Printer

Abstract

To perform printing by rotating a printing object regardless of the weight of the printing object in which the outer peripheral shape of at least a portion thereof is the columnar shape.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: a support base 50; a movement mechanism 55; and a rotation mechanism 60. The support base 50 has a support surface 51 which supports a printing object 6 in which the outer peripheral shape of at least a portion thereof is the columnar shape. The movement mechanism 55 is the mechanism which moves the support base 50 in the first direction X. The rotation mechanism 60 restricts the movement in the first direction X of the printing object 6 when moving the support base 50 in the first direction X, and generates the friction force between the printing object 6 supported by the support surface 51 and the support surface 51 to rotate the printing object 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, and more particularly to a printer capable of rotating and printing on a printing medium having at least a portion of a cylindrical outer periphery. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device equipped with a print head and a movable table. A printing substrate having a flat surface is supported on the table, and the printing substrate is printed by moving the table in the X-axis direction.

[0003] The printing device can print cylindrical substrates in addition to substrates having flat surfaces. A cylindrical printing tool is used when printing cylindrical substrates. The cylindrical printing tool has a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft extending in the Y-axis direction, and a movable part that rotatably supports the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft and can be raised and lowered. The first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The cylindrical substrate is arranged between the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft so that the central axis extends in the Y-axis direction, and is supported by the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft. The first rotation shaft is configured to be able to contact the table by the weight of the cylindrical substrate and the movable part.

[0004] According to the above printing device, when the table moves in the X-axis direction while the first rotation shaft is in contact with the table, the first rotation shaft rotates in conjunction with the movement of the table. The rotation of the first rotation shaft rotates the cylindrical substrate supported between the first and second rotation shafts. By ejecting ink from the print head while rotating the cylindrical substrate, printing can be performed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical substrate. In this way, in the above printing device, the force of the movement of the table in the X-axis direction is used to rotate the cylindrical substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6351872 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, in the printing device, the first rotating shaft and the table are brought into contact with each other by the weight of the cylindrical substrate and the movable part. Therefore, for example, if the cylindrical substrate is relatively heavy, the first rotating shaft and the table can be brought into contact with each other to rotate the cylindrical substrate. However, in the case of a relatively light substrate, it is sometimes difficult to bring the first rotating shaft and the table into contact with each other. As a result, it is difficult to properly rotate the cylindrical substrate, and there is a risk that the substrate cannot be properly printed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and its object is to provide a printer that can rotate and print on a substrate, at least a portion of which has a cylindrical outer periphery, regardless of the weight of the substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The printer according to the present invention includes a support table, a movement mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The support table has a support surface that supports a printing substrate having at least a portion of a cylindrical outer periphery. The movement mechanism moves the support table in a first direction. When the support table is moved in the first direction, the rotation mechanism restricts the movement of the printing substrate in the first direction and generates a frictional force between the printing substrate supported on the support surface and the support surface, thereby rotating the printing substrate.

[0009] According to the printer, when the support table is moving in the first direction, the movement of the printing material supported on the support surface is restricted by the rotation mechanism. Therefore, the printing material rotates due to the frictional force generated between the support surface and the printing material. Therefore, unlike the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which the weight of the printing material and the movable part brings the first rotation shaft into contact with the table, the printing material can be rotated by utilizing the frictional force between the support surface and the printing material. Therefore, regardless of the weight of the printing material, the printing material can be rotated and printing can be performed on the peripheral surface of the printing material. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that can rotate and print on a printing medium, regardless of the weight of the printing medium, at least a portion of which has a cylindrical outer periphery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the printer according to the embodiment, illustrating a state in which a first printing material is supported on a support table. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation mechanism and the support base taken along the VV cross section of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described here is, of course, not intended to limit the present invention in any particular way. Also, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts that perform the same functions, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. Here, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. Furthermore, the symbols X, Y, and Z indicate the sub-scanning direction, main scanning direction, and height direction, respectively. For example, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The sub-scanning direction X crosses in a plan view and is orthogonal here. The sub-scanning direction X is, for example, the front-rear direction. The height direction Z is the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is an example of the second direction, and the sub-scanning direction X is an example of the first direction. However, these directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation, and do not limit the present invention and the installation mode of the printer 10 in any way.

[0014] The printer 10 is an inkjet printer. However, there is no particular limitation on the printing method of the printer 10. The printer 10 may be, for example, a dot impact printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer.

[0015] The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is capable of printing on a first substrate 5 (see FIG. 2) supported by a support table 50 (see FIG. 2) described later. Furthermore, the printer 10 is also capable of printing on a second substrate 6 (see FIG. 5) by using a rotation mechanism 60 (see FIG. 3) described later. Here, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first substrate 5 is supported by the support table 50. The first substrate 5 shown in FIG. 2 has at least a flat surface extending in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X in at least a part thereof. The first substrate 5 is, for example, a recording paper. However, the first substrate 5 is not limited to a recording paper. For example, the first substrate 5 includes a relatively thick object such as a sheet formed from a resin material such as PCV or polyester, a metal plate, a glass plate, or a wooden plate. The first substrate 5 may also be a three-dimensional object such as a smartphone case.

[0016] The second substrate 6 shown in FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional object having at least a part of a cylindrical outer periphery. Here, the part of the second substrate 6 refers to the part that contacts the rotation mechanism 60 (more specifically, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 (see FIG. 5) described later). The second substrate 6 includes a three-dimensional object having an internal space, such as a cylindrical three-dimensional object. The type of the second substrate 6 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a bottle or a cup. The material forming the second substrate 6 is also not particularly limited. The second substrate 6 may be made of glass, resin, or wood. In this embodiment, the second substrate 6 is an example of the "substrate having at least a part of a cylindrical outer periphery" of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer body 20. The printer body 20 includes a base portion 21 (see FIG. 2), a case 22, and a cover 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 21 is a plate-like member and constitutes the bottom of the printer body 20. The shape of the base portion 21 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is a hexagonal shape with both left and right corners of a rectangular member cut off in a plan view. An installation hole 25 in which a support stand 50 is installed is formed in the center of the base portion 21 in the main scanning direction Y. This installation hole 25 has a rectangular shape that is longer in the sub-scanning direction X than in the main scanning direction Y.

[0018] In this embodiment, the printer body 20 has a support wall 26 and an inner wall 27 that rise from the base portion 21. The support wall 26 extends in the sub-scanning direction X and the height direction Z. Here, the support wall 26 has a left support wall 26L disposed to the left of the support stand 50 and a right support wall 26R disposed to the right of the support stand 50. The left support wall 26L and the right support wall 26R are disposed along the edge of the installation hole 25. The left support wall 26L and the right support wall 26R face each other across the support stand 50 and are fixed to the printer body 20 (specifically, the base portion 21).

[0019] The inner wall 27 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the height direction Z behind the support wall 26. An opening (not shown) penetrating the inner wall 27 in the sub-scanning direction X is formed in the inner wall 27. The support base 50 is configured to be able to pass through the opening of the inner wall 27 when moving in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0020] The case 22 shown in Fig. 1 is disposed on the base portion 21 and supported by the base portion 21. Here, a space is surrounded by the case 22 and the base portion 21, and printing is performed in this space. In this embodiment, a support wall 26 and an inner wall 27 are disposed in the space surrounded by the case 22 and the base portion 21. As shown in Fig. 1, an opening 28 is formed in the front portion of the case 22.

[0021] The cover 24 is supported by the case 22 so that the opening 28 can be freely opened and closed. The cover 24 is configured to be rotatable, for example, around an axis at the rear end. A window 29 is provided at the top of the cover 24. The window 29 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent member, for example, an acrylic plate. The user can view the internal space surrounded by the case 22 and the base part 21 through the window 29.

[0022] Next, the internal configuration of the printer 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 10 includes a guide rail 30, a carriage 42, an ink head 44, a head moving mechanism 45, a support stand 50, and a support stand moving mechanism 55. The guide rail 30 extends in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the guide rail 30 is supported on the front surface of the inner wall 27, and is disposed above the support stand 50. The guide rail 30 is also disposed above the support wall 26.

[0023] The carriage 42 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 30. The carriage 42 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 30. The ink head 44 is provided on the carriage 42 so that its bottom surface is exposed downward. The number of ink heads 44 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the number of ink heads 44 is three. The three ink heads 44 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are formed on the bottom surface of the ink head 44.

[0024] Here, the ink ejected from the ink head 44 is so-called ultraviolet curable ink. The ultraviolet curable ink is ink whose curing is promoted when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Although not shown, the carriage 42 may be provided with an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the ink ejected from the ink head 44 onto the first substrate 5 or the second substrate 6. The ultraviolet irradiation device is provided to the left or right of the ink head 44. In this way, the curing of the ink ejected from the ink head 44 is promoted by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0025] The head moving mechanism 45 is a mechanism for moving the carriage 42 and the ink head 44 in the main scanning direction Y. The configuration of the head moving mechanism 45 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the head moving mechanism 45 includes left and right pulleys 46 and 47, an endless belt 48, and a head motor 49. The left pulley 46 is provided around the left end of the guide rail 30. The right pulley 47 is provided around the right end of the guide rail 30. The belt 48 is wound around the left and right pulleys 46 and 47. The carriage 42 is fixed to the belt 48. The head motor 49 is connected to, for example, the right pulley 47. Here, the head motor 49 is driven to rotate the right pulley 47, and the belt 48 runs between the left and right pulleys 46 and 47. As the belt 48 runs, the carriage 42 and the ink head 44 move in the main scanning direction Y.

[0026] The support table 50 has a support surface 51 that selectively supports either the first substrate 5 or the second substrate 6 (see FIG. 5). Here, for example, the support surface 51 supporting the second substrate 6 includes a case where the second substrate 6 is directly placed on the support surface 51, as well as a case where the second substrate 6 is indirectly placed via another member (for example, a friction sheet 80 (see FIG. 4) described later). The support surface 51 is a surface that spreads in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X, and constitutes the upper surface of the support table 50. Printing on the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 is performed on the support surface 51. The support surface 51 is disposed below the guide rail 30, the carriage 42, and the ink head 44. Here, the support table 50 is disposed in an installation hole 25 formed in the base portion 21. The support table 50 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction X by a support table moving mechanism 55 within the installation hole 25.

[0027] As described above, the support table moving mechanism 55 is a mechanism for moving the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X (here, the front-rear direction). In this embodiment, the support table moving mechanism 55 is an example of a moving mechanism. The configuration of the support table moving mechanism 55 is not particularly limited. Here, the support table moving mechanism 55 includes a support table carriage 56 that supports the support table 50, and a pair of left and right slide rails (not shown) that slidably support the support table carriage 56 and extend in the sub-scanning direction X. Although not shown, the support table moving mechanism 55 further includes a pair of front and rear pulleys provided in front and behind the slide rails, and a belt wound around the pair of front and rear pulleys. The support table carriage 56 is fixed to this belt. A feed motor is connected to one of the pair of front and rear pulleys. Here, the feed motor is driven to run the belt, and the support table 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction X together with the support table carriage 56.

[0028] Although detailed description is omitted, the support table 50 is provided with a lifting mechanism that moves the support table 50 in the height direction Z. In other words, the support table 50 is configured to be able to rise and fall. This lifting mechanism makes it possible to adjust the distance between the first substrate 5 or the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 and the lower surface of the ink head 44.

[0029] In this embodiment, when printing is performed on the first substrate 5, as shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 5 is supported on the support surface 51 of the support table 50. Then, while the head moving mechanism 45 is operated to move the ink head 44 in the main scanning direction Y, ink is ejected from the ink head 44 toward the first substrate 5 to print one line. After printing one line, the support table moving mechanism 55 moves the support table 50 supporting the first substrate 5 a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. Then, the ink head 44 is moved in the main scanning direction Y to print the next line. In this way, the printing of one line and the movement of the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X are alternately and repeatedly performed, thereby printing the first substrate 5.

[0030] As described above, the printer 10 according to this embodiment is capable of printing on the second printing substrate 6, at least a portion of which has a cylindrical outer periphery, in addition to the first printing substrate 5.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the rotation mechanism 60 and the support table 50. FIG. 4 is a front view of the rotation mechanism 60 and the support table 50. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation mechanism 60 and the support table 50 in the VV section of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the printer 10 includes a rotation mechanism 60. The rotation mechanism 60 is a mechanism for rotating the second substrate 6 about the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6. Printing is performed on the second substrate 6 while rotating the second substrate 6 on the support surface 51 using this rotation mechanism 60. Here, the rotation mechanism 60 rotates the second substrate 6 by converting the force of linear movement in the sub-scanning direction X of the support table 50 into a force of rotation of the second substrate 6. In other words, the second substrate 6 is rotated by utilizing the driving force of the support table movement mechanism 55 (see FIG. 2) that moves the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X and the frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51. Here, the frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 is generated by restricting the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X when the support table 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation mechanism 60 includes a first shaft 61, a second shaft 62, a support member 70, and a friction sheet 80. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 regulate the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X so that the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 does not move in the sub-scanning direction X together with the support base 50 when the support base 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction X. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are disposed at a position overlapping with the support base 50 in a plan view, and are disposed directly above the support surface 51 as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 each extend in the main scanning direction Y.

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 press the second substrate 6 from above, generate friction between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 by the weight of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, and come into contact with the second substrate 6. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the first shaft 61 is disposed on one side (here, the front side) of the sub-scanning direction X from the middle of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X (in other words, the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6). The first shaft 61 comes into contact with the second substrate 6 from the front side. The second shaft 62 is disposed on the other side (here, the rear side) of the sub-scanning direction X from the middle of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X. The second shaft 62 comes into contact with the second substrate 6 from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 5, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are in contact with the upper part of the second substrate 6 (here, a portion of the second substrate 6 located above the central axis A1).

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the second shaft 62 is disposed behind the first shaft 61 and is spaced apart from the first shaft 61. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are disposed so as to sandwich a part of the second substrate 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the second substrate 6 is sandwiched between the first shaft 61 and the support surface 51, and is also sandwiched between the second shaft 62 and the support surface 51 in the height direction Z.

[0035] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the length of the first shaft 61 in the axial direction (here, the main scanning direction Y) is the same as the length of the second shaft 62 in the axial direction. However, the first shaft 61 may be longer or shorter than the second shaft 62 in the axial direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first shaft 61 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the second shaft 62. However, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first shaft 61 may be larger or smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second shaft 62. Also, in this embodiment, in a plan view, the distance from the central axis A1 of the second printing material 6 supported on the support surface 51 to the first shaft 61 is the same as the distance from the central axis A1 to the second shaft 62. However, the distance from the central axis A1 to the first shaft 61 may be shorter or longer than the distance from the central axis A1 to the second shaft 62. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first shaft 61 is disposed at the same position as the second shaft 62 in the height direction Z. However, the first shaft 61 may be disposed at a higher position than the second shaft 62, or may be disposed at a lower position than the second shaft 62.

[0036] The support member 70 supports the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. The support member 70 restricts the movement of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 in the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the support member 70 rotatably supports the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 70 is disposed on the left and right of the support base 50. Here, the support member 70 disposed on the left of the support base 50 is appropriately referred to as the left support member 71L. The support member 70 disposed on the right of the support base 50 is appropriately referred to as the right support member 71R. In this embodiment, the support member 70 is fixed to the support wall 26 of the printer body 20. More specifically, the left support member 71L is fixed to the upper part of the right surface of the left support wall 26L, and the right support member 71R is fixed to the upper part of the left surface of the right support wall 26R.

[0037] In this embodiment, the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R have the same configuration. Here, as shown in Fig. 5, the support member 70 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the sub-scanning direction X and the height direction Z. The support member 70 is longer in the sub-scanning direction X than in the height direction Z.

[0038] A support groove 73 is formed in the support member 70. Either the first shaft 61 or the second shaft 62 can be selectively inserted into the support groove 73. In this embodiment, the support member 70 supporting the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 means that the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are inserted into either of the support grooves 73. Here, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are restricted from moving in the sub-scanning direction X by being inserted into the support groove 73.

[0039] Here, the number of support grooves 73 formed in one support member 70 (i.e., each of the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R) is not particularly limited. It is preferable that three or more support grooves 73 are formed in one support member 70. In this embodiment, the number of support grooves 73 formed in one support member 70 is five. Here, the five support grooves 73 are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X. In this embodiment, the intervals between the five support grooves 73 are partially different. However, the five support grooves 73 may be arranged at equal intervals. Hereinafter, the five support grooves 73 will be appropriately referred to as the first support groove 73a, the second support groove 73b, the third support groove 73c, the fourth support groove 73d, and the fifth support groove 73e in order from front to back.

[0040] In this embodiment, the support groove 73 is a groove extending downward from the upper surface of the support member 70, and is a groove extending in the height direction Z. Here, the first support groove 73a to the fifth support groove 73e have the same depth and width. However, any part or all of the first support groove 73a to the fifth support groove 73e may have different depths and widths. In this embodiment, the first shaft 61 enters one of the support grooves 73 among the first support groove 73a to the fifth support groove 73e so as to be slidable up and down and rotatable. The second shaft 62 enters another support groove 73 among the first support groove 73a to the fifth support groove 73e so as to be slidable up and down and rotatable. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 rotate in the support groove 73 as the second printing material 6 rotates.

[0041] In this embodiment, the interval between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 (in other words, the distance in the sub-scanning direction X) can be changed according to the size of the second substrate 6 (for example, the diameter of the second substrate 6). For example, when the second substrate 6 is relatively small (for example, small in diameter), the first shaft 61 is inserted into one of the support grooves 73 adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction X, and the second shaft 62 is inserted into the other. For example, the first shaft 61 is inserted into the second support groove 73b of each of the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R, and the second shaft 62 is inserted into the third support groove 73c of each of the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R. For example, when the second substrate 6 is relatively large (for example, large in diameter), the first shaft 61 is inserted into one of the two support grooves 73 spaced apart, and the second shaft 62 is inserted into the other. 3, the first shaft 61 may be inserted into the second support groove 73b in the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R, and the second shaft 62 may be inserted into the fifth support groove 73e. If the second printing material 6 is larger (e.g., has a larger diameter), the first shaft 61 may be inserted into the first support groove 73a in the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R, and the second shaft 62 may be inserted into the fifth support groove 73e.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are configured to be detachable from the support member 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when printing is performed on the first substrate 5 in the printer 10, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are detached from the support member 70. As a result, the ink head 44 passes over the first substrate 5 supported on the support surface 51 without the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 being placed thereon. In this embodiment, since the support members 70 are placed on both the left and right sides of the support base 50, they do not block the ejection of ink from the ink head 44 during printing on the first substrate 5. Therefore, when printing on the first substrate 5, the support member 70 may remain fixed to the support wall 26 of the printer body 20. Of course, the support member 70 may be detached from the support wall 26 during printing on the first substrate 5.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the friction sheet 80 is disposed on the support surface 51 of the support stand 50, and is a sheet sandwiched between the support surface 51 and the second substrate 6. The friction sheet 80 has a friction surface 81. The friction surface 81 constitutes the upper surface of the friction sheet 80. The second substrate 6 is placed directly on the friction surface 81. The friction surface 81 has a larger frictional force than the support surface 51. The material forming the friction sheet 80 is not particularly limited. Here, the friction sheet 80 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the second substrate 6 rotates, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 also rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the second substrate 6. Here, the frictional force between the first shaft 61 and the support member 70 is a first frictional force P11. The frictional force between the second shaft 62 and the support member 70 is a second frictional force P12. Here, the first frictional force P11 and the second frictional force P12 are the same. However, the first frictional force P11 may be larger or smaller than the second frictional force P12.

[0045] Here, the frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 is a third frictional force P13. In this embodiment, the third frictional force P13 is a frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the second substrate 6 and the frictional surface 81 of the friction sheet 80. The third frictional force P13 is greater than the first frictional force P11. Also, the third frictional force P13 is greater than the second frictional force P12.

[0046] In this embodiment, when printing on the second substrate 6, as shown in Fig. 3, the second substrate 6 is placed on the support surface 51 so that the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6 extends in the main scanning direction Y. At this time, the second substrate 6 is placed between the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R in a plan view. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the second substrate 6 is placed directly on the friction sheet 80.

[0047] With the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are then attached to the support member 70 as shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the first shaft 61 is inserted into one of the support grooves 73 of the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R so that the first shaft 61 is positioned forward of the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6. At this time, the first shaft 61 comes into contact with the upper part of the second substrate 6 and presses down the second substrate 6 by its own weight. The first shaft 61 is also raised by the second substrate 6 and remains at a position spaced apart from the bottom of the support groove 73 depending on the size of the second substrate 6.

[0048] The second shaft 62 is inserted into one of the support grooves 73 of the left support member 71L and the right support member 71R so that the second shaft 62 is positioned behind the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6. At this time, the second shaft 62 also comes into contact with the upper part of the second substrate 6, and the second shaft 62 presses down the second substrate 6 by its own weight. The second shaft 62 is also lifted by the second substrate 6, and remains at a position spaced apart from the bottom of the support groove 73 depending on the size of the second substrate 6. After the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are positioned in this manner, printing is started.

[0049] When rotating the second substrate 6 around the central axis A1 of the second substrate 6, the support table moving mechanism 55 (see FIG. 4) is first operated to move the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X. At this time, the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 also tries to move in the sub-scanning direction X together with the support table 50. However, the second substrate 6 is sandwiched between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 in the sub-scanning direction X. Therefore, the forward movement of the second substrate 6 is restricted by the first shaft 61, and the backward movement is restricted by the second shaft 62. In this way, the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X is restricted, and the second substrate 6 rotates between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 in accordance with the movement of the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the support table 50 moves forward as indicated by an arrow A11, the second substrate 6 supported by the support surface 51 rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow A12 in a right side view. In conjunction with the rotation of the second substrate 6, the first shaft 61 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow A13, and the second shaft 62 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow A14 in a right side view. On the other hand, when the support table 50 moves backward as indicated by an arrow A21, the second substrate 6 supported by the support surface 51 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow A22 in a right side view. In conjunction with the rotation of the second substrate 6, the first shaft 61 rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow A23, and the second shaft 62 rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow A24 in a right side view.

[0051] In this embodiment, when printing is performed on the second substrate 6, first, while the ink head 44 is moved in the main scanning direction Y by the head moving mechanism 45 (see FIG. 2), ink is ejected from the ink head 44 toward the second substrate 6 to print one line. This printing of one line is performed on the upper surface of the portion of the second substrate 6 between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. That is, the ink head 44 ejects ink toward the upper surface of the portion of the second substrate 6 between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. After printing of one line, the support base moving mechanism 55 is operated to move the support base 50 in the sub-scanning direction X and rotate the second substrate 6 by a predetermined rotation amount. Thereafter, the ink head 44 is moved in the main scanning direction Y to print the next one line on the upper surface of the second substrate 6. In this way, the printing of one line and the rotation of the second substrate 6 are repeated, whereby printing can be performed on the second substrate 6.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the printer 10 includes the support table 50, the support table moving mechanism 55, and the rotation mechanism 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the support table 50 has a support surface 51 that supports the second substrate 6 having at least a part of a cylindrical outer periphery. The support table moving mechanism 55 moves the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X. When moving the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X, the rotation mechanism 60 restricts the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X and generates a frictional force between the second substrate 6 supported by the support surface 51 and the support surface 51, thereby rotating the second substrate 6.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 is restricted from moving in the sub-scanning direction X by the rotation mechanism 60 when the support table 50 is moving in the sub-scanning direction X. Therefore, frictional force is generated between the support surface 51 and the second substrate 6, causing the second substrate 6 to rotate. Thus, the second substrate 6 can be rotated by utilizing the frictional force between the support surface 51 and the second substrate 6, without using a configuration in which the substrate and the movable part's own weight bring the first rotating shaft and the table into contact, as in the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, regardless of the weight of the second substrate 6, the second substrate 6 can be rotated and printing can be performed on the circumferential surface of the second substrate 6.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, unlike the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the force of linear movement of the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X is converted into a force of rotation of the second substrate 6 to rotate the second substrate 6, without using a configuration in which the weight of the substrate and the movable part are used to bring the first rotation shaft into contact with the table. In other words, the second substrate 6 is rotated by the frictional force between the support table 50 and the second substrate 6 by utilizing the driving force of the support table moving mechanism 55 that moves the support table 50 in the sub-scanning direction X. Therefore, since there is no need to provide a dedicated driving source for rotating the second substrate 6, the configuration can be simplified.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the rotation mechanism 60 includes a first shaft 61, a second shaft 62, and a support member 70. The first shaft 61 is disposed on one side (here, the front side) of the sub-scanning direction X of the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 in the sub-scanning direction X from the middle (for example, the central axis A1) of the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51, extends in the main scanning direction Y, and contacts the second substrate 6 from the front, generating a frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 due to the weight of the first shaft 61. The second shaft 62 is disposed on the other side (here, the rear side) of the sub-scanning direction X of the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51, extends in the main scanning direction Y, and contacts the second substrate 6 from the rear, generating a frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 due to the weight of the second shaft 62. The support member 70 supports the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 so as to restrict the movement of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0056] As a result, at least a part of the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 is disposed in a state sandwiched between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. In this state, when the support base 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction X, the second substrate 6 supported on the support surface 51 is pressed from above by the weight of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, regardless of the weight of the second substrate 6, so that the movement in the sub-scanning direction X is restricted and the second substrate 6 can rotate between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. Therefore, regardless of the weight of the second substrate 6, the second substrate 6 can be rotated between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, and printing can be performed on the circumferential surface of the second substrate 6.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the support member 70 is configured to rotatably support at least one of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 (here, both the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62). As a result, when the second substrate 6 rotates, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 also rotate following the rotation of the second substrate 6. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the force applied in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second substrate 6 between the second substrate 6 and the first shaft 61 and between the second substrate 6 and the second shaft 62. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the second substrate 6 smoothly.

[0058] In this embodiment, the support member 70 has a support groove 73 that extends downward from the upper surface and into which either the first shaft 61 or the second shaft 62 fits so as to be able to slide up and down. As a result, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are arranged in the support groove 73 floating above the bottom of the support groove 73 in a state in which they are lifted up by the second substrate 6. Therefore, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 can press the second substrate 6 from above by their own weight while their movement in the sub-scanning direction X is restricted by the support groove 73.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, three or more (here, five) support grooves 73 are formed in the support member 70 along the sub-scanning direction X. This allows the support groove 73 into which the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are inserted to be selected from the multiple support grooves 73a to 73e. Therefore, the distance between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 can be adjusted according to the position of the support groove 73 into which the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are inserted. Therefore, by adjusting the distance between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 according to the size of the second substrate 6 (for example, the diameter of the second substrate 6), it is possible to print on the second substrate 6 of any size while rotating it.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the support member 70 is fixed to the printer body 20 (specifically, the support wall 26) at both positions (here, to the left and right) in the main scanning direction Y from the support surface 51 in a plan view. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are configured to be detachable from the support member 70. Thereby, when printing the first substrate 6, as shown in FIG. 2, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 can be removed from the support member 70 and the first substrate 5 can be supported on the support surface 51 and printed. In addition, since the support member 70 is disposed to the left and right of the support surface 51, printing can be performed on the first substrate 5 with the support member 70 fixed to the printer body 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the rotation mechanism 60 includes a friction sheet 80 disposed between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51. As a result, even if the support surface 51 is a smooth surface and the second substrate 6 slips on the support surface 51 and is difficult to rotate, the friction sheet 80 is disposed on the support surface 51 and the second substrate 6 is supported on the support surface 51 via the friction sheet 80. As a result, even if the support surface 51 is a smooth surface, the friction sheet 80 makes it easier to rotate the second substrate 6.

[0062] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, both the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are rotatable relative to the support member 70. However, the support member 70 may rotatably support at least one of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62. The support member 70 may rotatably support one of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, for example, and non-rotatably support the other shaft. For example, the first shaft 61 is configured to be rotatable relative to the support member 70, and the second shaft 62 is configured to be non-rotatable relative to the support member 70. In this case, the frictional force between the second shaft 62 and the second substrate 6 is smaller than the frictional force between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51 (third frictional force P13 (see FIG. 5)).

[0063] As a result, when the second substrate 6 to be printed rotates, the second substrate 6 rotates in a sliding manner relative to the second shaft 62, so that the second substrate 6 to be printed can be smoothly rotated. Therefore, even when the support member 70 rotatably supports one of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 and non-rotatably supports the other shaft, the second substrate 6 to be printed can be rotated.

[0064] The support member 70 may also support both the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 so that they cannot rotate. In this case, the frictional force between the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, which are supported so as not to rotate, and the second substrate 6 is smaller than the frictional force (third frictional force P13) between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51. As a result, when the second substrate 6 rotates, the second substrate 6 rotates in a sliding manner relative to the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62, so that the second substrate 6 can be rotated smoothly.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the support member 70 supporting the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 is fixed to the printer body 20, and the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are in contact with the second substrate 6. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the weight of the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 presses the second substrate 6 against the support surface 51, converting the force of movement of the support base 50 in the sub-scanning direction X into a force of rotation of the second substrate 6. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. Here, it is preferable that the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X is restricted with respect to the movement of the support base 50 in the sub-scanning direction X in a state where a frictional force is generated between the support surface 51 and the second substrate 6. Therefore, the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 may be integrally formed, for example, changed to a frame-shaped member, instead of only the case where the first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are in contact with the second substrate 6. In this case, the frame-shaped member may be fixed to the printer body 20 in a state in which its position in the height direction Z and the sub-scanning direction X is adjustable, the frame-shaped member is brought into contact with the second substrate 6, and the weight of the frame-shaped member presses the second substrate 6 against the support surface 51. Even in this case, when the support base 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction X, the frame-shaped member restricts the movement of the second substrate 6 in the sub-scanning direction X, and the second substrate 6 can be rotated by the frictional force generated between the second substrate 6 and the support surface 51. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 5 1st printing material 6. Second printing object (a printing object having at least a part of its outer periphery in a cylindrical shape) 10 Printers 20 Printer body 26 Supporting wall 50 Support stand 51 Support surface 55 Support table moving mechanism (moving mechanism) 60 Rotation mechanism 61 First Shaft 62 Second Shaft 70 Support member 71L Left support member 71R Right support member 73 Support groove 73a 73a 1st support groove 73b 2nd support groove 73c 3rd support groove 73d 4th support groove 73e 5th support groove 80 Friction Sheet 81 Friction surface

Claims

1. A support table having a support surface for supporting a printing material having at least a part of a cylindrical outer periphery; A moving mechanism that moves the support base in a first direction; a rotation mechanism including a friction generating member that comes into contact with the printing substrate supported on the support surface by its own weight to generate a friction force between the printing substrate and the support surface, thereby rotating the printing substrate, and a regulating member that regulates the movement of the friction generating member when the support base is moved in the first direction; A printer equipped with

2. The frictional force generating member is a first shaft that is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to a middle point in the first direction of the substrate supported on the support surface, extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, contacts the substrate from the one side, and generates a frictional force between the substrate and the support surface due to its own weight; a second shaft that is disposed on the other side in the first direction of the middle of the substrate supported on the support surface, extends in the second direction, contacts the substrate from the other side, and generates a frictional force between the substrate and the support surface by its own weight; Equipped with The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating member is a support member that supports the first shaft and the second shaft so as to regulate the movement of the first shaft and the second shaft in the first direction.

3. A support table having a support surface for supporting a printing object having at least a portion of a cylindrical outer periphery; A moving mechanism that moves the support base in a first direction; a rotation mechanism that restricts movement of the printing substrate in the first direction when the support table is moved in the first direction, and generates a frictional force between the printing substrate supported on the support surface and the support surface, thereby rotating the printing substrate; Equipped with The rotation mechanism includes: a first shaft that is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to a middle point in the first direction of the substrate supported on the support surface, extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, contacts the substrate from the one side, and generates a frictional force between the substrate and the support surface due to its own weight; a second shaft that is disposed on the other side in the first direction of the middle of the substrate supported on the support surface, extends in the second direction, contacts the substrate from the other side, and generates a frictional force between the substrate and the support surface by its own weight; a support member that supports the first shaft and the second shaft so as to restrict movement of the first shaft and the second shaft in the first direction; A printer equipped with

4. The printer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support member is configured to rotatably support at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft.

5. 5. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the support member is configured to rotatably support both the first shaft and the second shaft.

6. 6. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the support member has a support groove extending downward from an upper surface thereof, into which either the first shaft or the second shaft is inserted so as to be able to slide vertically.

7. The printer according to claim 6 , wherein three or more of the support grooves are formed along the first direction.

8. The printer body is equipped with the support member is fixed to the printer body at both one and the other positions in the second direction relative to the support surface in a plan view, 8. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft are configured to be detachable from the support member.

9. 9. A printer according to claim 2, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a friction sheet disposed between the substrate and the support surface.

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