JP2012250504A - Apparatus and method for manufacturing transfer medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve production speed of a transfer medium.SOLUTION: An apparatus for manufacturing a transfer medium includes: a base nozzle array where a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a primer ink is arranged in a predetermined direction; an adhesive nozzle array where a plurality of nozzles for ejecting adhesive liquid is arranged in the predetermined direction; and a carriage that moves the base nozzle array and the adhesive nozzle array in a moving direction. The apparatus manufactures the transfer medium, to which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied, by ejecting the primer ink from the base nozzle array while the carriage is being moved and ejecting the adhesive liquid from the nozzle for ejecting the primer ink and the nozzle located to be arranged in the moving direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a transfer medium manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, transfer media that transfer characters and other image patterns formed by attaching ink onto a substrate onto a transfer medium are known. In this transfer medium, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a technique is known in which an adhesive liquid is applied onto a pattern using, for example, a screen printing plate in accordance with the pattern shape.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-314879

  When an image pattern or an adhesive liquid pattern is formed using a printing plate such as a flexo and a gravure in addition to a screen printing plate, it is unsuitable for producing a small amount of a variety of transfer media because the plate making costs high. Therefore, in order to keep the manufacturing cost low in low-volume, high-mix production of transfer media, a colored layer and an adhesive layer are sequentially formed on the substrate by ejecting ink and adhesive liquid from the inkjet head and attaching them to the substrate. Thus, a method of manufacturing a transfer medium can be considered.

  By the way, in consideration of the visual effect of the colored layer transferred to the transfer medium, a base layer may be formed separately from the colored layer. For example, in order to reduce the influence of the background color of the transfer medium, it is conceivable to form a light-shielding white background layer between the transfer medium and the colored layer. In order to reduce the influence of the background color of the medium to be transferred, it may be possible to simply form a white background layer regardless of the colored layer. Alternatively, it is conceivable to form a metallic layer between the transfer medium and the colored layer in order to give the color image formed on the colored layer metallic gloss. In order to form such a base layer (for example, a white background layer or a metallic layer) on the transfer medium, the base layer is formed when the transfer medium is manufactured.

  However, when the transfer medium is manufactured by the ink jet method, simply forming the base layer and the adhesive layer one after another increases the number of processes and decreases the production speed of the transfer medium.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the production speed of a transfer medium.

  The main invention for achieving the above object is to provide a color nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging color ink are arranged in a predetermined direction, a base nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging base ink are arranged in the predetermined direction, and an adhesive liquid. And a carriage that moves the color nozzle row, the base nozzle row, and the adhesive nozzle row in a movement direction, and the color nozzle row is moved during the movement of the carriage. Positions in which the color ink is ejected from the nozzles of the nozzle row, the base ink is ejected from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during movement of the carriage, and the nozzles that discharge the base ink are aligned in the movement direction By discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzle, the base ink and the ink are applied to the area where the color ink is applied. Characterized in that to produce a transfer medium coated with the adhesive solution.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a base material. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a colored layer, a base layer, and an adhesive layer formed on the surface of the substrate. FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram of a state of transfer from a transfer medium to a transfer target medium. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration block diagram of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1, and FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method using an interlace method. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method when a white background layer is formed after the colored layer is formed by the interlace method. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another notation method. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method of a comparative example. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C are explanatory diagrams showing how each layer is formed in the recording method of the comparative example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41 according to the first embodiment. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the recording method of the first embodiment. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C are explanatory diagrams showing how layers are formed in the recording method of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a head 41 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a head according to a second modification of the first embodiment. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of a recording method according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a head 41 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram of how each layer is formed in the recording method of the third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a transfer medium according to a third modification of the first embodiment. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a recording method using an overlap method. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the transfer medium according to the second embodiment. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of an outline of a method for forming a mixed layer. FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the recording method of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row of the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the state of dots of eight raster lines in the area A of FIG. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the transfer medium according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a transfer medium according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 26A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1 of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 26B is a schematic top view of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 27A is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the plurality of heads 41 in the head unit 40 of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 27B is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of nozzles in the head 41. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the fifth embodiment.

  At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A base nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging base ink are arranged in the predetermined direction, an adhesive nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging adhesive liquid are arranged in the predetermined direction, and a moving direction of the base nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row A carriage for moving the carriage, and discharging the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during the movement of the carriage, and from the nozzles aligned with the nozzle for discharging the base ink in the movement direction. An apparatus for producing a transfer medium, which produces the transfer medium coated with the base ink and the adhesive liquid by discharging the adhesive liquid, becomes clear.
According to such a manufacturing apparatus, the production speed of the transfer medium can be improved.

  A color nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging color ink are arranged in a predetermined direction, the color nozzle row being moved in the moving direction by the carriage, and the nozzles of the color nozzle row being moved from the nozzles during the movement of the carriage. Color ink is ejected, and the ground ink is ejected from the nozzles of the ground nozzle row during movement of the carriage, and the adhesive liquid is ejected from the nozzles that are aligned in the movement direction with the nozzles that eject the ground ink. It is desirable to produce a transfer medium in which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied to the area where the color ink is applied by discharging the ink. Thereby, the production speed of the transfer medium provided with the colored layer, the underlayer and the adhesive layer can be improved.

  The nozzle that discharges the base ink is located downstream of the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid in the movement direction, and after applying the base ink on a region to which the color ink has been applied, It is preferable that the transfer medium is manufactured by applying the adhesive liquid onto the area where the base ink is applied. Thereby, the production speed of the transfer medium in which the colored layer, the base layer, and the adhesive layer are sequentially laminated can be improved.

  The carriage is capable of reciprocating, and at least some of the nozzles that eject the base ink and the adhesive liquid are changed when the carriage moves in the forward path and when the carriage moves in the backward path. Therefore, it is desirable that the nozzle that discharges the base ink during the movement of the carriage is positioned downstream of the bonding nozzle row in the movement direction. Thereby, an adhesive layer can be formed on the underlayer while performing bidirectional recording.

  In a plurality of pixels arranged in the moving direction, a pixel to which the adhesive liquid is applied after the base ink is applied and a pixel to which the base ink is applied after the adhesive liquid is applied may coexist. desirable. Thereby, the fixing property and adhesion of the underlayer are improved.

  The carriage is reciprocally movable, and the base ink and the adhesive liquid are moved between the pixels to which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied when the carriage moves in the forward path. It is desirable that the pixel to be coated is located. Thereby, a mixed layer can be formed.

  The color ink in a plurality of pixels arranged in the movement direction of the region to which the color ink is applied by discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are arranged in the movement direction with the nozzle that discharges the color ink. It is desirable that a pixel to which the adhesive liquid is applied after the ink is applied and a pixel to which the color ink is applied after the adhesive liquid is applied are mixed. Thereby, the fixing property and adhesion of the colored layer are improved.

  It is desirable to form adhesive dots under the color dots by discharging the color ink onto the area where the adhesive is applied. Thereby, the fixing property and adhesion of the colored layer are improved.

A base nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging base ink are arranged in the predetermined direction, an adhesive nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging adhesive liquid are arranged in the predetermined direction, and a moving direction of the base nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row A manufacturing apparatus including a carriage to be moved to the nozzle, and discharging the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during the movement of the carriage and aligning with the nozzle for discharging the base ink in the movement direction The transfer medium manufacturing method is characterized by manufacturing the transfer medium coated with the base ink and the adhesive liquid by discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzle at the position.
According to such a manufacturing method, the production speed of the transfer medium can be improved.

=== Transfer medium ===
First, the structure of the transfer medium will be briefly described. Here, the basic structure will be described.

  In this specification, the “transfer medium” means a transfer source medium for transferring to a transfer medium. The transfer medium is a medium including at least a substrate and a layer (for example, an adhesive layer) to be transferred to the transfer medium. The “transfer medium” means a transfer destination medium, that is, a target.

  FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a base material. The base material has a sheet-like or film-like shape. Here, the “base material” means a support used for transferring a pattern such as a colored layer or an adhesive layer. Here, a PET film having a thickness of 25 μm is used as the substrate. However, the material of the substrate is not limited to this, and other plastics, metals, wood, paper, etc. may be used, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a release layer and a protective layer are formed in advance on the surface of the substrate.
The release layer is a layer for improving transferability (foil breakability) from the transfer medium to the transfer medium. The release layer here is a layer obtained by drying a polyethylene wax release agent. However, the release layer is not limited to this, and for example, a silicone release agent, a fluorine release agent, or the like may be used. The protective layer is a layer for improving the printing durability of the colored layer and the underlayer transferred to the transfer medium.

  The release layer and the protective layer are formed in advance on the surface of the substrate, but are not limited thereto. For example, the release layer and the protective layer may be formed by a recording apparatus (transfer medium manufacturing apparatus) described later. In addition, there is no release layer or protective layer on the surface of the substrate as long as transferability from the transfer medium to the transfer medium (foil tearing) and printing durability of the transferred colored layer can be secured. Also good.

FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a colored layer, a base layer, and an adhesive layer formed on the surface of the substrate.
The colored layer is a layer constituting a color image. The colored layer is formed by applying color ink (cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, etc.) to the surface of the substrate. The colored layer in the figure is formed on the upper side of the protective layer (upper side of the substrate) on the transfer medium.

The base layer is a layer for forming a base of the image transferred to the transfer medium. Here, the underlayer is formed on the transfer medium above the colored layer so as to be positioned between the transferred medium and the colored layer after transfer.
For example, as a base layer, for example, a white background layer or a metallic layer is formed. The white background layer is a light-shielding layer formed by applying white ink. The light-shielding white background layer is positioned between the transfer medium and the colored layer after transfer, thereby improving the visibility of the color image (colored layer). Even when there is no colored layer, there is an effect of hiding the ground color of the transfer medium by transferring the light-shielding white background layer to the transfer medium. The metallic layer is a metallic glossy layer formed by applying metallic ink. Since the metal image (metallic layer) is positioned under the color image (colored layer) after the transfer, the color image becomes visually glossy. As described above, the base layer is a layer formed in consideration of the visual effect of the colored layer. Ink (white ink or metallic ink) for forming a base layer is referred to as “base ink” (however, this ink may be referred to as “spot color ink”).

  The adhesive layer is a layer for adhering a colored layer or the like to the transfer medium. The adhesive layer is formed by applying an adhesive liquid. The adhesive layer in the figure is formed on the transfer medium above the base layer. For example, an aqueous liquid containing a thermoplastic resin in the form of an emulsion is used as the adhesive liquid. The adhesive layer formed by applying and then drying the adhesive liquid has a weak adhesive force at that stage. For this reason, it is possible to wind up a transfer medium after manufacture of a transfer medium so that an adhesive layer may contact the back surface of a base material. Note that the adhesive layer has adhesiveness by being heated at the time of transfer.

  In the drawing, each of the colored layer, the base layer and the adhesive layer is clearly separated, but actually, the layers are not necessarily separated clearly. For example, if the white ink for forming the base layer is applied before the color ink for forming the colored layer is sufficiently dried, the color ink and the white ink may be partially mixed.

  The explanatory diagram of FIG. 1B also shows the order of the manufacturing process of the transfer medium. For example, in the case of the transfer medium in the figure, a color ink for forming a colored layer is first applied on a base material (protective layer), and then a white ink or a metallic ink for forming a white background layer is applied. Finally, it is shown that a transfer medium is manufactured by applying an adhesive for forming an adhesive layer.

  When each layer is formed by the ink jet method, the laminated structure in the order shown in the drawing is not always obtained. For example, when the color image of the colored layer is a light image, since dots (color dots) formed with color ink are dispersed, there are gaps between the color dots, and an underlying layer is formed on such a colored layer. If formed, white ink may be applied on the protective layer instead of color ink. For this reason, even if it is described as a “layer” in this specification, there may be a gap in the layer depending on the content of the image forming the layer. In addition, since the liquid is applied to the entire surface based on an image (filled image) that fills the underlayer and the adhesive layer, there are not many gaps between dots, but the color image of the colored layer has a color according to the design. Since the color ink is formed on the basis of this, a gap between dots tends to occur. When a white image or a metal image serving as a base layer is designed to be light, there may be a gap between the dots constituting the base layer.

FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram of a state of transfer from a transfer medium to a transfer medium.
When the transfer medium is heated from the back side of the substrate, an adhesive force is generated in the adhesive layer located on the surface of the transfer medium. For this reason, when the heated transfer medium is brought into contact with the transfer surface of the transfer medium, the layer structure (transfer foil) on the substrate is peeled off and transferred to the transfer medium. On the transferred medium after transfer, a protective layer, a colored layer, a base layer, and an adhesive layer are formed (transferred) in order from the top (surface side). The transferred medium after transfer may be referred to as a “transfer product”.

  Even if the transfer surface of the transfer medium is a curved surface, it is easy to form a color image on the curved surface. For this reason, it is possible to perform transfer on various shapes of transfer media such as automobile interiors, notebook computer exteriors, mobile phone exteriors, cosmetic containers, and stationery. However, the transfer surface of the transfer medium is not limited to a curved surface, and may be a flat surface.

  Although the basic structure of the transfer medium has been described here, the structure of the transfer medium may be different from the basic structure in the embodiments described later. However, if the basic structure of the transfer medium described here can be understood, the structure of each embodiment can also be understood.

=== Recording Device (Transfer Medium Manufacturing Device) ===
2 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of the recording apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described by taking a recording system in which the recording apparatus 1 and the computer 90 are connected as an example.

  The recording apparatus 1 is an apparatus that records (forms) a layer (for example, a colored layer) constituting a transfer medium on a substrate by an inkjet method. The recording apparatus 1 has substantially the same configuration as an ink jet printer, and becomes a transfer medium manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a transfer medium.

  The controller 10 is a control unit for controlling the recording apparatus 1. The interface unit 11 is for transmitting and receiving data between the computer 90 and the recording apparatus 1. The CPU 12 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire recording apparatus 1. The memory 13 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 12, a work area, and the like. The CPU 12 controls each unit by the unit control circuit 14. The detector group 60 monitors the situation in the recording apparatus 1, and the controller 10 controls each unit based on the detection result.

  The transport unit 20 transports the medium S from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction in which the medium S (the base material in FIG. 1A) continues (transport direction, X direction in the drawing). By rotating the transport roller 21 by a motor, the medium S before recording is supplied to the liquid application region, and then the medium S after recording (the transfer medium in FIG. 1B) is wound into a roll shape by a winding mechanism. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the transport path of the medium S is straight, but the transport path may be bent using a roller or the like as appropriate.

  The carriage unit 30 reciprocates the head in the movement direction (the width direction of the medium S, the Y direction in the figure). The carriage unit 30 includes a carriage 31 on which the head 41 is mounted, and a carriage moving mechanism 32 for reciprocating the carriage.

  The head unit 40 has a head 41 provided on the carriage 31. On the lower surface of the head 41, nozzles for discharging liquid (color ink, base ink, adhesive liquid, etc.) are provided. The configuration of the head 41 (arrangement of nozzles) will be described later.

  The drying unit 50 is for drying the liquid applied to the medium S. As the drying unit, for example, a warm air heater or the like is used.

  The recording apparatus 1 alternately repeats an operation (pass) for moving the carriage 31 in the movement direction and a conveyance operation. At this time, when performing each pass, the controller 10 controls the carriage unit 30 to move the carriage 31 in the moving direction, and controls the head unit 40 to discharge liquid from predetermined nozzles of the head 41. The liquid is applied to the medium S. Further, the controller 10 controls the transport unit 20 to transport the medium S in the transport direction by a predetermined transport amount during the transport operation.

  By repeating the pass and transport operation, the liquid-coated region is gradually transported toward the drying unit 50. Then, at a position facing the drying unit 50, the liquid applied to the medium S is dried to complete the transfer medium. Thereafter, the completed transfer medium is wound into a roll by a winding mechanism.

=== Reference explanation ===
<Nozzle arrangement>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41. Note that the illustrated configuration is for reference explanation, and the head 41 of the present embodiment, which will be described later, may have a different configuration.

  Here, the head 41 includes six nozzle rows. The six nozzle rows include a black nozzle row (K), a cyan nozzle row (C), a magenta nozzle row (M), a yellow nozzle row (Y), a white nozzle row (W), and an adhesive liquid. It is an adhesion nozzle row (A) for discharging. The black nozzle row, cyan nozzle row, magenta nozzle row, and yellow nozzle row are nozzle rows (color nozzle rows) that eject color ink for recording a color image (colored layer). The white nozzle array is a nozzle array that ejects white ink for recording a white image (underlayer). The adhesive nozzle array is a nozzle array that discharges an adhesive liquid for recording an adhesive image (adhesive layer).

  Each nozzle row is composed of 180 nozzles. The 180 nozzles in each nozzle row are arranged along the transport direction at a nozzle pitch of 1/180 inch (that is, L in the figure is 1 inch). By intermittently discharging liquid from a certain nozzle row, a large number of dot rows are recorded at 1/180 inch intervals each time the carriage 31 moves once in the movement direction (for each pass). become. When the interval between dots recorded on the medium is D, the nozzle pitch may be expressed as “k × D” using an integer k. For example, when an image is recorded with a resolution of 720 dpi, since D is 1/720 inch, k = 4.

<Interlace method 1>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method using an interlace method. In the figure, the position of the head (nozzle row) and the state of dot recording in pass 1 to pass 4 are shown.

  For convenience of explanation, only one nozzle row of a plurality of nozzle rows is shown, and the number of nozzles is also reduced (here, 12). The nozzles indicated by black circles in the figure are nozzles that can eject liquid. On the other hand, nozzles indicated by white circles are nozzles that cannot discharge liquid. Further, for convenience of explanation, the nozzle row is depicted as moving (relative to the medium S), but this figure shows the relative positions of the head and the medium. The medium S is transported in the transport direction. In addition, for convenience of explanation, each nozzle is shown to record only a few dots (circles in the figure), but in reality, droplets are intermittently ejected from the nozzle moving in the moving direction. Therefore, a large number of dots are arranged in the moving direction. This row of dots is also called a raster line. A dot indicated by a black circle is a dot recorded in the last pass, and a dot indicated by a white circle is a dot recorded in a previous pass.

  The “interlace method” is a recording method in which k is 2 or more and an unrecorded raster line is sandwiched between raster lines recorded in one pass. For example, in the recording method shown in the figure, three raster lines are sandwiched between raster lines recorded in one pass.

  In the interlace method, each time the medium is transported by a constant transport amount F in the transport direction, each nozzle records a raster line immediately above the raster line recorded in the immediately preceding pass. In order to perform recording with a constant transport amount in this way, (1) the number N (integer) of nozzles that can eject liquid is coprime to k, and (2) the transport amount F is N · The condition is that it is set to D.

  In the figure, the nozzle row has 12 nozzles arranged in the transport direction. Since the integer k of the nozzle pitch k × D is 4, all the nozzles are not used and 11 nozzles (nozzles # 1 to # 1) are satisfied in order to satisfy the interlace system condition “N and k are relatively prime”. Nozzle # 11) is used. In addition, since 11 nozzles are used, the medium is transported by a transport amount of 11 · D. As a result, using a nozzle row having a nozzle pitch of 180 dpi (4 · D), dots are recorded on the medium at a dot interval of 720 dpi (= D). When the interlace method is performed using a nozzle row having 180 nozzles, a pass using 179 nozzles and a transport operation of a transport amount of 179 · D are alternately repeated.

  If the number of nozzles N is sufficiently large, the transport amount can be considered to be about 1 / k of the length of the nozzle row area (= nozzle pitch × nozzle number) that ejects ink. That is, the longer the area of the nozzle row that ejects ink, the longer the carry amount.

  In the case of the interlace method, k passes are required to complete a raster line having a continuous nozzle pitch width. For example, in order to complete four raster lines that are continuous at a dot interval of 720 dpi using a nozzle row having a nozzle pitch of 180 dpi, four passes are required. The figure shows that continuous raster lines are recorded at dot intervals D upstream of the raster line recorded by nozzle # 3 in pass 3 in the transport direction.

<Interlace method 2>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method when a white background layer is formed after the colored layer is formed by the interlace method. In the drawing, the nozzles in the color nozzle row are indicated by circles, and the nozzles in the white nozzle row are indicated by triangles. Here, for simplification of explanation, only two layers of a colored layer and a white background layer are recorded.

  When recording with two layers stacked, the lower layer (the first layer) is formed using the half nozzle on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the upper layer is formed using the half nozzle on the downstream side in the transport direction. (Layer to be formed later) is formed. Here, in order to form the white background layer after forming the colored layer, the half nozzles (nozzles # 7 to 12) on the upstream side in the transport direction are used in the color nozzle row, and the half on the downstream side in the transport direction in the white nozzle row. Nozzles (nozzles # 1 to # 6) are used. However, the interlace method conditions ((1) the number of nozzles N (integer) capable of ejecting ink is coprime to k and (2) the carry amount F is set to N · D) are satisfied. Therefore, the liquid is discharged from five nozzles out of the six nozzles, and the medium is transported by the transport amount 5 · D.

  As shown in the figure, by recording dots, at any raster line position, color dots are formed by the nozzles of the color nozzle row, and then white dots are formed by the nozzles of the white nozzle row. For example, in the raster line at the dotted line position in the figure, after nozzle # 10 of the color nozzle row in pass 1 forms a color dot, nozzle # 5 in the white nozzle row of pass 5 forms a white dot.

  For this reason, a white image (underlying layer) composed of white dots can be formed on a color image (colored layer) composed of color dots.

<Notation>
FIG. 6 is drawn with a smaller number than the actual number of nozzles for the sake of simplicity. However, since the actual number of nozzles is large, it is difficult to illustrate the recording method as shown in FIG. In view of this, there are cases where another notation method is used for illustration.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another notation method. FIG. 7 shows that a white image (underlying layer) is recorded on a color image (colored layer) as shown in FIG. 6 while using the head shown in FIG. Thus, the recording method may be described without showing the discharge state of each nozzle by painting the area occupied by the nozzles that discharge the liquid black.

  When recording is performed using the interlace method as shown in FIG. 7, if the number of nozzles in each nozzle row is 180, 90 nozzles upstream in the transport direction are used in the color nozzle row, and in the white nozzle row, 90 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction are used. In order to satisfy the conditions of the interlace method, liquid is discharged from 89 nozzles out of 90 nozzles, and the medium is transported by a transport amount 89 · D. If the number N of nozzles is sufficiently large, the carry amount is about 1 / k of the length of the nozzle row that ejects ink (half the length of the nozzle row). This can be understood from FIG.

=== Comparative Example ===
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method of a comparative example.

  In the recording method of the comparative example, each nozzle row is divided into three, and liquid is ejected from the nozzles in the region of 1/3 of each nozzle row. In the color nozzle row, nozzles in the １ ／ region upstream in the transport direction are used, in the white nozzle row, nozzles in the 部分 region in the central portion are used, and in the adhesive nozzle row, の in the transport direction downstream side. Nozzle in the area is used. In the comparative example, when recording is performed using the interlace method as shown in FIG. 8, if the number of nozzles in each nozzle row is 180, 60 nozzles on the upstream side in the transport direction are used in the color nozzle row, and white In the nozzle row, 60 nozzles in the central portion are used, and in the adhesive nozzle row, 60 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction are used. In order to satisfy the conditions of the interlace method, the liquid is discharged from 59 nozzles out of the 60 nozzles, and the medium is transported by the transport amount 59 · D.

  Also in the comparative example, if the number N of nozzles is sufficiently large, the carry amount is about 1 / k of the length of the region of the nozzle row that ejects ink. However, in the comparative example, the length of the nozzle row that ejects ink is a region that is 1/3 of the length L of the nozzle row, and thus is relatively short.

  FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C are explanatory diagrams showing how layers are formed in the recording method of the comparative example.

  In the comparative example, the formation of the base layer is started after the formation of the colored layer is completed, and the formation of the adhesive layer is started after the formation of the base layer is completed. That is, in the comparative example, since the formation process of a colored layer, a base layer, and an adhesive layer is separate, three processes are required.

  As described above, in the comparative example, the number of steps is large and the transport amount is short, so that the production speed of the transfer medium is low.

=== First Embodiment ===
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41 according to the first embodiment.

  The head 41 of the first embodiment includes eight nozzle rows. The eight nozzle rows are a color nozzle row for four colors, two white nozzle rows, and two adhesive nozzle rows. The eight nozzle rows are arranged so as to be aligned in the carriage movement direction. The two white nozzle rows are arranged so as to sandwich the adhesive nozzle row.

  11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the recording method of the first embodiment.

  In the recording method of the first embodiment, each nozzle row is divided into two, and liquid is ejected from a half area of each nozzle row. In the color nozzle row, 1/2 nozzles on the upstream side in the transport direction are used, and in the white nozzle row and adhesive nozzle row, 1/2 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction are used. That is, in the first embodiment, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid have the same position in the transport direction. In other words, in the first embodiment, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid are arranged in the movement direction.

  In the first embodiment, the nozzles that eject the white ink and the adhesive liquid differ depending on the moving direction of the head 41 during bidirectional recording. However, in any case, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is located on the downstream side in the moving direction with respect to the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, in the forward path in which the head 41 moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is positioned on the right side with respect to the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. To do. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the case of a return path in which the head 41 moves from the right side to the left side in the drawing, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is the same as the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. Located on the left side.

  FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C are explanatory diagrams showing how layers are formed in the recording method of the first embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12A, a colored layer forming step is performed. When recording is performed using a color nozzle array as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B in the interlace method, if the number of nozzles in each nozzle array is 180, 90 nozzles on the upstream side in the transport direction of the color nozzle array Will be used. In order to satisfy the conditions of the interlace method, liquid is discharged from 89 nozzles out of 90 nozzles, and the medium is transported by a transport amount 89 · D. For this reason, compared with a comparative example, a conveyance amount becomes long and formation of a colored layer can be completed in a short time.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C, the underlayer and the adhesive layer are formed. When recording is performed using a white nozzle row and an adhesive nozzle row as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B in an interlaced manner, 90 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction of each of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row must be used. become. In order to satisfy the conditions of the interlace method, the liquid is discharged from 89 nozzles out of 90 nozzles (a carry amount is 89 · D).

  Also in the first embodiment, the carry amount is about 1 / k of the length of the region of the nozzle row that ejects ink if the number N of nozzles is sufficiently large. That is, the longer the area of the nozzle row that ejects ink, the longer the carry amount. In the first embodiment, since the area of the nozzle row that ejects ink is longer than that of the comparative example, the transport amount is longer than that of the comparative example. As a result, the formation of the base layer and the adhesive layer can be completed in a short time.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, in the forward path in which the head 41 moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is positioned on the right side with respect to the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. Therefore, immediately after the foundation layer is formed, an adhesive layer is formed thereon. On the contrary, in the case of a return path in which the head 41 moves from the right side to the left side in the drawing as shown in FIG. 12C, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is different from the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. Since it is located on the left side, an adhesive layer is formed on the base layer immediately after the base layer is formed. That is, in both the forward path and the return path, the adhesive layer is formed after the base layer is formed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the white ink is ejected from the nozzles of the white nozzle row on the downstream side in the transport direction from the nozzles that eject the color ink, and the nozzles that eject the white ink are arranged in the moving direction. By discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzle, the white background ink and the adhesive liquid are applied on the area (colored layer) to which the color ink is applied. Since the transfer medium is manufactured as described above, the formation of the underlayer and the adhesive layer is started together after the formation of the colored layer is completed. That is, unlike the comparative example, in the first embodiment, since the two-layer forming process of the base layer and the adhesive layer is performed after the colored layer forming process, only two processes are required. As described above, in the first embodiment, the number of steps can be reduced and the conveyance amount is long as compared with the comparative example, so that the production speed of the transfer medium is increased.

  In the first embodiment, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is located downstream of the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid in the movement direction. Thus, after applying the white ink on the upper side of the colored layer (the area where the color ink is applied) to form the base layer, the adhesive liquid is applied onto the base layer (the area where the base ink is applied). Can do.

  In the first embodiment, bidirectional recording is performed by reciprocating the carriage. When the carriage moves in the forward path (see FIGS. 11A and 12B) and when it moves in the backward path (see FIGS. 11B and 12C), the nozzles that discharge the white ink and the adhesive liquid are changed. As a result, the nozzle that discharges the white ink can be positioned on the downstream side in the moving direction from the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid, regardless of which the carriage moves.

<Variation 1 of the first embodiment>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a head 41 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The head 41 of the first modification includes a metallic nozzle row (Me) instead of the white nozzle row (W).

  Thus, the nozzle row for forming the base layer is not limited to the white nozzle row for ejecting white ink, and may be a metallic nozzle row for ejecting metallic ink. Of course, the head 41 may include both the white nozzle row and the metallic nozzle row.

<Modification 2 of the first embodiment>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a head according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In the second modification, the carriage 31 is provided with two heads (first head 41A and second head 41B).

  The first head 41A includes eight nozzle rows that discharge color ink. The eight nozzle rows include the above-described four color nozzle rows (CMYK), a light magenta nozzle row (Lm) that ejects light magenta ink, a light cyan nozzle row (Lc) that ejects light cyan ink, and orange ink. An orange nozzle row (Or) for discharging and a green nozzle row (Gr) for discharging green ink. Thus, in the second modification, the types of color ink that can be ejected can be increased.

  The second head 41B includes eight nozzle rows. Of the eight nozzle rows of the second head 41B, two nozzle rows are white nozzle rows (W), two nozzle rows are metallic nozzle rows (Me), and the two nozzle rows are first nozzle rows. One adhesive nozzle row (A1), and the two nozzle rows are second adhesive nozzle rows (A2). The first adhesive liquid discharged from the first adhesive nozzle array (A1) and the second adhesive liquid discharged from the second adhesive nozzle array (A2) are different types of adhesives. For example, the first adhesive liquid is an adhesive liquid suitable when the transfer medium is plastic, and the second adhesive liquid is an adhesive liquid suitable when the transfer medium is metal. Thus, in the second modification, the types of base ink and adhesive liquid that can be ejected can be increased.

  The first head 41A is located upstream in the transport direction with respect to the second head 41B. Thereby, after forming a colored layer, it becomes possible to form a base layer and an adhesive layer.

  15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of a recording method according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

  In the recording method of the second modified example, each nozzle row of the first head 41A can eject color ink using nozzles in all regions. For this reason, in the second modification, the conveyance amount becomes long, and the formation of the colored layer can be completed in a short time.

  In the second modification, the nozzles of all regions of one white nozzle row and one adhesive nozzle row of the second head 41B are used. That is, also in the second modification, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid have the same position in the transport direction. In other words, also in the second modified example, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid are arranged in the moving direction. For this reason, also in the second modified example, the formation of the base layer and the adhesive layer is started together.

  Also in the second modified example, the nozzles that eject the white ink and the adhesive liquid differ depending on the moving direction of the carriage 31 during bidirectional recording. However, in any case, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is located on the downstream side in the moving direction with respect to the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, in the forward path in which the carriage 31 moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is positioned on the right side with respect to the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. To do. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the case of a return path in which the head 41 moves from the right side to the left side in the drawing, the nozzle that discharges the white ink is the same as the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid. Located on the left side. For this reason, the adhesive layer is formed after the base layer is formed in both the forward path and the return path.

  Also in the second modified example, after the formation of the colored layer is completed, the formation of the base layer and the adhesive layer is started together, so two steps are sufficient. Further, in the second modified example, since the area of the nozzle for ejecting ink is further increased, the transport amount is further increased and the production speed of the transfer medium is increased.

  Further, according to the second modification, when forming the colored layer, since the color ink can be ejected using the nozzles of all the regions of the color nozzle row, the number of nozzles that do not eject ink can be reduced, Nozzle clogging due to drying of color ink can be suppressed.

<Third Modification>
FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a head 41 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. In the third modified example, two adhesive nozzle rows are arranged so as to sandwich the white nozzle row.

  FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The method of using the color nozzle row is the same as in the first embodiment already described.

  Also in the third modification, the nozzles in the half region on the downstream side in the transport direction are used in the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row. That is, also in the third modification, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid have the same position in the transport direction. In other words, also in the third modified example, the nozzle that discharges the white ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid are arranged in the moving direction. Furthermore, in the third modified example, unlike the first embodiment described above, both two white nozzle rows are used and both two adhesive nozzle rows are used.

  FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram of how each layer is formed in the recording method of the third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a transfer medium according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

  In the third modification, since the two adhesive nozzle rows are arranged so as to sandwich the white nozzle row, the adhesive nozzle rows are arranged on both the downstream side and the upstream side in the movement direction with respect to the white nozzle row. Has been. For this reason, when the white ink is discharged from the white nozzle row and the adhesive liquid is discharged from the two adhesive nozzle rows, immediately after the adhesive layer is formed on the colored layer, the base layer is formed thereon. It is formed. Further, immediately after the base layer is formed, an adhesive layer is formed thereon. That is, in the third modified example, the formation of the three layers of the adhesive layer, the base layer, and the adhesive layer is started together. Further, in the third modified example, after the colored layer forming step, the three-layer forming step of adhesive layer-underlayer-adhesive layer is performed, so two steps are sufficient.

  In the transfer medium of the third modified example, an adhesive layer is also formed between the colored layer and the base layer. Thereby, the fixability and adhesion between the colored layer and the undercoat layer are improved. In particular, when a white ink of a pigment having a large particle size (for example, a white ink containing TiO2) is used in order to improve the shielding property of the underlayer, the fixing property and adhesion of the underlayer is reduced due to the large particle size. Although there is a risk of damage, according to the third modification, the fixability and adhesion of the white background layer can be maintained. For this reason, the third modification is particularly advantageous when a white ink of a pigment having a large particle size (for example, a white ink containing TiO2) is used.

  Further, in the third modification, the base layer is formed using two white nozzle rows. Thereby, compared with the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, the quantity of the white ink apply | coated to a base layer can be increased. As a result, a white background layer having a high light shielding property can be formed, and the visibility of a color image (colored layer) is improved.

<Fourth Modification>
According to the interlace method described above, one raster line is recorded by one nozzle, but each raster line can also be recorded by a plurality of nozzles.

  18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a recording method using an overlap method. 18A shows the head position and dot recording state in pass 1 to pass 4, and FIG. 18B shows the head position and dot recording state in pass 1 to pass 8.

  The “overlap method” is a recording method in which each raster line is recorded by a plurality of nozzles. For example, in the recording method in FIGS. 18A and 18B, each raster line is recorded by two nozzles.

  In the overlap method, each nozzle records dots at intervals of several dots for each pass. In another pass, dots are recorded so that other nozzles complement each other between dots recorded at intervals (filling between the dots), so that one raster line has a plurality of nozzles. Is recorded. When one raster line is recorded in M passes in this way, it is defined as “overlap number M”.

  In FIGS. 18A and 18B, since each nozzle records dots at intervals of every other dot, dots are recorded in odd-numbered pixels or even-numbered pixels for each pass. Since one raster line is recorded by two nozzles, the overlap number M = 2.

  In the overlap method, in order to perform recording with a constant conveyance amount, (1) N / M is an integer, (2) N / M is relatively prime to k, (3) The condition is that the carry amount F is set to (N / M) · D.

  18A and 18B, the nozzle row has 12 nozzles arranged in the transport direction. Since the integer k of the nozzle pitch k × D is 4, in order to satisfy the condition of the overlap method “N / M and k are relatively prime”, not all nozzles are used and 10 nozzles are used. Used. Further, since ten nozzles are used, the medium is transported with a transport amount of 5 · D. As a result, for example, using a nozzle row having a nozzle pitch of 180 dpi (4 · D), dots are recorded on the medium at a dot interval of 720 dpi (= D).

  When one raster line is recorded by M nozzles, k × M passes are required to complete a raster line for the nozzle pitch. For example, in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, since one raster line is recorded by two nozzles, eight passes are required to complete four raster lines. The figure shows that continuous raster lines are recorded at dot intervals D on the upstream side in the transport direction from the raster lines recorded by nozzle # 9 in pass 1 and nozzle # 4 in pass 5. ing.

  18A and 18B, in pass 1, each nozzle records a dot on an odd pixel, in pass 2, each nozzle records a dot on an even pixel, and in pass 3, each nozzle records a dot on an odd pixel. In 4, each nozzle records a dot on an even pixel. That is, in the first four passes, dots are recorded in the order of odd pixel-even pixel-odd pixel-even pixel. In the latter four passes (pass 5 to pass 8), dots are recorded in the reverse order of the first four passes, and dots are recorded in the order of even pixel-odd pixel-even pixel-odd pixel. . The dot recording order after pass 9 is the same as the dot recording order from pass 1.

  And as a 4th modification, you may employ | adopt said overlap system instead of the above-mentioned interlace system. Even when the overlap method is adopted, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B described above, it is possible to divide each nozzle row into two and discharge the liquid from a half region of each nozzle row.

  When recording is performed using nozzle arrays as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B in the overlap mode, if the number of nozzles in each nozzle array is 180, 90 nozzles on the upstream side in the transport direction of the color nozzle array As well as being used, 90 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction of each of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row are used. When one raster line is formed by two nozzles, liquid is ejected from 90 nozzles and the medium is transported in order to satisfy the conditions of the overlap method with the overlap number M = 2. It will be transported at 45 · D.

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is also possible to form the coloring layer, the base layer, and the adhesive layer of the transfer medium by the overlap method instead of the interlace method using the nozzle rows. In the case of the overlap method, as in the case of the interlace method, the conveyance amount becomes longer as the area of the nozzle row that ejects ink is longer. For this reason, if a nozzle row is used as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the area of the nozzle row that ejects ink is longer than in the comparative example shown in FIG. This increases the production speed of the transfer medium.

=== Second Embodiment ===
<Outline of Second Embodiment>
In order to improve the shielding property of the underlayer, a white ink of a pigment having a large particle size (for example, a white ink containing TiO2) may be used. However, if the base layer is formed with a base ink containing a pigment having a large particle size, the fixability and adhesion of the base layer may be impaired. If the fixing property and adhesion of the underlayer are inferior, peeling may occur in the underlayer at the time of transfer, which may cause an abnormality in transfer to the transfer medium.

  Therefore, the transfer medium of the second embodiment improves the fixability and adhesion of the base layer by adopting a configuration as described below.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the transfer medium according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a mixed layer composed of a base ink and an adhesive liquid is formed above the colored layer. In a pixel in the mixed layer, a dot (adhesive dot) formed by the adhesive liquid is formed on a dot (base dot) formed by the base ink. In another pixel in the mixed layer, the adhesive dot Base dots are formed on the top. That is, in the mixed layer, a pixel in which an adhesive dot is formed on a base dot and a pixel in which a base dot is formed on the adhesive dot are mixed.

  20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of an outline of a method for forming a mixed layer. As shown in FIG. 20A, in the path in which the carriage moves in the forward path, the nozzles in the base nozzle row (base nozzles) are positioned downstream of the nozzles in the adhesive nozzle row (adhesion nozzles) in the carriage movement direction. Adhesive dots are formed on the base dots. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20B, in the path in which the carriage moves in the return path, the base nozzle is formed on the adhesive dot because the adhesive nozzle is located downstream of the base nozzle in the carriage movement direction. .

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, a mixed layer is formed by performing bidirectional recording.

<About the second embodiment>
FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41 according to the second embodiment. The head 41 of the second embodiment includes six nozzle rows. Compared with the head of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10 described above, the head 41 of the second embodiment has a smaller number of nozzle rows. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the width of the head 41 can be shortened.

  The six nozzle rows are four color nozzle rows, one white nozzle row, and one adhesive nozzle row. Compared with the head of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10 described above, the head 41 of the second embodiment has not less than one white nozzle row and one adhesive nozzle row. This is because, as will be described later, the nozzle that discharges the liquid is not changed regardless of the moving direction of the carriage.

  FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the second embodiment.

  Also in the second embodiment, each nozzle row is divided into two, and liquid is ejected from a half region of each nozzle row. The nozzles in the half area on the upstream side in the transport direction are used in the color nozzle array, and the nozzles in the half area on the downstream side in the transport direction are used in the white nozzle line and the adhesive nozzle array. That is, also in the second embodiment, the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid have the same position in the transport direction. In other words, also in the second embodiment, the nozzle that discharges the white ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid are arranged in the moving direction.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the nozzle for ejecting white ink and the nozzle for ejecting the adhesive liquid are the same regardless of the moving direction of the head during bidirectional recording. In the second embodiment, recording by the overlap method is performed without recording by the interlace method.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the recording method of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row of the second embodiment. Here, for convenience of explanation, twelve nozzles in the half region on the downstream side in the transport direction of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row are set to twelve. In addition, the black-filled nozzles in the figure are nozzles that can discharge liquid.

  As shown in the figure, when attention is paid to the respective operations of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row, recording is performed according to the overlap method. Also, the position in the transport direction of the white nozzles (nozzles # 1 to # 10) that discharge white ink is the same as the position in the transport direction of the adhesive nozzles (nozzles # 1 to # 10) that discharge the adhesive liquid. Also in the second embodiment, bidirectional recording is performed. As shown in the figure, in passes 1, 3, 6, and 8, the carriage moves in the forward path, and in passes 2, 4, 5, and 7, the carriage moves in the return path.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the state of dots of eight raster lines in the area A of FIG. In the figure, white dots are indicated by white circles, adhesive dots are indicated by black triangles, and the vertical relationship between white dots and adhesive dots is indicated by the vertical relationship between white circles and black triangles. Here, for simplification of description, white dots and adhesive dots are formed on all pixels.

  When attention is paid to the odd-numbered raster lines from the top of the area A, dots are formed in the odd pixels by a path in which the carriage moves in the forward path, and dots are formed in the even pixels by a path in which the carriage moves in the backward path. For example, the first raster line from the top of the region A has an odd pixel formed by the nozzle # 9 in the odd-numbered pixel in the pass 1 in which the carriage moves in the forward path, and the even-numbered pixel in the pass 5 in which the carriage moves in the backward path. In addition, dots are formed by the nozzle # 4. As a result, in the odd-numbered raster line from the top of the region A, white dots are formed on the adhesive dots in the odd pixels, and adhesive dots are formed on the white dots in the even pixels.

  On the other hand, when attention is paid to the even-numbered raster line from the top of the area A, dots are formed in odd-numbered pixels by a path in which the carriage moves in the backward path, and dots are formed in even-numbered pixels in the path in which the carriage moves in the forward path. . For example, the second raster line from the top of region A has dots formed by the nozzle # 8 in odd pixels in the pass 2 in which the carriage moves in the backward path, and even pixels in the pass 6 in which the carriage moves in the forward path. In addition, dots are formed by the nozzle # 3. As a result, in the odd-numbered raster line from the top of the region A, an adhesive dot is formed on the white dot in the odd pixel, and a white dot is formed on the adhesive dot in the even pixel.

  As described above, in the region A, in any raster line, the pixel in which the dot is formed in the path in which the carriage moves in the forward path and the pixel in which the dot is formed in the path in which the carriage moves in the backward path Are lined up alternately. In other words, in any raster line, a pixel in which a white dot is formed on the adhesive dot is located between the pixel in which the adhesive dot is formed on the white dot. As a result, in any raster line, pixels in which adhesive dots are formed on white dots and pixels in which white dots are formed on adhesive dots are mixed.

  In addition, while performing bidirectional recording by the overlap method, pixels in which dots are formed in a path in which the carriage moves in the forward path and pixels in which dots are formed in a path in which the carriage moves in the backward path are in the movement direction. If they are arranged alternately, even in a region other than region A, a pixel in which white dots are formed on the adhesive dots is located between the pixels in which adhesive dots are formed on the white dots. It will be. That is, even in a region different from the region A, pixels in which adhesive dots are formed on white dots and pixels in which white dots are formed on adhesive dots are alternately arranged in the movement direction. Each raster line can be formed.

  In the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the position in the transport direction of the nozzle that discharges the white ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid is the same on the downstream side in the transport direction of the head 41. The number of processes can be reduced, and the conveyance amount can be increased.

  In the second embodiment, bidirectional recording is performed in an overlapping manner while the positions in the transport direction of the nozzles for ejecting white ink and the nozzles for ejecting the adhesive liquid are the same. Thereby, the mixed layer comprised from the white ink and the adhesive liquid can be formed on the colored layer. As a result, the fixability and adhesion of the white background layer of the transfer medium are improved, and peeling of the white background layer during transfer can be suppressed.

  In particular, when a white ink of a pigment having a large particle size (for example, a white ink containing TiO2) is used to improve the shielding property of the white background layer, the fixability / adhesion of the white background layer is increased due to the large particle size. Although there is a risk of damage, according to the second embodiment, the fixability and adhesion of the white background layer can be maintained. For this reason, the second embodiment is particularly advantageous when a white ink of a pigment having a large particle size (for example, a white ink containing TiO2) is used.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the configuration of the second embodiment, a metallic nozzle row may be provided instead of the white nozzle row. Then, if the two-way recording is performed with the overlap direction while the positions of the nozzle for discharging the metallic ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid are made the same, a mixed layer composed of the metallic ink and the adhesive liquid is formed. be able to.

  Also in the second embodiment, two heads may be provided on the carriage 31 as in the second modification of the first embodiment (FIG. 14A).

=== Third Embodiment ===
In the second embodiment described above, the fixability and adhesion of the underlayer are improved, but there are cases where it is desired to improve the fixability and adhesion of a color image (colored layer). In particular, when a colored layer is formed with a color ink containing a pigment having a large particle size, the fixability and adhesion of the colored layer are impaired, and there is a risk of foil breakage during transfer, and a protective layer during transfer. There is a possibility that the image is not transferred to the transfer medium.

  Therefore, the transfer medium of the third embodiment is improved in fixability and adhesion of a color image (colored layer) by adopting the configuration described below.

  FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the transfer medium according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, bidirectional recording is performed in an overlapping manner while using the nozzles in the region shown in the drawing.

  In the third embodiment, a first mixed layer composed of a color ink and an adhesive liquid is formed as the colored layer. In a certain pixel in the first mixed layer, a dot (adhesive dot) formed by the adhesive liquid is formed on a dot (color dot) formed by the color ink, but another pixel in the first mixed layer. Then, color dots are formed on the adhesive dots. That is, in the first mixed layer, pixels in which adhesive dots are formed on the color dots and pixels in which color dots are formed on the adhesive dots are mixed.

  Note that, as in the second embodiment, a second mixed layer composed of a base ink and an adhesive liquid is formed on the upper side of the first mixed layer.

  FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the third embodiment. Compared to the recording method shown in FIG. 21B of the second embodiment, in the third embodiment, the nozzles in the half region on the upstream side in the transport direction of the adhesive nozzle row are also used.

  In the third embodiment, in order to form the first mixed layer as the colored layer, the nozzles in the half region on the upstream side in the transport direction of the color nozzle row are used, and the half region on the upstream side in the transport direction of the adhesive nozzle row Nozzle is used. That is, the nozzles that discharge the color ink to form the first mixed layer and the nozzles that discharge the adhesive liquid to form the first mixed layer have the same position in the transport direction. In other words, the nozzle that discharges the color ink to form the first mixed layer and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid to form the first mixed layer are arranged in the movement direction.

  Then, as in the recording method shown in FIG. 22 described above, bidirectional recording is performed by the overlap method while the positions in the transport direction of the nozzles that discharge the color ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid are the same. By recording in this way, it is possible to form the first mixed layer in which the pixels in which the adhesive dots are formed on the color dots and the pixels in which the color dots are formed on the adhesive dots are mixed. As a result, it is possible to improve the fixability and adhesion of the color image that is a part of the constituent elements of the first mixed layer, and the transferability of the color image during transfer is improved. That is, the entire color image can be wrapped and transferred to the transfer medium.

  Also in the third embodiment, since the position in the transport direction of the nozzle that discharges the white ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid is the same on the downstream side in the transport direction of the head 41, the number of steps can be reduced. Also, the carrying amount can be increased.

  Also in the third embodiment, on the downstream side of the head 41 in the transport direction, bidirectional recording is performed in an overlapping manner while the positions in the transport direction of the nozzle that discharges the white ink and the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid are the same. Is called. Thereby, the mixed layer comprised from the white ink and the adhesive liquid can be formed on the colored layer. As a result, the fixability and adhesion of the white background layer of the transfer medium are improved, and peeling of the white background layer during transfer can be suppressed.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
FIG. 25A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a transfer medium according to the fourth embodiment. In the above-described third embodiment, the first mixed layer composed of the color ink and the adhesive liquid is formed. However, in the fourth embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed between the colored layer and the protective layer. Thereby, the fixability and adhesion between the color image (colored layer) and the protective layer can be improved, and the protective layer can be normally transferred to the transfer medium.

  Note that a mixed layer composed of a base ink and an adhesive liquid is formed on the upper side of the colored layer, as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 25B is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, bidirectional recording is performed in an overlapping manner while using the nozzles in the region shown in the drawing.

  In the recording method of the fourth embodiment, each nozzle row is divided into three, and nozzles in the region of 1/3 of each nozzle row are used. In the color nozzle row, nozzles in the central region of 1/3 are used, in the white nozzle row, 1/3 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction are used, and in the adhesive nozzle row, 1/3 on the upstream side in the transport direction. The nozzles in the area and the nozzles in the 1/3 area on the downstream side in the transport direction are used.

  When printing is performed using the overlap method as shown in the figure, if the number of nozzles in each nozzle row is 180, the central nozzle is used in the color nozzle row and the downstream side in the transport direction in the white nozzle row. In the adhesive nozzle row, 60 nozzles on the upstream side in the transport direction and 60 nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction are used. When one raster line is formed by two nozzles, liquid is discharged from 58 nozzles out of 60 nozzles in order to satisfy the overlap method with the overlap number M = 2. At the same time, the medium is transported by a transport amount of 29 · D.

  In the fourth embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed on the protective layer by the nozzles in the 1/3 region on the upstream side in the transport direction of the adhesive nozzle row. Then, after the formation of the adhesive layer is completed, a colored layer (color image) is formed on the adhesive layer by the nozzle in the region of 1/3 of the central portion of the color nozzle row. Then, after the formation of the colored layer is completed, a mixed layer is formed by the nozzles in the 1/3 region on the downstream side in the transport direction of the white nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row. That is, in the fourth embodiment, three steps are required in total including the adhesive layer forming step, the colored layer forming step, and the mixed layer forming step.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, by making the position in the transport direction of the nozzle for discharging the white ink and the nozzle for discharging the adhesive liquid the same, the mixed layer forming process can be made one process, so the number of processes can be reduced. It is possible to lengthen the conveyance amount. If the base layer and the adhesive layer are formed in separate steps on the upper side of the colored layer, a total of four steps are required, increasing the number of steps. Further, in this case, each nozzle row is divided into four and each layer is formed using nozzles in a quarter region of each nozzle row. Therefore, compared with the fourth embodiment, the transport amount is also increased. This shortens the transfer medium production speed.

=== Fifth Embodiment ===
In the above-described embodiment, the nozzles of each nozzle row are aligned in the transport direction (X direction), and the nozzle row (head) moves in the width direction (Y direction). However, the direction in which the nozzles of the nozzle row are arranged is not limited to the transport direction (X direction). Further, the moving direction of the nozzle row (head) is not limited to the width direction (Y direction) of the medium.

  FIG. 26A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1 of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 26B is a schematic top view of the recording apparatus 1.

  The carriage unit 30 of the fifth embodiment includes an X-axis stage 32X and a Y-axis stage 32Y as a carriage movement mechanism for moving the carriage 31 in the XY directions. The X-axis stage 32X can move the carriage 31 on which the head unit 40 is mounted in the X direction. The Y-axis stage 32Y can move the carriage 31 in the Y direction together with the X-axis stage 32.

  FIG. 27A is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the plurality of heads 41 in the head unit 40 of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 27B is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of nozzles in the head 41. Here, the head unit 40 has fifteen heads 41 (1) to 41 (15). In the head unit 40, the fifteen heads 41 are arranged in a staggered manner in the Y direction. For the sake of explanation, the first head 41 (1), the second head 41 (2),.

  Each head 41 includes six nozzle rows arranged in the X direction. The six nozzle rows include a black nozzle row (K), a cyan nozzle row (C), a magenta nozzle row (M), a yellow nozzle row (Y), a white nozzle row (W), and an adhesive liquid. It is an adhesion nozzle row (A) for discharging. The black nozzle row, cyan nozzle row, magenta nozzle row, and yellow nozzle row are nozzle rows (color nozzle rows) that eject color ink for recording a color image (colored layer).

  Each nozzle row is composed of 180 nozzles. The 180 nozzles in each nozzle row are arranged at a nozzle pitch of 1/180 inch intervals. The 180 nozzles in each nozzle row are arranged along the Y direction (width direction). For the sake of explanation, small numbers are assigned in order from the nozzle on the upper end side in the Y direction (# 1 to # 180).

  Of the heads adjacent to the Y direction (for example, heads 41 (1) and 41 (2)), four nozzles (# 177 nozzle, # 178 nozzle, #) at the lower end of the head on the upper end side (head 41 (1)) 179 nozzles and # 180 nozzles) and four nozzles (# 1 nozzle, # 2 nozzle, # 3 nozzle, and # 4 nozzle) at the upper end of the head on the lower end side (head 41 (2)) in the Y direction The position with respect to. The heads 41 (1) to 41 (15) are arranged so that such a relationship is established. By arranging 15 heads 51 in this way, the head unit 40 can be regarded as one large head (virtual head). In other words, by arranging 15 heads 51 in this way, 15 nozzle rows of each color can be regarded as one large nozzle row (virtual nozzle row). Then, by moving the head unit 40 in the X direction, ink can be discharged from the head 41 (1) to the area covered by the head 41 (15). When 15 nozzle rows are regarded as one large nozzle row, the # 1 nozzle of the head 41 (2) is the # 177 nozzle, the # 2 nozzle is the # 178 nozzle, the # 3 nozzle is the # 179 nozzle, Four nozzles become # 180 nozzles. When there are overlapping nozzles, ink may be ejected from one of the nozzles, or ink may be ejected while the overlapping nozzles complement each other.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method according to the fifth embodiment. For convenience of explanation, 15 nozzle rows are regarded as one virtual nozzle row, and the number of nozzles constituting the virtual nozzle row is reduced to five.

  In the fifth embodiment, the recording apparatus 1 alternately repeats an operation (pass) for moving the carriage 31 in the X direction and a relative movement operation for moving the carriage 31 in the Y direction. When performing each pass, the controller 10 moves the carriage 31 in the X direction and discharges liquid from a predetermined nozzle of the head 41 to apply the liquid to the medium S. Further, when performing the relative movement operation between the passes, the controller 10 moves the carriage 31 in the Y direction with the same feed amount as the dot pitch (here, 1/720 inch). By repeating the pass and the relative movement operation, an image having a resolution of 720 dpi can be formed in the recording area.

  When manufacturing the transfer medium, first, the controller 10 alternately repeats the pass and relative movement operation using the color nozzle rows (K, C, M, Y) as shown in FIG. A configured color image (colored layer) is formed. At this time, the controller 10 can perform bidirectional recording. Next, after returning the position of the carriage 31 in the Y direction, the controller 10 uses the white nozzle row (W) and the adhesive nozzle row (A) to perform the path and relative movement operation as shown in FIG. By repeating alternately, a white image (underlying layer) and an adhesive image (adhesive layer) are formed on the colored layer. At this time, the controller 10 moves the carriage 31 so that the white nozzle row is on the downstream side in the movement direction with respect to the adhesive nozzle row (that is, bidirectional printing is not performed). Thereby, an adhesive layer is formed immediately after the foundation layer is formed.

  Note that after the colored layer, the base layer, and the adhesive layer are formed in the recording area, the controller 10 causes the transport unit 20 to transport the medium in the transport direction (X direction), and the liquid-coated region is dried in the drying unit 50. And the liquid is dried to complete the transfer medium. Further, the controller 10 causes the transport unit 20 to transport the medium in the transport direction (X direction), and supplies an unrecorded area of the medium to the recording area.

  Also in the fifth embodiment, after the formation of the colored layer is completed, the formation of the base layer and the adhesive layer is started together. That is, unlike the comparative example, after the colored layer forming step, the two-layer forming step of the base layer and the adhesive layer is performed, so two steps are sufficient.

=== Others ===
The above embodiment is mainly described for a printer, but it goes without saying that the disclosure includes a printing apparatus, a printing method, a program, a storage medium storing the program, and the like.

  The above-described embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About transfer media>
In the above-described embodiment, the coloring layer, the base layer, and the adhesive layer are formed on the transfer medium. However, for example, when the transfer medium is transparent, there is a case where it is desired to transfer the base layer (background image) in order to shield the transfer medium. In such a case, it is not always necessary to form a colored layer on the transfer medium.

  And even when the colored layer is not formed on the transfer medium, by discharging the white ink from the nozzles of the white nozzle row and discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are aligned in the moving direction with the nozzles that discharge the white ink, The white background ink and the adhesive liquid can be applied to the medium. When the transfer medium is manufactured in this way, the formation of the base layer and the adhesive layer is started together. As a result, the formation process of the foundation layer and the adhesive layer can be reduced as compared with the case where the formation of the foundation layer and the formation of the adhesive layer are performed in separate processes. If no colored layer is formed on the transfer medium, the above-described head 41 does not have to be provided with a color nozzle row.

<About nozzle>
In the above-described embodiment, ink is ejected using a piezoelectric element. However, the method for discharging the liquid is not limited to this. For example, other methods such as a method of generating bubbles in the nozzle by heat may be used.

1 printer, 10 controller,
11 Interface unit, 12 CPU,
13 memory, 14 unit control circuit,
20 transport units, 21 transport rollers,
30 Carriage unit, 31 Carriage, 32 Carriage moving mechanism,
40 head units, 41 heads,
50 drying units, 60 detector groups,
90 computers

Claims (9)

A base nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging base ink are arranged in the predetermined direction;
A plurality of nozzles that discharge the adhesive liquid in the predetermined direction;
A carriage that moves the base nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row in a moving direction;
By discharging the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during the movement of the carriage and discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are aligned with the nozzle for discharging the base ink in the moving direction, An apparatus for manufacturing a transfer medium, which manufactures a transfer medium coated with the base ink and the adhesive liquid. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
A color nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that discharge color ink are arranged in a predetermined direction, the color nozzle row moving in the moving direction by the carriage,
Discharging the color ink from the nozzles of the color nozzle row during the movement of the carriage;
By discharging the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during the movement of the carriage and discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are aligned with the nozzle for discharging the base ink in the moving direction, A transfer medium manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a transfer medium in which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied to an area where the color ink is applied. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
The nozzle that discharges the base ink is located downstream of the nozzle that discharges the adhesive liquid in the moving direction,
The transfer medium is manufactured by applying the base ink on the area to which the color ink has been applied, and then applying the adhesive on the area to which the base ink has been applied. Manufacturing equipment. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3,
The carriage is reciprocally movable;
When the carriage moves in the forward path and when the carriage moves in the backward path, at least some of the nozzles that discharge the base ink and the adhesive liquid are changed, so that the carriage moves while the carriage moves. 2. A manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a nozzle for discharging a base ink is located downstream of the adhesive nozzle row in the moving direction. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In a plurality of pixels arranged in the moving direction, a pixel to which the adhesive liquid is applied after the base ink is applied and a pixel to which the base ink is applied after the adhesive liquid is applied are mixed. A featured manufacturing device. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5,
The carriage is reciprocally movable;
Between the pixels to which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied when the carriage moves in the forward path, the pixels to which the base ink and the adhesive liquid are applied when the carriage moves in the backward path are located. A manufacturing apparatus characterized by. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
The color ink in a plurality of pixels arranged in the movement direction of the region to which the color ink is applied by discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are arranged in the movement direction with the nozzle that discharges the color ink. A manufacturing apparatus characterized in that a pixel to which the adhesive liquid is applied after the liquid is applied and a pixel to which the color ink is applied after the adhesive liquid is applied are mixed. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
A manufacturing apparatus characterized in that adhesive dots are formed under the color dots by discharging the color ink onto the area where the adhesive is applied. A base nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging base ink are arranged in the predetermined direction, an adhesive nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging adhesive liquid are arranged in the predetermined direction, and a moving direction of the base nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row A manufacturing apparatus having a carriage to be moved to
By discharging the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row during the movement of the carriage and discharging the adhesive liquid from the nozzles that are aligned with the nozzle for discharging the base ink in the moving direction, A method for producing a transfer medium, comprising producing a transfer medium coated with the base ink and the adhesive liquid.