Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To solve the problem that external force is applied to a rotation shaft depending on a direction of external force received by a rotation piece rotated with the rotation shaft as a center, and that the rotation shaft is damaged when the external force is applied to the rotation shaft.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a medium support part, a liquid discharge part, a support part for supporting the liquid discharge part, and a detection part for detecting contact with a medium, wherein the detection part has a contact member, a rotation shaft, a displacement sensor for detecting rotation of the contact member, and a housing for storing the contact member and the rotation shaft, the housing has a first surface which faces the medium support part and is provided with a first opening, and a second surface which crosses the first surface and is provided with a second opening, the contact member has a first part which is arranged in the first opening and projects from the first surface and a second part which is arranged in the second opening and projects from the second surface, and the first opening is provided at a position different from a region vertically below the rotation shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices that print by ejecting ink onto a print medium are known. The printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes an ejection head, a carriage, a rotating piece, and an encoder. The ejection head ejects ink onto the print medium. The carriage supports the ejection head. The rotating piece is provided on the carriage. The rotating piece rotates about a rotation axis by contacting the print medium directly or via a detection plate. The encoder detects the rotational displacement of the rotating piece. When the print medium comes into contact with the rotating piece from below or beside it, the rotating piece receives an external force and rotates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-122517 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the direction of the external force received by the rotating piece that rotates around the rotating shaft, the external force may be applied to the rotating shaft. When an external force is applied to the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft may be damaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The liquid ejection device of the present disclosure comprises a medium support section that supports a medium, a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto the medium supported by the medium support section, a support section that supports the liquid ejection section, and a detection section attached to the support section and detects contact with the medium, the detection section having a contact member that contacts the medium, a rotation axis that rotatably supports the contact member, a displacement sensor that detects rotation of the contact member, and a housing that accommodates the contact member and the rotation axis, the housing having a first surface that faces the medium support section and has a first opening, and a second surface that intersects with the first surface and has a second opening, the contact member has a first portion that is located at the first opening and protrudes from the first surface, and a second portion that is located at the second opening and protrudes from the second surface, the first opening is provided at a position different from the area vertically below the rotation axis. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first medium sensor. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the peripheral configuration of a platen. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 14]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] First embodiment FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing device 11. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a first printing device 11A which is a printing device 11 of the first embodiment. The first printing device 11A is a serial scan type printer. As an example, the first printing device 11A is a large format printer which prints on a large-sized printing medium M. The first printing device 11A receives print data supplied from an external host computer or the like. The first printing device 11A forms a group of dots on the printing medium M by ejecting ink based on the print data. The first printing device 11A is an inkjet printer which prints an image including characters, figures, etc. on the printing medium M by forming a group of dots. The first printing device 11A corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection device. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium. The ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

[0008] Several figures including FIG. 1 show an XYZ coordinate system. The X-axis is an axis parallel to the direction in which the carriage 24 described later moves. The +X direction is the direction in which the print unit 23 moves from the standby position to a position on the print medium M. The standby position will be described later. The -X direction is the direction in which the carriage 24 moves from a position on the print medium M toward the standby position. The Y-axis is an axis perpendicular to the X-axis in the plane of the print medium M facing the print head 25 described later. The +Y direction is the direction in which the print medium M is fed. The -Y direction is the opposite direction to the direction in which the print medium M is fed. The Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The +Z direction is the direction from the installation surface of the first printing device 11A toward the installation surface from the top toward the bottom of the first printing device 11A.

[0009] The first printing device 11A shown in FIG. 1 prints on a printing medium M pulled out from a roll RL. The first printing device 11A is a large format printer capable of serial printing on a printing medium M having a short side width of A3 or more. The short side width of A3 is 297 mm. The first printing device 11A may be a small printer that serially prints on a printing medium M having a short side width of less than A3. The first printing device 11A includes a support stand 12, an exterior housing 14, and a feeding unit 15.

[0010] The support stand 12 supports the exterior housing 14. The support stand 12 is disposed at a position in the -Z direction of the exterior housing 14. The support stand 12 shown in FIG. 1 is configured with two legs, but is not limited to this. The support stand 12 has a plurality of casters 13.

[0011] The casters 13 are disposed at positions in the -Z direction of the support stand 12. The casters 13 come into contact with the installation surface and movably support the support stand 12 and the exterior housing 14. The support stand 12 shown in FIG. 1 has the casters 13, but is not limited to this. The support stand 12 does not necessarily have to have the casters 13.

[0012] The exterior housing 14 houses various units such as a printing unit 23 having a carriage 24, a print head 25, etc. The interior of the exterior housing 14 is configured to be able to transport a print medium M. The exterior housing 14 is supported by a support stand 12. The exterior housing 14 is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The exterior housing 14 has a first housing side 14A, a second housing side 14B, and a housing top surface 14C.

[0013] The first housing side 14A is a portion in the -X direction of the exterior housing 14. The first housing side 14A is provided at a position in the -X direction from the position where the print medium M is transported. The first housing side 14A houses a blower fan, a control unit 100, and the like.

[0014] The second housing side 14B is a portion in the +X direction of the exterior housing 14. The second housing side 14B is provided at a position in the +X direction from the position where the print medium M is transported. The second housing side 14B may house a second blower fan (not shown).

[0015] The housing top surface 14C is provided at a position in the +Z direction of the exterior housing 14. The housing top surface 14C is provided at a position that covers the print medium M transported inside the exterior housing 14. The housing top surface 14C is configured in a flat plate shape. The housing top surface 14C is configured so that a user can place a work tool such as a mobile computer on it.

[0016] The feeding unit 15 sends out the printing medium M wound around the roll body RL into the interior of the exterior housing 14. The feeding unit 15 is disposed in a position in the -Y direction of the exterior housing 14. The feeding unit 15 has a drive mechanism that rotates the roll body RL, and a roll support member 15A that supports the roll body RL. The drive mechanism is not shown. The roll support member 15A will be described later. The feeding unit 15 disposes at least a portion of the roll body RL in a position in the +Z direction that is above the housing top surface 14C. By disposing at least a portion of the roll body RL in a position in the +Z direction above the housing top surface 14C, it becomes easier for a user to access the roll body RL from a position in the +Y direction that is the front of the first printing device 11A.

[0017] The roll body RL has the printing medium M wound around it in a cylindrical shape. The printing medium M is made of a long piece of paper or a long piece of fabric, etc. The roll body RL may have a shaft core at its center. The roll body RL is rotatably supported by a roll support member 15A. The roll body RL is rotated by a drive mechanism to pull out the printing medium M.

[0018] The feeding unit 15 is provided with a roll cover 16. The roll cover 16 covers the roll body RL supported by the feeding unit 15. The roll cover 16 is provided at a position in the +Z direction of the roll body RL. The first printing device 11A shown in Fig. 1 includes the roll cover 16, but is not limited to this. The roll cover 16 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0019] The printing medium M pulled out from the roll body RL is transported in the +Y direction. The printing medium M is transported into the exterior housing 14 by a transport unit provided in the exterior housing 14. The printing medium M is transported in the +Y and -Z directions. The printing medium M is transported inside the exterior housing 14 and discharged from the discharge port 18.

[0020] The discharge outlet 18 is an opening that discharges the print medium M transported inside the exterior housing 14 to the outside. The discharge outlet 18 is provided on the surface of the exterior housing 14 in the +Y direction. The discharge outlet 18 discharges the print medium M that has been printed by the printing unit 23. The print medium M discharged from the discharge outlet 18 is sent to the medium receiving unit 19.

[0021] The medium receiving unit 19 receives the printing medium M discharged from the discharge port 18. The medium receiving unit 19 is provided at a position in the +Y direction of the exterior housing 14. The medium receiving unit 19 receives the printing medium M at a position in the -Z direction of the discharge port 18. The first printing device 11A may have a roll winding unit instead of the medium receiving unit 19. The roll winding unit winds up the printing medium M discharged from the discharge port 18 into a roll.

[0022] A cutting unit may be provided between the discharge opening 18 and the medium receiving unit 19. The cutting unit cuts the print medium M discharged from the discharge opening 18 to a predetermined length. The cutting unit cuts the print medium M along the X-axis. The cut print medium M is received by the medium receiving unit 19.

[0023] A heating unit may be provided between the discharge port 18 and the medium receiving unit 19. The heating unit heats the print medium M printed by the printing unit 23. The heating unit dries the print medium M by heating the print medium M.

[0024] The first printing device 11A includes an operation panel 20 and a liquid storage unit 21. The first printing device 11A shown in Fig. 1 includes the operation panel 20 and the liquid storage unit 21 on the first housing side section 14A. The positions at which the operation panel 20 and the liquid storage unit 21 are provided are not limited to the first housing side section 14A. The positions at which the operation panel 20 and the liquid storage unit 21 are provided can be set as appropriate.

[0025] The operation panel 20 accepts setting operations, input operations, etc. by the user. The operation panel 20 has a display 20a, operation buttons, etc. The operation panel 20 may be composed of a plurality of operation buttons.

[0026] The liquid storage unit 21 stores ink and the like to be supplied to the printing unit 23. The liquid storage unit 21 supports a plurality of liquid storage sections 22. The liquid storage unit 21 may detachably support the liquid storage sections 22. The liquid storage unit 21 shown in FIG. 1 supports four liquid storage sections 22, but is not limited to this. The liquid storage unit 21 supports one or more liquid storage sections 22.

[0027] The liquid storage section 22 stores ink or the like. As an example, the multiple liquid storage sections 22 each store ink of a different color. The multiple liquid storage sections 22 store cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink. The multiple liquid storage sections 22 may store ink of the same color. The liquid storage section 22 may store a coating liquid other than ink. The liquid storage section 22 is configured as an ink cartridge or an ink tank. When the liquid storage section 22 is configured as an ink cartridge, the ink cartridge is configured to be detachable. When the liquid storage section 22 is configured as an ink tank, the ink tank is configured to be refillable with ink.

[0028] A printing unit 23 is provided inside the exterior housing 14. The printing unit 23 is supplied with ink and the like from the liquid storage section 22. The ink and the like is supplied from the liquid storage section 22 to the printing unit 23 via a tube provided between the printing unit 23 and the liquid storage section 22. The tube is not shown. The printing unit 23 uses the supplied ink to print on the printing medium M transported along the Y axis. The printing unit 23 prints on the printing medium M by ejecting ink onto the printing medium M. The printing unit 23 includes a carriage 24 and a print head 25.

[0029] The carriage 24 supports the print head 25 so that it can be transported along the X axis. The carriage 24 is driven by a carriage drive mechanism (not shown) so that it can move back and forth across the printing width. The carriage 24 transports the print head 25 across a printing width that is equal to or greater than the media width of the printing medium M along the X axis. The carriage 24 corresponds to an example of a support unit.

[0030] The print head 25 ejects ink onto the print medium M. The print head 25 prints on the print medium M by ejecting ink onto the print medium M. The print head 25 is disposed at a position in the +Z direction of the print medium M. The print head 25 prints on the print medium M transported along the Y axis. The print head 25 is supported by the carriage 24 at a position facing the print medium M. The print head 25 ejects ink when the carriage 24 moves along the X axis, and prints on the print medium M. The print head 25 corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection unit.

[0031] 1 is an off-carriage type in which a liquid storage unit 21 is attached to an exterior housing 14. The first printing device 11A is not limited to being an off-carriage type. The first printing device 11A may be an on-carriage type in which a plurality of liquid storage sections 22 are provided on a carriage 24.

[0032] The first printing device 11A includes a control unit 100 that controls the printing unit 23 and the like. The control unit 100 controls the printing unit 23 and the like based on print data received from a host computer (not shown) or a print instruction issued by operating the operation panel 20. The control unit 100 is a controller circuit that controls various units. As an example, the control unit 100 is a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 100 is composed of one or more processors. The control unit 100 may have semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the printing device 11. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a first printing device 11A, which is an example of the printing device 11. FIG. 2 shows the first printing device 11A as viewed from the +Y direction. FIG. 2 omits a portion of the exterior housing 14. FIG. 2 shows units arranged inside the exterior housing 14, such as the printing unit 23, so that they can be seen. FIG. 2 shows the support stand 12, the medium receiving unit 19, the operation panel 20, the printing unit 23, the maintenance unit 30, the platen 60, the first medium pressing plate 70, and the second medium pressing plate 80.

[0034] 2 has a display 20a. The display 20a displays various messages to inform the user of menu screens, operating states, etc. If the display 20a is configured as a touch panel that accepts touch input, operation buttons do not need to be provided.

[0035] The printing unit 23 is supported by a guide rail 26 so as to be movable along the X-axis. The guide rail 26 supports the carriage 24 and guides the carriage 24 along the X-axis. The guide rail 26 is provided inside the exterior housing 14.

[0036] The printing unit 23 includes a first media sensor 40 and a second media sensor 50. The first media sensor 40 and the second media sensor 50 detect the printing medium M. When a state occurs in which a portion of the printing medium M is floating above the platen 60, when the printing medium M is wrinkled, etc., the first media sensor 40 and the second media sensor 50 come into contact with the printing medium M. The first media sensor 40 and the second media sensor 50 detect the contact with the printing medium M.

[0037] The first medium sensor 40 is attached to a position in the +X direction of the carriage 24. The first medium sensor 40 detects contact with the print medium M when the carriage 24 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction. The first medium sensor 40 corresponds to an example of a detection unit.

[0038] The second medium sensor 50 is attached to a position in the -X direction of the carriage 24. The second medium sensor 50 detects contact with the print medium M when the carriage 24 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction. The second medium sensor 50 corresponds to an example of a detection unit.

[0039] 2 includes a first medium sensor 40 located in the +X direction of the carriage 24, and a second medium sensor 50 located in the -X direction of the carriage 24, but is not limited to this. The printing unit 23 may be configured to include either the first medium sensor 40 or the second medium sensor 50. The printing unit 23 may include a sensor that detects contact with the print medium M at least one of a position in the +Y direction and a position in the -Y direction of the carriage 24.

[0040] The carriage 24 moves in the +X or -X direction along the guide rail 26. As the carriage 24 moves along the X axis, the print head 25 prints on the print medium M. One end of the path along which the carriage 24 moves is the standby position for the printing unit 23. When not printing, the carriage 24 waits at the standby position shown by the imaginary line in Figure 2. The standby position is the end position of the guide rail 26 in the -X direction.

[0041] The maintenance unit 30 is disposed in a position facing the print head 25 of the printing unit 23 in the standby position. The maintenance unit 30 is disposed in a position in the -Z direction of the printing unit 23 in the standby position. The maintenance unit 30 performs maintenance on the print head 25. The maintenance unit 30 has a cap 31.

[0042] The cap 31 moves between a capping position where it contacts the print head 25 and a retracted position in the -Z direction from the capping position. When the printing unit 23 is on standby at the standby position, the cap 31 is located at the capping position and covers the print head 25. When the cap 31 covers the print head 25, the maintenance unit 30 performs maintenance on the print head 25.

[0043] The platen 60 supports the printing medium M transported along the Y axis. The platen 60 is disposed at a position facing the print head 25 of the printing unit 23. When the print head 25 prints on the printing medium M, the platen 60 supports the printing medium M. The platen 60 may be connected to a suction mechanism (not shown) and the printing medium M may be sucked by the suction mechanism. The platen 60 may be a gutter platen having a liquid receiving groove for receiving ink. The liquid receiving groove is provided on the surface of the platen 60 facing the print head 25. The platen 60 corresponds to an example of a medium support section.

[0044] The first medium pressing plate 70 presses the +X direction end of the printing medium M transported along the Y axis toward the platen 60. The first medium pressing plate 70 prevents the +X direction end of the printing medium M from lifting up from the platen 60. The first medium pressing plate 70 is provided at a position in the +Z direction of the platen 60. The first medium pressing plate 70 is provided at a position straddling the +X direction end edge of the printing medium M. The first medium pressing plate 70 and the platen 60 hold the printing medium M by sandwiching the +X direction end of the printing medium M. The first medium pressing plate 70 corresponds to an example of a pressing plate.

[0045] The second media pressure plate 80 presses the -X direction end of the printing medium M transported along the Y axis toward the platen 60. The second media pressure plate 80 prevents the -X direction end of the printing medium M from lifting up from the platen 60. The second media pressure plate 80 is provided at a position in the +Z direction of the platen 60. The second media pressure plate 80 is provided at a position straddling the -X direction end edge of the printing medium M. The second media pressure plate 80 and the platen 60 hold the printing medium M by sandwiching the -X direction end of the printing medium M. The second media pressure plate 80 corresponds to an example of a pressure plate.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a first printing device 11A, which is an example of the printing device 11. Fig. 3 shows an overview of the area where the printing medium M of the first printing device 11A is transported. Fig. 3 shows the printing medium M unwound from a roll body RL. Fig. 3 shows a YZ cross section of the first printing device 11A. Fig. 3 shows the roll support member 15A, the printing unit 23, the platen 60, the transport roller pair 63, the air duct 65, etc.

[0047] The roll support member 15A supports the roll body RL. The roll support member 15A constitutes a part of the feeding unit 15. The roll support member 15A shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a shaft passing through the center of the roll body RL, but is not limited to this. The roll support member 15A may be a member that supports the end of the roll body RL in the +X direction and the end of the roll body RL in the -X direction. The roll support member 15A rotatably supports the roll body RL. The center of the roll support member 15A shown in FIG. 3 is disposed in a position in the +Z direction from the housing top surface 14C. The roll support member 15A supports at least a part of the roll body RL at a position in the +Z direction from the housing top surface 14C. The user can easily access the roll body RL from the +Y direction, which is in front of the first printing device 11A.

[0048] The transport roller pair 63 transports the printing medium M on the platen 60 in the +Y direction along the Y axis. The transport roller pair 63 transports the printing medium M via the printing medium M toward a printing position where the print head 25 and the platen 60 face each other. The transport roller pair 63 is disposed at a position in the -Y direction of the platen 60. The transport roller pair 63 has a first transport roller 63A and a second transport roller 63B. The +Y direction corresponds to an example of a transport direction. The transport roller pair 63 corresponds to an example of a transport mechanism.

[0049] The first transport roller 63A is a drive roller that transports the printing medium M. The first transport roller 63A is connected to a roller drive mechanism (not shown). The first transport roller 63A is driven to rotate by the drive of the roller drive mechanism. The first transport roller 63A transports the printing medium M in the +Y direction along the Y axis by being driven to rotate. The first transport roller 63A is disposed at a position in the -Z direction of the printing medium M and comes into contact with the printing medium M.

[0050] The second transport roller 63B is a driven roller that, together with the first transport roller 63A, pinches the print medium M. The second transport roller 63B moves in accordance with the transport of the print medium M. The second transport roller 63B is disposed at a position on the +Z direction side of the print medium M.

[0051] The pair of transport rollers 63 is composed of a first transport roller 63A which is a drive roller and a second transport roller 63B which is a driven roller, but is not limited to this. The first transport roller 63A may be the driven roller and the second transport roller 63B may be the drive roller.

[0052] The air duct 65 is disposed between the housing top surface 14C and the transport path of the print medium M. The air duct 65 is disposed at a position in the -Y direction of the printing unit 23. The air duct 65 sends air towards the print medium M before it is printed by the print head 25. The air duct 65 constitutes an airflow flow path 67 and an outlet 69.

[0053] The airflow passage 67 is formed inside the air duct 65. The airflow passage 67 is a path through which air sent by a blower fan (not shown) flows toward the air outlet 69. The airflow passage 67 flows the air in the +X direction and the +Y direction.

[0054] The air outlet 69 is a flow path opening that sends out the air that has flowed through the airflow flow path 67 toward the printing medium M. The air outlet 69 sends out air in the -Z direction. The air outlet 69 sends out air with a predetermined flow rate distribution for the medium width along the X axis. The air sent out from the air outlet 69 flows onto a first surface of the printing medium M in the +Z direction. The air that has reached the surface of the printing medium M is sent out to the outside of the exterior housing 14 along the first surface. The air flowing inside the exterior housing 14 expels mist, dust, and the like from inside the exterior housing 14 to the outside of the exterior housing 14. The air flowing inside the exterior housing 14 may cool the electrical circuits in the printing unit 23, the printing medium M, other circuits, and the like.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the printing unit 23. Fig. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the printing unit 23 positioned above the print medium M. Fig. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the printing unit 23 viewed from the +Y direction. The printing unit 23 includes a carriage 24, a print head 25, a first medium sensor 40, and a second medium sensor 50. Fig. 4 shows the internal configuration of the first medium sensor 40 and the second medium sensor 50 attached to the printing unit 23.

[0056] The first medium sensor 40 is attached to a +X direction surface of the carriage 24. The first medium sensor 40 includes a first sensor cover 41, a first bar member 43, a first rotation support shaft 45, and a first displacement detection mechanism 47.

[0057] The first sensor cover 41 is supported on the carriage 24 directly or via another member. The first sensor cover 41 houses a first bar member 43, a first rotation support shaft 45, and a first displacement detection mechanism 47. The first sensor cover 41 has a first bottom surface 41a and a first side surface 41b. The first sensor cover 41 corresponds to an example of a housing.

[0058] The first bottom surface 41a is the -Z direction surface of the first sensor cover 41. The first bottom surface 41a faces the platen 60 or the print medium M supported by the platen 60. The first bottom surface 41a is provided at a position separated from the platen 60. The first bottom surface 41a has a first bottom surface opening 41c. The first bottom surface 41a corresponds to an example of a first surface.

[0059] The first side surface 41b is the +X direction surface of the first sensor cover 41. The first side surface 41b is a surface that intersects with the first bottom surface 41a. The first side surface 41b is a surface that is located in the traveling direction when the printing unit 23 moves in the +X direction. The first side surface 41b has a first side opening 41d. The first side surface 41b corresponds to an example of the second surface.

[0060] The first bottom surface opening 41c is provided in the first bottom surface 41a. The first bottom surface opening 41c is provided so that a first bottom surface contact portion 43a that is a part of the first bar member 43 can protrude therethrough. The first bottom surface opening 41c corresponds to an example of a first opening.

[0061] The first side opening 41d is provided in the first side surface 41b. The first side opening 41d may be provided across the first side surface 41b and the first bottom surface 41a. The first side opening 41d is provided so that the first side surface contact portion 43b, which is a part of the first bar member 43, can protrude therethrough. The first side opening 41d corresponds to an example of a second opening.

[0062] The first bar member 43 is configured to be able to come into contact with the printing medium M. When the first bar member 43 comes into contact with the printing medium M, it is rotatably supported by a first pivot support shaft 45. The first bar member 43 has a first bottom contact portion 43a and a first side contact portion 43b. The first bar member 43 corresponds to an example of a contact member.

[0063] The first bottom contact portion 43a is configured in a shape that protrudes from the first bottom opening 41c. The first bottom contact portion 43a faces the platen 60 via the print medium M. When wrinkles or the like occur in the print medium M, the first bottom contact portion 43a comes into contact with the print medium M. When the first bottom contact portion 43a comes into contact with the print medium M, the first bar member 43 rotates around the first rotation support shaft 45 as the rotation center. The first bottom contact portion 43a corresponds to an example of a first portion.

[0064] The first side surface contact portion 43b is configured to have a shape that protrudes from the first side surface opening 41d. When the printing unit 23 moves in the +X direction, the first side surface contact portion 43b is configured to be able to come into contact with the print medium M that is floating above the platen 60. When the first side surface contact portion 43b comes into contact with the print medium M, the first bar member 43 rotates around the first rotation support shaft 45 as the rotation center. The first side surface contact portion 43b corresponds to an example of the second portion.

[0065] The first pivot support shaft 45 rotatably supports the first bar member 43. When the print medium M comes into contact with the first bottom surface contact portion 43a or the first side surface contact portion 43b, the first pivot support shaft 45 functions as a pivot point for the first bar member 43. The first pivot support shaft 45 is disposed at a position displaced along the X-axis from the position where the first bottom surface contact portion 43a comes into contact with the print medium M. The first pivot support shaft 45 is disposed at a position displaced along the Z-axis from the first bottom surface contact portion 43a. The first pivot support shaft 45 corresponds to an example of a pivot shaft.

[0066] The first displacement detection mechanism 47 detects displacement such as rotation of the first bar member 43. The first displacement detection mechanism 47 detects contact of the print medium M with the first bar member 43 by detecting the rotation of the first bar member 43. The first displacement detection mechanism 47 shown in Fig. 4 has, as an example, a first moving portion 47a, a first support portion 47b, and a first displacement measuring portion 47c. The first displacement detection mechanism 47 corresponds to an example of a displacement sensor.

[0067] The first movable portion 47a is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the first bar member 43. When the first bar member 43 rotates, the first movable portion 47a rotates following the rotation of the first bar member 43. The first movable portion 47a rotates around the first support portion 47b as the center of rotation.

[0068] The first support portion 47b rotatably supports the first variable portion 47a. When the first variable portion 47a rotates following the rotation of the first bar member 43, the first support portion 47b functions as a rotation fulcrum for the first variable portion 47a.

[0069] The first displacement measuring unit 47c measures the amount of displacement of the first moving unit 47a. The first displacement measuring unit 47c has a rotary encoder as an example. The rotary encoder measures the amount of rotation of the first moving unit 47a as the amount of displacement. The first displacement measuring unit 47c detects the contact of the first bar member 43 with the printing medium M based on the measured amount of displacement. The first displacement measuring unit 47c may detect the degree of contact between the first bar member 43 and the printing medium M using the amount of displacement.

[0070] The first displacement measuring unit 47c may have a linear encoder instead of a rotary encoder. The configuration of the first displacement measuring unit 47c is not limited as long as it is capable of detecting the rotation of the first bar member 43.

[0071] The first medium sensor 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes a first displacement detection mechanism 47 having a first variable portion 47a and a first support portion 47b, but is not limited thereto. A first displacement meter such as a rotary encoder may be provided on the first rotation support shaft 45. The first displacement meter is not shown. The first displacement meter detects the rotation of the first bar member 43. The first displacement meter detects the contact of the first bar member 43 with the print medium M by detecting the rotation of the first bar member 43. The first displacement meter provided on the first rotation support shaft 45 functions as the first displacement detection mechanism 47.

[0072] The second medium sensor 50 is attached to the −X direction surface of the carriage 24. The second medium sensor 50 includes a second sensor cover 51, a second bar member 53, a second rotation support shaft 55, and a second displacement detection mechanism 57.

[0073] The second sensor cover 51 is supported on the carriage 24 directly or via another member. The second sensor cover 51 houses a second bar member 53, a second rotation support shaft 55, and a second displacement detection mechanism 57. The second sensor cover 51 has a second bottom surface 51a and a second side surface 51b. The second sensor cover 51 corresponds to an example of a housing.

[0074] The second bottom surface 51a is the -Z direction surface of the second sensor cover 51. The second bottom surface 51a faces the platen 60 or the print medium M supported by the platen 60. The second bottom surface 51a is provided at a position separated from the platen 60. The second bottom surface 51a has a second bottom surface opening 51c. The second bottom surface 51a corresponds to an example of the first surface.

[0075] The second side surface 51b is the surface of the second sensor cover 51 in the -X direction. The second side surface 51b is a surface that intersects with the second bottom surface 51a. The second side surface 51b is a surface that is located in the traveling direction when the printing unit 23 moves in the -X direction. The second side surface 51b has a second side opening 51d. The second side surface 51b corresponds to an example of the second surface.

[0076] The second bottom surface opening 51c is provided in the second bottom surface 51a. The second bottom surface opening 51c is provided so that a second bottom surface contact portion 53a that is a part of the second bar member 53 can protrude therethrough. The second bottom surface opening 51c corresponds to an example of a first opening.

[0077] The second side opening 51d is provided on the second side surface 51b. The second side opening 51d may be provided across the second side surface 51b and the second bottom surface 51a. The second side opening 51d is provided so that the second side contact portion 53b, which is a part of the second bar member 53, can protrude therethrough. The second side opening 51d corresponds to an example of a second opening.

[0078] The second bar member 53 is configured to be able to come into contact with the printing medium M. When the second bar member 53 comes into contact with the printing medium M, it is rotatably supported by a second pivot support shaft 55. The second bar member 53 has a second bottom surface contact portion 53a and a second side surface contact portion 53b. The second bar member 53 corresponds to an example of a contact member.

[0079] The second bottom contact portion 53a is configured in a shape that protrudes from the second bottom opening 51c. The second bottom contact portion 53a faces the platen 60 via the print medium M. When wrinkles or the like occur in the print medium M, the second bottom contact portion 53a comes into contact with the print medium M. When the second bottom contact portion 53a comes into contact with the print medium M, the second bar member 53 rotates around the second rotation support shaft 55 as the rotation center. The second bottom contact portion 53a corresponds to an example of a first portion.

[0080] The second side surface contact portion 53b is configured to have a shape that protrudes from the second side surface opening 51d. When the printing unit 23 moves in the -X direction, the second side surface contact portion 53b is configured to be able to come into contact with the print medium M that is floating above the platen 60. When the second side surface contact portion 53b comes into contact with the print medium M, the second bar member 53 rotates around the second rotation support shaft 55 as the rotation center. The second side surface contact portion 53b corresponds to an example of a second portion.

[0081] The second pivot support shaft 55 rotatably supports the second bar member 53. When the second bottom surface contact portion 53a or the second side surface contact portion 53b comes into contact with the printing medium M, the second pivot support shaft 55 functions as a pivot point for the second bar member 53. The second pivot support shaft 55 is disposed at a position displaced along the X-axis from the position where the second bottom surface contact portion 53a comes into contact with the printing medium M. The second pivot support shaft 55 is disposed at a position displaced along the Z-axis from the second bottom surface contact portion 53a. The second pivot support shaft 55 corresponds to an example of a pivot shaft.

[0082] The second displacement detection mechanism 57 detects displacement such as rotation of the second bar member 53. The second displacement detection mechanism 57 detects contact of the print medium M with the second bar member 53 by detecting the rotation of the second bar member 53. The second displacement detection mechanism 57 shown in Fig. 4 has, as an example, a second moving portion 57a, a second support portion 57b, and a second displacement measuring portion 57c. The second displacement detection mechanism 57 corresponds to an example of a displacement sensor.

[0083] The second movable portion 57a ​​is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the second bar member 53. When the second bar member 53 rotates, the second movable portion 57a ​​rotates following the second bar member 53. The second movable portion 57a ​​rotates around the second support portion 57b as the center of rotation.

[0084] The second support portion 57b rotatably supports the second movable portion 57a. When the second movable portion 57a ​​rotates following the rotation of the second bar member 53, the second support portion 57b functions as a rotation fulcrum for the second movable portion 57a.

[0085] The second displacement measuring unit 57c measures the amount of displacement of the second moving unit 57a. The second displacement measuring unit 57c has a rotary encoder as an example. The rotary encoder measures the amount of rotation of the second moving unit 57a as the amount of displacement. The second displacement measuring unit 57c detects the contact of the second bar member 53 with the printing medium M based on the measured amount of displacement. The second displacement measuring unit 57c may detect the degree of contact between the second bar member 53 and the printing medium M using the amount of displacement.

[0086] The second displacement measuring unit 57c may have a linear encoder instead of a rotary encoder. The configuration of the second displacement measuring unit 57c is not limited as long as it is capable of detecting the rotation of the second bar member 53.

[0087] The second medium sensor 50 shown in FIG. 4 includes a second displacement detection mechanism 57 having a second variable portion 57a ​​and a second support portion 57b, but is not limited thereto. A second displacement meter such as a rotary encoder may be provided on the second rotation support shaft 55. The second displacement meter is not shown. The second displacement meter detects the rotation of the second bar member 53. The second displacement meter detects the contact of the second bar member 53 with the printing medium M by detecting the rotation of the second bar member 53. The second displacement meter provided on the second rotation support shaft 55 functions as the second displacement detection mechanism 57.

[0088] The first medium sensor 40 and the second medium sensor 50 have the same configuration except for the orientation in which they are attached to the carriage 24. The first medium sensor 40 and the second medium sensor 50 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the carriage 24.

[0089] Fig. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the printing unit 23. Fig. 5 shows the printing unit 23 without the second medium sensor 50. The printing unit 23 may be configured with either the first medium sensor 40 or the second medium sensor 50. Fig. 5 shows the relative positions of the first medium sensor 40 and the like. The first medium sensor 40 is attached to a position in the +X direction of the carriage 24. The carriage 24 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction. Fig. 5 shows a vertical area VA and a horizontal area HA.

[0090] The vertical area VA indicates an area vertically below the first pivot support shaft 45 in the -Z direction. The vertical area VA is an area of ​​the first bottom surface 41a vertically below the first pivot support shaft 45. The first sensor cover 41 is configured to cover the vertical area VA. The first bottom surface opening 41c is provided at a position different from the vertical area VA. By providing the first bottom surface opening 41c at a position different from the vertical area VA, it is possible to prevent the first bottom surface contact portion 43a from contacting the print medium M at a position vertically below the first pivot support shaft 45. When the first bottom surface contact portion 43a contacts the first pivot support shaft 45 vertically below, the first bar member 43 may not rotate. Alternatively, when the first bottom surface contact portion 43a contacts the first pivot support shaft 45 vertically below, stress generated by the contact may be applied to the first pivot support shaft 45. By providing the first bottom opening 41c at a position different from the vertical area VA, a decrease in detection accuracy or damage to the first rotation support shaft 45 is suppressed.

[0091] When the first side opening 41d is provided across the first bottom surface 41a and the first side surface 41b, the first side opening 41d is provided at a position different from the vertical region VA. By providing the first side opening 41d at a position different from the vertical region VA, it is possible to prevent the first side contact portion 43b from contacting the print medium M at a position vertically below the first rotation support shaft 45. By providing the first side opening 41d at a position different from the vertical region VA, a decrease in detection accuracy or damage to the first rotation support shaft 45 is suppressed.

[0092] The horizontal area HA indicates a horizontal lateral area of ​​the first pivot support shaft 45 in the +X direction. The horizontal area HA is a horizontal lateral area of ​​the first side surface 41b of the first pivot support shaft 45. The first sensor cover 41 is configured to cover the horizontal area HA. ​​The first side surface opening 41d is provided at a position different from the horizontal area HA. ​​By providing the first side surface opening 41d at a position different from the horizontal area HA, it is possible to prevent the first side surface contact portion 43b from contacting the printing medium M at a horizontal lateral position of the first pivot support shaft 45. By providing the first side surface opening 41d at a position different from the horizontal area HA, a decrease in detection accuracy or damage to the first pivot support shaft 45 is suppressed.

[0093] The first bottom contact portion 43a is preferably configured as an inclined surface. The +X direction end of the first bottom contact portion 43a is located at a first end distance H1, and the -X direction end of the first bottom contact portion 43a is located at a second end distance H2. The first end distance H1 is the distance along the Z axis between the platen 60 and the +X direction end of the first bottom contact portion 43a. The second end distance H2 is the distance along the Z axis between the platen 60 and the -X direction end of the first bottom contact portion 43a. The first end distance H1 is shorter than the second end distance H2. The first bottom contact portion 43a is an inclined surface approaching the platen 60 in the +X direction. The +X direction corresponds to an example of the first direction.

[0094] The inclination angle θ of the first bottom contact portion 43a is configured at an angle smaller than 45°. The inclination angle θ is the angle between the first bottom contact portion 43a, which is an inclined surface, and the horizontal plane. If the inclination angle θ is smaller than 45°, when the printing medium M contacts the first bottom contact portion 43a, the first bar member 43 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the +Y direction. If the inclination angle θ is smaller than 45°, the rotation direction of the first bar member 43 when the first bottom contact portion 43a and the printing medium M contact each other is the same as the rotation direction of the first bar member 43 when the first side contact portion 43b and the printing medium M contact each other. It is more preferable that the inclination angle θ is 10° or less. If the inclination angle θ is 10° or less, it is possible to widen the first end distance H1.

[0095] The print head 25 is disposed at a head distance PH relative to the platen 60. The head distance PH is the distance along the Z axis between the print head 25 and the platen 60. The second end distance H2 is preferably longer than the head distance PH. When the second end distance H2 is longer than the head distance PH, it is possible to configure the length of the first bottom contact portion 43a along the X axis to be longer. The detection range of the first bottom contact portion 43a is increased. The first end distance H1 is preferably shorter than the head distance PH. When the first end distance H1 is shorter than the head distance PH, the possibility of the print medium M coming into contact with the print head 25 is reduced.

[0096] Fig. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the printing unit 23. Fig. 6 virtually shows a state when the first bar member 43 comes into contact with the printing medium M. Fig. 6 shows a first stress F1, a second stress F2, and a third stress F3. When any of the first stress F1, the second stress F2, and the third stress F3 is applied to the first bar member 43, the first bar member 43 rotates. Fig. 6 shows a state when the first bar member 43 rotates to which any of the first stress F1, the second stress F2, and the third stress F3 has been applied.

[0097] The first stress F1 is a stress applied to the first bar member 43 when the printing medium M comes into contact with the first side contact portion 43b. When the printing unit 23 moves in the +X direction, the first stress F1 may be applied to the first bar member 43. If the printing medium M has a lift or wrinkles higher than the bottom distance CH in the moving direction of the printing unit 23, the first side contact portion 43b comes into contact with the printing medium M. The bottom distance CH is the distance between the first bottom surface 41a and the platen 60. When the printing medium M comes into contact with the first side contact portion 43b, the first stress F1 is applied to the first bar member 43. The first bar member 43 rotates in a first bar rotation direction R1, which is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the +Y direction, around the first rotation support shaft 45 as the rotation center. The first bar rotation direction R1 corresponds to an example of a rotation direction.

[0098] The second stress F2 is a stress applied to the first bar member 43 when the printing medium M comes into contact with the end of the first bottom contact portion 43a in the +X direction. When the printing unit 23 moves in the +X direction, the second stress F2 may be applied to the first bar member 43. If the printing medium M has lifting, wrinkles, or the like that is lower than the bottom distance CH and higher than the first end distance H1 in the moving direction of the printing unit 23, the end of the first bottom contact portion 43a in the +X direction comes into contact with the printing medium M. When the printing medium M comes into contact with the first bottom contact portion 43a, the second stress F2 is applied to the first bar member 43. The first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1 around the first rotation support shaft 45 as the rotation center.

[0099] The third stress F3 is a stress applied to the first bar member 43 when the printing medium M comes into contact with the first bottom contact portion 43a. When the printing unit 23 moves in the -X direction, the third stress F3 may be applied to the first bar member 43. If lifting, wrinkles, or the like occurs in the printing medium M in the traveling direction of the printing unit 23, the first bottom contact portion 43a comes into contact with the printing medium M. When the printing medium M comes into contact with the first bottom contact portion 43a, the third stress F3 is applied to the first bar member 43. The first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1 around the first rotation support shaft 45 as the rotation center.

[0100] When at least one of the first stress F1, the second stress F2, and the third stress F3 is applied to the first bar member 43, the first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1. Regardless of the applied stress, the first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1, so that a decrease in detection accuracy is suppressed.

[0101] The first printing device 11A includes a platen 60 that supports the printing medium M, a print head 25 that ejects ink onto the printing medium M supported by the platen 60, a carriage 24 that supports the print head 25, and a first media sensor 40 that is attached to the carriage 24 and detects contact with the printing medium M. The first media sensor 40 includes a first bar member 43 that contacts the printing medium M, a first rotation support shaft 45 that rotatably supports the first bar member 43, a first displacement detection mechanism 47 that detects the rotation of the first bar member 43, and a first sensor cover 41 that houses the first bar member 43 and the first rotation support shaft 45. The first sensor cover 41 has a first bottom surface 41a that faces the platen 60, and a first side surface 41b that intersects with the first bottom surface 41a. The first bottom surface 41a has a first bottom surface opening 41c from which a first bottom surface contact portion 43a that is a part of the first bar member 43 protrudes. The first side surface 41b has a first side surface opening 41d from which a first side surface contact portion 43b, which is a part of the first bar member 43, protrudes. That is, the first sensor cover 41 has a first bottom surface 41a that faces the platen 60 and has a first bottom surface opening 41c provided therein, and a first side surface 41b that intersects with the first bottom surface 41a and has a first side surface opening 41d provided therein, and the first bar member 43 has a first bottom surface contact portion 43a that is disposed in the first bottom surface opening 41c and protrudes from the first bottom surface 41a, and a first side surface contact portion 43b that is disposed in the first side surface opening 41d and protrudes from the first side surface 41b. The first bottom surface opening 41c is provided at a position different from the vertical area VA vertically below the first rotation support shaft 45. By providing the first bottom opening 41c at a position different from the vertical area VA, the vertical area VA is covered by the first sensor cover 41. The first bar member 43 is prevented from coming into contact with the printing medium M vertically below the first rotation support shaft 45. This reduces the possibility of the first bar member 43 being damaged.

[0102] The carriage 24 moves in the +X direction. The first medium sensor 40 is attached to a position in the +X direction of the carriage 24. The first bottom surface contact portion 43a is preferably an inclined surface that approaches the platen 60 in the +X direction. By configuring the first bottom surface contact portion 43a as an inclined surface, the detection area for detecting lifting, wrinkles, etc. of the print medium M is increased, and the detection accuracy of the first medium sensor 40 is improved.

[0103] It is preferable that the first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1 when the printing medium M contacts the inclined surface of the first bottom contact portion 43a, and rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1 when the printing medium M contacts the first side contact portion 43b. The first bar member 43 rotates in the first bar rotation direction R1 regardless of the position at which the print medium M contacts the first bar member 43. Fluctuations in the detection accuracy of the first medium sensor 40 depending on the contact position of the print medium M are suppressed.

[0104] Fig. 7 shows a schematic configuration of the first medium sensor 40. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the first medium sensor 40 from the -Z direction. The configuration of the first medium sensor 40 shown in Fig. 7 is the same as the configuration of the second medium sensor 50. Fig. 7 shows the first bottom surface contact portion 43a and the first side surface contact portion 43b.

[0105] The first bottom surface contact portion 43a protrudes from the first bottom surface opening 41c of the first sensor cover 41. The first bottom surface opening 41c is provided in the first bottom surface 41a. The first bottom surface contact portion 43a protrudes in the -Z direction of the first bottom surface 41a. The first bottom surface contact portion 43a is configured to be able to come into contact with the print medium M.

[0106] The first side surface contact portion 43b protrudes from a first side surface opening 41d of the first sensor cover 41. The first side surface opening 41d is provided on the first side surface 41b. The first side surface contact portion 43b protrudes in the +X direction of the first side surface 41b. The first side surface contact portion 43b is configured to be able to contact the print medium M. The first side surface contact portion 43b is configured with a first side surface contact portion length L1 along the +Y direction. The first side surface contact portion length L1 corresponds to an example of a member length.

[0107] Fig. 8 shows the peripheral configuration of the platen 60. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the platen 60 as viewed from the +Z direction. Fig. 8 shows a portion of the transport path along which the print medium M is transported. Fig. 8 shows the platen 60 and a first medium pressing plate 70.

[0108] The platen 60 is disposed at a position facing the printing unit 23 which moves along the X axis. The printing unit 23 moves along the X axis at a position in the +Z direction of the platen 60. The printing unit 23 moves in a range wider than the width of the platen 60 along the X axis.

[0109] The first media pressure plate 70 is positioned at the end position of the platen 60 in the +X direction. The printing unit 23 moves the position of the first media pressure plate 70 in the +Z direction. The first media pressure plate 70 is positioned at a position where it can come into contact with the first bottom contact portion 43a and the first side contact portion 43b of the first bar member 43. The first media pressure plate 70 is positioned at a position where it can come into contact with the second bottom contact portion 53a and the second side contact portion 53b of the second bar member 53. The first media pressure plate 70 is configured with a first media pressure plate length HL1 along the +Y direction. The first media pressure plate length HL1 corresponds to an example of a plate length.

[0110] The second media pressure plate 80, not shown in Fig. 8, has the same configuration as the first media pressure plate 70. The second media pressure plate 80 is positioned at the end position in the -X direction of the platen 60. The printing unit 23 moves the position of the second media pressure plate 80 in the +Z direction. The second media pressure plate 80 is positioned at a position where it can come into contact with the first bottom contact portion 43a and the first side contact portion 43b. The second media pressure plate 80 is positioned at a position where it can come into contact with the second bottom contact portion 53a and the second side contact portion 53b.

[0111] If there is a problem with the first media pressure plate 70 supporting the printing medium M, the first media pressure plate 70 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction. When the first media pressure plate 70 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction, the first media pressure plate 70 comes into contact with either the first bottom contact portion 43a or the first side contact portion 43b. Alternatively, when the first media pressure plate 70 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction, the first media pressure plate 70 comes into contact with either the second bottom contact portion 53a or the second side contact portion 53b. The first media sensor 40 and the second media sensor 50 can detect a problem with the first media pressure plate 70 supporting the printing medium M.

[0112] If there is a problem with the support of the printing medium M by the second media pressing plate 80, the second media pressing plate 80 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction. When the second media pressing plate 80 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction, it comes into contact with either the first bottom contact portion 43a or the first side contact portion 43b. Alternatively, when the second media pressing plate 80 presses the printing medium M at a floating position in the +Z direction, it comes into contact with either the second bottom contact portion 53a or the second side contact portion 53b. The first media sensor 40 and the second media sensor 50 can detect a problem with the support of the printing medium M by the second media pressing plate 80.

[0113] It is preferable that the first side surface contact portion length L1 of the first side surface contact portion 43b is shorter than the first media pressing plate length HL1 of the first media pressing plate 70. If the first side surface contact portion length L1 is longer than the first media pressing plate length HL1, the stress when the first side surface contact portion 43b and the first media pressing plate 70 come into contact increases. If the stress when the first side surface contact portion 43b and the first media pressing plate 70 come into contact increases, there is a possibility that the first bar member 43 will be damaged. If the first side surface contact portion length L1 is shorter than the first media pressing plate length HL1, the stress when the first side surface contact portion 43b and the first media pressing plate 70 come into contact is suppressed. The possibility of the first bar member 43 being damaged is reduced.

[0114] The first printing device 11A includes a first medium pressing plate 70 that presses the print medium M. The first medium pressing plate 70 is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the first bar member 43. The first medium sensor 40 can detect a defect in the support of the print medium M by the first medium pressing plate 70 .

[0115] The first printing device 11A includes a transport roller pair 63 that transports the printing medium M on the platen 60 in the +Y direction. It is preferable that a first side surface contact portion length L1 of the first side surface contact portion 43b along the +Y direction is shorter than a first medium pressing plate length HL1 of the first medium pressing plate 70 along the +Y direction. This reduces the stress generated when the first side surface contact portion 43b comes into contact with the first medium pressing plate 70. This reduces the possibility that the first bar member 43 will be damaged.

[0116] Second embodiment 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 show a schematic configuration of the printing device 11. FIG. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 show a schematic configuration of the second printing device 11B, which is the printing device 11 of the second embodiment. The second printing device 11B includes the printing unit 23 shown in FIG. 4. The printing unit 23 has a first medium sensor 40 and a second medium sensor 50. The first medium sensor 40 and the second medium sensor 50 detect floating, wrinkles, and the like of the printing medium M. The second printing device 11B can reduce damage to the first bar member 43 and the like by being provided with the first medium sensor 40 and the second medium sensor 50.

[0117] The second printing device 11B has a different external shape from the first printing device 11A. The second printing device 11B includes a media heater 90. The second printing device 11B also includes an ejected media roll support unit 95 instead of the media receiving unit 19 included in the first printing device 11A.

[0118] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the second printing device 11B. Fig. 9 shows the second printing device 11B as seen from the +X direction. The second printing device 11B shown in Fig. 9 does not have a roll body RL placed on it. The exterior housing 14 of the second printing device 11B has a first window portion 14D and a second window portion 14E. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the second printing device 11B is equipped with a media heater 90 and an output media roll support portion 95.

[0119] The first window 14D is provided on the housing top surface 14C. The first window 14D is configured to allow the user to see the transport path of the print medium M. Through the first window 14D, the user can check the state of the print medium M transported along the transport path.

[0120] The second window 14E is provided on the +Z direction surface of the first housing side portion 14A. The second window 14E is configured to allow the printing unit 23 in the standby position to be viewed. The user can check the state of the printing unit 23 in the standby position.

[0121] The media heater 90 heats the print medium M printed by the print head 25. The media heater 90 dries the print medium M by heating the print medium M. The media heater 90 is disposed at a position in the +Y direction of the second printing device 11B. The media heater 90 heats the print medium M transported in the -Z direction.

[0122] The discharged medium roll support part 95 winds up the printing medium M heated by the media heater 90 into a roll. The discharged medium roll support part 95 is disposed in a position in the +Y direction of the second printing device 11B. The discharged medium roll support part 95 is disposed in a position in the -Z direction of the media heater 90.

[0123] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the second printing device 11B. Fig. 10 shows the second printing device 11B as seen from the -X direction. The second printing device 11B shown in Fig. 10 does not have a roll body RL placed on it. The second printing device 11B does not have a liquid storage unit 21 located in the +Y direction of the exterior housing 14. A user can easily view the printing unit 23 inside the exterior housing 14 from the second window portion 14E.

[0124] Fig. 11 shows a plan view of the second printing device 11B as viewed from the +Y direction. Fig. 11 shows the front side of the second printing device 11B. A user can access the second printing device 11B from the front side. A user can attach a roll body RL to the roll support member 15A from the front side. A user can supply the roll body RL and remove the printed printing medium M from the front side.

[0125] Fig. 12 shows a plan view of the second printing device 11B seen from the -Y direction. Fig. 12 shows the rear surface of the second printing device 11B. The second printing device 11B is configured so that the roll support member 15A can be accessed from the front surface. The second printing device 11B makes it possible to reduce the working space in the -Y direction area of ​​the rear surface.

[0126] Fig. 13 shows a plan view of the second printing device 11B seen from the +X direction. Fig. 13 shows the left side of the second printing device 11B. The support stand 12 and the second housing side portion 14B of the second printing device 11B are configured in a rectangular shape.

[0127] Fig. 14 shows a plan view of the second printing device 11B seen from the -X direction. Fig. 14 shows the right side of the second printing device 11B. The first housing side portion 14A of the second printing device 11B is configured in a rectangular shape.

[0128] Fig. 15 shows a plan view of the second printing device 11B seen from the +Z direction. Fig. 15 shows the top surface of the second printing device 11B. The top surface of the exterior housing 14 of the second printing device 11B is configured as a flat plate. The second printing device 11B is configured so that a work tool such as a mobile computer can be placed on the top surface of the exterior housing 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 11...printing device, 11A...first printing device, 11B...second printing device, 12...support stand, 13...caster, 14...exterior housing, 14A...first housing side, 14B...second housing side, 14C...top surface of housing, 14D...first window, 14E...second window, 15...feeding unit, 15A...roll support member, 16...roll cover, 18...discharge port, 19...media receiving unit, 20...operation panel, 20a...display, 21...liquid storage unit, 22...liquid storage section, 23...printing unit, 24...carriage, 25...print head, 26...guide rail, 30...maintenance unit, 31...cap, 40...first media sensor, 41...first sensor cover, 41a...first bottom surface, 41b...first side surface, 41c...first bottom surface opening, 41d...first side surface opening, 43...first bar member, 43a...first bottom surface contact portion, 43b...first side surface contact portion, 45...first pivot support shaft, 47...first displacement detection mechanism, 47a...first moving portion, 47b...first support portion, 47c...first displacement measurement portion, 50...first 2nd media sensor, 51...second sensor cover, 51a...second bottom surface, 51b...second side surface, 51c...second bottom surface opening, 51d...second side surface opening, 53...second bar member, 53a...second bottom surface contact portion, 53b...second side surface contact portion, 55...second pivot support shaft, 57...second displacement detection mechanism, 57a...second moving portion, 57b...second support portion, 57c...second displacement measurement portion, 60...platen, 63...pair of transport rollers, 63A...first transport roller, 63B...second transport roller, 65...air duct, 67... Airflow flow path, 69...outlet, 70...first media pressure plate, 80...second media pressure plate, 90...media heater, 95...discharge media roll support section, 100...control unit, CH...bottom distance, F1...first stress, F2...second stress, F3...third stress, L1...first side contact section length, M...printing medium, R1...first bar rotation direction, RL...roll body, VA...vertical area, H1...first end distance, H2...second end distance, HA...horizontal area, HL1...first media pressure plate length, PH...head distance, θ...tilt angle.

Claims

1. A medium support section that supports the medium; a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the medium supported by the medium support unit; A support portion that supports the liquid ejection portion; a detection unit attached to the support unit and detecting contact with the medium, The detection unit is A contact member that contacts the medium; a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the contact member; a displacement sensor for detecting rotation of the contact member; a housing that houses the contact member and the rotation shaft, the housing has a first surface facing the medium support portion and having a first opening, and a second surface intersecting the first surface and having a second opening; the contact member has a first portion disposed in the first opening and protruding from the first surface, and a second portion disposed in the second opening and protruding from the second surface; The first opening is provided at a position different from a region vertically below the rotation shaft. Liquid discharge device.

2. The support portion moves in a first direction, the detection unit is attached to a position of the support unit in the first direction, the first portion is an inclined surface approaching the medium support part in the first direction; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. the contact member rotates in a rotation direction when the medium contacts the inclined surface, and rotates in the rotation direction when the medium contacts the second portion; The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 .

4. A pressing plate for pressing the medium is provided, The pressing plate is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the contact member. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. a transport mechanism configured to transport the medium on the medium support unit in a transport direction; A member length of the second portion along the conveying direction is shorter than a plate length of the pressing plate along the conveying direction. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4 .

Images