Printing device

Abstract

Provided is a highly reliable printing device that maintains a fixed distance between a printing head and a surface to be printed. This printing device comprises: a printing head (1) having a printing surface (1S); a fixing part (2) that is connected to the printing head (1) and has a fixing guide (20) disposed along a first direction which includes the printing surface (1S); a movable part (3) that is connected to the fixing part (2), has a movable guide (30) disposed along the first direction, and is capable of moving relative to the printing head (1) along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a gripping mechanism (4) that is disposed on the movable part (3) and grips an object to be printed that is printed by the printing head (1) along the first direction; and vibration suppression parts (61, 62) that are disposed on ends of the movable part (3) and grip the object to be printed along the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are printing devices that use a printer's print head to directly print on the print surface, which is the side of a box-shaped print object being transported on a transport path. There is a demand for printing devices that can perform high-quality printing without requiring human labor.

[0003] For example, the print head prints on the surface of the print target while the print target is sandwiched between a pair of rollers arranged on both sides of the print target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-157245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is required that the print head prints on the print surface while maintaining a constant distance between the print head and the print surface. However, in the printing device described in the above publication, the distance between the roller and the print head is fixed. Therefore, the distance between the print head and the portion of the print surface that contacts the roller is fixed. Therefore, if the print surface has poor flatness and includes a flat surface and a convex portion that protrudes from the flat surface toward the roller, the distance between the print head and the flat surface is greater than the distance between the print head and the convex portion. Therefore, if the print surface has poor flatness, it is difficult to maintain a constant distance between the print head and the print surface. Furthermore, vibrations generated when the print surface is transported make it difficult to maintain a constant distance between the print head and the print surface.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a printing device that can maintain a constant distance between the print head and the surface to be printed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printing device of the present disclosure comprises a print head having a printing surface, a fixed section connected to the print head and having a fixed guide arranged along a first direction including the printing surface, a movable section connected to the fixed section and having a movable guide arranged along the first direction and movable relative to the print head along a second direction intersecting the first direction, a gripping mechanism arranged on the movable section and gripping an object to be printed by the print head along the first direction, and a vibration suppression section arranged at the end of the movable section and gripping the object to be printed along the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the surface to be printed is corrected to a flat shape and vibration of the object to be printed is suppressed, so that a highly reliable printing device can be provided by maintaining a constant distance between the print head and the surface to be printed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed in front of a print head of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed to the side of a print head of a printing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a side view schematically showing a state in which a gripping device of the printing device according to the first embodiment is extended. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the gripping device of the printing device according to the first embodiment is contracted. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a side view schematically showing a state in which a print-target pressing unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment presses a print target. FIG. [Figure 6]3 is a side view schematically showing a state in which a transport reference portion of the printing device according to the first embodiment comes into contact with a printing object. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a top view schematically showing a state in which a first gripping part of the printing device according to the first embodiment is extended. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a top view schematically showing a state in which a first gripping part of the printing device according to the first embodiment is contracted. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a bottom view schematically showing a state in which the second gripping part of the printing device according to the first embodiment is extended. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a bottom view schematically showing a state in which the second gripping part of the printing device according to the first embodiment is contracted. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a fixed part of the printing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a fixing part of the printing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of a fixed part of the printing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a movable part of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a movable part of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of a movable part of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed in front of a print head of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed to the side of a print head of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed in front of a print head of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a state in which a printing object is placed to the side of a print head of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an operation procedure of a printing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 100 is a printing device for printing on a printing surface PP of a printing object PM. For ease of explanation, the outline of the printing object PM is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1. The printing surface PP is one side of the printing object PM. The printing device 100 includes a print head 1, a fixed part 2, and a movable part 3. The print head 1 includes a printing surface 1S. The print head 1 is capable of printing on the printing surface PP. The printing surface 1S is configured to be printable. The printing surface 1S is configured to face the printing surface PP. The printing surface 1S applies ink or the like to the printing surface PP, thereby printing on the printing surface PP. The print head 1 is, for example, an inkjet printing head.

[0012] The print head 1 is connected to the fixed part 2. In this embodiment, the print head 1 is fixed to the fixed part 2. The fixed part 2 includes a fixed guide 20. The fixed guide 20 is aligned with the printing surface 1S in a first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the fixed guide 20 includes a first fixed guide part 21 and a second fixed guide part 22. The first fixed guide part 21 and the second fixed guide part 22 are arranged to sandwich the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0013] In this embodiment, the first direction (Z-axis direction) is the direction in which the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 are aligned. The second direction (X-axis direction) is a direction that intersects with the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second direction (X-axis direction) is preferably perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction). The third direction (Y-axis direction) is the direction in which the printing surface 1S of the print head 1 faces the print-receiving surface PP. The third direction (Y-axis direction) is a direction that intersects with both the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction). The third direction (Y-axis direction) is preferably perpendicular to both the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0014] In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is the direction along the second direction, the Y-axis direction is the direction along the third direction, and the Z-axis direction is the direction along the first direction.

[0015] The movable part 3 is connected to the fixed part 2. The movable part 3 includes a movable guide 30, a gripping mechanism 4, and a vibration suppression part 6. The movable guide 30 is arranged alongside the fixed guide 20 in a first direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the movable guide 30 is configured to be movable relative to the print head 1 in a second direction (X-axis direction) that intersects with the first direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the movable guide 30 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed guide 20 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0016] In this embodiment, the movable guide 30 includes a first movable guide portion 31 and a second movable guide portion 32. The first movable guide portion 31 is disposed on the opposite side of the first fixed guide portion 21 from the print head 1. The second movable guide portion 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the second fixed guide portion 22 from the print head 1. The first movable guide portion 31 and the second movable guide portion 32 are aligned along a first direction (Z-axis direction). The first movable guide portion 31 and the second movable guide portion 32 are disposed so as to sandwich the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0017] The gripping mechanism 4 is disposed in the first direction (Z-axis direction) between the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. The gripping mechanism 4 is disposed on the opposite side of the fixed guide 20 from the print head 1.

[0018] The gripping mechanism 4 includes an end surface 4S. The end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to grip the print surface PP, which is one surface of the print target PM. Specifically, in this embodiment, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to grip the print target surface PP by attracting the print target surface PP. Although Figures 1 and 2 etc. illustrate the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 configured to grip the print target surface PP by attracting the print target surface PP, this configuration is not limited as long as the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 can grip the print target surface PP. For example, if the print target PM is a magnetic body such as an iron plate, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 may be configured to grip the print target surface PP by magnetic force.

[0019] The gripping mechanism 4 includes a first gripping portion 41 and a second gripping portion 42. The first gripping portion 41 is disposed between the first fixed guide portion 21 and the first movable guide portion 31 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second gripping portion 42 is disposed between the second fixed guide portion 22 and the second movable guide portion 32 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the first gripping portion 41 and the second gripping portion 42 are disposed so as to sandwich the print head 1 in between them along the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0020] The vibration suppressing unit 6 is disposed in the first direction (Z-axis direction) between the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. The vibration suppressing unit 6 is disposed on the opposite side of the fixed guide 20 from the print head 1.

[0021] The vibration suppression unit 6 includes a reference portion 61 and a pressing portion 62. The reference portion 61 includes a first reference portion 611 and a second reference portion 612. The first reference portion 611 is disposed between the first fixed guide portion 21 and the first movable guide portion 31 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second reference portion 612 is disposed between the second fixed guide portion 22 and the second movable guide portion 32 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The pressing portion 62 includes a first pressing portion 621 and a second pressing portion 622. The first pressing portion 621 is disposed between the first fixed guide portion 21 and the first movable guide portion 31 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second pressing portion 622 is disposed between the second fixed guide portion 22 and the second movable guide portion 32 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the reference portion 61 and the pressing portion 62 are disposed so as to sandwich the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the printing surface 1S of the print head 1 faces the print-receiving surface PP. The printing surface 1S of the print head 1 is disposed parallel to the print-receiving surface PP. The printing surface 1S extends along both the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0023] It is preferable that the position of the fixed guide 20 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the position of the movable guide 30 in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The position of the printing surface 1S in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is behind the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 or is the same position as the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30.

[0024] In this embodiment, the shape of the printing object PM is a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the printing object PM is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped as long as the printing surface PP has a planar shape.

[0025] 3 and 4, the gripping mechanism 4 is configured so that the end surface 4S can move along a third direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with both the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction). The end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 is configured so that it can move along the third direction (Y-axis direction) from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. Also, Fig. 5 is a side view that schematically shows a state in which the pressing portion 62 presses the printing object PM, and Fig. 6 is a side view that schematically shows a state in which the reference portion 61 comes into contact with the printing object.

[0026] In the present embodiment, an end surface 4S is provided on the first gripping portion 41 and the second gripping portion 42. The first gripping portion 41 and the second gripping portion 42 are configured so that the end surface 4S can move along the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0027] The gripping mechanism 4 is configured to be able to move the print surface PP from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 along the third direction (Y-axis direction) with the end face 4S gripping the print surface PP. The gripping mechanism 4 is configured to be able to move the print surface PP from in front of the print head 1 to the print head 1 along the third direction (Y-axis direction) with the end face 4S gripping the print surface PP.

[0028] In this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to be able to move the end surface 4S by expanding and contracting along the third direction (Y-axis direction). In this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to be able to move by expanding and contracting, but the way in which the gripping mechanism 4 moves is not limited to expansion and contraction. For example, the gripping mechanism 4 may move by sliding the entire gripping mechanism 4.

[0029] When the gripping mechanism 4 is extended, the printable surface PP is positioned away from the print surface 1S of the print head 1. When the gripping mechanism 4 is retracted, it is desirable that the printable surface PP be in contact with the print surface 1S of the print head 1. Note that when the gripping mechanism 4 is retracted, the printable surface PP may be positioned at a distance from the print surface 1S of the print head 1. For high-quality printing, it is necessary that the distance between the printable surface PP and the print surface 1S of the print head 1 be constant during printing, and that the variation in this distance be small. The distance between the printable surface PP and the print surface 1S of the print head 1 is, for example, 3 mm or less.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the first gripping unit 41 includes a plurality of first gripping portions 410. The plurality of first gripping portions 410 are provided with end faces 4S. The plurality of first gripping portions 410 are arranged in a row along the second direction (X-axis direction). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of first gripping portions 410 are configured so that the end faces 4S can move along the third direction (Y-axis direction) from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. As shown in FIG. 8, the reference portion 61 is in contact with the printing object, and the pressing portion 62 is in a state of pressing the printing object PM.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 9, the second gripping unit 42 includes a plurality of second gripping portions 420. Each of the plurality of second gripping portions 420 has an end surface 4S. The plurality of second gripping portions 420 are arranged along the second direction (X-axis direction). As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the plurality of second gripping portions 420 are configured so that the end surfaces 4S can move from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 along the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0032] Next, the configuration of the fixing portion 2 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 11 , the fixed portion 2 further includes an attachment portion 25 and a rail portion 26. The attachment portion 25 includes a first flat plate portion 251, a second flat plate portion 252, a central support portion 253, and a pair of end support portions 254. The first flat plate portion 251 and the second flat plate portion 252 are spaced apart along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The first flat plate portion 251 and the second flat plate portion 252 have a flat plate shape. The first fixed guide portion 21 is fixed to the first flat plate portion 251. The second fixed guide portion 22 is fixed to the second flat plate portion 252. The second flat plate portion 252 is fixed to the first flat plate portion 251 by the central support portion 253 and the pair of end support portions 254. The print head 1 is fixed to the central support portion 253. The dimension of the central support portion 253 along the second direction (X-axis direction) is larger than that of the pair of end support portions 254. The pair of end support portions 254 are respectively disposed on both ends of the first flat plate portion 251 and the second flat plate portion 252. The pair of end support portions 254 are, for example, square bars.

[0034] The printing surface PP of the printing object PM comes into contact with the first fixed guide part 21, and the printing surface PP comes into contact with the second fixed guide part 22, and the printing object PM moves along the second direction (X-axis direction). To achieve high-quality printing, it is necessary that there be no speed fluctuations in the second direction (X-axis direction), which is the transport direction of the printing object PM. To prevent speed fluctuations due to stick-slip, it is desirable that the first fixed guide part 21 and the second fixed guide part 22 be made of materials with a low coefficient of friction with the printing surface PP of the printing object PM.

[0035] As shown in Figure 12, the print head 1, fixed guide 20, and rail section 26 are attached to mounting section 25. In this embodiment, the surface of print head 1 opposite the printing surface 1S is fixed to mounting section 25. The rigidity of mounting section 25 is high enough that mounting section 25 does not deform when the print head 1, fixed guide 20, and rail section 26 are attached to it.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rail portion 26 includes a pair of L-shaped members 260 facing each other. The pair of L-shaped members 260 are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the pair of L-shaped members 260 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the rotating portion 36 (described later). Note that in FIG. 12 , the outer shape of the rotating portion 36 is indicated by a dashed line. Therefore, the rotating portion 36 can move while rotating between the pair of L-shaped members 260. The rail portion 26 has sufficient strength to prevent deformation even when the rotating portion 36 comes into contact with the rail portion 26. The rail portion 26 has a low enough coefficient of friction that the rotating portion 36 can move along the rail portion 26 when in contact with the rail portion 26. It is desirable that the distance between the pair of L-shaped members 260 be adjustable when the pair of L-shaped members 260 are attached to the mounting portion 25. Alternatively, the accuracy of the movement direction may be ensured by providing a linear guide rather than a rotation function, such as an LM guide.

[0037] 13, the rail portion 26 is attached to a pair of end support portions 254. The rail portion 26 extends along the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the rail portion 26 is parallel to the print surface PP (see FIG. 3).

[0038] Next, the configuration of the movable portion 3 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0039] 14, the movable section 3 includes a first movable portion 3A and a second movable portion 3B. The first movable portion 3A is arranged next to the second movable portion 3B along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The first movable portion 3A includes a first movable guide portion 31. The second movable portion 3B includes a second movable guide portion 32. In this embodiment, the first movable portion 3A and the second movable portion 3B are arranged line-symmetrically.

[0040] 15, the movable section 3 further includes a pad plate section 35 and a rotating section 36. The movable guide 30, the gripping mechanism 4, the vibration suppression section 6, and the rotating section 36 are attached to the pad plate section 35. The pad plate section 35 has such high rigidity that it does not deform even when the movable guide 30, the gripping mechanism 4, and the rotating section 36 are attached to the pad plate section 35.

[0041] The movable guide 30 is attached to the pad plate portion 35. The movable guide 30 has a flat plate shape that is parallel to the print surface PP. Therefore, the movable guide 30 does not have any undulations. Furthermore, the movable guide 30 has enough strength to not deform even when the print surface PP is pressed against it.

[0042] 15, the outline of the tip of the gripping mechanism 4 in the extended state is shown by a solid line, and the outline of the gripping mechanism 4 in the contracted state is shown by a dashed line. The distance traveled by the gripping mechanism as it extends or contracts is distance Da.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 16 , in this embodiment, the pad plate portion 35 includes a movable-side first portion 351 and a plurality of movable-side second portions 352. The movable-side first portion 351 has a flat plate shape. The plurality of movable-side second portions 352 connect the movable-side first portion 351 and the movable guide 30. Each of the plurality of movable-side second portions 352 is connected perpendicularly to the movable-side first portion 351. The plurality of movable-side second portions 352 are fixed to the movable-side first portion 351. The plurality of movable-side second portions 352 are, for example, square bars. In this embodiment, the pad plate portion 35 includes two movable-side second portions 352.

[0044] The rotating part 36 has a disk shape. The rotating part 36 is configured to be rotatable around the Z axis. The rotating part 36 is connected perpendicularly to the pad plate part 35. The rotating part 36 is rotatable relative to the pad plate part 35. The rotating part 36 may have a built-in bearing (not shown). This improves the rotation accuracy of the rotating part 36. The rotating part 36 may also be configured to rotate automatically by a drive mechanism (not shown). The rotating part 36 rotates within the rail part 26 (see FIG. 12), causing the movable part 3 to move relative to the fixed part 2.

[0045] The gripping mechanism 4 includes a pad portion 46 and a shaft portion 45. The shaft portion 45 is connected to the pad plate portion 35 so as to be perpendicular to the pad plate portion 35. The pad portion 46 is supported by the shaft portion 45. The pad portion 46 is configured to grip the print surface PP (see FIG. 3). Specifically, in this embodiment, the pad portion 46 is configured to adsorb the print surface PP (see FIG. 3) by vacuum suction. This allows the gripping mechanism 4 to grip the print surface PP. Furthermore, if the print object PM (see FIG. 3) is a magnetic body such as an iron plate, the pad portion 46 may be configured to grip the print surface PP (see FIG. 3) by magnetic force. The pad portion 46 is an elastic body that can expand and contract. For example, the pad portion 46 is an elastic body that expands and contracts by bellows. The pad portion 46 is configured so as not to damage the print surface PP when it comes into contact with the print surface PP. The pad portion 46 has sufficient strength so as not to be damaged when pressed against the print surface PP. The pad portion 46 has sufficient thickness so as not to be damaged when pressed against the print surface PP. The material of the pad portion 46 has sufficient strength so as not to be damaged when pressed against the print surface PP. In this embodiment, the end surface 4S is provided on the pad portion 46.

[0046] The reference portion 61 includes a contact portion 63 and a shaft portion 64. The shaft portion 64 is connected to the pad plate Department Pad plate perpendicular to 35 Department35. The abutment determining part 63 is connected to the shaft part 64, and the shaft part 64 itself is configured to be movable in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The abutment determining part 63 is configured to abut against the side surface of the print target PM. Specifically, in this embodiment, the abutment determining part 63 is configured to abut against the side surface of the print target PM in surface contact when the print target PM is gripped by the gripping mechanism 4. As a result, printing is performed in a contact state when the abutment determining part 63 moves in the second direction (X-axis direction), which is the transport direction of the print target PM. The shaft part 64 has a movement amount that is equal to or greater than the expansion and contraction amount of the pad part 46. The abutment determining part 63 is made of a material that does not damage the print target PM.

[0047] The pressing portion 62 includes a contact portion 65 and a shaft portion 66. The shaft portion 66 is connected to the pad plate Department The pressing portion 65 is connected to the pad plate 35 at an angle so as to be in the fourth direction (α-axis direction) relative to the pad plate 35. The abutting portion 65 is made of a material that will not damage the printing object PM. The pressing portion 65 is connected to a shaft portion 66, and the shaft portion 64 itself is configured to be movable in the fourth direction (α-axis direction). Hitting section 65 is configured to press the side surface of the printing object PM. Hitting section 65 indicates a state in which, when the print object PM is gripped by the gripping mechanism 4, the side surface of the print object PM is brought into surface contact with the conveyance reference portion 61, Hitting section 65 presses the print object PM against the transport reference portion 61. 62 As a result, the movable part 3 is sandwiched in the second direction (X-axis direction), which is the conveying direction. When the movable part 3 moves relative to the fixed part 2, the print target PM is sandwiched in the second direction (X-axis direction), making it less likely that speed fluctuations will occur in the conveying direction.

[0048] Next, a printing method of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] 2, with the end surface 4S gripping the print surface PP of the print object PM, the movable part 3 is moved to the rail part 26 of the fixed part 2 by a conveyor (not shown). The rotating part 36 rotates along the rail part 26, causing the movable part 3 to move relative to the fixed part 2. The direction of movement of the movable part 3 is perpendicular to the print surface PP.

[0050] 3 and 4, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4, while gripping the surface PP to be printed, moves in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. As a result, the surface PP to be printed comes into contact with the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. As a result, even if the surface PP to be printed has irregularities, the surface PP to be printed is deformed to follow the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30, and the surface PP to be printed is corrected to a flat shape.

[0051] 1 and 4, the reference portion 61 and the pressing portion 62 of the vibration suppression unit 6 move toward the print object PM, thereby sandwiching the print object PM in the third direction (Y-axis direction). As a result, even if the print object PM vibrates or shakes due to the conditions of the conveying form of the conveyor (not shown), the print surface PP is conveyed in synchronization with the gripping mechanism 4, and no speed fluctuation occurs in the print surface PP.

[0052] 1 and 4, the movable part 3 moves in the second direction (X-axis direction) with the print surface PP in contact with the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. As a result, the print start position of the print surface PP moves to a position facing the print surface 1S of the print head 1. The print surface PP faces the print surface 1S of the print head 1 in parallel.

[0053] The printing surface 1S of the print head 1 prints on the printing surface PP while the printing surface 1S faces the printing surface PP. The movable part 3 moves in the second direction (X-axis direction) while the printing surface PP is being printed by the printing surface 1S. When the printing surface PP reaches the printing end position, printing ends.

[0054] After printing is completed, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4, while still gripping the print surface PP, moves in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to a position in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. This causes the print surface PP to move away from the print head 1. Specifically, the movement occurs as the pad of the gripping mechanism 4 expands. Note that the print surface PP may also move away from the print head 1 after the rotating portion 36 (see FIG. 2) moves away from the rail portion 26 (see FIG. 2).

[0055] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a print head 1 having a printing surface 1S, a fixed unit 2 connected to the print head 1 and having a fixed guide 20 arranged along a first direction including the printing surface 1S, a movable unit 3 connected to the fixed unit 2 and having a movable guide 30 arranged along the first direction and movable relative to the print head 1 along a second direction intersecting the first direction, a gripping mechanism 4 arranged on the movable unit 3 and gripping an object to be printed by the print head 1 along the first direction, and vibration suppression units 61, 62 arranged at the end of the movable unit 3 and gripping the object to be printed along the second direction. Therefore, the gripping mechanism 4 can move the printing surface PP gripped by the end surface 4S to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. As a result, the printing surface PP comes into contact with the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30. Even if the flatness of the print surface PP is poor, the print surface PP is corrected to a flat shape by contacting the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30, and vibration of the print object is suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain a constant distance between the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 and the print surface PP. Therefore, by maintaining a constant distance between the print head 1 and the print surface PP, a highly reliable printing device can be provided.

[0056] If the distance between the print head 1 and the print surface PP becomes larger due to the print head 1 no longer being constant, the print will become faint. Also, the print density will decrease. According to this embodiment, the distance between the print head 1 and the print surface PP can be maintained constant. This makes it possible to prevent the print from becoming faint. Also, it makes it possible to prevent the print density from decreasing.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the print head 1 is fixed to the fixed part 2. Therefore, the print head 1 does not move relative to the fixed part 2. The movable part 3 moves relative to the fixed part 2. This prevents the print head 1 from vibrating due to the movement of the print head 1. This prevents damage such as ink clogging caused by vibration.

[0058] 3 and 4, the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to be movable by expanding and contracting along the third direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the expansion and contraction of the gripping mechanism 4 can mitigate the impact caused by the print surface PP coming into contact with the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30.

[0059] 3 and 4, the first gripping portion 41 is disposed between the first fixed guide portion 21 and the first movable guide portion 31 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second gripping portion 42 is disposed between the second fixed guide portion 22 and the first movable guide portion 31 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). 2 Movable guide 32and the movable guide 30 on both sides of the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, the print surface PP held by the first gripping portion 41 and the second gripping portion 42 is corrected to a flat shape by contacting the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 on both sides of the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). This makes the print surface PP more parallel to the print surface 1S of the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) than when the print surface PP is corrected to a flat shape by contacting the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 on only one side of the print head 1. Therefore, printing can be performed on the print surface PP while the distance between the print surface PP and the print head 1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) is maintained constant.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple first gripping portions 410 are aligned along the second direction (X-axis direction). The multiple second gripping portions 420 are aligned along the second direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the print-receiving surface PP is gripped by the multiple first gripping portions 410 and multiple second gripping portions 420 aligned along the second direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the print-receiving surface PP is corrected to a flat shape by contacting the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 at multiple points aligned along the second direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the print-receiving surface PP becomes more parallel to the print surface 1S of the print head 1 in the second direction (X-axis direction) than when the print-receiving surface PP contacts the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 at one point. Therefore, printing can be performed on the print-receiving surface PP while maintaining a constant distance between the print-receiving surface PP and the print head 1 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0061] figure 2 As shown in Fig. 1, the vibration suppression unit 6 is configured to sandwich the flat surface facing the print target PP. Therefore, even if the print target surface PP of the print target PM is located higher than the conveyor, it can be gripped without relying on the positioning method of the conveyor.

[0062] 10, the rotating part 36 is configured to move between the L-shaped members 260 of the rail part 26. Therefore, the movement error of the rotating part 36 along the third direction (Y-axis direction) is equal to or less than the difference between the spacing between the L-shaped members 260 and the outer diameter of the rotating part 36. Therefore, the distance between the print head 1 and the print surface PP can be equal to or less than the difference between the spacing between the L-shaped members 260 and the outer diameter of the rotating part 36.

[0063] Embodiment 2 Next, the configuration of a printing device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 22. Unless otherwise specified, the second embodiment has the same configuration and effects as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0064] 17, the printing device 100 according to the second embodiment further includes an inlet section 51, an outlet section 52, a slide section 53, a connection section 55, a base section 56, and a support section 57. The printing object PM is transported from the inlet section 51 to the outlet section 52 through the slide section 53. In addition, in FIGS. 17 and 18, the outline of the printing object PM is shown by a dashed line.

[0065] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the carry-in unit 51 is capable of transporting the print object PM to the movable unit 3. The carry-in unit 51 is capable of transporting the print object PM towards the transport-out unit 52. The movable unit 3 is arranged between the carry-in unit 51 and the transport-out unit 52. The movable unit 3 is capable of transporting the print object PM transported by the carry-in unit 51. The movable unit 3 is configured to be able to move back and forth between the carry-in unit 51 and the transport-out unit 52. The transport-out unit 52 is capable of receiving the print object PM transported by the movable unit 3.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the carry-in unit 51 and the carry-out unit 52 are configured as roller conveyors. The carry-in unit 51 and the carry-out unit 52 may be configured as, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) and a dolly, etc., as long as they are capable of transporting the print target PM.

[0067] In this embodiment, loading unit 51 and unloading unit 52 are fixed to the installation surface. As a method for transporting loading unit 51 and unloading unit 52, a ceiling-suspended transport method such as a floor-mounted tower may be used.

[0068] The slide section 53 is disposed between the carry-in section 51 and the carry-out section 52. On the slide section 53, the printing object PM is placed.

[0069] The connection part 55 is disposed on the sliding part 53. The connection part 55 connects the sliding part 53 and the movable part 3. This allows the movable part 3 to move together with the sliding part 53.

[0070] The base portion 56 supports the slide portion 53. The base portion 56 is fixed to the installation surface.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 19, the printing device 100 includes a drive unit 54. The drive unit 54 is fixed to an installation surface. A slide unit 53 is connected to the drive unit 54. A base unit 56 includes a pair of I-shaped (rotated H-shaped) support members. The pair of support members are arranged on both sides of the drive unit 54. The pair of support members support both ends of the slide unit 53. This distributes the load of the slide unit 53 to the drive unit 54 and the pair of support members.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the carry-in section 51 includes a plurality of first roller units 510. As the plurality of first roller units 510 rotate, the print target PM arranged on the plurality of first roller units 510 is transported to the slide section 53. The carry-out section 52 includes a plurality of second roller units 520. As the plurality of second roller units 520 rotate, the print target PM arranged on the plurality of second roller units 520 is transported. The slide section 53 includes a plurality of third roller units 530. As the plurality of third roller units 530 rotate, the print target PM arranged on the plurality of third roller units 530 is transported from the carry-in section 51 to the carry-out section 52.

[0073] The drive unit 54 is configured to move the slide unit 53 back and forth between the carry-in unit 51 and the carry-out unit 52. The drive unit 54 is configured to move the slide unit 53 along the second direction (X-axis direction). The slide unit 53 and the connection unit 55 and movable unit 3 connected to the slide unit 53 are configured to move on the drive unit 54.

[0074] Next, the operation of the printing device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] The printing object PM is placed in advance in the carry-in section 51 (S1). As shown in Fig. 18, when the printing device 100 is in the home position, the printing object PM is transported from the carry-in section 51 to the slide section 53. The entire printing object PM is transported to the slide section 53 (S2). The home position of the printing device 100 is a state in which the slide section 53 is arranged on the carry-in section 51 side.

[0076] Next, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 grips the print surface PP of the print object PM (S3). As shown in Fig. 19, the gripping mechanism 4, with the end surface 4S gripping the print object PM, moves in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from in front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 (S4). This places a positioning restriction on the print object PM.

[0077] 20 and 21, the reference portion 61 and pressing portion that make up the vibration suppression unit 6 are activated to clamp the print surface PM (S5). With the gripping mechanism 4 gripping the print surface PP, the drive unit 54 moves the slide portion 53 from the carry-in portion 51 to the carry-out portion 52. Note that because the rotating portion 36 rotates along the rail portion 26 (see FIG. 1), the distance between the print head 1 and the print surface PP is maintained constant.

[0078] As the third roller portion 530 of the slide portion 53 rotates, the print object PM moves from the carry-in portion 51 side to the print head 1. The print head 1 prints on the print surface PP of the print object PM that has been transported to the front of the print head 1 (S6).

[0079] After printing is completed, the reference portion 61 and the pressing portion that constitute the vibration suppression portion 6 are released from the state in which they sandwich the print object PM (S7). The end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 moves in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 to the front of the fixed guide 20 and the movable guide 30 (S8). This releases the positioning restriction on the print object PM.

[0080] Next, the third roller portion 530 of the slide portion 53 rotates, thereby transporting the print object PM from the print head 1 to the discharge portion 52. Next, the gripping mechanism 4 releases the print object PM (S9). The print object PM released from the gripping mechanism 4 is transported to the discharge portion 52 by the rotation of the third roller portion 530 of the slide portion 53 (S10).

[0081] As a result of the above, the printing object PM is transported from the carry-in section 51 to the transport section. After the printing object PM is transported to the transport section, the drive section 54 transports the slide section 53 from the side of the discharge section 52 to the side of the transport section, whereby the printing device 100 returns to the home position.

[0082] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. 17 and 18, according to the printing device 100 of the second embodiment, the movable part 3 is configured to be able to move back and forth between the carry-in part 51 and the carry-out part 52. Therefore, the movable part 3 can move from the carry-in part 51 to the carry-out part 52. Therefore, the printing device 100 can print on the printing target PM being transported from the carry-in part 51 to the carry-out part 52. Therefore, it is possible to print on the printing target PM in the middle of the production process.

[0083] 17 and 18, the movable part 3 is configured to be able to reciprocate between the carry-in part 51 and the carry-out part 52. Therefore, the movable part 3 can move from the carry-out part 52 to the carry-in part 51. Therefore, after the print target PM that has been printed between the carry-in part 51 and the carry-out part 52 is transported to the carry-out part 52, printing can be performed on another print target PM. This allows the gripping mechanism 4 to be used repeatedly between the carry-in part 51 and the carry-out part 52. Therefore, an increase in the cost of the printing device 100 can be reduced.

[0084] 20 and 21, the plurality of third roller units 530 of the slide unit 53 rotate, thereby transporting the print object PM placed on the plurality of third roller units 530 from the carry-in unit 51 to the carry-out unit 52. Therefore, even if there is no drive source for moving the print object PM in the previous process or the next process, the print object PM can be moved.

[0085] 19, the end surface 4S of the gripping mechanism 4 is configured to move the print surface PP along the third direction (Y-axis direction) from in front of the print head 1 to the print head 1. Therefore, there is no need for a conveyor to move the print surface PP to the print head 1. This means, for example, that there is no need to incline the conveyor so that the print surface PP moves from in front of the print head 1 to the print surface 1S. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the conveyor.

[0086] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the drive unit 54 is configured to move the slide unit 53 along the second direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the slide unit 53 arranged on the drive unit 54 can be moved precisely by the drive unit 54. By being able to move precisely in the second direction (X-axis direction), the timing of printing on the print target PM can be synchronized with the speed of the drive unit 54. Furthermore, the slide unit 53 can be stopped midway through the transport of the print target PM. Furthermore, the transport speed of the slide unit 53 can be controlled.

[0087] As shown in Figure 18, the fixed part 2 is fixed to the installation surface at a position away from the installation surface by support parts 57. Therefore, the print head 1 is fixed to the fixed part 2 at a position away from the installation surface. This allows the print head 1 to be used in a static environment where it does not move relative to the fixed part 2 and the installation surface. Furthermore, maintenance of the print head 1 can be performed more easily than when the print head 1 is incorporated into transportation equipment.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 print head, 1S printing surface, 2 fixed portion, 3 movable portion, 4 gripping mechanism, 4S end surface, 6 vibration suppression portion, 20 fixed guide, 21 first fixed guide portion, 22 second fixed guide portion, 30 movable guide, 31 first movable guide portion, 32 second movable guide portion, 41 first gripping portion, 42 second gripping portion, 51 carry-in portion, 52 carry-out portion, 61 reference portion (vibration suppression portion), 62 pressing portion (vibration suppression portion), 63 contact determination portion, 64 shaft portion, 65 contact determination portion, 66 shaft portion, 100 printing device, 410 first gripping portion, 420 second gripping portion, 611 first reference portion, 612 second reference portion, 621 first pressing portion, 622 second pressing portion, PM printed object.

Claims

1. a print head having a printing surface; a fixed portion connected to the print head and having a fixed guide disposed along a first direction including the printing surface; a movable section connected to the fixed section, having a movable guide arranged along the first direction, and movable relative to the print head along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a gripping mechanism disposed in the movable portion and configured to grip a print target on which printing is to be performed by the print head along the first direction; a vibration suppression unit disposed on the movable portion and configured to grip the object to be printed along the second direction.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration suppressing units are disposed on both ends of the movable unit.

3. A printing device as described in Claim 1, wherein the vibration suppression unit is arranged at the end of the movable unit.

4. The printing device according to claim 2 , wherein the vibration suppressing portions disposed on both ends of the movable portion have different shapes.

5. 5. A printing device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism is movable from in front of the fixed guide and the movable guide to the fixed guide and the movable guide along a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction.

6. The printing device according to claim 5 , wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to be able to move an end surface of the gripping mechanism by expanding and contracting along the third direction.

7. 5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the print head is fixed to the fixing portion.

8. a carry-in unit that transports the object to be printed to the movable unit; a conveying unit that receives the printing object conveyed by the movable unit, The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable section carries the object to be printed, which has been carried by the carry-in section, out to the carry-out section.

Images