Printing apparatus

Abstract

To simplify the constitution of a carriage in a printer which hardens ink by irradiating the ink with the ultraviolet ray from an irradiation unit mounted on the carriage.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a body part; and a carriage which is movable in the first direction along the first axis and the second direction along the second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The carriage is mounted with a head for discharging ink toward a medium and an irradiation unit for irradiating the medium with the ultraviolet ray so as to be arrayed in the first direction. The irradiation unit includes a first contact part and is supported so as to be relatively movable in the second direction relative to the head. When the carriage moves in the second direction, the first contact part and a second contact part provided in the body part are brought into contact with each other. The irradiation unit relatively moves in the second direction relative to the head when the carriage moves in the state where the first contact part and the second contact part are brought into contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing apparatus using ink that cures by irradiation with ultraviolet rays has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus provided with a UV irradiator. The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of UV irradiation units, and mounts a unit base on which the UV irradiation units are arranged side by side and fixed, on a carriage. The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is described as being able to reproduce various ultraviolet irradiation conditions by rearranging the UV irradiation units.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2,2]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to be able to arrange the UV irradiation units in various patterns, a large unit base is required. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is difficult to simplify the structure of the apparatus for irradiating ultraviolet rays and the carriage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment for solving the above problem comprises a main body and a carriage movable in a first direction along a first axis and in a second direction along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the carriage is equipped with a head for ejecting ink toward a medium and an irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, arranged side by side in the first direction, the irradiation unit is equipped with a first contact portion and is supported so as to be relatively movable with respect to the head in the second direction, and as the carriage moves in the second direction, the first contact portion and a second contact portion provided on the main body come into contact, and the irradiation unit is in a state where the first contact portion and the second contact portion are in contact with the carriage In the second direction This is a printing device that moves relative to the head in the second direction by moving. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the main part of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Plan view of the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A side view of the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Section V-V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Plan view of the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the printing operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the main part of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of the carriage according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of the carriage according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the printing operation of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [1. First Embodiment] The printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1.1. Overall Configuration of the Printing Device] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1.

[0008] The printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is a device that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a medium M placed on a table 31 and curing the ink adhering to the medium M by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. The medium M can be a sheet, cloth, or three-dimensional object. The sheet may be made of paper or synthetic resin. The cloth may be nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, or woven fabric. Three-dimensional objects include clothing, shoes and other decorative items, daily necessities, machine parts, and various other objects.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following explanation, the direction along the X axis is referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction along the Y axis is referred to as the front-back direction. More specifically, the positive direction along the Z axis is referred to as the upward direction, the positive direction along the X axis is referred to as the rightward direction, and the positive direction along the Y axis is referred to as the forward direction. The X, Y, and Z axes in Figure 1 also indicate the same directions in the figures described later. Note that the X axis corresponds to an example of the first axis, and the Y axis corresponds to an example of the second axis. Also, the left-right direction corresponds to an example of the first direction, and the front-back direction corresponds to an example of the second direction.

[0010] The printing apparatus 1 has a table 31 that supports the medium M. The table 31 is a platform that does not move in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction. The table 31 supports the medium M on its flat upper surface. The printing device 1 supports the medium M so as not to move it by the table 31, and scans the carriage 69 above the medium M supported by the table. The carriage 69 mounts the head 80 and the irradiation unit 70, which will be described later, side by side in the left - right direction. After discharging the ink from the head 80 toward the medium M, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the irradiation unit 70 onto the ink adhering to the medium M.

[0011] The printing device 1 includes a main body part 10 and a moving part 50. The main body part 10 is a pedestal fixed to the installation surface of the printing device 1. The moving part 50 moves along the Y - axis with respect to the main body part 10.

[0012] The main body part 10 includes a bottom plate 11, a base part 13, a medium support mechanism 30, and a drive mechanism 20. The bottom plate 11 is a plate - shaped member fixed to the installation surface of the printing device 1. The base part 13 is supported on the upper surface of the bottom plate 11 and supports each part of the printing device 1.

[0013] The medium support mechanism 30 includes a table 31 and a height movement mechanism 32. The table 31 has a rectangular flat plate as the upper surface and legs arranged at the four corners of the flat plate and extending downward from the flat plate.

[0014] The height movement mechanism 32 includes a lifting motor 33, a lifting belt 37, and a lifting mechanism 39, and moves the table 31 in the direction along the Z - axis. The lifting mechanism 39 is provided on each of the four legs of the table 31. The lifting mechanism 39 has a ball screw arranged along the Z - axis, a nut screwed onto the ball screw, and a pulley. The ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39 is rotatably supported by the base part 13. The nut of the lifting mechanism 39 is fixed to the leg of the table 31. The pulley of the lifting mechanism 39 is fixed to the upper part of the ball screw. When the pulley of the lifting mechanism 39 rotates, the ball screw rotates, and along with the rotation of the ball screw, the table moves along the Z - axis together with the nut.

[0015] The lifting motor 33 is a motor that rotates according to the control of a control unit 90 described later. The control unit 90 controls the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the lifting motor 33. The lifting belt 37 is an annular belt that is stretched between the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 and the pulleys of the four lifting mechanisms 39. When the lifting motor 33 rotates, the lifting belt 37 is driven to circulate. The lifting belt 37 transmits the rotation of the lifting motor 33 to the pulleys of the four lifting mechanisms 39. As a result, the ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39 rotates to move the table 31 along the Z-axis.

[0016] The rotation direction of the lifting motor 33 can be switched between a positive direction in which the table 31 is moved upward and a reverse direction in which the table 31 is moved downward. The printing apparatus 1 raises and lowers the table 31 by operating the lifting motor 33. By changing the height of the table 31 in this way, the printing apparatus 1 adjusts the distance between the nozzle 83 of the head 80 and the medium M, which will be described later, to an optimal distance for printing.

[0017] The drive mechanism 20 includes a pair of guide shafts 15 and a frame drive unit 40. The pair of guide shafts 15 are shaft-like members that are stretched between the pair of base portions 13 and arranged along the Y-axis.

[0018] The moving unit 50 includes a main frame 51 and a pair of frame legs 53.

[0019] The main frame 51 is a plate-like member that is long in the direction along the X-axis. The pair of frame legs 53 are supported by the pair of guide shafts 15 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, respectively. The main frame 51 is fixed on the pair of frame legs 53 and supported from below by the pair of frame legs 53. The main frame 51, together with the pair of frame legs 53, is guided by the guide shafts 15 and moves along the Y-axis.

[0020] The frame drive unit 40 includes a frame moving motor 41, a transmission belt 43, a speed change mechanism 45, and a transmission belt 47. The frame moving motor 41 is an example of a "first motor".

[0021] The frame moving motor 41 is a motor that rotates according to the control of the control unit 90, which will be described later. The transmission belt 43 is an annular belt stretched between the output shaft of the frame moving motor 41 and the transmission mechanism 45, and transmits the driving force of the frame moving motor 41 to the transmission mechanism 45. The transmission mechanism 45 has a first pulley and a second pulley, with the transmission belt 43 wrapped around the first pulley and the transmission belt 47 wrapped around the second pulley. The transmission mechanism 45 drives the transmission belt 47 by rotating the second pulley with the driving force transmitted from the transmission belt 43 to the first pulley. The transmission mechanism 45 transmits the driving force of the frame moving motor 41 to the transmission belt 47 at a reduction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the diameters of the first pulley and the second pulley.

[0022] The transmission belt 47 is an annular belt stretched between the transmission mechanism 45 and a pulley 49 located at the -Y end of the base portion 13. The pulley 49 is rotatably mounted on the base portion 13. The transmission belt 47 is positioned along the Y axis. The frame leg portion 53 is fixed to the transmission belt 47. Therefore, the circulating drive of the transmission belt 47 generates power that moves the frame leg portion 53 along the Y axis. As a result, the moving portion 50 moves along the Y axis.

[0023] The rotation direction of the frame movement motor 41 can be switched between the forward direction, which moves the main frame 51 in the +Y direction, and the reverse direction, which moves the main frame 51 in the -Y direction. The printing device 1 moves the main frame 51 forward and backward by operating the frame movement motor 41.

[0024] The main frame 51 is equipped with a carriage support frame 61, a carriage guide shaft 63, a carriage drive motor 67, and a carriage 69. The carriage 69 includes a head 80 and an irradiation unit 70, which will be described later.

[0025] The carriage support frame 61 is a long, plate-shaped member along the X-axis. A carriage guide shaft 63 is fixed to the carriage support frame 61 along the X-axis. The carriage 69 is supported by the carriage support frame 61 and the carriage guide shaft 63 and is movable along the carriage guide shaft 63. Within the range in which the carriage 69 moves along the X-axis, the leftmost position is considered the home position. The main body 10 is equipped with a cleaner 17 for performing maintenance such as flushing and cleaning of the head 80 in the home position. In Figure 1, the carriage 69 is in the home position.

[0026] The carriage drive motor 67 is a motor that rotates according to the control of the control unit 90, which will be described later. The rotation of the carriage drive motor 67 is transmitted to the carriage drive belt 65, and the carriage drive belt 65 is driven in a circulating manner.

[0027] The carriage drive belt 65 is an annular belt stretched across the carriage support frame 61 along the X-axis. The carriage 69 is connected to the carriage drive belt 65. Therefore, when the carriage drive belt 65 is driven in a circular motion, the carriage 69 moves along the X-axis. In addition, as the main frame 51 moves along the Y-axis, the carriage 69 moves in the forward and backward directions, i.e., in the +Y and -Y directions. Thus, the printing device 1 can move the carriage 69 in the forward and backward directions and in the left and right directions.

[0028] As described above, the carriage 69 is equipped with the head 80. Therefore, the printing device 1 can move the head 80 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions relative to the table 31. As a result, ink can be ejected over the entire medium M supported by the table 31. Also, as described above, the carriage 69 is equipped with the irradiation unit 70. Therefore, the printing device 1 can move the irradiation unit 70 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main part of the printing apparatus 1, showing the configuration of the first contact portion 78 and its vicinity when the carriage 69 is in the home position. The irradiation section 70 includes a first contact section 78. The first contact section 78 is a plate-shaped projection that protrudes downward. The first contact section 78 is formed by bending downward from the -X end of the housing 71, which is an exterior member covering the lower part of the irradiation section 70. The housing 71 is formed by bending sheet metal. The second contact portion 14 is a plate-shaped projection that protrudes upward. The second contact portion 14 is formed by bending upward from a contact member 12 provided at the -X end of the main body portion 10. The contact member 12 is a member formed by bending sheet metal and is fixed to the main body portion 10 by screws. The contact member 12 is located diagonally to the right and in front of the table 31, without overlapping with the table 31 in the front-rear direction or in the left-right direction. Therefore, the second contact portion 14 is located near the front end of the main body portion 10.

[0030] The first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are formed perpendicular to the Y-axis. Furthermore, the upper end 14a of the second contact portion 14 is located above the lower end 78a of the first contact portion 78. In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the carriage 69 is in the home position, the first contact portion 78 of the irradiation portion 70 and the second contact portion 14 of the main body portion 10 overlap on the X-axis. In other words, when the carriage 69 is in the home position, parts of the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 overlap each other in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the carriage 69 is in the home position, the movement portion 50 moves in the front-to-back direction, causing the carriage 69 to move in the front-to-back direction, and the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 to come into contact with each other.

[0031] [1.2. Carriage Configuration] Figure 3 is a plan view of the carriage 69 seen from below. Figure 4 is a side view of the carriage 69 seen from the front. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the VV section in Figure 4. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4 shows the carriage 69 with its exterior removed.

[0032] The carriage 69 comprises a head 80, an illumination unit 70, and a guide 62. The carriage 69 mounts the head 80 and the illumination unit 70 side by side in the left-right direction.

[0033] The print head 80 is a device that ejects ink by driving a piezo actuator (not shown). The print head 80 is fixed to the casing of the carriage 69 and is positioned to the right of the carriage 69. A bottom panel 81 is provided below the print head 80. The bottom panel 81 is a roughly rectangular plate that is installed horizontally and has a rectangular opening in the center, as shown in Figure 3. The nozzles 83 of the print head 80 are exposed through the opening in the bottom panel 81. The nozzles 83 have a number of fine holes that open downwards and eject ink from these holes to adhere to the medium M.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the guide 62 is a member fixed to the exterior of the carriage 69 with its longitudinal direction as the front-to-back direction. The guide 62 is provided at the left end of the carriage 69. As shown in Figure 4, the guide 62 is an L-shaped member in front view, consisting of a horizontally provided flat guide portion 64 and a flat holding portion 66 that rises vertically from the -X end of the guide portion 64. The guide portion 64 has a guide hole 64a, which is a roughly rectangular hole extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 5, the surface of the holding portion 66 facing the +X direction has a first recess 66a and a second recess 66b, both of which are recesses that are concave in the -X direction. The first recess 66a is formed near the center of the holding portion 66, and the second recess 66b is formed further forward than the first recess 66a.

[0035] The irradiation unit 70 is positioned on the -X side of the carriage 69. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit 70 includes a case 79, which is an exterior member covering the upper part of the irradiation unit 70, and a housing 71, which is an exterior member covering the lower part of the irradiation unit 70.

[0036] The irradiation unit 70 is equipped with an irradiation port 71a facing downwards. The irradiation port 71a is a rectangular hole formed by an opening in the housing 71. The irradiation port 71a is covered by a glass plate from the inside of the housing 71. Ultraviolet light emitted from the UV light source 73 located inside the housing 71 is irradiated onto the medium M placed below the housing 71 via the glass plate and the irradiation port 71a. The UV light source 73 is formed by arranging ultraviolet light-emitting elements 73a in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The light-emitting elements 73a are, for example, UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes).

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a first projection 79a and a second projection 79b are formed on the left end of the case 79. Both the first projection 79a and the second projection 79b protrude to the left. The first projection 79a is equipped with a first guide pin 74a that protrudes downward. The second projection 79b is equipped with a second guide pin 74b that protrudes downward. Both the first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b correspond to examples of "guide pins". The first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b are each cylindrical pins and are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. Both the first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b fit into the guide hole 64a of the guide 62. Thus, the left end of the irradiation unit 70 is supported by the guide 62 so as to be movable relative to the carriage 69 in the front-to-back direction.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a sliding member 71b is provided at the right end of the housing 71. The sliding member 71b is a member attached to the edge of the right end of the housing 71. The sliding member 71b bulges downward from the edge of the right end. The sliding member 71b contacts the left end of the upper surface of the bottom panel 81 of the head 80 from above. As a result, the right end of the irradiation unit 70 is supported by the bottom panel 81 so that it can move relative to the carriage 69 in the front-rear direction.

[0039] Therefore, the irradiation unit 70 is supported by the guide 62 and the bottom panel 81 so as to be able to move relative to the head 80 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a leaf spring 76 is fixed to the left end of the case 79. The leaf spring 76 is a compression spring that bends in the left-right direction and is provided between the left end of the case 79 and the holding part 66. The leaf spring 76 is formed by bending so that it fits into the first recess 66a and the second recess 66b. By fitting into the first recess 66a or the second recess 66b, the leaf spring 76 fixes the irradiation part 70 so that it does not move relative to the head 80.

[0041] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the carriage 69 with the leaf spring 76 fitted into the first recess 66a. In this state, the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80 is defined as the first relative position P1. When the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, as shown in Figure 3, the entire nozzle 83 of the head 80 overlaps with the irradiation opening 71a on the Y axis. Also, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, the first guide pin 74a contacts the first contact surface 64b, which is the rear end of the guide hole 64a. The first contact surface 64b corresponds to an example of a "contact surface".

[0042] Figure 6 is a plan view of the carriage 69, showing the carriage 69 viewed from below with the leaf spring 76 fitted into the second recess 66b. In the state shown in Figure 6, the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80 is defined as the second relative position P2. When the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the irradiation port 71a does not overlap with a part A of the nozzle 83, shown by the dashed line, on the Y-axis. However, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the irradiation port 71a overlaps with the entire range R on the Y-axis. Here, range R is the range from the front end 83a of the nozzle 83 to a distance W in the forward direction. Distance W is equal to the front-rear dimension of the nozzle 83. Furthermore, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the second guide pin 74b contacts the second contact surface 64c, which is the front end of the guide hole 64a. The second contact surface 64c corresponds to an example of a "contact surface".

[0043] When the printing device 1 performs a printing operation, the time from when the nozzle 83 ejects ink onto the medium M until ultraviolet light from the irradiation port 71a irradiates the ink adhering to the medium M affects the finish of the print. This time is tentatively called the pre-irradiation time. If the pre-irradiation time is long, the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M becomes smooth on the surface of the medium M before it hardens due to ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, the longer the pre-irradiation time, the stronger the gloss of the printed area. Conversely, if the pre-irradiation time is short, the ink adhering to the surface of the medium M hardens before it has been sufficiently smoothed. Therefore, if the pre-irradiation time is short, the gloss is weaker because the unevenness of the ink surface remains fixed. The pre-irradiation time changes depending on the positional relationship between the nozzle 83 and the irradiation port 71a. When the printing device 1 performs printing when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, the pre-irradiation time is short, resulting in a matte finish with low gloss. In other words, the printing device 1 performs matte printing by positioning the irradiation unit 70 at the first relative position P1 and performing printing. Furthermore, the printing device 1 performs high-gloss printing by executing printing when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2. Details of the printing operation of the printing device 1 will be described later.

[0044] [1.3. Configuration of the Printing Device Control System] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the printing device 1, showing the functional configuration of the control system of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 has a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a memory unit. The memory unit of the control unit 90 has volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The control unit 90 controls each part of the printing device 1 by executing programs stored in the memory unit.

[0045] An interface (I / F) 91 is connected to the control unit 90. The interface 91 is a communication device that performs wired communication using a cable or wireless communication using a wireless communication line. The interface 91 communicates with a host computer (not shown) to receive print data. The print data includes image and character data to be printed by the printing device 1 on the medium M, commands instructing the printing device 1 to perform printing, and other data.

[0046] The control unit 90 is connected to the lifting motor 33, the frame moving motor 41, the carriage drive motor 67, the UV light source 73, and the head 80. The control unit 90 is also connected to the frame position sensor 92, the table position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0047] The control unit 90 can acquire the current values ​​applied to the lifting motor 33, the frame moving motor 41, and the carriage drive motor 67. From the acquired current values, the control unit 90 detects the load applied to the lifting motor 33, the frame moving motor 41, and the carriage drive motor 67.

[0048] The control unit 90 controls the on and off of the UV light source 73. The control unit 90 can control the on and off of each row of light-emitting elements 73a that make up the UV light source, arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] The frame position sensor 92 is a sensor that detects the position of the main frame 51 on the Y axis. For example, the frame position sensor 92 is a linear encoder positioned along the guide axis 15. The table position sensor 93 is a sensor that detects the position of the table 31 on the Z axis. For example, the table position sensor 93 is a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the lifting motor 33, or a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39. The carriage position sensor 94 is a sensor that detects the position of the carriage 69 on the X axis. For example, the carriage position sensor 94 is a linear encoder positioned along the carriage guide axis 63. The control unit 90 determines the position of the main frame 51, the position of the table 31, and the position of the carriage 69 based on the detected values ​​of the frame position sensor 92, the table position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0050] The control unit 90 operates each motor based on the print data received by the interface 91. Specifically, the control unit 90 moves the moving unit 50 back and forth by controlling the rotation direction of the frame moving motor 41 and the start and stop of its rotation. The control unit 90 moves the table 31 along the Z-axis by controlling the rotation direction of the lifting motor 33 and the start and stop of its rotation. The control unit 90 moves the carriage 69 along the X-axis by controlling the switching of the carriage drive motor 67 and the start and stop of its rotation. In these controls, the control unit 90 utilizes the detected values ​​of the frame position sensor 92, the table position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0051] The control unit 90 operates the head 80 based on the print data received by the interface 91, thereby ejecting ink.

[0052] [1.4. Printer Operation] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing device 1, showing its actions when printing is performed. For the sake of explanation, this section describes the operation of the printing device 1 when following print data that includes instructions to perform both matte and glossy printing on the medium M. At the time the printing device 1 starts printing, the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. Also at the time the printing device 1 starts printing, the carriage 69 is in the home position and the main frame 51 is at the front end. Furthermore, at the time the printing device 1 starts printing, the distance between the nozzle 83 and the media M is adjusted by the vertical movement of the table 31 to be the optimal distance for printing.

[0053] In step S1, the printing device 1 performs matte printing based on the read print data. Matte printing mainly uses colored inks to print patterns, text, etc., onto the surface of the medium M.

[0054] When the printing device 1 starts matte printing, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 backward, i.e., in the -Y direction. At this time, the control unit 90 determines the position of the nozzle 83 on the Y axis from the detected value of the frame position sensor 92. If the position of the nozzle 83 and the ink ejection position specified in the print data coincide on the Y axis, the control unit 90 stops driving the frame moving motor 41.

[0055] Next, the control unit 90 controls the UV light source 73 to illuminate the light-emitting element 73a located in a position that overlaps with the nozzle 83 on the Y-axis. In this state, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 69 to the right, i.e., in the +X direction. While the carriage 69 is moving, the control unit 90 determines the position of the nozzle 83 from the detected value of the carriage position sensor 94. When the position of the nozzle 83 and the ink ejection position specified in the print data overlap on the X-axis, the control unit 90 controls the head 80 to eject ink from the nozzle 83.

[0056] As described above, during matte printing, when ink is ejected, the light-emitting element 73a, which is located at a position overlapping with the nozzle 83 on the Y-axis, is lit. Therefore, immediately after the ink ejected from the nozzle 83 adheres to the medium M, it is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the lit light-emitting element 73a. Consequently, the ink that adheres to the medium M hardens before it can be smoothed, resulting in a matte finish with low gloss.

[0057] When the carriage 69 has moved to the right end, the control unit 90 stops driving the carriage drive motor 67. Then, the control unit 90 turns off the UV light source 73. As described above, a pass is defined as the single scan of the carriage 69 from the home position to the right end while the head 80 ejects ink according to the print data. In matte finish printing, after the first pass is completed, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to return the carriage 69 to the home position again. Then, the control unit 90 controls the frame movement motor 41 to move the main frame 51 backward by a distance W corresponding to the width of the nozzle 83 in the front-to-back direction, and stops the frame movement motor 41.

[0058] After the frame movement motor 41 stops, the control unit 90 executes another pass and returns the carriage 69 to the home position after the pass is completed. Then, the main frame 51 is moved backward again by a distance W. Matte finish printing is completed by repeating the above operations until the nozzle 83 and irradiation port 71a scan the entire area to be printed on the medium M.

[0059] After the printing device 1 completes the matte finish printing, the printing device 1 moves the irradiation unit 70 to the second relative position P2 in steps S2 to S6 in order to perform gloss finish printing.

[0060] In step S2, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 to the front end.

[0061] In step S3, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 69 to the home position. In this state, the first contact portion 78 of the irradiation unit 70 and the second contact portion 14 of the main body 10 are in positions that overlap each other front to back. Also, the first contact portion 78 is located in front of the second contact portion 14.

[0062] In step S4, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 backward. As the main frame 51 moves backward, the first contact portion 78 also moves backward. As described above, at the end of step S3, the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 overlap each other front to back, and the first contact portion 78 is positioned in front of the second contact portion 14. Therefore, as the main frame 51 moves backward, the first contact portion 78 comes into contact with the second contact portion 14 from the front. This contact causes a resistance force to act on the first contact portion 78 from rear to front. Immediately after the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 come into contact, the resistance force acting on the first contact portion 78 is small. Therefore, the leaf spring 76 does not immediately disengage from the first recess 66a, and the irradiation portion 70 remains in the first relative position P1. From this state, as the frame moving motor 41 continues to drive, the resistance force acting on the first contact portion 78 gradually increases. As the resistance force acting on the first contact portion 78 increases, the leaf spring 76 disengages from the first recess 66a, and the irradiation portion 70 begins to move forward relative to the head 80. As the main frame 51 moves further backward, the leaf spring 76 fits into the second recess 66b, and the second guide pin 74b contacts the second contact surface 64c. As a result, the irradiation portion 70 is fixed in the second relative position P2. In other words, the irradiation unit 70 moves forward relative to the head 80 as the carriage 69 moves backward while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0063] In step S5, the control unit 90 determines whether the second guide pin 74b has come into contact with the second contact surface 64c. If the second guide pin 74b is in contact with the second contact surface 64c, the resistance force applied to the first contact portion 78 is transmitted as a load to the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 identifies the load due to the transmitted resistance force by obtaining the current value flowing through the frame moving motor 41. If the current value flowing through the frame moving motor 41 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 determines that the second guide pin 74b is not in contact with the second contact surface 64c (step S5: NO). In this case, the process returns to step S4, and the control unit 90 continues to drive the frame moving motor 41, moving the main frame 51 further backward. On the other hand, if the current value flowing through the frame moving motor 41 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 90 determines that the second guide pin 74b has come into contact with the second contact surface 64c (step S5: YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0064] In step S6, the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41. That is, the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41 when the load on the frame moving motor 41 exceeds a predetermined load. As described above, through the operations from step S2 to step S6, the irradiation unit 70 is fixed in the second relative position P2.

[0065] In step S7, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 and the carriage drive motor 67 to move the main frame 51 to the front end and the carriage 69 to the home position. At this time, the control unit 90 controls the frame moving motor 41 and the carriage drive motor 67 so that the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 do not come into contact with each other. At the end of step S7, the positions of the main frame 51 and the carriage 69 after they have moved are the same as their initial positions in step S1.

[0066] In step S8, the printing device 1 performs gloss printing based on the read print data. Gloss printing primarily uses transparent printing to smooth the surface of some or all of the text or images printed in matte printing according to the print data, thereby enhancing the gloss.

[0067] In gloss printing, the printing device 1 prints on the medium M by alternately repeating the operation of moving the main frame 51 backward by a distance W and the operation of executing one pass. At this time, since the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the irradiation port 71a and the nozzle 83 are in the positional relationship shown in Figure 6. The irradiation port 71a overlaps with the entire range R from the front end 83a of the nozzle 83 to a distance W in front, along the Y axis.

[0068] In step S8, the control unit 90 controls the UV light source 73 and illuminates only the light-emitting elements 73a that overlap in range R and the Y axis during the execution of the pass. Here, range R shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the position of the nozzle 83 in the pass immediately preceding the currently executing pass. Therefore, the ultraviolet light emitted from the UV light source 73 irradiates the ink that adhered to the medium M in the pass immediately preceding the currently executing pass. In this way, the ink that adhered to the medium M in step S8 is cured by the ultraviolet light from the UV light source 73 after the time required for one pass has elapsed. Therefore, the ink that adhered to the medium M is smoothed before curing, resulting in a glossy finish with a high shine. Glossy printing is completed when the nozzle 83 and the irradiation port 71a scan the entire area of ​​the medium M that is to be printed.

[0069] After the printing device 1 completes the gloss printing, steps S9 to S12 switch the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 within the carriage 69 to prepare it for matte printing. In the printing device 1, even when the entire surface of the medium M is to be glossy, it is desirable to print a design or pattern as a base coat using matte printing, and then perform gloss printing with transparent ink. Therefore, in preparation for the next print, the printing device 1 prepares it for matte printing before ending its operation.

[0070] In step S9, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 69 to the home position. In this state, the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are positioned so as to overlap each other front to back. The second contact portion 14 is fixed near the front end of the main body 10 so as not to come into contact with the first contact portion 78 when matte and gloss printing is performed. Therefore, when step S9 is completed, the first contact portion 78 is positioned behind the second contact portion 14.

[0071] In step S10, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 forward. As described above, at the start of step S10, the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 overlap each other front to back, and the first contact portion 78 is located behind the second contact portion 14. Therefore, as the main frame 51 moves forward, the first contact portion 78 comes into contact with the second contact portion 14 from behind. This contact causes a resistance force to act on the first contact portion 78 from front to back. This resistance force increases as the frame movement motor 41 continues to drive. When the resistance force acting on the first contact portion 78 increases, the leaf spring 76 disengages from the second recess 66b. Subsequently, the irradiation unit 70 begins to move relative to the head 80 backward. As the main frame 51 moves further forward, the leaf spring 76 engages with the second recess 66b, and the first guide pin 74a contacts the first contact surface 64b. As a result, the irradiation unit 70 is fixed in the first relative position P1. That is, the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the head 80 backward as the carriage 69 moves forward while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0072] In step S11, the control unit 90 determines whether the first guide pin 74a has come into contact with the first contact surface 64b based on the relative movement of the irradiation unit 70 within the carriage 69. Similar to step S5, if the current flowing through the frame moving motor 41 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 determines that the first guide pin 74a has not come into contact with the first contact surface 64b (step S11: NO). In this case, the process returns to step S10, and the control unit 90 continues to drive the frame moving motor 41, moving the main frame 51 further forward. On the other hand, if the current flowing through the frame moving motor 41 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 90 determines that the first guide pin 74a has come into contact with the first contact surface 64b (step S11: YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41. In other words, the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41 when the load on the frame moving motor 41 exceeds a predetermined load. The completion of step S12 terminates the series of operations.

[0073] [1.5. Effects of the Embodiments] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a main body 10 and a carriage 69 that is movable in the left-right direction along the X-axis and in the front-rear direction along the Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis. The carriage 69 is equipped with a head 80 that ejects ink toward the medium M and an irradiation unit 70 that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the medium M, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The irradiation unit 70 is equipped with a first contact portion 78 and is supported so as to be able to move relative to the head 80 in the front-rear direction. As the carriage 69 moves in the front-rear direction, the first contact portion 78 and a second contact portion 14 provided on the main body 10 come into contact. The irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the head 80 in the front-rear direction as the carriage 69 moves while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0074] With this configuration, the irradiation unit 70 is movable relative to the head 80 in the front-rear direction, so the positional relationship between the head 80 and the irradiation unit 70 is variable. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can change the time it takes for the ink ejected from the head 80 to be irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit 70 by switching the positional relationship between the head 80 and the irradiation unit 70. Thus, the irradiation unit 70 can be simplified compared to, for example, a case where the time until ultraviolet light is irradiated is changed by controlling which part of the irradiation unit, which has a large dimension in the direction along the Y axis, is lit. In addition, the irradiation unit 70 can be moved relative to the head 80 by the contact of the first contact part 78 and the second contact part 14 without providing a new drive source. Thus, the structure of the carriage 69 can be simplified.

[0075] In the printing apparatus 1, the head 80 is equipped with a nozzle 83 for ejecting ink, and the irradiation unit 70 is equipped with an irradiation port 71a for emitting ultraviolet light. The irradiation unit 70 can move in the forward and backward direction to a first relative position P1 on the Y-axis where the irradiation port 71a overlaps with the entire nozzle 83. The irradiation unit 70 can also move to a second relative position P2 on the Y-axis where the irradiation port 71a does not overlap with at least a portion of the nozzle 83. For example, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the entire nozzle 83 does not overlap with the irradiation port 71a on the Y-axis. Alternatively, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, a portion of the nozzle 83 overlaps with the irradiation port 71a on the Y-axis, but another portion of the nozzle 83 does not overlap with the irradiation port 71a on the Y-axis.

[0076] With this configuration, when the irradiation unit 70 is in the first relative position P1, it can accommodate printing methods that irradiate with ultraviolet light immediately after ink ejection from the nozzle 83, such as matte finish printing. Furthermore, when the irradiation unit 70 is in the second relative position P2, the portion of the irradiation port 71a that overlaps with the nozzle 83 in the Y-axis is reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to change the print finish with a simple carriage 69 structure.

[0077] The printing apparatus 1 includes a frame moving motor 41 that moves the carriage 69 in the forward and backward directions, and a control unit 90 that controls the driving of the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 moves the irradiation unit 70 in the forward and backward directions by driving the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41 if the load on the frame moving motor 41 exceeds a predetermined load while it is being driven.

[0078] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the relative movement of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80 is complete by detecting the load on the frame movement motor 41, without the need to install a new sensor. Therefore, the configuration of the carriage 69 can be simplified.

[0079] [2. Second Embodiment] The printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] [2.1. Configuration of the second contact section] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the main part of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, showing the configuration of the second contact portion 114 and its vicinity. In the second embodiment, the second contact portion 114 is a flat, elastic member fixed to the contact member 12. The second contact portion 114 is made of, for example, rubber or silicone. The second contact portion 114 is positioned perpendicular to the Y-axis when no load is applied, and it bends in the front-rear direction by contacting and pushing against the first contact portion 78 in the front-rear direction.

[0081] [2.2. Carriage Configuration] Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the carriage 69 according to the second embodiment, at the same position as in Figure 5. Figure 10 shows the case where the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1. Figure 11 shows the case where the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2.

[0082] In the irradiation unit 70 according to the second embodiment, the first guide pin 174a is positioned closer to the center in the front-rear direction of the irradiation unit 70 than in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the first guide pin 174a does not contact the first contact surface 64b when the irradiation unit 70 is in the first relative position P1.

[0083] Similarly, the second guide pin 174b is positioned closer to the center of the irradiation unit 70 in the front-to-back direction than in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the second guide pin 174b does not contact the second contact surface 64c when the irradiation unit 70 is at the second relative position P2.

[0084] [2.3. Printer Operation] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing device 1 according to the second embodiment, illustrating the operation when the printing device 1 performs printing. Steps that perform the same operations as in the flowchart of Figure 8 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0085] In the second embodiment, after step S3 is completed, in step SA, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 backward. This action causes the first contact portion 78 to begin contacting the second contact portion 114 from the front. From this state, the control unit 90 continues to drive the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 further backward by a distance D1. Distance D1 is slightly shorter than the distance between the second guide pin 174b and the second contact surface 64c when the irradiation unit 70 is at the first relative position P1, as shown in Figure 10. Note that distance D1 is greater than the distance the irradiation unit 70 moves when it is moved from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2 with the carriage 69 stationary. Therefore, this action causes the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 to push against each other, and the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the second relative position P2.

[0086] At this time, the leaf spring 76 fits into the second recess 66b, preventing the second guide pin 174b from contacting the second contact surface 64c. The irradiation unit 70 is fixed to the second relative position P2 by the leaf spring 76 fitting into the second recess 66b. The leaf spring 76 corresponds to an example of the "first member". Subsequently, the process moves to step S6, where the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41. Hereafter, the position of the carriage 69 when the main frame 51, which moved in step SA, stops in step S6 is defined as the second switching position. The second switching position corresponds to an example of the "predetermined position". That is, in step SA, the control unit 90 moves the irradiation unit 70 backward by driving the frame moving motor 41, and then drives the frame moving motor 41 again while the first contact part 78 and the second contact part 114 are in contact. As a result, the control unit 90 moves the carriage 69 to the second switching position in a direction in which the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 push against each other.

[0087] In step SA, the position of the main frame 51 when the first contact portion 78 begins to contact the second contact portion 114 from the front is determined by the dimensions of each component of the printing device 1. Similarly, the distance D1 is determined by the dimensions of each component of the carriage 69. Therefore, the second switching position is determined during the design phase. As a result, the control unit 90 can store the second switching position. In other words, to realize the operation in step SA, the control unit 90 only needs to drive the frame moving motor 41 until the carriage 69 reaches the second switching position that has been stored in the memory unit beforehand. At this time, the control unit 90 detects the current position of the main frame 51 from the detected value of the frame position sensor 92 and determines the current position of the carriage 69 based on that.

[0088] The printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment performs the same operations as in the first embodiment from step S6 to step S9.

[0089] After step S9 is completed, in step SB, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 forward. This action causes the first contact portion 78 to begin contacting the second contact portion 114 from the rear. From this state, the control unit 90 continues to drive the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 further backward by a distance D2. Distance D2 is slightly shorter than the distance between the first guide pin 174a and the first contact surface 64b when the irradiation unit 70 is at the second relative position P2, as shown in Figure 11. Note that distance D2 is greater than the distance the irradiation unit 70 moves when it is moved from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1 with the carriage 69 stationary. Therefore, this action causes the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 to push against each other, and the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to the first relative position P1.

[0090] At this time, the leaf spring 76 fits into the first recess 66a, preventing the first guide pin 174a from contacting the first contact surface 64b. The irradiation unit 70 is fixed to the first relative position P1 by the leaf spring 76 fitting into the first recess 66a. Subsequently, the process moves to step S12, where the control unit 90 stops the frame moving motor 41, ending the series of operations. Hereafter, the position of the carriage 69 when the main frame 51, which moved in step SB, stops in step S12 is defined as the first switching position. The first switching position corresponds to an example of a "predetermined position". That is, in step SB, the control unit 90 moves the irradiation unit 70 forward by driving the frame moving motor 41, and then drives the frame moving motor 41 further while the first contact part 78 and the second contact part 114 are in contact. As a result, the control unit 90 moves the carriage 69 to the first switching position in a direction in which the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 push against each other.

[0091] The first switching position, like the second switching position described above, is determined during the design phase. Therefore, in order to perform the operation in step SB, the control unit 90 only needs to drive the frame moving motor 41 until the carriage 69 reaches the first switching position that has been pre-stored in the memory unit. At this time, the control unit 90 detects the position of the main frame 51 from the detected value of the frame position sensor 92 and determines the current position of the carriage 69 based on that.

[0092] The first and second switching positions stored in the memory unit by the control unit 90 are determined during the design phase, but the dimensions of each component vary in the actual printing device 1. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the second contact portion 114 is made of an elastic material, and the main frame 51 is moved slightly larger than the distance the irradiation unit 70 moves relative to when switching between the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2. This absorbs the variations in the dimensions of each component of the printing device 1 and stably switches the relative position of the irradiation unit 70. It also suppresses damage caused by the first and second contact portions pressing against each other too hard.

[0093] [2.4. Effects of the Embodiments] As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2, an elastic member having elasticity is arranged on at least one of the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14.

[0094] With this configuration, the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 are less likely to be damaged when pressed together forcefully. Therefore, damage to the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 114 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0095] The printing apparatus 1 includes a frame moving motor 41 that moves the carriage 69 in the forward and backward direction, and a control unit 90 that controls the driving of the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 moves the irradiation unit 70 in the forward and backward direction by driving the frame moving motor 41. The control unit 90 moves the carriage 69 to a predetermined position in a direction in which the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 push against each other by further driving the frame moving motor 41 while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0096] This configuration allows the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80 to be switched without the need to install new sensors or other components. Therefore, the configuration of the carriage 69 can be simplified.

[0097] The carriage 69 includes a guide 62 having a guide hole 64a extending along the front-rear direction, and the irradiation unit 70 includes a first guide pin 174a and a second guide pin 174b that fit into the guide hole 64a. A first contact surface 64b and a second contact surface 64c are provided at the front-rear end of the guide hole 64a. The irradiation unit 70 has a leaf spring 76 that prevents the first guide pin 174a and the second guide pin 174b from contacting the first contact surface 64b and the second contact surface 64c.

[0098] This configuration prevents the first guide pin 174a and the second guide pin 174b from being pressed too hard against the first contact surface 64b and the second contact surface 64c, thus preventing damage. Consequently, the durability of the carriage 69 can be increased with a simple configuration.

[0099] In the carriage 69, the guide 62 includes a first recess 66a and a second recess 66b. The irradiation unit 70 is fixed at a first relative position P1 by the leaf spring 76 fitting into the first recess 66a. The irradiation unit 70 is fixed at a second relative position P2 by the leaf spring 76 fitting into the second recess 66b. When the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1 or the second relative position P2, the first guide pin 174a and the second guide pin 174b do not contact the first contact surface 64b and the second contact surface 64c.

[0100] With this configuration, the leaf springs 76 prevent the first guide pin 174a and the second guide pin 174b from contacting the first contact surface 64b and the second contact surface 64c, respectively, thereby fixing the relative position of the irradiation unit 70 with respect to the head 80. Therefore, stable printing can be achieved while keeping the carriage 69 simple in structure.

[0101] [3. Other Embodiments] The above embodiments are merely examples illustrating the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the second contact portion 114 was described as an elastic member formed of, for example, rubber or silicone, but this is just one example. The second contact portion 114 may be a member that has elasticity in the front-rear direction depending on its shape, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. Alternatively, an elastic member may be placed on the first contact portion 78.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments, the irradiation unit 70 was described as being located on the left side of the head 80, but this is merely an example. The irradiation unit 70 may be configured to be located on both sides of the head 80 in the left-right direction, for example. Furthermore, the two irradiation units 70 may be configured to move relative to the head 80 as a single unit due to the contact of the first contact unit 78 and the second contact units 14, 114. In this case, the printing device 1 can print even when the carriage 69 is moved from the right side to the left side, thus improving the printing speed.

[0104] Furthermore, while a configuration in which the printing device 1 moves the moving part 50 along the Y-axis using a frame moving motor 41, a transmission belt 43, a speed control mechanism 45, and a transmission belt 47 has been described, this is merely an example. The printing device 1 may, for example, have a ball screw for the left guide shaft 15, a nut that engages with the ball screw fixed to the left frame leg 53, and the left guide shaft 15 rotated by the driving force of the frame moving motor 41. Alternatively, the moving part 50 may be moved in the front-rear direction by applying driving force to both of the pair of frame legs 53 of the main frame 51. Similarly, while a carriage drive belt 65 has been described as a configuration in which the printing device 1 scans the carriage 69 in the left-right direction, this is merely an example. Instead of the carriage drive belt 65, a configuration using a ball screw and a nut may be adopted, or the carriage 69 may be moved by a linear motor. Furthermore, while a height-moving mechanism 32, which drives a lifting mechanism 39 by a lifting belt 37, has been described as a configuration for raising and lowering the table 31, this is merely one example. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may be configured to raise and lower the table 31 using a rack and pinion mechanism. The upper surface of the table 31 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the table 31 may be a base having holders such as claws or belts for holding the medium M. Alternatively, the upper surface of the table 31 may be a recess for fitting the medium M. Other mechanical configurations of the printing apparatus 1 can be appropriately modified to achieve the same functions as in the present invention.

[0105] The configuration of the printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 7, which includes a frame position sensor 92, a table position sensor 93, and a carriage position sensor 94, is just one example. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may be configured to determine the position of the main frame 51 by detecting the amount of rotation of the frame moving motor 41. Similarly, the printing apparatus 1 may be configured to determine the position of the table 31 by detecting the amount of rotation of the lifting motor 33, or to determine the position of the carriage 69 by detecting the amount of rotation of the carriage drive motor 67.

[0106] At least some of the functional blocks shown in Figure 7 may be implemented in hardware, or they may be implemented through the collaboration of hardware and software. The processing units in the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 12 are divided according to their main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation of the printing device 1. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the illustrated units. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1…Printing device, 10…Main body, 11…Bottom plate, 12…Contact member, 13…Base part, 14…Second contact part, 14a…Upper end, 15…Guide shaft, 17…Cleaner, 20…Drive mechanism, 30…Media support mechanism, 31…Table, 32…Height movement mechanism, 33…Lifting motor, 37…Lifting belt, 39…Lifting mechanism, 40…Frame drive unit, 41…Frame movement motor (first motor), 43…Transmission belt, 45…Speed ​​change mechanism, 47…Transmission belt, 49…Pulley, 50…Moving part, 51…Main frame, 53…Frame leg part, 61…Carriage support frame, 62…Guide, 63…Carriage guide shaft, 64…Guide part, 64a…Guide hole, 64b…First contact surface (contact surface), 64c…Second contact surface (contact surface), 65…Carriage drive belt, 66…Holding part, 66a ...First recess, 66b...Second recess, 67...Carriage drive motor, 69...Carriage, 70...Irradiation unit, 71...Housing, 71a...Irradiation port, 71b...Sliding member, 73...UV light source, 73a...Light-emitting element, 74a...First guide pin (guide pin), 74b...Second guide pin (guide pin), 76...Leaf spring (first member), 78...First contact part, 78a...Lower end, 79...Case, 79a...First 79b…Second projection, 80…Head, 81…Bottom panel, 83…Nozzle, 83a…End, 90…Control unit, 91…Interface, 92…Frame position sensor, 93…Table position sensor, 94…Carriage position sensor, 114…Second contact part, 174a…First guide pin, 174b…Second guide pin, M…Medium, P1…First relative position, P2…Second relative position.

Claims

1. The main body and A carriage is provided which is movable in a first direction along a first axis and in a second direction along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, The carriage is equipped with a head for ejecting ink toward the medium and an irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, arranged in the first direction. The irradiation unit comprises a first contact portion and is supported so as to be movable relative to the head in the second direction. As the carriage moves in the second direction, the first contact portion and the second contact portion provided on the main body come into contact with each other. The irradiation unit moves relative to the head in the second direction as the carriage moves in the second direction while the first contact portion and the second contact portion are in contact with each other.

2. The head is equipped with a nozzle for ejecting the ink, The irradiation unit is equipped with an irradiation port that emits ultraviolet light, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is movable by moving in the second direction to a first relative position in the second axis where the irradiation opening overlaps with the entire nozzle, and to a second relative position in the second axis where the irradiation opening does not overlap with at least a portion of the nozzle.

3. A first motor moves the carriage in the second direction, The system comprises a control unit that controls the drive of the first motor, The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit moves the irradiation unit in the second direction by driving the first motor, and stops the first motor if the load on the first motor exceeds a predetermined load while the first motor is being driven.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an elastic member having elasticity is disposed on at least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

5. A first motor moves the carriage in the second direction, The system comprises a control unit that controls the drive of the first motor, The control unit moves the irradiation unit in the second direction by driving the first motor. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further drives the first motor while the first contact portion and the second contact portion are in contact, thereby moving the carriage to a predetermined position in a direction in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion push against each other.

6. The carriage comprises a guide having a guide hole extending along the second direction, The irradiation unit is equipped with a guide pin that fits into the guide hole, A contact surface is provided at the end of the guide hole in the second direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the irradiation unit has a first member that prevents the guide pin from coming into contact with the contact surface.

7. The guide comprises a first recess and a second recess, The irradiation unit is fixed to the first relative position by the first member fitting into the first recess, The irradiation portion is fixed to the second relative position by the first member fitting into the second recess, The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the guide pin does not contact the contact surface when the irradiation unit is located at the first relative position or the second relative position.

8. A table on which the medium is placed and which does not move in the first direction and the second direction, The carriage is movable in the first and second directions above the medium supported on the table. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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