Printing system

Abstract

The invention provides a printing system which improves space saving performance and workability. A printing system (1) is configured from a printing device (10) that performs printing by discharging a liquid onto a transfer sheet (M), and a powder dispersing device (20) that disperses a hot-melt resin powder (P) onto the transfer sheet (M), a printing apparatus (10) includes a medium supply unit (101) that holds a transfer sheet (M) wound in a roll shape, and a liquid ejection unit (102) that ejects a liquid onto the transfer sheet (M) supplied from the medium supply unit (101). A powder dispersing device (20) is provided with a powder storage unit (202) for storing a hot-melt resin powder (P) having a particle diameter of 10-350 [mu] m, and a powder dispersing unit (220) for dispersing the hot-melt resin powder (P) supplied from the powder storage unit (202) to a transfer sheet (M) from which a liquid has been discharged. A first space (S1) is secured between the printing device (10) and the powder scattering device (20), in which a transfer sheet (M) wound into a roll shape with respect to the medium supply unit (101) can be replaced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various printing systems have been used. Among them, there is a printing system which is configured of a printing device which performs printing by ejecting a liquid to a transfer sheet, and a powder scattering device which scatters hot melt resin powder to the transfer sheet on which printing has been performed by the printing device. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a hot transfer material manufacturing device for a belt-shaped substrate which is configured of an ink image layer forming section which performs printing on a belt-shaped substrate by inkjet printing, and a hot melt resin powder layer forming section which scatters hot melt resin powder to the belt-shaped substrate on which printing has been performed by the ink image layer forming section is disclosed.

[0003] However, in the existing printing system configured of a printing device and a powder scattering device like the hot transfer material manufacturing device for a belt-shaped substrate of Patent Literature 1, there is a case where workability is not good when various work such as replenishment of hot melt resin powder or replacement of a transfer sheet is performed. This is because, in a case where the printing system is arranged in a relatively narrow space, a relatively wide work space has to be occupied around each of the printing device and the powder scattering device, and thus the printing device and the powder scattering device have to be arranged close to each other. If the printing device and the powder scattering device are arranged close to each other, the hot melt resin powder in the powder scattering device is replenished and the like, and thus the hot melt resin powder can reach the printing device.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-147673 SUMMARY

[0005] The printing system of the present application for solving the above problem is characterized by being composed of a printing device that ejects a liquid to a transfer sheet to perform printing, and a powder scattering device that scatters a hot melt resin powder to the transfer sheet, the printing device having a medium supply section that holds the transfer sheet wound in a roll shape, and a liquid ejecting section that ejects the liquid to the transfer sheet supplied from the medium supply section, the powder scattering device having a powder storage section that stores the hot melt resin powder composed of a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less, and a powder scattering section that scatters the hot melt resin powder supplied from the powder storage section to the transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected, the printing device and the powder scattering device being disposed in a manner that a first space is secured between the printing device and the powder scattering device, the printing device being composed in a manner that the transfer sheet wound in a roll shape with respect to the medium supply section can be replaced in the first space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a printing system related to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0007] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a printing device of the printing system of Figure 1

[0008] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the periphery of an openable cover of the printing device of Figure 2

[0009] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the printing system of Figure 1

[0010] Figure 5 A plan view of a head provided in the printing device of the printing system of Figure 1

[0011] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a printing system related to Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0012] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the printing system of a reference example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] First, the present application is explained schematically.

[0014] ​​​​The printing system according to a first aspect of the present application is characterized by comprising a printing device and a powder scattering device, the printing device ejecting a liquid to a transfer sheet to perform printing, the powder scattering device scattering a hot melt resin powder to the transfer sheet, the printing device including a medium supply portion that holds the transfer sheet wound in a roll shape and a liquid ejecting portion that ejects the liquid to the transfer sheet supplied from the medium supply portion, the powder scattering device including a powder storage portion that stores the hot melt resin powder having a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less and a powder scattering portion that scatters the hot melt resin powder supplied from the powder storage portion to the transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected, the printing device and the powder scattering device being arranged so as to secure a first space therebetween, the printing device being configured so as to enable replacement of the transfer sheet wound in the roll shape with respect to the medium supply portion in the first space.

[0015] According to the present aspect, the printing device and the powder scattering device are arranged so as to secure the first space, and are configured so as to enable replacement of the transfer sheet in the first space, so that the transfer sheet can be replaced without occupying a wide work space around the printing system. Further, the printing device and the powder scattering device are arranged so as to secure the first space, and use the hot melt resin powder having a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less, so that scattering of the hot melt resin powder from the powder scattering device to the printing device can be suppressed in a state where the first space is secured, and further, adverse conditions in the printing device due to leakage of the hot melt resin powder can be suppressed.

[0016] The printing system according to a second aspect of the present application is characterized in that the medium supply portion is located upward of the liquid ejecting portion.

[0017] According to the present aspect, the medium supply portion is located upward of the liquid ejecting portion. With this configuration, the transfer sheet can be easily replaced not only when work is performed from the first space side, but also when work is performed from the opposite side of the first space side.

[0018] The printing system according to a third aspect of the present application is characterized in that the medium supply portion is located downward of the liquid ejecting portion.

[0019] According to the present aspect, the medium supply portion is located at a lower position than the liquid ejection portion. With such a configuration, the transfer sheet can be easily replaced by performing work from the first space side.

[0020] The printing system of the fourth aspect of the present invention is a mode subordinated to the first aspect, characterized by comprising a liquid supply portion that holds the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection portion, the liquid supply portion being configured to enable replacement or replenishment of the liquid in the first space.

[0021] According to the present aspect, the liquid supply portion is configured to enable replacement or replenishment of the liquid in the first space. With such a configuration, work on replacement or replenishment of the liquid can be performed in the first space, and thus the work space on the side opposite the first space of the printing device can be reduced.

[0022] The printing system of the fifth aspect of the present invention is a mode subordinated to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the liquid supply portion is located at a lower position than the liquid ejection portion, and the transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected therefrom is conveyed above the liquid supply portion and is sent to the powder scattering device.

[0023] According to the present aspect, the liquid supply portion is located at a lower position than the liquid ejection portion, and the transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected therefrom is conveyed above the liquid supply portion and is sent to the powder scattering device. With such a configuration, the printing device can be downsized in the horizontal direction, and further space saving of the printing system can be achieved.

[0024] The printing system of the sixth aspect of the present invention is a mode subordinated to the first aspect, characterized in that the average particle diameter of the hot-melt resin powder is 100 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0025] According to the present aspect, the average particle diameter of the hot-melt resin powder is 100 μm or more and 200 μm or less. With such a hot-melt resin powder, the scattering of the hot-melt resin powder from the powder scattering device to the printing device can be particularly effectively suppressed while ensuring the first space, and further, the occurrence of adverse conditions in the printing device due to leakage of the hot-melt resin powder can be particularly effectively suppressed.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments to which the present invention pertains will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the outline of the printing system 1A of Example 1, which is one example of the printing system 1 of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Figures 1 to 3 The outline of the printing system 1A of Example 1, which is one example of the printing system 1 of the present invention, will be described. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Figure 1In the present embodiment, in order to make the structure easy to understand, a part of the structural components is simplified and represented with omission. Herein, in each drawing, the X-axis direction in the drawing is the horizontal direction, and is the axial direction of the roll body R1 in which the transfer sheet M as a medium is wound in a roll shape, the Y-axis direction is the horizontal direction, and is the front-rear direction of the printing system 1A, and is the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. Further, hereinafter, the direction of the arrow mark direction is set as the + direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow mark direction is set as the - direction. For example, the vertical upward direction is set as the +Z direction, the vertical downward direction is set as the -Z direction, the front surface direction of the printing system 1A is set as the -Y direction, and the back surface direction of the printing system 1A is set as the +Y direction.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1 , the printing system 1A of the present embodiment is a printing system 1 constituted by a printing device 10 that performs printing by ejecting ink as a liquid toward a transfer sheet M, and a powder scattering device 20 that scatters hot melt resin powder P toward the transfer sheet M. First, the outline of the printing device 10A of the present embodiment as the printing device 10 that constitutes the printing system 1A will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 .

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is provided with a frame body 103, and a leg 104 is attached to the frame body 103 at the both end portions in the X-axis direction. A caster 105 is provided at the lower side of the leg 104, so that the printing device 10A can be easily moved by the caster 105.

[0030] Further, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is provided with a medium supply portion 101 that holds the roll body R1 at a position in the upper portion in the inside of the frame body 103. The medium supply portion 101 supports the roll body R1 in which the transfer sheet M is wound, and supplies the transfer sheet M to a position opposite to the ink ejection surface 102A of the head 102 as a liquid ejection portion.

[0031] Further, an operation panel 107 is provided on the frame body 103. Further, a shutter 108 is provided at a position of the end portion of the +X direction side and the -Y direction side of the frame body 103. The inside of the shutter 108 is a standby position of the head 102 in a state in which printing is not performed, that is, so-called initial position of the head 102, and at a position opposite to the ink ejection surface 102A when the head 102 is positioned at the initial position, as shown in Figure 3As shown, a cover 404 that covers the nozzles of the ink ejection surface 102A is provided. In addition, the detailed structure of the head 102 will be described later. Furthermore, a flushing cassette 403 for flushing is provided at a position on the +X direction side adjacent to the cover 404, and a suction cover 402 for suctioning the nozzles of the ink ejection surface 102A is provided at a position on the +X direction side adjacent to the flushing cassette 403. Also, a degassing unit 405 that removes bubbles in the ink is provided at a position on the +X direction side of the degassing unit 405.

[0032] Furthermore, a cloth wiper 401 that can wipe the ink ejection surface 102A is provided at the +X direction side of the degassing unit 405. The cloth wiper 401 can move along the Y axis direction, and wipes the ink ejection surface 102A using a roll 401A of cloth wound in a roll shape while moving along the Y axis direction. In addition, the initial position of the cloth wiper 401 is on the +Y direction side compared to the moving range of the head 102, and when the shutter 108 is in an open state when the head 102 has moved to the greatest extent on the +X direction side, the ink ejection surface 102A can be visually confirmed from below through the space that is formed by moving the cloth wiper 401 on the +Y direction side, and work such as cleaning the ink ejection surface 102A using a cotton swab or the like can be performed. In order to easily perform such work, the shutter 108 is structured so as to be opened to a deeper position on the -Z direction side.

[0033] That is, the inside of the shutter 108 is the initial position of the head 102, and becomes a maintenance position in which maintenance of the head 102 is performed. If described from another viewpoint, the shutter 108 of the present embodiment is a maintenance cover that can be opened and closed when a worker performs maintenance of the head 102. Furthermore, by opening the shutter 108, the cloth wiper 401, the suction cover 402, the flushing cassette 403, the cover 404, the degassing unit 405, and the like that are maintenance units can also be replaced and cleaned. In addition, such maintenance work can be performed in the first space S1 described later.

[0034] In the printing device 10A of the present embodiment, when the transfer sheet M is conveyed in the conveyance direction A, the roll body R1 supported by the medium supply section 101 is rotated in the rotation direction C. In addition, although a roll body R1 wound in a manner such that the image formation surface becomes the outer side is used in the Figure 1

[0035] ​Further, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is provided with a conveyance path of the transfer sheet M constituted by a press plate or the like not shown that supports the transfer sheet M by a support surface. Further, as a conveyance unit for conveying the transfer sheet M in the conveyance direction A in the conveyance path, the printing device 10A is provided with a pair of conveyance rollers not shown. However, the structure of the conveyance unit is not particularly limited.

[0036] Further, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is provided with: a head 102 as a liquid ejection unit that is provided with a plurality of nozzles and ejects ink as a liquid from the nozzles to form an image; and a carriage that mounts the head 102 and is capable of reciprocating in a width direction B. That is, the width direction B corresponds to a scanning direction of the carriage.

[0037] A liquid supply channel not shown constituted by a hose or the like is connected to the head 102, and ink is supplied to the head 102 from an ink cartridge mounting portion 106 as a liquid supply unit via the liquid supply channel. In addition, in the printing device 10A of the present embodiment, the conveyance direction A at a position opposite to an ink ejection surface 102A of the head 102 is the -Y direction, the moving direction of the head 102, that is, the width direction B as the scanning direction of the carriage is a direction along the X axis direction, and the ejection direction of the ink is the -Z direction.

[0038] With the above structure, the head 102 is capable of reciprocating in the width direction B as a direction intersecting the conveyance direction A while ejecting ink from the nozzles to the transfer sheet M being conveyed to form an image. The printing device 10A of the present embodiment is capable of forming a desired image on the transfer sheet M by repeatedly performing conveyance of the transfer sheet M in the conveyance direction A by a predetermined conveyance amount and ejection of ink while the head 102 is moved in the width direction B in a state where the transfer sheet M is stopped. However, the structure is not limited to this, and a so-called line head structure or the like in which nozzles that eject ink along the width direction B are arranged across the entire width of the transfer sheet M can also be employed.

[0039] The transfer sheet M on which printing is completed by the head 102 is discharged from the printing device 10A and is sent to the powder scattering device 20. Here, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged at intervals of a length LI in the Y axis direction. Therefore, the powder scattering device 20 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1

[0040] ​The powder scattering device 20 of the present embodiment is provided with a frame 203, and a caster 205 is provided at the lower side of the frame 203, and the powder scattering device 20 can be easily moved using the caster 205. The powder scattering device 20 is provided with a sensor 201 that detects the transfer sheet M outside the frame 203. Although the transfer sheet M that is transported from the printing device 10A to the powder scattering device 20 is transported in a state in which sagging has occurred as shown in FIG. 8 between the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20, the sensor 201 detects the transfer sheet M in which sagging has occurred between the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20. In addition, the powder scattering device 20 can be provided with a placement table on which the transfer sheet M that is transported from the printing device 10A to the powder scattering device 20 is placed in a transportable state. The placement table can also have a flat surface, and the transfer sheet M that is discharged from the printing device 10A is supported in such a manner that it does not sag using the flat surface. The placement table can also be a structure in which the angle at which the transfer sheet M extends toward the printing device 10A can be changed. Figure 1

[0041] In addition, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a heater 204 that heats the transfer sheet M after ink has been ejected in the printing device 10A inside the frame 203 and downstream of the sensor 201 in the transport direction A. The heater 204 of the present embodiment is a heater that heats the transfer sheet M from the side opposite the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M, but the structure of the heater is not particularly limited. For example, it can be an infrared heater or the like. In addition, in the case in which the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a placement table that supports the transfer sheet M in such a manner that it does not sag, the placement table can also be provided with a heater that heats the transfer sheet M.

[0042] In addition, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a powder storage portion 202 that stores the hot melt resin powder P and a powder scattering portion 220 that scatters the hot melt resin powder P that is supplied from the powder storage portion 202 toward the transfer sheet M downstream of the heater 204 in the transport direction A. In the powder scattering device 20 of the present embodiment, the hot melt resin powder P that is composed of a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less is used. The hot melt resin powder P is scattered on the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M by the powder scattering portion 220. In the powder scattering portion 220, the hot melt resin powder P is scattered across the entire width of the transfer sheet M. The hot melt resin powder P is preferably scattered in a state in which the ink that is ejected onto the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M is not dry. By scattering the hot melt resin powder P in a wet state, it is possible to cause the hot melt resin powder P to adhere only to the wet portion.

[0043] ​Further, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a brush roll 206 at a position downstream in the conveyance direction A compared to the powder scattering section 220. The brush roll 206 is rotated while contacting the side of the transfer sheet M opposite the image formation surface. The brush roll 206 is structured so that, by contacting the side of the transfer sheet M opposite the image formation surface in a manner that strikes it, it applies a vibration to the transfer sheet M, and thus can remove the hot melt resin powder P that is excessively attached to the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M.

[0044] Further, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a pickup roll 207 and a conveyance section 210 at a position downstream in the conveyance direction A compared to the brush roll 206. The conveyance section 210 is composed of a drive roll 211, a driven roll 212, and a endless belt 213, and the endless belt 213 is stretched over the drive roll 211 and the driven roll 212. When the drive roll 211 is rotated in the rotation direction C by the driving force of a motor not shown, the driven roll 212 is also rotated in the rotation direction C via the endless belt 213.

[0045] Further, a heating section 209 having a plurality of infrared heaters 208 is provided at a position opposite the pickup roll 207 and the conveyance section 210. The image formation surface of the transfer sheet M on which the hot melt resin powder P is scattered is heated by applying a heat treatment with the heating section 209, and thus the hot melt resin powder P of the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M is fixed.

[0046] Further, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a blow section 214 at a position downstream in the conveyance direction A compared to the heating section 209. The image formation surface of the transfer sheet M on which the hot melt resin powder P is scattered is cooled by the blowing performed by the blow section 214, and thus the hot melt resin powder P is solidified. As a result, a resin layer is formed on the image formation surface of the transfer sheet M.

[0047] Further, the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a winding section 215 capable of winding the transfer sheet M into a roll shape at a position downstream in the conveyance direction A compared to the blow section 214. The transfer sheet M on which the resin layer is formed on the image formation surface is wound by the winding section 215, and thus a roll body R2 is formed.

[0048] Thus, the printing system 1A of the present embodiment has the printing device 10A that has a medium supply section 101 that holds a transfer sheet M wound in a roll shape and a head 102 that ejects ink onto the transfer sheet M supplied from the medium supply section 101. Further, there is the powder scattering device 20 that has a powder storage section 202 that stores a hot melt resin powder P composed of a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less and a powder scattering section 220 that scatters the hot melt resin powder P supplied from the powder storage section 202 toward the transfer sheet M on which ink is ejected. Here, the configuration of the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment will be described.

[0049] As described above, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged at intervals of the length LI in the Y-axis direction. If another form is adopted, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged so as to ensure the first space SI between the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20. Further, by making the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment into such a configuration, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is able to replace the transfer sheet M wound in a roll shape, i.e., the roll body Rl, with respect to the medium supply section 101 in the first space SI. The first space SI is preferably a space that ensures spaciousness for a worker to perform various jobs. Figure 1 Figure 4 As described above, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged at intervals of the length LI in the Y-axis direction. If another form is adopted, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged so as to ensure the first space SI between the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20. Further, by making the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment into such a configuration, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is able to replace the transfer sheet M wound in a roll shape, i.e., the roll body Rl, with respect to the medium supply section 101 in the first space SI. The first space SI is preferably a space that ensures spaciousness for a worker to perform various jobs.

[0050] Figure 4 As described above, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged at intervals of the length LI in the Y-axis direction. If another form is adopted, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 are arranged so as to ensure the first space SI between the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20. Further, by making the printing device 10A and the powder scattering device 20 in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment into such a configuration, the printing device 10A of the present embodiment is able to replace the transfer sheet M wound in a roll shape, i.e., the roll body Rl, with respect to the medium supply section 101 in the first space SI. The first space SI is preferably a space that ensures spaciousness for a worker to perform various jobs.

[0051] ​Here, a reference example printing system 1C is considered, which is not a structure that allows the roll body R1 to be replaced from the -Y direction side relative to the printing apparatus 10, and is not configured to ensure a first space S1 between the printing apparatus 10 and the powder distributing device 20. In the configuration example of the reference example printing system 1C... Figure 7 In this embodiment, the length L2 required for the working space on the -Y direction side (opposite to the side where the printing device 10 is located) is unchanged from that of the printing system 1A. The length L1 can be slightly shorter than that of the printing system 1A, but the length L0 cannot be shortened. Therefore, due to the... Figure 4 and Figure 7 A comparison shows that, compared with the printing system 1C of the reference example, the printing system 1A of this embodiment can reduce the overall working space S2 of the printing system 1.

[0052] In addition, Figure 4 In the printing system 1A of this embodiment shown, the proprietary area of ​​the printing apparatus 10 when viewed from above is 1.2m². 2 The proprietary area of ​​the powder dispersing device 20 when viewed from above is 2.44 m². 2 Furthermore, when viewed from above, the dedicated area of ​​the overall working space S2 of the printing system 1 is 7.68m². 2 On the other hand, in Figure 7 In the printing system 1C of the reference example shown, the proprietary area of ​​the printing apparatus 10 when viewed from above is 1.38 m². 2 The proprietary area of ​​the powder dispersing device 20 when viewed from above is 2.44 m². 2 Furthermore, when viewed from above, the dedicated area of ​​the overall working space S2 of the printing system 1 becomes 12.39m². 2 .

[0053] Further, as the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10 and the powder scattering device 20 are disposed in a manner to secure the first space S1, by using the hot melt resin powder P configured of a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the hot melt resin powder P from the powder scattering device 20 toward the printing device 10, and further, it is possible to suppress the adverse situation in the printing device 10 due to the leakage of the hot melt resin powder P. In addition, in the case of securing the first space S1, the length L1 as the interval of the printing device 10 and the powder scattering device 20 is preferably set to 500 mm or more, for example. By setting the length L1 to 500 mm or more, it is easy to perform various work in the first space S1, and it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the attachment of the hot melt resin powder P scattered from the powder scattering device 20 to the printing device 10A. Further, a resin powder leakage preventing portion such as a curtain portion, an air curtain portion, or the like can be provided in the first space S1 as necessary. In addition, in the case where the powder scattering device 20 is provided with a placement table that supports the transfer sheet M in a manner not to sag, the placement table is preferably of a foldable structure in order to be able to secure the first space S1.

[0054] Further, the average particle diameter of the hot melt resin powder P used is further preferably 100 μm or more and 200 μm or less. This is because, by using such a hot melt resin powder P, it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the scattering of the hot melt resin powder P from the powder scattering device 20 toward the printing device 10, and further, it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the adverse situation in the printing device 10 due to the leakage of the hot melt resin powder P.

[0055] Further, as described above, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A is provided with the ink cartridge mounting portion 106 as the liquid supply portion that holds the ink supplied to the head 102. Here, the ink cartridge mounting portion 106 is configured in a manner that the replacement of the ink cartridge can be performed in the first space S1. In this way, the liquid supply portion is preferably configured in a manner that the replacement or replenishment of the liquid (ink) can be performed in the first space S1. This is because, by being configured in such a manner, it is possible to perform the work of the replacement or replenishment of the liquid in the first space S1, and thus it is possible to reduce the work space of the printing device 10 on the side opposite to the first space S1.

[0056] Further, as described above, in the printing system 1A of the present embodiment, the printing device 10A is provided with the ink cartridge mounting portion 106 as the liquid supply portion that holds the ink supplied to the head 102. Here, the ink cartridge mounting portion 106 is configured in a manner that the replacement of the ink cartridge can be performed in the first space S1. In this way, the liquid supply portion is preferably configured in a manner that the replacement or replenishment of the liquid (ink) can be performed in the first space S1. This is because, by being configured in such a manner, it is possible to perform the work of the replacement or replenishment of the liquid in the first space S1, and thus it is possible to reduce the work space of the printing device 10 on the side opposite to the first space S1. Figure 1As shown, in the printing system 1A of this embodiment, the operation panel 107 is provided on the -Y direction side (first space S1 side) of the frame 103 in the printing apparatus 10A. By setting it in this way, various instructions regarding the printing apparatus 10A can be performed in the first space S1, thereby reducing the working space of the printing apparatus 10 on the side opposite to the first space S1 side.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the printing system 1A of this embodiment, the ink cartridge mounting section 106 is located below the head 102, and the transfer sheet M after ink is ejected is conveyed over the ink cartridge mounting section 106 and sent to the powder distributing device 20. By adopting this structure, the printing device 10 can be miniaturized in the horizontal direction, thereby achieving further space saving in the printing system 1. Furthermore, when hot-melt resin powder P scatters from the printing device 10A to the powder distributing device 20, the transfer sheet M conveyed from the printing device 10A to the powder distributing device 20 can suppress the hot-melt resin powder P from reaching the ink cartridge mounting section 106. Additionally, in the printing system 1A of this embodiment, the ink cartridge mounting section 106 is located between legs 104 positioned near both ends of the frame 103 in the X-axis direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10A of this embodiment is structured to be able to mount multiple types of ink cartridges in the ink cartridge mounting section 106 and to eject multiple types of ink. Moreover, as... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the head 102 is provided with a plurality of nozzle rows 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027 and 1028 on the ink ejection surface 102A corresponding to a plurality of types of ink.

[0059] In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10A can eject white ink, yellow ink, magenta ink, blue-green ink, and black ink. For example, the ink ejected from nozzle arrays 1021, 1022, 1027, and 1028 can be set to white ink, the ink ejected from nozzle array 1023 to blue-green ink, the ink ejected from nozzle array 1024 to magenta ink, the ink ejected from nozzle array 1025 to yellow ink, and the ink ejected from nozzle array 1026 to black ink.

[0060] Preferably, the white ink is ejected from the nozzle array at the end of the carriage in the scanning direction corresponding to the width direction B. This is because by ejecting the white ink from the nozzle array at the end of the carriage in the scanning direction corresponding to the width direction B, it is less likely to cause degradation of the printed image.

[0061] In the printing apparatus 10, which is used together with the powder distributing device 20, such as the printing apparatus 10A of this embodiment, a cloth wiper 401 with a cloth roll 401A is used as a maintenance mechanism for the head 102. That is, a cloth wiper 401 uses rollers supported at both ends to press the cloth to clean it. In this type of cloth wiper 401, one end near the roller is pressed forcefully against the ink ejection surface 102A, so the waterproof film of the ink ejection surface 102A is easily scraped off, leaving scratches. If scratches are left on the ink ejection surface 102A near the nozzle, the ink ejection direction will change, and there is a possibility that the ink ejected onto the transfer sheet M will deviate from its ejection position. White ink is often used as an adhesive to adhere the hot-melt resin powder P to the transfer sheet M. Compared with other colored inks used for image forming, white ink has less adverse effects caused by deviations in the ink ejection position. Therefore, it is preferable to eject the white ink from the nozzle array at the end of the carriage in the scanning direction corresponding to the width direction B.

[0062] Furthermore, in the printing system 1A of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the media supply unit 101 is located above the head 102. Alternatively, in this embodiment of the printing system 1A, the media supply unit 101 is located above the media transport path. This configuration allows for easy replacement of the roll R1 of the transfer sheet M not only when operating from the first space S1 side, but also when operating from the opposite side. In this embodiment of the printing system 1A, the media supply unit 101, when viewed from above, is located on the +Y direction side compared to the head 102. The media supply unit 101 is located on the +Y direction side most closely within the media transport path. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Therefore, next, referring to the printing system 1B of Embodiment 2... Figure 6 Let me explain. Figure 6 In this document, components common to those in Embodiment 1 are represented using the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, Figure 6 For use in the printing system 1A of Example 1 Figure 1The corresponding figures are shown below. Here, the printing system 1B of this embodiment is configured to have the same structure as the printing system 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the structure of the printing apparatus 10 constituting the printing system 1. Therefore, regarding the parts not described below, the printing system 1B of this embodiment has the same features as the printing system 1A of Embodiment 1.

[0065] As described above, in the printing apparatus 10A of the printing system 1A of Embodiment 1, the media supply unit 101 is located above the head 102. However, as Figure 6 As shown, in the printing apparatus 10B of the printing system 1B of this embodiment, the media supply unit 101 is located lower than the head 102. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the media supply unit 101 is located lower than the media transport path. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 10B of the printing system 1B of this embodiment, the media supply unit 101 may also be located within the area containing the frame 103 when viewed from above. The media supply unit 101 may also be located on the -Y direction side within the area containing the frame 103 when viewed from above. By adopting this structure, the roll body R1 of the transfer sheet M can be easily replaced by operating from the first space S1 side. Moreover, the media supply unit 101 of the printing apparatus 10B is located on the -Y direction side in the media transport path compared to the position closest to the +Y direction side. Since the media supply section 101 of the printing apparatus 10B is located at a position that overlaps with the media transport path downstream of the media supply section 101 when viewed from above, the length of the printing apparatus 10B in the longitudinal direction can be shortened. In addition, the media supply section 101 of the printing apparatus 10B is preferably located in the X-axis direction at a position that does not overlap with the ink cartridge mounting section 106.

[0066] Furthermore, although the printing apparatus 10B of this embodiment and the printing apparatus 10A of Embodiment 1 have only one media supply unit 101, it can also be configured to have multiple media supply units 101. By configuring it to have multiple media supply units 101, it is possible to easily use it while changing the transfer film M of different sizes or types.

[0067] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented through various structures without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the summary section can be appropriately replaced or combined. Moreover, any technical feature that is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

[0068] Symbol Explanation

[0069] 1…Printing system; 1A…Printing system; 1B…Printing system; 10…Printing apparatus; 10A…Printing apparatus; 10B…Printing apparatus; 20…Powder distributing device; 101…Media supply unit; 102…Head (liquid ejection unit); 102A…Ink ejection surface; 103…Frame; 104…Stand; 105…Casers; 106…Ink cartridge mounting unit (liquid supply unit); 107…Operation panel; 108…Opening and closing cover; 201…Sensor; 202…Powder storage unit; 203…Frame; 204…Heater; 205…Feet 206…Wheel; 207…Pick-up roller; 208…Infrared heater; 209…Heating section; 210…Conveying section; 211…Drive roller; 212…Driven roller; 213…Seamless belt; 220…Powder distributing section; 401…Cloth wiper; 401A…Cloth roll; 402…Suction cover; 403…Rinse box; 404…Cover; 405…Degassing unit; L0…Length; L1…Length; L2…Length; M…Transfer sheet; R1…Roll body; R2…Roll body; S1…First space; S2…Overall working space.

Claims

1. A printing system, characterized by, The printing system includes a printing device that ejects a liquid toward a transfer sheet to perform printing, and a powder scattering device that scatters a hot melt resin powder toward the transfer sheet, The printing device includes a medium supply portion that holds the transfer sheet wound in a roll shape, and a liquid ejection portion that ejects the liquid toward the transfer sheet supplied from the medium supply portion, The powder scattering device includes a powder storage portion that stores the hot melt resin powder composed of a particle diameter of 10 μm or more and 350 μm or less, and a powder scattering portion that scatters the hot melt resin powder supplied from the powder storage portion toward the transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected, The printing device and the powder scattering device are disposed in a manner that a first space is secured between the printing device and the powder scattering device, The printing device is configured in a manner that the transfer sheet wound in a roll shape with respect to the medium supply portion can be replaced in the first space.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein The medium supply portion is located upwardly of the liquid ejection portion.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein The medium supply portion is located downwardly of the liquid ejection portion.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply portion that holds the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection portion, The liquid supply portion is configured in a manner that the liquid can be replaced or replenished in the first space.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein The liquid supply portion is located downwardly of the liquid ejection portion, The transfer sheet after the liquid is ejected is conveyed over the liquid supply portion and is sent to the powder scattering device.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein An average particle diameter of the hot melt resin powder is 100 μm or more and 200 μm or less. ​

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