Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can enhance certainty in detecting interference with a head.SOLUTION: A printing device is provided with: a medium support part having a support surface on which a medium is supported; a head that can discharge liquid to the medium supported on the support surface; a first moving part that moves the head in a first direction parallel to the support surface; a second moving part that moves the head in a second direction parallel to the support surface and crossing the first direction; a position adjusting part that adjusts an interval between the head and the support surface, in a third direction crossing the support surface; a first interference detecting part that detects interference with the head; and a second interference detecting part that detects interference with the head. The first interference detecting part and the second interference detecting part move in tandem with movement of the head in the second direction. The first interference detecting part is provided closer to one side in the second direction than the head, and the second interference detecting part is provided closer to the other side in the second direction than the head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that prints on a medium such as a T-shirt. In such a printing device, after a medium is placed on a support surface of a medium support unit outside the housing, the medium support unit on which the medium is placed is moved horizontally to move the medium from outside the housing to inside the housing. This allows printing to be performed on the medium that has been moved from outside the housing to inside the housing after the medium is placed on the support surface outside the housing. In addition, such a printing device includes an interference detection unit that detects interference with the head as the medium support unit moves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-311938 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such a printing device, the medium support unit is configured to move from the outside to the inside of the housing while the medium is placed on the support surface. This has led to an increase in the size of the printing device. Thus, even when the printing device is made smaller, it is desirable to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printing device that solves the above problem comprises a medium support unit having a support surface that supports a medium, a head capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium supported on the support surface, a first movement unit that moves the head in a first direction parallel to the support surface, a second movement unit that moves the head in a second direction that is parallel to the support surface and intersects the first direction, a position adjustment unit that adjusts the distance between the head and the support surface in a third direction intersecting the support surface, a first interference detection unit that detects interference with the head, and a second interference detection unit that detects interference with the head, wherein the first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit are linked to movement of the head in the second direction, and the first interference detection unit is provided on one side of the head in the second direction, and the second interference detection unit is provided on the other side of the head in the second direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the printing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the printing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the printing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a printing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the printing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the printing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the printing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the print control process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the interference detection process. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the interference detection process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the interference detection process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [First embodiment] An embodiment of the printing device will be described below. In the following description, the direction intersecting with the vertical direction Z is the width direction X, and the direction intersecting with the vertical direction Z and the width direction X is the front-rear direction Y. One of the width directions X is the first width direction X1, and the other of the width directions X is the second width direction X2. One of the front-rear directions Y is the front Y1, and the other of the front-rear directions Y is the rear Y2. The upper side of the vertical direction Z is the upper side Z1, and the lower side of the vertical direction Z is the lower side Z2. The width direction X corresponds to an example of the first direction. The first width direction X1 corresponds to an example of one direction of the first direction, and the second width direction X2 corresponds to an example of the other direction of the first direction. The front-rear direction Y corresponds to an example of the second direction. The front Y1 corresponds to an example of one direction of the second direction. The rear Y2 corresponds to an example of the other direction of the second direction. The vertical direction Z corresponds to an example of the third direction.

[0008] <Printing device 10> 1, the printing device 10 is configured to print on a medium. The printing device 10 may be configured to print on the medium by ejecting a liquid. The printing device 10 may be configured to print on a flexible medium, such as a T-shirt. The printing device 10 may be configured so that a user places the medium therein.

[0009] <Case 11> The printing device 10 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 may be rectangular. The housing 11 includes a front surface 12 facing forward Y1. The housing 11 includes a rear surface 13 facing rear Y2. The housing 11 includes a left side surface 14 facing in the second width direction X2. The housing 11 includes a right side surface 15 facing in the first width direction X1. The housing 11 includes a top surface 16 facing upward Z1. The housing 11 includes a bottom surface 17 facing downward Z2.

[0010] 2 and 3, the housing 11 is configured to house various members included in the printing device 10. In particular, the housing 11 houses a medium support unit 28, a liquid supply unit 32, a printing unit 35, and a maintenance unit 47, which will be described later.

[0011] The housing 11 includes a housing frame 18. The housing frame 18 constitutes the exterior of the housing 11. The housing frame 18 includes an opening 19. That is, the housing 11 includes an opening 19. The opening 19 is configured to expose various members housed in the housing 11. In particular, the opening 19 is configured to expose a support surface 29 of a medium support portion 28, which will be described later.

[0012] The opening 19 includes a first opening 20 and a second opening 21. The first opening 20 is provided in the top surface 16. The second opening 21 is provided in the front surface 12. The first opening 20 and the second opening 21 are provided so as to be continuous with each other. In other words, the opening 19 is provided across the top surface 16 and the front surface 12.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 4, the first opening 20 opens between the front surface 12 and a first position 20A in the front-rear direction Y in a plan view. The first position 20A is a position separated from the front surface 12 rearward Y2 by a first distance D1. The first position 20A is a position separated from the rear surface 13 by a second distance D2. The first distance D1 is longer than the second distance D2. In other words, the first position 20A is a position closer to the rear surface 13 than the front surface 12 in the front-rear direction Y. If the distance between the front surface 12 and the rear surface 13 in the front-rear direction Y is D0, the first distance D1 is longer than half of the distance D0.

[0014] The first opening 20 opens between the second position 20B and the third position 20C in the width direction X in a plan view. The first opening 20 opens over a first width W1 in the width direction X in a plan view. The first width W1 is longer than the second width W2 of the support surface 29. Thus, the first opening 20 has a shape longer than the support surface 29 in the width direction X when viewed from above Z1.

[0015] In particular, the second position 20B is located closer to the first width direction X1 than the first side end 29A of the support surface 29 when viewed from above Z1. The first side end 29A is the end of the support surface 29 in the first width direction X1. The third position 20C is located closer to the second width direction X2 than the second side end 29B of the support surface 29 when viewed from above Z1. The second side end 29B is the end of the support surface 29 in the second width direction X2. In this way, the first opening 20 opens to a position outside the first side end 29A and the second side end 29B in the width direction X when viewed from above Z1.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the housing 11 includes an opening / closing cover 22. The opening / closing cover 22 is capable of opening and closing the opening 19. The opening / closing cover 22 may be made of sheet metal to ensure rigidity. The opening / closing cover 22 includes a first opening / closing cover 23. The first opening / closing cover 23 is in the shape of a flat plate. The first opening / closing cover 23 is capable of opening and closing the first opening 20.

[0017] The opening / closing cover 22 includes a second opening / closing cover 24. The second opening / closing cover 24 is flat. The second opening / closing cover 24 is capable of opening and closing the second opening 21. The second opening / closing cover 24 includes a grip 25. The grip 25 can be gripped by a user. The grip 25 is provided on the other end 24B of the second opening / closing cover 24, which will be described later.

[0018] The printing device 10 includes a display unit 26 and an operation unit 27. The display unit 26 is configured to display information. The operation unit 27 is configured to be operable by a user. The display unit 26 and the operation unit 27 may be configured integrally like a touch panel, or may be configured separately. The display unit 26 and the operation unit 27 are provided on the top surface 16, but are not limited to this.

[0019] <Media support part 28> 4 and 5, the printing device 10 includes a medium support section 28. The medium support section 28 is configured to support a medium. The medium support section 28 includes a front end section 28A and a rear end section 28B. The front end section 28A is an end section of the medium support section 28 on the front Y1 side. The rear end section 28B is an end section of the medium support section 28 on the rear Y2 side.

[0020] The medium support portion 28 includes a support surface 29. The support surface 29 faces in the upward direction Z1. The support surface 29 is configured to support a medium. In particular, the support surface 29 is a surface that supports at least the printing area of ​​the medium.

[0021] The medium support unit 28 is configured not to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the support surface 29. In other words, the support surface 29 is configured not to move in the horizontal direction. The medium support unit 28 is capable of adjusting the position of the support surface 29 with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0022] The printing device 10 includes a medium storage unit 30. The medium storage unit 30 is housed in the housing 11. The medium storage unit 30 is provided at least in the width direction X of the support surface 29, and may also be provided in the front-rear direction Y. When a partial area of ​​the medium is supported on the support surface 29, the medium storage unit 30 is capable of storing a partial area of ​​the medium that is not supported by the support surface 29.

[0023] In particular, the medium storage unit 30 includes a storage tray 31. The medium storage unit 30 includes an area divided by the storage tray 31. The storage tray 31 may partition the medium storage unit 30 at least on the rear Y2 side of the support surface 29.

[0024] <Liquid supply section 32> The printing device 10 includes a liquid supply unit 32. The liquid supply unit 32 is provided further in the second width direction X2 than the medium support unit 28 and the medium accommodation unit 30. The liquid supply unit 32 may be provided along an inner wall surface facing the left side surface 14. The liquid supply unit 32 is configured to supply liquid to a head 36, which will be described later.

[0025] The liquid supply unit 32 includes a liquid storage unit 33 and a liquid supply drive unit 34. The liquid storage unit 33 is configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the head 36. The liquid storage unit 33 may be of a detachable cartridge type, or of a tank type that is refillable with liquid. The top surface of the liquid storage unit 33 may be flat.

[0026] The liquid supply driving unit 34 drives the liquid contained in the liquid container 33 to supply the liquid to the head 36. The liquid supply driving unit 34 may include a liquid supply pump. The top surface of the liquid supply driving unit 34 may be flat.

[0027] <Print section 35> The printing device 10 includes a printing unit 35. The printing unit 35 is configured to print on a medium. In particular, the printing unit 35 is configured to print on a medium supported on the support surface 29.

[0028] The printing unit 35 includes a head 36. In other words, the printing device 10 includes the head 36. The head 36 is capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium supported on the support surface 29. The head 36 includes a plurality of nozzles 37 and a nozzle surface 38. The nozzle surface 38 is a surface facing downward Z2. The nozzle surface 38 is a surface in which each of the multiple nozzles 37 opens. Each of the multiple nozzles 37 is capable of ejecting liquid.

[0029] The printing unit 35 includes a carriage 39. That is, the printing device 10 includes a carriage 39. The carriage 39 is configured to support the head 36. The head 36 is configured as a serial type. The carriage 39 is movable in the width direction X. In the serial type, the head 36 performs printing while moving in the width direction X. The carriage 39 includes one end 39A and the other end 39B. The one end 39A is an end in the front Y1. The other end 39B is an end in the rear Y2.

[0030] The printing unit 35 includes a moving unit 40. The moving unit 40 is configured to move the carriage 39. That is, the moving unit 40 is configured to move the head 36. The moving unit 40 is configured to move the head 36 in the horizontal direction. More specifically, the moving unit 40 is configured to move the head 36 in the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y.

[0031] The moving unit 40 includes a first moving unit 41. That is, the printing device 10 includes the first moving unit 41. The first moving unit 41 is configured to move the carriage 39 in the width direction X. That is, the first moving unit 41 is configured to move the head 36 in the width direction X.

[0032] The first moving portion 41 includes a first guide portion 42. The first guide portion 42 is configured to extend in the width direction X across the support surface 29. The first guide portion 42 guides the carriage 39 so as to be movable along the width direction X. The first guide portion 42 may be a guide frame that supports the carriage 39.

[0033] The moving unit 40 includes a second moving unit 43. That is, the printing device 10 includes the second moving unit 43. The second moving unit 43 is configured to support the first moving unit 41. The second moving unit 43 is configured to move the first moving unit 41 in the front-rear direction Y. That is, the second moving unit 43 is configured to move the head 36 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0034] Further, the second moving unit 43 is configured to move a first interference detection unit 62 and a second interference detection unit 63, which will be described later, in the front-rear direction Y. That is, the second moving unit 43 is configured to move the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63, which will be described later, together with the head 36 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0035] The second moving section 43 includes a pair of second guide sections 44. The pair of second guide sections 44 are provided in the first width direction X1 and the second width direction X2 of the medium support section 28, sandwiching the medium support section 28 therebetween. Each of the pair of second guide sections 44 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction Y.

[0036] The second moving section 43 includes a pair of support parts 45. The pair of support parts 45 are provided in the first width direction X1 and the second width direction X2 of the medium support part 28, sandwiching the medium support part 28 therebetween. Each of the pair of support parts 45 is configured to support the first moving section 41. The pair of support parts 45 are movable in the front-rear direction Y along the corresponding pair of second guide parts 44. In this manner, the moving section 40 is equipped with the head 36, and is movable in the horizontal direction across the medium support part 28. The moving section 40 is configured in a gate shape when viewed from the front.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit 40 can move the head 36 within a moving range 46. The moving range 46 of the head 36 includes a facing position and a retracted position. The facing position is a position where the nozzle surface 38 faces the support surface 29. The retracted position is a position where the nozzle surface 38 does not face the support surface 29. The retracted position includes a standby position. The standby position is a position where the head 36 is placed when printing is not being performed. The standby position is an initial position before receiving a print instruction. That is, the head 36 can wait at the standby position. The standby position may be located on the first width direction X1 side and the rear Y2 side of the moving range 46. In this way, the standby position is located on the first width direction X1 side of the support surface 29 and on the rear Y2 side of the support surface 29. The retracted position also includes a maintenance position. The maintenance position is a position where the nozzle surface 38 faces a maintenance unit 47 described later. That is, the moving range 46 of the head 36 includes the maintenance position.

[0038] <Maintenance Department 47> The printing device 10 includes a maintenance unit 47. The maintenance unit 47 is provided further in the first width direction X1 than the medium support unit 28 and the medium storage unit 30. The maintenance unit 47 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the medium support unit 28 and the medium storage unit 30 in the vertical direction Z. The maintenance unit 47 is configured to perform maintenance on the head 36.

[0039] The maintenance unit 47 includes a flushing unit 48. The flushing unit 48 is configured to receive liquid ejected from the head 36. The flushing unit 48 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction Y, but may be movable in the front-rear direction Y so as to face the nozzle surface 38. The flushing unit 48 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the medium support unit 28 and the medium accommodation unit 30 in the vertical direction Z.

[0040] The maintenance unit 47 includes a wiping unit 49. The wiping unit 49 is capable of wiping the nozzle surface 38. The wiping unit 49 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the medium support unit 28 and the medium accommodation unit 30 in the vertical direction Z.

[0041] The maintenance unit 47 includes a suction unit 50. The suction unit 50 is configured to suck liquid from the head 36. The suction unit 50 may include a suction pump that sucks liquid from the head 36. The suction unit 50 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the medium support unit 28 and the medium accommodation unit 30 in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the maintenance unit 47 includes a waste liquid tank 51. The waste liquid tank 51 is configured to store liquid received by the flushing unit 48. The waste liquid tank 51 is configured to store liquid sucked by the suction unit 50. The waste liquid tank 51 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the medium support unit 28 and the medium storage unit 30 in the vertical direction Z. The waste liquid tank 51 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the flushing unit 48 in the vertical direction Z. The waste liquid tank 51 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the wiping unit 49 in the vertical direction Z. The waste liquid tank 51 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the suction unit 50 in the vertical direction Z.

[0043] 4 and 5, the printing device 10 includes a first interference detection unit 62. The first interference detection unit 62 detects the presence or absence of an interfering object that may interfere with the head 36, at a position Z2 slightly below the nozzle surface 38 of the head 36. In other words, the first interference detection unit 62 is configured to detect interference with the head 36.

[0044] The first interference detection unit 62 is supported by the second moving unit 43. The first interference detection unit 62 moves in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The first interference detection unit 62 is located forward Y1 from the head 36. Therefore, by moving forward Y1 together with the head 36 by the second moving unit 43, the first interference detection unit 62 can detect interference with the head 36 before an interfering object actually interferes with the head 36.

[0045] The first interference detection unit 62 includes a first light-projecting unit 62A and a first light-receiving unit 62B. The first light-projecting unit 62A is provided on the first width direction X1 side of the support surface 29. The first light-receiving unit 62B is provided on the second width direction X2 side of the support surface 29. The first light-projecting unit 62A and the first light-receiving unit 62B may be provided on a pair of support parts 45, respectively. In this manner, the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36 based on whether or not the light projected from the first light-projecting unit 62A is received by the first light-receiving unit 62B.

[0046] 6, the printing device 10 includes a second interference detection unit 63. The second interference detection unit 63 detects the presence or absence of an interfering object that may interfere with the head 36, at a position Z2 slightly below the nozzle surface 38 of the head 36. In other words, the second interference detection unit 63 is configured to detect interference with the head 36.

[0047] The second interference detection unit 63 is supported by the first guide portion 42. The first guide portion 42 is supported by the second moving portion 43. That is, the second interference detection unit 63 is supported by the second moving portion 43. The second interference detection unit 63 moves in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The second interference detection unit 63 is located rearward Y2 from the head 36. Therefore, by moving rearward Y2 together with the head 36 by the second moving portion 43, the second interference detection unit 63 can detect interference with the head 36 before an interfering object actually interferes with the head 36.

[0048] The second interference detection unit 63 includes a second light-projecting unit 63A and a second light-receiving unit 63B. The second light-projecting unit 63A is provided on the second width direction X2 side of the support surface 29. The second light-receiving unit 63B is provided on the first width direction X1 side of the support surface 29. In this manner, the second interference detection unit 63 detects interference with the head 36 based on whether or not the light projected from the second light-projecting unit 63A is received by the second light-receiving unit 63B.

[0049] <Control Board 52 and Power Supply Unit 54> 4, the printing device 10 includes a control board 52. The control board 52 is housed in the housing 11. The control board 52 may be provided along an inner wall surface facing the rear surface 13. The control board 52 is a board on which various electronic components for controlling the printing device 10 are mounted.

[0050] The control board 52 includes a control unit 53. That is, the printing device 10 includes a control unit 53. The control unit 53 controls the printing device 10. The control unit 53 controls various operations executed by the printing device 10. The control unit 53 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a part of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0051] The printing device 10 includes a power supply unit 54. The power supply unit 54 is housed in the housing 11. The power supply unit 54 may be provided along an inner wall surface facing the right side surface 15. The power supply unit 54 is configured to supply power to the printing device 10.

[0052] <Positional relationship between the interference detection units 62 and 63> Here, the positional relationship between the head 36, the carriage 39, the first interference detection unit 62, and the second interference detection unit 63 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 7, the first interference detection unit 62 is provided between one end 39A and the other end 39B of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y. More specifically, the first interference detection unit 62 is provided at a position that is forward Y1 of the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y and rear Y2 of the one end 39A of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is provided at a position that is forward Y1 of the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y and rear Y2 of the one end 39A of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y.

[0054] The second interference detection unit 63 is provided between one end 39A and the other end 39B of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y. More specifically, the second interference detection unit 63 is provided at a position that is rearward Y2 from the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y and forward Y1 from the other end 39B of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is provided at a position that is rearward Y2 from the head 36 in the front-to-rear direction Y and forward Y1 from the other end 39B of the carriage 39 in the front-to-rear direction Y.

[0055] Furthermore, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 may be lower in the vertical direction Z than the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62. In other words, the distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 and the support surface 29 may be shorter than the distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 and the support surface 29.

[0056] 7, when the head 36 is disposed in the standby position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is disposed at a first reference position Y10 in the front-rear direction Y. The first reference position Y10 is a position Y2 rearward of the rear end position Y11 in the front-rear direction Y. The rear end position Y11 is a position corresponding to the rear end 28B of the medium support unit 28 in the front-rear direction Y. The area Y1 forward of the rear end position Y11 is a support area SA in which the medium can be supported on the support surface 29.

[0057] The first reference position Y10 is located Y1 forward of the medium storage position Y12 in the front-rear direction Y. The medium storage position Y12 is a position where a medium placed on the medium support unit 28 can be stored. The medium storage position Y12 is a position corresponding to the storage tray 31 in the front-rear direction Y. The area Y1 forward of the medium storage position Y12 is a medium storage area MA where a medium can be stored. In the medium storage area MA, even if it is not the support area SA, there is a possibility that the medium placed on the medium support unit 28 is located.

[0058] In this manner, when the head 36 is disposed in the standby position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is located behind the support surface 29 Y2 and in front of the receiving tray 31 Y1.

[0059] When the head 36 is disposed in the standby position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is disposed at a position Y13, which is rearward Y2 from the medium storage position Y12 in the front-rear direction Y. In this way, when the head 36 is disposed in the standby position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is disposed rearward Y2 from the storage tray 31.

[0060] 8, when detecting interference with the head 36, the head 36 moves from the standby position to a first initial movement position toward the front Y1. The first initial movement position is a position Y1 further forward than the standby position. When the head 36 moves from the standby position to the first initial movement position, the first interference detection unit 62 can detect interference with the head 36 before the head 36 moves toward the front Y1.

[0061] When the head 36 is disposed at the first initial movement position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is located at the second reference position Y14. The second reference position Y14 is a position Y1 forward of the rear end position Y11 in the front-rear direction Y. In this way, when the head 36 is disposed at the first initial movement position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is located Y1 forward of the rear end position Y11. Also, when the head 36 is disposed at the first initial movement position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is located in the support area SA.

[0062] When the head 36 is disposed at the first initial movement position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is located at the first reference position Y10. In this manner, when the head 36 is disposed at the first initial movement position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is located behind the support surface 29 (Y2) and in front of the receiving tray 31 (Y1).

[0063] In other words, when the head 36 moves from the standby position to the first initial movement position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 moves across the first region A1, thereby enabling the first interference detection unit 62 to detect interference with the head 36 in the first region A1.

[0064] The first area A1 is an area between the first reference position Y10 and the second reference position Y14. The first area A1 is included in the medium containing area MA. A part of the first area A1 is included in the support area SA. The first reference position Y10 and the second reference position Y14 are separated by a distance D3 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0065] 9, when detecting interference with the head 36, the head 36 moves backward Y2 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position. The second initial movement position is a position Y1 forward of the standby position and Y2 rearward of the first initial movement position. In other words, the second initial movement position is a position between the standby position and the first initial movement position. When the head 36 moves from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position, the second interference detection unit 63 can detect interference with the head 36 before the head 36 moves backward Y2.

[0066] When the head 36 is positioned at the second initial movement position, the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 is located Y2 behind the rear end position Y11 in the front-to-rear direction Y, and Y1 ahead of the media storage position Y12 in the front-to-rear direction Y.

[0067] When the head 36 is disposed in the second initial movement position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is located at the medium housing position Y12 in the front-rear direction Y. When the head 36 is disposed in the second initial movement position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 is located at the rear end of the medium housing area MA.

[0068] In other words, when the head 36 moves from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position, the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 moves across the second region A2, thereby enabling the second interference detection unit 63 to detect interference with the head 36 in the second region A2.

[0069] The second area A2 is an area between the first reference position Y10 and the medium housing position Y12. The second area A2 is included in the medium housing area MA. The second area A2 is not included in the support area SA. The first reference position Y10 and the medium housing position Y12 are separated by a distance D4 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0070] When detecting interference with the head 36, the head 36 moves from the second initial movement position to the foremost position toward the forward direction Y1. The foremost position is the foremost Y1 position when the head 36 moves toward the forward direction Y1. When the head 36 moves from the second initial movement position to the foremost position, the first interference detection unit 62 can detect interference with the head 36 before the head 36 moves toward the forward direction Y1.

[0071] When the head 36 is disposed at the frontmost position, the first interference detection unit 62 is located at a position Y1 forward of the front end 28A of the medium support unit 28. In other words, when the head 36 is disposed at the frontmost position, the first interference detection unit 62 is located at a position Y1 forward of the support area SA. Therefore, the first interference detection unit 62 can detect interference with the head 36 in the support area SA. When the head 36 is disposed at the frontmost position, the second interference detection unit 63 may be located at a position Y2 rearward of the front end 28A of the medium support unit 28.

[0072] <Electrical configuration of the printing device 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the printing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 10, the printing device 10 includes a first drive unit 55. The first drive unit 55 is a drive source that moves the carriage 39 along the width direction X. The first drive unit 55 may be provided in the first movement unit 41.

[0073] The printing apparatus 10 includes a second driving unit 56. The second driving unit 56 is a driving source that moves the first moving unit 41 along the front-rear direction Y. The second driving unit 56 may be provided in the second moving unit 43.

[0074] The printing device 10 includes a standby position detection unit 57. The standby position detection unit 57 is capable of detecting that the head 36 is disposed at the standby position. The standby position detection unit 57 may be provided in the first moving unit 41.

[0075] The printing device 10 includes a first movement position detection unit 58. The first movement position detection unit 58 is capable of detecting a position in the width direction X at which the head 36 moving in the width direction X is disposed. The first movement position detection unit 58 may be provided in the first movement unit 41.

[0076] The printing device 10 includes a front position detection unit 59. The front position detection unit 59 is capable of detecting that the head 36 is located at the frontmost position. The front position detection unit 59 may be provided in the second movement unit 43.

[0077] The printing device 10 includes a rear position detection unit 60. The rear position detection unit 60 is capable of detecting that the head 36 is located at the rearmost position. The rear position detection unit 60 may be provided in the second moving unit 43.

[0078] The printing device 10 includes a second movement position detection unit 61. The second movement position detection unit 61 is capable of detecting the position in the front-rear direction Y where the head 36 is disposed. The second movement position detection unit 61 may be provided in the second movement unit 43. In other words, the second movement position detection unit 61 detects the position of the head 36 in the front-rear direction Y. It can also be said that the second movement position detection unit 61 detects the positions of the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0079] The printing device 10 includes a position adjustment unit 64. The position adjustment unit 64 is configured to adjust the position of the support surface 29 with respect to the vertical direction Z. In other words, the position adjustment unit 64 is configured to adjust the distance between the head 36 and the support surface 29 in the vertical direction Z. The position adjustment unit 64 may be provided in the medium support unit 28. The position adjustment unit 64 may be configured to adjust the position of the storage tray 31 with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0080] The printing device 10 includes an adjustment position detection unit 65. The adjustment position detection unit 65 is capable of detecting the position of the support surface 29 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the adjustment position detection unit 65 is configured to detect the distance between the support surface 29 and the nozzle surface 38. The adjustment position detection unit 65 may be provided in the medium support unit 28.

[0081] The printing device 10 includes an open / close detector 66. The open / close detector 66 is capable of detecting whether the first open / close cover 23 is open or closed. In other words, the open / close detector 66 is capable of detecting whether the open / close cover 22 is open or closed. The open / close detector 66 is provided on an inner wall surface facing the top surface 16, but is not limited to this.

[0082] The control unit 53 is connected to the display unit 26, the head 36, the first drive unit 55, the second drive unit 56, the position adjustment unit 64, the liquid supply drive unit 34, and the maintenance unit 47. The control unit 53 causes the display unit 26 to display various images. The control unit 53 controls the head 36, the first drive unit 55, the second drive unit 56, the position adjustment unit 64, the liquid supply drive unit 34, and the maintenance unit 47 by supplying drive signals. In particular, the control unit 53 controls the first movement unit 41 by controlling the first drive unit 55. The control unit 53 controls the second movement unit 43 by controlling the second drive unit 56.

[0083] The control unit 53 is connected to the operation unit 27, the standby position detection unit 57, the first movement position detection unit 58, the front position detection unit 59, the rear position detection unit 60, the second movement position detection unit 61, the first interference detection unit 62, the second interference detection unit 63, the adjustment position detection unit 65, and the opening / closing detection unit 66. The control unit 53 can receive an operation signal from the operation unit 27. The control unit 53 can receive detection signals from the standby position detection unit 57, the first movement position detection unit 58, the front position detection unit 59, the rear position detection unit 60, the second movement position detection unit 61, the first interference detection unit 62, the second interference detection unit 63, the adjustment position detection unit 65, and the opening / closing detection unit 66.

[0084] The control unit 53 performs various controls based on the operation signal and the detection signal. As a specific example, the control unit 53 may stop printing when the open / close detection unit 66 detects that the open / close cover 22 is opened during printing.

[0085] <Print control process> Here, the print control process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The print control process is a process executed by the control unit 53 at a predetermined cycle. Here, the order of each process can be arbitrarily changed within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of each process.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 11, in step S11, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the printing conditions are met. In this process, the control unit 53 determines that the printing conditions are met by receiving a print instruction from the user when printing is not being performed. If the control unit 53 determines that the printing conditions are not met, it ends the print control process. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that the printing conditions are met, it transitions to step S12.

[0087] In step S12, the control unit 53 executes an interference detection process. Although details will be described later, in this process, the control unit 53 moves the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 together with the head 36 in the forward / backward direction Y. Then, the control unit 53 detects interference with the head 36 based on the detection results by the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63. In particular, the control unit 53 moves the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 together with the head 36 forward Y1, and controls the position adjustment unit 64 to adjust the distance between the head 36 and the support surface 29 based on the detection result by the first interference detection unit 62.

[0088] In step S13, the control unit 53 determines whether an error related to interference detection has occurred. The error related to interference detection may include an interference error. The interference error is an error that occurs when interference with the head 36 is detected based on the detection results by the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63.

[0089] When the control unit 53 determines that an error related to interference detection has occurred, it executes an error process and then ends the print control process. As the error process, the control unit 53 displays an error image related to the error on the display unit 26. As the error process, the control unit 53 may control the first drive unit 55 and the second drive unit 56 to move the head 36 to the standby position, but is not limited to this. On the other hand, when the control unit 53 determines that an error related to interference detection has not occurred, it moves the process to step S14.

[0090] In step S14, the control unit 53 executes a printing process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the first driving unit 55 to move the head 36 in the width direction X by the first moving unit 41, and controls the head 36 to print on the medium based on the image data included in the print command. In this way, the control unit 53 performs printing for one pass. The control unit 53 controls the second driving unit 56 to move the head 36 backward Y2 by a predetermined distance. In this way, the control unit 53 performs printing for each pass by moving the head 36 in the width direction X and backward Y2. Then, the control unit 53 controls the head 36 to move backward Y2 and in the width direction X until the head 36 reaches the rearmost position, and to print on the medium.

[0091] In step S15, the control unit 53 determines whether there is any remaining printing of the second layer or later based on a printing instruction from the user. The printing of the second layer or later is performed, for example, after white base printing is performed on the medium as the printing of the first layer. The printing of the first layer may be printing of a single color or multi-color pattern or the like instead of white base printing. The printing of the second layer or later may be printing of a single color or multi-color pattern or the like, or white base printing may be performed again. The printing of the second layer or later may be performed in a position that overlaps the printing of the first layer or other printing of the second layer or later, or may be performed in a position that does not overlap.

[0092] If the control unit 53 determines that there is remaining print, it shifts the process to step S12 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that there is no remaining print, it shifts the process to step S16. In this way, the control unit 53 can execute steps S12 to S14 until it determines that there is no remaining print.

[0093] In step S16, the control unit 53 executes a placement position adjustment process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 upward Z1 to the placement position. The placement position is a position for placing the medium on the medium support unit 28. The placement position may be the highest position. When this process ends, the control unit 53 ends the print control process.

[0094] In this way, when the drive condition is satisfied, the control unit 53 drives the position adjustment unit 64 so that the support surface 29 is in the placement position. The drive condition is satisfied when no printing is being performed and the head 36 is in the retracted position. This allows the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 to a position higher than the nozzle surface 38 in the vertical direction Z when the head 36 is in the retracted position and no printing is being performed.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 53 controls the head 36 and the maintenance unit 47 to perform flushing at predetermined control intervals during the execution of the print control process. In particular, the control unit 53 controls the head 36 and the maintenance unit 47 to perform flushing at predetermined control intervals during at least the execution of the interference detection process. The predetermined control interval may be, for example, several tens of seconds.

[0096] <Collision detection processing> Next, the interference detection process will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The interference detection process is called by the control unit 53 in step S12.

[0097] 12, in step S21, the control unit 53 executes an initial forward movement control process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the second driving unit 56 to move the head 36 forward Y1.

[0098] In step S22, the control unit 53 determines whether or not interference with the head 36 has been detected, based on the detection signal from the first interference detection unit 62. If the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has not been detected, the control unit 53 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has been detected, the control unit 53 proceeds to step S23.

[0099] In step S23, the control unit 53 executes a gap adjustment process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2 to a position where interference is no longer detected.

[0100] In step S24, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the head 36 has reached the first initial movement position based on the detection signal from the second movement position detection unit 61. If the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has not reached the first initial movement position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S21 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has reached the first initial movement position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S25.

[0101] In this way, when the control unit 53 moves the head 36 in the forward direction Y1, if the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to increase the distance between the support surface 29 and the head 36. In particular, the control unit 53 moves the head 36 from the standby position to the first initial movement position, and determines whether or not interference with the head 36 has been detected in the first region A1 based on the detection result by the first interference detection unit 62. Then, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 so that interference with the head 36 is not detected.

[0102] In step S25, the control unit 53 executes a print position adjustment process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2. In particular, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2 by a specified interval. The specified interval is an interval that is specified as the print position.

[0103] In step S26, the control unit 53 executes an initial rearward movement control process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the second driving unit 56 to move the head 36 rearward Y2.

[0104] In step S27, the control unit 53 determines whether or not interference with the head 36 has been detected, based on the detection signal from the second interference detection unit 63. If the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has been detected, the control unit 53 proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has not been detected, the control unit 53 proceeds to step S29.

[0105] In step S28, the control unit 53 executes interference error processing. In this processing, the control unit 53 determines that an interference error has occurred. In detail, the control unit 53 moves the head 36 backward Y2, and when the second interference detection unit 63 detects interference with the head 36, it determines that an interference error has occurred because an interfering object other than the medium placed on the support surface 29 has been detected. When this processing ends, the control unit 53 ends the interference detection processing. As a result, in step S13 of FIG. 11, the control unit 53 determines that an interference error has occurred.

[0106] In step S29, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the head 36 has reached the second initial movement position based on the detection signal from the second movement position detection unit 61. If the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has not reached the second initial movement position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S26 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has reached the second initial movement position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S30.

[0107] In this way, when moving the head 36 backward Y2, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred if the second interference detection unit 63 detects interference with the head 36. In particular, the control unit 53 moves the head 36 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position, and determines whether interference with the head 36 has been detected in the second region A2 based on the detection result by the second interference detection unit 63. Then, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred when interference with the head 36 is detected.

[0108] In step S30, the control unit 53 executes an adjusted position return process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 upward Z1. In particular, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 upward Z1 by a specified distance. As a result, the support surface 29 moves to the height before being adjusted in step S25.

[0109] 13, in step S31, the control unit 53 executes a forward movement control process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the second driving unit 56 to move the head 36 forward Y1.

[0110] In step S32, the control unit 53 determines whether or not interference with the head 36 has been detected based on the detection signal from the first interference detection unit 62, similarly to step S22 in Fig. 12. If the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has not been detected, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S34. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has been detected, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S33.

[0111] In step S33, the control unit 53 executes the gap adjustment process in the same manner as in step S23 of Fig. 12. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2 to a position where interference is no longer detected.

[0112] In step S34, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the head 36 has reached the frontmost position based on the detection signal from the front position detection unit 59. If the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has not reached the frontmost position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S31 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 53 determines that the head 36 has reached the frontmost position, the control unit 53 shifts the process to step S35.

[0113] In this way, when the control unit 53 moves the head 36 in the forward direction Y1, if the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to increase the distance between the support surface 29 and the head 36. In particular, the control unit 53 moves the head 36 from the second initial position to the frontmost position, and determines whether or not interference with the head 36 has been detected based on the detection result by the first interference detection unit 62. Then, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 so that interference with the head 36 is not detected.

[0114] In step S35, the control unit 53 executes the print position adjustment process in the same manner as in step S25 of Fig. 12. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2. In particular, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2 by a specified distance. As a result, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 to the print position.

[0115] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. When the printer 10 is powered on, the support surface 29 is placed in the placement position while the head 36 is placed in the standby position. This causes the support surface 29 to rise so that it is positioned higher than the nozzle surface 38 in the vertical direction Z within the movement range 46 of the head 36. In other words, the support surface 29 rises so that it is positioned in the space through which the head 36 moves when printing is not being performed.

[0116] With the opening 19 open and the support surface 29 in the placement position, the user can easily place the medium on the support surface 29 from the front Y1 side. In this case, at least the print area of ​​the medium is supported by the support surface 29. In addition, a portion of the medium that is not supported by the support surface 29 is stored in the medium storage section 30.

[0117] When a print command is input with the opening 19 closed, the head 36 moves forward Y1 from the standby position to the first initial movement position. In this case, the first interference detection unit 62 moves forward Y1 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36, making it possible to detect interference with the head 36 across the first region A1. Based on the detection result by the first interference detection unit 62, the position adjustment unit 64 moves the support surface 29 downward Z2 until interference with the head 36 is no longer detected. After moving from the standby position to the first initial movement position, if interference with the head 36 is not detected, the support surface 29 moves downward Z2 by a specified distance.

[0118] Next, the head 36 moves backward Y2 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position. In this case, the second interference detection unit 63 moves backward Y2 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36, making it possible to detect interference with the head 36 across the second region A2. If interference with the head 36 is detected based on the detection result by the second interference detection unit 63, it is determined to be an interference error. If no interference with the head 36 is detected from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position, the support surface 29 moves upward Z1 by a specified distance.

[0119] Next, the head 36 moves forward Y1 from the second initial movement position to the frontmost position. In this case, the first interference detection unit 62 moves forward Y1 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36, making it possible to detect interference with the head 36 in the medium accommodation area MA. Based on the detection result by the first interference detection unit 62, the position adjustment unit 64 moves the support surface 29 downward Z2 until interference with the head 36 is no longer detected. After moving from the second initial movement position to the frontmost position, if interference with the head 36 is not detected, the support surface 29 moves downward Z2 by a specified distance. This causes the support surface 29 to move to the printing position.

[0120] Next, printing is performed as the head 36 moves backward Y2. This allows the printing unit 35 to print on the medium placed on the support surface 29 without the head 36 colliding with the support surface 29.

[0121] When printing is completed, the support surface 29 moves from the printing position to the placement position with the head 36 in the standby position. This allows the position adjustment unit 64 to adjust the position of the support surface 29 upward Z1 when printing is not being performed compared to when printing is being performed.

[0122] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The first moving unit 41 moves the head 36 in the width direction X, and the second moving unit 43 moves the head 36 in the front-rear direction Y. Conventionally, the tray must be moved to the outside of the housing to place the medium, and a mechanism is required to stably move the tray to the outside of the housing, which leads to an increase in the size of the printing device. Therefore, with the above configuration, printing can be performed on the medium by moving the head 36 in the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y parallel to the support surface 29, and there is no need to have a configuration for moving the medium support unit 28 in the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, the printing device 10 can be made smaller.

[0123] (1-2) In addition to this, the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 are linked to the movement of the head 36 in the front-rear direction Y. The first interference detection unit 62 is provided on the front Y1 side of the head 36. The second interference detection unit 63 is provided on the rear Y2 side of the head 36. Therefore, the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the forward Y1 direction, while the second interference detection unit 63 can detect interference with the head 36 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the rear Y2 direction. In particular, the second interference detection unit 63 can detect interference with the head 36 in the second area A2 where the first interference detection unit 62 cannot detect interference with the head 36. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36 can be increased.

[0124] (1-3) The first interference detection unit 62 is provided at a position that is forward Y1 from the head 36 and rearward Y2 from one end 39A of the carriage 39. The second interference detection unit 63 is provided at a position that is rearward Y2 from the head 36 and forward Y1 from the other end 39B of the carriage 39. With this configuration, the first interference detection unit 62 can be provided in front Y1 of the head 36 and the second interference detection unit 63 can be provided behind Y2 of the head 36 between the one end 39A and the other end 39B of the carriage 39 in the front-rear direction Y. This allows the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 to be provided within the range in which the carriage 39 exists in the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36 can be increased.

[0125] (1-4) The first light-projecting unit 62A is provided on the first width direction X1 side of the support surface 29, and the first light-receiving unit 62B is provided on the second width direction X2 side of the support surface 29. The second light-projecting unit 63A is provided on the second width direction X2 side of the support surface 29, and the second light-receiving unit 63B is provided on the first width direction X1 side of the support surface 29. With this configuration, the light projected from the first light-projecting unit 62A to the first light-receiving unit 62B is unlikely to enter the second light-receiving unit 63B, and the light projected from the second light-projecting unit 63A to the second light-receiving unit 63B is unlikely to enter the first light-receiving unit 62B. This makes it possible to accurately detect interference with the head 36. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0126] (1-5) The distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 and the support surface 29 is shorter than the distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 and the support surface 29. With this configuration, the second interference detection unit 63 can detect interference with the head 36 at an earlier timing than the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36. This makes it possible to adjust the detection timing of interference with the head 36 depending on the detection situation. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0127] (1-6) The first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 are supported by the second moving unit 43. This configuration allows interference with the head 36 to be detected with high accuracy using a simple configuration. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36 can be increased.

[0128] (1-7) When the head 36 is moved forward Y1, if the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to increase the distance between the support surface 29 and the head 36. When the head 36 is moved backward Y2, if the second interference detection unit 63 detects interference with the head 36, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred. According to this configuration, when the head 36 is moved forward Y1, the distance between the support surface 29 and the head 36 is increased to adjust the distance between the head 36 and the medium. On the other hand, when the head 36 is moved backward Y2, an error can be determined. This makes it possible to adjust the control content associated with the detection of interference with the head 36 depending on the detection situation. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0129] (1-8) When moving the head 36 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position, the control unit 53 moves the support surface 29 downward by a specified distance Z2. Therefore, by moving the head 36 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position with the head 36 and the support surface 29 in the printing position, it is possible to detect interference with the head 36 in the second area A2, assuming that printing will be completed. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0130] (1-9) Housing 11 has opening 19 that exposes support surface 29. For this reason, a medium can be placed on support surface 29 housed in housing 11 from outside housing 11 through opening 19, thereby improving user operability.

[0131] (1-10) Housing 11 has opening / closing cover 22 that can open and close opening 19. Therefore, by opening opening 19 with opening cover 22, a medium can be placed on support surface 29 contained in housing 11 from outside housing 11 through opening 19, improving operability for the user. On the other hand, by closing opening 19 with opening cover 22, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering housing 11 from outside through opening 19 into housing 11.

[0132] (1-11) When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the opening 19 has a shape longer than the support surface 29 in the width direction X. Therefore, when placing a medium on the support surface 29, the medium can be easily handled in the width direction X, improving operability for the user.

[0133] (1-12) Furthermore, the medium accommodation unit 30 is capable of accommodating a partial area of ​​the medium that is not supported by the support surface 29. The medium support unit 28 is configured not to move in a direction parallel to the support surface 29. For this reason, printing can be performed on the medium by moving the head 36 in the width direction X and front-rear direction Y that are parallel to the support surface 29, and there is no need to have a configuration for moving the medium support unit 28 in the width direction X and front-rear direction Y. This allows the printing device 10 to be made more compact.

[0134] (1-13) The moving unit 40 is housed in the housing 11. Therefore, the head 36 can be moved in the horizontal direction with the moving unit 40 housed in the housing 11, and the relative positional relationship between the head 36 and the support surface 29 in the horizontal direction can be changed. This eliminates the need to provide a configuration for moving the support surface 29 in a direction parallel to the support surface 29. This allows the printing device 10 to be made more compact.

[0135] (1-14) The housing 11 houses the medium support unit 28 and the printing unit 35. When printing is not being performed and the head 36 is disposed in a retracted position where the nozzle surface 38 does not face the support surface 29, the position adjustment unit 64 can move the support surface 29 from a position lower than the nozzle surface 38 to a position higher than the nozzle surface 38 in the vertical direction Z within the movement range 46 of the head 36. Therefore, even if the medium support unit 28 and the printing unit 35 are configured to be housed in the housing 11, there is no need to secure a space outside the housing 11 for placing the medium. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the installation space of the printing device 10.

[0136] (1-15) In addition, when printing is not being performed and the head 36 is disposed in the retracted position, the support surface 29 can be moved within the movement range 46 of the head 36 from a position lower to a position higher than the nozzle surface 38 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when placing a medium on the support surface 29, the support surface 29 can be moved to a height that makes it easy to place the medium on the medium support section 28, making it easier to handle the medium and improving user operability. Also, the installation space for the printing device 10 can be saved.

[0137] (1-16) The movement range 46 of the head 36 includes the position where the nozzle surface 38 faces the maintenance part 47. For this reason, by moving the nozzle surface 38 to a position where it faces the maintenance part 47, it is possible to perform maintenance on the nozzle surface 38 and suppress deterioration of print quality.

[0138] (1-17) The maintenance unit 47 has a flushing unit 48 that receives the liquid ejected from the head 36. For this reason, by moving the nozzle surface 38 to a position facing the flushing unit 48, the liquid ejected from the head 36 can be received, and a decrease in print quality can be suppressed.

[0139] (1-18) The maintenance unit 47 has a wiping unit 49 that is capable of wiping the nozzle surface 38. For this reason, by moving the nozzle surface 38 to a position facing the wiping unit 49, the nozzle surface 38 can be wiped, and deterioration of print quality can be suppressed.

[0140] (1-19) When printing is not being performed and the head 36 is disposed in the retracted position, the position adjustment unit 64 can move the support surface 29 to a position higher than the nozzle surface 38 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when printing is not being performed and the head 36 is disposed in the retracted position, the support surface 29 can be moved to a position higher than the nozzle surface 38. Therefore, when placing a medium on the support surface 29, the user can work at a position closer to the first opening 20 in the housing 11, making it easier to handle the medium and improving user operability.

[0141] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the already described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0142] 14, in the interference detection process, in step S36, the control unit 53 executes a set interval adjustment process. In this process, the control unit 53 controls the position adjustment unit 64 to move the support surface 29 downward Z2 to the set interval set by the user. When this process ends, the control unit 53 transitions to step S21.

[0143] In step S22, if the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has not been detected, it shifts the process to step S24 without executing step S23. If the control unit 53 determines that interference with the head 36 has been detected, it shifts the process to step S28 without executing step S23. As a result, if the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36 in a state in which the support surface 29 has been moved downward Z2 to the set interval set by the user, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred. In this way, if the first interference detection unit 62 detects interference with the head 36 when the head 36 is moved forward Y1 in a state in which the set interval has been set by the user, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred.

[0144] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) In a state where the support surface 29 has been moved downward Z2 to the set interval set by the user, the control unit 53 detects interference with the head 36 by the first interference detection unit 62 in conjunction with movement of the head 36 forward Y1. This makes it possible to detect interference with the head 36 by the first interference detection unit 62 in a state where the support surface 29 has been moved downward Z2 to the set interval intended by the user. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0145] (2-2) When the control unit 53 detects interference with the head 36 by the first interference detection unit 62 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 forward Y1 in a state in which the support surface 29 has been moved downward Z2 to the set distance intended by the user, the control unit 53 determines that an error has occurred. This gives priority to determining an error over control that adjusts the distance between the head 36 and the support surface 29, thereby making it possible to reduce the effects of interference with the head 36. Therefore, even when the printing device 10 is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head 36.

[0146] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0147] In the interference detection process of the second embodiment, in step S36, the control unit 53 may control the support surface 29 to move downward Z2 at an interval including the specified interval as the set interval. In this case, the control unit 53 does not need to execute steps S25 and S30. In this manner, the control unit 53 may move the support surface 29 downward Z2 at an interval not including the specified interval as the set interval, or may move the support surface 29 downward Z2 at an interval including the specified interval as the set interval.

[0148] The control unit 53 may be capable of switching between a first control as in the first embodiment and a second control as in the second embodiment in response to a user operation. In particular, the control unit 53 may execute, as the first control, a control for adjusting the distance between the head 36 and the support surface 29 as a result of detecting interference with the head 36 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the forward direction Y1. The control unit 53 may execute, as the second control, a control for detecting interference with the head 36 in conjunction with the movement of the head 36 in the forward direction Y1 in a state in which the support surface 29 has been moved downward Z2 by a set distance set by the user.

[0149] The control unit 53 may detect interference with the head 36 by the second interference detection unit 63 by moving the head 36 from the first initial movement position to the second initial movement position without moving the support surface 29 downward by a specified distance Z2.

[0150] The distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 and the support surface 29 may be longer than the distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 and the support surface 29. The distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 63C of the second interference detection unit 63 and the support surface 29 may be the same as the distance in the vertical direction Z between the optical axis 62C of the first interference detection unit 62 and the support surface 29.

[0151] At least one of the first interference detection unit 62 and the second interference detection unit 63 may be directly supported by the second moving part 43 or indirectly supported by the second moving part 43, as long as it can be linked to the movement of the second moving part 43.

[0152] The control unit 53 may determine that an interference error has occurred when the distance between the head 36 and the support surface 29 reaches an upper limit. When printing the second or subsequent layers on the medium, the control unit 53 does not need to determine that an interference error has occurred when the first interference detection unit 62 or the second interference detection unit 63 detects interference.

[0153] The first opening 20 may have the same length as the support surface 29 in the front-rear direction Y in a plan view, or may be longer than the support surface 29 in the front-rear direction Y. The first opening 20 may have the same length as the support surface 29 in the width direction X in a plan view, or may be shorter than the support surface 29 in the width direction X.

[0154] The first opening 20 and the second opening 21 do not have to be continuous with each other, and may be provided separately. The opening 19 does not have to be provided across the top surface 16 and the front surface 12. The opening 19 may be provided across the top surface 16, the front surface 12, and other surfaces. That is, the opening 19 may be provided across at least the top surface 16 and the front surface 12. Also, the opening 19 may be provided in the top surface 16, and does not have to be provided in the front surface 12. That is, it is sufficient that the opening 19 is provided in at least the top surface 16.

[0155] The support surface 29 is configured so as not to move horizontally, but may be finely adjustable horizontally only when, for example, printing is not taking place, or may be configured so as not to move horizontally at least when printing is taking place.

[0156] The second opening / closing cover 24 may not rotate relative to the first opening / closing cover 23, but may maintain a constant angle relative to the first opening / closing cover 23. In other words, the second opening / closing cover 24 does not have to be configured to be foldable relative to the first opening / closing cover 23.

[0157] The position adjustment unit 64 may move the support surface 29 from the placement position to the printing position when maintenance is performed while printing is not being performed. The position adjustment unit 64 may keep the support surface 29 in the printing position when maintenance such as flushing is performed while printing is being performed.

[0158] The position adjustment unit 64 may adjust the position of the support surface 29 in the vertical direction Z from the printing position to the placing position when the opening / closing cover 22 opens the opening 19. The position adjustment unit 64 may adjust the position of the support surface 29 in the vertical direction Z from the placing position to the printing position when the opening / closing cover 22 closes the opening 19.

[0159] The printing unit 35 may perform printing by moving the head 36 in the forward-backward direction Y multiple times in response to a single print instruction, or may perform printing by moving the head 36 in the forward-backward direction Y only once.

[0160] The printing unit 35 may print when the head 36 moves either forward Y1 or backward Y2, or may print both when the head 36 moves forward Y1 and when the head 36 moves backward Y2.

[0161] The printing unit 35 may perform printing when the head 36 moves in either the first width direction X1 or the second width direction X2, or may perform printing both when the head 36 moves in the first width direction X1 and when the head 36 moves in the second width direction X2.

[0162] The head 36 may have a nozzle surface 38 that is parallel to the horizontal plane, or may have a nozzle surface 38 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The maintenance unit 47 does not necessarily have to include at least any one of the flushing unit 48, the wiping unit 49, the suction unit 50, and the waste liquid tank 51.

[0163] The printing device 10 may not include the standby position detection unit 57 if the first movement position detection unit 58 can detect that the head 36 is located at the standby position. The printing device 10 may not include the front position detection unit 59 if the second movement position detection unit 61 can detect that the head 36 is located at the frontmost position. The printing device 10 may not include the rear position detection unit 60 if the second movement position detection unit 61 can detect that the head 36 is located at the rearmost position.

[0164] The relationship between the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y in this embodiment may be reversed. That is, the width direction X in this embodiment may be the front-rear direction Y, and the front-rear direction Y in this embodiment may be the width direction X.

[0165] The medium is not limited to a T-shirt or a polo shirt, but may be a sweatshirt, a hoodie, or any other clothing. In addition, a flexible medium is used, but the medium is not limited to this, and an inflexible medium such as a smartphone case printed with UV ink may be used.

[0166] The printing device 10 may be configured to eject ink as an example of a liquid, but may also be configured to eject a liquid other than ink. In other words, the liquid may be selected arbitrarily as long as it is capable of printing on a medium by adhering to the medium.

[0167] The term "at least any" as used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least any" as used herein means only one option or both options if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least any" as used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options if the number of options is three or more.

[0168] [Note] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0169] (A) A printing device includes a medium support unit having a support surface that supports a medium, a head capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium supported on the support surface, a first movement unit that moves the head in a first direction parallel to the support surface, a second movement unit that moves the head in a second direction that is parallel to the support surface and intersects the first direction, a position adjustment unit that adjusts a distance between the head and the support surface in a third direction intersecting the support surface, a first interference detection unit that detects interference with the head, and a second interference detection unit that detects interference with the head, wherein the first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit are linked to movement of the head in the second direction, the first interference detection unit is provided on one side of the head in the second direction, and the second interference detection unit is provided on the other side of the head in the second direction.

[0170] According to this configuration, printing can be performed on the medium by moving the head in the first and second directions parallel to the support surface, and there is no need to provide a configuration for moving the medium support unit in the first and second directions, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the printing device.

[0171] In addition, the distance between the head and the support surface is adjusted in a third direction intersecting with the support surface. The first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit are linked to the movement of the head in the second direction. The first interference detection unit is provided on one side of the head in the second direction. The second interference detection unit is provided on the other side of the head in the second direction. Therefore, the first interference detection unit detects interference with the head in linkage with the movement of the head in one direction in the second direction, while the second interference detection unit detects interference with the head in linkage with the movement of the head in the other direction in the second direction. Therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, the reliability of detecting interference with the head can be increased.

[0172] (B) The printing device includes a carriage supporting the head, the carriage being movable in the first direction and having one end in one direction of the second direction and the other end in the other direction of the second direction, the first interference detection unit being provided on the other side of the second direction of the one end of the carriage, and the second interference detection unit being provided on the one side of the second direction of the other end of the carriage. That is, when viewed from the third direction, the first interference detection unit may be provided between the one end of the carriage and the head, in one direction of the second direction, further than the head. Also, when viewed from the third direction, the second interference detection unit may be provided between the other end of the carriage and the head, in the other direction of the second direction, further than the head.

[0173] According to this configuration, the first interference detection unit can be provided in one direction of the second direction of the head, and the second interference detection unit can be provided in the other direction of the second direction of the head, between one end and the other end of the carriage in the second direction. This makes it possible to provide the first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit within the range in which the carriage exists in the second direction. Therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head.

[0174] (C) In the above printing device, the first interference detection unit has a first light-projecting unit and a first light-receiving unit, and detects interference with the head based on whether light projected from the first light-projecting unit is received by the first light-receiving unit; the second interference detection unit has a second light-projecting unit and a second light-receiving unit, and detects interference with the head based on whether light projected from the second light-projecting unit is received by the second light-receiving unit; the first light-projecting unit is provided on one side of the support surface in the first direction, the first light-receiving unit is provided on the other side of the support surface in the first direction, the second light-projecting unit is provided on the other side of the support surface in the first direction, and the second light-receiving unit is provided on one side of the support surface in the first direction.

[0175] According to this configuration, the light emitted from the first light-emitting unit to the first light-receiving unit is unlikely to be incident on the second light-receiving unit, and the light emitted from the second light-emitting unit to the second light-receiving unit is unlikely to be incident on the first light-receiving unit. This makes it possible to accurately detect interference with the head. Therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head.

[0176] (D) In ​​the above printing device, a distance in the third direction between an optical axis of the second interference detection unit and the support surface may be shorter than a distance in the third direction between an optical axis of the first interference detection unit and the support surface.

[0177] According to this configuration, the second interference detection unit can detect interference with the head at an earlier timing than the first interference detection unit detects interference with the head. This makes it possible to adjust the timing of detecting interference with the head depending on the detection situation. Therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head.

[0178] (E) In the printing device described above, the first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit may be supported by the second moving unit. According to this configuration, interference with the head can be detected with high accuracy using a simple configuration, and therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, the reliability of detecting interference with the head can be increased.

[0179] (F) The printing device includes a control unit that controls the first moving unit, the second moving unit, and the position adjustment unit, the head is capable of waiting at a standby position, the standby position being located on the other side of the second direction than the support surface, the control unit controls the position adjustment unit to increase the distance between the support surface and the head when the first interference detection unit detects interference with the head when moving the head in one direction in the second direction, and may determine an error when the second interference detection unit detects interference with the head when moving the head in the other direction in the second direction.

[0180] According to this configuration, when the head is moved in one direction in the second direction, the distance between the head and the medium is adjusted by widening the distance between the support surface and the head, while when the head is moved in the other direction in the second direction, an error can be determined. This makes it possible to adjust the control content associated with the detection of interference with the head according to the detection situation. Therefore, even when the printing device is made smaller, it is possible to increase the reliability of detecting interference with the head. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] A1...first area, A2...second area, MA...media storage area, SA...support area, W1...first width, W2...second width, X...width direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y...front-to-back direction, Y1...front, Y10...first reference position, Y11...rear end position, Y12...media storage position, Y13...position, Y14...second reference position, Y2...rear, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upper, Z2...lower, 10...printing device, 11...housing, 12...front, 13...rear, 14...left side, 15...right side, 16...top surface, 17...bottom surface, 18...casing frame, 19...opening, 20...first opening, 20A...first position, 20B...second position, 20C...third position, 21...second opening, 22...opening cover, 23...first opening cover, 24...second opening cover, 24B...other end, 25...grip, 26...display unit, 27...operation unit, 28...medium support unit, 28A...front end, 28B...rear end, 29...support surface, 29A...first side end, 29B...second side end, 30...medium storage unit, 31...storage Tray, 32...liquid supply section, 33...liquid storage section, 34...liquid supply drive section, 35...printing section, 36...head, 37...nozzle, 38...nozzle surface, 39...carriage, 39A...one end, 39B...other end, 40...moving section, 41...first moving section, 42...first guide section, 43...second moving section, 44...second guide section, 45...support section, 46...movement range, 47...maintenance section, 48...flushing section, 49...wiping section, 50...suction section, 51...waste liquid tank, 52...control board , 53...control unit, 54...power supply unit, 55...first drive unit, 56...second drive unit, 57...standby position detection unit, 58...first moving position detection unit, 59...front position detection unit, 60...rear position detection unit, 61...second moving position detection unit, 62...first interference detection unit, 62A...first light-projecting unit, 62B...first light-receiving unit, 62C...optical axis, 63...second interference detection unit, 63A...second light-projecting unit, 63B...second light-receiving unit, 63C...optical axis, 64...position adjustment unit, 65...adjusted position detection unit, 66...open / close detection unit.

Claims

1. a medium support portion having a support surface for supporting a medium; a head capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium supported on the support surface; a first moving unit that moves the head in a first direction parallel to the support surface; a second moving unit that moves the head in a second direction that is parallel to the support surface and intersects with the first direction; a position adjustment unit that adjusts a distance between the head and the support surface in a third direction intersecting the support surface; a first interference detection unit that detects interference with the head; a second interference detection unit that detects interference with the head; Equipped with the first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit are linked with the movement of the head in the second direction, the first interference detection unit is provided on one side of the head in the second direction, the second interference detection unit is provided on the other side of the head in the second direction, A printing device comprising:

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, a carriage supporting the head; the carriage is movable in the first direction and has one end portion in one direction of the second direction and another end portion in the other direction of the second direction; the first interference detection unit is provided on the other side of the one end of the carriage in the second direction, the second interference detection unit is provided on one side of the other end of the carriage in the second direction, A printing device comprising:

3. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, the first interference detection unit has a first light-projecting unit and a first light-receiving unit, and detects interference with the head based on whether or not light projected from the first light-projecting unit is received by the first light-receiving unit; the second interference detection unit has a second light-projecting unit and a second light-receiving unit, and detects interference with the head based on whether or not light projected from the second light-projecting unit is received by the second light-receiving unit; The first light projecting unit is provided on one side of the support surface in the first direction, The first light receiving portion is provided on the other side of the support surface in the first direction, The second light projecting unit is provided on the other side of the support surface in the first direction, The second light receiving unit is provided on one side of the support surface in the first direction. A printing device comprising:

4. 4. The printing device according to claim 3, a distance between an optical axis of the second interference detection unit and the support surface in the third direction is shorter than a distance between an optical axis of the first interference detection unit and the support surface in the third direction; A printing device comprising:

5. In the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first interference detection unit and the second interference detection unit are supported by the second moving unit. A printing device comprising:

6. In the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a control unit that controls the first movement unit, the second movement unit, and the position adjustment unit, The head is capable of waiting at a waiting position, the standby position is located on the other side of the support surface in the second direction, the control unit controls the position adjustment unit to increase a distance between the support surface and the head if the first interference detection unit detects interference with the head when moving the head in one direction of the second direction, and determines that an error has occurred if the second interference detection unit detects interference with the head when moving the head in the other direction of the second direction. A printing device comprising:

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