PRINTING APPARATUS

A printing apparatus includes a printing head discharging ink onto a recording medium, a recording medium support unit supporting the recording medium by a support surface, an air intake unit sucking air from suction holes, and a suction region alteration unit. The suction region alteration unit includes a first guide member and a second guide member disposed side by side, a first mobile body movable along the first guide member, a second mobile body movable along the second guide member, a synchronization mechanism synchronizing the movement of the first mobile body and the movement of the second mobile body, a first blocking structure movable together with the first mobile body and the second mobile body and including a first sheet having flexibility, and a first accommodation unit accommodating at least a portion of the first sheet.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2022-043921, filed Mar. 18, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

2. Related Art

In known art, in printing apparatuses that suction a recording medium to a platen including a plurality of suction holes and perform printing on the suctioned recording medium, a printing apparatus is known that can change an effective suction area, over which the recording medium can be suctioned, in accordance with a width of the recording medium. For example, JP-A-2000-153604 discloses an ink jet recording device capable of changing an effective suction area by moving a blocking body, which blocks suction holes, in a direction intersecting a transport direction of a recording medium.

In a printing apparatus as disclosed in JP-A-2000-153604, when a flat plate-shaped blocking body is used, a large space is required for housing the blocking body, and there is a problem that it is difficult to downsize a mechanism for closing the suction holes. Further, when a flexible sheet-like blocking body is used, there is a problem that it is difficult to move the blocking body such that the blocking body is not in a position of being inclined with respect to the transport direction of the recording medium.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus including a transport unit configured to transport a recording medium along a first direction, a printing head configured to discharge ink onto the recording medium, a recording medium support unit including a support surface and configured to support the recording medium by the support surface, the support surface facing the printing head with a transport path of the recording medium interposed between the printing head and the support surface, an air intake unit configured to suck air, and a suction region alteration unit, wherein the support surface is constituted by a surface extending along the first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and includes a suction region provided with a plurality of suction holes, the air intake unit sucks air from the plurality of suction holes via a duct disposed at a surface on an opposite side from the support surface, the suction region alteration unit includes a first guide member and a second guide member that are members extending in the second direction and that are disposed side by side in the first direction with the recording medium support unit interposed between the first guide member and the second guide member, a first mobile body configured to move along the first guide member, a second mobile body configured to move along the second guide member, a synchronization mechanism configured to synchronize movement of the first mobile body and movement of the second mobile body, a first blocking structure including a first suspension portion suspended between the first mobile body and the second mobile body, and a first sheet having flexibility and coupled to the first suspension portion, and a first accommodation unit accommodating at least a portion of the first sheet, a position, of the first suspension portion, facing the support surface is movable in the second direction together with the first mobile body and the second mobile body, the first sheet extends to one side in the second direction from the first suspension portion, and is larger than the suction region in the first direction, the first accommodation unit is disposed on the one side in the second direction of the recording medium support unit, and an opening of the first accommodation unit is at a position not overlapping the suction region in plan view, and the first sheet accommodated in the first accommodation unit is configured to be pulled out to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region in plan view by the first mobile body being moved in a direction away from the first accommodation unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1. Overall Configuration

FIG.1is a perspective view of a printing apparatus1according to an embodiment. The printing apparatus1is a device for performing printing on a recording medium M.

FIG.1illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are mutually orthogonal. The Z-axis is an axis extending in the up-down direction, and can also be said to be an axis extending in the vertical direction. The X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following description, a direction along the X-axis is the front-rear direction, and a direction along the Y-axis is the left-right direction. Specifically, the positive direction along the Z-axis is referred to as an upward direction, the positive direction along the X-axis is referred to as a forward direction, and the positive direction along the Y-axis is referred to as a rightward direction. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis inFIG.1indicate the same direction in each of the drawings described below. Note that the direction along the X-axis, that is, the front-rear direction, corresponds to an example of a “second direction”. Further, the direction along the Y-axis, that is, the left-right direction corresponds to an example of a “first direction”.

The printing apparatus1is provided with a housing10. The housing10is a hollow box body constituted by a frame-shaped frame and panels fixed to the frame. The housing10stores each of devices, such as a carriage50, a platen71, a wiper mechanism21, a flushing mechanism23, and a cap mechanism25described below, a roll medium R1, and a roll-shaped printed material R2. The interior of the housing10is divided into three, namely, a medium storage unit10a, a printing unit10b, and a printed material storage unit10c.

The medium storage unit10ais positioned at a left portion of the housing10. A medium mounting unit31is provided at the medium storage unit10a. The medium mounting portion31is a cylindrical rod extending in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the housing10.

The roll medium R1is accommodated in the medium storage unit10a. The roll medium R1is configured by rolling the recording medium M, which is a long belt-shaped sheet, into a roll shape, and is mounted to the medium mounting unit31by hand by an operator. The medium mounting portion31passes through the center of the roll medium31, and rotatably supports the roll medium R1. The recording medium M is pulled out from the roll medium R1, is guided by a plurality of rollers33, and is transported to a printing position. At the printing position, ink is discharged onto the recording medium M by a printing head51, and printing is performed on the recording medium M. The recording medium M after printing is wound up by a winding unit35disposed in the printed material storage unit10c, and is rolled into a roll shape to form the roll-shaped printed material R2. Thereafter, the roll-shaped printed material R2is removed from the winding unit35by hand by the operator, and is carried to the outside of the housing10of the printing apparatus1.

The rollers33are rotatably supported by the housing10. The printing apparatus1is provided with the plurality of rollers33, and at least some of the rollers33are rotated by the power of a transport motor34, and transport the recording medium M. Further, the recording medium M is pulled by the power of a winding motor35bthat drives the winding unit35, and is transported. InFIG.1, the transport direction of the recording medium M is indicated by a reference sign F. The transport direction F is a direction along the left-right direction of the printing apparatus1. The rollers33, the transport motor34, and the winding unit35correspond to an example of a “transport unit” that transports the recording medium M in the transport direction F.

The printing unit10bis a compartment positioned to the right of the medium storage unit10a, and is positioned at the center in the left-right direction of the housing10. In the printing unit10b, the carriage50and the platen71are provided so as to sandwich the recording medium M transported along the rollers33from above and below, and the wiper mechanism21, the flushing mechanism23, and the cap mechanism25are provided on the left side of the platen71. The housing10can open and close to the front of the printing unit10b, and the operator can access the devices inside the printing unit10b.

The carriage50is a carriage that is movably supported by a carriage guide53, which is a shaft extending in the left-right direction, and is provided above the platen71. The carriage50is driven by the power of a carriage motor (not illustrated), and moves in the left-right direction. The printing head51is mounted to a lower portion of the carriage50. The printing head51is provided with piezo actuators (not illustrated), and with nozzles. By driving the piezo actuators, the printing head51discharges ink from the nozzles opening in the lower surface of the printing head51.

The platen71is a substantially flat plate-shaped member. The upper surface of the platen71faces the printing head51and a transport path of the recording medium M, and is a support surface71athat supports the recording medium M. The platen71corresponds to an example of a “recording medium support unit”. The support surface71ais a flat surface along the front-rear direction, and the horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, and a portion of the support surface71amay be a curved surface.

A plurality of suction holes71bpenetrating in the vertical direction are provided on the support surface71a. The suction hole71bis a hole that is sufficiently smaller than the recording medium M. In the support surface71b, a region in which the plurality of suction holes71bare provided is defined as a suction region B.

The suction hole71bcommunicates with a back surface71c, which is the surface on the opposite side from the support surface71a, and with a space above the support surface71a. The suction hole71bcommunicates with an internal space of an air intake duct73formed at the back surface71cside of the platen71. The air intake duct73is a hollow duct, and the upper end of the intake duct73is closely adhered to the back surface71c, in a range containing the suction region B in plan view. The lower end of the air intake duct73is coupled to a suction port of a blower75.

The blower75is provided with a motor (not illustrated), and an impeller (not illustrated) that is coupled to a rotary shaft of the motor. The blower75drives the motor to rotate the impeller, and thereby sucks air from the suction port. The air sucked by the blower75is discharged from an exhaust port provided at the lower end of the blower75, and is discarded through an exhaust duct77. In this way, air is sucked from the suction holes71bthrough the air intake duct73by the operation of the blower75. The blower75corresponds to an example of an “air intake unit”. The air intake duct73corresponds to an example of a “duct”.

When the blower75sucks air while the recording medium M is supported on the support surface71a, a negative pressure is generated between the suction holes71band the recording medium M, and the recording medium M is suctioned to the support surface71a. As a result, a state is obtained in which the recording medium M is suctioned to the support surface71abelow the printing head51, and an appropriate gap is secured between the nozzles of the printing head51and the recording medium M. In this way, the printing quality of the printing apparatus1can be stabilized.

The printing apparatus1is provided with the suction region alteration unit40in the printing unit10b. By covering a portion of the suction holes71bpositioned in the suction region B, the suction region alteration unit40inhibits the sucking of air from the suction holes71b.

For example, when a width of the recording medium M is narrower than a width in the front-rear direction of the suction region B, of the suction holes71bpositioned in the suction region B, the suction holes71bpositioned to the outside, in the front-rear direction, of the suction region B do not overlap the recording medium M, and are in an open state. In this case, since air flows freely in some of the suction holes71b, the negative pressure generated in the air intake duct73by the blower75is attenuated by air intake from the suction holes71bthat do not overlap the recording medium M. Thus, a suction force for suctioning the recording medium M to the support surface71ais reduced. The suction region alteration unit40suppresses the attenuation of the suction force at the support surface71aby inhibiting the sucking of air in the suction holes71bat positions that do not overlap the recording medium M. In this way, when printing is performed on the recording medium M that is narrower in width than the suction region B, the recording medium M can be reliably suctioned by the support surface71a, and the printing can be performed with a stable quality.

The wiper mechanism21wipes a nozzle surface of the printing head51by advancing a wiper blade (not illustrated) to a path of the printing head51. The flushing mechanism23is provided with an ink receptor that receives ink discharged by a flushing operation of the printing head51, and a pump that transmits waste ink stored in the ink receptor to a waste ink tank. The cap mechanism25is provided with a concave-shaped cap that engages with the nozzle surface of the printing head51. The cap mechanism25prevents drying of the ink by causing a cap to cover the printing head51when the printing head51is standing by for printing. Further, the cap mechanism25includes a suction pump that sucks the ink inside the cap. The cap mechanism25has a function to perform suction, using the suction pump, in a state in which the cap is engaged with the printing head51, and perform cleaning of the nozzles.

The carriage50is movable in the left-right direction to a position overlapping the wiper mechanism21, the flushing mechanism23, and the cap mechanism25in plan view. Further, the wiper mechanism21, the flushing mechanism23, and the cap mechanism25are normally respectively moved downward to a position that does not interfere with the carriage50. The wiper mechanism21, the flushing mechanism23, and the cap mechanism25move upward to a position that interferes with the printing head51, as necessary, by an actuator provided in each.

The winding unit35, which includes a cylindrical winding shaft35aextending in the front-rear direction and the winding motor35b, is disposed in the printed material storage unit10c. The winding motor35bis a motor that rotates the winding shaft35a.

2. Configuration of Suction Region Alteration Unit

FIG.2is a perspective view of the suction region alteration unit40.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the suction region alteration unit40, and illustrates a cross-section perpendicular to the left-right direction.FIG.4is an enlarged perspective view of the suction region alteration unit40.FIG.5is a side view of the suction region alteration unit40, and illustrates the suction region alteration unit40as viewed from the front.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the suction region alteration unit40is provided with a first guide member41a, a second guide member41b, a first mobile body43a, a second mobile body43b, a first blocking structure45, and a first accommodation unit47. By moving the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43balong the first guide member41aand the second guide member41b, the suction region alteration unit40covers a portion of the suction region B using the first blocking structure45. The first accommodation unit47accommodates a portion of the first blocking structure45.

The first guide member41a, and the second guide member41bare members extending in the front-rear direction, and are disposed side by side in the left-right direction with the platen71sandwiched therebetween. The first guide member41ais disposed to the right of the platen71, and the second guide member41bis disposed on the left of the platen71.

The first mobile body43ais configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the first guide member41a, and is fixed to a first belt42ato be described below. The second mobile body43bis configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the second guide member41b, and is fixed to a second belt42bto be described below. A pin43cis provided penetrating the first mobile body43ain the vertical direction. The pin43cfits into a long hole44aincluded in a sliding guide44. The sliding guide44is provided along the front-rear direction and is a member including the long hole44a. The long hole44ais provided in a range overlapping a front half of the support surface71ain the front-rear direction. The pin43cfunctions as a screw, and by tightening this screw, the first mobile body43acan be fixed at any desired position in the long hole44a. As a result, the first mobile body43acan be fixed at any desired position in the front half of the support surface71a.

The first blocking structure45includes a first suspension portion45aand a first sheet45b. The first suspension portion45ais suspended between the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43b. The first suspension portion45aextends along the left-right direction, is constituted by a resin band facing the support surface71a, and has flexibility. A position of the first suspension portion45awith respect to the support surface71acan be moved together with the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43b.

The first sheet45bis a sheet having flexibility, and is a synthetic resin, for example. The first sheet45bmay be a sheet having low air permeability. Specifically, the air permeability of the first sheet45bis low to a degree that, when the first sheet45boverlaps the suction holes71b, the first sheet45bimparts a ventilation resistance to an air flow passing through the suction holes71b. The first sheet45bmay block the suction holes71band block the air flow through the suction holes71b. A width W in the left-right direction of the first sheet45bis greater than a width Wb in the left-right direction of the suction region B. The rear end of the first sheet45bis coupled to the first suspension portion45a, and the front end of the first sheet45bis fixed to the first accommodation unit47. In other words, the first sheet45bextends from the first suspension portion45ato the front in the front-rear direction. The front is an example of “one side in the second direction”. The front end of the first sheet45bcorresponds to an example of “one end of a first sheet”. The rear end of the first sheet portion45bcorresponds to “another end of the first sheet”. As described below, as a result of the first suspension portion45amoving in the rearward direction together with the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43b, the first sheet45bis pulled to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first accommodation unit47is disposed to the front of the platen71, at a position where at least an opening portion thereof does not overlap the suction region B in plan view. The first accommodation unit47accommodates a portion of the first sheet45b. The first accommodation unit47extends across the width W of the first sheet45bin the left-right direction. The first accommodation unit47is provided with a sheet fixing portion47c, a pulling out portion47d, a first weight47b, and first grooves47a.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the sheet fixing portion47cis a plate-like portion that is positioned at the front end of the first accommodation unit47and extends across the width of the first accommodation unit47in the left-right direction. The sheet fixing portion47cis fixed to the front end of the first sheet45bover the entire left-right direction of the first sheet45b, using screw fastenings, for example.

The pulling out portion47dis a curved plate-like portion that is positioned at the rear end of the first accommodation unit47and extends across the width of the first accommodation unit47in the left-right direction. The upper end of the pulling out portion47dextends along the support surface71aof the platen71and the lower end extends along edges of the first grooves47a. As described below, the pulling out portion47dguides the first sheet45bpulled from the first grooves47ato the support surface71a. In other words, the pulling out portion47dis a portion from which the first sheet45bis pulled out.

The first groove47ais a groove that opens upward between the sheet fixing portion47cand the pulling out portion47d. An opening above the first groove47aconstitutes the opening portion of the first accommodation unit47. The first grooves47aare disposed at both ends of the first accommodation unit47in the front-rear direction. The first groove47ais formed so as to be inclined rearward in the upward to downward direction. In other words, in the front-rear direction, when seen from the upper end of the first groove47a, the lower end of the first groove47ais in a direction closer to the center of the platen71. The first groove47acorresponds to an example of a “weight guide”.

The first weight47bis an independent member having a shaft shape that fits into the first grooves47a, and extends in the left-right direction. More specifically, the first weight47bis constituted by a rod-shaped portion having a cylindrical shape whose length in the left-right direction is substantially equivalent to a space between the pair of first grooves47a, and by retaining portions, which are disposed to the outside from both ends of the rod-shaped portion in the left and right directions, and which are larger than the width of the first grooves47a. When fitted into the first grooves47a, the first weight47bcan move diagonally upward and downward. In other words, the first grooves47aare grooves that fit with the ends of the first weight47band support the first weight47bto be movable diagonally upward and downward.

The front end of the first sheet45bis fixed to the sheet fixing portion47c, and the rear end of the first sheet45bis coupled to the first suspension portion45a, and overlaps the first grooves47ain plan view. Under its own weight, the first weight47bpresses the first sheet45bdownward, from above the first sheet45b, between the sheet fixing portion47cand the pulling out portion47d, and causes the first sheet45bto bend. As a result, a portion of the first sheet45bis accommodated in the first accommodation unit47.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the suction region alteration unit40is further provided with a synchronization mechanism42that synchronizes movement of the first mobile body43aand movement of the second mobile body43b. The synchronization mechanism42includes a first belt42a, a second belt42b, a coupling member42s, a first pulley42saand a second pulley42sb. The first pulley42saand the second pulley42sbare pulleys having the same size as each other.

The first belt42ais an annular belt disposed along the first guide member41aand is stretched between the first pulley42saand a third pulley42c. The first pulley42saand the third pulley42care both pulleys capable of rotating around an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first pulley42sais disposed at the rear end side of the first guide member41a, and the third pulley42cis disposed to the front end side of the first guide member41a. In the first belt42a, a portion coupling the upper end of the first pulley42saand the upper end of the third pulley42cis a first belt upper portion42aU. Further, in the first belt42a, a portion coupling the lower end of the first pulley42saand the lower end of the third pulley42cis a first belt lower portion42aL.

The first mobile body43ais fixed to the front portion of the first belt upper portion42aU. The first mobile body43amoves in the front-rear direction along the first guide member41aalong with the rotation of the first belt42a. Expressed in reverse, the first belt42arotates as a result of the first mobile body43amoving along the first guide member41a. Further, the first pulley42sarotates as a result of the movement of the first belt42a. The front end side of the first guide member41acorresponds to an example of “one end side of a first guide member”. The rear end side of the first guide member41acorresponds to an example of “another end side of the first guide member”. Further, the first pulley42saand the third pulley42ctogether correspond to an example of a “pair of pulleys”.

The second belt42bis an annular belt disposed along the second guide member41band is stretched between the second pulley42sband a fourth pulley42d. The second pulley42sband the fourth pulley42dare both pulleys capable of rotating around an axis extending in the left-right direction. In the second belt42b, a portion coupling the upper end of the second pulley42sband the upper end of the fourth pulley42dis a second belt upper portion42bU. Further, in the second belt42b, a portion coupling the lower end of the second pulley42sband the lower end of the fourth pulley42din the second belt42bis a second belt lower portion42bL.

The second mobile body43bis fixed to the front portion of the second belt upper portion42bU. The second mobile body43bmoves in the front-rear direction along the second guide member41balong with the rotation of the second belt42b. Expressed in reverse, the second belt42brotates as a result of the second mobile body43bmoving along the second guide member41b. Further, the second pulley42sbrotates as a result of the movement of the second belt42b.

The coupling member42sis a shaft coupling the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb. The coupling member42stransmits torque between the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb, and rotates these pulleys in the same direction. In other words, when the first belt42arotates along with the movement of the first mobile body43a, the coupling member42stransmits the rotation of the first belt42ato the second belt42bvia the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb. Therefore, the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43bmove in synchronization with each other, and the first suspension portion45aand the first sheet45balso follow this movement. In this way, the suction region alteration unit40is configured such that the first sheet45baccommodated in the first accommodation unit47can be pulled out to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B by causing the first mobile body43ato move in a direction away from the first accommodation unit47. Further, as a result of the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43bmoving in synchronization with each other, the first blocking structure45moves in the second direction while maintaining a state of being parallel to the ends in the width direction of the recording medium M. Thus, the size of a region covered by the first sheet45bin the suction region B can be changed in accordance with the width of the recording medium M, in a way in which this region does not become a shape that is inclined with respect to the ends in the width direction of the recording medium M.

In the present embodiment, the center in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M is configured to pass through a center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71aillustrated inFIG.3. Therefore, the suction region adjustment portion40is also configured to cover the suction holes71bfrom both sides in the front-rear direction with the support surface71ainterposed therebetween. As illustrated inFIG.2, the suction region alteration unit40is further provided with a third mobile body63a, a fourth mobile body63b, a second blocking structure65, and a second accommodation unit67.

The third mobile body63ais configured to be movable along the first guide member41a. A position in the front-rear direction of the third mobile body63ais a position that is symmetrical to the first mobile body43awith reference to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a. The third mobile body63ais fixed to the first belt lower portion42aL. Thus, the first mobile body43afixed to the first belt upper portion42aU and the third mobile body63afixed to the first belt lower portion42aL are moved, by the rotation of the first belt42a, in a direction separating from each other or in a direction approaching each other. At this time, movement distances of the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63aare the same as each other. The first belt42acorresponds to an example of an “endless belt”.

The fourth mobile body63bis configured to be movable along the second guide member41b. The position of the fourth mobile body63bin the front-rear direction is a position that is symmetrical to the second mobile body43bwith reference to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a. As illustrated inFIG.4, the fourth mobile body63bis fixed to the second belt lower portion42bL. Therefore, by the rotation of the second belt42b, the fourth mobile body63b, and the second mobile body42bfixed to the second belt upper portion42bU are moved by the same distance in opposing directions to each other.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the second blocking structure65includes a second suspension portion65aand a second sheet65b. The second suspension portion65ais suspended between the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63b. The second suspension portion65aextends along the left-right direction, is constituted by a resin band facing the support surface71a, and has flexibility. A position of the second suspension portion65awith respect to the support surface71acan be moved in the front-rear direction together with the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63b.

As described above, the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63a, and the second mobile body43band the fourth mobile body63bare each positioned to be symmetrical to each other with reference to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.3, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare located at positions separated from the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71aby the same distance D.

The second sheet65bis a sheet having flexibility, and is a synthetic resin, for example. The second sheet65bmay be a sheet having low air permeability. The air permeability of the second sheet65bis low to a degree that, when the second sheet65boverlaps the suction holes71b, the second sheet65bimparts a ventilation resistance to an air flow passing through the suction holes71b. The second sheet65bmay block the suction holes71band block the air flow through the suction holes71b. The width W in the left-right direction of the second sheet65bis the same as the width W in the left-right direction of the first sheet45b, and is greater than the width Wb in the left-right direction of the suction region B. The front end of the second sheet65bis coupled to the second suspension portion65a, and the rear end of the second sheet65bis fixed to the second accommodation unit67. In other words, the second sheet65bextends from the second suspension portion65ato the rear in the front-rear direction. The rear corresponds to an example of “another side in the second direction”. Accordingly, as described below, as a result of the second suspension portion65amoving in the forward direction together with the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63b, the second sheet65bis pulled to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B.

The second accommodation unit67accommodates a portion of the second sheet65b. The second accommodation unit67is disposed to the rear of the platen71, that is, on the opposite side from the first accommodation unit47with respect to the platen71in the front-rear direction, and is provided at a position where at least the opening thereof does not overlap the suction region B in plan view. The second accommodation unit67extends across the width W of the second sheet65bin the left-right direction. The second accommodation unit67is provided with a second sheet fixing portion67c, a second pulling out portion67d, a second weight67b, and second grooves67a.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second sheet fixing portion67cis a plate-like portion that is positioned at the rear end of the second accommodation unit67and extends across the width of the second accommodation unit67in the left-right direction. The second sheet fixing portion67cis fixed to the rear end of the second sheet65bover the entire left-right direction of the second sheet65b, using screw fastenings, for example.

The second pulling out portion67dis a curved plate-like portion that is positioned at the front end of the second accommodation unit67and extends across the width of the second accommodation unit67in the left-right direction. The upper end of the second pulling out portion67dextends along the support surface71aof the platen71and the lower end extends along edges of the second grooves67a.

The second groove67ais a groove that opens upward between the second seat fixing portion67cand the second pulling out portion67d. An opening above the second groove67aconstitutes the opening portion of the second accommodation unit67. The second grooves67aare formed as a pair, at both ends of the second accommodation unit67in the left-right direction. The second groove67ais formed so as to be inclined forward in the upward to downward direction. In other words, in the front-rear direction, when seen from the upper end of the second groove67a, the lower end of the second groove67ais in a direction closer to the center of the platen71.

The second weight67bis an independent member having a shaft shape that fits into the second grooves67a, and extends in the left-right direction. More specifically, the second weight67bis constituted by a rod-shaped portion having a cylindrical shape whose length in left-right direction is substantially equivalent to a space between the pair of second grooves67a, and by retaining portions, which are disposed to the outside from both ends of the rod-shaped portion in the left and right directions, and which are larger than the width of the second grooves67a. When fitted into the second grooves67a, the second weight67bcan move diagonally upward and downward.

The rear end of the second sheet65bis fixed to the second sheet fixing portion67c, and the front end of the second sheet65bis coupled to the second suspension portion65a, and overlaps the second grooves67ain plan view. Under its own weight, the second weight67bpresses the second sheet65bdownward, from above the second sheet65b, between the second sheet fixing portion67cand the second pulling out portion67d, and causes the second sheet65bto bend. As a result, a portion of the second sheet65bis accommodated in the second accommodation unit67.

As described above, the third mobile body63ais fixed to the first belt42a, and the fourth mobile body63bis fixed to the second belt42b. Accordingly, when the first belt42arotates along with the movement of the third mobile body63a, the coupling member42stransmits the rotation of the first belt42ato the second belt42b, via the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb. Thus, the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63bmove in synchronization with each other, and the second suspension portion65aand the second sheet portion65balso follow this movement. In this way, the suction region alteration unit40is configured such that the second sheet65baccommodated in the second accommodation unit67can be pulled out to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B by causing the third mobile body63ato move in a direction away from the second accommodation unit67. Further, as a result of the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63bmoving in synchronization with each other, the second blocking structure65moves in the second direction while maintaining a state of being parallel to the ends in the width direction of the recording medium M. Thus, the size of a region covered by the second sheet65bin the suction region B can be changed in accordance with the width of the recording medium M in a way in which this region does not become a shape that is inclined with respect to the ends in the width direction of the recording medium M.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first guide member41a, the first pulley42sa, and the third pulley42cdescribed above are respectively fixed to a first base plate48aprovided to the right of the platen71. The first base plate48ais a plate provided parallel to the support surface71a. Two air cylinders46are provided below the first base plate48a. The air cylinder46is provided with a movable portion that is movable in the up-down direction, and supports the first base plate48aby the movable portion. An air tank and a speed controller (not illustrated) are coupled to the air cylinder46, and the movable portion of the air cylinder46moves up and down by an operator operating the air cylinder46via an operation unit (not illustrated). The speed controller controls the movement speed of the air cylinder46in the up and down directions, based on an operation instruction of the air cylinder46. By operating the movable portions of the air cylinders46up and down, the first base plate48amoves up and down.

Similarly, the second guide member41b, the second pulley42sb, and the fourth pulley42dare fixed to a second base plate48bprovided to the left of the platen71. The second base plate48bis a plate provided parallel to the support surface71a. The second base plate48bis supported from below by the movable portions of the two air cylinders46. By operating the movable portions of the air cylinders46up and down, the second base plate48bmoves up and down.

When the movable portions of the air cylinders46are positioned at the lowest position, as illustrated inFIG.5, the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63aare respectively positioned below the support surface71a. Similarly, when the movable portions of the air cylinders46are positioned at the lowest position, the second mobile body43band the fourth mobile body63bare positioned below the support surface71a. At this time, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65arespectively come into contact with the support surface71afrom above, and extend diagonally downward at the left and right of the support surface71a.

Further, when the movable portions of the air cylinders46are positioned at the highest position, the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63aare respectively positioned above the support surface71a. Similarly, when the movable portions of the air cylinders46are positioned at the highest position, the second mobile body43band the fourth mobile body63bare respectively positioned above the support surface71a. In this case, as indicated by dashed lines inFIG.5, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare respectively separated upward from the support surface71a.

3. Operation of Printing Apparatus

3.1. Operation When Width of Recording Medium Is Changed

Here, an operation will be described, in the printing apparatus1, when the size of the recording medium M is changed.

When the new recording medium M is set, the operator operates the operation unit and moves the movable portions of the air cylinders46to the highest position. At this time, the first sheet45band the second sheet65bare pushed, from above, into the first grooves47aand the second grooves67a, by the first weight47band the second weight67b. In this way, a portion of the first sheet45band a portion of the second sheet65bare automatically accommodated in the first accommodation unit47and the second accommodation unit67, respectively. Further, in this state, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare separated upward from the support surface71a. Further, on the support surface71a, the recording medium M is pulled in the left-right direction while being in contact with the support surface71a. Thus, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare respectively positioned above the recording medium M.

In this state, the operator moves the first mobile body43ain the front-rear direction along the first guide member41a. When the first mobile body43amoves in the front-rear direction, the first belt42afixed to the first mobile body43arotates. Therefore, in synchronization with the movement of the first mobile body43a, the third mobile body63aalso moves in the front-rear direction along the first guide member41a. At this time, the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63amove, symmetrically with respect to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a, in the direction separating from each other or in the direction approaching each other.

Further, the first pulley42sarotates along with the rotation of the first belt42a. As a result, the coupling member42sand the second pulley42sbrotate in the same direction as the first pulley42sa. Thus, in synchronization with the rotation of the first belt42a, the second belt42brotates by the same movement amount in the same direction. Accordingly, the first mobile body43a, the second mobile body43b, the third mobile body63a, and the fourth mobile body63bmove in synchronization with each other. Since the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43bmove in the same direction by the same movement amount, the first suspension portion45aalways extends along the left-right direction. Similarly, since the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63bmove in the same direction by the same movement amount, the second suspension portion65aalways extends along the left-right direction. Further, as described above, since the second mobile body43band the fourth mobile body63bare in positions symmetrical to each other with reference to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare always in positions symmetrical to each other with reference to the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a.

Accordingly, by operating only the first mobile body43ain the front-rear direction, the operator can move the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aat the same time in the direction in which the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare separated from each other, or in the direction in which the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aapproach each other.

The operator moves the second mobile body43bso that the ends in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M, the first suspension portion45a, and the second suspension portion65aslightly overlap each other. In this state, the operator operates the operation unit and moves the movable portions of the air cylinders46to the lowest position. As a result, as illustrated inFIG.6, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65apress the ends in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M from above. At this time, the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65aare at positions separated from the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71aby the same distance Dl. Additionally, the entire surface of the suction region B is covered by the recording medium M, the first blocking structure45, and the second blocking structure65from above. Furthermore, a state is obtained in which tension is applied to the first sheet45band the second sheet65bby the first weight47band the second weight67b. Thus, the first sheet45band the second sheet65bcover the suction region B without becoming slack. The printing can be performed at the end of the above operation. At the time of printing, the recording medium M is transported so as to pass between the support surface71aand the first suspension portion45a, and between the support surface71aand the second suspension portion65a.

3.2. Operation at Time of Printing

At the time of printing by the printing apparatus1, the blower75is driven under the control of a control unit (not illustrated), and a negative pressure is generated in the air intake duct73. In this way, air suction through the suction holes71bis started. At this time, a portion of the suction region B overlaps the recording medium M, and a suction force for suctioning the recording medium M to the support surface71ais generated in the suction holes71b. Then, the suction holes71bnot overlapping the recording medium M in the suction region B are covered by the first blocking structure45and the second blocking structure65. Since ventilation is inhibited in these suction holes71b, negative pressure in the air intake duct73is less likely to be lost due to the opening of the suction holes71b, and the recording medium M is strongly suctioned to the support surface71a.

Further, the ends in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M are pressed against the support surface71afrom above by the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65a. Thus, the recording medium M adheres closely to the support surface71awithout curling at the ends in the front-rear direction.

4. Effects and the Like

As described above, the printing apparatus1according to the embodiment includes the winding unit35that transports the recording medium M along the left-right direction, and the printing head51that discharges the ink onto the recording medium M. Further, the printing apparatus1includes the support surface71athat faces the printing head51with the transport path of the recording medium M interposed therebetween, and includes the platen71that supports the recording medium M by the support surface71a. Furthermore, the printing apparatus1includes the blower75that sucks air, and the suction region alteration unit40. The support surface71ais constituted by a surface along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction orthogonal to the left-right direction, and includes the suction region B provided with the plurality of suction holes71b. The blower75sucks air from the suction holes71bvia the air intake duct73disposed at the back surface71con the opposite side from the support surface71a. The suction region alteration unit40is a member extending in the front-rear direction, and includes the first guide member41aand the second guide member41bdisposed side-by-side in the left-right direction with the platen71interposed therebetween. Further, the suction region alteration unit40is provided with the first mobile body43athat is movable along the first guide member41a, the second mobile body43bthat is movable along the second guide member41b, and the synchronization mechanism42that synchronizes the movement of the first mobile body43aand the movement of the second mobile body43b. Furthermore, the suction region alteration unit40includes the first blocking structure45that includes the first suspension portion45asuspended between the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43b, and the first sheet45b, which has flexibility and is coupled to the first suspension portion45a. In addition, the suction region alteration unit40includes the first accommodation unit47that accommodates at least a portion of the first sheet45b. The position of the first suspension portion45afacing the support surface71acan move in the front-rear direction, together with the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43b. The first sheet45bextends from the first suspension portion45ato the front in the front-rear direction, and is larger in the left-right direction than the suction region B. The first accommodation unit47is disposed to the front of the platen71in the front-rear direction, and the opening of the first accommodation unit47is at a position that does not overlap the suction region B in plan view. The printing apparatus1is configured such that the first sheet45baccommodated in the first accommodation unit47can be pulled out to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B in plan view by causing the first mobile body43ato move in the direction away from the first accommodation unit47.

According to this configuration, the first mobile body43aand the second mobile body43bmove in synchronization with each other. Therefore, by simply moving the first mobile body43a, the first sheet45bcan be easily pulled out while maintaining the state in which the first suspension portion45aextends along the left-right direction. In this way, in the configuration of suctioning the recording medium M to the platen71, a configuration can be realized in which the suction holes71bcan be easily blocked in accordance with the size of the recording medium M. Further, since a portion of the first sheet45bcan be accommodated in the first accommodation unit47, it is not necessary to provide a large space for accommodating a member that blocks the suction holes71b, and the printing apparatus1can be downsized.

In the suction region alteration unit40, the first accommodation unit47includes the sheet fixing portion47cthat fixes the front end of the first sheet45b, and the pulling out portion47dfrom which the first sheet portion45bis pulled out. Further, the first accommodation unit47includes the shaft-shaped first weight47b, which presses the first sheet45bdownward between the sheet fixing portion47cand the pulling out portion47d, and causes the first sheet45bto bend. Furthermore, the first accommodation unit47includes the first grooves47athat movably support the first weight47b, and the first grooves47aare disposed at both ends of the first accommodation unit47in the left-right direction. The rear end of the first sheet45bis coupled to the first suspension portion45a.

According to this configuration, the first accommodation unit47can be realized by a simple configuration. Accordingly, the printing apparatus1can be downsized using a simple configuration. Further, since the first sheet45bis pressed downward by the first weight47b, the first sheet45bdoes not become slack on the support surface71a. Thus, the first sheet45bcan more reliably block the suction holes71b, and thus the recording medium M is more closely adhered to the support surface71a. In this way, it is possible to improve the quality of the printing in the printing apparatus1.

The first grooves47aare grooves that fit with the ends of the first weight47band support the first weight47bto be movable diagonally in the up-down direction. When seen from the upper end of the first groove47a, the lower end of the first groove47ais in a direction closer to the center of the platen71.

According to this configuration, the first accommodation unit47can be further downsized using a simple configuration. Thus, further downsizing of the printing apparatus1can be achieved.

The synchronization mechanism42includes the annular first belt42athat is stretched along the first guide member41a, and the annular second belt42bthat is stretched along the second guide member41b. Further, the synchronization mechanism42is provided with the first pulley42sathat engages with the first belt42aand is rotated by the movement of the first belt42a, and the second pulley42sbthat engages with the second belt42b. Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism42is provided with the coupling member42sthat is disposed along the left-right direction and couples the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb. In the suction region alteration unit40, the first mobile body43ais fixed to the first belt42a, and the second mobile body43bis fixed to the second belt42b. When the first belt42arotates along with the movement of the first mobile body43a, the coupling member42stransmits the rotation of the first belt42ato the second belt42b, via the first pulley42saand the second pulley42sb.

According to this configuration, the synchronization mechanism42can be realized by a simple configuration. Thus, the convenience of the printing apparatus1can be improved using the simple configuration.

The printing apparatus1is provided with the third pulley42cthat engages with the first belt42aand is rotated by the movement of the first belt42a, and the third mobile body63afixed to the first belt42a. The first pulley42sais disposed at the front end side of the first guide member41a, the third pulley42cis disposed at the rear end side of the first guide member41a, and the first belt42ais stretched over the first pulley42saand the third pulley42c. The first mobile body43ais fixed to the first belt42a, and the first mobile body43aand the third mobile body63amove, along with the rotation of the first belt42a, in a direction separating from each other or in a direction approaching each other.

According to this configuration, along with the movement of the first mobile body43a, the third mobile body63amoves in the opposite direction from a movement direction of the first mobile body43a. Thus, the operator can move the third mobile body63aby simply moving the first mobile body43a, without operating the third mobile body63a. In this way, the convenience of the printing apparatus1is improved.

Further, the suction region alteration unit40is provided with the third mobile body63athat is movable along the first guide member41aand the fourth mobile body63bthat is movable along the second guide member41b. Further, the suction region alteration unit40includes the second blocking structure65that includes the second suspension portion65asuspended between the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63b, and the second sheet65b, which has flexibility and is attached to the second suspension portion65a. Furthermore, the suction region alteration unit40includes the second accommodation unit67that accommodates at least a portion of the second sheet65b. The position of the second suspension portion65afacing the support surface71acan move in the front-rear direction, together with the third mobile body63aand the fourth mobile body63b. The second sheet65bextends from the second suspension portion65ato the rear in the front-rear direction, and is larger in the left-right direction than the suction region B. In the front-rear direction, the second accommodation unit67is disposed on the opposite side from the first accommodation unit47with respect to the platen71, and the opening of the second accommodation unit67is at a position that does not overlap the suction region B in plan view. The second accommodation unit67is configured such that the second sheet65baccommodated in the second accommodation unit67can be pulled out to a position overlapping a portion of the suction region B in plan view by causing the third mobile body63ato move in the direction away from the second accommodation unit67.

According to this configuration, the first sheet45band the second sheet65bcan overlap the suction region B from both sides in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a. Thus, a degree of freedom in the position at which the recording medium M is supported, by the support surface71ain the front-rear direction, is improved. In this way, a degree of freedom in the design of the printing apparatus1is improved.

Further, the recording medium M is transported so as to pass between the support surface71aand the first suspension portion45a, and between the support surface71aand the second suspension portion65a. The first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65apress the ends in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M from above.

According to this configuration, it is possible to press down curling at both ends in the front-rear direction of the recording medium M from above, using the first suspension portion45aand the second suspension portion65a. Thus, the recording medium M is even more closely adhered to the support surface71a, and the printing quality of the printing apparatus1is improved.

5. Other Embodiments

Note that the above embodiment merely describes a specific example in which the present disclosure is applied. The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the scope or gist of the disclosure.

In the printing apparatus1, the center of the recording medium M does not overlap the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71a, and, for example, the recording medium M may be transported such that the rear end of the recording medium M and the rear end of the suction region B overlap each other. In this case, it is possible to cover the entire surface of the suction region B, without providing the third mobile body63a, the fourth mobile body63b, the second blocking structure65, and the second accommodation unit67. Thus, the configuration is simplified. However, as described in the embodiment, the curling of the recording medium M can be pressed by the second suspension portion65a.

Note that the first accommodation unit47may be configured to include a winding mechanism that winds, from the front end side, the first sheet45bwhose rear end is held by the first suspension portion45a. The winding mechanism may have a configuration, for example, in which the front end of the first sheet45bis coupled to a winding pipe that can rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction, and the winding pipe is rotated by a coil spring.

In the printing apparatus1, the first blocking structure45includes the first suspension portion45aand the first sheet45b, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a blocking structure in which the first suspension portion45aand the first sheet45bare integrally formed may be used. The same applies to the second blocking structure65.

In the printing apparatus1, the first grooves47aand the second grooves67aare formed so as to be inclined toward the center C in the front-rear direction of the support surface71afrom the upward to the downward direction, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, grooves may be formed to be vertical from the upward to the downward direction, or may be inclined in a direction away from the support surface71ain the front-rear direction.