Printing device

Abstract

To prevent the mist of ink from scattering inside a printer 1.SOLUTION: A printer 1 comprises: a printing part 30 for discharging ink from an inkjet head 31 onto a medium M; and a mist suction part 40 for suctioning mist of the ink. The printing part 30 includes a first inkjet head, and a second inkjet head which is provided downstream of the first inkjet head in a conveyance direction H of the medium M. The mist suction part 40 includes: a first mist suction unit provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the conveyance direction H; a second mist suction unit provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the conveyance direction H; a first flow channel connecting a blower 50 and the first mist suction unit to each other; and a second flow channel connecting the blower 50 and a second mist suction unit to each other. Suction force of the second mist suction unit is stronger than suction force of the first mist suction unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for collecting the mist of ink generated from an inkjet head. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that uses a suction container to collect the mist of ink floating in the space between an inkjet ejection head and a platen drum. The printer of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a suction container downstream of each of a plurality of inkjet heads in the transport direction of the print medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-226699 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the printer of Patent Document 1, the more the ink ejection amount increases, the more the ink mist generated from the inkjet head increases, and therefore some of the ink mist may be generated that is not collected by the suction container. The ink mist that is not collected by the suction container flows in the print medium transport direction and can be collected by a suction container provided further downstream in the print medium transport direction. However, since the number of suction containers that can collect the ink mist decreases toward the downstream in the print medium transport direction, the further downstream the inkjet head that generated the ink mist is, the more likely it is that the ink mist will scatter within the printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention that solves the above problem relates to a printing device comprising: a transport unit that transports a print medium; a support member that supports the print medium transported by the transport unit; a printing unit having an inkjet head and that prints an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head onto the print medium supported by the support member; and a mist suction unit that sucks in a mist of the ink, wherein the printing unit has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in a transport direction of the print medium, and the mist suction unit has a first mist suction unit provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction and a second mist suction unit provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction, a first flow path that connects the first mist suction unit to a suction force generation unit that generates suction forces of the first mist suction unit and the second mist suction unit, and a second flow path that connects the suction force generation unit to the second mist suction unit, and the suction force of the second mist suction unit is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printer. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printer. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The printer 1 corresponds to an example of a printing device.

[0008] The printer 1 is an inkjet printer that has an inkjet head 31. The printer 1 prints images by ejecting ink onto a rolled medium M. The printer 1 receives print data from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), and performs printing based on the received print data. Examples of types of medium M include plain paper, high-quality paper, and synthetic resin film. The medium M corresponds to an example of a print medium.

[0009] The printer 1 includes a transport unit 10, a platen drum 20, a printing unit 30, and a mist suction unit 40. The platen drum 20 corresponds to an example of a support member.

[0010] The transport unit 10 transports the medium M in a transport direction H. The transport unit 10 includes a pay-out unit 11 that pays out the medium M to the printing unit 30, and a winding unit 12 that winds up the medium M printed by the printing unit 30.

[0011] The payout unit 11 supplies the media M to the platen drum 20. The payout unit 11 includes a payout spindle 111, driven rollers 112 and 114, and a payout roller pair 113. The payout spindle 111 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 by the power of a payout motor 116. A roll body 115 on which the media M is wound in a roll is attached to the payout spindle 111, and the media M is paid out from the roll body 115 by the rotation of the payout spindle 111. The driven roller 112 is provided between the payout spindle 111 and the payout roller pair 113 in the transport direction H. The media M paid out from the roll body 115 is wound around the driven roller 112. The payout roller pair 113 is provided between the driven roller 112 and the driven roller 114 in the transport direction H. The pay-out roller pair 113 has a pay-out drive roller 113A and a pay-out driven roller 113B. In the pay-out roller pair 113, the pay-out drive roller 113A rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 with the media M sandwiched between the pay-out drive roller 113A and the pay-out driven roller 113B. In this way, the pay-out roller pair 113 supplies the media M wound around the driven roller 112 to the platen drum 20. The driven roller 114 is provided between the pay-out roller pair 113 and the platen drum 20 in the transport direction H. The media M supplied to the platen drum 20 by the pay-out roller pair 113 is wound around the driven roller 114.

[0012] The platen drum 20 supports the media M fed from the feed unit 11. The platen drum 20 is a cylindrical drum that rotates about a rotation axis 21, supports the media M on its outer circumferential surface, and transports the media M in the transport direction H by rotating clockwise in FIG.

[0013] The printing unit 30 prints an image on the medium M supported by the platen drum 20 using an inkjet head 31. The printing unit 30 has a plurality of inkjet heads 31 with different ink colors. Each of the inkjet heads 31 is provided such that a nozzle surface faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20 with a predetermined gap provided between the inkjet heads 31 and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20.

[0014] Each of the inkjet heads 31 is a line-type head extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction H of the medium M. The printing unit 30 of this embodiment has an inkjet head 31 that ejects cyan ink, an inkjet head 31 that ejects magenta ink, an inkjet head 31 that ejects yellow ink, and an inkjet head 31 that ejects black ink.

[0015] Hereinafter, the inkjet head 31 that ejects cyan ink will be referred to as the "cyan head" and will be assigned the reference number "311." Additionally, the inkjet head 31 that ejects magenta ink will be referred to as the "magenta head" and will be assigned the reference number "312." Additionally, the inkjet head 31 that ejects yellow ink will be referred to as the "yellow head" and will be assigned the reference number "313." Additionally, the inkjet head 31 that ejects black ink will be referred to as the "black head" and will be assigned the reference number "314."

[0016] The inkjet heads 31 are provided in the following order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction H: cyan head 311, magenta head 312, yellow head 313, and black head 314. The ink ejected from each of the inkjet heads 31 is UV (Ultraviolet) ink that is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet light. Therefore, the printing unit 30 has a UV irradiator 32.

[0017] The UV irradiator 32 is provided with a predetermined gap between the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20 and such that the surface irradiated with UV light faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20. The UV irradiator 32 is provided between the black head 314 and the driven roller 121 in the transport direction H, and cures the inks ejected by the cyan head 311, the magenta head 312, the yellow head 313, and the black head 314.

[0018] The medium M on which an image has been printed by the printing unit 30 is taken up by the take-up unit 12. The winding section 12 has driven rollers 121 and 123, a winding roller pair 122, and a winding shaft 124. The driven roller 121 is provided between the platen drum 20 and the winding roller pair 122 in the transport direction H, and the medium M on which an image is printed by the printing section 30 is wound around the driven roller 121. The winding roller pair 122 is provided between the driven roller 121 and the driven roller 123 in the transport direction H. The winding roller pair 122 has a winding drive roller 122A and a winding driven roller 122B. In the winding roller pair 122, the winding drive roller 122A rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 with the medium M sandwiched between the winding drive roller 122A and the winding driven roller 122B. As a result, the winding roller pair 122 supplies the medium M wound around the driven roller 121 to the winding shaft 124. The driven roller 123 is provided between the winding roller pair 122 and the winding shaft 124 in the transport direction H, and the medium M supplied by the winding roller pair 122 is wound around the driven roller 123. The winding shaft 124 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 by the power of a winding motor 126. A roll body 125 is attached to the winding shaft 124, and the medium M is wound onto the roll body 125 by rotating the roll body 125.

[0019] The mist suction unit 40 sucks the ink mist generated from the inkjet head 31 by the mist suction device 41. The mist suction unit 40 has the mist suction devices 41 in a number corresponding to the number of the inkjet heads 31. The mist suction device 41 is connected to a mist suction tube 42 connected to the blower 50. The mist suction tube 42 forms a flow path through which the ink mist flows from the mist suction device 41 toward the blower 50. The mist suction device 41 is formed with a mist suction opening that sucks the ink mist. The mist suction device 41 sucks the ink mist through the mist suction opening by the suction force generated by the blower 50. The blower 50 includes a fan 51. The blower 50 generates a suction force for the mist suction device 41 by rotating the fan 51. The blower 50 generates the same suction force for each of the mist suction devices 41.

[0020] The mist suction unit 40 has a cyan mist suction device 411 and a cyan mist suction tube 421. The cyan mist suction device 411 is a mist suction device 41 provided corresponding to the cyan head 311. The cyan mist suction tube 421 is a mist suction tube 42 forming a flow path connecting the cyan mist suction device 411 and the blower 50. The cyan mist suction device 411 is provided between the cyan head 311 and the magenta head 312 in the conveying direction H. The cyan mist suction device 411 has a mist suction opening formed therein. The cyan mist suction device 411 is provided so that the mist suction opening faces the outer peripheral surface of the platen drum 20, and sucks in the mist of ink generated by the cyan head 311. The ink mist sucked by the cyan mist suction device 411 passes through the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421 and is collected by the blower 50.

[0021] The mist suction unit 40 has a magenta mist suction device 412 and a magenta mist suction tube 422. The magenta mist suction device 412 is a mist suction device 41 provided corresponding to the magenta head 312. The magenta mist suction tube 422 is a mist suction tube 42 that forms a flow path connecting the magenta mist suction device 412 and the blower 50. The magenta mist suction device 412 is provided between the magenta head 312 and the yellow head 313 in the conveying direction H. The magenta mist suction device 412 has a mist suction opening. The magenta mist suction device 412 is provided so that the mist suction opening faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20, and sucks in the ink mist generated by the cyan head 311 and the magenta head 312. The ink mist sucked by the magenta mist suction device 412 passes through a flow path formed by a magenta mist suction pipe 422 and is collected by the blower 50.

[0022] The mist suction unit 40 has a yellow mist suction device 413 and a yellow mist suction tube 423. The yellow mist suction device 413 is a mist suction device 41 provided corresponding to the yellow head 313. The yellow mist suction tube 423 is a mist suction tube 42 forming a flow path connecting the yellow mist suction device 413 and the blower 50. The yellow mist suction device 413 is provided between the yellow head 313 and the black head 314 in the conveying direction H. The yellow mist suction device 413 has a mist suction opening formed therein. The yellow mist suction device 413 is provided so that the mist suction opening faces the outer peripheral surface of the platen drum 20, and sucks the ink mist generated by the cyan head 311, the magenta head 312, and the yellow head 313. The ink mist sucked by the yellow mist suction device 413 passes through the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423 and is collected by the blower 50.

[0023] The mist suction unit 40 has a black mist suction device 414 and a black mist suction tube 424. The black mist suction device 414 is a mist suction device 41 provided in correspondence with the black head 314. The black mist suction tube 424 is a mist suction tube 42 forming a flow path connecting the black mist suction device 414 and the blower 50. The black mist suction device 414 is provided between the black head 314 and the UV irradiator 32 in the conveying direction H. The black mist suction device 414 has a mist suction opening formed therein. The black mist suction device 414 is provided so that the mist suction opening faces the outer peripheral surface of the platen drum 20, and sucks the ink mist generated by the cyan head 311, the magenta head 312, the yellow head 313, and the black head 314. The ink mist sucked by the black mist suction device 414 passes through the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 and is collected by the blower 50.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device 411, the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 412, the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device 413, and the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device 414 are the same in shape and opening area. Also, in the first embodiment, the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 each have the same inner diameter, and the inner diameter from the front end to the rear end is uniform.

[0025] Also, in the first embodiment, the length of the black mist suction tube 424 is shorter than the length of the yellow mist suction tube 423, which is shorter than the length of the magenta mist suction tube 422, which is shorter than the length of the cyan mist suction tube 421. That is, the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 is shorter than the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423, which is shorter than the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, and which is shorter than the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pressure loss of the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 is smaller than the pressure loss of the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the pressure loss in the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423 is smaller than the pressure loss in the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the pressure loss in the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422 is smaller than the pressure loss in the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421. In other words, in the first embodiment, the more downstream the mist suction device 41 is in the transport direction H, the greater the air volume that sucks in the ink mist.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a control unit 60, a transport unit 10, a printing unit 30, a blower 50, a communication unit 70, an input unit 80, and a display unit 90.

[0027] The control unit 60 includes a processor 600 that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-processing unit), and a memory 610. The control unit 60 controls each part of the printer 1 by the processor 600 reading and executing a control program 611 stored in the memory 610. The processor 600 executes the control program 611 stored in the memory 610, thereby functioning as a communication control unit 601, a blower control unit 602, and a print control unit 603.

[0028] The memory 610 stores the control program 610, other programs executed by the processor 600, and data processed by the processor 600. The memory 610 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 610 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the processor 600.

[0029] The transport unit 10 includes a payout unit 11 and a winding unit 12. The payout unit 11 includes a payout motor 116, a payout shaft 111, driven rollers 112 and 114, and a payout roller pair 113. The winding unit 12 includes a winding motor 126, a winding shaft 124, driven rollers 123 and 121, and a winding roller pair 122.

[0030] The printing unit 30 has four color inkjet heads 31 and a UV irradiator 32 .

[0031] The blower 50 rotates the fan 51 under the control of the control unit 60 to generate suction force for each mist suction device 41 .

[0032] The communication unit 70 is a communication interface including a communication circuit, a connector, etc., and communicates with an external device according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard of the communication unit 70 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0033] The input unit 80 includes input means such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided on the printer 1, detects operations performed by the user on the input means, and outputs the operations to the control unit 60. Based on the input from the input unit 80, the control unit 60 executes a process corresponding to the operation on the input means.

[0034] The display unit 90 includes a display, and displays information on the display according to the control of the control unit 60.

[0035] As described above, the processor 600 functions as a communication control unit 601 , a blower control unit 602 , and a print control unit 603 .

[0036] The communication control unit 601 communicates with an external device via the communication unit 70 .

[0037] The blower control unit 602 controls the driving of the blower 50. The blower control unit 602 starts and stops the driving of the blower 50. The blower control unit 602 changes the rotation speed of the fan 51 and changes the suction force generated by the blower 50 according to printing conditions such as the printing speed and the amount of ink ejected per unit time.

[0038] The print control unit 603 controls the transport unit 10 and the printing unit 30 to print an image on the medium M.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer 1.

[0040] The print control unit 603 determines whether or not to start printing (step SA1).

[0041] For example, when the communication control unit 601 receives print data from an external device, the print control unit 603 makes an affirmative determination in step SA1. Also, for example, when the input unit 80 detects an operation corresponding to a print instruction, the print control unit 603 makes an affirmative determination in step SA1.

[0042] When it is determined that printing should not be started (step SA1: NO), the print control unit 603 performs the determination of step SA1 again.

[0043] On the other hand, if the print control unit 603 determines that printing should be started (step SA1: YES), the blower control unit 602 starts driving the blower 50 (step SA2). The blower control unit 602 rotates the fan 51 at a number of rotations per unit time according to the printing conditions.

[0044] Next, when the blower control unit 602 starts driving the blower 50, the print control unit 603 starts printing (step SA3).

[0045] Next, the print control unit 603 determines whether or not to end the printing (step SA4).

[0046] For example, if all of the various data included in the print data has been processed, the print control unit 603 makes an affirmative determination in step SA4, and if the print data includes unprocessed data, the print control unit 603 makes a negative determination in step SA4.

[0047] If the print control unit 603 determines not to end the printing (step SA4: NO), it performs the determination in step SA4 again.

[0048] On the other hand, if the print control unit 603 determines that printing is to be ended (step SA4: YES), the blower control unit 602 stops driving the blower 50 (step SA5).

[0049] The above-described first embodiment provides the following advantages. The first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, and the third inkjet head used in the description of the effects of the first embodiment do not refer to a specific inkjet head 31. For example, when the first inkjet head refers to the magenta head 312, the second inkjet head refers to the yellow head 313, and the third inkjet head refers to the black head 314. Also, for example, when the first inkjet head refers to the cyan head 311, the second inkjet head refers to the magenta head 312, and the third inkjet head refers to the yellow head 313.

[0050] Furthermore, the first mist suction device, second mist suction device, and third mist suction device used in the description of the effects of the first embodiment do not refer to any particular mist suction device 41. For example, when the first mist suction device points to the magenta mist suction device 412, the second mist suction device points to the yellow mist suction device 413, and the third mist suction device points to the black mist suction device 414. Furthermore, when the first mist suction device points to the cyan mist suction device 411, the second mist suction device points to the magenta mist suction device 412, and the third mist suction device points to the yellow mist suction device 413. The first mist suction unit corresponds to an example of a first mist suction unit. The second mist suction unit corresponds to an example of a second mist suction unit. The third mist suction unit corresponds to an example of a third mist suction unit.

[0051] Moreover, the first flow path, second flow path, and third flow path used in the description of the effects of the first embodiment do not indicate flow paths formed by a specific mist suction tube 42. For example, when the first flow path indicates the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, the second flow path indicates the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the third flow path indicates the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424. Also, when the first flow path indicates the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421, the second flow path indicates the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the third flow path indicates the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423.

[0052] As described above, the printer 1 of the first embodiment includes a transport unit 10 that transports the medium M, a platen drum 20 that supports the medium M transported by the transport unit 10, a printing unit 30 that has an inkjet head 31 and prints an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 31 onto the medium M supported by the platen drum 20, and a mist suction unit 40 that sucks in a mist of ink. The printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head that is provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the media M. The mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first and second inkjet heads in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path that connects the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path that connects the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. The suction power of the second mist suction device is stronger than the suction power of the first mist suction device.

[0053] As a result, the suction force of the mist suction device 41 provided downstream in the transport direction H is stronger than the suction force of the mist suction device 41 provided upstream in the transport direction H. As a result, the printer 1 can increase the likelihood that the downstream mist suction device 41 can suck in ink mist that was not sucked in by the upstream mist suction device 41. The printer 1 can also increase the likelihood that the mist suction device 41 provided downstream of the inkjet head 31 can suck in ink mist generated from the downstream inkjet head 31. As a result, the printer 1 can prevent the generation of ink mist that is not sucked in by the mist suction device 41, and can prevent ink mist from scattering within the printer 1.

[0054] The pressure loss in the second flow path is smaller than the pressure loss in the first flow path.

[0055] This makes it possible to prevent the generation of ink mist that is not sucked in by the mist suction device 41, because the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided upstream. Therefore, the printer 1 can prevent ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1 with a simple configuration in which the pressure losses in the flow paths are different.

[0056] The length of the second flow path is shorter than the length of the first flow path.

[0057] With this, the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 located downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 located upstream, so that the simple configuration of different flow path lengths can prevent ink mist from scattering within the printer 1.

[0058] The printing unit 30 has a third inkjet head provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H. The second mist suction unit is provided between the second inkjet head and the third inkjet head in the transport direction H. The mist suction unit 40 is provided downstream of the third inkjet head and has a third mist suction device that sucks in ink mist, and a third flow path that connects the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, and a blower 50 that generates the suction force of the third mist suction device to the third mist suction device. The suction force of the third mist suction device is stronger than the suction force of the second mist suction device.

[0059] This increases the likelihood that the mist suction device 41 will be able to suck up the ink mist that flows downstream in the transport direction H, as the suction force of the mist suction device 41 is stronger toward the downstream in the transport direction H. This allows the printer 1 to better prevent the generation of ink mist that is not sucked up by the mist suction device 41, and better prevent the ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1.

[0060] The printer 1 is equipped with a blower 50 .

[0061] This makes it possible to prevent ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1 without changing the method for controlling the blower 50 provided in the printer 1.

[0062] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the printer 1 of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the inner diameters of a cyan mist suction tube 421, a magenta mist suction tube 422, a yellow mist suction tube 423, and a black mist suction tube 424 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the inner diameters of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 are equal to each other. In the second embodiment, the inner diameters of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 are different from each other. That is, in the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the mist suction tube 42 is different for each mist suction tube 42.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the inner diameter of the black mist suction tube 424 is larger than the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction tube 423, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction tube 423 is larger than the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction tube 422 is larger than the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction tube 421. In other words, in the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device 411, the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 411, the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device 413, and the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device 414 are the same in shape and opening area. Also, in the second embodiment, the inner diameter of each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is uniform from the front end to the rear end. Note that, in the second embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is the same length. That is, in the second embodiment, the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421, the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 are all the same length.

[0067] The second embodiment provides the following advantages. The first and second inkjet heads used in the description of the effects of the second embodiment do not indicate a specific inkjet head 31, similar to the first and second inkjet heads used in the description of the effects of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first mist suction device and the second mist suction device used in explaining the effects of the first embodiment, like the first mist suction device and the second mist suction device used in explaining the effects of the first embodiment, do not refer to a specific mist suction device 41. Furthermore, the first flow path and the second flow path used in explaining the effects of the second embodiment, like the first flow path and the second flow path used in explaining the effects of the first embodiment, do not refer to flow paths formed in a specific mist suction tube 42.

[0068] In the second embodiment, the printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the second embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first and second inkjet heads in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path connecting the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path connecting the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. In the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path.

[0069] As a result, the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided upstream, thereby preventing the generation of ink mist that is not sucked in by the mist suction device 41. Therefore, the printer 1 of the second embodiment can prevent ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1 with a simple configuration in which the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths are different.

[0070] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the printer 1 of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the size of the mist suction opening.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device 411, the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 412, the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device 413, and the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device 414 have the same shape and opening area. In the third embodiment, the opening area of ​​the mist suction opening differs for each of the cyan mist suction device 411, the magenta mist suction device 412, the yellow mist suction device 413, and the black mist suction device 414. That is, in the third embodiment, the size of the mist suction opening differs for each of the cyan mist suction device 411, the magenta mist suction device 412, the yellow mist suction device 413, and the black mist suction device 414.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device 414 is larger than the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device 413, which is larger than the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 412, which is larger than the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device 411.

[0074] In the third embodiment, the inner diameter of each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is uniform from the front end to the rear end. In the third embodiment, the inner diameter of each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is the same as each other. In the third embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is the same as each other. That is, in the third embodiment, the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 421, the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 are the same as each other.

[0075] The third embodiment provides the following advantages. The first inkjet head, second inkjet head, first mist suction device, second mist suction device, first flow path, and second flow path used in the description of the effects of the third embodiment are similar to those in the description of the effects of the first embodiment, and do not indicate any specific objects.

[0076] Furthermore, the first opening and second opening used in the explanation of the effects of the third embodiment do not refer to the mist suction opening formed in a specific mist suction device 41. For example, if the first opening refers to the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 412, the second opening refers to the mist suction opening formed by the yellow mist suction device 413. Also, for example, if the first opening refers to the mist suction opening formed by the yellow mist suction device 413, the second opening refers to the mist suction opening formed by the black mist suction device 414.

[0077] In the third embodiment, the printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. Also, in the third embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path connecting the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path connecting the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. The first mist suction device has a first opening that sucks in the mist of ink. The second mist suction device has a second opening that sucks in the mist of ink. In the third embodiment, the second opening is larger than the first opening.

[0078] As a result, the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the suction air volume of the mist suction device 41 provided upstream. This allows the printer 1 to prevent the generation of ink mist that is not sucked in by the mist suction device 41. Therefore, the printer 1 of the third embodiment can prevent ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1 with a simple configuration in which the mist suction openings are different sizes.

[0079] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the printer 1 of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the printer 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. 5 and 1, in the printer 1 of the fourth embodiment, a valve 43 is provided in each mist suction pipe 42. The valve 43 is an on-off valve, and controls the flow rate of the flow path formed by the mist suction pipe 42 that is installed.

[0081] In the following description, the valve 43 provided in the cyan mist suction pipe 421 is referred to as the "cyan mist suction control valve" and is given the reference number "431". Additionally, the valve 43 provided in the magenta mist suction pipe 422 is referred to as the "magenta mist suction control valve" and is given the reference number "432". Additionally, the valve 43 provided in the yellow mist suction pipe 423 is referred to as the "yellow mist suction control valve" and is given the reference number "433". Additionally, the valve 43 provided in the black mist suction pipe 424 is referred to as the "black mist suction control valve" and is given the reference number "434".

[0082] The opening and closing amount of each of the cyan mist suction control valve 431, the magenta mist suction control valve 432, the yellow mist suction control valve 433, and the black mist suction control valve 434 is adjusted by the control unit 60.

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device 411, the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device 412, the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device 413, and the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device 414 are all the same in shape and opening area. In the fourth embodiment, the inner diameter of each of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 is uniform from the front end to the rear end. In the fourth embodiment, the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction tube 422, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the inner diameter of the black mist suction tube 424 are all the same. In the fourth embodiment, the length of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the length of the magenta mist suction tube 422, the length of the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the length of the black mist suction tube 424 are the same as each other.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 2, the processor 600 of the fourth embodiment functions as a communication control unit 601, a blower control unit 602, a print control unit 603, and a valve control unit 604.

[0085] The valve control unit 604 controls the opening and closing amounts of the cyan mist suction control valve 431, the magenta mist suction control valve 432, the yellow mist suction control valve 433, and the black mist suction control valve 434. The valve control unit 604 controls the opening and closing amounts of the cyan mist suction control valve 431, the magenta mist suction control valve 432, the yellow mist suction control valve 433, and the black mist suction control valve 434 at a predetermined timing, such as before printing starts or when the power is turned on. The valve control unit 604 makes the opening and closing amount of the magenta mist suction control valve 432 larger than that of the cyan mist suction control valve 431. In addition, the valve control unit 604 makes the opening and closing amount of the yellow mist suction control valve 433 larger than that of the magenta mist suction control valve 432. In addition, the valve control unit 604 makes the opening and closing amount of the black mist suction control valve 434 larger than that of the yellow mist suction control valve 433.

[0086] The fourth embodiment provides the following advantages. The first inkjet head, second inkjet head, first mist suction device, second mist suction device, first flow path, and second flow path used in the description of the effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those in the description of the effects of the first embodiment, and do not indicate any specific objects.

[0087] Moreover, the first valve and the second valve used in the explanation of the effects of the fourth embodiment do not indicate a specific valve 43. For example, when the first valve indicates the magenta mist suction control valve 432, the second valve indicates the yellow mist suction control valve 433. Also, when the first valve indicates the cyan mist suction control valve 431, the second valve indicates the magenta mist suction control valve 432.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment, the printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the fourth embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path connecting the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path connecting the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. In the fourth embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first valve provided in the first flow path and a second valve provided in the second flow path. The printer 1 of the fourth embodiment includes a control unit 60 that makes the opening and closing amount of the second valve larger than the opening and closing amount of the first valve.

[0089] As a result, the printer 1 of the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the printer 1 of the first embodiment.

[0090] [Fifth embodiment] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer 1 according to the fifth embodiment. 7 and 1, the printing unit 30 of the printer 1 of the fifth embodiment has an inkjet head 31 that ejects white ink. Hereinafter, the inkjet head 31 that ejects white ink will be referred to as the "white head" and will be given the reference number "315." In the fifth embodiment, the white head 315 corresponds to an example of a third inkjet head.

[0091] The white head 315 is a line-type head, like the other inkjet heads 31. The white head 315 is provided with a predetermined gap between it and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20, with the nozzle surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20. The white head 315 is also provided upstream of the cyan head 311 in the transport direction H. The ink ejected by the white head 315 is UV ink.

[0092] The printing unit 30 of the fifth embodiment has a UV irradiator 33. The UV irradiator 33 is provided with a predetermined gap from the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20, with the UV light irradiation surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20. The UV irradiator 32 is provided between the white head 315 and the cyan head 311 in the transport direction H, and cures the ink ejected by the white head 315.

[0093] The mist suction unit 40 of the fifth embodiment further includes a white mist suction device 415 and a white mist suction tube 425 in addition to the mist suction device 41 and the mist suction tube 42 of the first embodiment. The white mist suction device 415 is a mist suction device 41 provided in correspondence with the white head 315. The white mist suction tube 425 is a mist suction tube 42 that forms a flow path connecting the white mist suction device 415 and the blower 50. The white mist suction device 415 is provided between the white head 315 and the UV irradiator 33 in the conveying direction H. The white mist suction device 415 has a mist suction opening formed therein. The white mist suction device 415 is provided so that the mist suction opening faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum 20, and sucks in the mist of ink generated by the white head 315. The ink mist sucked by the white mist suction device 415 passes through a flow path formed by a white mist suction pipe 425 and is collected by the blower 50. In the fifth embodiment, the white mist suction device 415 corresponds to an example of a third mist suction unit. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the flow path formed by the white mist suction pipe 425 corresponds to an example of a third flow path.

[0094] In the fifth embodiment, the mist suction openings of each mist suction device 41 have the same shape and opening area. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the length of the white mist suction tube 425, the length of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the length of the magenta mist suction tube 422, the length of the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the length of the black mist suction tube 424 are the same. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the white mist suction tube 425, the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the black mist suction tube 424 each have a uniform inner diameter from the front end to the rear end.

[0095] In the fifth embodiment, the inner diameter of the black mist suction tube 424 is larger than the inner diameters of the white mist suction tube 425, the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the yellow mist suction tube 423. Also, the inner diameter of the white mist suction tube 425 is larger than the inner diameters of the cyan mist suction tube 421, the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the yellow mist suction tube 423. Also, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction tube 423 is larger than the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction tube 422, and the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction tube 422 is larger than the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction tube 421.

[0096] The white head 315 is an inkjet head 31 that prints a background image on the medium M. The background image is a base image for an image printed by an inkjet head 31 other than the white head 315. The background image is often printed over a wider range than an image printed by an inkjet head 31 other than the white head 315. Therefore, the amount of ink discharged per unit time by the white head 315 is greater than the amount of ink discharged per unit time by the inkjet heads 31 other than the white head 315. Therefore, by making the suction force of the white mist suction device 415 stronger than the cyan mist suction device 411, the magenta mist suction device 412, and the yellow mist suction device 413, it is possible to suppress the white ink mist from flowing downstream in the transport direction H.

[0097] In the fifth embodiment, the means for varying the inner diameter of the mist suction tube 42 is exemplified as the means for varying the suction power of the mist suction device 41. However, the means for varying the suction power of the mist suction tube 42 may be a means for varying the length of the mist suction tube 42 or a means for varying the size of the mist suction opening of the mist suction device 41.

[0098] According to the above-described fifth embodiment, the following effects are achieved. The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head used in the description of the effects of the fifth embodiment do not indicate a specific inkjet head 31, but indicate any of the inkjet heads 31 other than the white head 315. Further, the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, the first flow path, and the second flow path used in the description of the effects of the fifth embodiment are similar to those in the description of the effects of the first embodiment, and do not indicate any specific objects.

[0099] In the fifth embodiment, the printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the fifth embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path connecting the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path connecting the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. The suction force of the second mist suction unit is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction unit. The printing unit 30 of the fifth embodiment further has a white head 315. The mist suction unit 40 of the fifth embodiment is provided between the white head 315 and the first inkjet head in the transport direction H, and further includes a white mist suction unit 415 that sucks in ink mist, and a flow path formed by a white mist suction pipe 425 that connects the blower 50 and the white mist suction unit 415. The suction force of the white mist suction unit 415 is weaker than that of the second mist suction unit, but stronger than that of the first mist suction unit. The amount of ink ejected from the white head 315 is greater than that of the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head.

[0100] This makes it possible to prevent the generation of ink mist that is not sucked in by the mist suction device 41, even in a configuration in which a large amount of ink mist can flow from upstream in the transport direction H. It also makes it possible to prevent the ink mist generated from the white head 315 from flowing downstream of the white head 315 and adhering to the printing medium or other inkjet heads 31. Therefore, even in a configuration in which a large amount of ink mist can flow from upstream in the transport direction H, the printer 1 can further prevent the ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1, and also ensures print quality.

[0101] [Sixth embodiment] Regarding the configuration of each part of the printer 1 of the sixth embodiment, the same components as those of the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The printer 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the suction power of the ink mist increases in the order of the cyan mist suction device 411, the magenta mist suction device 412, the yellow mist suction device 413, and the black mist suction device 414. In the printer 1 of the sixth embodiment, at least two mist suction devices 41 of the cyan mist suction device 411, the magenta mist suction device 412, and the yellow mist suction device 413 have the same suction power. Also, in the printer 1 of the sixth embodiment, the mist suction device 41 provided downstream of the mist suction device 41 with the same suction power has a stronger suction power than the mist suction device 41 with the same suction power.

[0103] In the sixth embodiment, the suction force of the mist suction device 41 is determined by at least one of the length of the mist suction tube 42, the inner diameter of the mist suction tube 42, and the size of the mist suction opening formed in the mist suction device 41.

[0104] According to the above-described sixth embodiment, the following effects are achieved. The first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, and the third inkjet head used in the description of the effects of the sixth embodiment do not refer to a specific inkjet head 31. For example, when the first inkjet head refers to the magenta head 312, the second inkjet head refers to the black head 314 or the yellow head 313, and the third inkjet head refers to the cyan head 311.

[0105] Further, the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, and the third mist suction device used in the description of the effects of the sixth embodiment do not refer to a specific mist suction device 41. For example, when the first mist suction device refers to the magenta mist suction device 412, the second mist suction device refers to the black mist suction device 414 or the yellow mist suction device 413, and the third mist suction device refers to the cyan mist suction device 411.

[0106] In addition, the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path used in the explanation of the effects of the sixth embodiment do not indicate the flow paths formed by a specific mist suction tube. For example, when the first flow path indicates the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction tube 422, the second flow path indicates the flow path formed by the black mist suction tube 424 or the yellow mist suction tube 423, and the third flow path indicates the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction tube 412.

[0107] In the sixth embodiment, the printing unit 30 has a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the sixth embodiment, the mist suction unit 40 has a first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, a first flow path connecting the blower 50 and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path connecting the blower 50 and the second mist suction device. The suction force of the second mist suction unit is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction unit. The printing unit 30 of the sixth embodiment further has a third inkjet head provided upstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H. The mist suction section 40 of the sixth embodiment is provided between the third inkjet head and the first inkjet head in the transport direction H, and further includes a third mist suction device that sucks in ink mist, and a third flow path that connects the third mist suction device to a blower 50 that generates the suction force of the third mist suction device. In the sixth embodiment, the suction force of the third mist suction device is the same as the suction force of the first mist suction device.

[0108] According to this, the suction force of the mist suction device 41 provided downstream of the mist suction device 41 with the same suction force is greater than the suction force of the mist suction device 41 with the same suction force, and so the same effect as the first embodiment is achieved. Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, even in a configuration equipped with multiple mist suction devices 41 with the same suction force, it is possible to prevent ink mist from scattering inside the printer 1.

[0109] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of applications of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0110] In each of the above-described embodiments, the printer 1 is configured to include a blower 50. However, the printer 1 may be configured not to include a blower 50, and the ink mist may be collected by a blower 50 installed outside the printer 1.

[0111] In each of the above-described embodiments, the blower 50 is exemplified as the suction force generating unit. However, the suction force generating unit is not limited to the blower 50 as long as it is capable of generating the suction force of the mist suction device 41.

[0112] In each of the above-described embodiments, the printer 1 in which the medium M is supported by the platen drum 20 has been exemplified as the printing device. However, the printing device is not limited to this type of printer 1. The printing device may be a printing device that has a platen as a support member that flattens and supports the medium M so that it is perpendicular to the ink ejection direction of the inkjet head 31. In addition, the printing device is not limited to a printing device that prints on a roll-shaped medium M, and may be a printing device that prints on a non-roll-shaped printing medium such as cut paper or fabric.

[0113] In each of the above-described embodiments, the unwinding unit 11 and the winding unit 12 may further include one or more rollers. The rollers further included in the unwinding unit 11 and the winding unit 12 may be a driving roller, a driven roller, or both.

[0114] In the fifth embodiment, the white head 315 is exemplified as the inkjet head 31 that prints the rear image, but the inkjet head 31 that prints the rear image may be an inkjet head 31 that ejects ink of a color other than white.

[0115] In the above-described embodiments, the cyan head 311, magenta head 312, yellow head 313, and black head 315 are exemplified as inkjet heads 31 that print images other than rear images. However, the printer 1 may be configured to include inkjet heads 31 that eject ink of colors other than CMYK. When the printer 1 is configured to include inkjet heads 31 that eject ink of colors other than CMYK, the printer 1 includes a mist suction device 41 provided for each inkjet head 31 downstream in the transport direction H of the inkjet head 31.

[0116] The communication control unit 601, the blower control unit 602, the print control unit 603, and the valve control unit 604 may be realized by multiple processors or multiple semiconductor chips.

[0117] The units shown in Figures 2 and 6 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each unit individually, and it is of course possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other units of the printer 1 can also be changed as desired.

[0118] The step units of the operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the operation easy to understand, and the present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The operation may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] Reference Signs List 1... printer (printing device), 10... transport section, 11... pay-out section, 12... winding section, 20... platen drum (support member), 21... rotating shaft, 30... printing section, 31... inkjet head, 32... UV irradiator, 40... mist suction section, 41... mist suction device, 42... mist suction tube, 43... valve, 50... blower (suction force generating section), 51... fan, 60... control section, 111... pay-out shaft, 112... driven rotor roller, 113... pay-out roller pair, 113A... pay-out drive roller, 113B... pay-out driven roller, 114... driven roller, 115... roll body, 121... driven roller, 122... winding roller pair, 122A... winding drive roller, 122B... winding driven roller, 123... driven roller, 124... winding shaft, 125... roll body, 311... cyan head, 312... magenta head, 313... Yellow head, 314...black head, 315...white head, 411...cyan mist suction device, 412...magenta mist suction device, 413...yellow mist suction device, 414...black mist suction device, 415...white mist suction device, 421...cyan mist suction tube, 422...magenta mist suction tube, 423...yellow mist suction tube, 424...black mist suction tube, 425...white mist suction tube, 431...cyan mist suction control valve, 432...magenta mist suction control valve, 433...yellow mist suction control valve, 434...black mist suction control valve, 600...processor, 601...communication control unit, 602...blower control unit, 603...printing control unit, 604...valve control unit, 610...memory, 611...control program, H...transport direction, M...media (printing medium).

Claims

1. A transport unit that transports the print medium; a support member that supports the print medium transported by the transport unit; a printing unit having an inkjet head and configured to print an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head onto the print medium supported by the support member; a mist suction unit that sucks the mist of the ink, the printing unit has a first inkjet head, a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in a transport direction of the print medium, a third inkjet head provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction, and a fourth inkjet head provided downstream of the third inkjet head in the transport direction, the first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, the third inkjet head, and the fourth inkjet head eject ink of a color different from that of the other inkjet heads, among cyan, magenta, yellow, and black; the mist suction unit has: a first mist suction unit provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction; a second mist suction unit provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction; a third mist suction unit provided downstream of the third inkjet head in the transport direction; a fourth mist suction unit provided downstream of the fourth inkjet head in the transport direction; a first flow path connecting the first mist suction unit to a suction force generation unit that generates suction forces of the first mist suction unit and the second mist suction unit; a second flow path connecting the suction force generation unit to the second mist suction unit; a third flow path connecting the suction force generation unit to the third mist suction unit; and a fourth flow path connecting the suction force generation unit to the fourth mist suction unit, a suction force of each of the first mist suction unit, the second mist suction unit, the third mist suction unit, and the fourth mist suction unit is stronger toward the downstream side in the conveying direction; Printing device.

2. The pressure loss in the fourth flow path is smaller than the pressure loss in the third flow path, A pressure loss in the third flow path is smaller than a pressure loss in the second flow path, The pressure loss in the second flow path is smaller than the pressure loss in the first flow path. The printing device of claim 1 .

3. The length of the fourth flow path is shorter than the length of the third flow path, The length of the third flow path is shorter than the length of the second flow path, The length of the second flow path is shorter than the length of the first flow path. The printing device according to claim 2 .

4. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path, The cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path, The cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path.

4. The printing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the first mist suction section has a first opening that sucks in the ink mist, the second mist suction section has a second opening that sucks in the ink mist, the third mist suction section has a third opening that sucks in the ink mist, the fourth mist suction section has a fourth opening that sucks in the ink mist, The fourth opening is larger than the third opening, The third opening is larger than the second opening, The second opening is larger than the first opening. The printing device according to claim 1 .

6. The mist suction unit has a first valve provided in the first flow path, a second valve provided in the second flow path, a third valve provided in the third flow path, and a fourth valve provided in the fourth flow path, a control unit that makes the opening / closing amount of the fourth valve larger than the opening / closing amount of the third valve, makes the opening / closing amount of the third valve larger than the opening / closing amount of the second valve, and makes the opening / closing amount of the second valve larger than the opening / closing amount of the first valve, The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The suction force generating unit is provided. The printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

Images