JP2012152410A - Nail printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a nail printer capable of delicately printing nail parts by surely fixing fingers of various sizes without inflicting a pain or a burden on a user's hand and fingers.SOLUTION: The nail printer includes a print target finger insertion part 20a for inserting a print target finger U1 which is a finger corresponding to a nail part T to be printed. A print target finger fixing member 61 inflated by injecting air to fix, by air pressure, the print target finger U1 inserted in the print target finger insertion part 20a is arranged on at least one of the upper and lower faces of the print target finger insertion part, and pressure in the print target finger fixing member 61 is regulated by a pressure regulating mechanism 60. The nail part T is thereby printed by a printing part 40 in the safely and surely fixed state of the print target finger U1 by the fixing action of the print target finger fixing member 61 without imposing a burden on the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a nail printing apparatus.

The nail printing apparatus is a printing apparatus in which a printing finger, which is a nail finger to be printed, is placed on a mounting table provided in the apparatus body and printed on the nail of the printing finger.
However, when the printing finger is simply placed on the mounting table, the hand is in an unstable state, so that the movement of the hand or arm is transmitted to the printing finger, and the printing finger may move. If the printing finger moves and the position is shifted during printing, the pattern or the like cannot be printed correctly on the nail, and a printing error occurs.

  Therefore, conventionally, in a nail printing apparatus, a printing finger is placed on a finger fixing place fixed to the apparatus so that the printing finger does not move, and the printing finger is fixed by a restraining tool such as a holder (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

Special table 2003-534083 gazette

However, conventional restraints such as holders are made of a hard plastic material or the like, or the printing finger placed on the finger place is pushed up and fixed by a spring or the like. Fixing a finger with such a restraining tool is painful for the user, and gives a burden and discomfort.
Moreover, the size and thickness of human fingers vary from the thumb to the little finger depending on the type. Moreover, even if it is the same kind of finger | toe, the magnitude | size etc. vary with people. For this reason, when a single device is used to print on multiple fingers, or when multiple users try to print using a single device, the same restraining tool may be used to fix the fingers. There is a problem that the size does not match and the fixing cannot be performed sufficiently, or the user may be painful due to overtightening.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and can securely fix fingers of various sizes without giving pain and burden to the user's hands and fingers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a nail printing apparatus capable of performing precise printing.

In order to solve the problem, the nail printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A printing finger insertion part capable of inserting at least one printing finger corresponding to the nail part to be printed;
A printing finger fixing member that is disposed on at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion, expands by injecting a fluid, and fixes the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion by the pressure of the fluid;
A pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member;
Print control means for controlling to perform printing on a nail portion of a printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion and fixed by the printing finger fixing member;
It is characterized by having.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the nail print apparatus according to claim 1,
The fluid is air.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the nail print apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Fluid injecting means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a path between the fluid injection means and the printing finger fixing member;
Fluid injection control means for controlling fluid injection by the fluid injection means and opening and closing of the valve;
It is characterized by having.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the nail print apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
An elastic member that contacts the upper side of the printing finger when the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion unit is pushed up by the printing finger fixing member is further provided on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion unit. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 5 is the nail print apparatus according to claim 4,
The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Injecting and discharging means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member and discharging fluid from the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a pouring / discharging path between the pouring / discharging means and the printing finger fixing member;
A pouring / discharging control means for controlling pouring / discharging of the fluid by the pouring / discharging means and opening / closing of the valve;
It is characterized by having.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the nail print apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
Pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member,
The printing control means controls the printing means so as to start a printing operation when the pressure detection means detects that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member has reached a predetermined value. .

According to the present invention, the printing finger fixing member that fixes the printing finger by fluid pressure is disposed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion that inserts the printing finger that corresponds to the nail portion to be printed. The printing finger can be fixed by adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member. For this reason, the printing finger can be fixed safely and softly by the pressure of the fluid, and nail printing can be performed without causing pain or discomfort to the user's hand or finger.
In addition, the printing finger fixing member expands by injecting fluid and fixes the printing finger by the pressure of the fluid, so it can be deformed according to the shape of the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion. Regardless of the size and thickness of the printing finger, the printing finger can be securely fixed with an appropriate force. Thereby, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to perform precise printing to a nail | claw part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view conceptually showing a first embodiment of a nail print apparatus according to the present invention, showing a state where a lid is opened. It is the perspective view which showed notionally the apparatus main body of the nail print apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the front side of the nail print apparatus of FIG. It is a sectional side view of the nail print apparatus of FIG. It is a top view of the printing finger fixing member of a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows VI-VI of the printing finger fixing member of FIG. 5, (A) shows the state at the time of expansion, (B) shows the state at the time of contraction. It is sectional drawing which follows the VII-VII of the printing finger fixing member of FIG. 5, (A) shows the state at the time of expansion, (B) shows the state at the time of contraction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing finger fixing unit of the nail printing apparatus in FIG. 1 and illustrates a fixing mode when a pinky finger is inserted from a forefinger as a printing finger into a printing finger insertion unit. It is a top view which shows the state which fixed the printing finger with the printing finger fixing member of 1st Embodiment. (A) is a top view of the pressure adjustment mechanism of 1st Embodiment, (B) is the figure seen from arrow B in (A), (C) is an arrow view in (A). It is the side view seen from C. It is a principal part block diagram of the pressure adjustment mechanism of 1st Embodiment. It is a principal part block diagram which showed the control structure of the nail print apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the air pressure control process and printing process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the air pressure control process and printing process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the pressure adjustment process in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing finger insertion instruction | indication screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an air sending start notification screen. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the modification of the pressure adjustment mechanism of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the front side of the nail print apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sectional side view of the nail print apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the state which fixed the printing finger with the printing finger fixing member of 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the printing finger fixing member of a 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing in alignment with XXIII-XXIII of the printing finger fixing member of FIG. 22, (A) shows the state at the time of expansion, (B) shows the state at the time of contraction. It is sectional drawing in alignment with XXIV-XXIV of the printing finger | toe fixing member of FIG. 22, (A) shows the state at the time of expansion, (B) shows the state at the time of contraction. (A) is a top view of the pressure adjustment mechanism of 2nd Embodiment, (B) is the figure seen from arrow B in (A), (C) is an arrow view in (A). It is the side view seen from C. It is a principal part block diagram of the pressure adjustment mechanism of 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of a nail print apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a nail print apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of the nail print apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the nail printing apparatus 1 includes a case body 2 and a lid body 4. The case body 2 and the lid body 4 are connected to each other via a hinge 3 provided at the rear end portion of the upper surface of the case body 2.

The case body 2 is formed in an oval shape in plan view. The case main body 2 is provided with an opening / closing plate 2c on the front side so as to be able to rise and fall. The opening / closing plate 2 c is connected to the case body 2 via a hinge (not shown) provided at the lower front end of the case body 2. The opening / closing plate 2 c is for opening and closing the front surface of the case body 2.
An operation unit 12 to be described later is installed on the top plate 2f of the case body 2, and a display unit 13 is set almost at the center of the top plate 2f.
Note that the shapes and configurations of the case body 2 and the lid body 4 are not limited to those illustrated here.

  3 is a cross-sectional view of the front side of the nail print apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the nail print apparatus 1.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case main body 2 accommodates the apparatus main body 10 of the nail printing apparatus 1. The apparatus main body 10 includes a printing finger fixing unit 20 constituting a printing finger fixing unit shown in FIG. 2, a photographing unit 30 constituting a photographing unit, a printing unit 40 constituting a printing unit, and a control unit. A control device 50 (see FIG. 12) is provided. The printing finger fixing unit 20, the photographing unit 30, the printing unit 40, and the control device 50 are provided in the machine casing 11.
The machine casing 11 includes a lower machine casing 11a and an upper machine casing 11b. The lower machine casing 11a is formed in a box shape and installed below the inside of the case body 2, and the upper machine casing 11b is installed above the lower machine casing 11a and inside the case body 2.

The printing finger fixing unit 20 is provided on the lower machine casing 11 a in the machine casing 11. The printing finger fixing unit 20 is configured by the printing finger insertion unit 20a, the non-printing finger insertion unit 20b, and the gripping unit 20c provided in the lower machine casing 11a.
Here, the printing finger insertion part 20a is a finger insertion part into which at least one finger (hereinafter referred to as “printing finger”) U1 corresponding to the nail part T to be printed can be inserted. The bottom surface (printing finger placement surface) of the printing finger insertion unit 20a functions as a finger placement unit that places the printing finger U1. Photographing and printing of the printing finger U1 are performed in a state where the printing finger U1 is placed on the printing finger placement surface of the printing finger insertion unit 20a as the finger placement means.
The non-printing finger insertion unit 20b is a finger insertion unit for inserting a finger other than the printing finger (hereinafter referred to as “non-printing finger”) U2 (see FIG. 8).
The gripping portion 20c is a portion that can be sandwiched between the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a and the non-printing finger U2 inserted into the non-printing finger insertion portion 20b. In the present embodiment, the grip portion 20c is constituted by a partition wall 21 that partitions the printing finger insertion portion 20a and the non-printing finger insertion portion 20b.

  The upper surface of the partition wall 21 constitutes a flat printing finger placement surface. A bulging portion 22 is formed at the finger insertion side end of the partition wall 21. The bulging portion 22 is a portion where the base U3 of the printing finger U1 and the non-printing finger U2 contacts when the printing finger U1 and the non-printing finger U2 are inserted deeply into the printing finger insertion portion 20a and the non-printing finger insertion portion 20b. (See FIG. 8). The bulging portion 22 can strongly hold the partition wall 21 (the gripping portion 20c) between the printing finger U1 and the non-printing finger U2 in a state where the entire belly of the printing finger U1 is in contact with the printing finger placement surface. In addition, the cross-section in the finger insertion direction is circular so as to bulge downward from the lower surface of the partition wall 21. Note that the shape of the bulging portion 22 is not limited to a circular cross section, and may be a non-circular shape such as an elliptical cross section or a polygonal shape.

In the present embodiment, a printing finger fixing member 61 is fixed to the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a via an adhesive layer 62 made of a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. The printing finger fixing member 61 expands by sending (injecting) air as a fluid and fixes the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a by the pressure of air.
The printing finger fixing member 61 is a bag-like member formed of a material having excellent elasticity such as resin. The printing finger fixing member 61 expands to a position where the printing finger U1 is suppressed from the upper surface by sending air into the inside, and can be contracted to a size that does not impede attachment / detachment of the printing finger U1 when the air is removed. The material is not particularly limited.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the printing finger fixing member 61 is provided over substantially the entire width direction of the printing finger insertion portion 20a. 3 and 4, the printing finger fixing member 61 at the time of expansion is indicated by a solid line, and the printing finger fixing member 61 at the time of contraction is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

5 is a plan view of the printing finger fixing member 61 in the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 (A) is a state during expansion, and FIG. (B) has shown the state at the time of contraction. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. FIG. 7A shows a state during expansion, and FIG. 7B shows a state during contraction.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a shape holding member 611 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the printing finger fixing member 61 inside the printing finger fixing member 61 and substantially at the center in the width direction.

The shape holding member 611 is configured so that, when the printing finger fixing member 61 is expanded by the introduction of air, the printing finger fixing member 61 is maintained in a shape that can press the printing finger U1 as much as possible. This is to keep the shape of the circle from being too round. The material for forming the shape holding member 611 is not particularly limited, but is strong enough to maintain the shape of the printing finger fixing member 61 during expansion, and is formed of a material that is less stretchable than the printing finger fixing member 61. It is preferred that
As shown in FIG. 6A, the shape holding member 611 has upper and lower ends fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 61 by bonding, sewing, or the like. The method for fixing the shape holding member 611 to the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 61 is not limited to this.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, the shape holding member 611 has a lengthwise dimension smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the printing finger fixing member 61, and both side ends of the printing finger fixing member 61. It does not touch the inner surface. As described above, when the both end portions of the shape holding member 611 are separated from the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 61, air is fed into the printing finger fixing member 61 and air is discharged from the printing finger fixing member 61. Further, the air flow is not blocked by the shape maintaining member 611. For this reason, by providing one air inlet / outlet port, the air can be supplied / discharged in the entire printing finger fixing member 61.
As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B, the shape holding member 611 is folded when the printing finger fixing member 61 contracts.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a fixed state of the printing finger U1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when four fingers other than the thumb of the left hand (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger) become the print finger U1, the user inserts the index finger to the little finger 4 into the print finger insertion unit 20a. The printing finger U1 is inserted, and the thumb that is the non-printing finger U2 is inserted into the non-printing finger insertion portion 20b. In this state, air is supplied (injected) into the printing finger fixing member 61 to expand it, so that the vicinity of the roots of the four printing fingers U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a is viewed from above on the printing finger fixing member 61. And is fixed so as not to be displaced.
The printing finger fixing member 61 is flexible and deformable, and deforms along the shape of the printing finger U1 when expanded as shown in FIG. As a result, regardless of the size and shape of the user's printing finger U1, the printing finger U1 can be fixed softly and reliably without causing unnecessary pressure and pain on the user's finger.
In addition, when the user holds the gripping portion 20c between the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a and the non-printing finger U2 inserted into the non-printing finger insertion portion 20b, the printing finger U1 is more surely secured. It is fixed on the grip 20c.
When only the thumb becomes the printing finger U1, the thumb (printing finger U1) is inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a, and the four fingers other than the thumb (non-printing finger U2) are inserted into the non-printing finger insertion unit. Insert into 20b. Similarly, in this case, by expanding the printing finger fixing member 61, the vicinity of the root of the thumb, which is the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a, is pressed from the upper side by the printing finger fixing member 61, and the positional deviation occurs. Not to be fixed.

In FIG. 9, four fingers other than the left thumb (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger) and the right thumb are placed on the partition wall 21 (gripping portion 20c) constituting the print finger placement surface as the print finger U1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the printing finger fixing member 61 is pressed and fixed from above.
Even when the left and right fingers are simultaneously inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a, the vicinity of the base portion of all the printing fingers U1 can be pressed and fixed widely by the printing finger fixing member 61 as shown in FIG. The printing finger U1 can be surely fixed although it is soft.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an air inflow pipe 65 communicates with the printing finger fixing member 61, and the other end side of the air inflow pipe 65 is connected to an air pump 63.
The air pump 63 is fluid injecting means for sending (injecting) air, which is a fluid, into the printing finger fixing member 61. The air pump 63 includes, for example, a motor, a diaphragm, a valve, and the like not shown. The configuration and type of the air pump 63 as the fluid injecting means are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to apply a high-precision pump that can accurately deliver a small amount of air.
The driving state of the air pump 63 is controlled by an electric signal output from an air pressure control unit 67 (see FIG. 11) described later.

An electromagnetic valve 64 as a valve is provided on an air (fluid) injection path between the air pump 63 and the printing finger fixing member 61. The type of valve provided between the air pump 63 and the printing finger fixing member 61 is not particularly limited, but is preferably small and can be realized at low cost. For example, when an electric signal is input in a normally open state It is possible to apply a small micro electromagnetic valve or the like that is closed only.
The electromagnetic valve 64 is switched between an open state and a closed state by an electrical signal output from an air pressure control unit 67 (see FIG. 11) described later.

Further, on the air (fluid) injection path between the air pump 63 and the printing finger fixing member 61, pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 (air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61) is provided. A pressure gauge 66 is provided. The pressure detection means is not particularly limited, but is preferably one that can detect minute pressure fluctuations with high accuracy and high sensitivity. For example, a mechanical function (sensing, movement, heating) and an electronic function (switching, determination) A small pressure sensor or the like created by MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, which is a technology for integrating on the same chip by microfabrication technology, can be applied.
The pressure gauge 66 detects the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61), and outputs the detection result to the air pressure control unit 67.

FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing a mechanism for feeding air into the printing finger fixing member 61. FIG. 10B shows the mechanism of FIG. FIG. 10C is a view of the mechanism of FIG. 10A viewed from the direction of arrow C.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the pressure adjustment mechanism 60 in the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the air pump 63, the electromagnetic valve 64, and the air pressure control unit 67 constitute a pressure adjustment mechanism 60 that adjusts the pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61.

The air pressure control unit 67 is a computer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown), and air is fed into the air pump 63 as fluid injection means ( Fluid injection control means for controlling the opening and closing of a fluid injection) and electromagnetic valve (valve).
In the present embodiment, when the printing finger fixing member 61 is expanded to fix the printing finger U1, the air pressure control unit 67 outputs an electrical signal to the electromagnetic valve 64 to close the electromagnetic valve 64. By outputting an electrical signal to the air pump 63, the air pump 63 is driven to feed air into the printing finger fixing member 61.
Further, the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 is detected as needed by the pressure gauge 66, and the detection result is output to the air pressure control unit 67. The air pressure control unit 67 determines whether or not the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined value (predetermined threshold value) based on the detection result from the pressure gauge 66, When it is determined that the threshold value has been reached, a signal to that effect is output to the control device 50 described later. In response to this, the printing control unit 512 (see FIG. 12) of the control device 50 starts the printing operation by the printing unit 40.
The predetermined threshold is an air pressure necessary to press the printing finger U1 to such an extent that the printing finger U1 is not displaced, and a predetermined value is set as a default in advance. This threshold value may be selected and set later by the user.

In addition, the air pressure control unit 67 checks the detection result from the pressure gauge 66 at regular intervals or constantly while the printing operation by the printing unit 40 is being performed, and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 is lower than a predetermined threshold value. Then, the pressure adjustment process (refer to FIG. 15) for driving the air pump 63 and stopping the air pump 63 when the threshold is reached is repeated. Accordingly, during the printing operation by the printing unit 40, the air pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 is maintained at a predetermined threshold value that can appropriately fix the printing finger U1.
Further, when the printing operation by the printing unit 40 is completed, a signal to that effect is output from the control device 50 to the air pressure control unit 67. Upon receiving this signal from the control device 50, the air pressure control unit 67 stops energization to the air pump 63 and stops driving thereof, and stops energization to the electromagnetic valve 64 to open the electromagnetic valve 64. . As a result, the printing finger fixing member 61 returns to its original contracted state due to its own elasticity, and the air filled in the printing finger fixing member 61 is discharged outside from the electromagnetic valve 64 that has been opened.

Further, the photographing unit 30 is provided in the upper machine casing 11b in the machine casing 11 as shown in FIGS.
That is, a camera 32 having about 2 million pixels or more with a built-in driver is installed on the lower surface of the central portion of the substrate 31 installed in the upper machine casing 11b. An illumination lamp 33 such as a white LED is installed on the substrate 31 so as to surround the camera 32. The photographing unit 30 includes the camera 32 and the illumination lamp 33.
The photographing unit 30 illuminates the printing finger U1 placed on the printing finger insertion unit 20a, which is a finger placement unit, with the illumination lamp 33, and photographs the printing finger U1 with the camera 32 to obtain a fingernail image. The imaging unit 30 is an imaging unit, and is connected to a main body control unit 511 of the control device 50 described later, and is controlled by the main body control unit 511.
In the present embodiment, the photographing unit 30 photographs the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a and sends the photographing result to a main body control unit 511 described later. Based on the photographing result sent from the photographing unit 30, it functions as a finger insertion determining means for determining whether or not the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger inserting unit 20a. When it is determined that the printing finger U1 is inserted, a signal to that effect is output to the air pressure control unit 67. Upon receiving this signal, the air pressure control unit 67 starts to send air into the printing finger fixing member 61.

The printing unit 40 is a printing unit that prints a color, a pattern, or the like on the nail portion T (see FIG. 8 or the like) of the printing finger U1 that is a printing target region, and is mainly provided in the upper machine casing 11b. .
That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two guide rods 41 are installed in parallel on both side plates of the upper machine casing 11b. A main carriage 42 is slidably installed on the guide rod 41. As shown in FIG. 3, two guide rods 44 are installed in parallel on the front wall 42 a and the rear wall 42 b of the main carriage 42. A sub carriage 45 is slidably installed on the guide rod 44. A print head 46 is mounted at the center of the lower surface of the sub carriage 45.
In the present embodiment, the print head 46 is an ink jet type print head that performs printing by atomizing ink and spraying it directly onto a print medium. The recording method of the print head 46 is not limited to the ink jet method.

The main carriage 42 is connected to a motor 43 through power transmission means (not shown), and is configured to move in the left-right direction along the guide rod 41 by forward and reverse rotation of the motor 43. The sub-carriage 45 is connected to a motor 47 via a power transmission means (not shown), and is configured to move in the front-rear direction along the guide rod 44 by forward and reverse rotation of the motor 47.
Further, the lower machine casing 11 a is provided with an ink cartridge 48 for supplying ink to the print head 46. The ink cartridge 48 is connected to the print head 46 via an ink supply pipe (not shown), and supplies ink to the print head 46 as appropriate. Note that an ink cartridge may be mounted on the print head 46 itself.

  The printing unit 40 includes the guide rod 41, the main carriage 42, the motor 43, the guide rod 44, the sub carriage 45, the print head 46, the motor 47, the ink cartridge 48, and the like. The motor 43, the print head 46, and the motor 47 of the printing unit 40 are connected to a print control unit 512 of the control device 50 described later, and are controlled by the print control unit 512.

The operation unit 12 is input means for the user to make various inputs.
For example, a power switch button for turning on the power of the nail printing apparatus 1, a stop switch button for stopping the operation, and other operation buttons 121 for performing various inputs are arranged on the operation unit 12.

The display unit 13 is a display unit configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel (a liquid crystal display (LCD)).
A touch panel may be integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 13. In this case, various inputs can be performed by touching the surface of the display unit 13 by a touch operation with a stylus pen or a fingertip (not shown).

The display unit 13 includes, for example, an image showing a state of the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a, a fingernail image obtained by photographing the printing finger U1, an image of the nail part T therein, and the printing finger U1. A nail image pattern to be printed on the nail portion T, a thumbnail image for design confirmation, and the like are displayed.
The display unit 13 also has a print finger insertion instruction screen (see FIG. 16) for prompting insertion of the print finger U1, and an air feed start notification screen (notifying the user of the start of air feed into the print finger fixing member 61). Various instruction screens, notification screens, etc. are displayed.

Moreover, the control apparatus 50 is installed in the board | substrate 31 etc. which are arrange | positioned at the upper machine casing 11b, for example. FIG. 12 is a principal block diagram showing a control configuration in the present embodiment.
The control device 50 includes a control unit 51 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (all not shown), and various programs and data. It is a computer provided with the memory | storage part 52 etc. which memorize | stores etc. In addition, a memory | storage part is not limited to ROM and RAM in the control apparatus 50, A memory | storage part may be provided in addition.

  When viewed functionally, the control unit 51 includes a main body control unit 511, a print control unit 512, a display control unit 513, and the like. The functions as the main body control unit 511, the print control unit 512, the display control unit 513, and the like are realized by the cooperation of the CPU and a program stored in the ROM.

The main body control unit 511 is a functional unit that performs overall control of the entire nail printing apparatus 1.
In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 511 controls the photographing unit 30 to photograph the user's printing finger U1 and obtains a fingernail image.
Further, the main body control unit 511 determines whether or not the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a based on the image captured by the imaging unit 30. The determination result by the main body control unit 511 is sent to the air pressure control unit 67 of the pressure adjustment mechanism 60, and the air pressure control unit 67 determines that the print finger U1 has been inserted by the main body control unit 511. Inflow of air into the fixing member 61 is started.

The print control unit 512 is a print control unit that controls the printing operation of the printing unit 40 so as to print the nail design on the nail portion T of the printing finger U1.
In the present embodiment, the print controller 512 detects that the pressure gauge 66 detects that the pressure of the print finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined value, that is, a predetermined air pressure in the print finger fixing member 61 is set in advance. After the signal indicating that the threshold value is reached is output from the air pressure control unit 67 to the control unit 51, the printing unit is controlled to start the printing operation.

  The display control unit 513 is a display control unit that displays various displays on the display unit 13 as a display unit. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 513 performs various instruction screens such as a design confirmation screen as described above, a print finger insertion instruction screen (see FIG. 16), an air feed start notification screen (see FIG. 17), and the like. A notification screen or the like is displayed on the display unit 13.

Next, the operation of the nail print apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, “air pressure control processing” and “pressure adjustment processing” in FIGS. 13 to 15 are processing performed by the control of the air pressure control unit 67 of the pressure adjustment mechanism 60, and “print processing” is control. This process is performed under the control of the control unit 51 of the device 50.
When printing is performed by the nail printing apparatus 1, the user first turns on the power switch to activate the control apparatus 50 (step S1).
When the control device 50 is activated, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 13 to display a print finger insertion instruction screen (see FIG. 16) that prompts the user to insert the print finger U1 into the print finger insertion unit 20a (step S2). . Further, the main body control unit 511 controls the photographing unit 30 so as to photograph the inside of the printing finger insertion unit 20a (Step S3). The main body control unit 511 determines whether or not the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a based on the image captured by the imaging unit 30 (step S4), and if the printing finger U1 has not been inserted. If it is determined (step S4; NO), the determinations of step S3 and step S4 are repeated. If it is determined that the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a (step S4; YES), the main body control unit 511 outputs a signal to that effect to the air pressure control unit 67 of the pressure adjustment mechanism 60. (Step S5). In addition, the display control unit 513 displays an air feeding start notification screen (see FIG. 17) indicating that the printing finger fixing member 61 is expanded (that is, that air feeding into the printing finger fixing member 61 is started). It is displayed on the part 13 (step S6).

Upon receiving a signal indicating that the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a from the main body control unit 511, the pneumatic control unit 67 outputs an electrical signal to the electromagnetic valve 64 to close the electromagnetic valve 64. At the same time (step S7), an electric signal is output to the air pump 63 to drive the air pump 63, and to start feeding air into the printing finger fixing member 61 (step S8).
The pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61) is detected by the pressure gauge 66 as needed, and the air pressure control unit 67 acquires the detection result (step S9). The air pressure control unit 67 determines whether or not the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined threshold based on the detection result acquired from the pressure gauge 66 (step S10), and has not reached the predetermined threshold. In the case (step S10; NO), the determination of step S9 and step S10 is repeated.

On the other hand, when the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61) reaches a predetermined threshold (step S10; NO), the output of the electric signal to the air pump 63 is stopped, and the air pump The drive of 63 is stopped (step S11). The air pressure control unit 67 outputs a signal indicating that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61) has reached a predetermined threshold value to the main body control unit 511 of the control device 50 (step S12). ).
Upon receiving a signal indicating that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined threshold value from the air pressure control unit 67, the printing control unit 512 controls the printing unit 40 and is inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a. Printing is performed on the nail portion T of the printing finger U1 (step S13). Note that a notification screen for starting printing may be displayed on the display unit 13 before entering the printing operation.

  While the printing operation is being performed, the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 is detected by the pressure gauge 66 as needed, and pressure adjustment processing (step S14) by the air pressure control unit 67 is performed.

FIG. 15 shows a pressure adjustment process (step S14 in FIG. 14) in the present embodiment.
The air pressure control unit 67 acquires the detection result output from the pressure gauge 66 as needed (step S21), and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 maintains a predetermined threshold based on the detection result by the pressure gauge 66. It is determined at any time whether or not (step S22). If the predetermined threshold is maintained (step S14; YES), the determinations of step S21 and step S22 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 does not maintain the predetermined threshold (step S22; NO), an electric signal is output to the air pump 63, the air pump 63 is driven, and printing is performed. The air feeding to the finger fixing member 61 is resumed (step S23).
The air pressure control unit 67 acquires the detection result output from the pressure gauge 66 as needed (step S24), and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 reaches a predetermined threshold based on the detection result by the pressure gauge 66. Whether or not is determined at any time (step S25). When it is determined that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has not reached the predetermined threshold (step S25; NO), the determinations of step S24 and step S25 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S25; YES), the driving of the air pump 63 is stopped and the supply of air to the printing finger fixing member 61 is stopped. (Step S26).
In this pressure adjustment process (step S14 in FIG. 14), the printing operation by the printing unit 40 continues, that is, the printing operation on the nail portion T by the printing unit 40 is completed, and a signal to that effect indicates the air pressure. The process is repeated until it is output to the control unit 67. The air pressure control unit 67 drives the air pump 63 so that the pressure of the print finger fixing member 61 is maintained at a constant air pressure suitable for printing during the printing operation by repeating the pressure adjustment processing in steps S21 to S26. To control.

Returning to FIG. 14, the print control unit 512 always determines whether or not the printing on the nail portion T has been completed for all the printing fingers U1 (step S15), and the printing on which the printing on the nail portion T has not been completed. If the finger U1 is present (step S15; NO), the process returns to step S13 and printing is performed on the nail portion T of the printing finger U1 that has not been printed.
On the other hand, when the printing operation on the nail portion T by the printing unit 40 is completed for all the printing fingers U1 (step S15; YES), a signal to that effect is output from the main body control unit 511 to the air pressure control unit 67. (Step S16). Thereby, the printing process is completed.
When the signal indicating that the printing operation is completed is received, the air pressure control unit 67 stops the output of the electric signal to the air pump 63 and stops the driving of the air pump 63 when the air pump 63 is operating ( Step S17). Moreover, the output of the electric signal with respect to the electromagnetic valve 64 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valve 64 is made into an open state (step S18). As a result, the printing finger fixing member 61 returns to its original contracted state due to its own elasticity, and the air filled in the printing finger fixing member 61 is discharged outside from the electromagnetic valve 64 in the open state. It will be in the state which can extract the printing finger U1 from the printing finger insertion part 20a.

As described above, according to the nail print apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the print finger U1 is placed on the upper surface of the print finger insertion portion 20a for inserting the print finger U1 that is a finger corresponding to the nail portion T to be printed. The printing finger fixing member 61 that is fixed by pressure is disposed, and the printing finger U1 is fixed by adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61 using a pressure adjusting mechanism.
Thus, since the printing finger fixing member 61 is expanded by air and fixes the printing finger U1 with the pressure, the printing finger can be fixed safely and softly. For this reason, it is possible to perform nail printing without causing pain or discomfort to the user's hand or finger.
Further, since the printing finger fixing member 61 is a cushion-shaped member that is expanded by being filled with air, the shape of the printing finger fixing member 61 conforms to the shape of the user's printing finger U1 when the printing finger U1 is fixed. To do. For this reason, regardless of the size or thickness of the printing finger U1, the printing finger U1 can be reliably fixed with an appropriate force, and precise printing on the nail portion T can be performed without imposing a burden on the user. Is possible.
Further, since the printing finger fixing member 61 is expanded by injecting air as a fluid, there is no risk of liquid leakage and the like, and it can be used safely. In addition, since it is not necessary to attach a tank or the like, the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight.
Further, since the printing finger fixing member 61 is disposed on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a, when the printing finger U1 is fixed, the printing finger U1 comes into contact with the printing finger U1 from above to reliably prevent the printing finger U1 from being lifted. it can.
The pressure adjusting mechanism 60 includes an air pump 63 as fluid injection means, an electromagnetic valve (valve) 64, and an air pressure control unit 67 as fluid injection control means. Therefore, the pressure adjustment mechanism 60 can be printed with a simple and inexpensive structure. The finger U1 can be fixed.
Further, since the pressure gauge 66 as pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 is provided, the printing finger U1 is excessively tightened due to excessive expansion of the printing finger fixing member 61 or the printing finger due to insufficient air pressure. It is possible to prevent misalignment of U1.
Further, the printing control unit controls the printing unit 40 to start the printing operation when the pressure gauge 66 serving as the pressure detection unit detects that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 has reached a predetermined value. The printing operation on the nail portion T can be performed in a state where the printing finger U1 is securely fixed.

In the present embodiment, the pressure gauge 66 such as a pressure sensor created by the MEMS technique is used as a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61. However, the pressure gauge 66 is provided with the pressure gauge 66. It is not an essential element of the present invention.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the pressure gauge 66 is not provided as the pressure detecting means, and the valve is opened when the pressure is higher than a certain level on the path between the air pump 63 and the printing finger fixing member 61. Thus, a back pressure valve 68 for releasing air may be provided, and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 61 may be kept constant by opening and closing the back pressure valve 68. By setting it as such a structure, fixation of the printing finger U1 by the printing finger fixing member 61 can be implement | achieved more cheaply.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the nail print apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the printing finger fixing member and the pressure adjustment mechanism, and therefore, in the following, differences from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

  FIG. 19 is a front sectional view of the nail printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a sectional side view of the nail printing apparatus.

In the present embodiment, a printing finger fixing member 71 is fixed to the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a via an adhesive layer made of a double-sided adhesive tape or the like (not shown). The printing finger fixing member 71 expands by sending (injecting) air as a fluid and fixes the printing finger U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a by the pressure of air.
The printing finger fixing member 71 is a bag-like member formed of a non-stretchable material such as nylon 66 or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This is because the printing finger fixing member 71 in the present embodiment supports the printing finger U1 from below, so that it is difficult to stabilize the printing finger U1 when formed of a stretchable material. In addition, the material which forms the printing finger fixing member 71 is not limited to what was illustrated here.
In addition, since the printing finger fixing member 71 in this embodiment is not stretchable and has little shape deformation on the surface and the upper surface as described above, a non-slip material such as a plate-like sponge or rubber on the upper surface of the printing finger fixing member 71. It is also possible to affix a cloth, leather, synthetic leather such as velvet, or an antibacterial sheet.

A plate-like elastic member 72 formed of an elastic material such as resin is disposed on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a and in the vicinity of the insertion opening of the printing finger U1 of the printing finger insertion portion 20a. The elastic member 72 is a cushion-shaped member that comes into contact with the upper side of the printing finger U1 when the printing finger U1 is pushed up by the printing finger fixing member 71.
The printing finger fixing member 71 expands by sending air into the inside, and pushes up the printing finger U1 from the lower surface to a position where the upper surface of the printing finger U1 hits the elastic member 72. Accordingly, the printing finger U1 is fixed by being sandwiched between the printing finger fixing member 71 and the elastic member 72. Since the printing finger fixing member 71 can be deformed along the shape of the printing finger U1, the printing finger U1 can be fixed softly and surely without giving an excessive load to the printing finger U1. Further, the printing finger fixing member 71 can be contracted to a size that does not hinder the attachment / detachment of the printing finger U1 in a state where the air is removed.
19 and 20, the printing finger fixing member 71 at the time of expansion is indicated by a solid line, and the printing finger fixing member 71 at the time of contraction is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

FIG. 21 shows four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger) other than the thumb of the left hand on the printing finger fixing member 71 arranged on the partition wall 21 (gripping portion 20c) constituting the printing finger placement surface. ) And the thumb of the right hand as a printing finger U1. In FIG. 21, the elastic member 72 is represented by a two-dot chain line.
As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, in the present embodiment, the printing finger fixing member 71 is substantially the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a (that is, the partition wall 21 (gripping portion 20c) constituting the printing finger placement surface). It is provided throughout.
Even when the left and right fingers are simultaneously inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a, the vicinity of the base portion of all the printing fingers U1 is sandwiched between the printing finger fixing member 71 and the elastic member 72 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the printing finger U1 can be surely fixed although it is soft.

22 is a plan view of the printing finger fixing member 71 in the present embodiment, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 22, FIG. (B) has shown the state at the time of contraction. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 22. FIG. 24 (A) shows a state during expansion, and FIG. 24 (B) shows a state during contraction.
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, five shape holding members 711 are provided on the inner side of the printing finger fixing member 71 at substantially equal intervals along the insertion direction of the printing finger U1.

The shape holding member 711 holds the printing finger U1 in order to keep the printing finger U1 in a shape that can be supported on the flat surface as much as possible when the printing finger fixing member 71 is expanded by air feeding. This is to keep the shape of the member 71 from being excessively rounded. The material for forming the shape holding member 711 is not particularly limited, but is strong enough to maintain the shape of the printing finger fixing member 71 at the time of expansion, and is a material having low elasticity like the printing finger fixing member 71. Preferably it is formed.
As shown in FIG. 23A, the shape holding member 711 has upper and lower ends fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 71 by bonding, sewing, or the like. The method for fixing the shape holding member 711 to the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 71 is not limited to this.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24A, the shape holding member 711 has a length direction dimension smaller than a dimension of the printing finger fixing member 71 in the insertion direction of the printing finger U1, and both side ends are printing fingers. The inner surface of the fixing member 71 is not contacted. As described above, when the both end portions of the shape holding member 711 are separated from the inner surface of the printing finger fixing member 71, when air is fed into the printing finger fixing member 71 and when air is discharged from the printing finger fixing member 71. Further, the air flow is not blocked by the shape holding member 711. For this reason, by providing a single air inlet / outlet port, the air can be supplied / discharged in the entire printing finger fixing member 71.
As shown in FIGS. 23B and 24B, the shape holding member 711 is folded when the printing finger fixing member 71 contracts.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a reference line 712 is attached to the surface of the shape holding member 711 at a position corresponding to these shape holding members 711. The reference line 712 is a measure of the arrangement position when the printing finger U1 is arranged on the printing finger fixing member 71. The reference line 712 may be a thread when each shape holding member 711 is fixed by sewing, or may be attached separately by sewing or coloring with colored threads.
When the printing finger fixing member 71 is filled with air and expanded, the surface of the printing finger fixing member 71 is recessed at the portion where the shape holding member 711 is fixed on the inner surface, so that the position corresponding to the shape holding member 711 is a reference. By providing the line 712 and arranging each printing finger U1 along the reference line 712 as shown in FIG. 21, the printing finger U1 can be more stably fixed.
The provision of the reference line 712 is not an essential element of the present invention, and a configuration without the reference line 712 may be employed.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, an air inflow pipe 75 communicates with the printing finger fixing member 71, and the other end side of the air inflow pipe 75 is connected to an air pump 73.
The air pump 73 is a pouring and discharging unit that feeds air (injects fluid) into the printing finger fixing member 71 and discharges air (fluid) from the printing finger fixing member 71.
The driving state of the air pump 73 is controlled by an electric signal output from an air pressure control unit 77 (see FIG. 11) described later.

The configuration of the air pump 73 is the same as that shown in the first embodiment, but unlike the one shown in the first embodiment, not only the air is fed into the printing finger fixing member 71 but also the printing. Air (fluid) is also discharged from the finger fixing member 71.
In the present embodiment, as described above, since the printing finger fixing member 71 is formed of a non-stretchable material, after the air is fed into the printing finger fixing member 71, the printing finger fixing member 71 is filled. In order to exhaust the air that has been discharged, it is necessary to actively suck the internal air by an air pump. For this reason, it is preferable to use a larger air pump 73 than that applied to the first embodiment.

Four electromagnetic valves 74 (74 a to 74 d) as valves are provided on the air (fluid) injection / discharge path between the air pump 73 and the printing finger fixing member 71. The type of valve provided between the air pump 73 and the printing finger fixing member 71 is not particularly limited, but is preferably small and can be realized at low cost. For example, when an electric signal is input in a normally open state It is possible to apply a small micro electromagnetic valve or the like that is closed only.
The electromagnetic valve 74 is configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state by an electric signal output from an air pressure control unit 77 (see FIG. 11) described later.

In addition, on the air (fluid) injection / discharge path between the air pump 73 and the printing finger fixing member 71, pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71). The pressure gauge 76 is provided. The configuration of the pressure detection means is the same as that shown in the first embodiment.
The pressure gauge 76 detects the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71), and outputs the detection result to the air pressure control unit 77.

FIG. 25A is a plan view schematically showing a mechanism for feeding air into the printing finger fixing member 71, and FIG. 25B shows the mechanism of FIG. FIG. 25C is a view of the mechanism of FIG. 25A as viewed from the direction of arrow C.
FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the pressure adjustment mechanism 70 in the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the air pump 73, the electromagnetic valve 74, and the air pressure control unit 77 constitute a pressure adjustment mechanism 70 that adjusts the pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71.

The air pressure control unit 77 is a computer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown). Fluid discharge and discharge control means for controlling the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve (valve).
When the air pressure control unit 77 in the present embodiment expands the print finger fixing member 71 to fix the print finger U1, the electromagnetic valve 74a (“electromagnetic valve 1” in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74d (in FIG. 26). “Electromagnetic valve 4”) is output to the closed state by outputting an electric signal, and then the air pump 73 is driven by outputting the electric signal to the air pump 73 so that air is fed into the print finger fixing member 71. It is like that. In this case, air is taken in from the electromagnetic valve 74 b (“electromagnetic valve 2” in FIG. 26) and sent to the printing finger fixing member 71.
Further, when the pneumatic control unit 77 contracts the printing finger fixing member 71, the electric signal is sent to the electromagnetic valve 74b ("Electromagnetic valve 2" in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74c ("Electromagnetic valve 3" in FIG. 26). And the air pump 73 is driven by outputting an electric signal to the air pump 73 to discharge (suction) air from the inside of the printing finger fixing member 71. In this case, the air sucked by the air pump 73 is discharged to the outside from the electromagnetic valve 74d (“electromagnetic valve 4” in FIG. 26).

The pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 is detected at any time by the pressure gauge 76, and the detection result is output to the air pressure control unit 77. The air pressure control unit 77 determines whether or not the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 has reached a predetermined value (predetermined threshold value) based on the detection result from the pressure gauge 76, When it is determined that the threshold value has been reached, a signal to that effect is output to the control device 50 described later. In response to this, the printing control unit 512 (see FIG. 12) of the control device 50 starts the printing operation by the printing unit 40.
In the present embodiment, when air is discharged from the inside of the printing finger fixing member 71, the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 is detected at any time by the pressure gauge 76, and the detection result is output to the air pressure control unit 77. Is done. When it is determined from the detection result output from the pressure gauge 76 that the pressure in the print finger fixing member 71 has become a certain value or less, the air pressure control unit 77 regards the air pump 73 and all the electromagnetic valves as being exhausted. The output of electrical signals to 74a to 74d is stopped, the operation of the air pump 73 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valves 74a to 74d are turned off (that is, opened).

Further, the air pressure control unit 77 checks the detection result from the pressure gauge 76 at regular intervals or always while the printing operation by the printing unit 40 is performed, and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 is lower than a predetermined threshold value. Then, the electromagnetic valve 74a (“electromagnetic valve 1” in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74d (“electromagnetic valve 4” in FIG. 26) are closed, the air pump 73 is driven, and the air pump 73 is stopped when the threshold is reached. (Refer to FIG. 15) is repeated. Thereby, during the printing operation by the printing unit 40, the air pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 is maintained at a predetermined threshold value that can appropriately fix the printing finger U1.
In addition, when the printing operation by the printing unit 40 is completed, a signal to that effect is output from the control device 50 to the air pressure control unit 77. Upon receiving this signal from the control device 50, the air pressure control unit 77 closes the electromagnetic valve 74b (“electromagnetic valve 2” in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74c (“electromagnetic valve 3” in FIG. 26), and switches the air pump 73 on. By driving, the air filled in the printing finger fixing member 71 is sucked and discharged from the electromagnetic valve 74d (“electromagnetic valve 4” in FIG. 26) to the outside. As a result, the printing finger fixing member 71 returns to the original contracted state.

  Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the nail print apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.

When the signal indicating that the printing finger U1 has been inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a is received from the main body control unit 511, the pneumatic control unit 77 causes the electromagnetic valve 74a (“electromagnetic valve 1” in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74d (FIG. 26, the electrical signal is output to the electromagnetic valve 4) to be closed, and then the air pump 73 is driven by outputting the electrical signal to the air pump 73 to send air into the printing finger fixing member 71. Let them enter.
The pressure of the print finger fixing member 71 (the air pressure in the print finger fixing member 71) is detected by the pressure gauge 76 as needed, and the air pressure control unit 77 is based on the detection result acquired from the pressure gauge 76. It is determined whether or not the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, and the air pump 73 is driven until the predetermined pressure is reached.
When the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71) reaches a predetermined threshold, the air pressure control unit 77 stops the output of the electric signal to the air pump 73 and drives the air pump 73. And a signal indicating that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71) has reached a predetermined threshold value is output to the main body control unit 511 of the control device 50.
When a signal from the air pressure control unit 77 is received, a printing operation on the nail portion T is started.

Even during the printing operation on the nail part, the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 is detected by the pressure gauge 76 at any time, and the air pressure control unit 77 determines that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (the air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71) It is determined whether or not the threshold is maintained. Then, when the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71) becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, the air pump 73 is driven, and the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 (air pressure in the printing finger fixing member 71). When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value, the pressure adjustment process for stopping the air pump 73 is repeated.
Upon receiving a signal indicating that the printing operation on the nail portion has been completed from the print control unit 512, the pneumatic control unit 77 performs the electromagnetic valve 74b (“electromagnetic valve 2” in FIG. 26) and the electromagnetic valve 74c (“electromagnetic valve” in FIG. 26). The valve 3 ") is closed and the air pump 73 is driven to suck the air filled in the printing finger fixing member 71 and discharge it to the outside from the electromagnetic valve 74d (" electromagnetic valve 4 "in FIG. 26). As a result, the printing finger fixing member 71 returns to the original contracted state, and the printing finger U1 can be extracted from the printing finger insertion portion 20a.

As described above, according to the nail print apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the print finger U1 is placed on the lower surface of the print finger insertion portion 20a for inserting the print finger U1 that is a finger corresponding to the nail portion T to be printed. The printing finger U1 is fixed by arranging the printing finger fixing member 71 fixed by pressure and adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member 61 by the pressure adjusting mechanism.
Thus, since the printing finger fixing member 71 expands by air and fixes the printing finger U1 with the pressure, the printing finger can be fixed safely and softly. For this reason, it is possible to perform nail printing without causing pain or discomfort to the user's hand or finger.
Further, since the printing finger fixing member 71 is a cushion-shaped member that is expanded by being filled with air, the shape of the printing finger fixing member 71 conforms to the shape of the user's printing finger U1 when the printing finger U1 is fixed. To do. For this reason, regardless of the size or thickness of the printing finger U1, the printing finger U1 can be reliably fixed with an appropriate force, and precise printing on the nail portion T can be performed without imposing a burden on the user. Is possible.
Moreover, since the printing finger fixing member 71 is expanded by injecting air as a fluid, there is no risk of liquid leakage and the like, and it can be used safely. In addition, since it is not necessary to attach a tank or the like, the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight.
The pressure adjusting mechanism 60 includes an air pump 73 serving as a pouring / discharging unit, an electromagnetic valve (valve) 74, and an air pressure control unit 77 serving as a pouring / discharging control unit. The finger U1 can be fixed.
In addition, since the pressure gauge 76 is provided as pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71, the printing finger U1 is excessively tightened due to excessive expansion of the printing finger fixing member 71, or the printing finger due to insufficient air pressure. It is possible to prevent misalignment of U1.
Further, the printing control unit controls the printing unit 40 to start the printing operation when the pressure gauge 76 serving as the pressure detection unit detects that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member 71 has reached a predetermined value. The printing operation on the nail portion T can be performed in a state where the printing finger U1 is securely fixed.
Further, the printing finger fixing member 71 is arranged on the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a for inserting the printing finger U1, the printing finger U1 is pushed upward, and is fixed by being pressed against and sandwiched by the upper elastic member 72. ing. For this reason, since the surface of the nail | claw part T becomes substantially constant height and can be fixed to the position close | similar to the print head 46, it is advantageous in printing technology.
Further, since the printing finger fixing member 71 is not stretchable and has little deformation on the surface and upper surface, a non-slip material such as a plate-like sponge or rubber is attached to the upper surface of the printing finger fixing member 71, or velvet is used. Since it is possible to affix a cloth, leather, synthetic leather, etc., or an antibacterial sheet, it is possible to make the specification more suitable for the user's needs.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the fluid injected into the printing finger fixing member is air is exemplified, but the fluid is not limited to air, and may be, for example, water or a gel-like fluid. .

  Further, in the first embodiment, when air is discharged from the printing finger fixing member, the configuration is such that the suction by the air pump is not actively performed, depending on the stretchability of the printing finger fixing member itself. Similarly to the form, air may be discharged by suction with an air pump.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when air is discharged from the printing finger fixing member, suction is actively performed by the air pump. However, as in the first embodiment, suction is not performed by the air pump. Also good.

  Moreover, the printing finger fixing member may be provided on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion 20a.

  Further, the printing finger fixing member may have a cylindrical shape that wraps the printing fingers U1 inserted into the printing finger insertion portion 20a one by one.

  In this embodiment, the air pressure control unit is provided separately from the control device, and the air control unit controls the air pump and the electromagnetic valve. However, the control device controls the air pump and the electromagnetic valve. It is good also as a structure which serves as a means and an injection / discharge control means.

  In the present embodiment, the inside of the printing finger insertion unit 20a is photographed by the photographing unit 30, and based on the image, it is determined whether or not the printing finger U1 is inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a. The configuration for determining whether or not the printing finger U1 is inserted into the printing finger insertion unit 20a is not limited to this. For example, a sensor that detects the insertion of the printing finger U1 may be provided in the printing finger insertion unit 20a to detect the insertion of the printing finger U1.

  In the present embodiment, a nail printing apparatus that can simultaneously insert a plurality of printing fingers U1 into the printing finger insertion unit 20a and perform printing on the plurality of printing fingers U1 as an example. It is also possible to apply the present invention to an apparatus that sequentially prints by inserting the printing fingers U1 one by one into the apparatus.

  In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment, and can be changed suitably.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. .
The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A printing finger insertion part capable of inserting at least one printing finger corresponding to the nail part to be printed;
A printing finger fixing member that is disposed on at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion, expands by injecting a fluid, and fixes the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion by the pressure of the fluid;
A pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member;
Print control means for controlling to perform printing on a nail portion of a printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion and fixed by the printing finger fixing member;
A nail printing apparatus comprising:
<Claim 2>
The nail print apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is air.
<Claim 3>
The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Fluid injecting means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a path between the fluid injection means and the printing finger fixing member;
Fluid injection control means for controlling fluid injection by the fluid injection means and opening and closing of the valve;
The nail printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
<Claim 4>
The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
An elastic member that contacts the upper side of the printing finger when the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion unit is pushed up by the printing finger fixing member is further provided on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion unit. The nail printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
<Claim 5>
The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Injecting and discharging means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member and discharging fluid from the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a pouring / discharging path between the pouring / discharging means and the printing finger fixing member;
A pouring / discharging control means for controlling pouring / discharging of the fluid by the pouring / discharging means and opening / closing of the valve;
The nail printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
<Claim 6>
Pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member,
The printing control means controls the printing means to start a printing operation when the pressure detection means detects that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member has reached a predetermined value. The nail print apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Nail printing apparatus 2 Case main body 20a Printing finger insertion part 30 Imaging | photography part 40 Printing part 50 Control apparatus 51 Control part 52 Memory | storage part 60 Pressure adjustment mechanism 61 Printing finger fixing member 63 Air pump 64 Electromagnetic valve 66 Pressure gauge 67 Pneumatic pressure control part 511 Main body Control unit 512 Print control unit 513 Display control unit T Nail U1 Printing finger U2 Non-printing finger

Claims (6)

A printing finger insertion part capable of inserting at least one printing finger corresponding to the nail part to be printed;
A printing finger fixing member that is disposed on at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion, expands by injecting a fluid, and fixes the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion by the pressure of the fluid;
A pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure in the printing finger fixing member;
Print control means for controlling to perform printing on a nail portion of a printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion portion and fixed by the printing finger fixing member;
A nail printing apparatus comprising:   The nail print apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is air. The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Fluid injecting means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a path between the fluid injection means and the printing finger fixing member;
Fluid injection control means for controlling fluid injection by the fluid injection means and opening and closing of the valve;
The nail printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The printing finger fixing member is disposed on the lower surface of the printing finger insertion portion,
An elastic member that contacts the upper side of the printing finger when the printing finger inserted into the printing finger insertion unit is pushed up by the printing finger fixing member is further provided on the upper surface of the printing finger insertion unit. The nail printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pressure adjustment mechanism is
Injecting and discharging means for injecting fluid into the printing finger fixing member and discharging fluid from the printing finger fixing member;
A valve provided on a pouring / discharging path between the pouring / discharging means and the printing finger fixing member;
A pouring / discharging control means for controlling pouring / discharging of the fluid by the pouring / discharging means and opening / closing of the valve;
The nail printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: Pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the printing finger fixing member,
The printing control means controls the printing means to start a printing operation when the pressure detection means detects that the pressure of the printing finger fixing member has reached a predetermined value. The nail print apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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