined that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 is larger than expected.

  Further, the controller 130 reduces the power supply voltage of the multifunction machine 10 when the third value is larger than the first value and the fourth value is larger than the second value than when the first value and the second value are acquired. For reasons such as that described above, it may be determined that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 111 of the sensor 110 is smaller than expected.

  Further, the controller 130 determines that there is an abnormality in the platen 42 when acquiring the first value and the second value when the third value is smaller than the first value and the fourth value is larger than the second value. May be.

  According to the second embodiment, when foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal plane 153A, the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the horizontal plane 153A is irregularly reflected on the horizontal plane 153A. Therefore, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is reduced as compared with a case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. At this time, the input signal for obtaining the predetermined output signal from the sensor 110 is compared with the first value of the input signal for obtaining the predetermined output signal from the sensor 110 when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A. The third value increases.

  Further, the inclined surface 153B is inclined in a direction in which reflected light is separated from the sensor 110 from the horizontal surface 153A. Therefore, when light is emitted to the inclined surface 153B, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is reduced as compared with the case where light is emitted to the horizontal surface 153A. Therefore, most of the light reflected by the inclined surface 153B does not reach the sensor 110.

  When foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B, the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B is irregularly reflected by the inclined surface 153B. For this reason, the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is increased as compared with the case where almost no foreign matter is accumulated on the inclined surface 153B (when most of the light reflected by the inclined surface 153B does not reach the sensor 110). At this time, an input for obtaining an output signal having a predetermined value from the sensor 110 is compared with a second value of an input signal for obtaining a predetermined output signal from the sensor 110 when almost no foreign matter has accumulated on the inclined surface 153B. The fourth value of the signal is small.

  In the second embodiment, the flag value is set to the third value of the platen 42 in response to the third value being larger than the first value (S320: Yes) and the fourth value being smaller than the second value (S330: Yes). It is set to “1” which is a value indicating that foreign matter has accumulated in the region 153 (S340). Thereby, it can be grasped that foreign matter is accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, by detecting the accumulation of foreign matters on the third region 153 of the platen 42, the accumulation state of foreign matters in other members provided in the housing 14, for example, the recording head 39, is determined. Can be estimated.

  In the second embodiment, the flag value of the platen 42 is set in response to the third value being smaller than the first value (S320: No) or the fourth value being larger than the second value (S330: No). It is set to “0”, which is a value indicating that no foreign matter has accumulated in the third region 153 (S350). Thereby, it can be grasped that no foreign matter is accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first value and the second value according to the surrounding environment in which the multifunction machine 10 is arranged can be acquired.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first and second embodiments, two values “0” or “1” are selectively set in the flag. However, three or more values may be selectively set in the flag.

  Hereinafter, as an example of the third embodiment, three values of “00” (example of fifth value), “01” (example of sixth value), and “10” (example of seventh value) are selectively used as flags. Embodiments set to be described. In the following, configurations and processes different from those of the first and second embodiments will be described, and description of the same configurations and processes as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted in principle and will be described as necessary. In other words, the configuration and processing of the third embodiment that are not described are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

  In the third embodiment, when the controller 130 determines that almost no foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14, the value of the flag is set to “00” and a small amount of foreign matter is contained in the internal space 30 of the housing 14. Is determined to be “01”, and when it is determined that a large amount of foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14, the flag value is “10”. To do.

  In the third embodiment, the threshold value TH is stored in the EEPROM 134 or the ROM 132. The threshold value TH is a value set in advance based on, for example, an experiment for obtaining a difference in the output signal of the sensor 110 according to the accumulation state of the foreign matter in the housing 14.

  Hereinafter, the processing for determining the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In addition, the description about the process same as the process (determination process shown by FIG.7 and FIG.10) of the foreign material accumulation state determination in the internal space 30 of the housing | casing 14 in Embodiment 1, 2 is abbreviate | omitted. In the initial state, the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 is set to “00” which means that almost no foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14.

  In the foreign matter accumulation state determination control process in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in FIG. 11, steps S100 to S120 of the foreign matter accumulation state determination control process in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in FIG. S410 to S460 are executed.

  The controller 130 calculates the difference between the third value and the first value when the third value is smaller than the first value (S80: Yes) and the fourth value is larger than the second value (S90: Yes). Then, the difference is compared with the threshold value TH (S410). When the difference is larger than the threshold value TH (S410: Yes), the controller 130 determines that a large amount of foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14, and sets the flag value stored in the EEPROM 134. From “00” to “10” (S420). In this case, the controller 130 notifies the fact by displaying on the touch panel 17 that, for example, “a large amount of foreign matter is accumulated inside the housing” (S110). Displaying on the touch panel 17 that “a large amount of foreign matter is accumulated inside the housing” is an example of the second notification.

  On the other hand, when the difference is smaller than the threshold value TH (S410: No), the controller 130 determines that a small amount of foreign matter is accumulated in the internal space 30 of the housing 14, and determines the flag value stored in the EEPROM 134. From “00” to “01” (S430). In this case, the controller 130 notifies the fact by displaying on the touch panel 17 that, for example, “a small amount of foreign matter is accumulated inside the housing” (S460). Displaying on the touch panel 17 that “a small amount of foreign matter is accumulated inside the housing” is an example of the first notification.

  In addition, the controller 130 determines that the controller 130 has an internal space of the housing 14 when the third value is larger than the first value (S80: No) or the fourth value is smaller than the second value (S90: No). 30, it is determined that almost no foreign matter has accumulated, and the value of the flag stored in the EEPROM 134 is maintained at “00” (S 440).

  In the foreign matter accumulation state determination control process in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in FIG. 12, steps S340 to S360 of the foreign matter accumulation state determination control process in the internal space 30 of the housing 14 in FIG. S510 to S560 are executed.

  The controller 130 calculates a difference between the third value and the first value when the third value is larger than the first value (S320: Yes) and the fourth value is smaller than the second value (S330: Yes). Then, the difference is compared with the threshold value TH (S510). The processes in steps S510 to S560 below are the same processes as steps S410 to S460 described in FIG.

  In step S410 in FIG. 11 and step S510 in FIG. 12, the difference between the third value and the first value is calculated and compared with the threshold value TH. However, the difference between the fourth value and the second value is calculated. It may be calculated and compared with the threshold value TH. In addition, the difference may be calculated by subtracting the first value from the third value or subtracting the second value from the fourth value. The value may be calculated by subtracting the value or subtracting the fourth value from the second value. Further, the value compared with the threshold value TH is not limited to the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value. For example, the total value of the difference between the third value and the first value and the difference between the fourth value and the second value may be compared with the threshold value TH. In this case, the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the third region 153 of the platen 42 is determined based on both the foreign matter accumulation state on the horizontal surface 153A and the foreign matter accumulation state on the inclined surface 153B. Therefore, when some foreign matter is accidentally deposited only on one of the horizontal surface 153A or the inclined surface 153B, the possibility of erroneous determination such as determining that the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the entire third region 153 is large can be reduced. . That is, it is possible to grasp the amount of accumulated foreign matter with higher accuracy than when comparing the difference between the third value and the first value with the threshold value TH or comparing the difference between the fourth value and the second value with the threshold value TH. can do. The threshold value TH to be compared with the total value is set to a value larger than the threshold value TH to be compared with the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value.

  Also in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, settings and processing for executing printing on the sheet 12 are changed according to the value of the flag. However, in the third embodiment, different settings and processes are executed according to the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the housing 14 (in other words, depending on whether the flag is “01” or “10”). Is done.

  For example, when “01” is set in the flag, the controller 130 changes the sheet threshold described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when “10” is set in the flag, the controller 130 instead of executing the change of the sheet threshold value or in addition to executing the change of the sheet threshold value, the drive current value I2 described in the first embodiment. The carriage driving motor 103 is driven, the simultaneous driving of the motors 101, 102, 103 is suppressed, and the carriage 23 is moved at a low speed.

  In the third embodiment (the process in the flowchart of FIG. 11), the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A, the more the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A becomes, so the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 is decrease. That is, the third value of the output signal output from the sensor 110 decreases as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A increases.

  In addition, as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153B increases, the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B increases, and the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 increases. That is, the fourth value of the output signal output from the sensor 110 increases as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153B increases.

  In the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the flag value is changed to the platen according to the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value being larger than the threshold value (S410: Yes). It is set to “10”, which is a value indicating that there is a large amount of foreign matter accumulated in the third region 153 of 42 (S420). As a result, the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42 can be grasped.

  In the third embodiment (the process in the flowchart of FIG. 12), the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A, the more severe the irregular reflection of light emitted from the sensor 110 to the horizontal surface 153A. decrease. That is, as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the horizontal surface 153A increases, the third value of the input signal for obtaining a predetermined output signal from the sensor 110 increases.

  In addition, as the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153B increases, the irregular reflection of the light emitted from the sensor 110 to the inclined surface 153B increases, and the amount of light reaching the sensor 110 increases. That is, the larger the amount of foreign matter accumulated on the inclined surface 153B, the smaller the fourth value of the input signal for obtaining a predetermined output signal from the sensor 110.

  In the process in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the flag value is changed to the platen according to the difference between the third value and the first value or the difference between the fourth value and the second value being larger than the threshold value (S510: Yes). It is assumed that “10” is a value indicating that there is a large amount of foreign matter accumulated in the third region 153 of 42. As a result, the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the third region 153 of the platen 42 can be grasped.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first and second embodiments, notification according to the amount of foreign matter accumulated in the housing 14 can be performed.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, in order to determine the foreign matter accumulation state in the internal space 30 of the housing 14, the surface from which light is emitted by the sensor 110 has an angle θ1 of 90 degrees with the optical path of the light emitted from the sensor 110. A certain horizontal surface 153A and an inclined surface 153B having an acute angle θ2 formed with the optical path. However, the surfaces from which light is emitted by the sensor 110 for the determination are not limited to these surfaces. For example, instead of the horizontal surface 153A, a surface in which the angle θ1 is an acute angle may be used similarly to the inclined surface 153B. However, in this case, the angle θ2 formed by the inclined surface 153B and the optical path is smaller than the angle θ1.

  In the above embodiment, the sensor 110 is provided on the carriage 23 on which the recording head 39 is mounted. That is, the carriage 23 for moving the recording head 39 is also used for moving the sensor 110. However, the carriage for moving the sensor 110 may be different from the carriage 23 for moving the recording head 39.

  In the above embodiment, the recording head 39 is mounted on the carriage 23 and moves in the left-right direction 9. However, the recording head 39 may not move in the left-right direction 9 by being provided from the left end to the right end of the conveyance path 65. That is, the recording head 39 may be a so-called line type. In this case, as described above, a dedicated carriage for moving the sensor 110 is provided.

  In the above embodiment, the sensor 110 emits light toward the platen 42. However, the target from which the sensor 110 emits light for foreign matter accumulation determination is not limited to the platen 42, but any member disposed inside the housing 14, for example, the multifunction machine 10 such as a feed tray 20 or a guide rail. It may be a frame. Of course, light may be emitted from the sensor 110 to two types of surfaces provided exclusively for the foreign matter accumulation determination in the housing 14. In these cases, it goes without saying that the arrangement position of the sensor 110 is a position facing the target.

  In the embodiment described above, the printer unit 11 prints on the sheet 12 by the ink jet recording method. However, the printer unit 11 is not limited to the ink jet recording method, and may print on the sheet 12 by the electrophotographic method, for example.

10. Multifunction machine (image recording device)
12 ... sheet 14 ... casing 23 ... carriage 39 ... recording head 110 ... sensor 130 ... controller 140 ... memory 153 ... third region (reflecting portion)
153A—Plane (first surface)
153B ... inclined surface (second surface)

Claims (15)

A housing,
A recording unit that is provided inside the housing and records an image on a sheet;
A sensor that emits at least a predetermined amount of light according to an input signal to a predetermined optical path, and outputs an output signal according to the amount of light;
A first surface that is provided inside the housing and reflects the light of the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a predetermined direction, and the light of the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor from the predetermined direction. A reflecting portion having a second surface that reflects in a direction away from the sensor;
A carriage mounted with the sensor, the sensor being movable to a first position where the sensor faces the first surface, and a second position where the sensor faces the second surface;
A memory for storing a first value and a second value as reference values;
A controller, and
The above controller
Moving the carriage to the first position, emitting a first amount of light from the sensor to the first surface, obtaining a third value corresponding to the output signal output by the sensor;
Moving the carriage to the second position, emitting a second amount of light from the sensor to the second surface, obtaining a fourth value corresponding to the output signal output by the sensor;
In response to the acquired third value being smaller than the first value and the fourth value being greater than the second value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the preset fifth value to the first value. An image recording apparatus having a sixth value different from the five value. The above controller
The difference between the third value and the first value, or the difference between the fourth value and the second value is compared with a threshold value read from the memory, and the difference is greater than the threshold value. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value stored in the memory is a seventh value that is different from the fifth value to the fifth value and the sixth value. The above controller
The total value of the difference between the third value and the first value and the difference between the fourth value and the second value is compared with the threshold value read from the memory, and the total value is greater than the threshold value. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to a seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.   4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets the fifth value in the memory in response to the third value being larger than the first value or the fourth value being smaller than the second value. 5. The image recording apparatus according to any one of the above. The above controller
The carriage is moved to the first position, the first amount of light is emitted from the sensor to the first surface, and the first value corresponding to the output signal output from the sensor is stored in the memory. Remember,
The carriage is moved to the second position, the second amount of light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface, and the second value corresponding to the output signal output from the sensor is stored in the memory. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is stored. A housing,
A recording unit that is provided inside the housing and records an image on a sheet;
A sensor that emits light according to an input signal to at least a predetermined optical path and outputs an output signal according to the amount of light;
A first surface that is provided inside the housing and reflects the light of the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor in a predetermined direction, and the light of the predetermined optical path emitted from the sensor from the predetermined direction. A reflecting portion having a second surface that reflects in a direction away from the sensor;
A carriage mounted with the sensor, the sensor being movable to a first position where the sensor faces the first surface, and a second position where the sensor faces the second surface;
A memory for storing a first value and a second value as reference values;
A controller, and
The above controller
The carriage is moved to the first position, the light is emitted from the sensor to the first surface while changing the light amount, and the sensor outputs a predetermined output signal according to the input signal. Get the third value,
The carriage is moved to the second position, the light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface while changing the light amount, and the sensor outputs a predetermined output signal according to the input signal. Get the fourth value,
In response to the acquired third value being greater than the first value and the fourth value being smaller than the second value, the value stored in the memory is changed from the preset fifth value to the first value. An image recording apparatus having a sixth value different from the five value. The above controller
The difference between the third value and the first value, or the difference between the fourth value and the second value is compared with a threshold value read from the memory, and the difference is greater than the threshold value. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the value stored in the memory is a seventh value that is different from the fifth value to the fifth value and the sixth value. The above controller
The total value of the difference between the third value and the first value and the difference between the fourth value and the second value is compared with the threshold value read from the memory, and the total value is greater than the threshold value. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the value stored in the memory is changed from the fifth value to a seventh value different from the fifth value and the sixth value.   9. The controller according to claim 6, wherein the controller sets the fifth value in the memory in response to the third value being smaller than the first value or the fourth value being larger than the second value. The image recording apparatus according to any one of the above. The above controller
The carriage is moved to the first position, the light is emitted from the sensor to the first surface while changing the light amount, and the sensor outputs a predetermined output signal according to the input signal. Storing the first value in the memory;
The carriage is moved to the second position, the light is emitted from the sensor to the second surface while changing the light amount, and the sensor outputs a predetermined output signal according to the input signal. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second value is stored in the memory. Further equipped with an alarm,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller operates the notification device in response to the sixth value being set in the memory. Further equipped with an alarm,
The above controller
In response to the sixth value being set in the memory, the notification device notifies the first notification,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 7, or 8 that causes the notification device to notify a second notification different from the first notification in response to the seventh value being set in the memory. The carriage is equipped with the recording unit,
The above controller
In response to the fifth value being set in the memory, the motor for driving and transmitting the carriage is driven with the first current value, and the recording unit records an image on the sheet while moving the carriage. ,
In response to the sixth value being set in the memory, the motor is driven at a second current value larger than the first current value, and an image is recorded on the sheet by the recording unit while moving the carriage. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: It has the above-mentioned reflection part, and comprises a support part that supports the sheet,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor emits light toward the support portion. The reflection part is a sheet of the minimum size when a sheet of the minimum size among the plurality of types of sheets set so as to be supported by the support part is supported by the support part. The image recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image recording apparatus is provided in a region located below the head.

Images