Supporting device and printing device

Abstract

To place a film at an optimum position on a support surface while suppressing warp or float of the film.SOLUTION: A supporting device 2 includes: a support section 4 configured to support films MA and MB on a support surface 4a; a static electricity generating section 41 configured to generate static electricity at a static electricity generation locations 41A and 41B provided at a part of the support surface 4a; and a positioning reference section 41 that is provided at the support surface 4a and that indicates at least a part of a placing position for placing the films MA and MB, in which the positioning reference section 41 is disposed in accordance with a predetermined shape such that a part of the films MA and MB and the static electricity generation locations 41A and 41B overlap each other in a support direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Printing devices with various configurations have been used in the past. Among these printing devices, there is a printing device that includes a support unit that supports a medium on a support surface and is capable of printing on the medium supported by the support unit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that is capable of printing on the medium supported by the tray by placing the medium on the support surface of the tray, and describes that a friction member is disposed on the tray to prevent the medium from moving relative to the support surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-138361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using a medium such as a film, even with a frictional member positioned on the support surface, the film may warp or float relative to the support surface. For sheet-like media that are prone to warping and floating, such as film, it has been necessary to wet the backside of the medium with water, lay a silicone mat over the entire support surface, attach the medium to the support surface with adhesive tape, or use a device to hold the medium in place. However, these methods can result in issues such as water entering the device, making it difficult to align and remove the medium from the support surface, and increasing the distance from the support surface to the printing unit, resulting in reduced print quality. In addition to these issues, there is also the issue of it being difficult to determine the correct position for placing the sheet-like medium on the support surface, which sometimes requires a guide for locating the sheet-like medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The support device of the present invention, which solves the above problem, comprises a support section that supports a film on a support surface, a static electricity generating section that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating point provided on a part of the support surface, and a positioning reference section that is provided on the support surface and indicates at least a part of a loading position where the film of a predetermined shape is to be loaded, and is characterized in that the positioning reference section is arranged to match the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating point overlap in the support direction of the film by the support surface.

[0006] In addition, the printing device of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises a support section that supports a film on a support surface, a printing section that prints on the film supported on the support surface, a static electricity generating section that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location provided on a part of the support surface, and a positioning reference section that is provided on the support surface and indicates at least a part of a loading position for loading the film of a predetermined shape, and is characterized in that the positioning reference section is positioned to match the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the support direction of the film by the support surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the printing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic plan view showing a support portion of the support device in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which two types of films of different sizes are placed on the support part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which two types of films of different sizes are arranged on a support portion of a support device in a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which two types of films of different sizes are arranged on a support portion of a support device in a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which two types of films of different sizes are arranged on a support portion of a support device in a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a film is placed on a support portion of a support device in a printing apparatus according to a reference example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] First, the present invention will be briefly described. In order to solve the above problem, a support device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a support section that supports a film on a support surface, a static electricity generating section that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating point provided on a part of the support surface, and a positioning reference section that is provided on the support surface and indicates at least a part of a loading position where the film of a predetermined shape is to be loaded, and the positioning reference section is arranged to match the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating point overlap in the support direction of the film by the support surface.

[0009] According to this aspect, the device includes a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location and a positioning reference unit that indicates at least a portion of the placement position, and the positioning reference unit is arranged so that a portion of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the support direction in accordance with the predetermined shape of the film. With this configuration, the positioning reference unit can place the film in an optimal position on the support surface, and static electricity can be generated to attract the film to the support surface, thereby suppressing warping and lifting of the film.

[0010] A support device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the positioning reference portion is indicated on the support surface so as to be visually distinguishable.

[0011] According to this aspect, the positioning reference portion is visually distinguishable on the support surface, which allows the user to easily place the film in the optimal position on the support surface.

[0012] A support device according to a third aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that the positioning reference portion is shown in a color different from the surrounding area on the support surface.

[0013] According to this aspect, the positioning reference portion is indicated on the support surface in a color different from the surrounding area, and this configuration makes it possible to easily configure the positioning reference portion.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the support device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, and is characterized in that the positioning reference portion is shown with a surface shape different from the surrounding area on the support surface.

[0015] According to this aspect, the positioning reference portion is shown on the support surface with a surface shape that is different from the surrounding area. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the support surface, for example, monochromatic.

[0016] A support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the positioning reference portion is disposed at a position overlapping the static electricity generating portion in the support direction.

[0017] According to this aspect, the positioning reference portion and the static electricity generating portion are arranged at positions where they overlap, which allows the positioning reference portion and the static electricity generating portion to be a common portion, thereby simplifying the device configuration.

[0018] A support device of the sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the positioning reference portion is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the placement location of the film in the support direction, and has a convex step that can abut the film in a direction intersecting the support direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, the film can be positioned while preventing the positioning reference portion from overlapping with the film placement location. This configuration allows the film to be easily positioned at a desired position on the support surface, and also prevents the film from protruding in the support direction due to the positioning reference portion and the film overlapping in the support direction.

[0020] A supporting device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the sixth aspect, characterized in that the convex step is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the film.

[0021] According to this aspect, the convex step is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the film, and such a configuration can prevent the convex step from becoming a hindrance.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the support device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the film is rectangular and the positioning reference portion corresponds to the position where the corners of the film are overlapped.

[0023] According to this aspect, the film is rectangular, and the positioning reference portions correspond to the positions where the corners of the film are to be overlapped. With this configuration, the rectangular film can be easily placed in the desired position on the support surface.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the support device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the film is rectangular and the positioning reference portion corresponds to a position along which the side of the film is aligned.

[0025] According to this aspect, the film is rectangular, and the positioning reference portion corresponds to the position along which the side of the film is aligned. With this configuration, the rectangular film can be easily placed in a desired position on the support surface.

[0026] A support device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the support portion is capable of supporting films of different sizes, and the positioning reference portion is arranged to correspond to the films of different sizes.

[0027] According to this aspect, the support portion can support films of different sizes, and the positioning reference portions are arranged to correspond to the films of different sizes. Therefore, even when films of different sizes are used, the films can be placed in an appropriate position on the support surface depending on the size of the film.

[0028] The support device of the 11th aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the 10th aspect, and is characterized in that the positioning reference portions are arranged in multiple types so that they can be distinguished from one another to suit the different sizes of films.

[0029] According to this aspect, the positioning reference portions are arranged in a plurality of different types so as to be distinguishable from one another to suit different sizes of film, so that even when films of different sizes are used, the film can be easily placed in an appropriate position on the support surface according to the size of the film without changing the position of the positioning reference portion.

[0030] A support device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the tenth aspect, and is characterized in that the static electricity generating unit can switch the static electricity generation state to suit films of different sizes.

[0031] According to this aspect, the static electricity generating unit can switch the static electricity generation state in accordance with films of different sizes, so that the static electricity generation state can be suitably switched in accordance with the size of the film.

[0032] A printing device of a thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises a support section that supports a film on a support surface, a printing section that prints on the film supported on the support surface, a static electricity generating section that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location provided on a part of the support surface, and a positioning reference section that is provided on the support surface and indicates at least a part of a loading position for loading the film of a predetermined shape, and is characterized in that the positioning reference section is positioned to match the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the support direction of the film by the support surface.

[0033] According to this aspect, the device includes a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location and a positioning reference unit that indicates at least a portion of the placement position, and the positioning reference unit is arranged so that a portion of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the support direction in accordance with the predetermined shape of the film. With this configuration, the positioning reference unit can place the film in an optimal position on the support surface, and static electricity can be generated to attract the film to the support surface, thereby suppressing warping and lifting of the film.

[0034] [Example 1] A printing device 1 of the present invention and a support device 2 provided in the printing device 1 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an overview of the printing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the printing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a support device 2 (support device 2A) having a platen 4 as a support unit on which a sheet-like printing medium M can be placed. The support device 2A can be considered a medium transport unit, and is configured to be able to move the platen 4 in directions A1 and A2. The main body 3 of the printing device 1 is provided with a printing unit 5 that can move back and forth in width direction B, which intersects with directions A1 and A2. The direction in which the platen 4 supports the printing medium M is support direction C, which corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0036] 2, the support device 2A of this embodiment includes a mounting portion 6 on which the platen 4 is placed, an attachment portion 7 that is movable in directions A1 and A2 and to which the mounting portion 6 can be attached, and a lever 8 that can change the height of the mounting portion 6. The mounting portion 6, attachment portion 7, and lever 8 together form a connection portion 9 of the platen 4.

[0037] The support device 2A of this embodiment can be provided with a support-side engaging portion on the platen 4 that can engage with an apparatus-side engaging portion of the printing device 1. The apparatus-side engaging portion can be provided on the mounting portion 6. The support device 2A can detach the platen 4 from the connection portion 9 by changing the engagement state of the support-side engaging portion with the apparatus-side engaging portion. In other words, the support device 2A of this embodiment can attach platens 4 of various configurations by engaging the support-side engaging portion with the apparatus-side engaging portion. Therefore, by replacing the platen 4, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can print on print media M of various shapes and materials, including sheet-like print media M such as film, as well as fabrics such as T-shirts. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and the platen 4 and the connection portion 9 may be integrally configured, or the platen 4 may not be detachable from the printing device 1.

[0038] The printing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to perform printing by discharging ink from the printing unit 5 while moving the platen 4 in direction A1 from a state in which a printing medium M is placed at the position shown in FIG. 1 and then moving the platen 4 in direction A2. The printing device 1 of this embodiment preferably uses a resin film as the printing medium M. However, various materials other than resin film, such as fabrics like T-shirts, can also be used as the printing medium M. Generally, films are slippery on the support surface 4a of the platen 4. For this reason, in the past, when using a rectangular film as the printing medium M, corners M1 were fixed with tape T or the like, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0039] However, when fixing the corner M1 of the printing medium M with tape T, the distance between the support surface 4a of the platen 4 and the printing unit 5 in the support direction C must be increased to prevent contact between the tape T and the printing unit 5. However, if the distance between the support surface 4a and the printing unit 5 in the support direction C is increased too much, there is a risk that the print quality will decrease.

[0040] Another possible method is to spray water onto the support surface 4a of the platen 4 and then place and secure the print medium M on top of it, but this method makes it difficult to remove the print medium M from the support surface 4a and also poses the risk of water entering the printing device 1 and adhering to the printing unit 5. Furthermore, when a film is used as the print medium M, the film may be used as a transfer medium. In such cases, a powdered resin for transfer is typically applied to the ink ejected onto the film. However, spraying water onto the support surface 4a of the platen 4 raises the risk of the powdered resin adhering to the printing device or to areas of the film where ink has not been ejected.

[0041] It is also possible to place a silicone mat or the like over the entire surface of the support surface 4a of the platen 4 and then place the print medium M on it, but this method would fix the entire surface of the print medium M. This would make it difficult to align the print medium M on the support surface 4a and also make it difficult to remove the print medium M.

[0042] Next, we will explain the details of the support device 2A, which is a main part of the printing device 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the support device 2A of this embodiment includes the platen 4 that supports the film serving as the printing medium M on the support surface 4a, and the connection unit 9 that connects the platen 4 when printing on the film. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the support device 2A includes a static electricity generating unit 41 that generates static electricity at static electricity generating locations 41A and 41B provided on part of the support surface 4a.

[0043] In the printing device 1 of this embodiment, static electricity generation location 41A corresponds to the location where static electricity occurs when using A3-sized film MA, and static electricity generation location 41B corresponds to the location where static electricity occurs when using A4-sized film MB. However, static electricity generation location 41A corresponds to the outside of the printing range when using A3-sized film MA, and static electricity generation location 41B corresponds to the outside of the printing range when using A4-sized film MB. Therefore, even if ink mist or the like is attracted to static electricity generation location 41A or static electricity generation location 41B, degradation of the quality of the image formed in the printing range is suppressed. Note that the entire support surface 4a of the printing device 1 is a printable range, and by providing static electricity generation unit 41 at a different position on support surface 4a from static electricity generation location 41A or static electricity generation location 41B, films of different shapes and sizes can be placed on the printing device 1.

[0044] Here, static electricity generator 41 is provided on support surface 4a and also serves as a positioning reference portion that indicates at least a portion of the placement position for placing the film. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, static electricity generator 41 as a positioning reference portion is arranged to match the predetermined shape of the film so that a portion of the film, such as corner M1, and static electricity generating points 41A and 41B overlap in the support direction C of the film by support surface 4a. Static electricity generator 41 as a positioning reference portion is arranged so that it can align with a portion of the outer shape of the film.

[0045] As described above, the support device 2A of this embodiment includes a static electricity generating unit 41 that also serves as a positioning reference unit indicating at least a portion of the film placement position and generates static electricity at static electricity generating points 41A and 41B. The static electricity generating unit 41 is positioned so that a portion of the film MA and film MB overlaps with the static electricity generating points 41A and 41B in the support direction C in accordance with the predetermined shapes of the film MA and film MB. This configuration of the support device 2A of this embodiment allows the film to be placed in an optimal position on the support surface 4a, and by generating static electricity to adhere the film to the support surface 4a, warping or lifting of the film can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the predetermined shape refers to A3 size and A4 size, but other sizes and shapes may also be used.

[0046] The positioning reference portion may be provided separately from the static electricity generating portion 41. When the positioning reference portion is provided separately from the static electricity generating portion 41, the positioning reference portion may be disposed in a position that does not overlap with the film but follows the contour of the film. The positioning reference portion is preferably disposed in a position where the static electricity generating portion 41 and the film overlap outside the printing range when the film is used, when the film is placed on the support surface 4a with the contour of the film aligned.

[0047] From the perspective of the printing device 1, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a printing unit 5 that prints on a film supported on the support surface 4a of a support unit 4 that supports the film on the support surface 4a. By providing the support device 2A configured as described above, it is possible to place the film in an optimal position on the support surface 4a, and by generating static electricity to attract the film to the support surface 4a, it is possible to suppress warping or lifting of the film.

[0048] As described above, in the support device 2A of this embodiment, the static electricity generating unit 41 also serves as the positioning reference unit. In other words, the positioning reference unit is disposed at a position overlapping the static electricity generating unit 41 in the support direction C. By configuring the support device 2A of this embodiment in this way, the positioning reference unit and the static electricity generating unit 41 can be made to be a common unit, thereby simplifying the device configuration.

[0049] In the support device 2A of this embodiment, the static electricity generating unit 41 serving as the positioning reference unit is visually distinguishable on the support surface 4a, allowing the user to easily place the film in the optimal position on the support surface 4a.

[0050] In detail, the static electricity generating portion 41 serving as the positioning reference portion is shown in a color different from the surrounding area on the support surface 4a. Specifically, the support surface 4a is substantially transparent, but the static electricity generating portion 41A is black and the static electricity generating portion 41B is gray. With this configuration, the positioning reference portion can be easily configured. There is no particular limitation on the color of the static electricity generating portion 41.

[0051] However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the positioning reference portion may be configured with a surface shape that is different from the surrounding area on the support surface 4a. By configuring in this way, it is possible to obtain a support surface 4a that is, for example, monochromatic. Note that examples of different surface shapes include different gloss levels or different patterns between the portion of the support surface 4a where the positioning reference portion is provided and the other portion.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the support device 2A of this embodiment can preferably use A3-sized rectangular film and A4-sized rectangular film. By using such a film as the print medium M, the position of the static electricity generating unit 41, which serves as the positioning reference unit, can be made to correspond to the position where the corner M1 of the film is overlapped. With this configuration, the support device 2A of this embodiment can easily place the rectangular film in the desired position on the support surface 4a.

[0053] 4, in supporting device 2A of this embodiment, static electricity generating unit 41 is also rectangular, and the film can be positioned on supporting surface 4a by aligning side M2 ​​of the film with the portion corresponding to the side of static electricity generating unit 41. With this configuration, supporting device 2A of this embodiment can easily place a rectangular film in a desired position on supporting surface 4a.

[0054] As described above, the platen 4 can support films of different sizes, such as A3-sized film MA and A4-sized film MB. The static electricity generators 41, which serve as positioning references, are positioned to accommodate the different sizes of film. Therefore, even when using films of different sizes, the support device 2A of this embodiment can place the film in an appropriate position on the support surface 4a depending on the size of the film.

[0055] As described above, static electricity generating portion 41A is black, and static electricity generating portion 41B is gray. That is, in support device 2A of this embodiment, multiple types of static electricity generating portion 41 serving as positioning reference portions are arranged in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from one another to accommodate films of different sizes. Therefore, even when films of different sizes are used, support device 2A of this embodiment can easily place the film in an appropriate position on support surface 4a according to the size of the film, without changing the position of the positioning reference portion.

[0056] 3, in the support device 2A of this embodiment, the static electricity generating unit 41 arranged at the static electricity generating location 41A is connected by a wire E1 out of the wiring E, and the static electricity generating unit 41 arranged at the static electricity generating location 41B is connected by a wire E2 out of the wiring E. With this configuration, when an A3-sized film MA is used, the support device 2A of this embodiment can generate static electricity by passing electricity only through the static electricity generating unit 41 arranged at the static electricity generating location 41A, and when an A4-sized film MB is used, the static electricity can be generated by passing electricity only through the static electricity generating unit 41 arranged at the static electricity generating location 41B.

[0057] In other words, in the support device 2A of this embodiment, the static electricity generating unit 41 can switch the static electricity generation state to suit different sizes of film. Therefore, the support device 2A of this embodiment can suitably switch the static electricity generation state to suit the size of the film. However, when using, for example, A3-sized film MA, it is also possible to energize the static electricity generating unit 41 located at the static electricity generation location 41B.

[0058] In this embodiment, power for energizing the static electricity generator 41 is supplied from the power supply of the printing apparatus 1, and energization of the wires E1 and E2 is performed automatically under the control of a control unit (not shown) provided in the main body 3 of the printing apparatus 1. The control unit can turn off energization to the wires E1 and E2 in conjunction with turning off the power supply to the printing apparatus 1. Furthermore, it can also turn off energization to the wires E1 and E2 in conjunction with the end of printing or the end of movement of the platen 4 in directions A1 and A2. By turning on energization to the static electricity generator 41, the film can be firmly attached to the support surface 4a, and by turning off energization to the static electricity generator 41, the film can be easily removed from the support surface 4a.

[0059] However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the main body 3 may be provided with a switch or the like that can be manually operated by the user, allowing the user to manually energize the wiring E1 and wiring E2. The switch may also be provided on the support device 2A. Furthermore, for example, a power supply unit that energizes the wiring E using an on-board power source such as a battery may be provided on the surface of the platen 4 opposite the support surface 4a. By providing the switch and on-board power source, the support device 2A can adsorb a film to the support surface 4a and remove the film from the support surface 4a even when used alone. Therefore, the printing device 1 can change the film to be printed by replacing the support device 2A with a film placed on the support surface 4a with another support device 2A. Furthermore, for example, an illumination unit such as an LED light may be provided that lights up when the wiring E is energized and remains off when the wiring E is not energized, allowing the user to easily determine whether the wiring E is energized.

[0060] 3, in the support device 2A of this embodiment, the static electricity generating unit 41 is configured to place both positive and negative charges on the support surface 4a, but is not limited to this configuration. It may also be configured to place only one of positive and negative charges on the support surface 4a. Furthermore, instead of an electrically conductive static electricity generating unit, a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity by rubbing may also be used.

[0061] [Example 2] Next, the printing device 1 of Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 of the printing device 1 of Example 1. The printing device 1 of this example is similar to the printing device 1 of Example 1 except for the configuration of the support device 2, which will be described below, and therefore has similar features to the printing device 1 of Example 1. Therefore, in Fig. 5, parts that are common to Example 1 above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0062] The support device 2B of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a static electricity generating unit 41 having a different shape from the support device 2A of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, separate static electricity generating units 41 are arranged near each of the four corners M1 of the rectangular film. More specifically, the support device 2B is equipped with a static electricity generating unit 41 that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location 41C when using A3-size film MA, and a static electricity generating unit 41 that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location 41D when using A4-size film MB. Each static electricity generating unit 41 is configured to align the film on the support surface 4a by aligning the portion corresponding to the edge of the static electricity generating unit 41 with the edge M2 of the film.

[0063] [Example 3] Next, a printing device 1 of Example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 of the printing device 1 of Example 1. The printing device 1 of this example is similar to the printing devices 1 of Examples 1 and 2 except for the configuration of the support device 2, which will be described below, and therefore has similar features to the printing devices 1 of Examples 1 and 2. Therefore, in Fig. 6, parts common to Examples 1 and 2 above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The support device 2C of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a static electricity generating unit 41 with a different shape than the support device 2A of the printing apparatus 1 of Example 1 and the support device 2B of the printing apparatus 1 of Example 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , static electricity generating units 41 in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle are arranged corresponding to the four corners M1 of the rectangular film. Specifically, the support device 2C includes a static electricity generating unit 41 that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location 41E when using A3-size film MA, and a static electricity generating unit 41 that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location 41F when using A4-size film MB. Each static electricity generating unit 41 is configured so that the film can be aligned on the support surface 4a by overlapping the corner of the static electricity generating unit 41 with the corner M1 of the film. Note that by forming the static electricity generating unit 41 in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle, the risk of ink mist adhering to the printing area can be further reduced compared to when the static electricity generating unit 41 is rectangular.

[0065] Furthermore, the shapes of static electricity generating points 41E and 41F are not limited to right-angled isosceles triangles. They need only have a right-angled portion and sides that allow for alignment of corner M1 and side M2 ​​of the film, and the lengths of the two sides may be different, or they may be sector-shaped rather than triangular. In the shapes of static electricity generating points 41E and 41F, if the lengths of the two sides used to align side M2 ​​of the film are different, the side along the long side of side M2 ​​of the film may be longer than the side along the short side of side M2 ​​of the film.

[0066] [Example 4] Next, the printing device 1 of Example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 showing the printing device 1 of Example 1. The printing device 1 of this example is similar to the printing devices 1 of Examples 1 to 3 except for the configuration of the support device 2, which will be described below, and therefore has similar features to the printing devices 1 of Examples 1 to 3. Therefore, in FIG. 7, parts that are common to Examples 1 to 3 above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The support device 2D of the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes a static electricity generating unit 41 having a configuration similar to that of the support device 2A of the printing device 1 of Example 1, and a static electricity generating unit 41 having a configuration similar to that of the support device 2C of the printing device 1 of Example 3. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, static electricity generating units 41 in the shape of right isosceles triangles are arranged corresponding to the four corners M1 of a rectangular A3-sized film MA, and rectangular static electricity generating units 41 are arranged corresponding to the four corners M1 of a rectangular A4-sized film MB.

[0068] 7, the support device 2D of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of rectangular positioning reference portions 42 that form convex steps on the support surface 4a, in addition to the static electricity generating portion 41. When using a rectangular A3-sized film MA in the support device 2D of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the film can be aligned on the support surface 4a by pressing an edge M2 of the film against an edge of the rectangular positioning reference portion 42 in the surface direction (horizontal direction) of the support surface 4a. The rectangular positioning reference portions 42 are positioned so that alignment can be achieved by pressing a portion of the outer shape of the film against them.

[0069] In other words, in support device 2D of this embodiment, positioning reference portion 42 has a convex step that can contact film MA in a direction intersecting support direction C and is positioned so as not to overlap with the placement location of the film in support direction C. With this configuration, support device 2D of this embodiment can easily position the film at a desired position on support surface 4a, and can prevent the film from protruding in support direction C due to the positioning reference portion 42 and the film overlapping in support direction C.

[0070] The film MB may be placed so that one of its four corners M1 is aligned with the positioning reference portion 42. The film MA may also be placed so that one of its four corners M1 is aligned with the positioning reference portion 42. In other words, only the positioning reference portion 42 that aligns one of the four corners M1 of the film may be placed, and this may be used as a common positioning reference for the film MA and the film MB.

[0071] In the support device 2D of this embodiment, the convex step is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the film. This configuration prevents the convex step from interfering with the printing unit 5 during printing, for example, by preventing the convex step from coming into contact with the printing unit 5 during printing.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the platen 4 configured as the above-described embodiment, the arrangement, size, and shape of the static electricity generating unit 41 and the positioning reference unit 42 may be configured in a manner other than that of the above-described embodiment, such as by providing an additional static electricity generating unit 41 in the center of the support surface 4a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...printing device, 2...support device, 2A...support device, 2B...support device, 2C...support device, 2D...support device, 3...main body, 4...platen (support part), 4a...support surface, 5...printing part, 6...placing part, 7...mounting part, 8...lever, 9...connecting part, 41...static electricity generating part (positioning reference part), 41A...static electricity generating point, 41B...static electricity generating point, 41C...static electricity generating point, 41D...static electricity generating point, 41E...static electricity generating point, 41F...static electricity generating point, 42...positioning reference part, E...wiring, E1...wiring, E2...wiring, M...printing medium, MA...A3 size film, MB...A4 size film, M1...corner, M2...side

Claims

1. a support portion that supports the film on a support surface; a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location provided on a part of the support surface; a positioning reference portion provided on the support surface and indicating at least a part of a placement position for placing the film of a predetermined shape; Equipped with A support device characterized in that the positioning reference portion is arranged in accordance with the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the direction in which the film is supported by the support surface.

2. 2. The support device according to claim 1, A support device characterized in that the positioning reference portion is visually distinguishably indicated on the support surface.

3. 3. The support device according to claim 2, A support device characterized in that the positioning reference portion is indicated in a color different from the surrounding area on the support surface.

4. 3. The support device according to claim 2, A support device characterized in that the positioning reference portion is represented by a surface shape different from the surroundings on the support surface.

5. 2. The support device according to claim 1, The support device is characterized in that the positioning reference portion is disposed at a position overlapping the static electricity generating portion in the support direction.

6. 2. The support device according to claim 1, A support device characterized in that the positioning reference portion is positioned at a position that does not overlap with the film placement location in the support direction, and has a convex step that can abut the film in a direction intersecting the support direction.

7. 7. The support device according to claim 6, A supporting device, wherein the convex step is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the film.

8. 2. The support device according to claim 1, the film is rectangular; The support device is characterized in that the positioning reference portion corresponds to a position where a corner of the film is to be overlapped.

9. 2. The support device according to claim 1, the film is rectangular; A supporting device characterized in that the positioning reference portion corresponds to a position along which the edge of the film is to be aligned.

10. 2. The support device according to claim 1, The support portion is capable of supporting the films of different sizes, A supporting device, characterized in that the positioning reference portions are arranged to correspond to the films of different sizes.

11. 11. The support device according to claim 10, The support device is characterized in that the positioning reference portions are arranged in a plurality of types so as to be distinguishable from one another in accordance with the different sizes of the films.

12. 11. The support device according to claim 10, The supporting device is characterized in that the static electricity generating unit can switch the static electricity generation state in accordance with different sizes of the film.

13. a support portion that supports the film on a support surface; a printing unit that prints on the film supported by the support surface; a static electricity generating unit that generates static electricity at a static electricity generating location provided on a part of the support surface; a positioning reference portion provided on the support surface and indicating at least a part of a placement position for placing the film of a predetermined shape; Equipped with The printing device is characterized in that the positioning reference portion is arranged in accordance with the predetermined shape so that a part of the film and the static electricity generating location overlap in the direction in which the film is supported by the support surface.

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