printer

Abstract

To make color unevenness hardly occur in a sprayed portion in a printing object when a liquid chemical is sprayed by a spray device.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: a support base 12 which supports a printing object 5; a print head 20 which discharges ink toward the printing object 5; a liquid chemical tank 32 which stores a liquid chemical to be sprayed to the printing object 5; a spray device 31 which is connected to the liquid chemical tank 32, atomizes the liquid chemical with the compressed air and sprays the liquid chemical toward the printing object 5 supported on the support base 12; a spray carriage 40 which is provided with the liquid chemical tank 32 and the spray device 31; and a control device 120. The control device 120 includes an agitation control unit 123 which causes the spray carriage 40 to reciprocate in a main-scanning direction Y to agitate the liquid chemical stored in the liquid chemical tank 32 without causing the spray device 31 to spray the liquid chemical in a non-printing time in which printing is not performed on the printing object 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printer having an ink head that discharges ink onto a printing target to print an image and a dispenser that discharges a liquid agent for other uses has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer including an ink head that discharges ink and a dispenser that discharges a decorative ink of a non-Newtonian fluid containing a pigment having a large particle size, capable of performing highly decorative printing.

[0003] By the way, in a printer, for example, a liquid agent for forming an underlayer on a printing target or a liquid agent for forming a top coat layer may be applied. Such a liquid agent is often applied over a wide range of the printing target. However, with an ink head or a dispenser as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to quickly apply the liquid agent over a wide range of the printing target.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of spray coating a liquid agent for forming the above-described underlayer. By spray coating, the liquid agent can be quickly applied over a wide range of the printing target.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, a spray device may be used to apply a liquid agent to a wide area of ​​the substrate. A spray device is equipped with, for example, a liquid agent tank for storing the liquid agent. The liquid agent may settle if not used for a long time. Therefore, if the liquid agent is sprayed by the spray device while the liquid agent in the liquid agent tank has settled, there is a risk that uneven coloring may occur in the areas of the substrate where the liquid agent has been sprayed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a printer that is less likely to cause color unevenness in the sprayed portion of a printed material when a liquid agent is sprayed by a spray device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The printer according to the present invention comprises a support base, a print head, a liquid tank, an air supply passage, a spray device, a spray carriage, a main scanning direction movement device, and a control device. The support base supports the workpiece to be printed. The print head ejects ink toward the workpiece supported on the support base. The liquid tank stores a liquid to be sprayed onto the workpiece. The air supply passage is connected to a compressor that generates compressed air. The spray device is connected to the liquid tank and the air supply passage, and atomizes the liquid using the compressed air, spraying the liquid toward the workpiece supported on the support base. The spray carriage is provided with the liquid tank and the spray device. The main scanning direction movement device moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction. The control device includes a stirring control unit that, when not printing on the material to be printed, moves the spray carriage back and forth in the main scanning direction to agitate the liquid stored in the liquid tank, without spraying the liquid from the spray device.

[0009] According to the above printer, when not printing, the agitation control unit moves the liquid tank back and forth in the main scanning direction along with the spray carriage. Therefore, even if the liquid stored in the liquid tank has settled, the reciprocating movement of the liquid tank in the main scanning direction causes the liquid to agitate and be stirred. As a result, the liquid can be sprayed from the spray device toward the print target while the liquid is agitated, making it less likely for color unevenness to occur in the sprayed area of ​​the print target. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that is less prone to color unevenness occurring in the sprayed portion of a printed material when a liquid agent is sprayed by a spray device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Front views of the print carriage and spray carriage. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the ink supply system of a print head. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the spray carriage. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply system of a spray unit. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a spray device. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the printed material after it has been printed by a printer. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of stirring control by the stirring control unit. [Figure 10] This graph shows the movement speed of the spray carriage during one reciprocal motion in the main scanning direction, as controlled by the stirring control unit. [Figure 11]A diagram showing the relationship between the first average speed of the spray carriage by the spray control unit, the second average speed of the spray carriage by the agitation control unit, and the third average speed of the print carriage by the print control unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer 10 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, when the printer 10 is viewed from the front, the direction away from the printer 10 is the front, and the direction approaching the printer 10 is the rear. Also, the reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. The left-right direction is the main scanning direction of the printer 10. The front-rear direction is the sub-scanning direction of the printer 10. In the drawings, the main scanning direction is represented by the reference sign Y. The sub-scanning direction is represented by the reference sign X. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X intersect (here, are orthogonal) with each other. However, these are merely directions for convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 10 or the like.

[0014] The printer 10 prints an image on a printing object 5 on the support base 12 by discharging ink from a print head 20 that moves in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. Also, the printer 10 sprays a liquid agent for pre-printing or post-printing from a spray unit 30 that moves in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. Thereby, the printer 10 performs pre-printing or post-printing on the printing object 5 on the support base 12.

[0015] The liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 (here, the spray device 31) is ink containing components that tend to precipitate. It may be a treatment liquid for pre-treating the substrate of the printed object 5, such as primer ink or white ink, or it may be metallic ink (e.g., silver ink). The liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 may be a top coat liquid for forming a top coat layer on the ink, such as transparent ink. The type of the liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 is not particularly limited.

[0016] In this embodiment, the ink ejected from the print head 20 is photocurable ink. The ink may contain a UV curable resin that cures when exposed to ultraviolet rays in a specific wavelength band. However, the components, color, etc. of the ink are not particularly limited. The ink may be, for example, process color ink such as CMYK, or may be special ink such as white ink or metallic ink.

[0017] The printed object 5 is an object on which an image is printed and pre-treatment or post-treatment of image printing is performed. The printed object 5 may be, for example, recording paper, a resin sheet, or the like. However, the material, shape, etc. of the printed object 5 are not particularly limited. The printed object 5 may have a three-dimensional shape. The quantity of the printed objects 5 may be two or more. The material of the printed object 5 may be, for example, paper, resin, metal, wood, fabric, glass, or the like.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a support base 12 for supporting the printed object 5, a print head 20, a light irradiation device 21, a print carriage 22 for holding the print head 20 and the light irradiation device 21, a spray unit 30 having a spray device 31, a spray carriage 40 for holding the spray unit 30, a moving device 65, and a control device 120.

[0019] The printer body 11 is a box-shaped component that supports the main parts of the printer 10. The printer body 11 directly or indirectly supports the support base 12, print head 20, light irradiation device 21, print carriage 22, spray unit 30, spray carriage 40, moving device 65, and control device 120.

[0020] The support base 12 is exposed on the printer body 11. The support base 12 is a flat plate-shaped member. The upper surface of the support base 12 constitutes a mounting surface 12a on which the object to be printed 5 is placed. The mounting surface 12a extends along a horizontal plane. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are approximately parallel to the mounting surface 12a.

[0021] The moving device 65 is a device that moves the print head 20 or spray device 31 relative to the support base 12. In this embodiment, the moving device 65 moves the print carriage 22 and spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X, thereby moving the print head 20 and the spray device 31 in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. In this embodiment, the moving device 65 comprises a main scanning direction moving device 50 and a sub-scanning direction moving device 60.

[0022] The main scanning direction moving device 50 moves the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. As will be described in more detail later, the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are configured to be connectable or disconnectable. When the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are connected, the main scanning direction moving device 50 moves them together as a single unit. When the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are separated, the main scanning direction moving device 50 moves only the spray carriage 40 independently.

[0023] The main scanning direction moving device 50 comprises a guide rail 51, a belt 52, and a carriage motor 53 (see Figure 7). The guide rail 51 is located above the support base 12. The guide rail 51 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are engaged with the guide rail 51 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are configured to be movable along the guide rail 51 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0024] In this embodiment, the spray carriage 40 is positioned to the left of the print carriage 22. The main scanning direction moving device 50 moves the spray carriage 40 along the guide rail 51 in the main scanning direction Y. A belt 52 extending in the main scanning direction Y is fixed to the upper rear of the spray carriage 40. The belt 52 is connected to the carriage motor 53. When the carriage motor 53 is driven and rotates, the belt 52 travels in the main scanning direction Y. As a result, the spray carriage 40 moves along the guide rail 51 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view of the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40. As shown in Figure 2, the printer 10 is equipped with a coupling mechanism 70 for connecting and disconnecting the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40. The coupling mechanism 70 has a right-side coupling member 71 provided on the print carriage 22 and a left-side coupling member 72 provided on the spray carriage 40. The right-side coupling member 71 is provided on the left side of the print carriage 22. The left-side coupling member 72 is provided on the right side of the spray carriage 40. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 70 connects the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 using magnetic force. One of the right-side coupling member 71 and the left-side coupling member 72 is equipped with a magnet, and the other is equipped with a magnetic material that is attracted to the magnet. However, the coupling mechanism 70 is not limited to using magnetic force and may be equipped with other components such as engaging members. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are connected by contact between the right-side coupling member 71 and the left-side coupling member 72.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the guide rail 51 is supported by a gate-shaped gantry 80. The gantry 80 engages with a rail (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the printer body 11. The rail (not shown) extends in the sub-scanning direction X. The gantry 80 is movable along the rail in the sub-scanning direction X. The gantry 80 is located in the center of the printer body 11 in the main scanning direction Y and includes a central portion 81 extending in the main scanning direction Y, a right portion 82 located to the right of the central portion 81, and a left portion 83 located to the left of the central portion 81. The central portion 81 is positioned above the support base 12. The guide rail 51 is fixed to the front of the central portion 81. The right portion 82 is configured as a box shape capable of housing the print carriage 22. The left portion 83 is configured as a box shape capable of housing the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40.

[0027] Inside the right-hand portion 82 of the gantry 80, there is a cap (not shown) that is attached to the print head 20. When the printer is in standby mode, the cap is attached to the print head 20. Hereinafter, the position of the print carriage 22 to which the cap can be attached to the print head 20 will be referred to as the home position. The home position is set inside the right-hand portion 82 of the gantry 80.

[0028] Furthermore, a locking device (not shown) is provided inside the right-side portion 82 of the gantry 80 to fix the print carriage 22 in an immovable position. The locking device includes a locking actuator 73 (see Figure 7) that switches between a state in which the print carriage 22 is fixed in an immovable position and a state in which it is released to move freely. When the print carriage 22 is detached from the spray carriage 40, the print carriage 22 is positioned in the home position and fixed in place by the locking device. When the spray carriage 40 moves to the left in this state, the right-side connecting member 71 and the left-side connecting member 72 (see Figure 2) separate, and the connection between the spray carriage 40 and the print carriage 22 is released. As a result, the main scanning direction moving device 50 can move the spray carriage 40 independently.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the sub-scanning direction moving device 60 moves the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X. This causes the guide rail 51 to move in the sub-scanning direction X, and the print carriage 22 and spray carriage 40 engaged with the guide rail 51 move in the sub-scanning direction X. The sub-scanning direction moving device 60 is equipped with a gantry motor 61 (see Figure 7) that moves the gantry 80.

[0030] The print head 20 ejects ink toward the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12. In this embodiment, the print head 20 is an inkjet type print head. In this embodiment, "inkjet type" refers to various conventionally known inkjet methods, including various continuous methods such as binary deflection methods or continuous deflection methods, and various on-demand methods such as thermal methods or piezoelectric element methods. However, the print head method is not limited to the inkjet type. The print head 20 is located above the support base 12. Multiple nozzles (not shown) from which ink is ejected are formed on the lower surface of the print head 20.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ink supply system of the print head 20. As shown in Figure 3, multiple ink cartridges 23 are connected to the print head 20 via ink channels 24 (however, in Figure 3, only two systems are shown). The ink cartridges 23 contain ink. As shown in Figure 1, the ink cartridges 23 are installed in an ink cartridge mounting section 84 located at the top of the left side portion 83 of the gantry 80. As shown in Figure 3, each ink channel 24 is provided with an ink pump 25 that supplies the ink from the ink cartridge 23 to the print head 20.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, light irradiation devices 21 are provided on the right and left sides of the print carriage 22. The light irradiation devices 21 irradiate light to cure the ink ejected from the print head 20 and deposited on the workpiece 5. However, the light irradiation devices 21 may also be configured to irradiate light onto a liquid sprayed onto the workpiece 5 from the spray device 31 to cure the liquid.

[0033] The spray unit 30 is a unit that sprays atomized liquid onto the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the spray carriage 40. As shown in Figure 4, the spray unit 30 comprises a spray device 31, a liquid tank 32 connected to the spray device 31, and a mist catcher 33. Note that some components such as the print carriage 22 and guide rails 51 are not shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the spray device 31 comprises a spray nozzle 31a from which the liquid is sprayed, a liquid supply port 31c, a valve control air supply port 31d, and an atomizing air supply port 31e.

[0034] The liquid tank 32 is a tank for storing the liquid to be sprayed onto the material to be printed 5, and is connected to the liquid supply port 31c of the spray device 31. The liquid tank 32 comprises a cylindrical storage section 32a in which the liquid is stored, and a liquid pressure control air supply port 32b provided at the top of the liquid tank 32.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply system of the spray unit 30. As shown in Figure 5, the liquid supply system of the spray unit 30 includes an air compressor 91 and an air supply passage 92 connected to the air compressor 91. The air compressor 91 is an example of a compression device that generates compressed air. In this embodiment, the air compressor 91 is built into the printer 10 and is provided in the printer 10. However, the printer 10 does not necessarily have to be equipped with an air compressor 91, and compressed air may be supplied from, for example, an external compression device.

[0036] The air compressor 91 is located separately from the spray carriage 40 and spaced apart from it. This allows the spray carriage 40 to be made smaller and lighter. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the air compressor 91 is housed in a housing space 11a provided inside the printer body 11. The housing space 11a is located below the mounting surface 12a of the support base 12.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the air supply passage 92 includes a common passage 92a connected to the air compressor 91, and three passages 92b, 92c, and 92d branching off from it. The hydraulic pressure control air passage 92b is connected to the hydraulic pressure control air supply port 32b of the liquid tank 32 and supplies air for supplying liquid to the spray device 31. The valve control air supply passage 92c is connected to the valve control air supply port 31d of the spray device 31 and supplies air for the opening / closing member 31b (see Figure 6), which will be described later, to open and close the spray nozzle 115 (see Figure 6). The atomizing air supply passage 92d is connected to the atomizing air supply port 31e of the spray device 31 and supplies air for atomizing the liquid.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spray device 31. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the spray device 31 comprises a liquid chamber 111 and an air chamber 112. The liquid chamber 111 and the air chamber 112 are formed inside the spray device 31. The liquid chamber 111 temporarily stores the liquid supplied from the liquid tank 32. The liquid chamber 111 has a liquid supply port 31c and a valve control air supply port 31d. The liquid chamber 111 is connected to the liquid tank 32 via the liquid supply port 31c. The liquid chamber 111 is connected to the valve control air supply passage 92c of the air supply passage 92 via the valve control air supply port 31d. The liquid chamber 111 also has a spray port 115 from which the liquid is sprayed. The spray port 115 communicates with the spray nozzle 31a. The liquid in the liquid chamber 111 is sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a via the spray port 115.

[0039] In this embodiment, the spray device 31 is equipped with an opening / closing member 31b that can open and close the spray nozzle 115. The opening / closing member 31b is located inside the liquid chamber 111 and is configured to open and close the spray nozzle 115 within the liquid chamber 111. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 31b is rod-shaped, a so-called needle. The tip of the opening / closing member 31b closes the spray nozzle 115. Here, the opening / closing member 31b moves vertically as shown by arrow A1. When the opening / closing member 31b moves downward, the spray nozzle 115 is closed by the opening / closing member 31b. When the opening / closing member 31b moves upward, the spray nozzle 115 is opened.

[0040] The opening / closing member 31b opens the spray port 115, connecting the liquid supply port 31c and the spray nozzle 31a. The opening / closing member 31b is configured to open the spray port 115 when compressed air is supplied to the valve control air supply port 31d, as shown in Figure 6, and to close the spray port 115 when the supply of compressed air is interrupted. When compressed air is supplied to the hydraulic pressure control air supply port 32b (see Figure 5) of the liquid tank 32, and the opening / closing member 31b opens the spray port 115, the liquid is supplied to the spray nozzle 31a.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the air chamber 112 is positioned around the liquid chamber 111. The air chamber 112 has an atomizing air supply port 31e. The air chamber 112 is connected to the atomizing air supply passage 92d via the atomizing air supply port 31e. Air from the air compressor 91 (see Figure 5) is temporarily stored in the air chamber 112. In this embodiment, the air chamber 112 has an air vent 116. A spray nozzle 31a is inserted through the air vent 116. Air in the air chamber 112 is blown in through the air vent 116.

[0042] In this embodiment, the liquid agent is atomized (also called atomized) by air blown in from the air inlet 116, in this case compressed air supplied to the atomizing air supply port 31e, and sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a. The configuration of the spray unit 30 is not particularly limited. The spray unit 30 may, for example, include an electrically driven spray valve.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the common passage 92a is equipped with a filter regulator 93 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air generated by the air compressor 91 and removes oil mist and other contaminants. The hydraulic air passage 92b is equipped with a regulator 94 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air downstream and a solenoid valve 95 that opens and closes the passage.

[0044] The valve control air supply passage 92c is provided with a solenoid valve 98 for opening and closing the flow path. The atomizing air supply passage 92d is provided with a regulator 99 for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air downstream and a solenoid valve 100 for opening and closing the flow path. However, the configuration of the air supply passage 92 is not limited to the above. For example, each solenoid valve 95, 98, or 100 may be replaced with another type of valve, such as an air-driven valve.

[0045] At least the portion of the air supply passage 92 connected to the spray unit 30 is made of a flexible tube. This portion is the part that spans between the printer body 11 and the spray carriage 40. In this embodiment, the entire air supply passage 92 is made of a flexible tube. However, a portion of the air supply passage 92 away from the spray unit 30 is not made of a flexible tube and may be made of, for example, a shape-retaining material. In this embodiment, the portions 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1 of the air supply passage 92 downstream of the solenoid valves 95, 98, and 100 in the hydraulic pressure control air passage 92b, the valve control air supply passage 92c, and the atomizing air supply passage 92d are made of a flexible tube. However, if other components are provided downstream of the solenoid valves 95, 98, or 100 in the air supply passage 92, only the portion downstream of those components may be made of a flexible tube. Hereafter, the designations 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1 will also be used for the tubes connected to the spray unit 30.

[0046] The spray device 31 is connected to a liquid tank 32 and tubes 92c1 and 92d1 of an air supply passage 92. The spray device 31 atomizes the liquid using compressed air generated by an air compressor 91 and sprays it toward the object to be printed 5. As shown in Figure 4, the spray nozzle 31a from which the liquid is sprayed is located at the lower end of the spray device 31. The liquid sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a flies in a downward direction. Therefore, the spray nozzle 31a can apply the liquid to a wide area at once. The mist catcher 33 is for collecting the mist of the liquid generated when the liquid is sprayed. The mist catcher 33 is attached to the spray carriage 40 so as to surround the spray nozzle 31a. The mist in the mist catcher 33 is sucked into the mist collection port 33a and collected. Although not shown in the figure, a flexible tube is also connected to the mist collection port 33a.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the spray carriage 40 includes a spray device support portion 41 that supports the spray device 31 and a tube holding portion 42 that holds tubes. The spray device support portion 41 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction and the main scanning direction Y. A linear motion block (not shown) is fixed to the back of the spray device support portion 41. The linear motion block is slidably engaged with the guide rail 51. A belt 52 (see Figure 1) is also fixed to the back of the spray device support portion 41. The spray unit 30 is fixed to the front of the spray device support portion 41.

[0048] The tube holding section 42 extends from the upper end of the spray device support section 41 toward the rear (towards the guide rail 51). The tube holding section 42 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The tube holding section 42 is equipped with a plurality of holding rings 42a. Each holding ring 42a is annular in shape and through which tubes can be inserted. The tubes 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1 of the hydraulic pressure control air passage 92b, the valve control air supply passage 92c, and the atomizing air supply passage 92d, respectively, and a tube for mist recovery are inserted through the holding rings 42a.

[0049] Tubes 92b1, 92c1, 92d1, and the mist recovery tube are housed in the cable protection guide device 101 behind the tube holding section 42. The cable protection guide device 101 is installed along the central section 81 of the gantry 80 (see Figure 1). The cable protection guide device 101 is a tubular member whose bending position changes according to the position of the main scanning direction Y of the spray carriage 40. The cable protection guide device 101 prevents the tubes 92b1, 92c1, 92d1, and the mist recovery tube from being pulled or rubbed against other members by the movement of the spray carriage 40.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 120 is housed in the right-side portion 82 of the gantry 80. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in Figure 7, the control device 120 is electrically connected to the print head 20, the light irradiation device 21, the ink pump 25, the carriage motor 53, the gantry motor 61, the locking actuator 73, the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic control air passage 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve control air supply passage 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomizing air supply passage 92d, respectively, and is configured to control them. The air compressor 91 shown in Figure 5 may be driven autonomously to maintain a constant compressed air pressure, or it may be controlled by the control device 120. The configuration of the control device 120 is not particularly limited. The control device 120 may be, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but for example, it may include an interface (I / F) for receiving print data from external devices such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) for executing instructions of the control program, a read-only memory (ROM) for storing the program executed by the CPU, a random access memory (RAM) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as memory for storing the program and various data. Note that the control device 120 does not necessarily have to be located inside the printer 10; for example, it may be a computer installed outside the printer 10 and connected to the printer 10 via wired or wireless communication.

[0051] The control device 120 controls the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic air flow path 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve-controlled air supply path 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomizing air supply path 92d to spray liquid from the spray device 31, and also controls the carriage motor 53 to move the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. As a result, the liquid is applied to the area below the movement path of the spray carriage 40. The control device 120 repeats the above operation while moving the position of the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X, thereby applying the liquid for pre-processing or post-processing of image printing to the desired position on the workpiece 5.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the control device 120 includes a storage unit 121, a stirring control unit 123, a spray control unit 125, and a printing control unit 127. Each of the parts 121 to 127 of the control device 120 may be configured by software or by hardware. Each of the parts 121 to 127 of the control device 120 may be performed by one or more processors or may be incorporated into a circuit.

[0053] Next, the control of printing on the substrate 5 by the printer 10 will be described. In the following description, the liquid sprayed from the spray device 31 is a treatment liquid for surface preparation of the substrate 5. Specifically, white ink is used as the treatment liquid. However, primer ink can also be used as the treatment liquid. Here, the spraying of the liquid from the spray device 31 is performed prior to the printing of the image by the print head 20.

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the substrate 5 after printing by the printer 10. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a liquid layer L1 is formed on the substrate 5 as a pre-treatment for printing, consisting of white ink sprayed from the spray device 31. Then, a printed layer L2 is formed on the liquid layer L1, consisting of ink ejected from the print head 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, the formation of the liquid layer L1 is performed by spray control by the spray control unit 125 shown in Figure 7. The spray control unit 125 sprays the liquid from the spray device 31 onto the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12 to form the liquid layer L1. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the spray control unit 125 opens the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic pressure control air passage 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve control air supply passage 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomizing air supply passage 92d, and as shown in Figure 6, the spray port 115 is opened by the opening / closing member 31b.

[0056] During the formation of the liquid layer L1, the print carriage 22 is moved to the home position, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. This movement is achieved by the spray control unit 125 moving the spray carriage 40 while the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are connected. Next, the print carriage 22 is fixed in place by a locking device. In this state, the spray control unit 125 controls the main scanning direction moving device 50 to move the spray carriage 40 to the left, separating the spray carriage 40 from the print carriage 22. This makes it possible to move the spray carriage 40 independently of the print carriage 22. A cap is attached to the print head 20, which remains in the home position. This prevents the liquid sprayed from the spray device 31 from adhering to the print head 20.

[0057] Next, the spray control unit 125 in Figure 7 sprays liquid from the spray device 31 while moving only the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the liquid is sprayed only in the area of ​​the main scanning direction Y that is set to be coated. This area of ​​the main scanning direction Y that is set to be coated is recorded in the print data (not shown) pre-stored in the storage unit 121 in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the spray control unit 125 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Therefore, the liquid can be sprayed only in the desired area of ​​the main scanning direction Y. After that, the spray control unit 125 moves the gantry 80 a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, forward), thereby changing the spray position of the liquid with respect to the sub-scanning direction X. The printer 10 repeats the operation of spraying the liquid while sequentially changing the position of the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X, thereby spraying the liquid to the desired position on the workpiece 5, and forming a liquid layer L1 on the workpiece 5 as shown in Figure 8.

[0058] After a liquid layer L1 is formed on the workpiece 5, a print layer L2 is formed on the liquid layer L1. The formation of the print layer L2 is performed by print control by the print control unit 127 shown in Figure 7. The print control unit 127 ejects ink from the print head 20 onto the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12 to form the print layer L2. Here, the print layer L2 is formed by printing the image recorded in the print data stored in the storage unit 121. In the formation of the print layer L2, the spray carriage 40 first moves to the home position. At the home position, the spray carriage 40 is connected to the print carriage 22. After that, the lock on the locking device for the print carriage 22 is released. In this state, the print control unit 127 controls the main scanning direction moving device 50 to move the print carriage 22 together with the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0059] The print control unit 127 moves the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, backward), thereby pulling the print carriage 22 back in the sub-scanning direction X. Then, the print control unit 127 moves the print carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y while ejecting ink from the print head 20 onto the material to be printed 5. Here, based on the print data stored in the storage unit 121 in Figure 7, the print control unit 127 ejects ink only to the desired area in the main scanning direction Y. Subsequently, the print control unit 127 moves the gantry 80 a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, forward), thereby changing the position where the print layer L2 is formed in the sub-scanning direction X. The printer 10 can form the print layer L2 on the material to be printed 5 (more specifically, on the liquid layer L1) by repeatedly ejecting ink from the print head 20 while sequentially changing the position of the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0060] In this embodiment, however, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 may settle if not used for a long period of time. Therefore, if the liquid in the liquid tank 32 settles and the spray device 31 sprays the liquid to form a liquid layer L1, there is a risk of color unevenness occurring in the liquid layer L1. In particular, when the liquid is white ink, as in this embodiment, it is thought that settling is likely because white ink contains components that are prone to settling.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 is stirred by the stirring control unit 123 shown in Figure 7. This allows the liquid to be sprayed during printing without the liquid in the liquid tank 32 settling. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state of stirring control by the stirring control unit 123. Here, as shown in Figure 9, when not printing on the material to be printed 5, the stirring control unit 123 does not spray the liquid from the spray device 31, but instead moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth in the main scanning direction Y as indicated by arrow A2. As a result, the liquid tank 32 provided on the spray carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y, and the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 is stirred by the shaking.

[0062] Here, "non-printing" refers to the time when the spray control unit 125 is not forming the liquid layer L1, and the printing control unit 127 is not forming the printing layer L2. The stirring control by the stirring control unit 123 is performed before printing (for example, immediately before the formation of the liquid layer L1). Alternatively, the stirring control may be performed periodically (for example, every predetermined time) during non-printing periods.

[0063] When agitation control is performed by the spray control unit 125, the spray carriage 40 moves independently in the main scanning direction Y while detached from the print carriage 22 (see Figure 2). However, when agitation control is performed, the print carriage 22 may be connected to the spray carriage 40, and the spray carriage 40 and the print carriage 22 may move together in the main scanning direction Y.

[0064] When the stirring control unit 123 performs stirring control, it closes the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic pressure control air passage 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve control air supply passage 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomizing air supply passage 92d, as shown in Figure 5. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, no liquid is supplied from the liquid tank 32 to the liquid chamber 111 of the spray device 31, and the spray nozzle 115 is closed by the opening / closing member 31b. In addition, no air is supplied from the air compressor 91 (see Figure 5) to the air chamber 112 of the spray device 31. Therefore, when stirring control is performed, no liquid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a of the spray device 31.

[0065] In this embodiment, the stirring control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth a predetermined number of times in the main scanning direction Y, as shown in Figure 9. Here, the specific number of predetermined back and forth times is not particularly limited and is set appropriately depending on the type of liquid agent. The predetermined number of back and forth times is, for example, 5 to 30 times, preferably 8 to 25 times, and particularly preferably 10 to 20 times. This number of back and forth times is stored in advance in the storage unit 121 shown in Figure 7.

[0066] During agitation control, the agitation control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth a short distance in the main scanning direction Y. Here, as shown in Figure 9, the length of the support base 12 in the main scanning direction Y is the support base length L11. The agitation control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth in the main scanning direction Y for a distance shorter than the support base length L11. For example, the distance the spray carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y by the agitation control unit 123 is defined as the agitation distance L12. The agitation distance L12 is shorter than the support base length L11. For example, the agitation distance L12 may be 2 / 3 or less of the support base length L11, or 1 / 2 or less. Also, the agitation distance L12 may be 1 / 3 or less of the support base length L11, or 1 / 4 or less. Furthermore, the agitation distance L12 is shorter than, for example, the length of the guide rail 51 (see Figure 1) in the main scanning direction Y, for example, 2 / 3 or less, or 1 / 2 or less. The stirring distance L12 may be 1 / 3 or less of the length of the guide rail 51 in the main scanning direction Y, or 1 / 4 or less.

[0067] Figure 10 is a graph showing the movement speed of the spray carriage 40 when it makes one return trip in the main scanning direction Y during stirring control by the stirring control unit 123. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents speed. As shown in Figure 10, the total time range TR1 when the spray carriage 40 makes one return trip in the main scanning direction Y by the stirring control unit 123 has an acceleration range TR11 and a deceleration range TR12. The acceleration range TR11 is the range in which the spray carriage 40 accelerates. The deceleration range TR12 is the range in which the spray carriage 40 decelerates.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 10, the spray carriage 40 moves from right to left in the main scanning direction Y between time T11 and time T12. Between time T12 and time T13, the spray carriage 40 moves from left to right in the main scanning direction Y. In this embodiment, the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 are the same time, but they may be different.

[0069] In this embodiment, the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 are continuous. Here, the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 alternate. Between the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12, there is no constant velocity range in which the spray carriage 40 moves at a constant speed, i.e., a constant velocity.

[0070] Figure 11 shows the relationship between the first average speed S1 of the spray carriage 40 controlled by the spray control unit 125, the second average speed S2 of the spray carriage 40 controlled by the agitation control unit 123, and the third average speed S3 of the print carriage 22 controlled by the print control unit 127. As shown in Figure 11, the spray control unit 125 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at the first average speed S1 when forming the liquid layer L1. The agitation control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at the second average speed S2 when agitating the liquid in the liquid tank 32. The print control unit 127 moves the print carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y at the third average speed S3 when forming the printed layer L2.

[0071] Here, the second average speed S2 is faster than the first average speed S1. The second average speed S2 is faster than the third average speed S3. In other words, the stirring control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a speed faster than the speed at which the spray carriage 40 moves when the spray control unit 125 forms the liquid layer L1. Also, the stirring control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a speed faster than the speed at which the print carriage 22 moves when the print control unit 127 forms the print layer L2.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first average speed S1 and the third average speed S3 are the same, but they may be different. That is, the spray control unit 125 may move the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at the same speed as the movement speed of the print carriage 22 when the print control unit 127 forms the printed layer L2, or it may move the spray carriage 40 at a different speed than the movement speed of the print carriage 22 when the print control unit 127 moves.

[0073] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the stirring control unit 123 may move the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a maximum speed faster than the maximum speed of the spray carriage 40 set by the spray control unit 125. Alternatively, the stirring control unit 123 may move the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a maximum speed faster than the maximum speed of the print carriage 22 set by the printing control unit 127.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 comprises a support base 12 for supporting the workpiece 5, a print head 20, a liquid tank 32, an air supply passage (see Figure 5), a spray device 31, a spray carriage 40, a main scanning direction moving device 50, and a control device 120. The print head 20 ejects ink toward the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12. The liquid tank 32 stores the liquid to be sprayed onto the workpiece 5. As shown in Figure 5, the air supply passage 92 is connected to an air compressor 91 that generates compressed air. The spray device 31 is connected to the liquid tank 32 and the air supply passage 92, and atomizes the liquid with compressed air to spray it toward the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12. As shown in Figure 4, the spray carriage 40 is provided with the liquid tank 32 and the spray device 31. As shown in Figure 1, the main scanning direction moving device 50 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. The control device 120 includes a stirring control unit 123 (see Figure 7) that, when not printing on the material to be printed 5, does not spray liquid from the spray device 31, but instead moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth in the main scanning direction Y to agitate the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32.

[0075] As a result, when not printing, the agitation control unit 123 causes the liquid tank 32 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction Y together with the spray carriage 40. Therefore, even if the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 has settled, the reciprocating movement of the liquid tank 32 in the main scanning direction Y causes the liquid to oscillate and be agitated. Thus, since the liquid can be sprayed from the spray device 31 toward the workpiece 5 while the liquid is agitated, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of color unevenness occurring in the sprayed areas of the workpiece 5.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the length of the main scanning direction Y on the support base 12 is the support base length L11. The stirring control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 back and forth in the main scanning direction Y over a distance shorter than the support base length L11 (here, the stirring distance L12). As a result, when stirring is controlled by the stirring control unit 123, the liquid tank 32 moves back and forth over a short distance in the main scanning direction Y, making the liquid inside the liquid tank 32 more prone to agitation. Therefore, it is possible to easily stir the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the total time range TR1 during which the spray carriage 40 makes one reciprocating motion in the main scanning direction Y by the stirring control unit 123 includes an acceleration range TR11 in which the spray carriage 40 accelerates and a deceleration range TR12 in which the spray carriage 40 decelerates. The acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 are continuous. Because the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 are continuous in this way, there is no constant velocity range between the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12 in which the spray carriage 40 moves at a constant velocity. Here, the liquid in the liquid tank 32 is prone to sloshing between the acceleration range TR11 and the deceleration range TR12. Therefore, it is possible to easily stir the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32.

[0078] In this embodiment, the control device 120 includes a spray control unit 125 (see Figure 7) that moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y and sprays a liquid agent from the spray device 31 onto the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12 to form a liquid agent layer L1 (see Figure 8). Here, since the liquid agent in the liquid agent tank 32 is stirred by the stirring control unit 123 before the formation of the liquid agent layer L1 occurs, color unevenness in the liquid agent layer L1 can be made less likely.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the spray control unit 125 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a first average speed S1. The stirring control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a second average speed S2 which is faster than the first average speed S1. This allows the liquid tank 32 to be moved quickly in the main scanning direction Y during stirring control. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid tank 32 is easily agitated. Consequently, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 can be easily stirred.

[0080] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 is equipped with a print carriage 22 on which a print head 20 is mounted. The main scanning direction moving device 50 moves the print carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y. The control device 120 includes a print control unit 127 (see Figure 7) that moves the print carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y and ejects ink from the print head 20 onto the workpiece 5 supported on the support base 12 to form a printed layer L2 (see Figure 8). As shown in Figure 11, the print control unit 127 moves the print carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y at a third average speed S3. The agitation control unit 123 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y at a second average speed S2 which is faster than the third average speed S3. This allows the liquid tank 32 to be moved quickly in the main scanning direction Y during agitation control. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid tank 32 is easily agitated. Thus, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 can be easily agitated.

[0081] In this embodiment, the printer 10 is equipped with a coupling mechanism 70 that connects and disconnects the spray carriage 40 and the print carriage 22, as shown in Figure 2. This allows the spray carriage 40 to move independently in the main scanning direction Y while the print carriage 22 is disconnected from the spray carriage 40 during stirring control by the stirring control unit 123. Therefore, stirring control can be performed with less power.

[0082] In this embodiment, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 is white ink. White ink is relatively prone to settling. Therefore, by controlling the stirring of the liquid tank 32 containing the white ink using the stirring control unit 123, the white ink can be stirred. Thus, stirring control is particularly useful for the liquid tank 32 containing the white ink.

[0083] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms other than those described above. For example, in the above-described embodiments, there was only one spray unit 30 (e.g., a spray device 31 and a liquid tank 32), and only one type of liquid could be applied from components other than the print head 20. However, the printer may be equipped with multiple spray devices and multiple liquid tanks, and may be able to spray multiple types of liquids. The multiple spray devices and multiple liquid tanks may each be held in a separate spray carriage, or some or all of them may be held in the same spray carriage.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, the air compressor 91 was located in a place other than the spray carriage 40. However, the air compressor may also be located on the spray carriage.

[0085] In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 11, a liquid layer L1 was formed on the substrate 5, and a printed layer L2 was formed on top of the liquid layer L1. However, it is also possible to form a printed layer L2 on top of the substrate 5, and a liquid layer L1 on top of the printed layer L2. In this case, the liquid may be a topcoat liquid for post-processing of printing (for example, transparent ink).

[0086] Furthermore, the printer configuration is not limited unless otherwise specified. For example, the technology disclosed herein can be used for flatbed type small printers and printers that print on roll media. The printing method is also not particularly limited. The ink may be a photocurable ink, or it may be a solvent ink or a water-based ink, for example. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 5 Printing material 10 Printers 12 Support stand 20 printheads 22 Printed Carriage 31 Spray device 32 liquid tanks 40 Spray Carriage 50 Main scanning direction movement device 70 Connection mechanism 91. Air compressor (compression device) 92 Air supply path 120 Control device 123 Stirring Control Unit 125 Spray Control Unit 127 Printing Control Unit

Claims

1. A support stand for supporting the printed material, A liquid tank for storing the liquid to be sprayed onto the substrate, An air supply path connected to a compressor that generates compressed air, A spray device connected to the liquid tank and the air supply path, which atomizes the liquid using compressed air and sprays the liquid toward the workpiece supported on the support base, The liquid tank and the spray device are provided on the spray carriage, A main scanning direction moving device for moving the spray carriage in the main scanning direction, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is A spray control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction and sprays the liquid from the spray device onto the workpiece supported on the support base to form a liquid layer, Immediately before the formation of the liquid layer by the spray control unit, the stirring control unit stirs the liquid stored and settled in the liquid tank by reciprocating the spray carriage in the main scanning direction without spraying the liquid from the spray device. Equipped with, The entire time range during which the spray carriage makes one reciprocating motion in the main scanning direction, as controlled by the stirring control unit, is: The acceleration range in which the spray carriage accelerates, The deceleration range in which the spray carriage decelerates, It has, The acceleration range and the deceleration range are continuous, in the printer.

2. A support stand for supporting the printed material, A liquid tank for storing the liquid to be sprayed onto the substrate, An air supply path connected to a compressor that generates compressed air, A spray device connected to the liquid tank and the air supply path, which atomizes the liquid using compressed air and sprays the liquid toward the workpiece supported on the support base, The liquid tank and the spray device are provided on the spray carriage, A main scanning direction moving device for moving the spray carriage in the main scanning direction, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is A spray control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction and sprays the liquid from the spray device onto the workpiece supported on the support base to form a liquid layer, Without spraying the liquid from the spray device, the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage back and forth in the main scanning direction to agitate the liquid stored in the liquid tank and settled therein. Equipped with, The stirring control unit stirs the liquid at predetermined intervals when the spray control unit is not forming the liquid layer during non-printing periods. The entire time range during which the spray carriage makes one reciprocating motion in the main scanning direction, as controlled by the stirring control unit, is: The acceleration range in which the spray carriage accelerates, The deceleration range in which the spray carriage decelerates, It has, The acceleration range and the deceleration range are continuous, in the printer.

3. The length in the main scanning direction of the support base is the support base length. The printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage back and forth in the main scanning direction over a distance shorter than the length of the support base.

4. The spray control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction at a first average speed. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction at a second average speed that is faster than the first average speed.

5. A print head that ejects ink toward the object to be printed, which is supported on the support base, A print carriage on which the print head is provided, Equipped with, The main scanning direction moving device moves the print carriage in the main scanning direction. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device includes a print control unit that moves the print carriage in the main scanning direction and ejects ink from the print head onto the workpiece supported on the support base to form a printed layer.

6. The print control unit moves the print carriage in the main scanning direction at a third average speed. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction at a second average speed that is faster than the third average speed.

7. The spray carriage and the print carriage are provided with a connecting mechanism for connecting and separating them. The printer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage independently in the main scanning direction while the print carriage is separated from the spray carriage.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid stored in the liquid tank is white ink.

9. A support stand for supporting the printed material, A liquid tank for storing the liquid to be sprayed onto the substrate, An air supply path connected to a compressor that generates compressed air, A spray device connected to the liquid tank and the air supply path, which atomizes the liquid using compressed air and sprays the liquid toward the workpiece supported on the support base, The liquid tank and the spray device are provided on the spray carriage, A main scanning direction moving device for moving the spray carriage in the main scanning direction, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is A spray control unit moves the spray carriage in the main scanning direction at a first average speed and sprays the liquid from the spray device onto the workpiece supported on the support base to form a liquid layer, During non-printing times when the liquid layer is not being formed by the spray control unit, the stirring control unit moves the spray carriage back and forth in the main scanning direction at a second average speed faster than the first average speed, without spraying the liquid from the spray device, to agitate the liquid stored and settled in the liquid tank. A printer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

10. A support stand for supporting the printed material, A print head that ejects ink toward the object to be printed, which is supported on the support base, A liquid tank for storing the liquid to be sprayed onto the substrate, An air supply path connected to a compressor that generates compressed air, A spray device connected to the liquid tank and the air supply path, which atomizes the liquid using compressed air and sprays the liquid toward the workpiece supported on the support base, The liquid tank and the spray device are provided on the spray carriage, A print carriage on which the print head is provided, A main scanning direction moving device for moving the spray carriage and the print carriage in the main scanning direction, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is A print control unit moves the print carriage in the main scanning direction at a third average speed and ejects ink from the print head onto the workpiece supported on the support base to form a printed layer, During non-printing times when the printing control unit is not forming the printed layer, the stirring control unit stirs the liquid stored in the liquid tank and settled by moving the spray carriage back and forth in the main scanning direction at a second average speed faster than the third average speed, without spraying the liquid from the spray device. A printer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

11. The entire time range during which the spray carriage makes one reciprocating motion in the main scanning direction by the stirring control unit is: The acceleration range in which the spray carriage accelerates, The deceleration range in which the spray carriage decelerates, It has, The printer according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the acceleration range and the deceleration range are continuous.

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