JP2011230297A - Ink jet device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet device in which a cost reduction of the device including a light source unit is attained, and to provide a control method thereof.SOLUTION: In the control method of an ink jet device including an ink jet head which discharges photosetting ink to a recording medium in a drawing scanning area A while reciprocating across a pair of return positions P1 and P2 which are set outside of each acceleration and deceleration area B1, B2 while interposing a drawing scanning area A and a pair of acceleration and deceleration areas B1 and B2, which are located on the opposite sides of the drawing scanning area A, inbetween, and a light source which cures the photosetting ink discharged to the recording medium by radiation, the light source is moved to follow the ink jet head in the drawing scanning area A, and retreated from the movement locus of the ink jet head at a part deviated from the drawing scanning area A. Retreat is canceled when the returning ink jet head passes the light source, and the light source begins to follow the ink jet head again.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet apparatus including a head unit that ejects photocurable ink while moving relative to a recording medium, and a light source unit that cures the photocurable ink by light irradiation, and a method for controlling the inkjet apparatus.

Conventionally, as this type of apparatus, a pair of light source units are provided at the front and rear in the moving direction of the head unit that moves relative to the recording medium, and the pair of ink curing light sources are alternately driven as the head unit reciprocates. A drawing apparatus for curing ink on a recording medium is generally known.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 proposes a recording apparatus including a single light source for a reciprocating recording head. The apparatus is provided above the recording head and has a single light source head that irradiates ultraviolet rays in a direction opposite to the recording medium. A plurality of reflecting mirrors that convert the optical path of the irradiation light are provided so that the irradiation is alternately performed at the two front and rear positions. As the head unit reciprocates, the optical path of the irradiation light is switched by this reflecting mirror, thereby reducing the number of expensive light sources and reducing the cost of the apparatus.

JP 2009-119862 A

  However, in the above apparatus, since the light source is provided above the recording head and the irradiation light irradiated in the direction opposite to the recording medium is reflected by the reflecting mirror to reach the recording medium, the optical path of the irradiation light is There is a problem that it becomes extremely long. If the optical path of the irradiation light is long, the irradiation light diffuses and the amount of light decreases due to ink curing. Therefore, the irradiation time must be increased, and ink curing cannot be performed efficiently.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet apparatus and a control method for the inkjet apparatus that can achieve cost reduction of an apparatus including a light source unit.

  The control method of the ink jet apparatus of the present invention reciprocates between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area across a drawing scanning area and a pair of acceleration / deceleration areas located outside both of the drawing scanning areas. However, in a drawing scanning area, a method for controlling an inkjet apparatus comprising: an inkjet head that ejects photocurable ink onto a recording medium; and a light source that cures the photocurable ink ejected onto the recording medium by light irradiation. In the drawing scanning area, the light source is moved so as to follow the ink jet head, and when the light source deviates from the drawing scanning area, the light source is retreated from the moving locus of the ink jet head, and the returning ink jet head passes the light source. At this point, the retraction is canceled and the tracking is resumed.

  According to this configuration, since the single light source unit follows the reciprocating head unit by the light source moving means, the light curable ink is cured by irradiating light while keeping the optical path short at the light irradiation position. Can be made. In addition, the light source retracting means can alternately replace the light irradiation position of the light source unit as the head unit reciprocates, so a single light source unit can be used without increasing the irradiation time and the amount of irradiation light. Efficient irradiation can be performed. In this way, by using a single light source unit, it is possible to achieve a significant cost reduction of the apparatus, such as a reduction in the cost of the light source unit itself and a reduction in the heat treatment of the light source unit by half.

  An ink jet apparatus according to the present invention includes a head unit that ejects photocurable ink by an ink jet method while moving with respect to a recording medium, and a pair of acceleration / deceleration units that are positioned on both outer sides of the drawing scanning area and the drawing scanning area. A head moving unit that reciprocates between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area across the area, a light source unit that cures the photocurable ink discharged to the recording medium by light irradiation, and a light source Light source moving means for moving the unit so as to follow the reciprocation of the head unit in a state where the unit is moved to the light irradiation position approaching the recording medium, and a retreat position for separating the light source unit from the light irradiation position and the recording medium A light source retracting means that moves between the light source unit and light that detects the follow-up end position of the light source unit with respect to the reciprocation of the head unit at two locations Position detecting means, head position detecting means for detecting the position of the head unit through which the head unit that is turned back with respect to the light source unit moved to the retracted position, control means for controlling the light source retracting means, And the controller starts the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position based on the detection result of the light source position detector, and retracts the light source unit based on the detection result of the head position detector. The movement from the position to the light irradiation position is started.

According to this configuration, it is not necessary to mount the light source unit on the reciprocating head unit, and the loading weight of the head unit can be reduced. Thereby, the movement accuracy of the head unit can be improved, and the responsiveness (shortening of the acceleration / deceleration area) can be improved. In particular, since the positions of the head unit and the light source unit are detected and the light source unit is moved between the light irradiation position and the retreat position, the retreat movement can be performed in parallel and continuously with the follow-up movement, and an efficient light source Unit movement can be performed. Further, the following end position of the head unit corresponding to the following end position of the light source unit may be detected by the head detection moving means, and the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position may be started.
The light source retracting means may be a cam mechanism or a link mechanism using a light source moving means in addition to an actuator using a motor drive or the like. The light source unit may be a lamp system (metal halide lamp) or an LED system (LED having a specific center wavelength).

  In this case, the control unit further controls the light source moving unit to stop the light source moving unit in synchronization with the completion of the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position, and to emit light from the retracted position of the light source unit. It is preferable to activate the light source moving means in synchronization with the start of movement to the irradiation position.

  According to this configuration, since the light source unit can be moved between the light irradiation position and the retracted position in parallel with the follow-up movement, it is possible to efficiently move without time and space loss. .

  In this case, the follow-up end position is preferably a position where the light source unit is out of the drawing scanning area.

  According to these configurations, since the light source unit moves following the head unit from the drawing scanning area to a pair of acceleration / deceleration areas located on both outer sides, the light source unit is at the light irradiation position and the drawing scanning area that needs light irradiation. It is possible to reliably irradiate light from end to end.

  Another ink jet apparatus of the present invention includes a head unit that ejects photocurable ink by an ink jet method while moving relative to a recording medium, and a pair of head units that are positioned on both outer sides of the drawing scanning area and the drawing scanning area. A head moving unit that reciprocates between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area across the acceleration / deceleration area, and a light source unit that cures the photocurable ink discharged to the recording medium by light irradiation. The light source unit that moves the light source unit so as to follow the reciprocation of the head unit in a state where the light source unit is moved to the light irradiation position approaching the recording medium, and the light source unit are separated from the light irradiation position and the recording medium. A light source retracting means for moving between the retracted position and a control means for controlling the head moving means and the light source retracting means. In synchronization with the switching of the head moving means from the constant speed control to the deceleration control, the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position is started, and the head moving means is synchronized with the switching from the stop control to the acceleration control. Then, the movement of the light source unit from the retracted position to the light irradiation position is started.

  According to this configuration, there is no need to provide position detecting means for detecting the positions of the light source unit and the head unit, leading to cost reduction of the apparatus.

  In these cases, the light source retracting means is mounted on the light source moving means and has a light source advance / retreat mechanism that retracts and moves the light source unit in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the head unit, and the head moving means is held downward. It is preferable that the head unit is moved horizontally, and the light source advance / retreat mechanism retracts the light source unit upward, downward, or laterally with respect to the head unit.

  According to these configurations, the retracted position can be moved while the light source unit is moved following the head unit. Further, since the light source unit is retracted in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the head unit, the light source unit can be reliably retracted from the light irradiation position, and the light source unit can be efficiently followed and retracted. Further, the retracted position of the light source unit can be set to any one of the upper, lower and side with respect to the head unit according to the configuration of the entire apparatus, that is, considering the space efficiency of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, the control means further controls the light source unit, stops the light irradiation of the light source unit in synchronization with the start of the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position, and emits light from the retracted position of the light source unit. It is preferable to start light irradiation of the light source unit in synchronization with the start of movement to the position.

  According to this configuration, useless light irradiation time of the light source unit can be omitted, and power consumption can be reduced. Moreover, when the light source unit is located at a position other than the light irradiation position, it is possible to prevent the influence of light irradiation on other mechanisms (for example, the head unit).

  In this case, the light source unit has a light source unit configured by a metal hydride lamp and a shutter unit that blocks irradiation of the light source unit, and the control unit controls stop and start of light irradiation by opening and closing the shutter unit. It is preferable to do.

  According to this configuration, in the metal hydride lamp that takes time to turn on and off the irradiation light by opening and closing the shutter unit, the time required for switching the irradiation light irradiation is reduced, and the irradiation light is efficiently controlled. be able to.

It is a top view of an ink jet device concerning one embodiment. It is the sectional view on the aa line in FIG. 1 of an inkjet apparatus. It is a perspective view of an inkjet head. It is the schematic diagram which showed the movement of a light source unit and a head unit. It is a flowchart which shows the movement control method of a head unit. It is a flowchart which shows the other movement control method of a head unit. It is the schematic diagram which showed the movement of the light source unit and the head unit in detail.

  Hereinafter, an inkjet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This ink jet apparatus discharges ultraviolet curable ink from an ink jet head to a work W (recording medium), and then irradiates ultraviolet light from an ink curing light source to cure the ultraviolet curable ink landed on the work W. An image is formed (drawn) on the workpiece W. In particular, in the inkjet apparatus of the present invention, the inkjet head reciprocates above the workpiece W, and the ultraviolet curable ink is cured by a single ink curing light source that follows the inkjet head. Draw.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the ink jet apparatus 1 is provided with a machine base 2 and a work supply means 3 for taking out a long work W wound in a roll and winding the printed work W. And a work stage 4 disposed on the machine base 2 for sucking and setting the supplied work W, and a plurality of movements extending in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the extending direction of the work W X-axis moving means 5 constituted by a mechanism, a carriage unit 6 on which a head unit 62 having a plurality of inkjet heads 160 of an inkjet system is mounted, a light source unit 7 having an ink curing light source 73 for irradiating ultraviolet rays, and a plurality of light source units 7 An ink supply unit 8 that supplies ultraviolet curable inks of a plurality of colors (hereinafter referred to as “inks”) to the inkjet head 160, and each inkjet head 160. And maintenance means 9 for preventing nozzle clogging, and a control device 10 (distance measuring means and determination means) for generally controlling the respective means.

  The ink jet apparatus 1 includes unit position detection means 11 (distance detection means / position detection means / center distance detection means) for detecting the positions of the carriage unit 6, the light source unit 7, and the ink supply unit 8.

  The work material supply means 3 has a feeding mechanism 31 for feeding a long work W and a winding mechanism 32 for taking up the work W. The work stage 4 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown) formed on the surface (set surface), and sucks the work W sent by the feeding mechanism 31. When drawing of one image area is completed with respect to the workpiece W attracted to the workpiece stage 4, the suction of the workpiece W is released, and the drawn workpiece W is wound up by the winding mechanism 32.

  The X-axis moving means 5 includes a head moving mechanism 51 that reciprocates the head unit 62 (carriage unit 6) in the X-axis direction, a light source moving mechanism 52 that reciprocates the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction, and an ink supply unit 8. And a supply unit moving mechanism 53 that reciprocates in the X-axis direction.

  The head moving mechanism 51 is supported by a plurality of support shafts 101 and slides the carriage unit 6 (head unit 62) in the X-axis direction via a pair of head guide rails 102 extending in the X-axis direction and the carriage plate 103. A motor-driven head slider 104 that is freely supported. The head moving mechanism 51 drives the head slider 104 to reciprocate the carriage unit 6 on which the plurality of inkjet heads 160 are mounted on the work W that is sucked and set on the work stage 4. The drive system of the head slider 104 is preferably composed of a linear motor, a motor and a lead screw mechanism, or the like.

  The light source moving mechanism 52 is supported by a plurality of support shafts 111 and extends above the head guide rail 102 in the X-axis direction, and a bridge plate spanned between the pair of light source guide rails 112. 113, a motor-driven light source slider 114 that slidably supports the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction via the bridge plate 113, and a light source retracting mechanism 54 that is mounted on the bridge plate 113 while supporting the light source unit 7. ,have. The light source moving mechanism 52 drives the light source slider 114 to reciprocate the light source unit 7 on which the ink curing light source 73 is mounted together with the light source retracting mechanism 54 on the work W that is sucked and set on the work stage 4. The light source moving mechanism 52 moves the light source unit 7 following the reciprocation of the head unit 62 while maintaining a predetermined separation distance. The drive system of the light source slider 114 is preferably composed of a linear motor, a motor and a lead screw mechanism, or the like.

  The light source retraction mechanism 54 is fixed to the bridge plate 113 and supports a retraction guide 121 extending in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and spaced from the work stage 4, and slidable in the Z-axis direction with the light source unit 7. A motor-driven retraction slider 122 (light source advance / retreat mechanism). The light source retracting mechanism 54 drives the retracting slider 122 to retract the light source unit 7 from the light irradiation position Z1 approaching the workpiece W in the Z-axis direction and the head unit 62 upward from the light irradiation position Z1. It is moved up and down in the Z-axis direction between the position Z2 (see FIG. 4). In addition to the motor drive, the retraction slider 122 may be an air cylinder or solenoid drive. Further, the light source retracting mechanism 54 may be configured by a cam mechanism or a link mechanism that is linked to the light source moving mechanism 52.

  Thus, the light source unit 7 is configured to reciprocate in the X-axis direction following the head unit 62 and to advance and retreat in the Z-axis direction.

  The supply unit moving mechanism 53 is supported by a plurality of support shafts (not shown), is parallel to the height of the head guide rail 102 and extends in the X-axis direction, and the ink supply unit 8. And a motor-driven supply unit slider (not shown) that slidably supports in the X-axis direction. The supply unit moving mechanism 53 drives the supply unit slider to reciprocate the ink supply unit 8 so as to run along with the head unit 62. The drive system of the supply unit slider is preferably composed of a linear motor, a motor, a lead screw mechanism, and the like.

  Thus, since the head unit 62, the light source unit 7, and the ink supply unit 8 are mounted on separate moving means, the load weight of the head unit 62 can be reduced. Thereby, the movement accuracy of the head unit can be improved.

  In the X-axis direction, a drawing scanning area A is set in an intersection area between the X-axis moving means 5 and the workpiece W, and on both outer sides of the drawing scanning area A, a first folding point P1 and a second folding point P2 (folding point). Position) is set. Further, the area from the both ends of the drawing scanning area A to the turning points P1 and P2 is defined as an acceleration / deceleration area B, and a first acceleration / deceleration area B1 and a second acceleration / deceleration area B2 are set. The head unit 62 reciprocates while the movement speed is controlled by the control device 10 in an area between the pair of folding points P1 and P2.

  The drawing scanning area A has a length corresponding to the width of the workpiece W in the X-axis direction, and the ink is discharged from the plurality of inkjet heads 160 while the head unit 62 moves at a predetermined constant speed (constant speed). This is an area where ink is discharged to draw. On the other hand, the pair of acceleration / deceleration areas B1 and B2 are areas from which the head unit 62 decelerates the moving speed toward the folding points P1 and P2 and stops at the folding points P1 and P2. Reference numeral 62 denotes an area for accelerating the moving speed from the turning points P1 and P2 toward the drawing scanning area A. Ink jet ejection of the ink jet head 160 is not performed in the pair of acceleration / deceleration areas B1 and B2. Further, the home position HP of the head unit 62 is set further outside the first turn-around point P1, and the maintenance means 9 is located immediately below the home position HP.

  The head unit 62 started from the home position HP temporarily stops at the first return point P1, accelerates from the first return point P1, and passes through the first acceleration / deceleration area. When the front end of the head unit 62 in the forward movement direction reaches the drawing scanning area A, the head unit 62 shifts from acceleration to a constant speed and starts drawing (ink ejection). When the rear end of the head unit 62 in the forward movement direction is out of the drawing scanning area A, the drawing operation is stopped, and the head unit 62 shifts from a constant speed to a deceleration. Then, when the front end in the forward movement direction of the head unit 62 reaches the second turning point P2, the speed of the head unit 62 becomes zero and stops. Subsequently, a retraction operation similar to the above-described forward operation is performed. In this way, the head unit 62 reciprocates between the turning points P1 and P2 while being controlled in speed. In addition, when a defect occurs in the ink jet head 160, or when replacing or supplying the workpiece W, the head unit 62 is subjected to maintenance at the home position HP.

  On the other hand, the light source unit 7 moves following the head unit 62 at the light irradiation position Z1 in the Z-axis direction in the drawing scanning area A based on the control operation of the control device 10, and is ejected by the preceding head unit 62. The ink on the workpiece W is irradiated with light to cure the ink (see FIGS. 4 (2) and (4)). On the other hand, in each of the acceleration / deceleration areas B1, B21, B2, it stops at the retracted position Z2 set above the head unit 62, and waits until the preceding head unit 62 moves back and passes below the own unit. (See FIGS. 4 (1) and (3)).

  The carriage unit 6 includes a carriage body 61 that is suspended from the carriage plate 103, and a head unit 62 that is suspended from the carriage body 61 and includes a plurality of inkjet heads 160. The head unit 62 is configured by mounting a plurality of inkjet heads 160 on a head plate (not shown). A head protection cover 63 that shields light from the light source unit 7 is attached to the upper surface of the carriage plate 103. The head protection cover 63 is made of a material having heat resistance and UV resistance (for example, silicon), and is a head by light irradiation from the light source unit 7 positioned above the head unit 62 in each acceleration / deceleration area B1, B2. The effect on the ink inside is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet head 160 is a so-called two-unit type, an ink introduction unit 162 having two connection needles 165, a two-head head substrate 163 continuous with the ink introduction unit 162, and an ink introduction unit. A head main body 164 which is connected to the lower portion of the portion 162 and has an in-head flow path filled with ink. The head body 164 includes a cavity (piezoelectric element) and a nozzle plate 168 having a nozzle surface 167 in which a large number of ejection nozzles 166 are opened. When the inkjet head 160 is driven to discharge (a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element), an ink droplet is discharged from the discharge nozzle 166 by the pumping action of the cavity. The nozzle surface 167 is formed with two nozzle rows 169 made up of a large number of discharge nozzles 166 in parallel with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply unit 8 is mounted on an ink carriage 82 and is composed of, for example, a plurality of ink packs 81 each filled with colored or colorless ink, and each ink pack 81 includes an ink supply tube. It is connected to each inkjet head 160 via (not shown). Each color ink is supplied to each inkjet head 160 through each ink supply tube by applying pressure (atmospheric pressure) to each ink pack 81 from the outside. Each ink supply tube and each inkjet head 160 are covered with a film heater (not shown) that heats the ink flowing through each ink supply tube. Each color ink is heated by a film heater, adjusted to a predetermined viscosity, and supplied to each inkjet head 160. Further, the ink supply unit 8 has a stirring mechanism (not shown) that holds a plurality of ink packs 81 as a unit and appropriately stirs the ink in the ink packs 81. The ink supply unit 8 is control-wired to a drive control module (not shown) that controls the head unit 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source unit 7 is fixed to the retracting slider 122 and has a light source carriage 72 having a light irradiation opening 71, an ink curing light source 73 that emits light from the light irradiation opening 71, and light irradiation. And a shutter 74 that opens and closes the opening 71. The ink curing light source 73 is composed of a metal hydride lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and faces each ink droplet ejected on the work W from the light irradiation opening 71 in the drawing scanning area A. Since the metal hydride lamp takes time to start up when it is lit, the metal hydride lamp is always lit when the apparatus is in operation, and the shutter 74 controls the light irradiation of the light source unit 7 by opening and closing the light irradiation opening 71. In the drawing scanning area A, the shutter 74 is opened for light irradiation, and in other areas, the shutter 74 is closed to stop light irradiation. Thus, light irradiation and light shielding are performed instantaneously, and the influence of irradiation light on ink other than the drawing scanning area A is prevented. The ink curing light source 73 may be constituted by an LED system (LED having a specific center wavelength), and in such a case, the light irradiation can be controlled by the ON / OFF of the ink curing light source 73 itself.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 9 is disposed immediately below the home position HP of the head unit 62, and includes a capping unit (not shown) that seals the nozzle formation surface of each inkjet head 160, and each inkjet head 160. And a wiping unit 92 for wiping the nozzle surface 167 of each inkjet head 160.

  The unit position detection unit 11 includes a head position detection mechanism 140 that detects the movement position of the head unit 62 in the X-axis direction, and a light source position detection mechanism 150 that detects the movement position of the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction. ing. The head position detection mechanism 140 includes a head encoder 141 provided in the head moving mechanism 51. The head encoder 141 detects a position coordinate of an encoder scale (not shown) and the head unit 62 on the encoder scale. 142. Similarly, the light source position detection mechanism 150 includes a light source encoder 151 provided along with the light source moving mechanism 52, and includes a light source detector 152 that detects the position coordinates of the light source unit 7 on the encoder scale. The control device 10 calculates the difference value between the coordinate values detected by the head detector 142 and the light source detector 152 to detect the distance between the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7 during the follow-up movement in the drawing scanning area A. .

  Further, the unit position detection means 11 is a supply unit position detection mechanism (non-detection mechanism) that detects a separation position of the head unit 62 from the ink supply unit 8 in the Y axis direction (the extending direction of the workpiece W) perpendicular to the X axis direction. (Shown). The supply unit position detection mechanism includes a so-called distance measuring sensor attached to the outside of the ink carriage 82 and measures the distance between the head unit 62 and the ink supply unit 8 that run in parallel.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5 thru | or FIG. 7, the movement control method of the light source unit 7 is demonstrated. At the start of movement control, the head unit 62 is located at the home position HP, and the light source unit 7 is located at the retreat position Z2 in the first acceleration / deceleration area.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inkjet apparatus 1 is located below the light source unit 7 in which the head unit 62 located at the home position HP is stopped at the retracted position Z2 in the first acceleration / deceleration area B1. When the passage is detected by the head position detection mechanism 140 (S01), the light source retracting mechanism 54 starts to lower the light source unit 7 (Z-axis direction), and the light source moving mechanism 52 starts to move in the X-axis direction. (S02). If the descent is completed to the light irradiation position Z1 approaching the workpiece W while moving the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction, light irradiation of the light source unit 7 is started (S03). The light source unit 7 that has reached the light irradiation position Z1 is positioned at the boundary between the first acceleration / deceleration area B1 and the drawing scanning area A in the traveling direction in the X-axis direction. At this time, the head unit 62 enters the drawing scanning area A and starts ink ejection (see FIG. 7C). Then, the light source moving mechanism 52 moves the light source unit 7 following the head moving mechanism 51 (head unit 62).

  The follow-up progresses and the light source position detection mechanism 150 causes the light source unit 7 to reach the follow-up end position (the tail end in the travel direction in the X-axis direction is located at the boundary between the second acceleration / deceleration area B2 and the drawing scanning area A). When the movement is detected (S04), the light source retraction mechanism 54 starts raising the light source unit 7 (Z-axis direction) and stops light irradiation (S05). While moving the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction, the raising is completed to the retracted position Z2 in the second acceleration / deceleration area B2 (S06), and the movement and raising of the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction are stopped (S07). (See FIG. 7 (f)).

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the head unit 62 turned back at the second turn-back point P2 by the head position detection mechanism 140 has passed below the light source unit 7, the control device 10 repeats the processes of S02 to S07, and the light source unit 7 movement control is performed. Further, the head end detection mechanism 140 detects the tracking end position of the head unit 62 corresponding to the tracking end position of the light source unit 7, and starts moving the light source unit 7 from the light irradiation position Z1 to the retracted position Z2. It is good.

  Further, the control device 10 detects the distance between the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7 during the follow-up movement in the drawing scanning area A by the head position detection mechanism 140 and the light source position detection mechanism 150. It is also determined (distance detection means, determination means) whether or not it is between the approach side allowable value and the separation side allowable value (allowable range). When the detection distance deviates from the allowable value (allowable range), the head unit 62 and the light source unit 52 stop the following movement of the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7. In particular, when the detection distance becomes smaller than the approaching allowable value, there is a possibility that the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7 may collide with each other. Therefore, it is preferable to immediately stop the movement of the light source unit 7. Further, when the movement of the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7 is stopped according to the result of the detection distance, driving of each unit (ink ejection and light irradiation) is also stopped. The distance detecting means may be constituted by a distance measuring sensor. Moreover, when the detection distance becomes smaller than the approaching side allowable value, a notification unit that notifies collision prevention may be provided.

  Further, the control device 10 detects the distance between the head unit 62 and the ink supply unit 8 that run in parallel in all areas (center-to-center distance detection means), and this detection distance is a predetermined approach side allowable value and a separation side. It is also determined (determination means) whether or not it is between the allowable values (allowable range). When the detection distance deviates from the allowable value (allowable range), the parallel movement of the head unit 62 and the ink supply unit 8 is stopped by the head moving mechanism 51 and the supply unit moving mechanism 53. In this case, the follow-up movement of the light source unit 7 is also stopped by the light source moving mechanism 52 in order to avoid a collision between the head unit 62 and the light source unit 7. In this way, the distance between the ink supply source and the inkjet head 160 is appropriately maintained to maintain a stable drawing system, and damage to the ink supply tube and control wiring due to collision between the ink supply unit 8 and the head unit 62 and separation. Can be prevented. The center distance detecting means may be constituted by an encoder. In addition, when the detection distance deviates from the allowable value, a notification unit that notifies the approach and separation of the two units may be provided.

  Subsequently, another movement control method of the light source unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As illustrated, when the head unit 62 located at the home position HP passes through the first turn-back point P1, the inkjet apparatus 1 performs acceleration control on the head unit 62 (S01). Then, the light source retracting mechanism 54 starts to lower the light source unit 7 (Z-axis direction), and the light source moving mechanism 52 starts to move in the X-axis direction (S02). If the descent is completed to the light irradiation position Z1 approaching the workpiece W while moving the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction, light irradiation of the light source unit 7 is started (S03). At this time, the head unit 62 enters the drawing scanning area A and is controlled at a constant speed to start ink ejection (S04) (see FIG. 7 (3)). Then, the light source unit 7 is caused to follow the head unit 62 by the light source moving mechanism 52.

  When the head unit 62 leaves the drawing scanning area A, the head unit 62 is switched from constant speed control to deceleration control (S05). Then, the light source retracting mechanism 54 starts raising the light source unit 7 (in the Z-axis direction) and stops light irradiation (S06). While moving the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction, the raising to the retracted position Z2 is completed in the second acceleration / deceleration area B2 (S07), and the movement and raising of the light source unit 7 in the X-axis direction are stopped (S08). (See FIG. 7 (5)). Thereafter, when the head unit 62 turns back at the second turn-back point P2, acceleration control is performed. And the control apparatus 10 repeats the process of S02-S08, and performs control operation of the light source unit 7. FIG.

  According to the inkjet apparatus 1 described so far, the single light source unit 7 follows the head unit 62 that reciprocates by the light source moving means, and the light irradiation position Z1 of the light source unit 7 is alternately replaced. Therefore, efficient irradiation can be performed with the single light source unit 7 on the reciprocating head unit 62 without increasing the irradiation time and the amount of irradiation light. Further, by using a single light source unit 7, it is possible to achieve a significant cost reduction of the apparatus, such as a reduction in the cost of the light source unit 7 itself and a reduction in the heat treatment of the light source unit 7 by half.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which lengthens the stop time in each folding | turning point P1, P2 of the head unit 62, detects this stop, and advances / retreats the light source unit 7 to a Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the head moving mechanism 51, the light source moving mechanism 52, and the supply unit moving mechanism 53 are all arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction. As long as it follows and the ink supply units 8 are arranged in parallel, it does not necessarily have to be constituted by parallel movement axes. In the present embodiment, the retracted position Z2 is above the head unit 62, but the retracted position Z2 may be below the head unit 62 or on the side depending on the configuration of the entire apparatus.

  1: Inkjet device 7: Light source unit 8: Ink supply unit 10: Control device 11: Unit position detecting means 51: Head moving mechanism 52: Light source moving mechanism 53: Supply unit moving mechanism 54: Light source retracting mechanism 62: Head unit 63: Head protection cover 71: Light irradiation opening 73: Ink curing light source 74: Shutter 140: Head position detection mechanism 141: Head encoder 150: Light source position detection mechanism 151: Light source encoder 160: Inkjet head A: Drawing scanning area B: Acceleration / deceleration area B1: First acceleration / deceleration area B2: Second acceleration / deceleration area HP: Home position P1: First return point P2: Second return point W: Workpiece Z1: Light irradiation position Z2: Retraction position

Claims (8)

Recording is performed in the drawing scanning area while reciprocating between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area with the drawing scanning area and a pair of acceleration / deceleration areas located on both outer sides of the drawing scanning area interposed therebetween. An inkjet head that ejects photocurable ink onto a medium;
A method of controlling an ink jet apparatus comprising: a light source that cures the photocurable ink discharged to the recording medium by light irradiation;
In the drawing scanning area, the light source is moved so as to follow the ink jet head, and when the light source is out of the drawing scanning area, the light source is retreated from the movement locus of the ink jet head.
A control method for an ink jet apparatus, wherein when the returning ink jet head passes through the light source, the retreat is canceled and the follow-up is resumed. A head unit that ejects photocurable ink by an inkjet method while moving to a recording medium;
Head moving means for reciprocally moving the head unit between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area with a drawing scanning area and a pair of acceleration / deceleration areas located outside both the drawing scanning area interposed therebetween; ,
A light source unit that cures the photocurable ink discharged to the recording medium by light irradiation;
Light source moving means for moving the light source unit so as to follow the reciprocation of the head unit in a state where the light source unit is moved to a light irradiation position approaching the recording medium;
A light source retracting means for moving the light source unit between the light irradiation position and a retracted position away from the recording medium;
Light source position detecting means for detecting the follow-up end position of the light source unit with respect to the reciprocation of the head unit at two locations;
Head position detecting means for detecting the position of the head unit through which the head unit that is turned back passes through the light source unit moved to the retracted position;
Control means for controlling the light source retracting means,
The control means starts movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position based on the detection result of the light source position detection means, and based on the detection result of the head position detection means, the light source An ink jet apparatus that starts movement of the unit from the retracted position to the light irradiation position. The control means further controls the light source moving means,
The light source moving means is stopped in synchronization with the completion of the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position, and is synchronized with the start of movement of the light source unit from the retracted position to the light irradiation position. The ink-jet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light source moving unit is activated.   The inkjet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the following end position is a position where the light source unit is out of the drawing scanning area. A head unit that ejects photocurable ink by an inkjet method while moving to a recording medium;
Head moving means for reciprocally moving the head unit between a pair of folding positions set outside each acceleration / deceleration area with a drawing scanning area and a pair of acceleration / deceleration areas located outside both the drawing scanning area interposed therebetween; ,
A light source unit that cures the photocurable ink discharged to the recording medium by light irradiation;
Light source moving means for moving the light source unit so as to follow the reciprocation of the head unit in a state where the light source unit is moved to a light irradiation position approaching the recording medium;
A light source retracting means for moving the light source unit between the light irradiation position and a retracted position away from the recording medium;
Control means for controlling the head moving means and the light source retracting means,
The control means starts the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position in synchronization with the switching from the constant speed control to the deceleration control of the head moving means, and stops the head moving means. An ink jet apparatus that starts movement of the light source unit from the retracted position to the light irradiation position in synchronization with switching from control to acceleration control. The light source retracting means is mounted on the light source moving means, and has a light source advance / retreat mechanism that retracts and moves the light source unit in a direction orthogonal to the reciprocating direction of the head unit,
The head moving means moves the head unit held downward horizontally,
6. The ink jet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light source advance / retreat mechanism retreats the light source unit upward, downward, or laterally with respect to the head unit. The control means further controls the light source unit;
In synchronization with the start of the movement of the light source unit from the light irradiation position to the retracted position, the light irradiation of the light source unit is stopped and the movement of the light source unit from the retracted position to the light irradiation position is started. The ink jet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light irradiation of the light source unit is started in synchronization with the light source unit. The light source unit is
A light source section composed of a metal hydride lamp,
A shutter part that blocks irradiation of the light source part,
The inkjet apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls stop and start of the light irradiation by opening and closing the shutter unit.

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