JP5480271B2 - Droplet ejection apparatus and droplet ejection method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a droplet discharge device that adheres to a medium by discharging droplets from a droplet discharge unit, and a droplet discharge method thereof.

  As an example of the droplet discharge device, a device for manufacturing a color filter for a color liquid crystal panel or a printer head arranged so as to face the platen is moved left and right with respect to a medium supported by the platen. Ink jet printers (hereinafter referred to as printers) that eject ink and print on a medium are conventionally known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that performs printing on a medium placed on a platen by ejecting ink while moving a printer head along a guide rail.

  One example of the printer is one that performs printing using ultraviolet curable ink (hereinafter referred to as UV ink) that cures when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Since UV ink is excellent in weather resistance and water resistance, it is possible to use the printed matter for outdoor advertising flyers, for example, and the use of the printed matter is greatly expanded compared to the case of using the water-soluble ink. There is. In addition, water-soluble ink penetrates into the medium and cures, whereas UV ink cures on the surface without penetrating into the medium. There is also an advantage that printing is possible. For these reasons, printing using UV ink is being widely performed in the industrial field.

  In recent years, there has been a demand for printing using UV ink on the surface of not only sheet-like media but also various three-dimensional shapes. When printing on a medium having such a three-dimensional shape, the posture is unstable simply by placing the medium on the platen, and it is difficult for the printer to accurately recognize the position of the medium with respect to the platen. . For this reason, conventionally, an operator has placed a jig capable of holding a medium with the position accurately aligned with a reference position of a bed in a flat bed type printer, for example. Thereafter, by placing the medium on the jig, the medium can be stably held and the position of the medium with respect to the bed can be accurately recognized.

JP 2005-45644 A

  By the way, when placing the jig on the bed as described above, the operator needs to carefully place the jig in accordance with the reference position of the bed. For example, the jig is once placed on the bed, and the position of the jig is gradually shifted so as to coincide with the reference position, and finally coincide with the reference position. Therefore, extra work time is required for this placement work, and there is a problem that work efficiency is likely to be lowered. In addition, since the placement work is performed manually by the operator, there is a problem that an attempt to improve the print quality by matching the reference position with higher accuracy leads to an increase in the work burden on the operator. Furthermore, in the case where printing is performed at a time while holding different media in different sizes and shapes on different jigs, there is also a problem that it is difficult to recognize the jig type and the position on the bed in correspondence. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and improves the working efficiency and reduces the work burden on the operator, and the liquid drop ejecting apparatus capable of printing on various shapes of the medium, and the liquid drops thereof An object is to provide a discharge method.

  In order to achieve the above object, a droplet discharge device according to the present invention is a base member (for example, vacuum in the embodiment) that can support a holding table (for example, a jig in the embodiment) that holds the medium in a predetermined medium holding position. A table 13), droplet discharge means for discharging droplets (for example, the printer head 32 in the embodiment), and the medium held on the holding table in a state where the holding table is supported by the base member. In a droplet discharge apparatus (for example, a printer in the embodiment) having a relative movement unit (for example, a left-right movement mechanism or a back-and-forth movement mechanism in the embodiment) that moves the droplet discharge unit relative to the medium Holding table information for specifying the holding table (for example, barcodes 61, 61a, 352, 356, RFID tag, IC chip, magnetic in the embodiment) A holding table information acquisition means (for example, a registration mark detection unit 34 in the embodiment), which acquires tripe, information stored or tied to the heat sensitive sheet) and acquires support position information related to the support position of the holding table in the base member. 134, bar code detectors 35 and 335, RFID reader, IC chip reader, magnetic head, CCD camera), information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquisition means, Based on the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition unit and information on a desired pattern, movement control of the droplet discharge unit by the relative movement unit and droplet discharge control from the droplet discharge unit are performed. The liquid in the desired pattern on the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position. Ejection control means of attaching (e.g., the controller 22 in the embodiment), characterized in that it comprises a.

  The droplet discharge device according to the present invention includes a base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharging means for discharging droplets, and the holding table supporting the base member. In a liquid droplet ejection apparatus having relative movement means for moving the liquid droplet ejection means relative to the medium so as to face the medium held on the holding base in a state of being held, Holding table information acquisition means (for example, the embodiment) for acquiring holding table information (for example, information stored or linked to the barcode 61, 61a, 352, 356, RFID tag, IC chip, magnetic stripe, thermal sheet in the embodiment) Bar code detectors 35, 335, RFID reader, IC chip reader, magnetic head, CCD camera) and the holding table information acquisition means Based on the information on the holding table specified by the holding table information and the information on the desired pattern, the movement control of the droplet discharge unit by the relative movement unit and the discharge control of the droplet from the droplet discharge unit And a discharge control means for attaching droplets in the desired pattern to the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position.

  The droplet discharge device according to the present invention includes a base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharging means for discharging droplets, and the holding table supporting the base member. In a liquid droplet ejection apparatus having relative movement means for moving the liquid droplet ejection means relative to the medium so as to face the medium held on the holding table in a state of being held, Holding table information acquisition means (for example, registration mark detectors 34 and 134 in the embodiment) for acquiring support position information related to the support position, the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition means, and information on a desired pattern Based on the above, the movement control of the droplet discharge unit by the relative movement unit and the discharge control of the droplet from the droplet discharge unit are performed, and the predetermined medium holding position is maintained. Characterized in that it comprises a discharge control means for depositing droplets in the desired pattern on the surface of the medium that is.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide the information reading means which reads the said holding stand information provided in the said holding stand.

  The base member is provided with positioning holding means (for example, a positioning member in the embodiment) for positioning and holding the holding table at a predetermined support position, and the holding table is positioned and held by the positioning holding means. It is preferable that the support position information is acquired based on the position of the holding table.

  A reference mark (for example, the first registration mark 62a, the second registration mark 62b, the third registration mark 62c, and the fourth registration mark 64d in the embodiment) for obtaining the support position information is provided on the holding table, and the holding It is also preferable that the platform information acquisition means is configured to detect the reference mark and acquire the support position information.

  The holding table information includes at least one of information for specifying the type of the holding table, position information indicating a holding position of the medium on the holding table, medium arrangement information, quantity information, size information, and shape information. It is preferably included.

  In the above-described droplet discharge device, the holding table has a hollow portion inside and is configured in a box shape, and the hollow portion is a suction unit (for example, capable of applying a negative pressure to the hollow portion) A suction hole that is connected to the supply / discharge blower 14) in the embodiment and communicates with the hollow portion is formed in a portion of the holding base that is out of the medium holding position, and the hollow portion is formed in the suction hole by the suction means. It is preferable to generate an air flow that flows toward

  The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharging means for discharging a droplet, and the holding table supporting the base member. In this state, the droplet discharge method is performed using a droplet discharge device having a relative movement unit that moves the droplet discharge unit relative to the medium so as to face the medium held on the holding table. The holding table information for identifying the holding table is acquired, and the holding table information acquisition step for acquiring the support position information related to the support position of the holding table in the base member, and the holding table information acquisition step. Based on the information on the holding table specified by the held table information, the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step, and information on a desired pattern. Then, the movement control of the droplet discharge means by the relative movement means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed, and the desired pattern is formed on the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position. And a discharge control step of attaching droplets.

  The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharging means for discharging a droplet, and the holding table supporting the base member. In this state, the droplet discharge method is performed using a droplet discharge device having a relative movement unit that moves the droplet discharge unit relative to the medium so as to face the medium held on the holding table. Holding table information acquisition step for acquiring holding table information for specifying the holding table, information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step, and a desired pattern On the basis of the information on the medium, the movement of the droplet discharge means by the relative movement means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed, and the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position Characterized in that it comprises in the desired pattern on the surface and a discharge control step of depositing the droplets.

  The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharging means for discharging a droplet, and the holding table supporting the base member. In this state, the droplet discharge method is performed using a droplet discharge device having a relative movement unit that moves the droplet discharge unit relative to the medium so as to face the medium held on the holding table. Based on the holding table information acquisition step for acquiring support position information related to the support position of the holding table in the base member, the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step, and information on a desired pattern The movement control of the droplet discharge means by the relative movement means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed, and the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position is controlled. Serial characterized in that it comprises a discharge control step of depositing the droplets in a desired pattern.

  The droplet discharge device according to the present invention includes holding table information acquisition means for acquiring holding table information and acquiring support position information of the holding table, and based on the information acquired by the holding table information acquisition means, The movement of the droplet discharge means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed so that the droplets adhere to the surface of the medium in a desired pattern. Therefore, for example, image data can be generated based on holding table information including position information indicating a holding position, medium arrangement information, quantity information, size information, shape information, and the like, and support position information of the holding table. This enables printing on the medium held on the holding table. At this time, the working time can be shortened and the working efficiency can be improved as compared with the conventional case where the operator places the holding base so as to match the reference position of the base member.

  The droplet discharge apparatus according to the present invention includes holding table information acquisition means for acquiring holding table information, and based on the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquisition means, movement control of the droplet discharge means and liquid It is configured to control the discharge of droplets from the droplet discharge means so that the droplets adhere to the surface of the medium in a desired pattern. Therefore, for example, by generating image data for printing based on the holding table information indicating what kind of medium is held on the holding table and how and in what arrangement, the medium held on the holding table Can be printed.

  The droplet discharge device according to the present invention includes holding table information acquisition means for acquiring support position information of the holding table, and movement of the droplet discharge means based on the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition means. It is configured so that droplets are attached in a desired pattern on the surface of the medium by performing control and droplet ejection control from the droplet ejection means. Therefore, it is possible to print on the medium held on the holding table by generating image data for printing based on the support position information on which position on the base member the holding table is placed. Become.

  In addition, the structure provided with the information reading means which reads the holding stand information provided in the holding stand is preferable. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to acquire correctly the holding stand information corresponding to a holding stand correctly.

  Further, it is preferable that the base member is provided with positioning holding means for positioning and holding the holding table at a predetermined support position. In the case of this configuration, since the position of the holding base in the base member is known in advance, it is easy to obtain the support position information.

  A reference mark for obtaining support position information is provided on the holding table, and a configuration in which the support position information is obtained by detecting the reference mark is also preferable. When configured in this way, the image data is corrected based on the position of the reference mark, so that regardless of the position or the direction in which the holding table is placed with respect to the base member. Thus, it is possible to print on the medium held on the holding table.

  The holding table information includes at least one of information for specifying the type of holding table, position information indicating the holding position of the medium on the holding table, medium arrangement information, quantity information, size information, and shape information. It is preferable. When the information for specifying the type of the holding table is included in the holding table information, for example, when performing printing by placing a plurality of types of holding tables on the base member simultaneously, the type of each holding table is accurately set. It becomes possible to grasp. When the position information indicating the holding position of the medium is included in the holding table information, the position of the medium to be printed can be accurately detected. When the holding table information includes medium arrangement information, image data for printing can be easily generated by arranging image data based on the arrangement information. When the quantity information of the medium is included in the holding table information, the image data for printing can be easily generated by duplicating the image data based on the quantity information. When the size information of the medium is included in the holding table information, the print target area can be accurately detected based on the size of the medium. When the shape information of the medium is included in the holding base information, the print target area (the shape of the print target area) can be accurately detected based on the shape of the medium.

  In the above-described droplet discharge device, it is preferable that the suction means generate an air flow that flows toward the hollow portion in the suction hole. In the case of this configuration, the mist droplets discharged from the droplet discharge means and floating in the vicinity of the holding table can be collected by being sucked into the hollow portion from the suction hole, so that the mist droplets are collected. It is possible to prevent adhesion to the medium or the droplet discharge means.

  The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a holding table information acquisition step of acquiring holding table information and acquiring support position information of the holding table, and a droplet based on the information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step. A discharge control step of controlling the movement of the discharge means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means to deposit the droplets in a desired pattern on the surface of the medium. For this reason, for example, based on the holding table information indicating what kind of medium is held on the holding table, how and in what arrangement, and the support position information of the holding table, the medium held on the holding table Can be printed.

  A droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a holding table information acquisition step for acquiring holding table information, and movement control of the droplet discharge unit and the droplet discharge unit based on the information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step. And a discharge control step for controlling the discharge of the liquid droplets from the liquid droplets so that the droplets adhere to the surface of the medium in a desired pattern. Therefore, for example, by generating image data for printing based on the holding table information indicating what kind of medium is held on the holding table and how and in what arrangement, the medium held on the holding table Can be printed.

  The droplet discharge method according to the present invention includes a holding table information acquisition step for acquiring support position information of a holding table, and movement control of the droplet discharge means and liquid based on the information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step. A discharge control step of controlling the discharge of the droplets from the droplet discharge means to deposit the droplets in a desired pattern on the surface of the medium. Therefore, it is possible to print on the medium held on the holding table by generating image data for printing based on the support position information on which position on the base member the holding table is placed. Become.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is the perspective view which showed the guide rail vicinity of the said printer. It is a top view of the printer. It is sectional drawing which showed the IV-IV part in FIG. It is the figure which showed the control system of the said printer. It is a flowchart when performing printing using the printer. It is a top view of the printer which concerns on Example 2 to which this invention is applied. It is a top view of the printer which concerns on Example 3 to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows a grid type printer. It is a top view of the printer which concerns on Example 4 to which this invention is applied.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Examples 1 and 2 with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions of the arrows shown in the drawings are defined as front and rear, left and right, and up and down for convenience.

  The configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, a configuration in the case where printing is performed by attaching UV ink to the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped medium 8 will be described as an example. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a printing unit 30 to be described later, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the printer 1, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a jig 50 to be described later, and FIG. 1 shows a control system diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 mainly includes a support unit 2 provided at a lower portion and a printing unit 3 that can move back and forth above the support unit 2. The support portion 2 mainly includes a support leg 11, a table main body 12, a supply / discharge blower 14, and a control unit 20 that are horizontally supported by the support leg 11. A rectangular vacuum table 13 is provided at the center of the table body 12. A decompression chamber (not shown) is formed on the lower side (back side) of the vacuum table 13, and the surface of the vacuum table 13 and the decompression chamber communicate with each other by a plurality of supply / discharge holes 13a penetrating vertically. (See FIG. 2).

  The supply / discharge blower 14 is connected to a decompression chamber and an exhaust tube 71 to be described later, and is capable of sucking air and feeding air. By sucking air from the decompression chamber and sucking air from the supply / discharge hole 13a, the medium placed on the surface of the vacuum table 13 can be adsorbed to the vacuum table 13 and fixed.

  A control unit 20 is provided at the front end of the table body 12. The control unit 20 is mainly composed of an operation unit 21 including operation switches and display devices, and a built-in controller 22. The controller 22 is electrically connected to the operation unit 21 and receives an operation signal, and is electrically connected to each component described later, and outputs an operation signal to these components to perform operation control.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the driving of a left / right moving mechanism, driving of a forward / backward moving mechanism, driving of the supply / discharge blower 14, discharge of UV ink from the printer head 32, and discharge from the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L are performed as described below. It is configured to control ultraviolet irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation from the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R, and the like. In addition, the controller 22 receives a result of inspection light received by a registration mark detection unit 34 described later and information read by the barcode detection unit 35.

  The printing unit 3 includes a guide member 40 extending left and right above the table body 12, a maintenance device 42 built in the right end portion of the guide member 40, and a guide rail formed extending left and right on the front surface of the guide member 40. The printing unit 30 attached to 41 is mainly configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer periphery of the printing unit 30 is covered with a cover 39. FIG. 2 shows the printing unit 30 with the cover 39 removed. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the printing unit 30 includes an integrated carriage 31, a printer head 32, a right ultraviolet irradiation device 33 </ b> R, a left ultraviolet irradiation device 33 </ b> L, a registration mark detection unit 34, and left and right of the printer head 32. The barcode detection unit 35 is mainly configured.

  The integrated carriage 31 is attached to the guide rail 41 so as to be movable to the left and right, and further includes a printer head 32, a right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R, a left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L, a registration mark detection unit 34, and a barcode detection unit 35. It is a mounting base. The printer head 32 is configured for each color, for example, magenta, yellow, cyan, and black, and a plurality of ejection nozzles (not shown) that eject UV ink downward are formed on the lower surface. Each of the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R and the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L has a built-in UV LED (not shown) capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays, and the ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs are irradiated downward. Yes.

  The registration mark detection unit 34 includes a light emitting unit (not shown) and a light receiving unit (not shown) on its lower surface, and reflected light of inspection light emitted downward from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. It has a possible configuration. The registration mark detection unit 34 scans above a jig 50 to be described later, so that the inspection light (intensity inspection light) is reflected at a portion where the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are not formed. And received by the light receiving unit. On the other hand, in the portion where the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are formed, the inspection light is not received (the inspection light with low intensity is received). Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are positioned below the registration mark detection unit 34 from the light reception result of the light receiving unit.

  The barcode detection unit 35 has a reading unit (not shown) formed on the lower surface thereof. By scanning above the barcode 61 described later, the reading unit reads the information of the barcode 61. Can be done. On the upper surface of the maintenance device 42, for example, four cap members 42a formed in the shape of the lower surface of the printer head 32 (surface on which the discharge nozzles are formed) are disposed. With this configuration, the print unit 30 is moved rightward so that the printer head 32 and the cap member 42a face each other in the vertical direction, and the cap member 42 is moved upward to cover the lower surface of the printer head 32, thereby The UV ink can be prevented from drying (thickening). The barcode 61 is read by the barcode detector 35 in the same manner as the registration mark detector 34, for example.

  The printing unit 30 is moved left and right along the guide rail 41 by a left and right moving mechanism (not shown). Further, the guide member 40 is slid back and forth by a front and rear movement mechanism (not shown) in a state where the printing unit 30 and the maintenance device 42 are mounted as described above. Note that various well-known techniques can be used as the left-right moving mechanism and the front-rear moving mechanism, and the description thereof is omitted in this specification.

  Incidentally, for example, when printing is performed on a flat medium, the medium may be placed directly on the vacuum table 13. On the other hand, when printing is performed on the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped medium 8, if the medium is placed directly on the vacuum table 13, the posture becomes unstable, so that it is difficult to ensure the positional accuracy with respect to the vacuum table 13. Therefore, by placing the jig 50 according to the present invention on the vacuum table 13 and placing the medium 8 on the jig 50, the jig can be held stably and the positional accuracy can be ensured. Hereinafter, the configuration of the jig 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  The jig 50 placed on the vacuum table 13 is fixed to the vacuum table 13 by the operation of the supply / discharge blower 14. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the jig 50 is a box-shaped rectangular parallelepiped having a hollow portion 53 formed therein. In the upper part of the jig 50, for example, four accommodating recesses 55 capable of stably holding the medium 8 and a plurality of suction holes 52 communicating with the hollow portion 53 around the accommodating recess 55 are formed. An exhaust hole 54 communicating with the hollow portion 53 is formed in the left portion of the jig 50, and an exhaust tube 71 is connected to the exhaust hole 54. At the end of the exhaust tube 71 on the exhaust hole 54 side, a filter 72 that allows air to pass and collects mist-like ink is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the vicinity of the four corners of the upper surface of the jig 50, there is a second reference mark as a reference mark that combines a cross shape and a circle so as to surround the receiving recess 55 and at a predetermined position relative to the receiving recess 55. A first registration mark 62a, a second registration mark 62b, a third registration mark 62c, and a fourth registration mark 62d are formed. On the upper surface of the jig 50, for example, a front end portion is formed with a barcode 61 as an identifier representing information on the jig 50.

  The bar code 61 includes, for example, the outer dimensions of the jig 50, the size and number of the receiving recesses 55, the number of registration marks (the first register mark 62a to the fourth register mark 62d), the positional relationship between the register marks, and the receiving recess 55 with respect to the register marks. A positional relationship, a registration mark corresponding to the origin among the plurality of registration marks (for example, the first registration mark 62a), a positional relationship of the registration marks corresponding to the origin with respect to the barcode 61, and the like are shown. As long as the information of the barcode 61 can be read by the barcode detection unit 35, the barcode 61 may be formed on the side surface of the jig 50, for example. Regarding the coordinate setting when a certain registration mark (for example, the first registration mark 62a) is set as the origin, the direction formed by the first registration mark 62a and the second registration mark 62b is the first axis, and the first registration mark 62a and the first registration mark 62a. There is a method of setting the direction formed by the four registration marks 62d as the second axis.

  Up to this point, the configuration of the printer 1 has been described. Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 1 when printing is performed with UV ink attached to the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped medium 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 101 shown in FIG. 6, the jig 50 is placed and fixed on the vacuum table 13. As will be described later, in the printer 1, the position of the medium 8 with respect to the vacuum table 13 can be accurately detected regardless of the mounting position and orientation of the jig 50 with respect to the vacuum table 13. Therefore, the operator can place the jig 50 on the vacuum table 13 without particularly considering the placement position and orientation. Although FIG. 3 illustrates the case where the jig 50 is placed on the rectangular vacuum table 13 so as to be parallel to the left and right front-rear direction, it is not always necessary to place the jig 50 in this manner. After the jig 50 is placed and fixed on the vacuum table 13, the medium 8 is accommodated in a state where the bottom surface is directed upward with respect to each accommodating recess 55.

  By the way, when placing the jig 50, it is preferable to place the jig 50 so as to be substantially parallel to the left and right front-rear direction with respect to the rectangular vacuum table 13. When placed in this way, as will be described later, when detecting the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62b, the movement of the printing unit 30 by the left / right movement mechanism and the movement of the guide member 40 by the front / rear movement mechanism are performed. It is possible to reduce the amount of time required for printing, and the work efficiency can be improved by shortening the time required for printing.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S102, and an operation signal is output from the controller 22 to the left and right drive mechanism and the front and rear drive mechanism when the operator turns on a button (not shown) such as “position detection” of the operation unit 21, for example. . Then, when the barcode detection unit 35 is scanned left and right and back and forth, and the barcode detection unit 35 is positioned above the barcode 61, information regarding the jig 50 represented in the barcode 61 is read, It is output to the controller 22.

  In this step S102, the bar code detector 35 may be positioned above the bar code 61 by the operator manually operating the left and right driving mechanism and the front and rear driving mechanism. In addition, among the information detected by the barcode detection unit 35 as described above, the vertical position of the printing unit 3 with respect to the support unit 2 is automatically adjusted according to the vertical height of the jig 50. preferable. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to print using the jig | tool 50 formed in various vertical heights.

  In step S103, the controller 22 refers to the positional relationship of the first registration mark 62a (origin) with respect to the barcode 61 in the information input in step S102. Then, an operation signal is output to the left / right drive mechanism and the front / rear drive mechanism so that the register mark detection unit 34 is positioned in the vicinity of the upper side of the first register mark 62a. By detecting the receiving state of the inspection light at the light receiving unit of the registration mark detecting unit 34 while moving the registration mark detecting unit 34 left and right and back and forth while the registration mark detecting unit 34 is located in the vicinity of the upper side of the first register mark 62a. The position of the first registration mark 62a with respect to the vacuum table 13 can be detected.

  After the position of the first registration mark 62a is detected, the controller 22 refers to the positional relationship of the second registration mark 62b with respect to the first registration mark 62a and positions the registration mark detection unit 34 in the vicinity above the second registration mark 62b. In this state, the position of the second registration mark 62b with respect to the vacuum table 13 is detected in the same manner as in the case of the first registration mark 62a. After detecting the position of the second registration mark 62b, the positions of the third registration mark 62c and the fourth registration mark 62d with respect to the vacuum table 13 are similarly detected.

  Thereafter, the controller 22 positions the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d with respect to the vacuum table 13 detected as described above and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d output from the barcode detection unit 35. Reference is made to the positional relationship of each housing recess 55. At this time, by associating each position of the first registration mark 62 output from the barcode detection unit 35 with each position of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d with respect to the vacuum table 13 detected in the above, the vacuum table The position of each receiving recess 55 (medium 8) with respect to 13 can be calculated. Therefore, when the printing unit 30 is moved to any position on the vacuum table 13 (position in the left and right front-rear direction), the UV ink ejection control and the ultraviolet irradiation control are performed, so that the bottom surface of the medium 8 is controlled. The controller 22 recognizes whether the desired printing can be performed.

  For this reason, even if the jig 50 is fixed in a slightly inclined state with respect to the vacuum table 13, the information represented by the barcode 61 is read and the positions of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are read. By detecting this, the position of the medium 8 with respect to the vacuum table 13 can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, the conventional alignment between the vacuum table 13 and the jig 50 is not required, the work burden on the operator can be reduced, and the work time can be shortened to improve the work efficiency.

  Next, proceeding to step S104, the controller 22 uses the position of each receiving recess 55 calculated as described above so that the printer head 32 faces the receiving recess 55 (the bottom surface of the medium 8). The printing unit 30 is moved in the left / right front / rear direction. Then, the control for moving the printing unit 30 left and right and back and forth, the control for discharging the UV ink from the printer head 32, and the control for irradiating ultraviolet rays from the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R and the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L are performed in combination. Thus, printing on the bottom surface of the medium 8 becomes possible.

  By the way, when printing is performed in step S104, the ink droplet 32a having a relatively large diameter out of the UV ink ejected from the printer head 32 toward the medium 8 adheres to the medium 8 as shown in FIG. It is attached to the power position. On the other hand, the ink droplet 32 b having a relatively small diameter may become mist and cannot reach the medium 8 and may float between the printer head 32 and the medium 8. The floating ink droplets 32b adhere to, for example, the ejection nozzles of the printer head 32 and cause ejection failure, or adhere to a position different from the position where the medium 8 should be adhered, resulting in a decrease in print quality. May be invited. In particular, when the distance between the printer head 32 and the medium 8 is set large, these problems tend to occur remarkably.

  In order to solve the above problem, the printer 1 according to the present invention is configured such that a plurality of suction holes 52 are formed in the upper portion of the jig 50 and the air in the hollow portion 53 is sucked by the supply / discharge blower 14. Yes. With this configuration, a negative pressure can be applied to the hollow portion 53 to generate an air flow toward the hollow portion 53 in the suction hole 52. Due to this air flow, the ink droplet 32 b floating between the printer head 32 and the medium 8 is sucked into the suction hole 52 and guided to the hollow portion 53 and is collected by the filter 72. As described above, by forcibly sucking the floating ink droplet 32b, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ejection failure and the deterioration of print quality.

  The main effect achieved by the configuration of the first embodiment described above is the barcode formed on the jig 50 even when the jig 50 is placed at an arbitrary position on the vacuum table 13. The position of the medium 8 relative to the vacuum table 13 can be detected by reading the information 61 and detecting the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d. Therefore, by using the jig 50, for example, it is possible to print even on a solid medium 8 that is difficult to be placed directly on the vacuum table 13.

  The configuration of the printer 1 ′ according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, as compared with the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on portions having different configurations.

  In the printer 1 ′, a work unit 30 a and a detection unit 30 b are attached to a guide rail 41 formed on the front surface of the guide member 40, and the printer 1 ′ is movable left and right. The work unit 30a is configured by mounting a printer head 32, a right ultraviolet ray irradiation device 33R, and a left ultraviolet ray irradiation device 33L on a work carriage 31a. On the other hand, the detection unit 30b is configured by mounting a registration mark detection unit 34 and a barcode detection unit 35 on a detection carriage 31b.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the jig 50 and a jig 50 a having a partially different configuration with respect to the jig 50 are placed on the vacuum table 13 and fixed. In the central portion of the jig 50a, for example, four receiving recesses 57 are formed so that the bottom surface of the medium 9 having a truncated pyramid shape can be held upward. Further, in the barcode 61a, as in the barcode 61, for example, the positional relationship of the respective accommodating recesses 57 with respect to the first registration mark 68a to the fourth registration mark 68d is represented.

  The case where printing is performed on the bottom surface of the medium 8 and the bottom surface of the medium 9 by using the printer 1 ′ configured as described above will be described below. In the following, a case where printing is performed on the bottom surface of the medium 9 after the printing on the bottom surface of the medium 8 is completed will be described as an example.

  In the standby state before the start of printing, the working unit 30a is moved to the right so that the lower surface of the printer head 32 is covered with the cap member. On the other hand, the detection unit 30 b is moved to the left and is located at the left end of the guide rail 41. When printing is started in this state, the detection unit 30b is scanned left and right and back and forth, and the information displayed on the barcode 61 is read by the barcode detection unit 35.

  Subsequently, the registration mark detection unit 34 detects the positions of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d, and when this detection is completed, the detection unit 30b is moved to the left and the left end of the guide rail 41 as in the standby state. It is supposed to be located in. Then, the controller 22 calculates the position of the medium 8 relative to the vacuum table 13 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and prints on the bottom surface of the medium 8 using this calculation result.

  After the printing on the bottom surface of the medium 8 is completed, the information represented by the barcode 61a is read, the first registration mark 68a to the fourth registration mark 68d are detected, and the position of the medium 9 with respect to the vacuum table 13 is calculated in the same manner as described above. Are performed in order, and printing is performed on the bottom surface of the medium 9.

  In the printer 1 ′, the work unit 30a and the detection unit 30b are configured separately. When UV ink is ejected from the printer head 32 and printing is performed, the detection unit 30b is positioned at the left end portion of the guide rail 41. Therefore, a mist-like ink droplet 32b adheres to the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35, and the light reception sensitivity of the inspection light in the registration mark detection unit 34 decreases, or the reading sensitivity in the barcode detection unit 35 decreases. It can be prevented from decreasing.

  Further, even when a plurality of different types of jigs (for example, the jig 50 and the jig 50a) are placed on the vacuum table 13, the information of the jigs 50 and 50a is read from the barcodes 61 and 61a. The positions of the media 8 and 9 with respect to the vacuum table 13 can be accurately detected. Therefore, for example, it is possible to place four jigs of different types on the vacuum table 13 and perform printing simultaneously. Therefore, the trouble of placing the jig 50 on the vacuum table 13 and removing the jig 50 from the vacuum table 13 can be saved greatly, and the working time can be shortened and the working efficiency can be improved. Become.

  As a main effect achieved by the configuration of the second embodiment described above, even when a plurality of types of jigs holding media having different shapes are placed at arbitrary positions on the vacuum table 13, The position of each medium relative to the vacuum table 13 can be automatically detected, and printing can be performed for each medium having a different shape.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the printing is performed on the bottom surface of the medium 9 after the printing on the bottom surface of the medium 8 is described as an example, but the bottom surface of the medium 8 and the bottom surface of the medium 9 are illustrated. On the other hand, it is also possible to print at the same time. For example, the barcode 61 and the barcode 61a are continuously read, and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d and the first registration mark 68a to the fourth registration mark 68d are continuously detected. By doing so, the positions of the medium 8 and the medium 9 with respect to the vacuum table 13 are calculated, and printing is performed on the bottom surface of the medium 8 and the bottom surface of the medium 9 by using the calculation result.

  In the above-described second embodiment, the configuration in the case where printing is performed on the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped medium 8 and the bottom surface of the quadrangular pyramid-shaped medium 9 is exemplified. It is possible to print on other media. For example, it is possible to print on a medium having various three-dimensional shapes by preparing a jig in which an accommodation recess that can hold the surface on which the printing is performed on the medium is directed upward.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration using the supply / discharge blower 14 is illustrated as a method for sucking and collecting the mist-like floating ink 32b in the jig. However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which an exhaust pump is built in the jig may be used. With this configuration, the exhaust tube 71 is not required, and the printer can be configured simply.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R and the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L mounted with UVLEDs are illustrated as light sources for irradiating ultraviolet rays. However, the light source is not limited to this UVLED. For example, metal halide lamps that can irradiate ultraviolet light, visible light LEDs, high-pressure mercury lamps, germicidal lamps, black lamps that can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light by eliminating visible light, and can irradiate ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of about 280 to 315 nm You may comprise using a UV-B lamp, a UV-C lamp which can irradiate the ultraviolet-ray of a wavelength range below about 280 nm, an electron beam irradiation apparatus, etc. Furthermore, a configuration in which physical property values (for example, strength, curing timing, etc.) of the UV ink to be used are linked to information described in the barcode is also possible.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the jig 50 (50a) in which the four registration marks of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d (first registration mark 68a to fourth registration mark 68d) are formed is illustrated. The present invention is not limited to this configuration. It suffices if the position of the register mark and the position of the housing recess are related to each other in the left-right front-rear direction plane. Therefore, it is sufficient that at least three register marks are formed on the jig 50 (50a) at different positions.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which the four first registration marks 62a to the fourth registration marks 62d (the first registration marks 68a to the fourth registration marks 68d) having a combination of a cross and a circle are shown. However, the shape of the registration mark is not limited to this. The registration mark detection unit 34 may detect the registration marks. For example, the registration marks may be formed in an L shape, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or a combination thereof.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the present invention has been described by exemplifying a configuration in which the present invention is applied to the printer 1 configured to move the carriage back and forth and from side to side with respect to the vacuum table 13. For example, contrary to the above, the present invention can also be applied to a flat bed type printer that moves the vacuum table 13 back and forth and right and left with respect to a fixed carriage.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which the barcode detection unit 35 is mounted on the integrated carriage 31 (working carriage 31a) has been described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the operator may read the information by picking up the bar code detection unit 35 and holding it over the bar code 61 (bar code 61a).

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration example in which various information related to the jig 50 (50a) is represented by the barcode 61 (one-dimensional code) has been described. However, the configuration example is not limited thereto. For example, a two-dimensional code having information in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction may be used. Further, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag storing the above information is attached to the jig 50 (50a), information transmitted from the RFID tag is read by a reader (not shown), and the controller 22 receives the information. It may be configured to output. In addition to the RFID tag, a configuration in which a small semiconductor integrated circuit (IC chip) storing the above information is attached to the jig 50 (50a) is also possible.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the information on the jig 50 (50a) is acquired by reading the information on the barcode 61 by the barcode detection unit 35 is illustrated, but the configuration is limited to this configuration. Not. Without using the bar code detection unit 35, the information of the bar code 61 (for example, information on the jig 50 (50a), print image information, print position information, and the like represented by numbers and symbols) is displayed on the controller 22. It is configured to be automatically transmitted. The controller 22 creates print control information that defines the control content of each component based on the information from the barcode 61. By controlling each component according to this print control information, desired printing can be performed on the medium 8 (medium 9).

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the case where an ultraviolet curable UV ink is used has been described. However, in addition to this UV ink, for example, a printer that uses water-based ink, oil-based ink, and Solbert ink is used. The present invention can be applied.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, based on the detection results detected by the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35, the position information of each housing recess 55 (medium 8) with respect to the vacuum table 13 in the controller 22 is described. In the above description, a configuration example in which control information regarding UV ink ejection control and ultraviolet irradiation control is generated has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration example. For example, the controller 22 is connected to a host computer (not shown) via an interface, and the detection result is transferred from the controller 22 to the host computer. The information may be generated and transferred to the controller 22 from the host computer. At this time, the controller 22 performs printing on the medium 8 by performing control based on the transferred information from the host computer.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the control information related to the UV ink ejection control and the ultraviolet light irradiation control set in the controller 22 is, for example, only for the region surrounded by the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d. Alternatively, it may be the whole of the vacuum table 13 regardless of the size of the jig 50.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are detected and any one of them is set as the origin has been described. Instead of this configuration, for example, a printer machine A configuration in which the position of the medium with respect to the vacuum table 13 is detected using the origin as the origin may be employed. At this time, for example, control information related to UV ink ejection control and ultraviolet light irradiation control in the image of printing on the entire surface of the vacuum table 13 is generated in the host computer, and the printer 1 performs printing based on the mechanical origin. In the case of this configuration, the tilt information of the jig 50 with respect to the vacuum table 13 obtained by detecting the first register mark 62a to the fourth register mark 62d is the rotation angle when correcting the image data of the medium and the medium Used for position grasp.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35 are described as separate devices. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration including a single detection unit may be used by using a barcode detection unit capable of detecting a registration mark or a registration mark detection unit capable of detecting a barcode.

  Like the above-mentioned Example 2, it is set as the structure provided with the information (holding-base information in a claim) for specifying a jig | tool for every jig | tool 50,50a, A several kind of different jig | tool is provided. This is particularly effective when printing at once. It is also effective when performing lot management or tracking investigation of printed media. Note that the jig may be configured to hold different types (shapes) of media in one jig.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration example in which the barcode 61 and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are formed on the jig 50 has been described. In the following, Example 3 in which the first register mark 62a to the fourth register mark 62d are formed on the jig 50 but the bar code 61 is not formed will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The description will focus on configurations different from those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 100 according to the third embodiment does not include a barcode detection unit, and includes a registration mark detection unit 134 to form a printing unit 130. Further, the first register mark 62a to the fourth register mark 62d are formed on the jig 150, but the barcode for identifying the jig 150 is not formed. As shown in FIG. 8, when there is one type of jig (only the jig 150) placed on the vacuum table 13, it is not necessary to distinguish between the types of jigs. There is no need to form a code. In addition, as said register mark detection part 134, it is possible to use the optical sensor which detects the position of the 1st register mark 62a-the 4th register mark 62d based on the change of the light reception intensity | strength of test | inspection light. In addition to this optical sensor, the vacuum table 13 is imaged from above, and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d included in the image data obtained by the imaging are extracted, whereby the first in the vacuum table 13 is obtained. It is also possible to use a CCD camera that can detect the positions of the register marks 62a to 62d.

  In the printer 100 configured as described above, for example, printing is performed according to the following printing procedure. First, the medium 8 is set on the jig 150, and the jig 150 is placed at an arbitrary position on the vacuum table 13. Next, while moving the printing unit 130 back and forth and left and right, the registration mark detection unit 134 detects the center positions of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d, and the detected first registration mark 62a to fourth registration mark 62d. Set one of the center positions to the origin. Subsequently, based on the center positions of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d, the skew (inclination) of the jig 150 with respect to the vacuum table 13 is detected, and the image data of the medium 8 is obtained according to the detected inclination. Perform tilt correction. The image data correction may be performed by the controller 22 or by a host computer connected to the controller 22 via an interface. Then, after the printing unit 130 is once moved to the home position, the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are detected again, and printing on the medium 8 is performed.

  In addition to the configuration in which the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are detected by scanning the entire surface of the vacuum table 13 and printing is performed by setting one of them as the origin as in the printing procedure described above, A configuration in which a positioning member 161 for positioning 150 on the origin (machine origin) of the printer 100 and placing it on the vacuum table 13 may be provided in advance. When the jig 150 is placed in alignment with the positioning member 161, the range in which the first register mark 62a to the fourth register mark 62d can be detected is known in advance, and therefore the entire surface of the vacuum table 13 need not be scanned. . When the positioning member 161 is used, the inclination of the jig 150 obtained by detecting the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d is preferably used for correcting the inclination of the image data.

  Up to this point, the configuration example in which the jig 150 is mounted on the so-called flat bed type printer 100 for printing has been described. However, for example, the so-called grid type in which printing is performed while feeding a medium as illustrated in FIG. It is also possible to perform printing by placing the jig 150 on the printer 200.

  A printing unit 220 on which a printer head (not shown) and a registration mark detection unit (not shown) are mounted is attached to the printer 200 so as to be movable to the left and right with respect to the guide rail 210. Further, a flat platen 230 is provided so as to be opposed to the printing unit 220 in the up and down direction. In addition, a clamp mechanism (not shown) for holding the medium, and conveyance for feeding the medium back and forth. A mechanism (not shown) and the like are provided. In the printer 200 configured as described above, when the jig 150 can be placed on the platen 230, the jig is placed on the platen 230, and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are detected. Printing is performed later.

  By the way, depending on the size of the jig 150, the jig 150 may not be placed on the platen 230. In this case, support bases 240 and 250 for holding the jig 150 substantially horizontally are arranged at the front and rear. Print. An example of the printing procedure in this case will be described. First, the medium 8 is set on the jig 150, and the jig 150 is placed on the platen 230. Next, the jig 150 is clamped using a clamp mechanism, and the jig 150 is set in a state where it can be fed back and forth with respect to the platen 230 by a transport mechanism. Subsequently, the printing unit 220 is moved left and right while feeding the jig 150 back and forth, and the center position of the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d is detected by the registration mark detection unit, and the detected first registration mark 62a is detected. The center position of any of the fourth registration mark 62d is set as the origin. Here, based on the positions of the first registration marks 62a to the fourth registration marks 62d, the inclination of the jig 150 with respect to the front-rear direction is detected, and correction is performed so that the image data is inclined according to the inclination.

  The correction for tilting the image data may be performed by the printer 200 or may be performed by a host computer connected to the printer 200 via an interface. Then, after the jig 150 is sent forward or backward to the origin position, the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are detected again, and printing on the medium 8 is performed. After printing on the medium 8 is completed, the clamp by the clamp mechanism is released and the jig 150 is removed from the printer 200.

  The main effect achieved by the configuration of the third embodiment described above is that when the jig placed on the vacuum table 13 is known in advance (one kind of jig is used), the barcode Printing can be performed on a medium held by a jig while using a jig having a simple configuration that is not formed.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration example in which the barcode 61 and the first registration mark 62a to the fourth registration mark 62d are formed on the jig 50 has been described. In the following, Example 4 which is a configuration using a jig 351 in which a barcode 352 is formed but a registration mark is not formed will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The description will focus on configurations different from those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the printer 300 according to the fourth embodiment includes a barcode detection unit 335 instead of the registration mark detection unit, and the printing unit 330 is configured. A bar code 352 on which information for specifying the jig 351 is described is formed on the jig 351, but a registration mark is not formed. A positioning member 361 for positioning and placing the jig 351 at the machine origin of the printer 300 is provided at the right front end of the vacuum table 13.

  Although FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration in which the barcode detection unit 335 is mounted on the integrated carriage 31, the barcode detection unit 335 may be configured without being mounted on the integrated carriage 31. For example, when it is known in advance that the bar code 352 is at a predetermined position by positioning the jig 351 using the positioning member 361, the bar code detection unit is separated from the integrated carriage 31 and in the vicinity of the predetermined position. A configuration in which 335 is fixed is also possible. In this case, in order to accurately read the information of the barcode 352, it is necessary to relatively move the barcode 352 and the barcode detection unit 335 by at least the length of the left and right of the barcode 352. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the operator takes the handy type barcode detection unit 335 and reads the information of the barcode 352 over the barcode 352 as necessary. The handy type barcode detection unit 335 may be connected to the controller 22 of the printer 300 through, for example, a USB connection, or connected to the host computer connected to the printer 300 through an interface through the USB connection. good.

  By the way, it replaces with the structure which memorize | stores the information regarding the jig | tool 351 (for example, the information regarding the position of the media 353,354 in the jig | tool 351) in the barcode 352, and the jig | tool identification for specifying the kind of jig | tool 351. Information (holding base information in the claims) is stored in the barcode 352, and an analysis table in which the arrangement, size, shape, and the like of the media 353, 354 in the jig 351 are linked to the jig identification information. A configuration provided in the host computer may be used. In this configuration, the host computer compares and refers to the jig identification information stored in the barcode 352 and the analysis table, so that the positional information of the media 353 and 354 held in the jig 351 (for example, the printing range) And the origin position). As for the origin when printing on the media 353 and 354, even when the machine origin of the printer 300 is used, the placement position of the jig 351 and the origin position set in the jig 351 are used in combination. The structure to do may be sufficient.

  In addition, regarding the print pattern, a print pattern for coloring the background is possible. For example, a solid print is applied to the entire print area of the medium 353, 354, and a character or a pattern is superimposed on the solid print portion. It is possible to print. Further, in the host computer, by comparing and referring to the analysis table, the number of image data to be copied when generating image data by a RIP (Raster Image Processor) is known in advance, so that the data processing burden is reduced. It should be noted that instead of the configuration in which the coordinates of the media 353 and 354 are grasped by the host computer, a configuration in which this grasping is performed by the controller 22 is also possible.

  Hereinafter, an example of a procedure for performing printing on the media 353 and 354 held by the jig 351 using the printer 300 will be described. First, the media 353 and 354 are set on the jig 351, and the jig 351 is positioned by the positioning member 361 and placed on the vacuum table 13. Next, by moving the printing unit 330 back and forth and right and left so that the barcode detection unit 335 and the barcode 352 face each other, the barcode identification unit 335 identifies the jig related to the jig 351 stored in the barcode 352. Read information. The host computer that has received the jig identification information generates image data with reference to the analysis data associated with the jig identification information, and transmits the generated image data to the printer 300 (controller 22). After returning the printing unit 330 to the home position, the printer 300 performs printing on the media 353 and 354 in accordance with image data from the host computer.

  In the printer 300, since the jig identification information stored in each barcode can be read using the barcode detection unit 335, a plurality of kinds of jigs 351 and 355 are provided as shown in FIG. It is placed on the vacuum table 13, and after reading the barcode 352 formed on the jig 351 and the barcode 356 formed on the jig 355, printing is performed collectively on the media 353, 354, 357. It can be carried out. Note that the jig 355 is positioned and placed at a predetermined position by the positioning member 362.

  It is also possible to perform printing by placing the jig 351 according to the fourth embodiment on a grid type printer 200 as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In this case, in order to send the jig 351 straight back and forth, it is necessary to provide a conveyance auxiliary member that is positioned and guided so as to sandwich both left and right ends of the jig 351. In this case, the origin position is set in the same manner as when printing is performed on a general standard sheet. 10 illustrates the configuration in which the positioning member 361 is provided and the jig 351 is positioned and placed on the vacuum table 13, the configuration in which the jig 351 is positioned and placed on the vacuum table 13. Is not limited to this. That is, if the jig 351 can be positioned and placed on the vacuum table 13 by any method, it is not necessary to form a registration mark on the jig 351.

  The main effect achieved by the configuration of the fourth embodiment described above is that when a plurality of types of jigs holding media having different shapes are placed on the vacuum table 13 and printing is performed, registration marks are formed. It is possible to print on various shapes of media held by the jig while using the omitted simple jig.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the jig identification information is formed on the jig in a format that can be detected by the registration mark detection unit (for example, symbol format), and is linked to the jig identification information on the host computer. It is also possible to store an analysis table (medium arrangement, size, shape, etc. in the jig). In the case of this configuration, by reading the symbol formed on the jig with the registration mark detection unit, the arrangement, size, shape, etc. (hereinafter referred to as medium information) of the medium in the jig can be detected. Eliminating the need for information.

  In the above-described third embodiment, when a CCD camera is used as the registration mark detection unit 134, it is necessary to perform image processing for extracting a contour portion of a registration mark from image data obtained by imaging. When performing image processing for extracting the contour portion of such a register mark, it is possible to detect the medium information together, thereby eliminating the need to form a barcode. Further, by extracting the outline of the rectangular jig from the obtained image data, the inclination of the jig can be detected. In addition, a symbol linked to the jig identification information is formed on the jig, and this symbol is imaged with a CCD camera to recognize the character, so that medium information can be detected without using a barcode. It becomes.

  In the first, second, and fourth embodiments described above, for example, an RFID tag can be used instead of the barcode. In particular, in the case of using a readable / writable RFID tag, medium information stored so as to be rewritable using an RFID writer can be exchanged with the RFID reader via wireless communication. Further, by providing directivity to the transmission information using a passive type RFID tag, for example, when a plurality of jigs are placed on the vacuum table 13, it communicates with the RFID tag attached to which jig. It becomes possible to grasp exactly.

  In the first, second, and fourth embodiments described above, it is also possible to use an IC chip in which medium information is stored so as to be rewritable instead of the barcode. In this configuration, the interface that connects the IC chip reader that reads information stored in the IC chip may be either wired or wireless.

  In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, a magnetic stripe in which medium information is stored so as to be rewritable can be used instead of the barcode. In this case, a magnetic head may be used as a reading device for reading information stored in the magnetic stripe.

  In the above-described Examples 1, 2, and 4, it is also possible to use a heat-sensitive sheet on which medium information is printed so as to be rewritable instead of the barcode. For example, the characters and symbols printed on the heat-sensitive sheet are imaged by, for example, a CCD camera and recognized, and the medium information can be grasped by comparing and referring to the recognized characters and symbols and the analysis table. Moreover, the structure which forms the said character or symbol directly in a jig | tool is also possible, for example, it can engrave and form in a jig | tool, or can print and form using a printer.

  The storage means that can store rewritable medium information such as the above-mentioned RFID tag, IC chip, magnetic stripe, and thermal sheet is changed according to the medium (the shape, size, etc.) of the medium information. This is particularly effective when it is configured to rewrite items to be rewritten. In this configuration, the information to be rewritten does not depend on the type of jig.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the case where the size of the printing area of the medium depends on the size of the recessed portion of the jig has been described. However, the shape of the jig and the printing of the medium are described. The relationship with the area is not limited to such a case. That is, there may be a configuration in which the shape and size of the printing area of the medium do not depend on the shape and size of the medium and the shape of the recessed portion of the jig.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which the medium is fitted and held in the recessed portion of the jig has been described as an example. For example, a protrusion is formed on the jig, and the protrusion is formed on the protrusion. A configuration in which the medium is held by fitting the medium may be used. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a fastener that can be engaged with the whole or a part of the medium is provided in the jig and the medium is held by the jig using the fastener. Furthermore, in order to hold the medium firmly with respect to the jig, it is necessary to form the concave or convex portion in alignment with the formation of the bottom of the medium so that the bottom of the medium is held in close contact with the jig. good.

  In the jig 50 in the first embodiment described above, by forming a suction hole that communicates with the hollow portion 53 and the housing recess 55, the medium 8 is firmly attached to the housing recess 55 using the negative pressure by the supply / discharge blower 14. You may comprise so that it may adsorb and fix.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the configuration in which the jig 150 is positioned and placed on the right front end of the vacuum table 13 by providing the positioning member 161 on the vacuum table 13 has been described. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which pins are arranged and fixed in a frame shape on the vacuum table 13, and a jig is positioned and placed so as to be fitted into a region surrounded by the pins.

  In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the right ultraviolet ray irradiation device 33R and the left ultraviolet ray irradiation device 33L that can irradiate ultraviolet rays are provided is preferable. For example, when UV ink is ejected from a printer head and printing is performed on a medium such as polyester or polycarbonate that is difficult for ink to permeate, the UV ink attached to the medium can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays by configuring as described above. It is possible to reliably cure by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the irradiation device. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing by attaching UV ink to a medium in which ink is difficult to penetrate.

  In the first embodiment, it is preferable that the printer head 32, the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R, the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L, the registration mark detection unit 34, and the barcode detection unit 35 are mounted on the integrated carriage 31. If comprised in this way, compared with the case where said structural member is divided and mounted in two or more carriages, for example, while being able to reduce a number of parts, a control system can be comprised simply.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the printer head 32, the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R, and the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L are mounted on the work carriage 31a, and the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35 are mounted on the detection carriage 31b. The configuration is also preferable. In such a configuration, for example, when the printer head 32, the right ultraviolet irradiation device 33R, and the left ultraviolet irradiation device 33L are operated and printing is performed on the medium, the detection carriage 31b is placed on the left and right ends of the guide rail. It becomes possible to evacuate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink that is ejected from the printer head 32 and floating during printing from adhering to the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35, so that the detection failure in the registration mark detection unit 34 and the barcode detection unit 35 is detected. Can be reduced.

  In the above-described first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the four registration marks (the first registration mark 62a, the second registration mark 62b, the third registration mark 62c, and the fourth registration mark 62d) are described, but the present invention is limited to this configuration. It is not something. In the configuration in which, for example, a barcode is formed on the jig as in the first to third embodiments, if the jig is placed straight back and forth with respect to the vacuum table 13, only one registration mark as the origin position is provided. The structure to form may be sufficient.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, when a bar code or a registration mark is detected by placing a jig at an arbitrary position on the vacuum table 13, instead of a method of scanning the entire vacuum table 13, an operator A method may be used in which the carriage is moved manually to the vicinity of the code or the registration mark and then scanned to detect the barcode or the registration mark.

  In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the configuration in which the jig is placed on the vacuum table 13 or the platen 230 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the vacuum table 13 may be formed as a simple bone frame, and a jig for holding the medium in the bone frame may be supported in an exchangeable manner. Moreover, it may replace with the jig | tool with which the hollow part was formed inside, and may use the jig | tool with which the hollow part is not formed inside.

  In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, when one kind of jig is used and a positioning member is used (when the position of the medium in the jig is known in advance), for example, the jig is attached to the positioning member. It is preferable to provide a placement detection switch for detecting that the is set. Then, based on the detection signal from the placement detection switch, the position information can be acquired simply by reading the position of the medium in the jig, and there is no need to read the barcode formed on the jig.

  In the above-described Examples 1 to 4, when one kind of jig is used (when the position of the medium in the jig is known in advance) and when the registration mark is formed and the position of the registration mark is detected, By detecting the position of the register mark, the position of the jig on the vacuum table and the position of the medium on the jig can be detected. In other words, since the position of the medium on the vacuum table can be detected by detecting the position of the registration mark, it is not necessary to read the barcode formed on the jig.

  Further, in the above-described Examples 1 to 4, when a plurality of types of jigs are used and a positioning member is used, the position of the medium on the vacuum table can be determined by reading a barcode formed on each jig. It can be detected. Instead of the configuration in which the bar code is read by the bar code detector, the holding table information for specifying the type of jig is described as a character string, for example, at an easy-to-see position on each jig. A configuration in which the column is recognized and manually input to the printer may be used.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, when a plurality of types of jigs are used and a registration mark is formed and the position of the registration mark is detected, the position of the registration mark is detected to detect the position of the jig on the vacuum table. The position can be detected. Further, the position of the medium on the vacuum table can be detected by reading the barcode formed on each jig. Based on the detected position information, the medium position in the vacuum table can be detected. In place of the configuration in which the barcode detection unit reads the barcode, holding table information for specifying the type of jig is described as a character string in each jig, for example, and the operator recognizes the character string. Thus, a configuration in which manual input to the printer is possible is also possible.

  Although various configuration patterns have been described in the first to fourth embodiments, position information necessary for printing on the medium by sucking and holding the jig holding the medium on the vacuum table 13 is large. There are two. That is, the position information of the jig in the vacuum table 13 (support position information in the claims) and the position information of the medium in the jig. When these two pieces of position information are detected, the position information of the medium in the vacuum table 13 can be detected based on these pieces of position information.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, for example, USB, RS-232C (Recommended standard-232c), wired and wireless LAN, infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like is used as an interface that connects the controller 22 and the host computer. It is possible. Similarly, the above-described interface can be used for the interface connecting the controller 22 (host computer) and each reader.

1 Printer (Droplet ejection device)
8 Medium 13 Vacuum table (base member)
14 Supply / discharge blower (suction means)
22 Controller (Discharge control means)
32 Printer head (droplet discharge means)
34 Registration mark detection unit (holding table information acquisition means)
35 Barcode detector (holding table information acquisition means)
50 Jig (holding stand)
52 suction hole 53 hollow part 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d 1st registration mark, 2nd registration mark, 3rd registration mark, 4th registration mark (reference mark)
161 Positioning member (positioning holding means)

Claims (9)

A base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharge means for discharging droplets, and held by the holding table with the holding table supported by the base member A liquid droplet ejection apparatus having relative movement means for moving the liquid droplet ejection means relative to the medium so as to face the medium,
Acquires holding table information for specifying the holding table supported by the base member from among a plurality of different types of holding tables, and acquires support position information related to the support position of the holding table in the base member. Holding table information acquisition means;
Based on the information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquiring unit, the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquiring unit and the information on a desired pattern, the relative The movement of the droplet discharge means by the moving means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed so that the droplets are applied in the desired pattern onto the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position. A droplet discharge device comprising: a discharge control means for adhering. A base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharge means for discharging droplets, and held by the holding table with the holding table supported by the base member A liquid droplet ejection apparatus having relative movement means for moving the liquid droplet ejection means relative to the medium so as to face the medium,
Positioning holding means for positioning and holding the holding table at a predetermined support position on the base member;
Holding table information acquisition means for acquiring holding table information for specifying the holding table supported by the base member from a plurality of different types of holding tables ;
Based on the information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquiring unit and the information on the desired pattern, the movement control of the droplet discharge unit by the relative moving unit and the liquid A liquid discharge control unit that controls the discharge of liquid droplets from the droplet discharge unit and causes the droplets to adhere to the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position in the desired pattern. Drop ejection device. The droplet discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising an information reading unit that reads the holding table information provided on the holding table . Positioning and holding means for positioning and holding the holding table at a predetermined support position is provided on the base member,
The droplet discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support position information is acquired based on a position of the holding table in a state where the holding table is positioned and held by the positioning holding unit. A reference mark for obtaining the support position information is provided on the holding table,
The droplet discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the holding table information acquisition unit is configured to detect the reference mark and acquire the support position information . The holding table information includes at least one of information for specifying the type of the holding table, position information indicating a holding position of the medium on the holding table, medium arrangement information, quantity information, size information, and shape information. The droplet discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the droplet discharge device is included. The holding stand is configured in a box shape with a hollow portion inside,
The hollow part is connected to suction means capable of applying a negative pressure to the hollow part,
A suction hole communicating with the hollow portion is formed in a portion of the holding table that is out of the medium holding position,
The liquid droplet ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air flow that flows toward the hollow portion is generated in the suction hole by the suction means . A base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharge means for discharging droplets, and held by the holding table with the holding table supported by the base member A droplet discharge method performed using a droplet discharge device having a relative movement means for moving the droplet discharge means relative to the medium so as to face the medium,
  Acquires holding table information for specifying the holding table supported by the base member from among a plurality of different types of holding tables, and acquires support position information related to the support position of the holding table in the base member. Holding table information acquisition step;
  Based on the information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step, the support position information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step, and the information on a desired pattern, the relative The movement of the droplet discharge means by the moving means and the discharge control of the droplets from the droplet discharge means are performed so that the droplets are applied in the desired pattern onto the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position. A droplet discharge method comprising: a discharge control step for adhering. A base member capable of supporting a holding table for holding a medium at a predetermined medium holding position, droplet discharge means for discharging droplets, and held by the holding table with the holding table supported by the base member A droplet discharge method performed using a droplet discharge device having a relative movement means for moving the droplet discharge means relative to the medium so as to face the medium,
A positioning step for positioning and holding the holding table at a predetermined support position on the base member;
A holding table information acquisition step for acquiring holding table information for specifying the holding table supported by the base member from a plurality of different types of holding tables;
Based on the information on the holding table specified by the holding table information acquired by the holding table information acquisition step and the information on the desired pattern, the movement control of the droplet discharge unit by the relative moving unit and the liquid A liquid discharge control step of performing liquid droplet discharge control from the liquid droplet discharge means to cause the liquid droplets to adhere to the surface of the medium held at the predetermined medium holding position in the desired pattern. Drop ejection method.

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