Medium support mechanism and printing device

Abstract

To provide a medium support mechanism capable of improving operability, and a printer.SOLUTION: A medium support part includes a support surface for supporting a medium conveyed in a conveyance direction, and a guide groove extending along a width direction in the support surface. The guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface constitute an inner wall of the guide groove extending in the width direction, and face each other in the conveyance direction. The medium support part has a holding part for holding an end part of the medium in the width direction, and a contact part. The contact part can move between a contact position where the contact part comes in contact with the first surface and the second surface in a state of pressing the first surface and the second surface, and a separation position where the contact part comes in contact with the second surface and is separated from the first surface. An operation part can move in a direction from one side toward the other side of the first surface and the second surface with respect to the holding part. The contact part moves from the contact position to the separation position in conjunction with the movement of the operation part in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium support mechanism and a printing apparatus configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction and to hold the edges of the supported medium in the width direction. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medium support mechanism and a printing device that includes a medium support unit having a support surface that supports a medium transported in the transport direction, and a medium holding unit configured to hold the widthwise edge of the medium supported on the support surface. In this medium support mechanism, the medium holding unit is fixed to the support surface by engaging with two guide rails provided on the support surface.

[0003] Specifically, a first engagement portion engageable with the first guide rail is provided at one longitudinal end of the medium holding unit, and a second engagement portion engageable with the second guide rail is provided at the other longitudinal end of the medium holding unit. An operating portion that can be operated by a user is also provided at the other longitudinal end of the medium holding unit. When the operating portion is operated, the second engagement portion moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion, thereby widening the gap between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. In this way, the medium holding unit can move in the width direction relative to the support surface by at least one of the first engagement portion moving away from the inner wall of the first guide rail and the second engagement portion moving away from the inner wall of the second guide rail. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-111702 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in such a medium support mechanism and printing device, when the medium holding unit is moved in the width direction in response to operation of the operation unit, friction occurs between the medium holding unit and the support surface, which can cause the medium holding unit to tilt away from the direction along the transport direction. In such cases, the position of the medium holding unit must be adjusted so that it is aligned in the direction along the transport direction, and improved operability for moving the medium holding unit in the width direction is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medium support mechanism that solves the above problem includes a medium support section configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction, and a medium holding section configured to hold an edge of the medium supported by the medium support section in the width direction, when a direction intersecting the transport direction is defined as a width direction, wherein the medium support section has a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction, a guide groove that extends along the width direction on the support surface, and an engaged section that is located upstream of the guide groove in the transport direction and intersects with the support surface, and the guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface are in a front-to-back relationship extending in the width direction. The media holding portion has an inner wall of the guide groove and surfaces that face each other in the conveying direction, and the media holding portion has a holding portion that holds the end portion, an engaging portion that can engage with the engaged portion, an abutment portion that can move between an abutment position where it abuts against the first surface and the second surface while pressing the first surface and the second surface, and a separated position where it abuts against the second surface and is separated from the first surface, and an operating portion that can be moved in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface toward the other relative to the holding portion by operation of the user, and the abutment portion moves from the abutment position to the separated position in conjunction with the movement of the operating portion in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0007] A printing device that solves the above problem includes a medium support unit configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction, a medium holding unit configured to hold an edge of the medium supported by the medium support unit in the width direction when a direction intersecting the transport direction is defined as a width direction, and a printing unit configured to print on the medium supported by the medium support unit, wherein the medium support unit has a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction, a guide groove that extends along the width direction on the support surface, and an engaged portion that is located upstream of the guide groove in the transport direction and intersects with the support surface, and the guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, The first and second surfaces form inner walls of the guide groove extending in the width direction and are surfaces that face each other in the transport direction, and the medium holding unit has a holding unit that holds the end, an engaging unit that can engage with the engaged unit, a contact unit that can move between a contact position where it contacts the first and second surfaces while pressing the first and second surfaces and a separated position where it contacts the second surface and is separated from the first surface, and an operating unit that can be moved in a direction from one of the first and second surfaces to the other relative to the holding unit by operation of a user, and the contact unit moves from the contact position to the separated position in conjunction with movement of the operating unit in the direction from the first surface to the second surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a medium support mechanism. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a first state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a first state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a second state. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a second state. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a third state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the medium support section and the medium holding section in a third state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a printing device including a medium support mechanism will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the short side direction of the medium M is referred to as the width direction X, and the direction in which the medium M is transported at the position where the printing unit 13 performs printing is referred to as the transport direction Y. The transport direction Y is also the longitudinal direction of the medium M. In this embodiment, the width direction X and the transport direction Y are directions that intersect (e.g., are perpendicular to) each other, and both are directions that intersect (e.g., are perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z.

[0010] <Configuration of Printer 10> 1, the printing device 10 may be, for example, a large format printer. The large format printer prints on a large, long medium M. The printing device 10 may also be a serial printing inkjet printer.

[0011] The printing device 10 includes a medium support mechanism 11, a transport unit 12, and a printing unit 13. The medium support mechanism 11 is configured to support the medium M. The transport unit 12 is configured to transport the medium M in a transport direction Y. The printing unit 13 is configured to print on the medium M supported by the medium support mechanism 11.

[0012] The medium support mechanism 11 supports the medium M transported by the transport unit 12. In particular, the medium support mechanism 11 supports the medium M transported by the transport unit 12 in the printing area PA where printing is performed by the printing unit 13.

[0013] The printing device 10 includes a feed unit 14. The feed unit 14 feeds the medium M. The feed unit 14 includes a support shaft 14A and a feed motor 14B. The support shaft 14A rotatably supports a roll R on which the medium M is wound in a roll shape. The feed motor 14B is a power source that rotates the support shaft 14A. In the feed unit 14, the support shaft 14A is rotated by the drive of the feed motor 14B, and the long medium M is unwound from the roll R.

[0014] The transport unit 12 transports the fed medium M in the transport direction Y. The transport unit 12 includes a transport roller pair 15 and a transport motor 16. The transport roller pair 15 is provided upstream Y1 of the printing unit 13 in the transport direction Y. The transport roller pair 15 includes a transport drive roller 15A and a transport driven roller 15B. The transport drive roller 15A is rotatable by the drive of the transport motor 16. The transport driven roller 15B rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport drive roller 15A. The transport motor 16 is the power source for the transport drive roller 15A. The transport unit 12 transports the medium M fed from the feeding unit 14 in the transport direction Y while nipping the medium M.

[0015] The printing device 10 includes a winding unit 17. The winding unit 17 winds the printed medium M into a roll. The winding unit 17 includes a winding shaft 17A, a winding motor 17B, and a tension applying unit 17C. The winding shaft 17A supports the printed medium M. The winding motor 17B is the drive source for the winding shaft 17A. The tension applying unit 17C applies tension to the printed medium M. The winding unit 17 rotates the winding shaft 17A due to the drive of the winding motor 17B, and the winding unit 17 winds up the medium M to which tension has been applied by the tension applying unit 17C.

[0016] The printing unit 13 includes a guide shaft 18, a carriage 19, and a liquid ejection head 21. The guide shaft 18 is provided along the width direction X of the medium M. The carriage 19 is supported by the guide shaft 18. The carriage 19 supports the liquid ejection head 21. The carriage 19 is scanned along the axial direction of the guide shaft 18 by driving a carriage motor (not shown). In other words, the carriage 19 is scanned along the width direction X.

[0017] The liquid ejection head 21 is provided below the carriage 19 in the vertical direction Z2. The liquid ejection head 21 includes a plurality of nozzles 22 from which liquid is ejected. The plurality of nozzles 22 open toward the medium M supported by the medium support mechanism 11. The liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid from the plurality of nozzles 22 toward the medium M supported by the medium support mechanism 11.

[0018] The liquid ejection head 21 is a serial head type that ejects liquid as the carriage 19 moves in the width direction X, but it may also be a line head type. The liquid may be, for example, ink. The liquid may be, for example, one color or multiple colors.

[0019] In this way, the printing device 10 performs printing on the entire medium M by alternately performing a transport operation and a printing operation. The transport operation is an operation in which the transport motor 16 is driven for a predetermined time to transport the medium M. The printing operation is an operation in which the liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid onto the medium M supported by the medium support mechanism 11 while the carriage 19 is moved back and forth by driving a carriage motor (not shown).

[0020] <Configuration of Medium Support Mechanism 11> Next, the medium support mechanism 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the medium support mechanism 11 includes a medium support unit 30. The medium support unit 30 is a flat platen. The width direction X of the medium support unit 30 is the longitudinal direction, and the transport direction Y is the lateral direction, but this is not limited to this. The medium support unit 30 includes a first side end surface 30A and a second side end surface 30B.

[0021] The medium support unit 30 has a support surface 31. The support surface 31 is a surface that can support the medium M transported in the transport direction Y. The support surface 31 includes the printing area PA and is provided in an area that is larger than the printing area PA. In this way, the medium support unit 30 is configured to support the medium M transported in the transport direction Y. The width direction X and the transport direction Y are directions that follow the support surface 31.

[0022] The medium support unit 30 includes a first guide rail 32 and a second guide rail 33. The first guide rail 32 is concave and recessed from the support surface 31. The first guide rail 32 extends along the width direction X on the support surface 31. The first guide rail 32 is provided across the entire medium support unit 30 in the width direction X. In other words, the first guide rail 32 intersects with the support surface 31 and continues from the first side end face 30A to the second side end face 30B. The first guide rail 32 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of an engaged portion.

[0023] The second guide rail 33 has a concave shape recessed from the support surface 31. The second guide rail 33 extends along the width direction X on the support surface 31. The second guide rail 33 is provided across the entire medium support section 30 in the width direction X. In other words, the second guide rail 33 intersects with the support surface 31 and continues from the first side end face 30A to the second side end face 30B. The second guide rail 33 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a guide groove.

[0024] The first guide rail 32 may be provided in the opposite direction to the second guide rail 33 across the printing area PA in the transport direction Y. In other words, the first guide rail 32 may be located upstream Y1 of the second guide rail 33 in the transport direction Y.

[0025] The medium support mechanism 11 includes a medium holding unit 34. The medium holding unit 34 is configured to hold an edge in the width direction X of the medium M supported by the medium support unit 30. The medium holding unit 34 may be an edge holder. The medium holding unit 34 is detachably attached to the medium support unit 30. The medium holding unit 34 is formed by stamping or bending a metal plate.

[0026] The medium holding unit 34 includes a first medium holding unit 35 and a second medium holding unit 36. The first medium holding unit 35 and the second medium holding unit 36 ​​are aligned in the width direction X. The first medium holding unit 35 includes a first holding portion 35A. The first holding portion 35A is a rectangular plate-like member. The first holding portion 35A is attached to the medium support unit 30 so that the transport direction Y is its longitudinal direction and the width direction X is its lateral direction.

[0027] The first holding portion 35A includes a first substrate portion 35B and a first medium suppressing portion 35C. The first substrate portion 35B has a longitudinal direction that corresponds to the transport direction Y and a lateral direction that corresponds to the width direction X. The first substrate portion 35B comes into contact with the support surface 31.

[0028] The first medium suppression unit 35C has a longitudinal direction in the transport direction Y and a lateral direction in the width direction X. The first medium suppression unit 35C is located in the second width direction X2 of the first substrate unit 35B. The first holding unit 35A is adjusted to a position in the width direction X according to the lateral dimension of the medium M. Specifically, the first holding unit 35A is adjusted so that the first medium suppression unit 35C covers one end of the medium M.

[0029] In this way, the first medium suppression unit 35C covers one end of the medium M from above Z1 in the vertical direction Z. This allows the first medium suppression unit 35C to suppress one end of the medium M from lifting up from the support surface 31. In other words, the first medium holding unit 35 is configured to hold one end in the first width direction X1 of the medium M supported by the medium support unit 30.

[0030] The second medium holding unit 36 ​​includes a second holding portion 36A. The second holding portion 36A is a rectangular plate-like member. The second holding portion 36A is attached to the medium support unit 30 so that the transport direction Y is its longitudinal direction and the width direction X is its lateral direction.

[0031] The second holding portion 36A includes a second substrate portion 36B and a second medium suppressing portion 36C. The second substrate portion 36B has a longitudinal direction that corresponds to the transport direction Y and a lateral direction that corresponds to the width direction X. The second substrate portion 36B comes into contact with the support surface 31.

[0032] The second medium suppression unit 36C has a longitudinal direction in the transport direction Y and a lateral direction in the width direction X. The second medium suppression unit 36C is located in the first width direction X1 of the second substrate unit 36B. The second holding unit 36A is adjusted to a position in the width direction X according to the lateral dimension of the medium M. Specifically, the second holding unit 36A is adjusted so that the second medium suppression unit 36C covers the other end of the medium M.

[0033] In this way, the second medium suppression unit 36C covers the other end of the medium M from above Z1 in the vertical direction Z. This allows the second medium suppression unit 36C to suppress the other end of the medium M from lifting up from the support surface 31. In other words, the second medium holding unit 36 ​​is configured to hold the other end in the second width direction X2 of the medium M supported by the medium support unit 30.

[0034] Hereinafter, first medium holding unit 35 and second medium holding unit 36 ​​may be collectively referred to as medium holding unit 34. Furthermore, first holding unit 35A and second holding unit 36A may be collectively referred to as holding unit 37.

[0035] Thus, the medium holding unit 34 includes a holding portion 37. The holding portion 37 is configured to hold an end portion in the width direction X of the medium M supported by the medium support unit 30. The medium holding unit 34 includes an engagement portion 38. The engagement portion 38 is located at the end of the holding unit 37 on the upstream side Y1 in the transport direction Y. The engagement portion 38 protrudes downward in the vertical direction Z2 from the holding unit 37. The engagement portion 38 may extend in the width direction X. The engagement portion 38 is engageable with the first guide rail 32. The holding unit 37 is fixed to the medium support unit 30 by the engagement portion 38 engaging with the first guide rail 32.

[0036] The medium holding unit 34 includes a switching mechanism 40. The switching mechanism 40 is provided downstream Y2 of the holding unit 37 in the transport direction Y. The switching mechanism 40 is a mechanism for switching whether or not the holding unit 37 is fixed to the medium support unit 30.

[0037] The switching mechanism 40 includes a case 41 and an operating unit 42. The case 41 is attached to the holding unit 37. The case 41 houses at least some of the components that make up the switching mechanism 40. The case 41 includes an upstream end surface 41A. The upstream end surface 41A is located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y.

[0038] In FIG. 2, the operating unit 42 protrudes from the case 41 toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The operating unit 42 can be operated by a user. The operating unit 42 is movable relative to the holding unit 37. The operating unit 42 has an operating surface 42A. The operating surface 42A is located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y of the operating unit 42.

[0039] The operating unit 42 is movable between a first position and a second position along the conveying direction Y. The first position is a position where the operating unit 42 protrudes from the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41 toward the upstream Y1 of the conveying direction Y. In other words, the first position is a position where the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41 and the operating surface 42A of the operating unit 42 are not flush with each other toward the upstream Y1 of the conveying direction Y. The second position is a position where the operating unit 42 does not protrude from the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41 toward the upstream Y1 of the conveying direction Y. In other words, the second position is a position where the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41 and the operating surface 42A of the operating unit 42 are flush with each other toward the upstream Y1 of the conveying direction Y. Therefore, the second position is a position different from the first position.

[0040] The operation unit 42 is located at a first position when not operated by the user. When the operation unit 42 is pressed by the user from the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y, the operation unit 42 moves to the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y and is located at a second position.

[0041] The medium holding unit 34 is in a first state when the operating unit 42 is located in a first position. In the first state, the holding unit 37 is fixed to the medium support unit 30 by the switching mechanism 40. In other words, in the first state, movement of the holding unit 37 in the width direction X along the first guide rail 32 and the second guide rail 33 is restricted.

[0042] When the operating unit 42 moves from the first position to the second position in response to a user operation, the medium holding unit 34 enters the second state. The second state is a state in which the holding unit 37 is not fixed to the medium support unit 30 by the switching mechanism 40.

[0043] The medium holding unit 34 enters the third state when the operating unit 42 moves from the first position to the second position in response to a user operation, and then the holding unit 37 moves downstream Y2 in the transport direction Y. In the third state, the holding unit 37 is not fixed to the medium support unit 30, and is movable in the width direction X along the first guide rail 32 and the second guide rail 33.

[0044] <Configuration of the medium support unit 30 and the medium holding unit 34> Next, the configuration of the medium support unit 30 and the medium holding unit 34 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figures 3, 5, and 7 are side views of the medium support unit 30 and the medium holding unit 34 as viewed from the end in the first width direction X1. Figures 4, 6, and 8 are top views of the medium support unit 30 and the medium holding unit 34 as viewed from above Z1 in the vertical direction Z. Figures 3 and 4 are views of the medium holding unit 34 when it is in a first state. Figures 5 and 6 are views of the medium holding unit 34 when it is in a second state. Figures 7 and 8 are views of the medium holding unit 34 when it is in a third state.

[0045] 3, the first guide rail 32 has a first bottom surface 32A, a first inner surface 32B, and a second inner surface 32C. The first inner surface 32B is a surface that connects the first bottom surface 32A and the support surface 31. The second inner surface 32C is a surface that connects the first bottom surface 32A and the support surface 31. The first inner surface 32B and the second inner surface 32C constitute inner walls of the first guide rail 32 and are surfaces that face each other in the conveyance direction Y.

[0046] The first inner surface 32B is the surface farther from the second guide rail 33 in the conveying direction Y. The second inner surface 32C is the surface closer to the second guide rail 33 in the conveying direction Y. In other words, the first inner surface 32B is the surface located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The second inner surface 32C is the surface located downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. The first inner surface 32B functions as an engaged surface that can engage with the engaging portion 38.

[0047] The first guide rail 32 also has a first recess 32D and a second recess 32E. The first recess 32D is recessed from the first inner surface 32B toward the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. The second recess 32E is recessed from the second inner surface 32C toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The first guide rail 32 has an inverted T shape in a side view seen from the width direction X. The second recess 32E has a guide-side tapered surface 32F. The guide-side tapered surface 32F is inclined so as to be positioned upward Z1 in the vertical direction Z as it moves toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y.

[0048] The second guide rail 33 includes a second bottom surface 33A, a third inner surface 33B, a fourth inner surface 33C, a first inclined surface 33D, and a second inclined surface 33E. The third inner surface 33B connects the second bottom surface 33A and the first inclined surface 33D. The fourth inner surface 33C connects the second bottom surface 33A and the second inclined surface 33E. The third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C constitute inner walls of the second guide rail 33 extending in the width direction X and are surfaces that face each other in the conveying direction Y.

[0049] The third inner surface 33B is a surface closer to the first guide rail 32 in the conveying direction Y. The fourth inner surface 33C is a surface farther from the first guide rail 32 in the conveying direction Y. In other words, the third inner surface 33B is a surface located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The fourth inner surface 33C is a surface located downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. In this embodiment, the third inner surface 33B corresponds to an example of a first surface. In this embodiment, the fourth inner surface 33C corresponds to an example of a second surface. Note that the operating unit 42 is movable relative to the holding unit 37 in a direction from one of the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C to the other. In this case, the direction from one of the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C to the other may be referred to as the movement direction of the operating unit 42. The movement directions include a first movement direction that is a direction from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C, and a second movement direction that is a direction from the fourth inner surface 33C toward the third inner surface 33B. In other words, the second movement direction is the direction opposite to the first movement direction. In this embodiment, the first movement direction and the second movement direction are directions along the conveyance direction Y.

[0050] The first inclined surface 33D is a surface that connects the third inner side surface 33B and the support surface 31 at the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y of the second guide rail 33. The first inclined surface 33D is a surface that inclines from the third inner side surface 33B toward the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. The second inclined surface 33E is a surface that connects the fourth inner side surface 33C and the support surface 31 at the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y of the second guide rail 33. The second inclined surface 33E is a surface that inclines from the fourth inner side surface 33C toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The first inclined surface 33D and the second inclined surface 33E restrict the engagement portion 38 from coming off the first guide rail 32 upward Z1 in the vertical direction Z.

[0051] The holding portion 37 has a lower surface 37A and an upper surface 37B. The lower surface 37A is a surface that faces the medium support portion 30. The upper surface 37B is a surface that is located opposite the lower surface 37A. The engagement portion 38 protrudes from the lower surface 37A of the holding portion 37. The engagement portion 38 includes a first base portion 38A, a first protruding piece 38B, and a second protruding piece 38C. The first protruding piece 38B protrudes from the first base portion 38A toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. The second protruding piece 38C protrudes from the first base portion 38A toward the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. The engagement portion 38 has an inverted T-shape in a side view seen from the width direction X. The second protruding piece 38C includes a protrusion-side tapered surface 38D that slopes toward the holding portion 37 as it moves toward the downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y.

[0052] 3 and 4, the holding portion 37 has a pair of through holes 37C. The pair of through holes 37C is provided at an end of the holding portion 37 on the downstream side Y2 in the conveying direction Y. The pair of through holes 37C is provided to be aligned in the width direction X. The pair of through holes 37C is extended in the conveying direction Y. The pair of through holes 37C penetrates the holding portion 37 in the plate thickness direction.

[0053] The switching mechanism 40 includes an abutment portion 43. The abutment portion 43 includes a first abutment member 44 and a second abutment member 45. The first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are arranged side by side in the width direction X. The first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are a pair of abutment members that are symmetrical with respect to the center of the switching mechanism 40 in the width direction X. Hereinafter, the first abutment member 44 will be mainly described as a representative, and a description of the second abutment member 45 may be omitted. In addition, in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.

[0054] The first contact member 44 protrudes downward Z2 in the vertical direction Z from the case 41. The first contact member 44 is inserted into the through-hole 37C. The first contact member 44 protrudes from the lower surface 37A of the holding portion 37 through the through-hole 37C.

[0055] The first abutment member 44 is switched between an abutment position and a spaced position in conjunction with the movement of the operation unit 42. The abutment position is a position where the holding unit 37 is fixed to the medium support unit 30. The spaced position is a position where the holding unit 37 is not fixed to the medium support unit 30. The spaced positions include a first spaced position and a second spaced position.

[0056] The abutment position is a position where the first abutment member 44 is positioned when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state. The first retracted position is a position where the first abutment member 44 is positioned when the medium holding unit 34 is in the second state. The second retracted position is a position where the first abutment member 44 is positioned when the medium holding unit 34 is in the third state.

[0057] The first abutment member 44 includes a main body 44A and a rotating shaft 44B. The main body 44A is located at the lower end of the rotating shaft 44B. The main body 44A is located below the lower surface 37A of the holding portion 37 in the vertical direction Z2. The main body 44A is located between the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C of the second guide rail 33.

[0058] The longitudinal dimension of the main body 44A is length L. The length L is longer than the distance D between the third inner side surface 33B and the fourth inner side surface 33C in the conveyance direction Y. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the first contact member 44 is longer than the distance D between the third inner side surface 33B and the fourth inner side surface 33C in the conveyance direction Y.

[0059] The main body 44A has a first end 44C, a second end 44D, a first side surface 44E, and a second side surface 44F. The first end 44C is the end closest to the rotation axis 44B of both longitudinal end portions of the main body 44A. The second end 44D is the end farthest from the rotation axis 44B of both longitudinal end portions of the main body 44A. The tip of the first end 44C facing the longitudinal direction of the main body 44A is arc-shaped. The tip of the second end 44D facing the longitudinal direction of the main body 44A is arc-shaped.

[0060] The first side surface 44E is a surface that includes the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 44A and the vertical direction Z. The first side surface 44E is a surface that connects the first end portion 44C and the second end portion 44D. The second side surface 44F is a surface that includes the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 44A and the vertical direction Z. The second side surface 44F is a surface that connects the first end portion 44C and the second end portion 44D.

[0061] A magnet may be disposed on the first side surface 44E. That is, the first side surface 44E may be a magnet. The first side surface 44E corresponds to an example of an abutment surface. On the other hand, the fourth inner side surface 33C may be made of a ferromagnetic material. This causes a magnetic force to act between the first side surface 44E and the fourth inner side surface 33C.

[0062] The main body portion 44A includes a connecting portion 44G. The connecting portion 44G is located closer to the second end portion 44D than to the center of the main body portion 44A in the conveyance direction Y. In other words, when the first contact member 44 is located at the contact position, the connecting portion 44G is located closer to the fourth inner side surface 33C with respect to the center of the first contact member 44 in the longitudinal direction. The connecting portion 44G can be connected to an end portion of an elastic member 46, which will be described later. In other words, the connecting portion 44G corresponds to an example of an acting portion on which the elastic force of the elastic member 46 acts.

[0063] The rotation shaft 44B is located at a position closer to the first end 44C than to the center of the main body 44A in the conveying direction Y. In other words, when the first contact member 44 is located at the contact position, the rotation shaft 44B is located at a position closer to the third inner surface 33B, with the longitudinal center of the first contact member 44 as a reference. The rotation shaft 44B is rotatably connected to the operating unit 42 via the through-hole 37C of the holding unit 37. In this way, the first contact member 44 is connected to the operating unit 42 and moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 42. The rotation shaft 44B corresponds to an example of a base connected to the operating unit 42.

[0064] The switching mechanism 40 includes an elastic member 46. The elastic member 46 may be a coil spring. One end of the elastic member 46 is connected to the connecting portion 44G of the first contact member 44, and the other end is connected to the connecting portion 45G of the second contact member 45. That is, the elastic member 46 connects the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 in the width direction X between the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45. The elastic member 46 exerts an elastic force in a direction that brings the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 closer to each other. In this embodiment, the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 include a housing portion (not shown) for housing the elastic member 46. This prevents the elastic member 46 from contacting the inner wall of the second guide rail 33.

[0065] In this way, the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are connected to each other by the elastic member 46. Therefore, when the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are located at the abutment position, the elastic force of the elastic member 46 presses the third inner side surface 33B and the fourth inner side surface 33C, and the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 come into contact with the third inner side surface 33B and the fourth inner side surface 33C.

[0066] Specifically, when the first contact member 44 is in the contact position, the first end 44C contacts the third inner surface 33B. When the first contact member 44 is in the contact position, the second end 44D contacts the fourth inner surface 33C. The second end 44D corresponds to an example of a contact end.

[0067] Furthermore, when the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 are located in the contact position, the distance between the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 in the width direction X increases as they approach the fourth inner surface 33C. In other words, when the operating unit 42 is located in the first position, the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 are configured to widen from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C.

[0068] The case 41 is located above the upper surface 37B of the holding portion 37 in the vertical direction Z1. The case 41 is attached to the upper surface 37B of the holding portion 37. The case 41 houses at least a part of the operating portion .

[0069] The operating unit 42 is located above the upper surface 37B of the holding unit 37 in the vertical direction Z1. At least a portion of the operating unit 42 is housed in the case 41. The operating unit 42 is movable in the conveying direction Y.

[0070] The operation unit 42 includes a pair of support portions 42B. The pair of support portions 42B are arranged side by side in the width direction X. The pair of support portions 42B are symmetrical with respect to the center of the switching mechanism 40 in the width direction X. The pair of support portions 42B are arranged in positions in the transport direction Y close to a surface 42C opposite to the operation surface 42A.

[0071] The pair of support portions 42B each have an insertion hole through which the rotation shaft 44B of the first contact member 44 and the rotation shaft 45B of the second contact member 45 can be inserted. The pair of support portions 42B rotatably support the rotation shaft 44B of the first contact member 44 and the rotation shaft 45B of the second contact member 45, respectively.

[0072] The operating portion is movable between a first position and a second position in the direction along the conveying direction Y. As a result, the contact portion 43 moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating portion . When the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state, the operation unit 42 is located at the first position. When the operation unit 42 is located at the first position, the contact unit 43 is located at the contact position by receiving an elastic force from the elastic member 46. In other words, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state, the contact unit 43 is located at the contact position.

[0073] 5 and 6, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the second state in response to a pressing operation by the user, the operation unit 42 is located in the second position. The second position is closer to the fourth inner surface 33C than the first position. When the operation unit 42 is located in the second position, the contact unit 43 is located in the first separated position against the elastic force from the elastic member 46 due to the pressing force in response to the pressing operation by the user. In other words, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the second state, the contact unit 43 is located in the first separated position.

[0074] When the first abutment member 44 is located in the first spaced position, the first end 44C is spaced from the third inner surface 33B without abutting therewith. When the first abutment member 44 is located in the first spaced position, the second end 44D is in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. Thus, when located in the first spaced position, each of the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 is in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C but spaced from the third inner surface 33B. Furthermore, when located in the first spaced position, each of the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 is configured to expand from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C.

[0075] 7 and 8, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the third state in response to a pressing operation by the user, the operation unit 42 is located in the second position, and the holding unit 37 itself moves downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. When the operation unit 42 is located in the second position and the holding unit 37 itself moves downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y, the contact unit 43 is located in the second separated position against the elastic force from the elastic member 46 due to the pressing force in response to the pressing operation by the user. In other words, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the third state, the contact unit 43 is located in the second separated position.

[0076] When the first abutment member 44 is located at the second spaced position, the first end 44C is spaced apart from the third inner side surface 33B without abutting therewith. When the first abutment member 44 is located at the second spaced position, the second end 44D is not in contact with the fourth inner side surface 33C, but the first side surface 44E is in contact with the fourth inner side surface 33C. Thus, when located at the second spaced position, each of the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 is in contact with the fourth inner side surface 33C but spaced apart from the third inner side surface 33B. Furthermore, each of the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 is configured such that its longitudinal direction faces the width direction X.

[0077] Furthermore, when the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are positioned in the second separated position, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the first side surface 44E and the fourth inner side surface 33C is smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member 46.

[0078] In this way, the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 are movable between an abutment position in which they abut against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C while pressing against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C, and a spaced position in which they abut against the fourth inner surface 33C and are spaced apart from the third inner surface 33B.

[0079] Specifically, the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 move from the abutment position to the first separated position in conjunction with movement of the operation unit 42 from the first position to the second position. The first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 move from the abutment position to the second separated position in conjunction with movement of the operation unit 42 from the first position to the second position and further movement of the holding unit 37 downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. Furthermore, the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 move from the first separated position and the second separated position to the abutment position in conjunction with movement of the operation unit 42 from the second position to the first position.

[0080] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. 3 and 4, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state, the operation unit 42 is not operated by the user and is located in the first position. Additionally, the elastic force of the elastic member 46 acts to move the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 away from each other in the width direction X. As a result, the contact portion 43 is located in the contact position.

[0081] Specifically, the first end 44C of the first abutting member 44 abuts against the third inner surface 33B, and the second end 44D of the first abutting member 44 abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C. That is, the first abutting member 44 abuts against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C while pressing against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C.

[0082] Furthermore, in the engaging portion 38, the first base portion 38A abuts against the first inner surface 32B so as to press it toward the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. In the engaging portion 38, the first protruding piece 38B is located inside the first recess 32D, and the second protruding piece 38C is located outside the second recess 32E. In other words, the engaging portion 38 is located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y within the first guide rail 32. The first protruding piece 38B being located inside the first recess 32D prevents the engaging portion 38 from coming off the first guide rail 32 upward Z1 in the vertical direction Z.

[0083] In this way, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state, the engagement portion 38 engages with the first guide rail 32, and the first abutment member 44 and the second abutment member 45 abut against the second guide rail 33 so as to press against it. As a result, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state, the medium holding unit 34 is fixed to the medium support unit 30. Furthermore, the medium holding unit 34 uses the holding portion 37 to prevent the end of the medium M from lifting up. As a result, a pressing force is generated at the end of the medium M, pressing it against the support surface 31.

[0084] 5 and 6, when the user presses the operation surface 42A of the operation unit 42 downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y, the pressing force corresponding to the pressing operation moves the operation unit 42 downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y against the elastic force of the elastic member 46. Then, the operation surface 42A of the operation unit 42 becomes flush with the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41. This places the medium holding unit 34 in the second state, the operation unit 42 in the second position, and the abutment portion 43 in the first separated position.

[0085] Specifically, in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 42 from the first position to the second position, the first abutting member 44 moves from the abutting position to the first separated position against the elastic force of the elastic member 46. In this case, the first abutting member 44 rotates about the rotation axis 44B with the second end 44D in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. Then, in the first abutting member 44, the first end 44C moves away from the third inner surface 33B, and the second end 44D moves into contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. In addition, the second end 44D of the first abutting member 44 has an arc shape, allowing the first abutting member 44 to rotate smoothly. In this way, the first abutting member 44 moves away from the third inner surface 33B, but abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C in a state of pressing against the fourth inner surface 33C due to a pressing force corresponding to the user's pressing operation of the operating unit 42. As a result, when the medium holding section 34 is in the second state, the medium holding section 34 is not fixed to the medium support section 30, but is not tilted in the direction along the conveying direction Y due to the pressing force corresponding to the user's pressing operation of the operating section 42.

[0086] 7 and 8, after the operation unit 42 is positioned at the second position, the user further presses the operation surface 42A of the operation unit 42 and the upstream end surface 41A of the case 41 toward the downstream Y2 in the conveyance direction Y. In this case, the pressing force corresponding to the pressing operation moves the medium holding unit 34 itself toward the downstream Y2 in the conveyance direction Y against the elastic force of the elastic member 46. This places the medium holding unit 34 in the third state, with the operation unit 42 positioned at the second position and the contact portion 43 positioned at the second separated position.

[0087] Specifically, in conjunction with the movement of the medium holding unit 34 downstream Y2 in the transport direction Y, the first contact member 44 moves from the first spaced position to the second spaced position against the elastic force of the elastic member 46. In this case, the first contact member 44 rotates about the rotation axis 44B with the second end 44D in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. Then, in the first contact member 44, the first end 44C and the second side surface 44F are spaced apart from the third inner surface 33B, and the second end 44D is spaced apart from the fourth inner surface 33C, but the first side surface 44E is in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. Furthermore, in the first contact member 44, a magnetic force acts between the first side surface 44E and the fourth inner surface 33C, making it easier to maintain the first side surface 44E in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C. In this way, the first abutment member 44 is separated from the third inner surface 33B, but abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C in a state where it presses the fourth inner surface 33C due to a pressing force corresponding to the user's pressing operation of the operating portion 42.

[0088] Furthermore, as the medium holding unit 34 moves downstream Y2 in the transport direction Y, the first base portion 38A of the engaging unit 38 abuts against the second inner surface 32C in the downstream direction Y2 in the transport direction Y. In the engaging unit 38, the second protruding piece 38C is located within the second recess 32E, the protrusion-side tapered surface 38D abuts against the guide-side tapered surface 32F, and the first protruding piece 38B is located outside the first recess 32D. In other words, the engaging unit 38 is located downstream Y2 in the transport direction Y within the first guide rail 32. The positioning of the second protruding piece 38C within the second recess 32E prevents the engaging unit 38 from slipping out of the first guide rail 32 upward Z1 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the abutment of the protrusion-side tapered surface 38D against the guide-side tapered surface 32F guides the medium holding unit 34 to move along the width direction X.

[0089] As a result, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the third state, the medium holding unit 34 is not fixed to the medium support unit 30. Furthermore, the medium holding unit 34 abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C with the abutment portion 43 pressing against the fourth inner surface 33C, and the engagement portion 38 abuts against the second inner surface 32C and the guide-side tapered surface 32F. As a result, the medium holding unit 34 does not tilt relative to the direction along the transport direction Y. In particular, even when the medium holding unit 34 moves in the width direction X, it does not tilt relative to the direction along the transport direction Y.

[0090] Furthermore, when the medium holding unit 34 is in the second state or the third state, when the user stops operating the operation unit 42, the elastic force of the elastic member 46 moves the contact unit 43 to the contact position, and the operation unit 42 is located in the first position. As a result, the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state without tilting relative to the direction along the transport direction Y, and is fixed to the medium support unit 30.

[0091] <Effects of the first embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) In conventional medium support mechanisms and printing devices, the medium holding unit is configured to abut against a support surface to hold the widthwise edge of the medium. When the medium holding unit is moved in the widthwise direction, frictional forces generated between the medium holding unit and the support surface can cause the medium holding unit to tilt away from the direction along the transport direction.

[0092] In particular, the media holding unit is typically curved along the transport direction so as to protrude toward the support surface, and is configured to abut the support surface at the center of the transport direction, thereby narrowing the contact area with the support surface. Furthermore, in conventional printing devices, there is a tendency to lengthen the dimensions of the liquid ejection head in the media transport direction to improve printing speed, which in turn requires a longer dimension of the media holding unit in the media transport direction. In such cases, the distance between the contact point with the support surface and the position operated by the operating unit increases. This increases the frictional moment generated between the media holding unit and the support surface when moving the media holding unit in the width direction. In such a situation, it was found that if the media holding unit completely separates from the guide rail at the end where the operating unit is located when moving the media holding unit in the width direction, the media holding unit would be significantly tilted away from the direction along the transport direction.

[0093] In light of this technical background, in this embodiment, the abutment portion 43 is movable between an abutment position where it abuts against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C while pressing against them, and a spaced position where it abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C and is spaced apart from the third inner surface 33B. The abutment portion 43 moves from the abutment position to the spaced position in conjunction with movement of the operation unit 42, which is operable by the user, from the first position to the second position. Therefore, by moving the operation unit 42 from the first position to the second position, the holding portion 37 can be moved along the second guide rail 33 in a state where the abutment portion 43 abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C and is spaced apart from the third inner surface 33B. In particular, when the user operates the operation unit 42 to move from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C, the external force applied to the operation unit 42 by the user's operation becomes a pressing force that causes the abutment portion 43 to press against the fourth inner surface 33C. Therefore, after the user operates the operation unit 42 to move from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C, the medium holding unit 34 can be moved along the second guide rail 33 with the abutment portion 43 still pressing against the fourth inner surface 33C. This allows the holding unit 37 to move along the second guide rail 33. In this way, even if frictional force is generated between the holding unit 37 and the support surface 31, the abutment portion 43, which is linked to the operation unit 42, abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C, thereby preventing the holding unit 37 from tilting with respect to the conveyance direction Y, thereby improving operability.

[0094] (2) When the abutment portion 43 is located at the abutment position, it abuts against the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C while pressing them due to the elastic force of the elastic member 46. Therefore, with a simple configuration using the elastic member 46, the elastic force of the elastic member 46 can fix the medium holding portion 34 to the medium support portion 30.

[0095] (3) The first abutting member 44 has a first side surface 44E that abuts against the fourth inner side surface 33C when the first abutting member 44 is located in the second separated position. The first side surface 44E is a magnet, and the fourth inner side surface 33C is a ferromagnetic material. When the abutting portion 43 is located in the separated position, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the fourth inner side surface 33C and the first side surface 44E is smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member 46. Therefore, when the operating unit 42 is located in the second position, the magnetic force acting between the fourth inner side surface 33C and the first side surface 44E can easily maintain the abutting portion 43 in a state where it abuts against the fourth inner side surface 33C. In addition, when the operating unit 42 is located in the second position, releasing the operation of the operating unit 42 can return the operating unit 42 from the second position to the first position against the magnetic force due to the elastic force of the elastic member 46, thereby improving operability.

[0096] (4) The longitudinal length L of each of the first and second contact members 44 and 45 is longer than the distance D between the third inner surface 33B and the fourth inner surface 33C in the transport direction Y. Each of the first and second contact members 44 and 45 is configured to expand in the width direction X from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C when positioned at the contact position. Therefore, by using the first and second contact members 44 and 45, whose longitudinal length L is longer than the distance D, as the contact portions 43, the medium holding unit 34 can be fixed to the medium support unit 30 by the elastic force of the elastic member 46.

[0097] Furthermore, conventional medium support mechanisms have a configuration in which a first contact member and a second contact member are aligned in the width direction, and a user pinches the first contact member and the second contact member in the width direction. In such a case, the first contact member and the second contact member are moved in response to the user's pinch operation, allowing the holding unit to move along the guide rail. With such a conventional configuration, it is not easy to maintain a balance between the external force applied to the first contact member and the external force applied to the second contact member, which can cause the medium holding unit to tilt away from the direction along the transport direction.

[0098] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45 are configured to expand in the width direction X when the operating portion 42 is moved in a direction from the third inner surface 33B toward the fourth inner surface 33C by a user's pressing operation. This makes it easy to maintain a balance between the external force applied to the first contact member 44 and the external force applied to the second contact member 45. This makes it possible to prevent the holding portion 37 from tilting with respect to the conveyance direction Y, improving operability.

[0099] (5) The first contact member 44 has a second end 44D that contacts the fourth inner surface 33C when the first contact member 44 is in the contact position, and the second end 44D has an arc shape. This allows the contact portion 43 to smoothly contact the fourth inner surface 33C, improving operability and preventing deterioration of the second end 44D due to wear.

[0100] (6) The operating unit 42 protrudes from the case 41 when located at the first position, and does not protrude from the case 41 when located at the second position. Therefore, by operating the operating unit 42 so that the operating unit 42 does not protrude from the case 41, the contact portion 43 can be moved to the first spaced position and the second spaced position, thereby improving operability.

[0101] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0102] The first side surface 44E may be made of a ferromagnetic material, and a magnet may be disposed on the fourth inner side surface 33C. In other words, it is preferable that either the first side surface 44E or the fourth inner side surface 33C is a magnet, and the other is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0103] The case 41 may include a guide portion that guides the movement of the operation portion 42 along the conveying direction Y. The rotation shaft 44B does not have to be formed integrally with the first abutment member 44. The rotation shaft 44B may be formed integrally with the operating unit 42. The rotation shaft 44B does not have to be formed integrally with the operating unit 42 and the first abutment member 44. In other words, it is sufficient that the abutment portion 43 moves in conjunction with the operating unit 42, and there may or may not be a power transmission member between the operating unit 42 and the abutment portion 43. In other words, it is sufficient that the abutment portion 43 can move in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 42, regardless of whether it is directly connected to the operating unit 42 or indirectly connected to the operating unit 42.

[0104] The elastic member 46 is not limited to a coil spring as long as an elastic force acts on the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45. The elastic member 46 may be provided separately as a first elastic member that applies an elastic force to the first contact member 44 and a second elastic member that applies an elastic force to the second contact member 45. In this case, the first elastic member may be connected to the second contact member 45 or a member other than the second contact member 45, as long as it is connected to at least the first contact member 44. The second elastic member may be connected to the first contact member 44 or a member other than the first contact member 44, as long as it is connected to at least the second contact member 45.

[0105] Casters may be provided on the first side surfaces 44E, 45E of the first contact member 44 and the second contact member 45. This allows the first side surfaces 44E, 45E to roll while in contact with the fourth inner surface 33C, making it easier to move the medium holding unit 34 in the width direction X.

[0106] When the medium holding unit 34 is in the third state, the engagement portion 38 does not have to abut against the first inner surface 32B and the second inner surface 32C. In this case, the first guide rail 32 may not have the second inner surface 32C. In other words, it is sufficient that the engagement portion 38 can engage with the first inner surface 32B when the medium holding unit 34 is in the first state and the second state.

[0107] The engagement portion 38 does not have to be configured to extend in the width direction X. In this case, it is sufficient that the engagement portion 38 can engage with the first guide rail 32 when the medium holding portion 34 is in the first state and the second state, and it is preferable that the engagement portion 38 has one or more surfaces along the width direction X. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first guide rail 32 be in surface contact with the engagement portion 38 when the medium holding portion 34 is in the first state and the second state.

[0108] When the medium holding unit 34 itself moves downstream Y2 in the transport direction Y in response to operation of the case 41 and the operating unit 42, the contact portion 43 may be positioned in the first spaced position. In this case, the rotation shaft 44B may be positioned at the end of the through hole 37C. In other words, as long as the contact portion 43 abuts against the fourth inner surface 33C and is positioned in a spaced position spaced apart from the third inner surface 33B, the contact portion 43 may be in surface contact or point contact with the fourth inner surface 33C.

[0109] After the medium holding unit 34 changes from the first state to the second state in response to the pressing operation of the operation unit 42, the medium holding unit 34 changes from the second state to the third state in response to the pressing operation of the case 41 and the operation unit 42, but this is not limited to this. For example, the medium holding unit 34 may change from the first state to the third state in response to the pressing operation of the case 41 and the operation unit 42 without passing through the second state.

[0110] The operating direction of the operating unit 42 may be the upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. In this case, the functions of the engaging unit 38, the switching mechanism 40, the first guide rail 32, and the second guide rail 33 may be reversed between the upstream Y1 and downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y. In other words, the first surface may be located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y and the second surface may be located downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y, or the first surface may be located downstream Y2 in the conveying direction Y and the second surface may be located upstream Y1 in the conveying direction Y. In this case, the fourth inner surface 33C is an example of the first surface, and the third inner surface 33B is an example of the second surface.

[0111] The switching mechanism 40 may be provided upstream Y1 of the holding unit 37 in the conveying direction Y. In this case, the positions of the first guide rail 32 and the second guide rail 33 may be interchanged. The engaging unit 38 may be provided downstream Y2 of the holding unit 37 in the conveying direction Y.

[0112] The contact portion 43 does not have to include a pair of contact members, and may include one or three or more contact members. In the above embodiment, a serial printer is used as the printing device 10, but this is not limited to a scanning printing device that moves a carriage 19 carrying a liquid ejection head 21. For example, a lateral printer may be used as the printing device 10. A lateral printer is a printer in which the carriage 19 can move in two directions, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0113] The printing device 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may be a dot impact printer. The printing method of the printing device 10 may be a laser method instead of an inkjet method.

[0114] The medium M is not limited to being unwound from a roll R. The medium M may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, or the like. The medium M may also be a towel, a shirt, or other clothing.

[0115] The printing device 10 is not limited to a printer, but may be a multifunction device that has a scanning mechanism and a copying function in addition to a printing function. [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0116] (A) A medium support mechanism includes a medium support section configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction, and a medium holding section configured to hold an edge of the medium supported by the medium support section in the width direction, where the direction intersecting the transport direction is defined as a width direction. The medium support section has a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction, a guide groove that extends along the width direction on the support surface, and an engaged section that is located upstream of the guide groove in the transport direction and intersects with the support surface. The guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface are engaged with the guide groove that extends in the width direction. The media holding portion has an inner wall of a groove and surfaces that face each other in the conveying direction, and the media holding portion has a holding portion that holds the end portion, an engaging portion that can engage with the engaged portion, an abutment portion that can move between an abutment position where it abuts against the first surface and the second surface while pressing against the first surface and the second surface, and a separated position where it abuts against the second surface and is separated from the first surface, and an operating portion that can be moved in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface toward the other relative to the holding portion by operation of the user, and the abutment portion moves from the abutment position to the separated position in conjunction with the movement of the operating portion in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0117] According to this configuration, by moving the operating unit in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, the contact portion can be changed to a state in which it contacts the second surface and is separated from the first surface. As a result, when the operating unit is moved in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface by a user's operation, the holding unit can be moved along the guide groove with the contact portion in contact with the second surface. In this way, even if frictional force is generated between the holding unit and the support surface, the contact portion, which is linked to the operating unit, can contact the second surface, thereby preventing the holding unit from tilting with respect to the conveyance direction, thereby improving operability.

[0118] (B) The medium holding portion may have an elastic member, and the abutment portion may be connected by the elastic member, and when positioned at the abutment position, the abutment portion may abut against the first surface and the second surface while pressing them with the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0119] According to this configuration, the medium holding portion can be fixed to the medium support portion by the elastic force of the elastic member, using a simple configuration that uses the elastic member. (C) The abutment portion has an abutment surface that abuts against the second surface when positioned at the separated position, one of the second surface and the abutment surface is a magnet, and the other of the second surface and the abutment surface is a ferromagnetic material, and when the abutment portion is positioned at the separated position, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the second surface and the abutment surface may be smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0120] According to this configuration, when the operating unit is located at the second position, the magnetic force acting between the second surface and the abutment surface can easily maintain the abutment portion in a state where it abuts against the second surface. In addition, when the operating unit is located at the second position, if the operation of the operating unit is released, the elastic force of the elastic member can return the operating unit from the second position to the first position against the magnetic force, thereby improving operability.

[0121] (D) The abutment portion may have a pair of abutment members, each of which has a base connected to the operating unit and an action portion connected to the elastic member, and may have a longitudinal dimension longer than the distance between the first surface and the second surface in the conveying direction, and may be configured such that when located at the abutment position, the base is located close to the first surface based on the longitudinal center, and when located at the abutment position, the action portion is located close to the second surface based on the longitudinal center, and may be configured to expand in the width direction from the first surface toward the second surface when located at the abutment position.

[0122] With this configuration, by using a pair of abutment members whose longitudinal dimension is longer than the distance between the first and second surfaces in the transport direction as the abutment portion, the medium holding portion can be fixed to the medium support portion by the elastic force of the elastic member. This also makes it easier to balance the external forces applied to the pair of abutment members. Therefore, tilting of the holding portion relative to the transport direction can be prevented, improving operability.

[0123] (E) The contact portion may have a contact end portion that contacts the second surface when the contact portion is located at the contact position, and the contact end portion may be arc-shaped. According to this configuration, it is possible to smoothly create a state in which the contact portion contacts the second surface, thereby improving operability and suppressing deterioration of the contact end portion due to wear.

[0124] (F) The medium holding unit has a case, and the operating unit is movable between a first position and a second position closer to the second surface than the first position, and may protrude from the case when positioned at the first position and not protrude from the case when positioned at the second position.

[0125] According to this configuration, by operating the operating portion so that the operating portion does not protrude from the case, the contact portion can be moved to the separated position, thereby improving operability. (G) A printing device includes a medium support unit configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction, a medium holding unit configured to hold an edge of the medium supported by the medium support unit in the width direction when a direction intersecting the transport direction is defined as a width direction, and a printing unit configured to print on the medium supported by the medium support unit, wherein the medium support unit has a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction, a guide groove that extends along the width direction on the support surface, and an engaged portion that is located upstream of the guide groove in the transport direction and intersects with the support surface, and the guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, and the second surfaces form inner walls of the guide grooves extending in the width direction and are surfaces facing each other in the transport direction, the medium holding unit has a holding unit that holds the end, an engaging unit that can engage with the engaged unit, a contact unit that is movable between a contact position where it contacts the first surface and the second surface while pressing against the first surface and the second surface and a separated position where it contacts the second surface and is separated from the first surface, and an operating unit that is movable in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface toward the other relative to the holding unit by a user's operation, and the contact unit moves from the contact position to the separated position in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface. This configuration achieves the same effect as (A).

[0126] (H) The medium support mechanism includes a medium support section configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction, and a medium holding section configured to hold an end portion in the width direction of the medium supported by the medium support section when a direction intersecting the transport direction is defined as a width direction, the medium support section having a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction, a guide groove extending along the width direction on the support surface, and an engaged portion that intersects with the support surface, the guide groove having a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface forming an inner wall of the guide groove extending in the width direction. the first and second surfaces are opposed to each other in the transport direction, and the medium holding unit has a holding unit that holds the end, an engaging unit that can engage with the engaged unit, a contact unit that is movable between a contact position where it contacts the first surface and the second surface while pressing them, and a spaced position where it contacts the second surface and is spaced from the first surface, and an operating unit that is movable in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface toward the other relative to the holding unit by a user's operation, and the contact unit moves from the contact position to the spaced position in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface. This configuration provides the same effect as (A). [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] M...medium, PA...printing area, R...roll body, 10...printing device, 11...medium support mechanism, 12...transport section, 13...printing section, 14...feed section, 14A...support shaft, 14B...feed motor, 15...transport roller pair, 15A...transport drive roller, 15B...transport driven roller, 16...transport motor, 17...winding section, 17A...winding shaft, 17B...winding motor, 17C...tensioning section, 18...guide shaft, 19...carrier Edge, 21...liquid ejection head, 22...nozzle, 30...medium support portion, 30A...first side end face, 30B...second side end face, 31...support surface, 32...first guide rail, 32A...first bottom face, 32B...first inner surface, 32C...second inner surface, 32D...first recess, 32E...second recess, 32F...guide-side tapered surface, 33...second guide rail, 33A...second bottom face, 33B...third inner surface, 33C...fourth inner surface, 33D...first Inclined surface, 33E...second inclined surface, 34...medium holding section, 35...first medium holding section, 35A...first holding section, 35B...first substrate section, 35C...first medium suppressing section, 36...second medium holding section, 36A...second holding section, 3 6B...Second board part, 36C...Second medium suppressing part, 37...Holding part, 37A...Bottom surface, 37B...Top surface, 37C...Through hole, 38...Engaging part, 38A...First base, 38B...First protruding piece, 38C...Second protruding piece, 38 D...protrusion-side tapered surface, 40...switching mechanism, 41...case, 41A...upstream end surface, 42...operation portion, 42A...operation surface, 42B...support portion, 43...contact portion, 44...first contact member, 44A...main body portion, 44B...rotating shaft, 44C...first end portion, 44D...second end portion, 44E...first side surface, 44F...second side surface, 44G...connecting portion, 45...second contact member, 45B...rotating shaft, 45E...first side surface, 45G...connecting portion, 46...elastic member

Claims

1. a medium support portion configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction; a medium holding section configured to hold an edge of the medium in a width direction of the medium supported by the medium support section, the edge being defined as a width direction intersecting the transport direction; Equipped with The medium support portion is a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction; a guide groove extending along the width direction on the support surface; an engaged portion located upstream of the guide groove in the conveying direction and intersecting with the support surface; and The guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface constitute inner walls of the guide groove extending in the width direction and are surfaces facing each other in the conveying direction, The medium holding unit a holding portion that holds the end portion; an engaging portion engageable with the engaged portion; a contact portion movable between a contact position where the contact portion contacts the first surface and the second surface while pressing the first surface and the second surface, and a spaced position where the contact portion contacts the second surface and is spaced from the first surface; an operation unit that is movable relative to the holding unit in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other by a user's operation; and the abutment portion moves from the abutment position to the separated position in conjunction with movement of the operation portion in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. A medium support mechanism comprising:

2. 2. The medium support mechanism according to claim 1, the medium holding portion has an elastic member, The abutment portion is connected by the elastic member, and when located at the abutment position, the abutment portion abuts against the first surface and the second surface while pressing the first surface and the second surface by the elastic force of the elastic member. A medium support mechanism comprising:

3. 3. The medium support mechanism according to claim 2, the abutment portion has an abutment surface that abuts against the second surface when the abutment portion is located at the separated position, one of the second surface and the contact surface is a magnet, the other of the second surface and the contact surface is made of a ferromagnetic material, When the abutment portion is located at the separated position, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the second surface and the abutment surface is smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member. A medium support mechanism comprising:

4. 4. The medium support mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The abutment portion has a pair of abutment members, Each of the pair of abutment members is a base portion connected to the operation portion and an action portion connected to the elastic member, a longitudinal dimension is longer than a distance between the first surface and the second surface in the conveying direction; When the base portion is located at the abutting position, the base portion is located at a position close to the first surface with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction, and when the base portion is located at the abutting position, the action portion is located at a position close to the second surface with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction, When the contact portion is located at the contact position, the contact portion is configured to expand in the width direction from the first surface toward the second surface. A medium support mechanism comprising:

5. The medium support mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the abutment portion has an abutment end portion that abuts against the second surface when the abutment portion is located at the abutment position, The abutting end portion has an arc shape. A medium support mechanism comprising:

6. The medium support mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the medium holding unit has a case, the operation unit is movable between a first position and a second position that is closer to the second surface than the first position, and protrudes from the case when located at the first position, and does not protrude from the case when located at the second position; A medium support mechanism comprising:

7. a medium support portion configured to support a medium transported in a transport direction; a medium holding section configured to hold an edge of the medium in a width direction of the medium supported by the medium support section, the edge being defined as a width direction intersecting the transport direction; a printing unit configured to print on a medium supported by the medium support unit; Equipped with The medium support portion is a support surface that supports the medium transported in the transport direction; a guide groove extending along the width direction on the support surface; an engaged portion located upstream of the guide groove in the conveying direction and intersecting with the support surface; and The guide groove has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface constitute inner walls of the guide groove extending in the width direction and are surfaces facing each other in the conveying direction, The medium holding unit a holding portion that holds the end portion; an engaging portion engageable with the engaged portion; a contact portion movable between a contact position where the contact portion contacts the first surface and the second surface while pressing the first surface and the second surface, and a spaced position where the contact portion contacts the second surface and is spaced from the first surface; an operation unit that is movable relative to the holding unit in a direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other by a user's operation; and the abutment portion moves from the abutment position to the separated position in conjunction with movement of the operation portion in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. A printing device characterized by:

Images