JP2012206450A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform ultraviolet irradiation in both outward and return movement of a print head while suppressing increases in an installation space and a loaded weight at minimum in arranging an ultraviolet irradiation source on a print head conveying means.SOLUTION: The recorder 1 includes: a mounting table 2; a print head 3 which discharges ink cured by exposure of an ultraviolet ray; a carriage 4 which reciprocates the print head 3 to one side and the other side of a scan direction; a plurality of nozzle holes 9 arrayed on an end surface of the print head 3 on a mounting table 2 side along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scan direction; a plurality of light emitting elements 11 which are arrayed over the orthogonal direction opposite to the end surface of the print head 3 and generates the ultraviolet ray; and an optical path switching mechanism 20 which is arranged opposite to the print head 3, and switches a terminal part of an optical path 30 of the ultraviolet ray between a first optical path 31 passing through the one side of the scan direction of the print head 3 and a second optical path 32 passing through the other side of the scan direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs desired recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus that discharges ink onto a recording medium and cures the ink by irradiating with ultraviolet rays is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this recording apparatus, when a recording sheet as a recording medium is set, a print head (recording head) reciprocates alternately between one side in the scanning direction and the other side in the scanning direction. Ink is discharged from the moving print head onto the recording paper, and then the ink is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  For example, in this prior art printer, assume a configuration in which a discharge tube as an ultraviolet ray generation source and a movable plane reflecting mirror are mounted on a print head transport means (carriage) for transporting a print head. When the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction, the movable plane reflecting mirror switches the optical path from the discharge tube to the other side in the scanning direction of the print head. Accordingly, it is assumed that the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording paper is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head that moves to one side in the scanning direction. When the print head is moving to the other side in the scanning direction, the movable plane reflecting mirror switches the optical path to one side in the scanning direction of the print head. Thus, it is assumed that the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording paper is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head that moves to the other side in the scanning direction.

JP-A-60-132767

  The movable plane reflecting mirror switches the optical path from the discharge tube, so that irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head while the print head is moving to one side or the other side in the scanning direction. However, in the above prior art, one large discharge tube is mounted on the print head conveying means as an ultraviolet ray generation source. As a result, there is a problem that a large installation space is required in the print head conveying means and the mounting weight is greatly increased.

  It is an object of the present invention to perform ultraviolet irradiation both during the reciprocation of the print head while minimizing an increase in installation space and mounting weight when an ultraviolet irradiation source is provided in the print head conveying means. To provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention relates to a placing means capable of placing a recording medium and an ink that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light to the recording medium on which the placing means is placed. A print head for discharging the print head, a print head transporting means for reciprocating the print head to one side and the other side in the scanning direction within a moving surface separated from the mounting means by a predetermined distance; A plurality of nozzle holes that are arranged along the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the scanning direction in the moving surface on the end surface, and each of the nozzles of the print head is located on the opposite side of the end surface from the nozzle hole of the print head. A plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the orthogonal direction and generating ultraviolet rays for irradiating the recording medium on which the placing means is placed; and the plurality of light emitting elements provided on the opposite side of the print head. Element A first optical path that passes through one side in the scanning direction of the print head and a second part that passes through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head at the end of the optical path from the generated ultraviolet light to the recording medium. And an optical path switching means capable of switching to an optical path.

  In the first invention of this application, when the recording medium is placed on the placing means, the print head is reciprocated alternately between the scanning direction one side and the scanning direction other side by the print head conveying means. Ink is ejected to the recording medium from a plurality of nozzle holes provided in the end face of the moving print head.

  The ink ejected from the print head as described above is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In the first invention of the present application, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged across the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction on the opposite side of the print head. The ink is irradiated by the ultraviolet rays generated from the plurality of light emitting elements being guided to the recording medium. The optical path from the plurality of light emitting elements to the recording medium for ultraviolet rays is provided on the opposite side of the print head depending on whether the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction or the other side in the scanning direction. It is switched by the optical path switching means.

  When the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction, the optical path switching means switches the end portion of the optical path to the second optical path. Since the second optical path passes through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the printing head that moves to one side in the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium. When the print head is moving to the other side in the scanning direction, the optical path switching means switches the end portion of the optical path to the first optical path. Since the first optical path passes through one side of the print head in the scanning direction and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed behind the moving direction of the print head that moves to the other side of the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  As described above, in the first invention of the present application, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head regardless of whether the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction or the other side. Irradiation can be performed on the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium. Thereby, rapid recording can be performed on the recording medium. Also, by using a plurality of light emitting elements as the ultraviolet irradiation source mounted on the print head, the installation space and mounting weight when the ultraviolet irradiation source is provided on the print head transport means compared to the case where a single large discharge tube or the like is used. Increase and heat generation can be minimized. In particular, by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, the reciprocating motion of the print head in the scanning direction is used to ensure uniform irradiation to the recording medium, and Space required for installation can be reduced as much as possible.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the substrate includes a radiator that is connected to one side or the other side in the orthogonal direction of the substrate on which the plurality of light emitting elements are provided.

  In the second invention of the present application, a radiator is provided on the substrate on which the light emitting element is provided. Thereby, the heat generated when the light emitting element emits ultraviolet rays can be released from the heat radiating body and cooled. Further, the radiator is connected in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction in the moving surface. Thereby, for example, when the recording medium placed on the placing means moves along the orthogonal direction, the heat radiating body is positioned upstream or downstream of the substrate along the moving direction. Become. When the radiator is located upstream of the substrate, the recording medium passes through the vicinity of the radiator just before reaching the print head, so that the recording medium is affected by the temperature rising atmosphere around the radiator that is radiating heat. Can be preheated, and the curing of the ink ejected from the nozzle holes of the print head immediately after that can be accelerated. When the radiator is located downstream of the substrate, the print head passes through the vicinity of the radiator immediately after ejecting ink to the recording medium. The recording medium can be post-heated to reliably cure the ink.

  According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the plurality of light emitting elements emit the ultraviolet light in a direction substantially opposite to the end surface on the opposite side of the print head, and the optical path switching unit includes the optical path switching unit, A first rotation state that is provided on the opposite side of the plurality of light emitting elements and that reflects the substantially oppositely emitted ultraviolet light and reflects it at a predetermined reflection angle to the opposite side of the one side in the scanning direction of the print head. And a second rotation state in which the ultraviolet rays emitted in the substantially opposite direction are incident and reflected to the opposite side of the print head on the other side in the scanning direction at a predetermined reflection angle. The first optical path reflected by a predetermined reflection angle on the one side in the scanning direction of the print head after the ultraviolet light reflected from the moving reflecting means and the rotating reflecting means in the first rotating state is incident. First reflecting means for generating 2nd reflection means which inject | emits the said ultraviolet-ray reflected from the said rotation reflection means in 2 rotation states, and reflects it with the predetermined reflection angle to the said scanning direction other side of the said print head, and produces | generates a said 2nd optical path. And.

  In the third invention of the present application, the optical path switching means includes rotation reflecting means, first reflecting means, and second reflecting means. When the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction, the rotation reflection means is rotated and switched to the second rotation state. Thereby, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements in substantially opposite directions are guided to the second reflecting means via the rotating reflecting means in the second rotating state. The second reflecting means reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate a second optical path. Since the second optical path passes through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the printing head that moves to one side in the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  When the print head is moving to the other side in the scanning direction, the rotation reflection means is rotated and switched to the first rotation state. Thereby, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements substantially in the opposite directions are guided to the first reflecting means via the rotating reflecting means in the first rotating state. The first reflecting means reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate a first optical path. Since the first optical path passes through one side of the print head in the scanning direction and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed behind the moving direction of the print head that moves to the other side of the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  As described above, in the third invention of the present application, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head, even while the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction or the other side. Irradiation can be performed on the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium. In addition, it is not necessary to rotate the plurality of light emitting elements themselves by switching the optical path using the rotation of the rotation reflecting means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays is stopped while the rotation reflection means is being switched between the first rotation state and the second rotation state. And an irradiation control means for controlling the plurality of light emitting elements.

  In the fourth invention of the present application, the irradiation from the plurality of light emitting elements is stopped while the rotation reflecting means is switched between the first rotation state and the second rotation state. . As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the ultraviolet rays from being accidentally irradiated to the nozzles due to the reflection of the ultraviolet rays in the unspecified direction from the rotating reflection means, and various problems to occur.

  According to a fifth invention, in the first or second invention, the plurality of light emitting elements emit the ultraviolet rays substantially oppositely on the opposite side of the print head, and the optical path switching unit includes the plurality of light emitting elements. A first rotational position for emitting ultraviolet rays to the opposite side of the print head on one side in the scanning direction, and a second rotating position for emitting ultraviolet rays to the opposite side of the print head on the other side in the scanning direction. A light source rotation mechanism that rotates so as to be switchable to a rotation position, and the ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements at the first rotation position is incident on one side in the scanning direction of the print head. Third scanning means for reflecting at a predetermined reflection angle to generate the first optical path, and the scanning of the print head by receiving the ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements at the second rotational position. Predetermined reflection to the other side of the direction In reflected and characterized in that it comprises a fourth reflecting means for generating said second optical path.

  In the fifth invention of the present application, the optical path switching means includes a light source rotating mechanism, a third reflecting means, and a fourth reflecting means. When the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction, the light emitting elements are rotated by the light source rotation mechanism to be switched to the second rotation position. Thereby, the ultraviolet-ray radiate | emitted from the several light emitting element in a 2nd rotation position is guide | induced to a 4th reflection means. The fourth reflecting means reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate a second optical path. Since the second optical path passes through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the printing head that moves to one side in the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  When the print head is moving to the other side in the scanning direction, the plurality of light emitting elements are rotated by the light source rotation mechanism and switched to the first rotation position. Thereby, the ultraviolet-ray radiate | emitted from the several light emitting element in a 1st rotation position is guide | induced to the 3rd reflection means. The third reflecting means reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate the first optical path. Since the first optical path passes through one side of the print head in the scanning direction and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed behind the moving direction of the print head that moves to the other side of the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  As described above, in the fifth invention of the present application, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head regardless of whether the print head is moving to the one side in the scanning direction or the other side. Irradiation can be performed on the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium. In addition, the light source rotation mechanism rotates the light emitting elements themselves to switch the optical path, so that the ultraviolet rays from the fixed light emitting elements are incident and distributed to the third reflecting means and the fourth reflecting means. There is no need to provide a separate mirror or the like.

  In the fifth invention of the present application, in particular, when a heat radiating body is connected to a substrate provided with a plurality of light emitting elements to radiate heat, the heat radiating body is also integrated when the light source rotating mechanism rotates the plurality of light emitting elements. And turn. In that case, the dimension of the height direction of the board | substrate which is a rotation body, and the whole heat radiator can be suppressed by connecting a heat radiator to the one side (or other side) of the said orthogonal | vertical direction of a board | substrate. As a result, the rotational moment required for rotation is reduced, and the driving force required for the light source rotation mechanism can be reduced.

  A sixth invention is the conversion device according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, wherein the conversion means is provided in the vicinity of the plurality of light emitting elements, and converts the light emitted while spreading from each light emitting element into substantially parallel light, And diffusing means provided on the first optical path and the second optical path, respectively, for spreading the substantially parallel light at a predetermined angle.

  In the sixth invention of the present application, after being converted by the converting means, the ultraviolet light is guided in a substantially parallel light mode until reaching the diffusing means of the first optical path and the second optical path. Thereby, even if the distance in the light beam direction of the substantially parallel light fluctuates due to an error that may occur at the time of assembling each component during manufacturing of the recording apparatus, the beam diameter does not change. As a result, it is possible to keep the processing accuracy and assembly accuracy of the components at the time of manufacturing the recording apparatus relatively low, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  A seventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, a plurality of light source portions of the light emitting element are provided at intervals, and a plurality of the conversion means are provided.

  As a result, the conversion means can be made smaller than the case where only one conversion means is provided and all the ultraviolet rays of the light source portions of the plurality of light emitting elements spaced apart by the only conversion means are made parallel light, Increased freedom of placement.

  An eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the plurality of conversion means convert ultraviolet rays irradiated from different light emitting elements into substantially parallel light.

  The plurality of conversion means convert the ultraviolet rays from the respective light emitting elements into substantially parallel light, thereby downsizing the conversion means.

  According to a ninth invention, in the eighth invention, the plurality of conversion means are provided in an optical path upstream of the optical path switching by the optical path switching means, and the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the separate light emitting elements are converted into substantially parallel light. It is characterized by converting.

  On the downstream side of the optical path switching by the conversion means, the number of conversion means can be halved compared to a configuration in which the same number of conversion means is provided in both optical paths.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the plurality of conversion means are arranged in the same number as the light emitting elements, and convert ultraviolet rays irradiated from different light emitting elements into substantially parallel light.

  This ensures that the conversion means is smaller than the case where only one conversion means is provided, and the only conversion means is used to make the UV light of the light source portions of the plurality of spaced light emitting elements parallel. , The degree of freedom of arrangement increases.

  An eleventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, a plurality of the light emitting elements are provided and one conversion means is provided.

  It is easier to install the conversion means than when a plurality of conversion means are provided.

  In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to eleventh aspects, a shape of an irradiation region with respect to the recording medium on which the placing unit by the light emitting element is placed is an object shape with respect to a line perpendicular to the scanning direction. It is characterized by being.

  Thereby, uniform irradiation can be performed.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the shape of the irradiation area with respect to the recording medium placed by the placing means by the light emitting element is an irradiation area by the light emitting element via the first optical path. And the irradiation region by the light emitting element via the second optical path are the same.

  Thereby, it is possible to ensure an equivalent irradiation area while the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction and also to the other side.

  A fourteenth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to thirteenth inventions, a side opposite to the end face is above the nozzle hole of the print head, and the substantially opposite side is substantially above.

  Thereby, the optical path of the ultraviolet rays from the plurality of light emitting elements provided above the print head can be switched to the first optical path or the second optical path by the optical path switching means, and irradiation can be performed behind the print head in the moving direction.

  A fifteenth aspect of the invention is a mounting unit capable of mounting a recording medium, and a print head for discharging ink that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light onto the recording medium mounted by the mounting unit. A print head transporting means for reciprocating the print head in the scanning direction on one side and the other side in a moving surface separated from the mounting means by a predetermined distance; and an end surface of the print head on the moving surface. A plurality of nozzle holes that are arranged along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, respectively, and are arranged across the orthogonal direction in front of the nozzle holes of the print head; A plurality of light emitting elements for generating ultraviolet rays for irradiating the recording medium placed thereon, and the ultraviolet light generated from the plurality of light emitting elements provided on the front side of the print head to the recording medium An optical path switching means capable of switching a terminal portion of the optical path up to a first optical path passing through one side in the scanning direction of the print head and a second optical path passing through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head; It is characterized by having.

  In the fifteenth invention of this application, when the recording medium is placed on the placing means, the print head is reciprocated alternately between the scanning direction one side and the scanning direction other side by the print head transport means. Ink is ejected to the recording medium from a plurality of nozzle holes provided in the end face of the moving print head.

  The ink ejected from the print head as described above is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In the first invention of the present application, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the scanning direction on the front side of the print head. The ink is irradiated by the ultraviolet rays generated from the plurality of light emitting elements being guided to the recording medium. An optical path of the ultraviolet light from the plurality of light emitting elements to the recording medium is provided on the front side of the print head depending on whether the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction or the other side in the scanning direction. It is switched by the optical path switching means.

  When the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction, the optical path switching means switches the end portion of the optical path to the second optical path. Since the second optical path passes through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the printing head that moves to one side in the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium. When the print head is moving to the other side in the scanning direction, the optical path switching means switches the end portion of the optical path to the first optical path. Since the first optical path passes through one side of the print head in the scanning direction and reaches the recording medium, irradiation is performed behind the moving direction of the print head that moves to the other side of the scanning direction. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being discharged onto the recording medium.

  As described above, according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head regardless of whether the print head is moving to one side in the scanning direction or the other side. Irradiation can be performed on the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium. Thereby, rapid recording can be performed on the recording medium. Also, by using a plurality of light emitting elements as the ultraviolet irradiation source mounted on the print head, the installation space and mounting weight when the ultraviolet irradiation source is provided on the print head transport means compared to the case where a single large discharge tube or the like is used. Increase and heat generation can be minimized. In particular, by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, the reciprocating motion of the print head in the scanning direction is used to ensure uniform irradiation to the recording medium, and Space required for installation can be reduced as much as possible.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform ultraviolet irradiation both during the reciprocation of the print head while minimizing an increase in installation space and an increase in mounting weight when the ultraviolet irradiation source is provided in the print head conveying means. it can.

1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement of nozzle holes on a nozzle surface of a print head installed in the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the light emitting element installed in the recording device of FIG. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the collimator lens provided in the light emitting element of the ultraviolet-ray generation source. It is a front view which shows the diffusion mirror provided in the optical path of the ultraviolet-ray from an ultraviolet-ray generation source. 6 is a timing chart at the time of scanning of the print head of the recording apparatus. It is a top view showing the modification which connected the heat radiator to the element substrate. It is a front view which shows the recording apparatus of the modification which switches an optical path by rotation of a light emitting element. It is a top view which shows the light source rotation mechanism of the recording device of FIG. It is a front view which shows the recording apparatus of the modification using a convex lens.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a recording apparatus of the present invention. The recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment places a placement table 2 (placement means) that places a recording medium P such as paper or cloth and supports it in a horizontal direction, and ink that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet rays. The print head 3 that discharges the recording medium P on which the table 2 is placed, and the print head 3 are mounted, and the print head 3 is located on the left side in FIG. 1 in a substantially horizontal plane (= one side in the scanning direction. , Simply referred to as “left side”) and the right side in FIG. 1 (= the other side in the scanning direction; hereinafter simply referred to as “right side” as appropriate), and a carriage 4 (printing head conveying means), An ultraviolet ray generation source 10 including a plurality of light emitting elements 11 that emit ultraviolet rays, and an optical path switching mechanism 20 (optical path switching means) provided on the carriage 4 are provided.

  For example, on the left side of the mounting table 2, a flushing unit 7 that ejects ink from the nozzle holes of the print head 3 to eject and remove ink clogs in the nozzle holes is provided at appropriate times. For example, the other side is provided with a purging unit 8 that sucks and removes ink remaining in the nozzle holes of the print head 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print head 3 includes, for example, a plurality of nozzle holes 9Y, 9M, which eject four colors of ink of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). 9C, 9Bk. The nozzle holes 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9Bk) for each color are along the orthogonal direction (see FIG. 2) perpendicular to the scanning direction on the nozzle surface 3a of the lower surface of the print head 3 (surface on the mounting table 2 side). Are arranged and open.

  The carriage 4 is slidably supported by a plurality of (two in this example) guide bars 5 extending in the scanning direction. The carriage 4 is provided with a drive mechanism (not shown) such as an endless belt drive system. The carriage 4 is reciprocated along the scanning direction with the guide bar 5 as a guide by driving by the driving mechanism, and the print head 3 is reciprocated along the scanning direction accordingly.

  The ultraviolet light source 10 generates ultraviolet light that irradiates the recording medium P placed on the placement table 2. The ultraviolet ray generation source 10 is installed at a position above the print head 3 in the carriage 4. The ultraviolet ray generation source 10 includes at least one (in this example, seven) light emitting elements 11 such as UVLEDs having a light source unit (not shown) that emits ultraviolet rays.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the seven light emitting elements 11 are mounted on an element substrate 11a. The light emitting elements 11 are arranged in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the print head 3. In this example, the light emitting elements 11 are arranged in a so-called staggered arrangement so as to be staggered vertically and horizontally with respect to the element substrate 11a. Thereby, the unevenness of the light density in the cross section orthogonal to the ultraviolet ray emitted substantially upward can be reduced.

  A collimator lens 12 (conversion means) is disposed at a position closest to the light emitting element 11 on the ultraviolet light emitting side in order to convert the ultraviolet light emitted while spreading from the light emitting element 11 into parallel light substantially parallel to the optical axis of the light emitting element 11. Has been placed. In this example, seven collimator lenses 12 are provided so as to correspond to the seven light emitting elements 11 respectively. In addition, the light emitting elements 11 are arranged such that the light source portions are substantially equidistant from each other, and correspondingly, the collimator lenses 12 are also arranged substantially equidistant from each other.

  The ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 11 pass through the conversion by the collimator lens 12 and reach the left diffusion mirror 22 and the right reflection mirror 23 (described later) inserted in the optical path 30 to the recording medium P. Until then, the optical path 30 is guided in a substantially parallel light mode.

  The collimator lens 12 has a large shape covering all of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 with one, and a small shape covering all of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 one by one (in the present embodiment). For example, all of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 may be divided into several pieces and covered with several pieces, and any of these may be used. If a collimator lens having a large shape is used, there is an advantage that the conversion means can be easily installed. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, all of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 are covered by the same number one by one. A collimator lens 12 having a small shape is used. As a result, the conversion means can be reduced in size and the degree of freedom of arrangement can be increased as compared with a case where a single large collimator lens is used and all of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 arranged at intervals are covered.

  The optical path switching mechanism 20 includes a first optical path 31 that passes through the left side of the print head 3 and the right side of the print head 3 through the terminal portion of the ultraviolet light path 30 from the light emitting elements 11 to the recording medium P. For switching to the second optical path 32 that passes through. The optical path switching mechanism 20 is fixedly provided on the carriage 4 and a rotating mirror 21 (rotating reflection means) that is rotatably provided around the light emitting elements 11 of the carriage 4 with a support shaft 21 a as a fulcrum. The left diffusing mirror 22 (first reflecting means, diffusing means) disposed on the left side of the rotating mirror 21 and the right reflecting mirror 23 (fixed to the carriage 4 and disposed on the right side of the rotating mirror 21 ( Second reflecting means).

  The rotating mirror 21 is composed of a flat plate-like double-sided reflector, and an optical path of ultraviolet rays emitted substantially upward from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 in the vertical direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the scanning direction from the plurality of light emitting elements 11. 30. The rotating mirror 21 can be switched between a first rotating state and a second rotating state by rotating about a support shaft 21a provided at the center thereof.

  In the first rotation state, the rotary mirror 21 tilts forward to the left side of the print head 3 at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °), and enters the ultraviolet rays from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet ray generation source 10. Reflects to the left side at a predetermined reflection angle (substantially the same angle as the forward tilt angle θ). In the second rotation state, the rotating mirror 21 tilts forward to the right side of the print head 3 at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °), and receives ultraviolet rays from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet ray generation source 10. The light is reflected to the right side at a predetermined reflection angle (substantially the same angle as the forward tilt angle θ).

As shown in FIG. 5, the left diffusion mirror 22 is provided with, for example, a plurality of convex aluminum mirror surfaces 25 coated with magnesium difluoride (MgF ₂ ) on the surface of an aluminum plate 25a. The number of the aluminum mirror surfaces 25 is preferably the same as the number of the light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet light source 10, and is arranged corresponding to the light emitting elements 11 so that one aluminum mirror surface 25 corresponds to one light emitting element 11.

  The left diffusion mirror 22 is tilted forward at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °) to the right side in the vertical direction perpendicular to the scanning direction on the left side of the print head 3. Then, the left diffusion mirror 22 is rotated as described above and receives the ultraviolet rays reflected from the rotating mirror 21 in the first rotating state, and enters the left side of the print head 3 with a predetermined reflection angle (forward tilt angle). The first optical path 31 is generated by reflection at substantially the same angle as θ. As a result, the terminal portion of the optical path 30 of the ultraviolet light reaching the recording medium P from the light emitting element 11 is switched to the first optical path 31.

  The switching to the first optical path 31 is performed when the print head 3 is moving toward the right side. The ultraviolet rays emitted substantially upward from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 travel on the optical path 30 to the rotating mirror 21, then travel to the first optical path 31 via the rotating mirror 21 and the left diffusion mirror 22, and travel on the left side of the print head 3. The recording medium P on the mounting table 2 is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 passing through and moving toward the right side.

  The right reflecting mirror 23 is made of a flat reflecting plate. The right reflecting mirror 23 is inclined forward at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °) to the left side in the vertical direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the scanning direction on the right side of the print head 3. Then, the right reflecting mirror 23 is rotated as described above and receives the ultraviolet rays reflected from the rotating mirror 21 in the second rotating state, and enters the right side of the print head 3 with a predetermined reflection angle (forward tilt angle θ). And the second optical path 32 is generated. As a result, the terminal portion of the optical path 30 of the ultraviolet light reaching the recording medium P from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 is switched to the second optical path 32.

  The switching to the second optical path 32 is performed when the print head 3 is moving toward the left side. The ultraviolet rays emitted substantially upward from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 travel on the optical path 30 to the rotating mirror 21, then travel to the second optical path 32 via the rotating mirror 21 and the right reflecting mirror 23, and travel on the right side of the print head 3. The recording medium P on the mounting table 2 is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 passing through and moving toward the left side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a diffusing lens 24 (a diffusing unit) such as a concave lens is provided immediately before the end of the second optical path 32. This diffusing lens 24 is for reducing the unevenness of irradiation of ultraviolet rays onto the recording medium P placed on the placing table 2, and the spot of ultraviolet rays of substantially parallel light that has traveled through the second optical path 32 is circular. The diameter is expanded as it is. Alternatively, the diffusing lens 24 may enlarge the spot of the substantially parallel light ultraviolet ray that has traveled along the second optical path 32 in an elliptical shape only in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the print head 3. In other words, the ultraviolet spot irradiated on the recording medium P is not easily exposed to uneven irradiation because the print head 3 overlaps in the scanning direction. On the other hand, in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, an overlap due to scanning of the print head 3 is unlikely to occur, so that uneven irradiation tends to occur. Therefore, it is preferable that the diffusing lens 24 expands the ultraviolet ray in an elliptical shape only in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, and causes an overlap of ultraviolet spots in the orthogonal direction.

  On the other hand, the left diffusion mirror 22 disposed in the first optical path 31 has an aluminum mirror surface 25 that acts as a kind of convex mirror, and thus also serves as a diffusion means such as a diffusion lens as described above. For this reason, when the first optical path 31 is generated by reflecting the ultraviolet light incident from the rotating mirror 21 at a predetermined angle, the first optical path 31 travels along the first optical path 31 to the recording medium P on the mounting table 2. The spot of the irradiated ultraviolet ray is expanded. Therefore, unlike the second optical path 32, the first optical path 31 does not require a diffusing lens. The left diffusing mirror 22 preferably expands an ultraviolet spot in an elliptical shape only in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction.

  The shape of the left irradiation area of the recording medium P by the first optical path 31 and the shape of the right irradiation area of the recording medium P by the second optical path 32 make the irradiation to the recording medium P uniform. For this reason, it is preferable that the line is symmetrical with respect to an orthogonal line (vertical line in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the scanning direction, and further, the same shape.

  The operational effects of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  In the recording apparatus 1, when the recording medium P is placed on the placement table 2, the print head 3 is reciprocated alternately between the left side and the right side by the carriage 4, and from the nozzle surface 3 a of the moving print head 3. Ink is ejected to the recording medium P, and a recording image such as a character or an image is drawn on the surface of the recording medium P. Thereafter, the ink ejected from the print head 3 is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays, so that the fixing of the recording image onto the recording medium P is completed, and the recording is completed. At that time, the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 is installed at a position above the print head 3 of the carriage 4, and a plurality of light emitting elements 11 are arranged in the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. When the ultraviolet rays generated from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 are guided to the recording medium P, the ink is irradiated.

  In the present embodiment, the optical path 30 of ultraviolet rays from the light emitting element 11 to the recording medium P is switched by the optical path switching mechanism 20 depending on whether the print head 3 is moving to the left side or the right side. . When the print head 3 is moved to the left side, the rotation mirror 21 is rotated and switched to the second rotation state. Thereby, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 substantially upward of the print head 3 are guided to the right reflecting mirror 23 through the rotating mirror 21 in the second rotating state. The right reflection mirror 23 reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate the second optical path 32. Since the second optical path 32 passes through the right side of the print head 3 and reaches the recording medium P, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the print head 3 moving to the left side. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium P. By immediately curing the ink after ejection, there is little ink bleeding and image degradation can be reduced. Furthermore, in comparison with a configuration in which a discharge tube as an ultraviolet ray generation source and a movable plane reflecting mirror are mounted on a print head transport means (carriage) for transporting a print head to a conventional printer, the present embodiment In the recording apparatus 1, the efficiency of light energy can be increased.

  On the other hand, when the print head 3 is moving to the right side, the rotating mirror 21 is rotated and switched to the first rotating state. Thereby, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 substantially above the print head 3 are guided to the left diffusion mirror 22 through the rotating mirror 21 in the first rotating state. The left diffusing mirror 22 reflects the incident ultraviolet rays at a predetermined reflection angle to generate the first optical path 31. Since the first optical path 31 passes through the left side of the print head 3 and reaches the recording medium P, irradiation is performed on the rear side in the moving direction of the print head 3 moving to the right side. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium P.

  As described above, in the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 regardless of whether the print head 3 is moving to the left side or the right side. In other words, the ink immediately after being ejected onto the recording medium P can be irradiated. Thereby, quick recording can be performed on the recording medium P.

  FIG. 6 shows a control mode of the print head 3 and the ultraviolet light source 10 when the print head 3 is alternately scanned and reciprocated on the left side (one side in the scanning direction) and the right side (the other side in the scanning direction) as described above. It is a timing chart showing. As described above, when the print head 3 is scanning to the left side, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 are guided to the second optical path 32 and irradiated, and the print head 3 is scanning to the right side. In this case, ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements of the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 are guided to the first optical path 31 and irradiated. Note that, in order to switch the optical path between the first optical path 31 and the second optical path 32, the rotating mirror 21 is changed from the first rotating state to the second rotating state, and from the second rotating state. In the middle of being driven to the first rotation state, as shown in the figure, the irradiation control means (not shown) provided in the recording apparatus 1 controls the light emitting element 11 to be turned off, and the ultraviolet irradiation is stopped. To do. Thereby, useless power consumption can be reduced. Further, the ultraviolet rays are reflected from the rotating mirror 21 in an unspecified direction so that the nozzle holes are mistakenly irradiated with the ultraviolet rays, and it is ensured that various problems such as, for example, the ink is solidified and the nozzle holes 9 are clogged. Can be prevented.

  At this time, in this embodiment, by using a plurality of light emitting elements 11 as ultraviolet irradiation sources mounted on the carriage 4 together with the print head 3, the carriage 4 has ultraviolet rays compared to the conventional structure using one large discharge tube or the like. An increase in installation space, mounting weight, and heat generation when the irradiation source (the plurality of light emitting elements 11) is provided can be minimized. In particular, by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements 11 in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the print head 3, uniform irradiation to the recording medium P is performed using the reciprocating motion of the print head 3 in the scanning direction. While ensuring, the space required for installation of the light emitting element 11 can be reduced as much as possible. Further, by switching the optical path using the rotation of the rotating mirror 21, there is no need to rotate the plurality of light emitting elements 11 themselves.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a collimator lens 12 is provided as a means for converting into parallel light in the vicinity of the plurality of light emitting elements 11, and light emitted while spreading from each light emitting element 11 is converted into substantially parallel light. Thereby, after the ultraviolet rays are converted by the conversion means, until they reach the left diffusion mirror 22 in the first optical path 31 (also serving as the diffusion means as described above) and the diffusion lens 24 in the second optical path 32, It is guided in the form of substantially parallel light. Thereby, even if the distance in the light beam direction of the substantially parallel light fluctuates due to an error that may occur at the time of assembling each component during manufacturing of the recording apparatus 1, the beam diameter does not change. As a result, it is possible to keep the processing accuracy and assembly accuracy of the components during manufacturing of the recording apparatus 1 relatively low, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) In the case where a heat sink is provided In the above embodiment, heat dissipation from the light emitting element 11 has not been particularly described. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a heat radiator is mounted on an element substrate 11a on which a plurality of light emitting elements 11 are mounted. 15 can also be provided. In this example, the heat radiating body 15 is provided on one side (upper side in FIG. 7, back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1) in the orthogonal direction with respect to the element substrate 11 a. The element substrate 11a is connected to the heat radiator 15 of the arrangement via a heat pipe 16. Contrary to the above, the radiator 15 may be arranged on the other side (the lower side in FIG. 7 or the back side of the paper in FIG. 1) in the orthogonal direction with respect to the element substrate 11a.

  In the present modification, by providing the heat radiator 15, heat generated when the light emitting element 11 emits ultraviolet rays can be released from the heat radiator 15 and cooled. In addition, the radiator 15 is mounted on, for example, the mounting table 2 by connecting it in the orthogonal direction of the light emitting element 11 (in the above example, the lower side in the figure, the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1). When the recording medium P moves to the near side in FIG. 1 along the orthogonal direction, the radiator 15 moves upstream (above example) or downstream (above example) from the element substrate 11a along the moving direction. (In the case of the opposite side to the above example). Further, in the radiator 15, in order to increase the cooling efficiency by the reciprocating movement of the carriage 4, a large number of cooling fans protruding in the scanning direction may be provided.

  When the radiator 15 is located on the upstream side of the element substrate 11a as in the example shown in FIG. 7, the vicinity of the radiator 15 (in this example, immediately before the recording medium P reaches the print head 3). Passes under the radiator 15). Thereby, the recording medium P can be preheated by the temperature rising atmosphere around the heat radiating body 15 that is radiating heat, and the curing of the ink ejected from the nozzle holes 9 of the print head 3 can be accelerated immediately. On the contrary, when the radiator 15 is located downstream of the element substrate 11a, immediately after the print head 3 ejects ink to the recording medium P, the vicinity of the radiator 15 (below the radiator 15) is placed. Since it passes, the recording medium P can be post-heated by the temperature rising atmosphere around the heat dissipating body 15 during heat dissipation, and the ink can be reliably cured.

(2) In the case where the ultraviolet ray generation source is movably arranged A recording apparatus 1 according to such a modification is shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably. In FIG. 8, in the present modification, the optical path switching mechanism 20 switches the optical path by rotating the plurality of light emitting elements 11.

  That is, in FIG. 8, the optical path switching mechanism 20 of the present modified example includes a light source rotating mechanism 17 in which an ultraviolet ray generation source 10 including a plurality of light emitting elements 11 is rotatably attached, and a left side in FIG. (= One side in the scanning direction; hereinafter, simply referred to as “left side” where appropriate) In the vertical direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the scanning direction, the left diffusion mirror 26 (third) provided above the plurality of light emitting elements 11. Reflection means, diffusing means) and a right side (= the other side in the scanning direction in FIG. 8) of the print head 3 (hereinafter referred to as “right side” where appropriate) in a vertical direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to the scanning direction. And a right reflecting mirror 27 (fourth reflecting means) provided above the light emitting element 11.

  In this example, the light source rotating mechanism 17 includes a step motor 18 that generates a driving force for rotating the light emitting elements 11 and a speed reducer 19 as shown in FIG. The step motor 18 is attached to the end portion on the one side in the orthogonal direction of the element substrate 11a via a speed reducer 19. The light source rotation mechanism 17 rotates the element substrate 11 a including the plurality of light emitting elements 11 in a vertical plane including the scanning direction of the print head 3 by driving the step motor 18 in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction. Move. Accordingly, the plurality of light emitting elements 11 on the element substrate 11 a emit the ultraviolet rays to the upper left side of the print head 3 and the second rotating position to emit the ultraviolet rays to the upper right side of the print head 3. Can be selectively switched to the pivot position.

The left diffusion mirror 26 is, for example, provided with a plurality of convex aluminum mirror surfaces coated with magnesium difluoride (MgF ₂ ) on the surface of an aluminum plate, like the left diffusion mirror 22 of FIG. The left diffusing mirror 26 is tilted forward at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °) in the vertical direction perpendicular to the scanning direction on the left side of the print head 3 and to the right side in the vertical plane including the scanning direction. Further, the left diffusion mirror 26 is driven by the light source rotation mechanism 17 to rotate, and enters the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 which has reached the first rotation position, and is printed. A first optical path 31 is generated that reflects to the left side of the head 3 at a predetermined reflection angle (substantially the same as the forward tilt angle θ) and passes through the left side of the print head 3. As a result, the terminal portion of the optical path 30 of the ultraviolet light reaching the recording medium P from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 is switched to the first optical path 31.

  The switching to the first optical path 31 is performed when the print head 3 is moving toward the right side. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 at the first rotation position travel through the optical path 30 to the left diffusion mirror 22, are reflected and diffused by the left diffusion mirror 22, travel to the first optical path 31, and the print head 3, the recording medium P on the mounting table 2 is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 moving toward the right side.

  On the other hand, the right reflecting mirror 27 is formed of a flat plate-like reflecting plate, like the right reflecting mirror 23 of FIG. The right reflecting mirror 27 is inclined forward at a predetermined angle θ (= 45 °) to the left side in the vertical direction perpendicular to the scanning direction on the right side of the print head 3. Further, the right reflection mirror 27 is rotated by the light source rotation mechanism 17 and is rotated to enter the ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 of the ultraviolet light source that has reached the second rotation position, and the print head 3 is reflected at a predetermined reflection angle (substantially the same angle as the forward tilt angle θ) to the right side of 3 to generate the second optical path 32. As a result, the terminal portion of the optical path 30 of the ultraviolet light reaching the recording medium P from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 is switched to the second optical path 32.

  The switching to the second optical path 32 is performed when the print head 3 is moved to the left side. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 11 at the second rotation position travel through the optical path 30 to the right reflecting mirror 27, are reflected by the right reflecting mirror 27, travel to the second optical path 32, and The recording medium P on the mounting table 2 is irradiated on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 that passes through the right side and moves toward the left side.

  In addition, just before the end of the second optical path 32, as in the recording apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, in order to reduce the unevenness of ultraviolet irradiation to the recording medium P placed on the placement table 2, diffusion of a concave lens or the like is performed. A lens 24 (diffusion means) is provided.

  As described above, also in the recording apparatus 1 of the present modification, the same effect as in the above embodiment is obtained. That is, whether the print head 3 moves to the right side or to the left side, irradiation is performed on the back side in the moving direction of the print head 3 and the ink immediately after being ejected to the recording medium P is applied. Irradiation can be performed.

  Further, in this modification, the light source rotation mechanism 17 rotates the plurality of light emitting elements 11 themselves to switch the optical path, so that ultraviolet rays from the plurality of fixed light emitting elements are incident and the left diffusion mirror It is not necessary to separately provide the rotating mirror 21 and the like of the above-described embodiment for distributing to the 26 and the right reflecting mirror 27.

  In this modification, the structure of the modification (1) shown in FIG. 7 described above is applied, and a structure in which the heat radiator 15 is connected to the element substrate 11a provided with the plurality of light emitting elements 11 to radiate heat is also considered. (Refer to the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9). In this case, when the light source rotation mechanism 17 rotates the element substrate 11a including the plurality of light emitting elements 11, the heat radiating body 15 also rotates together. At that time, by connecting the radiator 15 to one side of the element substrate 11a in the orthogonal direction (the upper side in the example of FIG. 9 but may be the lower side), the element substrate 11a as a rotating body and the entire radiator 15 are connected. The dimension in the height direction can be suppressed. As a result, a small rotational moment is required to rotate the entire ultraviolet radiation source 10 including the radiator 15 around a horizontal line (vertical line in FIG. 9) passing through the center of gravity and perpendicular to the scanning direction. Therefore, the driving force required for the light source rotation mechanism 17 can be reduced.

(3) Others In the above, the case where ink is ejected downward from the nozzle surface 3a of the print head 3 to the recording medium P that is placed on the placement table 2 serving as placement means and supported in the horizontal direction. Although shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the present invention is applied to a configuration in which the mounting means supports the recording medium P in the vertical direction, and the nozzle surface 3a of the print head 3 ejects ink to the recording medium P in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction. Good. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

In the configuration described above, the ultraviolet ray generation source 10 is provided on the side (upward) opposite to the nozzle surface 3 a from the nozzle hole of the print head 3. However, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction on the front side of the print head 3 (the front side of the paper in FIG. 1). The recording apparatus may be configured by arranging the generation source 1110 (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) and other configurations (such as a rotating reflection unit). The ultraviolet light source 1110 does not necessarily have to be above the nozzle surface 3 a than the nozzle hole of the print head 3. Further, the diffusing lens 23 shown in FIG. 1 and the like may be replaced with a convex lens 29 as shown in FIG. 10 to converge the light and reach the recording medium P.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording apparatus 2 Mounting table (mounting means)
3 Print head 4 Carriage (print head transport means)
11 Light Emitting Element 12 Collimator Lens (Conversion Unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Radiator 17 Light source rotation mechanism 20 Optical path switching means 21 Rotation mirror (rotation reflection means)
22 Left diffusing mirror (first reflecting means, diffusing means)
23 Right reflecting mirror (second reflecting means)
24 Diffusing lens (Diffusion means)
26 Left diffusion mirror (third reflection means, diffusion means)
27 Right reflecting mirror (fourth reflecting means)
30 Optical path 31 First optical path 32 Second optical path P Recording medium

Claims (15)

A placing means capable of placing a recording medium;
A print head for discharging ink that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet rays to the recording medium on which the placing unit is placed;
A print head transporting means for reciprocating the print head in the scanning direction on one side and the other side in a moving surface separated from the mounting means by a predetermined distance;
A plurality of nozzle holes that are arranged on an end surface of the print head along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction in the moving surface, and respectively eject the ink;
A plurality of light-emitting elements that are arranged in the orthogonal direction on the opposite side of the end face from the nozzle holes of the print head and generate ultraviolet rays for irradiating the recording medium placed by the placing means; ,
A second end of the optical path that is provided on the opposite side of the print head and reaches the recording medium of the ultraviolet rays generated from the plurality of light emitting elements passes through one side in the scanning direction of the print head. An optical path switching means switchable between one optical path and a second optical path passing through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
A recording apparatus comprising: a heat radiating body connected to one side or the other side in the orthogonal direction of a substrate provided with the plurality of light emitting elements. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The plurality of light emitting elements are:
On the opposite side of the print head, the ultraviolet light is emitted in a direction substantially opposite to the end face,
The optical path switching means is
A first rotation that is provided on the opposite side of the plurality of light emitting elements and that receives the substantially oppositely emitted ultraviolet light and reflects it at a predetermined reflection angle toward the opposite side of the one side in the scanning direction of the print head. Rotating in such a manner that it can be switched to a state and a second rotating state in which ultraviolet rays emitted in the substantially opposite direction are incident and reflected to the opposite side of the print head on the other side in the scanning direction at a predetermined reflection angle. Rotation reflecting means;
The ultraviolet rays reflected from the rotation reflecting means in the first rotation state are incident and reflected at a predetermined reflection angle toward one side in the scanning direction of the print head to generate the first optical path. Reflection means;
A second light path that generates the second optical path by entering the ultraviolet light reflected from the rotational reflecting means in the second rotational state and reflecting the ultraviolet light to the other side in the scanning direction of the print head at a predetermined reflection angle. Reflection means;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
Irradiation for controlling the plurality of light emitting elements so as to stop the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays while the rotation reflecting means is being switched between the first rotation state and the second rotation state. A recording apparatus comprising control means. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The plurality of light emitting elements are:
On the opposite side of the print head, emitting the ultraviolet light substantially oppositely;
The optical path switching means is
A first rotation position for emitting ultraviolet rays to the opposite side of the print head on one side in the scanning direction of the plurality of light emitting elements, and ultraviolet rays on the opposite side of the print head on the other side in the scanning direction. A light source rotation mechanism that is switchably rotated to a second rotation position to be emitted;
A third optical path that generates the first optical path by entering the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements at the first rotational position and reflecting the ultraviolet rays toward the one side in the scanning direction of the print head at a predetermined reflection angle. Reflection means;
A fourth light path that generates the second optical path by entering the ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements at the second rotation position and reflecting the ultraviolet light to the other side in the scanning direction of the print head at a predetermined reflection angle. Reflection means;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
Conversion means provided in the vicinity of the plurality of light emitting elements and converting light emitted while spreading from each light emitting element into substantially parallel light;
Diffusing means provided in the first optical path and the second optical path, respectively, for spreading the substantially parallel light at a predetermined angle;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
2. A recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of light source portions of the light emitting element spaced apart; and a plurality of the converting means. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The recording apparatus, wherein the plurality of conversion means convert ultraviolet rays irradiated from the separate light emitting elements into substantially parallel light. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
A recording apparatus, wherein the plurality of conversion means are provided in an optical path upstream of the optical path switching by the optical path switching means, and convert ultraviolet rays emitted from different light emitting elements into substantially parallel light. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The recording apparatus, wherein the plurality of conversion means are arranged in the same number as the light emitting elements, and convert the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the separate light emitting elements into substantially parallel light. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
A recording apparatus comprising a plurality of the light emitting elements and one converting means. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the irradiation area on the recording medium on which the mounting means by the light emitting element is mounted is a target shape with respect to a line orthogonal to the scanning direction. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12,
The shape of the irradiation area with respect to the recording medium on which the placing means by the light emitting element is placed is an irradiation area by the light emitting element that passes through the first optical path and an irradiation area by the light emitting element that passes through the second optical path. Recording device characterized by being the same. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a side opposite to the end face from the nozzle hole of the print head is upward, and the substantially opposite side is substantially upward. A placing means capable of placing a recording medium;
A print head for discharging ink that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet rays to the recording medium on which the placing unit is placed;
A print head transporting means for reciprocating the print head in the scanning direction on one side and the other side in a moving surface separated from the mounting means by a predetermined distance;
A plurality of nozzle holes that are arranged on an end surface of the print head along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the scanning direction in the moving surface, and respectively eject the ink;
A plurality of light emitting elements that are arranged in the orthogonal direction in front of the nozzle holes of the print head and generate ultraviolet rays for irradiating the recording medium on which the placing means is placed;
A first path provided on the front side of the print head and passing through one end in the scanning direction of the print head through a terminal portion of an optical path from the plurality of light emitting elements to the recording medium. An optical path switching means switchable between an optical path and a second optical path passing through the other side in the scanning direction of the print head;
A recording apparatus comprising:

Images