Printing device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a printing device. The printing device includes a head that ejects a liquid that hardens when irradiated with an electromagnetic wave; a carriage that supports the head and is movable in a scanning direction; a moving section that moves the carriage in a cross direction that intersects the scanning direction; an electromagnetic wave irradiation section that is mounted on the carriage in a state in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation section is displaceable to a first relative position and a second relative position along the cross direction with respect to the head, and irradiates the electromagnetic wave; a main body side abutting section that displaces the electromagnetic wave irradiation section to either of the first relative position and the second relative position by contacting the electromagnetic wave irradiation section; a driving section that moves the moving section in the cross direction; and a control section that controls the driving section, the control section determining whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation section is positioned at the first relative position or the second relative position by a load variation of the driving section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that simplifies the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device and the carriage in a printing apparatus that uses ultraviolet light emitted from an irradiation unit mounted on a carriage to harden ink. This printing apparatus includes a carriage and a control unit. The carriage has a head movable in a first direction along a first axis, and an irradiation unit movable relative to it in a second direction along a second axis intersecting the first axis. The irradiation unit has a first irradiation group and a second irradiation group arranged in the second direction. The first irradiation group is positioned in the first direction at a location overlapping with a plurality of nozzles, and the second irradiation group is positioned in the first direction at a location not overlapping with the plurality of nozzles. The control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which ultraviolet light is emitted from both the first and second irradiation groups, and a second mode in which ultraviolet light is emitted from the second irradiation group but not from the first irradiation group.

[0003] In a printing apparatus like that in Patent Document 1, the carriage is moved while the electromagnetic irradiation section, which irradiates electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet rays, is in contact with the main body side contact section provided on the main body of the printing apparatus, thereby causing the irradiation section to move along the second axis.

[0004] However, in a printing apparatus like that in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to determine whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation section, which is formed in a movable manner, has moved to a predetermined position.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2024-2022 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One solution to the above-mentioned problem is a printing apparatus comprising: a head that ejects a liquid that hardens when irradiated with electromagnetic waves; a carriage that supports the head and is movable in a scanning direction; a moving part that enables the carriage to move in an intersecting direction intersecting the scanning direction; an electromagnetic wave irradiation part mounted on the carriage in a state that allows it to be displaced relative to the head to a first relative position and a second relative position along the intersecting direction, and irradiating the electromagnetic waves; a main body side abutment part that, by contacting the electromagnetic wave irradiation part, displaces the electromagnetic wave irradiation part to either the first relative position or the second relative position; a drive unit that moves the moving part along the intersecting direction; and a control unit that controls the drive unit, the control unit determining whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation part is located at the first relative position or the second relative position by varying the load on the drive unit. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the carriage.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the irradiation section.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the main parts of the carriage.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the main parts of the printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the carriage.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a printing apparatus.

[0014] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the operation of a printing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, the symbol FR indicates the front of the printing device 1 in its normally used position on the mounting surface, the symbol UP indicates the top of the printing device 1, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the printing device. The front-back direction and the left-right direction of the printing device 1 are aligned with the horizontal direction, and the up-down direction is aligned with the vertical direction. In the following description, each direction refers to the direction along these printing devices 1.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 The printing apparatus 1 shown is a device that sprays ink onto a medium M placed on a worktable 31 and hardens the ink adhering to the medium M by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, thereby performing printing. The medium M can be a sheet, cloth, or a three-dimensional object. The sheet can be made of paper or synthetic resin. The cloth can be any of non-woven fabric, woven fabric, or cloth. The three-dimensional object includes decorations such as clothing or shoes, daily necessities, mechanical parts, and various other objects.

[0019] The printing apparatus 1 has a worktable 31 that supports a medium M. The worktable 31 is a table that does not move in the front-back or left-right directions. The worktable 31 supports the medium M on a flat upper surface. The printing apparatus 1 supports the medium M in a way that prevents it from moving by means of the worktable 31, and the carriage 69 scans the medium M supported by the worktable. The carriage 69 is mounted on the head 80 and the irradiation unit 70, which will be described later, in a left-right arrangement, and after ink is ejected from the head 80 toward the medium M, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ink attached to the medium M from the irradiation unit 70.

[0020] The printing apparatus 1 includes a main body 10 and a movable part 50. The main body 10 is a base fixed to the mounting surface of the printing apparatus 1. The movable part 50 moves relative to the main body 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0021] The main body 10 includes a base plate 11, a base portion 13, a media support mechanism 30, and a drive mechanism 20. The base plate 11 is a plate-shaped component that is fixed to the mounting surface of the printing apparatus 1. The base portion 13 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 11 and supports various parts of the printing apparatus 1.

[0022] The medium support mechanism 30 includes a worktable 31 and a height movement mechanism 32. The worktable 31 has a rectangular plate as the upper surface and feet disposed at the four corners of the plate and extending downward from the plate.

[0023] The height-moving mechanism 32 includes a lifting motor 33, a lifting belt 37, and a lifting mechanism 39, and moves the worktable 31 vertically. The lifting mechanism 39 is mounted on each of the four legs of the worktable 31. The lifting mechanism 39 has a ball screw, a nut engaged with the ball screw, and a pulley, all arranged extending vertically. The ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39 is rotatably supported on the base 13. The nut of the lifting mechanism 39 is fixed to the leg of the worktable 31. The pulley of the lifting mechanism 39 is fixed to the upper part of the ball screw. When the pulley of the lifting mechanism 39 rotates, the ball screw rotates, and the worktable and the nut move vertically together with the rotation of the ball screw.

[0024] The lifting motor 33 is a motor that rotates under the control of the control unit 90, which will be described later. The control unit 90 controls the rotation direction and amount of the lifting motor 33. The lifting belt 37 is an annular belt mounted on the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 and the pulleys of the four lifting mechanisms 39. The lifting motor 33 rotates, thereby driving the lifting belt 37 in a cyclical manner. The lifting belt 37 transmits the rotation of the lifting motor 33 to the pulleys of the four lifting mechanisms 39. The lifting belt 37 rotates the pulleys of the four lifting mechanisms 39, thereby causing the ball screws of the four lifting mechanisms 39 to rotate synchronously, so that the worktable 31 moves vertically as a whole. In addition, in the printing apparatus 1, even without the lifting belt 37 mounted, the ball screws can be rotated individually by rotating the pulleys of the predetermined lifting mechanisms 39, thereby causing only a portion of the legs of the worktable 31 to move vertically. In this case, in the printing apparatus 1, the tilt of the worktable 31 is adjusted by moving a portion of the feet individually in the vertical direction.

[0025] The rotation direction of the lifting motor 33 can be switched to either the positive direction that moves the worktable 31 upward or the negative direction that moves the worktable 31 downward. The printing apparatus 1 raises and lowers the worktable 31 by activating the lifting motor 33.

[0026] The printing apparatus 1 adjusts the distance between the nozzle 83 of the head 80 and the medium M by changing the height of the worktable 31 in this way, so as to make it the most suitable distance for printing.

[0027] The drive mechanism 20 has a guide shaft 15 and a frame drive section 40. The guide shaft 15 is a long shaft-shaped member that is mounted on the right end of the base section 13 and is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] An example of a direction in which the guide shaft 15 extends, i.e., the front-to-back direction, is an "intersecting direction".

[0029] An ink storage section 18 is provided on the main body 10. The ink storage section 18 is mounted on the base plate 11 and is located at the front and left ends of the main body 10. The ink storage section 18 houses multiple ink cartridges. Each ink cartridge contains inks such as blue-green, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0030] The moving part 50 has a main frame 51 and frame feet 53.

[0031] The main frame 51 is a long, plate-like component extending horizontally. Frame feet 53 are supported by guide shafts 15 in a manner that allows them to move independently in the front-rear direction. The right end of the main frame 51 is fixed to the frame feet 53 and supported from below by the frame feet 53. The main frame 51 and frame feet 53 are guided together by the guide shafts 15 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The frame drive unit 40 includes a frame moving motor 41, a conveyor belt 43, a speed change mechanism 45, and a conveyor belt 47.

[0033] The frame moving motor 41 is a motor that rotates under the control of the control unit 90, described later. The conveyor belt 43 is an annular belt mounted between the output shaft of the frame moving motor 41 and the speed change mechanism 45, transmitting the driving force of the frame moving motor 41 to the speed change mechanism 45. The speed change mechanism 45 has a first pulley and a second pulley; the conveyor belt 43 is wound around the first pulley, and the conveyor belt 47 is wound around the second pulley. The speed change mechanism 45 drives the conveyor belt 47 by rotating the second pulley using the driving force transmitted from the conveyor belt 43 to the first pulley. The speed change mechanism 45 transmits the driving force of the frame moving motor 41 to the conveyor belt 47 at a reduction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the diameters of the first and second pulleys.

[0034] The frame moving motor 41 is an example of a "drive unit".

[0035] The transmission belt 47 is an annular belt mounted on the transmission mechanism 45 and a pulley 49 disposed at the right end of the base portion 13. The pulley 49 is rotatably mounted relative to the base portion 13. The transmission belt 47 is configured to extend in the front-back direction when viewed in plan view. A frame foot 53 is fixed to the transmission belt 47. Therefore, by being cyclically driven by the transmission belt 47, the power to move the frame foot 53 in the front-back direction is transmitted, thereby causing the moving part 50 to move in the front-back direction.

[0036] The rotation direction of the frame moving motor 41 can be switched to a forward direction to move the main frame 51 and a reverse direction to move the main frame 51 backward. The printing apparatus 1 moves the main frame 51 forward and backward by activating the frame moving motor 41.

[0037] The transmission mechanism 45 is housed inside a box-shaped housing 42. The housing 42 is mounted on a base plate 11 and is positioned at the front and right ends of the main body 10. When viewed from the front or from a planar perspective, the housing 42 is positioned to the right of the guide shaft 15.

[0038] An abutting member 12 is provided at the upper part of the storage body 42. The abutting member 12 is, for example, a plate-shaped member such as a metal plate. The abutting member 12 is located at the right front of the worktable 31 in such a way that it does not overlap with the worktable 31 in the front-back direction and in the left-right direction.

[0039] In addition, the abutting part 12 only needs to be disposed at the front end and right end of the main body 10, and when viewed from the front or from the side, it can be disposed to the right of the guide shaft 15, or it can be omitted from the storage body 42.

[0040] On the main frame 51, a carriage support frame 61, a carriage guide shaft 63, a carriage drive motor 67, and a carriage 69 are mounted. The carriage 69 has a head 80 and an irradiation section 70, which will be described later.

[0041] The carriage support frame 61 is a long, plate-like component extending in the left-right direction. A carriage guide shaft 63 is fixed to the carriage support frame 61 in the left-right direction. The carriage 69 is supported by the carriage support frame 61 and the carriage guide shaft 63, and is movable along the carriage guide shaft 63. Within the range of movement of the carriage 69 in the left-right direction, the position of the right end is set as the initial position. The main body 10 is equipped with a cleaner 17 at the initial position for rinsing and cleaning the head 80. Figure 1 In the middle, the carriage 69 is in the initial position.

[0042] An example of the "scanning direction" is the direction in which the carriage guide shaft 63 extends, i.e., the left-right direction.

[0043] The carriage drive motor 67 is a motor that rotates under the control of the control unit 90, which will be described later. The rotation of the carriage drive motor 67 is transmitted to the carriage drive belt 65, thereby driving the carriage drive belt 65 in a cyclic manner.

[0044] The carriage drive belt 65 is an annular belt mounted on the carriage support frame 61 along the left-right direction. A carriage 69 is connected to the carriage drive belt 65. Therefore, when the carriage drive belt 65 is driven cyclically, the carriage 69 moves along the left-right direction. Furthermore, the carriage 69 moves in the front-back direction by the movement of the main frame 51. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 can move the carriage 69 in both the front-back and left-back directions.

[0045] As described above, the carriage 69 mounts the head 80. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can move the head 80 relative to the worktable 31 in the front-back and left-right directions. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 can spray ink onto the entire medium M supported by the worktable 31. Furthermore, as described above, the carriage 69 mounts the irradiation unit 70. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can move the irradiation unit 70 in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0046] 1.2. Structure of the carriage Figure 2 This is a plan view of the carriage 69 as seen from below.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the carriage 69 includes a head 80, an illumination section 70, and a guide member 62. The carriage 69 mounts the head 80 and the illumination section 70 in a left-right arrangement.

[0048] The head 80 is a device for ejecting ink by being driven by a piezoelectric actuator. The head 80 is fixed to the carriage 69 and is thus positioned on the left side of the carriage 69. A bottom panel 81 is provided below the head 80. The bottom panel 81 is a horizontally positioned, generally rectangular plate with a rectangular opening in the center. The nozzle 83 of the head 80 protrudes from the opening in the bottom panel 81. The nozzle 83 has a plurality of fine holes that open downwards to eject ink from the holes and adhere it to the medium M.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the head 80 is connected to each of the ink cartridges housed in the ink storage section 18 via each of the plurality of ink tubes 19. One end of each ink tube 19 is connected to the respective ink cartridge and extends from the rear of the ink storage section 18, passing under the main frame 51 and the carriage support frame 61 and being wound around to the rear of the main frame 51. The middle portion of each ink tube 19 wound around to the rear of the main frame 51 is fixed to the back of the main frame 51. Each ink tube 19 is wound from the position fixed to the back of the main frame 51 towards the front of the main frame 51 and the carriage support frame 61, so that the other end is connected to the head 80.

[0050] In the printing apparatus 1, when the main frame 51 is guided forward by the guide shaft 15, the bent portions of each of the wound ink tubes 19 extend. Conversely, in the printing apparatus 1, when the main frame 51 is guided backward by the guide shaft 15, each of the wound ink tubes 19 bends in a folded manner.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the irradiation section 70.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, the irradiation unit 70 is positioned in the carriage 69 near the right side of the head 80. Figure 3 As shown, the irradiation unit 70 includes a housing 79, which is an outer component covering the upper part of the irradiation unit 70, and a frame 71, which is an outer component covering the lower part of the irradiation unit 70.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the irradiation unit 70 has an irradiation port 71a on its lower surface. The irradiation port 71a is a rectangular hole formed by opening the frame 71. The irradiation port 71a is covered by a flat glass plate from the inside of the frame 71. Ultraviolet light emitted from the UV light source 73, which is disposed inside the frame 71, irradiates the medium M, which is placed below the frame 71, through the flat glass plate and the irradiation port 71a. In addition, the UV light source 73 is formed by arranging light-emitting elements 73a that emit ultraviolet light in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. The light-emitting elements 73a are, for example, UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes).

[0054] Furthermore, the irradiation section 70 is not limited to irradiating ultraviolet light; it can also be formed in a manner that allows it to irradiate any electromagnetic wave depending on the material used in the ink. For example, the irradiation section 70 can also be formed in a manner that allows it to irradiate infrared light, electron beams, or various types of visible light.

[0055] Irradiation section 70 is an example of an "electromagnetic wave irradiation section".

[0056] On the upper surface of the frame 71, a wiring section 72 extends outward to collect power supply lines that supply power to the UV light source 73 and various signal lines.

[0057] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a sliding member 71b is provided at the left end of the frame 71. The sliding member 71b is a component installed at the edge of the left end of the frame 71. The sliding member 71b bulges downward from the edge of the left end. The sliding member 71b connects from above to the right end of the upper surface of the bottom panel 81 of the head 80. Thus, the left end of the irradiation unit 70 is supported by the bottom panel 81 in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the carriage 69 in the front-rear direction.

[0058] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the guide 62 mounted on the carriage 69.

[0059] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the guide member 62 is a component fixed to the carriage 69 with its length direction set in the front-to-back direction. The guide member 62 is located at the right end of the carriage 69. The guide member 62 is an L-shaped component when viewed from the front, and is composed of a horizontally arranged flat plate-shaped guide portion 64 and a flat plate-shaped holding portion 66 that rises vertically from the right end of the guide portion 64.

[0060] A guide hole 64a is formed on the guide portion 64, which is a generally rectangular hole extending in the front-rear direction. A first recess 66a and a second recess 66b are formed on the left-facing surface of the retaining portion 66. Both the first recess 66a and the second recess 66b are formed in a concave shape facing to the right. The first recess 66a is formed near the center of the retaining portion 66, and the second recess 66b is formed on the front side compared to the first recess 66a.

[0061] The first recess 66a and the second recess 66b are examples of a “recess”.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, in the irradiation unit 70, a connecting portion 75 protruding to the right is provided on the right side of the housing 79. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 75 is formed as a flat plate with the thickness direction aligned with the vertical direction, and extends substantially across the entire front-rear direction of the right side of the housing 79 in the length direction. The connecting portion 75 includes a first guide pin 74a and a second guide pin 74b. Both the first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b have a downwardly protruding pin shape and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b are inserted into the guide hole 64a of the guide member 62. Thus, the irradiation unit 70 is supported at its right end by the guide member 62 in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the carriage 69 in the front-rear direction.

[0063] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in the irradiation unit 70, a positioning part 68 is provided on the right side of the housing 79. The positioning part 68 includes a cylindrical part 68a that extends to the right from the right side of the housing 79, and its top end is disposed opposite to the left-facing holding part 66. A helical spring 76 is housed inside the cylindrical part 68a. The helical spring 76 is disposed inside the cylindrical part 68a in a manner that allows it to be compressed in the left-right direction.

[0064] The cylindrical portion 68a also houses a pressing portion 77. The pressing portion 77 is formed into a pin or a ball shape that can be engaged with the first recess 66a and the second recess 66b respectively.

[0065] The pressing part 77 is forced by the coil spring 76, causing a portion to protrude outward from the right end of the cylindrical part 68a and contact the left-facing surface of the retaining part 66. In this way, the positioning part 68 functions as a plunger.

[0066] The pressing part 77 is an example of a "convex part".

[0067] When the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the carriage 69 in the front-rear direction according to the guide 62, the pressing part 77 moves in the front-rear direction in a state of contact with the left-facing surface of the holding part 66. When the pressing part 77 is positioned at a position overlapping either the first recess 66a or the second recess 66b when viewed from the left-right direction, it is forcefully inserted into the first recess 66a or the second recess 66b by the helical spring 76.

[0068] When the pressing part 77 is inserted into either the first recess 66a or the second recess 66b, the relative movement of the irradiation part 70 relative to the slide 69 is suppressed by the force applied by the coil spring 76, so that the irradiation part 70 is positioned.

[0069] When the irradiation unit 70 is pressed in the front-to-back direction with a force exceeding that of the coil spring 76, the pressing part 77 disengages from either the first recess 66a or the second recess 66b, thereby causing the irradiation unit 70 to move relative to the slide 69 in the front-to-back direction. As described above, the coil spring 76 can be compressed in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the pressing force required to move the irradiation unit 70 forward is approximately the same as the pressing force required to move the irradiation unit 70 backward.

[0070] Thus, the irradiation section 70 is supported at both ends by the guide 62 and the bottom panel 81 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the head 80 in the front-back direction.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the main parts of printing apparatus 1. Figure 5 The image shows the moving side abutment 78 of the carriage 69 in its initial position.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in the irradiation unit 70, a movable side abutment 78 is provided on the right side of the frame 71. The movable side abutment 78 extends to the right from the right side of the frame 71 and is formed into a flat plate shape with the thickness direction consistent with the vertical direction. At the top end of the movable side abutment 78, a protrusion 78a protruding in the forward and backward direction is provided.

[0073] The movable side abutment portion 78 is positioned below the connecting portion 75 and is formed, for example, by a plate-shaped component such as a metal plate.

[0074] As described above, an abutment member 12 is provided at the upper part of the storage body 42. Figure 5 As shown, the abutting member 12 has a main body side abutting portion 14 formed by bending at least a portion of the abutting member 12 upwards. The main body side abutting portion 14 is formed as a flat plate that protrudes upwards from the upper part of the housing 42 and the abutting member 12, and whose thickness direction is consistent with the left-right direction. At the top end of the main body side abutting portion 14, a protrusion 14a protruding in the forward-backward direction is provided.

[0075] The protrusion 14a of the main body side abutment portion 14 is located above the moving side abutment portion 78. The protrusion 78a of the moving side abutment portion 78 is located to the right of the main body side abutment portion 14. When the carriage 69 is in the initial position, the moving side abutment portion 78 of the irradiation portion 70 and the main body side abutment portion 14 of the main body portion 10 overlap each other when viewed from the main view.

[0076] That is, when the carriage 69 is in the initial position, the moving side abutment 78 and a portion of the main body abutment 14 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the carriage 69 is in the initial position, the carriage 69 moves in the front-rear direction by moving the moving part 50, so that the moving side abutment 78 and the main body abutment 14 abut each other at a predetermined position.

[0077] As described above, the main body side abutment 14 is arranged so that the thickness direction is consistent with the left-right direction, and the moving side abutment 78 is arranged so that the thickness direction is consistent with the up-down direction. Therefore, when the moving side abutment 78 and the main body side abutment 14 abut against each other, their respective edges come into contact with each other. Thus, in the printing apparatus 1, even when the moving side abutment 78 presses against the main body side abutment 14 due to the movement of the carriage 69, deformation of the moving side abutment 78 and the main body side abutment 14 can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, by utilizing the movement of the carriage 69 to press the moving-side abutment 78 against the main-side abutment 14, even if either the moving-side abutment 78 or the main-side abutment 14 deviates in position, the protrusion 14a or the protrusion 78a will engage with the other. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, the possibility of positional movement of either the moving-side abutment 78 or the main-side abutment 14 in any direction without contact is suppressed.

[0079] Figure 2 The slide 69 is illustrated with the pressing part 77 embedded in the first recess 66a. In this embodiment, the relative position of the irradiation part 70 with respect to the head 80 in this state is defined as the first relative position P1. When the irradiation part 70 is located at the first relative position P1, when viewed from the left and right direction, the entire area of ​​the head 80 where the nozzle 83 is formed overlaps with the irradiation port 71a. Furthermore, when the irradiation part 70 is located at the first relative position P1, the first guide pin 74a abuts against the first contact surface 64b, which is the rear end of the guide hole 64a.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a plan view of carriage 69. Figure 6 This is a view from below of the slide 69 with the pressing part 77 embedded in the second recess 66b. In this embodiment, Figure 6 The relative position of the irradiation section 70 with respect to the head 80 in the shown state is defined as the second relative position P2. When the irradiation section 70 is in the second relative position P2, at least a portion of the irradiation port 71a is positioned at a location that does not overlap with range A when viewed from the left-right direction. Range A is a portion of the range in which the nozzle 83, as shown by the imaginary line, is formed. When the irradiation section 70 is in the second relative position P2, at least a portion of the irradiation port 71a overlaps entirely with range R when viewed from the left-right direction. Range R is the range extending from the front end 83a of the range in which the nozzle 83 is formed to a position separated from the end 83a by a distance W. Furthermore, the distance W is equal to the longitudinal dimension of the range in which the nozzle 83 is formed.

[0081] Furthermore, when the irradiation section 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the second guide pin 74b abuts against the second contact surface 64c, which serves as the front end of the guide hole 64a.

[0082] When the printing apparatus 1 performs a printing operation, the time from when ink is ejected from the nozzle 83 onto the medium M until the ultraviolet light from the irradiation port 71a irradiates the ink adhering to the medium M affects the completion of the printing. In this embodiment, this time is assumed to be the pre-irradiation time. If the pre-irradiation time is long, the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M will wet and spread on the surface of the medium M and become smooth before it hardens under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. Therefore, the longer the pre-irradiation time, the stronger the gloss of the printed part. Conversely, if the pre-irradiation time is short, the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M will harden in a state of insufficient wetting and spreading and not smoothing. Therefore, in the case of a short pre-irradiation time, fixing is performed with a state of unevenness remaining on the surface of the ink, thereby weakening the gloss. The pre-irradiation time varies depending on the positional relationship between the nozzle 83 and the irradiation port 71a. When the printing apparatus 1 performs printing when the irradiation section 70 is in the first relative position P1, the printed matter becomes a matte finished product with weak gloss due to the short pre-irradiation time. In other words, printing apparatus 1 performs printing by positioning the irradiation unit 70 at a first relative position P1, thereby performing matte printing. Furthermore, printing apparatus 1 performs printing with the irradiation unit 70 positioned at a second relative position P2, thereby performing glossy printing with a higher gloss level. Details regarding the printing operation of printing apparatus 1 will be described later.

[0083] 1.3. Structure of the control system of the printing apparatus Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the control system of the printing apparatus 1.

[0084] The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a processor 901, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage unit 910. The storage unit 910 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The control unit 90 controls various parts of the printing apparatus 1 by executing a control program 911 stored in the storage unit 910.

[0085] An interface (I / F) 91 is connected to the control unit 90. The interface 91 is a communication device that performs wired communication using a cable or wireless communication using a wireless communication line. The interface 91 communicates with a host computer located outside the printing apparatus 1 to receive printing data. The printing data includes images and text data to be printed on the medium M by the printing apparatus 1, instructions to instruct the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing, and other data.

[0086] The control unit 90 is equipped with a lifting motor 33, a frame moving motor 41, a carriage drive motor 67, a UV light source 73, and a head 80. The control unit 90 is also equipped with a frame position sensor 92, a worktable position sensor 93, and a carriage position sensor 94.

[0087] The control unit 90 can acquire the current values ​​generated at the lifting motor 33, the frame moving motor 41, and the carriage drive motor 67. Based on the acquired current values, the control unit 90 detects the load generated at the lifting motor 33, the frame moving motor 41, and the carriage drive motor 67.

[0088] The control unit 90 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the UV light source 73. The control unit 90 can control the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting elements 73a constituting the UV light source according to each row arranged in the front-to-back direction. The control unit 90 can also adjust the luminous intensity by adjusting the current supplied to each light-emitting element 73a or according to each row.

[0089] The frame position sensor 92 is a sensor that detects the position of the main frame 51 in the front-to-back direction. For example, the frame position sensor 92 is a linear encoder configured along the guide shaft 15. The table position sensor 93 is a sensor that detects the position of the table 31 in the vertical direction. The table position sensor 93 is, for example, a rotary encoder that detects the rotation of the lifting motor 33, or a rotary encoder that detects the rotation of the ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39. The carriage position sensor 94 is a sensor that detects the position of the carriage 69 in the length direction of the carriage guide shaft 63. For example, the carriage position sensor 94 is a linear encoder configured along the carriage guide shaft 63. The control unit 90 specifies the position of the main frame 51, the position of the table 31, and the position of the carriage 69 based on the detection values ​​of the frame position sensor 92, the table position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0090] The frame position sensor 92 is an example of a "position detection unit".

[0091] The control unit 90 activates each motor based on the printing data received from the interface 91. Specifically, the control unit 90 moves the moving unit 50 back and forth by controlling the rotation direction of the frame moving motor 41 and controlling the start and stop of its rotation. The control unit 90 moves the worktable 31 vertically by controlling the rotation direction of the lifting motor 33 and controlling the start and stop of its rotation. The control unit 90 moves the carriage 69 along the carriage guide shaft 63 by controlling the rotation direction of the carriage drive motor 67 and controlling the start and stop of its rotation. In these controls, the control unit 90 utilizes the detection values ​​from the frame position sensor 92, the worktable position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0092] The control unit 90 switches the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80 based on the variable load measurement data 912. The variable load measurement data 912 includes data that determines the position for measuring the current value of the frame movement motor 41 based on whether the printing mode of the printing device 1 is glossy or matte printing.

[0093] For example, when the variable load measurement data 912 is applied with a matte finish, it specifies the position where the current value of the frame moving motor 41 is obtained within the movable range of the main frame 51. This position may include, for example, a first reference position and a first measurement position.

[0094] The first reference position is located rearward relative to the main body side abutment portion 14 within the movable range of the main frame 51, and closer to the main body side abutment portion 14 compared to the rear end of the guide shaft 15.

[0095] The first measurement position is the position on the front side compared to the position where the moving side abutting part 78 abuts against the main body side abutting part 14 from the rear.

[0096] In the following description, the current value obtained at the first reference position is set as the first reference current value, and the current value obtained at the first measurement position is set as the first measurement current value.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, when glossy printing is applied, the variable load measurement data 912 specifies the position where the current value of the frame movement motor 41 is obtained within the movable range of the main frame 51. This position includes, for example, a second reference position and a second measurement position.

[0098] The second reference position is a position that is forward of the main body side abutment portion 14 within the movable range of the main frame 51, and closer to the main body side abutment portion 14 than the front end of the guide shaft 15.

[0099] The second measurement position is the position on the rear side compared to the position where the moving side abutting part 78 abuts against the main body side abutting part 14 from the front.

[0100] In the following description, the current value obtained at the second reference position will be set as the second reference current value, and the current value obtained at the second measurement position will be set as the second measurement current value.

[0101] The variable load measurement data 912 includes current value data that is compared with the difference between the obtained current value and the printing mode of the printing device 1, which is either glossy or matte printing.

[0102] For example, the variable load measurement data 912 may also include a first comparison current value, which is a value compared with the difference between the current value obtained at the first reference position and the current value obtained at the first measurement position when matte printing is performed. The first comparison current value is the current value input to the frame movement motor 41 when the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, the variable load measurement data 912 may also include a second comparison current value, which is a value compared with the difference between the current value obtained at the second reference position and the current value obtained at the second measurement position when glossy printing is performed. The second comparison current value is the current value input to the frame movement motor 41 when the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 90 may also specify and store which position the irradiation unit 70 is configured in the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2 based on the detection value of the frame position sensor 92.

[0105] The control unit 90 activates the head 80 based on the printing data received from the interface 91, thereby causing ink to be ejected.

[0106] 1.4. Operation of the printing apparatus Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the control unit 90 during printing.

[0107] Additionally, at the moment when the printing apparatus 1 begins the printing operation, the irradiation unit 70, as... Figure 2As shown, it is located at the first relative position P1. At the moment when the printing device 1 starts printing, the carriage 69 is in the initial position and the main frame 51 is at the front end. Furthermore, at the moment when the printing device 1 starts printing, the distance between the nozzle 83 and the medium M is adjusted to the most appropriate distance for printing by the up and down movement of the worktable 31.

[0108] The control unit 90 acquires the printing conditions (step SA1). The printing conditions include, for example, information specifying whether the printing on the medium M is matte or glossy, information related to the number of printing cycles, and information related to the movement speed of the carriage 69. The printing conditions are, for example, appended to or included in the printing data containing the image and text to be printed on the medium M. In step SA1, the control unit 90 acquires the printing conditions from the printing data received by the interface 91.

[0109] Based on the printing conditions obtained in step SA1, the control unit 90 determines whether to perform matte printing (step SA2). If it is determined that matte printing should be performed (step SA2: Yes), the control unit 90 drives the frame movement motor 41 to move the main frame 51 toward the rear end of the guide shaft 15 (step SA3). The control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 69 to a position that overlaps with the initial position when viewed from the front (step SA4). As a result, the moving side abutment 78 of the irradiation unit 70 and the main body side abutment 14 of the main body 10 are positioned to overlap each other. The main body side abutment 14 is located further forward than the moving side abutment 78. In addition, as long as the main body side abutment 14 is positioned further forward than the moving side abutment 78, the location where the main frame 51 is moved in step SA3 may not be the rear end of the guide shaft 15.

[0110] The control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to begin moving the main frame 51 forward (step SA5). Here, as the main frame 51 moves forward, the moving side abutment part 78 also moves forward in the same way.

[0111] Subsequently, the control unit 90 determines whether the main frame 51 has reached the first reference position based on the detection value of the frame position sensor 92 (step SA6). If it is determined that the main frame 51 has reached the first reference position (step SA6: yes), the control unit 90 obtains the first reference current value (step SA7).

[0112] Subsequently, the control unit 90 determines whether the main frame 51 has reached the first measurement position based on the detection value of the frame position sensor 92 (step SA8). Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 90 can also move the main frame 51 forward based on its position.

[0113] Here, the main frame 51 moves forward, so that the moving side abutment 78 abuts against the main body side abutment 14 from the rear.

[0114] This contact creates a resistance that moves from front to rear on the moving side contact portion 78. Immediately after the moving side contact portion 78 and the main body side contact portion 14 have made contact, the resistance acting on the moving side contact portion 78 is relatively small.

[0115] For example, when the pressing part 77 is embedded in the second recess 66b, the pressing part 77 does not immediately disengage from the second recess 66b, and the irradiation part 70 remains in the second relative position P2. From this state, the frame moving motor 41 continues to drive the device further, thereby gradually increasing the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78, and thus increasing the load on the frame moving motor 41. When the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78 increases, the pressing part 77 disengages from the second recess 66b, and the irradiation part 70 begins to move rearward relative to the head 80, thereby reducing the change in load relative to the frame moving motor 41. When the main frame 51 moves further rearward, the pressing part 77 is embedded in the first recess 66a, thereby reducing the load relative to the frame moving motor 41, and the first guide pin 74a abuts against the first contact surface 64b. If the frame moving motor 41 continues to drive after the first guide pin 74a abuts against the first contact surface 64b, the load on the frame moving motor 41 will increase. As a result, the irradiation unit 70 will be fixed at the first relative position P1. That is, the irradiation unit 70 moves forward relative to the head 80 by moving the slide 69 forward while abutting against the moving side abutment 78 and the main body side abutment 14.

[0116] When the pressing part 77 is inserted into the first recess 66a and the first guide pin 74a abuts against the first contact surface 64b, the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78 is transmitted to the frame moving motor 41 as a load. By obtaining the current value flowing in the frame moving motor 41, the control unit 90 can specifically control the increase or decrease of the load generated by the transmitted resistance.

[0117] If it is determined that the main frame 51 has reached the first measurement position (step SA8: Yes), the control unit 90 obtains the first measurement current value (step SA9).

[0118] When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, the control unit 90 stores a first comparison current value as a current value that can flow in the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 determines whether the difference between the first reference current value and the first measured current value is greater than or equal to the first comparison current value (step SA10).

[0119] If the difference between the first reference current value and the first measured current value is less than the first comparison current value (step SA10: No), the control unit 90 determines that the pressing part 77 has not been embedded in the first recess 66a, and causes the main frame 51 to move forward continuously.

[0120] If the difference between the first reference current value and the first measured current value is greater than or equal to the first comparison current value (step SA10: Yes), the control unit 90 determines that the pressing part 77 has been inserted into the first recess 66a and stops the frame moving motor 41 (step SA11).

[0121] Next, the control unit 90 acquires printing data (step SA12) and moves each part of the control unit 90 to the initial position (step SA13). The initial position is the position when printing relative to the medium M begins. Next, the control unit 90 performs matte printing based on the printing data (step SA14).

[0122] Thus, by measuring the load variation in the frame movement motor 41, the control unit 90 can determine the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 relative to the head 80 without needing to install sensors on the carriage 69 to detect the position of the irradiation unit 70. Furthermore, the control unit 90 can suppress any increase in load at the various drive units that drive the carriage 69 or the main frame 51 to the desired extent when the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the head 80. In addition, the control unit 90 can reduce the amount of power input to the frame movement motor 41.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the pressing part 77 is embedded in the first recess 66a, the control part 90 can still execute steps SA3 to SA11.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 90 may also store which position the irradiation unit 70 is configured in between the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2. In such a control unit 90, for example, when matte printing is performed with the pressing part 77 embedded in the first recess 66a, steps SA3 to SA11 may be omitted.

[0125] When the control unit 90 determines that glossy printing is to be performed (step SA2: No), it drives the frame movement motor 41 to move the main frame 51 toward the front end of the guide shaft 15 (step SA15). The control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 69 to a position that overlaps with the initial position when viewed from the main view (step SA16).

[0126] Therefore, the moving-side abutment portion 78 of the irradiation unit 70 and the main body-side abutment portion 14 of the main body portion 10 are arranged in a position where they overlap each other. The main body-side abutment portion 14 is located rearward compared to the moving-side abutment portion 78. In addition, when the main body-side abutment portion 14 is located rearward compared to the moving-side abutment portion 78, the location where the main frame 51 is moved in step SA15 may not be the front end of the guide shaft 15.

[0127] The control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to begin moving the main frame 51 backward (step SA17).

[0128] Subsequently, the control unit 90 determines whether the main frame 51 has reached the second reference position based on the detection value of the frame position sensor 92 (step SA18). If it is determined that the main frame 51 has reached the second reference position (step SA18: yes), the control unit 90 obtains the second reference current value (step SA19).

[0129] Subsequently, the control unit 90 determines whether the main frame 51 has reached the second measurement position based on the detection value of the frame position sensor 92 (step SA20). Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 90 can also move the main frame 51 backward according to its position.

[0130] Here, the main frame 51 moves rearward, thereby moving the side abutment 78 to abut against the main body side abutment 14 from the front.

[0131] This contact creates resistance from the rear to the front on the moving side contact portion 78. Immediately after the moving side contact portion 78 and the main body side contact portion 14 have made contact, the resistance acting on the moving side contact portion 78 is relatively small.

[0132] For example, when the pressing part 77 is embedded in the first recess 66a, the pressing part 77 does not immediately disengage from the first recess 66a, and the irradiation part 70 remains in the first relative position P1. From this state, the frame moving motor 41 continues to drive the device further, thereby gradually increasing the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78, and thus increasing the load on the frame moving motor 41. When the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78 increases, the pressing part 77 disengages from the first recess 66a, and the irradiation part 70 begins to move forward relative to the head 80, thereby reducing the variation in the load on the frame moving motor 41. When the main frame 51 moves further rearward, the pressing part 77 is embedded in the second recess 66b, thereby reducing the load on the frame moving motor 41, and the second guide pin 74b abuts against the second contact surface 64c. If the frame moving motor 41 continues to be driven after the second guide pin 74b abuts against the second contact surface 64c, the load on the frame moving motor 41 will increase.

[0133] Therefore, the irradiation unit 70 is fixed at the second relative position P2. That is, the irradiation unit 70 moves backward relative to the head 80 by moving the slide 69 backward through the state where the moving side abutment 78 and the main body side abutment 14 are in contact.

[0134] When the pressing part 77 is inserted into the second recess 66b and the second guide pin 74b abuts against the second contact surface 64c, the resistance generated at the moving side abutment part 78 is transmitted to the frame moving motor 41 as a load. The control unit 90 can specifically adjust the increase or decrease of the load generated by the transmitted resistance by obtaining the current value flowing in the frame moving motor 41.

[0135] If it is determined that the main frame 51 has reached the second measurement position (step SA20: Yes), the control unit 90 obtains the second measurement current value (step SA21).

[0136] When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, the control unit 90 stores a second comparison current value as a current value that can flow in the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 determines whether the difference between the second reference current value and the second measured current value is greater than or equal to the second comparison current value (step SA22).

[0137] If the difference between the second reference current value and the second measured current value is less than the second comparison current value (step SA22: No), the control unit 90 determines that the pressing part 77 has not been embedded in the second recess 66b, and causes the main frame 51 to move backward continuously.

[0138] If the difference between the second reference current value and the second measured current value is greater than or equal to the second comparison current value (step SA22: Yes), the control unit 90 determines that the pressing part 77 has been inserted into the second recess 66b and stops the frame moving motor 41 (step SA23).

[0139] Next, the control unit 90 acquires the printing data (step SA24) and moves each part of the control unit 90 to its initial position (step SA25). Then, the control unit 90 performs glossy printing based on the printing data (step SA26).

[0140] In the printing apparatus 1, when the main frame 51 moves forward, the bent portions of the ink tubes 19 connected to the carriage 69 extend. When the main frame 51 moves backward, the ink tubes 19 bend in a folded manner.

[0141] Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, the load applied to the frame movement motor 41 by the elastic force of the ink tube 19 differs depending on whether the main frame 51 moves forward or backward. Furthermore, within the overall movable range of the main frame 51, various load factors are applied as it moves from one side to the other, making it difficult to distinguish which load factor causes the load to change.

[0142] In this embodiment, the control unit 90 measures each of the first reference current value, the second reference current value, the first measured current value, and the second measured current value. The control unit 90 compares the difference between the first reference current value and the first measured current value, or the difference between the second reference current value and the second measured current value, with the first comparison current value or the second comparison current value.

[0143] Therefore, the control unit 90 can more accurately determine the position of the irradiation unit 70 based on the current value, regardless of whether the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2 or from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1. Thus, in the printing apparatus 1, when the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the head 80, it is possible to suppress the increase in load generated at each drive unit that drives the carriage 69 or the main frame 51 to a desired extent.

[0144] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1, the first reference position is a position adjacent to the first measurement position. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, load measurement can be performed within a range where load variations caused by load elements other than the irradiation unit 70 are small. Thus, in the printing apparatus 1, the influence of the amount of current value variation caused by the movement of the main frame 51 on the difference between the first reference current value and the first measured current value, or the difference between the second reference current value and the second measured current value, can be reduced. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, whether the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, or from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, the position of the irradiation unit 70 can be determined more accurately based on the current value.

[0145] The above-described embodiments are illustrative of one aspect of this disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the control unit 90 is configured to obtain the current value of the frame moving motor 41 at a predetermined position. In this case, the control unit 90 may also continuously measure the current value of the frame moving motor 41 starting at the predetermined position until a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, the control unit 90 may obtain the average or maximum value of the measured values ​​within the predetermined time as the current value at the predetermined position.

[0147] The processor 901 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors can also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors can be, for example, composed of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0148] Figure 7 The structure of each part of the printing apparatus 1 is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately, and it is also possible to configure the structure so that the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program. In addition, a part of the function implemented by software in the above embodiment can be implemented as hardware, or a part of the function implemented by hardware can be implemented by software.

[0149] To make the movements easier to understand, Figure 8The steps of the actions shown are divided according to the main processing content, and the actions are not limited by the method and name of the division of processing units. Depending on the processing content, they can also be divided into more step units. Furthermore, a step unit can be further divided to include more processing. Moreover, the order of the steps can be appropriately replaced without affecting the spirit of this disclosure.

[0150] Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal, vertical, and other directions and various shapes in the above embodiments include equal ranges that have the same effect as these directions and shapes.

[0151] This is a summary of the disclosure. The following is a summary of this disclosure.

[0152] Postscript 1 A printing apparatus includes: a head that ejects a liquid that hardens when irradiated with electromagnetic waves; a carriage that supports the head and is movable in a scanning direction; a moving part that can move the carriage in an intersecting direction intersecting the scanning direction; an electromagnetic wave irradiation part mounted on the carriage in a state that allows it to be displaced relative to the head to a first relative position and a second relative position along the intersecting direction, and irradiates the electromagnetic waves; a main body side abutment part that contacts the electromagnetic wave irradiation part to displace the electromagnetic wave irradiation part to either the first relative position or the second relative position; a drive part that moves the moving part along the intersecting direction; and a control part that controls the drive part, the control part determining whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation part is located at the first relative position or the second relative position based on load variations in the drive part.

[0153] Therefore, in printing equipment, position can be determined using a simple device structure that does not require sensors or the like.

[0154] Appendix 2 As described in Appendix 1, the printing apparatus includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the moving part, and a control unit that determines whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation part is located at the first relative position or the second relative position by the load change of the drive unit after the moving part abuts against the main body side contact part.

[0155] Therefore, in printing equipment, by limiting the monitoring range of load changes, the accuracy of judgment can be improved.

[0156] Appendix 3 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein, The control unit determines whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is in the first relative position or the second relative position by observing the increase in the load of the drive unit after the moving part abuts against the main body side abutment part.

[0157] Therefore, by detecting the increase in load, it is possible to determine whether the engagement of the locking part is engaged, thus eliminating the need to apply a load exceeding the required level.

[0158] Appendix 4 The printing apparatus described in any of Notes 1 to 3, wherein, On either the carriage or the electromagnetic wave irradiation part, a recess is provided at at least one of the first relative position and the second relative position, and a protrusion is provided at the other position, wherein the protrusion engages with the recess.

[0159] Therefore, the electromagnetic wave irradiation part can be easily moved to the first relative position or the second relative position.

[0160] Appendix 5 As described in Appendix 4, the printing apparatus, in which... The protrusion is configured such that, when the electromagnetic wave irradiation portion abuts against the main body side abutment portion, the moving portion moves in the intersecting direction, thereby being able to be displaced relative to the recess into an engaged state and an unengaged state.

[0161] Therefore, displacement of the first relative position and the second relative position can be easily performed.

[0162] Appendix 6 The printing apparatus described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, wherein the electromagnetic wave irradiation part has a movable side abutment at any position in the intersecting direction, the movable side abutment abutting with the main body side abutment, the main body side abutment and the movable side abutment extending in a direction intersecting the intersecting direction, and a protrusion provided on at least one of the main body side abutment and the movable side abutment, the protrusion extending along the intersecting direction.

[0163] Therefore, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to suppress the movement of either the moving side contact portion or the main body contact portion toward a position where they do not contact each other.

[0164] Symbol Explanation 1… Printing apparatus; 10… Main body; 11… Base plate; 12… Abutting part; 13… Base; 14… Main body side abutting part; 14a… Protrusion; 15… Guide shaft; 40… Frame drive unit; 41… Frame moving motor; 68… Positioning unit; 68a… Cylinder unit; 69… Carriage; 70… Irradiation unit; 73… UV light source; 73a… Light-emitting element; 76… Helical spring; 77… Pressing part; 78… Moving side abutting part; 78a… Protrusion; 80… Head; 90… Control unit; 901… Processor; 910… Storage unit; 911… Control program; 912… Variable load measurement data; M… Medium; P1… First relative position; P2… Second relative position.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: The head ejects a liquid that hardens when exposed to electromagnetic waves; A carriage that supports the head and is movable in the scanning direction; A movable part that enables the carriage to move in an intersecting direction that intersects the scanning direction; An electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is mounted on the carriage in a state that allows it to be displaced relative to the head to a first relative position and a second relative position along the intersecting direction, and irradiates the electromagnetic waves. The main body side abutment portion, by contacting the electromagnetic wave irradiation portion, causes the electromagnetic wave irradiation portion to shift to any position between the first relative position and the second relative position; A drive unit that moves the moving unit along the intersecting direction; The control unit controls the drive unit. The control unit determines whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is located in the first relative position or the second relative position by adjusting the load of the drive unit.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the moving part. The control unit determines whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is in the first relative position or the second relative position by measuring the load change of the drive unit after the moving part abuts against the main body side abutting part.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The control unit determines whether the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is in the first relative position or the second relative position by observing the increase in the load of the drive unit after the moving part abuts against the main body side abutment part.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, A recess is provided on either the carriage or the electromagnetic wave irradiation part at at least one of the first relative position and the second relative position, and A protrusion is provided on the other side, which engages with the recess.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The protrusion is configured such that, when the electromagnetic wave irradiation portion abuts against the main body side abutment portion, the moving portion moves in the intersecting direction, thereby being able to be displaced relative to the recess into an engaged state and an unengaged state.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, A first engaging portion is provided on the carriage at at least one of the first relative position and the second relative position. A second engaging portion is provided on the electromagnetic wave irradiation part, and the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion.

7. The printing apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The second engaging portion is configured such that, by moving the moving portion in the intersecting direction while the electromagnetic wave irradiation portion is in contact with the main body side abutting portion, it can be displaced relative to the first engaging portion to either an engaging state or an unengaged state.

8. The printing apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The first engaging portion is a recess. The second engaging part is a protrusion.

9. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The electromagnetic wave irradiation unit has a movable side abutment at any position in the intersecting direction, and the movable side abutment abuts against the main body side abutment. The main body side abutment portion and the moving side abutment portion extend in a direction intersecting the crossing direction. A protrusion is provided on at least one of the main body side abutment portion and the moving side abutment portion, and the protrusion extends along the intersecting direction.

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