Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a carriage having a recording head, a movement unit that reciprocally moves the carriage, a carriage detection unit, a point-of-origin detection unit that detects the position of a point of origin of the carriage, a regulation unit capable of restricting the movement of the carriage, and a control unit that selectably performs one of a first initialization processing and a second initialization processing longer in time than the first initialization processing. The control unit selects one of the first initialization processing and the second initialization processing on the basis of whether movement of the carriage is restricted and whether a travel distance of the carriage corresponds to a predetermined distance, when the movement unit moves the carriage from a position of origin toward the regulation unit.

Abstract: A serial printer includes a carriage reciprocating in a main scanning direction, a reading sensor mounted in carriage, a timing fence arranged in the main scanning direction, a mechanism preventing movement of carriage in the main scanning direction, and a controlling portion detecting a set condition for image formation in accordance with read data of timing fence from reading sensor for controlling image formation. Controlling portion detects the set condition for image formation only in accordance with the read data of timing fence, so that detection of the set condition for image formation is enabled without increasing the size of an apparatus and cost, or without decreasing a processing efficiency in image formation.

Abstract: A shock absorption thrust mechanism includes a thrust piece (19) which is used as a stop for a moving body in motion. This thrust piece 19 is prone to displacement under the effect of kinetic energy of the moving body, against the action of a spring (20) and a shock absorber (21). The displacement of the thrust piece (19) depends on the kinetic energy of the moving body under shock, which is prejudicial particularly with respect to typewriters, where this displacement occurs in the stop position of the moving body or ensures the control of a function. In order to obtain a constant displacement of the thrust piece (19), the mechanism includes a driving device (10, 24) which moves the thrust piece (19) in a predetermined movement, the driving device (10, 24) acting jointly with the moving body on the thrust piece (19).