Rack and pressing unit

Abstract

Provided are a stage and a pressing unit that contribute to the suppression of high rigidity of the entire object that is lifted when pressed. The stage (10) is mounted to a pressing part that performs a pressing operation of pressing upward with respect to the fixed part. The stage (10) is provided with a stage plate (11), a stage support part (12), and pressing surfaces (91A, 92A). The platen (11) has a placement surface which is an upward surface and on which a printing medium is placed. The stage support part (12) is disposed below the stage plate (11). The rack supporting part (12) is provided with a supporting column (40) for supporting the platen (11) from the lower part. The pressing surfaces (91A, 92A) are provided above the lowermost surface of the stand support section (12) and face downward. The pressing portion is in contact with the pressing surfaces (91A, 92A) when the pressing portion performs a pressing operation in a state in which the stage (10) is mounted on the pressing portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a stand and a pressing unit. Background Art

[0002] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, a print medium is placed on a stage. The stage is supported by slide rails via a slider and a lifting mechanism and is transported along the slide rails. The print medium is pressed by a press.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-138092 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] For example, to reduce man-hours, a press machine could be used to press the print medium while it is placed on the stage. In this case, if the press machine presses the stage from above, the pressure acts on the slide rails, potentially deforming them. Therefore, a press machine could be used to press the stage from below. In this case, if the press machine contacts the bottom surface of the slider and lift mechanism and presses them upward, the entire slider and lift mechanism could be deformed. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the slider and lift mechanism as a whole.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a stand and a pressing unit that contribute to suppressing an increase in rigidity of an entire object that is lifted when pressed.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The first scheme of the present invention involves a stage installed on a pressing portion that performs a pressing action of pressing upward relative to a fixed portion, and is characterized in that it comprises: a stage having a loading surface, which is a surface facing upward and on which a printing medium is loaded; a stage support portion having pillars that support the stage from below and are arranged below the stage; and a pressing surface that is provided above the lowermost surface of the stage support portion and is a surface facing downward, and when the pressing portion performs the pressing action in a state in which the stage is installed on the pressing portion, the pressing portion contacts the pressing surface.

[0011] According to the first embodiment, the pressing surface is positioned above the bottommost surface of the stage support. The portion of the stage support below the pressing surface is less susceptible to pressure from the pressing action than the portion above it. Therefore, the portion of the stage support below the pressing surface is less rigid than the portion above it to withstand the pressure from the pressing action. This helps prevent the stage from becoming too rigid overall.

[0012] The pressing surface may be parallel to the placement surface. In this case, the stand helps the pressure due to the pressing action to act evenly on the entire print medium.

[0013] The stage support portion may include a tray positioned above the transport path when the stage is supported by the stage, receiving a portion of the print medium placed on the loading surface that hangs down from the loading surface, and the pressing surface may be positioned above the lower surface of the tray. In this case, pressure from the pressing action is less likely to act on the tray. Thus, the stage helps prevent the tray from becoming too rigid.

[0014] The support may include a first support and a second support, with the first support and the second support being arranged so as to sandwich the center of the tabletop in a width direction perpendicular to the direction in which the stand is installed on the pressing portion and the vertical direction. In this case, the first support and the second support support the tabletop at two locations, sandwiching the center of the tabletop in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to a case where the support supports the tabletop at a single location, or compared to a case where the first support and the second support support the tabletop at two locations without sandwiching the center of the tabletop, the stand helps to suppress the possibility of the loading surface tilting relative to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0015] The pressing surface may be provided between the first and second pillars in the width direction. If the pressing surface is provided on the outside of the first and second pillars in the width direction, the pressure from the pressing action may be less likely to act on portions of the print medium that are further from the pressing surface in the width direction. In the stage, the pressing surface is provided between the first and second pillars in the width direction. Thus, the stage facilitates uniform application of the pressure from the pressing action across the entire print medium.

[0016] A printer support surface may be provided on a lower surface of the platen opposite the placement surface, with which a transport support platform of the printer contacts. The transport support platform supports the stage and transports the stage between a separation position and a printing position. When the stage is in the separation position, the placement surface is separated from a print head of the printer that prints on the print medium in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. When the stage is in the printing position, the placement surface and the print head face each other in the vertical direction, and the pressing surface is provided at a different position from the printer support surface. In this case, the stage helps prevent deformation of the pressing surface caused by the pressing action from affecting printing in the printer.

[0017] The pressing surface may include a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface, with the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface sandwiching the printer support surface. In this case, compared to a case where the printer support surface is located at a position other than between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface, deformation of the outer side of the platen due to drooping caused by the pressing action can be suppressed. Thus, the stage facilitates transporting the support stage while minimizing the effect of drooping of the outer side of the platen due to the pressing action, and supporting the stage using the printer support surface.

[0018] It is possible that, in the installation direction of the stand toward the pressing portion, the upstream end of the support is positioned upstream of the upstream end of the pressing portion in the installation direction in the installation state. If, in the installation state, the upstream end of the support is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the pressing portion, there is a possibility that the upstream end of the pressing portion contacts the print medium, causing the print medium to shift relative to the loading surface or causing wrinkles in the print medium. Therefore, if the pressing portion performs a pressing action while the upstream end of the pressing portion contacts the print medium, there is a possibility that an adverse effect may be caused on the print medium. In the stand, since the upstream end of the support is positioned upstream of the upstream end of the pressing portion in the installation state, contact of the pressing portion with the print medium is suppressed. Thus, the stand helps suppress the possibility of an adverse effect on the print medium caused by the pressing action.

[0019] The support may be arranged on one side in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the installation direction and the vertical direction of the installation of the stand relative to the pressing portion, relative to the entire pressing portion in the installed state. If the support is arranged so as to cross the pressing portion in the width direction in the installed state, there is a possibility that one or both sides of the pressing portion in the width direction may come into contact with the print medium, causing the print medium to shift relative to the loading surface or wrinkles to form on the print medium. Therefore, if the pressing portion performs a pressing action while the pressing portion is in contact with the print medium, there is a possibility that an adverse effect may be caused on the print medium. In the stand, since the support is arranged on one side in the width direction relative to the entire pressing portion in the installed state, contact of the pressing portion with the print medium is suppressed. Thus, the stand helps to suppress the possibility of an adverse effect on the print medium caused by the pressing action.

[0020] The stand may include a block replaceably fixed to the lower surface of the tabletop, opposite the placement surface, and the pressing surface may be provided on the block. In this case, even if the pressing surface deforms, the user can simply replace the block. This facilitates repair of the stand.

[0021] The pressing surface may be integrally formed with a lower surface of the table opposite to the placement surface. In this case, the stand contributes to reducing the number of stand components.

[0022] The stage support portion may include a contact surface located at a different position from the pressing surface, and in contact with the pressing portion in the installed state. In this case, the contact between the pressing portion and the contact surface facilitates determining the position of the stage relative to the pressing portion. This facilitates uniform application of pressure from the pressing action to the entire print medium.

[0023] The second scheme of the present invention involves a pressing unit comprising: a pressing machine, comprising a pressing portion that performs a pressing action of pressing upward relative to a fixed portion; and a stand, which is installed on the pressing portion, and is characterized in that the stand comprises: a table, which has a loading surface, which is a surface facing upward and on which a printing medium is loaded; a table support portion, which has a pillar that supports the table from below and is arranged below the table; and a pressing surface, which is provided above the lowest surface of the table support portion and is a surface facing downward, and when the pressing portion performs the pressing action in a state in which the stand is installed on the pressing portion, the pressing portion contacts the pressing surface.

[0024] The second solution contributes to the same advantages as the first solution.

[0025] The pressing unit may include a control unit, the stage support portion may include a contact surface, which is located at a position different from the pressing surface and contacts the pressing portion in the installed state, the pressing machine may include a sensor that detects contact between the contact surface and the pressing portion, and the control unit may permit execution of the pressing action when the sensor detects that the contact surface contacts the pressing portion. In this case, the position of the stage relative to the pressing portion is easily determined by the contact surface contacting the pressing portion. Thus, the pressing unit helps prevent the pressing action from being performed when the position of the stage relative to the pressing portion is uncertain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the stand 10 as viewed from the upper right front.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the stand 10 as viewed from the lower left rear side.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the stand 10 as viewed from the lower right front.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a right side view of the stand 10.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a front view of the stand 10.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the stand 10 is shown along the line VI-VI.

[0032] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the printing system 1 .

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the printer 2 as viewed from the upper left front.

[0034] Figure 9 So through Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the printer 2 taken along the axis 22 and perpendicular to the left-right direction, viewed from the right.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a plan view showing a state where the gantry 10 is mounted on the attachment portion 23B.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the press machine 5 with the shutter 52 arranged at the open position P3 when viewed from the upper right front.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the pressing machine 5 with the shutter 52 arranged at the closed position P4 when viewed from the upper right front.

[0038] Figure 13 It is a perspective view when the device main body 50 is viewed from the upper left front.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a perspective view when the device main body 50 is viewed from the upper left rear.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the gantry 10 installed on the pressing head 540 as seen from the upper left rear.

[0041] Figure 16 It is a plan view showing a state where the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540 .

[0042] Figure 17 This is a front view of a state in which the stage 10 is installed on the pressing head 540 and the moving part 55 is arranged at the standby position P5.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a right side view of the apparatus main body 50 in a state where the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540 and the moving section 55 is arranged at the standby position P5 .

[0044] Figure 19 This is a right side view of the apparatus main body 50 in a state where the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540 and the moving portion 55 is arranged at the pressing position P6.

[0045] Figure 20 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system 1 .

[0046] Figure 21 This is the main processing flow chart.

[0047] Figure 22 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the stand 10A is shown as viewed along the line VI-VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, mechanical elements in the drawings are shown to actual scale. Figure 1 The stand 10 shown is Figure 7 The printing system 1 is used in the printing system 1 shown. The printing system 1 prints on a printing medium M. The printing medium M is cloth, paper, etc., for example, a T-shirt.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 6 In the description of the stand 10, Figure 1 The upper left, lower right, lower left, upper right, upper and lower parts of the stand 10 are respectively set as the left, right, front, rear, upper and lower parts of the stand 10.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the stand 10 includes a base plate 11 and a support portion 12. The base plate 11 is disposed at the upper end of the stand 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the table 11 extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction and has a pentagonal shape in a plan view. The table 11 has a mounting surface 11A and Figure 3 The lower surface 11B is shown.

[0051] The loading surface 11A is provided on the upper surface of the platen 11. The loading surface 11A is flat and faces upward. The printing medium M is loaded on the loading surface 11A. Hereinafter, loading the printing medium M on the loading surface 11A is also referred to as "the printing medium M is installed on the stage 10." The printing medium M installed on the stage 10, that is, the printing medium M loaded on the loading surface 11A is also referred to as "the printing medium M on the platen 11." Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 Illustration of the print medium M is omitted in the drawings other than the following. In this embodiment, if the print medium M is, for example, a T-shirt, the print medium M is placed on the stand 10 with the collar of the T-shirt facing the front. In this case, the front end 111 of the stand 11 is inserted into the main body of the T-shirt via the hem of the T-shirt. It should be noted that the print medium M can also be placed on the stand 10 with the collar of the T-shirt facing the rear.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower surface 11B is a surface of the platen 11 that is opposite to the placement surface 11A in the vertical direction and is parallel to the placement surface 11A. The lower surface 11B is flat and faces downward.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the support portion 12 is the entire portion of the stand 10 that is located below the table 11. The support portion 12 includes a support column 40 and a tray 60. The support column 40 extends downward from the table 11 to support the table 11 from below. The support column 40 includes a right plate 41, a left plate 42, an upper plate 43, Figure 2 The connecting plate 44 and Figure 2 The contact plate 45 is shown. The right plate 41 is arranged at the right end of the support 40.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the right plate 41 extends downward from the base plate 11 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The right plate 41 extends from a position behind the front end 111 of the base plate 11 to a position behind the rear end 112 of the base plate 11. The front end of the right plate 41 is arranged at the front end of the support 40.

[0055] The front end of the right plate 41 is provided with a vertical portion 41A, an inclined portion 41B, and a notch 41C. The vertical portion 41A extends downward from the upper end of the right plate 41. The inclined portion 41B extends downward from the lower end of the vertical portion 41A as it moves rearward. The notch 41C extends rearward from the lower end of the inclined portion 41B, notching the right plate 41.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the left plate 42 is arranged to the left of the right plate 41 and is disposed at the left end of the support column 40. The shape of the left plate 42 is the same as that of the right plate 41. The left plate 42 extends downward from the base plate 11 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The left plate 42 extends from a position behind the front end 111 of the base plate 11 to a position behind the rear end 112 of the base plate 11.

[0057] The front end of the left plate 42 is arranged at the same position as the front end of the right plate 41 in the front-back direction, and is arranged at the front end of the support 40. Figure 3 The vertical portion 42A, the inclined portion 42B and the cutout portion 42C are shown. Figure 3 The vertical portion 42A shown extends downward from the upper end of the left plate 42. The inclined portion 42B extends downward from the lower end of the vertical portion 42A as it goes rearward. The cutout portion 42C extends rearward from the lower end of the inclined portion 42B to cut out the left plate 42.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the center line C is an imaginary straight line that passes through the center of the right end 113 and the left end 114 of the table 11 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-back direction. The right plate 41 is positioned between the center line C and the right end 113 of the table 11 in the left-right direction. The left plate 42 is positioned between the center line C and the left end 114 of the table 11 in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the distance from the center line C to the right plate 41 and the distance from the center line C to the left plate 42 are the same. The right plate 41 and the left plate 42 are positioned so that the center line C is sandwiched between them in the left-right direction.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper plate 43 is arranged at the rear of the support 40 and extends in the front-back direction and the up-down direction. The right end of the upper plate 43 is connected to the upper end of the right plate 41. The left end of the upper plate 43 is connected to the upper end of the left plate 42.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown, connecting plate 44 is disposed between right plate 41 and left plate 42, extending in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Connecting plate 44 is disposed near the top of cutouts 41C and 42C. The right end of connecting plate 44 is connected to right plate 41. The left end of connecting plate 44 is connected to left plate 42. The front end of connecting plate 44 is disposed rearward of inclined portions 41B and 42B, respectively. The rear end of connecting plate 44 is disposed near the rear ends of each of cutouts 41C and 42C.

[0061] Contact plate 45 is positioned between right plate 41 and left plate 42. It extends downward from the rear end of connecting plate 44 and extends in the left-right direction. The right end of contact plate 45 is connected to right plate 41. The left end of contact plate 45 is connected to left plate 42. The lower end of contact plate 45 is positioned at the same position as the lower ends of right plate 41 and left plate 42.

[0062] Hereinafter, the space defined by the right plate 41, the left plate 42, the upper plate 43, the connecting plate 44 and the contact plate 45 is referred to as the "insertion space 49". The insertion space 49 passes through the support 40 in the front-back direction. Figure 8 The mounting portion 23B of the printer 2 described later or Figure 13 In the present embodiment, the insertion of the mounting portion 23B into the insertion space 49 and the insertion of the pressing head 540 into the insertion space 49 are also referred to as "insertion of the mounting portion 23B into the stand 10" and "insertion of the pressing head 540 into the stand 10", respectively.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the tray 60 is arranged at the bottom of the support portion 12. The tray 60 receives the portion M1 of the print medium M placed on the placement surface 11A that hangs down from the placement surface 11A. Thus, the tray 60 suppresses the hanging portion M1 from Figure 7 The tray 60 is in contact with a conveying surface 70 of a conveying device 7 described later. The tray 60 includes a bottom plate 61 , a right plate 62 , a left plate 63 , a front plate 64 , and a back plate 65 .

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom plate 61 extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and is in a U-shape that opens to the rear when viewed from above. The lower surface of the bottom plate 61 is the lower surface of the tray 60. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a recess 61A is provided on the bottom plate 61. The recess 61A is recessed forward from the rear end of the bottom plate 61. Figure 2 As shown, the right end of the recess 61A is connected to the lower end of the right plate 41. The left end of the recess 61A is connected to the lower end of the left plate 42. The front end of the recess 61A is connected to the lower end of the contact plate 45.

[0065] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the bottom plate 61 is disposed at the lower end of the stand 10. That is, the lower surface of the bottom plate 61 constitutes the lowermost surface of the support portion 12. In other words, there is no member integrally constituting the support portion 12 below the lower surface of the bottom plate 61.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, right plate 62 extends upward from the right end of bottom plate 61 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Right plate 62 is located at the right end of stand 10. Left plate 63 extends upward from the left end of bottom plate 61 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Left plate 63 is located at the left end of stand 10. Front plate 64 extends upward from the front end of bottom plate 61 and extends in the left-to-right direction. Front plate 64 is located at the front end of stand 10.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the right plate 62, Figure 5 The upper ends of the left plate 63 and the front plate 64 shown are arranged in the vertical direction between the cutout portion 41C and the Figure 5 The cutout portions 42C are shown between the lower and upper ends of each.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the back plate 65 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom plate 61 and extends in the left-right direction. The back plate 65 is arranged at the rear end of the stand 10. Figure 2 As shown, a recess 65A is provided on the back plate 65. Recess 65A is recessed upward from the lower end of the back plate 65. The right end of recess 65A is connected to the rear end of the right plate 41. The left end of recess 65A is connected to the rear end of the left plate 42. The upper end of recess 65A is connected to the rear end of the upper plate 43. Recess 65A forms the rear end of the insertion space 49.

[0069] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the stage 10 includes a plurality of blocks 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, and 98. Blocks 91 to 98 are respectively provided on the lower surface 11B of the table 11, projecting downward from the lower surface 11B. For example, the block 91 provided on the lower surface 11B of the table 11 includes both cases where the block 91 is provided directly on the lower surface 11B of the table 11 and where the block 91 is provided on the lower surface 11B of the table 11 via a spacer.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, blocks 91 to 98 are arranged at positions that overlap with the base plate 11 in the vertical direction. In other words, blocks 91 to 98 are arranged in the area surrounded by the outer shape of the base plate 11. Blocks 91 to 98 are arranged between the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 in the horizontal direction.

[0071] The block 91 is arranged between the right plate 41 and the center line C in the left-right direction. Figure 4The block 91 that will be obscured by the right plate 41 is shown in dashed lines. Figure 4 As shown, the block 91 extends in the front-to-rear direction between the vicinity of the rear of the vertical portion 41A and the vicinity of the front end of the upper plate 43. Figure 6 As shown, the block 91 is fixed to the lower surface 11B of the platen 11 by screws 911. The block 91 has a pressing surface 91A. The pressing surface 91A is provided on the lower surface of the block 91. The pressing surface 91A is flat and faces downward.

[0072] The block 92 is disposed between the left plate 42 and the center line C in the left-right direction. Figure 3 The block 92 extends in the front-to-back direction between the vicinity of the rear of the vertical portion 42A and the vicinity of the front end of the upper plate 43. The block 92 is fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 by screws 921. The block 92 has a pressing surface 92A. The pressing surface 92A is provided on the lower surface of the block 92. The pressing surface 92A is flat and faces downward.

[0073] Block 93 is positioned on centerline C at the rear of platen 11. In this embodiment, "positioning a component on centerline C" does not simply mean positioning the component so that centerline C passes through its center; rather, it means positioning the component so that centerline C passes through any position within the component. For example, block 93 is positioned so that centerline C passes between its left and right center and its left end. The same applies to blocks 96, 97, and 98, described below.

[0074] Block 93 is cylindrical and extends vertically. Block 93 is fixed to lower surface 11B of platen 11 by screws 931. Block 93 has a pressing surface 93A. Pressing surface 93A is provided on the lower surface of block 93. Pressing surface 93A is flat and faces downward.

[0075] Block 94 is arranged in the front part of the table 11. Block 94 is arranged between the right plate 41 and the center line C in the left-right direction, and is arranged to the left of block 91. Block 94 extends rearward from a position approximately the same as the front end of block 91 in the front-back direction. The length of block 94 in the front-back direction is shorter than the length of block 91 in the front-back direction, and is about 1 / 4 of the length of block 91 in the front-back direction. Block 94 is fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 by screws 941. Block 94 has a support surface 94A. The support surface 94A is provided on the lower surface of block 94. The support surface 94A is planar and faces downward.

[0076] Block 95 is arranged at the front of the table 11. Block 95 is arranged between the left plate 42 and the center line C in the left-right direction, and is arranged to the right of block 92. Block 95 extends rearward from a position approximately the same as the front end of block 92 in the front-back direction. The length of block 95 in the front-back direction is shorter than the length of block 92 in the front-back direction, and is approximately 1 / 4 of the length of block 92 in the front-back direction. Block 95 is fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 by screws 951. Block 95 has a support surface 95A. The support surface 95A is provided on the lower surface of block 95. The support surface 95A is planar and faces downward.

[0077] Block 96 is arranged on the center line C at the rear of the table 11. Block 96 is arranged more rearward than blocks 94 and 95, respectively, and more forward than block 93. Block 96 extends in the front-to-back direction. The length of block 96 in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length of blocks 91 and 92 in the front-to-back direction, and is approximately 1 / 4 of the length of blocks 91 and 92 in the front-to-back direction. Block 96 is fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 by screws 961. Block 96 has a support surface 96A. Support surface 96A is provided on the lower surface of block 96. Support surface 96A is planar and faces downward.

[0078] Block 97 is positioned in front of the table 11, on centerline C. Block 97 is provided with a recess 97A. Recess 97A extends rearward from the front surface of block 97 and includes a pair of opposing surfaces. The opposing surfaces of recess 97A face each other in the left-right direction, expanding in the left-right direction as they move forward. Block 97 is secured to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 by screws 971.

[0079] Block 98 is positioned in the center of table 11, on centerline C. Block 98 is positioned between blocks 97 and 96 in the front-to-back direction. Block 98 is provided with a recess 98A. Recess 98A is recessed forward from the rear surface of block 98 and includes a pair of opposing surfaces. The pair of opposing surfaces of recess 98A face each other in the left-right direction and expand in the left-right direction as they move toward the rear. Block 98 is secured to lower surface 11B of table 11 by screws 981.

[0080] As described above, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are arranged between the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 in the left-right direction. The pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are arranged so as to sandwich the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A. The pressing surface 91A is arranged at a position different from the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. Similarly, the pressing surfaces 92A and 93A are also arranged at positions different from the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. The center line C passes through the pressing surface 93A, the supporting surface 96A, and the recesses 98A and 97A in this order from the rear to the front.

[0081] The stand 10 is installed on Figure 16 In the state of the pressing head 540 described later shown, when the pressing head 540 performs a pressing action described later, the pressing surfaces 581A, 582A, and 583A of the pressing head 540 contact the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A, respectively. Figure 10 In the state of the mounting portion 23B described later shown, the support surfaces 231A, 232A, and 233A of the mounting portion 23B are in contact with the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A, respectively. Figure 10 In the state of the mounting portion 23B shown, the protrusions 234 and 235 of the mounting portion 23B are fitted into the recesses 97A and 98A, respectively.

[0082] For example, when screw 911 is removed, block 91 falls off from base plate 11. Therefore, block 91 can be replaced relative to base plate 11. Similarly, blocks 92 to 98 can also be replaced relative to base plate 11. For example, the user can replace block 91 if block 91 is worn due to the pressing action described later.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the support surfaces 94A and 95A are located at the same height in the vertical direction. Figure 6 The support surface 96A shown is also located at the same height in the vertical direction as the support surfaces 94A and 95A. In other words, the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A are located on the same plane.

[0084] The pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are located at the same height in the vertical direction. Figure 6 The pressing surface 93A shown is also located at the same height in the vertical direction as the pressing surfaces 91A and 92A. In other words, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located on the same plane.

[0085] The pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are located above the lower surface of the bottom plate 61, that is, the lowermost surface of the support portion 12. Figure 6 The pressing surface 93A shown is also located above the lower surface of the bottom plate 61, that is, the lowermost surface of the support portion 12. In this embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located above the upper surface of the connecting plate 44.

[0086] The pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are located below the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A in the vertical direction. Figure 6The pressing surface 93A shown is also located vertically below the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A. In other words, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located on a different plane from the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A in the vertical direction.

[0087] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressing surface 91A is parallel to the placing surface 11A. Figure 5 As shown, the pressing surface 92A is parallel to the placement surface 11A. Figure 6 The pressing surface 93A shown is also parallel to the mounting surface 11A. The supporting surfaces 94A and 95A are parallel to the mounting surface 11A. Figure 6 The support surface 96A shown is also parallel to the placement surface 11A.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 In the description of the printing system 1, Figure 7 The upper, lower, left, right, inner, and outer sides of the paper are defined as the rear, front, left, right, lower, and upper sides of the printing system 1, respectively. The printing system 1 is a system that performs coating, surface treatment, and printing processes on the print media M mounted on each of the multiple stages 10 while transporting the multiple stages 10. Details of each process will be described later.

[0089] The printing system 1 includes a gantry 10, a printer 2, a coating device 3, a press 5, and a transport device 7. For simplicity, the printer 2, coating device 3, and press 5 are each described as being one in number, but they may be multiple. The printer 2, coating device 3, and press 5 are arranged in this order from front to back: coating device 3, press 5, printer 2.

[0090] The printer 2 is a device that performs printing, and in this embodiment, is an inkjet printer. The printing process is a process of printing an image by applying liquid ink to a printing medium M. The detailed structure of the printer 2 will be described later.

[0091] The coating device 3 performs a coating process. This process is performed before printing. The coating process applies a treatment liquid to the print medium M. The treatment liquid is a primer, for example, an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymer or a polyvalent metal salt. Examples of the polyvalent metal salt are calcium chloride or calcium nitrite. The treatment liquid helps fix the ink to the print medium M and improves the ink's color development.

[0092] The coating device 3 includes a coating unit 31. The coating unit 31 is a sprayer in this embodiment. Figure 20The treatment liquid is sprayed by driving the driving unit 3A shown in FIG. The driving unit 3A is composed of, for example, a compressor and a solenoid valve. It should be noted that the coating unit 31 may also be a spray head, a coating blade, or the like.

[0093] In the coating device 3 , with the stage 10 positioned directly below the coating unit 31 , the coating unit 31 sprays the processing liquid onto the print medium M on the platen 11 . Thus, a coating process of applying the processing liquid to the print medium M is performed.

[0094] The press 5 is a device that performs surface treatment. Surface treatment is performed after the coating process and before the printing process. The press 5 improves the quality of printing on the print medium M by performing surface treatment. Surface treatment evens out the surface of the print medium M. For example, surface treatment smoothes out uneven surfaces on the print medium M. For example, if the print medium M is fabric, the press 5 smoothes out uneven surfaces on the print medium M by flattening the lint on the print medium M during surface treatment.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface treatment includes a heat press treatment. Heat press treatment involves applying pressure to the print medium M at high temperatures to evaporate the water in the treatment liquid. This improves the fixation of the solute in the treatment liquid to the print medium M. The detailed structure of the press 5 will be described later.

[0096] For example, a drying process may be performed by a dryer (not shown) before the surface treatment. The drying process dries the print medium M in a high-temperature atmosphere to evaporate water in the process liquid applied to the print medium M by the coating process.

[0097] The conveying device 7 constitutes a conveying path for the stage 10, and conveys the stage 10 in such a manner that the coating process, the surface treatment and the printing process are performed in sequence. Figure 1 The conveyor 7 is shown below the lowest surface of the support portion 12. A conveying surface 70 is formed on the upper surface of the conveyor 7. The conveying surface 70 is located at the upper end of the conveyor 7 and faces upward. When the stage 10 is supported by the conveyor 7, the conveying surface 70 contacts the lowest surface of the support portion 12 (in this embodiment, the lower surface of the tray 60). In other words, when the stage 10 is supported by the conveyor 7, the tray 60 is positioned above the conveying surface 70.

[0098] The transport device 7 includes a main path 71, transfer mechanisms 83 to 85, and branch paths 87 and 88. The main path 71 has a two-story structure and includes an outgoing path 72, a return path (not shown), and elevator mechanisms 74 and 75.

[0099] The outgoing path 72 is the second layer, located to the left of the printer 2, coating device 3, and press 5. It extends from the front of the coating device 3 to the rear of the printer 2. The return path is the first layer, extending from the front of the coating device 3 to the rear of the printer 2. Specifically, the return path is located directly below the outgoing path 72 and extends parallel to it.

[0100] Route 72 passes Figure 20 The transport motor 7A of the outward path 72 shown is driven to transport the platform 10 from the front to the rear. In this embodiment, the outward path 72 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722. The belt conveyor 721 is arranged at the left end of the outward path 72. The belt conveyor 722 is arranged at the right end of the outward path 72. The pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 extend in parallel with each other in the front-to-back direction. The rotation axis of each of the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 extends in the left-right direction. The upper end of each of the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 constitutes the transport surface 70. The loop has the same structure as the outward path 72. The loop passes Figure 20 The transport motor 7A of the illustrated circuit is driven to transport the stage 10 from the rear toward the front.

[0101] The elevator mechanism 74 is arranged at the front end of the main path 71. The elevator mechanism 75 is arranged at the rear end of the main path 71. Therefore, the outward path 72 and the return path are located between the elevator mechanism 74 and the elevator mechanism 75 in the front-back direction. Figure 20 The elevator mechanism 74 and 75 are driven by the lifting motor 7B shown in FIG. Figure 20 The stage 10 is transported in the front-rear direction by driving the transport motors 7A shown.

[0102] In this embodiment, the elevator mechanism 74 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742. Belt conveyor 741 is located at the left end of the elevator mechanism 74. Belt conveyor 742 is located at the right end of the elevator mechanism 74. The pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742 extend parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction. The rotation axis of each of the pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742 extends in the left-to-right direction. The upper end of each of the pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742 forms the conveying surface 70. The elevator mechanism 75 has the same structure as the elevator mechanism 74. Therefore, the description of the structure of the elevator mechanism 75 will be omitted.

[0103] The transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 are arranged in the left-right direction between the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722. The transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 are arranged in the order of transfer mechanisms 83, 84, and 85 from the front to the rear on the outgoing path 72. The transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 respectively transport the stage 10 in the left-right direction. The transfer mechanism 83 transfers the stage 10 between the outgoing path 72 and a branch path 87 (described later). The transfer mechanism 84 transfers the stage 10 between the outgoing path 72 and a branch path 88 (described later). The transfer mechanism 85 transfers the stage 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the transport support platform 23 of the printer 2 (described later).

[0104] The delivery mechanisms 83 and 85 have the same structure as the delivery mechanism 84. Therefore, the following describes the structure of the delivery mechanism 84, and the description of the structures of the delivery mechanisms 83 and 85 is omitted. Figure 20 The transfer mechanism 84 shown is driven by the lifting motor 7B to move the transfer mechanism between a position below the outward path 72 and a position above the outward path 72. Furthermore, the transfer mechanism 84 is driven by a rotation motor (not shown) to rotate the stage 10 on the transfer mechanism 84 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. The transfer mechanism 84 switches the orientation of the stage 10 so that the rear of the stage 10, that is, the rear surface of the back plate 65, faces the direction of travel of the stage 10.

[0105] In this embodiment, the delivery mechanism 84 is comprised of a pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842. The belt conveyor 841 is positioned at the front end of the delivery mechanism 84. The belt conveyor 842 is positioned at the rear end of the delivery mechanism 84. The pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842 extend in the front-back direction. The upper ends of the pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842 form the conveying surface 70.

[0106] Branch path 87 is located to the right of transfer mechanism 83 and branches rightward from main path 71. Branch path 87 is located within coating device 3. Branch path 88 is located to the right of transfer mechanism 84 and branches rightward from main path 71. Branch path 88 is located within press machine 5. Branch paths 87 and 88 transport stage 10 in the left-right direction, respectively.

[0107] Branch path 87 has the same structure as branch path 88. Therefore, the following description will focus on the structure of branch path 88, and the description of the structure of branch path 87 will be omitted. In this embodiment, branch path 88 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882. Belt conveyor 881 is located at the front end of branch path 88. Belt conveyor 882 is located at the rear end of branch path 88. The pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend in the front-back direction. The upper ends of the pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882 constitute the conveying surface 70.

[0108] The following describes the operation flow of the printing system 1. For convenience, it is assumed that the transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 are each located below the outgoing path 72 and the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 are each located at the same height as the outgoing path 72 at the start of the operation of the printing system 1.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the gantry 10 is placed on the lift mechanism 74, Figure 1 The rear of the stage 10, that is, the rear surface of the back plate 65, is shown facing the rear of the printing system 1. It should be noted that when the stage 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 74, the rear of the stage 10 can also face the front of the printing system 1, or can face the left or right. With the stage 10 positioned on the elevator mechanism 74, the user places print media M on the stage 10. The elevator mechanism 74 transports the stage 10 rearward and delivers it to the exit path 72.

[0110] Outgoing path 72 transports stage 10 rearward to transfer mechanism 83. Transfer mechanism 83 rises to a position above outgoing path 72. Thus, stage 10 is transferred from outgoing path 72 to transfer mechanism 83. Transfer mechanism 83 rotates stage 10 90° clockwise when viewed from above, transporting stage 10 rightward to branch path 87. Transfer mechanism 83 descends to a position below branch path 87. Thus, stage 10 is transferred from transfer mechanism 83 to branch path 87. Coating device 3 performs coating.

[0111] When the coating process of the coating device 3 is completed, the branch path 87 transports the stage 10 to the left to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rises to a position above the branch path 87. Thus, the stage 10 is delivered from the branch path 87 to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rotates the stage 10 90 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above and descends to a position below the outgoing path 72. Thus, the stage 10 is delivered from the delivery mechanism 83 to the outgoing path 72.

[0112] The delivery mechanism 84, 85 delivers the gantry 10 in the same manner as the delivery mechanism 83 delivers the gantry 10. Therefore, the description of the delivery mechanism 84, 85 delivering the gantry 10 will be omitted or simplified below.

[0113] Outgoing path 72 transports rack 10 rearward and delivers it to transfer mechanism 84. Transfer mechanism 84 transports rack 10 rightward and delivers it to branch path 88. Press 5 performs surface treatment. When press 5 completes surface treatment, branch path 88 transports rack 10 leftward and delivers it to transfer mechanism 84. Transfer mechanism 84 delivers rack 10 to outgoing path 72.

[0114] The outgoing path 72 transports the stage 10 rearward to the transfer mechanism 85. The stage 10 is transferred from the outgoing path 72 to the transfer mechanism 85. The transfer mechanism 85 transports the stage 10 rightward and transfers it to the transport support platform 23 (described later). The printer 2 performs the printing process. When the printer 2 completes the printing process, the transport support platform 23 transports the stage 10 leftward and transfers it to the transfer mechanism 85. The transfer mechanism 85 transfers the stage 10 to the outgoing path 72.

[0115] Outward path 72 transports gantry 10 rearward and transfers it to elevator mechanism 75. Elevator mechanism 75 descends to the same height as the return path (not shown). Elevator mechanism 75 transports gantry 10 forward and transfers it to the return path. With elevator mechanism 74 positioned at the same height as the return path, the return path transports gantry 10 forward and transfers it to elevator mechanism 74.

[0116] While the stage 10 is being transported from the elevator mechanism 75 to the elevator mechanism 74 via the loop, the user removes the print medium M with an image printed on it from the stage 10. For example, the user removes the print medium M with an image printed on it from the stage 10 while the stage 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 75. Thereafter, the user places the next print medium M on the stage 10 while the stage 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 74. The printing system 1 then repeats the same operation.

[0117] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The detailed structure of the printer 2 is described below. Figure 8 The lower left, upper right, lower right, upper left, upper and lower parts of are respectively set as the left, right, front, rear, upper and lower parts of the printer 2. Figure 8 The front of the printer 2 is shown Figure 7 The left side of the printing system 1 is shown.

[0118] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the printer 2 includes a housing 21, shafts 22, a transport support platform 23, guide rails 24A and 24B, a carriage 25, and multiple inkjet heads 26. The housing 21 is formed of multiple rods in a lattice-like pattern. A carriage opening 21A is formed in the housing 21. The carriage opening 21A extends rearward from the center of the front surface of the housing 21.

[0119] The shaft 22 is arranged at the bottom of the stage opening 21A and extends in the front-back direction. The shaft 22 supports the transport support table 23. The transport support table 23 is arranged in the stage opening 21A in a front view. The transport support table 23 is driven by a sub-scanning motor (not shown) to move the transport support table 23. Figure 9 The illustrated position moves in the front-rear direction along the shaft 22 between a separation position P1 and a printing position P2 described later.

[0120] The transport support platform 23 includes a base portion 23A and an assembly portion 23B. The base portion 23A is rectangular and extends vertically. The lower end of the base portion 23A is connected to the shaft 22. The assembly portion 23B is rectangular and extends forward from the upper end of the base portion 23A. The stage 10 can be attached to and detached from the assembly portion 23B. Figure 8 The state in which the stage 10 is not mounted on the mounting portion 23B is shown. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The state where the stage 10 is mounted on the mounting portion 23B is shown. In the state where the stage 10 is mounted on the mounting portion 23B, the mounting portion 23B supports the stage 10.

[0121] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the mounting portion 23B has protrusions 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235. Protrusion 231 is located at the front right corner of the upper surface of the mounting portion 23B. Protrusion 231 is cylindrical and projects upward from the upper surface of the mounting portion 23B. A support surface 231A is provided on the upper surface of protrusion 231. Support surface 231A is flat and faces upward.

[0122] Protrusion 232 is located at the front left corner of the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. Protrusion 232 is cylindrical and protrudes upward from the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. A support surface 232A is provided on the upper surface of protrusion 232. Support surface 232A is flat and faces upward. Protrusion 233 is located at the center of the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. Protrusion 233 is cylindrical and protrudes upward from the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. A support surface 233A is provided on the upper surface of protrusion 233. Support surface 233A is flat and faces upward.

[0123] Protrusion 234 is located at the front end of the upper surface of mounting portion 23B, positioned between protrusions 231 and 232 in the left-right direction. Protrusion 234 is cylindrical and projects upward from the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. Protrusion 235 is located at the center of the upper surface of mounting portion 23B in the left-right direction, positioned between protrusions 233 and 234 in the front-back direction. Protrusion 235 is cylindrical and projects upward from the upper surface of mounting portion 23B. Protrusion 235 is supported by mounting portion 23B for forward and backward movement.

[0124] Guide rail 24A is provided above stage opening 21A and is fixed to frame 21. Guide rail 24A extends in the left-right direction. Guide rail 24B is provided behind guide rail 24A. Guide rail 24B is provided above stage opening 21A and is fixed to frame 21. Guide rail 24B extends in the left-right direction.

[0125] The carriage 25 is positioned between the guide rails 24A and 24B in the front-to-back direction. The carriage 25 is a plate extending in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. The carriage 25 is supported by the guide rails 24A and 24B. The carriage 25 is driven by a main scanning motor (not shown) to move left-to-right along the guide rails 24A and 24B.

[0126] The plurality of inkjet heads 26 are mounted on the carriage 25 and arranged in the front-to-back direction. The plurality of inkjet heads 26 move in the left-to-right direction together with the carriage 25. Hereinafter, the area of ​​the movement area of ​​the plurality of inkjet heads 26 that overlaps with the movement area of ​​the stage 10 mounted on the mounting portion 23B when viewed from above is referred to as the "printing area R."

[0127] like Figure 9 As shown, a nozzle surface 26A is formed on the lower surface of the inkjet head 26. The nozzle surface 26A is exposed downward from an opening (not shown) provided in the carriage 25. A plurality of nozzles (not shown) are provided on the nozzle surface 26A.

[0128] The plurality of inkjet heads 26 eject ink downward from nozzles. For example, the plurality of inkjet heads 26 include heads that eject color ink (magenta, cyan, yellow, or black). The color ink is used to print color images. The plurality of inkjet heads 26 may also include heads that eject white ink, or heads that eject pre-treatment liquid or post-treatment liquid. The white ink is used as a base for the color image to be printed, or is used to print the color image. The number of the plurality of inkjet heads 26 is not limited to a specific number and may be, for example, one.

[0129] The following describes the installation of the stage 10 to the installation portion 23B and the printing in the printer 2. Figure 8As shown, the stage 10 is transported from the front to the rear toward the mounting portion 23B by the transfer mechanism 85 with the rear of the stage 10 facing the rear of the printer 2. When the stage 10 is transported to the mounting portion 23B, the mounting portion 23B is inserted into the insertion space 49.

[0130] The direction in which the rack 10 is transported when the mounting unit 23B is inserted into the rack 10 is from the front to the rear. In other words, the front of the rack 10 is upstream in the direction in which the rack 10 is transported when the mounting unit 23B is inserted into the rack 10, and the rear of the rack 10 is downstream in the direction in which the rack 10 is transported when the mounting unit 23B is inserted into the rack 10.

[0131] Figure 10 The mounting portion 23B is shown by a solid line, and the stand 10 is shown by a phantom line. Figure 10 The blocks 91 to 98 that are hidden by the table 11 in the stand 10 are shown in dotted lines. Figure 10 As shown, when the mounting portion 23B is inserted into the stage 10, the support surface 94A faces the support surface 231A from above with a gap between them, the support surface 95A faces the support surface 232A from above with a gap between them, and the support surface 96A faces the support surface 233A from above with a gap between them. In this state, when the transfer mechanism 85 is lowered, the support surface 94A contacts the support surface 231A from above, the support surface 95A contacts the support surface 232A from above, and the support surface 96A contacts the support surface 233A from above. Thus, the mounting portion 23B supports the stage 10, and the position of the stage 10 relative to the mounting portion 23B in the vertical direction is determined.

[0132] Furthermore, block 97 is positioned behind protrusion 234, and block 98 is positioned in front of protrusion 235. In this state, if protrusion 235 is biased forward by a biasing member (not shown), protrusion 235 moves forward relative to protrusion 234 as indicated by arrow A1, and engages with recess 98A. If protrusion 235 moves further forward, stage 10 is moved forward. Protrusion 235 moves stage 10 forward until protrusion 234 engages with recess 97A. Protrusion 235 presses block 97 against protrusion 234 via block 98. Thus, the position of stage 10 relative to assembly portion 23B in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction is determined, and stage 10 is assembled to assembly portion 23B.

[0133] In this embodiment, when the gantry 10 is mounted on the mounting portion 23B, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned upward from the upper surface of the mounting portion 23B. Furthermore, the pressing surface 91A is positioned to the right of the right end of the mounting portion 23B, while the pressing surface 92A is positioned to the left of the left end of the mounting portion 23B. Therefore, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A do not contact the mounting portion 23B.

[0134] like Figure 9 As shown, the transport support table 23 transports the stage 10 to the separation position P1 and the printing position P2. Figure 9 The stage 10 mounted on the mounting portion 23B and arranged at the separation position P1 is shown by phantom lines, and the stage 10 mounted on the mounting portion 23B and arranged at the printing position P2 is shown by solid lines.

[0135] When the stage 10 is positioned at the separated position P1, the mounting surface 11A is spaced apart from the plurality of inkjet heads 26 toward one side in the sub-scanning direction (forward in this embodiment). When the stage 10 is positioned at the printing position P2, the stage 10 is positioned in the printing area R. Therefore, when the stage 10 is positioned at the printing position P2 with the plurality of inkjet heads 26 positioned in the printing area R, the mounting surface 11A and the plurality of inkjet heads 26 face each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, when the stage 10 is positioned at the printing position P2, the mounting surface 11A faces the nozzle surface 26A of at least one of the plurality of inkjet heads 26 from below.

[0136] The operation in which the carriage 25 transports the multiple inkjet heads 26 in the left-right direction while one or both of the multiple inkjet heads 26 eject ink from their nozzles is called a "main scan." The operation in which the transport support 23 transports the stage 10 a predetermined distance in the front-back direction is called a "sub-scan." The printer 2 prints on the print medium M by repeatedly performing main and sub-scans with the multiple inkjet heads 26 positioned in the print area R and the stage 10 positioned at the print position P2. In this process, ink ejected from the multiple inkjet heads 26 during the main scan drips onto the print medium M on the platen 11, forming an image on the print medium M.

[0137] Reference Figures 11 to 19 The detailed structure of the press machine 5 will be described. Figure 11 The upper left, lower right, lower left, upper right, upper and lower parts are respectively set as the left, right, front, rear, upper and lower parts of the press machine 5. Figure 11 The front of the press 5 shown is Figure 7 The left side of the printing system 1 is shown.

[0138] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the press machine 5 includes a housing 51, a gate 52 and Figure 12 The device body 50 shown in FIG. The shell 51 is a rectangular box-shaped body that covers the device body 50. The front surface of the shell 51 is provided with Figure 11 The opening 51A is shown. The opening 51A is larger than the outer shape of the stand 10 in a front view and is rectangular in this embodiment. The stand 10 is inserted into and out of the housing 51 through the opening 51A.

[0139] The shutter 52 is a plate and is provided on the front surface of the housing 51. The shutter 52 is supported by the housing 51 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Figure 20 The opening and closing motor 511 shown is driven to Figure 11 The open position P3 and Figure 12 The closed position P4 shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, the shutter 52 is arranged above the opening 51A in the open position P3, opening the opening 51A. In this case, the stand 10 can enter and exit the housing 51 through the opening 51A. Figure 12 As shown, the shutter 52 blocks the opening 51A in the closed position P4. In this case, the gantry 10 cannot be moved in or out of the housing 51 through the opening 51A.

[0140] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 5 , the device body 50 includes a base 53, a cylinder 54, a moving portion 55, a fixing plate 56, and a heater 57. The base 53 is plate-shaped and is disposed at the lower end of the device body 50. The cylinder 54 is an air cylinder having a cylinder body 54A and a Figure 14 The cylinder body 54A is cylindrical and fixed to the upper surface of the base 53. The cylinder rod 54B extends in the vertical direction and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the cylinder body 54A. The cylinder rod 54B is supported by the cylinder body 54A so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0141] The moving part 55 is arranged above the cylinder 54 and moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the cylinder rod 54B. The moving part 55 is U-shaped and opens to the front when viewed from the side. The moving part 55 includes a connecting part 510, a plurality of guide shafts 521, 522, 523, 524, a plurality of support shafts 531, 532, 533, 534 and a pressing head 540. The connecting part 510 is a rectangular parallelepiped and is connected to Figure 14 The upper end of the cylinder rod 54B is shown.

[0142] The guide shaft 521 is disposed at the right front corner of the connecting portion 510 and extends downward from the lower surface of the connecting portion 510. Figure 12 A guide block 59A is fixed to the right front corner of the housing 51 shown. A guide hole 591 is provided in the guide block 59A. The guide hole 591 extends vertically through the guide block 59A. The guide shaft 521 is inserted into the guide hole 591. As a result, the guide shaft 521 is supported by the guide block 59A so that it can move vertically along the guide hole 591.

[0143] Similarly, the guide shafts 522, 523, and 524 are respectively arranged at the left front corner, the right rear corner, and the left rear corner of the connecting portion 510, and extend downward from the lower surface of the connecting portion 510. Figure 12 Guide blocks 59B, 59C, and 59D are fixed to the left front corner, right rear corner, and left rear corner of the housing 51. Guide blocks 59B, 59C, and 59D are provided with guide holes 592, 593, and 594, respectively. Guide holes 592, 593, and 594 extend vertically through guide blocks 59B, 59C, and 59D, respectively.

[0144] The guide shafts 522, 523, 524 are respectively inserted into the guide holes 592, 593, 594. Thus, the guide shafts 522, 523, 524 are respectively supported by the guide blocks 59B, 59C, 59D so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the guide holes 592, 593, 594.

[0145] Multiple support shafts 531-534 are disposed at the rear of the connecting portion 510. Each of the support shafts 531-534 is cylindrical and extends upward from the upper surface of the connecting portion 510. Support shaft 531 is disposed between the center and the right end of the connecting portion 510 in the left-right direction. Support shaft 532 is arranged to the left of support shaft 531. Support shaft 532 is disposed between the center and the left end of the connecting portion 510 in the left-right direction.

[0146] Support shaft 533 is arranged behind support shaft 531. Support shaft 533 is positioned between the center and the right end of connecting portion 510 in the left-right direction. Support shaft 534 is positioned behind support shaft 532 and to the left of support shaft 533. Support shaft 534 is positioned between the center and the left end of connecting portion 510 in the left-right direction.

[0147] The pressing head 540 is arranged at the upper end of the moving part 55 and is supported by a plurality of support shafts 531 to 534. Figure 11 The height of the openings 51A shown is the same height.

[0148] The pressing head 540 includes an upper plate 541, a right plate 542, and a left plate 543. The upper plate 541 is fixed to the upper ends of each of the support shafts 531-534. The upper plate 541 extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The upper plate 541 extends from a position behind the support shafts 533, 534 to a position in front of the support shafts 531, 532. The upper plate 541 extends from a position to the right of the support shafts 531, 533 to a position to the left of the support shafts 532, 534.

[0149] The upper plate 541 has a plurality of blocks 581, 582, and 583. Blocks 581-583 each protrude upward from the upper surface 541A of the upper plate 541. Block 581 is located at the right end of the upper plate 541 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Block 581 has a pressing surface 581A. Pressing surface 581A is provided on the upper surface of block 581. Pressing surface 581A is flat and faces upward.

[0150] The block 582 is disposed at the left end of the upper plate 541 and extends in the front-rear direction. The block 582 has a pressing surface 582A. The pressing surface 582A is provided on the upper surface of the block 582. The pressing surface 582A is flat and faces upward.

[0151] Block 583 is positioned between blocks 581 and 582 in the left-right direction and near the rear ends of each of blocks 581 and 582 in the front-back direction. Block 583 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. Block 583 has a pressing surface 583A. Pressing surface 583A is provided on the upper surface of block 583. Pressing surface 583A is flat and faces upward.

[0152] The positional relationship of blocks 581, 582, and 583 in the front-to-back direction is Figure 6 The positional relationship of the blocks 91, 92, and 93 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that of the blocks 581, 582, and 583. Figure 6 The left-right positional relationship of the blocks 91, 92, and 93 shown in FIG. 5 is the same. The vertical height relationship of the blocks 581, 582, and 583 relative to the upper surface 541A of the upper plate 541 is the same as Figure 6 The blocks 91 , 92 , and 93 shown have the same height relationship in the vertical direction relative to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 .

[0153] The right plate 542 extends downward from the right end of the upper plate 541. A vertical portion 542A and an inclined portion 542B are provided at the front end of the right plate 542. The vertical portion 542A extends downward from the upper end of the right plate 542. The inclined portion 542B extends downward from the lower end of the vertical portion 542A as it moves toward the rear.

[0154] The left plate 543 extends downward from the left end of the upper plate 541. A vertical portion 543A and an inclined portion 543B are provided at the front end of the left plate 543. The vertical portion 543A extends downward from the upper end of the left plate 543. The inclined portion 543B extends downward from the lower end of the vertical portion 543A as it goes rearward.

[0155] The left plate 543 includes guide blocks 553 and 554. The guide block 553 is fixed to the front end of the left plate 543 and positioned near the front end of the block 582 in the front-to-back direction. The guide block 553 is rectangular and protrudes leftward from the left surface of the left plate 543. A guide surface 553A is provided on the front surface of the guide block 553. The guide surface 553A tilts leftward as it moves toward the rear. A contact surface 553B is provided on the left surface of the guide block 553. The contact surface 553B extends rearward from the left end of the guide surface 553A and faces leftward.

[0156] Guide block 554 is arranged behind guide block 553 and is positioned near the rear end of block 582 in the front-to-rear direction. Guide block 554 is rectangular and protrudes leftward from the left surface of left plate 543. A contact surface 554A is provided on the left surface of guide block 554. Contact surface 554A extends rearward from the left front corner of guide block 554 and faces leftward.

[0157] Likewise, the right plate 542 has Figure 18 The guide blocks 551 and 552 are shown. Guide block 551 is fixed to the front end of right plate 542 and is positioned near the front end of block 581 in the front-to-back direction. Guide block 551 is rectangular and protrudes rightward from the right surface of right plate 542. A guide surface 551A is provided on the front surface of guide block 551. Guide surface 551A tilts rightward as it moves toward the rear. A contact surface 551B is provided on the right surface of guide block 551. Contact surface 551B extends rearward from the right end of guide surface 551A and faces rightward.

[0158] Guide block 552 is arranged behind guide block 551 and is positioned near the rear end of block 581 in the front-to-back direction. Guide block 552 is rectangular and protrudes rightward from the right surface of right plate 542. A contact surface 552A is provided on the right surface of guide block 552. Contact surface 552A extends rearward from the right front corner of guide block 552 and faces rightward.

[0159] The fixing plate 56 is arranged above the pressing head 540 and is fixed to Figure 11 The housing 51 shown. Therefore, in the vertical direction, the position of the fixing plate 56 relative to the base 53 is constant regardless of the drive of the cylinder 54. The fixing plate 56 extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction and has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the fixing plate 56 in the left-right direction is greater than Figure 6 The length of the table 11 shown in the figure is larger in the left-right direction. The length of the fixing plate 56 in the front-back direction is larger than that in the left-right direction. Figure 6 The length of the platen 11 in the front-back direction is large. The heater 57 is a heating resistor and is distributed throughout the fixing plate 56. The heater 57 generates heat when energized, thereby heating the fixing plate 56.

[0160] The installation and pressing action of the gantry 10 to the pressing head 540 will be described. Figure 11 As shown, the platform 10 is delivered from the delivery mechanism 84 to the branch path 88 with the rear of the platform 10 facing the rear of the press machine 5 , and is transported from the front to the rear by the branch path 88 .

[0161] Figure 16 The pressing head 540 is shown by a solid line, and the stage 10 is shown by a phantom line. Figure 16 The blocks 91 to 98 that are hidden by the table 11 in the stand 10 are shown in dotted lines. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the stage 10 is conveyed to the pressing head 540 , the pressing head 540 is inserted into the insertion space 49 .

[0162] As indicated by arrow A2, the direction in which the stage 10 is positioned toward the pressing head 540 is the direction in which the stage 10 is transported when the pressing head 540 is inserted into the stage 10, and is the direction from the front to the rear. In other words, the front of the stage 10 is upstream of the direction in which the stage 10 is positioned toward the pressing head 540, and the rear of the stage 10 is downstream of the direction in which the stage 10 is positioned toward the pressing head 540.

[0163] When the tip of the pressing head 540 is located in the recess 65A, Figure 15 The right edge of the recess 65A shown is Figure 16 The guide surface 551A of the guide block 551 shown contacts, or Figure 15 The left edge of the recess 65A shown is aligned with Figure 16 The guide surface 553A of the guide block 553 shown in FIG.

[0164] like Figure 15 As shown, if the stage 10 is further transported rearward, the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 contacts the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532. As a result, the position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 in the front-to-back direction is determined. In the front-to-back direction, the distance between the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 and the front end of the stage 10 is greater than the distance between the support shafts 531 and 532. Figure 11 Therefore, when the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is in contact with the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, the entire stage 10 is arranged in the housing 51. In other words, when the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is in contact with the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, the stage 10 is not Figure 11 The opening 51A shown extends from the inside of the housing 51 to the outside.

[0165] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, in the left-right direction, the distance between the contact surface 551B and the contact surface 553B, and the distance between the contact surface 552A and the contact surface 554A are the same. In the left-right direction, the distance between the contact surface 551B and the contact surface 553B, and the distance between the contact surface 552A and the contact surface 554A are slightly smaller than the distance between the right surface of the right plate 41 and the left surface of the left plate 42. Therefore, the left surface 411 of the right plate 41 contacts the contact surface 551B of the guide block 551 and the contact surface 552B of the guide block 552, respectively, or the right surface 421 of the left plate 42 contacts the contact surface 553B of the guide block 553 and the contact surface 554B of the guide block 554, respectively. For example, Figure 17 A state is shown in which the contact surface 551B of the guide block 551 is in contact with the left surface 411 of the right plate 41 .

[0166] The position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 in the left-right direction is determined by the left surface 411 of the right plate 41 contacting the contact surface 551B of the guide block 551 and the contact surface 552B of the guide block 552, or by the right surface 421 of the left plate 42 contacting the contact surface 553B of the guide block 553 and the contact surface 554B of the guide block 554. As described above, the stage 10 is attached to the pressing head 540.

[0167] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, when the stand 10 is installed on the pressing head 540, the pressing surface 91A and the pressing surface 581A are opposite to each other from above with a gap between them, the pressing surface 92A and the pressing surface 582A are opposite to each other from above with a gap between them, and the pressing surface 93A and the pressing surface 583A are opposite to each other from above with a gap between them.

[0168] In this embodiment, when the gantry 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A are all located to the left of the left end of the block 581 and to the right of the right end of the block 582. The support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A are all located forward of the front end of the block 583. Thus, the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A do not contact the blocks 581-583.

[0169] When the gantry 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the right plate 41 is positioned to the right of the entire pressing head 540 in a plan or front view. In other words, the pressing head 540 does not intersect the right plate 41. That is, the pressing head 540 does not extend to the right from the right plate 41 in a plan or front view.

[0170] When the gantry 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the left plate 42 is positioned to the left of the entire pressing head 540 in a plan or front view. In other words, the pressing head 540 does not intersect the left plate 42. That is, the pressing head 540 does not extend to the left from the left plate 42 in a plan or front view.

[0171] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The portion of the moving part 55 that is blocked by the stage 10 is shown by an imaginary line. Figure 18 As shown, when the stand 10 is installed on the pressing head 540, the table 11 is arranged between the pressing head 540 and the fixing plate 56 in the vertical direction. When the stand 10 is installed on the pressing head 540, the entire pressing head 540 is covered from the right by the right plate 41 when viewed from the right. For example, the vertical portion 41A and the inclined portion 41B of the right plate 41 are arranged in front of the vertical portion 542A and the inclined portion 542B of the right plate 542. Similarly, when viewed from the left, the entire pressing head 540 is covered by Figure 16 The left plate 42 shown covers from the left. For example, the vertical portion 42A and the inclined portion 42B of the left plate 42 are arranged in front of the vertical portion 543A and the inclined portion 543B of the left plate 543.

[0172] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the pressing action is an action of pressing the platen 11 from below toward the fixed plate 56 using the pressing head 540. The pressing action is performed with the stage 10 mounted on the pressing head 540. When the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the mounting surface 11A of the platen 11 is vertically opposed to the lower surface of the fixed plate 56. In this embodiment, the pressing action is performed with the fixed plate 56 heated by the heater 57.

[0173] The cylinder 54 moves the moving part 55 in the vertical direction. Figure 18 The standby position P5 and Figure 19 When the driving of the cylinder 54 stops and the cylinder rod 54B is located at the lower end of the range of movement of the cylinder rod 54B, the moving portion 55 is located at Figure 18 In this case, the printing medium M on the platen 11 is separated downward from the lower surface of the fixing plate 56 .

[0174] When the pressing action is performed, the cylinder rod 54B moves upward by driving the cylinder 54. Figure 18 The standby position P5 shown is Figure 19 During the movement of the moving portion 55 from the standby position P5 to the pressing position P6, the pressing surface 581A contacts the pressing surface 91A from below, the pressing surface 582A contacts the pressing surface 92A from below, and the pressing surface 583A contacts the pressing surface 93A from below.

[0175] As the moving portion 55 further moves upward toward the pressing position P6, the pressing head 540 lifts the stage 10 from the branch path 88. When the moving portion 55 moves to the pressing position P6, the printing medium M on the platen 11 is sandwiched between the fixed plate 56 and the platen 11 by the pressing head 540. Thus, the pressing head 540 presses the printing medium M from below toward above the fixed plate 56. The pressing operation of the pressing head 540 is performed in this manner.

[0176] Reference Figure 20 The electrical structure of the printing system 1 is described below. The printing system 1 includes a system computer 100 and a printer computer 2A. The system computer 100 is installed on a control panel (not shown), for example, and controls the coating device 3, the press 5, and the conveyor 7. The printer computer 2A is installed in the printer 2 and controls the printer 2. The system computer 100 and the printer computer 2A communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0177] The system computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102, an input unit 103, and a display 104. The CPU 101 functions as a processor. The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the memory 102, the input unit 103, and the display 104. The memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory and stores various information. For example, the memory 102 stores programs. The programs include instructions for executing Figure 21 The control program of the main process described below is executed by the CPU 101 .

[0178] The input unit 103 is a user interface and includes a touch panel, a power button, etc. The user operates the input unit 103 to input various instructions to the system computer 100. The display 104 displays various information under the control of the CPU 101.

[0179] The drive unit 3A, heater 57, opening and closing motor 511, opening and closing sensor 512, transport motor 7A, lifting motor 7B, position sensor 7C and printer computer 2A are electrically connected to CPU 101 via input / output interface 105. The drive unit 3A is driven by the control of CPU 101 to make the processing liquid Figure 7 The coating unit 31 shown sprays. The heater 57 is controlled by the CPU 101 to generate heat. Figure 13 The fixing plate 56 shown is heated. The opening and closing motor 511 is driven by the control of the CPU 101. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The shutter 52 is shown moving toward an open position P3 and a closed position P4.

[0180] The opening and closing sensor 512 is a limit switch, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, etc., and is set at Figure 11 The edge of the opening 51A is shown. The opening and closing sensor 512 detects Figure 12 The position of the gate 52 shown in FIG. 1 is detected by the open / close sensor 512, and a signal indicating the detection result is output to the CPU 101. Figure 12 The shutter 52 is shown in the closed position P4.

[0181] There are multiple conveying motors 7A. Figure 7 The outgoing path 72 is shown, the return path (not shown), the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the transfer mechanisms 83 and 85, and the branch paths 87 and 88. The plurality of conveying motors 7A are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to convey the stage 10. For example, the conveying motor 7A of the outgoing path 72 is driven to convey the stage 10 on the outgoing path 72.

[0182] There are multiple lifting motors 7B. Figure 7 The elevator mechanisms 74, 75 and the transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 are shown. The plurality of elevator motors 7B are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to raise and lower the stage 10. For example, the elevator motor 7B of the elevator mechanism 74 is driven to raise and lower the stage 10 on the elevator mechanism 74.

[0183] There are multiple position sensors 7C. The multiple position sensors 7C are limit switches, proximity sensors, light sensors, etc., which are respectively set at Figure 7 The illustrated outgoing path 72, the unillustrated return path, the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the transfer mechanisms 83 and 85, and the branch paths 87 and 88 are shown. Multiple position sensors 7C detect the presence of gantry 10 at their respective locations and output signals indicating the detection results to the CPU 101. For example, if the position sensor 7C of the branch path 88 detects the presence of the gantry 10 on the branch path 88, it outputs a signal indicating the presence of the gantry 10 on the branch path 88 to the CPU 101.

[0184] Reference Figure 21 The main process is described below. When the system computer 100 is powered on, the CPU 101 reads the control program from the memory 102 and starts operating, thereby starting the main process. In the main process, the coating device 3, the press 5, and the conveyor 7 are controlled. The following describes the process related to the control of the press 5 in the main process. At the beginning of the main process, it is assumed that the gate 52 is in the Figure 11 The open position P3 is shown.

[0185] When the main process starts, the CPU 101 determines whether the pressing timing for performing the pressing action of the pressing head 540 has arrived (S11). The judgment of whether the pressing timing has arrived is performed based on various information. For example, when the CPU 101 obtains a signal indicating that the gantry 10 is present on the branch road 88 from the position sensor 7C of the branch road 88, it determines that the pressing timing has arrived. For example, when the user inputs a hot pressing instruction for performing the pressing action to the system computer 100 via the input unit 103, and when the CPU 101 obtains the input hot pressing instruction, the CPU 101 determines that the pressing timing has arrived.

[0186] If the pressing timing has not yet arrived (S11: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to the judgment of S11 and repeats the judgment of S11 until the pressing timing arrives. If the pressing timing arrives (S11: Yes), the CPU 101 controls the opening and closing motor 511 to open the shutter 52. Figure 11 The open position P3 shown is towards Figure 12 The closed position P4 shown is moved (S12).

[0187] CPU101 is based on Figure 20 The detection signal of the opening and closing sensor 512 shown in FIG. Figure 12 The closed position P4 (S13) shown. Figure 15 As shown, when the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 contacts the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, the front end of the stage 10 is arranged at a position closer to the front end than the support shaft 531 and 532. Figure 11 The opening 51A shown is located at the rear, that is, at the rear of the shutter 52. Therefore, the stand 10 does not extend out of the housing 51 from the opening 51A. Figure 11 The open position P3 shown moves to Figure 12 The closed position P4 is shown.

[0188] On the other hand, when the contact plate 45 is separated from the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, the front end of the gantry 10 is arranged at a position closer to the front end than the contact plate 45. Figure 11 The opening 51A shown is located in front of the housing 51, that is, in front of the gate 52. Therefore, when the rear end of the gantry 10 is located behind the opening 51A, that is, behind the gate 52, the gantry 10 extends out of the housing 51 from the opening 51A. Figure 11 The open position P3 shown is Figure 12 The closed position P4 shown in FIG. 1 collides with the stand 10 from above during the movement. Therefore, the gate 52 cannot be opened from the closed position P4. Figure 11 The open position P3 shown moves to Figure 12 The closed position P4 shown. That is, the gate 52 is configured to Figure 12The closed position P4 shown means Figure 15 The rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 shown contacts the front ends of the support shafts 531, 532. Therefore, it can be said that: Figure 20 The open / close sensor 512 shown detects Figure 15 The rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is shown to contact the front ends of the support shafts 531 , 532 .

[0189] When the gate 52 is not configured Figure 12 In the case of the closed position P4 shown (S13: No), there may be a Figure 15 The stand 10 shown is not properly installed toward the pressing head 540. In this case, the CPU 101 performs an error report (S14). The error report notifies the user that the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is not in contact with the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, that is, there is a possibility that the stand 10 is not properly installed toward the pressing head 540. In the error report, the CPU 101 can display the error content on the display 104, or output an error sound from a speaker not shown in the figure. When the error is resolved, the CPU 101 returns the processing to the judgment of S11. In this way, the CPU 101 prohibits the execution of the pressing action when the opening and closing sensor 512 does not detect that the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is in contact with the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532.

[0190] The gate 52 is arranged at Figure 12 When the closed position P4 is shown (S13: YES), the CPU 101 controls Figure 18 and Figure 19 The heater 57 and cylinder 54 shown in FIG. 4 are used to perform surface treatment (S15). During the surface treatment, the pressing head 540 performs a pressing action while the fixing plate 56 is heated by the heater 57. The surface treatment is performed, for example, until a predetermined pressing time has elapsed since the start of the pressing action. Thus, when the opening / closing sensor 512 detects that the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 is in contact with the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532, the CPU 101 permits the execution of the pressing action.

[0191] If the surface treatment is completed, the CPU 101 controls Figure 20 The opening and closing motor 511 shown in the figure makes the gate 52 move from Figure 12 The closed position P4 shown is Figure 11 The open position P3 shown is moved (S16). In this case, the conveyor device 7 is controlled to discharge the stage 10 from the housing 51 through the opening 51A and transfer it to the transfer mechanism 84. The CPU 101 returns the process to the determination of S11.

[0192] As described above, in the above embodiment, the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540 that performs a pressing action to press upward relative to the fixed plate 56. The stage 10 includes a platen 11, a support portion 12, and pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A. The platen 11 has a loading surface 11A that faces upward and on which the print medium M is loaded. The support portion 12 is arranged below the platen 11. The support portion 12 includes a support column 40 that supports the platen 11 from below. The pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located above the lowermost surface of the support portion 12 and are downwardly facing surfaces. When the pressing head 540 performs a pressing action with the stage 10 mounted on it, the pressing head 540 contacts the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A.

[0193] Thus, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located above the bottom surface of the support portion 12. The portion of the support portion 12 below the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A is less susceptible to pressure from the pressing action than the portion above the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A. Therefore, the portion of the support portion 12 below the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A is not required to have the rigidity required to withstand pressure from the pressing action compared to the portion above the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A. Thus, the stand 10 helps suppress the increased rigidity of the stand 10 as a whole. The portion of the support portion 12 below the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A is, for example, the tray 60, the connecting plate 44, or the contact plate 45. Therefore, for example, the tray 60 can be made lighter by making its rigidity lower than that of the table 11. In this case, the weight of the entire stand 10 is reduced, and thus the load resistance of the conveyor device 7 is suppressed. The stand 10 can be easily handled by the user.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are parallel to the placement surface 11A. Therefore, the stage 10 helps the pressure due to the pressing action to be applied uniformly to the entire print medium M.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned above the bottom surface of the tray 60. In this case, the pressure from the pressing action is less likely to act on the tray 60. Consequently, the tray 60 is not required to have the rigidity necessary to withstand the pressure from the pressing action. Thus, the stand 10 helps prevent the tray 60 from becoming too rigid.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 are arranged so as to sandwich the center of the tabletop 11 in the left-right direction. In this case, the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 support the tabletop 11 at two locations, sandwiching the center of the tabletop 11 in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to a case where the support column 40 supports the tabletop 11 at a single location, or compared to a case where the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 support the tabletop 11 at two locations without sandwiching the center of the tabletop 11, the tabletop 10 helps to suppress the possibility of the placement surface 11A tilting with respect to the front-back direction or the left-right direction.

[0197] If the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned to the right of the right plate 41, the left portion of the print medium M becomes further away from the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A in the horizontal direction. In this case, the pressure from the pressing action may be less likely to act on the left portion of the print medium M. In the above embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned horizontally between the right plate 41 and the left plate 42. In this case, the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 are positioned horizontally with the center of the platen 11 sandwiched between them. Therefore, compared to a case where the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned to the right of the right plate 41 or to the left of the left plate 42, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are positioned closer to the center of the platen 11 in the horizontal direction. Consequently, the stage 10 facilitates uniform application of the pressure from the pressing action to the entire print medium M.

[0198] Pressure due to the pressing action acts on the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A. Therefore, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A may be deformed by the pressing action. Assuming that the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located at the same position as the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A, deformation of the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A may adversely affect printing in the printer 2. In the above embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are located at a different position from the supporting surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A. Therefore, the stage 10 helps prevent deformation of the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A caused by the pressing action from affecting printing in the printer 2.

[0199] If the pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are located between the support surfaces 94A and 95A, the pressing action could cause the outer side of the platen 11 to droop and deform. If the transport support platform 23 supports the stage 10 using the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A while the outer side of the platen 11 is drooping, the vertical distance between the nozzle surface 26A and the print medium M on the platen 11 could vary. If the printer 2 prints while the vertical distance between the nozzle surface 26A and the print medium M on the platen 11 varies, the quality of the image printed on the print medium M could vary. In the above embodiment, the pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are disposed so as to sandwich the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A. In this case, compared to a case where the pressing surfaces 91A and 92A are located between the support surfaces 94A and 95A, the drooping deformation of the outer side of the platen 11 due to the pressing action can be suppressed. Therefore, the stage 10 contributes to conveying the support table 23 in a state where the support table 10 is supported by the support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A while the influence of the outer side of the platen 11 sagging due to the pressing operation is small.

[0200] If the front end of the support 40 is positioned behind the front end of the pressing head 540 when the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, there is a possibility that the front end of the pressing head 540 will contact the print medium M, causing the print medium M to shift relative to the placement surface 11A or causing wrinkles in the print medium M. Therefore, if the pressing head 540 performs a pressing action while the front end of the pressing head 540 is in contact with the print medium M, there is a possibility of adversely affecting the print medium M. In the above embodiment, when the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the front end of the support 40 is positioned forward of the front end of the pressing head 540. Therefore, contact between the pressing head 540 and the print medium M is suppressed. Thus, the stage 10 helps to suppress the possibility of adverse effects on the print medium M caused by the pressing action.

[0201] If the support pillars 40 are arranged so as to cross the pressing head 540 in the left-right direction when the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, there is a possibility that one or both of the left and right sides of the pressing head 540 may come into contact with the print medium M, causing the print medium M to shift relative to the placement surface 11A or causing wrinkles in the print medium M. Therefore, if the pressing head 540 performs a pressing action while in contact with the print medium M, there is a possibility of adversely affecting the print medium M. In the above embodiment, when the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the right plate 41 is positioned to the right of the entire pressing head 540, and the left plate 42 is positioned to the left of the entire pressing head 540. Consequently, contact between the pressing head 540 and the print medium M is minimized. Thus, the stage 10 helps minimize the possibility of adverse effects on the print medium M caused by the pressing action.

[0202] In the above embodiment, blocks 91-93 are fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 in a replaceable manner. Therefore, even if the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are deformed, the user can simply replace the blocks 91-93. This facilitates the repair of the stand 10.

[0203] If the position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 deviates in the front-to-back direction, the pressure applied to the print medium M by the pressing action may deviate in the front-to-back direction. In the above-described embodiment, the support 40 includes a rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45. The rear surface 45A is located at a different position from the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A. When the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the rear surface 45A contacts the respective front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532. In this case, the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532 contact the rear surface 45A, making it easier to determine the position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 in the front-to-back direction. This helps the stage 10 ensure that the pressure from the pressing action is applied uniformly to the entire print medium M.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 permits the pressing operation when the opening / closing sensor 512 detects that the rear surface 45A is in contact with the support shafts 531 and 532. The contact between the rear surface 45A and the support shafts 531 and 532 facilitates the determination of the position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 in the front-to-back direction. This helps prevent the pressing operation from being performed while the position of the stage 10 relative to the pressing head 540 in the front-to-back direction is uncertain.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the fixing plate 56 corresponds to the "fixing portion" of the present invention. The pressing head 540 and the support shafts 531 and 532 correspond to the "pressing portion" of the present invention. The stage 10 corresponds to the "stage" of the present invention. The print medium M corresponds to the "print medium" of the present invention. The loading surface 11A corresponds to the "loading surface" of the present invention. The table 11 corresponds to the "table" of the present invention. The support 40 corresponds to the "support" of the present invention. The support portion 12 corresponds to the "stage support portion" of the present invention.

[0206] The pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A correspond to the “pressing surface” of the present invention.

[0207] The tray 60 corresponds to the "tray" of the present invention. The right plate 41 corresponds to the "first support" of the present invention. The left plate 42 corresponds to the "second support" of the present invention. The direction from the front to the rear of the stage 10 corresponds to the "installation direction" of the present invention. The left and right directions of the stage 10 correspond to the "width direction" of the present invention. The printer 2 corresponds to the "printer" of the present invention. The transport support table 23 corresponds to the "transport support table" of the present invention. The support surfaces 94A, 95A, and 96A correspond to the "printer support surface" of the present invention. The inkjet head 26 corresponds to the "print head" of the present invention. The pressing surface 91A corresponds to the "first pressing surface" of the present invention. The pressing surface 92A corresponds to the "second pressing surface" of the present invention.

[0208] Blocks 91 to 93 correspond to the "block" of the present invention. Rear surface 45A of contact plate 45 corresponds to the "contact surface" of the present invention. Pressing machine 5 corresponds to the "pressing machine" of the present invention. Pressing machine 5 and stage 10, or pressing machine 5, stage 10, and system computer 100, correspond to the "pressing unit" of the present invention. CPU 101 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention. Open / close sensor 512 corresponds to the "sensor" of the present invention.

[0209] The present invention can also be modified from the above-mentioned embodiment. The following modifications can also be combined with each other within the scope that does not cause contradiction. Figure 22 Let's explain the stand 10A. Figure 22 In the embodiment, components of the gantry 10A having functions equivalent to those of the components of the gantry 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

[0210] In the stand 10A, the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A are integrally provided with the lower surface 11B of the table 11. That is, the blocks 91 to 93 are not formed by Figure 6The screws 911, 921, and 931 shown are fixed to the lower surface 11B of the table 11 and are integrally formed with the table 11. In other words, the blocks 91 to 93 cannot be replaced relative to the lower surface 11B of the table 11. In this case, for example, since the screws 911, 921, and 931 are not required, the number of components of the table 10A can be reduced.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the press machine 5 may also be provided with other sensors instead of the opening and closing sensor 512 or in addition thereto. For example, the other sensors are provided in the moving part 55 to detect that the stage 10 has contacted the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532. In this case, when the other sensors detect that the stage 10 has contacted the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532 during the processing of S13 (S13: Yes), the CPU 101 may allow the execution of the pressing action in the surface treatment (S15). When the other sensors do not detect that the stage 10 has contacted the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532 during the processing of S13 (S13: No), the CPU 101 may prohibit the execution of the pressing action in the surface treatment (S15).

[0212] In the above embodiment, the shape, opening and closing direction, etc. of the gate 52 may be modified as appropriate. The gate 52 may not completely cover the opening 51A in the closed position P4. The press machine 5 may also omit the gate 52. In the above embodiment, the cylinder 54 may be a hydraulic cylinder. The press machine 5 may also utilize a mechanism different from the cylinder 54 to raise and lower the movable portion 55.

[0213] In the above embodiment, when the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the rear surface 45A of the contact plate 45 may be separated forward from the front ends of the support shafts 531 and 532. When the stage 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, the left surface 411 of the right plate 41 may be separated leftward from the guide blocks 551 and 552, respectively, and the right surface 421 of the left plate 42 may be separated rightward from the guide blocks 553 and 554, respectively.

[0214] The shape, configuration position, and number of blocks 91 to 93 may also be changed from the above-described embodiment. For example, blocks 91 to 93 may also be in the shape of thin plates. Blocks 91 and 92 may each be in the shape of a cylinder. Block 93 may also be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction. Blocks 91 to 93 may also be composed of a single block. In this case, pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A may be provided on the lower surface of a single block, or a single pressing surface may be provided on the lower surface of a single block. The stand 10 may also have other pressing surfaces in addition to the pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A.

[0215] Block 91 may be positioned to the right of right plate 41. Block 92 may be positioned to the left of left plate 42. Block 93 may be positioned forward of block 96, or forward of blocks 94 and 95. Block 93 may be positioned away to the left or right of centerline C. Blocks 91 and 93 may be positioned to the left of block 95. Blocks 92 and 93 may be positioned to the right of block 96.

[0216] Blocks 91-93 may be provided at a position different from lower surface 11B of platen 11 as long as they are above the lowermost surface of support portion 12. For example, blocks 91-93 may be provided on the lower surface of connecting plate 44. Pressing surfaces 91A, 92A, and 93A may also be inclined relative to placement surface 11A.

[0217] For example, the pressing surface 91A may be shared with the supporting surface 94A. Similarly, the pressing surfaces 92A and 93A may be shared with the supporting surfaces 95A and 96A, respectively. In other words, the gantry 10 may omit the blocks 94-96 and provide the supporting surface 94A and the pressing surface 91A as shared surfaces on the bottom surface of the block 91, the supporting surface 95A and the pressing surface 92A as shared surfaces on the bottom surface of the block 92, and the supporting surface 96A and the pressing surface 92A as shared surfaces on the bottom surface of the block 93.

[0218] In the above embodiment, when the gantry 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, a portion of the pressing head 540 may extend rightward from the right plate 41 in a front view. When the gantry 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, a portion of the pressing head 540 may extend leftward from the left plate 42 in a front view.

[0219] In the above embodiment, when the stand 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, a portion of the pressing head 540 may extend forward or backward from the right plate 41 when viewed from the right. When the stand 10 is mounted on the pressing head 540, a portion of the pressing head 540 may extend forward or backward from the left plate 42 when viewed from the left.

[0220] In the above embodiment, one of the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 may be omitted from the support 40. The support 40 may be in the shape of a rod extending in the vertical direction. The support 40 may be composed of one or more rods extending in the vertical direction.

[0221] The tray 60 may be omitted from the stand 10 . In this case, the lowermost surface of the support portion 12 may be the lower end of each of the right plate 41 and the left plate 42 .

[0222] In the above embodiment, the case where the stage 10 is used in the printing system 1 is described as an example. However, the stage 10 may not be used in the printing system 1, but may be used as a unit consisting of the press machine 5 and the stage 10. For example, a user or a robot may transport the stage 10 and place the stage 10 on the press head 540.

[0223] In the above embodiment, the press machine 5 can also be positioned downstream of the printer 2 in the transport path of the stage 10. For example, the printing system 1 can also perform surface treatment after printing. The press machine 5 can also omit the heater 57. In other words, the press machine 5 does not need to use the fixed plate 56 to heat the print medium M. The printer 2 can be changed from an inkjet printer to a thermal printer, laser printer, UV printer, etc.

[0224] In the above embodiment, the system computer 100 controls the coating device 3, the press machine 5, and the transport device 7. Alternatively, the printing system 1 may include a computer that controls the coating device 3, a computer that controls the press machine 5, and a computer that controls the transport device 7, respectively, instead of or in addition to the system computer 100. In this case, for example, the computer that controls the press machine 5 may execute the main processing.

[0225] Instead of CPU 101, a microcomputer, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used as a processor. The main processing may also be distributed among a plurality of processors. The non-temporary storage medium such as the memory 102 may be any storage medium that can retain information regardless of the period for which the information is stored. The non-temporary storage medium may not include a temporary storage medium (for example, a transmitted signal). The control program may also be downloaded from a server connected to the network (that is, sent as a transmission signal) and stored in the memory 102, for example. In this case, the control program may be stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD possessed by the server.

[0226] Description of Reference Numerals

[0227] 2: Printer

[0228] 5: Pressing machine

[0229] 7: Transport device

[0230] 10, 10A: Bench

[0231] 11: Table

[0232] 11A: Loading surface

[0233] 11B: Lower surface

[0234] 12: Supporting part

[0235] 23: Transport support platform

[0236] 26: Inkjet head

[0237] 40: Pillar

[0238] 41: Right board

[0239] 42: Left board

[0240] 45: Contact plate

[0241] 52: Gate

[0242] 56: Fixed plate

[0243] 60: Pallet

[0244] 91~93: Block

[0245] 91A, 92A, 93A: Pressing surface

[0246] 94A, 95A, 96A: Support surface

[0247] M: Print media

[0248] P1: Separation position

[0249] P2: Printing position.

Claims

1. A stand mounted on a pressing portion that performs a pressing action to press upward relative to a fixing portion, characterized in that: have: A platen having a loading surface, the loading surface being an upwardly facing surface for loading a printing medium; a stage support portion having a support column for supporting the stage from below, and arranged below the stage; and The pressing surface is provided above the lowermost surface of the stage support portion and is a downward-facing surface with which the pressing portion contacts when the pressing portion performs the pressing action in a state in which the stage is mounted on the pressing portion.

2. The stand according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing surface is parallel to the placing surface.

3. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The stage support portion includes a tray, which is arranged above the conveying path when the stage is supported by the conveying path of the stage and is used to receive a portion of the print medium placed on the placement surface that hangs down from the placement surface. The pressing surface is provided above the lower surface of the tray.

4. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support column has a first support column and a second support column, The first support column and the second support column are provided to sandwich the center of the table plate in a width direction perpendicular to the direction in which the stand is installed on the pressing portion and the up-down direction.

5. The stand according to claim 4, wherein: The pressing surface is provided between the first support column and the second support column in the width direction.

6. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A printer support surface is provided on the lower surface of the platen opposite to the placement surface, with which a transport support platform provided by the printer contacts. The transport support table supports the stage and transports the stage to the separation position and the printing position. When the carriage is arranged in the separated position, the placement surface is separated from a print head of the printer that prints on the print medium in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. When the carriage is arranged at the printing position, the mounting surface and the print head face each other in the vertical direction. The pressing surface is provided at a position different from the printer support surface.

7. The stand according to claim 6, wherein: The pressing surface includes a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface. The first pressing surface and the second pressing surface are provided to sandwich the printer support surface.

8. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the installation direction of the stand toward the pressing portion, the upstream end of the support column is arranged upstream of the upstream end of the pressing portion in the installation direction in the installation state.

9. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the installed state, the support column is arranged on one side of a width direction perpendicular to an installation direction of the stand on the pressing portion and a vertical direction relative to the entire pressing portion.

10. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The stand includes a block that is replaceably fixed to a lower surface of the table opposite to the placement surface. The pressing surface is provided on the block.

11. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pressing surface is integrally provided with a lower surface of the table opposite to the placement surface.

12. The stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The stage support portion includes a contact surface provided at a position different from the pressing surface and in contact with the pressing portion in the mounted state.

13. A pressing unit comprising: A pressing machine including a pressing portion that performs a pressing action to press upward relative to the fixing portion; and A stand is mounted on the pressing portion. The pressing unit is characterized in that The stand comprises: A platen having a placing surface facing upward and on which a printing medium is placed; a stage support portion having pillars for supporting the stage from below, and arranged below the stage; and The pressing surface is provided above the lowermost surface of the stage support portion and is a downward-facing surface with which the pressing portion contacts when the pressing portion performs the pressing action in a state in which the stage is mounted on the pressing portion.

14. The pressing unit according to claim 13, wherein: The pressing unit includes a control unit, The stage support portion has a contact surface which is provided at a position different from the pressing surface and contacts the pressing portion in the installed state. The pressing machine includes a sensor that detects that the contact surface has contacted the pressing portion. The control unit permits execution of the pressing operation when the sensor detects that the contact surface has contacted the pressing unit.

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