JP2018153940A - Image drawing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image drawing apparatus that can effectively clean an ink discharge port even if it has a compact body.SOLUTION: A nail printer device includes: a carrier 10 having an ink discharge port 11 for discharging ink to a nail 41; an X-axis motor 161 for driving the carrier 10 in a first direction; a Y-axis motor 171 for driving the carrier 10 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at a lower speed than the driving speed of the carrier 10 by the X-axis motor 161; and a cleaning part driven by the Y-axis motor 171 to clean the ink discharge port 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to an image drawing apparatus that draws an image on a medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art A nail printer device that prints design images such as colors and designs on a fingernail of a person using an inkjet method is known. In such an ink jet apparatus, printing is performed by ejecting ink from a print head, landing on a nail, and fixing. Since clogging occurs in the print head of an ink jet apparatus, it is necessary to periodically clean the discharge ports. As a technique for cleaning the discharge port of such a print head, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for cleaning diagonally while a blade rotates. Patent Document 2 discloses an ink jet printer that performs cleaning with a wiper that can move up and down. Patent Document 3 discloses an ink jet printer that performs cleaning with a wiper that moves relative to a head.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-071905 JP 09-309210 A JP 2010-269452 A

  However, in a conventional apparatus having a print head cleaning unit, the stroke of a wiper or the like becomes long, and as a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to downsize the apparatus.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image drawing apparatus that can effectively clean an ink discharge port even if it is small in size.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above problems. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, reference numerals and the like in the drawings are appended in parentheses, but each component of the present invention is not limited to these appendices. It should be construed broadly to the extent that contractors can technically understand.

  An image drawing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a carrier having an ink ejection port that ejects ink onto a medium, a first driving unit that drives the carrier in a first direction, and the carrier perpendicular to the first direction. A second driving unit driven in the second direction at a lower speed than a driving speed of the carrier by the first driving unit, and a cleaning unit cleaning the ink discharge port by being driven by the second driving unit. .

  According to this aspect, since the second drive unit drives the carrier at a lower speed than the first drive unit, the reduction ratio can be easily set large. Since the ink discharge port is cleaned while the carrier is driven by the second driving unit having such a large reduction ratio, it is possible to apply a relatively large pressure to the ink discharge port during cleaning.

  For example, in the image drawing device according to an aspect of the present invention, the second direction may be configured to be substantially the same direction as the insertion direction of the medium.

  In an image drawing apparatus, when drawing is performed while ejecting ink onto a medium, step feeding is performed in the insertion direction (longitudinal direction) of the medium, and high speed movement is performed in a direction perpendicular to the medium (short direction). It will be. According to the image drawing apparatus described above, since the step feed direction is the direction in which the cleaning moves during cleaning, the moving speed is slow but sufficient torque can be easily generated. Thereby, the ink discharge port can be reliably cleaned.

  For example, in the image drawing device according to an aspect of the present invention, the carrier includes an engagement member that is movable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the engagement member Is moved in the third direction to switch between a drawing mode in which ink is ejected to the medium by the ink ejection port and a cleaning mode in which the ink ejection port is cleaned by the cleaning unit. May be.

  According to this aspect, by changing the position (height) in the third direction, it is possible to perform the drawing operation and the cleaning operation while sharing the plane composed of the first direction and the second direction.

  For example, in the image drawing device according to an aspect of the present invention, the carrier holds the pen in a detachable manner, and the engagement member is configured to move the pen in the third direction. You may comprise.

  According to this aspect, the configuration for moving the pen in the third direction and the engagement member can be made common.

  For example, in the image drawing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the engagement member may be configured such that the drawing mode and the position are outside the movement range of the pen in the third direction when the pen is drawn on the medium. You may comprise so that switching with cleaning mode can be performed.

  According to this aspect, the switching between the drawing mode and the cleaning mode can be performed, for example, at a position lower in the third direction than the movement range of the pen at the time of drawing. Thereby, it is possible to configure an image drawing apparatus capable of switching modes while having a relatively simple configuration.

  For example, the image drawing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention further includes a pen cabinet that detachably holds the pen, and the pen cabinet is configured to hold the pen in the cleaning mode. Also good.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to separate the space to be used by the pen delivery operation and the cleaning operation between the pen cabinet and the carrier. Accordingly, the pen delivery operation and the cleaning operation can be appropriately operated without affecting each other.

  For example, in the image drawing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the pen cabinet and the cleaning unit may be arranged so as to sandwich the position of the medium in the second direction.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to configure an image drawing apparatus having a configuration capable of sufficiently securing a carrier movement section.

  According to the image drawing apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively execute cleaning of the ink discharge ports even if the apparatus is small.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a nail printer device. The side view of a nail printer apparatus. The figure which shows the structure of a nail printer apparatus. The figure which shows the functional structure of a nail printer apparatus. The figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a cleaning part. The figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a cleaning part. The figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a cleaning part. The figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a cleaning part. The disassembled perspective view of the main components of a wiper drive mechanism. The exploded perspective view of the 3rd slider. The enlarged view around a slide hole. The elements on larger scale of a lock part. The enlarged view of a lock part and a 3rd slider. The side view of the 1st state of a wiper drive base. The side view of the 2nd state of a wiper drive base. The side view of the 3rd state of a wiper drive base. The side view of the 4th state of a wiper drive base. The enlarged view around a lock part. The enlarged view around a lock part. The enlarged view of a lock part and an X-axis chassis. The perspective view of a lock part and an X-axis chassis. The perspective view of a 2nd slider and a locking part. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The side view of a wiper drive mechanism. The enlarged view of a 2nd slider and a wiper. The enlarged view of a 2nd slider and a wiper. The figure which shows the relationship between the position and attitude | position of a slider. The enlarged view of an ink discharge port and an ink discharge port cap. The enlarged view of an ink discharge port and an ink discharge port cap. The enlarged view of an ink discharge port and an ink discharge port cap.

  An embodiment according to the present invention will be specifically described according to the following configuration with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and the description may be abbreviate | omitted.

1. Embodiment (1) Overall Configuration of Nail Printer Device (2) Functional Configuration of Nail Printer Device (3) Configuration and Operation of Cleaning Unit

2. Supplementary items <1. Embodiment>
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The nail printer apparatus (an example of an image drawing apparatus) according to the present embodiment has one of the characteristics in the configuration and operation of a wiper driving mechanism that cleans the ink discharge port with a wiper. Hereinafter, the overall configuration, functional configuration, and configuration and operation of the cleaning unit, which is a characteristic part, of the nail printer apparatus will be specifically described.

<1-1. Overall Configuration of Nail Printer>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a nail printer apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of the nail printer apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side surface on the finger insertion side. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the nail printer device according to the present embodiment when viewed from the upper surface side. In FIG. 3, the control unit 100 is arranged at an arbitrary location of the nail printer apparatus.

  1 to 3, the nail printer apparatus includes a carrier 10, an ink discharge port 11, a pen 20, a pen holder 21, a pen cabinet 30, a finger fixing mechanism 50, an X-axis motor 161 (an example of a first drive unit). ), An X-axis motor belt 162, a Y-axis motor 171 (an example of a second drive unit), a Y-axis motor shaft 172, a Z-axis motor 181 and the like. The finger 40 is inserted into the finger fixing mechanism 50. The finger 40 includes a nail 41 (an example of a medium) that is a medium to which paint is applied in the nail printer apparatus of the present embodiment. The finger fixing mechanism 50 includes a finger fixing frame 50A and a finger fixing spring 50B.

<1-1-1. Carrier 10>
The carrier 10 includes the ink discharge port 11 at a position facing the claw 41, and is configured to detachably hold a pen holder 21 for supporting the pen 20. The carrier 10 is driven by an X-axis motor 161 and a Y-axis motor 171 and is configured to be movable in the X axis (an example of the first direction) and the Y axis (an example of the second direction). In the nail printer device according to the present embodiment, the Z-axis drive unit is not essential as a configuration of the cleaning unit. The carrier 10 supports an ink cartridge (not shown) that holds ink ejected from the ink ejection port 11. The ink cartridge is configured to be replaceable or refillable by the user.

  The carrier 10 applies paint to the claws 41 while moving in the X-axis direction with respect to the claws 41, and moves (pitch feed) in the Y-axis direction when application of paint to the rows in the X-axis direction is completed. Then, paint is applied to the claws 41 in the next X-axis direction. By repeating these movements in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the carrier 10 executes application of paint to the claws 41 and the like. As described above, since the movement distance in the X-axis direction is longer than that in the Y-axis direction, the carrier 10 moves at a higher speed in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. Comparing to move at a low speed.

<1-1-2. Ink Ejection Port 11>
The ink discharge port 11 is configured to discharge the ink held in the ink cartridge to the nail 41 of the finger 40 that is a medium. The ejection timing of the ink ejection port 11 is controlled by a control unit described later. The ink ejection port 11 includes a plurality of nozzles, and ejects ink to the medium by ejecting ink from the nozzles. The ink discharge port 11 is cleaned by a wiper described later.

<1-1-3. Pen 20>
The pen 20 is detachably held by the carrier 10 or the pen cabinet 30 via the pen holder 21. The pen 20 comes into contact with the nail 41 as a recording medium by the operation of the carrier 10, thereby applying ink, a decorative material, a protective material, or the like to the nail. The pen 20 may be composed of various types of pens such as a ballpoint pen, a felt pen, or a brush pen.

<1-1-4. Pen Holder 21>
The pen holder 21 is detachably held by the carrier 10 or the pen cabinet 30. The pen holder 21 detachably holds the pen 20. The pen 20 held by the pen holder 21 can be replaced by the user. The pen holder 21 moves with the pen 20 as the carrier 10 moves.

<1-1-5. Pen cabinet 30>
The pen cabinet 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the end of the nail printer apparatus in the X-axis direction, and holds the pen 20 held by the pen holder 21 in a detachable manner. The pen cabinet 30 holds a plurality of (three in this embodiment) pens 20 in an aligned state in the Y direction.

<1-1-6. Finger 40 and Nail 41>
The user's finger 40 is inserted in the Y-axis direction with respect to the finger fixing mechanism 50. The finger 40 has a nail 41 that is a recording target medium of the nail printer apparatus.

<1-1-7. Finger fixing mechanism 50>
The finger fixing mechanism 50 can insert the user's finger 40 in the Y-axis direction, and is configured to fix the inserted finger 40 and the nail 41 integrated with the finger 40. The finger fixing mechanism 50 includes, for example, a finger fixing frame 50A and a finger fixing spring 50B. However, the configuration of the finger fixing mechanism 50 is not limited to the configuration including the finger fixing frame 50A and the finger fixing spring 50B, and may be other configurations as long as the finger 40 and the nail 41 can be fixed. May be.

<1-1-8. Finger fixing frame 50A>
The finger fixing frame 50A is formed as a frame that restricts the movement of the finger 40 so as to leave the predetermined area. By restricting the movement of the finger 40 in this way, the movement of the nail 41 serving as a recording target medium is restricted.

<1-1-9. Finger fixing spring 50B>
The finger fixing spring 50B is configured to fix the finger 40 and the nail 41 in a predetermined region defined by the finger fixing frame 50A and restrict their movement. The finger fixing spring 50 </ b> B is configured to regulate the movement of the finger 40 by mainly applying a force in the Z direction to the finger 40. In addition, it is good also as a structure which controls a motion of the finger | toe 40 by another structure replaced with the spring 50B for finger fixing. For example, it is possible to provide a plurality of finger fixing springs 50B and fix the finger 40 from a plurality of directions. In this case, the movement of the finger 40 can be effectively restricted from a plurality of directions. It becomes possible.

<1-1-10. X-axis motor 161>
The X-axis motor 161 includes a stepping motor, and is configured to move the carrier 10 in the X-axis direction via the X-axis motor belt 162. The X-axis motor 161 is configured to rotate by applied power and transmit this rotational force to the X-axis motor belt 162. The X-axis motor 161 moves the carrier 10 in the X-axis direction, but this moving speed is faster than the moving speed of the carrier 10 in the Y-axis direction.

<1-1-11. X-axis motor belt 162>
The X-axis motor belt 162 is formed to be coupled to the X-axis motor 161, and is configured to rotate based on the rotational force transmitted from the X-axis motor 161, and to move the carrier 10 in the X-axis direction by this rotational force. The

<1-1-12. Y-axis motor 171>
The Y-axis motor 171 includes a stepping motor, and is configured to move the carrier 10 in the Y-axis direction via the Y-axis motor shaft 172. The Y-axis motor 171 is configured to rotate by the applied power and transmit this rotational force to the Y-axis motor shaft 172. The Y-axis motor 171 moves the carrier 10 in the Y-axis direction, and this moving speed is slower than the moving speed of the carrier 10 in the X-axis direction, but the torque during operation is lower than that in the X-axis direction. Become stronger.

<1-1-13. Y-axis motor shaft 172>
The Y-axis motor shaft 172 is formed to be coupled to the Y-axis motor 171 and is configured to move based on the rotational force transmitted from the Y-axis motor 171, thereby moving the carrier 10 in the Y-axis direction.

<1-1-14. Z-axis motor 181>
The Z-axis motor 181 includes a stepping motor, and is configured to move the elevating bar 60 (an example of an engagement member) in the Z-axis direction (up and down in the direction of gravity) (an example of the third direction). . The Z-axis motor 181 is rotated by the applied power, and moves the elevating bar 60 in the Z-axis direction by this rotational force.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a board chassis 201, which is a basic part of the nail printer apparatus, is equipped with an X-axis motor 161 that instructs the carrier 10 to be slidable in the X-axis direction, and an X-axis motor belt 162 that is connected to the X-axis motor belt 162. Yes. Further, the board chassis 201 supports two guide shafts 202 and 203 arranged so as to extend in the Y-axis direction by fixing them with bearing portions 213 and 214, respectively. The board chassis 201 supports the Y-axis motor 171 while fixing it. A male screw 215 is formed on the motor shaft of the Y-axis motor 171. A female screw 216 that engages with the male screw 215 is fixed to the X-axis chassis 200 disposed in the vicinity of the Y-axis direction end of the board chassis 201. Thereby, the rotation of the Y-axis motor 171 is converted into the movement of the X chassis 200 in the Y-axis direction. Thus, the X-axis chassis 200 is supported to be slidable in the Y-axis direction.

  On the other hand, the first pulley 204 is directly connected to the motor shaft of the X-axis motor 161. A second pulley 205 is arranged in the X-axis minus direction of the first pulley 204, and an X-axis motor belt 162 is hung between the first pulley 204 and the second pulley 205. When the X-axis motor 161 rotates, the rotation is transmitted from the first pulley 204 to the second pulley 205 via the X-axis motor belt 162, so that the carrier 10 is moved in the X-axis direction.

  As described above, the X-axis motor 161 and the Y-axis motor 171 are each composed of a stepping motor capable of controlling the rotation angle. The X-axis motor 161 is a belt drive, while the Y-axis motor 171 is a screw drive. Therefore, the Y-axis motor 171 has a larger reduction ratio than the X-axis motor 161. This is because the driving of the X-axis motor 161 is directly connected to the movement of the carrier 10 in order to reduce the load on the X-axis motor 161 and move the carrier 10 at high speed in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, the Y-axis motor moves a relatively heavy configuration of the carrier 10, the X-axis motor 161 that directly drives the carrier 10, and the X chassis 200 on which the drive mechanism is mounted. It can be generated. Further, since the printing (drawing) operation on the nail is performed by moving in the X-axis direction, the accuracy of moving the carrier 10 in the Y-axis direction directly affects the printing accuracy. Also from this point, the reduction ratio from the Y-axis motor 171 to the X chassis 200 is set to be large so that the position of the X chassis 200 can be easily positioned with high accuracy.

<1-2. Functional configuration of nail printer>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the nail printer apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the nail printer apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 110, a startup processing unit 120, a memory 130, a print head control unit 140, a print head 141, a power supply unit 150, and an X axis. A motor control unit 160, an X-axis motor 161, a Y-axis motor control unit 170, a Y-axis motor 171, a Z-axis motor control unit 180, a Z-axis motor 181 and a user message unit 190 are configured. The user message unit 190 includes an error LED (Light Emitting Diode) 191, an audio output unit 192, and an image display unit 193.

<1-2-1. Communication unit 110>
The communication unit 110 is configured to receive data related to an image to be printed on the nail 41 from a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone connected to the nail printer device, and output the data to the control unit 100. The communication unit 110 transmits and receives data to and from a PC or a smartphone by wired or wireless communication.

<1-2-2. Activation processing unit 120>
The activation processing unit 120 includes a volatile memory and the like, and is configured to execute booting (activation) of the nail printer device when the nail printer device is powered on. The activation processing unit 120 performs a process of activating each component including the control unit 100 when the user turns on the nail printer apparatus.

<1-2-3. Memory 130>
The memory 130 includes a non-volatile memory and the like, and is configured to store firmware, software, and the like regarding various processes executed by the control unit 100. Further, the memory 130 stores data related to an image to be printed on the nail 41, data related to a coating process of a coating agent applied to the nail 41 before printing on the nail 41, and the like.

<1-2-4. Printhead Controller 140>
The print head control unit 140 is configured to execute control of the print head 141 in order to form a predetermined image on the nail 41 or apply a coating agent to the nail 41. The print head control unit 140 controls the ejection timing of ink ejected from the print head 141.

<1-2-5. Print Head 141>
The print head 141 includes an ink discharge port 11, is mounted on the carrier 10, includes a removable ink cartridge, and is configured to discharge ink from the ink cartridge from the ink discharge port 11.

<1-2-6. Power Supply Unit 150>
The power supply unit 150 is configured to supply power to each component of the nail printer apparatus.

<1-2-7. X-axis motor controller 160>
The X-axis motor control unit 160 is configured to control the rotational drive of the X-axis motor 161 under the control of the control unit 100. The X-axis motor 161 controlled by the X-axis motor control unit 160 moves the carrier 10 in the X direction.

<1-2-8. Y-axis motor controller 170>
The Y-axis motor control unit 170 is configured to control the rotational drive of the Y-axis motor 171 under the control of the control unit 100. The Y-axis motor 171 controlled by the Y-axis motor control unit 170 moves the carrier 10 in the Y direction.

<1-2-9. Z-axis motor controller 180>
The Z-axis motor control unit 180 is configured to control the rotational drive of the Z-axis motor 181 under the control of the control unit 100. The Z-axis motor 181 controlled by the Z-axis motor control unit 180 moves the lift bar 60 (described later) in the Z direction.

<1-2-10. User Message Unit 190>
As shown in FIG. 4, the user message unit 190 includes an error LED 191, an audio output unit 192, and an image display unit 193. The user message unit 190 notifies the user of an error that has occurred in the nail printer device by LED, sound, or image.

<1-2-11. Error LED 191>
The error LED 191 includes a light emitting unit using an LED, and is configured to be lit and blinking under the control of the control unit 100. The error LED 191 has a function of notifying the user of an error that has occurred in the nail printer device via the light emission of the LED. Note that the error LED 191 may have a function other than the function of notifying an error.

<1-2-12. Audio output unit 192>
The audio output unit 192 has a configuration such as a speaker, and is configured to be able to output audio under the control of the control unit 100. The audio output unit 192 has a function of notifying an error generated in the nail printer device to the user via audio. Note that the audio output unit 192 may have a function other than the function of notifying an error.

<1-2-13. Image Display Unit 193>
The image display unit 193 has a configuration such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, and is configured to display an image under the control of the control unit 100. The image display unit 193 has a function of notifying the user of an error that has occurred in the nail printer device via an image. Note that the image display unit 193 may have a function other than the function of notifying an error.

<1-2-14. Control unit 100>
The control unit 100 is configured to be able to control each component included in the nail printer apparatus.

  For example, since the control unit 100 forms an image or the like on the nail 41 based on data such as an image to be printed received by the communication unit 110, the print head control unit 140, the X-axis motor control unit 160, and Y The shaft motor control unit 170 and the Z-axis motor control unit 180 are controlled. Thereby, the control unit 100 draws an image while applying the pen 20 to the nail 41 while moving the carrier 10, applies a coating agent, discharges ink from the ink discharge port 11, and applies the coating agent. Controls the discharge operation.

  Further, the control unit 100 controls the X-axis motor control unit 160, the Y-axis motor control unit 170, and the Z-axis motor control unit 180 to move the carrier 10, and the pen holder between the carrier 10 and the pen cabinet 30. 21 is delivered, and the ink discharge port 11 of the carrier 10 is cleaned.

<1-3. Configuration and operation of cleaning unit>
Next, the configuration and operation of the cleaning portion, which is one of the features of this embodiment, will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, the cleaning unit refers to a configuration for removing the ink and the like adhering to the ink discharge port 11 for cleaning. The cleaning unit of the present embodiment is disposed in the vicinity of the end opposite to the pen cabinet 30 in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 1 and the like).

  5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a predetermined state when the ink discharge port 11 is cleaned by the wiper 16. 6 is a diagram in which the display of the carrier 10 is omitted in the same state as FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the display of the carrier 10 is omitted in the same state as in FIG. The cleaning unit referred to in this embodiment includes the wiper drive base 206, the wiper drive mechanism 15 including the first slider 207, and the second slider 208, and the wiper 16. The wiper driving mechanism 15 includes an ink discharge port cap 14.

<1-3-1. Ink Ejection Cap 14>
The ink discharge port cap 14 is configured to be connected to the wiper drive mechanism 15 and configured to be able to capping by elastically covering the ink discharge port 11. The ink discharge port cap 14 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber, for example. The ink discharge cap 14 may be formed of resin or the like. The ink discharge port 11 capped by the ink discharge port cap 14 is restricted from coming into contact with air, and this can prevent the ink from solidifying.

<1-3-2. Wiper Drive Mechanism 15>
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the wiper drive mechanism. Four long holes 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d are formed in the wiper drive base 206 fixed to the board chassis 201. These elongated holes 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d have guide shafts 207f, 207g, 207h, and 207j formed on the first slider 207 (not shown because the guide shafts 207h and 207j are disposed on the back side). ) Are engaged. Thus, the first slider 207 is slidably supported on the wiper drive base 206. Further, the first slider 207 is formed with four guide holes 207a, 207b, 207c, and 207d, similar to the wiper drive base 206. In these four guide holes 207a, 207b, 207c, and 207d, guide pins 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d formed on the second slider 208 (the guide pins 208c and 208d are arranged on the back side). Therefore, not shown) are engaged with each other. Thereby, the second slider 208 is slidably supported with respect to the first slider 207.

  Further, the wiper shaft 16 a of the wiper 16 is engaged with the wiper shaft hole 207 e formed in the first slider 207. Thereby, the wiper 16 is rotatably supported with respect to the first slider 207. The second slider 208 is formed with a spring receiving shaft 208j that supports the compression spring 209 in a state in which the compression spring 209 stands in the Z-axis direction. An ink discharge port cap 14 is disposed at the tip of the compression spring 209, whereby the ink discharge port cap 14 is supported while being elastically urged in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second slider 208. A hook 206j is formed on the wiper drive base 206.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of the third slider 210 slidably supported on the wiper drive base 206. A slide hole 210 a is formed in the third slider 210. As shown in FIG. 11, the hook 206j of the wiper drive base 206 is engaged with the slide hole 210a, whereby the wiper drive base 206 supports the third slider 210 in a movable manner.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the protrusion 206e of the wiper drive base 206 is engaged between the protrusion 210c of the bottom surface portion 210d of the third slider 210 and the side wall 210f. Further, the back surface portion 210 b of the bottom surface portion 210 d of the third slider 210 is guided by the wiper drive base 206, and the third slider 210 is slidable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the wiper drive base 206. A shaft portion 210g is formed in the third slider 210, and the engagement hole 17a of the lock portion 17 is inserted into the bearing 210g and is prevented from coming off by a screw 212. Thereby, the lock part 17 is supported rotatably with respect to the third slider 210. A spring 211 (see FIG. 13) is hung between the spring receiver 17j of the lock portion 17 and the spring receiver 210e of the third slider 210. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the lock portion 17 is fixed to the third slider 210 with a counterclockwise rotational force (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) around the engagement hole 17a. Has been. The bottom surface portion 17b of the lock portion 17 is in contact with the inclined portion 206k (see FIG. 9) of the wiper drive base 206 and is held in a posture.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the recess 17 c (see FIG. 10) formed in the lock portion 17 is engaged with the front surface portion 206 m of the wiper drive base 206. As a result, the movement of the lock portion 17 in the Y-axis direction is prohibited with respect to the wiper drive base 206, and the movement of the third slider 210 in the Y-axis direction relative to the wiper drive base 206 is also prohibited.

  The operation of the wiper drive mechanism 15 composed of the above members will be specifically described.

  14 to 17 are side views of the wiper drive base 206 as viewed from the X-axis side. FIG. 16 shows an initial state where the wiper drive mechanism 15 is not operating. The first slider 207 is located at the lowermost position with respect to the wiper drive base 206, and the guide shafts 207h and 207j of the first slider 207 are located at the lowermost positions of the long holes 206c and 206d of the wiper drive base 206. Are located respectively. An elastic member (not shown) is hung between the wiper drive base 206 and the first slider 207, and the first slider 207 exerts a biasing force on the wiper drive base 206 in the direction A in the figure. It has occurred. Further, the second slider 208 is positioned at the lowermost position with respect to the first slider 207, and the guide pins 208c and 208d of the second slider 208 are positioned at the lowermost positions of the guide holes 207c and 207d of the first slider 207. Is located in each. Similarly to the above, the second slider 208 generates an urging force on an elastic member (not shown) in the direction A in the drawing with respect to the first slider 207. That is, the state of FIG. 16 is a normal state in which no force is applied from the outside. In this state, as shown in FIG. 12, the lock portion 17 is engaged with the front portion 206 m of the wiper drive base 206 by the action of the spring 211 (see FIG. 13). Therefore, the third slider 210 does not move even when there is an external vibration or impact.

  In this state, the carrier 10 can be moved on the XY plane by the X-axis motor 161 and the Y-axis motor 171 so that ink is ejected to the claws. That is, the state of FIG. 16 is the state of the wiper drive mechanism 15 in the print mode.

  When the mode shifts from the print mode to the head cleaning mode, the carrier 10 is moved maximum by the X-axis motor 161 in the negative direction of the X-axis (the direction opposite to the pen cabinet 30) (see FIG. 1 and the like). FIG. 18 is a view of the configuration around the lock unit 17 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. In the state shown in FIG. 18, the lock portion 17 is in the locked state as shown in FIG. In this state, the rack portion 60a of the elevating bar 60 is located above the X-axis chassis 200 (plus side in the Z-axis direction).

  In the head cleaning mode, the Z-axis motor 181 meshes with the rack portion 60a of the lift bar 60, and moves the lift bar 60 in the negative Z-axis direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the lower end portion 60b of the rack portion 60a of the elevating bar 60 comes into contact with the arm portion 17d of the lock portion 17, and the lock portion 17 is rotated clockwise around the engagement hole 17a. Move.

  As a result, the engaging portion 17e located above the concave portion 17c of the lock portion 17 (Z-axis plus direction) enters the engaging hole 200a of the X-axis chassis 200. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the engagement portion between the lock portion 17 and the X-axis chassis 200 in the state of FIG. 19 as viewed from the X-axis direction. The engaging portion 17e of the lock portion 17 is sandwiched between the end surface portions 200b and 200c of the engaging hole 200a of the X-axis chassis 200. More specifically, sandwiched between the end surface portions 200b and 200c of the engagement hole 200a of the X-axis chassis 200 are the front surface portion 17g of the lock portion 17, the engagement hole 17e and the spring hooking portion 17f. It is the wall part 17h between.

  At this time, the engagement between the recessed portion 17c and the front surface portion 206m engaged as shown in FIG. 12 is released. FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of this state. As shown in FIG. 21, the engaging portion 17e enters the engaging hole 200a, and the engaging portion 17e is visible from the Z-axis direction.

  When the X-axis chassis 200 and the lock unit 17 are thus connected, the Y-axis motor 171 is then rotated to move the X-axis chassis 200 in the Y-axis minus direction (see FIG. 1 and the like). Thereby, together with the X-axis chassis 200, the lock portion 17 and the third slider 210 move integrally in the Y-axis direction minus direction (see FIG. 1 and the like). When the X-axis chassis 200 is further moved in the Y-axis minus direction, the tip end portion 17k of the spring hooking portion 17f of the lock portion 17 comes into contact with the front surface portion 208g of the second slider 208 (see FIG. 22). When the X-axis chassis 200 further moves in the Y-axis minus direction, the front end portion 17h of the lock portion 17 pushes the front surface portion 208g of the second slider 208 in the Z-axis minus direction. Then, the second slider 208 moves in the Y-axis direction with respect to the first slider 207 against an elastic member (not shown). Then, the guide pins 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d of the second slider 208 rise along the inclined surfaces along the guide holes 207a, 207b, 207c, and 207d of the first slider 207. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state at this time.

  When the Y-axis motor 171 further rotates from this state, the front end portion 17h of the lock portion 17 pushes the front surface portion 208g of the second slider 208 in the Y-axis minus direction. As a result, the guide pins 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d of the second slider 208 push the end surface portions of the guide holes 207a, 207b, 207c, and 207d of the first slider 207, thereby biasing the first slider 207 (FIG. It is moved in the Y-axis minus direction against (not shown). At this time, the guide shafts 207f, 207g, 207h, and 207j of the first slider 207 move along the four long holes 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d of the second slider 208, respectively. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, the first slider 207 moves upward (Z-axis plus direction).

  In the state shown in FIG. 14, the Y-axis motor 171 stops its operation. That is, when the Y-axis motor 171 rotates and the X-axis chassis 200 moves in the Y-axis minus direction, the state shown in FIG. 16 (the wiper drive base 206, the first slider 207, and the second slider are relatively moved by the elastic member. 15 is maintained for a certain period of time, and then the state shown in FIG. 15 (the positional relationship in which the wiper drive base 206 and the first slider 207 are separated and the second slider and the first slider are in close proximity) is maintained. 14 and stops in the state shown in FIG. 14 (the positional relationship in which the wiper drive base 206, the first slider 207, and the second slider 208 are relatively closest to each other against the elastic member).

  Next, the Y-axis motor 171 rotates in the reverse direction to move the X-axis chassis 200 in the Y-axis plus direction. At this time, the first slider 207 and the second slider 208 are different from each other, not simply the opposite of the above-described operation in which the Y-axis motor 171 rotates forward. As shown in FIG. 9, on the first slider 207, a lock claw portion 207k is supported around the fulcrum portion 207m so as to be deflectable (with flexibility) using the elasticity of the resin. Yes. FIG. 23 shows the right side surface side of the behavior of the wiper drive mechanism 15 when changing from the state of FIG. 15 to the state of FIG. In the initial state of FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 23, the guide shafts 207f and 207g of the first slider 207 are at the lowermost positions of the long holes 206a and 206b of the wiper drive base 206. At this time, the lock claw portion 207k of the first slider 207 is located on the release end side (position in the Y-axis plus direction) of the guide hole 206n (see FIG. 9) of the wiper drive base 206.

  24 to 30 are partial enlarged views for explaining the operation of FIG. 24 to 30 show the protrusion 210h of the third slider 210 (see FIG. 10). The protrusion 210h is also inserted into the guide hole 206n of the wiper drive base 206. As described above, since the third slider 210 moves in advance during operation, the protrusion 210h moves to the vicinity of the terminal end of the guide hole 206n of the wiper drive base 206 as shown in FIG. 1 The slider 207 starts to move in the negative direction of the Y axis with respect to the wiper drive base 206. As the first slider 207 moves, the lock claw 207k also moves in the Y-axis minus direction. However, since the long holes 206a and 206b of the wiper drive base 206 are inclined, it also moves (increases) in the Z-axis plus direction. ). Therefore, the lock claw portion 207k first comes into contact with the top surface portion of the guide hole 206n (see FIG. 25), and then the first slider 207 further moves. Then, the lock claw 207k moves in the Y-axis plus direction while increasing the urging force in the Z-axis plus direction, and after passing through the state of FIG. 26, as shown in FIG. Move to the plus side. The state of FIG. 27 is a position indicated by hatching of the guide shafts 207f (2) and 207g (2) and the lock claw portion 207k (2) of FIG. This state is the state shown in FIG.

  When the Y-axis motor 171 is rotated backward from this position, the X-axis chassis 200 moves in the Y-axis plus direction. Thereby, the lock part 17 and the 3rd slider 210 are moved to the Y-axis plus direction through the engagement hole 200a of the X-axis chassis 200. At this time, the distal end portion 17h of the lock portion 17 moves in a direction away from the distal end portion 208g of the second slider 208, so that the wiper driving base is moved against the first slider 207 by an elastic member (not shown). A force that moves relative to the table 206 in the positive direction of the Y-axis acts. Further, a force that moves relative to the first slider 207 in the positive direction of the Y axis also acts on the second slider 208. However, since the lock claw portion 207k of the first slider 207 contacts the locking portion 206p of the guide hole 206n of the wiper drive base 206, the movement of the first slider 207 is prohibited. Therefore, only the second slider 208 moves in a direction away from the first slider 207. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 17 is obtained and this state is maintained.

  When the Y-axis motor 171 further rotates from here and the third slider 210 moves in the Y-axis plus direction, as shown in FIG. 28, the protrusion 210h comes into contact with the inclined surface 207n of the lock claw 207k, and further Try to move in the positive direction of the Y axis. Then, a force is applied to the lock claw portion 207k in the negative direction of the Z axis by the inclined surface 207n. As a result, the lock claw portion 207k is released from the locking portion 206p, and the guide shafts 207f (2) and 207g (2) in FIG. 23 are moved to the positions 207f and 207g, respectively, by the urging force of the elastic member (not shown). Moving. This returns to the state shown in FIG.

  The above operation is the reciprocating operation of the wiper drive mechanism 15 by the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the Y-axis motor 171. Next, the movement of the wiper 16 and the movement of the ink discharge port cap 14 due to this reciprocation will be described.

  FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the second slider 208 and the wiper 16. As shown in FIG. 29, wiper control pins 208e and 208f (see FIG. 9) provided on the inner wall of the second slider 208 are arranged so as to sandwich the R leg portion 16b of the wiper 16. Since the wiper shaft 16a of the wiper 16 is engaged with the wiper shaft hole 207e of the first slider 207 (see FIG. 9), the attitude of the wiper 16 changes depending on the relative positional relationship between the first slider 207 and the second slider 208. To do.

  When the first slider 207 and the second slider 208 are separated by an elastic member (not shown) as in the state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the wiper 16 stands upright as shown in FIG. ing. Then, in the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in which the first slider 207 and the second slider 208 are close to each other against the elastic member, the wiper 16 is inclined in the Y axis plus direction as shown in FIG. The positional relationship between the first slider 207 and the second slider 207 changes from separation → proximity → separation by the reciprocating operation of the wiper drive mechanism 15 described above. As a result, the state of the wiper 16 changes from upright to inclined to upright.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the wiper 16. Due to the reciprocating motion of the wiper drive mechanism 15, the wiper 16 is (c) upright (low Z-axis position) → (d) inclined (low Z-axis position) → (e) inclined (high Z-axis position) → (f) upright. It changes to (high Z-axis position). Since the wiper shaft 16a of the wiper 16 is supported by the first slider 207, the position of the wiper 16 in the Z-axis direction differs depending on the relative position of the first slider 207 with respect to the wiper drive base 206 even though the posture of the wiper 16 is the same. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 31, the wiper 16 changes its Z-axis position along with its posture.

  In the state of FIG. 16, the wiper 16 is in the upright state of FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 15, the wiper 16 is inclined as shown in FIG. Up to this point, since the first slider 207 is at a low position (in the minus direction in the Z-axis direction), the wiper 16 is also at a low position, and the carrier 10 and the wiper 16 are separated and do not contact each other. When the first slider 207 moves from the inclined posture of FIG. 31D, the wiper 16 moves in the positive direction of the Z axis while maintaining the inclined posture, and enters the state of FIG. The state shown in FIG. 31 (e) is the state shown in FIG. 14, and is the position where the carrier 10 has moved most in the Y-axis minus direction. Here, the ink outlet cap 14 is elastically biased in the Z-axis direction by the compression spring 209 (see FIG. 32). At this time, the wiper 16 has a gap with the lower surface of the carrier 10.

  From this state, when the Y-axis motor 171 rotates in the reverse direction and enters the state shown in FIG. 17, the wiper 16 enters the upright state shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 33, the wiper 16 is in the upright posture of (f), and the tip of the wiper 16 contacts the carrier 10. As described above, the state shown in FIG. 33 is the state shown in FIGS. As described above, even if the third slider 210 moves in the positive direction of the Y axis thereafter, the movement of the first slider 207 is prohibited, so that the state shown in FIG. 27 is maintained. As a result, the first slider 207 moves relative to the carrier 10 that moves together with the third slider 210, and in this lock period (period of FIGS. 27 to 28), the wiper 16 holds the posture (f) in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the tip of the wiper 16 comes into contact with the ink discharge port 11, and the ink discharge port 11 can be wiped off.

  When the tip of the wiper 16 reaches a stroke (position in the Y-axis direction) that ends the contact with the ink discharge port 11, the state shown in FIG. 28 is changed to the state shown in FIG. Accordingly, the wiper 16 moves to the position (c) while maintaining the upright posture of (f) in FIG. 31, and the contact between the carrier 10 and the wiper 16 is released. In other words, the relative movement in the Y-axis direction occurs between the carrier 10 and the wiper 16 by being locked, and as a result, the ink discharge port 11 of the carrier 10 is cleaned by the wiper 16.

  That is, due to the rotation of the Y-axis motor 171, the wiper 16 rises in a posture inclined with respect to the carrier 10 and comes into contact with the carrier 10. Thereafter, the ink discharge port 11 is moved together with the carrier 10 to clean the ink discharge port 11, and the wiper 16 moves in the negative direction of the Z axis and is separated from the carrier 10 and the ink discharge port 11.

  Since the wiper drive mechanism 15 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, the wiper 16 is close to the carrier 10 and therefore requires a stroke for movement in the Z-axis plus direction. For the cleaning of the ink discharge port 11 performed in contact with the ink, it is sufficient to move the length of the ink discharge port 11 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the stroke by the Y-axis motor 171 can be a stroke that is about the length of the ink discharge port 11 in the Y-axis direction, and can be the minimum stroke.

  Further, the ink discharge port cap 14 is configured to receive a biasing force by the compression spring 209 in the positive direction of the Z axis. Therefore, when the second slider 208 moves in the Z-axis direction, the ink discharge port cap 14 similarly moves in the Z-axis direction. Since the second slider 208 is supported by the first slider 207, the position of the second slider 208 is affected by the position of the first slider 207 relative to the wiper drive base 206, and the first slider 208 further includes the first slider 208. The position relative to the slider 207 is also affected.

  Further, as described above, the ink discharge port cap 14 is configured to cover the ink discharge port 11 only when the second slider 208 is at the highest position in the Z-axis direction. When the ink outlet cap 14 covers the ink outlet 11, the ink outlet cap 14 is elastically biased toward the carrier 10 by the action of the compression spring 209. Thereby, the ink discharge port cap 14 can protect the ink discharge port 11 with an appropriate force.

<2. Supplementary items>
The specific description of each embodiment of the present invention has been given above. The above description is merely an embodiment, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but should be broadly interpreted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can grasp.

  In the above-described embodiment, the nail printer apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the nail printer apparatus, and can be widely applied as an apparatus for applying a paint to an object. For example, the nail printer device of the above-described embodiment can be applied as a coating device that executes printing by ejecting ink on a three-dimensional object. The present invention is particularly useful in a coating apparatus such as a nail printer apparatus that is required to be smaller than a general ink jet printer apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description is given on the assumption that an image is mainly formed on the nail 41 with ink. However, the nail printer device not only forms an image on the nail 41 but also forms and coats a base film. Formation of the film with the agent is feasible. At this time, the ink cartridge holds a coating agent or the like (collectively referred to as ink and called paint).

  The present invention is suitably applied to a nail printer that performs printing on nails.

10 Carrier 11 Ink Ejection Port 14 Ink Ejection Port Cap 15 Wiper Drive Mechanism 16 Wiper 17 Locking Unit 20 Pen 21 Pen Holder 30 Pen Cabinet 40 Finger 41 Nail 50 Finger Fixing Mechanism 50A Finger Fixing Frame 50B Finger Fixing Spring 60 Lift Bar 100 Control Unit 110 communication unit 120 start processing unit 130 memory 140 print head control unit 141 print head 150 power supply unit 160 X axis motor control unit 161 X axis motor 162 X axis motor belt 170 Y axis motor control unit 171 Y axis motor 172 Y axis motor Shaft 180 Z-axis motor control unit 181 Z-axis motor 190 User message unit 191 Error LED
192 Audio output unit 193 Image display unit

Claims (7)

A carrier having an ink ejection port for ejecting ink onto a medium;
A first drive unit for driving the carrier in a first direction;
A second driving unit that drives the carrier in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at a lower speed than the driving speed of the carrier by the first driving unit;
An image drawing apparatus comprising: a cleaning unit that is driven by the second driving unit to clean the ink discharge port. The image drawing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is substantially the same direction as an insertion direction of the medium. The carrier has an engaging member movable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;
When the engaging member moves in the third direction, switching is performed between a drawing mode in which ink is ejected onto the medium by the ink ejection port and a cleaning mode in which the ink ejection port is cleaned by the cleaning unit. The image drawing apparatus according to claim 2. The carrier holds the pen detachably,
The image drawing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the engaging member is configured to move the pen in the third direction. The engagement member is capable of executing switching between the drawing mode and the cleaning mode at a position outside the movement range of the pen in the third direction when the pen is drawn on the medium. The image drawing apparatus described. A pen cabinet for detachably holding the pen;
The image drawing device according to claim 3, wherein the pen cabinet holds the pen in the cleaning mode. The image drawing device according to claim 1, wherein the pen cabinet and the cleaning unit are arranged so as to sandwich the position of the medium in the second direction.