Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device configured to make an emitting part mounted on a carriage emit ultraviolet ray to cure ink, which can suppress airflow for cooling the emitting part from influencing a printing quality.SOLUTION: The printing device is provided with a carriage that can move in a first direction along a first axis, a head that can discharge ink toward a medium, and an emitting part, provided in parallel with the head in the first direction, which can emit ultraviolet ray toward the medium. The emitting part has a cooling unit for cooling the emitting part by airflow. In a planar view in which the carriage corresponds to the medium, the head is arranged in a first area of the carriage and the emitting part is arranged in a second area of the carriage. In the second area is provided at least one lid part that blocks airflow going from a side at which the carriage corresponds to the medium toward the emitting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus provided with an ultraviolet irradiation device. The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a carriage having an inkjet head and an ultraviolet irradiation device adjacent to the carriage in the moving direction of the carriage. The ultraviolet irradiation device is provided with a cooling air suction port for sucking air from the outside of the ultraviolet irradiation device by a suction fan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [ In the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1, the airflow generated by the suction fan for sucking air from the cooling air suction port may pass near the inkjet head. In this case, due to the influence of the airflow, the landing position of the ink ejected from the inkjet head may shift.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect for solving the above problems includes a carriage movable in a first direction along a first axis, a head capable of ejecting ink toward a medium, and an irradiation unit provided side by side with the head in the first direction and capable of irradiating the medium with ultraviolet rays. The irradiation unit is A fan is provided that draws in air and blows it toward the irradiation section,The device has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit by airflow, and in a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in a first region of the carriage, and the irradiation unit is positioned in a second region of the carriage, and the second region is positioned from the side of the carriage facing the medium The aforementioned fan The printing apparatus is provided with at least one cover that blocks the airflow directed toward it. Another embodiment for solving the above problems is a printing apparatus comprising: a carriage movable in a first direction along a first axis; a head capable of ejecting ink toward a medium; and an irradiation unit provided alongside the head in the first direction and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, wherein the irradiation unit has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit with airflow, and in a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in a first region of the carriage, the irradiation unit is positioned in a second region of the carriage, and the second region is provided with at least one cover portion that blocks the airflow from the side of the carriage facing the medium toward the irradiation unit, and when the direction along the second axis intersecting the first axis is defined as the second direction, the irradiation unit is relatively movable with respect to the head in the second direction, and the at least one cover portion includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the first cover portion blocks the airflow at a first position of the irradiation unit, and the second cover portion blocks the airflow at a second position of the irradiation unit. A further embodiment for solving the above problems is a printing apparatus comprising: a carriage movable in a first direction along a first axis; a head capable of ejecting ink toward a medium; and an irradiation unit provided alongside the head in the first direction and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, wherein the irradiation unit has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit by airflow, and in a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in a first region of the carriage and the irradiation unit is positioned in a second region of the carriage, the carriage has an outer casing surrounding the second region, the cooling unit has a fan that sucks in air and blows it toward the irradiation unit, and a fan case that houses the fan, the fan case has an opening positioned on the opposite side of the head with the fan in between, and the second region has at least one lid that blocks the airflow that, when the cooling unit is driven, moves the carriage from the side facing the medium toward the irradiation unit and is sucked into the cooling unit through the opening by closing the space created between the outer casing and the opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the main part of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Plan view of the carriage according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A side view of the carriage according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Section V-V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Plan view of the carriage according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the carriage according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of RR in Figure 7. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the irradiation unit and cover unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Side view of the irradiation unit and cover unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the printing operation of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the main part of the lid in a modified form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] [1.1. Overall Configuration of the Printing Device] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1. 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 apparatus 1 supports the medium M so that it does not move using a table 31, and scans the carriage 100 above the medium M supported on the table. The carriage 100 is equipped with a head 80 and an irradiation unit 70, which will be described later, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. After ejecting ink from the head 80 toward the medium M, the irradiation unit 70 irradiates the ink adhering to the medium M with ultraviolet light.

[0011] The printing device 1 includes a main body 10 and a moving part 50. The main body 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 10.

[0012] The main body 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 moving 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 moving 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 part 90 described later. The control part 90 controls the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the lifting motor 33. The lifting belt 37 is an annular belt spanned over 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. Thereby, the ball screw of the lifting mechanism 39 rotates, and the table 31 is moved along the Z-axis.

[0016] The rotation direction of the lifting motor 33 can be switched between the forward direction, which moves the table 31 upward, and the reverse direction, which moves the table 31 downward. The printing device 1 raises and lowers the table 31 by operating the lifting motor 33. The printing device 1 adjusts the distance between the nozzle 83 of the head 80 (described later) and the media M by changing the height of the table 31 in this manner, so that it becomes the 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 axial members that are stretched across a pair of base units 13 and arranged along the Y axis.

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

[0019] The main frame 51 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the direction along the X-axis. A pair of frame legs 53 are supported by a pair of guide shafts 15 so that they can move in the front-rear direction. The main frame 51 is fixed on the pair of frame legs 53 and is supported from below by the pair of frame legs 53. The main frame 51 moves along the Y-axis, guided by the guide shafts 15 together with the pair of frame legs 53.

[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.

[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 moving 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 moving 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 100. The carriage 100 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 100 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 100 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 100 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 100 is connected to the carriage drive belt 65. Therefore, when the carriage drive belt 65 is driven in a circular motion, the carriage 100 moves along the X-axis. In addition, as the main frame 51 moves along the Y-axis, the carriage 100 moves in the forward and backward directions, i.e., in the +Y and -Y directions. Thus, the printing device 1 can move the carriage 100 in the forward and backward directions and in the left and right directions.

[0028] The printing device 1 performs printing by ejecting ink over the entire medium M supported by the table 31 by moving the head 80 mounted on the carriage 100 in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the table 31. The printing device 1 also moves the irradiation unit 70 mounted on the carriage 100 in the front-rear and left-right directions to irradiate the ink adhering to the medium M with ultraviolet light.

[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 100 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 100 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 in the +X direction. In other words, when the carriage 100 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 100 is in the home position, the movement of the movable portion 50 in the front-to-back direction causes the carriage 100 to move in the front-to-back direction, and the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 come into contact with each other.

[0031] [1.2. Carriage Configuration] Figure 3 is a plan view of the carriage 100 seen from below. Figure 4 is a side view of the carriage 100 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 100 with its exterior removed.

[0032] The carriage 100 comprises a head 80, an illumination unit 70, and a guide 62. The carriage 100 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 100 and is positioned on the right side of the carriage 100. 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 100 with its longitudinal direction as the front-to-back direction. The guide 62 is provided at the left end of the carriage 100. 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 100. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit 70 includes a case 79, which is an exterior member that covers the upper part of the irradiation unit 70, and a housing 71, which is an exterior member that covers 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. The first guide pin 74a and the second guide pin 74b may also be called "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 holes 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 100 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 100 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 100 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 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 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 relative position P1 corresponds to an example of a first position.

[0042] Figure 6 is a plan view of the carriage 100, showing the carriage 100 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. The second relative position P2 corresponds to an example of the second position. 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 first contact surface 64b and the second contact surface 64c may also be referred to as "contact surfaces".

[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. Cooling structure of the irradiation section] The irradiation unit 70 has a cooling structure that dissipates the heat emitted by the UV light source 73 by lighting up the light-emitting element 73a. This cooling structure includes a heat sink 110 attached to the housing 71 of the irradiation unit 70 and a fan unit 120 that blows cooling air onto the heat sink 110. The fan unit 120 corresponds to an example of a cooling unit. The cooling unit may include the heat sink 110 and the fan unit 120.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the carriage 100 according to the embodiment, showing the carriage 100 as viewed from below. As described above, the irradiation unit 70 and the head 80 are arranged side by side in the +X direction on the lower surface of the carriage 100. The upper part of the carriage 100 is covered by an exterior including a carriage cover 101 and an air intake cover 102.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the RR in Figure 7, showing the configuration excluding the carriage cover 101. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the heat sink 110 is placed on top of the housing 71 of the irradiation unit 70. The heat sink 110 is, for example, a metallic member having multiple fins, and is fixed in close contact with the circuit board of the UV light source 73 and the housing 71. Heat generated by the irradiation unit 70 is transferred to the heat sink 110, and the heat sink 110 dissipates the heat into the air via the fins. The sides of the heat sink 110 in the +Y and -Y directions are covered by the heat sink cover 111. In addition, the sides of the heat sink 110 in the +X, +Y, and -Y directions are covered by the heat sink cover 111, and the side of the heat sink 110 in the -X direction is open to form an exhaust section 112.

[0047] A fan unit 120 is positioned on top of the heatsink 110. The fan unit 120 has a fan case 122 and a fan 123 positioned inside the fan case 122. The fan case 122 covers the sides of the fan 123, and the bottom surface of the fan case 122 is joined to the heatsink cover 111. The top surface of the fan case 122 is open and will be referred to as the top opening 121 below.

[0048] Fan 123 is a fan that blows air downwards from above, i.e., in the -Z direction, and is, for example, an axial fan. The top surface of the fan case 122 is an air intake that draws in air, and the airflow generated by the fan case 122 enters the inside of the heatsink cover 111 downwards, removing heat from the heatsink 110. Since the fan case 122 covers the sides of the fan 123 in the +X, -X, +Y, and -Y directions, the airflow generated by the fan 123 is restricted to the direction from the top opening 121 of the fan case 122 toward the bottom.

[0049] In the heatsink 110, since air does not circulate on the surface covered by the heatsink cover 111, the airflow blown by the fan 123 towards the heatsink 110 is exhausted from the exhaust section 112.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, the carriage 100 includes a carriage cover 101 and an air intake cover 102, as well as a cover 103 that covers the side of the carriage 100 in the -Y direction and a cover 104 that covers the side of the carriage 100 in the +X direction. As a result, the interior of the carriage 100 becomes a space surrounded by the exterior formed by the carriage cover 101, the air intake cover 102, and the covers 103 and 104.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the internal space of the carriage 100 is divided into a first region 100A and a second region 100B. The first region 100A is located on the +X side of the carriage 100 in a plan view, and the second region 100B is located on the -X side of the carriage 100 in a plan view. Inside the carriage 100, an internal partition wall 105 is arranged to separate the first region 100A and the second region 100B. The first region 100A is arranged to contain the head 80 and a circuit board (not shown) on which the circuit for driving the head 80 is mounted. The second region 100B is arranged to contain the irradiation unit 70, which includes a heat sink 110 and a fan unit 120.

[0052] Furthermore, a substrate support section 107 is located in the second region 100B. The substrate support section 107 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the internal partition wall 105 and supports a circuit board 108 on which a circuit for illuminating the UV light source 73 is mounted. A ventilation opening 107a is provided in the substrate support section 107. Air can circulate through the ventilation opening 107a in the vertical direction of the substrate support section 107.

[0053] The intake port cover 102 has an upper intake port 102a and a lower intake port 102b. The upper intake port 102a and the lower intake port 102b are holes that penetrate the intake port cover 102. The upper intake port 102a is located above the substrate support portion 107. The lower intake port 102b is located between the substrate support portion 107 and the fan unit 120 in the +Z direction. When the fan 123 operates, air flows from the lower intake port 102b into the second region 100B as indicated by the symbol F2, and flows towards the fan unit 120. On the other hand, when the fan 123 operates, air also flows from the upper intake port 102a into the second region 100B as indicated by the symbol F1. This airflow cools the circuit board 108 and flows towards the fan unit 120 through the vent port 107a. The fan unit 120 blows air toward the heat sink 110, and the airflow delivered by the fan unit 120 is exhausted from the exhaust port 112 of the heat sink 110 as indicated by the symbol F3. The upper intake port 102a and the lower intake port 102b correspond to examples of openings.

[0054] Therefore, in the carriage 100, the airflow for cooling the irradiation unit 70 is drawn in from the -X side of the carriage 100 and exhausted from the same side.

[0055] As the fan unit 120 draws in air, an airflow may be generated from the bottom surface of the carriage 100 toward the top surface of the fan unit 120, as indicated by the symbol F4 in Figure 8. This airflow F4 is a factor that generates airflow between the head 80 and the media M. This airflow affects the print quality of the printing apparatus 1. Specifically, the airflow flowing near the head 80 lowers the temperature of the head 80. This lowers the temperature of the ink ejected from the nozzle 83, which increases the viscosity of the ink and may cause a shift in the landing position of the ink ejected from the nozzle 83 onto the media M. In addition, the trajectory of the ink ejected from the nozzle 83 may be disturbed by the airflow.

[0056] The printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a cover portion 130 to suppress or prevent the generation of airflow F4. The cover portion 130 blocks the airflow F4 from below the carriage 100 toward the upper opening 121 of the fan unit 120 in the second region 100B.

[0057] As described above, the irradiation unit 70 is movable relative to the head 80 in the +Y direction, and moves between a first relative position P1 and a second relative position P2. The position of the airflow F4 changes depending on whether the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1 or the second relative position P2. For example, Figure 8 shows the state in which the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, in which case the airflow F4 flows between the carriage cover 101 and the heat sink cover 111. In contrast, when the irradiation unit 70 moves to the second relative position P2, the airflow F4 passes between the cover 103 and the heat sink cover 111.

[0058] The cover portion 130 comprises a first cover portion 131 and a second cover portion 132. The first cover portion 131 is located in the +Y direction relative to the second cover portion 132. The first cover portion 131 is located between the carriage cover 101 and the heat sink cover 111 and blocks the airflow F4 when the irradiation portion 70 is in a first relative position P1. The second cover portion 132 is located between the cover 103 and the heat sink cover 111 and blocks the airflow F4 when the irradiation portion 70 is in a second relative position P2.

[0059] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the irradiation unit 70 and the cover unit 130 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a side view of the irradiation unit 70 and the cover unit 130 according to the embodiment. The first lid portion 131 has a flat plate-shaped first lid body 141, a first support portion 142 that rotatably supports the first lid body 141, and a first projection portion 143 that protrudes from the first lid body 141. The second lid portion 132 has a flat plate-shaped second lid body 151, a second support portion 152 that rotatably supports the second lid body 151, and a second projection portion 153 that protrudes from the second lid body 151.

[0060] Figures 9 and 10 show the state where the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1. In this state, the second cover 151 is facing upwards, so the fan unit 120 can draw in air downwards in the area overlapping with the second cover 151. When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, the second cover 151 rotates downwards to become almost horizontal, while the first cover 141 rotates upwards. As a result, at the second relative position P2, the fan unit 120 can draw in air in the area overlapping with the first cover 141.

[0061] Figure 10 shows the regions VA1, VA2, and VA3 into which the fan unit 120 draws in air. The upper surface of the fan unit 120 is almost entirely an upper opening 121. When the irradiation unit 70 is in the first relative position P1, the upper opening 121 overlaps with region VA3, which overlaps with the second cover 151, and region VA1, which overlaps with the first cover 131 and the second cover 132. As shown in Figure 10, when the second cover 151 is rotated diagonally upward, the fan unit 120 can draw in air from regions VA1 and VA3. In this state, the first cover 141 is almost horizontal, and the space between the irradiation unit 70 and the carriage cover 101 is largely closed by the first cover 141, so the airflow F4 is blocked by the first cover 141.

[0062] With the irradiation unit 70 in the second relative position P2, the upper opening 121 overlaps with regions VA2 and VA1, which overlap with the first cover 141. In this case, the first cover 141 is rotated diagonally upward, so the fan unit 120 can draw in air from regions VA1 and VA2. Also, in this state, the second cover 151 is almost horizontal, and the second cover 151 closes off almost the entire space between the irradiation unit 70 and the cover 103, so the airflow F4 is blocked by the second cover 151.

[0063] The first cover 141 and the second cover 151 open and close as the irradiation unit 70 moves. In the second lid portion 132, when the second lid body 151 is closed, the tip of the second lid body 151 is in contact with or close to the cover 103. The base end of the second lid body 151 is fixed to the hinge 152a of the second support portion 152. The second support portion 152 rotatably supports the second lid body 151 by the hinge 152a. A second projection 153 protrudes from the base end of the second lid body 151 toward the fan unit 120. The second projection 153 is positioned to overlap with the upper end 122b of the fan case 122 in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the irradiating portion 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, the upper end 122b of the case collides with the second projection 153, pushing the second projection 153 in the +Y direction. This causes the second projection 153 to rotate together with the second lid 151 around the hinge 152a, opening the second lid 151 upwards.

[0064] A contact surface 152b is formed on the second support portion 152. The contact surface 152b is formed, for example, by cutting out a part of the second support portion 152. The contact surface 152b is the surface that contacts the second cover 151 when the second cover 151 is rotated upward by a predetermined angle. When the second cover 151 rotates due to the second projection 153 being pressed against the upper end 122b of the case, the rotation of the second cover 151 is restricted at the position where it contacts the contact surface 152b. For this reason, the angle θ at which the second cover 151 opens upward does not exceed 90 degrees. When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, the second projection 153 is no longer supported by the upper end 122b of the case, so the second cover 151 rotates downward due to its own weight and blocks the airflow F4.

[0065] The same applies to the first lid 131. That is, when the first lid 141 is closed, the tip of the first lid 141 is in contact with or close to the carriage cover 101. The base end of the first lid 141 is fixed to the hinge 142a of the first support 142. The first support 142 rotatably supports the first lid 141 by the hinge 142a. A first projection 143 protrudes from the base end of the first lid 141 toward the fan unit 120. The first projection 143 is positioned to overlap with the upper end 122a of the case in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the irradiating unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, the upper end 122a of the case collides with the first projection 143, pushing the first projection 143 in the +Y direction. This causes the first projection 143 to rotate together with the first lid 141 around the hinge 142a, opening the first lid 141 upwards.

[0066] A contact surface 142b is formed on the first support portion 142. The contact surface 142b is formed, for example, by cutting out a part of the first support portion 142. The contact surface 142b is the surface that contacts the first lid 141 when the first lid 141 is rotated upward by a predetermined angle. When the first lid 141 rotates due to the first projection 143 being pressed against the upper end 122a of the case, the rotation of the first lid 141 is restricted at the position where it contacts the contact surface 142b. For this reason, the angle θ at which the first lid 141 opens upward does not exceed 90 degrees. When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, the first projection 143 is no longer supported by the upper end 122a of the case, so the first lid 141 rotates downward due to its own weight and blocks the airflow F4.

[0067] Thus, whether the irradiation unit 70 is positioned at the first relative position P1 or the second relative position P2, the airflow drawn in by the fan unit 120 is limited to the airflow F1 from the upper intake port 102a and the airflow F2 from the lower intake port 102b. The airflow F4 from below the carriage 100 is blocked by the cover portion 130. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent airflow from flowing near the head 80 due to the operation of the fan unit 120. Consequently, the irradiation unit 70 can be cooled by the fan unit 120 without affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1.

[0068] [1.4. Configuration of the Printing Device Control System] Figure 11 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The frame position sensor 92 is a sensor that detects the position of the main frame 51 in 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 in 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 100 in 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 100 based on the detected values ​​of the frame position sensor 92, the table position sensor 93, and the carriage position sensor 94.

[0074] The control unit 90 operates each motor based on the print data received by the interface (I / F) 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 100 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.

[0075] The control unit 90 operates the head 80 based on the print data received by the interface 91, thereby ejecting ink.

[0076] [1.5. Printer Operation] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing device 1, showing its actions when printing is performed. For the sake of explanation, the operation of the printing device 1 is described here when it follows 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 100 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 100 to the right, i.e., in the +X direction. While the carriage 100 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] When the carriage 100 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 100 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 100 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.

[0082] After the frame movement motor 41 stops, the control unit 90 executes another pass and returns the carriage 100 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In step S2, the control unit 90 drives the frame moving motor 41 to move the main frame 51 to the front end.

[0085] In step S3, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 100 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.

[0086] 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 comes into contact with 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 100 moves backward while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 100 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 100 after they have moved are the same as their initial positions in step S1.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 100 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 itself for matte printing before ending its operation.

[0094] In step S9, the control unit 90 drives the carriage drive motor 67 to move the carriage 100 to the home position. In this state, the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are positioned so that they 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.

[0095] 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 backward relative to the head 80. As the main frame 51 moves further forward, the leaf spring 76 engages with the second recess 66b, and the first guide pin 74a comes into contact with 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 backward relative to the head 80 as the carriage 100 moves forward while the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact.

[0096] 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 100. 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.

[0097] [2. Variant] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the main part of the lid 130A according to a modified example. The lid portion 130A is provided on the carriage 100 in place of the lid portion 130 in the above embodiment.

[0098] The cover portion 130A includes a first cover 161 that blocks the airflow F4 when the irradiation unit 70 is located at a first relative position P1, and a second cover 162 that blocks the airflow F4 when the irradiation unit 70 is located at a second relative position P2. The first cover 161 and the second cover 162 correspond to examples of elastic members.

[0099] The first cover 161 and the second cover 162 are flexible and elastic sheets. The tip 161a of the first cover 161 abuts against the carriage cover 101 when the irradiation unit 70 is in a first relative position P1. The base end 161b of the first cover 161 is fixed to the edge of the upper opening 121. The tip 162a of the second cover 162 abuts against the cover 103 when the irradiation unit 70 is in a second relative position P2. The base end 162b of the second cover 162 is fixed to the edge of the upper opening 121.

[0100] When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2, the tip 161a of the first cover 161 is pressed against the carriage cover 101 and bends, for example, extending downward. As a result, when the irradiation unit 70 is in the second relative position P2, the first cover 161 is housed along the carriage cover 101, and the fan 123 can draw in air from the entire top opening 121.

[0101] When the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, the tip 161a of the second cover 162 is pressed against the cover 103 and bends, for example, extending downward. As a result, when the irradiation unit 70 is in the first relative position P1, the second cover 162 is housed along the cover 103, and the fan 123 can draw in air from the entire top opening 121.

[0102] When the irradiation unit 70 is in the first relative position P1, the airflow F4 from below the carriage 100 is blocked by the first cover 161. Also, when the irradiation unit 70 is in the second relative position P2, the airflow F4 is blocked by the second cover 162. Thus, even when the modified cover portion 130A is provided on the carriage 100, the airflow F4 caused by the operation of the fan 123 can be suppressed or prevented, similar to the embodiment using the cover portion 130.

[0103] The first cover 161 and the second cover 162 are not limited to elastic sheet-like members. For example, they may be foldable accordion-shaped members. In this case, the tip 161a of the first cover 161 may be fixed to the carriage cover 101. The tip 162a of the second cover 162 may be fixed to the cover 103. With these configurations, as the irradiation unit 70 moves from a first relative position P1 to a second relative position P2, or vice versa, the first cover 161 and the second cover 162 expand and contract. As a result, the fan 123 can draw in air from almost the entire top opening 121. In addition, the space between the irradiation unit 70 and the carriage cover 101, and the space between the irradiation unit 70 and the cover 103 are closed by the first cover 161 and the second cover 162, thus blocking the airflow F4.

[0104] [3. Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a carriage 100 that is movable in a first direction along a first axis, and a head 80 that can eject ink toward a medium M. The printing apparatus 1 also includes an irradiation unit 70 provided alongside the head 80 in the first direction and capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium M. The irradiation unit 70 has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit 70 with airflow. In a plan view facing the medium M, the head 80 is positioned in a first region 100A of the carriage 100, and the irradiation unit 70 is positioned in a second region 100B of the carriage 100. The second region 100B is provided with a cover portion 130 that blocks the airflow from the side of the carriage 100 facing the medium M toward the irradiation unit 70. Here, for example, the first axis is the X-axis, and the cooling unit includes a heatsink 110 and a fan unit 120.

[0105] With this configuration, when the cooling unit cools the irradiation section 70 with airflow, the lid 130 can suppress or prevent airflow from flowing between the carriage 100 and the media M due to the airflow from the cooling unit. This prevents the temperature of the head 80 from dropping due to the airflow between the carriage 100 and the media M, thereby preventing it from affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1.

[0106] In the printing apparatus 1, when the direction along the second axis intersecting the first axis is defined as the second direction, the irradiation unit 70 is movable relative to the head 80 in the second direction. The cover 130 includes a first cover 131 and a second cover 132. The first cover 131 blocks the airflow at a first relative position P1 of the irradiation unit 70, and the second cover 132 blocks the airflow at a second relative position P2 of the irradiation unit 70. Here, for example, the second axis is the Y-axis. The irradiation unit 70 is movable in the +Y and -Y directions along the Y-axis, and moves between the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2.

[0107] In this configuration, in a configuration in which the irradiation unit 70 is movable relative to the head 80, the first cover 131 or the second cover 132 can suppress or prevent airflow between the carriage 100 and the medium M, depending on the position of the irradiation unit 70. This prevents the airflow cooling the irradiation unit 70 from affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1 in a configuration in which the position of the irradiation unit 70 can be switched.

[0108] In the printing apparatus 1, the first lid 131 and the second lid 132 are configured to be openable and closable. The first lid 131 closes at the first relative position P1 of the irradiation unit 70 to block the airflow, and opens as the irradiation unit 70 moves from the first relative position P1 to the second relative position P2. The second lid 132 closes at the second relative position P2 of the irradiation unit 70 to block the airflow, and opens as the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1. With this configuration, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, the first cover 131 can suppress or prevent unwanted airflow, and when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the second cover 132 can suppress or prevent unwanted airflow. Furthermore, when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1, the second cover 132 opens, and when the irradiation unit 70 is located at the second relative position P2, the first cover 131 opens. Therefore, in both the first relative position P1 and the second relative position P2, the cooling unit can take in enough air to cool the irradiation unit 70, and the irradiation unit 70 can be cooled efficiently.

[0109] In the printing apparatus 1, the first lid 131 has a first lid body 141, a first support portion 142 that rotatably supports the first lid body 141, and a first projection portion 143 that protrudes from the first lid body 141. When the irradiation unit 70 moves from a first relative position P1 to a second relative position P2, the irradiation unit 70 comes into contact with the first projection portion 143, causing the first lid body 141 to rotate and open. This configuration allows the first lid 131 to open as the irradiation unit 70 moves from a first relative position P1 to a second relative position P2, without requiring a dedicated power source to drive the first lid 131. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent unwanted airflow without complicating the carriage 100's structure or increasing its weight.

[0110] In the printing apparatus 1, the second lid 132 includes a second lid body 151, a second support portion 152 that rotatably supports the second lid body 151, and a second projection 153 that protrudes from the second lid body 151. When the irradiation unit 70 moves from a second relative position P2 to a second relative position P2, the irradiation unit 70 comes into contact with the second projection 153, causing the second lid body 151 to rotate and open. This configuration allows the second cover 132 to open as the irradiation unit 70 moves from the second relative position P2 to the first relative position P1, without requiring a dedicated power source to drive the second cover 132. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent unwanted airflow without complicating the carriage 100's structure or increasing its weight.

[0111] Furthermore, in the modified printing apparatus 1, at least one of the first lid 161 or the second lid 162 has an elastic member that elastically deforms as the irradiation unit 70 moves. This configuration makes it easy to achieve a setup that blocks the region where unwanted airflow flows, whether the irradiation unit 70 is located at the first relative position P1 or at the second relative position P2.

[0112] The carriage 100 is composed of a carriage cover 101, an air intake cover 102, a cover 103, and a cover 104, and has an outer casing that surrounds the second region 100B. The cooling unit has a fan 123 that draws in air and blows it toward the irradiation unit 70. The first cover 131 closes the space that is created between the outer casing and the intake of the fan 123 when the irradiation unit 70 is in a first relative position P1, and the second cover 132 closes the space that is created between the outer casing and the intake of the fan 123 when the irradiation unit 70 is in a second relative position P2. In this configuration, the area in which the airflow drawn in by the fan 123 flows within the second region 100B is restricted by the first cover portion 131 and the second cover portion 132. This prevents the airflow cooling the irradiation unit 70 from affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1.

[0113] The exterior has an upper air intake port 102a and a lower air intake port 102b on the side opposite to the head 80 in the first direction. The fan 123 draws in air flowing into the interior of the exterior through the upper air intake port 102a and the lower air intake port 102b. This configuration prevents the airflow drawn in by the fan 123 from flowing near the head 80. This prevents the airflow cooling the irradiation unit 70 from affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1.

[0114] The cooling unit exhausts the airflow that has cooled the irradiation section 70 to the side opposite to the head 80 in the first direction. With this configuration, the airflow that cools the irradiation unit 70 is discharged in a direction that does not affect the head 80. This prevents the airflow cooling the irradiation unit 70 from affecting the print quality of the printing apparatus 1.

[0115] [4. 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.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the configuration that allows the irradiation unit 70 to move in a direction along the X-axis is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration comprising a first contact portion 78 and a second contact portion 14 was shown as a configuration for moving the irradiation unit 70. This configuration is just one example, and for example, either or both of the first contact portion 78 and the second contact portion 14 may be made of an elastic member. This elastic member may be made of rubber or silicone, or it may be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

[0117] At least some of the functional blocks shown in Figure 11 may be implemented in hardware, or they may be implemented through the collaboration of hardware and software. The processing units in the flowchart of Figure 12 are divided according to their main processing content in order 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]

[0118] 1…Printing device, 10…Main unit, 31…Table, 70…Irradiation unit, 73…UV light source, 80…Head, 90…Control unit, 100…Carriage, 100A…First area, 100B…Second area, 101…Carriage cover (exterior), 102…Air intake cover (exterior), 102a…Upper air intake, 102b…Lower air intake, 103, 104…Cover (exterior), 105…Internal partition, 107…Substrate support unit, 107a…Ventilation port, 108…Circuit board, 110…Heat sink (cooling unit), 111…Heat sink cover, 112…Exhaust unit, 120…Fan unit (cooling unit), 121…Top opening ,122...fan case, 122a, 122b...case top end, 123...fan, 130...lid, 131...first lid, 132...second lid, 141...first lid body, 142...first support part, 142a...hinge, 142b...contact surface, 143...first projection, 151...second lid body, 152...second support part, 152a...hinge, 152b...contact surface, 153...second projection, 130A...lid, 161...first lid body, 161a...tip, 161b...base end, 162...second lid body, 162a...tip, 162b...base end, F1, F2, F3, F4...airflow, M...medium, P1...first relative position, P2...second relative position.

Claims

1. A carriage that is movable in a first direction along the first axis, A head capable of ejecting ink toward the medium, The device comprises an irradiation unit provided alongside the head in the first direction, capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, The irradiation unit is equipped with a fan that draws in air and blows it toward the irradiation unit, and has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit with the airflow from the fan. In a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in the first region of the carriage, and the irradiation unit is positioned in the second region of the carriage. The printing apparatus is provided with at least one cover portion in the second region that blocks the airflow from the side of the carriage facing the medium toward the fan.

2. When the direction along the second axis intersecting the first axis is defined as the second direction, the irradiation unit is movable relative to the head in the second direction. The aforementioned at least one lid portion includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion, The first cover obstructs the airflow at the first position of the irradiation section. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second lid obstructs the airflow at the second position of the irradiation unit.

3. The first lid and the second lid are configured to be openable and closable. The first lid portion is, At the first position of the irradiation unit, the airflow is blocked by closing it. The irradiation unit opens as it moves from the first position to the second position. The aforementioned second lid is, At the second position of the irradiation unit, the airflow is blocked by closing it. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation unit opens as it moves from the second position to the first position.

4. The first lid portion is, It has a first lid, a first support portion that rotatably supports the first lid, and a first projection that protrudes from the first lid. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the irradiation unit moves from the first position to the second position, the irradiation unit comes into contact with the first projection, causing the first lid to rotate and open.

5. The aforementioned second lid is, It has a second lid, a second support portion that rotatably supports the second lid, and a second projection that protrudes from the second lid. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the irradiation unit moves from the second position to the second position, the irradiation unit comes into contact with the second projection, causing the second cover to rotate and open.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first lid or the second lid has an elastic member that elastically deforms in accordance with the movement of the irradiation unit.

7. The carriage has an exterior that surrounds the second region, The first cover seals the space that is created between the outer casing and the intake of the fan when the irradiation unit is in the first position. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second lid closes the space that is created between the outer casing and the intake of the fan when the irradiation unit is in the second position.

8. The exterior has an opening on the side opposite to the head in the first direction, The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fan draws in air flowing into the interior of the exterior through the opening.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cooling unit exhausts the airflow that has cooled the irradiation section to the side opposite to the head in the first direction.

10. A carriage that is movable in a first direction along a first axis, A head capable of ejecting ink toward the medium, The device comprises an irradiation unit provided alongside the head in the first direction, capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, The irradiation unit has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit with airflow, In a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in the first region of the carriage, and the irradiation unit is positioned in the second region of the carriage. The second region is provided with at least one cover portion that blocks the airflow from the side of the carriage facing the medium toward the irradiation portion, When the direction along the second axis intersecting the first axis is defined as the second direction, the irradiation unit is movable relative to the head in the second direction. The aforementioned at least one lid portion includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion, The first cover obstructs the airflow at the first position of the irradiation section. The printing apparatus wherein the second lid blocks the airflow at the second position of the irradiation unit.

11. A carriage movable in a first direction along a first axis, A head capable of ejecting ink toward the medium, The device comprises an irradiation unit provided alongside the head in the first direction, capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the medium, The irradiation unit has a cooling unit that cools the irradiation unit with airflow, In a plan view facing the medium, the head is positioned in the first region of the carriage, and the irradiation unit is positioned in the second region of the carriage. The carriage has an exterior that surrounds the second region, The cooling unit is A fan that draws in air and blows it towards the irradiation area, A fan case that houses the aforementioned fan inside, It has, The fan case is provided with an opening located on the opposite side of the head from the fan, The printing apparatus is provided with at least one lid in the second region, which, when the cooling unit is driven, blocks the airflow that is drawn into the cooling unit from the side facing the medium toward the irradiation section and through the opening, by blocking the space created between the outer casing and the opening.

Images