JP2015074161A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce ink hardening in nozzles by suppressing reflection of an electromagnetic wave.SOLUTION: In a printer, a first irradiation section does not irradiate an electromagnetic wave when the first irradiation section and a printing region of a printing medium do not face each other in first main scanning, the first irradiation section applies the electromagnetic wave when at least a part of the first irradiation section and the printing region face each other due to relative movement in a sub-scanning direction in second main scanning which is main scanning subsequent to the first main scanning, a second irradiation section applies the electromagnetic wave when at least a part of the second irradiation section and the printing region face each other in third main scanning subsequent to the second main scanning, and the second irradiation section does not apply the electromagnetic wave when the second irradiation section and the printing region do not face each other due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction in fourth main scanning which is main scanning subsequent to the third main scanning.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet printers that perform printing using ink that is cured when irradiated with electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet rays (hereinafter also simply referred to as “ink”) are known. In the technique of Patent Document 1, an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves to both ends of a print head that ejects ink and to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the print medium is provided in order to cure the ink.

JP 2012-96407 A JP 2004-167918 A

  When an electromagnetic wave is irradiated to an area outside the print medium, there is a risk of reflection to an unexpected place such as a nozzle surface of the print head. For example, when electromagnetic waves are incident on the nozzle surface of the print head, the ink in the nozzles may be cured, causing nozzle clogging. For this reason, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the irradiation device is controlled by being divided into a plurality of units in the moving direction of the print head. When the unit of the irradiation device is within the print region for each unit, the irradiation device is controlled to be on When the unit of the apparatus is outside the printing area, it is controlled to be off.

  However, when ON / OFF control is performed for each unit, there is a problem that the control system becomes complicated. In addition, when the irradiation device is controlled to be turned on / off, the integrated irradiation amount of electromagnetic waves is reduced at the end of the printing region, and as a result, printing unevenness may occur.

  Further, the technique of Patent Document 1 considers reflection of electromagnetic waves in movement in the main scanning direction, and does not consider reflection of electromagnetic waves in movement in the sub-scanning direction. In addition, printing devices are desired to be smaller, lower cost, lower power consumption, resource saving, easier manufacturing, improved usability, longer life, and improved safety during use. Yes.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus includes a nozzle head including a nozzle that ejects ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves, a main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and a printing medium in a main scanning direction, and the nozzle head. A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the print medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, and a first irradiation unit that is positioned downstream of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction. A second irradiation unit positioned downstream of the nozzle head in the sub-scanning direction; in the first main scanning, the first irradiation unit and the print area of the print medium do not face each other. In this case, the first irradiation unit does not irradiate the electromagnetic wave, and the first irradiation unit in the second main scanning which is the main scanning next to the first main scanning by the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction. At least The first irradiation unit emits electromagnetic waves, and in a third main scan after the second main scan, the first irradiation unit and at least a part of the second irradiation unit and the print region When the printing area faces the second irradiation unit, the second irradiation unit emits electromagnetic waves, and the fourth main scanning is the main scanning next to the third main scanning by the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction. When the second irradiation unit and the printing area do not face each other, the second irradiation unit does not irradiate electromagnetic waves. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, electromagnetic waves are not irradiated when the irradiation unit and the print medium do not face each other at least in part. For this reason, ink curing in the nozzle can be reduced by suppressing reflection of electromagnetic waves.

(2) In the printing apparatus of the above aspect, the width of the small relative movement in the sub-scanning direction performed following the last main scanning performed while ejecting ink from the nozzle head is the relative movement in the other sub-scanning directions. The main scanning may be performed a plurality of times while irradiating electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation unit after the small relative movement. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, the second irradiation unit irradiates the print medium with ultraviolet rays by the main scanning after the relative movement in the last sub-scanning direction. For this reason, the ink discharged to the printing medium is cured, and uneven printing can be suppressed.

(3) In the printing apparatus according to the aspect described above, the small relative movement may be a relative movement in which the upstream end of the second irradiation unit and the upstream end of the printing area coincide with each other. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, the ultraviolet ray is irradiated in a state where the print medium and the second irradiation unit face each other. For this reason, ink curing in the nozzle can be reduced by suppressing reflection of electromagnetic waves.

(4) In the printing apparatus according to the above aspect, when recording one raster line by a predetermined number of main scans, the recording is performed while irradiating electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation unit before the fourth main scan. The relative movement of the sub-scan may not be performed during a predetermined number of main scans. According to this form of printing apparatus, uneven printing can be suppressed even in a printer that employs multi-pass.

(5) In the printing apparatus of the above aspect, when the first irradiation unit and a part of the printing area face each other, the first irradiation part that does not face the printing area does not irradiate the electromagnetic wave, and the second irradiation part. When at least a part of the printing area faces the irradiation section, the second irradiation section that does not face the printing area may not emit electromagnetic waves. According to the printing apparatus of this embodiment, ink curing in the nozzle can be reduced by suppressing reflection of electromagnetic waves.

(6) In the printing apparatus according to the above aspect, the light source included in the first irradiation unit and the light source included in the second irradiation unit are light sources having the same performance, and per unit area of the first irradiation unit. The integrated light amount may be smaller than the integrated light amount per unit area of the second irradiation unit. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, it is possible to share the light source component of the first irradiation unit and the light source component of the second irradiation unit.

(7) According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus includes a nozzle head including a nozzle that ejects ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves, a main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and a printing medium in a main scanning direction, and the nozzle head. A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the print medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, and an irradiation unit that is positioned downstream of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction. In the first main scanning, when the irradiation unit and the print area of the printing medium do not face each other, the irradiation unit does not emit electromagnetic waves, and the first main scanning is not performed by the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction. In the second main scanning, which is the next main scanning, when at least a part of the irradiation unit and the printing area face each other, the irradiation unit irradiates electromagnetic waves. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, electromagnetic waves are not irradiated when the irradiation unit and the print medium do not face each other at least in part. For this reason, ink curing in the nozzle can be reduced by suppressing reflection of electromagnetic waves.

(8) According to another aspect of the invention, a printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus includes a nozzle head including a nozzle that ejects ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves, a main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and a printing medium in a main scanning direction, and the nozzle head. A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the print medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, and an irradiation unit that is positioned downstream of the nozzle head in the sub-scanning direction. In a predetermined main scan, when at least a part of the irradiation unit and a printing area of the printing medium face each other, the irradiation unit irradiates an electromagnetic wave, and the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction causes the predetermined main scanning. In the next main scanning, when the irradiation unit and the printing area do not face each other, the irradiation unit does not irradiate electromagnetic waves. According to the printing apparatus of this aspect, electromagnetic waves are not irradiated when the irradiation unit and the print medium do not face each other at least in part. For this reason, ink curing in the nozzle can be reduced by suppressing reflection of electromagnetic waves.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes other than the printing apparatus. For example, the present invention can be realized in the form of a printing method, a computer program for realizing the method, a non-temporary recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the cross section of the support stage 3 seen from the NN direction in FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of a print processing unit 5. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of the print processing unit 5 as viewed from the NN direction in FIG. 1. Explanatory drawing which shows the printing unit 6 seen from the vertically upward (+ Z direction). Explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 in a 1st irradiation form. Explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 in a 2nd irradiation form. Explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 in a 2nd irradiation form. Explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 in a 3rd irradiation form. Explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 in a 4th irradiation form.

A. Embodiment:
A1. overall structure:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 also shows XYZ axes orthogonal to each other for ease of explanation. The same applies to the subsequent figures. Hereinafter, the X-axis direction is also called a main scanning direction, the Y-axis direction is also called a sub-scanning direction, and the Z-axis direction is also called a vertical direction.

  The printer 1 includes a print processing unit 5, a support stage 3, an operation panel 35, an opening / closing door 351, a leg portion 33, and a control unit 100. The printer 1 of this embodiment is an ink jet printer that is one of liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid. The printer 1 forms ink dots on a print medium by ejecting ink as a liquid, thereby recording characters, figures, images, and the like.

  The printer 1 is a so-called flat bed type printer, and performs printing by ejecting UV (ultraviolet) ink from a print processing unit 5 onto a print medium horizontally supported by a support stage 3. Examples of the print medium include paper, film, and wood.

  The control unit 100 includes a CPU 110 that executes various arithmetic processes, a RAM 120 that temporarily stores and saves programs and data, and a ROM 130 that stores programs executed by the CPU 110. Various functions by the control unit 100 are realized by the CPU 110 operating based on a program stored in the ROM 130. Note that at least a part of the functions of the control unit 100 may be realized by operating an electric circuit included in the control unit 100 based on the circuit configuration.

  The support stage 3 is a substantially flat plate-like portion that is longer in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) than in the main scanning direction (X direction). During printing, a print medium is disposed on the support stage 3. In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 31 in contact with the print medium of the support stage 3 is provided with a plurality of suction ports (not shown), and the print medium is sucked and held on the mounting surface. Can do.

  The leg portions 33 are portions that support the four corners of the support stage 3. A caster may be provided at the lower end (−Z direction) of the leg portion 33. The printer 1 can be easily moved by the caster.

  The operation panel 35 is a part that receives instructions from the operator. The opening / closing door 351 is a part provided for an operator to perform manual maintenance on the print processing unit 5. By moving the printing processing unit 5 directly above the opening / closing door 351 (+ Z direction), the operator can open the opening / closing door 351 and perform maintenance inside the printing processing unit 5 manually.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of the support stage 3 as seen from the NN direction in FIG. The support stage 3 includes a sub-scanning unit 4 that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the printing unit 6 and the printing medium in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) that intersects the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning unit 4 includes a pair of guide mechanisms 41 provided on both sides of the support stage 3 in the main scanning direction (X direction), a connection frame 42 that connects the print processing unit 5 and the guide mechanism 41, and a guide mechanism 41. And a sub-scanning drive mechanism 43 that drives the print processing unit 5 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction).

  In this embodiment, the guide mechanism 41 is configured by an LM guide (registered trademark). The guide mechanism 41 extends in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) and is fixed to the lower side of the support stage 3, and a slider 41b that slides in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) with respect to the guide rail 41a. With. The slider 41b is attached to the print processing unit 5 (not shown) via the connecting frame 42.

  The sub-scanning drive mechanism 43 extends in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) and is fixed to the support stage 3, a nut member 46 that is screwed to the screw shaft 44, and a sub-rotation that rotates the nut member 46. A scanning motor 47 and a support member 45 attached to the connecting frame 42 and attached so that the nut member 46 is rotatable are provided. The sub-scanning unit 4 can move the print processing unit 5 in the sub-operation direction (Y direction) together with the connecting frame 42 by rotating the nut member 46 by the sub-scanning motor 47.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of the print processing unit 5. The print processing unit 5 includes a print unit 6 on which a print head and the like are mounted, a main scan unit 7 that performs main scan by relatively moving the print unit 6 and the print medium in the main scan direction (X direction), and the print unit 6. And a housing member 50 that accommodates the main scanning unit 7. 3 shows a state in which the housing member 50 (see FIG. 1) is removed.

  The main scanning unit 7 includes a pair of upper and lower guide shafts 71 that support the printing unit 6 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction (X direction), and main scanning driving that allows the printing unit 6 to move along the guide shaft 71. And a mechanism 73.

  The main scanning drive mechanism 73 includes a timing belt 74 that extends in the main scanning direction (X direction) along the guide shaft 71, a main driving pulley 75 and a driven pulley 76 that span the timing belt 74, and a main driving pulley 75. And a main scanning motor 77 for driving. The main scanning unit 7 can move the printing unit 6 connected to the timing belt 74 in the main scanning direction (X direction) by driving the main driving pulley 75 by the main scanning motor 77.

  4 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of the print processing unit 5 as viewed from the NN direction of FIG. The print unit 6 provided in the print processing unit 5 includes a carriage unit 62 in which the nozzle head 8 is mounted on a box-shaped carriage 61, and irradiation units fixed on both sides of the carriage unit 62 in the main scanning direction (X direction). 9. The nozzle head 8 includes a nozzle that discharges UV ink vertically downward (−Y direction).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the printing unit 6 viewed from vertically upward (+ Z direction). The nozzle head 8 provided in the printing unit 6 includes a plurality of ink cartridges each containing ink of a predetermined color (for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K)). Is installed. The ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the nozzle head 8. The nozzle head 8 includes a plurality of nozzles that eject ink and actuators (nozzle actuators) that are provided corresponding to the nozzles. In this embodiment, a piezo element is used as the nozzle actuator.

  The nozzle head 8 is opposed to a region Ra having a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), and ejects ink to the region Ra while moving in parallel with the main scanning direction (X direction). The image is printed on.

  The irradiation unit 9 includes a first irradiation unit 91 and a second irradiation unit 92. The first irradiation unit 91 is located at least downstream of the nozzle head 8 in the scanning direction (X direction). That is, the first irradiation unit 91 is provided at a position aligned with the nozzle head 8 in the main scanning direction (X direction) when viewed from the −Z direction. In the present embodiment, the first irradiation unit 91 is also provided on the upstream side of the nozzle head 8. The second irradiation unit 92 is located on the downstream side of the nozzle head 8 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). Two second irradiation units 92 are provided on the downstream side of the first irradiation unit 91 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction).

  The first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 are arranged side by side along the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). The first irradiation unit 91 is arranged so as to irradiate a region overlapping with the region Ra, and the second irradiation unit 92 is located downstream of the first irradiation unit 91 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). It is arranged. Note that a region irradiated by the second irradiation unit 92 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) is defined as a region Rb.

  By disposing the second irradiation unit 92 and the first irradiation unit 91 in this way, the ink ejected onto the print medium by the nozzle head 8 is first transferred to the nozzle head 8 in the main scanning direction (X direction). Ultraviolet rays having an irradiation intensity weaker than that of the second irradiation unit 92 are irradiated from the first irradiation unit 91 located on the downstream side. That is, the integrated light amount per unit area of the first irradiation unit 91 is smaller than the integrated light amount per unit area of the second irradiation unit 92. By this irradiation, the ink is cured (temporarily cured) to such an extent that the wetting and spreading of the ink on the print medium is sufficiently slow as compared with the case where ultraviolet rays are not irradiated. Thereafter, when the ink belongs to the region Rb due to the movement of the printing unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), the ink is stronger from the second irradiation unit 92 to the first irradiation unit 91. Irradiation intensity ultraviolet rays are irradiated. By this irradiation, the ink is cured (mainly cured) to such an extent that wetting and spreading of the ink on the print medium is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as the light sources of the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92. The light source of the first irradiation unit 91 and the light source of the second irradiation unit 92 are light sources having the same performance. That is, even if the light source of the first irradiation unit 91 and the light source of the second irradiation unit 92 are exchanged, the performance of the printer 1 does not change. The light source of the 1st irradiation part 91 and the 2nd irradiation part 92 should just be a light source which irradiates an ultraviolet-ray, for example, may use a metal halide lamp. The ultraviolet irradiation method by the irradiation unit 9 will be described in detail below.

A2. First irradiation form:
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an irradiation method of the irradiation unit 9 in the first irradiation mode. FIG. 6 shows a method of irradiating the upper end of the print medium with ultraviolet rays. FIG. 6 shows a state where the carriage unit 62 in FIG. 5 is viewed from the back side of the sheet of FIG.

  The print area T is an area where the print medium is placed on the support stage 3. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 determines whether it is a printing area based on the number of passes from the start of printing. Note that by providing a camera in the carriage unit 62, the control unit 100 may determine whether or not it is a printing area.

  In FIG. 6A, the first irradiation unit 91 and the print region T do not face each other, and the second irradiation unit 92 and the print region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92. Hereinafter, in the figure, the irradiation unit 9 filled with diagonal lines indicates the irradiation unit 9 that does not perform ultraviolet irradiation.

  In FIG. 6B, a part of the first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 emits electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation unit 91. On the other hand, the second irradiation unit 92 and the print region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the second irradiation unit 92. 6B corresponds to the “second main scan” in the means for solving the problem, and the main scan in FIG. 6A corresponds to the “first main scan”. To do.

  In FIG. 6C, the entire first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T face each other, and the second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 emits electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation unit 91. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the second irradiation unit 92.

  In FIG. 6D, the entire first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T face each other, and a part of the second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 causes the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the ink ejected in FIGS. 6B and 6C is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the second irradiation unit 92.

  In FIG. 6E, the control unit 100 has the first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T facing each other, and the second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T facing each other. In this case, the control unit 100 causes the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the ink ejected in FIGS. 6B and 6C is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the second irradiation unit 92. By the irradiation by the second irradiation unit 92, the ink ejected in FIGS. 6B and 6C is fully cured. Similarly, the ink in the other areas of the printing area is also fully cured by irradiation with the second irradiation unit 92.

  Thus, by controlling the irradiation part 9, it can suppress that an ultraviolet-ray reflects in an unexpected place. In addition, reducing the amount of wasted ultraviolet rays irradiated outside the printing area leads to lower power consumption.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an irradiation method of the irradiation unit 9 in the first irradiation mode. FIG. 7 shows a method of irradiating the lower end of the print medium with ultraviolet rays.

  In FIG. 7A, the entire first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T face each other, and the entire second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T face each other. Therefore, the control unit 100 causes the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves.

  7B, a part of the first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T face each other, and the whole second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T face each other. Therefore, the control unit 100 causes the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves.

  In FIG. 7C, the entire second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 causes the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, the first irradiation unit 91 and the print region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the first irradiation unit 91.

  In FIG. 7D, a part of the second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 causes the second irradiation unit 92 to emit electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, the first irradiation unit 91 and the print region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the first irradiation unit 91.

  In FIG. 7E, the first irradiation unit 91 and the printing region T do not face each other, and the second irradiation unit 92 and the printing region T do not face each other. In this case, the control unit 100 does not irradiate ultraviolet rays from the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92. 7E corresponds to the “fourth main scan” in the means for solving the problem, and the main scan in FIG. 7D corresponds to the “third main scan”. To do.

  By controlling the irradiation unit 9 in this manner, even when ink is ejected to the lower end of the printing medium, the irradiation unit 9 irradiates ultraviolet rays outside the printing region, so that the ultraviolet rays are reflected to an unexpected place. Can be suppressed.

A3. Second irradiation mode:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an irradiation method of the irradiation unit 9 in the second irradiation mode. FIG. 8 shows a method of irradiating the lower end of the print medium with ultraviolet rays. The irradiation method of the irradiation part 9 about FIG. 8 (A) to (C) is the same as the irradiation method (1st irradiation form) about FIG. 7 (A) to (C).

  FIG. 8C shows the position of the nozzle head 8 that has been sub-scanned after the final pass of printing. FIG. 8D shows the position of the printing unit 6 in the next main scanning. In the second irradiation mode, after the sub-scanning movement is performed after the final pass of printing, the main scanning is repeated a plurality of times at a position where the second irradiation unit 92 does not exit the printing area without moving in the sub-scanning direction. . That is, the main scanning is performed a plurality of times while irradiating electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation unit 92 after the movement in the sub-scanning direction following the last main scanning performed while ejecting ink from the nozzle head. In the present embodiment, main scanning is repeated twice (FIGS. 8C and 8D).

  As a result, the ink ejected at the upper end portion H of the print area is also fully cured in the same manner as the ink in other areas. The width of the movement in the sub-scanning direction performed after the last main scanning performed while ejecting ink from the nozzle head may be equal to or smaller than the width of the relative movement in the other sub-scanning directions. In the movement in the sub-scanning direction performed after the last main scanning, the second irradiation unit 92 is moved from the printing area T to the second edge by moving the upstream end of the second irradiation unit 92 to the upstream end of the printing area T. Since the ink discharged to the upstream end of the printing region T can be cured without the irradiation unit 92 protruding, it is possible to suppress the reflection of ultraviolet rays to an unexpected place.

  In this way, the second irradiation unit 92 can irradiate ultraviolet rays for curing the ink ejected in the final pass. For this reason, printing unevenness due to insufficient ultraviolet irradiation can be suppressed. Moreover, when the irradiation part 9 irradiates an ultraviolet-ray outside a printing area | region, it can suppress that an ultraviolet-ray reflects in an unexpected place.

A4. Third irradiation mode:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an irradiation method of the irradiation unit 9 in the third irradiation mode. FIG. 9 shows a method of irradiating the lower end of the print medium with ultraviolet rays. The third irradiation mode (FIG. 9) is different from the first irradiation mode in that the portion of the first irradiation unit 91 that has exited the printing region T is individually controlled for ultraviolet irradiation. That is, the process of FIG. 9B in the third irradiation form is different from the process of FIG. 7B in the first irradiation form, but the third irradiation form and the first irradiation form are otherwise the same.

  In FIG. 9B, a part of the first irradiation unit 91 faces the print medium, and the other part does not face the print medium. In such a case, the portion facing the print medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the other portions are not irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  By controlling in this way, it is possible to more effectively suppress the ultraviolet rays from being reflected to an unexpected place when the irradiation unit 9 irradiates the ultraviolet rays outside the printing region than the first irradiation mode. it can. Moreover, since the amount of useless ultraviolet rays irradiated outside the printing region is reduced as compared with the first irradiation mode, the power consumption is reduced.

A5. Fourth irradiation form:
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an irradiation method of the irradiation unit 9 in the fourth irradiation mode. FIG. 10 shows a method of irradiating the lower end of the print medium with ultraviolet rays. In the fourth irradiation mode (FIG. 10), as compared with the third irradiation mode (FIG. 9), the presence or absence of ultraviolet irradiation is individually controlled for the portion of the second irradiation unit 92 that has left the print area. Different in. That is, the process of FIG. 10D of the fourth irradiation form is different from the process of FIG. 9D of the third irradiation form, but the third irradiation form and the fourth irradiation form are otherwise the same.

  In FIG. 10D, a part of the second irradiation unit 92 faces the print medium, and the other part does not face the print medium. In such a case, the portion facing the print medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the other portions are not irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  By controlling in this way, the irradiation unit 9 irradiates ultraviolet rays outside the printing region, and thereby more effectively suppresses the ultraviolet rays from being reflected to an unexpected place than in the third irradiation mode. Can do. Moreover, since the useless amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated outside the printing area is reduced as compared with the third irradiation mode, the power consumption is further reduced.

B. Variation:
In addition, this invention is not restricted to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can be implemented in a various aspect, For example, the following deformation | transformation is also possible.

B1. Modification 1:
In the present embodiment, the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 are provided one on each side of the carriage unit 62 in the main scanning direction (X direction). By installing in this way, main scanning can be performed in the + X direction and the -X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When main scanning is performed only in either the + X direction or the −X direction, the first irradiation unit 91 and the second irradiation unit 92 may be provided on the downstream side of the carriage unit 62 in the main scanning direction.

B2. Modification 2:
In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation of the second irradiation unit 92 in each region in the printing region is performed twice. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of times that the ejected ink is cured is sufficient, and it is preferable that the same number of times of ultraviolet irradiation be obtained in each region.

B3. Modification 3:
In this embodiment, sub-scanning is performed after main scanning. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When recording one raster line by a predetermined number of main scans, the sub-scan moves during a predetermined number of main scans while irradiating ultraviolet rays from the second irradiation unit 92 before the fourth main scan. May not be performed. In this way, the present invention can be applied to a printer that supports multipath.

B4. Modification 4:
In the present embodiment, when at least a part of the irradiation unit 9 faces the printing area, the irradiation unit 9 irradiates ultraviolet rays. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the irradiation unit 9 and a part of the printing region face each other, at least a part of the irradiation unit 9 may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the irradiation unit 9 where the irradiation unit 9 and the printing region do not face each other may not emit ultraviolet rays. . By doing in this way, it can suppress that an ultraviolet-ray reflects in an unexpected place, when the irradiation part 9 irradiates an ultraviolet-ray outside a printing area | region.

B5. Modification 5:
In the present embodiment, the print medium and the print area are matched. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The print area may be smaller than the print medium. In this case, the process performed based on at least one of the upper end and the lower end of the print medium can be performed based on at least one of the upper end and the lower end of the print area.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments and the modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 3 ... Support stage 4 ... Sub-scanning part 5 ... Print processing part 6 ... Printing unit 7 ... Main scanning part 8 ... Nozzle head 9 ... Irradiation part 31 ... Mounting surface 33 ... Leg part 35 ... Operation panel 41 ... Guide Mechanism 41a ... guide rail 41b ... slider 42 ... connecting frame 43 ... sub-scanning drive mechanism 44 ... screw shaft 45 ... support member 46 ... nut member 47 ... sub-scan motor 50 ... housing member 61 ... carriage 62 ... carriage unit 71 ... guide shaft 73 ... main scanning drive mechanism 74 ... timing belt 75 ... main driving pulley 76 ... driven pulley 77 ... main scanning motor 91 ... first irradiation unit 92 ... second irradiation unit 100 ... control unit 110 ... CPU
351 ... Opening / closing door H ... Upper end L ... Boundary line Ra ... Area Rb ... Area

Claims (9)

A nozzle head comprising a nozzle for discharging ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves;
A main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in the main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction;
A first irradiation unit located on the downstream side of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction;
A second irradiation unit located on the downstream side of the nozzle head in the sub-scanning direction;
With
In the first main scanning, when the first irradiation unit and the print area of the print medium do not face each other, the first irradiation unit does not irradiate electromagnetic waves,
In the second main scanning, which is the main scanning next to the first main scanning, due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, when at least a part of the first irradiation unit and the printing area face each other, the first 1 irradiation part irradiates electromagnetic waves,
In a third main scan after the second main scan, when at least a part of the second irradiation unit faces the print region, the second irradiation unit irradiates electromagnetic waves,
In the fourth main scanning that is the main scanning next to the third main scanning due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the second irradiation is performed when the second irradiation unit and the printing area do not face each other. The printing device does not irradiate electromagnetic waves. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The width of the small relative movement in the sub-scanning direction performed following the last main scanning performed while discharging ink from the nozzle head is equal to or less than the width of the other relative movement in the sub-scanning direction.
A printing apparatus that performs main scanning a plurality of times while irradiating electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation unit after the small relative movement. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The small relative movement is
The printing apparatus, which is a relative movement that matches the upstream end of the second irradiation unit and the upstream end of the printing region. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
When recording one raster line by a predetermined number of main scans, the sub-scanning is performed during the predetermined number of main scans performed while irradiating electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation unit before the fourth main scan. Printing device that does not perform relative movement of scanning. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
When the first irradiation unit and a part of the printing region face each other, the first irradiation unit that does not face the printing region does not emit electromagnetic waves,
The printing apparatus, wherein when the second irradiation unit and at least a part of the printing region face each other, the second irradiation unit that does not face the printing region does not emit electromagnetic waves. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:
The light source included in the first irradiation unit and the light source included in the second irradiation unit are light sources having the same performance, and the integrated light amount per unit area of the first irradiation unit is the second irradiation unit. Printing device smaller than the integrated light intensity per unit area. A nozzle head comprising a nozzle for discharging ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves;
A main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in the main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction;
An irradiation unit located on the downstream side of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction;
With
In the first main scanning, when the irradiation unit and the print area of the print medium do not face each other, the irradiation unit does not emit electromagnetic waves,
In the second main scanning, which is the main scanning next to the first main scanning, due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, when at least a part of the irradiation unit faces the printing area, the irradiation unit Irradiating the printing device. A nozzle head comprising a nozzle for discharging ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves;
A main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in the main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction;
An irradiation unit located downstream of the nozzle head in the sub-scanning direction;
With
In a predetermined main scan, when at least a part of the irradiation unit and a printing area of the printing medium face each other, the irradiation unit irradiates an electromagnetic wave,
The printing apparatus in which, when the irradiation unit and the printing area do not face each other in the main scanning next to the predetermined main scanning due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the irradiation unit does not emit electromagnetic waves. A nozzle head comprising a nozzle for discharging ink that is cured by electromagnetic waves;
A main scanning unit that performs main scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in the main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning unit that performs sub-scanning by relatively moving the nozzle head and the print medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction;
A first irradiation unit located on the downstream side of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction;
A second irradiation unit located on the downstream side of the nozzle head in the sub-scanning direction;
A printing method for printing by a printing apparatus comprising:
In the first main scanning, when the first irradiation unit and the print area of the print medium do not face each other, the first irradiation unit does not irradiate electromagnetic waves;
In the second main scanning, which is the main scanning next to the first main scanning, due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, when at least a part of the first irradiation unit and the printing area face each other, the first The irradiation part of 1 irradiates electromagnetic waves,
In a third main scan after the second main scan, when at least a part of the second irradiation unit faces the print region, the second irradiation unit irradiates electromagnetic waves;
In the fourth main scanning that is the main scanning next to the third main scanning due to the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the second irradiation is performed when the second irradiation unit and the printing area do not face each other. A printing method comprising: a step in which the part does not irradiate electromagnetic waves.

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