Printing apparatus

A printer includes a printing unit that ejects an ink from an inkjet head onto a medium, and a mist suction unit that suctions mist of the ink. The printing unit includes a first inkjet head, and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in a transport direction of the medium. The mist suction unit includes a first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction, a second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction, a first flow path coupling a blower and the first mist suction device, and a second flow path coupling the blower and the second mist suction device. A suction force of the second mist suction device is stronger than a suction force of the first mist suction device.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2021-116348, filed Jul. 14, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

2. Related Art

In related art, a technique for collecting ink mist generated from an inkjet head is known. For example, JP-A-2013-226699 discloses a printer that uses a suction container to collect ink mist floating in a space between an inkjet ejection head and a platen drum. The printer disclosed in JP-A-2013-226699 includes the suction container downstream of each of a plurality of the inkjet heads in a transport direction of a printing medium.

In the printer disclosed in JP-A-2013-226699, the greater an amount of ink ejected, the greater an amount of ink mist generated from the inkjet head. Thus, there is a possibility that some of the ink mist may not be collected by the suction container. The ink mist that is not collected by the suction container flows in the transport direction of the printing medium, and can be collected by the suction container provided further downstream in the transport direction of the printing medium. However, since the number of suction containers capable of collecting the ink mist decreases the further downstream in the transport direction of the printing medium, the further downstream the inkjet head generating the ink mist is disposed, the more likely the ink mist is to be dispersed inside the printer.

SUMMARY

A printing apparatus according to an aspect for solving the problem described above includes a transport unit configured to transport a printing medium, a supporting member configured to support the printing medium transported by the transport unit, a printing unit including an inkjet head and configured to eject an ink from the inkjet head onto the printing medium supported by the supporting member, to print an image on the printing medium, and a mist suction unit configured to suction a mist of the ink. The printing unit includes a first inkjet head, and a second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in a transport direction of the printing medium. The mist suction unit includes a first mist suction unit provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction, a second mist suction unit provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction, a first flow path coupling the first mist suction unit with a suction force generating unit configured to generate a suction force of the first mist suction unit and the second mist suction unit, and a second flow path coupling the suction force generating unit with the second mist suction unit. The suction force of the second mist suction unit is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment will be described.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer1according to the first embodiment.

The printer1corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus.

The printer1is an inkjet printer including an inkjet head31. The printer1ejects an ink onto a medium M wound in a roll shape, to print an image. The printer1receives print data from an external device such as a PC (personal computer), and performs printing based on the received print data. Examples of the type of the medium M include plain paper, fine paper, a synthetic resin film, and the like.

The medium M corresponds to an example of a printing medium.

The printer1includes a transport unit10, a platen drum20, a printing unit30, and a mist suction unit40.

The platen drum20corresponds to an example of a supporting member.

The transport unit10transports the medium M in a transport direction H. The transport unit10includes a feeding unit11that feeds the medium M to the printing unit30, and a winding unit12that takes up the medium M printed by the printing unit30.

The feeding unit11supplies the medium M to the platen drum20. The feeding unit11includes a feeding shaft111, driven rollers112and114, and a feeding roller pair113. The feeding shaft111rotates in the clockwise direction inFIG.1using the power of a feed motor116. A roll body115obtained by repeatedly winding the medium M into a roll shape is mounted on the feeding shaft111, and the medium M is fed from the roll body115by rotation of the feeding shaft111. The driven roller112is provided between the feeding shaft111and the feeding roller pair113in the transport direction H. The medium M fed from the roll body115is wound over the driven roller112. The feeding roller pair113is provided between the driven roller112and the driven roller114in the transport direction H. The feeding roller pair113includes a feeding driving roller113A and a feeding driven roller113B. In a state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the feed driving roller113A and the feeding driven roller113B, the feeding driving roller113A of the feeding roller pair113rotates in the clockwise direction inFIG.1. As a result, the feeding roller pair113supplies the medium M wound over the driven roller112to the platen drum20. The driven roller114is provided between the feeding roller pair113and the platen drum20in the transport direction H. The medium M supplied by the feeding roller pair113to the platen drum20is wound over the driven roller114.

The platen drum20supports the medium M fed from the feeding unit11. The platen drum20is a cylindrical drum that rotates about a rotary shaft21, supports the medium M on the outer circumferential surface thereof, and rotates in the clockwise direction inFIG.1, to transport the medium M in the transport direction H.

The printing unit30prints an image on the medium M supported by the platen drum20using the inkjet head31. The printing unit30includes a plurality of the inkjet heads31having different ink colors, respectively. Each of the inkjet heads31is provided so that a nozzle surface thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20with a predetermined gap provided between the nozzle surface and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20.

Each of the inkjet heads31is a line-type head extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction H of the medium M. The printing unit30according to this embodiment includes the inkjet head31that ejects cyan ink, the inkjet head31that ejects magenta ink, the inkjet head31that ejects yellow ink, and the inkjet head31that ejects black ink.

Hereinafter, the inkjet head31that ejects the cyan ink will be referred to as a “cyan head” and denoted by a reference sign of “311”. Further, the inkjet head31that ejects the magenta ink will be referred to as a “magenta head” and denoted by a reference sign of “312”. Further, the inkjet head31that ejects the yellow ink will be referred to as a “yellow head” and denoted by a reference sign of “313”. Further, the inkjet head31that ejects the black ink will be referred to as a “black head” and denoted by a reference sign of “314”.

The inkjet heads31are provided in the order of the cyan head311, the magenta head312, the yellow head313, and the black head314from upstream to downstream in the transport direction H. The ink ejected by each of the inkjet heads31is a UV (ultraviolet) ink that is cured by being irradiated with UV light. Thus, the printing unit30includes a UV irradiator32.

The UV irradiator32is provided so that an ultraviolet light irradiation surface thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20with a predetermined gap provided between the ultraviolet light irradiation surface and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20. The UV irradiator32is provided between the black head314and the driven roller121in the transport direction H, and cures the inks ejected by the cyan head311, the magenta head312, the yellow head313, and the black head314.

The medium M on which an image is printed by the printing unit30is taken up by the winding unit12.

The winding unit12includes driven rollers121and123, a winding roller pair122, and a winding shaft124. The driven roller121is provided between the platen drum20and the winding roller pair122in the transport direction H, and the medium M on which the image is printed by the printing unit30is wound over the driven roller121. The winding roller pair122is provided between the driven roller121and the driven roller123in the transport direction H. The winding roller pair122includes a winding driving roller122A and a winding driven roller122B. In a state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the winding driving roller122A and the winding driven roller122B, the winding driving roller122A of the winding roller pair122rotates in the clockwise direction inFIG.1. As a result, the winding roller pair122supplies the medium M wound over the driven roller121to the winding shaft124. The driven roller123is provided between the winding roller pair122and the winding shaft124in the transport direction H, and the medium M supplied by the winding roller pair122is wound over the driven roller123. The winding shaft124rotates in the clockwise direction inFIG.1using the power of a winding motor126. A roll body125is mounted on the winding shaft124, and by rotating the roll body125, the medium M is wound around the roll body125.

The mist suction unit40suctions ink mist generated by the inkjet head31using a mist suction device41. The number of mist suction devices41included in the mist suction unit40corresponds to the number of inkjet heads31. The mist suction device41is coupled to a mist suction pipe42, which is coupled to a blower50. The mist suction pipe42forms a flow path through which the ink mist flows from the mist suction device41toward the blower50. A mist suction opening through which the ink mist is suctioned is formed in the mist suction device41. The mist suction device41suctions the ink mist via the mist suction opening using a suction force generated by the blower50. The blower50includes a fan51. The blower50rotates the fan51to generate the suction force of the mist suction device41. The blower50generates the same suction force for each of the mist suction devices41.

The mist suction unit40includes a cyan mist suction device411and a cyan mist suction pipe421. The cyan mist suction device411is the mist suction device41provided corresponding to the cyan head311. The cyan suction pipe421is the mist suction pipe42that forms a flow path coupling the cyan mist suction device411and the blower50. The cyan mist suction device411is provided between the cyan head311and the magenta head312in the transport direction H. A mist suction opening is formed in the cyan mist suction device411. The cyan mist suction device411is provided so that the mist suction opening thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20, and is configured to suction ink mist generated by the cyan head311. The ink mist suctioned by the cyan mist suction device411is collected in the blower50via the flow path formed by the cyan suction pipe421.

The mist suction unit40includes a magenta mist suction device412and a magenta mist suction pipe422. The magenta mist suction device412is the mist suction device41provided corresponding to the magenta head312. The magenta suction pipe422is the mist suction pipe42that forms a flow path coupling the magenta mist suction device412and the blower50. The magenta mist suction device412is provided between the magenta head312and the yellow head313in the transport direction H. A mist suction opening is formed in the magenta mist suction device412. The magenta mist suction device412is provided so that the mist suction opening thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20, and is configured to suction ink mist generated by the cyan head311and the magenta head312. The ink mist suctioned by the magenta mist suction device412is collected in the blower50via the flow path formed by the magenta suction pipe422.

The mist suction unit40includes a yellow mist suction device413and a yellow mist suction pipe423. The yellow mist suction device413is the mist suction device41provided corresponding to the yellow head313. The yellow suction pipe423is the mist suction pipe42that forms a flow path coupling the yellow mist suction device413and the blower50. The yellow mist suction device413is provided between the yellow head313and the black head314in the transport direction H. A mist suction opening is formed in the yellow mist suction device413. The yellow mist suction device413is provided so that the mist suction opening thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20, and is configured to suction ink mist generated by the cyan head311, the magenta head312, and the yellow head313. The ink mist suctioned by the yellow mist suction device413is collected in the blower50via the flow path formed by the yellow suction pipe423.

The mist suction unit40includes a black mist suction device414and a black mist suction pipe424. The black mist suction device414is the mist suction device41provided corresponding to the black head314. The black suction pipe424is the mist suction pipe42that forms a flow path coupling the black mist suction device414and the blower50. The black mist suction device414is provided between the black head314and the UV irradiator32in the transport direction H. A mist suction opening is formed in the black mist suction device414. The black mist suction device414is provided so that the mist suction opening thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20, and is configured to suction ink mist generated by the cyan head311, the magenta head312, the yellow head313, and the black head314. The ink mist suctioned by the black mist suction device414is collected in the blower50via the flow path formed by the black suction pipe424.

In the first embodiment, each of the mist suction opening of the cyan mist suction device411, the mist suction opening of the magenta mist suction device412, the mist suction opening of the yellow mist suction device413, and the mist suction opening of the black mist suction device414has the same shape and opening area. Further, in the first embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has the same inner diameter, which is uniform from the front end to the rear end thereof.

Further, in the first embodiment, the length of the black mist suction pipe424is shorter than the length of the yellow mist suction pipe423, the length of the yellow mist suction pipe423is shorter than the length of the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the length of the magenta mist suction pipe422is shorter than the length of the cyan mist suction pipe421. In other words, the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424is shorter than the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423, the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423is shorter than the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422is shorter than the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction pipe421. Thus, in the first embodiment, a pressure loss of the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424is smaller than a pressure loss of the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423. Further, in the first embodiment, the pressure loss of the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423is smaller than a pressure loss of the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422. Further, in the first embodiment, the pressure loss of the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422is smaller than a pressure loss of the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction pipe421. In other words, in the first embodiment, the further downstream in the transport direction H the mist suction device41is disposed, the greater the air flow rate thereof for suctioning the ink mist.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the printer1.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the printer1includes a control unit60, the transport unit10, the printing unit30, the blower50, a communication unit70, an input unit80, and a display unit90.

The control unit60includes a processor600that executes a program of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), or the like, and a memory610. The control unit60controls each unit of the printer1by reading and executing a control program611stored in the memory610. The processor600executes the control program611stored in the memory610, and functions as a communication control unit601, a blower control unit602, and a printing control unit603.

The memory610stores the control program610, other programs to be executed by the processor600, and data to be processed by the processor600. The memory610includes a non-volatile storage area. Further, the memory610may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area of the processor600.

The transport unit10includes the feeding unit11and the winding unit12. The feeding unit11includes the feeding motor116, the feeding shaft111, the driven rollers112and114, and the feeding roller pair113. The winding unit12includes the winding motor126, the winding shaft124, the driven rollers123and121, and the winding roller pair122.

The printing unit30includes the inkjet heads31of the four colors and the UV irradiator32.

The blower50rotates the fan51in accordance with control of the control unit60to generate the suction force of each of the mist suction devices41.

The communication unit70is a communication interface including a communication circuit, a connector, and the like, and communicates with an external device in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard of the communication unit70may be a wired communication standard or a wireless communication standard.

The input unit80includes an input portion such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided in the printer1, and detects an operation on the input portion by a user, and outputs detected information to the control unit60. Based on the input from the input unit80, the control unit60performs processing corresponding to the operation on the input portion.

The display unit90includes a display, and displays information on the display in accordance with control of the control unit60.

As described above, the processor600functions as the communication control unit601, the blower control unit602, and the printing control unit603.

The communication control unit601communicates with the external device via the communication unit70.

The blower control unit602controls the driving of the blower50. The blower control unit602starts the driving of the blower50, and also stops the blower50. The blower control unit602changes the rotational speed of the fan51to change the suction force generated by the blower50, in accordance with printing conditions such as the printing speed, an amount of ink ejected per unit time, and the like.

The printing control unit603controls the transport unit10and the printing unit30to print an image on the medium M.

FIG.3is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printer1.

The printing control unit603determines whether or not to start printing (step SA1).

For example, when the communication control unit601has received the print data from the external device, the printing control unit603makes a positive determination at step SA1. Further, for example, when the input unit80has detected an operation corresponding to a printing instruction, the printing control unit603makes a positive determination at step SA1.

When the printing control unit603determines not to start the printing (NO at step SA1), a determination is made again at step SA1.

On the other hand, when the printing control unit603determines to start the printing (YES at step SA1), the blower control unit602starts driving the blower50(step SA2). The blower control unit602rotates the fan51at a rotational speed per unit time corresponding to the printing conditions.

Subsequently, when the blower control unit602starts the driving of the blower50, the printing control unit603starts the printing (step SA3).

Subsequently, the printing control unit603determines whether or not to end the printing (step SA4).

For example, when various data included in the print data have been all processed, the printing control unit603makes a positive determination at step SA4, and if unprocessed data are included in the print data, the printing control unit603makes a negative determination at step SA4.

When the printing control unit603determines not to end the printing (NO at step SA4), a determination is made again at step SA4.

On the other hand, when the printing control unit603determines to end the printing (YES at step SA4), the blower control unit602stops the driving of the blower50(step SA5).

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

A first inkjet head, a second inkjet head, and a third inkjet head, which will be used for describing the effects of the first embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific inkjet heads31. For example, when the first inkjet head refers to the magenta head312, the second inkjet head refers to the yellow head313, and the third inkjet head refers to the black head314. Further, for example, when the first inkjet head refers to the cyan head311, the second inkjet head refers to the magenta head312, and the third inkjet head refers to the yellow head313.

Further, a first mist suction device, a second mist suction device, and a third mist suction device, which will be used for describing the effects of the first embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific mist suction devices41. For example, when the first mist suction device refers to the magenta mist suction device412, the second mist suction device refers to the yellow mist suction device413, and the third mist suction device refers to the black mist suction device414. Further, for example, when the first mist suction device refers to the cyan mist suction device411, the second mist suction device refers to the magenta mist suction device412, and the third mist suction device refers to the yellow mist suction device413.

The first mist suction device corresponds to an example of a first mist suction unit. The second mist suction device corresponds to an example of a second mist suction unit. The third mist suction device corresponds to an example of a third mist suction unit.

Further, a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the first embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific flow paths formed by the mist suction pipes42. For example, when the first flow path refers to the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, the second flow path refers to the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the third flow path refers to the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424. Further, for example, when the first flow path refers to the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction pipe421, the second flow path refers to the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the third flow path refers to the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423.

As described above, the printer1according to the first embodiment includes the transport unit10that transports the medium M, the platen drum20that supports the medium M transported by the transport unit10, the printing unit30that includes the inkjet heads31and ejects the inks from the inkjet heads31to print an image on the medium M supported by the platen drum20, and the mist suction unit40that suctions the ink mist. The printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. The mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. The suction force of the second mist suction device is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction device.

Accordingly, the suction force of the mist suction device41provided downstream in the transport direction H is stronger than the suction force of the mist suction device41provided upstream in the transport direction H. Thus, the printer1can increase a possibility that the downstream mist suction device41can suction the ink mist that has not been suctioned by the upstream mist suction device41. Further, the printer1can increase a possibility that the ink mist generated from the inkjet head31provided downstream can be suctioned by the mist suction device41provided further downstream of that inkjet head31. Thus, the printer1can suppress generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41, and can thus suppress dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1.

A pressure loss of the second flow path is smaller than a pressure loss of the first flow path.

Accordingly, since the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided upstream in the transport direction H, it is possible to suppress the generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41. Thus, the printer1can suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1using a simple configuration in which the pressure losses are different in the different flow paths.

The length of the second flow path is shorter than the length of the first flow path.

Accordingly, since the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided upstream in the transport direction H, it is possible to suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1using the simple configuration in which the pressure losses are different in the different flow paths.

The printing unit30includes the third inkjet head provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H. The second mist suction unit is provided between the second inkjet head and the third inkjet head in the transport direction H. The mist suction unit40includes the third mist suction device provided downstream of the third inkjet head and configured to suction the ink mist, and the third flow path coupling the blower50, which generates the suction force of the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, and the third mist suction device. The suction force of the third mist suction device is stronger than the suction force of the second mist suction device.

Accordingly, the further downstream the mist suction device41is disposed in the transport direction H, the stronger the suction force thereof becomes. Thus, it is possible to further increase a possibility that the mist suction devices41can suction the ink mist flowing downstream in the transport direction H. Thus, the printer1can further suppress the generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41, and can further suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1.

The printer1includes the blower50.

Accordingly, the printer1can suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1without changing the control method of the blower50provided therein.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

When a component of the printer1according to the second embodiment shares the same configuration with the component of the first embodiment, that component will be denoted by the same reference sign, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer1according to the second embodiment.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the inner diameters of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424.

In the first embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has the same inner diameter. In the second embodiment, the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424have different inner diameters from each other, respectively. In other words, in the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the mist suction pipe42is different for each of the mist suction pipes42.

In the second embodiment, the inner diameter of the black mist suction pipe424is greater than the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction pipe423, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction pipe423is greater than the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction pipe422is greater than the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction pipe421. In other words, in the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424is greater than the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423, the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423is greater than the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422is greater than the cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction pipe421.

In the second embodiment, each of the mist suction opening included in the cyan mist suction device411, the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412, the mist suction opening included in the yellow mist suction device413, and the mist suction opening included in the black mist suction device414has the same shape and opening area. Further, in the second embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has a uniform inner diameter from the front end to the rear end thereof Note that, in the second embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has the same length. In other words, in the second embodiment, each of the flow path formed by the cyan suction pipe421, the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424has the same length.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which will be used for describing the effects of the second embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific inkjet heads31, in the same manner as the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head used for describing the effects of the first embodiment.

Further, the first mist suction unit and the second mist suction unit, which will be used for describing the effects of the second embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific mist suction devices41, in the same manner as the first mist suction unit and the second mist suction unit used for describing the effects of the first embodiment.

Further, the first flow path and the second flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the second embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific flow paths formed by the mist suction pipes42. in the same manner as the first flow path and the second flow path used for describing the effects of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the second embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, and the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. In the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the second flow path is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path.

Accordingly, since the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided upstream in the transport direction H, it is possible to suppress the generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41. Thus, the printer1according to the second embodiment can suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1using a simple configuration in which the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths are different from each other.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

When a component of the printer1according to the third embodiment shares the same configuration with the component of the first embodiment, that component will be denoted by the same reference sign, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the sizes of the mist suction openings.

In the first embodiment, each of the mist suction opening included in the cyan mist suction device411, the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412, the mist suction opening included in the yellow mist suction device413, and the mist suction opening included in the black mist suction device414has the same shape and opening area. In the third embodiment, the opening area of the mist suction opening is different for each of the cyan mist suction device411, the magenta mist suction device412, the yellow mist suction device413, and the black mist suction device414. In other words, in the third embodiment, the size of the mist suction opening is different for each of the cyan mist suction device411, the magenta mist suction device412, the yellow mist suction device413, and the black mist suction device414.

In the third embodiment, the mist suction opening included in the black mist suction device414is larger than the mist suction opening included in the yellow mist suction device413, the mist suction opening included in the yellow mist suction device413is larger than the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412, and the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412is larger than the mist suction opening included in the cyan mist suction device411.

Further, in the third embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has a uniform inner diameter from the front end to the rear end thereof. In the third embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has the same inner diameter. In the third embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has the same length. In other words, in the third embodiment, each of the flow path formed by the cyan suction pipe421, the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, the flow path formed by the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the flow path formed by the black mist suction pipe424has the same length.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

Each of the first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, the first flow path, and the second flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the third embodiment does not refer to any specific object, in the same manner as in the description of the effects of the first embodiment.

Also, a first opening and a second opening, which will be used for describing the effects of the third embodiment do not refer to any of the specific mist suction openings formed in the mist suction devices41. For example, when the first opening refers to the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412, the second opening refers to the mist suction opening formed in the yellow mist suction device413. Further, for example, when the first opening refers to the mist suction opening formed in the yellow mist suction device413, the second opening refers to the mist suction opening formed in the black mist suction device414.

In the third embodiment, the printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. Further, in the third embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, and the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. The first mist suction device has the first opening through which the ink mist is suctioned. The second mist suction device has the second opening through which the ink mist is suctioned. In the third embodiment, the second opening is larger than the first opening.

As a result, the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided downstream in the transport direction H is greater than the air flow rate of the suction of the mist suction device41provided upstream in the transport direction H. Thus, the printer1can suppress the generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41. Thus, the printer1according to the third embodiment can suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1using a simple configuration in which the sizes of the mist suction openings are different from each other.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

When a component of the printer1according to the fourth embodiment shares the same configuration with the component of the first embodiment, that component will be denoted by the same reference sign, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer1according to the fourth embodiment.

As is clear from a comparison betweenFIG.5andFIG.1, the printer1according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a valve43in each of the mist suction pipes42. The valve43is an opening/closing valve, and controls the flow rate of the flow path formed by the mist suction pipe42installed in the printer1.

In the following description, the valve43provided at the cyan mist suction pipe421will be referred to as a “cyan mist suction control valve” and denoted by a reference sign of “431”. Further, the valve43provided at the magenta mist suction pipe422will be referred to as a “magenta mist suction control valve” and denoted by a reference sign of “432”. Further, the valve43provided at the yellow mist suction pipe423will be referred to as a “yellow mist suction control valve” and denoted by a reference sign of “433”. Further, the valve43provided at the black mist suction pipe424will be referred to as a “black mist suction control valve” and denoted by a reference sign of “434”.

An opening/closing amount of each of the cyan mist suction control valve431, the magenta mist suction control valve432, the yellow mist suction control valve433, and the black mist suction control valve434is adjusted by the control unit60.

In the fourth embodiment, each of the mist suction opening included in the cyan mist suction device411, the mist suction opening included in the magenta mist suction device412, the mist suction opening included in the yellow mist suction device413, and the mist suction opening included in the black mist suction device414has the same shape and opening area. In the fourth embodiment, each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has a uniform inner diameter from the front end to the rear end thereof Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction pipe422, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the inner diameter of the black mist suction pipe424are all the same. In the fourth embodiment, the length of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the length of the magenta mist suction pipe422, the length of the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the length of the black mist suction pipe424are the same as each other.

FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the printer1according to the fourth embodiment.

As is clear from a comparison betweenFIG.6andFIG.2, the processor600according to the fourth embodiment functions as the communication control unit601, the blower control unit602, the printing control unit603, and a valve control unit604.

The valve control unit604controls the opening/closing amount of each of the cyan mist suction control valve431, the magenta mist suction control valve432, the yellow mist suction control valve433, and the black mist suction control valve434. The valve control unit604controls the opening/closing amount of each of the cyan mist suction control valve431, the magenta mist suction control valve432, the yellow mist suction control valve433, and the black mist suction control valve434at predetermined timings, such as before starting the printing, when the power is turned on, and the like. The valve control unit604causes the opening/closing amount of the magenta mist suction control valve432to be greater than the opening/closing amount of the cyan mist suction control valve431. Further, the valve control unit604causes the opening/closing amount of the yellow mist suction control valve433to be greater than the opening/closing amount of the magenta mist suction control valve432. Further, the valve control unit604causes the opening/closing amount of the black mist suction control valve434to be greater than the opening/closing amount of the yellow mist suction control valve433.

According to the fourth embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

Each of the first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, the first flow path, and the second flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the fourth embodiment does not refer to any specific object, in the same manner as in the description of the effects of the first embodiment.

Further, a first valve and a second valve, which will be used for describing the effects of the fourth embodiment do not refer to any of the specific valves43. For example, when the first valve refers to the magenta mist suction control valve432, the second valve refers to the yellow mist suction control valve433. Further, for example, when the first valve refers to the cyan mist suction control valve431, the second valve refers to the magenta mist suction control valve432.

In the fourth embodiment, the printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the fourth embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, and the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. In the fourth embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first valve provided at the first flow path and the second valve provided at the second flow path. The printer1according to the fourth embodiment includes the control unit60that causes the opening/closing amount of the second valve to be greater than the opening/closing amount of the first valve.

As a result, the printer1according to the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the printer1according to the first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer1according to a fifth embodiment.

As is clear from a comparison betweenFIG.7andFIG.1, the printing unit30of the printer1according to the fifth embodiment includes the inkjet head31that ejects white ink. Hereinafter, the inkjet head31that ejects the white ink will be referred to as a “white head” and denoted by a reference sign of “315”.

In the fifth embodiment, the white head315corresponds to an example of the third inkjet head.

The white head315is a line-type head similar to the other inkjet heads31. The white head315is provided so that a nozzle surface thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20with a predetermined gap provided between the nozzle surface and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20. Further, the white head315is provided upstream of the cyan head311in the transport direction H. The ink ejected by the white head315is a UV ink.

The printing unit30according to the fifth embodiment includes a UV irradiator33.

The UV irradiator33is provided so that a ultraviolet light irradiation surface thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20with a predetermined gap provided between the ultraviolet light irradiation surface and the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20. The UV irradiator33is provided between the white head315and the cyan head311in the transport direction H, and cures the ink ejected by the white head315.

The mist suction unit40according to the fifth embodiment further includes a white mist suction device415and a white mist suction pipe425, in addition to the mist suction devices41and the mist suction pipes42of the first embodiment. The white mist suction device415is the mist suction device41provided corresponding to the white head315. The white suction pipe425is the mist suction pipe42that forms a flow path coupling the white mist suction device415and the blower50. The white mist suction device415is provided between the white head315and the UV irradiator33in the transport direction H. A mist suction opening is formed in the white mist suction device415. The white mist suction device415is provided so that the mist suction opening thereof faces the outer circumferential surface of the platen drum20, and configured to suction ink mist generated by the white head315. The ink mist suctioned by the white mist suction device415is collected in the blower50via the flow path formed by the white suction pipe425.

In the fifth embodiment, the white mist suction device415corresponds to an example of the third mist suction unit. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the flow path formed by the white mist suction pipe425corresponds to an example of the third flow path.

In the fifth embodiment, each of the mist suction openings included in each of the mist suction devices41has the same shape and opening area. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the length of the white mist suction pipe425, the length of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the length of the magenta mist suction pipe422, the length of the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the length of the black mist suction pipe424are the same as each other. Further, in the fifth embodiment, each of the white mist suction pipe425, the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the black mist suction pipe424has a uniform inner diameter from the front end to the rear end thereof

In the fifth embodiment, the inner diameter of the black mist suction pipe424is greater than the inner diameter of each of the white mist suction pipe425, the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the yellow mist suction pipe423. Further, the inner diameter of the white mist suction pipe425is greater than the inner diameter of each of the cyan mist suction pipe421, the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the yellow mist suction pipe423. Further, the inner diameter of the yellow mist suction pipe423is greater than the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction pipe422, and the inner diameter of the magenta mist suction pipe422is greater than the inner diameter of the cyan mist suction pipe421.

The white head315is the inkjet head31that prints a background image on the medium M. The background image is an underlying image for the image printed by the inkjet heads31other than the white head315. The background image is often printed over a wider area than the image printed by the inkjet heads31other than the white head315. Thus, an amount of ink ejected per unit time by the white head315is greater than an amount of ink ejected per unit time by each of the inkjet heads31other than the white head315. Therefore, by causing the suction force of the white mist suction device415to be stronger than that of each of the cyan mist suction unit411, the magenta mist suction device412, and the yellow mist suction device413, it is possible to suppress the white ink mist from flowing downstream in the transport direction H.

Note that, in the fifth embodiment, as a method for causing the suction forces of the mist suction devices41to be different from each other, a method of causing the inner diameters of the mist suction pipes42to be different from each other is exemplified. However, the method for causing the suction forces of the mist suction devices41to be different from each other may be a method of causing the lengths of the mist suction pipes42to be different from each other, or a method of causing the sizes of the mist suction openings of the mist suction devices41to be different from each other.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which will be used for describing the effects of the fifth embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific inkjet heads31, and each refers to one of the inkjet heads31other than the white head315.

Further, each of the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, the first flow path, and the second flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the fifth embodiment does not refer to any specific object, in the same manner as in the description of the effects of the first embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the fifth embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, and the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. The suction force of the second mist suction device is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction device. The printing unit30according to the fifth embodiment further includes the white head315. The mist suction unit40according to the fifth embodiment further includes the white mist suction device415provided between the white head315and the first inkjet head and configured to suction the ink mist, and the flow path formed by the white mist suction pipe425coupling the blower50and the white mist suction device415. The suction force of the white mist suction device415is weaker than the suction force of the second mist suction device and stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction device. The amount of ink ejected by the white head315is greater than the amount of ink ejected by each of the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head.

Accordingly, even when a configuration is adopted in which a large amount of the ink mist may flow from upstream in the transport direction H, it is possible to suppress the generation of the ink mist that is not suctioned by the mist suction devices41. Further, it is possible to suppress the ink mist generated by the white head315from flowing downstream of the white head315and attaching to the printing medium or the other inkjet heads31. Thus, even when the configuration is adopted in which a large amount of the ink mist may flow from upstream in the transport direction H, the printer1can suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1, and can also ensure the printing quality.

Sixth Embodiment

When a component of the printer1according to a sixth embodiment shares the same configuration with the component of the first embodiment, that component will be denoted by the same reference sign, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The printer1according to the first embodiment is configured such that the suction force for suctioning the ink mist becomes stronger in the order of the cyan mist suction device411, the magenta mist suction device412, the yellow mist suction device413, and the black mist suction device414. In the printer1according to the sixth embodiment, at least two of the mist suction units41of the cyan mist suction device411, the magenta mist suction device412, and the yellow mist suction device413have the same suction force. Further, in the printer1according to the sixth embodiment, the mist suction device41provided downstream of the mist suction devices41having the same suction force has a stronger suction force than that of the mist suction devices41having the same suction force.

In the sixth embodiment, the suction force of the mist suction device41is determined based on at least one of the length of the mist suction pipe42, the inner diameter of the mist suction pipe42, and the size of the mist suction opening formed in the mist suction device41.

According to the sixth embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

The first inkjet head, the second inkjet head, and the third inkjet head, which will be used for describing the effects of the sixth embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific inkjet heads31. For example, when the first inkjet head refers to the magenta head312, the second inkjet head refers to the black head314or the yellow head313, and the third inkjet head refers to the cyan head311.

Further, the first mist suction device, the second mist suction device, and the third mist suction device, which will be used for describing the effects of the sixth embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific mist suction devices41. For example, when the first mist suction device refers to the magenta mist suction device412, the second mist suction device refers to the black mist suction device414or the yellow mist suction device413, and the third mist suction device refers to the cyan mist suction device411.

Further, the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path, which will be used for describing the effects of the sixth embodiment, do not refer to any of the specific flow paths formed by the mist suction pipes. For example, when the first flow path refers to the flow path formed by the magenta mist suction pipe422, the second flow path refers to the flow path formed by the back mist suction pipe424or the yellow mist suction pipe423, and the third flow path refers to the flow path formed by the cyan mist suction pipe421.

In the sixth embodiment, the printing unit30includes the first inkjet head, and the second inkjet head provided downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H of the medium M. In the sixth embodiment, the mist suction unit40includes the first mist suction device provided between the first inkjet head and the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, and the second mist suction device provided downstream of the second inkjet head in the transport direction H, the first flow path coupling the blower50and the first mist suction device, and the second flow path coupling the blower50and the second mist suction device. The suction force of the second mist suction device is stronger than the suction force of the first mist suction device. The printing unit30further includes the third inkjet head provided upstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction H. The mist suction unit40according to the sixth embodiment includes the third mist suction device provided between the third inkjet head and the first inkjet head in the transport direction H and configured to suction the ink mist, and the third flow path coupling the blower50, which generates the suction force of the third mist suction device, and the third mist suction device. In the sixth embodiment, the suction force of the third mist suction device is the same as the suction force of the first mist suction device.

Accordingly, since the suction force of the mist suction device41provided downstream of the mist suction devices41having the same suction force is greater than the suction force of the mist suction devices41having the same suction force, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, even when a configuration is adopted in which the plurality of mist suction devices41having the same suction force are provided, it is possible to suppress the dispersion of the ink mist inside the printer1.

Each of the embodiments described above is merely a specific example to which the present disclosure is applied. The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations in the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

Each of the embodiments described above has the configuration in which the printer1includes the blower50. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the printer1does not include the blower50, and the ink mist is collected by the blower50that is installed outside the printer1.

In each of the embodiments described above, the blower50is exemplified as a suction force generating unit. However, the suction force generating unit is not limited to the blower50, as long as the suction force generating unit can generate the suction force of the mist suction device41.

In each of the embodiments described above, as the printing apparatus, the printer1is exemplified in which the medium M is supported by the platen drum20. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to this type of printer1. The printing apparatus may be a printing apparatus that includes, as the supporting member, a platen that supports the medium M by flattening the medium M to cause the medium M to be placed perpendicular to an ink ejection direction of the inkjet head31. Further, the printing apparatus is not limited to the printing apparatus that performs the printing on the roll-shaped medium M, but may be a printing apparatus that performs the printing on a printing medium that does not have the roll shape, such as cut paper or cloth.

In each of the embodiments described above, the feeding unit11and the winding unit12may further include one or a plurality of rollers. The rollers further included in the feeding unit11and the winding unit12may be driving rollers, driven rollers, or both the driving roller and the driven roller.

In the fifth embodiment, the white head315is exemplified as the inkjet head31that prints the background image, but the inkjet head31that prints the background image may be the inkjet head31that ejects an ink of a color other than white.

In each of the embodiments described above, the cyan head311, the magenta head312, the yellow head313, and the black head314are exemplified as the inkjet heads31that print the image other than the background image. However, the printer1may have a configuration in which the inkjet head31that ejects an ink of a color other than CMYK is provided. When the inkjet head31that ejects the ink of the color other than CMYK is provided, the printer1includes, for each of the inkjet heads31, the mist suction device41provided downstream of the inkjet head31in the transport direction H.

The communication control unit601, the blower control unit602, the printing control unit603, and the valve control unit604may be implemented by a plurality of processors or a plurality of semiconductor chips.

Each functional unit illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.6is merely an example, and a specific implementation mode is not particularly limited. In other words, hardware individually corresponding to each of the functional units need not necessarily be implemented, and as a matter of course, a configuration is possible in which a single processor executes a program to enable a function of each of the functional units. Further, in the embodiments described above, some of the functions enabled by software may be enabled by hardware, or some of the functions enabled by hardware may be enabled by software. In addition, specific detailed configurations of other functional units of the printer1may also be modified as desired.

Units of the steps of the operation in the flowchart illustrated inFIG.3are obtained by dividing the operation in accordance with a main processing content to facilitate the understanding of the operation. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by a method of dividing the processing into processing units, or by the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, the processing may be further divided into a greater number of step units. Further, one step unit may be divided so as to include a plurality of processes. Further, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, appropriate replacements or combinations may be made to the technical features in the exemplary embodiments which correspond to the technical features in the aspects described in the SUMMARY section to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the advantageous effects described above. Additionally, when the technical features are not described herein as essential technical features, such technical features may be deleted appropriately.