JP2003118135A - Ink supply pipe system for ink-jet printer, tube holder used therefor, and ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink supply pipe system for an ink-jet printer, capable of minimizing evenly the pressure loss in a pipe path reaching to each ink-jet head a tube holder, and an ink-jet printer. SOLUTION: In an ink supply pipe system for an ink-jet printer 1 for supplying an ink from a single main tank 221 to a plurality of ink-jet heads 26 via a tube 401, one end part of the tube 401 is connected with the main tank 221, and the other end part, branched via a two-branched joint 402 repeatedly, is connected with the plurality of the ink-jet heads 26.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink supply piping system of an ink jet printer for supplying ink from a fixed ink tank to an ink jet head, a tube holder used for the system, and an ink jet printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of ink supply piping system, ink is supplied to a plurality of ink jet heads from a cartridge type ink tank for storing a plurality of colors of ink through a plurality of tubes corresponding to each ink color. Are to be supplied. In this case, the plurality of tubes are arranged side by side in a piping path including a flexible path such as Cableveyor (registered trademark). Each tube is made of a hard resin tube, and is connected via a joint (elbow) at the corner portion of the piping path.

[0003]

In such a conventional ink supply piping system, when ink is supplied from one ink tank to a plurality of ink jet heads,
Although branching is performed via a branch joint, if the branch form is, for example, three or more branches, simply branching causes a pipe friction resistance based on the difference in joint and length of the conduit from the ink tank to each inkjet head. Therefore, while the ink of the same color is supplied to the plurality of inkjet heads, a state in which the head pressure is slightly different due to the pressure loss occurs. Therefore, there is a problem that a plurality of inkjet heads cannot eject ink under the same conditions. On the other hand, if the tubes are connected with a joint (elbow) at the corner of the piping route, the cost will increase,
Since the connection is simple, ink may leak from the joint. Further, due to the pressure loss due to the joint, there is a possibility that the desired head pressure and ink flow rate cannot be secured in the inkjet head.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ink supply piping system for an ink jet printer, a tube holder used for the same, and an ink jet printer that can uniformly and minimally reduce the pressure loss in the pipeline leading to each ink jet head. That is the subject.

[0005]

An ink supply piping system for an ink jet printer according to the present invention is an ink supply piping system for an ink jet printer which supplies ink from a single main tank to a plurality of ink jet heads via tubes. The one end of the tube is connected to the main tank, and the other end is connected to a plurality of inkjet heads by repeating branching by a two-branch joint.

According to this structure, the branch from the main tank to the plurality of ink jet heads is repeatedly branched by the two-branch joint. Therefore, the length of the tube from the main tank to each ink jet head and the joints. Can be configured to be substantially the same.
For this reason, the pressure loss of the conduits leading to the respective inkjet heads is also substantially the same.

In this case, it is preferable that sub-tanks are respectively provided in the two branch tubes branched from the first two-branch joint on the main tank side, and the main tank supplies ink to the sub-tank by a pressure supply system. .

According to this structure, the ink can be supplied from the main tank to the two sub tanks under the same condition, and the ink can be supplied from the sub tank to each ink jet head under the same condition. When ink is supplied from the sub tank to each inkjet head, it is preferable that the sub tank and the main tank are pressure-separated.

The tube holder of the present invention is a tube holder that is provided at a corner of a pipe path of a tube for supplying ink from an ink tank to an ink jet head and holds the tube, and has a substantially curved shape in plan view along the corner. It is characterized by having a formed holder body and a tube holding groove formed on the upper surface of the holder body and holding the tube in a bent state along the corner.

According to this structure, since the tube holding groove for holding the tube in the bent state along the corner is formed, the tube is installed in the bent state along the corner while suppressing the cross-sectional deformation of the tube. can do.
Also, this makes it possible to omit a joint such as a 90 ° elbow or a 45 ° elbow. Functionally, a hard resin tube can be bent to such an extent that it is slightly whitened, and a soft resin tube can be bent to such an extent that it cannot be crushed (a cross section does not become an ellipse).

In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of tubes are arranged side by side in the piping path, and a plurality of tube holding grooves are formed side by side in the holder body.

According to this structure, it is possible to pipe the plurality of tubes in a corner portion of the piping path in a state where the tubes are aligned and bent.

In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of tube holding grooves are formed with the same radius of curvature.

According to this structure, it is possible to make the pipe line conditions of the portion bent by the tube holding groove of each tube the same, and to make the pressure loss in the plurality of tubes the same.

In these cases, it is preferable that the tube holding groove is formed to a depth such that a plurality of tubes can be stacked and held.

With this configuration, so-called tubes can be stacked, a plurality of tubes can be piped in a narrow space, and the pipe path can be narrowed.

In these cases, it is preferable that the tube holding groove is composed of a curved portion and two linear portions which are respectively connected to both ends of the curved portion.

According to this structure, the tube can be reasonably bent from the straight portion to the curved portion and from the curved portion to the straight portion, and the bending stress can be prevented from being concentrated on a part of the tube.

In these cases, the holder main body is integrally formed with the curved shape portion and the two linear shape portions connected to both ends of the curved shape portion, and the outer rounded end surface and the inner rounded end surface of the curved shape portion are the same. The radius of curvature is preferably formed.

According to this structure, when a plurality of tube holders are aligned and installed, the outer rounded end surface and the inner rounded end surface of the adjacent tube holders can be brought into contact with each other without a gap, so that the plurality of tube holders can be cleaned cleanly. It can be installed in line and easily installed.

In these cases, the holder main body is integrally formed of the curved portion and the two linear portions connected to both ends of the curved portion, and the two linear portions have the same length. It is preferable that

According to this structure, by using the other tube holder by rotating the other tube holder by 90 ° with respect to the one tube holder at the branch portion where the piping path branches to the left and right,
The same tube holder can be used for this branch portion. That is, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of tube holders having different shapes.

In the ink supply piping system for another ink jet printer of the present invention, the tube holder of the present invention described above is provided at a corner of a piping path of a tube for supplying ink from the ink tank to the ink jet head.
It is characterized by being provided.

According to this structure, since a bending joint is not required at the corner portion of the pipe passage, cost reduction can be achieved and pressure loss in the pipe passage can be minimized.

The ink jet printer of the present invention is characterized by including the above-mentioned ink supply piping system of the present invention.

According to this structure, ink can be stably supplied to the ink jet head, and at the same time,
Ink can be supplied to a plurality of inkjet heads under the same conditions.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The inkjet printer of the embodiment is a personal computer (hereinafter,
It is a large-scale business-use color printer connected to an external device such as a personal computer), and prints a desired image by an inkjet method based on image data created by the external device. Specifically, an inkjet printer is a printer that continuously prints a number of unit images, which are cut out and used as labels, on a printing tape that is continuous paper. For example, a label that is attached to a wrap film of fresh food. It is possible to print in a small lot.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the overall construction of the inkjet printer, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view from the back side of the inkjet printer with a part of the configuration omitted.

As shown in both figures, the ink jet printer 1 comprises a large machine base 2 and a small finisher 3 which are connected to each other. The machine base 2 is installed on the machine base 2. Along the printing means 5 for printing on the printing tape A, the tape feeding means 6 for feeding and feeding the roll-shaped printing tape A which is pushed out from the machine base 2 to the right side, and the tape feeding path 4 for longitudinally cutting the machine base 2. A tape feeding means 7 for feeding the supplied printing tape A is provided, and a tape winding means 8 for winding the printed printing tape A received from the tape feeding means 7 in a roll shape is incorporated in the finisher 3 side. There is.

Further, the machine base 2 is provided with an ink supply means 9 for supplying ink to the head unit 24 (ink jet head 26) of the printing means 5 and a maintenance means 10 for maintaining the ink jet head 26, and each of them is provided. A controller 11 (control means) is provided for controlling the main constituent means individually and in association with each other.

The ink jet printer 1 horizontally adsorbs the printing tape A fed from a roll via the adsorption table 101 of the tape feeding means 7, and drives the printing means 5 in this state to produce a large number of images. While the (unit image B) is continuously printed, the printed portion (unit printing area C) is sent out from the suction table 101 at any time to perform the next continuous printing, and finally after the tape winding means 8 prints it. The printing tape A is wound up (see FIGS. 1 and 17). As shown in FIG. 17, in the unit printing area C of the printing tape A, along with a large number of unit images B, an image position mark D for position detection of each unit image B is displayed.
And a detection mark E for feeding the tape in each unit printing area C are printed.

The printing tape A is a roll paper with so-called release paper, and has a tape width of 50 mm minimum to 1 maximum.
Plural kinds (11 kinds) having different widths with 10 mm pitch up to 50 mm are prepared. In printing, unit images B to be labels are continuously printed in the extending direction of the printing tape A, and each unit image B is recognized through an image position mark D by another cutting device which is an outside process. It is then half-cut and becomes a label with adhesive.

The inks used for this printing, that is, the inks used for color printing of one line are cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K), and light cyan (LC) and light. It is composed of a total of 6 reference colors including magenta (LM), and each color ink is an intermediate ink pack 35 as a sub tank.
It is supplied to each ink jet head 26 (head unit 24) via 1 (see FIG. 2 and the like).

The machine base 2 is constructed by assembling the angle members 12 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and fixing the base plate 13 to the upper part and the shelf plate 14 to the lower part. The casters 15 and the six support legs 16 with adjusting bolts are attached. Printing means 5 is provided on the base plate 13.
Besides, the maintenance means 10 is arranged in the center, the sub-tank side of the ink supply means 9 is arranged on the back side, and the main part of the tape feeding means 7 is arranged on the front side. Also, the base plate 13
A tape supply means 6 is attached to one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the tape via an angle member 12 in the front-rear direction.

The base plate 13 has a substantially rectangular opening on the tape winding means 8 side and on the front side (two locations). The base plate 13 and the shelf plate 14 face the openings 17, 17. A tape feeding path 4 is formed between the and, so as to make a large detour downward. Further, on the back side of the shelf board 14, main components (tank side) of the ink supply means 9 are arranged, and a large waste ink tank 18 for storing unnecessary waste ink after maintenance is arranged. ing. Further, a controller 11 is arranged between the base plate 13 and the shelf plate 14 on the right front side with the partition plate 19 interposed therebetween.

Although not shown in the drawing, a safety cover is provided on the base plate 13 of the machine base 2 to integrally cover the above-mentioned means and the like. Warning lights are provided on the upper surface. A detection switch (detection sensor) for detecting the closing of the opening / closing door is attached to the safety cover. Only when the detection switch detects the closing of the opening / closing door, the main power supply (not shown) turns off.
You can do N. Further, if the opening / closing door is opened while the main power source is on, the main power source is automatically turned off via the detection switch. The warning light has a tape display lamp section for displaying the tape end, as well as an operation display lamp section for displaying the printing operation.

On the other hand, the finisher 3 is composed of a finisher body 20 and four support legs 21 with adjusting bolts attached to the lower portion of the finisher body 20, and the tape winding means 8 is incorporated in the finisher body 20. There is. An operation panel 22 for adjusting the winding torque of the printing tape A and the like is provided at the upper left portion of the front surface of the finisher body 20. As with the safety cover,
The main power of the inkjet printer 1 can be turned on only when the finisher 3 is connected to the machine base 2.

Next, each means of the ink jet printer 1 will be described in order. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the printing unit 5 includes a head unit 24 having a large number of inkjet heads 26 mounted thereon, and X and Y for freely moving the head unit 24 in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction.
And a moving mechanism 25. The XY movement mechanism 25
An X-axis table 27, which is a so-called XY robot mounted on the base plate 13, which moves the head unit 24 in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction, longitudinal direction of the printing tape A or extending direction), A Y-axis table 28 that moves the axis table 27 in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction, width direction of the printing tape A), and a Y-axis guide that is arranged in parallel with the Y-axis table 28 and that guides the movement of the X-axis table 27. And 29.

Although not shown in the drawing, the X-axis table 27 is provided inside the X-axis table frame 31 forming the outer shell, but the main scanning ball screw for reciprocating the head unit 24 in the main scanning direction and the main scanning ball. A main scanning motor for rotating the screw forward and backward is housed. Similarly, the Y-axis table 28 includes a Y-axis table frame 32 that constitutes an outer shell.
Inside, a sub-scanning ball screw that reciprocates an X-axis table 27 (not shown) in the sub-scanning direction and a sub-scanning motor that rotates the sub-scanning ball screw forward and backward are housed. The X-axis table frame 31 is provided with a flushing box 61 that is located almost directly above the Y-axis table 28 and that moves with the reciprocating movement of the X-axis table 27.

The Y-axis guides 29 are parallel to the guide plates 35, three guide columns 34 standing upright on the base plate 13 across the tape feed path 4, a guide plate 35 passed between the guide columns 34. And a guide rod 36 in the shape of a round bar attached to the X-axis table 27, and supports the X-axis table 27 together with the Y-axis table 28 and guides the reciprocating movement of the X-axis table 27. The guide rail 36 extends partway from the back side to the labor side, and two guide rollers 37 attached to one end of the X-axis table frame 31.
Rolls around.

Reference numerals 38 and 39 in the figure denote an X-axis cable bear 38 and a Y-axis cable bear 39, respectively, which flexibly protect the piping and wiring leading to the head unit 24. The Y-axis cable bear 39 has a base end fixed to an intermediate plate fixed to the X-axis table frame 31, and a tip end fixed to a piping plate 408. The X-axis cable bear 39 has a base end fixed to the base plate 13 and a front end fixed to the intermediate plate.

Although not particularly shown, an X-direction detecting sensor for detecting a reference position (home position, left side in the figure: origin of the X-axis) of the head unit 24, and an X-axis table 27.
And a Y-direction detection sensor for detecting a reference position (home position, rear side in the drawing: origin of the Y-axis) of the head unit 24 via. When the main power supply of the inkjet printer 1 is turned on, the X / Y moving mechanism 25 is always reset to this reference position.

Although not shown, the head unit 24 is provided with a female screw block extending from the horizontal slit formed in the X-axis table frame 31 into the X-axis table frame 31, and this female screw block is used as a main scanning ball screw. It is screwed. Similarly, the Y-axis table frame 3 is attached to one lower end of the X-axis table frame 31.
From the horizontal slit formed in 2 to the Y-axis table frame 3
A female screw block extending inside 2 is attached, and this female screw block is screwed to the sub-scanning ball screw.

The main scanning motor and the sub-scanning motor are connected to the controller 11 described above, and by rotating the main scanning motor forward and backward, the head unit 24 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, and the sub-scanning motor is moved forward. By rotating in the reverse direction, the head unit 24 is moved through the X-axis table 27.
Reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction. Then, one line is printed by the movement of the head unit 24 in the main scanning direction, and the head unit 24 is moved to the next line by the movement in the sub scanning direction.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, when printing is started on the printing tape A on the suction table 101, for example, with the upper left position as the print start position P1, the head unit starts from this position. One line of printing (main scanning) is performed by moving 24 to the right (forward direction in main scanning) by a predetermined distance, and the head unit 24 is moved to the second position by moving the head unit 24 to the front at the right end. The second line is printed (main scanning) by moving to the line (sub-scanning) and further moving the head unit 24 to the left (backward direction in main scanning). In this way, the operation is repeated to print all lines (see FIG. 4B).

Further, for example, when printing is completed at the lower right position, the next printing after feeding the tape is performed at this printing end position P.
From 2 to the print start position P1, the head unit 24 is moved in the reverse operation to print all lines (see FIG. 4C). This reduces the movement loss of the head unit 24.
The flushing of the inkjet head 26 is performed on the flushing box 61 at the left end during one reciprocation (printing of two lines).

The head unit 24 is attached to the left and right sides of the support bracket 41, the support bracket 41 having the female screw block attached to the back surface thereof, the unified carriage 42 (see FIG. 5) horizontally attached to the lower portion of the support bracket 41. The unified carriage 42 has a plurality of ink jet heads 26 having a plurality of ink nozzles (nozzle rows) formed on its lower surface. . In particular,
In the unified carriage 42, four partial carriages 44 are detachably mounted, and three inkjet heads 26 are attached to each of the partial carriages 44 side by side, that is, a total of 12 inkjet heads 26 are attached to all the partial carriages 44.

In this case, each ink jet head 26 is fixed (bonded or screwed) to the partial carriage 44, and each partial carriage 44 is detachably mounted on the unified carriage 42 by the positioning mounting means 45 composed of a plurality of pins. There is. Further, in each of the inkjet heads 26 mounted on each of the partial carriages 44, the main body portion 26a in which the ink nozzles are formed is projected downward from the unified carriage 42, and the main body portion 26a is arranged so as to face each other. The group 46 is centrally arranged (see FIG. 6). On the back side of the main body portion 26a, an ink supply site 49 for connecting the tubes 401 from the sub tanks of the respective colors to appropriately supply the inks of the respective colors is formed.

As schematically shown in FIG. 6, the six color ink nozzle row group 46 constituting one line of the reference color is divided into four, and the divided six color divided ink nozzle row group 47 is divided.
Is installed in the three inkjet heads 26,
It is mounted on each partial carriage 44. In particular,
Two divided ink nozzle rows 47a for black (K) and cyan (C) are incorporated in the first head 26-1 of the three inkjet heads 26 mounted on each partial carriage 44, and the second head 26- Two divided ink nozzle rows 47a of light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) are incorporated in the second head 2,
6-3 includes 2 of magenta (M) and yellow (Y).
One divided ink nozzle row 47a is incorporated.

Then, these divided ink nozzle row groups 47
Are arranged in a zigzag pattern so that some of them (the ink nozzles) overlap, and as a whole, about 4 inches (1 line)
The ink nozzle row group 46 for each color is formed. As described above, since the ink nozzle row group 46 for one line is divided into four and the ink jet head 26 is configured by incorporating this, the yield of the head unit 24 can be increased by appropriately replacing the defective ink jet head 26. It can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the supporting bracket 41 is located at the lower end of the rear plate 51 on which the above-mentioned female screw block is attached to the outside, and has a large opening for positioning and fixing the unified carriage 42. Horizontal plate 52
And a vertical plate 53 that holds the back plate 51 and the horizontal plate 52 from both left and right sides and fixes them, and a paper dust removing mechanism 43 is provided on the outer surface of each vertical plate 53. That is, the back plate 51, the horizontal plate 52, both vertical plates 53, and the unified carriage 42 constitute a generally-known carriage. A pipe support plate 409 that supports a plurality of tubes 401 and the like is attached to the rear surface of the upper end of the support bracket 41, and a Y-axis cable bear 39 is attached to the pipe support plate 409.

The paper dust removing mechanism 43 has a pair of front and rear fan holders 55 protruding and fixed to each vertical plate 53, and a pair of front and rear paper dust removing fans 56 held by the fan holder 55.
57, and there are a total of 4 on the left and right. The pair of front and rear fan holders 55 are continuously and integrally formed, and the base side is supported by the vertical plate 53 with the leading end side inclined upward with respect to the lower printing tape A. That is, the printing tape A on the suction table 101
Faces the paper dust removing fan 56 (57) at an elevation angle of a predetermined angle. Therefore, the paper dust removing fan 56 (57) held by the fan holder 55 blows air obliquely in the extending direction of the printing tape A. The fan holder 55 is made of a soft steel plate, and is bent appropriately to adjust the angle of the paper dust removing fan 56 (57) (from 0 degree to
45 degrees).

Specifically, the first paper dust removing fan 56 on the right side blows air onto the printing tape A in the diagonal forward direction of the main scanning of the head unit 24, and the second paper dust removing fan on the left side. Reference numeral 57 blows air onto the printing tape A in the diagonal backward movement direction in the main scanning of the head unit 24.

The paper dust removing fan 56 (57) is composed of an axial fan and is connected to the controller 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the paper dust removing fan 56 (57) has a total fan diameter including the entire width of the nozzle row in the head unit 24 in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the paper dust can be efficiently removed corresponding to the nozzle row. The paper dust removing fan 56 (5
A wind shield plate may be provided between the paper dust removing fan 56 (57) and the unified carriage 42 so that the blown air 7) does not reach the inkjet head 26 side as much as possible.

The processing flow of the paper dust removing mechanism 43 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, when a print start command is issued (S1), a flushing operation is first performed (S2), and then the second paper dust removing fan 57 in the backward direction (left side) is stopped in a driving state. , Forward side (right side)
The first paper dust removing fan 56 is driven (S3). Then, in this state, the head unit 24 is moved in the forward direction in the main scanning direction to perform printing (S4), and the sub-scan is performed to print the next line, that is, prior to printing in the backward direction, to the right side. The driving of the first paper dust removing fan 56 is stopped and the second paper dust removing fan 57 on the left side is driven (S5). Then, in this state, the head unit 2
4 is moved in the backward direction with respect to the main scanning direction to perform printing (S6), and S3 to S6 are repeated until a series of printing is completed (S7: No), and in synchronization with the print end command (S7: Yes). ), All paper dust removal fans 56 (57)
Is stopped (S8).

As described above, only the first paper dust removing fan 56 is driven at the time of forward printing in the main scanning, and only the second paper dust removing fan 57 is driven at the time of backward printing to print by the head unit 24. The paper dust on the printing tape A is blown off in synchronization with the operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the paper dust from adhering to the nozzles of the inkjet head 26, and also to accelerate the drying of the ink on the printed printing tape A. Reference numeral 59 in FIG. 1 denotes a cover 59 attached from the front surface to the upper surface of the support bracket 41, and the upper surface of the cover 59 is opened corresponding to the plurality of tubes 401.

Next, the maintenance means 10 will be described. The maintenance means 10 includes the flushing box 61 for receiving the flushing ink, a storage unit 62 for storing the inkjet head 26 when it is not driven, and a cleaning for cleaning the inkjet head 26 by a manual operation or the like to eliminate the nozzle clogging. A unit 63 and a wiping unit 64 for wiping the inkjet head 26 by a manual operation or the like are provided, and these are all on the machine base 2 and are separated from the tape feeding path 4 to the back side by the X-axis table 2.
It is installed in the vicinity of 7.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the flushing box 61 has its mounting position coincident with the origin (reference position) in the X-axis direction, and the back side thereof is the X-axis table 27.
Supported by. The flushing box 61 includes a box body 66 having a four-sided frame shape having a bottom portion, an ink absorber 67 laid on the bottom portion of the box body 66, and an upper edge of the box body 66 for holding four peripheral edge portions of the ink absorber 67. It has a frame-shaped stop plate 68 fixed to the portion and faces the head unit 24 at the origin position in the X-axis direction so as to cover it from below. That is, all of the inkjet heads 26 that are located outside the printing area G and that face the origin position are included in the ink absorber 67.

The box body 66 is supported by the X-axis table frame 31 on the back side with a predetermined gap from the Y-axis table frame 32, and the right half portion is positioned so as to overlap with the Y-axis table 28. ing. Also, the Y-axis table 2
The left half portion of the box body 66, which is located on the left side of the box body 8, is provided with an ink storage portion 69 protruding downward from the box body 66.

The ink absorber 67 is composed of a plurality of ink absorber pieces 67a laid vertically and horizontally, and the flushing ink ejected by flushing is absorbed by each ink absorber piece 67a. In this case, since the flushing ink penetrates deeply from the boundary portion of each ink absorber piece 67 a and is absorbed therein, it does not accumulate (dry and accumulate) on the surface of the ink absorber 67.

Thus, the flushing box 61
Can move in the Y-axis direction together with the X-axis table 27 while maintaining the origin position in the X-axis direction, so that the head unit 24 that has moved back to the origin in the X-axis direction always faces when printing. Accordingly, during the printing operation, the flushing can be performed at the acceleration start position or the deceleration start position (reference position) of the head unit 24, that is, every one reciprocation (printing of two lines) of the head unit 24, and as a whole. The print processing time can be shortened.
It is preferable that the flushing is first performed at the start of printing.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9, the storage unit 62 is arranged at a substantially central portion on the machine base 2, and each of them has three units.
4 with individual storage caps 72 (cap members)
A total of 12 cap support bodies 71, a storage base frame 73 that accommodates each cap support body 71 slidably in the vertical direction, and four partial cap support bodies 71 are provided.
And a cap moving mechanism 74 for moving the individual storage caps 72 toward and away from the head unit 24.
The cap moving mechanism 74 is the controller 11 described above.
The storage base frame 73 is screwed to a predetermined position of the base plate 13 via six right and left fixing portions 76 formed on the lower end of the storage base frame 73.

Each storage cap 72 is a cap body 7.
7 and the anti-drying material 7 laid on the bottom of the cap body 77
8 and a seal member 79 which is attached to the upper end of the cap body 77 and is formed of a substantially rectangular O-ring. The anti-drying material 78 is impregnated with the ink solvent to maintain the high humidity state, and effectively prevents the inkjet head 26 (ink nozzle) from drying. The seal member 79 is configured to be in close contact with the bottom surface (ink nozzle formation surface) of the main body portion 26a of the inkjet head 26, and seals this.

The respective cap supports 71 are connected to each other, and their separation / lifting movements are guided to the storage base frame 73 at the left and right positions. Cap support 71
The three side-by-side storage caps 72 mounted on the three carriage heads are mounted on the partial carriage 44 to form the three inkjet heads 2.
6 (each head group 48), each cap support 71 is attached to each partial carriage 44 of the head unit 24.
Corresponding to the above, the storage base frame 73 is arranged in a staggered manner. That is, each cap support 71 is accurately positioned and attached to a predetermined position of the storage base frame 73, and each storage cap 72 is appropriately brought into close contact with each corresponding inkjet head 26.

The cap moving mechanism 74 is provided between the sealing position for sealing the ink jet head 26 and the standby position for separating the ink jet head 26 from the storage cap 7.
Move 2 That is, the cap moving mechanism 74 is
The four cap support members 71 are integrally lifted and lowered, and the four cap support members 71 are normally maintained in the descent standby position. Then, when the head unit 24 faces directly above the four cap supports 71 for storage, the cap moving mechanism 74 is driven to raise the entire storage cap 72 via the four cap supports 71. Then, they are brought into close contact with all the inkjet heads 26. As a result, each ink jet head 26 can be individually sealed and kept at high humidity during storage, that is, when printing is not driven.

In addition, in such a configuration, the three storage caps 72 are accurately assembled to the cap support 71 and are accurately attached to the storage base frame 73. As a result, The storage caps 72 and the cap support 71 can be assembled accurately. Also, any one storage cap 72
If the cap is defective, it can be replaced easily and quickly for each cap support 71 unit without impairing the mounting accuracy.

Although not shown, the storage unit 62
A detection switch for detecting the standby position of the cap support 71 is attached to the head unit 24, and the head unit 24 cannot be scanned (moved) when the detection switch in the OFF state is in the non-detection state. That is,
The detection switch connected to the controller 11 interlocks the movement of the head unit 24 when each cap support 71 is in the sealing position. As a result, the movement of the head unit 24 in the sealed state is canceled, and damage to the head unit 24 and the storage cap 72 due to a software malfunction is prevented.

The cleaning unit 63 is shown in FIGS.
0 and two partial units 63 as shown in FIG.
a, 63b, and each partial unit 63a, 63b
Are supported by the cleaning base plate 81 fixed on the base plate 13, and are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the Y-axis direction.

Each of the partial units 63a and 63b of the cleaning unit 63 has a cleaning cap support 82 on which three cleaning caps 83 (cap members) are mounted, and the cleaning cap support 82 is slidable in the vertical direction. A cleaning support frame 84, a cleaning cap moving mechanism 85 for separating and contacting the three cleaning caps 83 toward the head unit 24 via the cleaning cap support 82, and each cleaning cap 83.
Ink pump (two units in total) for sucking ink through the printer 86
And are equipped with. The cleaning cap moving mechanism 85 and the ink pumps 86 are connected to the controller 11.

Each cleaning cap 83 is composed of a cap body 87, an ink absorbing material 88 laid on the bottom of the cap body 87, and a seal member 89 mounted on the upper end of the cap body 87. Each sealing member 89
Is configured to be in close contact with the bottom surface (ink nozzle formation surface) of the main body portion 26a of each inkjet head 26, and seals this.

Each cleaning cap support 82 is
At the left and right positions, the lifting / lowering movement is guided by each cleaning support frame 84. Further, the cleaning cap support 82 includes three inkjet heads 26 (each head group 4) mounted side by side on the partial carriage 44.
Corresponding to 8), three horizontal cleaning caps 83 are mounted.

That is, referring to FIG. 6 as well,
The pair of cleaning cap supports 82 includes two adjacent head groups 48 (first and second head groups 48-1, 4).
8-2 and the third and fourth head groups 48-3, 48-4)
Corresponding to the first head group 48-1 (and the third head group 48-).
3) corresponds to one of the cleaning cap supports 82 (CL1 in the drawing), and the second head group 48-2 (and the fourth head group 48-4) corresponds to the other cleaning cap support 82 (CL2 in the drawing). ) Is supported.

Each cleaning cap moving mechanism 85
Is composed of a motor or the like arranged on the side of each cleaning support frame 84, and is adapted to raise and lower each cleaning cap support 82 individually (in synchronization) with the controller 11. Each cleaning cap support 82 is moved up and down between a sealing position for sealing the inkjet head 26 and a standby position separated from the inkjet head 26. Therefore, the cleaning cap supports 82 are always maintained at the standby position.

Each of the cleaning cap moving mechanisms 85 is provided only when the head unit 24 faces directly above the cleaning unit 63 for cleaning.
By driving, each cleaning cap support 82 is raised. Although not shown, the cleaning unit is also provided with a detection switch for detecting the standby position of the cleaning cap support 82, as in the storage unit 62, and each cleaning cap support 82 is sealed. When in the position, the movement of the head unit 24 is interlocked.

The cleaning operation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 10. When the first head group 48-1 and the second head group 48-2 face the cleaning unit 63 for cleaning, the cleaning operation is performed. The cap moving mechanism 85 is driven to raise the entire cleaning cap 83 through the pair of cleaning cap supports 82 to bring the cleaning cap 83 into close contact with the head unit 24. Then, each ink pump 86 is driven to drive the first head group 48.
-1 and the ink is sucked from all the ink nozzles of each inkjet head 26 of the second head group 48-2 (cleaning).

Then, again, the cleaning cap moving mechanism 85 is driven to lower all the cleaning caps 83, and the XY moving mechanism 25 is driven to move the third cap.
The head group 48-3 and the fourth head group 48-4 are moved in the Y-axis direction so as to face the pair of cleaning cap supports 82. Then, the cleaning caps 83 are raised and pump suction is performed, and the third head group 48
-3 and the ink is sucked from the inkjet heads 26 of the fourth head group 48-4. On the other hand, the ink sucked by each ink pump 86 is respectively absorbed by the ink absorbing material 88.
It is adapted to be guided to the waste ink tank 18 via the tube 401 from.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, each cleaning support frame 84 has two positioning holes 90 on the front side formed in the cleaning base plate 81.
And is screwed to the cleaning base plate 81 at two positions on the back side. Then, the cleaning base plate 81 is screwed to a predetermined position of the base plate 13 via a total of four fixing portions 91 formed on the left and right intermediate portions.

With this configuration, like the storage unit 62, in the cleaning unit 63, the three cleaning caps 83 are attached to the cleaning cap support 82.
Since it is assembled with high precision and is attached to the cleaning base plate 81 with high precision, as a result, each cleaning cap 83 and the cleaning cap support 82 can be assembled with high precision. Further, even if any one cleaning cap 83 becomes defective, the mounting accuracy is not impaired,
Each cleaning cap support 82 can be easily and quickly replaced.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the wiping unit 64 is disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit 63 at the end of the head unit 24 in the X-axis direction and outside the printing area G of the printing tape A. Has been done. The wiping unit 64 includes two partial units 64a,
64b, each of the partial units 64a and 64b is supported by a wiping base plate 94 fixed on the base plate 13 and, like the partial units 63a and 63b of the cleaning unit 63, adjacent two head groups. 48 (first and second head groups 48-1, 48-2
And the third and fourth head groups 48-3 and 48-4) so as to be displaced in the Y-axis direction.

Each of the partial units 64a and 64b of the wiping unit 64 includes a resin wiper blade 95,
Solenoid 96 for rotating and raising the wiper blade 95
And 3 each side by side, each solenoid 9
6 is connected to the controller 11. Solenoid 9
6 is controlled by the controller 11, and when the head unit 24 faces directly above the wiping unit 64 for wiping, when it is excited, the wiper blade 95 is swung up to face the wiping position. The corresponding inkjet head 26 is brought into contact.
On the other hand, when degaussed, the wiper blade 95 is pivotally lowered and separated to the retracted position so as not to interfere with the movement of the head unit 24 in the main scanning and the sub scanning.

As a result, the wiping operation is performed by driving the XY moving mechanism 25 with respect to the wiper blade 95 facing the wiping position to move the head unit 24 a minute distance in the X-axis direction, and the ink jet head 26. The ink attached to the lower surface (ink nozzle surface) of the ink nozzle can be removed, and an appropriate meniscus of the ink nozzle can be held.

The wiping operation is the same as the cleaning operation after the processing of the first head group 48-1 and the second head group 48-2 is completed, and then the third head group 48-3 and the fourth head group 48. -4 processing is performed. That is, the cooperation of the wiping unit 64 and the XY moving mechanism 25 divides the entire inkjet head 26 into two.
Wiping is performed.

As described above, in the maintenance means 10, since the storage unit 62 for storing the inkjet head 26 is independent of the flushing box 61 and the cleaning unit 63, the inkjet head 26 can be appropriately protected. . That is, as compared with the case where the cleaning unit 63 and the like also store the inkjet head 26, the influence of ink stain due to ejection (suction) can be avoided.

Although the storage base frame 73, the cleaning support frame 84, and the wiping base plate 94 are formed separately, they may be formed as one large base plate (maintenance plate).

Next, regarding tape feeding, the tape feeding means 7 (paper feeding device), the tape feeding means 6 and the tape winding means 8 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the tape feeding means 7, and as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1, the tape feeding means 7 is on a base plate 13 arranged substantially at the center of the tape feeding path 4. The suction table 101 and a tape feeding mechanism 102 that is arranged with the suction table 101 interposed and that feeds the printing tape A along the tape feeding path 4 are provided.

The suction table 101 includes a casing 104 fixed to the base plate 13, a suction plate 105 attached to the upper surface of the casing 104, and three (a plurality) suction chambers formed below the suction plate 105. 106, and three suction fans 10 facing the lower part of each suction chamber 106.
7, and sucks the printing tape A by air. The suction plate 105 is formed with a length of 30 inches according to the length of the X-axis table 27 in the extending direction of the tape feed path 4, and corresponds to the maximum width of the printing tape A (tape width of 150 mm). It has a certain width. Each printing tape A is fed at one end in the width direction (on the back side of the suction plate 105) as a fixed position (reference to the end surface), and the positioning in the width direction is performed before the suction table 101. (Described later).

A large number of suction holes 108 communicating with the respective suction chambers 106 are formed on the upper surface of the suction plate 105. The suction plate 105 has a large number of suction holes 10.
The printing tape A is placed on the upper surface of the printing tape A with a suction force such that it does not float and with a predetermined flatness. The suction plate 105 is horizontally arranged and faces the head unit 24 (ink jet head 26) moving in the X and Y directions directly above the suction plate 105. That is, the suction plate 1
The printing tape A adsorbed on the upper surface of 05 has a predetermined gap for ejecting ink, and
Parallel to.

Each suction fan 107 is connected to the controller 11 and is driven in synchronization with the ON operation of its main power source. That is, the printing tape A is adsorbed not only when the feeding of the printing tape A is stopped but also when the feeding operation of the printing tape A is performed. In particular, the feeding of the printing tape A is performed against the suction force of the suction table 101. Be seen. Then, in the case of the printing tape A having a width other than the maximum width, a large number of suction holes 108 are arranged in order to effectively avoid flight deflection of the ejected ink due to air leaking from the suction holes 108.

More specifically, as shown in the schematic plan views of FIGS. 1 and 13, a large number of suction holes 108 form a plurality of suction hole rows 109 along the length direction of the printing tape A,
The two suction hole rows 109 for sucking both widthwise edges of the printing tape A are arranged close to both ends of the printing tape A in the width direction. That is, both edges of the various printing tapes A having a width of 50 mm to a width of 150 mm at a pitch of 10 mm are reliably sucked to prevent the both edges of the various printing tapes A from floating. Although air leaks from the suction holes 108 that are not blocked by the printing tape A, it is designed so that the suction performance is not affected by the relationship between the performance of the suction fan 107 and the total suction hole area.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the pitch between the suction hole rows 109 is set to 10 mm or less (6 mm in the figure) within a range of 50 mm in front of the end surface of the suction table 101, and 150 mm exceeding 50 mm. In the range up to, the pitch between the suction hole rows 109 is 10 mm, corresponding to the width pitch of the printing tape A. This allows
Since the printing tape A on the suction table 101 can be made horizontal so as not to float, the horizontal posture of the printing tape A can be maintained during and after printing.

More specifically, one of the adjacent suction hole rows 109, 109 with respect to each edge portion of the various printing tapes A is located at a position (covered with tape) which is inside by 1.0 mm from the tape end. The other is a position (open) outside the tape end by about 9.0 mm. In this case, air leaks from the other suction hole array 109 on the outer side, but since the air leaks sufficiently from the inkjet head 26, the ink flight deflection is effectively prevented. It should be noted that both ends of the printing tape A on the length direction side can be appropriately sucked.

A large number of suction holes 108 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and adjacent suction hole rows 109 are displaced in the length direction of the printing tape A. As a result, it is possible to consolidate the suction sites that are handled by any one suction hole 108. Therefore, as compared with the case where the suction holes 108 are arranged in a lattice pattern, the number of suction holes 108 can be reduced without reducing the suction force.

Exhaust air from the three suction fans is
Corresponding to these, the three through holes (not shown) formed in the base plate 13 lead to the space on the controller 11 side located below the base plate 13. However, the exhaust air may be guided to a drying area H, which will be described later, on the downstream side of the suction table 101, where the printed printing tape A is on standby, to accelerate the drying of the ink (FIG. 12).
reference).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 12 and 14, the tape feeding mechanism 102 rotates the tape feeding roller 111 disposed on the base plate 13 on the downstream side of the tape feeding path 4 and the tape feeding roller 111. Tape feed motor 1 to drive
12 and a feeding roller 113 which is arranged on the downstream side of the tape feeding roller 111 in the feeding direction and which feeds out to the tape winding means 8.
A guide roller 114 and a grip roller 115 that are disposed immediately downstream of the suction table 101 in the feeding direction and immediately upstream of the suction table 101, a guide roller 116 that is disposed upstream of the grip roller 115 in the feeding direction, and a guide roller 11.
6 and a width guide portion 117 (width regulating means) arranged on the upstream side in the feeding direction.

Further, the tape feeding mechanism 102 includes the base plate 13 between the tape feeding roller 111 and the guide roller 114.
The intermediate roller 118 and the lower roller 119 disposed below the intermediate roller 118 are provided between the shelf plates 14 and on the downstream side of the guide roller 114 in the feeding direction. That is, the printing tape A fed by the tape feeding mechanism 102.
After being printed, the path is changed at a substantially right angle through the guide roller 114, and is once sent from above the base plate 13 to the lower side, and after circling around the lower roller 119 and the like, the path is again changed to the upper side and sent. It is sent to the tape winding means 8 by the roller 113. The base plate 13 is formed with the two openings 17, 17 that allow the printing tape A to be fed, with the Y-axis table 28 interposed therebetween.

The feeding roller 113 is composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers for sandwiching the printing tape A, and rotationally feeds the printing tape A downward to the outside of the machine base 2. The delivery roller 1
Numeral 13 is rotatably supported by a delivery plate 121 which projects leftward from the machine base 2 and is fixed thereto.

The tape feed roller 111 is the printing tape A.
Drive roller 12 having a grip roller structure facing each other with the grip
3 and a driven roller 124.
The tape feed motor 112 is connected to the drive roller 23, while the driven roller 124 is urged to the drive roller 123 by an interposed spring 125. Tape feed motor 112
Is a stepping motor and is connected to the controller 11 to control the rotation of the tape feed roller 111.

That is, the rotation of the tape feeding roller 111 (driving roller 123) is controlled by the controller 11 so that the entire tape feeding and stopping of the machine base 2 including the feeding on the suction table 101 can be performed with high accuracy. In addition, the head unit 24 rotates in synchronization with the head unit 24. Specifically, the detection mark E printed on the print tape A together with the unit image B is detected, the tape feed roller 111 is rotated based on the calculated step number, and the feed of the print tape A is stopped. (Details will be described later).

The grip roller 115 is the suction table 1
01 is composed of a pair of rollers 115a and 115b for sandwiching the printing tape A on the upstream side (upstream side). The pair of rollers 115a and 115b are rotatably supported by the suction table 101 and suck the printing tape A. Table 10
Place it horizontally above 1.

The guide roller 114 is used for the suction table 10.
It is rotatably supported by the rear portion (upstream side) of No. 1 and is in rolling contact with the non-printing surface of the printing tape A. Further, the guide roller 114 is positioned horizontally with the grip roller 115 with the suction table 101 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the printing tape A is fed horizontally on the suction table 101 from the grip roller 115 to the guide roller 114. In addition, the guide roller 114 and the grip roller 1
The above-mentioned printing area G (30 inches) is constituted by the suction table 101 between 15 units.

The lower roller 119 is rotatably supported by a lower support plate 129 fixed on the shelf plate 14, and the intermediate roller 118 is rotatably supported by an intermediate support plate 128 fixed between the base plate 13 and the shelf plate 14. It is supported. The intermediate roller 118 is arranged substantially directly below the guide roller 114, and the lower roller 119 is arranged somewhat upstream of the intermediate roller 118 (which is larger in the X-axis direction). Therefore, the print tape A is sent between the guide roller 114 and the lower roller 119 by slightly changing the route to the rear via the intermediate roller 118. Further, between the lower roller 119 and the guide roller 114, the above-mentioned drying area H is formed, which has a length substantially the same as the printing area G and in which the printed portion of the printing tape A is naturally dried.

The intermediate support plate 128 faces the tape feed path 4 (printing tape A) and the intermediate roller 118.
A tape feed sensor 130 is arranged in a position parallel to the. The tape feed sensor 130 (detection means) is composed of a reflection type optical sensor and is connected to the controller 11. The tape feed sensor 130 detects the detection mark E of the printing tape A, and controls the drive operation of the tape feed motor 112 based on the detection result. Thus, the feeding of the printing tape A, that is, the intermittent feeding in units of the unit printing area C where printing is performed by the printing operation of one tact is performed with high accuracy.

Further, the tape feed sensor 130 has a predetermined distance from the front end of the printing area G (FIG. 14, prescribed distance: M).
Is located in. Then, the one detection mark E printed on the unit print area C is printed at a position which is lower than the specified distance from the rear end of the unit print area C to the downstream side in the tape feeding direction. That is, the distance from the rear end of the unit print area C to the printing position of the detection mark E and the distance from the front end of the unit print area C to the position of the tape feed sensor 130 (the detection position of the detection mark E) are set to be the same. Is
This realizes the above-described highly accurate tape feeding (see FIG. 17 for details).

On the other hand, on the upstream side of the tape feed path 4, the guide roller 116 faces the upper grip roller 115 and is rotatably supported by the suction table 101.
In this case, the guide roller 114 and the intermediate roller 118
In between, the grip roller 115 and the guide roller 1
Between 16 the printing tape A is fed along the vertical tape feed path 4. Further, between the grip roller 115 and the guide roller 116, an antistatic brush 131 is arranged so as to face the printing tape A, and the antistatic brush 131 is brought into sliding contact with the sent printing tape A to ground the printing tape A.

The width guide 117 is shown in FIG. 12 and FIG.
As shown in an enlarged view of FIG. 3, a bottom plate 133 fixed on the base plate 13, a front side mounting plate 134 and a fixed guide plate 135 on the back side, which are erected on the bottom plate 133 so as to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction, A moving guide plate 136 configured to be freely movable between the plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 135, and a plurality (five) of feed members 137 and a plurality (of which five ends) are axially supported by the mounting plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 135, respectively. (2) plate guides 138 and a plate spring portion 139 that applies tension to the printing tape A, and the fixed guide plate 135 and the moving guide plate 136 are paired to form the printing tape A fed to the machine base 2. The width is regulated.

The bottom plate 133 is the mounting plate 13
4, the mounting plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 135 are fixed to the fixed plate at a portion 141 in which the left half of the lower end is bent outward. In addition, the mounting plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 13
A leaf spring portion 139 is attached to the right half portion of No. 5 so as to straddle them.

The fixed guide plate 135 is arranged parallel to the end surface on the back side of the suction table 101, and the inner surface thereof guides the width of the printing tape A in the extending direction from one side.
The width guide on the other side of the printing tape A is formed on the inner surface of the movement guide plate 136. That is, in the width guide of the printing tape A, the moving guide plate 136 is fixed on the basis of the fixed guide plate 135.
It is configured by appropriately translating with respect to 35.
Further, at the right end portions of the fixed guide plate 135 and the moving guide plate 136, tape guide portions 142, 142 for guiding reception of the printing tape A sent,
It is formed by expanding to the outside.

Both ends of each feed member 137 are supported by the mounting plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 135 without being interfered with by a plurality of loose insertion holes of the moving guide plate 136 having the intermediate portion formed corresponding thereto. Has been done. Further, the adjacent feed members 137 are supported in a state where they are vertically displaced from each other.

That is, in this case, five feed members 1
37 are three feed guides 144 arranged in parallel on the upper side and slidingly contacting the non-printing surface of the printing tape A, and two rotating rollers 145 arranged in parallel on the lower side and rollingly contacting the printing surface of the printing tape A. It is composed of. Printing tape A whose tape guide section is fed by five feed members 137
Is sent while curving in the other direction by changing the route in a wave shape. As a result, the curl of the printing tape A fed from the tape supply means 6 is effectively removed, and the printing tape A is removed.
Can be sent to the guide roller 116 (habit removing means).

On the other hand, each plate guide 138 is made of a round bar-like member, and a pair of left and right sides (upstream side and downstream side in the tape feeding direction) are arranged. Specifically, the pair of plate guides 138 are disposed above the feed member 137, and the upper middle feed guide 144 is provided.
It is arranged on the right and left sides of the pair of rotary rollers 145 on the left and right sides, and the both ends are fixed to the mounting plate 134 and the fixed guide plate 135.

Further, each plate guide 138 has a moving guide plate 1 having an intermediate portion formed correspondingly thereto.
36 is loosely fitted in a pair of guide holes to guide the slide movement of the movement guide plate 136 in the front-rear direction,
The moved guide plate 136 after the movement is fixed at a predetermined position in parallel with the fixed guide plate 135 via a fixing screw 149 described later.

The moving guide plate 136 makes the width of the tape feeding path 4 variable, and has a width guide block 147 fixed to the upper outer side in addition to the above-mentioned idle hole and guide hole. The plate guides 138 are configured to be attachable and fixable via the block 147. The width guide block 147 includes a block main body 148 having a predetermined width and a pair of fixing screws 149 arranged on the upper surface of the block main body 148 so as to be spaced apart from each other.
Each fixing screw 149 is provided at a position corresponding to each plate guide 138, and the moving guide plate 136 is fixed to each plate guide 138 by the fixing screw 149.

That is, with the fixing screw 149 loosened, the lateral direction (tape width direction) of the movement guide plate 136 is moved and positioned according to the tape width, and the fixing guide screw 136 is moved with the fixing screw 149 tightened. Guide plate 13
6 sandwiches both end faces in the width direction of the printing tape A together with the fixed guide plate 135, and its lower end face abuts on the bottom plate 133. This allows
The width guide of the printing tape A facing the suction table 101 is appropriately performed. The movement guide plate 136
Has a structure in which the pair of rotating rollers 145 are escaped by the notch portion formed therein (see FIG. 15).

The plate spring portion 139 is the fixed guide plate 1
35 and the spring support plate 151 extending across the lower right half of the mounting plate 134, and the spring support plate 15
1 has a leaf spring 152 attached to the upper surface and a torsion coil spring for urging the spring support plate 151 upward.

Both ends of the spring support plate 151 in the extending direction are bent upward, the bases of both ends are supported by the lower ends of the fixed guide plate 135 and the mounting plate 134, and a portion opposite to the base is formed. One end of the coil spring 153 is locked to. The other end of each coil spring 153 has a fixed guide plate 135 and a mounting plate 1.
34, the spring support plate 151 is supported by these plates in a state of being urged upward, and is vertically rotatable about the base portion. ing. In addition, the spring support plate 151
A spring release lever 155 for rotating the same is attached to the front end of the device through a lever support base.

The leaf spring 152 is provided on the right rotary roller 145.
A spring fixing portion 156 fixed to the spring support plate 151 and a roller sliding contact portion 157 that bends from the spring fixing portion 156 and sandwiches the printing tape A and abuts the rotation roller 145 from below. Has been done. The roller sliding contact portion 157 at the sliding contact position is separated from the rotating roller 145 by the operation of the spring release lever 155 and is retracted to the lower separated position. That is, the leaf spring 152 is in sliding contact with the right rotation roller 145 with the printing tape A sandwiched therebetween, and applies tension to the printing tape A. As a result, the feeding of the printing tape A facing the printing area G (suction table 101) can be braked. The leaf spring 152
Corresponding to the above, the movement guide plate 136 has a structure in which the movement guide plate 136 escapes like the rotation roller 145.

Further, the leaf spring 152 and the tape feed roller 111, which are arranged so as to sandwich the print area G, can hold the front and rear of the extending direction of the print tape A in the meantime, so that it is attracted. Along with suction by the table 101, the horizontal posture of the printing tape A can be maintained, and further, the pitch of each detection mark E in each unit printing area C can be made equal (described later).

Further, the roller sliding contact portion 15 of the leaf spring 152 is
7 (guide pressing portion) is a flat plate-shaped sliding contact portion 161 having a holding width included in the minimum-width printing tape A so as not to contact the end surface of each of the printing tapes A having different widths. Each of the comb tooth pieces 163 together with the portion 161 includes a comb tooth-like sliding contact portion 162 that has a pressing width that presses at least both ends in the width direction of each printing tape A other than the minimum width and that is internally provided. .

Specifically, with reference to FIG. 16, the flat plate-shaped sliding contact portion 161 has a holding width of, for example, 47 mm, is embedded in the minimum width (50 mm) of the printing tape A, and is spaced by 10 mm. Corresponding to other plural kinds of printing tapes A whose width is increased by, the adjacent comb tooth pieces 163 (for example, 7 m
m pressing widths) are spaced at a predetermined interval (for example, 3 mm interval), and the center of the gap between the comb teeth 163 corresponding to each printing tape A coincides with the width center of each printing tape A. There is.

Therefore, for example, for a printing tape A having a width of 70 mm, a flat plate-shaped sliding contact portion 161 of 47 mm is provided.
And two 7 mm comb-tooth pieces 1 adjacent to each other in succession
63, 163 and the comb tooth-shaped sliding contact portion 162 are in sliding contact with each other, and a predetermined distance (1.
The tension is applied at a position separated by 5 mm). Thus, the flat plate-shaped sliding contact portion 161 and the comb-teeth-shaped sliding contact portion 162 are accommodated within the paper width of the corresponding printing tape A, so that the leaf spring 152 does not contact the end surface of the printing tape A. And, because both ends of each printing tape in the width direction can be effectively pressed,
A suitable tension can be applied to the printing tape of each width. The length of the comb tooth piece 163 is 15 mm.

Next, the tape supply means 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The tape supply means 6 has a width guide portion 1.
A pair of front and rear supply support frames 171 fixed to the base plate 13 so as to face 17 and a bracket 172 fixed to the angle member 12 of the machine base 2 below the supply support frames 171 constitute a support portion, and the tape feeding means 7 is provided. (Width guide 117)
A predetermined amount of slack (buffer) is applied to the printing tape A that is fed and supplied to the printer. The bracket 172 is provided with a feeding reel 174 that rotatably supports the printing tape A by winding it in a roll shape, and a torque limiter 175 that is axially attached to the feeding reel 174.

The pair of supply support frames 171 have a supply guide roller 181 for guiding the feeding of the printing tape A fed from the feeding reel 174 upward, and a feed downstream of the feed guide roller 181 in parallel with the feed guiding roller 181. The supply roller 182 positioned, the supply motor 183 that rotationally drives the supply roller 182, the horizontal plate 184 passed between the supply guide roller 181 and the supply roller 182, and the supply roller 182.
Adjusting roller 1 located below this on the downstream side in the feeding direction
85 and the supply guide member 186 facing the width guide portion 117 on the downstream side of the adjusting roller 185 in the feeding direction are supported, and the adjusting roller 185 includes a pair of supply supporting frames 17
It is supported by the adjusting arm 187 supported by the No. 1 unit.

Supply guide roller 181 and supply roller 1
Reference numeral 82 is rotatably supported by the pair of supply support frames 171, and the printing tape A is exposed horizontally on the horizontal plate 184. The supply guide member 186 is provided on the adjusting roller 185.
Rolled onto the non-printing surface of the printing tape A sent from
The printing tape A is guided to the width guide portion 117. The adjustment roller 185 is rotatably supported in a two-sided state on the tip end side of an adjustment arm 187 whose base side is supported by a pair of support frames. The adjusting arm 187 is configured to be vertically rotatable about the base side by a coil spring (not shown). That is, the adjusting roller 185 is vertically movable by the rotating adjusting arm 187.

A light shield plate is provided at the base of the adjusting arm 187, and two photo interrupters are provided on one of the support frames so as to face the movement trajectory of the light shield plate. These two photo interrupters and the supply motor 183
Is connected to the controller 11 described above, and the drive (feed / stop) of the supply motor 183 is controlled based on the detection result of the light shield plate of the adjustment arm 187 by the photo interrupter. That is, the printing roller A is moved forward by the feeding roller 182 so that the slack amount of the printing tape A between the adjusting roller 185 and the feeding guide member 186 is set to be equal to or more than one tape feeding amount (unit printing area C). Supplied and supplied.

With this arrangement, it is possible to allow the printing tape A to have a margin with respect to the high speed feeding of the printing tape A by the tape feeding means 7, so that the feeding of the printing tape A from the feeding reel 174 does not slip. Moreover, it is possible to avoid applying a large instantaneous tension to the printing tape A.

Subsequently, the tape winding means will be described with reference to FIG.
A brief explanation will be given with reference to. The tape take-up unit 8 has a tape take-up reel 191, which is rotatably supported by the finisher body 20, a take-up roller 192 located immediately above the tape take-up reel 191, and a take-up roller 192 which is driven to rotate. Between the take-up motor 193, the take-up guide roller 194 that is close to the take-up roller 192 and faces the take-up roller 192, the width regulating portion 195 that regulates the width direction of the printed printing tape A, and between the finisher 3 and the machine base 2. Presser roller 1 located at
And 96. The printed printing tape A fed from the tape feeding means 7 is guided to the width regulating portion 195 via the pressing roller 196, where the width guide is performed at the time of winding the tape, and the tape winding reel. 191
It is rolled into a roll.

The width regulating portion 195 has a structure similar to the width guide portion 117 provided on the upstream side of the tape feeding means 7,
By feeding the printing tape A in a wave shape and operating the push rod 198 projecting forward, the printing tape A of each width is provided.
Can be adapted to. The take-up roller 192 includes a driven roller and a drive roller that face each other with the printing tape A interposed therebetween. The drive roller is connected to the take-up motor 193, and the spring 197 interposed by the driven roller is provided.
Is urged to the drive roller by. Then, the tape winding torque is adjusted by the operation panel 22 so that the printing tape A is properly wound around the tape winding reel 191.

Image printing will now be described with reference to FIG. In this inkjet printer 1,
Following the tape supply means 6, the tape feeding means 7 is driven to feed the portion of the printing tape A to be printed, that is, the unit printing area C onto the suction table 101 which is the printing area G. In this state, the suction table 101 is driven, and the unit printing area C of the printing tape A, which has stopped feeding, is sucked by the suction table 101 and is held immovably. Then, the XY moving mechanism 25 is driven to move the head unit 24 in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction,
In addition, each inkjet head 26 of the head unit 24
Ink is ejected from the printer to print an image. During this printing operation, the paper dust removing mechanism 43 is in a driving state and flushing is appropriately performed.

In printing an image, a plurality of label portions as the unit image B are present with a gap (non-printed portion Ab) therebetween,
Printing is performed continuously, and a desired number of unit images B are printed on the printing tape A by repeating printing and feeding of the printing tape A. Also, with this unit image B,
A detection mark E for indicating the feed amount of the unit print area C,
An image position mark D for indicating the position of each unit image B is printed.

The unit print area C is a portion where the unit image B is printed (image print area AB) and a portion which is located outside the image print area AB and where the detection mark E and the image position mark D are printed (mark print area). AC) and are set.
The detection mark E is printed at a position of a specified distance M from the rear end of the unit print area C in the mark print area AC. Further, the image position mark D is a mark in the mark print area AC.
Corresponding to each unit image B, it is printed in the vicinity immediately above.

The length of the unit print area C can be changed to any length according to the print contents such as the image size to be printed, but the maximum length is 30 inches corresponding to the print area G. Specifically, when the print content is determined, the print tape A
The length of the unit print area C in the 1-tact printing operation is determined, and then the print position of the detection mark E in the unit print area C becomes the specified distance M from the rear end of the unit print area C. Is set to.

When the printing of the unit image B, the detection mark E and the image position mark D on the printable area is completed, the XY moving mechanism 25 is stopped, and then the tape feeding means 7 is driven to print. The completed unit printing area C is fed, the feeding is controlled based on the detection result of the detection mark E by the tape feeding sensor 130, and the next unit printing area C is introduced onto the suction table 101. Here again, X
By the Y moving mechanism 25 driving to move the head unit 24 in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction toward the original print start position P1 (see FIG. 4), the ink is ejected.
An image (unit image B, detection mark E, and image position mark D) is printed.

In this way, the printing tape A is held on the suction table 101, and the printing of one unit printing area C is performed by the main scanning and the sub-scanning of the head unit 24.
Since the feeding of introducing the next unit printing area C into the suction table 101 is repeated to print an arbitrary number of labels on the long printing tape A, printing at the dot level can be performed accurately. . Further, the ratio of the acceleration / deceleration time to the actual printing time of the head unit 24 can be extremely reduced, and the dead time other than the actual printing can be extremely reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the printing time and print the number of labels required without waste.

Since the length of the unit print area C is set to the tape feed amount to be sent for one tact printing operation, and the print position of the detection mark E with respect to the unit print area C is set to a predetermined position, the unit print area C is set. The rear end can be stopped exactly at the position of the front end before feeding. As a result, even if the tape feed amount is appropriately changed according to the unit image B type, the printing position of the detection mark E is appropriately changed so as to be the predetermined position. Tape feeding / stopping accuracy can be secured. In addition, in order to make the stop accuracy of tape feeding highly accurate,
The drive operation of the tape feed motor 112 is controlled (details will be described later).

In the above embodiment, the head unit 24 is moved to the original print start position by the XY moving mechanism 25 while the print tape A is being fed, and printing is always started from the print start position P1. You may do it.
Further, the printing may be performed on the printing tape A only when the head unit 24 is moved rightward in the main scanning direction, that is, only when the head unit 24 is moved in the forward direction.

In the latter case, the paper dust removing mechanism 43 has a processing flow as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when printing in only the forward direction is selected and a print start command is issued (S1), first, a flushing operation is performed (S2),
Then, the first paper dust removing fan 56 on the outward direction side is driven (S3). That is, the driving of the second paper dust removing fan 57 in the backward direction is always stopped. Printing is performed only when the head unit 24 is moved in the forward direction in the main scanning direction in this state, and is moved in the backward direction before and after the sub-scanning to return to the origin position of the X axis, and then in the forward direction again. The printer moves to print the next line (S4). Then, after the completion of all the series of printing, the driving of the first paper dust removing fan 56 is stopped in synchronization with the printing end command (S5: Yes) (S6).

Next, the ink supply means 9 will be described with reference to FIG. The ink supply means 9 is arranged on the shelf plate 14 and stores a large amount of each color ink, and the ink tank 2 is arranged on the base plate 13 to supply each color ink from the main tank unit 211 to each inkjet head 2.
6, and a tube unit 213 that connects the main tank unit 211, the sub tank unit 212, and the inkjet head 26. Main tank unit 21
1 is arranged at a position lower than the sub tank unit 212, and the sub tank unit 212 is arranged at a position slightly lower than the inkjet head 26 in order to prevent ink from dripping.

Specifically, the main tank unit 211
The ink is pressurized and supplied to the sub tank unit 212, and the ink stored in the sub tank unit 212 is supplied to the sub tank unit 212 by receiving the pump action (ink ejection) of the inkjet head 26. That is, the ink pressure-supplied from the main tank unit 211 is pressure-limbed by the sub-tank unit 212 and supplied to the inkjet head 26.

Prior to a detailed description of each unit of the ink supply means 9, the entire ink supply system will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 19. Six colors (K, C, LC, LM,
M, Y) divided ink nozzle row groups 47 are arranged side by side 3
In order to correspond to the four head groups 48 incorporated in the individual ink jet heads 26, that is, to correspond to the 24 ink nozzle rows consisting of twelve ink jet heads 26, the main tank unit 211 has each color 1
Ink cartridges 216 (total 6) are provided, and the sub-tank unit 212 is provided with two intermediate ink packs 351 (total 12) for each color.

As a result, each color ink in the ink cartridge 216 is supplied to the 24 ink nozzle rows by repeating the bifurcation twice by the tube unit 213. Therefore, the number of ink cartridges 216 for the plurality of inkjet heads 26 (a plurality of ink nozzle rows) can be reduced,
The ink cartridge 216 can be arranged freely. Further, by properly disposing the tube unit 213 or the like, the pressure loss in the ink flow path to the inkjet head 26 can be reduced as much as possible.

Next, the main tank unit 211 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The main tank unit 211 includes an ink cartridge 216 and a pressure tank 21 that detachably accommodates the ink cartridge 216.
7 and an air supply mechanism 218 for supplying pressurized air to the pressure tank 217. A plurality of ink cartridges 216 and pressure tanks 217 (6 pieces) are provided for each color, while the air supply mechanism 218 is a single unit. The ink in the ink cartridge 216 is pumped up and supplied to the sub tank unit 212.

As shown in FIG. 20, each ink cartridge 216 is composed of a resin cartridge case 220 having an outer shell and an ink tank 221 housed in the cartridge case 220. The ink tank 221 is a cartridge case 220. In addition to being housed in a non-airtight state, each cartridge case 220 is dedicated to each ink color. The ink tank 221 has a bag-shaped pack main body 223 having a deformable flexibility as its main part, and has a resin-made ink supply port 224 attached to one end of the pack main body 223.

The pack main body 223 is formed into a bag shape by heat-sealing two film sheets at its peripheral portion, and is a deformable storage space 225 for storing a large amount of ink inside.
Are configured. That is, the pack body 223 is formed by attaching two rectangular film sheets to each other in the vertical direction to form two side surfaces, and at the one end of the side surface, the ink supply port 224 is attached and sealed. It stores 1 liter of ink. Then, the pack body 223 in a state where the storage space 225 is filled with ink is deformed into a flat state by the supply and use of the ink so that the two film sheets separated from each other come into close contact with each other.

The ink supply port 224 is made of a resin material with a predetermined strength, and has a mounting hole 226 on the base side, which is the pack body 223 side, and an outer flange integrally formed with the mounting hole 226. And part 227.
The flange portion 227 has an outer shell formed in a circular shape, and has a circular opening portion 228 at the center thereof that communicates with the storage space 225 and serves as an ink outlet. The ink tank 221 is positioned and fixed to a locking groove 245, which will be described later, formed in the cartridge case 220 via the flange portion 227.

Although not shown, the opening 228 is
Ink cartridge 216 before being attached to the pressure tank 217
In order to prevent the ink from flowing out, the seal is unsealed (the sealing film is broken) by the ink supply needle 286 provided in the pressure tank 217 at the same time as mounting, and the ink supply port is opened. 224 is connected to the connection port 285 of the pressure tank 217, and ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge 216.

The cartridge case 220 is composed of a lower case 231 having an opening at the top and formed in a deep container shape, and an upper case 232 that closes the opening of the lower case 231 into an upper and lower two-part structure, and an ink tank 221 is provided inside. And a tank containing portion 233 for containing the. The upper case 232 and the lower case 231 are engaged with each other in a snap-in manner via the left and right edges, and their internal space (the tank housing portion 2
33) is a non-closed space. That is, the inside of the cartridge case 220 communicates with the inside of the pressure tank 217, and the pressure of the tank housing portion 233 and the pressure inside the pressure tank 217 are always kept at the same pressure.

The tank accommodating portion 233 has a pack body 223.
A plurality of rib-shaped positioning pieces 234, which have a predetermined depth dimension for accommodating and hold the positioning and holding the pack main body 223, project inward.

As shown in FIG. 21, the cartridge case 220 has one end portion in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) (see FIG. 20).
A finger hooking portion 235 that is formed in a bent shape is provided on the upper end portion on the back side (in the drawing), and the pressure hooking tank 217 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the finger hooking portion 235. Further, on the lower surface of the cartridge case 220, a pair of recesses 236 that are downward in the shape of a letter are formed at the center position of the left and right, and each recess 236 is formed in the pressure tank 2.
The mounting position of the cartridge case 220 to the pressurizing tank 217 is engaged with the protrusions 274 described later inside the cartridge 17 and is restricted to the innermost portion with a click feeling.

Also, the other end of the cartridge case 220 is opposed to the finger rest 235 (the front side in FIG. 20).
A case-side joint 241 is formed in the recess. The case-side joint portion 241 is formed in the left-right center portion of the cartridge case 220 and faces the ink supply port 224 of the ink tank 221. The case-side joint portion 241 is located in a partition with the tank housing portion 233.
The fixed wall 242 on one side, the left and right walls 243 continuous to the left and right of the fixed wall 242, the fixed wall 242, and the left and right walls 243.
And a lower end wall 244 that is continuous with.

A locking groove 245 cut out in a substantially "U" shape from the upper end of the lower case 231 to a middle part of the lower side of the fixed wall 242, and a circular insertion positioned immediately below the locking groove 245 are inserted in the center portion. A hole 246 is formed. Locking groove 245
Has a groove width that allows the flange portion 227 of the ink supply port 224 to move, and a pair of retaining projections 247 that restrict the movement of the flange portion 227 are provided inward (opening direction). There is. As a result, the locking groove 245 locks the ink supply port 224 to the groove bottom in a state where it is not pulled out.

As will be described later in detail, the insertion hole 246 is provided to prevent the ink cartridge 216 from being erroneously attached, and the insertion pin 283 provided in the pressure tank 217 is inserted therein. In addition, in order to prevent the ink cartridge 216 of the ink color different from the corresponding one from being erroneously attached to the pressure tank 217, the case side joint portion 2
The lower end wall 244 of the reference numeral 41 has a cutout portion 250 for each ink color.
(Predetermined 2) are formed, and the pressure tank 217 has an insertion protrusion 284 (predetermined 2) to be inserted into the notch 250.
Is provided. Further, reference numeral 251 in FIG.
The ink absorber 251 is located below the ink supply port 224 and placed on the upper surface of the lower end wall 244, and absorbs ink that leaks when the ink cartridge 216 is attached or detached.

The pressure tank 217, as shown in FIG.
The shelf 14 is fixedly installed in a three-tier two-row configuration, and the pressure tanks 217 of the respective colors are allocated as shown in FIG. That is, black (K) and cyan (C) are arranged in the upper row, light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) are arranged in the middle row, and magenta (M) and yellow (Y) are arranged in the lower row.

The pressure tank 217 is shown in FIG. 21 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 271 and the main body 271
The closing member 272 provided at one of the small openings and the lid member 273 provided at the other small opening of the body 271 are configured so that a completely sealed space can be formed inside. The body portion 271 is integrally formed of an extruded aluminum material and is configured to be able to accommodate the ink cartridge 216 therein. Since the body portion 271 is formed of an extruded shape member, the length of the body portion can be arbitrarily set only by cutting the long material, and the body can be manufactured to be lightweight. It should be noted that the body portion 271 is provided with a pair of front and rear protrusions 274 that engage with the recesses 236 of the ink cartridge 216 at the center position in the left-right direction.

The closing member 272 is attached to the back portion of the body portion 271 by a mounting plate 277 provided on the upper portion of the body portion 271 so as to completely close the back edge of the body portion 271. A tank-side joint portion 278 connected to the ink cartridge 216 mounted on the body portion 271 is attached to the closing member 272 so as to project to the body portion 271 side at a left-right intermediate position. The tank-side joint portion 278 is unitized with the closing member 272, is located at the innermost portion of the pressure tank 217, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the case-side connection portion of the ink cartridge 216.

That is, the tank side joint portion 278 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a connecting portion main body 281, which is a main part, a mounting portion 282 formed on the back side of the connecting portion main body 281, an insertion pin 283 projecting from the front side of the connecting portion main body 281, and a connecting portion main body 281. And a plurality of insertion protrusions 284 for distinguishing the type of ink provided in the ink supply port 224. When the ink cartridge 216 is completely installed, the ink supply port 224 is connected to the connection part main body 281 in the vicinity of the insertion pin 283. A connection port 285 is provided.

The connection port 285 is connected to the tube unit 213.
The ink supply needle 286 is attached in parallel with the insertion pin 283 so as to face the ink supply port 224 (see FIG. 21). Then, when the ink cartridge 216 is completely mounted, the insertion pin 283 is inserted into the insertion hole 246, and the insertion protrusion 284 is provided with the cutout portion 25.
It is designed to be inserted into 0.

Specifically, when the ink cartridge 216 is inserted into the pressure tank 217 in the correct posture, the insertion pin 283 is inserted into the insertion hole 246.
Incorrectly, as shown in FIG.
When the finger hook portion 235 is inserted into the tank-side joint portion 278 in reverse, the ink cartridge 216 is mistakenly inserted in the front and rear sides and the top and bottom sides are reversed, as shown in FIG. The pin 283 comes into contact with the cartridge case 220 first, so that the ink supply needle 286 is not interfered with by the cartridge case 220 (finger hanging portion 235). As a result, when the ink cartridge 216 is inserted in the wrong posture, the ink supply needle 28
6 is not damaged.

Further, in order to prevent erroneous insertion into the pressure tank 217 other than the corresponding color of the ink cartridge 216, two insertion protrusions 284 are combined, and the ink cartridge 216 corresponding to these two insertion protrusions 284. Two notch portions 250 are formed. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the connecting portion main body 281 has four mounting positions for providing the insertion protrusions 284 corresponding to the six color inks, and two of them are selected and combined.
An insertion protrusion 284 is provided at each attachment position. In correspondence with this, the ink cartridge 216 is
Two cutouts 250 that are selected and combined are formed (note that four cutouts are formed in FIG. 20 for the sake of explanation).

Therefore, if an ink cartridge 216 different from the corresponding color is inserted into the pressure tank 217 by mistake,
The insertion protrusion 284 (notch portion 250) restricts the pushing of the ink cartridge 216, and the ink cartridge 216 is not completely mounted. As a result, the inside of the tube unit 213 (ink supply needle 286)
In this way, it is possible to prevent the color mixture between different ink colors and properly maintain the print quality.

A circular hole 288 and a long hole 289 for positioning the ink supply needle 286 are formed in the ink cartridge 216 so as to be close to the case side joint portion 241 (see FIG. 20). ). Only when the ink cartridge 216 is completely attached to the pressure tank 217, the lid member 273 can be completely closed with respect to the body portion 271.

As shown in FIG. 22, the lid member 273 is capable of completely closing the front edge of the body portion 271 so as to completely close the body portion 271.
It is attached to open and close freely. The lid member 273 includes a frame-shaped support lid 301 fixed to the body 271 and a body 271.
And a lid body 302 that opens and closes the edge of the
1 around the hinge 303 provided at the lower end of the lid body 3
02 is opened to the lower side.

The hinge 303 is constructed so that the opened lid body 302 can be slid downwardly.
1 and a hinge hole 308 in which the hinge pin 306 is provided on the lid main body 302 and the hinge pin 306 engages with the tip end portion 308.
The hinge piece 307 and the hinge hole 308 extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lid body 302. Further, on the open edge of the support lid 301, there is provided a rectangular packing 311 for closely contacting the lid body 302. The support lid 301 and the body 27
1 and the closing member 272, the ink cartridge 21
A tank body for housing 6 is formed.

With such a structure, when the lid member 273 is opened, the accommodation opening of the tank main body can be clearly seen, and the lid member does not interfere with the attachment / detachment work of the ink cartridge 216. Instead, the lid member serves as a temporary placement base. Can be used. Further, the lid member 273 has a lid body 302.
Is provided with a stopper 312 that regulates the open position of the pressure tank 217. In addition, it is preferable to attach a label on the front surface of the lid member 273, that is, on the front surface of the lid main body 302, in which a corresponding ink color is described.

The lid member 273 has a pair of stoppers 315 for locking the lid 273 in a closed state, and a stopper 315.
3 for detecting a completely closed state of the lid member 273 due to
16 and. The pair of stoppers 315 includes a hook 320 provided on the lid main body 302 and a hook 321 to which the hook 320 provided on the support lid 301 is locked. It is arranged in a symmetrical position with respect to the point. As a result, when the stopper 315 is locked, the pressure tank 217 is tightly adhered to maintain the airtightness of the pressure tank 217. The detector 316 is the controller 11
It is connected to the.

In this way, the pressure tank 2 in a completely airtight state
17, the non-airtight ink cartridge 216
The ink cartridge 21 is housed and pressurized.
The structure of the cartridge case 220 of No. 6 can be simplified, and the handleability of the ink cartridge 216 is improved. In order to smoothly open the lid member 273 when the ink cartridge 216 is under pressure, the atmosphere release valve 325 is provided on the side of each pressurizing tank 217, that is, on the right side of the body 271. Has been. Each atmosphere release valve 325 consists of a three-way valve,
When the pressurized air from the air supply mechanism 218 is received and the pressurized air from the air supply mechanism 218 is depressurized to a predetermined value or less, the valve body moves and the pressurized tank 217
The inside is open to the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 19, the air supply mechanism 218 is constituted by connecting the pressure tanks 217 by an air pipe 331 for exclusive use of ink supply, and is connected to each pressure tank 217 to supply the pressure air. A pressurizing pump 332 to supply, a regulator 333 provided in an air pipe 331 between the pressurizing pump 332 and the pressurizing tank 217,
An air tank 334 for leveling the pulsating flow generated in the air pipe 331, an air tank 334, and each pressure tank 2
Air pipe 33 between each air release valve 325 of 17
1 and a switching valve 335 provided in the first position.

The regulator 333 feeds back the detected pressure (pressurizing force) to control the drive of the pressurizing pump 332, and keeps the pressure in the pressurizing tank 217 constant at all times. The pressure of the ink cartridge 216 housed inside is kept at the same pressure. The switching valve 335 is composed of an electromagnetic valve (electromagnetic three-way valve) and is connected to the controller 11.
The switching valve 335 is normally opened, and air can be supplied to each pressurizing tank 217. At the same time, the switching valve 335 is switched when the ink cartridge 216 is replaced, so that the inside of each pressurizing tank 217 is opened to the atmosphere. You can do it.

Specifically, the switching valve 335 in a normal state.
When switching the
The air in the air pipe 331 connected to 35 is released from the switching valve 335, and in association with this, each valve element of each atmosphere release valve 325 moves. That is, the atmosphere release valves 325 are switched, and the inside of each pressurizing tank 217 is opened to the atmosphere. Thereby, each pressure tank 217
Appropriate pressurized air can be supplied to each of them, and the atmosphere can be easily opened.

Therefore, by opening a supply valve 353, which will be described later, of the sub tank unit 212, the ink in the ink cartridge 216 is pressurized and supplied to the sub tank unit 212 via the tube unit 213 by the pressure in the pressure tank 217. It That is, the pressure pump 332 maintains the required head pressure inside the pressure tank 217, and by opening the supply valve 353, ink is supplied using this head pressure. The atmosphere release valve 325 is designed so that when the pressurized air from the air supply mechanism 218 returns to a predetermined value, the valve body described above moves back and automatically recovers. Further, the air tank 334 uses a tube of a pneumatic cylinder.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 25 and 26, the sub tank unit 212 will be described. The sub-tank unit 212 is composed of two partial units 212a and 212b arranged on the left and right sides on the back side of the base plate 13,
Each of the partial units 212a and 212b includes an intermediate ink pack 351 that functions as an intermediate tank, a sub-tank frame 352 that supports the intermediate ink pack 351 in a horizontal vertical posture, and a supply valve provided on the main tank unit 211 side of the intermediate ink pack 351. 353 and a discharge valve 354 provided on the inkjet head 26 side of the intermediate ink pack 351, and six discharge valves 354 are provided.

Specifically, each partial unit 212a, 2
Six intermediate ink packs 351 and the like are arranged side by side on 12b (two for each color), that is, all partial units 212a,
A total of 12 intermediate ink packs 351 and the like are provided on 212b. Then, each partial unit 212a, 2
12b is a sub base plate provided for each of the partial units 212a and 212b, and includes six sub tank frames 35.
2 is supported and fixed on the base plate 13 via each sub-base plate 355.

The intermediate ink pack 351 includes a deformable flexible bag-shaped intermediate pack body 357, a resin ink inlet member 358 attached to one end of the intermediate pack body 357, and a resin attached to the other end. It has an ink outlet member 359 made of a material and a flow path holding pipe (not shown) that connects the ink inlet member 358 and the ink outlet member 359 in the intermediate pack body 357.

The intermediate pack body 357 is the ink tank 2
In the same manner as the pack body 223 of 21, the two film sheets are heat-welded at their peripheral portions to form a bag,
A deformable storage space 361 for storing ink is formed inside. The intermediate pack body 357 is attached and sealed so that the ink inflow member 358 and the ink outflow member 359 face each other at both ends of both side surface parts. With such a configuration, when the storage space 361 is filled with ink, the intermediate pack main body 357 is in a swollen state (full water) in which both film sheets are spaced apart from each other and swollen into a substantially tubular shape when the storage space 361 is filled with ink. State).

The ink inflow port member 358 and the ink outflow port member 359 are each made of a resin material and have a predetermined strength, and the sub-mounting hole portion 362 on the base side which is the intermediate pack body 357 side and the sub-mounting hole. The outer sub-flange portion 363 integrally formed with the portion 362,
An ink flow path is formed at the axis. The tubes 401 are connected to the respective sub-flange portions 363, and the flow path holding pipes are connected to the respective sub-attachment hole portions 362 so that the ink of the ink inflow port member 358 and the ink outflow port member 359 can be discharged. An ink flow path communicating with the flow path is formed.

Although not shown, the flow path holding pipe is formed in a cylindrical shape with a material having rigidity and solvent resistance, and the cylindrical body 271 has a cylindrical inside and an intermediate pack main body 357 (a storage space 361). ) Is perforated with a plurality of small holes. As a result, even in a flat state in which both film sheets are in close contact with each other, an ink flow path is secured in the intermediate pack body 357 to prevent the close contact of both film sheets to smoothly remove air in the intermediate ink pack 351. It can be done reliably and reliably. Needless to say, the flow path holding pipe can be omitted if the adhesion between the two film sheets does not cause any particular problem.

The sub-tank frame 352 is formed by bending both ends into a substantially "C" shape, and the lower end of the vertical support surface 371 is bent upward in a substantially "L" shape toward the inner intermediate ink pack 351 side. An ink high detector 372 provided at a portion formed by the above, and an ink low detector 373 provided at a portion formed by bending the lower end portion of the vertical support surface 371 downward in a substantially "L" shape to the outside. It is erected on the sub-base plate 355 (see FIG. 2). In the intermediate ink pack 351, the intermediate pack body 357 is erected vertically, and the ink inlet member 358 and the ink outlet member 3 are provided.
It is affixed to the upper part of the vertical support surface 371 of the sub tank frame 352 via a double-sided adhesive tape in a horizontal vertical posture with 59 positioned horizontally.

A detection plate 381 facing the vertical support surface 371 of the sub tank frame 352 is attached to the front surface of the intermediate pack body 357 of the intermediate ink pack 351. The lower end of the detection plate 381 extends inward and outward (the direction in which the pack body bulges), and a high detection portion 382 protruding toward the ink high detector 372 side and a low detection portion protruding toward the ink low detector 373 side are detected. The part 383 is integrally formed. The row detecting portion 383 crosses over the lower side of the pack main body in the horizontal vertical posture, and the ink row detector 3
It extends to 73.

The ink-high detector 372 and the ink-low detector 373 are connected to the above-mentioned controller 11 which performs main control of the ink jet printer 1, and
It is connected to a sub-controller 385 that secondarily controls the supply valve 353. The sub controller 38
5 is connected to this controller 11.

The ink-low detector 373 detects the water-reduced state of the intermediate ink pack 351, and when the amount of ink in the ink pack becomes small, the low-detection portion 383 that is in contact with the pack main body contracts as the pack main body contracts. Yes (Ink low detection). Accordingly, the ON / OFF operation is performed to detect the water reduction of the intermediate ink pack 351 and the result is sent from the sub controller 385 to the controller 11. Then, the supply valve 353 in the closed state is opened by the controller 11 so that the main tank unit 21
Ink is supplied from 1 under pressure.

On the other hand, the ink high detector 372 is for detecting the full state of the intermediate ink pack 351, and when ink is supplied and the pack main body swells, the separated high detection portion 382 moves forward. Contacted (ink high detection). As a result, the OFF-ON operation is performed to detect fullness of the intermediate ink pack 351. At this time, this detection result is output from the sub controller 385 to the controller 1
1, but the supply valve 3 by the controller 11
Prior to the valve closing command of 53, the sub-controller 385 closes the supply valve 353 (details will be described later).

The supply valve 353 is composed of an electromagnetic valve (electromagnetic two-way valve) supported at one bent end of the sub tank frame 352, and is controlled to be opened / closed by the controller 11 and the sub controller 385 of the ink jet printer 1. That is, the supply valve 353 is automatically opened by the ink low detector 373 when the ink in the ink cartridge 216 is supplied to the intermediate ink pack 351, and is normally closed. In addition, in the maintenance for replacing the intermediate ink pack 351, the supply valve 35
3 is naturally closed.

Like the supply valve 353, the discharge valve 354 is composed of an electromagnetic valve (electromagnetic two-way valve) supported by the other bent end of the sub tank frame 352, and is controlled to open / close by the controller 11 of the ink jet printer 1. It That is, the discharge valve 354 is normally opened and is closed by the controller 11 during maintenance. As a result, the ink flow path of the tube unit 213 can be closed during maintenance, so that the ink pack can be replaced smoothly and reliably while preventing ink leakage.

Now, the opening / closing control of the supply valve 353 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. When an ink replenishment command is sent to the controller 11 due to the ink low detection of the intermediate ink pack 351, the controller 11
Opens the supply valve 353 that requires ink supply (S1, S2). When ink is replenished from the ink cartridge 216 (S3) and ink high is detected (S3).
4: Yes), the sub-controller 385 closes the supply valve 353 (S5). After that, the controller 11
Also, a valve closing command for the supply valve 353 is issued to complete the ink supply (S6).

As described above, since the ink high detection is performed by the hardware control by the mechanical detection and the software control, the ink supply to the intermediate ink pack 351 can be appropriately and surely performed. That is, even if the control process is constituted by only one control process and even if the control process is hindered, it is possible to prevent the intermediate ink pack 351 from excessively expanding due to the continuation of the ink pressure replenishment. It is possible to prevent the free flowing of the ink.

The arrangement of the intermediate ink pack 351 of each color in the sub tank unit 212 is such that the right side (the larger in the X-axis direction: the left side in FIG. 2) partial unit 21.
Two pieces of black (K), cyan (C), and light cyan (LC) are arranged in order from the left on 2a, and light magenta (LM) and magenta on the right side (smaller X-axis) partial unit 212b. (M) and yellow (Y) are arranged two by two in order from the left, and each ink jet head 26 is arranged by the tube unit 213.
Are linked to.

Next, regarding the tube unit 213,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 26. The tube unit 213 includes the main tank unit 211, the sub tank unit 212, and the inkjet head 26.
A plurality of hard tubes 401 for connecting the plurality of tubes, a plurality of bifurcated joints 402 connected to the tubes 401, and a plurality of tube holders 403 for holding the plurality of tubes 401 in the piping path on the machine base 2. have.

The plurality of two-branch joints 402 are the six two-branch joints 402 (tank-side two-branch joints 402) on the main tank unit 211 side and the ink jet head 2.
It is composed of twelve two-branch joints 402 on the 6 side (head-side two-branch joints 402), each of which branches in a “T” shape, and is arranged close to the sub tank unit 212. The other ends of the six tubes 401 connected to the respective color ink tanks 221 of the main tank unit 211 are connected to the respective tank-side two-branch joints 402 to branch, and a total of twelve intermediate ink packs of two for each color. 351
It is connected to the. Each supply valve 353 is provided on each of the branched tubes 401 on the main side.

On the other hand, the head-side two-branch joint 402 is placed on the base plate 13 and connected to each discharge valve 354, and the remaining two ports are connected to the tubes 401 connected to the ink jet head 26, respectively. ing. Specifically, ink is supplied from one intermediate ink pack 351 to two ink nozzle rows, and a total of 24 tubes 401 are connected to the 24 ink nozzle rows. In this case, since the conduit is branched via the two-branch joint 402, it is possible to shorten the piping length of the plurality of tubes 401 and connect them to the plurality of inkjet heads 26. There is.

The plurality (24) of tubes 401 from all the intermediate ink packs 351 to the ink jet head 26 can be removed from the base plate 13 without interfering with other devices (such as the X / Y moving mechanism 25). X-axis cable carrier 38
It is guided upward through the inside and inside the Y-axis cable bear 39, and is piped to each inkjet head 26 via the pipe support plate 409. Then, three corner portions on this piping system path, that is, on the base plate 13 facing the X-axis cable bear 38, on the piping plate 408 between the X-axis cable bear 38 and the Y-axis cable bear 39, and on the Y-axis. Piping support plate 4 facing the cable carrier 39
On the upper side of 09, a tube holder group 410 composed of four tube holders 403 is arranged, which holds the tube 401 by bending it along its corners.

As shown in FIG. 27, each tube holder 403 has a holder main body 411 formed in a substantially curved shape in plan view along the above corners, and a plurality (three pieces) formed side by side on the upper surface of the holder main body 411. Tube holding groove 412
It consists of and. Each tube holding groove 412 is composed of a curved portion 414 that holds the tube 401 in a bent state along a corner, and two linear portions 415 that are continuous to both sides of the curved portion 414, and each groove width is configured to have the same width. ing. That is, each curved portion 414 is formed with the same radius of curvature, and is formed so as to be continuous with this.
One straight line portion 415 is formed. In this case, the groove width is 3.5 mm and the radius of curvature of the groove center is 4 mm.
It is 1.9 mm.

The two straight line portions 415 are substantially orthogonal to each other on the respective extending lines, and the tube 401 held by the tube holder 403 is routed at a substantially right angle. Corresponding to the tube holding groove 412, the holder main body 411 is integrally formed with a curved shape portion 418 and two linear shape portions 419 that are respectively connected to both ends of the curved shape portion 418. In the curved shape portion 418, the outer radius end surface and the inner radius end surface are formed to have the same radius of curvature, and the two linear shape portions 419 are formed to have the same length.
In addition, a pin hole 425 penetrating the holder body 411 is formed at a substantially central portion of the curved portion 418 of the tube holder 403, and the pin hole 425 is screwed to each corner portion on the piping path. It is supposed to be fixed.

The tube holding groove 412 has a predetermined depth so that two (plural) tubes 401 can be vertically stacked and held. The upper and lower two tubes 401 are pushed into the tube holding groove 412, and thus are held in a stacked state. And one tube holding groove 41
Since two tubes 401 of the same ink color (however, the intermediate ink pack 351 is different) are vertically overlapped and held in 2, the one tube holder 403 holds six tubes 401. Therefore, one tube holder group 410 collectively holds 24 tubes 401 corresponding to the 24 ink nozzle rows of the inkjet head 26.

Each tube holder 403 has a second tube holder group 410-2 associated with the second corner 422 of the piping path of the tube 401, as shown in FIG.
And the third tube holder group 410-3 related to the third corner 423 are respectively four tube holders 403.
Are arranged diagonally side by side and in an orderly manner.

The first tube holder group 410-1 relating to the first corner 421 has the left and right partial units 212 of the sub tank unit 212 as shown in FIG.
Two sets of right and left, which are arranged in front and back, are arranged in line symmetry (back to back) so as to face the merging portion of the tubes 401 connected to 12 a and 212 b. Then, to the first tube holder group 410-1, the head side two-branch joint 4 is attached.
A tube 401 from 02 is held in a bent state along the corner of the piping path. In the head-side two-branch joint 402, the tube 401 connected to the portion extending in the X-axis direction is connected to the rear side (X-axis cable track 38).
The tube 401 held by the tube holder 403 (on the side) and connected to the portion extending in the Y-axis direction is held by the tube holder 403 on the front side.

Here, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 28, the arrangement of each ink color held in each tube holder group 410 will be specifically described. As shown in both figures, in the first tube holder group 410, the left two tube holders 403 are respectively light cyan (LC),
Cyan (C) and black (K) are arranged in front and back as a set in order from the back side, while two sets of tube holders 403 on the right side are light magenta (LM), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), respectively. ) Are arranged in pairs from the back to the front and back.

Two tubes 401 of the same color are vertically stacked in one ink piping path consisting of one tube holding groove 412. These two tubes 401 are from different intermediate ink packs 351 adjacent to each other. belongs to. Therefore, for example, the tubes 401 from the intermediate ink packs 351 of light cyan (LC) merge in the first ink piping path shown in FIG. The tubes 401 from the respective intermediate ink packs 351 of (LC) merge and are located above and below. Then, the tubes 401 of 24 colors in all colors after the merging are arranged so that 12 tubes are stacked one above the other,
The path is changed (routed) at a substantially right angle to face the X-axis cable track 38.

Maintaining this state, all 24 tubes 401 are guided through the X-axis cable carrier 38, and are routed at a substantially right angle to the second tube holder group 410 above, and the Y-axis is changed. It faces the cable carrier 39 (Fig. 28).
(B)). After that, it passes through the inside of the X-axis cable carrier 38 and is guided further upward, and the third tube holder group 410
-3, the route is changed to a substantially right angle (Fig. 28 (c)),
Piping guide 430 arranged on piping support plate 409
It is connected to each inkjet head 26 via (see FIG. 1). Since the tubes 401 are arranged in this manner, the rigid tubes 401 can be drawn around at a substantially right angle without using a joint, and the drawn lengths of the tubes 401 can be made substantially the same. The pressure loss in 401 can be reduced.

By the way, the piping for each color ink also corresponds to the cleaning unit 63. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 19, the ink branched from one intermediate ink pack 351 is the first head group 48-1 and the second head group 48-2 (or the third head group 48-). The ink is supplied to the inkjet heads 26 (ink nozzle rows) of the third and fourth head groups 48-4), and each of the two head groups 48-1 and 48-2 (48-) facing one cleaning operation. 3, 48-4).

As a result, in the suction operation (cleaning) from each ink jet head 26 by the cleaning unit 63, it is possible to prevent the back flow of the ink in the tube 401. For example, when the first head group 48-1 and the third head group 48-3 are sucked (cleaned) at the same time, the first head group 48-1 contains the ink of the second head group 48-2 and the third head group 48-3. The ink of the fourth head group 48-4 flows back to the group 48-3.

Next, the main control system constituted by the controller 11 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 29, the control system of the inkjet printer 1 has an input unit 451 for reading (inputting) image data created by an external device such as a personal computer by its operation, and a printing unit 5. A printing unit 45 that prints an image on the printing tape A
2, a maintenance unit 453 having the maintenance unit 10 for performing the maintenance process of the inkjet head 26, an ink supply unit 454 having the ink supply unit 9 for supplying ink to the inkjet head 26, and a tape supply unit 6 ( A feeding motor 183), a tape feeding unit 7 (tape feeding motor 112), and a tape winding unit 8 (winding motor), and a conveying unit 455 for feeding the print tape A, and a driving unit having various drivers for driving each unit. 456 and the tape feed sensor 130 of the sub controller 385 or the tape feed means 7.
A detection unit 457 that has various functions such as the above and performs various detections, and a control unit 458 (controller 11) that controls each unit of the inkjet printer 1 are provided.

The control unit 458 includes the CPU 461 and the ROM 4
61, a RAM 463 and a P-CON 464, which are connected to each other via a bus 465. The ROM 461 has a control program area for storing a control program processed by the CPU 461 and a control data area for storing various control data such as a character table and a color conversion table. The RAM 463 is an image data area for storing image data input from the outside,
In addition to a print image data area that stores image data for printing, a feed amount data area that stores feed amount data for tape feed, a color conversion buffer area and various register groups corresponding to each color, and control processing Used as a work area for.

The P-CON 464 has a logic circuit for complementing the function of the CPU 461 and for handling an interface signal with the peripheral circuit, including a gate array and a custom LS.
It is configured and incorporated by I or the like. For this reason,
The P-CON 464 is connected to a keyboard or the like of a personal computer, and various commands and image data from the input unit 451 are directly or processed and taken into the bus 465.
In conjunction with the CPU 461, the CPU 461, etc.
The data and the control signal output to 5 are directly or processed and output to the drive unit 456.

With the above configuration, the CPU 461 follows the PC program in accordance with the control program in the ROM 461.
After inputting various detection signals, various commands, various data, and the like through the ON 464, processing various data and the like in the RAM 463, a control signal is output to the drive unit 456 through the P-CON 464. As a result, the printing unit 5, the tape feed motor 112, and the like are controlled, and the inkjet printer 1 as a whole is controlled by performing image printing and tape feed on the printing tape A under predetermined printing conditions and tape feeding conditions.

For example, as described above, along with the determination of the print content, the length of the unit print area C corresponding to the printing operation and the feed amount of one tact on the print tape A is determined, and the detection mark in the unit print area C is determined. The printing position of E is set to the position where the above-mentioned specified distance M is from the rear end of the unit printing area C. Then, after a large number of unit images B, detection marks E and image position marks D are printed in one unit printing area C, the forward feeding is started and the detection marks E are detected on the downstream side of the feeding. Thus, the rear end of the unit print area C is accurately stopped at the position of the front end before feeding.

In this case, the trailing edge of the unit print area C is also
It is set at an intermediate position between two adjacent unit images B. As a result, when images are continuously printed in units across a plurality of unit printing areas C, each unit image B is not affected by the stop position, and therefore each image is cut by another cutting device after printing. It is possible to accurately and surely perform a half cut through the position mark D.

The driving operation of the tape feeding motor 112 is irregularly controlled so that the tape feeding stop accuracy becomes higher than that of the high-speed feeding of the printing tape A. Specifically, in order to shorten the time from the detection of the detection mark E to the stop, the tape feed motor 1 is driven in accordance with a drive profile with acceleration / deceleration that is a two-step trapezoidal drive.
12 is driven to control the speed of the tape feed roller 111. In other words, the printing tape A (unit printing area C) that has started feeding is fed at high speed, and the detection mark E
The control is performed such that the high-speed feed is set to the low-speed feed before reaching the detection position, or the high-speed feed is stopped and then set to the low-speed feed.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show the acceleration / deceleration curve of the tape feed motor 112 with some examples. FIG. 30 corresponds to the former control and FIG. 31 corresponds to the latter control. . Hereinafter, both figures will be described. The total number of pulses of the tape feed motor 112 is calculated from the length of the unit print area C, that is, the tape feed amount (feed length) of one time,
It is given as a theoretical value calculated in consideration of the outer peripheral length of the tape feed roller 111 (driving roller 123) and the like. In this example, the tape feed amount per time is 30 inches, and the theoretical total number of pulses is 10 inches.
000 pulses will be described.

In FIG. 30, the rotation speed of the tape feed motor 112 is gradually accelerated from the stopped state until the high speed rotation speed is reached, and the detection mark E in the unit printing area C is increased.
Is gradually decelerated before reaching its detection position (the position of the tape feed sensor 130) until it reaches a low rotational speed, and after the detection mark E reaches the detection position and is detected, it is gradually decelerated and stopped. . When this two-step trapezoidal drive profile is time-divided into a high-speed feed section and a low-speed feed section, the high-speed feed section is time-divided into an acceleration section, a constant high-speed section, and a first deceleration section, and the low-speed feed section is , A constant low speed section and a second deceleration section are time-divided.

In this case, the number of pulses in the acceleration section, the first deceleration section and the second deceleration section is a fixed value, 1000 pulses, 1000 pulses and 4 pulses (stop pulse number), respectively. On the other hand, the number of pulses in the constant low speed section is
It is an arbitrary value that fluctuates depending on the tape width, in this case 60
It is a pulse. Then, the number of pulses in the constant high speed section is calculated based on the number of pulses in these sections and the theoretical total number of pulses. Thus, before the detection mark E reaches the detection position, the shift control for changing the printing tape A from the high speed feeding to the low speed feeding is performed.

As a result, the number of pulses (the number of steps) in the stop control can be made extremely smaller than that in the case where the stop control is directly performed from the high speed feed. Therefore,
Even when feeding at high speed, stop control can be performed with a small number of steps when the feeding is stopped, and influence of an error in the feeding operation of the printing tape A (outer diameter error of the tape feeding roller 111, variation of slip ratio of the printing tape A, etc.). Can be minimized.

In FIG. 31, the rotation speed of the tape feed motor 112 is gradually accelerated from the stopped state until the high speed rotation speed is reached, and the detection mark E in the unit print area C is increased.
Gradually decelerates and stops sufficiently before reaching the detection position. Then, the rotational speed of the tape feed motor 112 is gradually accelerated from the stopped state until it reaches the low rotational speed, and after the detection mark E reaches the detection position and is detected, the tape is gradually decelerated and stopped. When this two-step trapezoidal drive profile is time-divided into a high-speed feed section and a low-speed feed section, the high-speed feed section is time-divided into a first acceleration section, a constant high-speed section, and a first deceleration section, and the low-speed feed section is formed. The section is time-divided into a second acceleration section, a constant low speed section, and a second deceleration section.

In this case, the number of pulses in the second deceleration section is a fixed value of 4 pulses (the number of stop pulses), and the number of pulses in the constant low speed section is a theoretical value of 100 pulses. Then, the number of pulses in the high-speed feed section is calculated based on the number of pulses in these sections and the theoretical total number of pulses. In this way, the high-speed feed started before the detection mark E reaches its detection position is completed, the low-speed feed is started following this stop, and the stop feed is detected by the detection of the detection mark E. I'm trying to finish.

As a result, similarly, the time required for feeding the printing tape A can be shortened because the printing tape A is fed at a high speed, and the detection mark E can be detected during the low-speed feeding to perform the stop control. it can. Therefore, while feeding at high speed, stop control can be performed with a small number of steps when the feeding is stopped, and the influence of an error in the feeding operation of the printing tape A can be minimized. Further, since the high-speed feed is changed to the low-speed feed through the stop control, the control operation can be simplified as compared with the case where the high-speed feed is directly changed to the low-speed feed.

FIG. 32 shows a modification of the example shown in FIG. In this case, in the unit print area C, the sub mark F is printed in the mark print area AC prior to the detection mark E (see FIG. 7B). That is, in the unit printing area C, the sub-mark F for the high-speed feed section and the detection mark E for the low-speed feed section are continuously printed. By detecting the sub-mark F, the sub-mark F in the high-speed feed section is detected. The deceleration is started and stopped, and low speed feed is continuously performed from this, and after the detection mark E reaches the detection position and is detected, the speed is gradually decelerated and stopped.

Since the above shift control is performed using the sub-mark F, it is not necessary to calculate the number of pulses particularly in the high-speed feeding section, so that the control operation in feeding the printing tape A is simplified. be able to. The printing interval (mark separation distance) between the sub mark F and the detection mark E
Is always constant and is set so as to send 2100 pulses. Furthermore, the shift control shown in FIG.
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the shift control in which the printing tape A is fed from high speed to low speed before the detection mark E reaches the detection position shown in FIG.

Although the feeding control of the printing tape A is performed by the detection mark E, the image position mark D may also be used. That is, in the unit printing area C of the printing tape A, the image position mark D is printed corresponding to each unit image B for label removal (cutting). Instead of printing the detection mark E appropriately, this image position The mark D may be used to perform feeding / stopping for each unit printing area C. In FIG. 33, a plurality of image position marks D are printed at equal pitches.

In the figure (a), one image position mark D is printed for each unit image B.
Is printed on the upstream side in the feed direction of the unit image print area Bb of the unit image B. In this case, any one of the plurality of image position marks D in the unit print area C also serves as the detection mark E. For example, as shown in the figure, the unit image B closest to the rear end of the unit print area C is displayed.
The image position mark D may also serve as the detection mark E. However, due to the correlation with the above embodiment, the distance X from the printing position of the image position mark D to the rear end of the unit printing area C is the same as the printing of the detection mark E from the rear end of the unit printing area C in the above embodiment. Than the distance M to the position
It is set large.

Further, in FIG. 16B, the image position mark D
Is not printed for one unit image B, but a plurality of unit images B are all printed in the unit printing area C at an equal pitch. Also in this case, any one of the plurality of image position marks D in the unit print area C is the detection mark E.
However, unlike the case of FIG. 9A, the image position mark D is counted from the rear end of the unit printing area C by a predetermined number. According to this example, another cutting device which the printing tape A faces after printing is particularly useful in the case of a rotary cutter.

By the way, in order to realize more strict tape feeding / stopping, it is preferable to eliminate the sensor error of the tape feeding sensor 130 which is a reflection type optical sensor. Such a sensor error is due to the fact that the amount of reflected light changes due to the paper type of the printing tape A and due to the printing resolution of the detection mark E, and the threshold value for detection by the optical sensor is slightly different. However, as a measure against the former, it is preferable to correct the number of stop pulses (steps) from the detection of the detection mark E to the stop of the feeding of the printing tape A according to the type of the printing tape A. . For example, in the case of glossy paper or matte paper, the number of stop pulses is 4 pulses or more or less.

As a measure against the latter, the number of stop steps from the detection of the detection mark E to the stop of the feeding of the printing tape A may be corrected according to the printing resolution of the detection mark E, or the detection mark E may be corrected. It is preferable that the print resolution of is set to a constant value separately from the print resolution of the print image (unit image B). Therefore, by correcting the number of stop steps in advance, it is possible to absorb the influence of these reflected light amounts, and by setting the print resolution of the detection mark E to a constant value at all times, The influence of the light quantity can be minimized. In this way, the influence of the detection accuracy of the tape feed sensor 130 can be eliminated, and the printing tape A can be fed with higher accuracy.

Next, with reference to FIG. 34, the ink jet printer 1 according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on the points different from the above embodiment. In the present embodiment, the suction table 101 has a large number of suction holes 108 corresponding to the printing tape A having the maximum width, and the printing tape A having each width.
Closure plate 500 for closing the plurality of suction holes 108 separated from
have. The large number of suction holes 108 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and it is preferable that each suction hole row 109 be formed with a special pitch, as in the above embodiment.

The closing plate 500 includes three suction chambers 10.
Corresponding to No. 6, three pieces are arranged so as to face the back surface side of the suction plate 105, and are configured to be movable back and forth in the width direction of the printing tape A. Each of the closing plates 500 has a gripping elongated hole 501 formed in the front side on the side opposite to the reference side (end face reference) of the printing tape A, and a plurality of slide grooves 502 (three in the figure are shown) along the advancing / retreating direction. ) Has been formed. Each slide groove 502 is formed at a position separated from the plurality of suction holes 108, and engages with each groove guide portion provided on the suction plate 105 side. Then, each closing plate 500
Is easy to move back and forth using the grasping long hole 501.

According to this embodiment, the plurality of suction holes 108 which are separated from the printing tapes A of different widths can be easily closed as appropriate for a plurality of types of printing tapes A having different widths, so that suction is performed. It is possible to reliably prevent air from leaking from the suction hole 108 that does not contribute to the above. Therefore, a stable suction force can be applied to a plurality of types of printing tapes A having different widths. Further, since the closing plate 500 is not exposed on the surface of the suction plate 105, interference with the inkjet head 26 can be effectively prevented.

Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the ink jet printer 1 according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on the points different from the above embodiment. FIG. 35 is a partially simplified view of the suction table 101 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the feeding of the printing tape A is permitted and the printing tape A is also allowed.
In the suction table 101, a pair of tape pressing members 521 that prevent the two edge portions in the width direction from rising are provided. Each tape pressing member 521 has a pressing plate 522 formed in a thin plate shape, and a guide portion 523 for guiding the feeding of the printing tape A in a state where the position of the printing tape A is restricted in the width direction.
And have.

Each pressing plate 522 is arranged so as to fit within the clearance between the ink ejection surface of the ink jet head 26 and the printing tape A. Further, the pressing plate 522 is accommodated in the margin of the printing tape A in the width direction. Similar to the above-described embodiment, when the printing tape A is used as the end surface reference, one of the tape pressing members 521 is fixedly arranged, and the other of the tape pressing members 521 is configured to be movable back and forth in the width direction of the printing tape A. ing.

According to this embodiment, in the feeding operation of the printing tape A, the pair of tape pressing members 521 prevent the both edges of the printing tape A in the width direction from being lifted. On 101, flatness is maintained over the entire area including the edge. Also,
By providing the tape pressing member 521, the suction table 1
The suction force of 01 can be made relatively small, and the influence on the ink bending due to the feeding of the printing tape A and the air leakage can be minimized. In addition, the guide portion 523 allows the printing tape A to be attached to the tape pressing member 521.
Can also serve as a feed guide for the ink, and the accuracy of the ink landing position on the printing tape A can be improved. When a plurality of types of printing tapes A are introduced in the center of the center, both tape pressing members 521 can be moved back and forth.

In each of the above embodiments, the pair of grip rollers 115 (115a, 115b) are provided.
You may comprise only one roller. For example, the grip roller 115 may be composed of only the roller (115a) whose roller rolling surface with respect to the printing tape A is horizontal to the suction table 101 (suction plate 105) surface.

Further, the grip roller 115 may be constituted by a roller which makes a slip rotation (braking rotation) to apply tension to the printing tape A. Thereby, the leaf spring portion 1 provided in the width guide portion 117 of the tape feeding mechanism 102 is provided.
Even if 39 is omitted, the printing tape A faces the printing area G in a tensioned state, so that the printing tape A is less likely to be loosened, and the printing tape A can be fed accurately. Further, tension can be uniformly applied in the width direction of the printing tape A, and skewing of the printing tape A can be effectively prevented.

In another embodiment, a reverse rotation roller is provided instead of the grip roller 115 described above. This reverse rotation roller is composed of a roller body that constitutes a grip roller, a one-way clutch built in the roller body, and a reverse rotation motor that reverses the drive side roller of the roller body. This one-way clutch rotates the roller main body at the time of forward rotation, and slip-rotates (rotates while slightly braking) the roller main body at the time of reverse rotation.

In this case, the reverse motor is driven not only when the feeding of the tape is stopped, but also when the feeding is performed. When the tape is fed, a constant tension is applied to the printing tape, and when the feeding is stopped, the printing tape A is moved. It is designed to take up slack. As a result, tension is applied to the printing tape A when the feeding is stopped. The reverse rotation motor may be driven only when the tape feeding is stopped.

[0231]

As described above, according to the ink supply piping system of the present invention, the branching by the two-branch joint is repeated in the conduit from the main tank to the plurality of ink jet heads. The pressure loss in the conduit leading to the inkjet head can also be made substantially the same. As a result, each inkjet head discharges ink (pump action) under the same pressure condition, and stable print quality can be obtained.

Further, according to the tube holder and the ink supply piping system of the present invention, the tube can be installed in a state of being bent along the corner while suppressing the cross-sectional deformation, so that the joint can be omitted. As a result, it is possible to suppress ink leakage in the conduit, reduce costs, and minimize pressure loss in the conduit. Therefore, the influence of the conduit on the inkjet head can be eliminated.

Further, according to the ink jet printer of the present invention, the ink can be stably supplied to the ink jet head, and the ink can be supplied to a plurality of ink jet heads under the same pressure condition.
Stable print quality can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view from the back side showing the inkjet printer according to the embodiment with a part thereof omitted.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an area around a printing unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement operation of a head unit.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a head unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a head unit structure.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a paper dust removing mechanism and a head unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart conceptually showing a processing flow of a paper dust removing mechanism.

9 (a) is a perspective view and FIG. 9 (b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the storage unit.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) showing around a cleaning unit and a wiping unit.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a cleaning unit.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a tape feeding unit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of suction holes.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of tape feeding means.

FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing tape feeding means.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a leaf spring of tape feeding means.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a printing result on a printing tape.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart conceptually showing another processing flow of the paper dust removing mechanism.

FIG. 19 is a piping system diagram of an ink supply system.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an ink cartridge,
(A) An exploded perspective view of a cartridge case, (b) a perspective view of an ink tank, and (c) a front view of a cartridge case.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink cartridge is housed in a pressure tank.

22A and 22B are a perspective view of an open state and a side view of the open state, showing a pressurized tank.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a part of a pressure tank, (a)
It is a side view and (b) perspective view.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the ink cartridge is erroneously attached to the pressure tank, (a) the state where the ink cartridge is attached upside down, and (b) the state where the ink cartridge is attached upside down and upside down. .

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a sub tank unit.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an area around a sub tank unit.

FIG. 27 is a view showing around the tube holder.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of ink supply.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a control system of the inkjet printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an acceleration / deceleration curve of the tape feed motor.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an acceleration / deceleration curve of another tape feed motor.

32 is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 31, (a) an acceleration / deceleration curve curve of another tape feed motor, and (b).
It is an explanatory view of a printing result on a printing tape.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a printing result on a printing tape by another printing method.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an inkjet printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a front view schematically showing the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of valve control of the sub tank unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Inkjet Printer 2 Machine Stand 3 Finisher 4 Tape Feed Path 5 Printing Means 6 Tape Supply Means 7 Tape Feed Means 8 Tape Winding Means 9 Ink Supply Means 10 Maintenance Means 18 Waste Ink Tanks 24 Head Unit 25 X / Y Moving Mechanism 26 Inkjet Head 27 X-axis table 28 Y-axis table 38 X-axis cable carrier 39 Y-axis cable carrier 41 Support bracket 42 Unified carriage 43 Paper dust removing mechanism 44 Partial carriage 55 Fan holder 56 Paper dust removing fan 57 Paper dust removing fan 61 Flushing box 62 Storage unit 63 Cleaning unit 64 Wiping unit 66 Box body 67 Ink absorber 69 Ink storage unit 71 Cap support 72 Storage cap 74 Cap moving mechanism 77 Key Main body 83 cleaning cap 85 cleaning cap moving mechanism 87 cap main body 101 suction table 102 tape feed mechanism 105 suction plate 107 suction fan 108 suction holes 109 suction hole row 111 tape feed roller 112 tape feed motor 114 guide roller 115 grip roller 117 Width guide portion 118 Intermediate roller 119 Lower roller 123 Drive roller 130 Tape feed sensor 137 Feed member 139 Leaf spring portion 152 Leaf spring 161 Flat plate sliding contact portion 162 Comb tooth sliding contact portion 163 Comb tooth piece 174 Feeding reel 191 Tape winding Take reel 211 Main tank unit 212 Sub tank unit 213 Tube unit 216 Ink cartridge 217 Pressurizing tank 218 Air supply mechanism 220 Cartridge Case 221 Ink tank 224 Ink supply port 233 Tank accommodating portion 241 Case side joining portion 245 Locking groove 246 Inserting hole 247 Retaining protrusion 250 Notch portion 251 Ink absorber 271 Body portion 272 Closing member 273 Lid member 278 Tank side joining portion 283 Insertion pin 284 Insertion protrusion 285 Connection port 303 Hinge 306 Hinge pin 307 Hinge piece 308 Hinge hole 312 Stopper 315 Stopper 316 Detector 325 Air release valve 331 Air piping 332 Pressurizing pump 335 Switching valve 351 Intermediate ink pack 352 Sub tank frame 353 Supply Valve 354 Discharge valve 401 Tube 402 Two-branch joint 403 Tube holder 411 Holder body 412 Tube holding groove 414 Curved part 415 Straight part

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An ink supply piping system for an inkjet printer, which supplies ink to a plurality of inkjet heads from a single main tank via a tube, wherein one end of the tube is connected to the main tank. An ink supply piping system for an inkjet printer, wherein the other end is connected to the plurality of inkjet heads by repeating branching by a two-branch joint. 2. A sub-tank is provided in each of two branch tubes branched from the first two-branch joint on the main tank side, and the main tank supplies ink to the sub-tank by a pressure supply method. The ink supply piping system for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply piping system is an ink supply piping system. 3. A tube holder, which is provided at a corner of a piping path of a tube for supplying ink from an ink tank to an inkjet head and holds the tube, wherein the holder is formed in a substantially curved shape in plan view along the corner. A tube holder, comprising: a main body; and a tube holding groove formed on an upper surface of the holder main body to hold the tube in a bent state along the corner. 4. The plurality of tubes are arranged side by side in the piping path, and a plurality of the tube holding grooves are formed side by side in the holder main body. Tube holder described. 5. The tube holder according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of tube holding grooves are formed with the same radius of curvature. 6. The tube holder according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the tube holding groove is formed to a depth such that a plurality of tubes can be stacked and held. 7. The tube holder according to claim 3, wherein the tube holding groove includes a curved portion and two linear portions that are continuous with both ends of the curved portion. 8. The holder main body is integrally formed of a curved shape portion and two linear shape portions that are respectively connected to both ends of the curved shape portion, and an outer rounded end surface and an inner rounded end surface of the curved shape portion are formed by: The tube holder according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the tube holder has the same radius of curvature. 9. The holder main body is integrally formed with a curved shape portion and two linear shape portions that are respectively connected to both ends of the curved shape portion, and the two linear shape portions are formed to have the same length. The tube holder according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: 10. The ink jet printer according to claim 3, wherein the tube holder according to any one of claims 3 to 9 is provided at a corner of a pipe path of a tube for supplying ink from an ink tank to an ink jet head. Ink supply piping system. 11. An ink jet printer, comprising the ink supply piping system of the ink jet printer according to claim 1, 2, or 10.