Ultraviolet irradiation device and printing device

Abstract

Ultraviolet rays are rapidly irradiated toward the ink landed on the printed body. The ultraviolet ray irradiation device (4) is provided with a rotation mechanism (16) that holds the printed body (2) and rotates the printed body (2) with the axis of the printed body (2) as the center of rotation, and an ultraviolet ray irradiator (17) that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the outer peripheral surface of the printed body (2) to which the ultraviolet-curable ink is attached. The ink ejected from above the printed body (2) lands on the outer peripheral surface of the printed body (2). The ultraviolet ray irradiator (17) is disposed laterally of the printed body (2) and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the outer peripheral surface of the printed body (2) from the lateral side of the printed body (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultraviolet irradiation device used in a printing apparatus for printing on the outer peripheral surface of a three-dimensional object using ultraviolet-curable ink. Furthermore, this invention relates to a printing apparatus equipped with this ultraviolet irradiation device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, printing apparatuses for printing inkjet onto the outer peripheral surface of non-absorbent three-dimensional objects, such as cylindrical bodies, are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes: a cylindrical mandrel to which a resin tube, i.e., a cylindrical body, is mounted; a motor that rotates the mandrel about its axis; an inkjet head that ejects UV-curable ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body; and a UV irradiation device that irradiates the ink-coated outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body with ultraviolet light. The inkjet head is positioned above the cylindrical body, and the ink ejected from above the cylindrical body falls onto the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. The UV irradiation device is positioned below the cylindrical body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-143200 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] As described in Patent Document 1, in a printing apparatus for printing on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body using ultraviolet-curable ink, in order to suppress ink seepage onto the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body, it is preferable to irradiate the ink onto the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body with ultraviolet light more quickly.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that, in a printing apparatus used for printing on the outer peripheral surface of a three-dimensional object using ultraviolet-curable ink, can more quickly irradiate ultraviolet light onto the ink falling on the outer peripheral surface of the printed object. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a printing apparatus equipped with this ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the ultraviolet irradiation apparatus of the present invention is used in a printing apparatus for printing on the outer peripheral surface of a printable object as a three-dimensional object using ultraviolet-curable ink. The apparatus is characterized by comprising: a rotation mechanism that holds the printable object and rotates it about its axis; and an ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the ink-coated outer peripheral surface of the printable object, wherein ink ejected from above the printable object falls onto the outer peripheral surface of the printable object, and the ultraviolet irradiator is disposed to the side of the printable object, irradiating ultraviolet light from the side of the printable object toward its outer peripheral surface.

[0011] In the ultraviolet irradiation apparatus of the present invention, the ultraviolet irradiator is disposed to the side of the printable body, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the side of the printable body toward the outer peripheral surface of the printable body on which ink ejected from above the printable body has settled. Therefore, in the present invention, compared with the case where the ultraviolet irradiator is disposed below the printable body as in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, ultraviolet light can be irradiated toward the ink settling on the outer peripheral surface of the printable body more quickly.

[0012] In this invention, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a cover having a cover portion with an opening for the upper end of the printable body, and covering the ultraviolet irradiator from above. With this configuration, for example, when an inkjet head positioned above the printable body ejects ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the printable body, even if an ultraviolet irradiator positioned to the side of the printable body irradiates ultraviolet light from the side of the printable body, the cover portion can prevent ultraviolet light from irradiating the nozzle surface constituting the lower surface of the inkjet head. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to the side of the printable body, nozzle clogging of the inkjet head can be prevented.

[0013] In this invention, it is preferable that the vertical position of the cover is adjustable. With this configuration, even if the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the vertical position of the cover can be adjusted to match the outer diameter of the printable object. Furthermore, by adjusting the vertical position of the cover to match the outer diameter of the printable object, the gap between the edge of the cover opening and the printable object can be set to the minimum required gap. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to the side of the printable object and the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the cover can be used to suppress ultraviolet radiation from reaching the nozzle surface of the inkjet head.

[0014] In this invention, preferably, when the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is set as the left and right direction, the ultraviolet irradiation device has two second covers for blocking a portion of the opening. The positions of the two second covers in the left and right direction can be adjusted, and one of the two second covers can block a portion of the opening from one side in the left and right direction, while the other second cover can block a portion of the opening from the other side in the left and right direction.

[0015] With this configuration, even if the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the lateral position of the second cover can be adjusted to match the outer diameter of the printable object. Furthermore, by adjusting the lateral position of the second cover to match the outer diameter of the printable object, the gap between the end face of the second cover and the printable object can be set to the minimum required gap. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to the side of the printable object and the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the second cover can suppress ultraviolet radiation from reaching the nozzle surface of the inkjet head.

[0016] In this invention, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation device includes a cover position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the left-right position of each of two second covers. The second covers are held in a manner that allows them to slide in the left-right direction. The cover position adjustment mechanism includes: a pressing member held in a manner that allows them to slide in the left-right direction and contacts the second covers from the outer side in the left-right direction, pushing the second covers inward in the left-right direction; a force-applying member that applies force to the second covers from the outer side in the left-right direction; and an adjusting screw that is rotatably held in the covers and engages with the pressing member. When the adjusting screw is turned, the second covers slide in the left-right direction. In this case, the left-right position of the second covers can be adjusted using a simple operation such as turning the adjusting screw.

[0017] In this invention, preferably, the cover comprises: an upper cover portion including a cover portion; and a lower cover portion, the upper cover portion being mounted on the upper end side of the lower cover portion, the upper cover portion holding the second cover and the cover position adjustment mechanism, either the upper cover portion or the lower cover portion having an adsorption member made of a permanent magnet, and the other of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion having an adsorbed member made of a permanent magnet or a magnetic member and adsorbed to the adsorption member, the upper cover portion being mounted to the lower cover portion by means of the magnetic adsorption force generated between the adsorption member and the adsorbed member.

[0018] With this configuration, since the upper part of the cover is attached to the lower part of the cover using magnetic attraction, the upper part of the cover, including the cover itself, can be easily removed from the lower part of the cover. Therefore, when removing the printed object from the rotation mechanism and installing the unprinted object onto the rotation mechanism (i.e., when changing the printed object), the upper part of the cover can be easily removed and installed, resulting in easy replacement of the printed object.

[0019] Furthermore, with this configuration, since the upper cover holds the second cover and the cover position adjustment mechanism, the configuration relationship between the cover and the second cover can be maintained after the temporarily removed upper cover is installed on the lower cover. Therefore, even if the upper cover is removed, the relative positional change between the second cover, which is adjusted in the left-right direction to match the outer diameter of the printed object, and the printed object can be suppressed. As a result, when printing objects with the same outer diameter, the effort of readjusting the left-right position of the second cover after removing and installing the upper cover can be saved.

[0020] In this invention, it is preferable that the vertical position of the lower part of the cover is adjustable. With this configuration, even if the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the vertical position of the cover can be adjusted to match the outer diameter of the printable object. Furthermore, by adjusting the vertical position of the cover to match the outer diameter of the printable object, the gap between the opening edge of the cover and the printable object can be set to the minimum required gap. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to the side of the printable object and the outer diameter of the printable object changes, the cover can be used to suppress ultraviolet radiation from reaching the nozzle surface of the inkjet head.

[0021] In this invention, it is preferable that, when the direction of the axis of the printed object viewed from the vertical direction is set as the front-back direction, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a third cover that blocks a portion of the opening in the front-back direction, and the third cover is mounted on a cover portion. With this configuration, the portion of the opening in the front-back direction can be blocked according to the length of the printed object (the axial length of the printed object). Therefore, even if the length of the printed object varies when printed using the printing device, it is possible to suppress the ultraviolet light passing through the opening from irradiating the nozzle surface of the inkjet head.

[0022] In this invention, it is preferable that the vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator is adjustable. With this configuration, even if the shape of the printed object changes, the ultraviolet irradiator can be positioned more appropriately for curing the ink adhering to the printed object.

[0023] In this invention, it is preferable that when the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the vertical direction is set as the horizontal direction, the tilt of the rotating mechanism relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the horizontal direction can be adjusted. With this configuration, for example, when the inkjet head positioned above the printed object ejects ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the printed object, even if the printed object has a frustum or cone shape, adjusting the tilt of the rotating mechanism can maintain a constant distance (gap) between the outer peripheral surface of the printed object and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head throughout the entire axial region of the printed object. Therefore, appropriate printing can be performed relative to the printed object.

[0024] In this invention, when the axis of the printed object viewed from the vertical direction is set as the front-back direction, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a base frame, a rotating mechanism connected to one end of the base frame in the front-back direction in a manner that allows rotation in an axial direction that allows rotation in the left-right direction; a support frame having a stepped portion having a plurality of stepped surfaces arranged in the vertical direction, and the support frame being fixed to the other end of the base frame in the front-back direction; a locking member having a mounting portion placed on the stepped surface and held in the rotating mechanism in a manner that allows rotation in an axial direction that allows rotation in the left-right direction; and a second force-applying member that applies force to one side of the locking member relative to the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism. The engaging member applies force, and the rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object and rotates with it; a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object and rotates with it; and a rotating frame on which the first and second rotating parts are rotatably mounted. One end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction is rotatably connected to one end of the base frame in the front-rear direction. The engaging member is rotatably held at the other end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction. The second force-applying member applies force to the engaging member in the direction that causes the mounting part to move toward the step. The mounting part is mounted on the step surface by the weight of the rotating mechanism. When the engaging member is rotated by overcoming the force of the second force-applying member, the mounting part disengages from the step surface.

[0025] In this invention, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a rotating shaft that is rotatably held in a rotating frame and serves as the rotation center of the engaging member relative to the rotating frame; and an eccentric cam fixed to the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft being rotatable relative to the engaging member, a cam mounting hole formed in the rotating frame for mounting the eccentric cam, wherein when the eccentric cam rotates relative to the rotating frame, the other end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction moves up and down relative to the engaging member. With this configuration, the tilt of the rotating mechanism relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left-right direction can be finely adjusted using the eccentric cam.

[0026] In this invention, the eccentric cam is an eccentric circular plate cam formed in the shape of a circular plate. The distance between the center of the eccentric cam and the axis of rotation, i.e., the eccentricity, is equal to half the height difference between adjacent step surfaces in the vertical direction. With this configuration, when adjusting the tilt of the rotating mechanism relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left and right directions using the step portion of the support frame and the engaging member, the tilt of the rotating mechanism relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left and right directions can also be continuously adjusted.

[0027] In this invention, it is preferable that the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator relative to the axis of the printed object, when viewed from above or below, can be adjusted. With this configuration, even if the printed object has a frustum or conical shape, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the printed object and the ultraviolet irradiator can be kept constant throughout the entire axial region of the printed object by adjusting the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator. Therefore, the ink adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the printed object can be properly cured.

[0028] In this invention, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a first detection mechanism for detecting whether a printable object is held in the rotating mechanism. Ultraviolet irradiation is only performed when the first detection mechanism detects that a printable object is held in the rotating mechanism. With this configuration, the ultraviolet irradiator does not irradiate ultraviolet light when the printable object is not held in the rotating mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet irradiation from occurring while the operator of the printing device is in contact with the ultraviolet irradiator. Consequently, the safety of the ultraviolet irradiation device can be improved.

[0029] In this invention, when the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the vertical direction is set as the left-right direction, for example, the rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object; a first holding part that holds the first rotating part so that it can rotate; a motor for rotating the first rotating part; a power transmission mechanism that connects the first rotating part and the motor; a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object; a second holding part that holds the second rotating part so that it can rotate; a third holding part that holds the second holding part so that it can rotate in the axis of rotation with the left-right direction set as the rotation; and a third force-applying member that applies force to the second holding part relative to the third holding part in a direction that causes the second holding part to tilt toward the first holding part; a first detection mechanism is mounted on the third holding part; when the printed object is mounted on the rotating mechanism, the second holding part overcomes the force of the third force-applying member and rotates relative to the third holding part to a position where the second holding part is detected by the first detection mechanism.

[0030] In this invention, preferably, when the axis of the printed object viewed from the vertical direction is set as the front-back direction, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a cover having a cover portion forming an opening for the upper end of the printed object and covering the ultraviolet irradiator from above; a third cover mounted on the cover portion and partially blocking the opening in the front-back direction; and a second detection mechanism for detecting the presence of the third cover on the cover portion. Ultraviolet irradiation is only permitted when the second detection mechanism detects the presence of the third cover on the cover portion. With this configuration, the ultraviolet irradiator does not irradiate ultraviolet light when the cover and the third cover are not installed, thus effectively preventing ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiator while the operator of the printing device is in contact with the ultraviolet irradiator. Therefore, the safety of the ultraviolet irradiation device can be further improved.

[0031] In this invention, when the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the vertical direction is set as the left-right direction, for example, the rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object; a first holding part that holds the first rotating part so that it can rotate; a motor for rotating the first rotating part; a power transmission mechanism that connects the first rotating part and the motor; a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object; a second holding part that holds the second rotating part so that it can rotate; and a third holding part that holds the second holding part so that it can rotate when the left-right direction is set as the right-right direction. The rotation of the second holding part in the axial direction; and the third force-applying member, which applies force to the second holding part relative to the third holding part in the direction that causes the second holding part to tilt toward the first holding part, the position of the third holding part in the direction of the axis of the printed body can be adjusted, a detection member is installed on the third cover, the detection member has a detection part that can be detected by the second detection mechanism, the second detection mechanism is installed on the second holding part, and when the third cover is placed in a predetermined position of the cover part while the printed body is held in a rotating mechanism, the detection part is detected by the second detection mechanism.

[0032] In this case, since the position of the third holding part in the axial direction of the printed body is adjusted according to the length of the printed body, the second detection mechanism mounted on the second holding part can be moved and positioned in a predetermined position according to the length of the printed body. Therefore, even if the third cover is moved according to the length of the printed body or the third cover is replaced according to the length of the printed body, the second detection mechanism can detect that the third cover is placed at an appropriate position on the cover part.

[0033] The ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus comprising: a platform on which the ultraviolet irradiation device is mounted; and an inkjet head disposed above a workpiece and ejecting ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. In this printing apparatus, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the ink falling onto the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece more quickly.

[0034] The effects of the invention

[0035] As described above, in this invention, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the ink falling on the outer peripheral surface of the printable object more quickly in the ultraviolet irradiation device. Furthermore, in the printing device of this invention, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the ink falling on the outer peripheral surface of the printable object more quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the ultraviolet irradiation device shown.

[0038] Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 2 The front view of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device shown.

[0039] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A side view of the rotating mechanism and its surrounding structure.

[0040] Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A side view of the rotating mechanism and its surrounding structure.

[0041] Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 4 An enlarged view of the structure of part E.

[0042] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A side view of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiator and its surrounding parts.

[0043] Figure 8 It is used for explanation. Figure 5 A top view showing the state of the ultraviolet irradiator and other components during the printing of a printable object with a frustum or cone shape.

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 Top view of the cover, the second cover, the cover position adjustment mechanism, and the third cover shown.

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Side view of the cover, the second cover, the cover position adjustment mechanism, and the third cover shown.

[0046] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The front view of the cover, the second cover, the cover position adjustment mechanism, and the third cover shown.

[0047] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 The front view shows the state where the upper and lower parts of the cover are separated.

[0048] Figure 13 (A) is used to explain Figure 10 An enlarged view of the structure of part F. Figure 13 (B) is used to explain Figure 10 An enlarged view of the structure of part G.

[0049] Figure 14 It is used for explanation Figure 9 The front view showing the configuration relationship between the cover and the second cover and the printed body.

[0050] Figure 15 It is used for explanation Figure 4 A top view of the structure of section E.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the peripheral portion of a rotating mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 17 It is used from Figure 16 The diagram (A) illustrates the structure of the peripheral part of the rotating mechanism in the GG direction.

[0053] Figure 18 From Figure 17 The HH direction indicates a side view of the support frame and engaging components, etc.

[0054] Figure 19 It is used for explanation Figure 17 A diagram of the structure of the JJ section.

[0055] Figure 20 It is used for explanation Figure 17 A diagram of the structure of the KK section.

[0056] Figure 21 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the peripheral portion of an ultraviolet irradiator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 22 It is used from Figure 21 The diagram illustrates the structure of the peripheral part of the ultraviolet irradiator in the MM direction.

[0058] Figure 23 It is used for explanation Figure 22 A diagram of the structure of the NN section.

[0059] Figure 24 This is a top view illustrating the structure of the cover portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 25 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 26 This is an enlarged side view illustrating the structure of the third cover in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 27 This is a front view illustrating the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 28 From Figure 27 The PP direction represents a bottom view of a portion of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0064] Figure 29 This is a top view illustrating the structure of a rotating mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the QQ section.

[0066] Figure 31 It is used for explanation Figure 29 An enlarged top view of the structure of the R section.

[0067] Figure 32 It is used for explanation Figure 29 An enlarged top view of the structure of the R section. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] (Simplified structure of the printing device)

[0070] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The printing apparatus 1 of this method is used to print on the outer peripheral surface of a printable object 2 using ultraviolet-curable ink. The printing apparatus 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer for commercial use. The printable object 2 is a three-dimensional object, for example, having a cylindrical, frustum-shaped, or conical shape. The printable object 2 is, for example, formed into a cylindrical, frustum-shaped, or conical shape. Furthermore, the printable object 2 is, for example, formed of resin. The printing apparatus 1 can print various types of printable objects 2 with different outer diameters and lengths. For example, the printable object 2 with an outer diameter of 40 to 110 mm can be printed in the printing apparatus 1.

[0072] The printing device 1 includes an inkjet head 3, an ultraviolet irradiation device 4, a stage 6, a carriage 7, a Y-bar 8, and a main frame 9. The inkjet head 3 ejects ultraviolet-curable ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the object to be printed 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device 4 cures the ink ejected onto the outer peripheral surface of the object to be printed 2. The stage 6 has a platform 5 for mounting the ultraviolet irradiation device 4. The carriage 7 carries the inkjet head 3. The Y-bar 8 holds the carriage 7 in a manner that allows it to move in the main scanning direction. The main frame 9 holds the stage 6 in a manner that allows it to move in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the main scanning direction.

[0073] Additionally, the printing apparatus 1 includes: a carriage drive mechanism 11 that moves the carriage 7 relative to the Y-bar 8 in the main scanning direction; a stage drive mechanism 12 that moves the stage 6 relative to the main frame 9 in the secondary scanning direction; and a platform lifting mechanism 13 that raises and lowers the platform 5. The carriage drive mechanism 11 includes, for example, a motor and a power transmission mechanism such as a belt and pulleys that transmit the motor's power to the carriage 7. The stage drive mechanism 12 includes, for example, a motor and a power transmission mechanism such as a belt and pulleys that transmit the motor's power to the stage 6. The platform lifting mechanism 13 includes, for example, a motor and a power transmission mechanism such as a ball screw that transmits the motor's power to the platform 5.

[0074] The upper surface of platform 5 forms a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device 4, mounted on platform 5, is positioned lower than the inkjet head 3. The workpiece 2 is held on the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 and positioned below the inkjet head 3. That is, the inkjet head 3 is positioned above the workpiece 2. The inkjet head 3 ejects ink downwards. Figure 3 In the image, a vertical line passing through the axis of the printable object 2 is shown by a single-dotted line. The inkjet head 3 is positioned above the printable object 2 on this vertical line.

[0075] The ink ejected from the inkjet head 3 lands on the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 at its upper end. That is, ink ejected from above the printed object 2 lands on its outer peripheral surface. The lower surface of the inkjet head 3 forms a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles arranged for ejecting ink. The distance (gap) between the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 3 and the upper end of the printed object 2 is, for example, 2 mm.

[0076] (Overall structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device)

[0077] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 shown. Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 2 The front view of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 shown.

[0078] The ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes a rotation mechanism 16, which holds the printable body 2 and rotates the printable body 2 about its axis. In this configuration, when printing a printable body 2 with a cylindrical shape, the axis of the printable body 2 is parallel to the horizontal direction. On the other hand, when printing a printable body 2 with a frustum-shaped or conical shape, the axis of the printable body 2 is tilted relative to the horizontal direction. The angle of tilt of the axis of the printable body 2 relative to the horizontal direction is not very large, for example, a maximum of about 15°.

[0079] In the following description, the orientation of the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed from the top and bottom ( Figure 2 The X direction (e.g., the front-back direction) is set as the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed from the top and bottom. Figure 2 The Y-direction (equal to the horizontal direction) is defined as the left-right direction. That is, the direction of the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed horizontally from above is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed horizontally from above is defined as the left-right direction. Furthermore, below, the direction defined as one side of the front-back direction... Figure 2 The X1 direction side is designated as the "front" side, and the opposite side will be... Figure 2 The X2 direction side is set as the "rear" side, and will be used as one side in the left and right directions. Figure 2 The Y1 direction side is set as the "right" side, and will be the opposite side. Figure 2 The Y2 direction side is set as the "left" side.

[0080] In this method, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 is mounted on the platform 5 in a manner where the left-right direction is aligned with the main scanning direction (i.e., the front-back direction is aligned with the sub-scanning direction). Furthermore, in this method, with the inkjet head 3 stationary at a certain position, printing is performed relative to the printable object 2 while rotating it using the rotation mechanism 16. Additionally, in this method, the length (length along the axis) of the printable object 2 is longer than the width of the inkjet head 3 in the front-back direction. Therefore, during printing of the printable object 2, the platform 5 is moved in stages in the front-back direction (sub-scanning direction).

[0081] The ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes: an ultraviolet irradiator 17 that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the ink-coated outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2; and a cover 18 having a cover portion 18a that covers the ultraviolet irradiator 17 from above. An opening 18b is formed in the cover portion 18a for the upper end of the printable body 2 to be disposed. The ultraviolet irradiator 17 is disposed on the side of the printable body 2.

[0082] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, a horizontal line (dashed line) passes through the axis of the printable body 2 and is perpendicular to the vertical line of the single-dot dashed line. In other words, the horizontal line (dashed line) is the line segment obtained by rotating the vertical line (single-dot dashed line) 90° around the axis of the printable body 2. The ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned on one side of the printable body 2 along this horizontal line, i.e., to the side. In other words, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 extends over an area including the position where the inkjet head 3 has been rotated 90° around the axis of the printable body 2.

[0083] As an example, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is disposed on the left side of the printable body 2. The ultraviolet irradiator 17 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the side of the printable body 2. That is, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 irradiates ultraviolet light from the left side of the printable body 2 towards the printable body 2.

[0084] In this method, during printing of the printable body 2, the rotating mechanism 16 rotates the printable body 2 counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Furthermore, as described above, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned on the left side of the printable body 2. That is, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned to the side of the printable body 2, and downstream of the point where the ink lands relative to the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 in the rotation direction of the printable body 2 based on the rotating mechanism 16. Additionally, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the printable body 2 from its left side. In other words, the ink that lands on the surface of the printable body 2 in the inkjet head 3 is irradiated with ultraviolet light in an area including a position rotated 90° around the axis of the printable body 2. Therefore, after the ink lands on the upper end of the printable body 2, and before the printable body 2 rotates 180°, the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 where the ink has landed is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0085] Alternatively, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be positioned on the right side of the printable body 2 when the printable body 2 is rotated clockwise.

[0086] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes: two second covers 20 for partially blocking the opening 18b from the left and right sides; and a cover position adjustment mechanism 21 for adjusting the left and right positions of each of the two second covers 20. That is, the left and right positions of each of the two second covers 20 can be adjusted. The ultraviolet irradiation device 4 of this embodiment includes four cover position adjustment mechanisms 21. Moreover, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes a third cover 22 for partially blocking the opening 18b in the front and back directions. The third cover 22 is mounted on the cover portion 18a. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes: a first detection mechanism 23 (see reference 1). Figure 6 ), which is used to detect the situation where the printed body 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16; and the second detection mechanism 24 (refer to Figure 15 (etc.), which is used to detect the situation where the third cover 22 is placed on the cover section 18a. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The illustration of the third cover 22 is omitted in the text.

[0087] (Structure of the rotating mechanism and its peripheral parts)

[0088] Figure 4 , Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A side view of the structure of the rotating mechanism 16 and its surrounding parts. Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) Figure 6 (C) is used to explain Figure 4 An enlarged view of the structure of part E.

[0089] The rotating mechanism 16 includes a first rotating part 27, a first holding part 28, a motor 29, a power transmission mechanism 30, a second rotating part 32, a second holding part 33, a third holding part 34, and a compression coil spring 35 (see reference). Figure 6 (A)). The first rotating part 27 holds one end of the printed body 2. The first holding part 28 holds the first rotating part 27 so that it can rotate. The motor 29 rotates the first rotating part 27. The power transmission mechanism 30 connects the first rotating part 27 and the motor 29. The second rotating part 32 holds the other end of the printed body 2. The second holding part 33 holds the second rotating part 32 so that it can rotate. The third holding part 34 holds the second holding part 33 so that it can rotate in the axis of rotation with the left and right directions as the rotation direction. The compression coil spring 35, as the third force-applying member, applies force to the second holding part 33 relative to the third holding part 34. The compression coil spring 35 applies force in the direction that causes the second holding part 33 to tilt toward the first holding part 28.

[0090] The first rotating part 27 and the second rotating part 32 rotate together with the printed object 2. The first rotating part 27 holds the rear end of the printed object 2, and the second rotating part 32 holds the front end of the printed object 2. The first rotating part 27, the first holding part 28, the motor 29, and the power transmission mechanism 30 are disposed on the rear side of the printed object 2. The second rotating part 32, the second holding part 33, the third holding part 34, and the compression coil spring 35 are disposed on the front side of the printed object 2. The power transmission mechanism 30 is composed of a belt and pulleys. Alternatively, the power transmission mechanism 30 may be composed of a gear train.

[0091] The second retaining part 33 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the third retaining part 34. The second retaining part 33 is rotatable relative to the third retaining part 34 about a rotation center axis 37 located at the rear end of the upper end of the third retaining part 34. A compression coil spring 35 is positioned forward of the rotation center axis 37. The compression coil spring 35 contacts the second retaining part 33 from below and applies force to the second retaining part 33 upwards. That is, the second retaining part 33 is compressed by the coil spring 35 about the rotation center axis 37. Figure 6 Apply force in a clockwise direction.

[0092] When the printed object 2 is not installed on the rotating mechanism 16, the second holding part 33 tilts towards the first holding part 28 under the force of the compression coil spring 35 (see reference). Figure 6 (C) That is, when the printed object 2 is not installed on the rotating mechanism 16, the axis of the second rotating part 32 is tilted relative to the axis of the first rotating part 27. When the printed object 2 is installed on the rotating mechanism 16, the second holding part 33 overcomes the force of the compression coil spring 35 and rotates to a position where the axis of the second rotating part 32 is aligned with the axis of the printed object 2.

[0093] The third holding part 34 can move in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2, and its position in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2 can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the positions of the second rotating part 32, the second holding part 33, and the third holding part 34 in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2 are adjusted according to the length of the printed body 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left and right sides can be adjusted. That is, the tilt of the axis of the printed body 2 relative to the horizontal direction can be adjusted. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, when printing on the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2, which has a frustum or cone shape, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 is adjusted.

[0094] The rotating mechanism 16 includes: a guide rail 38 for guiding the third holding portion 34 in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2; a guide block 39 that engages with the guide rail 38 and fixes the third holding portion 34; and a rotating frame 40 for fixing the guide rail 38. The rotating frame 40 is formed as an elongated strip in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2. The lower end of the first holding portion 28 is fixed to the rotating frame 40. That is, the first rotating portion 27 is rotatably mounted to the rotating frame 40 by means of the first holding portion 28.

[0095] The guide block 39 engages with the guide rail 38 from above. The guide block 39 is positioned lower than the second retaining part 33. A third retaining part 34 is fixed to the guide block 39. That is, the second rotating part 32 is rotatably mounted on the rotating frame 40 by means of the second retaining part 33, the third retaining part 34, the guide block 39, and the guide rail 38. The guide block 39 and the third retaining part 34 move together in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2.

[0096] The rotating frame 40 has an elongated screw through hole (not shown) in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2. A fixing screw 46 for fixing the third retaining part 34 to the rotating frame 40 passes through the screw through hole (see figure). Figure 15 The third retaining part 34 has a threaded hole for engaging the fixing screw 46. When the fixing screw 46 is loosened, the second rotating part 32, the second retaining part 33 and the third retaining part 34 can move along the guide rail 38 in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2.

[0097] The rotating frame 40 is rotatable relative to the lower frame 41 that forms the bottom surface of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4. Specifically, the rotating frame 40 is rotatable relative to the lower frame 41 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the rotating frame 40 is rotatable about a rotation center axis 42 disposed at the rear end of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4. A support frame 43 is fixed to the rear end of the lower frame 41. The rotation center axis 42 is mounted on the support frame 43. The support frame 43 is disposed at two locations with a gap in the left-right direction. Specifically, the support frame 43 is disposed at both ends of the rotating frame 40 in the left-right direction.

[0098] A guide frame 44 is fixed to the front end of the lower frame 41. A guide hole 44a is formed in the guide frame 44 to guide the rotating frame 40 in the rotational direction. The guide hole 44a extends through the guide frame 44 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left-right direction, the guide hole 44a is an arc shape with the rotation center axis 42 as the center of rotation. The guide frame 44 is disposed at two locations with a gap in the left-right direction. Specifically, the guide frame 44 is disposed at both ends of the rotating frame 40 in the left-right direction.

[0099] A fixing screw 45 for securing the front end of the rotating frame 40 to the guide frame 44 is passed through the guide hole 44a. The fixing screw 45 is a wing screw. A threaded hole for engaging the fixing screw 45 is formed at the front end of the rotating frame 40. When the fixing screw 45 is loosened, the rotating frame 40 can rotate relative to the lower frame 41, the support frame 43, and the guide frame 44 about the rotation center axis 42. In addition, by rotating the rotating frame 40, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction can be adjusted.

[0100] In this method, when printing the printable body 2, which has a cylindrical shape, such as Figure 4 As shown, the rotating frame 40 is fixed such that the direction of the axis of the printed object 2 is aligned with the front-to-back direction. That is, when printing a printed object 2 with a cylindrical shape, the axis of the printed object 2 is positioned on a horizontal plane. Furthermore, when printing a printed object 2 with a frustum-shaped or conical shape, as... Figure 5 As shown, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 is adjusted and the rotating frame 40 is fixed so that the upper end of the printed body 2 is parallel to the front-back direction.

[0101] (Structure of the ultraviolet irradiator and its peripheral parts)

[0102] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A side view of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 and its surrounding parts. Figure 8 It is used for explanation. Figure 5 A top view of the state of the ultraviolet irradiator 17, etc., during printing of the printable body 2, which has a frustum-shaped or conical shape.

[0103] The ultraviolet irradiator 17 includes an LED substrate 48 on which multiple LED chips emitting ultraviolet light are mounted. The LED substrate 48 is formed into an elongated rectangular plate. The LED substrate 48 is arranged such that, when viewed from the left-right direction, its short side aligns with the vertical direction, and its long side aligns with the front-back direction. As described above, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is located on the left side of the printed object 2. The ultraviolet irradiator 17 faces... Figure 3 The ultraviolet light is emitted from the right side of the UV irradiator 17, that is, towards the printable body 2. In this method, the vertical position of the UV irradiator 17 can be adjusted. In addition, the horizontal position of the UV irradiator 17 and the tilt of the UV irradiator 17 relative to the axis of the printable body 2 when viewed from the vertical direction can be adjusted.

[0104] The ultraviolet irradiator 17 is fixed to the holding part 49. The holding part 49, on which the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is mounted, is placed on the mounting part 50. The upper surface of the mounting part 50 forms a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. One end of a pair of parallel connecting rod members 51 is rotatably connected to the mounting part 50. The other end of the connecting rod members 51 is rotatably connected to a retainer 52 fixed to the lower frame 41. The retainer 52 is positioned lower than the mounting part 50.

[0105] The connecting rod member 51 is rotatable relative to the mounting portion 50 and the cage 52, with the left-right direction as its rotational axis. A pair of connecting rod members 51 are arranged at two locations with a gap in the left-right direction. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, a pair of connecting rod members 51 are disposed at both ends of the mounting portion 50 and the retainer 52 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, a parallel linkage mechanism is formed by the mounting portion 50, the connecting rod members 51, and the retainer 52.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, a guide frame 53 is fixed to the front end of the retainer 52. A guide hole 53a is formed in the guide frame 53 for guiding the mounting portion 50 in the vertical direction. The guide hole 53a extends through the guide frame 53 in the horizontal direction. The guide hole 53a is formed in an arc shape. The guide frame 53 is disposed at two locations with a gap in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the guide frame 53 is disposed at both ends of the mounting portion 50 and the retainer 52 in the horizontal direction.

[0107] A fixing screw 54 for securing the front end of the mounting portion 50 to the guide frame 53 passes through the guide hole 53a. The fixing screw 54 is a wing screw. A threaded hole for engaging the fixing screw 54 is formed at the front end of the mounting portion 50. When the fixing screw 54 is loosened, the mounting portion 50 can be raised or lowered relative to the lower frame 41, the retainer 52, and the guide frame 53. In addition, by raising or lowering the mounting portion 50, the vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be adjusted. In this configuration, the vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is adjusted according to the shape of the printed object 2 to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the most suitable part of the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2.

[0108] A sheet-shaped magnet 55, serving as a permanent magnet, is attached to the lower surface of the holding part 49. The component constituting the upper surface of the mounting part 50 is a magnetic component made of a magnetic metal material. The holding part 49 is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting part 50 by magnetic attraction generated between the magnet 55 and the upper surface of the mounting part 50. In this embodiment, the position of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 in the left-right direction is adjusted by moving the holding part 49, which is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting part 50 by magnetic attraction, in the left-right direction. In addition, the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 relative to the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed from the top and bottom directions is adjusted by tilting the holding part 49, which is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting part 50 by magnetic attraction, in the horizontal plane.

[0109] In this method, when printing a substrate 2 with a cylindrical shape, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned such that the ultraviolet emission surface of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is parallel to the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, when printing a substrate 2 with a frustum-shaped or conical shape, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is set up by adjusting the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 so that the ultraviolet emission surface of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is parallel to the left end of the printed body 2.

[0110] (The structure of the first cover, the second cover, the cover position adjustment mechanism, and the third cover)

[0111] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 Top view of cover 18, second cover 20, cover position adjustment mechanism 21, and third cover 22, etc. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Side view of cover 18, second cover 20, cover position adjustment mechanism 21 and third cover 22 shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The front view of the cover 18, the second cover 20, the cover position adjustment mechanism 21, and the third cover 22 shown. Figure 12 It means Figure 11 The front view shows the state in which the upper part 58 of the cover is separated from the lower part 59 of the cover. Figure 13 (A) is used to explain Figure 10 An enlarged view of the structure of part F. Figure 13 (B) is used to explain Figure 10 An enlarged view of the structure of part G. Figure 14 It is used for explanation Figure 9 The front view showing the configuration relationship between the cover 18a and the second cover 20 and the printed body 2.

[0112] The cover 18 includes: an upper cover portion 58, which includes a cover portion 18a; and a lower cover portion 59, the upper cover portion 58 being mounted on the upper end side of the lower cover portion 59. In this embodiment, the cover 18 consists of one upper cover portion 58 and two lower cover portions 59. The two lower cover portions 59 are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction. The lower cover portion 59 located on the right side supports the right end of the upper cover portion 58 from below, and the lower cover portion 59 located on the left side supports the left end of the upper cover portion 58 from below. In this embodiment, the vertical position of the cover 18 is adjustable. Specifically, the vertical position of the lower cover portions 59 is adjustable.

[0113] The cover portion 18a is formed into a rectangular flat plate. The cover portion 18a is arranged such that its thickness direction is aligned with its vertical direction. In addition, the cover portion 18a is arranged such that its long side direction is aligned with its front-to-back direction. The cover portion 18a constitutes the upper surface of the cover 18 and also constitutes the upper surface of the cover upper portion 58.

[0114] Opening 18b is a through hole that passes through the cover portion 18a in the vertical direction. Opening 18b is formed into a long and narrow rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction. The length of opening 18b in the front-to-back direction is longer than the length of the longest printable object 2 among those printed by the printing device 1. A guide plate 60 is fixed to the upper surface of the cover portion 18a. This guide plate 60 is used to position the third cover 22 in the left-to-right direction. The guide plate 60 is formed into a long and narrow rectangular flat plate in the front-to-back direction. The guide plates 60 are arranged at two locations with a gap in the left-to-right direction. The two guide plates 60 are arranged with the opening 18b between them in the left-to-right direction.

[0115] The upper cover portion 58 includes: two flat side plate portions 58a, which form the side surfaces of the upper cover portion 58 in the front-rear direction; and two flat side plate portions 58b, which form the side surfaces of the upper cover portion 58 in the left-right direction. The side plate portions 58a are arranged such that the thickness direction of the side plate portions 58a is consistent with the front-rear direction, and the side plate portions 58b are arranged such that the thickness direction of the side plate portions 58b is consistent with the left-right direction. The side plate portions 58a are connected to the two ends of the cover portion 18a in the front-rear direction, and the side plate portions 58b are connected to the two ends of the cover portion 18a in the left-right direction.

[0116] Additionally, the upper cover portion 58 includes: a mounting portion 58c, on which a pressing member 68, which forms part of the cover position adjustment mechanism 21 (described later), is mounted; and a holding portion 58d, which holds the second cover 20. The mounting portion 58c is formed into a generally rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the front-rear direction. The mounting portion 58c is arranged such that the thickness direction of the mounting portion 58c is aligned with the vertical direction. The mounting portion 58c is located on the lower side of the cover portion 18a. Furthermore, the mounting portion 58c is located at both the right and left ends of the upper cover portion 58. A sheet-like magnetic plate 61, which is a permanent magnet, is attached to the lower surface of the mounting portion 58c. That is, the upper cover portion 58 includes the magnetic plate 61. In this embodiment, the magnetic plate 61 is an adsorption member made of a permanent magnet.

[0117] The retaining portions 58d are arranged at two locations at the rear end of the upper cover portion 58 with a left-right gap, and at two locations on the upper cover portion 58 further forward of its center in the front-rear direction with a left-right gap. The two retaining portions 58d arranged at the rear end of the upper cover portion 58 are arranged on both sides of the opening 18b in the left-right direction. Similarly, the two retaining portions 58d arranged on both sides of the opening 18b in the left-right direction.

[0118] The retaining part 58d consists of a flat plate-shaped fixing plate 62 fixed to the lower surface of the cover part 18a and a flat plate-shaped mounting plate 63 fixed to the lower surface of the fixing plate 62. The mounting plate 63 protrudes inward in the forward-backward direction from the fixing plate 62. The upper surface of the mounting plate 63 forms a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Figure 13 As shown, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the cover 18a and the upper surface of the mounting plate 63. The two ends of the second cover 20 in the front-rear direction are disposed in this gap.

[0119] The lower part 59 of the cover is formed of a magnetic material. For example, the lower part 59 of the cover is formed of a magnetic metal material. The lower part 59 of the cover is fixed to the mounting bracket 64. The lower end of the mounting bracket 64 is fixed to the lower frame 41. The mounting bracket 64 is fixed to four parts of the lower frame 41: the right front end, the right rear end, the left front end, and the left rear end. The lower part 59 of the cover has a fixed part 59a fixed to the mounting bracket 64 and a mounting part 59b for mounting the mounting part 58c.

[0120] The mounting portion 59b is formed as a long, rectangular plate that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The mounting portion 59b is arranged such that its thickness direction is aligned with its vertical direction. The mounting portion 59b constitutes the upper surface of the lower cover portion 59. As described above, the lower cover portion 59 is formed of a magnetic material. That is, the mounting portion 59b is formed of a magnetic material. The upper cover portion 58 is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b by the magnetic attraction force generated between the magnetic sheet 61 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b. That is, the upper cover portion 58 is mounted to the lower cover portion 59 by the magnetic attraction force generated between the magnetic sheet 61 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b. In this configuration, the mounting portion 59b is a magnetic member that is attracted by the magnetic sheet 61, which serves as an attraction member.

[0121] In this configuration, the upper cover 58, which is installed on the lower cover 59, is positioned horizontally relative to the lower cover 59 using the inner side surface of the side plate portion 58b in the left-right direction and the end face of the mounting portion 59b. Therefore, when the upper cover 58 is installed relative to the lower cover 59, the upper cover 58 is automatically positioned horizontally relative to the lower cover 59.

[0122] The fixing part 59a is disposed at the front and rear ends of the lower part 59 of the cover. For example... Figure 10 As shown, a guide hole 59c is formed in the fixed portion 59a for guiding the lower portion 59 of the cover in the vertical direction relative to the fixing frame 64. The guide hole 59c extends through the fixed portion 59a in the horizontal direction. The guide hole 59c is formed into an elongated hole in the vertical direction. A fixing screw 65 for fixing the lower portion 59 of the cover to the fixing frame 64 passes through the guide hole 59c. A threaded hole is formed in the fixing frame 64 for engaging the fixing screw 65.

[0123] When the fixing screw 65 is loosened, the lower part 59 of the cover can be raised or lowered relative to the lower frame 41 and the fixing bracket 64. Furthermore, by raising or lowering the lower part 59, its vertical position can be adjusted. That is, when the fixing screw 65 is loosened, the cover 18 can be raised or lowered relative to the lower frame 41 and the fixing bracket 64. By raising or lowering the cover 18, its vertical position can be adjusted.

[0124] The second cover 20 is mainly composed of a flat plate portion that is generally rectangular and elongated in the front-to-back direction. The flat plate portion of the second cover 20 is arranged such that the thickness direction of the second cover 20 is aligned with the vertical direction. A roughening treatment is applied to the lower surface of the flat plate portion of the second cover 20. The second cover 20 is disposed on the lower side of the cover portion 18a. As described above, the two ends of the second cover 20 in the front-to-back direction are disposed in the gap between the lower surface of the cover portion 18a and the upper surface of the mounting plate 63. The second cover 20 is held in the cover 18. Specifically, the second cover 20 is held in the upper part 58 of the cover. In addition, the second cover 20 is held in the cover 18 in a manner that allows it to slide in the left-to-right direction.

[0125] The length of the second cover 20 in the front-back direction is shorter than the length of the opening 18b in the front-back direction. In the front-back direction, the rear end of the second cover 20 and the rear end of the opening 18b are positioned approximately at the same location. One of the two second covers 20s is positioned to the right of the center of the opening 18b in the left-right direction, thus partially blocking the opening 18b from the right. The other second cover 20 is positioned to the left of the center of the opening 18b in the left-right direction, thus partially blocking the opening 18b from the left.

[0126] The cover position adjustment mechanism 21 is disposed at two outer portions in the left-right direction at the front ends of the two second covers 20 and at two outer portions in the left-right direction at the rear ends of the two second covers 20. The cover position adjustment mechanism 21 is held at the upper part 58 of the cover. The cover position adjustment mechanism 21 includes a pressing member 68, a tension coil spring 69, and an adjusting screw 70. The pressing member 68 contacts the second cover 20 from the outer left-right direction and pushes the second cover 20 inward in the left-right direction. The tension coil spring 69 is a force-applying member that applies force to the second cover 20 from the outer left-right direction. The adjusting screw 70 is rotatably held in the cover 18 and engages with the pressing member 68.

[0127] The pressing member 68 is held in the cover 18 in a manner that allows it to slide in the left-right direction. The pressing member 68 is mounted on the mounting portion 58c of the upper part 58 of the cover. The pressing member 68 is disposed on the lower side of the cover portion 18a. The pressing member 68 is disposed on the outer side of the two second covers 20 in the left-right direction. The pressing member 68 disposed on the right side contacts the right end face of the second cover 20 disposed on the right side and pushes the second cover 20 to the left. The pressing member 68 disposed on the left side contacts the left end face of the second cover 20 disposed on the left side and pushes the second cover 20 to the right.

[0128] like Figure 9As shown, a guide hole 68a is formed in the pressing member 68 for guiding the pressing member 68 in the left-right direction. A guide screw 71 passes through the guide hole 68a from the top. A threaded hole for engaging the guide screw 71 is formed in the mounting portion 58c. The pressing member 68 can slide along the guide screw 71 in the left-right direction. In addition, a threaded hole for engaging the adjusting screw 70 is formed in the pressing member 68.

[0129] One end of the tension coil spring 69 engages with the second cover 20. The other end of the tension coil spring 69 engages with a spring engaging portion formed in the mounting portion 58c. The tension coil spring 69 is disposed on the outer side of the two second covers 20 in the left-right direction. The tension coil spring 69 disposed on the right applies force to the second cover 20 disposed on the right side to the right, and the tension coil spring 69 disposed on the left side applies force to the second cover 20 disposed on the left side to the left. The adjusting screw 70 is a wing screw. The adjusting screw 70 is rotatably held in the side plate portion 58b. The head of the adjusting screw 70 is disposed on the outer side of the side plate portion 58b in the left-right direction.

[0130] In this configuration, the second cover 20 slides in the left-right direction when the adjusting screw 70 is rotated. Furthermore, in this configuration, cover position adjustment mechanisms 21 are provided on the front and rear ends of the second cover 20. Therefore, by offsetting the left-right positions of the pressing member 68 located on the front and the pressing member 68 located on the rear, as... Figure 8 As shown, the tilt of the second cover 20 relative to the front-back direction can be adjusted when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0131] The third cover 22 is formed into a rectangular flat plate. As described above, the third cover 22 is placed on the cover portion 18a. The third cover 22 is disposed between the two guide plates 60. The third cover 22 blocks the front end portion of the opening 18b. The front end of the third cover 22 is positioned forward of the front end of the opening 18b. A detection member 72 is mounted on the third cover 22, which has a detection portion 72a that can be detected by the second detection mechanism 24. The detection member 72 is fixed to the lower surface of the third cover 22. The detection member 72 extends downward from the lower surface of the third cover 22, and the lower end of the detection member 72 becomes the detection portion 72a.

[0132] In this method, the vertical position of the cover 18 and the horizontal position of the second cover 20 are adjusted according to the outer diameter of the printed object 2. Specifically, for example, when the outer diameter of the printed object 2 is relatively large, such as... Figure 14As shown in (A), the vertical position of the cover 18 and the horizontal position of the second cover 20 are adjusted so that the gap G1 between the left-right edge of the opening 18b and the outer peripheral surface of the printed body 2 is the minimum required size. Additionally, for example, when the outer diameter of the printed body 2 is relatively small, such as... Figure 14 As shown in (B), adjust the position of the cover 18 in the vertical direction and the position of the second cover 20 in the horizontal direction. Adjust the cover 20 in such a way that the gap G2 between the end face of the second cover 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the printed body 2 is the minimum required size.

[0133] Furthermore, in this method, when printing a printable body 2 with a frustum or cone shape, such as Figure 8 As shown, the tilt of the second cover 20 is adjusted according to the shape of the printed object 2. Specifically, the tilt of the second cover 20 is adjusted according to the shape of the printed object 2 so that the gap G2 between the end face of the second cover 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 is constant throughout the entire region in the front-back direction. The gaps G1 and G2 are, for example, 2, where the unit of the gap is mm. In addition, when adjusting the left-right direction and the tilt of the second cover 20, a pad (for example, a pad with a thickness of 2 mm) is placed between the end face of the second cover 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2. At the same time, the second cover 20 is moved and the end face of the second cover 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 are pressed against the pad.

[0134] Furthermore, in this method, the position of the third cover 22 in the front-rear direction is offset according to the length of the printed body 2. If the length of the printed body 2 is relatively short and the front end of the opening 18b cannot be covered by the third cover 22, an additional cover is disposed on the front side of the third cover 22. However, it is also possible to prepare in advance several types of third covers 22 with different lengths in the front-rear direction, and select a third cover 22 that can cover the entire front end portion of the opening 18b for installation.

[0135] (The structure of the first and second testing organizations)

[0136] Figure 15 It is used for explanation Figure 4 A top view of the structure of section E.

[0137] The first detection mechanism 23 is an interlocking switch having a contact member constituting the contact part and a rod 23a for pushing the contact member (see reference). Figure 6The first detection mechanism 23 is mounted on the third holding part 34. The first detection mechanism 23 is located on the lower side of the second holding part 33. The rod 23a is located on the upper side of the main body of the first detection mechanism 23. When the printed object 2 is not mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, under the force of the compressed helical spring 35, the second holding part 33 tilts towards the first holding part 28, and the rod 23a does not contact the contact member (see reference). Figure 6 (C)). Therefore, the first detection unit 23 is in the disconnected state.

[0138] In this state, when the printable body 2 is mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the second holding part 33 rotates against the force of the compression coil spring 35 and pushes the rod 23a (see reference). Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) When the rod 23a, which is pressed by the second holding part 33, presses against the contact member, the first detection mechanism 23 becomes activated, and the second holding part 33 is detected by the first detection mechanism 23. That is, when the printable body 2 is mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the second holding part 33 overcomes the force of the compression coil spring 35 and rotates relative to the third holding part 34 to the position where the second holding part 33 is detected by the first detection mechanism 23. In addition, by detecting the second holding part 33 by the first detection mechanism 23, the printable body 2 is detected being held in the rotating mechanism 16 by the first detection mechanism 23.

[0139] The second detection mechanism 24, like the first detection mechanism 23, is an interlocking switch having a contact member constituting the contact portion and a rod 24a that pushes the contact member. The second detection mechanism 24 is fixed to the fixing member 73. The fixing member 73 is fixed to the second holding portion 33. That is, the second detection mechanism 24 is mounted to the second holding portion 33 by means of the fixing member 73. The second detection mechanism 24 is positioned on the front side of the second rotating portion 32. The rod 24a is positioned on the front side of the main body of the second detection mechanism 24. Figure 15 As shown, a guide groove 73a is formed in the fixing member 73 for guiding the detected part 72a of the member to be detected 72 toward the rod 24a. The guide groove 73a is formed from the front end of the fixing member 73 toward the rear side.

[0140] When the third cover 22 is placed at a predetermined position on the cover portion 18a while the printed object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16, the detection portion 72a pushes the rod 24a. When the rod 24a, pushed by the detection portion 72a, presses the contact member, the second detection mechanism 24 is activated, and the detection portion 72a is detected by the second detection mechanism 24. That is, when the third cover 22 is placed at a predetermined position on the cover portion 18a while the printed object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16, the detection portion 72a is detected by the second detection mechanism 24. Furthermore, by detecting the detection portion 72a by the second detection mechanism 24, the presence of the third cover 22 on the cover portion 18a is detected by the second detection mechanism 24.

[0141] In this method, when the first detection mechanism 23 detects that the printed object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16, ultraviolet light can be irradiated using the ultraviolet irradiator 17. More specifically, when the first detection mechanism 23 detects that the printed object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16, and the second detection mechanism 24 detects that the third cover 22 is placed on the cover portion 18a, ultraviolet light can be irradiated using the ultraviolet irradiator 17.

[0142] (The main effects of this method)

[0143] As explained above, in this method, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned to the side of the printable body 2, irradiating ultraviolet light from the side of the printable body 2 toward the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 where ink has settled at the upper end. Specifically, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 irradiates the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 where ink has settled after the ink has settled at the upper end of the printable body 2, and before the printable body 2 is rotated 180°. Therefore, in this method, compared to the case where the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned below the printable body as described in Patent Document 1, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the ink settled on the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 more quickly.

[0144] In this configuration, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is covered from above by the cover portion 18a. Therefore, even when the ultraviolet irradiator 17, positioned to the side of the printable body 2, irradiates ultraviolet light from the side of the printable body 2, the cover portion 18a can prevent ultraviolet light from reaching the nozzle surface (lower surface) of the inkjet head 3 positioned above the printable body 2. Thus, in this configuration, even when the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned to the side of the printable body 2, clogging of the nozzles of the inkjet head 3 can be prevented.

[0145] In this method, the vertical position of the cover 18 can be adjusted, and the horizontal position of the second cover 20 can be adjusted. Furthermore, in this method, the vertical position of the cover 18 and the horizontal position of the second cover 20 are adjusted according to the outer diameter of the printed object 2, so that the gap G1 between the edge of the opening 18b in the horizontal direction and the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2, and the gap G2 between the end face of the second cover 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2, are at the required minimum size. Therefore, in this method, even when the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is positioned to the side of the printed object 2 and the outer diameter of the printed object 2 varies, the cover 18a and the second cover 20 can be used to suppress ultraviolet radiation from reaching the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 3.

[0146] In this embodiment, the cover position adjustment mechanism 21 includes: a pressing member 68 that contacts the second cover 20 from the outer side in the left-right direction and pushes the second cover 20 inward in the left-right direction; a tension coil spring 69 that applies force to the second cover 20 from the outer side in the left-right direction; and an adjusting screw 70 that is rotatably held in the cover 18 and engages with the pressing member 68. When the adjusting screw 70 is rotated, the second cover 20 slides in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the left-right position of the second cover 20 can be adjusted by simply rotating the adjusting screw 70.

[0147] In this configuration, the upper cover 58 is mounted to the lower cover 59 using the magnetic attraction force generated between the magnet 61 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b. Therefore, in this configuration, the upper cover 58, including the cover portion 18a, can be easily removed from the lower cover 59. Consequently, in this configuration, when the printed workpiece 2 is removed from the rotation mechanism 16 and the unprinted workpiece 2 is mounted on the rotation mechanism 16 (i.e., when changing the workpiece 2), the upper cover 58 can be easily removed and installed, resulting in easy replacement of the workpiece 2.

[0148] Furthermore, in this configuration, since the upper cover 58 holds the second cover 20 and the cover position adjustment mechanism 21, the configuration relationship between the cover portion 18a and the second cover 20 can be maintained after the temporarily removed upper cover 58 is installed on the lower cover 59. Additionally, in this configuration, since the mounting portion 58c of the upper cover 58 is placed on the mounting portion 59b of the lower cover 59, the vertical position of the cover portion 18a and the second cover 20 can be maintained after the temporarily removed upper cover 58 is installed on the lower cover 59. Moreover, in this configuration, when the upper cover 58 is installed on the lower cover 59, the upper cover 58 is automatically positioned horizontally relative to the lower cover 59.

[0149] Therefore, in this method, even if the upper cover 58 is removed, it is possible to suppress changes in the relative position between the second cover 20, which is adjusted in the left-right direction to match the outer diameter of the printed object 2, and the printed object 2. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress changes in the relative position between the cover 18, which is adjusted in the up-down direction to match the outer diameter of the printed object 2, and the printed object 2. As a result, in this method, when printing a printed object 2 with the same outer diameter, after removing the upper cover 58, it is possible to save the effort of readjusting the left-right position of the second cover 20 and the effort of readjusting the up-down position of the cover 18.

[0150] In this configuration, the third cover 22 blocks the front end portion of the opening 18b. Therefore, by positioning the third cover 22 appropriately according to the length of the printed object 2, even if the length of the printed object 2 varies using the printing device 1, it is possible to suppress ultraviolet light passing through the front end portion of the opening 18b from irradiating the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 3.

[0151] In this method, the vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be adjusted according to the shape of the printed object 2, so as to irradiate the most suitable part of the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 with ultraviolet light. Therefore, in this method, even if the shape of the printed object 2 printed by the printing device 1 changes, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be positioned in a more suitable position for curing the ink attached to the printed object 2.

[0152] In this method, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left-right direction can be adjusted. When printing a printable body 2 with a frustum or cone shape, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 is adjusted so that the upper end of the printable body 2 is parallel to the front-back direction. Therefore, in this method, even when printing a printable body 2 with a frustum or cone shape, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the printable body 2 and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 3 can be kept constant throughout the entire axial region of the printable body 2. Thus, in this method, appropriate printing can be performed relative to the printable body 2.

[0153] In this method, the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 relative to the axis of the printed object 2 when viewed from above can be adjusted. When printing on a printed object 2 with a frustum or cone shape, the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is adjusted so that the ultraviolet emission surface of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is parallel to the left end of the printed object 2. Therefore, in this method, even if the printed object 2 has a frustum or cone shape, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 and the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be kept constant throughout the entire axial region of the printed object 2. Consequently, in this method, the ink adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the printed object 2 can be properly cured.

[0154] In this method, ultraviolet light is irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator 17 only when the first detection mechanism 23 detects that the printable object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16. That is, in this method, when the printable object 2 is not held in the rotating mechanism 16, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 does not irradiate ultraviolet light. Therefore, in this method, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet irradiator 17 from being used for ultraviolet light irradiation while the operator of the printing device 1 is in contact with it. Thus, in this method, the safety of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 can be improved.

[0155] Furthermore, in this method, ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is only permitted when the second detection mechanism 24 detects that the third cover 22 is mounted on the cover portion 18a. Therefore, when the cover 18 and the third cover 22 are not installed, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 does not irradiate ultraviolet light. Thus, in this method, ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be effectively prevented when the operator of the printing device 1 is in contact with the ultraviolet irradiator 17, thereby further improving the safety of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4.

[0156] In particular, in this method, ultraviolet light can only be irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator 17 when the first detection mechanism 23 detects that the printed object 2 is held in the rotating mechanism 16 and the second detection mechanism 24 detects that the third cover 22 is placed on the cover portion 18a. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent ultraviolet light irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiator 17 when the operator of the printing device 1 is in contact with the ultraviolet irradiator 17. Thus, in this method, the safety of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 can be further improved.

[0157] In this configuration, a second detection mechanism 24 is installed on a second holding part 33, whose position is adjusted in the direction of the axis of the printed body 2 according to the length of the printed body 2. Therefore, in this configuration, for example, even if the third cover 22 is moved according to the length of the printed body 2, the second detection mechanism 24 can detect that the third cover 22 is placed at an appropriate position on the cover part 18a.

[0158] (Example of a modification to the peripheral part of a rotating mechanism)

[0159] Figure 16 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the peripheral portion of the rotating mechanism 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 It is used from Figure 16 The diagram in (A) illustrates the structure of the peripheral part of the rotating mechanism 16 in the GG direction. Figure 18 From Figure 17 The HH direction indicates a side view of the support frame 80 and the engaging member 81, etc. Figure 19 It is used for explanation Figure 17 A diagram of the structure of the JJ section. Figure 20 It is used for explanation Figure 17 A diagram of the structure of the KK section. Furthermore, in Figures 16-20 In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to label the structures that are the same as those described above.

[0160] In the above-described manner, two guide frames 44 are fixed at the front end of the lower frame 41 with a left-right gap. However, in this modified example, a support frame 80 is fixed at the front end of the lower frame 41 instead of one of the two guide frames 44. In this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes a locking member 81, a tension coil spring 82, a rotating shaft 83, and an eccentric cam 84. The locking member 81 is held in the rotating mechanism 16 (specifically, in the rotating frame 40) in a manner that allows rotation in the left-right direction. The tension coil spring 82, as a second force-applying member, applies force to the locking member 81 on one side of the rotation direction relative to the rotating mechanism 16. The rotating shaft 83 becomes the rotation center of the locking member 81 relative to the rotating frame 40. The eccentric cam 84 is fixed to the rotating shaft 83.

[0161] As described above, the rotating frame 40 is capable of rotating relative to the lower frame 41 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, a support frame 43 is fixed to the rear end of the lower frame 41. A rotation center shaft 42, which serves as the rotation center of the rotating frame 40, is mounted on the support frame 43. That is, the rotating frame 40 is connected to the support frame 43 in a manner that allows rotation of the rotating frame 40 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. In this modified example, the lower frame 41 and the support frame 43 constitute the base frame 85. The rotating mechanism 16 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the base frame 85, which is one end in the front-rear direction. The rotating mechanism 16 sets the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The rear end of the rotating frame 40 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the base frame 85. Furthermore, in Figure 16 The diagram of support frame 43 is omitted in the text.

[0162] The support frame 80 is fixed to the front end of the lower frame 41. That is, the support frame 80 is fixed to the front end of the base frame 85, which is the other end in the front-rear direction. The guide frame 44 is disposed on the right side of the rotating frame 40, and the support frame 80 is disposed on the left side of the rotating frame 40. A guide hole 80a, corresponding to the guide hole 44a of the guide frame 44, is formed in the support frame 80. In addition, a longitudinal through hole 80b, which extends through the support frame 80 in the left-right direction, is formed in the support frame 80. The through hole 80b is formed in front of the guide hole 80a.

[0163] The front side of the through hole 80b forms a stepped portion 80d with multiple stepped surfaces 80c arranged in the vertical direction. That is, the support frame 80 has a stepped portion 80d. When viewed from the left and right, the multiple stepped surfaces 80c are arranged on an arc with the rotation center axis 42 as the center of curvature. The multiple stepped surfaces 80c face upwards. The height difference S between adjacent stepped surfaces 80c in the vertical direction (refer to...) Figure 18 It is certain. Specifically, the height difference S is constant in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation center axis 42.

[0164] A scale plate 87 is fixed to the guide frame 44 or the support frame 80. The scale plate 87 is printed with graduations 86 indicating the angle of the rotating frame 40 relative to the front-back direction when viewed from the left-right direction. That is, a scale plate 87 is fixed to the guide frame 44 or the support frame 80. The scale plate 87 is printed with graduations 86 indicating the angle of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0165] The rotating shaft 83 is configured such that its axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction. The eccentric cam 84 is an eccentric circular plate cam formed in the shape of a circular plate. The eccentric cams 84 are fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft 83, and the two eccentric cams 84 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 83. The center of the eccentric cam 84 is offset from the axis of the rotating shaft 83. The distance between the center of the eccentric cam 84 and the axis of the rotating shaft 83 is the eccentricity D (refer to...). Figure 20 (A) is equal to half the height difference S between adjacent step surfaces 80c in the vertical direction.

[0166] A cam mounting hole 40a for eccentric cam 84 is formed in the rotating frame 40 (see reference). Figure 20Specifically, a cam mounting hole 40a is formed at the front end of the side portion 40b on the left-right side of the rotating frame 40. The cam mounting hole 40a is formed into an elongated hole shape. An eccentric cam 84 is rotatably held on the side portion 40b. That is, the rotating shaft 83, on which the eccentric cam 84 is fixed, is rotatably held on the rotating frame 40 by means of the eccentric cam 84. Specifically, both ends of the rotating shaft 83 are rotatably held on the front end of the rotating frame 40 by means of the eccentric cam 84. The rotating shaft 83 and the eccentric cam 84 can rotate relative to the rotating frame 40 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation.

[0167] Both ends of the rotating shaft 83 protrude outwards in the left-right direction from the rotating frame 40. The right end of the rotating shaft 83 passes through the guide hole 44a of the guide frame 44, and the left end of the rotating shaft 83 passes through the guide hole 80a of the support frame 80. In addition, the right end of the rotating shaft 83 protrudes to the right of the guide frame 44, and the left end of the rotating shaft 83 protrudes to the left of the support frame 80. A clamping handle 88 with an eccentric cam is installed at the right end of the rotating shaft 83, which protrudes to the right of the guide frame 44.

[0168] The engaging member 81 is disposed between the two side portions 40b in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the engaging member 81 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the left side portion 40b. A through hole is formed in the engaging member 81 for the rotating shaft 83 to pass through. The engaging member 81 is rotatably held at the front end of the rotating frame 40 by means of the rotating shaft 83 and the eccentric cam 84. The rotating shaft 83 is rotatable relative to the engaging member 81. The engaging member 81 has a mounting portion 81a (see reference) mounted on the stepped surface 80c. Figure 17 , Figure 18 The mounting portion 81a is disposed at the lower front end of the engaging member 81, and is positioned forward and downward from the rotating shaft 83. Additionally, the mounting portion 81a is disposed at the left end of the engaging member 81.

[0169] One end of the tension coil spring 82 engages with the upper rear end of the engaging member 81. The other end of the tension coil spring 82 engages with a spring engaging portion 40c located at the front end of the rotating frame 40. The spring engaging portion 40c is located at the rear of the engaging member 81. When viewed from the right, the tension coil spring 82 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 83. Figure 19 A force is applied to the engaging member 81 in a clockwise direction. The mounting portion 81a, located at the lower front end of the engaging member 81, is positioned behind the stepped portion 80d. The tension coil spring 82 applies a force to the engaging member 81 in the direction that causes the mounting portion 81a to move toward the stepped portion 80d.

[0170] The mounting portion 81a is placed on the stepped surface 80c by the weight of the rotating mechanism 16. Furthermore, the engaging member 81 is forced in the direction that moves the mounting portion 81a toward the stepped portion 80d. Therefore, when the rotating frame 40 is rotated relative to the base frame 85 by raising the front end of the rotating frame 40, the mounting portion 81a is automatically placed on the stepped surface 80c, which corresponds to the angle of the rotating frame 40 relative to the horizontal direction.

[0171] The engaging member 81 is rotated to overcome the force of the tension coil spring 82. Specifically, the engaging member 81 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right, such that the mounting portion 81a moves away from the step portion 80d. As a result, the mounting portion 81a disengages from the step surface 80c. Therefore, when the engaging member 81 is rotated to overcome the force of the tension coil spring 82, the rotating frame 40 can rotate relative to the base frame 85 by lowering its front end. Furthermore, a handle portion 81b is formed at the upper front end of the engaging member 81 to overcome the force of the tension coil spring 82 and allow the engaging member 81 to rotate.

[0172] In this modified example, when the eccentric cam 88a of the clamping handle 88 is configured to... Figure 17 When the position indicated by the double-dotted line is reached, the rotating frame 40 can rotate relative to the base frame 85. On the other hand, by setting the front-to-back direction as the axis of rotation, the clamping handle 88 is rotated, so that the eccentric cam 88a is positioned at... Figure 17 The position is indicated by the solid line. Thus, the front end of the rotating frame 40 is fixed relative to the guide frame 44 and the support frame 80. That is, the rotating frame 40 cannot be rotated relative to the base frame 85.

[0173] Furthermore, on the left side of the support frame 80, the rotating shaft 83 passes through the washer 89, and the washer 89 is fixed to the rotating shaft 83. Additionally, on the right side of the guide frame 44 and on the left side of the clamping handle 88, the rotating shaft 83 passes through the washer 89, and the washer 89 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the rotating shaft 83. Therefore, when the clamping handle 88 is rotated to position the eccentric cam 88a... Figure 17 When the position is indicated by the solid line, the guide frame 44, the support frame 80, and the rotating frame 40 are sandwiched between the two gaskets 89. This results in the front end of the rotating frame 40 being fixed relative to the guide frame 44 and the support frame 80.

[0174] In this modified example, the eccentric cam 88a of the clamping handle 88 is directed towards... Figure 17The position indicated by the double-dotted line is moved, causing the rotating frame 40 to rotate relative to the base frame 85. This adjusts the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction. When adjusting the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction, the operator of the printing device 1 first manually rotates the rotating frame 40. The operator rotates the rotating frame 40 relative to the base frame 85 by raising the front end of the rotating frame 40. When the rotating frame 40 is rotated in this way, the mounting part 81a is automatically mounted on the stepped surface 80c corresponding to the angle of the rotating frame 40 relative to the horizontal direction. In this modified example, multiple stepped surfaces 80c can be used, for example, to change the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction in a 0.5° pitch.

[0175] Then, the operator sets the left-right direction as the axis of rotation, causing the clamping handle 88 to rotate and the eccentric cam 84 to rotate. The eccentric cam 84 rotates about the rotation axis 83 as its center of rotation relative to the rotating frame 40 and the engaging member 81. Therefore, when the eccentric cam 84 rotates, the front end of the rotating frame 40 moves up and down relative to the engaging member 81. That is, the rotating frame 40 rotates relative to the base frame 85. Thus, when the eccentric cam 84 rotates, the front end of the rotating frame 40 moves up and down relative to the engaging member 81, and the rotating frame 40 rotates relative to the base frame 85. Therefore, in this modified example, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction can be finely adjusted using the eccentric cam 84.

[0176] Furthermore, in this modified example, the distance between the center of the eccentric cam 84 and the axis of the rotation shaft 83, i.e., the eccentricity D, is equal to half the height difference S between adjacent step surfaces 80c in the vertical direction. Therefore, when adjusting the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction using the step portion 80d of the support frame 80 and the engaging member 81, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction can also be continuously adjusted.

[0177] Furthermore, the eccentricity D may not be equal to half the height difference S. Additionally, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 may not include an eccentric cam 84. Alternatively, a threaded member can be used to move the front end of the rotating frame 40 up and down, thereby rotating the rotating frame 40 relative to the base frame 85. In this case, the operator may manually rotate the threaded member, or the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 may be equipped with a motor to rotate the threaded member.

[0178] (Example of a modification to the periphery of an ultraviolet irradiator)

[0179] Figure 21 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the peripheral portion of an ultraviolet irradiator 17 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 It is used from Figure 21 The diagram illustrates the structure of the peripheral portion of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 in the MM direction. Figure 23 It is used for explanation Figure 22 A diagram of the structure of the NN section. Furthermore, in Figures 21-23 In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to label the structures that are the same as those described above.

[0180] In the above-described configuration, two guide frames 53 are arranged at the front end of the lower frame 41 with a left-right gap. In this modified version, a support frame 90, which is formed approximately the same as the support frame 80, is arranged at the front end of the lower frame 41 to replace one of the two guide frames 53. In this modified version, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes a locking member 91, a tension coil spring 92, a rotating shaft 93, and an eccentric cam 94. The locking member 91 is held in the mounting portion 50 in a manner that allows rotation along an axis that allows rotation in the left-right direction. The tension coil spring 92 applies force to the locking member 91 on one side of the rotation direction relative to the mounting portion 50. The rotating shaft 93 serves as the rotation center of the locking member 91 relative to the mounting portion 50. The eccentric cam 94 is fixed to the rotating shaft 93.

[0181] The mounting portion 50 includes a connecting rod connection portion 50a, to which one end of the connecting rod member 51 is connected. For example... Figure 21 As shown, a compression coil spring 98 is disposed between the connecting rod connection 50a and the retainer 52. This compression coil spring 98 applies force to the mounting portion 50 in the direction that lifts the ultraviolet irradiator 17. The upper end of the compression coil spring 98 engages with the connecting rod connection 50a near the connection between the connecting rod member 51 and the connecting rod connection 50a, which is located on the rear side. The compression coil spring 98 applies force to the connecting rod connection 50a on one side in the circumferential direction about the rotation center of the connecting rod member 51 relative to the retainer 52. The compression coil spring 98 functions as an auxiliary spring.

[0182] The support frame 90 is fixed to the front end of the lower frame 41. The guide frame 53 is disposed on the right side of the connecting rod connection 50a, and the support frame 90 is disposed on the left side of the connecting rod connection 50a. A guide hole 90a corresponding to the guide hole 53a of the guide frame 53 is formed in the support frame 90. In addition, a longitudinally elongated through hole 90b extending through the support frame 90 in the left-right direction is formed in the support frame 90. The through hole 90b is formed on the front side of the guide hole 90a. Furthermore, in Figure 21 The illustration of through hole 90b is omitted in the text. Figure 23 The diagram of guide hole 90a is omitted in the image.

[0183] Similar to the support frame 80, the front side of the through hole 90b forms a stepped section 90d with multiple stepped surfaces 90c arranged in the vertical direction. The height difference between adjacent stepped surfaces 90c in the vertical direction is constant. A scale plate 97 is fixed to the guide frame 53 or the support frame 90. The scale plate 97 is printed with a scale 96 indicating the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 17.

[0184] The rotating shaft 93 is configured such that its axial direction aligns with the left-right direction. The eccentric cam 94 is an eccentric circular plate cam formed in the shape of a circular plate. The eccentric cams 94 are fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft 93, and both eccentric cams 94 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 93. The center of the eccentric cam 94 is offset relative to the axis of the rotating shaft 93. The distance between the center of the eccentric cam 94 and the axis of the rotating shaft 93, i.e., the eccentricity, is equal to half the height difference between adjacent step surfaces 90c in the vertical direction.

[0185] A cam mounting hole for eccentric cam 94 is formed at the front end of the side portion 50b, which forms the left-right side of the connecting rod connection portion 50a. The eccentric cam 94 is rotatably held in the side portion 50b. That is, the rotation shaft 93, on which the eccentric cam 94 is fixed, is rotatably held in the mounting portion 50 by means of the eccentric cam 94. Specifically, both ends of the rotation shaft 93 are rotatably held in the front end of the mounting portion 50 by means of the eccentric cam 94. The rotation shaft 93 and the eccentric cam 94 can rotate relative to the mounting portion 50 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation.

[0186] Both ends of the rotating shaft 93 protrude outwards in the left-right direction from the connecting rod connection 50a. The right end of the rotating shaft 93 passes through the guide hole 53a of the guide frame 53, and the left end of the rotating shaft 93 passes through the guide hole 90a of the support frame 90. In addition, the right end of the rotating shaft 93 protrudes to the right of the guide frame 53, and the left end of the rotating shaft 93 protrudes to the left of the support frame 90. A clamping handle 88 is installed at the left end of the rotating shaft 93, which protrudes to the left of the support frame 90.

[0187] The engaging member 91 is disposed between the two side portions 50b in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the engaging member 91 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the left side portion 50b. A through hole is formed in the engaging member 91 for the rotating shaft 93 to pass through. The engaging member 91 is rotatably held at the front end of the connecting rod connection portion 50a by means of the rotating shaft 93 and the eccentric cam 94. Additionally, the rotating shaft 93 is rotatable relative to the engaging member 91. The engaging member 91 has a mounting portion 91a (see reference) mounted on the stepped surface 90c. Figure 22 The mounting portion 91a is disposed at the lower front end of the engaging member 91, and is positioned forward and lower than the rotating shaft 93. Additionally, the mounting portion 91a is disposed at the left end of the engaging member 91.

[0188] One end of the tension coil spring 92 engages with the upper rear end of the engaging member 91. The other end of the tension coil spring 92 engages with a spring engaging portion 50c located at the front end of the connecting rod connection portion 50a. The spring engaging portion 50c is located at the rear of the engaging member 91. When viewed from the right, the tension coil spring 92 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 93. Figure 23 A force is applied to the engaging member 91 in a clockwise direction. The mounting portion 91a, located at the lower front end of the engaging member 91, is positioned behind the stepped portion 90d. The tension coil spring 92 applies a force to the engaging member 91 in the direction that causes the mounting portion 91a to move toward the stepped portion 90d.

[0189] The mounting portion 91a is placed on the step surface 90c by the weight of the ultraviolet irradiator 17, etc. Furthermore, the engaging member 91 is forced in the direction that moves the mounting portion 91a toward the step portion 90d. Therefore, when the ultraviolet irradiator 17 and the mounting portion 50 are lifted together, the mounting portion 91a is automatically placed on the step surface 90c, which corresponds to the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 17. When the engaging member 91 is rotated against the force of the tension coil spring 92 (i.e., when the engaging member 91 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right, so that the mounting portion 91a moves away from the step portion 90d), the mounting portion 91a disengages from the step surface 90c. Thus, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be lowered together with the mounting portion 50. In addition, a handle portion 91b is formed at the upper front end of the engaging member 91 for rotating the engaging member 91 against the force of the tension coil spring 92.

[0190] In this modified example, when the eccentric cam 88a of the clamping handle 88 is configured to... Figure 22 When the position indicated by the double-dotted line is reached, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be raised and lowered together with the mounting part 50. On the other hand, the clamping handle 88 is rotated by setting the front-back direction as the axis of rotation, so that the eccentric cam 88a is positioned at... Figure 22 The position is indicated by the solid line. As a result, the front end of the connecting rod connection 50a is fixed relative to the guide frame 53 and the support frame 90, making it impossible to raise or lower the ultraviolet irradiator 17 together with the mounting part 50.

[0191] Furthermore, on the right side of the guide frame 53, the rotating shaft 93 passes through the washer 89, and the washer 89 is fixed to the rotating shaft 93. Additionally, on the left side of the support frame 90, and to the right of the clamping handle 88, the rotating shaft 93 passes through the washer 89, and the washer 89 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the rotating shaft 93. Therefore, when the clamping handle 88 is rotated to position the eccentric cam 88a... Figure 22When the position indicated by the solid line is reached, the guide frame 53, the support frame 90, and the connecting rod connection 50a are sandwiched between the two gaskets 89. This results in the front end of the connecting rod connection 50a being fixed relative to the guide frame 53 and the support frame 90.

[0192] In this modified example, the eccentric cam 88a of the clamping handle 88 is directed towards... Figure 22 The height (vertical position) of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 is adjusted by moving the position indicated by the double-dotted line. When adjusting the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 17, the operator of the printing device 1 first manually lifts the linkage 50a. When the operator lifts the linkage 50a, the mounting part 91a is automatically mounted on the stepped surface 90c corresponding to the height of the linkage 50a.

[0193] Then, the operator sets the left-right direction as the axis of rotation, causing the clamping handle 88 to rotate and the eccentric cam 94 to rotate. The eccentric cam 94 rotates about the rotation axis 93 as its center of rotation relative to the connecting rod connection 50a and the engaging member 91. Therefore, when the eccentric cam 94 rotates, the connecting rod connection 50a moves up and down relative to the engaging member 91. In this modified example, the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be finely adjusted using the eccentric cam 94.

[0194] Alternatively, a threaded component can be used to move the connecting rod connection 50a up and down. In this case, the operator can manually rotate the threaded component, or the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 can be equipped with a motor to rotate the threaded component.

[0195] (Examples of changes to the cover, examples of changes to the periphery of the cover)

[0196] Figure 24 This is a top view illustrating the structure of the cover 18a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the cover 18 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 This is an enlarged side view illustrating the structure of the third cover 22, which is used to explain another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 This is a front view illustrating the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 From Figure 27 The PP direction represents a bottom view of a portion of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4. Furthermore, in Figures 24-28 In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to label the structures that are the same as those described above.

[0197] In the above-described manner, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 includes a cover position adjustment mechanism 21. However, in this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 does not include a cover position adjustment mechanism 21. In this modified example, a plurality of through holes 18c are formed in the cover portion 18a for adjusting the left-right position and tilt of the second cover 20 by direct contact between the operator and the upper surface of the second cover 20 (see reference). Figure 24 Through holes 18c are formed on both sides of the opening 18b in the left-right direction. In addition, through holes 18c are formed at, for example, three locations on both sides of the opening 18b in the left-right direction.

[0198] Furthermore, in the above-described method, when replacing the printed object 2, the upper cover 58 is removed from the lower cover 59. In this modified example, the upper cover 58 can be rotated relative to the lower cover 59 (see reference). Figure 25 Therefore, when replacing the printable body 2, the upper cover 58 opens relative to the lower cover 59 to a position where the printable body 2 can be replaced. Furthermore, in this modified example, when the upper cover 58 is opened with the third cover 22 mounted on the cover portion 18a, the inspected component 72 mounted on the third cover 22 can be folded (see reference). Figure 25 (dashed lines and double-dotted lines). Moreover, in this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 is equipped with a cover lifting mechanism 105 that raises and lowers the lower part 59 relative to the lower frame 41 (see reference). Figure 27 ).

[0199] In this change example, such as Figure 25 As shown, the rear end of the upper cover 58 is rotatably connected to the rear upper end of the lower cover 59. The upper cover 58 can rotate relative to the lower cover 59 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. In this modified example, when the operator changes the printable body 2, the upper cover 58 is rotated relative to the lower cover 59 to open the upper cover 58 to a position where the printable body 2 can be replaced. A support member 106 is installed on the lower cover 59 to support the upper cover 58 in the open state from below. One end of the support member 106 is rotatably mounted on the front upper end of the lower cover 59. The other end of the support member 106 can engage with the upper cover 58 from below. The support member 106 can be accommodated inside the lower cover 59.

[0200] In this modified example, the tested component 72 can rotate relative to the third cover 22 with the left-right direction set as the axis of rotation. For example... Figure 26 As shown, the component 72 being tested can rotate relative to the third cover 22 about a rotation center axis 107 disposed on the lower side of the third cover 22. A shaft retaining member 108 for mounting the rotation center axis 107 is fixed to the lower surface of the third cover 22. The component 72 being tested can rotate relative to the third cover 22 between a detectable position and a receiving position. The detectable position is... Figure 25The position indicated by the double-dotted line is the location where the inspected component 72 extends downwards from the upper part 58 of the cover. The receiving position is... Figure 25 The position indicated by the dashed line is the position where the tested component 72 is housed inside the upper part 58 of the cover.

[0201] A leaf spring 109 for holding the tested member 72 is fixed to the lower surface of the third cover 22. The leaf spring 109 has a first engaging portion 109a for holding the tested member 72 in a detectable position and a second engaging portion 109b for holding the tested member 72 in a receiving position. A first engaging hole 72b for engaging the first engaging portion 109a and a second engaging hole 72c for engaging the second engaging portion 109b are formed on the tested member 72. During printing of the printable body 2, the tested member 72 is positioned in the detectable position (see reference). Figure 26 (A)). Additionally, when the operator opens the upper cover 58 while changing the printed object 2, the inspected component 72 is rotated from the inspectable position to the receiving position (see [reference]). Figure 26 (B) Therefore, the tested component 72 will not become an obstacle to the replacement operation of the printed body 2.

[0202] The cover lifting mechanism 105 includes threaded members 112 and nut members 113. The threaded members 112 are held in the lower frame 41 in a manner that allows rotation along an axis that allows rotation in the vertical direction. The nut members 113 are threaded into the threaded members 112 and fixed to the lower part 59 of the cover. The threaded members 112 and nut members 113 are positioned near the four corners of the ultraviolet irradiation device 4. That is, the cover lifting mechanism 105 includes four threaded members 112 and four nut members 113. The nut members 113 are fixed to the lower end of the lower part 59 of the cover.

[0203] A pulley 114 is fixed to the lower end of the threaded component 112. For example... Figure 28 As shown, a belt 115 is mounted on four pulleys 114. Additionally, the cover lifting mechanism 105 includes a tensioning wheel 116 for adjusting the tension of the belt 115. A rod 117 for rotating one of the four threaded members 112 is detachably mounted on the upper end of that threaded member 112.

[0204] In this modified example, when adjusting the height of the cover 18 by adjusting the height of the lower cover 59, the operator attaches rod 117 to a threaded member 112 and rotates rod 117. When rod 117 is rotated, all four threaded members 112 rotate together, causing the lower cover 59 to rise and fall relative to the lower frame 41. As the lower cover 59 rises and falls, the four threaded members 112 rotate synchronously, thus maintaining the horizontal state of the cover 18a. When the height adjustment of the cover 18 is complete, rod 117 is removed.

[0205] The ultraviolet irradiation device 4 has a scale plate 119 with markings 118 indicating the height of the cover 18. The scale plate 119 is fixed to a fixing member 120 that is fixed relative to the lower frame 41. In addition, the cover lifting mechanism 105 may also have a motor that rotates the threaded member 112.

[0206] (Example of a modification to a rotating mechanism)

[0207] Figure 29 This is a top view illustrating the structure of the rotating mechanism 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the QQ section. Figure 31 , Figure 32 It is used for explanation Figure 29 An enlarged top view of the structure of the R section. Furthermore, in Figures 29-32 In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to label the structures that are the same as those described above.

[0208] In the above-described manner, the rotating mechanism 16 includes a third retaining portion 34 and a compression coil spring 35. In this modified example, the rotating mechanism 16 does not include the third retaining portion 34 and the compression coil spring 35. In this modified example, the second retaining portion 33 is fixed to the guide block 39. Furthermore, in this modified example, the rotating mechanism 16 includes a fixing member 124, a sliding member 125, a locking member 126, and a limiting member 127. The fixing member 124 is fixed to the guide block 39. The sliding member 125 is held in the fixing member 124 such that it can move in the front-back direction relative to the fixing member 124. The locking member 126 is held in the sliding member 125 such that it can rotate in the left-right direction as an axial direction relative to the sliding member 125. The limiting member 127 restricts the forward movement of the sliding member 125 and the locking member 126.

[0209] In addition, the rotating mechanism 16 is equipped with a torsion coil spring 128 (see reference). Figure 30 The sliding member 125 comprises a fixed shaft 129, a compression coil spring 130, a rotating member 131, and a tension coil spring 132. A torsion coil spring 128 applies force to the engaging member 126 relative to the sliding member 125 in the direction of rotation. The fixed shaft 129 is fixed to the sliding member 125. The compression coil spring 130 passes through the fixed shaft 129. The rotating member 131 is held in place of the fixed member 124 in a manner that allows rotation relative to the fixed member 124 along an axis with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation. The tension coil spring 132 applies force to the rotating member 131 relative to the fixed member 124 in the direction of rotation.

[0210] A guide hole 125a is formed in the sliding member 125 (see reference). Figure 30The guide hole 125a guides the sliding member 125 in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed member 124. Furthermore, the guide hole 125a limits the range of movement of the sliding member 125 in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed member 124. The guide hole 125a is an elongated hole in the front-rear direction. A guide screw 135, fixed to the fixed member 124, passes through the guide hole 125a. The sliding member 125 includes a rotation limiting part 125b and a spring engaging part 125c. The rotation limiting part 125b limits the rotation of the rotating member 131 relative to the fixed member 124 in the rotational direction. The spring engaging part 125c is contacted by one end of a torsion coil spring 128.

[0211] The fixed shaft 129 is arranged such that its axial direction is aligned with its longitudinal direction. The front end of the fixed shaft 129 is fixed to the sliding member 125. A through hole for the fixed shaft 129 to pass through is formed in the second retaining portion 33. As described above, the fixed shaft 129 passes through the inner circumference of the compression coil spring 130. The front end of the compression coil spring 130 contacts the sliding member 125. The rear end of the compression coil spring 130 contacts the second retaining portion 33. The compression coil spring 130 applies a rearward force to the second retaining portion 33 relative to the sliding member 125. That is, the compression coil spring 130 applies a rearward force to the second rotating portion 32, the second retaining portion 33, the guide block 39, and the fixed member 124 relative to the sliding member 125.

[0212] The limiting member 127 is formed as an elongated strip in the front-rear direction. The limiting member 127 is fixed to the rotating frame 40. The limiting member 127 has a serrated limiting portion 127b (see reference). Figure 30 A plurality of limiting surfaces 127a arranged in the front-rear direction are formed in the limiting portion 127b. The limiting portion 127b is formed on the upper end surface of the limiting member 127. The limiting surfaces 127a are inclined surfaces that are inclined upward as they move forward. The pitch (pitch in the front-rear direction) of the plurality of limiting surfaces 127a is constant.

[0213] The engaging member 126 is able to rotate around the rotation center axis 136 fixed to the rear end of the sliding member 125 (see reference). Figure 30 The rotating center shaft 136 rotates relative to the sliding member 125, with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction. The rotating center shaft 136 is located below the spring engaging portion 125c. A through hole for the rotating center shaft 136 is formed at the rear end of the engaging member 126. The engaging member 126 has an engaging portion 126a (see reference 127a) that engages with the limiting surface 127a. Figure 30 The engaging portion 126a is disposed at the lower end of the engaging member 126. When the printable body 2 is properly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the front end face of the engaging portion 126a contacts the limiting surface 127a with a specified contact pressure.

[0214] A guide hole 126b is formed in the engaging member 126 (see reference). Figure 30 The guide hole 126b guides the engaging member 126 in the rotational direction relative to the sliding member 125. Furthermore, the guide hole 126b limits the rotational range of the engaging member 126 relative to the sliding member 125. The guide hole 126b is positioned forward of the rotation center axis 136. Additionally, the guide hole 126b is positioned upward of the rotation center axis 136. Viewed from the left and right, the guide hole 126b is shaped like an arc with the axis of curvature of the rotation center axis 136 as its center of curvature. A guide screw 137, which is fixed to the sliding member 125, passes through the guide hole 126b.

[0215] A torsion coil spring 128 has a rotation center shaft 136 passing through it. One end of the torsion coil spring 128 contacts the spring engagement portion 125c of the sliding member 125. The other end of the torsion coil spring 128 contacts the engagement member 126. When viewed from the right, the torsion coil spring 128 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation center shaft 136. Figure 30 The engaging member 126 is subjected to force in a counterclockwise direction. The engaging portion 126a, located at the lower end of the engaging member 126, is located on the upper side of the limiting portion 127b. The torsion coil spring 128 applies force to the engaging member 126 in a direction that causes the engaging portion 126a to move toward the limiting portion 127b.

[0216] The engaging member 126 rotates to overcome the force of the torsion spring 128. That is, the engaging member 126 rotates clockwise when viewed from the right, such that the engaging part 126a disengages from the limiting part 127b. Thus, as... Figure 30 As shown by the double-dotted line, the engaging portion 126a disengages from the restricting surface 127a. Therefore, when the engaging member 126 is rotated against the force of the torsion spring 128, the sliding member 125 and the engaging member 126 can move forward. Furthermore, a handle portion 126c is formed at the upper front end of the engaging member 126. The engaging member 126 is rotated against the force of the torsion spring 128 using the handle portion 126c.

[0217] In this modified example, when the printed object 2 is correctly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the forward movement of the sliding member 125 and the engaging member 126 is restricted by the limiting surface 127a and the engaging portion 126a that contacts the limiting surface 127a. Furthermore, when the printed object 2 is correctly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the compression coil spring 130 is compressed by a predetermined amount (e.g., approximately 5 mm). Under the force of the compression coil spring 130, a rearward force is applied relative to the sliding member 125 to the second rotating portion 32, the second holding portion 33, the guide block 39, and the fixing member 124. Therefore, when the printed object 2 is correctly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the front end face of the printed object 2 contacts the second rotating portion 32 with a predetermined contact pressure. The rear end face of the printed object 2 contacts the first rotating portion 27 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0218] The rotating member 131 is capable of rotating relative to the fixed member 124 about a rotation center axis fixed to the front end of the fixed member 124. This rotation center axis is arranged such that its axial direction aligns with the vertical direction. The rotating member 131 includes a restricted portion 131a disposed on the front side of the rotation restriction portion 125b and a spring engaging portion 131b for engaging the front end of the tension coil spring 132. The restricted portion 131a is disposed on the left front end of the rotating member 131. The spring engaging portion 131b is disposed on the rear side of the restricted portion 131a.

[0219] A first detection mechanism 23 is disposed on the rear side of the rotating member 131. The first detection mechanism 23 is mounted on the fixing member 124 with a rod 23a disposed on the front side of the main body of the first detection mechanism 23. The rear end of the rotating member 131 can contact the rod 23a from the front. The rear end of the tension coil spring 132 engages with the second retaining part 33. As described above, the front end of the tension coil spring 132 engages with the spring engaging part 131b of the rotating member 131. When viewed from above, the tension coil spring 132 rotates clockwise about the rotation center of the rotating member 131. Figure 31 , Figure 32 A force is applied to the rotating member 131 in a clockwise direction. The rotation limiting part 125b, located behind the limiting part 131a, restricts the rotation of the member 131 in a clockwise direction. Figure 31 , Figure 32 Rotation in a clockwise direction.

[0220] In this modified example, when the printable body 2 is mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, it is positioned between the first rotating part 27 and the second rotating part 32. Then, the sliding member 125 and the engaging member 126 are moved rearward until the compression coil spring 130 contracts by a predetermined amount. As the sliding member 125 and the engaging member 126 move rearward, the second rotating part 32, the second holding part 33, the guide block 39, and the fixing member 124 are also pushed rearward by the compression coil spring 130. Furthermore, when the sliding member 125 and the engaging member 126 are moved rearward until the compression coil spring 130 contracts by a predetermined amount, the front end face of the printable body 2 contacts the second rotating part 32 with a predetermined contact pressure. Then, the rear end face of the printable body 2 contacts the first rotating part 27 with a predetermined contact pressure, and the printable body 2 is correctly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16.

[0221] When the printed body 2 is correctly mounted on the rotating mechanism 16, the compression coil spring 130 contracts by a predetermined amount. The sliding member 125 moves rearward relative to the second holding part 33 and moves to the rear side of the rotation limiting part 125b. At this time, as Figure 32 As shown, the rotating member 131 along Figure 32 The rotating member 131 rotates clockwise, and the rear end of the rotating member 131 pushes the rod 23a rearward. Specifically, the rear end of the rotating member 131 pushes the rod 23a rearward until the rod 23a presses against the contact member of the first detection mechanism 23. Therefore, the first detection mechanism 23 detects that the printed object 2 is correctly installed in the rotating mechanism 16.

[0222] When the self-rotating mechanism 16 removes the printed object 2, it overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring 128 and causes the locking member 126 to rotate. This moves the sliding member 125 and the locking member 126 forward to a position where the printed object 2 can be removed from between the first rotating part 27 and the second rotating part 32.

[0223] (Other implementation methods)

[0224] The above-described method is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto. Various modifications can be implemented without changing the spirit of the present invention.

[0225] In the above configuration, the upper cover 58 and the lower cover 59 are formed independently, and the upper cover 58 and the lower cover 59 can be separated. However, the upper cover 58 and the lower cover 59 can also be formed integrally. In addition, in the above configuration, the second cover 20 can also be disposed on the upper side of the cover 18. Moreover, in the above configuration, the second detection mechanism 24 can, for example, be mounted on the rotating frame 40.

[0226] In the above-described manner, the first detection mechanism 23 can also be an optical sensor. Similarly, the second detection mechanism 24 can also be an optical sensor. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the third force-applying member that applies force to the second holding part 33 relative to the third holding part 34 can also be a spring member other than the compression coil spring 35. Additionally, the force-applying member that applies force to the second cover 20 outward in the left-right direction can also be a spring member other than the tension coil spring 69.

[0227] In the above-described manner, a magnetic sheet 61 may also be attached to the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b. That is, the lower portion 59 may also include a magnetic sheet 61. In this case, the upper portion 58 is formed of a magnetic material, and the mounting portion 58c becomes the attracted member. Alternatively, a magnetic sheet 61 may be attached to the lower surface of the mounting portion 58c, and a magnetic sheet may be attached to the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b. In this case, the magnetic sheet attached to the upper surface of the mounting portion 59b becomes the attracted member.

[0228] In the above-described manner, when printing only a printable object 2 with a certain outer diameter using the printing device 1, the vertical position of the cover 18 may not be adjustable. Furthermore, when printing only a printable object 2 with a certain outer diameter using the printing device 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 may not include the second cover 20 and the cover position adjustment mechanism 21. Additionally, when printing only a printable object 2 with a certain outer diameter using the printing device 1, the vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 may not be adjustable.

[0229] In the above-described manner, when printing only a printable object 2 of a certain length is performed using the printing device 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 may not have the third cover 22. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, when printing only a printable object 2 with a cylindrical shape, the tilt of the rotating mechanism 16 relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left-right direction may not be adjustable. Additionally, when printing only a printable object 2 with a cylindrical shape, the tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator 17 relative to the axis of the printable object 2 when viewed from the top-bottom direction may not be adjustable.

[0230] In the above-described manner, the ultraviolet irradiation device 4 can also be mounted on the platform 5 in a manner where the front-to-back direction (X direction) is aligned with the main scanning direction (i.e., the left-to-right direction is aligned with the sub-scanning direction). Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the printing device 1 can also replace the stage drive mechanism 12 with a Y-bar drive mechanism that moves the Y-bar 8 in the sub-scanning direction. Additionally, in the above-described manner, the ultraviolet irradiator 17 can be positioned below the printable object 2.

[0231] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0232] 1. Printing device; 2. Printed object; 3. Inkjet head; 4. Ultraviolet irradiation device; 5. Platform; 16. Rotating mechanism; 17. Ultraviolet irradiator; 18. Cover; 18a. Cover part; 18b. Opening; 20. Second cover; 21. Cover position adjustment mechanism; 22. Third cover; 23. First detection mechanism; 24. Second detection mechanism; 27. First rotating part; 28. First holding part; 29. ​​Motor; 30. Power transmission mechanism; 32. Second rotating part; 33. Second holding part; 34. Third holding part; 35. Compression coil spring (third force-applying member); 40. Rotating frame; 40a. Cam mounting hole; 58. 59. Upper part of the cover; 59b. Lower part of the cover; 59b. Mounting part (adsorbed component); 61. Magnet plate (adsorption component); 68. Pressing component; 69. Tension coil spring (force-applying component); 70. Adjusting screw; 72. Component to be tested; 72a. Detected part; 80. Support frame; 80c. Step surface; 80d. Step part; 81. Engaging component; 81a. Mounting part; 82. Tension coil spring (second force-applying component); 83. Rotating shaft; 84. Eccentric cam; 85. Base frame; D. Eccentricity; S. Height difference; X. Front-back direction, direction of the axis of the printed object when viewed from above and below; Y. Left-right direction.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet irradiation device used in a printing apparatus for printing on the outer peripheral surface of a three-dimensional object using an ultraviolet-curable ink, characterized in that, The ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a rotating mechanism that holds the printable body and rotates the printable body about its axis; and an ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the outer peripheral surface of the printable body where the ink is attached. The ink ejected from above the object being printed lands on the outer peripheral surface of the object being printed. The ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to the side of the printed object, irradiating ultraviolet light from the side of the printed object toward its outer peripheral surface. When the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is defined as the left and right direction, the ultraviolet irradiator overlaps with the printed object in the left and right direction, but does not overlap with the printed object in the top and bottom direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a cover with a cover portion having an opening for the upper end of the printed object and covering the ultraviolet irradiator from above.

2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical position of the cover can be adjusted.

3. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is defined as the left and right direction... The ultraviolet irradiation device has two second covers, which are used to partially seal the opening. The left-right positions of the two second covers can be adjusted, and one of the two second covers can block a portion of the opening from one side in the left-right direction, while the other second cover can block a portion of the opening from the other side in the left-right direction.

4. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a cover position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the left-right position of each of the two second covers. The second cover is held in place by means of sliding in the left-right direction. The cover position adjustment mechanism includes: a pressing member that is held in the cover in a manner that allows it to slide in the left-right direction, and contacts the second cover from the outer side in the left-right direction to push the second cover inward in the left-right direction; a force-applying member that applies force to the second cover from the outer side in the left-right direction; and an adjusting screw that is rotatably held in the cover and engages with the pressing member. When the adjusting screw is turned, the second cover slides in the left-right direction.

5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover includes: an upper cover portion, which includes the cover portion; and a lower cover portion, wherein the upper cover portion is mounted on the upper end side of the lower cover portion. The upper part of the cover retains the second cover and the cover position adjustment mechanism. Either the upper part of the cover or the lower part of the cover has an adsorption component made of a permanent magnet. The other of the upper and lower parts of the cover has an adsorbed component made of a permanent magnet or magnetic member that is adsorbed onto the adsorption component. The upper part of the cover is mounted on the lower part of the cover by means of the magnetic attraction force generated between the adsorption member and the adsorbed member.

6. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical position of the lower part of the cover can be adjusted.

7. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, When the direction of the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is set as the front and back direction... The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a third cover that blocks a portion of the opening in the front-back direction. The third cover is placed on the cover portion.

8. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The vertical position of the ultraviolet irradiator can be adjusted.

9. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, When the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is defined as the left and right direction... The tilt of the rotating mechanism relative to the horizontal direction when viewed from the left or right is adjustable.

10. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the direction of the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is set as the front and back direction... The ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a base frame, wherein the rotating mechanism is connected to one end of the base frame in the front-rear direction in a manner that allows rotation of the rotating mechanism in the left-right direction; a support frame having a stepped portion having a plurality of stepped surfaces arranged in the vertical direction, and the support frame being fixed to the other end of the base frame in the front-rear direction; and a locking member having a mounting portion placed on the stepped surfaces and being held in the rotating mechanism in a manner that allows rotation of the rotating mechanism in the left-right direction. And a second force-applying member, which applies force to the engaging member on one side of the rotation direction relative to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object and rotates together with the printed object; and a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object and rotates together with the printed object. And a rotating frame, wherein the first rotating part and the second rotating part are rotatably mounted on the rotating frame. One end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction is rotatably connected to one end of the base frame in the front-rear direction. The engaging member is rotatably held at the other end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction. The second force-applying member applies force to the engaging member in the direction that causes the mounting portion to move toward the stepped portion. The mounting part is supported on the stepped surface by the weight of the rotating mechanism. When the engaging member rotates due to the force exerted by the second force-applying member, the mounting portion disengages from the stepped surface.

11. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a rotating shaft, which is rotatably held on the rotating frame and serves as the rotation center of the engaging member relative to the rotating frame; and an eccentric cam, which is fixed to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatable relative to the engaging member. The rotating frame has a cam mounting hole for arranging the eccentric cam. When the eccentric cam is rotated relative to the rotating frame, the other end of the rotating frame in the front-rear direction moves up and down relative to the engaging member.

12. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The eccentric cam is an eccentric circular plate cam formed in the shape of a circular plate. The distance between the center of the eccentric cam and the axis of the rotation shaft, i.e., the eccentricity, is equal to half the height difference between adjacent step surfaces in the vertical direction.

13. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The tilt of the ultraviolet irradiator relative to the axis of the printed object can be adjusted when viewed from above or below.

14. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a first detection mechanism for detecting whether the printed object is held in the rotating mechanism. Ultraviolet light can only be irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator when the first detection mechanism detects that the printed object is held in the rotating mechanism.

15. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is defined as the left and right direction... The rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object; a first holding part that holds the first rotating part so that it can rotate; a motor for rotating the first rotating part; a power transmission mechanism that connects the first rotating part and the motor; a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object; a second holding part that holds the second rotating part so that it can rotate along an axis with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation; And a third force-applying member, which applies force to the second retaining portion relative to the third retaining portion in a direction that causes the second retaining portion to tilt toward the first retaining portion. The first detection mechanism is installed in the third holding part. When the printed object is mounted on the rotating mechanism, the second holding part overcomes the force of the third force-applying member and rotates relative to the third holding part until the second holding part is detected by the first detection mechanism.

16. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the direction of the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is set as the front and back direction... The ultraviolet irradiation device comprises: a cover having a cover portion having an opening for the upper end of the printable object and covering the ultraviolet irradiator from above; a third cover placed on the cover portion and partially blocking the opening in the front-rear direction; and a second detection mechanism for detecting that the third cover is placed on the cover portion. Ultraviolet light can only be irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator when the second detection mechanism detects that the third cover is placed on the cover.

17. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the direction orthogonal to the axis of the printed object when viewed from the top and bottom is defined as the left and right direction... The rotating mechanism includes: a first rotating part that holds one end of the printed object; a first holding part that holds the first rotating part so that it can rotate; a motor for rotating the first rotating part; a power transmission mechanism that connects the first rotating part and the motor; a second rotating part that holds the other end of the printed object; a second holding part that holds the second rotating part so that it can rotate along an axis with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation; And a third force-applying member, which applies force to the second retaining portion relative to the third retaining portion in a direction that causes the second retaining portion to tilt toward the first retaining portion. The position of the third holding part in the axial direction of the printed object can be adjusted. The third cover is equipped with a component to be inspected, which has a part to be inspected that can be inspected using the second inspection mechanism. The second detection mechanism is installed in the second holding part. When the third cover is placed at a predetermined position on the cover while the printed object is held in place by the rotating mechanism, the detected part is detected by the second detection mechanism.

18. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing apparatus comprises: an ultraviolet irradiation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; a platform on which the ultraviolet irradiation device is mounted; and an inkjet head disposed above the printable body and ejecting ink toward the outer peripheral surface of the printable body.

Images