Medium height detection method, printing apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a medium height detection method, a printing device. In the printing device, the height of the medium can be quickly detected. In the medium height detection method, the following control is performed: a plate-shaped member is brought into contact with a prescribed position of a support portion; the support portion is relatively moved with the plate-shaped member to move the plate-shaped member upward in the vertical direction until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support portion is relatively moved with the plate-shaped member in a second direction, and during the relative movement of the support portion with the plate-shaped member until the plate-shaped member reaches an end portion on the far side from the prescribed position, in the case where the detection signal indicates a contact state, the support portion is relatively moved with the plate-shaped member to move the plate-shaped member upward until the detection signal indicates a non-contact state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for detecting media height and a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] It has long been known that UV printers, which use UV-curing inks that cure when exposed to ultraviolet light, can print on a wide variety of media that are normally difficult to print on, such as acrylics, metals, and plastics. Unlike printing on ordinary paper media, UV printers print on highly diverse media, so the media-carrying stage has a structure that moves up and down by about 0 to 200 mm according to the thickness of the media.

[0003] For printing to be performed, the distance between the print head that ejects ink and the media needs to be adjusted. Therefore, there are methods that use a height detection sensor to detect the height of the media placed on the worktable. In this method, the height detection sensor needs to be moved back and forth across the worktable multiple times in a manner that crosses the media.

[0004] In addition, a technique was disclosed that inputs the printing height corresponding to the pre-measured thickness of the medium into the printer in order to save time (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-1004

[0006] However, when using a height detection sensor to detect the height of the medium, the sensor needs to swing back and forth in an idle state until it identifies the medium, which presents a time-consuming technical problem. Additionally, when inputting the printing height, there are technical issues with the input process being laborious and requiring careful verification to prevent erroneous input. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One solution to the above-mentioned technical problem is a media height detection method, characterized in that it is a method for detecting the height of a media in a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: a support portion for supporting the media; an ejector portion for ejecting ink onto the media supported by the support portion; a carriage for holding the ejector portion; a carriage track for supporting the carriage; a plate-shaped member, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track in the vertical direction and extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a first moving portion for moving the support portion and the plate-shaped member relative to each other in the vertical direction; a second moving portion for moving the support portion and the plate-shaped member relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; a plate-shaped member support portion for supporting the plate-shaped member; and a detection portion for outputting a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped member is in contact with or not in contact with any component or media other than the plate-shaped member support portion. In the media height detection method... The first and second moving parts are controlled as follows: the plate-shaped member contacts a predetermined position of the support; then, the support and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other, so that the plate-shaped member moves upward in the vertical direction until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other in a second direction until the plate-shaped member reaches the end of the support in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, and during the period when the support and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other until the plate-shaped member reaches the end that is far from the predetermined position, the relative movement of the support and the plate-shaped member is stopped whenever the detection signal indicates a contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other, so that the plate-shaped member moves upward until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other in the second direction so that the plate-shaped member moves closer to the far end.

[0008] Another solution to the above-mentioned technical problem is a printing apparatus, characterized by comprising: a support portion for supporting a medium; an ejection portion for ejecting ink onto the medium supported by the support portion; a carriage for holding the ejection portion; a carriage track for supporting the carriage; a plate-shaped member, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track in the vertical direction and extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a first moving portion for moving the support portion and the plate-shaped member relative to each other in the vertical direction; a second moving portion for moving the support portion and the plate-shaped member relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the first direction; a plate-shaped member support portion for supporting the plate-shaped member; a detection portion for outputting a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped member is in contact with or not in contact with any component or medium other than the plate-shaped member support portion; and a control portion capable of controlling the first moving portion and the second moving portion, wherein the control portion controls the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The two moving parts are controlled as follows: the plate-shaped member is brought into contact with a predetermined position of the support; then, the support and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member moves upward in the vertical direction until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other in a second direction until the plate-shaped member moves from the predetermined position of the support to the end of the support in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, and during the period when the support and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other until the plate-shaped member reaches the end that is far from the predetermined position, the relative movement of the support and the plate-shaped member is stopped whenever the detection signal indicates a contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member moves upward until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other in the second direction so that the plate-shaped member moves closer to the far end. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of a printing apparatus that includes a detection section for detecting the height of the medium.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of placing the detection unit below the carriage track.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a side view of the inspection department.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the height detection action of the inspection department.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing apparatus.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for detecting lateral movements.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram for detecting lateral movements.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of the action of detecting the upper surface.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the side of the support portion of the supporting medium.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram of the action of detecting the upper surface of the support.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of the action of detecting the side of the medium.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the action on the upper surface of the detection medium.

[0021] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the action on the upper surface of the detection medium.

[0022] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the action of detecting whether there are protrusions on the upper surface of the medium.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method for detecting the height of a medium.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1: Printing apparatus; 5: Support; 7: Guide rail; 10: Medium; 15: Slider; 20: Plate-shaped component; 23: Plate-shaped component support; 25: Carrier rail; 30: Carrier; 33: LM guide rail; 35: Height detection mechanism; 37: Rotating shaft; 40: Detection unit; 45: Photoelectric sensor; 47: Light shield; 50: Side; 52: Upper surface; 54: Side of support; 55: Upper surface of support; 56: Side of medium; 57: Upper surface of medium; 61: Input / output unit; 62: CPU; 63: RAM; 64: ROM; 65: System bus; 66: Head drive unit; 67: Movement drive unit; 70: Control unit; 71: Print head; 73: First moving part; 75: Second moving part; 77: Carrier moving part; A1: First area; A2: Second area. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figures 1-15 This is one embodiment, in which parts labeled with the same reference numerals represent the same components. It should be noted that some components are appropriately omitted in each figure to simplify the drawings. Furthermore, the size, shape, thickness, etc., of the components are appropriately exaggerated.

[0028] Figure 1This is an overall view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 40 for detecting the height of the medium 10. The printing apparatus 1 includes a support unit 5 that supports the medium 10 from a vertical downward direction, a printing head 71 that sprays ink onto the medium 10 supported by the support unit 5 as a spraying unit, and a carriage 30 that holds the spraying unit. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 includes a carriage rail 25 that supports the carriage 30, a slider 15 that supports the carriage rail 25, and a pair of guide rails 7 provided on both sides of the support unit 5 and guiding the movement of the slider 15. In this embodiment, the carriage rail 25 is an example of a method for supporting the carriage.

[0029] The printing apparatus 1 has a detection unit 40 for detecting the height of the medium 10. Specifically, the detection unit 40 includes: a plate-shaped member 20, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track 25 in the vertical direction and extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; and a rotation shaft 37 that supports the plate-shaped member 20 so that it can rotate. In addition, the detection unit 40 has a plate-shaped member support 23 that supports the rotation shaft 37 and fixes the rotation shaft 37 to the slider 15. The detection unit 40 outputs a detection signal that can identify whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with any component or medium 10 other than the plate-shaped member support 23 or not.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the detection unit 40. In this modified example, the detection unit 40 is located below the LM guide (LM Guide (registered trademark)) 33, which is configured to allow the carriage 30 to move relative to the carriage track 25. Furthermore, the plate-shaped member support 23 can be fixed to the carriage track 25 and move integrally with the carriage track 25.

[0031] As described later Figure 5 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes: a first moving part 73 that moves the support part 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in the vertical direction; and a second moving part 75 that moves the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction. Additionally, the printing apparatus 1 includes a carriage moving part 77 that moves the carriage 30 along the carriage track 25 in the first direction. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control part 70 capable of controlling the first moving part 73 and the second moving part 75. The control part 70 controls the ejection of ink from the ejection section. In this embodiment, the slider 15 and a pair of guide rails 7 are examples of the second moving part 75, and the LM guide rail (registered trademark) 33 is an example of the carriage moving part 77.

[0032] here, Figure 1 In this context, the positive Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction upwards. Additionally, Figure 1 The Y-axis direction in the diagram is equivalent to the first direction. Figure 1 The X-axis direction in the equation is equivalent to the second direction.

[0033] Here, the plate-shaped component 20 is preferably provided to extend throughout the entire printable range of the support portion 5 in the first direction.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 is disposed below the carriage 30 in the vertical direction. The carriage 30 has a first region A1 near the carriage track 25 and a second region A2 further away from the carriage track 25 than the first region A1. The bottom of the first region A1 is located further away from the support 5 than the bottom of the second region A2. The nozzle surface of the spraying part is located in the second region A2, and the plate-shaped member 20 is disposed below the bottom of the first region A1 in the vertical direction.

[0035] The detection unit 40 includes a light-shielding part 47 that moves integrally with the plate-shaped member 20 and a photoelectric sensor 45 that detects the movement of the light-shielding part 47. Specifically, for example, the light-shielding part 47 has a protrusion that protrudes in the Y-axis direction. The detection unit 40 detects whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 or the like based on the difference between the light-shielding and unshielding effect of the protrusion on the light source of the detection unit 40 and the photoelectric sensor 45.

[0036] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the height detection action of the detection unit 40. Figure 4 The left figure shows the OFF state, specifically, the state in which no medium or the like is detected. When the plate-shaped member 20 is not in contact with the side of the medium 10 or the support 5, the light-shielding part 47 remains stationary, and the detection unit 40 outputs a signal to the control unit 70 indicating that it is in a non-contact state.

[0037] Figure 4 The right figure shows the ON state, specifically, the state in which a medium or the like is detected. When the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 and the support 5, the light-shielding part 47 moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure by rotating around the rotation shaft 37, and the detection part 40 outputs a signal to the control part 70 indicating that it is in a contact state.

[0038] Figure 5This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 70 includes a CPU 62 that manages the overall control of the printing apparatus 1. The CPU 62 is connected via a system bus 65 to a ROM 64 storing various control programs executed by the CPU 62 and a RAM 63 capable of temporarily storing data. Furthermore, the CPU 62 is connected via the system bus 65 to a head drive unit 66 for driving the print head 71. The CPU 62 is also connected via the system bus 65 to a movement drive unit 67. The movement drive unit 67 is connected to a carriage moving unit 77 for moving the carriage 30 on which the print head 71 is mounted, and a first moving unit 73 for moving the support portion 5 of the supporting medium relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in the vertical direction. The movement drive unit 67 is also connected to a second moving unit 75 for moving the support portion 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical and first directions. Furthermore, the CPU 62 is connected via the system bus 65 to an input / output unit 61. The input / output unit 61 is also connected to a detection unit 40. The control unit 70 controls the entire printing apparatus 1 through this configuration.

[0039] Figures 6-8 This is an explanatory diagram of the action of detecting the side and top surfaces.

[0040] exist Figure 6 In this state, the plate-shaped member 20 of the detection unit 40 is not in contact with the side surface 50. In this case, the light-shielding member 47 blocks light between the photoelectric sensor 45 and a light source (not shown), and the detection unit 40 outputs a signal to the control unit 70 indicating that it is not in contact with the side surface. Then, the control unit 70 causes the detection unit 40 to contact the side surface 50... Figure 6 The middle moves relative to the direction along the X-axis.

[0041] exist Figure 7 In this state, the plate-shaped member 20 of the detection unit 40 is in contact with the side surface 50. In this case, the light-shielding part 47 does not block light between the photoelectric sensor 45 and the light source (not shown), and the detection unit 40 outputs a signal to the control unit 70 indicating that it is in contact with the side surface. Then, the control unit 70 causes the detection unit 40 to... Figure 7 It moves upward relative to the center along the Z-axis.

[0042] exist Figure 8 In this case, the plate-shaped member 20 of the detection unit 40 reaches the height of the upper surface 52 but does not contact the side surface 50. In this situation, the light-shielding part 47 blocks light between the photoelectric sensor 45 and a light source (not shown), and the detection unit 40 outputs a signal to the control unit 70 indicating that it is not in contact with the side surface. Then, the control unit 70 adjusts the detection unit 40 to contact the side surface 50. Figure 8 It moves relative to the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0043] pass Figures 6-8 The action can detect the step difference in the Z-axis direction, specifically, it can detect the height of the support 5 and the medium 10.

[0044] Figures 9-14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of detecting the position of the support part 5 and the side and upper surface of the support medium 10, and detecting the height of the support part 5 and the medium 10.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the side surface 54 of the support portion 5 of the support medium 10.

[0046] First, the control unit 70 retracts the carriage 30 to the retracted position.

[0047] The control unit 70 brings the plate-shaped member 20 into contact with the support portion 5 at a predetermined position. Then, the control unit 70 controls the first moving part 73 (not shown) to move the support portion 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20, so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves upward in the vertical direction until the detection unit 40 outputs a signal indicating a non-contact state.

[0048] Specifically, when the plate-shaped member 20 contacts the side surface 54 of the support portion, the light-shielding portion 47 of the detection unit 40 moves, and the control unit 70 detects the contact with the side surface 54 of the support portion. The control unit 70 controls the first moving portion 73 to cause the support portion 5 to move downward in the vertical direction, that is, towards... Figure 9 It moves in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0049] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of detecting the upper surface of the support. When the detection unit 40 outputs a signal indicating a non-contact state, the control unit 70 stops the support 5 from moving in the negative Z-axis direction. It is preferable to store the stopped position as the height H1 of the support 5.

[0050] Here, the control unit 70 increases the distance between the support portion 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 by a predetermined value. For example, this value is 1 to 2 millimeters. This is because the plate-shaped member 20 still rubs against the upper surface 55 of the support portion 5 without moving relative to it.

[0051] Next, the control unit 70 controls the second moving unit 75 to move the support portion 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other in the second direction until the plate-shaped member 20 moves from a predetermined position on the support portion 5 to the end of the support portion 5 on the side furthest from the predetermined position in the second direction. Specifically, the predetermined position refers to the side surface 54 of the support portion 5.

[0052] Here, the second direction is Figure 10 The X-axis direction in the diagram.

[0053] The control unit 70 moves the support 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 until the plate-shaped member 20 moves towards... Figure 11 During the period when the arrow direction reaches the end of the support 5 on the side farther from the predetermined position of the support 5, the relative movement between the support 5 and the plate member 20 stops whenever the detection signal indicates a contact state.

[0054] Specifically, the control unit 70 controls the second moving unit 75 to move the support unit 5 relative to the plate member 20 until the plate member 20 contacts the side 56 of the medium 10.

[0055] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the control unit 70 moves the plate-shaped member 20 upward until it receives a detection signal indicating a non-contact state. That is, the control unit 70 controls the first moving part 73 to move the support part 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20.

[0056] The control unit 70 controls the first moving part 73 to move the support part 5 downward in the vertical direction, that is, towards... Figure 12 It moves in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0057] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the upper surface of the detection medium 10. When the detection unit 40 outputs a detection signal indicating a non-contact state, the control unit 70 stops the detection unit 40 from moving in the positive Z-axis direction. It is preferable to store the stopped position as the height H2 of the medium 10.

[0058] Here, the control unit 70 increases the distance between the upper surface of the medium 10 and the plate-shaped member 20 by a predetermined value. For example, this value is 1 to 2 millimeters. This is because the plate-shaped member 20 still rubs against the upper surface 57 of the medium 10 without moving relative to it.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the second moving unit 75 to move the support portion 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other in the second direction, so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves closer to the far end of the support portion 5. Specifically, the control unit 70 causes the detection unit 40 to move towards... Figure 14 The arrows in the image move relative to each other.

[0060] The above actions are performed whenever a detection signal indicates a contact state, thereby enabling the control unit 70 to detect the height of the support 5 and the medium 10.

[0061] When making the final printing settings, it is best to reduce the height of the support 5 by at least the difference in height between the plate member 20 and the ejector section.

[0062] The printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes: a support portion 5 supporting a medium 10; an ink ejection portion ejecting ink onto the medium 10 supported by the support portion 5; a carriage 30 holding the ink ejection portion; a carriage track 25 supporting the carriage 30; a plate-shaped member 20, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track 25 in the vertical direction and extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a first moving portion 73 for moving the support portion 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in the vertical direction; a second moving portion 75 for moving the support portion 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in a second direction orthogonal to both the vertical and first directions; a plate-shaped member support portion 23 supporting the plate-shaped member 20; a detection portion 40 outputting a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with or not in contact with any component or medium 10 other than the plate-shaped member support portion 23; and a control portion 70 capable of controlling the first moving portion 73 and the second moving portion 75. In the printing apparatus 1, the control portion 70 controls the first moving portion... The control of 73 and the second moving part 75 is as follows: the plate-shaped member 20 is brought into contact with a predetermined position of the support part 5; then, the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 are moved relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves upward in the vertical direction until the detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 are moved relative to each other in the second direction until the plate-shaped member 20 moves from the predetermined position of the support part 5 to the end of the support part 5 in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, and during the period when the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 are moved relative to each other until the plate-shaped member 20 reaches the end that is far from the predetermined position, the relative movement of the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 is stopped whenever the detection signal indicates a contact state; then, the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 are moved relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves upward until the detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 are moved relative to each other in the second direction so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves closer to the far end.

[0063] According to this printing apparatus 1, since it is not necessary for the height detection unit to reciprocate until it contacts the medium 10, the time required for height detection can be shortened. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to input the height of the medium 10, the hassle of verification to prevent erroneous input can be eliminated.

[0064] In the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the first moving part 73 moves the support part 5 in the vertical direction, and when the support part 5 moves relative to the plate member 20 to move the plate member upward, the support part 5 moves downward in the vertical direction.

[0065] According to such a printing apparatus 1, since the height of the support portion 5 of the supporting medium 10 can also be measured in advance, it has the excellent effect of making it easy to detect the height even when the thickness of the medium 10 is thin and shortening the printing time.

[0066] In the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the second moving part 75 moves the plate-shaped member support part 23 along the second direction, and when the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 move relative to each other along the second direction until the plate-shaped member 20 moves from a predetermined position of the support part 5 to the end of the support part 5 in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, the plate-shaped member support part 23 moves toward the end of the support part 5 in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position.

[0067] According to such a printing device 1, it is possible to detect the height of the highest point of the support portion 5 for a medium 10 with an uneven upper surface.

[0068] In the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the carriage 30 has a first region A1 close to the carriage track 25 in a second direction and a second region A2 further away from the carriage track 25 than the first region A1. The bottom of the first region A1 is located further away from the support 5 than the bottom of the second region A2. The nozzle surface of the spraying part is located in the second region A2. The plate-shaped member 20 is located below the bottom of the first region A1 in the vertical direction.

[0069] According to such a printing apparatus 1, since the height detection section 40 can be brought close to the carriage track 25 of the support carriage 30, the height of the medium 10 can be detected at high speed.

[0070] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the medium height detection method according to the second embodiment.

[0071] First, the control unit 70 of the printing apparatus 1 moves the plate-shaped member 20 relative to the support member 5 in a second direction (step SA1). Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with a predetermined position on the support member 5 based on the movement of the plate-shaped member 20 (step SA2). If the control unit 70 determines that it is in contact (step SA2: Yes), the control unit 70 controls the first moving part 73 to move the plate-shaped member 20 vertically upward (step SA3). The control unit 70 determines whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with a predetermined position on the support member 5 based on the movement of the plate-shaped member 20 (step SA4). If the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is not in contact with the predetermined position on the support member 5 (step SA4: No), the control unit 70 stores the position of the plate-shaped member 20 in this state as the height H1 of the upper surface 55 of the support member (step SA5).

[0072] If the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is not in contact with the support portion 5 at the designated position (step SA2: No), it returns to step SA1. Alternatively, if the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the support portion 5 at the designated position (step SA4: Yes), it returns to step SA3.

[0073] Next, the control unit 70 controls the second moving unit 75 to move the plate-shaped member 20 relative to the support member 5 in the second direction until it reaches the end of the support member 5 furthest from the predetermined position (step SA6). Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 based on the movement of the plate-shaped member 20 (step SA7). If the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 (step SA7: Yes), the control unit 70 moves the plate-shaped member 20 upward in the vertical direction (step SA8). Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 based on the movement of the plate-shaped member 20 (step SA9). If the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is not in contact with the side of the medium 10 (step SA9: No), the control unit 70 stores the position of the plate-shaped member 20 in this state as the height H2 of the upper surface 57 of the medium (step SA10).

[0074] If the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is not in contact with the side of the medium 10 (step SA7: No), it returns to step SA6. Alternatively, if the control unit 70 determines that the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with the side of the medium 10 (step SA9: Yes), it returns to step SA8.

[0075] The second embodiment relates to a media height detection method for detecting the height of a medium 10 in a printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 includes: a support 5 supporting the medium 10; an ink ejection unit ejecting ink onto the medium 10 supported by the support 5; a carriage 30 holding the ink ejection unit; a carriage track 25 supporting the carriage 30; a plate-shaped member 20, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track 25 in the vertical direction and extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a first moving part 73 that moves the support 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in the vertical direction; a second moving part 75 that moves the support 5 relative to the plate-shaped member 20 in a second direction orthogonal to both the vertical and first directions; a plate-shaped member support 23 supporting the plate-shaped member 20; and a detection unit 40 that outputs a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped member 20 is in contact with or not in contact with any component or medium 10 other than the plate-shaped member support 23. In this method, the first moving part 73... The second moving part 75 is controlled to: bring the plate-shaped member 20 into contact with a predetermined position of the support part 5; then, move the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves upward in the vertical direction until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, move the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other in a second direction until the plate-shaped member 20 moves from the predetermined position of the support part 5 to the end of the support part 5 in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, and during the period when the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 move relative to each other until the plate-shaped member 20 reaches the end that is far from the predetermined position, stop the relative movement of the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 whenever the detection signal indicates a contact state; then, move the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves upward until a detection signal indicates a non-contact state; then, move the support part 5 and the plate-shaped member 20 relative to each other in the second direction so that the plate-shaped member 20 moves closer to the far end.

[0076] The medium height detection method according to the second embodiment described above achieves the excellent effect of accurately and quickly detecting the height of the medium 10.

[0077] It should be noted that the printing apparatus and media height detection method disclosed herein are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0078] Figure 15 The processing units in the flowchart shown are divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the processing of the control unit 70. This disclosure is not limited by the method or name of the division of processing units.

[0079] The processing in the control unit 70 can be divided into more processing units based on the processing content, and a single processing unit can also be divided into more processing units. Furthermore, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the example shown.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the height of a medium, characterized in that, This is a method for detecting the height of a medium in a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: Support portion, supporting the medium; The ejection section ejects ink onto the medium supported by the support section; The carriage holds the nozzle in place; Carriage rails, supporting the carriage; The plate-shaped component, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track in the vertical direction, extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; The first moving part causes the support part and the plate-shaped member to move relative to each other in the vertical direction; The second moving part causes the supporting part and the plate-shaped member to move relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; A plate-shaped component support portion supports the plate-shaped component; as well as The detection unit outputs a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped component is in contact with or not in contact with any component other than the support portion of the plate-shaped component or the medium. In the medium height detection method, the first moving part and the second moving part are controlled as follows: Make the plate-shaped component contact the support portion at a predetermined position; Next, the support portion is moved relative to the plate-shaped component, so that the plate-shaped component moves upward in the vertical direction until the detection signal indicates the non-contact state; Next, the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other in the second direction until the plate-shaped member moves from the predetermined position of the support portion to the end of the support portion in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position. During the period when the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other until the plate-shaped member reaches the end of the support portion that is far from the predetermined position, the relative movement of the support portion and the plate-shaped member is stopped whenever the detection signal indicates the contact state. Next, the support portion is moved relative to the plate-shaped component to move the plate-shaped component upward until the detection signal indicates the non-contact state; Next, the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other along the second direction, so that the plate-shaped member moves closer to the distal end. The carriage has a first region close to the carriage track in the second direction and a second region further away from the carriage track than the first region. The bottom of the first region is located further away from the support than the bottom of the second region. The nozzle surface of the spray section is located in the second region. The plate-shaped component is located below the bottom in the first region in the vertical direction.

2. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: Support part, supporting medium; The ejection section ejects ink onto the medium supported by the support section; The carriage holds the nozzle in place; Carriage rails, supporting the carriage; The plate-shaped component, at least a portion of which is located below the carriage track in the vertical direction, extends along a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; The first moving part causes the support part and the plate-shaped member to move relative to each other in the vertical direction; The second moving part causes the supporting part and the plate-shaped member to move relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; A plate-shaped component support portion supports the plate-shaped component; The detection unit outputs a detection signal capable of identifying whether the plate-shaped component is in contact with or not in contact with any component other than the support portion of the plate-shaped component or the medium; and The control unit is capable of controlling the first moving part and the second moving part. The control unit controls the first moving part and the second moving part to: Make the plate-shaped component contact the support portion at a predetermined position; Next, the support portion is moved relative to the plate-shaped component, so that the plate-shaped component moves upward in the vertical direction until the detection signal indicates the non-contact state; Next, the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other in the second direction until the plate-shaped member moves from the predetermined position of the support portion to the end of the support portion in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position. During the period when the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other until the plate-shaped member reaches the end of the support portion that is far from the predetermined position, the relative movement of the support portion and the plate-shaped member is stopped whenever the detection signal indicates the contact state. Next, the support portion is moved relative to the plate-shaped component to move the plate-shaped component upward until the detection signal indicates the non-contact state; Next, the support portion and the plate-shaped member are moved relative to each other along the second direction, so that the plate-shaped member moves closer to the distal end. The carriage has a first region close to the carriage track in the second direction and a second region further away from the carriage track than the first region. The bottom of the first region is located further away from the support than the bottom of the second region. The nozzle surface of the spray section is located in the second region. The plate-shaped component is located below the bottom in the first region in the vertical direction.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first moving part causes the support part to move along the vertical direction, and when the support part moves relative to the plate-shaped member to move the plate-shaped member upward, the support part moves downward in the vertical direction.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second moving part moves the plate-shaped member support part along the second direction, and when the support part and the plate-shaped member move relative to each other along the second direction until the plate-shaped member moves from the predetermined position of the support part to the end of the support part in the second direction that is far from the predetermined position, the plate-shaped member support part moves in the second direction toward the end that is far from the predetermined position.

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