printer

Abstract

To provide a printer which suppresses deterioration of printing quality.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: a case 13 having an internal space 12; a support base 40; a printing head 54; a medium moving mechanism 45; and a static eliminator 70. The support base 40 supports a medium 5 in the internal space 12. The printing head 54 is disposed above the support base 40 in the internal space 12 and is configured so that it moves in a scanning direction Y relative to the support base 40. The medium moving mechanism 45 moves the medium 5 supported by the support base 40 in a feed direction X from upstream to downstream relative to the printing head 54. The static eliminator 70 is arranged in the case 113 in a downstream side from an upstream end 54a of the printing head 54 in the feed direction X and ejects static elimination gas containing ions towards a discharge space 58 between the support base 40 and the printing head 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that includes a mounting table on which a medium is placed and a print head that ejects ink toward the medium placed on the mounting table. In this printing device, the print head is configured to be movable in a direction from back to front relative to the mounting table.

[0003] In addition, in the printing device, a jet head containing an ionizer that generates ions is disposed in front of the print head. The jet head is configured to be movable in the movement direction together with the print head. The jet head is also formed with jet holes that open downward. Ionized neutralizing gas is jetted from the jet holes. The neutralizing gas jetted from the jet holes is sprayed onto the portion of the medium before printing. As a result, static electricity charged on the portion of the medium before printing is removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4997229 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the medium is neutralized before printing, portions of the medium may remain charged during or after printing. Furthermore, the ink ejected from the print head may also be charged. When the ink ejected from the print head becomes charged, a mist of the charged ink is more likely to adhere to the print head or the medium. As a result, there is a risk of print quality deteriorating.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to provide a printer that can prevent a decrease in print quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printer according to the present invention includes a case, a support base, a print head, a medium movement mechanism, and a static elimination device. The case has an internal space. The support base supports a medium in the internal space. The print head is disposed above the support base in the internal space and configured to move relative to the support base in a scan direction. The medium movement mechanism moves the medium supported by the support base relative to the print head in a feed direction from upstream to downstream. The static elimination device is provided in the case so as to be positioned downstream of the upstream end of the print head in the feed direction, and irradiates a static elimination gas containing ions toward an ejection space between the support base and the print head.

[0008] In the printer according to the present invention, the neutralization gas containing ions emitted from the neutralization device is directed toward the ejection space between the support base and the print head. Because this ejection space is the space through which ink ejected from the print head passes, the ink ejected from the print head is neutralized by the neutralization gas. This prevents the ink mist ejected from the print head from scattering and adhering to the print head, thereby preventing ink from dragging or bleeding on the medium. Furthermore, in the present invention, the neutralization device is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the print head, so the neutralization gas from the neutralization device is directed toward the medium during or after printing. This allows the medium to be neutralized during or after printing. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality due to the ink and medium becoming charged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that can prevent deterioration of print quality by preventing the mist of charged ink from adhering to the print head or medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printer taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the carriage, print head, and ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a static eliminator. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a printer according to a second embodiment, with the access cover closed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a printer according to a second embodiment, with the access cover open. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing the printer according to the second embodiment, with the access cover closed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing the printer according to the second embodiment, with the access cover open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate components and parts that perform the same functions, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] First Embodiment First, a printer 10 according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 10 taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. In the drawings, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively.

[0013] The symbols X, Y, and Z represent the feed direction X, scan direction Y, and height direction Z, respectively. The feed direction X is the direction in which a medium 5 (see FIG. 1 ), which will be described later, moves, for example, the front-to-back direction. Here, the medium 5 moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feed direction X. In this embodiment, the upstream side is the rear side of the printer 10, and the downstream side is the front side of the printer 10. However, when the medium 5 moves from the front side to the rear side of the printer 10, the upstream side is the front side of the printer 10, and the downstream side is the rear side of the printer 10. The scan direction Y is the direction in which a print head 54 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later, moves. The scan direction Y intersects with the feed direction X in a plan view, and is perpendicular here. The scan direction Y is, for example, the left-to-right direction. The height direction Z is the up-to-down direction. However, these directions are merely defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the present invention or the installation mode of the printer according to each embodiment.

[0014] The printer 10 according to this embodiment is an inkjet printer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 10 is a so-called roll-to-roll printer, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the printer 10 transports a medium 5 in a feed direction X. The printer 10 prints on the medium 5. The medium 5 is, for example, recording paper, but is not limited to recording paper. The medium 5 includes paper such as plain paper and inkjet printing paper, as well as relatively thin materials such as sheets made of resin materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester, and relatively thick materials such as metal plates made of aluminum, iron, and the like, glass plates, wooden plates, and cardboard.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 has a printer main body 11. The printer main body 11 has a case 13 and legs 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the case 13 extends in the main scanning direction Y and has an internal space 12 formed inside the case 13. Printing onto the medium 5 takes place in this internal space 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the legs 15 are provided on the case 13 and extend downward from the case 13. The legs 15 support the case 13.

[0016] The case 13 has a base 20, a first left side frame 21L, a first right side frame 21R, a second left side frame 22L, and a second right side frame 22R. The base 20 forms the bottom of the case 13 and extends in the feed direction X and the scan direction Y. The first left side frame 21L is disposed to the left of a support base 40 (see FIG. 2 ), which will be described later, and extends upward from the base 20. The first right side frame 21R is disposed to the right of the support base 40 and extends upward from the base 20. The second left side frame 22L is disposed to the left of the support base 40 and to the right of the first left side frame 21L, and extends upward and forward from the base 20. The second right side frame 22R is disposed to the right of the support base 40 and to the left of the first right side frame 21R, and extends upward and forward from the base 20.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the case 13 has a top cover 31, a front wall 32, a left cover 34L, a right cover 34R, a left side wall 35L (see FIG. 3), a right side wall 35R, a rear wall 36 (see FIG. 3), and a bottom wall 37 (see FIG. 3).

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the top cover 31 forms the upper part of the case 13. In a side view, the top cover 31 is positioned higher than the support base 40 and the print head 54. The top cover 31 covers the internal space 12 from above, and is positioned higher than the base 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the top cover 31 is positioned between the first left side frame 21L and the first right side frame 21R.

[0019] The configuration of the top cover 31 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the top cover 31 has an upper wall 31a, a first inclined wall 31b, a vertical wall 31c, and a second inclined wall 31d. The upper wall 31a extends above the print head 54 in the feed direction X and the scanning direction Y. The first inclined wall 31b extends in the scanning direction Y and is inclined forward and downward from the front end of the upper wall 31a. The vertical wall 31c extends downward from the lower end of the first inclined wall 31b and also extends in the scanning direction Y. The second inclined wall 31d extends in the scanning direction Y and is inclined forward and downward from the lower end of the vertical wall 31c.

[0020] The front wall 32 is disposed forward of the base 20 and the top cover 31. The front wall 32 is also disposed forward of the support base 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 32 is disposed between the second left side frame 22L and the second right side frame 22R.

[0021] The left cover 34L is disposed to the left of the first left side frame 21L and the top cover 31. The right cover 34R is disposed to the right of the first right side frame 21R and the top cover 31. The left side wall 35L rises from the left end of the base 20 and is disposed to the left of the left cover 34L. The right side wall 35R rises from the right end of the base 20 and is disposed to the right of the right cover 34R.

[0022] 3, the rear wall 36 extends in the scanning direction Y and the height direction Z behind the top cover 31. The lower wall 37 extends forward from the lower end of the rear wall 36 and also extends in the scanning direction Y. The lower wall 37 is positioned higher than the base 20 and the support stand 40, and is positioned rearward of the print head 54.

[0023] In this embodiment, the case 13 has an opening 38. The opening 38 connects the internal space 12 of the case 13 with the outside of the case 13. Here, the opening 38 is formed between the top cover 31 and the front wall 32. The opening 38 is formed downstream (here, forward) and below the top cover 31. The opening 38 is located forward of the print head 54. Here, the opening 38 opens downstream, i.e., toward the front.

[0024] The case 13 has an opening / closing cover 39 that is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 38. Here, the opening / closing cover 39 is a cover that extends in the scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing cover 39 is disposed between the first left side frame 21L and the first right side frame 21R. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a rotation shaft 39a extending in the scanning direction Y is provided at the upper end of the opening / closing cover 39. The opening / closing cover 39 is supported by the first left side frame 21L and the first right side frame 21R so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 39a. In this embodiment, the opening / closing cover 39 is operable by the user. The opening / closing cover 39 is configured to open and close the opening 38 by rotating about the rotation shaft 39a through user operation.

[0025] In this embodiment, the printer 10 includes a support base 40, a medium movement mechanism 45, a guide rail 50, a carriage 52, a print head 54, an ultraviolet irradiation device 56 (see FIG. 2), and a head movement mechanism 60 (see FIG. 2). The support base 40 is disposed in the internal space 12 of the case 13. The support base 40 supports the medium 5 in the internal space 12. Printing on the medium 5 is performed on the support base 40.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3 , the support base 40 has a support surface 41, an upstream apron 42, and a downstream apron 43. The support surface 41 supports the medium 5 and is located directly below the print head 54 in a side view. The support surface 41 is a flat surface extending in the feed direction X and the scan direction Y. Printing is performed on the portion of the medium 5 supported on the support surface 41. The upstream apron 42 is located upstream of the support surface 41 and, in this case, is located behind the support surface 41. The upstream apron 42 has, for example, an arc-shaped cross section. The upstream apron 42 curves downward as it moves away from the support surface 41. The downstream apron 43 is located downstream of the support surface 41 and, in this case, is located in front of the support surface 41. The downstream apron 43 has, for example, an arc-shaped cross section. The downstream apron 43 curves downward as it moves away from the support surface 41.

[0027] The medium moving mechanism 45 is a mechanism that moves the medium 5 supported by the support table 40 in the feed direction X relative to the print head 54. In this example, the medium moving mechanism 45 is a mechanism that moves the medium 5 supported by the support table 40 in the feed direction X without moving the support table 40. The configuration of the medium moving mechanism 45 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the medium moving mechanism 45 has a grit roller 46, a pinch roller 47, and a feed motor 48.

[0028] The grit roller 46 is provided on the support base 40, and a portion of the grit roller 46 is exposed from the support surface 41 of the support base 40. The pinch roller 47 presses down on the medium 5 from above and is arranged above the grit roller 46. The pinch roller 47 faces the grit roller 46. The pinch roller 47 is configured to be movable in the height direction Z. Note that the positions and numbers of the grit rollers 46 and pinch rollers 47 are not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple grit rollers 46 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple pinch rollers 47 are also arranged side by side in the scanning direction Y.

[0029] 3, the feed motor 48 is connected to the grit roller 46. Here, when the feed motor 48 is driven with the medium 5 sandwiched between the grit roller 46 and the pinch roller 47, the grit roller 46 rotates. The rotation of the grit roller 46 moves the medium 5 supported on the support base 40 in the feed direction X (e.g., from upstream to downstream).

[0030] The guide rail 50 is disposed in the internal space 12 of the case 13 and extends in the scanning direction Y as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the internal space 12 is provided with a central wall 25 that extends in the scanning direction Y and the height direction Z. This central wall 25 is supported by the base 20 via, for example, a left side wall 35L and a right side wall 35R. The guide rail 50 is provided on the front surface of the central wall 25. The guide rail 50 is disposed above the support base 40.

[0031] The carriage 52 is disposed in the internal space 12 and slidably engaged with the guide rail 50. The carriage 52 is disposed above the support base 40 and is configured to be movable in the scanning direction Y.

[0032] The print head 54 ejects ink toward the medium 5 supported by the support base 40. The print head 54 is disposed in the internal space 12 of the case 13 and is mounted on the carriage 52. The print head 54 is configured to be movable in the scanning direction Y together with the carriage 52.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the carriage 52, print head 54, and ultraviolet irradiation device 56. As shown in FIG. 4, the print head 54 is formed to be longer in the feed direction X than in the scan direction Y. The number of print heads 54 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, there are three print heads 54. The three print heads 54 are arranged side by side in the scan direction Y. In this embodiment, the upstream ends 54a of the three print heads 54 are positioned at the same position in the feed direction X, but may be positioned at different positions in the feed direction X. In other words, the three print heads 54 may be arranged in a staggered pattern. A plurality of nozzles 55 are formed on the bottom surface of each print head 54 and arranged side by side in the feed direction X. Ink is ejected downward from these nozzles 55.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a cartridge housing 27 that houses ink cartridges (not shown). In this embodiment, the cartridge housing 27 is fixed to the printer body 11, and in this example, is located behind the left cover 34L. The print head 54 communicates with the ink cartridges housed in the cartridge housing 27 via tubes (not shown). The ink cartridges store ink. The ink is, for example, photocurable ink. That is, photocurable ink is ejected from the print head 54.

[0035] Photocurable inks have the property of curing when irradiated with light (e.g., ultraviolet light). Photocurable inks (e.g., ultraviolet-curable inks) contain a colorant such as a pigment, a photopolymerizable monomer, and a photopolymerization initiator system, and may optionally contain various other additives such as a photosensitizer, a polymerization inhibitor, a scavenger, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a plasticizer, a surfactant, a leveling agent, a thickener, a dispersant, an antifoaming agent, a preservative, and a solvent. Examples of photocurable inks include process color inks, white inks, gloss inks, and metallic inks. Examples of process color inks include cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, light cyan ink, and light magenta ink.

[0036] The ultraviolet irradiation device 56 shown in FIG. 2 is a device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the medium 5 (more specifically, ink ejected onto the medium 5) supported by the support base 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the ultraviolet irradiation device 56 is provided on the carriage 52. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation devices 56 are provided on both the left and right sides of the carriage 52. In other words, the ultraviolet irradiation devices 56 are disposed to the left and right of the print head 54. However, there may be only one ultraviolet irradiation device 56, or the ultraviolet irradiation device 56 may be provided on only one of the left and right sides of the carriage 52.

[0037] 2 is a mechanism that moves the print head 54 in the scan direction Y relative to the medium 5 supported by the support base 40. In this example, the head movement mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 52, print head 54, and ultraviolet irradiation device 56 in the scan direction Y. The configuration of the head movement mechanism 60 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the head movement mechanism 60 has left and right pulleys 61, 62, a belt 63, and a scan motor 64.

[0038] The left pulley 61 is provided on the left side of the guide rail 50, and the right pulley 62 is provided on the right side of the guide rail 50. The belt 63 is endless and is wound around the left and right pulleys 61, 62. Here, the carriage 52 is fixedly attached to the belt 63. The scan motor 64 is connected to, for example, the right pulley 62. Here, when the scan motor 64 is driven, the right pulley 62 rotates, and the belt 63 runs between the left and right pulleys 61, 62. As a result, the carriage 52, the print head 54, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 56 move in the scan direction Y along the guide rail 50.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the space between the print head 54 and the support base 40 (more specifically, the support surface 41) is referred to as the ejection space 58. The ejection space 58 is a space located above the support surface 41, and is a space located below the print head 54 when the print head 54 is moving in the scanning direction Y. In a plan view, the ejection space 58 overlaps with the support surface 41 and also overlaps with the movement trajectory of the print head 54 when it moves in the scanning direction Y. The ejection space 58 is a space that extends in the scanning direction Y. The ejection space 58 is a space through which ink ejected from the print head 54 passes during printing. The ink that passes through the ejection space 58 lands on the medium 5 supported by the support base 40.

[0040] In this embodiment, the printer 10 is equipped with a static eliminator 70. The static eliminator 70 is a device for removing static electricity from the medium 5 supported by the support base 40. The static eliminator 70 is also a device for removing static electricity from the ink ejected from the print head 54. In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 generates a static eliminator gas containing ions. The static eliminator 70 irradiates the static eliminator gas toward the ejection space 58 between the support base 40 and the print head 54. The static eliminator 70 also irradiates the periphery of the ejection space 58, for example, the space downstream of the ejection space 58, with the static eliminator gas. The static eliminator gas generated by the static eliminator 70 is irradiated (or sprayed) into the ejection space 58, whereby the static eliminator gas is irradiated onto the medium 5 and the ink ejected from the print head 54, thereby removing static electricity from the medium 5 and the ink. In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is also referred to as an ionizer, static eliminator, or static eliminator.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3 , the static eliminator 70 is disposed in the internal space 12 of the case 13 and is provided in the case 13. Here, the static eliminator 70 is attached and fixed to the case 13. More specifically, the static eliminator 70 is disposed downstream (here, forward) of the upstream end 54a (here, rear end) of the print head 54 in the feed direction X. There are no particular limitations on where in the case 13 the static eliminator 70 is provided, as long as it is downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54. Note that the upstream end 54a of the print head 54 here refers to the upstream end 54a of the print head 54 that is disposed most upstream, for example, when multiple print heads 54 are disposed staggered in the feed direction X.

[0042] In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is provided on the top cover 31 of the case 13 (here, the surface of the top cover 31 facing the internal space 12). More specifically, the static eliminator 70 is provided in a portion of the top cover 31 that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the print head 54 in the scanning direction Y in a plan view, and here, is fixed to the front portion of the upper wall 31a of the top cover 31. However, the static eliminator 70 may also be provided on the first inclined wall 31b, vertical wall 31c, or second inclined wall 31d of the top cover 31. Furthermore, the static eliminator 70 may also be provided on the surface of the front wall 32 facing the internal space 12, or on the surface of the opening / closing cover 39 facing the internal space 12.

[0043] In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is disposed above the support base 40 (for example, directly above the support surface 41). However, the static eliminator 70 may be disposed downstream of the support surface 41, or may be disposed to the right or left of the support surface 41 as long as it is capable of irradiating the discharge space 58 with static elimination gas. In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is disposed above the print head 54 (in other words, above the bottom surface of the print head 54), and above the carriage 52 and the guide rail 50. Specifically, the static eliminator 70 is disposed directly above the print head 54 in a side view. However, the static eliminator 70 may be disposed downstream (i.e., forward) of the print head 54 and carriage 52, or may be disposed to the left or right of the print head 54 and carriage 52.

[0044] In this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is not provided on the carriage 52. Therefore, the static eliminator 70 is configured to be unable to move in the scanning direction Y. The position of the static eliminator 70 relative to the case 13 is fixed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the number of static eliminators 70 is one. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of static eliminators 70. For example, the number of static eliminators 70 may be multiple, that is, two or more.

[0046] The configuration of the static eliminator 70 is not particularly limited. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the static eliminator 70. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the static eliminator 70 includes a static eliminator main body 71 and an ion generator (not shown). The static eliminator main body 71 is a hollow member extending in the scanning direction Y. An irradiation port 75 is formed in the static eliminator main body 71. As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation port 75 opens toward the discharge space 58. Here, the irradiation port 75 is formed on the lower surface of the static eliminator main body 71 and opens downward. The number of irradiation ports 75 is not particularly limited and may be one or more. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the number of irradiation ports 75 is, for example, ten. For example, when there are multiple irradiation ports 75, the multiple irradiation ports 75 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction Y.

[0047] The ion generator included in the static eliminator 70 generates a static eliminator gas containing ions. The ion generator is disposed within the static eliminator body 71 and generates the static eliminator gas within the static eliminator body 71. The static eliminator gas generated by the ion generator is emitted toward the outside of the static eliminator body 71 through the emission port 75. Here, the static eliminator gas that exits the static eliminator body 71 from the emission port 75 reaches the ejection space 58 and is irradiated onto the portion of the medium 5 supported by the support base 40 and the ink ejected from the print head 54. Note that in this embodiment, even when the static eliminator 70 is provided on the top cover 31, the static eliminator 70 is configured so that the static eliminator gas generated by the ion generator can reach the ejection space 58, and the amount and arrival speed of the static eliminator gas are adjusted so that it reaches the ejection space 58.

[0048] The method for attaching the static eliminator 70 to the top cover 31 is not particularly limited. For example, the static eliminator main body 71 of the static eliminator 70 may be fixed to the top cover 31 using a fixing member such as a screw. Alternatively, a fixing hole may be formed through the top cover 31, and the static eliminator main body 71 may be fitted into the fixing hole to be fixed.

[0049] In this embodiment, when printing on the medium 5, the head movement mechanism 60 is operated with the medium 5 supported on the support table 40 to move the print head 54 in the scanning direction Y. While the print head 54 is moving in the scanning direction Y, ink is ejected from the print head 54 toward the medium 5 to print one line. Here, during printing, a static eliminator 70 irradiates the ink. Therefore, during printing, the static eliminator gas generated from the static eliminator 70 reaches the ejection space 58, and the ink ejected from the print head 54 is neutralized by the irradiation of the static eliminator gas. Furthermore, the portion of the medium 5 onto which the ink was ejected is also neutralized by the irradiation of the static eliminator gas.

[0050] After printing one line as described above, the medium 5 supported on the support base 40 is moved a predetermined distance downstream in the feed direction X by the medium movement mechanism 45. In this embodiment, even while the medium 5 is moving downstream in the feed direction X, the static eliminator 70 irradiates the static eliminator gas. Therefore, the static eliminator gas is irradiated onto the medium 5 after printing, i.e., the portion of the medium 5 that has moved forward of the ejection space 58. Therefore, the portion of the medium 5 after printing is also neutralized. The print head 54 is then moved in the scan direction Y, and the next line is printed again. In this way, printing on the medium 5 can be performed by alternately repeating the printing of one line and the movement of the medium 5 downstream.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the printer 10 includes a case 13 having an internal space 12, a support base 40, a print head 54, a medium movement mechanism 45, and a static eliminator 70. The support base 40 supports the medium 5 in the internal space 12. The print head 54 is disposed above the support base 40 in the internal space 12 and ejects ink. The print head 54 is configured to move relative to the support base 40 in the scan direction Y. The medium movement mechanism 45 moves the medium 5 supported by the support base 40 relative to the print head 54 in the feed direction X, which runs from upstream to downstream. The static eliminator 70 is provided in the case 13 so as to be positioned downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54 in the feed direction X, and irradiates a static eliminator gas containing ions toward the ejection space 58 between the support base 40 and the print head 54.

[0052] The ejection space 58 between the support base 40 and the print head 54 is a space through which ink ejected from the print head 54 passes, and therefore the ink ejected from the print head 54 is neutralized by the neutralization gas. This makes it difficult for the ink mist ejected from the print head 54 to scatter and adhere to the print head 54, thereby preventing ink adhering to the medium 5 from dragging or bleeding. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the neutralization device 70 is located downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54, so the neutralization gas from the neutralization device 70 is irradiated onto the medium 5 during or after printing. This allows the medium 5 to be neutralized during or after printing. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality due to the ink and medium 5 becoming electrically charged.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is provided in the case 13, not in the carriage 52. This prevents the carriage 52 from becoming larger. If the carriage 52 were to become larger, the power consumption would increase when the carriage 52 and print head 54 move in the scanning direction Y. Therefore, by providing the static eliminator 70 in the case 13, the power consumption when the carriage 52 and print head 54 move in the scanning direction Y can be reduced.

[0054] In this embodiment, the case 13 has an opening 38, an access cover 39, and a top cover 31. The opening 38 connects the internal space 12 to the outside of the case 13 and is located downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54. The top cover 31 is located above the print head 54 and upstream of the opening 38 in the feed direction X. The static eliminator 70 is provided in a portion of the top cover 31 that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the print head 54 in a plan view. This allows the static eliminator gas generated by the static eliminator 70 to be irradiated toward the medium 5 from above. This makes it easier for the static eliminator gas to be irradiated onto the portions of the medium 5 onto which ink has been ejected during or after printing, making it easier to eliminate static from the portions of the medium 5 onto which ink has been ejected.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the static eliminator 70 is provided on the top cover 31 above the access cover 39 and the opening 38. When the user opens the opening 38 with the access cover 39, they visually check the condition of the print head 54 and the medium 5 supported on the support base 40. Because the static eliminator 70 is provided at a position higher than the opening 38 when visually checking, the static eliminator 70 can be placed in a position that does not obstruct the user's visual inspection. Therefore, the static eliminator 70 can be placed in a position that does not obstruct the user's visual inspection, and static eliminator gas can be irradiated from above toward the medium 5.

[0056] In this embodiment, the head movement mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 2 moves the print head 54 in the scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 5, the static eliminator 70 has a static eliminator main body 71 extending in the scanning direction Y and an irradiation port 75 formed in the static eliminator main body 71 so as to be aligned with the scanning direction Y. As a result, the direction in which the print head 54 moves and the direction in which the multiple irradiation ports 75 are aligned are the same scanning direction Y. Therefore, during printing, when the print head 54 is moving in the scanning direction Y, the ink ejected from the print head 54 is more likely to be irradiated with the static elimination gas emitted from the irradiation port 75. This makes it easier to neutralize the ink ejected from the print head 54.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the static eliminator 70 was provided in the case 13 of the so-called roll-to-roll type printer 10. However, there are no particular limitations on the type of printer in which the static eliminator 70 can be provided. Also, although the ink ejected from the print head 54 was photocurable ink, the type of ink is not limited to photocurable ink.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, a printer 110 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of the printer 110 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9 are right side views, respectively, of the printer 110 according to this embodiment. Note that FIGS. 6 and 8 show a state in which the access cover 114 is closed. FIGS. 7 and 9 show a state in which the access cover 114 is open.

[0059] The printer 110 according to this embodiment is a so-called flatbed type printer. As shown in Fig. 6, the printer 110 has a printer main body 111. As shown in Fig. 7, the printer main body 111 has a case 113. The case 113 has an internal space 112 formed inside the case 113. Printing onto the medium 5 takes place in this internal space 112.

[0060] In this embodiment, the case 113 has an opening 138 and an openable cover 114 that can open and close the opening 138. As shown in Fig. 6 , the case 113 has a base 120, a left side wall 121, a right side wall 122, a partition wall 123, a left rear wall 124, a right rear wall 125, a left upper front wall 126, a left upper rear wall 127, a right upper front wall 128, a right upper rear wall 129, and a front wall 130.

[0061] The base 120 forms the bottom surface of the case 113. The base 120 extends in the feed direction X and the scan direction Y.

[0062] 7, the left side wall 121 extends upward from the left end of the base 120. The right side wall 122 extends upward from the right end of the base 120. The partition wall 123 is disposed between the left side wall 121 and the right side wall 122 and extends upward from the base 120. The partition wall 123 also extends in the feed direction X.

[0063] 6, the left rear wall 124 and the right rear wall 125 extend upward from the rear end of the base 120. The left rear wall 124 is disposed to the left of the right rear wall 125. The left rear wall 124 is disposed between the left side wall 121 and the partition wall 123. The right rear wall 125 is disposed between the partition wall 123 and the right side wall 122.

[0064] The left front upper wall 126 and the left rear upper wall 127 are disposed above the base 120 and between the left side wall 121 and the partition wall 123. The left front upper wall 126 slopes downward as it extends forward. Note that the left front upper wall 126 is omitted from FIG. 7 . The left rear upper wall 127 is disposed rearward of the left front upper wall 126 and slopes rearward and downward from the rear end of the left front upper wall 126. The rear end of the left rear upper wall 127 is connected to the left rear wall 124.

[0065] The right front upper wall 128 and the right rear upper wall 129 are disposed above the base 120 and between the partition wall 123 and the right side wall 122. The right front upper wall 128 is disposed to the right of the left front upper wall 126 and slopes downward as it moves forward. The right rear upper wall 129 is disposed to the right of the left rear upper wall 127 and behind the right front upper wall 128 and slopes rearward and downward from the rear end of the right front upper wall 128. The rear end of the right rear upper wall 129 is connected to the right rear wall 125.

[0066] The front wall 130 extends upward from the front end of the base 120 between the partition wall 123 and the right side wall 122. The front wall 130 also extends in the scanning direction Y. The upper end of the front wall 130 is connected to the right upper front wall 128.

[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, an opening 138 is formed in the case 113. The opening 138 connects the internal space 112 with the outside of the case 113, and is located downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54. Here, the opening 138 is formed in the front part of the case 113, and more specifically, is surrounded by the base 120, the left side wall 121, the partition wall 123, and the left upper front wall 126.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, openable cover 114 is provided so as to be able to open and close opening 138 of case 113. Case 113 supports openable cover 114 so that it can rotate. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, openable cover 114 has a rotation shaft 115. Rotation shaft 115 is provided at the upper end of openable cover 114 and is rotatably supported by case 113. Therefore, openable cover 114 is configured to be rotatable around rotation shaft 115.

[0069] Supports 115a are provided on opening / closing cover 114. One support 115a is provided on the left end and one on the right end of opening / closing cover 114. Supports 115a are configured to keep opening / closing cover 114 open when it is open. Supports 115a are configured to bend in the middle. When opening / closing cover 114, supports 115a extend to support opening / closing cover 114. When opening / closing cover 114, supports 115a bend in the middle and fold. Note that supports 115a are omitted from Figure 9.

[0070] The configuration and shape of the opening / closing cover 114 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, the cross section of the opening / closing cover 114 in the feed direction X is L-shaped. The opening / closing cover 114 has a first cover portion 116 and a second cover portion 117. The following description of the first cover portion 116 and the second cover portion 117 is based on the position when the opening / closing cover 114 closes the opening 138.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 8, the first cover part 116 is disposed higher than the second cover part 117. The first cover part 116 is disposed so as to slope downward as it approaches the front. A rotation shaft 115 is provided at the upper end (in other words, the rear end) of the first cover part 116. The second cover part 117 is connected to the first cover part 116 and extends downward from the lower end (in other words, the front end) of the first cover part 116.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the opening / closing cover 114 is provided with a handle 118. More specifically, the handle 118 is provided at the bottom of the front surface of the second cover part 117. Here, when a user grasps and lifts the handle 118 with their hand, the opening / closing cover 114 rotates around the rotation shaft 115. This causes the opening 138 to be opened by the opening 138 of the opening / closing cover 114.

[0073] In this embodiment, opening / closing cover 114 has window 119. Here, window 119 is provided in first cover portion 116 of opening / closing cover 114. A user can view internal space 112 of case 113 from outside case 113 through window 119. Window 119 is formed of a transparent or translucent member such as an acrylic plate.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 110 includes the same guide rails 50, carriage 52, print head 54, ultraviolet irradiation device 56, and head movement mechanism 60 as in the first embodiment. The guide rails 50, carriage 52, print head 54, and ultraviolet irradiation device 56 are arranged in an internal space 112 of a case 113. In this embodiment, there are four print heads 54, and one ultraviolet irradiation device 56 is provided on the left side of the carriage 52. As shown in FIG. 9, an opening 138 in the case 113 is formed downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54.

[0075] In this embodiment, the printer 110 includes a support base 140 and a medium movement mechanism 145. As shown in FIG. 7 , the support base 140 supports the medium 5. The space between the print head 54 and the support base 140 is called an ejection space 158. The support base 140 has a support surface 141. The support surface 141 forms the upper surface of the support base 140 and is a flat surface that extends in the feed direction X and the scan direction Y. The medium 5 is placed on the support surface 141. Here, the medium movement mechanism 145 is configured to move the support base 140 in the feed direction X, thereby moving the medium 5 supported by the support base 140 in the feed direction X as well.

[0076] The printer 110 is equipped with a static eliminator 70. The static eliminator 70 has a configuration similar to that of the static eliminator 70 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, when the access cover 114 is closed, the static eliminator 70 is disposed in the internal space 112 of the case 113. The static eliminator 70 is provided in the case 113 so as to be disposed downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54. In this example, the static eliminator 70 is provided on the surface of the access cover 114 of the case 113 facing the internal space 112. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the static eliminator 70 is provided in a window 119 provided in a first cover portion 116 of the access cover 114. As shown in FIG. 8, the static eliminator 70 is disposed upstream (here, forward) of the carriage 52 and the print head 54, and above the support base 140.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the opening 138 is closed by the openable cover 114, the multiple irradiation ports 75 of the static eliminator 70 open downward toward the support base 140. At this time, the irradiation ports 75 open toward the ejection space 158 between the print head 54 and the support base 140. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the openable cover 114 opens the opening 138, the openable cover 114 is disposed in an upright position, and in this case, the second cover portion 117 is disposed above the first cover portion 116. When the openable cover 114 is in the upright position, the irradiation ports 75 of the static eliminator 70 provided in the openable cover 114 open toward the outside of the internal space 112 of the case 113. More specifically, the irradiation ports 75 open toward the downstream side (here, forward) in the feed direction X. Therefore, when the openable cover 114 opens the opening 138, the static elimination gas containing ions generated from the static eliminator 70 is irradiated forward from the irradiation ports 75.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the case 113 has an opening 138 that connects the internal space 112 to the outside of the case 113 and is located downstream of the upstream end 54a of the print head 54, and an openable / closable cover 114 that is provided to open and close the opening 138. The static eliminator 70 is provided in the openable / closable cover 114. For example, during printing, the opening 138 is closed by the openable / closable cover 114, as shown in FIG. 8 . At this time, the static eliminator 70 is located in the internal space 112 of the case 113. Therefore, even when the static eliminator 70 is provided in the openable / closable cover 114, during printing, static eliminator gas containing ions emitted from the static eliminator 70 is irradiated toward the ejection space 158 between the support base 140 and the print head 54. Therefore, ink ejected from the print head 54 is neutralized by the static eliminator gas. The static eliminator gas from the static eliminator 70 is irradiated toward the medium 5 during or after printing. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to neutralize the medium 5 during or after printing.

[0079] In this embodiment, the openable cover 114 has a rotation shaft 115. The case 113 is configured to support the openable cover 114 rotatably about the rotation shaft 115. Here, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the openable cover 114 closes the opening 138 of the case 113, the irradiation port 75 is configured to open toward the discharge space 158. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the openable cover 114 opens the opening 138 of the case 113, the irradiation port 75 is configured to open toward the outside of the internal space 112. For example, when setting the medium 5 on the support base 140, with the openable cover 114 open, the medium 5 is set on the support base 140 through the opening 138 of the case 113 and supported by the support base 140. Therefore, when setting the medium 5, the irradiation port 75 of the static eliminator 70 opens toward the outside of the internal space 112. Therefore, before setting the medium 5 on the support base 140, a user can easily grasp the medium 5 with their hand and hold it in front of the irradiation port 75. Therefore, it is easy to neutralize the medium 5 using the neutralization device 70 before setting it on the support base 140.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the opening / closing cover 114 opens the opening 138 of the case 113, the irradiation port 75 is configured to open facing downstream (here, forward) in the feed direction X. As a result, when the medium 5 is set on the support base 140, the medium 5 passes in front of the opening / closing cover 114. Therefore, during the process of setting the medium 5 on the support base 140, the static eliminator 70 can be used to neutralize the static electricity from the medium 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 5 Medium 10 Printers 11 Printer body 12 Interior Space 13 cases 31 Top cover 38 Aperture 39 Opening and closing cover 40 Support stand 45 Media movement mechanism 54 print head 58 Discharge space 60 Head movement mechanism 70 Static eliminator 71 Anti-static device 75 irradiation port 110 Printer 111 Printer body 112 Interior Space 113 cases 114 Opening and closing cover 115 Rotational Axis 138 Aperture 140 Support stand 145 Media movement mechanism 158 Discharge space

Claims

1. a case having an interior space; a support base that supports a medium in the internal space; a print head disposed above the support base in the internal space and configured to move relative to the support base in a scanning direction; a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium supported by the support table in a feed direction from upstream to downstream relative to the print head; a static elimination device that is provided in the case so as to be positioned downstream of the upstream end of the print head in the feed direction, and that irradiates a static elimination gas containing ions toward an ejection space between the support base and the print head; Equipped with The case is an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside of the case and is located downstream of the upstream end of the print head; an opening / closing cover that is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening; a top cover disposed above the print head and upstream of the opening in the feed direction; and The static eliminator is provided in a portion of the top cover that overlaps with a movement trajectory of the print head in a plan view.

2. A case having an internal space; a support base that supports a medium in the internal space; a print head disposed above the support base in the internal space and configured to move relative to the support base in a scanning direction; a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium supported by the support table in a feed direction from upstream to downstream relative to the print head; a static elimination device that is provided in the case so as to be positioned downstream of the upstream end of the print head in the feed direction, and that irradiates a static elimination gas containing ions toward an ejection space between the support base and the print head; Equipped with The case is an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside of the case and is located downstream of the upstream end of the print head; an opening / closing cover that is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening; and The static eliminator is provided in the opening / closing cover of the printer.

3. The openable cover has a rotation shaft, The printer according to claim 2 , wherein the case is configured to support the opening / closing cover so that the opening / closing cover can rotate about the rotation axis.

4. the static eliminator has an irradiation port through which the static elimination gas passes, When the opening / closing cover closes the opening of the case, the irradiation port opens toward the ejection space, 4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation port is configured to open toward the outside of the internal space when the opening of the case is opened by the access cover.

5. The printer according to claim 4 , wherein when the opening of the case is opened by the opening cover, the irradiation port is configured to open facing downstream in the feed direction.

6. a head moving mechanism that moves the print head in the scanning direction; The static eliminator is a hollow static eliminator body extending in the scanning direction; irradiation ports formed in the static eliminator body so as to be aligned in the scanning direction; an ion generator disposed within the static eliminator body and configured to generate the static eliminator gas within the static eliminator body; 6. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

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