Printing apparatus, pre-treatment agent spraying apparatus, and printing method

Abstract

A printing device, a pre-treatment agent spraying device, and a printing method capable of appropriately applying a pre-treatment agent to a medium. A printing device (1) includes: a support section (4) that supports a medium (M); a spraying section (11) that sprays a pre-treatment agent to the medium (M) supported by the support section (4); a cover member (12) that is installed with the spraying section (11) and is capable of covering a printing area (R1) of the medium (M); an ejection section (3) that ejects ink to the printing area (R1) to which the pre-treatment agent is sprayed by the spraying section (11); and a moving section (5) that moves the support section (4) to a first position (P1) at which the printing area (R1) can be covered with the cover member (12) and a second position (P2) at which ink can be ejected from the ejection section (3) to the printing area (R1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printing apparatus, pretreatment agent spraying apparatus, and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, various printing apparatuses have been used. Among these are printing apparatuses that print on media such as cloth. When printing on cloth, etc., a pretreatment agent is sometimes applied to the printing area before the image is formed on the medium. As a method of applying the pretreatment agent to the printing area, there are methods such as coating with rollers or spraying with a sprayer. In addition, as described in Patent Document 1, a pretreatment unit is sometimes provided in the printing apparatus to coat the pretreatment agent in granular form.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-246734

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-235235

[0005] However, when applying the pretreatment agent using rollers, uneven coating can occur due to varying operator skill levels. Furthermore, when applying the pretreatment agent using a sprayer, it is difficult to spray the pretreatment agent only onto the printing area; therefore, the pretreatment agent sometimes scatters around the media, causing the media's perimeter to become contaminated. It should be noted that a coating apparatus with a sprayer, such as that described in Patent Document 2, could be considered, but in addition to the occasional contamination of the media's perimeter, a separate coating apparatus is sometimes required, necessitating space allocation and increasing costs. In other words, with conventional printing apparatuses that apply a pretreatment agent to the printing area of ​​the media before printing, it is difficult to properly apply the pretreatment agent to the printing area of ​​the media. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The printing apparatus of the present invention, for solving the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a support portion for supporting a medium; a jetting portion for jetting a pretreatment agent onto the medium supported by the support portion; a cover member on which the jetting portion is mounted and capable of covering a printing area of ​​the medium; an ejection portion for ejecting ink onto the printing area on which the pretreatment agent has been jetted by the jetting portion; and a moving portion for moving the support portion to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position in which the printing area can be covered by the cover member, and the second position is a position in which ink can be ejected from the ejection portion onto the printing area.

[0007] The pretreatment agent spraying apparatus of the present invention, which is used to solve the above-mentioned problems, is characterized in that it is a printing apparatus for spraying ink onto a medium and printing, the pretreatment agent spraying apparatus comprising: a spraying section for spraying pretreatment agent; and a cover member on which the spraying section is mounted and which is capable of covering the printing area of ​​the printing apparatus.

[0008] The printing method of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized in that it is used in a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: a support portion for supporting a medium; a jetting portion for jetting a pretreatment agent onto the medium supported by the support portion; a cover member on which the jetting portion is mounted and capable of covering a printing area of ​​the medium; an ejection portion for ejecting ink onto the printing area on which the pretreatment agent has been jetted by the jetting portion; and a moving portion for moving the support portion to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position in which the printing area can be covered by the cover member, and the second position is a position in which ink can be ejected from the ejection portion onto the printing area, wherein in the first position, the support portion supports the medium, the cover member covers the printing area while the support portion is in the first position, the jetting portion jets the pretreatment agent onto the medium while the cover member covers the printing area, the support portion moves from the first position to the second position, the ejection portion ejects the ink, and printing is performed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the state in which the cover member does not cover the printing area of ​​the medium.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the state in which the printing area of ​​the medium is covered by a cover member.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the pretreatment agent spraying device of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a support portion and a cover component that can be used in the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 This refers to the cover member that can be used in the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a different example.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the heater unit, which can be used in the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, is mounted on the cover member.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the cover component receiving portion of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the printing method of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the pretreatment agent spraying device of the present invention.

[0022] Symbol Explanation

[0023] 1…Printing device, 2…Frame, 2a…Front side, 2b…Opening, 2c…Side side, 2d…Opening, 3…Ejection section, 4…Support section, 4A…Support section (first support), 4B…Support section (second support), 4C…Support section (second support), 5…Support platform (moving section), 6…Ink storage section, 7…Control section, 8…Pressure pump (drive section), 9…Ink flow path pipe, 10…Pretreatment agent injection device, 11…Injection section, 11a…Spray nozzle forming section, 11b…Solenoid valve, 12…Cover component, 12A…Cover component (first cover component), 12B…Cover component (second cover component), 12C…Cover component (second cover component), 12D…Cover component, 12E…Cover component, 12a…Interior, 12b…Hole, 12c…Side side (First fitting part), 12d…opposing surface, 12e…side (second fitting part), 13…pipe, 13A…air flow path pipe, 13B…pretreatment agent flow path pipe (pretreatment agent flow path), 14…pretreatment agent storage part, 14a…stirring head, 14b…stirring head drive part, 15…arm component, 15a…rotating shaft, 15b…other end, 17…control part, 18…pressure pump, 19…interface terminal, 20…heater unit, 21…heating wire, 22…fan, 30…cover component receiving part, 31…pretreatment agent receiving part, 32…absorbent material, 100…pretreatment agent spraying device, L…wire, M…medium, P1…first position, P1a…covered position, P1b…open position, P2…second position, R1…printed area, R2…non-printed area. Detailed Implementation

[0024] First, the invention will be briefly described.

[0025] A printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a support portion for supporting a medium; a jetting portion for jetting a pretreatment agent onto the medium supported by the support portion; a cover member on which the jetting portion is mounted and capable of covering a printing area of ​​the medium; an ejection portion for ejecting ink onto the printing area on which the pretreatment agent has been jetted by the jetting portion; and a moving portion for moving the support portion to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position in which the printing area can be covered by the cover member, and the second position is a position in which ink can be ejected from the ejection portion onto the printing area.

[0026] According to this method, the device includes a spraying section for spraying a pretreatment agent onto the medium and a cover member capable of covering the printing area. Therefore, by covering the printing area with the cover member and spraying the pretreatment agent from the spraying section in this state, it is possible to suppress the dispersion of the pretreatment agent and to apply the pretreatment agent appropriately to the printing area of ​​the medium.

[0027] The printing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an ink storage section for storing the ink; an ink flow path connecting the ink storage section and the ejection section; a pretreatment agent storage section for storing the pretreatment agent; a pretreatment agent flow path connecting the pretreatment agent storage section and the ejection section; and a driving section for applying a driving force to supply the ink from the ink storage section to the ejection section, the driving section also being capable of applying a driving force to supply the pretreatment agent from the pretreatment agent storage section to the ejection section.

[0028] According to this method, the drive unit that applies the driving force for supplying ink from the ink storage section to the ejection section and the drive unit that applies the driving force for supplying pretreatment agent from the pretreatment agent storage section to the ejection section are shared. Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the printing apparatus and high efficiency of the printing apparatus drive.

[0029] The third-party printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second embodiment, the cover member is positioned and its interior becomes a sealed space by covering the printing area together with the support portion supporting the medium.

[0030] According to this method, the cover component is positioned by covering the printed area together with the support holding the medium, thus creating a sealed space inside. Therefore, positioning can be easily achieved, and leakage of the pretreatment agent to the outside, preventing the outside from being contaminated by the pretreatment agent, can be prevented.

[0031] The printing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to third aspects, the cover member is detachable from the spraying part.

[0032] According to this method, the spray nozzle can be detached from the cover component. Therefore, the cover component can be easily replaced and cleaned.

[0033] The printing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the cover member can replace the jetting part to detach and install the heater unit.

[0034] According to this method, the cover component can replace the spray section for assembling and disassembling the heater unit. Therefore, after the printing process is completed, the ink, pretreatment agent, etc. on the medium can be dried appropriately.

[0035] The printing apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fourth or fifth aspect, as the support portion, a first support portion and a second support portion different from at least one of the size and shape of the first support portion can be used; and as the cover portion, a first cover portion corresponding to the first support portion and a second cover portion corresponding to the second support portion can be used.

[0036] According to this method, a first support and a second support can be used as the support portion, and a first cover portion corresponding to the first support portion and a second cover portion corresponding to the second support portion can be used as the cover portion. Therefore, a pretreatment agent can be appropriately applied to the printing area for media of various sizes and shapes.

[0037] The printing apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, as the support portion, a first support portion and a second support portion different from at least one of the size and shape of the first support portion can be used, and the cover member has a first fitting portion that fits into the first support portion and a second fitting portion that fits into the second support portion.

[0038] According to this method, a first support and a second support can be used as the support portion, and the cover component has a first fitting portion that engages with the first support portion and a second fitting portion that engages with the second support portion. Therefore, without replacing the cover component used, a pretreatment agent can be appropriately applied to the printing area for media of various sizes and shapes.

[0039] The printing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, in addition to the printing area, the cover member is also capable of covering a non-printing area surrounding the printing area, and inside the cover member, the distance between the cover member and the non-printing area is narrower than the distance between the cover member and the printing area.

[0040] According to this method, inside the cover component, the distance between the cover component and the non-printing area is narrower than the distance between the cover component and the printing area. That is, the height of the non-printing area inside the cover component is lower than that of the printing area. Therefore, a smaller amount of pretreatment agent is applied to the non-printing area compared to the printing area. As a result, the boundary marks of the pretreatment agent at the boundary between the printing area and the non-printing area become less noticeable.

[0041] The printing apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, it comprises: a frame portion that houses the ejector portion; and an arm member, one end of which is connected to the frame portion and the other end of which is connected to the cover member, the arm member being movable to a covered position and an open position, the covered position being a position in which the cover member covers the printing area when the support portion is in the first position, and the open position being a position in which the cover member does not cover the printing area and does not obstruct the movement of the support portion when the support portion is in the first position.

[0042] According to this method, an arm component is provided, one end of which is connected to the frame portion and the other end of which is connected to the cover component. The arm component can be displaced to a covered position and an open position. Therefore, the cover component can be correctly positioned in the appropriate location during the application of the pretreatment agent, and the position of the cover component can be maintained without hindering the application of the pretreatment agent, such as during the printing process.

[0043] The printing apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the ninth aspect, the arm member is detachable from the cover member.

[0044] According to this method, the arm component can be detached from the cover component. Therefore, the cover component can be detached without performing pretreatment, and in particular, the cover component can be configured not to become an obstruction.

[0045] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a pretreatment agent spraying apparatus, characterized in that it is a printing apparatus for spraying ink onto a medium and printing, the pretreatment agent spraying apparatus comprising: a spraying section for spraying pretreatment agent; and a cover member on which the spraying section is mounted and which is capable of covering the printing area of ​​the printing apparatus.

[0046] According to this method, the device includes a spraying section for spraying pretreatment agent and a cover member capable of covering the printing area. Therefore, by covering the printing area with the cover member and spraying the pretreatment agent from the spraying section in this state, it is possible to suppress the dispersion of the pretreatment agent and to apply the pretreatment agent appropriately to the printing area of ​​the medium.

[0047] The twelfth aspect of the printing method of the present invention is characterized in that it is used in a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: a support portion for supporting a medium; a jetting portion for jetting a pretreatment agent onto the medium supported by the support portion; a cover member on which the jetting portion is mounted and capable of covering a printing area of ​​the medium; an ejection portion for ejecting ink onto the printing area on which the pretreatment agent has been jetted by the jetting portion; and a moving portion for moving the support portion to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position in which the printing area can be covered by the cover member, and the second position is a position in which ink can be ejected from the ejection portion onto the printing area, wherein in the first position, the support portion supports the medium, the cover member covers the printing area while the support portion is in the first position, the jetting portion jets the pretreatment agent onto the medium while the cover member covers the printing area, the support portion moves from the first position to the second position, the ejection portion ejects the ink, and printing is performed.

[0048] According to this method, the medium is supported on the support portion in a first position. With the support portion in the first position, the printing area is covered by a cover member. With the printing area covered by the cover member, a pretreatment agent is sprayed from the spraying portion onto the medium. The support portion is then moved from the first position to a second position, and ink is sprayed from the ejection portion for printing. Therefore, printing can be performed appropriately after the pretreatment agent is properly applied to the printing area of ​​the medium.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 This section describes the outline of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (As follows) Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a support portion 4 for supporting the medium M and an ink ejection portion 3 for ejecting ink. Furthermore, by moving the support portion 4 along the transport direction A, the ink ejection portion 3 reciprocates along the scanning direction B and ejects ink, alternating repeatedly, thereby forming an image on the printing area R1 of the medium M.

[0052] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the ejector part 3 is located inside the frame part 2. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the support 4 can be moved to the mounting position of the medium M, that is, to a first position P1 where the printing area R1 of the medium M can be covered by the cover member 12 (described later), and to a second position P2 where ink can be ejected from the ejector 3 into the printing area R1. Figure 4 As shown, the first position P1 is the exterior of the frame part 2, and the second position P2 is the interior of the frame part 2. It should be noted that, as... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, an opening 2b is provided on the front part 2a of the frame 2, through which the support 4 can move to a first position P1 and a second position P2. The support 4 is detachably supported by the support table 5 and moves along the conveying direction A by moving the support table 5. That is, the support table 5, together with a drive motor (not shown) that moves the support table 5, functions as a moving part of the support 4. When the medium M is placed on the support 4, the support 4 can also be removed from the support table 5 and placed on the support 4 in a different location than the printing apparatus 1. The first position P1 is located outside the frame 2 and is open around it, so even when the support 4 is mounted on the support table 5, the reduction in workability can be suppressed.

[0053] In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1, during printing, temporarily transports the support portion 4 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 along direction A1, and from the second position P2, transports the support portion 4 back to the first position P1 along direction A2, forming an image in the printing area R1 of the medium M. It should be noted that the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is structured to alternately and repeatedly move the support portion 4 along the transport direction A and reciprocate the ejector portion 3 along the scanning direction B for printing, but it is not limited to this structure. For example, the ejector portion 3 could be a so-called line head structure having nozzles formed in a direction intersecting the transport direction A, which eject ink over the entire area of ​​the printing area R1. Furthermore, the types of ink that can be used are not particularly limited; in addition to colored inks for forming images, such as black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, white ink for forming a white base before forming an image on a dark medium P, and polishing ink for overcoating images, can also be used as needed.

[0054] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can perform printing on various types of media, including the medium M. It is particularly suitable for printing on fabrics such as T-shirts. When printing on fabric as the medium M, it is preferable to apply a pretreatment agent to the printing area R1 of the medium M before forming the image. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can apply a pretreatment agent to the printing area R1 of the medium M. Hereinafter, referring to… Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figures 5 to 10 The pretreatment agent spraying device 10, which is installed in the printing apparatus 1 and applies the pretreatment agent to the printing area R1 of the medium M, will be described.

[0055] The pretreatment agent spraying device 10 has, for example Figures 2 to 6 The spray section 11 of the pretreatment agent shown in the figure, and as shown in the figure Figure 3 The cover member 12 shown is capable of covering the support portion 4 that supports the medium M. Furthermore, the pretreatment agent injection device 10, as shown... Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, it has a pretreatment agent storage section 14 for storing pretreatment agents and a pipe 13 that serves as a flow path for air or pretreatment agents.

[0056] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the spray section 11 is disposed inside the cover member 12 12a, and inside the cover member 12a there is a spray nozzle forming section 11a for spraying the pretreatment agent in a mist form, and a solenoid valve 11b connected to the air flow path pipe 13A in the pipe 13. Additionally, as... Figure 5As shown, the pretreatment agent storage unit 14 is connected to the air flow path pipe 13A, and is equipped with a stirring head 14a and a stirring head drive unit 14b. It is also connected to the injection unit 11 via the pretreatment agent flow path pipe 13B in the pipe 13. It should be noted that, as... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the airflow pipe 13A extends from the inside to the outside of the frame portion 2 via an opening 2d provided on the side portion 2c of the frame portion 2, which also serves as an air inlet and outlet. The pretreatment agent storage portion 14 is disposed on the outside of the frame portion 2. However, the pretreatment agent storage portion 14 may also be disposed on the inside of the frame portion 2.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a pressure pump 8 capable of adjusting the pressure within the airflow pipe 13A and a control unit 7 controlling the overall drive of the printing apparatus 1 are provided inside the frame 2 of the printing apparatus 1. Here, the pressure pump 8 is connected to the ink flow pipe 9 and also functions as a drive unit applying driving force to supply ink from the ink storage unit 6 to the ejection unit 3. The ink flow pipe 9 connects the ejection unit 3 and the ink storage unit 6, which stores the ink supplied to the ejection unit 3. Furthermore, the pressure pump 8 in this embodiment is a pressurizing pump, but a depressurizing pump can also be used. Additionally, components other than a pressure pump can be used as the drive unit.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 7, along with the ejection unit 3 and the pressure pump 8, is connected to the solenoid valve 11b and the stirring head drive unit 14b via wire L. In other words, the control unit 7 functions as both a control unit for controlling the drive of the pretreatment agent injection device 10 and a control unit for controlling the drive of the pretreatment agent injection device 10. Similarly, the pressure pump 8 also functions as both a drive unit for driving the pretreatment agent injection device 10 and a drive unit for driving the pretreatment agent injection device 10. Therefore, the control unit 7 and the pressure pump 8 can also be considered as part of the pretreatment agent injection device 10.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the cover member 12 has a hole 12b formed on the opposing surface 12d opposite to the support portion 4, and the side surface 12c intersecting the opposing surface 12d is fitted into the support portion 4. It should be noted that since the medium M is relatively thin, even when the medium M is exposed from the support portion 4 and placed thereon, the side surface 12c is still fitted into the support portion 4 via the medium M. However, this structure is not limited to this; a structure in which the cover member 12 is placed on the support portion 4 could also be used. Furthermore, the spray portion 11 is mounted on the hole 12b of the cover member 12, making it a structure that can be detached from the cover member 12.

[0060] As described above, the spraying section 11 is detachable from the cover member 12, and the support section 4 is detachably supported by the support platform 5. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can use multiple support sections 4 and cover members 12 separately depending on the size and shape of the medium M used. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, when using a larger medium M, a larger support portion 4A and a larger cover member 12A can be used. Alternatively, a support portion 4B smaller than the support portion 4A and a cover member 12B smaller than the cover member 12A can be used. Furthermore, a support portion 4C smaller than the support portion 4B and a cover member 12C smaller than the cover member 12B can be used.

[0061] In summary, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes: a support 4 supporting a medium M; a jetting 11 jetting a pretreatment agent onto the medium M supported by the support 4; and a cover member 12 on which the jetting 11 is mounted and which can cover the printing area R1 of the medium M. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an ejection 3 capable of ejecting ink onto the printing area R1, where the pretreatment agent has been jetted by the jetting 11. Additionally, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a support platform 5 as a movable part, which allows the support 4 to be moved to a first position P1 where the cover member 12 can cover the printing area R1 and a second position P2 where ink can be ejected from the ejection 3 onto the printing area R1.

[0062] Thus, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a spraying section 11 for spraying pretreatment agent onto the medium M and a cover member 12 capable of covering the printing area R1. Therefore, by covering the printing area R1 with the cover member 12, and by spraying pretreatment agent from the spraying section 11 in this state, the dispersion of the pretreatment agent can be suppressed, and the pretreatment agent can be appropriately applied to the printing area R1 of the medium M. Furthermore, the support section 4 is moved to a first position P1 where the cover member 12 can cover the printing area R1, and a second position P2 where ink can be sprayed from the ejector section 3 onto the printing area R1. Therefore, the medium M can be easily placed with the support section 4 in the first position P1, and the printing process can be appropriately performed by placing the support section 4 in the second position P2 during printing.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes: an ink storage unit 6 for storing ink; an ink flow path pipe 9 for connecting the ink storage unit 6 and the ejection unit 3; a pretreatment agent storage unit 14 for storing pretreatment agent; a pretreatment agent flow path pipe 13B for connecting the pretreatment agent storage unit 14 and the ejection unit 11; and a pressure pump 8 for applying a driving force to supply ink from the ink storage unit 6 to the ejection unit 3. Additionally, the pressure pump 8 can apply a driving force to supply pretreatment agent from the pretreatment agent storage unit 14 to the ejection unit 11. That is, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by sharing the driving force that applies the driving force to supply ink from the ink storage unit 6 to the ejection unit 3 and the driving force that applies the driving force to supply pretreatment agent from the pretreatment agent storage unit 14 to the ejection unit 11 as the pressure pump 8, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the printing apparatus 1 and high efficiency in the driving of the printing apparatus 1.

[0064] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cover member 12 covers the printing area R1 together with the support portion 4 supporting the medium M, thereby being positioned and the interior 12a becoming a sealed space. Therefore, the cover member 12 can be easily positioned relative to the support portion 4, and the leakage of pretreatment agent to the outside of the cover member 12, which would cause the outside to be soiled by the pretreatment agent, can be prevented.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the cover component 12 is detachable from the spray unit 11. Therefore, the cover component 12 can be easily replaced and cleaned.

[0066] Here, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 removes the spraying section 11 from the cover member 12, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the heater unit 20 can be installed on the cover member 12 instead of the spraying unit 11. In this way, the cover member 12 can be used to detach and install the heater unit 20 instead of the spraying unit 11, thus allowing the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment to properly dry the ink, pretreatment agent, etc. on the medium M after printing processing, etc. It should be noted that the heater unit 20 of this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown, it has a heating wire 21 and a fan 22, but the structure of the heater unit 20 is not particularly limited.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can use multiple different support portions 4 and multiple different cover members 12. In other words, as support portions 4, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can use a first support portion, such as support portion 4A, and a second support portion, such as support portion 4B or support portion 4C, which differs from the first support portion in at least one aspect of size and shape. Similarly, as cover members 12, cover member 12A, for example, corresponding to the first support portion, and cover member 12B or cover member 12C, for example, corresponding to the second support portion, can be used. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can appropriately apply a pretreatment agent to the printing area R1 for media M of various sizes and shapes.

[0068] Furthermore, as the cover component 12, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be used Figure 8 The cover member 12D is shown. As described above, as the support portion 4, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can use a support portion 4A as a first support portion and a support portion 4B as a second support portion, which differs from the support portion 4A in at least one aspect of size and shape. Here, the cover member 12D has a side surface 12c that fits into the support portion 4A as a first fitting portion and a side surface 12e that fits into the support portion 4B as a second fitting portion. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can, without replacing the cover member 12 used, appropriately apply a pretreatment agent to the printing area R1 for multiple sizes and shapes of media M corresponding to multiple support portions 4.

[0069] It should be noted that, as Figure 8 As shown, when the support portion 4A is used as the support portion 4, the medium M also includes a non-printing region R2 surrounding the printing region R1, which is disposed inside the cover member 12a. In other words, the cover member 12D can cover not only the printing region R1 but also the non-printing region R2 surrounding the printing region R1. Inside the cover member 12D, the distance between the cover member 12D and the non-printing region R2 is narrower than the distance between the cover member 12D and the printing region R1. With this configuration, when the pretreatment agent is applied, the height of the non-printing region R2 inside the cover member 12a is lower than that of the printing region R1, so a smaller amount of pretreatment agent is applied to the non-printing region R2 compared to the printing region R1. Therefore, the boundary marks of the pretreatment agent at the boundary between the printing region R1 and the non-printing region R2 become less noticeable. Thus, by using a cover member 12 with a stepped structure like the cover member 12D, the boundary marks of the pretreatment agent can be made less noticeable.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a cover member receiving portion 30 that allows the cover member 12 to be positioned when no pretreatment agent application is performed. The cover member receiving portion 30 extends from the frame portion 2 and can be positioned by hooking the spraying portion 11, but is not limited to this structure. Furthermore, a pretreatment agent receiving portion 31 is provided at the lower part of the cover member receiving portion 30, which receives the pretreatment agent adhering to the spraying portion 11 or the cover member 12. Additionally, a replaceable absorbent material 32 is disposed on the pretreatment agent receiving portion 31. However, the structure of the pretreatment agent receiving portion 31 is not particularly limited, and a structure without the pretreatment agent receiving portion 31 may also be used.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] Next, use Figure 11 The printing apparatus 1 of Example 2 will be described. It should be noted that... Figure 11 It is the same as the printing apparatus 1 in Embodiment 1 Figure 4 The corresponding diagram. In Figure 11 In this embodiment, components shared with those in Embodiment 1 are indicated by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Here, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has the same shape as the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, except that it includes an arm member 15 connected to the cover member 12 and the frame member 2. Therefore, except for the parts described below, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has the same features as the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0073] like Figure 11 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, like the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, includes: a frame portion 2, a receiving ejector portion 3; and an arm member 15, one end of which, a rotating shaft 15a, is connected to the front portion 2a of the frame portion 2, and the other end, 15b, is connected to a cover member 12E, which serves as a cover member 12. Furthermore, the arm member 15 can be displaced to a covered position P1a and an open position P1b. The covered position P1a is when the support portion 4 is in the first position P1, and the cover member 12E covers the printing area R1. Figure 11 The solid line indicates the covered position P1a. The open position P1b is when the support part 4 is in the first position P1, the cover part 12E does not cover the printing area R1 and does not hinder the movement of the support table 5, which is a movable part, from the support part 4. Figure 11The dotted line indicates the open position P1b. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can correctly position the cover member 12E in the preferred covered position P1a during the pretreatment agent application process, and can also position the cover member 12E in the open position P1b without obstruction during the printing process when the pretreatment agent application process is not performed. It should be noted that in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the operator manually moves the cover member 12E to the covered position P1a and the open position P1b, but it is also possible for the cover member 12E to be automatically moved to the covered position P1a and the open position P1b by the control unit 7 or the drive motor of the arm member 15.

[0074] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the arm member 15 is detachable from the cover member 12E. Therefore, the cover member 12E can be detached without performing a pretreatment process, and in particular, the cover member 12E can be configured so as not to become an obstruction. In addition, with such a structure, the cover member 12E can be easily cleaned.

[0075] Examples of printing methods

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 12 The flowchart illustrates one embodiment of the printing method that can be performed by the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 and the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0077] The printing method of this embodiment is as follows: Initially, in step S110, the support part 4 is positioned at a first position P1 and the support part 4 supports the medium M. Next, in step S120, with the support part 4 in the first position P1, the printing area R1 is covered by the cover member 12. Next, in step S130, with the printing area R1 covered by the cover member 12, a pretreatment agent is sprayed from the spraying part 11 onto the medium M. Then, in step S140, the cover member 12 is retracted from the printing area R1. Then, in step S150, the support part 4 is moved from the first position P1 to a second position P2, ink is sprayed from the ejection part 3, and printing is performed. With the completion of this step, the printing method of this embodiment ends. It should be noted that steps S110, S120, and S140 are performed manually by the operator, while steps S130 and S150 are performed automatically under the control of the control unit 7. By implementing the printing method of this embodiment, printing processing can be performed appropriately after a pretreatment agent is properly applied to the printing area R1 of the medium M.

[0078] Examples of pretreatment agent spraying devices

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 13An embodiment of the pretreatment agent spraying device 100 will be described. This pretreatment agent spraying device 100 can be used with a printing apparatus after removing the pretreatment agent spraying device 10 from the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 and the printing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2. It is not limited thereto, and can be used with a printing apparatus that sprays ink onto the printing area R1 of the medium M and performs printing.

[0080] As described above, the pretreatment agent spraying device 100 of this embodiment is a pretreatment agent spraying device for a printing apparatus used to spray ink onto the printing area R1 of the medium M and perform printing. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the device includes: a spraying section 11 for spraying a pretreatment agent; and a cover member 12, on which the spraying section 11 is mounted and which can cover the printing area R1. Therefore, by covering the printing area R1 with the cover member 12, and by spraying the pretreatment agent from the spraying section 11 in this state, the dispersion of the pretreatment agent can be suppressed, and the pretreatment agent can be appropriately applied to the printing area R1 of the medium M.

[0081] Furthermore, the pretreatment agent spraying device 100 of this embodiment includes: a pressure pump 18 that applies a driving force to supply pretreatment agent from the pretreatment agent storage unit 14 to the spraying unit 11; a control unit 17 that electrically connects the pressure pump 18, the solenoid valve 11b, and the stirring head drive unit 14b via wire L; and an interface terminal 19 that can be connected to a printing apparatus. With this structure, the pressure pump 18, the solenoid valve 11b, and the stirring head drive unit 14b can be driven by the control unit 17, and, for example, by cooperating with the control unit of the printing apparatus, the pressure pump 18, the solenoid valve 11b, and the stirring head drive unit 14b can be driven by the control unit of the printing apparatus.

[0082] It should be noted that the pretreatment agent spraying device 100 in this embodiment includes a control unit 17. However, by having the control unit of the printing apparatus execute the drive program of the pretreatment agent spraying device 100, the control unit 17 may not be required. Furthermore, by connecting a pipe or the like to the pressure pump of the printing apparatus, the pressure pump 18 may not be required.

[0083] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the summary section of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if a technical feature is not described as an essential feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Claims

1. A printing device characterized by comprising: Possessing: a support section that supports a medium; an ejection section that ejects a pre-treatment agent toward the medium supported by the support section; a cover member that is installed with the ejection section and is capable of covering a printing region of the medium; an ink ejection section that ejects ink toward the printing region to which the pre-treatment agent is ejected by the ejection section; and a moving section that moves the support section to a first position at which the printing region can be covered with the cover member and a second position at which ink can be ejected from the ink ejection section toward the printing region, the cover member is positioned and the inside becomes a sealed space by covering the printing region together with the support section that supports the medium.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing apparatus possesses: an ink storage section that stores the ink; an ink flow path that connects the ink storage section and the ink ejection section; a pre-treatment agent storage section that stores the pre-treatment agent; a pre-treatment agent flow path that connects the pre-treatment agent storage section and the ejection section; and a driving section that applies a driving force that supplies the ink from the ink storage section to the ink ejection section, the driving section can also apply a driving force that supplies the pre-treatment agent from the pre-treatment agent storage section to the ejection section.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover member can be detached from the ejection section.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover member can be detached instead of the ejection section as a heater unit.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that as the support section, a first support section and a second support section that differs from the first support section in at least one of size and shape can be used, as the cover member, a first cover member that corresponds to the first support section and a second cover member that corresponds to the second support section can be used.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that as the support section, a first support section and a second support section that differs from the first support section in at least one of size and shape can be used, the cover member has a first fitting section that fits with the first support section and a second fitting section that fits with the second support section.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover member can cover a non-printing region around the printing region in addition to the printing region, in the inside of the cover member, the cover member is closer to the non-printing region than to the printing region.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printing apparatus possesses: a frame section that houses the ink ejection section; and an arm member whose one end section is connected to the frame section and whose other end section is connected to the cover member, ​ ​ The arm member is capable of moving to a covering position in which the cover member covers the printing area when the support portion is in the first position, and an open position in which the cover member does not cover the printing area and does not hinder the movement of the support portion by the moving portion when the support portion is in the first position.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The arm member is capable of dismounting the cover member.

10. A pretreatment agent spraying device characterized by comprising: A printing apparatus for ejecting ink to a medium and performing printing, The pre-treatment agent ejecting apparatus is provided with: an ejecting portion that ejects a pre-treatment agent; and a cover member that is installed with the ejecting portion and is capable of covering a printing area of the medium, The cover member is positioned and the inside becomes a closed space by covering the printing area together with a support portion that supports the medium.

11. A printing method characterized by, A printing apparatus, The printing apparatus is provided with: a support portion that supports a medium; an ejecting portion that ejects a pre-treatment agent to the medium supported by the support portion; a cover member that is installed with the ejecting portion and is capable of covering a printing area of the medium; an ejecting portion that ejects ink to the printing area to which the pre-treatment agent is ejected by the ejecting portion; and a moving portion that moves the support portion to a first position in which the printing area can be covered with the cover member, and a second position in which ink can be ejected from the ejecting portion to the printing area, The cover member is positioned and the inside becomes a closed space by covering the printing area together with the support portion that supports the medium, In the first position, the support portion supports the medium, In a state in which the support portion is in the first position, the printing area is covered with the cover member, In a state in which the printing area is covered with the cover member, the pre-treatment agent is ejected from the ejecting portion to the medium, The support portion is moved from the first position to the second position, ink is ejected from the ejecting portion and printing is performed.

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