Printing apparatus

Abstract

It provides rapid deodorization while suppressing a decline in print quality. [Solution] A printing apparatus comprising a housing, a liquid discharge head disposed within the housing for discharging a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, an energy discharge unit for emitting energy to harden the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge head, and an airflow generating unit for generating airflow within the housing, wherein the apparatus performs a first printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the first liquid onto a medium disposed within the housing, and a second printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the second liquid onto the medium, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the first printing operation is smaller than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the second printing operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a recording apparatus having a function of purifying odor caused by ink is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus including a recording unit that records on a medium, an irradiation unit that irradiates light on the medium recorded by the recording unit, and a deodorizing unit that performs deodorization, and exhausting the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing by driving a blower of the deodorizing unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional recording apparatus, when the air flow rate generated by the blower of the deodorizing unit increases in order to deodorize quickly, landing deviation may occur due to the flight curve of the ejected ink when recording on the medium. When recording an underlayer on the medium with white ink or recording a transparent layer on the medium with varnish ink, even if the ink flies due to the air flow, the influence on the print quality can be ignored. However, when recording color ink on the medium, the influence on the print quality due to the flight curve of the ink cannot be ignored.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus comprising a housing, a liquid discharge head disposed within the housing for discharging a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, an energy discharge unit for emitting energy to harden the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge head, and an airflow generating unit for generating an airflow within the housing, wherein the apparatus performs a first printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the first liquid onto a medium disposed within the housing, and a second printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the second liquid onto the medium, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the first printing operation is made smaller than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the second printing operation.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus comprising a housing, a liquid discharge head disposed within the housing for discharging liquid, an energy discharge unit for discharging energy to harden the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge head, and an airflow generating unit for generating airflow within the housing, wherein the apparatus performs a printing operation in a first mode in which the time from when the liquid is discharged onto a medium disposed within the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy discharge unit is a first time, and a second mode in which the time from when the liquid is discharged onto a medium disposed within the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy discharge unit is a second time that is longer than the first time, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the second mode is greater than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the first mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of a printing device. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the deodorizing unit. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the deodorizing unit. [Figure 5]Plan view of a printing device. [Figure 6] Block diagram of a printing apparatus. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the printing operation of a printing device. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram illustrating the fan speed for each printing operation. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a printing device after printing is complete. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram illustrating the fan speed when the cover is opened after printing is complete. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram illustrating the fan speed when the cover is opened after printing is complete. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some descriptions may be omitted to avoid unnecessary detail. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0009] In addition, this disclosure may use common abbreviations. For example, C in color ink is an abbreviation for cyan. M in color ink is an abbreviation for magenta. Y in color ink is an abbreviation for yellow. K in color ink is an abbreviation for key plate. Wh in ink is an abbreviation for white. Vr in ink is an abbreviation for varnish. LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode. UV is an abbreviation for Ultraviolet. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processor Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is a device that prints on a medium placed inside a housing 10 by ejecting a liquid from a recording head. The medium is a sheet, cloth, or three-dimensional object. The sheet may be paper or a sheet made of synthetic resin. The cloth may be nonwoven fabric, knit, or woven fabric. Three-dimensional objects include clothing, shoes and other decorative items, daily necessities, machine parts, and various other objects. There are no restrictions on the type of liquid that the printing apparatus 1 ejects onto the medium; it just needs to be fluid. For example, the printing apparatus 1 is a printer that forms an image on the medium by spraying one or more colors of color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction liquid onto the surface of the medium using a recording head. In this case, the medium corresponds to a printing medium. Examples of color inks include cyan, magenta, yellow, and key plate. The reaction liquid is a liquid used to harden by reacting with other inks. The above-mentioned color ink is an example of a first liquid. White ink, varnish ink, or reaction liquid is an example of a second liquid.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following description, the direction along the X axis is considered the left-right direction, and the direction along the Y axis is considered the front-back direction. More specifically, the positive direction along the Z axis is considered the upward direction, the positive direction along the X axis is considered the rightward direction, and the positive direction along the Y axis is considered the forward direction.

[0012] The printing apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 is a roughly rectangular box that forms a closed space inside. The housing 10 covers and houses the media support section, recording head, irradiation section, and deodorizing section, which will be described later, within the closed space. The housing 10 comprises a first cover 11 along the front 10a and top 10b. The first cover 11 comprises a cover body 11a along the front 10a and top 10b and a handle 11b connected to the lower end of the cover body 11a. At the rear end of the cover body 11a, the first cover 11 is connected to the top 10b of the housing 10 by a hinge so as to be rotatable on an axis in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first cover 11 can be opened and closed from the front by moving the handle 11b in the up-down direction. When the first cover 11 is opened, the media placed inside the housing 10 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. In other words, the first cover 11 is an example of an opening and closing section.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with a bottom plate 13 on its bottom surface 10c, which is a plate facing the mounting surface of the housing 10. The mounting surface is a surface on which the housing 10 is placed, such as the top surface of a desk (not shown).

[0014] The printing device 1 includes a display unit 12 located at the front of the top surface 10b. The display unit 12 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and LEDs. The display unit 12 displays various information in accordance with the control of the control unit described later. For example, the display unit 12 displays information such as the progress of recording by the printing device 1, the remaining amount of liquid dispensed during recording, and the replacement time for consumables in the deodorizing unit described later.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1, showing the first cover 11 removed for illustrative purposes. As shown in Figure 2, the printing apparatus 1 includes an opening / closing detection unit 14, a deodorizing unit 20, and a media support unit 30.

[0016] The opening / closing detection unit 14 has a detection switch 14A that switches between on / off according to the opening / closing of the first cover 11. For example, when the first cover 11 is closed, the detection switch 14A is pushed by the first cover 11 and becomes on. Conversely, when the first cover 11 is opened, the on state of the detection switch 14A is released and it becomes off. The opening / closing detection unit 14 detects the opening / closing of the first cover 11 based on the on / off of the detection switch 14A.

[0017] The deodorizing unit 20 generates an air flow inside so as to suck in the air inside the housing 10, deodorizes the sucked air, and exhausts it outside the housing 10. The deodorizing unit 20 is an example of an air flow generating unit. Details of this deodorizing unit 20 will be described later.

[0018] The medium support unit 30 supports a medium M to be recorded in the printing apparatus 1. The medium support unit 30 includes a table 31 and a fall prevention plate 34. The table 31 has a support surface 31m that is a rectangular surface along the X-axis and the Y-axis and faces upward.

[0019] The support surface 31m is the surface on which the medium M is placed in the medium support unit 30, and supports the medium M placed on the support surface 31m. In the state where the first cover 11 is opened, the support surface 31m is exposed in front of and above the housing 10. Therefore, in the state where the first cover 11 is opened, the medium M outside the housing 10 can be set on the support surface 31m of the medium support unit 30 from the front of the support surface 31m. Also, in the state where the first cover 11 is opened, the medium M placed on the support surface 31m of the medium support unit 30 can be taken out of the housing 10.

[0020] The fall prevention plate 34 is a plate-shaped member erected vertically in contact with the left, right, and rear sides of the support surface 31m. In other words, the fall prevention plate 34 is perpendicular to the support surface 31m and surrounds the support surface 31m from the left, right, and rear directions along its edges, while the front of the support surface 31m is open and without the fall prevention plate 34. The fall prevention plate 34 is formed, for example, by bending a single sheet of metal. The fall prevention plate 34 is positioned around the support surface 31m, for example, to prevent a medium M that is significantly smaller than the support surface 31m from falling from the support surface 31m.

[0021] The deodorizing units 20 are positioned in front of the support surface 31m of the media support unit 30 and inside the housing 10, with two units arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The two deodorizing units 20 are detachably fixed to the bottom plate 13 by screws.

[0022] The printing apparatus 1 includes a second cover 19 that covers the top of the two deodorizing units 20 positioned as described above. The second cover 19 is a plate-shaped member positioned substantially horizontally. The second cover 19 has ventilation holes 19a that penetrate the second cover 19 in the vertical direction. The ventilation holes 19a are narrow holes that are long in the front-to-back direction, and multiple ventilation holes 19a are formed in the second cover 19 in a row in the left-to-right direction. Note that the position and number of deodorizing units 20 inside the housing 10 described above are just examples. For example, the deodorizing unit 20 may be located behind the support surface 31m and in front of the fall prevention plate 34. Also, there may be only one deodorizing unit 20.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the deodorizing unit 20. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the deodorizing unit 20, showing a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. The deodorizing unit 20 includes a deodorizing duct 21. The deodorizing duct 21 is a hollow metal duct, and when the deodorizing unit 20 is mounted on the printing device 1, the deodorizing duct 21 is located directly below the ventilation hole 19a. The deodorizing duct 21 includes an air intake 23, a main body 25, and a blower connection part 27. The deodorizing duct 21 is connected to a blower 29 at the blower connection part 27, and airflow is generated inside the deodorizing duct 21 by driving the blower 29.

[0024] The air intake port 23 opens at the upper end of the deodorizing duct 21, and when the deodorizing unit 20 is mounted on the printing device 1, the air intake port 23 overlaps with the ventilation hole 19a in a plan view. Therefore, the space above the second cover 19 and the space inside the deodorizing duct 21 are in communication through the ventilation hole 19a and the air intake port 23.

[0025] The main body 25 is a hollow section extending downward from the air intake 23. A base plate 25a is provided at the lower end of the main body 25, covering the main body 25 from below. The base plate 25a has numerous holes that penetrate vertically, supporting the deodorizing member 25b (described later) and allowing air to pass through vertically. A hollow blower connection section 27 is formed to the right from the lower end of the main body 25. At its right end, the blower connection section 27 is connected in the front-rear direction to the intake port of the blower 29. The blower 29 is a centrifugal blower, and a fan (not shown) rotates due to the drive of a motor (not shown), drawing in air from the blower connection section 27 at the rear through the intake port. The blower 29 exhausts the drawn-in air from a discharge port 29a provided at the lower end of the blower 29. In other words, the deodorizing unit 20 draws in air from inside the housing 10 through the vent holes 19a and the intake port 23 by driving the blower 29. The deodorizing unit 20 sequentially flows the drawn-in air to the main body 25, the blower connection part 27, and the discharge port 29a.

[0026] In this way, when the deodorizing unit 20 draws in air from inside the housing 10, an airflow is generated inside the housing 10 toward the air intake port 23. The airflow rate per unit time generated inside the housing 10 by the deodorizing unit 20 depends on the drive amount of the blower 29, i.e., the rotation speed of the fan. For example, the higher the fan rotation speed, the greater the airflow rate generated inside the housing 10, and the faster the air inside the housing 10 can be exhausted through the deodorizing unit 20. Conversely, the lower the fan rotation speed, the smaller the airflow rate generated inside the housing 10. In the following explanation, the rotation speed of the fan in the blower 29 will be referred to as the fan speed.

[0027] Furthermore, the air intake port 23 is provided with a breathable first filter 23a that covers the entire surface of the air intake port 23 from above. The first filter 23a is a coarse, breathable filter made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The first filter 23a removes foreign matter larger than the mesh size of the first filter 23a, such as ink mist or dust, from the air passing through the air intake port 23. The first filter 23a is a consumable item, and its performance deteriorates with use due to clogging, soiling, or deterioration. Since the first filter 23a is placed on top of the air intake port 23, it can be easily attached to and detached from the deodorizing unit 20. Therefore, a first filter 23a with reduced performance can be easily replaced with a new first filter 23a.

[0028] Furthermore, the main body 25 is provided with a deodorizing member 25b that is ventilated and adsorbs odors from the air. The deodorizing member 25b is composed of, for example, numerous fine pellets containing activated carbon sealed in a bag-shaped net with a finer mesh than the pellets. The deodorizing member 25b is laid out over almost the entire internal space of the main body 25. Air flowing into the main body 25 flows, for example, through the gaps between the pellets of the deodorizing member 25b. At this time, the activated carbon components contained in the pellets of the deodorizing member 25b adsorb and remove odor components from the air. The deodorizing member 25b is a consumable item whose performance deteriorates with use. The deodorizing member 25b is placed on a base plate 25a. Therefore, the deodorizing member 25b can be easily attached to and detached from the deodorizing unit 20 via the air intake port 23 by removing the first filter 23a. Therefore, a deodorizing component 25b with reduced performance can be easily replaced with a new deodorizing component 25b.

[0029] In addition, the main body 25 is equipped with a second filter 25c which is placed on the base plate 25a and positioned below the deodorizing member 25b. The second filter 25c is made of, for example, glass fiber and is a breathable filter. The second filter 25c removes fine airborne particles that cannot be removed by the first filter 23a and the deodorizing member 25b. The second filter 25c is a consumable item whose performance deteriorates with use. The second filter 25c can be easily attached and detached via the air intake port 23 when the first filter 23a and the deodorizing member 25b are removed from the deodorizing duct 21. Therefore, a second filter 25c with deteriorated performance can be easily replaced with a new second filter 25c.

[0030] Figure 5 is a plan view of the printing apparatus 1, showing it with the first cover 11 removed for illustrative purposes. Specifically, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the portion including the moving mechanism 40 relating to the carriage 50, which has a recording head 51 and an illumination unit 53.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the printing apparatus 1 comprises a carriage 50, a moving mechanism 40 for moving the carriage 50, a liquid reservoir 54, and a pump 56. The carriage 50 comprises a recording head 51 and an irradiation unit 53.

[0032] The recording head 51 is equipped with nozzles 52C, 52M, 52Y, 52K, 52Wh, and 52Vr, each having an opening facing downwards. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, nozzles 52C, 52M, 52Y, 52K, 52Wh, and 52Vr will be referred to as nozzle 52.

[0033] The recording head 51 discharges liquid from nozzles 52 by driving a piezo actuator (not shown). Nozzles 52C, 52M, 52Y, 52K, 52Wh, and 52Vr each discharge color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution. For example, nozzle 52C is a nozzle that discharges cyan color ink. Nozzle 52M is a nozzle that discharges magenta color ink. Nozzle 52Y is a nozzle that discharges yellow color ink. Nozzle 52K is a nozzle that discharges key plate color ink such as black or sumi ink. Nozzle 52Wh is a nozzle that discharges white ink. Nozzle 52Vr is a nozzle that discharges varnish ink. In addition to the above nozzles, the recording head 51 may also be equipped with a nozzle that discharges a reaction solution.

[0034] For example, when the recording head 51 is positioned directly above the medium M located within the printing device 1 by the moving mechanism 40, color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction liquid is ejected from the nozzle 52 onto the medium M. The ejected color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction liquid flies from the nozzle 52 to the medium M and then adheres to the surface of the medium M.

[0035] The color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution ejected by the recording head 51 is a liquid that hardens when exposed to energy such as heat or ultraviolet light. In other words, the color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution is an example of a liquid, and the recording head 51 is an example of a liquid ejection head.

[0036] In this embodiment, the liquid ejected by the recording head 51 is a UV ink or reaction solution that hardens with ultraviolet light. However, the liquid ejected by the recording head 51 may also be a thermosetting ink or reaction solution that hardens with heat.

[0037] The irradiation unit 53 irradiates ultraviolet light to cure the liquid ejected by the recording head 51. In other words, the irradiation unit 53 is an example of an energy emission unit that emits energy to cure the liquid ejected by the recording head 51. If the liquid ejected by the recording head 51 is a thermosetting ink or reaction liquid that hardens with heat, the irradiation unit 53 may be configured to irradiate infrared light or the like to cure them.

[0038] The irradiation unit 53 includes, for example, an irradiation window (not shown) facing downwards. The irradiation window is made of a plate made of a light-transmitting material. The irradiation unit 53 emits irradiation light from a light source unit (not shown) through the irradiation window.

[0039] For example, when the irradiation unit 53 is positioned directly above the medium M placed inside the printing apparatus 1 by the moving mechanism 40, the irradiation light, including ultraviolet light, emitted from the irradiation unit 53 passes between the irradiation window and the medium M and irradiates the medium M. As a result, the color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution attached to the medium M is fixed to the medium M by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

[0040] The moving mechanism 40 includes a horizontal axis 41 and a vertical axis 42. For example, the moving mechanism 40 of this embodiment includes a pair of vertical axes 42.

[0041] The horizontal axis 41 is an axis that extends in the main scanning direction Dx. The pair of vertical axes 42 are axes that are parallel to each other and extend in the sub-scanning direction Dy. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Dx is parallel to the X-axis. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction Dy is perpendicular to the X-axis and parallel to the Y-axis.

[0042] The moving mechanism 40 reciprocates the carriage 50 along the horizontal axis 41 using power transmitted from a drive source (not shown), such as a motor. The moving mechanism 40 also reciprocates the recording head 51 supporting the carriage 50 along the vertical axis 42 using power transmitted from the drive source. Therefore, the moving mechanism 40 can move the recording head 51 and the illumination unit 53, which are mounted on the carriage 50, in the main scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0043] For example, the moving mechanism 40 can move the recording head 51 and the illumination unit 53 in the main scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy on the medium M placed on the table 31. The moving mechanism 40 can also move the carriage 50 over the wiping unit 60 and the capping mechanism 62 which are arranged around the table 31. Furthermore, when the carriage 50 is moved over the wiping unit 60, the moving mechanism 40 can move the recording head 51 relative to the wiping unit 60 in the main scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0044] The moving mechanism 40 may move the carriage 50 simultaneously in the main scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy. That is, the moving mechanism 40 may move the carriage 50 diagonally with respect to the main scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy so as to follow the horizontal plane.

[0045] The liquid storage unit 54 is located in a predetermined position within the housing 10 and stores the liquid discharged from the recording head 51. Specifically, the liquid storage unit 54 is equipped with removable ink cartridges 55C, 55M, 55Y, 55K, 55Wh, and 55Vr. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the ink cartridges 55C, 55M, 55Y, 55K, 55Wh, and 55Vr will be referred to as ink cartridge 55.

[0046] For example, ink cartridge 55C is an ink cartridge that stores cyan color ink. Ink cartridge 55M is an ink cartridge that stores magenta color ink. Ink cartridge 55Y is an ink cartridge that stores yellow color ink. Ink cartridge 55K is an ink cartridge that stores key plate color ink such as black or sumi ink. Ink cartridge 55Wh is an ink cartridge that stores white ink. Ink cartridge 55Vr is an ink cartridge that stores varnish ink. Note that ink cartridge 55 may also include an ink cartridge that dispenses a reaction solution, separate from the above ink cartridges.

[0047] Pump 56 draws up the liquid stored in the ink cartridge 55 of the liquid reservoir 54 via piping (not shown) and supplies it to the recording head 51 of the carriage 50. Specifically, pump 56 draws up the cyan color ink stored in ink cartridge 55C and supplies it to the nozzle 52C of the recording head 51. Pump 56 draws up the magenta color ink stored in ink cartridge 55M and supplies it to the nozzle 52M of the recording head 51. Pump 56 draws up the yellow color ink stored in ink cartridge 55Y and supplies it to the nozzle 52Y of the recording head 51. Pump 56 draws up the key plate color ink stored in ink cartridge 55K and supplies it to the nozzle 52K of the recording head 51. Pump 56 draws up the white ink stored in ink cartridge 55Wh and supplies it to the nozzle 52Wh of the recording head 51. The pump 56 draws up the varnish ink stored in the ink cartridge 55Vr and supplies it to the nozzle 52Vr of the recording head 51.

[0048] In the printing device 1, when the carriage 50 is scanned by the moving mechanism 40 over the medium M placed on the table 31, the carriage 50 dispenses and cures color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution. As a result, the printing device 1 prints an image on the medium M.

[0049] Table 31 is equipped with a media detection unit 15 that detects the presence or absence of a medium M placed on the table 31. The media detection unit 15 can be, for example, a weight sensor that detects the presence or absence of a medium M based on the weight of the placed medium M, or an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a medium M using light.

[0050] A wiping unit 60 and a capping mechanism 62 are arranged around the table 31. The wiping unit 60 and the capping mechanism 62 are used for maintenance of the recording head 51. Maintenance operations for the recording head 51 include a wiping operation that wipes the head surface of the recording head 51 where the nozzle 52 opening is provided. Maintenance operations for the recording head 51 also include a flushing operation that discharges liquid from the nozzle 52. The wiping unit 60 is used for the wiping operation, and the capping mechanism 62 is used for the flushing operation. The wiping unit 60 may also be used for the flushing operation.

[0051] The wiping unit 60 includes a wiper 61. The wiper 61 is a strip of fabric that moves in the feed direction Ds or the return direction Dr by, for example, a winding mechanism (not shown). The wiper 61 contacts the head surface of the recording head 51 when the carriage 50 is moved onto the wiping unit 60 by the moving mechanism 40. At this time, the lower surface of the recording head 51 and the wiper 61 move relative to each other. For example, the wiping unit 60 may move the wiper 61 in the feed direction Ds or the return direction Dr. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 40 may move the carriage 50 in the main scanning direction Dx or the sub-scanning direction Dy. In this way, by moving the lower surface of the recording head 51 and the wiper 61 relative to each other, the wiping unit 60 wipes the lower surface of the recording head 51. Furthermore, when the wiping unit 60 performs a flushing operation, the wiper 61 receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 52 of the recording head 51.

[0052] The cap mechanism 62 is positioned in the standby position of the carriage 50 and includes a cap 63 that surrounds the recording head 51 in this standby position. The cap 63 surrounds the recording head 51 when the carriage 50 is moved to the standby position by the movement mechanism 40 and receives the liquid discharged by the nozzle 52 of the recording head 51 during the flushing operation.

[0053] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the printing device 1, showing the functional configuration of the control system of the printing device 1. As shown in Figure 6, the printing device 1 has a control unit 90, an interface 91, and a storage unit 92.

[0054] The control unit 90 has a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The interface 91 is a communication device that performs wired communication using a cable or wireless communication using a wireless communication line. The storage unit 92 has volatile memory and non-volatile storage. The volatile memory is, for example, RAM. The non-volatile storage is composed of ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc.

[0055] The memory unit 92 stores in its non-volatile memory a program 92A for execution by the control unit 90 and setting information 92B which describes various setting details.

[0056] The control unit 90 controls each part of the printing device 1 by loading the program 92A stored in the memory unit 92 into volatile memory and executing it sequentially. In this control, the control unit 90 refers to the setting information 92B and controls each part so that it operates according to the settings. For example, the control unit 90 drives the blower 29 of the deodorizing unit 20 at the fan speed set in the setting information 92B in response to various operations such as printing and maintenance.

[0057] An interface (I / F) 91 is connected to the control unit 90. The I / F 91 communicates with a host computer (not shown) to receive print data. The print data includes image and character data to be printed by the printing device 1 onto the medium M. The print data also includes print commands that instruct the printing device 1 to perform printing, such as color printing, underlay printing, gloss printing, and matte printing, as well as other data.

[0058] The control unit 90 is connected to a moving mechanism 40, a wiping unit 60, a recording head 51, a nozzle 52, a blower 29, a display unit 12, an open / close detection unit 14, and a media detection unit 15.

[0059] The control unit 90 drives the moving mechanism 40 based on the print data received by the I / F 91 to move the carriage 50 onto the medium M. Then, based on the image and character data contained in the print data, the control unit 90 operates the recording head 51 to eject color ink, white ink, varnish ink, or reaction liquid. The control unit 90 also operates the irradiation unit 53 to harden the color ink, white ink, and varnish ink that have adhered to the medium M. The control unit 90 also operates the display unit 12 to display information on the display unit 12. The control unit 90 also operates the blower 29 to deodorize the air inside the housing 10 and exhaust it to the outside of the housing 10.

[0060] Here, we will explain in detail the printing operation on medium M in the printing device 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing operation of the printing device 1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, when the I / F 91 receives print data and the printing operation starts, the control unit 90 analyzes the print command contained in the print data (S10). Specifically, the control unit 90 analyzes whether the command instructs color printing, underlay printing, gloss printing, or matte printing.

[0062] Here, color printing refers to CMYK printing using CMYK color inks. Underlay printing includes Wh printing, which forms an underlay layer with white ink, and printing that applies a reaction solution. In this embodiment, printing that applies a reaction solution is to be interpreted as Wh printing.

[0063] Glossy printing is a type of Vr printing using varnish ink that enhances the gloss and shine of the surface, resulting in a glossy finish. Matte printing is a type of Vr printing using varnish ink that reduces the gloss of the surface, resulting in a matte finish with no shine.

[0064] The difference between matte and glossy finishes can be achieved by varying the time it takes for the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M to be exposed to ultraviolet light. Specifically, by shortening the time it takes for the irradiation unit 53 to expose the ink to ultraviolet light, the unevenness of the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M is fixed as is, resulting in a matte finish. Conversely, by making the time it takes for the irradiation unit 53 to expose the ink to ultraviolet light longer than the time required for a matte finish, the unevenness of the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M is smoothed out and fixed, resulting in a glossy finish with increased glossiness.

[0065] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the print instruction is for CMYK printing, Wh printing, or Vr printing (S11).

[0066] When the print instruction is for CMYK printing, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 in the deodorizing unit 20 to the first fan speed (S12). Then, the control unit 90 performs CMYK printing, in which CMYK color inks are ejected from the recording head 51 based on the print instruction and cured by the irradiation unit 53 (S13). During this CMYK printing, an airflow corresponding to the set first fan speed is generated inside the housing 10. Note that CMYK printing is a state in which the recording head 51 ejects at least one of the CMYK color inks. In other words, during CMYK printing, the recording head 51 may eject white ink or varnish ink in addition to the CMYK color inks, and these cases are also treated as CMYK printing.

[0067] When the print instruction is for Wh printing, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 in the deodorizing unit 20 to the second fan speed (S14). Then, based on the print instruction, the control unit 90 performs Wh printing, in which white ink is ejected from the recording head 51 and cured by the irradiation unit 53 (S15). During this Wh printing, an airflow corresponding to the set second fan speed is generated inside the housing 10. Note that during Wh printing, the recording head 51 does not eject CMYK color inks.

[0068] The control unit 90 determines whether the print instruction is for Vr printing or gloss printing (S16). Note that during Vr printing, the recording head 51 does not eject CMYK color inks.

[0069] When matte printing is performed, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 in the deodorizing unit 20 to the second fan speed (S17). Then, based on the print instruction, the control unit 90 performs matte printing by ejecting varnish ink from the recording head 51 and curing it with the irradiation unit 53 (S18). Specifically, in matte printing, the control unit 90 cures the ink by irradiating it with ultraviolet light using the irradiation unit 53 after a predetermined first hour has elapsed since the recording head 51 ejected the ink onto the medium M. During this matte printing, an airflow corresponding to the set third fan speed is generated inside the housing 10.

[0070] When gloss printing is performed, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 in the deodorizing unit 20 to the fourth fan speed (S19). Then, based on the print instruction, the control unit 90 performs gloss printing by ejecting varnish ink from the recording head 51 and curing it with the irradiation unit 53 (S20). Specifically, in gloss printing, the control unit 90 cures the ink by irradiating it with ultraviolet light using the irradiation unit 53 after a predetermined second time, which is longer than the first time, has elapsed since the recording head 51 ejected the ink onto the medium M. During this gloss printing, an airflow corresponding to the set fourth fan speed is generated inside the housing 10.

[0071] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fan speed for each printing operation. As shown in Figure 8, before the start of printing at time t1, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 in the deodorization unit 20 to an initial speed F0. Here, the initial speed F0 is the fan speed when the printing device 1 is in standby mode, and can be set to, for example, 0 or the lowest fan speed specified for the blower 29.

[0072] During CMYK printing, the curvature of the ink ejected from the recording head 51 affects print quality. Therefore, during CMYK printing, by keeping the fan speed of the blower 29 low, the curvature of the ink can be prevented, thereby reducing the impact on print quality.

[0073] Specifically, the first fan speed F1 during CMYK printing is set lower than the second fan speed F2 during Wh printing, the third fan speed F3 during matte printing, and the fourth fan speed F4 during gloss printing. Therefore, during CMYK printing, the amount of airflow generated inside the housing 10 can be kept lower than during Wh printing, matte printing, and gloss printing. As a result, during CMYK printing, the scattering and curvature of ink ejected from the recording head 51 can be suppressed. In other words, the printing apparatus 1 can deodorize while suppressing a decrease in print quality during CMYK printing.

[0074] Wh printing with reaction solution or white ink, matte finish printing with varnish ink, and gloss finish printing are printing operations that eject inks that are not easily visible, such as reaction solution, white ink, or transparent varnish ink. In other words, Wh printing, matte finish printing, and gloss finish printing do not eject easily visible CMYK color inks. Therefore, even if ink splatter occurs in Wh printing, matte finish printing, and gloss finish printing, the impact on print quality is negligible. Accordingly, in Wh printing, matte finish printing, and gloss finish printing, the second fan speed F2, third fan speed F3, and fourth fan speed F4 are set to be higher than the second fan speed F2 of CMYK printing. This allows for faster deodorization in Wh printing, matte finish printing, and gloss finish printing without affecting print quality.

[0075] Furthermore, the fourth fan speed F4 during gloss printing will be higher than the second fan speed F2 during Wh printing and the third fan speed F3 during matte printing.

[0076] In gloss printing, the time it takes for the irradiation unit 53 to be exposed to ultraviolet light is longer than in matte printing. Therefore, there is a difference in the intensity of the ink-related odor between gloss printing and matte printing. Specifically, gloss printing has a stronger odor than matte printing.

[0077] Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, by setting the speed of the fourth fan F4 during gloss printing to be greater than the speed of the third fan F3 during matte printing, the odor that becomes stronger during gloss printing can be quickly discharged.

[0078] In the above embodiment, gloss and matte printing using varnish ink were illustrated as examples. However, gloss and matte printing are not limited to printing with varnish ink. For example, gloss or matte printing may be performed in CMYK printing or Wh printing by changing the time until the irradiation unit 53 irradiates with ultraviolet light. As an example, when performing gloss or matte printing with CMYK printing, the blower 29 is set to the first fan speed F1 until the CMYK ink is attached to the medium M. Then, in the case of gloss printing, the fan speed is set to the fourth fan speed F4, and in the case of matte printing, the fan speed is set to the third fan speed F3.

[0079] Next, the operation of the printing device 1 after printing is completed will be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing device 1 after printing is completed. Note that the completion of printing by the printing device 1 refers to the moment immediately after the completion of CMYK printing, Wh printing, gloss printing, or matte printing as described above. At this time, the control unit 90 is assumed to be driving the blower 29 at the fan speed set for CMYK printing, Wh printing, gloss printing, or matte printing.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, after printing is complete, the control unit 90 determines whether the first cover 11 has been opened based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. The control unit 90 also determines whether there is a medium M placed on the table 31 based on the detection result of the medium detection unit 15 (S30).

[0081] If the first cover 11 is not open or there is media M (S30: No), the control unit 90 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S31). If the predetermined time has elapsed (S31: Yes), the control unit 90 determines that sufficient exhaust has been achieved by driving the blower 29 at the fan speed set during printing for a predetermined time. Therefore, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 to the initial speed F0 (S32) and terminates the operation.

[0082] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S31: No), the control unit 90 determines that the exhaust by the blower 29 at the fan speed set during printing is insufficient. Therefore, the control unit 90 returns to S30.

[0083] The control unit 90 determines that if the first cover 11 is open or there is no media M (S30: Yes), exhaust by the blower 29 at the fan speed set during printing is unnecessary. Therefore, the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 to the initial speed F0 (S32) and terminates the operation.

[0084] Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the fan speed when the cover is opened after printing is complete. Specifically, Figure 10 illustrates the case where the fan speed is set to the initial speed F0 when the first cover 11 is opened. Figure 11 illustrates the case where the fan speed does not change even when the first cover 11 is opened, and the fan speed is set to the initial speed F0 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10, after printing starts at time t1 using glow-tone printing, the fan speed of the blower 29 is set to the fourth fan speed F4. Here, even after time t2 when glow-tone printing is completed, the fan speed of the blower 29 is maintained at the fourth fan speed F4. Therefore, rapid deodorization continues even after time t2.

[0086] Next, when the first cover 11 is opened at time t3, the medium M will be exposed to the outside of the housing 10. Therefore, deodorization by the blower 29 is unnecessary, and the control unit 90 sets the fan speed of the blower 29 to the initial speed F0.

[0087] In contrast, in the example shown in Figure 11, even after the first cover 11 is opened at time t3, the fan speed of the blower 29 remains at the fourth fan speed F4. That is, even after deodorization by the blower 29 is no longer necessary, deodorization continues at the fourth fan speed F4. Then, at time t4, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the fan speed returns to the initial speed F0.

[0088] As is clear from comparing the cases in Figure 10 and Figure 11, when the first cover 11 is opened and deodorization by the blower 29 is no longer necessary, the fan speed can be set to the initial speed F0 to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Although Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the case when the first cover 11 is opened, it goes without saying that the same applies when there is no medium M.

[0089] [Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0090] (Note 1) A printing apparatus comprising a housing, a liquid discharge head disposed within the housing for discharging a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, an energy discharge unit for emitting energy to harden the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge head, and an airflow generating unit for generating airflow within the housing, wherein the apparatus performs a first printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the first liquid onto a medium disposed within the housing, and a second printing operation in which the liquid discharge head discharges the second liquid onto the medium, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the first printing operation is made smaller than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the second printing operation.

[0091] As a result, the amount of airflow generated during the first printing operation, which discharges the first liquid, can be reduced compared to the second printing operation, which discharges the second liquid. Therefore, for example, during the first printing operation of the first liquid, which is easily visible, deodorization can be performed while suppressing the deflection of the liquid due to airflow and thus preventing a decrease in print quality.

[0092] (Note 2) The printing apparatus as described in Appendix 1, wherein the first liquid is a color ink, and the second liquid is white ink, varnish ink, or a reaction solution.

[0093] According to this, for color inks, deodorization can be performed during the first printing operation while suppressing the deterioration of print quality by reducing the deflection of the liquid due to airflow. Furthermore, for white ink, varnish ink, or reaction solution, since airflow does not affect the deterioration of print quality, deodorization can be performed more quickly during the second printing operation than during the first printing operation.

[0094] (Note 3) The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the second liquid is a varnish ink, and the second printing operation is performed by either a first mode in which the time from when the varnish ink is ejected by the liquid ejection head until it is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit on the medium is a first time, or a second mode in which the time from when the varnish ink is ejected by the liquid ejection head until it is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit on the medium is a second time that is longer than the first time, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generation unit when the second printing operation is performed in the second mode is greater than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generation unit when the second printing operation is performed in the first mode.

[0095] According to this, in the second mode, where the time until energy irradiation is longer than the first mode (second time), deodorization can be performed more quickly than in the first mode. For example, if the time until energy irradiation is longer than the first time, the odor caused by the discharged liquid becomes stronger. Therefore, in the second mode, such a strong odor can be quickly deodorized.

[0096] (Note 4) A printing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, comprising: an opening / closing section provided in the housing for exposing the medium to the outside of the housing; and an opening / closing detection section for detecting the opening and closing of the opening / closing section, wherein the airflow generating section continues to generate airflow inside the housing after the completion of at least one of the first printing operation and the second printing operation, and when the opening / closing detection section detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing section, the airflow generating section stops or reduces the generation of airflow inside the housing.

[0097] According to this, if the medium is exposed to the outside of the enclosure by opening and closing the opening / closing part, deodorization becomes unnecessary, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by stopping or reducing the generation of airflow inside the enclosure.

[0098] (Note 5) A printing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, comprising a media detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a medium placed in a predetermined position within the housing, wherein the airflow generating unit continues to generate airflow within the housing after the completion of at least one of the first printing operation and the second printing operation, and when the media detection unit no longer detects the medium, the airflow generating unit stops or reduces the generation of airflow within the housing.

[0099] According to this, once the media is gone from inside the enclosure, deodorization becomes unnecessary, and thus unnecessary power consumption can be reduced by stopping or decreasing the generation of airflow inside the enclosure.

[0100] (Note 6) A printing apparatus comprising a housing, a liquid discharge head disposed within the housing for discharging liquid, an energy discharge unit for emitting energy to harden the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge head, and an airflow generating unit for generating airflow within the housing, wherein the apparatus performs a printing operation in a first mode in which the time from when the liquid is discharged onto a medium disposed within the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy discharge unit is a first time, and a second mode in which the time from when the liquid is discharged onto a medium disposed within the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy discharge unit is a second time that is longer than the first time, and the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the second mode is greater than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the first mode.

[0101] According to this, in the second mode, where the time until energy irradiation is longer than the first mode (second time), deodorization can be performed more quickly than in the first mode. For example, if the time until energy irradiation is longer than the first time, the odor caused by the discharged liquid becomes stronger. Therefore, in the second mode, such a strong odor can be quickly deodorized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1…Printing device, 10…Housing, 10a…Front, 10b…Top, 10c…Bottom, 11…First cover, 11a…Cover body, 11b…Handle, 12…Display unit, 13…Bottom plate, 14…Open / close detection unit, 14A…Detection switch, 15…Media detection unit, 19…Second cover, 19a…Ventilation hole, 20…Deodorization unit, 21…Deodorization duct, 23…Air intake, 23a…First filter, 25…Main body, 25a… Base plate, 25b…Deodorizing component, 25c…Second filter, 27…Blower connection, 29…Blower, 29a…Discharge port, 30…Media support, 31…Table, 31m…Support surface, 34…Fall prevention plate, 40…Movement mechanism, 41…Horizontal axis, 42…Vertical axis, 50…Carriage, 51…Recording head, 52…Nozzle, 52C…Nozzle, 52M…Nozzle, 52Y…Nozzle, 52K…Nozzle, 52Wh… Nozzle, 52Vr…Nozzle, 53…Irradiation unit, 54…Liquid storage unit, 55…Ink cartridge, 55C…Ink cartridge, 55M…Ink cartridge, 55Y…Ink cartridge, 55K…Ink cartridge, 55Wh…Ink cartridge, 55Vr…Ink cartridge, 56…Pump, 60…Wiping unit, 60A…Case, 61…Wiper, 62…Cap mechanism, 63…Cap, 90…Control unit, 91…I / F, 92…Storage unit, 92A…Program, 92B…Setting information, Dr…Return direction, Ds…Feed direction, Dx…Main scanning direction, Dy…Sub-scanning direction, F0…Initial speed, F1…First fan speed, F2…Second fan speed, F3…Third fan speed, F4…Fourth fan speed, M…Media, t1…Time, t2…Time, t3…Time, t4…Time.

Claims

1. The casing and A liquid dispensing head is disposed within the housing and dispenses a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, The liquid discharge head discharges an energy discharge unit that emits energy to harden the liquid, The enclosure includes an airflow generating unit that generates airflow, Equipped with, A first printing operation is the operation in which the liquid dispensing head dispenses a first liquid onto a medium placed inside the housing, A second printing operation, in which the liquid discharge head discharges a second liquid onto the medium, Execute, The amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the first printing operation is made smaller than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit during the second printing operation. Printing device.

2. The first liquid is a colored ink, The second liquid is white ink, varnish ink, or a reaction solution. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second liquid is a varnish ink, The second printing operation described above is: A first mode in which the time from when the varnish ink is ejected by the liquid ejection head until it is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit on the medium is a first time, A second mode is characterized in that the time from when the varnish ink is ejected by the liquid ejection head until it is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit on the medium is longer than the first time, and It is performed by either one of the following: The amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the second printing operation is performed in the second mode is made greater than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the second printing operation is performed in the first mode. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The housing is provided with an opening / closing section that exposes the medium to the outside of the housing, An opening / closing detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the opening / closing part, Equipped with, The airflow generating unit continues to generate airflow within the housing after the completion of at least one of the first printing operation and the second printing operation. When the opening / closing detection unit detects the opening or closing of the opening / closing unit, the airflow generating unit stops or reduces the generation of airflow inside the housing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The enclosure includes a media detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a medium placed at a predetermined location within the enclosure, The airflow generating unit continues to generate airflow within the housing after the completion of at least one of the first printing operation and the second printing operation. When the media detection unit fails to detect the medium, the airflow generation unit stops or reduces the generation of airflow within the housing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The casing and A liquid dispensing head is arranged inside the aforementioned housing and dispenses liquid, The liquid discharge head discharges an energy discharge unit that emits energy to harden the liquid, The enclosure includes an airflow generating unit that generates airflow, Equipped with, A first mode is defined as the time from when the liquid is discharged onto a medium placed inside the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit, A second mode is characterized in that the time from when the liquid is discharged onto the medium placed inside the housing by the liquid discharge head until the medium is irradiated with energy by the energy emission unit is longer than the first time, and Perform the print operation using The amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the second mode is made greater than the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit when the printing operation is performed in the first mode. Printing device.

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