Printing apparatus and method for controlling the printing apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem that when a printing head and an ultraviolet lamp arranged in a main scanning direction on a head carriage are moved out of a printing medium, a width in the main scanning direction of a printing device becomes larger.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: a printing head that discharges photo-curable ink to a medium; an irradiating part that irradiates the medium with light; a placing part on which the irradiating part and the printing head are placed in this order along a first direction; and a driving part that moves the placing part, between a stand-by position where the printing head stands by and a stop position set in the first direction with respect to the stand-by position, where the stop position is a position where the irradiating part opposes to the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and a method for controlling the printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An inkjet recording apparatus having a print head and an ultraviolet lamp is known. The inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a print head and an ultraviolet lamp. The inkjet recording apparatus arranges the print head and the ultraviolet lamp side by side in the main scanning direction on a head carriage. The head carriage moves the print head and the ultraviolet lamp in the main scanning direction. The print head and the ultraviolet lamp are moved by the head carriage from the home position through the printing area of the printing medium to outside the printing medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the print head and the ultraviolet lamp arranged side by side in the main scanning direction on the head carriage move outside the printing medium, the width of the printing apparatus in the main scanning direction increases. The printing apparatus becomes larger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a print head that discharges photocurable ink onto a medium, an irradiation unit that irradiates the medium with light, a placement unit that places the irradiation unit and the print head in this order along a first direction, and a drive unit that moves the placement unit between a standby position where the print head waits and a stop position in the first direction with respect to the standby position, and the stop position is a position where the irradiation unit faces the medium.

[0006] The control method for a printing apparatus according to the present disclosure is a control method for a printing apparatus that ejects photocurable ink onto a medium, comprising an irradiation unit and a print head in that order along a first direction, wherein the mounting unit is moved from a standby position in the first direction, and the mounting unit is stopped at a stop position where the irradiation unit placed on the mounting unit faces the medium, via the medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a perspective view of a printer. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the printing unit. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the block structure of a printer. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the carriage in the home position. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the print head unit positioned on the printing medium. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the position of the first UV lamp on the printing medium. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the print head unit in a position away from the printing medium. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the carriage in the return position. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a flowchart for printing using a printer. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the carriage in the home position. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the carriage in the first return position. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the carriage moving in the second scanning direction. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the carriage in the second return position. [Figure 14] A diagram showing a flowchart for printing using a printer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the printer 100. The printer 100 prints on the printing medium M by dispensing a liquid onto the printing medium M. The printing medium M can be a sheet, cloth, or a three-dimensional object. Sheets can be paper or sheets made of synthetic resin. Cloths can be nonwoven fabrics, knits, or woven fabrics. Three-dimensional objects can be clothing, shoes, and other decorative items, everyday items, machine parts, and various other objects. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium. There are no restrictions on the type of liquid that the printer 100 dispenses onto the printing medium M; it just needs to be fluid. The printer 100 forms an image on the printing medium M by dispensing one or more colors of ink toward the surface of the printing medium M. The printer 100 corresponds to an example of a printing device.

[0009] Several figures, including Figure 1, show the XYZ coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printer 100 (not shown). The X and Y axes are parallel to the mounting surface. The X axis is along the carriage guide axis 84, which will be described later. The Y axis is perpendicular to the carriage guide axis 84. The direction upward from the mounting surface along the Z axis is denoted as the +Z direction. The direction downward from the mounting surface along the Z axis is denoted as the -Z direction. The direction in which the carriage 91, described later, moves along the carriage guide axis 84 starting from the home position HP, described later, is denoted as the +X direction. The direction toward the home position HP along the carriage guide axis 84 is denoted as the -X direction. The direction toward the front of the printer 100 shown in Figure 1 from the carriage guide axis 84 is denoted as the +Y direction. The direction toward the rear of the printer 100 shown in Figure 1 from the carriage guide axis 84 is denoted as the -Y direction.

[0010] The printer 100 comprises a main body 10 and a movable unit 70. The main body 10 is a base fixed to the mounting surface of the printer 100. The movable unit 70 moves along the Y-axis relative to the main body 10.

[0011] The main body 10 supports the printing medium M movably. The main body 10 moves the printing medium M along the Z-axis. The main body 10 includes a base portion 11, a medium support mechanism 30, and a drive mechanism 50.

[0012] The base portion 11 is disposed on the installation surface of the printer 100 and supports each part of the printer 100 such as the medium support mechanism 30 and the drive mechanism 50. The base portion 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first base member 11a, a second base member 11b, and a main body pulley 13. The first base member 11a and the second base member 11b are arranged side by side along the Y-axis. The main body pulley 13 will be described later.

[0013] The medium support mechanism 30 supports the printing medium M. The medium support mechanism 30 adjusts the height of the supported printing medium M along the Z-axis. The medium support mechanism 30 includes a table 31 and a height movement mechanism 32.

[0014] The table 31 is configured to be able to place the printing medium M. When the printing medium M is placed on the table 31, the medium support mechanism 30 supports the printing medium M. The table 31 is a base that does not move along the X-axis and the Y-axis. The table 31 has a medium support portion 31m and table legs 31n.

[0015] The medium support portion 31m can place the printing medium M. The medium support portion 31m is a rectangular flat plate. The printing medium M is placed on the medium support surface 31s of the medium support portion 31m. The medium support surface 31s is the surface of the medium support portion 31m in the +Z direction. The support surface length W of the medium support surface 31s along the X-axis is equal to or approximately equal to the length of the largest-size printing medium M along the X-axis. The length of the medium support surface 31s along the Y-axis may be longer or shorter than the length of the largest-size printing medium M along the Y-axis.

[0016] The table legs 31n support the media support section 31m. The table 31 shown in Figure 1 has multiple table legs 31n. The multiple table legs 31n are positioned at the ends of the media support section 31m. The number and position of the table legs 31n can be set as appropriate.

[0017] The height adjustment mechanism 32 moves the media support section 31m along the Z-axis. The height adjustment mechanism 32 adjusts the height of the printing medium M placed on the media support section 31m. The height adjustment mechanism 32 comprises a lifting motor 33, a lifting belt 37, and a plurality of lifting mechanisms 39.

[0018] The lifting motor 33 generates a driving force to move the table 31 along the Z-axis. The lifting motor 33 has an output shaft (not shown). The output shaft of the lifting motor 33 rotates according to the control of the control unit 110, which will be described later. The direction and amount of rotation of the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 are controlled by the control unit 110. The direction of rotation of the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 is either the direction that moves the table 31 in the +Z direction or the direction that moves the table 31 in the -Z direction. The printer 100 moves the table 31 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by operating the lifting motor 33.

[0019] The lifting belt 37 is an annular belt stretched across the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 and the multiple lifting mechanisms 39. The lifting belt 37 is driven in a circular motion by the rotation of the output shaft of the lifting motor 33. The lifting belt 37 transmits the rotation of the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 to the multiple lifting mechanisms 39.

[0020] The lifting mechanism 39 moves the table 31 along the Z-axis. The lifting mechanism 39 is provided on each of the multiple table legs 31n. The lifting mechanism 39 consists of, for example, a ball screw, a nut, and a lifting pulley. The ball screw, nut, and lifting pulley are not shown. The ball screw is positioned along the Z-axis. The ball screw is rotatably supported on the base 11. The nut is screwed onto the ball screw. The nut is fixed to the table leg 31n. The lifting pulley is fixed to the top of the ball screw. The lifting pulley engages with the lifting belt 37. The lifting pulley receives rotation from the output shaft of the lifting motor 33 via the lifting belt 37. When the lifting pulley rotates, the ball screw rotates. The rotation of the ball screw causes the nut and the table leg 31n to move along the Z-axis.

[0021] The drive mechanism 50 moves the movable part 70 along the Y axis. The drive mechanism 50 includes a first guide shaft 51a, a second guide shaft 51b, and a frame drive unit 60.

[0022] The first guide shaft 51a and the second guide shaft 51b guide the movement of the movable part 70 along the Y axis. The first guide shaft 51a and the second guide shaft 51b are stretched between the first base member 11a and the second base member 11b. The first guide shaft 51a and the second guide shaft 51b are axial members positioned along the Y axis. The first guide shaft 51a is fixed to the -X end position of the base part 11. The second guide shaft 51b is fixed to the +X end position of the base part 11.

[0023] The frame drive unit 60 comprises a frame moving motor 61, a drive belt 63, a speed change mechanism 65, and a transmission belt 67. The frame drive unit 60 shown in Figure 1 is positioned in the -X direction of the base unit 11, but it may also be positioned in the +X direction. It is preferable that the frame drive unit 60 be positioned in the -X direction.

[0024] The frame moving motor 61 generates a driving force that moves the moving part 70 along the Y axis. The frame moving motor 61 has a rotating shaft 61a. The frame moving motor 61 rotates under the control of a control unit 110, which will be described later. The rotation direction and amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 61a of the frame moving motor 61 are controlled by the control unit 110. The rotation direction of the rotating shaft 61a of the frame moving motor 61 is the direction that moves the moving part 70 in the +Y direction, and the direction that moves the moving part 70 in the -Y direction. The printer 100 moves the moving part 70 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction by operating the frame moving motor 61.

[0025] The drive belt 63 transmits the driving force generated by the frame moving motor 61 to the transmission mechanism 65. The drive belt 63 is an annular belt stretched between the rotating shaft 61a of the frame moving motor 61 and the transmission mechanism 65.

[0026] The gear shift mechanism 65 changes the speed of rotation by the rotating shaft 61a. The gear shift mechanism 65 has, for example, a first pulley and a second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley are not shown in detail. The first pulley is wrapped around the drive belt 63. The second pulley is wrapped around the transmission belt 67. The gear shift mechanism 65 rotates the second pulley by the driving force transmitted from the drive belt 63 to the first pulley. The second pulley drives the transmission belt 67. The gear shift mechanism 65 transmits the driving force of the frame moving motor 61 to the transmission belt 67 at a reduction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the diameter of the first pulley to the diameter of the second pulley.

[0027] The transmission belt 67 transmits driving force to the moving part 70. The transmission belt 67 is an annular belt stretched between the transmission mechanism 65 and the main pulley 13. The main pulley 13 is positioned on the second base member 11b. The main pulley 13 is rotatably mounted on the second base member 11b. The transmission belt 67 is positioned along the first guide shaft 51a.

[0028] The movable unit 70 moves relative to the printing medium M. The movable unit 70 moves along the Y-axis relative to the printing medium M. The movable unit 70 comprises a main frame 71 and a recording unit 90.

[0029] The main frame 71 is a plate-shaped member positioned along the X-axis. The main frame 71 moves along the Y-axis. The length of the main frame 71 along the X-axis is longer than the length of the base portion 11 along the X-axis. The main frame 71 comprises a first leg portion 73a, a second leg portion 73b, a carriage support frame 81, a carriage drive motor 82, a transmission mechanism 83, a carriage guide shaft 84, and a carriage drive belt 85.

[0030] The first leg portion 73a and the second leg portion 73b fix and support the main frame 71. The first leg portion 73a and the second leg portion 73b support the main frame 71 at a position in the -Z direction of the main frame 71.

[0031] The first leg portion 73a is positioned in the -X direction of the main frame 71. The first leg portion 73a is fitted onto the first guide shaft 51a. The first leg portion 73a is movable along the first guide shaft 51a. The first leg portion 73a has a first belt connector portion 79a. The first leg portion 73a is fixed to the transmission belt 67 via the first belt connector portion 79a. When the transmission belt 67 is driven in a circular motion, the first leg portion 73a receives the driving force via the first belt connector portion 79a. The driving force transmitted to the first leg portion 73a causes the movable portion 70 to move along the Y axis.

[0032] The second leg portion 73b is positioned in the +X direction of the main frame 71. The second leg portion 73b is fitted onto the second guide shaft 51b. The second leg portion 73b is guided by the second guide shaft 51b. The second leg portion 73b is movable along the second guide shaft 51b in the +Y and -Y directions.

[0033] The carriage support frame 81 supports the carriage 91, which will be described later. The carriage support frame 81 is a plate-shaped member arranged along the X-axis. The carriage support frame 81 is supported by the main frame 71.

[0034] The carriage drive motor 82 generates the driving force to move the carriage 91. The carriage drive motor 82 rotates under the control of the control unit 110. The carriage drive motor 82 is supported by the carriage support frame 81. The carriage drive motor 82 shown in Figure 1 is positioned in the -X direction on the carriage support frame 81. The carriage drive motor 82 corresponds to an example of a drive unit.

[0035] The transmission mechanism 83 transmits the driving force generated by the carriage drive motor 82 to the carriage drive belt 85. The transmission mechanism 83 has a transmission pulley 83a, a two-stage transmission pulley 83b, and a transmission belt 83c. The transmission pulley 83a is fixed to the drive shaft of the carriage drive motor 82. The transmission belt 83c is an annular belt that is stretched between the transmission pulley 83a and the two-stage transmission pulley 83b. The two-stage transmission pulley 83b has a small pulley and a large pulley with a larger diameter than the small pulley. The large pulley wraps around the transmission belt 83c. The small pulley wraps around the carriage drive belt 85. The transmission belt 83c is driven in a circulating manner by the rotation of the carriage drive motor 82. The transmission belt 83c rotates the large pulley. By rotating the large pulley, the transmission belt 83c rotates the small pulley. The small pulley drives the carriage drive belt 85 in a circulating manner. The rotation of the carriage drive motor 82 is transmitted to the carriage drive belt 85 at a reduction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the diameters of the large pulley and the small pulley.

[0036] The carriage guide shaft 84 guides the carriage 91. The carriage guide shaft 84 is fixed to the carriage support frame 81. The carriage guide shaft 84 is positioned along the X-axis. The carriage guide shaft 84 guides the carriage 91 along the X-axis.

[0037] The carriage drive belt 85 moves the carriage 91. The carriage drive belt 85 is an annular belt stretched between a transmission mechanism 83 located in the -X direction of the carriage support frame 81 and a carriage drive pulley (not shown) located in the +X direction of the carriage support frame 81. The carriage drive belt 85 is positioned along the carriage guide shaft 84.

[0038] The printer 100 may include a height detection unit 88. The height detection unit 88 detects the height of the printing medium M placed on the table 31. The height detection unit 88 has a contact plate 89 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the main frame 71. The contact plate 89 is a plate-shaped member. The contact plate 89 is mounted on the main frame 71 so as to be rotatable about a virtual axis parallel to the X axis. The contact plate 89 rotates when it comes into contact with the printing medium M or the medium support unit 31m. An arm (not shown) is formed on the contact plate 89. The arm is displaced as the contact plate 89 rotates. The displacement of the arm is detected by a displacement sensor (not shown). The displacement sensor is provided on the height detection unit 88. The displacement sensor is, for example, a magnetic sensor, a reflective optical sensor, or a transmissive optical sensor. When the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the arm, the height detection unit 88 detects the rotation of the contact plate 89. The height detection unit 88 detects the height of the printing medium M by detecting the rotation of the contact plate 89.

[0039] The recording unit 90 performs printing on the printing medium M. The recording unit 90 is supported by the moving unit 70. The recording unit 90 comprises a carriage 91 and a printing unit 93.

[0040] The carriage 91 supports the printing unit 93. The carriage 91 corresponds to an example of a mounting section. The carriage 91 is connected to the carriage drive belt 85. When the carriage drive belt 85 is driven in a circular motion, the carriage 91 moves. The carriage 91 is supported by the carriage guide shaft 84. The carriage 91 is movable along the carriage guide shaft 84. The carriage 91 is movable along the X-axis in either the +X or -X direction. The carriage 91 moves along the X-axis between an end position in the -X direction and an end position in the +X direction. The carriage drive belt 85 moves the carriage 91 between an end position in the -X direction and an end position in the +X direction by the drive of the carriage drive motor 82.

[0041] The end position in the -X direction is referred to as the home position HP. The home position HP is a different position from the printing medium M. The home position HP is located in the -X or +X direction relative to the recording medium M. In the case of the printer 100 shown in Figure 1, the home position HP is the -X direction position of the printing medium M and the media support section 31m that supports the printing medium M. The carriage 91 located at the home position HP may face a maintenance mechanism that performs maintenance such as flushing and cleaning of the printing unit 93. The maintenance mechanism is not shown. The maintenance mechanism is located at a position opposite to the carriage 91 located at the home position HP, or at a position adjacent to the opposite position. The home position HP corresponds to an example of a standby position. In Figure 1, the recording unit 90 located at the home position HP is shown by a dashed line.

[0042] The end position in the +X direction is the return position RP. The carriage 91 stops at the return position RP. The carriage 91 moves from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1. The carriage 91 passes over the printing medium M from the home position HP and stops at the return position RP. The return position RP is the position of the first scanning direction SD1 relative to the home position HP. After stopping at the return position RP, the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2, which is in the opposite direction to the first scanning direction SD1. The carriage 91 passes over the printing medium M from the return position RP and moves towards the home position HP. The return position RP corresponds to an example of a stopping position. The first scanning direction SD1 corresponds to an example of a first direction. The second scanning direction SD2 corresponds to an example of a second direction.

[0043] The printing unit 93 prints on the printing medium M. As the carriage 91 moves along the X-axis, the printing unit 93 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction. As the main frame 71 moves along the Y-axis, the printing unit 93 moves in the +Y direction or the -Y direction. The printer 100 can move the printing unit 93 along the X and Y axes relative to the table 31. The printing unit 93 can eject ink over the entire printing medium M supported on the table 31.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the printing unit 93. Figure 2 shows the XZ cross-section. Figure 2 shows an example of the printing unit 93. The printing unit 93 includes a print head unit 94 and UV lamps 96. The printing unit 93 arranges the first UV lamp 96a, the print head unit 94, and the second UV lamp 96b in the order of first UV lamp 96a, print head unit 94, and second UV lamp 96b along the first scanning direction SD1. The carriage 91 mounts the first UV lamp 96a, the print head unit 94, and the second UV lamp 96b in the order of first UV lamp 96a, print head unit 94, and second UV lamp 96b along the first scanning direction SD1.

[0045] The print head unit 94 comprises one or more print heads 95. The print head unit 94 shown in Figure 2 comprises a first print head 95a, a second print head 95b, a third print head 95c, and a fourth print head 95d. The print head unit 94 shown in Figure 2 comprises four print heads 95, but is not limited to this. The print head unit 94 only needs to have one or more print heads 95. It is preferable that the print head unit 94 comprises multiple print heads 95. The print head unit 94 corresponds to an example of a print head.

[0046] The print head 95 ejects ink onto the printing medium M. The print head 95 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink. The nozzles open at the lower end surface of the print head 95. When the print head 95 ejects ink from the nozzles, the ejected ink flies from the lower end surface of the print head 95 to the printing medium M placed on the table 31. The ink lands on the printing medium M.

[0047] The ink ejected by the print head 95 is UV-curable ink. UV-curable ink is an example of a photocurable ink. UV-curable ink mainly consists of a resin material, a photopolymerization initiator, and a solution.

[0048] The resin material is a material that forms a resin film. The resin material is liquid at room temperature. The resin material has crosslinkable groups. Preferably, the resin material is a material that becomes a polymer when polymerized. Preferably, the resin material is in the form of an oligomer. Even more preferably, the resin material is in the form of a monomer.

[0049] Photopolymerization initiators function as curing agents. They promote the crosslinking reaction by acting on the crosslinkable groups of the resin material. An example of a photopolymerization initiator is benzyldimethyl ketal.

[0050] The solution is a solvent or dispersion medium. The solution adjusts the viscosity of the resin material. When the solution is added to the UV-curable ink, the UV-curable ink is adjusted to a predetermined viscosity.

[0051] UV-curable inks may contain pigments and functional materials. UV-curable inks possess unique functions due to the inclusion of pigments and functional materials. Pigments are pigments or dyes, etc. UV-curable inks may contain, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white pigments. Functional materials may include, for example, surface-modifying materials such as those that are hydrophilic or quenchable.

[0052] Each of the multiple print heads 95 ejects ultraviolet-curable ink onto the printing medium M. Preferably, the print head unit 94 ejects multiple types of ultraviolet-curable ink onto the printing medium M using the multiple print heads 95. The multiple types of ink differ from each other in at least one of the resin material, photopolymerization initiator, and solution. The multiple types of ink may also differ from each other in the added dyes and functional materials.

[0053] The multiple types of UV-curable inks ejected by the print head unit 94 may include clear ink. The clear ink contains a photopolymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound. The clear ink is used for protecting the coating film formed by other inks and for adjusting the glossiness of printed materials. Preferably, the amount of pigment contained in the clear ink is 0.2% by mass or less relative to the total amount of clear ink. It is more preferable that the clear ink does not contain any colorants.

[0054] Each of the first print head 95a, second print head 95b, third print head 95c, and fourth print head 95d ejects, for example, different types of UV-curable ink. The first print head 95a ejects cyan ink containing cyan pigment. The second print head 95b ejects magenta ink containing magenta pigment. The third print head 95c ejects clear ink. The fourth print head 95d ejects yellow ink containing yellow pigment.

[0055] The print head unit 94 ejects multiple types of UV-curable inks onto the printing medium M. These multiple types of UV-curable inks include clear ink. Printer 100 can improve the glossiness of printed images by using clear ink.

[0056] The UV lamp 96 photocures the ultraviolet-curable ink dispensed onto the printing medium M. UV stands for ultraviolet. The UV lamp 96 irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. By irradiating the printing medium M with ultraviolet light, the UV lamp 96 cures the ultraviolet-curable ink dispensed onto the printing medium M. Ultraviolet irradiation is an example of light irradiation.

[0057] The UV lamp 96 consists of a metal halide lamp, xenon lamp, carbon arc lamp, chemical lamp, low-pressure mercury lamp, high-pressure mercury lamp, etc. The UV lamp 96 may also consist of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, an ultraviolet light-emitting semiconductor laser, etc. The UV lamp 96 emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 365 nm and 410 nm. The irradiation peak intensity of the UV lamp 96 is 200 mW / cm². 2 It is preferable to set it to above, and more preferably to 800 mW / cm². 2 That's all.

[0058] The printing unit 93 shown in Figure 2 includes a first UV lamp 96a and a second UV lamp 96b as UV lamps 96. The first UV lamp 96a corresponds to an example of an irradiation unit. The printing unit 93 includes the second UV lamp 96b, but is not limited to it. The printing unit 93 does not need to include the second UV lamp 96b. It is preferable that the printing unit 93 includes the second UV lamp 96b.

[0059] The first UV lamp 96a irradiates with ultraviolet light when the carriage 91 moves in the first scanning direction SD1. The print head unit 94 ejects ink onto the printing medium M when the carriage 91 moves in the first scanning direction SD1. The first UV lamp 96a irradiates with ultraviolet light onto the ink ejected onto the printing medium M by the print head unit 94.

[0060] The second UV lamp 96b irradiates with ultraviolet light when the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2. The print head unit 94 may eject ink onto the printing medium M when the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2. The second UV lamp 96b irradiates with ultraviolet light onto the ink ejected onto the printing medium M by the print head unit 94 as it moves in the second scanning direction SD2. The printer 100 is equipped with the second UV lamp 96b when printing is performed when the carriage 91 is moving in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0061] Figure 3 shows the block configuration of printer 100. Printer 100 is connected to computer 200 in a communicative manner. Printer 100 is connected to computer 200 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Printer 100 may also be connected to computer 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection over a network.

[0062] Computer 200 generates print data. Computer 200 sends the generated print data to printer 100. Computer 200 may also accept various settings related to printing for printer 100. Computer 200 sends the accepted settings to printer 100.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the printer 100 includes a control unit 110, a print head unit 94, a UV lamp 96, a frame moving motor 61, a carriage drive motor 82, a carriage position sensor 121, and a communication interface 123.

[0064] The control unit 110 is a controller that controls various parts of the printer 100. The control unit 110 includes a control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 110 operates as a functional unit by executing a program on the control processor. The RAM and ROM function as work areas. The control unit 110 corresponds to an example of a control unit. The control unit 110 controls various motors, etc., based on detection results detected by various sensors.

[0065] The control unit 110 includes a storage unit 116. The storage unit 116 stores various programs, such as control programs that operate in the control unit 110, and various data. The storage unit 116 also stores various data, such as print data. RAM and ROM may also function as the storage unit 116. The storage unit 116 may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0066] The control unit 110 functions as a data processing unit 112 and a print control unit 114 by executing a control program. The data processing unit 112 and the print control unit 114 are functional units. By functioning as the data processing unit 112 and the print control unit 114, the control unit 110 controls the print head unit 94, UV lamp 96, frame moving motor 61, carriage drive motor 82, carriage position sensor 121, and communication interface 123. The control unit 110 may also control the lifting motor 33, displacement sensor, etc.

[0067] The data processing unit 112 processes the print data. The data processing unit 112 processes the print data obtained from the computer 200, etc. The data processing unit 112 converts the print data into print control data that can be processed by the printer 100. The print control data has commands to control each part. The print control data has print head control data that causes ink to be ejected from each print head 95. When the print data is data for printing a glossy image, the print control data includes data related to the ejection of clear ink. The data processing unit 112 transmits the generated print control data to the print control unit 114.

[0068] The print control unit 114 controls each part of the printer 100. By controlling each part, the print control unit 114 causes printing to be performed on the printing medium M. The print control unit 114 controls the print head unit 94, UV lamp 96, frame moving motor 61, and carriage drive motor 82. The print control unit 114 receives detection results from the carriage position sensor 121. Based on the received detection results, the print control unit 114 controls each part. The print control unit 114 corresponds to an example of a control unit.

[0069] The print head unit 94 ejects ink under the control of the print control unit 114. The print head unit 94 receives print head control data from the print control unit 114. Each print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 ejects ink based on the print head control data. When the print head control data includes data related to the ejection of clear ink, the print head 95 that ejects clear ink ejects clear ink onto the printing medium M based on the print head control data.

[0070] The UV lamp 96 irradiates with ultraviolet light under the control of the printing control unit 114. The timing and intensity of the ultraviolet irradiation of the UV lamp 96 are controlled by the printing control unit 114. The printing control unit 114 controls the timing and intensity of the ultraviolet irradiation based on the printing control data and the detection results of the carriage position sensor 121. The printing control unit 114 controls the first UV lamp 96a and the second UV lamp 96b individually.

[0071] The frame moving motor 61 rotates under the control of the print control unit 114. The frame moving motor 61's rotation start timing, stop timing, rotation direction, and rotation amount are controlled by the print control unit 114. The movement of the moving unit 70 is controlled by the rotation control of the frame moving motor 61 by the print control unit 114. The moving unit 70 moves along the Y axis based on the control of the print control unit 114. The movement direction along the Y axis, position along the Y axis, and movement speed of the moving unit 70 are controlled. The print control unit 114 may also control the position of the moving unit 70 based on the detection result of a frame position sensor (not shown).

[0072] The carriage drive motor 82 rotates under the control of the print control unit 114. The start timing, stop timing, direction of rotation, and amount of rotation of the carriage drive motor 82 are controlled by the print control unit 114. The movement of the carriage 91 is controlled by the rotational movement of the carriage drive motor 82 controlled by the print control unit 114. The carriage 91 moves along the X-axis based on the control of the print control unit 114. The direction of movement along the X-axis, the position along the X-axis, and the speed of movement of the carriage 91 are controlled.

[0073] The carriage position sensor 121 detects the position of the carriage 91. The carriage position sensor 121 is, for example, an encoder provided on the drive shaft of the carriage drive motor 82. The encoder detects the position of the carriage 91 along the X-axis by detecting the rotational position of the drive shaft. The carriage position sensor 121 may also be a line sensor. The line sensor is provided, for example, on the main frame 71 or the carriage support frame 81. The line sensor detects the position of the carriage 91 along the X-axis. The carriage position sensor 121 transmits the detected result to the print control unit 114. The print control unit 114 controls the position of the carriage 91 based on the detection result of the carriage position sensor 121.

[0074] The communication interface 123 communicates with an external device such as a computer 200. The communication interface 123 connects with the external device by wire or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 123 receives print data, print settings, programs, etc. from the external device. The communication interface 123 transmits the print results and maintenance data of the printer 100 to the external device. The communication interface 123 receives print data sent from the computer 200. The communication interface 123 transmits the received print data to the control unit 110. The data processing unit 112 of the control unit 110 receives the print data sent from the communication interface 123. The data processing unit 112 processes the received print data.

[0075] First Embodiment The printer 100 of the first embodiment includes a printing unit 93 having a print head unit 94 and a first UV lamp 96a. The printing unit 93 is mounted on a carriage 91. The carriage 91 is arranged such that the first UV lamp 96a and the print head unit 94 are in the order of first UV lamp 96a and print head unit 94 along a first scanning direction SD1. The printer 100 of the first embodiment does not have a second UV lamp 96b. The printer 100 prints when the carriage 91 moves in the first scanning direction SD1. The printer 100 does not print when the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0076] Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the state of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment. Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 omit components other than the recording unit 90 and the table 31. Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the recording unit 90, which consists of a carriage 91 and a printing unit 93. The printing unit 93 has a print head unit 94 and a first UV lamp 96a. Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the table 31, which consists of a media support section 31m and table legs 31n. The media support section 31m supports the printing medium M. Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the maximum size of printing medium M that can be supported by the media support section 31m.

[0077] Figure 4 shows the carriage 91 in the home position HP. Figure 4 is a view of the printer 100 from the +Y direction. Figure 4 shows the printer 100 when it is stopped.

[0078] When the printer 100 is stopped, the carriage 91 is in the home position HP. When the carriage 91 is in the home position HP, the print head unit 94 is in a predetermined position. The home position HP is the position in which the print head unit 94 and the print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 are in standby position. When the print head unit 94 is in the predetermined position, it may face the maintenance mechanism. When the print head unit 94 is in the predetermined position, the nozzles of the print head 95 may be capped by a capping member (not shown).

[0079] When the printer 100 receives a print command, it starts printing. The print command is included in the print data received from the computer 200. A print command may also be received when a control panel (not shown) receives user input. When the printer 100 receives a print command, it moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 moves the carriage 91 to the first scanning direction SD1 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82.

[0080] Figure 5 shows the state in which the print head unit 94 is positioned on the printing medium M. Figure 5 shows the state in which the first UV lamp 96a is not positioned on the printing medium M. Figure 5 is a view of the printer 100 from the +Y direction.

[0081] The carriage 91 moves from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 moves the carriage 91 to the first scanning direction SD1 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. When the print head unit 94 moves onto the printing medium M, the print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 ejects ink onto the printing medium M. The print head 95 ejects ink onto the printing medium M based on the print head control data. The first UV lamp 96a starts emitting ultraviolet light before moving onto the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a may start emitting ultraviolet light when the carriage 91 starts moving from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the ultraviolet light emission by the first UV lamp 96a by controlling the first UV lamp 96a. The carriage position sensor 121 detects the position of the carriage 91 when the carriage 91 is moving.

[0082] Figure 6 shows the state in which the first UV lamp 96a is positioned on the printing medium M. Figure 6 shows the state in which the print head unit 94 and the first UV lamp 96a are positioned on the printing medium M.

[0083] As the carriage 91 moves in the first scanning direction SD1, the first UV lamp 96a moves onto the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The first UV lamp 96a irradiates the ink ejected onto the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The ink that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light hardens with ultraviolet light. The ink hardens with ultraviolet light and adheres to the printing medium M. As the carriage 91 moves on the printing medium M, the print head 95 ejects ink and the first UV lamp 96a irradiates with ultraviolet light. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the movement of the carriage 91 in the first scanning direction SD1 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a by controlling the first UV lamp 96a. The printer 100 prints on the printing medium M through the operation of the print unit 93.

[0084] Figure 7 shows the state in which the print head unit 94 has moved to a position away from the printing medium M. Figure 7 also shows the state in which the first UV lamp 96a is located on the printing medium M. The carriage 91 is moving in the first scanning direction SD1.

[0085] When the carriage 91 moves away from the printing medium M, the print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 stops ejecting ink. The first UV lamp 96a is located on the printing medium M. The position of the carriage 91 shown in Figure 7 is such that the ultraviolet light emitted by the first UV lamp 96a does not reach the edge of the printing medium M. The edge of the printing medium M is the edge in the +X direction. The first UV lamp 96a continues to emit ultraviolet light. The carriage 91 continues to move in the first scanning direction SD1. The carriage position sensor 121 detects the position of the carriage 91.

[0086] Figure 8 shows the carriage 91 in the return position RP. The return position RP is the position in the first scanning direction SD1 relative to the home position HP. The return position RP is the position where the carriage 91 stops. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the stopping of the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. After pausing at the return position RP, the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0087] When the carriage 91 is in the return position RP, the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. The return position RP is the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a stops in a position where the ultraviolet light it emits can irradiate the edge of the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a is capable of irradiating the edge of the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. In the return position RP, the print head unit 94 is in a position away from the position facing the printing medium M. By moving the print head unit 94 to a position away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print head unit 94 can print on the edge of the printing medium M.

[0088] The printer 100 can shorten the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis by setting the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M as the return position RP. Shortening the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis makes it possible to reduce the width of the printer 100 along the X-axis. The printer 100 can be made smaller.

[0089] The printer 100 includes a print head unit 94 that ejects ultraviolet-curable ink onto a printing medium M, a first UV lamp 96a that irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light, a carriage 91 on which the first UV lamp 96a and the print head unit 94 are mounted in the order of first UV lamp 96a and print head unit 94 along a first scanning direction SD1, and a carriage drive motor 82 that moves the carriage 91 between a home position HP where the print head unit 94 is waiting and a return position RP in the first scanning direction SD1 relative to the home position HP, where the return position RP is the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. Because the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M is the return position RP, the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis is shortened. By shortening the travel distance of the carriage 91, it becomes possible to reduce the width of the printer 100 along the X-axis. The printer 100 can be made smaller.

[0090] The printer 100 includes a carriage drive motor 82 and a control unit 110 that controls the first UV lamp 96a. The control unit 110 can control the movement of the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The control unit 110 can control the irradiation of ultraviolet light onto the printing medium M by controlling the first UV lamp 96a.

[0091] The carriage 91 decelerates before stopping at the return position RP. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 decelerates the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The print control unit 114 may stop the ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a after the carriage 91 has decelerated. The print control unit 114 stops the ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a before the carriage 91 stops at the return position RP. As the carriage 91 decelerates, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the edge of the printing medium M near the return position RP increases. The edge of the printing medium M near the return position RP is subjected to excessive ultraviolet irradiation. When exposed to excessive ultraviolet irradiation, the image quality of the excessively irradiated area deteriorates compared to other areas. Image quality degradation is particularly likely to occur if clear ink is included among the multiple types of inks ejected onto the printing medium M.

[0092] The control unit 110 stops the irradiation of ultraviolet light by the first UV lamp 96a before the carriage 91 stops in the return position RP. The printer 100 can suppress excessive UV irradiation of the printing medium M near the return position RP by stopping UV irradiation before the carriage 91 stops. This reduces the degradation of image quality near the return position RP.

[0093] When the carriage 91 stops in the return position RP, the print control unit 114 may stop the ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a. When the carriage 91 stops in the return position RP, the first UV lamp 96a stops in a position facing the printing medium M. If the first UV lamp 96a continues to irradiate with ultraviolet light, the position facing the first UV lamp 96a will receive excessive ultraviolet irradiation. The image quality of the excessively irradiated area will be lower than that of other areas. Image degradation is particularly likely to occur when multiple inks are ejected using multiple types of print heads 95.

[0094] The carriage 91 decelerates before stopping at the return position RP. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 decelerates the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. After the carriage 91 has decelerated, the print control unit 114 may reduce the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the first UV lamp 96a. The print control unit 114 reduces the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the first UV lamp 96a before the carriage 91 stops at the return position RP. As the carriage 91 decelerates, the amount of ultraviolet light emitted to the printing medium M near the return position RP increases. The printing medium M near the return position RP is subjected to excessive ultraviolet light irradiation. When exposed to excessive ultraviolet light, the image quality of the excessively irradiated area deteriorates compared to other areas. Image quality degradation is particularly likely to occur if clear ink is included among the multiple types of inks ejected onto the printing medium M.

[0095] The control unit 110 reduces the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the first UV lamp 96a before the carriage 91 stops in the return position RP.

[0096] The printer 100 can suppress excessive UV irradiation of the printing medium M near the return position RP by reducing the amount of UV light irradiation before the carriage 91 stops. This makes image quality degradation near the return position RP less likely.

[0097] Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show configurations in which the width of the printing medium M along the X-axis is narrower than the width of the media support section 31m along the X-axis, but are not limited to this configuration. The width of the largest printing medium M along the X-axis may be the same as the width of the media support section 31m along the X-axis. The width of the printing medium M along the X-axis, or the width of the media support section 31m, corresponds to the printing area.

[0098] Figure 9 shows a flowchart for printing with printer 100. Figure 9 shows a control method for printer 100. Figure 9 shows a control method for printer 100 in the first embodiment.

[0099] In step S101, the printer 100 receives the print data. The communication interface 123 receives the print data sent from the computer 200. The communication interface 123 sends the received print data to the data processing unit 112. The data processing unit 112 processes the received print data and generates print control data that can be processed by the printer 100. The data processing unit 112 sends the generated print control data to the print control unit 114. The print control unit 114 receives the print control data.

[0100] After receiving print data, the printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1 in step S103. The print control unit 114 rotates the carriage drive motor 82 based on the print control data. The carriage 91 is initially waiting at the home position HP. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1 by rotating the carriage drive motor 82.

[0101] The printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1, and then performs printing in step S105. When the print head unit 94 mounted on the carriage 91 moves to a position facing the printing medium M, the print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 ejects ink. The ejected ink is ultraviolet-curable ink. The print head 95 ejects ink based on print control data. The printer 100 performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head 95. The print control unit 114 controls the print head unit 94 and the carriage drive motor 82 to cause the print head 95 to perform printing. The print control unit 114 causes the first UV lamp 96a to irradiate the printing medium M with ultraviolet light before the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. When the first UV lamp 96a moves to a position facing the printing medium M, it irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The printing control unit 114 controls the start timing of ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated.

[0102] After printing, the printer 100 stops the carriage 91 in the return position RP in step S107. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 before it reaches the return position RP. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. When the print head unit 94 moves away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print control unit 114 stops ejecting ink. The print control unit 114 stops the carriage 91 in the return position RP by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The return position RP is the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M.

[0103] After the carriage 91 stops in the return position RP, the printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the return position RP to the second scanning direction SD2 in step S109. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 to the second scanning direction SD2 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 on the printing medium M in the second scanning direction SD2. The print control unit 114 does not eject ink from the print head 95 while the carriage 91 is moving on the printing medium M. The printer 100 does not perform printing while the carriage 91 is moving in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0104] A printer 100, which includes a carriage 91 on which a first UV lamp 96a and a print head unit 94 are mounted in the order of first UV lamp 96a and print head unit 94 along a first scanning direction SD1, and which ejects ultraviolet-curable ink onto a printing medium M, is controlled by moving the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1, passing over the printing medium M, and stopping the carriage 91 at the return position RP where the first UV lamp 96a mounted on the carriage 91 faces the printing medium M. Because the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M is the return position RP, the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis is shortened. By shortening the travel distance of the carriage 91, it becomes possible to reduce the width of the printer 100 along the X-axis. The printer 100 can be made smaller.

[0105] Second Embodiment The printer 100 of the second embodiment includes a printing unit 93 having a print head unit 94, a first UV lamp 96a, and a second UV lamp 96b. The second UV lamp 96b corresponds to an example of a second irradiation unit. The printing unit 93 is mounted on a carriage 91. The carriage 91 is arranged such that the first UV lamp 96a, the print head unit 94, and the second UV lamp 96b are in that order along a first scanning direction SD1. The printer 100 performs printing when moving in the first scanning direction SD1 and the second scanning direction SD2.

[0106] Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show the state of the printer 100 according to the second embodiment. Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 omit components other than the recording unit 90 and the table 31. Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show the recording unit 90 as a carriage 91 and a printing unit 93. The printing unit 93 has a print head unit 94, a first UV lamp 96a, and a second UV lamp 96b. Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show the table 31 as a media support unit 31m and table legs 31n. The media support unit 31m supports the printing medium M. Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show the maximum size of printing medium M that can be supported by the media support unit 31m.

[0107] Figure 10 shows the carriage 91 in the home position HP. Figure 10 is a view of the printer 100 from the +Y direction. Figure 10 shows the printer 100 when it is stopped.

[0108] When the printer 100 is stopped, the carriage 91 is in the home position HP. When the carriage 91 is in the home position HP, the print head unit 94 is in a predetermined position. The home position HP is the position in which the print head unit 94 and the print head 95 included in the print head unit 94 are in standby position. When the print head unit 94 is in the predetermined position, it may face the maintenance mechanism. When the print head unit 94 is in the predetermined position, the nozzles of the print head 95 may be capped by a capping member (not shown).

[0109] When the carriage 91 receives a print command, it moves from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1. When the print head unit 94 moves to a position facing the print medium M, the print head 95 of the print head unit 94 ejects ink. The printer 100 prints on the print medium M by ejecting ink with the print head 95. The print head 95 prints on the print medium M until the carriage 91 moves to the first return position RP1. The first UV lamp 96a irradiates with ultraviolet light before moving to a position facing the print medium M. When the first UV lamp 96a moves to a position facing the print medium M, it irradiates the print medium M with ultraviolet light. The first UV lamp 96a irradiates with ultraviolet light until the carriage 91 moves to the first return position RP1.

[0110] Figure 11 shows the state in which the carriage 91 is in the first return position RP1. The first return position RP1 is the position in the first scanning direction SD1 relative to the home position HP. The first return position RP1 is the position where the carriage 91 stops. The first return position RP1 is an example of a return position RP. The first return position RP1 corresponds to an example of a stopping position. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the stopping of the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. After pausing at the first return position RP1, the carriage 91 moves in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0111] When the carriage 91 is in the first return position RP1, the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. The first return position RP1 is the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a stops in a position where the ultraviolet light it emits can irradiate the +X edge of the printing medium M. The first UV lamp 96a is capable of irradiating the +X edge of the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. In the first return position RP1, the print head unit 94 is in a position away from the position facing the printing medium M. By moving the print head unit 94 to a position away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print head unit 94 can print on the +X edge of the printing medium M.

[0112] The printer 100 can shorten the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis by setting the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M as the first return position RP1. Shortening the travel distance of the carriage 91 along the X-axis makes it possible to reduce the width of the printer 100 along the X-axis. The printer 100 can be made more compact.

[0113] Figure 12 shows the carriage 91 moving in the second scanning direction SD2. Figure 12 shows the carriage 91 moving in the second scanning direction SD2 on the printing medium M. The carriage 91 stops at the first return position RP1 and then moves in the second scanning direction SD2. When the print head unit 94 moves to a position facing the printing medium M, the print head 95 of the print head unit 94 ejects ink. The printer 100 prints on the printing medium M by ejecting ink with the print head 95. The print head 95 prints on the printing medium M until the carriage 91 moves to the second return position RP2. The second UV lamp 96b irradiates with ultraviolet light before moving to a position facing the printing medium M. When the second UV lamp 96b moves to a position facing the printing medium M, it irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The second UV lamp 96b irradiates with ultraviolet light until the carriage 91 moves to the second return position RP2.

[0114] Figure 13 shows the state in which the carriage 91 is in the second return position RP2. The second return position RP2 is a different position from the home position HP. The second return position RP2 is in the first scanning direction SD1 relative to the home position HP. The second return position RP2 is the position where the carriage 91 stops. The second return position RP2 corresponds to an example of the second stop position. The print control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the stopping of the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. After pausing at the second return position RP2, the carriage 91 moves in the first scanning direction SD1. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 in the first scanning direction SD1 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82.

[0115] When the carriage 91 is in the second return position RP2, the second UV lamp 96b faces the printing medium M. The second return position RP2 is the position where the second UV lamp 96b faces the printing medium M. The second UV lamp 96b stops in a position where the ultraviolet light it emits can irradiate the -X edge of the printing medium M. The second UV lamp 96b is capable of irradiating the -X edge of the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. In the second return position RP2, the print head unit 94 is in a position away from the position facing the printing medium M. By moving the print head unit 94 to a position away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print head unit 94 can print on the -X edge of the printing medium M.

[0116] The printer 100 is mounted on a carriage 91 and includes a second UV lamp 96b that emits ultraviolet light. The second UV lamp 96b is mounted in the position of the print head unit 94 in the first scanning direction SD1. The printer 100 can irradiate the printing medium M with ultraviolet light when the carriage 91 is moving in the first scanning direction SD1 and when the carriage 91 is moving in the second scanning direction SD2.

[0117] The print control unit 114 controls the carriage drive motor 82 to move the carriage 91, which stops at the first return position RP1, to the second scanning direction SD2, which is opposite to the first scanning direction SD1, so that the second UV lamp 96b faces the printing medium M and the print head unit 94 does not face the printing medium M, and then moves the carriage 91 from the second return position RP2 to the first scanning direction SD1. The carriage 91 can switch its direction of movement from the second scanning direction SD2 to the first scanning direction SD1 at the second return position RP2. This allows the printer 100 to increase its printing speed.

[0118] Figure 14 shows a flowchart for printing with printer 100. Figure 14 shows a control method for printer 100. Figure 14 shows a control method for printer 100 in a second embodiment.

[0119] In step S201, the printer 100 receives the print data. The communication interface 123 receives the print data sent from the computer 200. The communication interface 123 sends the received print data to the data processing unit 112. The data processing unit 112 processes the received print data and generates print control data that can be processed by the printer 100. The data processing unit 112 sends the generated print control data to the print control unit 114. The print control unit 114 receives the print control data.

[0120] After receiving print data, the printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1 in step S203. The print control unit 114 rotates the carriage drive motor 82 based on the print control data. The carriage 91 is initially waiting at the home position HP. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1 by rotating the carriage drive motor 82.

[0121] The printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the home position HP to the first scanning direction SD1, and then in step S205, it performs printing. When the print head unit 94 mounted on the carriage 91 moves to a position facing the printing medium M, the print head 95 of the print head unit 94 ejects ink. The ejected ink is ultraviolet-curable ink. The print head 95 ejects ink based on print control data. The printer 100 performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head 95. The print control unit 114 controls the print head unit 94 and the carriage drive motor 82 to cause the print head 95 to perform printing. Before the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M, the print control unit 114 causes the first UV lamp 96a to perform ultraviolet irradiation. When the first UV lamp 96a moves to a position facing the printing medium M, it irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The printing control unit 114 controls the start timing of ultraviolet irradiation by the first UV lamp 96a and the amount of ultraviolet light emitted. The printing control unit 114 also controls the second UV lamp 96b. When the carriage 91 is moving in the first scanning direction SD1, the printing control unit 114 prevents the second UV lamp 96b from irradiating with ultraviolet light.

[0122] After printing, the printer 100 stops the carriage 91 in the first return position RP1 in step S207. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 before it reaches the first return position RP1. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. When the print head unit 94 moves away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print control unit 114 stops ejecting ink. The print control unit 114 stops the carriage 91 in the first return position RP1 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The first return position RP1 is the position where the first UV lamp 96a faces the printing medium M.

[0123] After the carriage 91 stops in the first return position RP1, the printer 100 moves the carriage 91 from the first return position RP1 to the second scanning direction SD2 in step S209. The print control unit 114 moves the carriage 91 to the second scanning direction SD2 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82.

[0124] The printer 100 moves the carriage 91 in the second scanning direction SD2, and then in step S211, it performs printing. When the print head unit 94 mounted on the carriage 91 is positioned to face the printing medium M, the print head 95 of the print head unit 94 ejects ink. The print head 95 ejects ink based on the print control data. The printer 100 performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head 95. The print control unit 114 controls the print head unit 94 and the carriage drive motor 82 to cause the print head 95 to perform printing. The print control unit 114 causes the second UV lamp 96b to perform ultraviolet irradiation before it faces the printing medium M. When the second UV lamp 96b moves to a position facing the printing medium M, it irradiates the printing medium M with ultraviolet light. The print control unit 114 controls the start timing of the ultraviolet irradiation by the second UV lamp 96b and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated. The printing control unit 114 controls the first UV lamp 96a. When the carriage 91 is moving in the second scanning direction SD2, the printing control unit 114 prevents the first UV lamp 96a from irradiating with ultraviolet light.

[0125] After printing, the printer 100 stops the carriage 91 in the second return position RP2 in step S213. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 before it reaches the second return position RP2. The print control unit 114 decelerates the carriage 91 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. When the print head unit 94 moves away from the position facing the printing medium M, the print control unit 114 stops ejecting ink. The print control unit 114 stops the carriage 91 in the second return position RP2 by controlling the carriage drive motor 82. The second return position RP2 is the position where the second UV lamp 96b faces the printing medium M. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10...Main body, 11...Base, 11a...First base member, 11b...Second base member, 13...Main body pulley, 30...Media support mechanism, 31...Table, 31m...Media support part, 31n...Table leg, 31s...Media support surface, 32...Height movement mechanism, 33...Lifting motor, 37...Lifting belt, 39...Lifting mechanism, 50...Drive mechanism, 51a...First guide shaft, 51b...Second guide shaft, 60...Frame drive Moving parts, 61...frame moving motor, 61a...rotating shaft, 63...drive belt, 65...speed change mechanism, 67...transmission belt, 70...moving parts, 71...main frame, 73a...first leg, 73b...second leg, 79a...first belt connection, 81...carriage support frame, 82...carriage drive motor, 83...transmission mechanism, 83a...transmission pulley, 83b...two-stage transmission pulley, 83c...transmission belt, 8 4...Carriage guide shaft, 85...Carriage drive belt, 88...Height detection unit, 89...Contact plate, 90...Recording unit, 91...Carriage, 93...Printing unit, 94...Print head unit, 95...Print head, 95a...First print head, 95b...Second print head, 95c...Third print head, 95d...Fourth print head, 96...UV lamp, 96a...First UV lamp, 96b...Second UV lamp, 100...Printer, 110...Control unit, 112...Data processing unit, 114...Print control unit, 116...Storage unit, 121...Carriage position sensor, 123...Communication interface, HP...Home position, M...Printing medium, RP...Return position, RP1...First return position, RP2...Second return position, SD1...First scanning direction, SD2...Second scanning direction, W...Support surface length.

Claims

1. A print head that ejects light-curing ink onto a medium, An irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned medium with light, A mounting section on which the irradiation unit and the print head are placed in the order of the irradiation unit and the print head along the first direction, The mounting unit comprises a drive unit that moves the mounting unit between a standby position where the print head is waiting and a stop position in the first direction relative to the standby position, The stopping position is a position where the irradiation unit faces the medium, and the print head does not face the medium. When the mounting unit moves toward the stopping position, the print head ejects the photocurable ink, and the irradiation unit irradiates the photocurable ink ejected onto the medium with light. The system includes the drive unit and the control unit for controlling the irradiation unit, It is mounted on the mounting section and includes a second irradiation section that performs the light irradiation, The second irradiation unit is placed on the print head in the first direction position. Printing device.

2. A print head that ejects light-curing ink onto a medium, An irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned medium with light, A mounting section on which the irradiation unit and the print head are placed in the order of the irradiation unit and the print head along the first direction, The mounting unit comprises a drive unit that moves the mounting unit between a standby position where the print head is waiting and a stopping position in the first direction relative to the standby position, The aforementioned stopping position is the position in which the irradiation unit faces the medium. The drive unit and the control unit for controlling the irradiation unit are provided. The control unit stops the light irradiation by the irradiation unit before the aforementioned mounting unit stops at the stop position. Printing device.

3. A print head that ejects light-curing ink onto a medium, An irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned medium with light, The irradiation unit and the print head are mounted in that order along the first direction. The mounting section, The mounting section is positioned relative to the standby position where the print head is waiting and the first position relative to the standby position. It comprises a drive unit that moves between the forward and backward stopping positions, The stopping position is the position in which the irradiation unit faces the medium. The system includes the drive unit and the control unit for controlling the irradiation unit, It is mounted on the mounting section and includes a second irradiation section that performs the light irradiation, The control unit, By controlling the drive unit, the previously described mounting unit that stops at the stop position is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction. After moving the second irradiation unit to a second stop position where it faces the medium and the print head does not face the medium, the mounting unit described above is moved from the second stop position in the first direction. Printing device.

4. The print head ejects multiple types of photocurable inks onto the medium. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of photocurable inks include a clear ink.

5. The control unit stops the light irradiation by the irradiation unit before the aforementioned mounting unit stops at the stop position. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3.

6. The control unit reduces the amount of light emitted by the irradiation unit before the aforementioned mounting unit stops at the stop position. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3.

7. It is mounted on the mounting section and includes a second irradiation section that performs the light irradiation, The second irradiation unit is placed on the print head in the first direction position. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The control unit, By controlling the drive unit, the previously described mounting unit that stops at the stop position is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction. After moving the second irradiation unit to a second stop position where it faces the medium and the print head does not face the medium, the mounting unit described above is moved from the second stop position in the first direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A control method for a printing apparatus that ejects photocurable ink onto a medium, comprising an irradiation unit and a printing head in that order along a first direction, and a mounting unit on which the irradiation unit and the printing head are mounted, Move the aforementioned mounting unit from the standby position in the first direction, When the mounting unit moves toward the first stopping position relative to the standby position, the print head ejects the photocurable ink, and the irradiation unit irradiates the photocurable ink ejected onto the medium with light. The irradiation unit, which is placed on the aforementioned mounting unit, is brought to face the medium, and the aforementioned mounting unit is stopped at the stopping position where the print head is not facing the medium. Before the mounting unit stops at the stop position, the irradiation by the irradiation unit is stopped. A method for controlling a printing device.

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