JP2017024400A - Injection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent droplets dispersed like a mist from adhering to a light receiving surface of a camera part.SOLUTION: An injection device has a discharge part that discharges droplets to an object while moving along at least first direction, a camera part that captures an image of the object, and a camera protection part that covers a light receiving surface of the camera part while the discharge part discharges the droplets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an injection apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers that perform printing on a surface by moving a print head along a predetermined scanning direction and ejecting ink onto an object having a three-dimensional shape are known (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a nail printer that performs printing on a fingernail portion. In this document, the tip of the finger is abutted against the finger pad, the tip of the nail protrudes from the tip of the finger, and the contour portion of the nail protruding from the finger is a region outside the contour of the nail. A configuration is described in which the fingertips are prevented from being soiled by ink scattered in the form of mist by printing up to.

JP 2014-124230 A

  Incidentally, a printer that prints on an object having a three-dimensional shape, such as a nail printer, is provided with a camera unit for imaging the position and shape of the object. In the invention of Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the fingertip, but no consideration is given to the configuration for preventing the ink from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit. For this reason, ink may adhere to the light receiving surface of the camera unit and the performance of the camera unit may deteriorate, and the position and curvature of the nail unit may not be recognized accurately.

  Therefore, there is a need for a technique that can prevent droplets such as ink from adhering to the light-receiving surface of the camera unit in the ejection device having the camera unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object thereof is to prevent droplets from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an injection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention images a discharge unit that discharges droplets onto an object while moving along at least a first direction, and images the object And a camera protection unit that covers the light receiving surface of the camera unit while the ejection unit ejects the liquid droplets.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent droplets from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining a moving range of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a front view when the print head which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention exists in an imaging position. It is a front view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a front view when the print head which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention exists in an imaging position. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in an image pick-up position. It is a front view when the print head which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention exists in an imaging position. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the overhang | projection part and obstruction | occlusion part which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure of the overhang | projection part and obstruction | occlusion part which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the overhang | projection part and obstruction | occlusion part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in an image pick-up position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in an image pick-up position. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the camera protection part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure of the camera protection part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing start position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing end position. It is a top view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in an image pick-up position. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining a moving range of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view when the print head concerning one embodiment of the present invention exists in a printing position. It is a front view when the print head which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention exists in an imaging position.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

Embodiment 1
First, an example in which the printer 10 (ejecting apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a nail printer that can print an arbitrary color or pattern on a nail will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the printer 10 includes a housing 11 having a finger fixing mechanism 15 that fixes a nail NL of a finger FN serving as a printing body (object) at a predetermined position, and a predetermined position. And a scanning unit 20 having a print head 30 that performs printing on the nail portion NL of the fixed finger FN.

  In the present embodiment, the width direction of the finger FN when the finger FN is fixed to the finger fixing mechanism 15 is referred to as the X direction, the direction in which the finger FN extends is referred to as the Y direction, and the height direction of the finger FN is referred to as the Z direction. In each figure, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are indicated by arrows. In the present embodiment, the X direction is the first direction. The Y direction is the second direction.

  The casing 11 includes a base plate 12, a first side wall 13 erected from the Y2 side edge of the base plate 12, and a second side wall 14 erected from the Y1 side edge of the base plate 12. And have. Moreover, the housing | casing part 11 has the housing | casing frame 11a arrange | positioned at the both sides of the X direction of the print head 30 so that the print head 30 may be accommodated inside (refer FIG. 4).

  An opening 13a into which the finger FN can be inserted is formed at a substantially central position in the X direction on the first side wall 13 by cutting out a part thereof. The finger fixing mechanism 15 is disposed on the Z1 side of the urging spring 17, a gate-shaped fixing frame 16 provided so as to surround the opening 13 a, an urging spring 17 disposed on the base plate 12, and the urging spring 17. And a support shaft 26 that extends in the X direction and rotatably supports the end portion on the Y2 side of the finger placement plate 25.

  The urging spring 17 is fitted into the recess 12a formed in the base plate 12, and the end on the Z1 side protrudes from the recess 12a, and urges the finger placement plate 25 to the Z1 side. Here, when the finger FN is inserted through the opening 13a and placed on the finger placement plate 25, the finger placement plate 25 is lifted by the biasing force of the biasing spring 17, and the finger FN is biased to the Z1 side. As a result, the finger FN is sandwiched between the fixed frame 16 and the finger placement plate 25, and the finger FN is fixed at a predetermined position.

  Two Y-axis motor shafts 18 a and 18 b extending across the first side wall 13 and the second side wall 14 are juxtaposed in the housing unit 11 with an interval in the X direction. A Y-axis motor 19 is connected to the Y-axis motor shaft 18a on the X1 side. A cutout portion 14a for avoiding interference with an X-axis motor 23 described later is formed on the X2 side upper portion of the second side wall 14.

  The scanning unit 20 includes a scanning table 21 supported so as to be movable in the Y direction along the Y-axis motor shafts 18a and 18b, and a print head 30 provided on the scanning table 21.

  The scanning table 21 is composed of a plate-like body having an L-shaped cross section having a wall portion 21a erected from the edge on the Y1 side. A pair of pulleys 22 a and 22 b are disposed on the wall portion 21 a of the scanning table 21 with an interval in the X direction. The pulley 22a on the X1 side is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis in the Y direction orthogonal to the wall portion 21a. The pulley 22 b on the X2 side is connected to the X-axis motor 23. An endless X-axis motor belt 24 is wound around the pair of pulleys 22a and 22b. A print head 30 is attached to the X-axis motor belt 24.

  Here, by driving the X-axis motor 23, the rotational force of the X-axis motor 23 is transmitted to the X-axis motor belt 24 via the pulleys 22 a and 22 b, and the print head according to the rotation amount of the X-axis motor belt 24. 30 moves in the X direction. Further, by driving the Y-axis motor 19, the rotational force of the Y-axis motor 19 is transmitted to the Y-axis motor shaft 18a, and the print head 30 moves in the Y direction together with the scanning table 21.

  Thus, by driving the X-axis motor 23 and the Y-axis motor 19, the print head 30 can be moved along a predetermined scanning direction (X direction and Y direction).

  The print head 30 includes a nozzle unit 31 (ejection unit) that ejects ink (droplet) to the nail part NL and a camera unit 32 that images the nail part NL. The print head 30 is provided with a camera mounting portion 33 protruding from the end portion on the Z1 side to the X2 side.

  The camera unit 32 is attached to the surface on the Z2 side of the camera attachment unit 33, and is disposed on the X2 side and the Y1 side of the nozzle unit 31. By moving the print head 30 in the X direction and the Y direction, a printing position where printing is performed with the nozzle portion 31 facing the nail portion NL, and imaging is performed with the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 facing the nail portion NL. It is possible to switch to the imaging position to be performed. An image captured by the camera unit 32 is input to the control unit 35.

  In the control unit 35, for example, the range of the nail portion NL, that is, the range where printing is performed is specified based on the captured image. In addition, the control unit 35 controls the operation of the print head 30 so as to print a predetermined nail design on the nail portion NL.

  Specifically, the control unit 35 controls the driving of the X-axis motor 23 and the Y-axis motor 19 to move the print head 30 along the printing range of the claw portion NL. The print head 30 moves at high speed in the X direction and is stepped in the Y direction. In addition, the control unit 35 controls the ink to be ejected from the nozzle unit 31 to land the ink on the claw unit NL.

  By the way, when the print head 30 is moved to the printing position and ink is ejected from the nozzle portion 31 to perform printing on the nail portion NL of the finger FN, the ink is scattered in a mist shape. Since the camera unit 32 is disposed on the X2 side of the nozzle unit 31, ink scattered in a mist form may adhere to the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 and the performance of the camera unit 32 may deteriorate.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the camera protection unit 40 is provided in order to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X2 side of the print head 30. The housing frame 11a is provided with an overhanging portion 41 that projects from the side wall on the X2 side to the X1 side. The overhanging portion 41 overhangs to a position covering the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 of the print head 30 at the printing position. Thus, in this embodiment, the camera protection part 40 is comprised by the overhang | projection part 41. FIG.

  Here, the overhanging portion 41 is disposed outside the moving range of the print head 30 in order to avoid interference with the print head 30. Specifically, the movement range of the print head 30 is a range defined by Xa × Ya when Xa is the length in the X direction and Ya is the length in the Y direction (a range defined by virtual lines in FIG. 4). ).

  The length Xa in the X direction is the length Xh in the X direction of the print head 30, the strokes Xs1 and Xs2 of the acceleration / deceleration area in the X direction of the print head 30, and the print head 30 in the X direction when printing the claw portion NL. It is calculated by the total of the movement distance Xd that moves to.

  The strokes Xs1 and Xs2 in the acceleration / deceleration region are distances necessary for the print head 30 moving at high speed in the X direction to reach a constant speed. The movement distance Xd of the print head 30 in the X direction is a distance when the nozzle portion 31 of the print head 30 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 moves to the position of the nozzle portion 31 indicated by an imaginary line in FIG.

  Specifically, the end of the nail portion NL on the X1 side and the Y1 side is the print start position of the print head 30, and the end portion of the nail portion NL on the X2 side and the Y2 side is the end of printing of the print head 30. Position. When the nail part NL is printed, the print head 30 moves from the print start position to the print end position, and therefore the movement distance Xd of the print head 30 in the X direction is determined.

  The length Ya in the Y direction is calculated by the sum of the length Yh in the Y direction of the print head 30 and the movement distance Yd that the print head 30 moves in the Y direction when the nail portion NL is printed. The print head 30 does not move at high speed in the Y direction. Therefore, the stroke in the acceleration / deceleration region is not considered in the Y direction.

  The movement distance Yd of the print head 30 in the Y direction is a distance when the nozzle portion 31 of the print head 30 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 moves to the position of the nozzle portion 31 indicated by a virtual line in FIG. When the nail part NL is printed, the print head 30 moves from the print start position to the print end position, and therefore the movement distance Yd of the print head 30 in the Y direction is determined.

  The overhang portion 41 is set to a size that can always cover the camera portion 32 while the print head 30 is ejecting ink while moving in the X direction and the Y direction from the print start position to the print end position. ing. Specifically, the camera unit 32 moves together with the print head 30 by a distance Xd in the X direction and moves by a distance Yd in the Y direction, so that the camera unit 32 is set to a size that can cover at least this moving range. For example, the overhang portion 41 has an area represented by at least the product of Xd and Yd.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is covered with the overhanging portion 41. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is exposed. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

  With this configuration, the print head 30 is simply moved between the printing position and the imaging position, and at the printing position, the overhanging portion 41 covers the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 to protect the camera portion 32. In addition, at the imaging position, the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 can be exposed so that the claw portion NL can be imaged.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
FIG. 7 is a front view when the print head according to the embodiment of the present invention is in the printing position. Hereinafter, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X2 side from the print head 30. The housing frame 11a is provided with an overhanging portion 41 that projects from the side wall on the X2 side to the X1 side. The overhanging portion 41 extends to a position covering the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 of the print head 30 at the printing position, and the overhanging portion 41 constitutes the camera protection unit 40.

  The print head 30 includes an extending portion 51 projecting from the end portion on the Z1 side to the X2 side, a step portion 52 extending from the end portion on the X2 side of the extending portion 51 to the Z1 side, and an end portion on the Z1 side of the step portion 52 And a camera mounting portion 53 extending from the side to the X2 side.

  The camera unit 32 is attached to the Z2 side surface of the camera attachment unit 53. The surface on the Z2 side of the extending portion 51 is located on the Z2 side with respect to the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 and on the Z1 side with respect to the surface on the Z1 side of the overhang portion 41. Further, the end portion on the X2 side of the extending portion 51 overlaps the protruding portion 41 in a plan view when the print head 30 is at the printing position. As a result, the extending portion 51 forms a closing portion 50 that closes the gap between the print head 30 and the overhang portion 41.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is covered with the overhanging portion 41. At this time, since the gap between the print head 30 and the overhanging portion 41 is blocked by the extending portion 51, the ink scattered in a mist form enters through this gap and adheres to the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32. Can be prevented.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is exposed. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

<< Embodiment 3 >>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a front view when the print head is in a printing position. Hereinafter, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the print head 30 is provided with a camera attachment portion 33 projecting from the end portion on the Z1 side to the X2 side. The camera mounting portion 33 is formed with a through hole 33a penetrating in the Z direction. An elastic member 56 that can be elastically deformed is fitted into the through hole 33a. The elastic member 56 is formed of rubber or the like.

  The end portion on the Z2 side of the elastic member 56 extends to the Z2 side from the surface on the Z1 side of the overhang portion 41 (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the print head 30 is in the printing position, the elastic member 56 comes into contact with the overhanging portion 41 and elastically deforms, and the end of the elastic member 56 on the Z2 side is the overhanging portion 41. It is in close contact with the surface on the Z1 side. As a result, the elastic member 56 forms a closing portion 55 that closes the gap between the print head 30 and the overhang portion 41.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is covered with the overhanging portion 41. At this time, since the gap between the print head 30 and the overhanging portion 41 is closed by the elastic member 56, the ink scattered in the form of mist enters through this gap and adheres to the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32. Can be prevented.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging unit 41 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 is exposed. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

<< Embodiment 4 >>
FIG. 12 is a front view when the print head according to the embodiment of the present invention is in the printing position. Hereinafter, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X2 side from the print head 30. The housing frame 11a is provided with an overhanging portion 41 that projects from the side wall on the X2 side to the X1 side. The overhanging portion 41 extends to a position covering the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 of the print head 30 at the printing position, and the overhanging portion 41 constitutes the camera protection unit 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a protruding portion 61 is provided on the surface on the Z2 side of the protruding portion 41 so as to protrude from the end portion on the X1 side of the protruding portion 41 to the X1 side. The protrusion 61 is biased to the X1 side by the compression spring 62.

  Specifically, a spring accommodating groove 65 extending in the X direction is formed on the surface of the projecting portion 41 on the Z2 side. A compression spring 62 is housed in the spring housing groove 65. The overhanging portion 41 is provided with guide shafts 63 on the Y1 side and the Y2 side with the spring accommodating groove 65 interposed therebetween.

  A guide hole 61 a into which the guide shaft 63 is fitted is formed in the protruding portion 61. The guide hole 61a is a long hole extending in the X direction. The protrusion 61 is movable in the X direction while sliding on the guide shaft 63. A retaining ring 63 a is attached to an end portion on the Z2 side of the guide shaft 63 so that the protruding portion 61 does not fall off from the guide shaft 63.

  A notch 61b is formed at the end of the protrusion 61 on the X2 side. An end portion on the X1 side of the compression spring 62 is accommodated in the notch 61b. The notch 61b is provided with a spring insertion portion 61c extending to the X2 side. The spring insertion part 61 c is inserted into the compression spring 62. An end portion of the compression spring 62 on the X2 side is in contact with the housing frame 11a.

  Here, when the print head 30 is in the printing position, the protrusion 61 abuts against the side wall on the X2 side of the print head 30 and moves to the X2 side against the urging force of the compression spring 62 (see FIG. 16). . As a result, the protruding portion 61 forms a closing portion 60 that closes the gap between the print head 30 and the overhang portion 41.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the camera part 32 and the overhanging part 41 and the protruding part 61 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 is exposed. Yes. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, when the print head 30 is in the printing position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 is covered by the overhanging portion 41. It has been broken. Further, the protruding portion 61 contacts the X2 side wall of the print head 30 to close the gap. Thereby, the overhanging portion 41 can prevent ink scattered in a mist form from entering the gap and sticking to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera portion 32.

<< Embodiment 5 >>
FIG. 17 is a side view showing a configuration of a print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a plan view when the print head is in a printing position. Hereinafter, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X1 side from the print head 30. The camera protection unit 70 is mounted on the print head 30, and includes a shielding unit 71 that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32, and a switching unit 72 that switches the position of the shielding unit 71.

  The shielding unit 71 is configured by a plate-like member that covers the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 of the print head 30 at the printing position. The shield part 71 is provided with an arm part 71a extending to the Y1 side.

  The switching unit 72 switches the position of the shielding unit 71 between a shielding position that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 and an exposure position that exposes the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32. Specifically, the switching unit 72 includes a slide unit 73 that slides the shielding unit 71 between the shielding position and the exposure position, and a tension spring that positions the shielding unit 71 at the shielding position by biasing the slide unit 73 to the X1 side. 74.

  The end portion on the X2 side of the slide portion 73 is connected to the arm portion 71a. Thereby, when the slide part 73 moves in the X direction, the shielding part 71 moves in the X direction via the arm part 71a. An abutting portion 75 that abuts against the housing frame 11a is provided at the end of the slide portion 73 on the X1 side.

  A guide shaft 76 is attached to the side wall of the print head 30 on the Y1 side. Two guide shafts 76 are arranged at an interval in the X direction. The length of the guide shaft 76 on the X1 side is longer than the length of the guide shaft 76 on the X2 side. A guide hole 73 a into which the guide shaft 76 is fitted is formed in the slide portion 73. The slide part 73 is formed by a long hole extending in the X direction. The slide portion 73 is movable in the X direction while sliding on the guide shaft 76. A retaining ring 76 a is attached to the guide shaft 76 so that the slide portion 73 does not fall off the guide shaft 76.

  A spring hook 77 extending to the Y1 side is provided at the end of the slide portion 73 on the X2 side. The tension spring 74 is attached across the guide shaft 76 and the spring hooking portion 77 on the X1 side. Thereby, the slide part 73 is urged | biased to the X1 side by the tension | pulling spring 74, and the shielding part 71 is located in the shielding position. At this time, the contact portion 75 protrudes further to the X1 side than the print head 30.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the slide portion 73 is urged to the X1 side by the tension spring 74, the camera portion 32 and the shielding portion 71 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 is shielded. Covered by the portion 71. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the contact portion 75 of the slide portion 73 contacts the housing frame 11 a, and the slide portion 73 resists the urging force of the tension spring 74. And slide to X2. As the slide part 73 moves, the shielding part 71 also moves to the X2 side, so that the camera part 32 and the shielding part 71 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 is exposed. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

Embodiment 6
FIG. 20 is a plan view when the print head according to the embodiment of the present invention is in the printing position. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X1 side from the print head 30. The camera protection unit 80 is mounted on the print head 30, and includes a shielding unit 81 that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32, and a switching unit 82 that switches the position of the shielding unit 81.

  The shielding part 81 is comprised by the plate-shaped member which covers the light-receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 of the print head 30 in a printing position. The shield part 81 is provided with an arm part 81a extending to the Y1 side.

  The switching unit 82 switches the position of the shielding unit 81 between a shielding position that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 and an exposure position that exposes the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32. Specifically, the switching unit 82 includes a rotation unit 83 that rotates the shielding unit 81 between the shielding position and the exposure position, and a tension that biases the rotation unit 83 so that the shielding unit 81 is positioned at the shielding position. And a spring 84.

  The end portion on the X2 side of the rotating portion 83 is connected to the arm portion 81a. An end portion on the X1 side of the rotating portion 83 is supported so as to be rotatable around a central axis 86a extending in the Z direction. The central shaft 86a is attached to a shaft holding portion 86 that protrudes from the Y1 side wall of the print head 30 to the Y1 side. A contact portion 85 that protrudes further toward the X1 side than the print head 30 is provided at the end portion on the X1 side of the rotating portion 83. The end portion of the contact portion 85 protrudes to the X1 side and extends to the Y2 side.

  A spring hooking portion 87 extending to the Y1 side is provided at the end portion on the X1 side of the rotating portion 83. A spring hooking portion 88 extending to the Y1 side is provided at the end of the camera mounting portion 33 on the Y1 side. The tension spring 84 is attached across the spring hooking portion 87 of the rotating portion 83 and the spring hooking portion 88 of the camera attachment portion 33.

  A stopper portion 83a that protrudes toward the Y2 side is provided at the end portion of the rotating portion 83 on the X2 side. The stopper 83a abuts against the Y1 side wall of the print head 30, whereby the rotation of the rotation unit 83 is restricted and the shielding unit 81 is positioned at the shielding position.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the rotating part 83 is urged by the tension spring 84 to a position where the camera part 32 and the shielding part 81 overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 is shielded. Covered by the portion 81. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the contact portion 85 of the rotation portion 83 contacts the housing frame 11 a, and the rotation portion 83 receives the biasing force of the tension spring 84. Against this, it rotates around the central axis 86a. As the rotating unit 83 rotates, the shielding unit 81 moves to the X2 side, so that the camera unit 32 and the shielding unit 81 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is exposed. Yes. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

<< Embodiment 7 >>
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the camera protection unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X1 side from the print head 30. The casing frame 11a is provided with an extruding portion 11b that protrudes toward the X1 side.

  The print head 30 is provided with a camera mounting portion 34 that extends from the end portion on the Z1 side to the Z1 side and then projects to the X2 side. A camera unit 32 is attached to the Z2 side surface of the camera attachment unit 34.

  The camera protection unit 90 is mounted on the print head 30 and includes a shielding unit 91 that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 and a switching unit 92 that switches the position of the shielding unit 91.

  The shielding part 91 is comprised by the plate-shaped member which covers the light-receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 of the print head 30 in a printing position.

  The switching unit 92 switches the position of the shielding unit 91 between a shielding position that covers the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32 and an exposure position that exposes the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32. Specifically, the switching unit 92 includes a slide portion 93 that slides the shielding portion 91 between the shielding position and the exposure position, and a tension spring that positions the shielding portion 91 at the exposure position by biasing the slide portion 93 to the X2 side. 94.

  The shielding portion 91 is integrally formed at the end portion of the slide portion 93 on the X2 side. Thereby, when the slide part 93 moves in the X direction, the shielding part 91 moves in the X direction.

  A guide shaft 96 is attached to the surface of the print head 30 on the Z1 side. Two guide shafts 96 are arranged at an interval in the X direction. The guide shaft 96 on the X1 side is disposed on the Y2 side with respect to the guide shaft 96 on the X2 side.

  A guide hole 93 a into which the guide shaft 96 is fitted is formed in the slide portion 93. The guide hole 93a is a long hole extending in the X direction. The slide portion 93 is movable in the X direction while sliding on the guide shaft 96. A retaining ring 96 a is attached to the end of the guide shaft 96 on the Z1 side so that the slide portion 93 does not fall off the guide shaft 96. A spacer 96 b is fitted in the guide shaft 96, and a gap corresponding to the thickness of the spacer 96 b is provided between the slide portion 93 and the print head 30.

  A spring hook 97 that extends to the Z1 side is provided at the end of the slide portion 93 on the X1 side and the Y1 side. A spring hooking portion 98 extending to the Z1 side is provided on the Z1 side surface of the print head 30. The tension spring 94 is attached across the spring hook portion 97 of the slide portion 93 and the spring hook portion 98 of the print head 30. Thereby, the slide part 93 is urged | biased to the X2 side by the tension | pulling spring 94, and the shielding part 91 is located in the exposure position. At this time, the end portion on the X2 side of the slide portion 93 protrudes to the X2 side from the print head 30.

  As shown in FIG. 24, when the print head 30 is in the printing position, the end portion on the X2 side of the slide portion 93 comes into contact with the pushing portion 11b of the housing frame 11a, and the slide portion 93 biases the tension spring 94. Slide against X1 against the above. As the sliding portion 93 moves, the shielding portion 91 also moves to the X1 side, so that the camera portion 32 and the shielding portion 91 overlap in a plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 is covered by the shielding portion 91. Yes. The shielding unit 91 can cover the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 while the print head 30 moves from the printing start position (position shown in FIG. 24) to the printing end position (position shown in FIG. 25). Yes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, when the print head 30 is in the imaging position, the end portion on the X2 side of the slide portion 93 is separated from the housing frame 11a, and the slide portion 93 is X2 by the urging force of the tension spring 94. Slide to the side. As the slide part 93 moves, the shielding part 91 also moves to the X2 side, so that the camera part 32 and the shielding part 91 do not overlap in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera part 32 is exposed. Thereby, the nail | claw part NL can be imaged by the camera part 32. FIG.

  As described above, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a printer including a print head that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium while moving along at least a first direction. A camera unit that captures an image of the substrate to be printed and a camera protection unit that covers a light receiving surface of the camera unit during ink ejection by the print head.

  In this aspect, the camera protection unit can prevent the ink scattered in the form of mist from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit during ink ejection by the print head.

  In the printer of the above aspect, the print head may be configured to repeatedly move in the first direction while being stepped in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  In this aspect, the print head is repeatedly moved in the first direction while being step-fed in the second direction, and the light-receiving surface of the camera unit can always be covered by the camera protection unit during ink ejection by the print head.

In the printer of the above aspect, the printer includes a housing unit that accommodates the print head, and the camera protection unit has an overhanging portion that protrudes from the housing unit so as to cover a light receiving surface of the camera unit. It may be.

  In this aspect, since the camera protection unit is configured by projecting the projecting portion from the housing unit, it is possible to prevent the mist-like ink from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit with a relatively simple configuration.

  Further, the printer according to the above aspect may include a closing portion that closes a gap between the print head and the overhang portion during ink ejection by the print head.

  In this aspect, since the gap between the print head and the overhanging portion is blocked by the blocking portion, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from entering the gap and adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera portion. Can do.

  In the printer of the above aspect, the camera protection unit includes a shielding unit that covers the light receiving surface of the camera unit, a position of the shielding unit, a shielding position that covers the light receiving surface of the camera unit, and a position of the camera unit. You may have the switching part switched to the exposure position which exposes a light-receiving surface.

  In this aspect, the switching unit can switch whether the light receiving surface of the camera unit is covered or exposed by the shielding unit.

  In the printer according to the above aspect, the printer includes a housing unit that houses the print head, the camera protection unit is mounted on the print head, and the switching unit is moved along with the movement of the print head. You may be comprised so that the position of the said shielding part can be switched by contact | abutting to a part.

  In this aspect, for example, when the print head is moved to the imaging position where the camera body is imaged by the camera unit, the position of the shielding unit is exposed from the shielding position by bringing the switching unit into contact with the housing unit. What is necessary is just to make it switch to a position. Accordingly, the light receiving surface of the camera unit can be shielded or exposed in conjunction with the movement of the print head.

  In the printer of the above aspect, the switching unit may include a slide unit that slides the shielding unit between the shielding position and the exposure position.

  In this aspect, the position of the shielding part can be switched by simply sliding the slide part.

  In the printer of the above aspect, the switching unit may include a rotation unit that rotates the shielding unit between the shielding position and the exposure position.

  In this aspect, the position of the shielding part can be switched by merely rotating the rotating part.

  Next, an example in which the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention performs printing on a three-dimensional structure having a three-dimensional shape such as an object created by a 3D printer or a cup, a figure, or a saddle will be described. . FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a description will be given using an example in which the object having a three-dimensional shape is a cup having a handle.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, the printer 10 includes a casing 11 for arranging the cup side LT as a printing medium and a print for printing on the cup side LT arranged at a predetermined position. And a scanning unit 20 having a head 30. The basic component configuration of the printer 10 shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 is the same as that of the nail printer shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 27, an opening 13a into which an object can be inserted is formed at a substantially central position in the X direction of the first side wall 13 of the printer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 27 does not show the finger fixing mechanism 15, the fixing frame 16, and the urging spring 17 for fixing the finger as shown in FIG. 1, for example, an arm and a clamp for supporting the object. An arbitrary fixing mechanism such as a table may be provided.

  The configurations of the scanning unit 20 and the print head 30 are the same as those of the example of the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1, but the sizes of these components may differ depending on the size of the object.

  As described above, the camera unit 32 moves the print head 30 in the X direction and the Y direction, thereby causing the nozzle unit 31 to face the side surface LT of the cup, and the light reception of the camera unit 32. It is possible to switch to an imaging position where imaging is performed with the surface 32a facing the side surface LT.

  In the control unit 35, for example, the range of the side surface LT, that is, the range where printing is performed is specified based on the captured image. Further, the control unit 35 controls the operation of the print head 30 so as to print a predetermined design on the side surface LT.

  Also in this embodiment, the camera protection unit 40 is provided in order to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a housing frame 11 a of the housing portion 11 is provided on the X2 side of the print head 30. 30 and 31 correspond to FIGS. 4 and 5 described using the example of the nail printer. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the housing frame 11 a is provided with an overhanging portion 41 that protrudes from the side wall on the X2 side to the X1 side, and the overhanging portion 41 is a print head in a printing position. It extends to a position covering the light receiving surface 32a of the 30 camera units 32.

  The overhanging portion 41 is disposed outside the moving range of the print head 30 in order to avoid interference with the print head 30. Specifically, the movement range of the print head 30 is a range defined by Xa × Ya when X is the length in the X direction and Ya is the length in the Y direction (a range defined by virtual lines in FIG. 30). ).

  The length Xa in the X direction is the length Xh of the print head 30 in the X direction, the strokes Xs1 and Xs2 of the acceleration / deceleration area in the X direction of the print head 30, and the print head 30 when printing on the side surface LT. It is calculated by the total of the movement distance Xd that moves to.

  As already described, the strokes Xs1 and Xs2 in the acceleration / deceleration region are distances necessary for the print head 30 moving at a high speed in the X direction to reach a constant speed. Further, the movement distance Xd in the X direction of the print head 30 is a distance when the nozzle portion 31 of the print head 30 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 30 moves to the position of the nozzle portion 31 indicated by a virtual line in FIG.

  Specifically, the end portion on the X1 side and the Y1 side of the side surface LT is the print start position of the print head 30, and the end portion on the X2 side and the Y2 side of the side surface LT is the print end position of the print head 30. It is. Then, when printing on the side surface LT, the print head 30 moves from the print start position to the print end position, so the movement distance Xd of the print head 30 in the X direction is determined.

  The length Ya in the Y direction is calculated by the sum of the length Yh in the Y direction of the print head 30 and the movement distance Yd that the print head 30 moves in the Y direction when printing on the side surface LT.

  The movement distance Yd in the Y direction of the print head 30 is a distance when the nozzle portion 31 of the print head 30 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 30 moves to the position of the nozzle portion 31 indicated by a virtual line in FIG. Then, when printing on the side face LT, the print head 30 moves from the print start position to the print end position, so the movement distance Yd of the print head 30 in the Y direction is determined.

  The overhang portion 41 is set to a size that can cover the camera portion 32 while the print head 30 ejects ink while moving in the X direction and the Y direction from the print start position to the print end position. Yes. Specifically, the camera unit 32 moves together with the print head 30 by a distance Xd in the X direction and moves by a distance Yd in the Y direction, so that the camera unit 32 is set to a size that can cover at least this moving range.

  When the print head 30 is in the printing position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 overlap each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is covered with the overhanging portion 41. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface 32 a of the camera unit 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, when the print head 30 is at the imaging position, the camera unit 32 and the overhanging portion 41 do not overlap with each other in plan view, and the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 is exposed. Thereby, the side surface LT can be imaged by the camera unit 32.

  With this configuration, the print head 30 is simply moved between the printing position and the imaging position, and at the printing position, the overhanging portion 41 covers the light receiving surface 32a of the camera portion 32 to protect the camera portion 32. In addition, at the imaging position, the light receiving surface 32a of the camera unit 32 can be exposed so that the side surface LT can be imaged.

  As described above, the example in which the printer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can protect the light receiving surface of the camera unit 32 when printing on the side surface LT of the cup has been described. The present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a figure, a bicycle saddle, human skin other than fingernails, stationery, furniture, electronic equipment, etc., any three-dimensional structure having an arbitrary size and shape can be printed. Applicable to printers to perform.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the print head 11 included in the ink mechanism 10 of the printer ejects liquid droplets such as fluid in which chemicals acting on cosmetics and skin are mixed in the liquid instead of ink. May be. Thereby, for example, cosmetics and medicines can be applied to the human skin with high accuracy.

  As described above, the present invention provides a highly practical effect that can prevent ink scattered in a mist form from adhering to the light receiving surface of the camera unit. Is expensive.

10 Printer (Injection device)
11a Housing frame (housing unit)
30 Print head 32 Camera unit 32a Light receiving surface 40, 70, 80, 90 Camera protection unit 41 Overhang unit 50, 55, 60 Blocking unit 71, 81, 91 Shield unit 72, 82, 92 Switching unit 73, 93 Slide unit 83 Rotating part NL Claw part (printed material)

Claims (14)

A discharge unit that discharges droplets onto the object while moving along at least the first direction;
A camera unit for imaging the object;
An ejection apparatus comprising: a camera protection unit that covers a light receiving surface of the camera unit while the ejection unit ejects the droplet. In claim 1,
The ejection unit is configured to repeatedly move in the first direction while being stepped in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In claim 1 or 2,
A housing portion for accommodating the discharge portion;
The said camera protection part has an overhang | projection part projected from the said housing | casing part so that the light-receiving surface of the said camera part might be covered. In claim 3,
An ejection apparatus comprising: a closing portion that closes a gap between the ejection portion and the overhang portion while the ejection portion ejects the droplet. In claim 1,
The camera protection unit is
A shielding part covering the light receiving surface of the camera part;
An injection apparatus comprising: a switching unit that switches a position of the shielding unit between a shielding position that covers a light receiving surface of the camera unit and an exposure position that exposes the light receiving surface of the camera unit. In claim 5,
A housing portion for accommodating the discharge portion;
The camera protection unit is mounted on the discharge unit,
The said switching part is comprised so that switching of the position of the said shielding part is possible by contact | abutting to the said housing | casing part with the movement of the said discharge part. In claim 5 or 6,
The injection unit according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a slide unit that slides the shielding unit between the shielding position and the exposure position. In claim 5 or 6,
The said switching part has a rotation part which rotates the said shielding part between the said shielding position and the said exposure position, The injection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 3,
The injection device, wherein the overhanging portion is provided outside the movement range of the discharge portion. In claim 9,
When the movable distance of the discharge unit in the first direction is a first movement distance, and the movable distance of the discharge unit in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is a second movement distance, the overhang The part has an area equal to or greater than the product of the first movement distance and the second movement distance. In claim 4,
The housing part has an extending part that extends to a camera attachment part to which the camera part is attached,
2. The injection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extending portion has a step to form the closing portion. In claim 4,
The camera unit further includes a camera mounting unit to which the camera unit is mounted,
2. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein the closing portion is constituted by an elastic member fitted into a through hole provided in the camera mounting portion. In claim 12,
The elastic member abuts against the overhanging portion and elastically deforms while the discharge unit is discharging the liquid droplets, thereby closing a gap between the discharging unit and the overhanging portion. Characteristic injection device. In claim 4,
A spring and a protrusion are provided on the overhang;
The injection device according to claim 1, wherein a gap between the discharge portion and the projecting portion is closed when the projecting portion comes into contact with the housing portion by urging of the spring.

Images