JP2020082681A - Device for discharging liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device for discharging a liquid which can suppress discharge failure and can obtain good image quality.SOLUTION: A device for discharging a liquid includes discharge means 300 which discharges a liquid cured by a light beam to a recording medium, irradiation means 400 which irradiates the discharged liquid with a light beam, and stretching means 60 which stretches a flexible film 51 that reflects, transmits or absorbs the light beam, in which the stretching means 60 includes a stretching member 61 holding a part of the flexible film 51, a fixing member 62 which fixes the stretching member 61 to a mounting base on which the recording medium 101 is mounted and forms an angle with the stretching member 61, and an angle adjustment part 63 which holds the angle formed by the stretching member 61 and the fixing member 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a device for ejecting a liquid.

In recent years, image formation on various recording media has been increasing in the image forming system of the inkjet recording apparatus, and printing on a thick material is also required.

Above all, direct printing on thick materials such as gypsum board, panel, block, steel frame, sheet metal, which has been difficult to print in the past, is required, and the demand for printing in a quick-drying inkjet process is increasing. Since printing on such a recording medium corresponds to stacking and the like immediately after printing, it is preferable to fix the ink immediately after ejecting the ink. Therefore, an image forming method of irradiating UV light after ejecting ink from the recording head is preferably used.

However, in the case of such an image forming method, the irradiated light beam such as UV light may be reflected by the mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted and reach the nozzle surface of the recording head. In this case, the meniscus ink in the non-ejection nozzle is hardened, an appropriate droplet cannot be formed during ejection, and a problem that a good image cannot be formed occurs. In addition, the non-ejection prevents the image formation.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, an optical trap portion is provided on the back surface side of the side reflector and the wall surface of the optical trap portion is made to absorb the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source, so that the ultraviolet light leaks out below the carriage. This prevents it from reaching the nozzle surface of the recording head.

In Patent Document 2, by providing an optical trap between the ultraviolet irradiation device and the recording head adjacent to the ultraviolet irradiation device, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device hits the recording medium or the like and is reflected, and the nozzle surface of the recording head To prevent hitting.

However, in the related art, since the distance between the UV light source and the head becomes large, the time delay from the ink landing on the recording medium to the ultraviolet irradiation becomes large, and the landed ink easily spreads. Therefore, there arises a problem that desired image quality cannot be obtained.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for ejecting a liquid that can suppress ejection failure and obtain good image quality.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an apparatus for ejecting a liquid of the present invention comprises: an ejecting unit that ejects a liquid curable by a light beam onto a recording medium; an irradiating unit that irradiates the ejected liquid with a light beam; Tensioning means for stretching a flexible film that reflects, transmits or absorbs, the tensioning means holding a part of the flexible film, and the recording medium placed on the tensioning member. It is characterized in that the tension member is fixed to the mounting table, and a fixing member that makes an angle with the tension member and an angle adjusting member that holds the angle between the tension member and the fixing member are provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus for ejecting a liquid that can suppress ejection failure and obtain good image quality.

It is a perspective view showing the whole composition in an example of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram of a hardware configuration in an example of a device for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention. It is a front view in an example of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is a top view in an example of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is another front view in an example of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view in an example of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is a front view in the other example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a front view in the other example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a front view in the other example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a front view in the other example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a top view in other examples of the device which discharges the liquid concerning the present invention. It is a front view in the other example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. 6 is a plan view of an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to Reference Example 1. FIG. 9 is a plan view of an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to Reference Example 2. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to Reference Example 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, a device for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like can be modified within the scope of those skilled in the art, and any mode Also, as long as the action and effect of the present invention are exhibited, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

An apparatus for ejecting a liquid of the present invention includes an ejecting unit that ejects a liquid that is cured by a light beam onto a recording medium, an irradiating unit that irradiates the ejected liquid with a light beam, and a flexible member that reflects, transmits, or absorbs the light beam. A stretching means for stretching the film, wherein the stretching means holds the stretching member for holding a part of the flexible membrane, and the stretching member for mounting the recording medium on the mounting table. A fixing member that is fixed and forms an angle with the tension member, and an angle adjusting member that holds the angle between the tension member and the fixing member are provided.

<First Embodiment>
First, the overall configuration of an embodiment of an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention will be described.
1A and 1B are perspective views showing an overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a rear side of the apparatus. It is the perspective view seen.

The inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a carriage 200 and a stage 13 on which a recording medium is placed. The carriage 200 is an inkjet type carriage including a plurality of liquid ejection heads provided with a plurality of nozzles, and forms an image by ejecting liquid from the nozzles of the recording head. The nozzle is provided on the surface facing the stage 13. In the present embodiment, the liquid has ultraviolet curability, as an example.

An irradiation unit 400, which is a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays, is provided on the surface of the carriage 200 facing the stage 13. The irradiation unit 400 (an example of an irradiation unit) irradiates with light having a wavelength that cures the liquid ejected from the nozzle.

A guide rod 19 is bridged between the left and right side plates 18a and 18b, and the guide rod 19 holds the carriage 200 movably in the X direction (main scanning direction). Further, the carriage 200, the guide rod 19, and the side plates 18a and 18b are integrally movable along the guide rail 29 provided on the lower portion of the stage 13 in the Y direction (sub scanning direction). Further, the carriage 200 is held so as to be movable in the Z direction (vertical direction).

Next, another embodiment will be described while showing an example of a hardware configuration.
2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a front view of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plan view of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller unit 3, a detection group 4, a conveyance unit 100 that is a conveyance unit, a carriage 200, and a head unit 300 (an example of a liquid ejection head). And an irradiation unit 400 (an example of an irradiation unit) and a maintenance unit 500. The controller unit 3 also includes a unit control circuit 31, a memory 32, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 33, and an I/F 34. The curing device may be any device that includes at least the controller unit 3 and the irradiation unit 400, as shown by the broken line in FIG.

The I/F 34 is an interface for connecting the liquid ejection device 1 to an external PC (Personal Computer) 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 and the PC 2 may be connected in any form, and examples thereof include a connection via a network and a form in which they are directly connected by a communication cable.

Examples of the detection group 4 include various sensors provided in the liquid ejection apparatus 1 such as the height sensor 41 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The CPU 33 uses the memory 32 as a work area to control the operation of each unit of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the unit control circuit 31. Specifically, the CPU 33 controls the operation of each unit based on the print data received from the PC 2 and the data detected by the detection group 4, and the liquid application surface on the recording medium 101 (also referred to as a base material). The image that is 102 is formed.

A printer driver is installed in the PC 2, and the printer driver generates print data to be transmitted to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 from the image data. The print data includes command data for operating the transport unit 100 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 and the like, and pixel data regarding an image (liquid application surface 102). Pixel data is composed of 2-bit data for each pixel and is represented by 4 gradations.

The transport unit 100 has a stage 130. The movement of the transport unit 100 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) is controlled based on the drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31).
The transport unit 100 may have a suction mechanism. The suction mechanism has a fan and a plurality of suction holes provided in the stage 130. The suction mechanism temporarily fixes the recording medium 101 to the transport unit 100 by driving the fan to suck the recording medium 101 through the suction holes. The attraction mechanism may use electrostatic attraction to attract the paper.

The transport unit 100 has a transport controller 210, rollers 105, and a motor 104, as shown in FIG. The transport control unit 210 drives the motor 104 to rotate the roller 105, thereby moving the recording medium 101 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction).

The transport unit 100 may move the carriage 200 instead of the recording medium 101 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction). That is, the transport unit 100 relatively moves the recording medium 101 and the carriage 200 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction).

For example, as shown in the right side of FIG. 4, the transport unit 100 includes a side plate 407b that supports two guides 201 that guide the carriage 200 in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction), and a base 406 that supports the side plate 407b. A belt 404 fixed to the base 406, a drive pulley 403 and a driven pulley 402 around which the belt 404 is wound, a motor 405 that rotationally drives the drive pulley 403, and a conveyance control unit 210.

Further, as shown on the left side of FIG. 4, the transport unit 100 supports a side plate 407a that supports two guides 201 that guide the carriage 200 in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) and a side plate 407a that is slidably supported. And a groove 409 formed on the base 408 for guiding the side plate 407a in the sub-scanning direction.

In the transport unit 100, the transport controller 210 drives the motor 405 to rotate the drive pulley 403 and move the belt 404 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction). By moving the table 406 supporting the carriage 200 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) along with the movement of the belt 404, the carriage 200 can be moved in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction). The side plate 407a moves in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) along the groove 409 of the table 408 as the table 406 moves in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction).

The head unit 300 includes heads 300K, 300C, 300M, 300Y, 300CL, and 300W for ejecting K-, C-, M-, Y-, CL-, and W-curable inks (an example of a liquid), respectively, and the carriage 200. It is provided on the lower surface of. Each head is provided with a piezo, and when a drive signal is applied to the piezo by the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31), the piezo causes a contraction motion, and a pressure change due to the contraction motion occurs, so that the UV curable ink is generated. It is ejected onto the recording medium 101. As a result, the liquid application surface 102 (an example of the liquid application surface) is formed on the recording medium 101.
The number and arrangement of the heads are not limited to this, and can be changed appropriately.

Examples of the UV curable ink suitable for this embodiment include an ink containing a methacrylate-based monomer. Methacrylate-based monomers have the advantage of being relatively weak in skin feel, but have the characteristic of having a higher degree of curing shrinkage than general inks.

The irradiation unit 400 is provided on the side surface (the surface in the X-axis direction) of the carriage 200, and irradiates the UV light based on the drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31). The irradiation unit 400 is mainly configured by a UV irradiation lamp that irradiates UV light.

The movement of the carriage 200 in the Z-axis direction (height direction) and the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) is controlled based on a drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31).

The carriage 200 scans along the guide 201 in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction). The scanning unit 206 includes a drive pulley 203, a driven pulley 204, a drive belt 202, and a motor 205. The carriage 200 is fixed to a drive belt 202 that is wound around a drive pulley 203 and a driven pulley 204. By driving the drive belt 202 with the motor 205, the carriage 200 scans left and right in the main scanning direction. The guide 201 is supported by the side plates 211A and 211B of the apparatus body. The height adjusting unit 207 has a motor 209 and a slider 208. The height adjustment unit 207 drives the motor 209 to move the slider 208 up and down to move the guide 201 up and down. As the guide 201 moves up and down, the carriage 200 moves up and down, and the height of the carriage 200 with respect to the recording medium 101 can be adjusted.

The image forming operation of the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 will be described below.
First, the transport unit 100 moves in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) based on a drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31) to form an image (liquid application surface 102) on the recording medium 101. To the initial position of.

Subsequently, the carriage 200 has a height (for example, a head of the head unit 300 and the recording medium 101) suitable for the head unit 300 to eject the UV curable ink based on a drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31). (The height at which the inter-gap is 1 mm). The height of the head unit 300 is detected by the height sensor 41 so that the CPU 33 can know the height.

Subsequently, the carriage 200 reciprocates in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) based on the drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31), and at the time of this reciprocating movement, the head unit 300 causes the CPU 33 (unit The UV curable ink is ejected based on the drive signal from the control circuit 31). As a result, an image (liquid application surface 102) for one scan is formed on the recording medium 101.

Subsequently, when an image (liquid application surface 102) for one scan is formed on the recording medium 101, the transport unit 100 causes the transport unit 100 to move in the Y-axis direction (sub-direction) based on a drive signal from the CPU 33 (unit control circuit 31). Move one scan in the (scanning direction).

Hereinafter, the operation of forming an image (liquid application surface 102) for one scan and the operation of moving the transport unit 100 by one scan in the Y-axis direction alternate until the formation of the image (liquid application surface 102) is completed. Done.

Then, when the formation of the image (liquid application surface 102) on the recording medium 101 is completed, the UV curable ink is waited for a time period (hereinafter, may be referred to as “leveling time”), and thereafter. The irradiation of the UV light is performed by the irradiation unit 400.

Next, details of the device for ejecting the liquid according to the present embodiment will be described.
An example of image formation according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a front view for schematically explaining the main part of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view for schematically explaining the main part.

The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment includes an ejecting unit that ejects a liquid that is cured by a light beam onto a recording medium, an irradiating unit that irradiates the ejected liquid with a light beam, and a device that reflects, transmits, or absorbs the light beam. A stretching member for stretching the flexible film, wherein the stretching means holds the stretching member for holding a part of the flexible film, and the stretching member for a mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted. And a fixing member that makes an angle with the stretching member, and an angle adjusting member that holds the angle between the stretching member and the fixing member.

5 and 6, the head unit 300 (ejection means), the irradiation unit 400 (irradiation means), the flexible film 51, the stretching means 60, the carriage 200a, the recording medium 101, the mounting table 130, the web 52, and the winding shaft. 53 and the like are shown.

The illustrated arrow indicates the scanning direction (X-axis direction) of the carriage 200a. In this embodiment, the head unit 300 and the irradiation unit 400 are integrally fixed to the carriage 200a.

After appropriately ejecting ink (liquid) from the nozzles of the head unit 300 onto the recording medium 101, the irradiation unit 400 irradiates light rays such as ultraviolet rays. In the illustrated example, after the head unit 300 has ejected, the irradiation unit 400L irradiates the light ray 420L.

Although the irradiation units 400L and 400R are shown in the drawing, they will be referred to as the irradiation unit 400 and the like when they are described without distinction. In addition, the light ray 420L means a light ray emitted from the irradiation unit 400L, and is referred to as a light ray 420 and the like when the light rays from the irradiation units 400L and 400R are not distinguished.

In the present embodiment, the carriage 200a is scanned from the left side to the right side of the paper surface to eject ink and irradiate the light beam, but the carriage 200a also ejects ink and irradiates the light ray when scanning from the right side to the left side of the paper surface. You may go.

In this embodiment, the flexible film 51 stretched to a position adjacent to the end surface of the recording medium 101 is provided. The flexible film 51 is stretched from the end of the mounting table 130 to a position adjacent to the end surface of the recording medium 101, and the position is the same as the upper surface (ejection surface) of the recording medium 101 or the upper surface (ejection surface). It is stretched and stretched to a position slightly lower than the (surface).

The flexible film 51 may be disposed on the downstream side of the end surface of the recording medium 101 in the scanning direction of the carriage 200a, as in the present embodiment. That is, as shown in the drawing, it is arranged on the end face on the downstream side in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) of the end faces of the recording medium 101. In this case, for example, the flexible film may be arranged on the end face on the upstream side or the downstream side in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) in the plan view of FIG. 4, but the effect of the present invention is difficult to obtain.
The flexible film 51 may be arranged on both the upstream side and the downstream side in the main scanning direction as described later.

In the present embodiment, the tensioning means 60 fixes the tensioning member 61 to the tensioning member 61 that holds a part of the flexible film 51 and the mounting table 130 on which the recording medium 101 is placed. It has a fixing member 62 that makes an angle with 61, and an angle adjusting member 63 that holds the angle between the stretching member 61 and the fixing member 62.

According to the present embodiment, since the flexible film 51 is provided, it is possible to prevent the light ray 420L reflected by the mounting table 130 from reaching the nozzle surface of the head 300K. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light ray 420L reflected by the mounting table 130 from reaching the meniscus ink formed on the nozzles of the nozzle surface of the head 300K and curing the ink, as described in Reference Example 1 below. .. Further, since it is possible to prevent the ink from being cured, it is possible to form an appropriate droplet when ejecting the ink, and it is possible to solve a problem such as ejection failure. Therefore, a good image can be formed.

When the light beam emitted from the irradiation unit 400 is reflected by the mounting table or the flexible film, the emitted light beam may be specular reflection light and diffuse reflection light. It is possible to prevent the reflected light from reaching the non-ejection nozzle surface.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to increase the distance between the irradiation unit and the head unit, it is possible to reduce the time delay from the ink landing on the recording medium to the ultraviolet irradiation. As a result, the landed ink can be prevented from spreading and the image quality can be improved.

Examples of the recording medium include thick materials such as gypsum board, panel, block, steel frame and sheet metal. In addition, paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, or a composite material thereof may be used.
The thickness of the recording medium is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.018 mm to 100 mm, for example. The greater the thickness of the recording medium, the greater the effect of the present invention.

According to the present embodiment, the height of the flexible film 51 can be arbitrarily set by the angle adjusting member 63, so that the thickness of the recording medium 101 can be easily accommodated. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the stretching means according to the thickness of the recording medium 101, and it is possible to prevent an increase in cost and labor. As the angle adjusting member 63, for example, an angle adjusting hinge can be used.

In the present embodiment, the tensioning means 60 adjusts the angle between the tensioning member 61 and the fixing member 62 by the angle adjusting member 63, and the height of the uppermost portion of the flexible film 51 is set to the height of the uppermost portion of the recording medium 101. It is below.

The means for holding the flexible film 51 at a position adjacent to the end surface of the recording medium 101 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed. For example, a part of the stretching member 61 may be held by winding a part of the flexible film 51. Further, a part of the stretching member 61 and a part of the flexible film 51 may be bonded.

The stretching means 60 in the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition to the configuration of this embodiment, for example, a member in which the tension member 61 and the fixing member 62 are integrated may be used.

The installation of the stretching means 60 is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the mounting table 130 may be provided with holes, grooves, etc., and fitted into these holes, grooves, etc. Good.

It is preferable that the stretching means 60 has a mass that can withstand the stretching of the flexible film 51. If the mass of the stretching means 60 is set to an extent capable of withstanding the stretching of the flexible film 51, it is not necessary to dispose the stretching means 60 by providing holes, grooves, etc. in the mounting table 130, and It is easy to move and can be placed freely.
The “mass sufficient to withstand stretching” means that the stretching means 60 is disposed when the stretching means 60 is arranged on the mounting table 130 without providing holes or grooves and the flexible membrane 51 is stretched. It is a mass that does not move when the flexible film 51 is stretched.

It is preferable that the stretching means 60 is installed so as to be freely movable on the mounting table 130. In this case, the size of the recording medium 101 can be easily accommodated. The timing of movement can be changed as appropriate, but for example, it may be moved before the recording medium 101 is conveyed or may be moved while the recording medium 101 is being conveyed. It is preferable that the tension member 61, the fixing member 62, and the angle adjusting member 63 are movable integrally.

In the stretching means 60, a part of the flexible film 51 held by the stretching member 61 is the surface of the recording medium 101 excluding the surface on which the liquid is ejected and the facing surface, and the end surface of the recording medium 101. It is preferable to move on the mounting table 130 within a range such that it is adjacent to at least one of the end faces. In this case, it is possible to prevent the flexible film 51 and the recording medium 101 from being too far apart.

Further, the apparatus for ejecting the liquid of the present embodiment has a winding shaft 53 that winds up the opposite side of the flexible film 51 adjacent to the recording medium 101, and the flexible film 51 has the winding shaft 53. By this, it is possible to unwind and wind up arbitrarily.

The means for attaching the winding shaft 53 to the device is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed. For example, in the present embodiment, although not shown, a fixing member such as a bracket for fixing the winding shaft 53 is used to hold the winding shaft 53.

In the present embodiment, the end face on the opposite side of the flexible film 51 is held as the web 52 by the winding shaft 53 so that the web 52 can be unwound or unwound to a required length. Is becoming As a result, tension is easily applied to the flexible film 51 by the winding shaft 53, and tension is applied to the flexible film 51, so that the flexible film 51 is easy to maintain flatness without sagging. This can prevent the flexible film from accidentally touching the nozzle. Further, the reflection angle of the irradiation unit with respect to the light irradiation angle becomes difficult to face the head unit 300.

The tension applied to the flexible film 51 can be changed by adjusting the torque of the winding shaft 53, for example. It is also possible to change the position of the winding shaft 53 downward, and it is also possible to change it by the configuration of the stretching means 60.

The tension force of the flexible film 51 generated by the rewinding torque of the winding shaft 53 is smaller than the static friction force between the fixing member 62 and the mounting table 130, and the angle adjusting member 63 fixes the tension member 61 to the tension member 61. It is preferable that the force is smaller than the force for holding the angle with the member 62 (also referred to as an operating force).

Thereby, the tension force can be appropriately applied to the flexible film 51, the position of the fixing member 62 is displaced, or the tension member 61 is pulled by the flexible film 51 and the angle is changed. Can be prevented. Further, it is not necessary to dispose the tension means 60 by providing holes or grooves in the mounting table 130, and the tension means 60 can be freely arranged.

A method for checking whether the above relationship is satisfied can be appropriately selected, and for example, the force may be measured using a known measuring device. In addition to this, when the tension means 60 (fixing member 62) is arranged on the mounting table 130 without providing holes or grooves, and when the tension force is applied to the flexible film 51, the tensioning member 60 and the tension member are fixed. A method of observing whether or not the angle with the member 61 is maintained at a predetermined angle may be used.

The method of adjusting the static frictional force between the fixing member 62 and the mounting table 130 can be appropriately changed. For example, a method of holding a magnetic force by using a ferromagnetic material or the like for the fixing member 62 or the mounting table 130 and using a member that generates a magnetic force in at least one of them, or by attaching a member that generates a magnetic force is mentioned. In addition to this, a method of using a member that increases frictional force between the stretching means 60 and the mounting table 130 may be used.

The method by which the angle adjusting member 63 adjusts the force (operating force) for holding the angle between the tension member 61 and the fixing member 62 can be appropriately changed. For example, when a spring member is used as the angle adjusting member 63, there is a method of adjusting the force with which the spring member tries to change the angle between the tension member 61 and the fixing member 62.

The winding shaft 53 is arranged outside the mounting table 130 on which the recording medium 101 is mounted and at a position lower than the mounting surface on which the recording medium 101 is mounted. The maximum diameter of the flexible film 51 wound around 53 is preferably lower than that of the mounting surface.
The maximum diameter of the flexible film 51 wound around the winding shaft 53 is lower than that of the mounting surface, as shown in the drawing, so that the upper end of the web 52 does not protrude beyond the mounting surface. Say.

As a result, the maximum diameter of the web 52 wound around the winding shaft 53 can be prevented from jumping out of the mounting surface of the mounting table 130, and the recording medium 101 of any thickness can be run. It is possible to prevent interference (contact) with the bottom surfaces of the irradiation unit 400 and the head unit 300 mounted on the carriage 200.

Further, the use of the winding shaft 53 makes it easier to apply tension to the flexible film 51, and the tension applied to the flexible film 51 makes it easier to maintain the flatness of the flexible film 51 without sagging. This can prevent the flexible film from accidentally touching the nozzle. Further, the reflection angle of the irradiation unit with respect to the light irradiation angle becomes difficult to face the head unit 300.

The flexible film 51 reflects, transmits, or absorbs the light beam emitted by the irradiation unit 400. Examples of the flexible film 51 include non-woven fabric, fiber net, metal net, resin film, paper and the like. The thickness of the flexible film 51 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.188 μm to 500 μm, for example.

The flexible film 51 preferably has a property of absorbing the wavelength of light rays. In other words, it is preferable to use a material having a low light ray reflectance. In this case, for example, it is preferable to use a material or a material having a color tone that easily absorbs the wavelength of light.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of reflected light generated when the light beam from the irradiation unit 400 is reflected by the flexible film. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the light beam from the irradiation unit 400 from being reflected by the flexible film and being irradiated to the head unit 300.

Examples of such a flexible film 51 include a black semi-gloss coating film, a matte coating film, and a black flocked cloth. Further, the flexible film 51 may be subjected to surface treatment such as antiglare treatment.

The flexible membrane preferably has pores. Examples of such a flexible film include a mesh in which fibers are woven vertically and horizontally, a nonwoven fabric, and the like.

Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example in the case of the flexible film 51a having pores. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main part of this embodiment.
The light ray 420L from the irradiation unit 400L is transmitted through the flexible film 51a, and the transmitted light ray (transmitted light 421L) is reflected by the mounting table 130. At this time, since the flexible film 51a has pores, the light amount of the light ray 420L is attenuated when the light beam 420L passes through the flexible film 51a and does not reach the light amount that affects the head unit 300. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the head unit 300 from being irradiated with light rays.

In addition, since the flexible film has pores, the reflection area of the flexible film is small, so that there is an advantage that the reflection can be reduced, and the light rays that have passed through the pores are surrounded by the surface opposite to the reflection surface. The advantage is that internal reflection is performed in the area and the light is dimmed.

The flexible film preferably has water repellency with respect to ink (liquid). In this case, since the ink attached to the flexible film 51 is easily peeled off and easily wiped off, it is possible to prevent ink stains on the recording medium 101 and other functional parts of the equipment that affect image formation.

Further, if printing is continued, mist-like ink (so-called ink mist) floating during printing may gradually accumulate on the surface of the flexible film. As a result, the ink that has accumulated on the surface of the flexible film may become fixed and loosen the flexible film. When the flexible film 51 has water repellency with respect to the ink, it becomes difficult to fix the ink and the adhered ink is easily wiped off, and thus the tension of the flexible film is easily maintained.

Further, it is more preferable that the flexible film has pores and has water repellency with respect to the ink. In this case, it becomes easier to prevent the pores from being blocked by the ink, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the head unit 300 from being irradiated with the light beam.

The flexible film 51 is preferably lowered from the position adjacent to the end surface of the recording medium 101 toward the opposite side. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the flexible film 51 is preferably arranged so as to have an inclination. By doing so, the reflection direction of the light beam emitted from the irradiation unit 400 can be set to the direction away from the head unit 300, and ejection failure can be further prevented.

Another view of this embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5, and in this example, the thickness and position of the recording medium 101 are different from those in FIG. As in this example, even if the thickness or position of the recording medium 101 changes, it can be flexibly dealt with.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the carriage 200a scans in the main scanning direction has been described, but the present invention can be applied even when the carriage 200a is not scanned and only the recording medium 101 is conveyed. For example, even when the carriage 200a does not move and the recording medium 101 is conveyed in the X-axis direction, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. In this case, the head unit 300 (ejection means) is arranged on the upstream side of the irradiation unit 400 (irradiation means) in the transport direction of the recording medium 101, and the flexible film 51 is provided on the recording medium 101 in the transport direction of the recording medium 101. Of the end faces, it is arranged on the end face on the downstream side.

<Reference example>
Next, reference example 1 not included in the present invention will be described. A diagram for explaining the reference example 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG.

In Reference Example 1, the flexible film and the stretching means in the above embodiment are not provided.
The illuminance distribution of the light ray 420L emitted from the irradiation unit 400L has a light distribution characteristic that spreads in the main scanning direction (arrow in the figure). Thereby, the light ray 420L emitted from the irradiation unit 400L is reflected on the surface of the mounting table 130 on which the recording medium 101 is placed, and before the reflected light flux reaches the recording medium 101, for example, here on the recording medium 101. The nozzle surface of the head 300K before the ink is ejected is reached. Therefore, when the light ray 420L emitted from the irradiation unit 400 reaches the ink meniscus formed on the nozzle of the nozzle surface, the ink is cured and an appropriate droplet is not formed at the time of ejection, and a good image is formed. become unable.

Next, reference example 2 which is not included in the present invention will be described. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the second reference example. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 5, and FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG.

In Reference Example 2, in order to prevent the problem of Reference Example 1 described above, an adjacent member 58 having the same thickness as or slightly thinner than the thickness of the recording medium 101 is arranged near the recording medium 101. The adjacent member 58 may be a dummy recording medium, a plate jig, or the like.

By disposing the adjacent member 58, it becomes difficult for the light ray 420L emitted from the irradiation unit 400L to reach the nozzle surface of the head 300K closest to the irradiation unit 400L. Further, the adjoining member 58 can reduce (dim) the amount of light that does not cure the ink.

However, in Reference Example 2, it is necessary to prepare the adjacent member 58 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the recording medium 101, which results in an increase in cost. Further, since the recording medium 101 has various thicknesses, it is necessary to select and install the adjacent member 58 corresponding to the thickness of the recording medium 101, which increases labor.

With respect to these problems, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress ejection defects, obtain good image quality, and solve the above problems.

<Second Embodiment>
Another embodiment of the device for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention will be described. The description of the same items as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.
FIG. 9 shows a diagram for explaining the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG.

In the present embodiment, the flexible film 51 is folded on the side opposite to the side adjacent to the recording medium 101. In the present invention, the flexible film 51 is not limited to the configuration in which the flexible film 51 can be wound and unwound by the winding shaft 53 as in the above embodiment, and the length can be adjusted by folding as in the present embodiment. You may do it. In this case, there is an advantage that a member such as a winding shaft is unnecessary and the apparatus can be downsized.

The folding method is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed. It may be folded by the user in advance, or a mechanism for folding may be separately provided.

<Third Embodiment>
Another embodiment of the device for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention will be described. The description of the same items as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.
10 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the present embodiment. 10 to 12 are views similar to FIGS. 3 to 5, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the flexible film 51 is a surface of the recording medium 101 excluding the surface on which the liquid is ejected and the facing surface thereof, and is provided on both the end surface of the recording medium 101 and the end surface facing the end surface. It is arranged. According to the present embodiment, since the flexible films are arranged on both sides of the recording medium 101, the intended effect of the present invention can be exerted even in the bidirectional printing in which the printing is performed in the forward and backward passes of the carriage. You can Thereby, defective ejection can be further suppressed.
The type of the flexible film and the configuration of the stretching means may be the same or different.

51 flexible film 52 web 53 rotating shaft 58 adjacent member 61 tension member 62 fixing member 63 angle adjusting member 101 recording medium 130 mounting table 200a carriage 300 head unit 400 irradiation means 420 light beam

JP 2005-125792 A JP, 2005-131924, A

Claims (13)

Ejection means for ejecting a liquid that is cured by light rays onto a recording medium,
Irradiation means for irradiating the discharged liquid with a light beam,
Tensioning means for stretching a flexible film that reflects, transmits or absorbs the light beam,
The stretching means, a stretching member for holding a part of the flexible film,
A fixing member which fixes the tension member to a mounting table on which the recording medium is placed, and which forms an angle with the tension member;
An apparatus for ejecting a liquid, comprising: an angle adjusting member that holds an angle between the stretching member and the fixing member. The tensioning means adjusts the angle between the tensioning member and the fixing member by the angle adjusting member so that the height of the uppermost portion of the flexible film is equal to or lower than the height of the uppermost portion of the recording medium. The device for ejecting the liquid according to claim 1. The apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stretching means is installed so as to be movable on the mounting table. In the stretching means, a part of the flexible film held by the stretching member is a surface of the recording medium excluding a surface on which the liquid is ejected and a facing surface thereof, and an end surface of the recording medium. The apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus moves on the mounting table within a range such that it is adjacent to at least one of the end faces. A winding shaft for winding the side opposite to the side adjacent to the recording medium in the flexible film,
The stretching means is provided between a mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted and the flexible film,
The tension force of the flexible film generated by the rewinding torque of the winding shaft is smaller than the static friction force between the fixing member and the mounting table, and the angle adjusting member holds the angle. The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 1, wherein the device is smaller than the above. A winding shaft for winding the side opposite to the side adjacent to the recording medium in the flexible film,
The device for discharging a liquid according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film can be unwound and wound by the winding shaft. The winding shaft is outside the mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted, and the mounting table is arranged at a position lower than the mounting surface on which the recording medium is mounted,
The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a maximum diameter of the flexible film wound around the winding shaft is lower than that of the placement surface. The device for ejecting a liquid according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film has a characteristic of absorbing the wavelength of the light beam. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film has pores. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film has water repellency with respect to the liquid. 11. The apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film is lowered from a position adjacent to the end surface of the recording medium toward the opposite side. The device for ejecting a liquid according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film is folded on a side opposite to a side adjacent to the recording medium. The flexible film is a surface of the recording medium excluding the surface on which the liquid is ejected and the facing surface thereof, and is arranged on both the end surface of the recording medium and the end surface facing the end surface. The apparatus for ejecting the liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.