Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer which enables reduction of a possibility of deterioration of color measurement accuracy.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a print part which discharges a liquid to print an image on a medium; and a color measurement part 17 which measures a color of the image. The color measurement part has: an image pickup device 24 which captures the image; a case 21 which encases the image pickup device; a shutter 23 attached to the case; and a compression member 27 which compresses the interior of the case. The case is formed with an exposure port 22 which exposes the image pickup device. The shutter is attached to the case so as to close the exposure port. The compression member compresses the interior of the case in a state that the shutter is closed. The shutter opens in a state that the interior of the case is compressed by the compression member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus equipped with a color measurement device that measures the color of a pattern formed on a recording medium. The color measurement device is configured to include a mist-proof glass and a two-dimensional image sensor that captures an image of the pattern through the mist-proof glass. The mist-proof glass protects the two-dimensional image sensor. The mist-proof glass reduces the risk of ink particles adhering to the two-dimensional image sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-61594 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such printing devices, the mist prevention glass may become soiled with ink particles or the mist prevention glass may scatter light, which may result in a decrease in color measurement accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printing device that solves the above problem comprises a printing unit that prints an image on a medium by ejecting a liquid, and a colorimetric unit that measures the color of the image, wherein the colorimetric unit has an image sensor that captures the image, a case that houses the image sensor, a shutter attached to the case, and a pressure member that applies pressure to the inside of the case, wherein the case has an exposure opening that exposes the image sensor, the shutter is attached to the case so as to close the exposure opening, the pressure member applies pressure to the inside of the case when the shutter is closed, and the shutter opens when the inside of the case is pressurized by the pressure member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the color measurement unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the pressure member is applying pressure to the inside of the case, which state has changed from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the shutter is opened after changing from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the pressure member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a modified example of the printing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment of a printing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, film, or fabric.

[0008] <Printing device> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 11 includes a housing 12. The printing device 11 includes a printing unit 13. The printing unit 13 is housed in a housing 12. The printing unit 13 is configured to print on a medium 99. In one example, the printing unit 13 prints an image on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 99. The printing unit 13 is, for example, a serial head type that scans the medium 99. The printing unit 13 may also be a line head type that can eject liquid simultaneously across the width of the medium 99. The printing unit 13 is not limited to ink, and may also be configured to print using toner.

[0009] The printing unit 13 has a head 14. The head 14 is configured to eject a liquid. The printing unit 13 prints an image on the medium 99 by the head 14 ejecting the liquid onto the medium 99.

[0010] The printing unit 13 has a carriage 15. The carriage 15 carries the head 14. The carriage 15 is configured to scan relative to the medium 99. As the carriage 15 scans, the head 14 can eject liquid across the width of the medium 99.

[0011] The printing device 11 has a support unit 16. The support unit 16 is housed in the housing 12. The support unit 16 is configured to support a medium 99. The support unit 16 is positioned to face the printing unit 13. The support unit 16 supports the medium 99 to be printed by the printing unit 13.

[0012] The printing device 11 includes a colorimetric unit 17. The colorimetric unit 17 is housed in the housing 12. The colorimetric unit 17 is attached to, for example, the carriage 15. The colorimetric unit 17 is configured to measure the color of an image. In one example, the colorimetric unit 17 measures the color of an image on a medium 99 supported by a support unit 16. The colorimetric unit 17 will be described in detail later.

[0013] The printing device 11 includes a movement mechanism 18. The movement mechanism 18 is housed in the housing 12. The movement mechanism 18 is attached to the color measurement unit 17. The movement mechanism 18 is attached to the carriage 15, for example.

[0014] The movement mechanism 18 is configured to move the colorimetric unit 17. Specifically, the movement mechanism 18 moves the colorimetric unit 17 so as to approach or move away from the medium 99. In one example, the movement mechanism 18 raises and lowers the colorimetric unit 17.

[0015] The movement mechanism 18 moves the colorimetric unit 17 relative to the carriage 15. When the colorimetric unit 17 measures the color of an image, the movement mechanism 18 brings the colorimetric unit 17 closer to the medium 99. In one example, during colorimetric measurement, the movement mechanism 18 lowers the colorimetric unit 17. By bringing the colorimetric unit 17 closer to the medium 99, the colorimetric unit 17 can measure the color of the image with high accuracy. The movement mechanism 18 may be configured with a rack and pinion, a ball screw, or a rotating cam.

[0016] When the printing unit 13 prints on the medium 99, the movement mechanism 18 may move the colorimetric unit 17 so that the colorimetric unit 17 is away from the medium 99. In one example, during printing, the movement mechanism 18 raises the colorimetric unit 17. This reduces the risk that the colorimetric unit 17 will interfere with the medium 99 during printing.

[0017] <Color measurement section> Next, the colorimetric unit 17 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the colorimetric unit 17 has a case 21. An exposure opening 22 is opened in the case 21. The exposure opening 22 is an opening that allows communication between the inside and outside of the case 21. The exposure opening 22 is opened on the surface of the case 21 that faces the medium 99. In one example, the exposure opening 22 is opened on the bottom surface of the case 21.

[0018] The colorimetric unit 17 has a shutter 23. The shutter 23 is attached to the case 21. The shutter 23 is attached to the case 21 so as to cover the exposure opening 22. The shutter 23 is configured to open and close relative to the case 21. More specifically, the shutter 23 is displaced to open or close the exposure opening 22. For example, the shutter 23 opens and closes relative to the case 21 by sliding. The shutter 23 is moved by a drive source (not shown). The shutter 23 is normally closed. This reduces the risk of foreign matter such as liquid mist from the printing unit 13 or dust in the air entering the case 21.

[0019] The colorimetric unit 17 has an image sensor 24. The image sensor 24 is configured to capture an image. The image sensor 24 is housed in the case 21. The image sensor 24 is positioned so as to be exposed from the exposure opening 22. More specifically, the image sensor 24 is exposed from the exposure opening 22 when the shutter 23 is opened. The image sensor 24 captures an image through the exposure opening 22. The colorimetric unit 17 measures the color of the image captured by the image sensor 24.

[0020] The image sensor 24 has a light source 25. The light source 25 emits light toward the exposure opening 22. When the shutter 23 is open, the light source 25 emits light onto the image through the exposure opening 22. The image sensor 24 has a light-receiving sensor 26. The light-receiving sensor 26 receives light reflected from the image by the light source 25. When the shutter 23 is open, the light-receiving sensor 26 receives light reflected from the image through the exposure opening 22. This allows the colorimetric unit 17 to measure the color of the image. The colorimetric unit 17 can measure the color of the image with high accuracy because the image sensor 24 receives the light reflected from the image directly through the exposure opening 22 without passing through a transparent plate such as a glass plate or acrylic plate. However, there is a risk of foreign matter entering the case 21 through the exposure opening 22.

[0021] The colorimetric unit 17 has a pressurizing member 27. The pressurizing member 27 is configured to apply pressure inside the case 21. In one example, the pressurizing member 27 has a cylinder 28 and a piston 29. The cylinder 28 is attached to the case 21. The cylinder 28 extends to communicate with the inside and outside of the case 21. The piston 29 is attached to the cylinder 28. The piston 29 is configured to move within the cylinder 28. The movement of the piston 29 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21. For example, the movement of the piston 29 toward the inside of the case 21 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21. The piston 29 moves within the cylinder 28 by a drive source (not shown). The piston 29 may be moved by a drive source for the shutter 23 or by a drive source for the movement mechanism 18. The pressurizing member 27 is not limited to a configuration in which the piston 29 applies pressure, as long as it can increase the air pressure inside the case 21 compared to the air pressure outside the case 21. The pressurizing member 27 may be configured to compress the gas in the case 21 by the piston 29 in the space where the shutter 23 is closed, or may be configured to increase the amount of gas or expand the gas.

[0022] The pressurizing member 27 may be configured to reduce the pressure inside the case 21. In one example, the piston 29 moves outward from the case 21, thereby reducing the pressure inside the case 21.

[0023] The pressure member 27 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21 while the shutter 23 is closed. In one example, the piston 29 moves toward the inside of the case 21 while the shutter 23 is closed. At this time, the pressure inside the case 21 becomes greater than the pressure outside the case 21.

[0024] The pressure member 27 may reduce the pressure inside the case 21 while the shutter 23 is closed. In one example, the piston 29 moves toward the outside of the case 21 while the shutter 23 is closed. At this time, the pressure inside the case 21 becomes smaller than the pressure outside the case 21.

[0025] The colorimetric unit 17 may have an intake unit 30. The intake unit 30 is attached to the case 21. The intake unit 30 is configured to draw air into the case 21 from outside the case 21. More specifically, the intake unit 30 is configured to draw air in a manner that makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the case 21 from outside the case 21. If air is drawn into the case 21 through the exposure opening 22, there is a risk that foreign matter will adhere to the image sensor 24. By drawing air into the case 21 through the intake unit 30, the risk of foreign matter adhering to the image sensor 24 is reduced.

[0026] The intake section 30 has an intake pipe 31. The intake pipe 31 extends from the case 21. The intake pipe 31 communicates with the inside and outside of the case 21. Air flows from outside the case 21 to inside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. More specifically, as the pressure inside the case 21 is reduced by the pressurizing member 27, air flows from outside the case 21 to inside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. The intake pipe 31 is located, for example, on a surface of the case 21 that does not face the medium 99. This makes it difficult for foreign matter generated from the medium 99 to enter the case 21.

[0027] The intake section 30 may have an intake valve 32. The intake valve 32 is located in the intake pipe 31. The intake valve 32 is a valve that opens and closes the intake pipe 31. When the intake valve 32 is open, air can flow inside and outside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. In one example, the intake valve 32 is a one-way valve. The intake valve 32 is a valve that allows air to flow into the case 21 from outside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. The intake valve 32 is a valve that restricts air from flowing out of the case 21 from inside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. In other words, the intake valve 32 opens the intake pipe 31 to air flowing into the case 21 from outside the case 21. The intake valve 32 closes the intake pipe 31 to air flowing out of the case 21 from inside the case 21 to outside the case 21. The intake valve 32 reduces the risk of air leaking out of the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. The intake valve 32 may be an on-off valve that opens and closes electromagnetically.

[0028] The intake section 30 may include a filter 33. The filter 33 is configured to filter air. The filter 33 is located in the intake pipe 31. This reduces the risk of foreign matter entering through the intake section 30. The filter 33 is located, for example, to filter the air after it has passed through the intake valve 32. The filter 33 may also be located to filter the air before it passes through the intake valve 32.

[0029] The colorimetric unit 17 may have a calibration plate 34. The calibration plate 34 is a plate for calibrating the image sensor 24. The calibration plate 34 is a so-called reference plate. The calibration plate 34 is, for example, a white plate. The colorimetric unit 17 calibrates the image sensor 24 by irradiating the calibration plate 34 with light from the light source 25 and having the light-receiving sensor 26 receive the light reflected from the calibration plate 34.

[0030] The calibration plate 34 is housed in the case 21. The calibration plate 34 is attached to the shutter 23. When the shutter 23 is closed, the calibration plate 34 is located at a position where it is imaged by the imaging element 24. For example, when the shutter 23 is closed, the calibration plate 34 faces the imaging element 24. When the shutter 23 is opened, the calibration plate 34 moves away from the position facing the imaging element 24. In this way, the colorimetric unit 17 can calibrate the imaging element 24 when the shutter 23 is closed. The colorimetric unit 17 can measure the color of the image when the shutter 23 is opened.

[0031] The colorimetric unit 17 has a control circuit 35. The control circuit 35 is configured to control various components provided in the colorimetric unit 17. The control circuit 35 controls the shutter 23, the image sensor 24, the pressure member 27, etc. The control circuit 35 may include a circuit having a processor including a CPU and memory. The control circuit 35 may include a hardware circuit such as an ASIC. The control circuit 35 may include a circuit including a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The control circuit 35 may be a circuit that controls various components provided in the printing device 11. In this case, the control circuit 35 may control the printing unit 13 in addition to the colorimetric unit 17.

[0032] 3, the control circuit 35 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21 with the pressure member 27 while the shutter 23 is closed. More specifically, before measuring the color of an image, the control circuit 35 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21 with the pressure member 27 while the shutter 23 is closed. In one example, before measuring the color of an image, the control circuit 35 lowers the piston 29 while the shutter 23 is closed.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the control circuit 35 opens the shutter 23 when measuring the color of an image. More specifically, when measuring the color of an image, the control circuit 35 opens the shutter 23 while the inside of the case 21 is pressurized by the pressure member 27. That is, the shutter 23 opens while the inside of the case 21 is pressurized by the pressure member 27. At this time, air flows from inside the case 21 to outside the case 21 through the exposure opening 22. Therefore, there is little risk of foreign matter entering the inside of the case 21 from outside through the exposure opening 22. Therefore, an image can be captured by the image sensor 24 while reducing the risk of foreign matter adhering to the image sensor 24.

[0034] After completing color measurement of the image, the control circuit 35 closes the shutter 23. With the shutter 23 closed, the control circuit 35 reduces the pressure inside the case 21 using the pressure member 27. More specifically, after completing color measurement of the image, the control circuit 35 reduces the pressure inside the case 21 using the pressure member 27 with the shutter 23 closed. This allows air to flow into the case 21 through the air intake unit 30. This reduces the risk of foreign matter adhering to the image sensor 24. The color measurement unit 17 may be controlled by a control unit provided in the printing device 11.

[0035] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The pressure member 27 applies pressure to the inside of the case 21 while the shutter 23 is closed. The shutter 23 opens while the inside of the case 21 is pressurized by the pressure member 27. According to the above configuration, when the shutter 23 opens while the inside of the case 21 is pressurized by the pressure member 27, air flows from inside the case 21 to outside the case 21 through the exposure opening 22. This reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the inside of the case 21 from outside the case 21 through the exposure opening 22. This reduces the risk of foreign matter adhering to the imaging element 24. The color measurement unit 17 can measure the color of an image directly, rather than through glass, and therefore can measure the color of an image with high accuracy.

[0036] (2) The pressure applying member 27 has a cylinder 28 attached to the case 21 and a piston 29 that moves within the cylinder 28. According to the above configuration, the inside of the case 21 can be pressurized by the movement of the piston 29.

[0037] (3) The intake section 30 has an intake pipe 31 that communicates with the inside and outside of the case 21, and an intake valve 32 that opens and closes the intake pipe 31. With the above configuration, the risk of foreign matter adhering to the imaging element 24 is reduced compared to when air flows into the case 21 through the exposure opening 22.

[0038] (4) The intake valve 32 is a one-way valve that allows air to flow into the case 21 from outside the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. With the above configuration, air does not flow out from inside the case 21 to outside the case 21 through the intake section 30. Therefore, when the pressurizing member 27 pressurizes the inside of the case 21, the pressurized air flows out from the exposed opening 22. This makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the case 21.

[0039] (5) The intake section 30 has a filter 33 that filters air. The filter 33 is located in the intake pipe 31. According to the above configuration, air filtered by the filter 33 enters the case 21. Therefore, foreign matter is less likely to enter the case 21.

[0040] (6) The calibration plate 34 is attached to the shutter 23. According to the above configuration, the calibration plate 34 calibrates the imaging element 24, thereby maintaining the color measurement accuracy of the color measurement unit 17. <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 , the pressurizing member 27 may include a pump 36. The pump 36 is connected to the case 21. The pump 36 is configured to pressurize the interior of the case 21. For example, the pump 36 pressurizes the interior of the case 21 by sending air into the case 21. The pump 36 may also be configured to depressurize the interior of the case 21. For example, the pump 36 depressurizes the interior of the case 21 by sucking air from within the case 21. In this modified example, unlike the above embodiment, the pressurizing member 27 can continuously pressurize the interior of the case 21, so the colorimetric unit 17 does not need to include the air intake unit 30. The pump 36 may always be in a state where it is sending air into the case 21. By constantly sending air into the case 21, the pump 36 can maintain a state where foreign matter is less likely to enter the case 21. The pump 36 may also send air into the case 21 when the shutter 23 is opened. By blowing air into the case 21 when the shutter 23 is opened, the risk of foreign matter entering the case 21 from outside through the exposure opening 22 can be reduced.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the printing device 11 may include a moving body 37 separate from the carriage 15 that carries the head 14. The moving body 37 is configured to move within the housing 12. The colorimetry unit 17 may be attached to the moving body 37. For example, the colorimetry unit 17 is attached to the moving body 37 via a movement mechanism 18. In this case, the printing device 11 can move the moving body 37 to cause the colorimetry unit 17 to measure the color of an image at any location on the medium 99.

[0043] The colorimetric unit 17 may be attached to the housing 12. For example, the colorimetric unit 17 is attached to the housing 12 via a moving mechanism 18. In this case, the colorimetric unit 17 moves up and down relative to the housing 12. In this modified example, for example, the user can place the medium 99 directly below the colorimetric unit 17, causing the colorimetric unit 17 to measure the color of the image.

[0044] The printing device 11 may move the colorimetry unit 17 closer to or farther away from the medium 99 by raising and lowering the carriage 15. The carriage 15 is usually configured to be able to move up and down in order to adjust the distance between the head 14 and the medium 99. Therefore, the colorimetry unit 17 can be raised and lowered by raising and lowering the carriage 15. In this case, the movement mechanism 18 is a mechanism that raises and lowers the carriage 15.

[0045] The intake pipe 31 may be a thin pipe with a small diameter that generates air flow resistance. In this modified example, when the pressurizing member 27 reduces the pressure inside the case 21, foreign matter is less likely to enter the case 21 through the intake pipe 31. Also, when the pressurizing member 27 pressurizes the inside of the case 21, air is less likely to flow out of the case 21 through the intake pipe 31.

[0046] The liquid ejected by the head 14 is not limited to ink, but may be a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the head 14 may eject a liquid containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials or pixel materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0047] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0048] (A) A printing device includes a printing unit that prints an image on a medium by ejecting a liquid, and a colorimetric unit that measures the image. The colorimetric unit includes an image sensor that captures the image, a case that houses the image sensor, a shutter attached to the case, and a pressure member that applies pressure to the inside of the case. The case has an exposure opening that exposes the image sensor, the shutter is attached to the case to close the exposure opening, the pressure member applies pressure to the inside of the case when the shutter is closed, and the shutter opens when the inside of the case is pressurized by the pressure member. According to the above configuration, when the shutter opens when the inside of the case is pressurized by the pressure member, air flows from inside the case to outside the case through the exposure opening. This reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the case from outside the case through the exposure opening. This reduces the risk of foreign matter adhering to the image sensor. The colorimetric unit can measure the color of the image directly, rather than through glass, allowing for accurate color measurement of the image.

[0049] (B) In the printing device, the pressure member may have a cylinder attached to the case and a piston that moves within the cylinder. According to the above configuration, the inside of the case can be pressurized by the movement of the piston.

[0050] (C) In the printing device, the colorimeter may have an intake unit that draws air into the case from outside the case, and the intake unit may have an intake pipe that connects the inside and outside of the case, and an intake valve that opens and closes the intake pipe. This configuration reduces the risk of foreign matter adhering to the image sensor compared to when air flows into the case through an exposure opening.

[0051] (D) In ​​the printing device described above, the intake valve may be a one-way valve that allows air to flow into the case from outside the case through the intake pipe. With the above configuration, air does not flow out of the case from inside the case through the intake section. Therefore, when the pressure member pressurizes the inside of the case, the pressurized air flows out through the exposed opening. This makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the case.

[0052] (E) In the printing device described above, the intake section may have a filter that filters air, and the filter may be located in the intake pipe. With this configuration, air filtered by the filter enters the case. This makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the case.

[0053] (F) In the printing device, the color measurement unit may have a calibration plate that calibrates the image sensor, and the calibration plate may be attached to the shutter. According to the above configuration, color measurement accuracy is maintained by calibrating the image sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 11...printing device, 12...casing, 13...printing unit, 14...head, 15...carriage, 16...support unit, 17...colorimetry unit, 18...moving mechanism, 21...case, 22...exposure opening, 23...shutter, 24...imaging element, 25...light source, 26...light receiving sensor, 27...pressurizing member, 28...cylinder, 29...piston, 30...intake unit, 31...intake pipe, 32...intake valve, 33...filter, 34...calibration plate, 35...control circuit, 36...pump, 37...moving body, 99...medium.

Claims

1. a printing unit that prints an image on a medium by ejecting a liquid; a colorimetric unit that measures the color of the image, The color measurement unit an image pickup element for capturing the image; a case that houses the imaging element; a shutter attached to the case; a pressure member that applies pressure to the inside of the case, an exposure opening for exposing the imaging element is formed in the case; the shutter is attached to the case so as to close the exposure opening, the pressure member applies pressure to the inside of the case when the shutter is closed, The printing device is characterized in that the shutter opens when the inside of the case is pressurized by the pressure member.

2. The pressure member is a cylinder attached to the case; 2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a piston that moves within the cylinder.

3. the color measurement unit has an intake unit that draws air into the case from outside the case, The intake section an intake pipe leading to the inside and outside of the case; 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an intake valve that opens and closes the intake pipe.

4. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the intake valve is a one-way valve that allows air to flow into the case from outside the case through the intake pipe.

5. the intake section has a filter that filters air, 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter is located in the intake pipe.

6. the color measurement unit has a calibration plate that calibrates the imaging element, 6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the calibration plate is attached to the shutter.

Images