JP2014141018A - Ink jet printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a printed matter having different textures, for example, sparkling feeling and shiny feeling, on a recording medium.SOLUTION: An ink jet printing device includes: a first discharge head which discharges an ultraviolet curable ink as droplets; an ultraviolet radiation part which radiates an ultraviolet ray; and a second discharge head which discharges a solvent type ink as droplets; and a control part which causes the first discharge head to discharge the ultraviolet curable ink toward a recording medium and causes the ultraviolet radiation part to radiate the ultraviolet ray to the ultraviolet curable ink applied onto the recording medium to form a first image layer having an irregular part, the control part which causes the second discharge head to discharge the solvent type ink to a region in the recording medium which excludes a region where the first image layer is formed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus including a print head that discharges solvent-based metallic ink and color ink as droplets is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-101492 A

  However, in the above printing apparatus, an image layer in which a solvent-based ink is applied to a recording medium, the applied solvent-based ink is heated to evaporate a solvent component contained in the solvent-based ink, and the surface is flattened. However, there is a problem that an image layer having an uneven shape cannot be formed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 An ink jet printing apparatus according to this application example includes a first discharge head that discharges ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and a solvent-based ink that discharges solvent-based ink as droplets. A first image layer having a concavo-convex portion by ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink toward a recording medium and irradiating the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium with the ultraviolet rays. And a controller that discharges the solvent-based ink to a region other than the region where the first image layer is formed on the recording medium.

  According to this application example, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected as droplets onto the recording medium, and the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, whereby the ultraviolet curable ink is applied to the ultraviolet curable ink. An image layer having a concavo-convex portion can be formed on the recording medium with the pigment and the resin component as the colorant included. In this case, for example, an ultraviolet ray curable ink containing a glitter pigment is ejected, and the ink is cured, whereby an image layer having a glittering feeling can be formed on the recording medium by forming uneven portions. Furthermore, the solvent-based ink is ejected as droplets onto the recording medium, and the solvent component contained in the applied solvent-based ink evaporates or penetrates into the recording medium, thereby forming a flat portion with a flat surface on the recording medium. An image layer can be formed. Note that the flat portion is an image layer having a flat surface as compared with the concavo-convex portion formed by the ultraviolet curable ink. Then, for example, by ejecting a solvent-based ink having a glitter pigment and solidifying the ink, an image layer having a shiny feeling can be formed by forming a flat portion on the recording medium. Accordingly, it is possible to form images having different textures including an image layer having an uneven portion and an image layer having a flat portion on the same recording medium. Thereby, an image with high designability can be formed. Note that the above-described glitter feeling is a state where there is a graininess on the recording medium, and it can be said that the glittering feeling is a state where there is no graininess on the recording medium.

  Application Example 2 The ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example further includes a third discharge head that discharges ultraviolet curable ink that does not contain a pigment as droplets, and the control unit applies the solvent to the recording medium. Before discharging the system ink, the UV curable ink not containing the pigment is discharged to a region other than the region where the first image layer is formed on the recording medium, and the pigment applied on the recording medium is discharged. An ultraviolet curable ink not included is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays to form a base layer, and the solvent-based ink is ejected onto the base layer.

  According to this application example, an ultraviolet curable ink that does not contain a pigment as a colorant is ejected as droplets onto a recording medium, and the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As a result, a transparent underlayer can be formed on the recording medium. Thus, for example, even when an image layer is formed with a solvent-based ink on a non-liquid-absorbing recording medium such as a plastic film, the underlayer is reliably formed on the non-liquid-absorbing recording medium. Can do. When solvent-based ink is applied onto the image layer, the applied solvent-based ink wets and spreads, and in this state, the solvent component contained in the solvent-based ink evaporates and solidifies, so that the flat surface has a flat surface. Can be formed.

  Application Example 3 The inkjet printing apparatus according to the application example includes a head unit on which the first discharge head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second discharge head are mounted, and the head unit and the recording medium In the moving direction in which the head unit moves relative to the recording medium, the first discharge head is disposed upstream of the moving direction in which the head unit moves, and the ultraviolet light is downstream of the first discharge head. An irradiation unit is disposed, and the second ejection head is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit.

  According to this configuration, for example, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the first ejection head arranged on the upstream side with respect to the moving direction of the head unit while moving the head unit relative to the recording medium. UV curable ink is applied. Next, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the applied ultraviolet curable ink is cured. Thereby, an image layer having an uneven portion is formed on the recording medium. Next, solvent-based ink is discharged from the second discharge head. Thereby, an image layer having a flat portion with a flat surface can be formed on the recording medium. Therefore, by arranging the first discharge head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second discharge head in this order from the upstream side in the moving direction of the head unit, it is easy to have the uneven portion while moving the head unit once in the moving direction. An image layer and an image layer having a flat portion can be formed.

  Application Example 4 In the ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example, the third discharge head is disposed between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the second discharge head in the head unit, and the third discharge head and the The ultraviolet irradiation unit is further disposed between the second ejection head and the second ejection head.

  According to this configuration, for example, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the first ejection head arranged on the upstream side with respect to the moving direction of the head unit while moving the head unit relative to the recording medium. UV curable ink is applied. Next, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the applied ultraviolet curable ink is cured. Thereby, an image layer having an uneven portion is formed on the recording medium. Next, an ultraviolet curable ink containing no pigment is ejected from the third head. Next, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation section, and a transparent base layer is formed on the recording medium. Next, solvent-based ink is ejected from the second ejection head toward the underlayer. Thereby, an image layer having a flat portion having a flat surface is formed on the recording medium. Therefore, for example, even when an image layer is formed with a solvent-based ink on a non-liquid-absorbing recording medium such as a plastic film, the base layer is reliably formed on the non-liquid-absorbing recording medium, By applying solvent-based ink on the image layer, the applied solvent-based ink spreads out. In this state, the solvent component contained in the solvent-based ink evaporates and solidifies, so that a flat surface with a flat surface is formed. An image layer can be formed.

  Application Example 5 In the ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is further disposed on the downstream side of the second ejection head, and the ultraviolet irradiation is disposed on the downstream side of the second ejection head. The third ejection head is further arranged downstream of the unit, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is further arranged downstream of the third ejection head arranged downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the first The first ejection head is further arranged on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit arranged on the downstream side of the three ejection heads.

  According to this configuration, an image layer having a concavo-convex portion and an image layer having a flat portion can be easily formed in the forward path and the return path in which the head unit moves.

  Application Example 6 In the ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example described above, the inkjet printing apparatus includes a head unit on which the first discharge head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second discharge head are mounted, and the head unit moves. In the second movement direction in which the head unit and the recording medium move relative to each other across the first movement direction, the head unit moves upstream of the second movement direction with respect to the recording medium. The first ejection head and the ultraviolet irradiation unit are disposed, and the second ejection head is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head.

  According to this configuration, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the first ejection head disposed on the upstream side of the head unit with respect to the second moving direction, and the ultraviolet curable ink is applied to the recording medium. Next, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the applied ultraviolet curable ink is cured. Thereby, an image layer having an uneven portion is formed on the recording medium. Next, solvent-based ink is discharged from the second discharge head. Thereby, an image layer having a flat portion with a flat surface can be formed on the recording medium. Therefore, in the second movement direction of the head unit, by arranging the first ejection head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second ejection head in this order from the upstream side, the uneven portion can be easily moved while moving the head unit once in the movement direction. And an image layer having a flat portion can be formed.

  Application Example 7 In the ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example, the first discharge head and the second discharge head are parallel to the first discharge head with respect to the first movement direction, or with respect to the second direction. Further, the third ejection head and the ultraviolet irradiation unit are arranged between the head and the head.

  According to this configuration, the size of the head unit in the second movement direction can be reduced.

  Application Example 8 In the ink jet printing apparatus according to the application example described above, a heating unit that heats the solvent-based ink applied to the recording medium is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the solvent-based ink applied on the recording medium is heated, an image layer having a flat surface can be formed efficiently, and the production efficiency of printed matter can be further increased.

Schematic which shows the structure of an inkjet printing apparatus. Schematic which shows the structure of the head unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of an ejection head. FIG. 5 is a process diagram illustrating an operation method of the ink jet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the head unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Process drawing which shows the operation | movement method of the inkjet printing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the head unit which concerns on a 1st modification. Schematic which shows the structure of the head unit which concerns on a 2nd modification.

  Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each layer and each member is shown different from the actual scale so that each layer and each member can be recognized.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the ink jet printing apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus. An inkjet printing apparatus includes a first ejection head that ejects ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and a second ejection head that ejects solvent-based ink as droplets, and a recording medium The ultraviolet curable ink is discharged toward the surface, and the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to form a first image layer having a concavo-convex portion, whereby the first image layer on the recording medium is formed. The apparatus includes a control unit that ejects solvent-based ink to an area other than the area. This will be specifically described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printing apparatus 1 includes a base 2 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the base 2 is the Y-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction is the X-axis direction.

  On the upper surface 2a of the base 2, a pair of guide rails 3a and 3b extending in the Y direction is provided so as to protrude over the entire width in the Y axis direction. On the upper side of the base 2, a stage 4 provided with scanning means (not shown) corresponding to the pair of guide rails 3a and 3b is attached. The scanning unit is, for example, a linear motion mechanism, and the linear motion mechanism includes, for example, a screw shaft (drive shaft) extending in the Y direction along the guide rails 3a and 3b, and a ball nut screwed to the screw shaft. The screw type linear motion mechanism has a driving shaft connected to a Y-axis motor (not shown) that receives a predetermined pulse signal and rotates forward and backward in steps. When a drive signal corresponding to a predetermined number of steps is input to the Y-axis motor, the Y-axis motor rotates forward or reversely, and the stage 4 corresponds to the same number of steps along the Y-axis direction. The robot moves forward or backward (scans in the Y-axis direction) at a predetermined speed.

  On the upper surface of the stage 4, a placement surface 6 on which the recording medium 7 is placed is formed. In addition, for example, a suction type work chuck mechanism is provided on the mounting surface 6 so that the recording medium 7 is fixed at a predetermined position. The recording medium 7 may have a liquid absorbing property or a non-liquid absorbing property. For example, a plastic film (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, etc. (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc.), various printing papers, cardboard, metal members (aluminum foil, copper foil, etc.) and the like. Further, for example, a coating layer such as a receiving layer may be formed on the surface (printing surface) of the recording medium 7. Furthermore, what laminated | stacked various plastic films may be used, and the vapor deposition film may be formed in the surface of the metal member.

  A pair of support bases 8a and 8b are erected on both sides of the base 2 in the X-axis direction, and a guide member 9 extending in the X-axis direction is installed on the pair of support bases 8a and 8b. The guide member 9 is formed longer than the width of the stage 4 in the X-axis direction. Under the guide member 9, a guide rail 10 extending in the X-axis direction is provided so as to protrude over the entire width in the X-axis direction.

  A head unit 20 that can move along the guide rail 10 is disposed. The linear motion mechanism of the head unit 20 is, for example, a screw linear motion mechanism including a screw shaft (drive shaft) extending in the X-axis direction along the guide rail 10 and a ball nut screwed to the screw shaft. The drive shaft is connected to an X-axis motor (not shown) that receives a predetermined pulse signal and rotates forward and backward in steps. When a drive signal corresponding to a predetermined number of steps is input to the X-axis motor, the X-axis motor rotates forward or reverse, and the head unit 20 moves forward along the X-axis direction by the amount corresponding to the same number of steps. Or, it moves backward (scans in the X-axis direction).

  Further, the ink jet printing apparatus 1 is provided with an ink set 50 for supplying various inks to the ejection head mounted on the head unit 20. The ink set 50 includes an ultraviolet curable ink that is accelerated by ultraviolet irradiation, a solvent-based ink, and the like. The ultraviolet curable ink is an ink containing a pigment or dye as a colorant and a photocurable resin component, and is a type of ink that forms an image on a recording medium by solidifying the photocurable resin component. is there. The solvent-based ink is an ink containing a pigment or dye as a colorant and a solvent component, and is a type of ink that forms an image on a recording medium when the solvent component evaporates or penetrates into the recording medium. The solvent component is not particularly limited, such as water-based, alcohol-based, or organic solvent-based. Each of these inks is stored in the ink container 51. The plurality of ink containers 51 are stored in the storage holder 52. Further, each ink container 51 and the discharge head corresponding to each ink container 51 are connected by a pipe 60 so that the ink in the ink container 51 can be supplied to the discharge head. The ink set 50 can include other inks in addition to the ultraviolet curable ink and the solvent-based ink. For example, any ink can be appropriately mounted depending on the type of the recording medium 7 and the image forming method. it can.

  The ink jet printing apparatus 1 includes a heating unit that heats the solvent-based ink applied to the recording medium 7. In the present embodiment, a heater 19 as a heating unit is disposed inside the stage 4. Then, by driving the heater 19, the placement surface 6 of the stage 4 is heated, whereby the recording medium 7 placed on the placement surface 6 is heated and the solvent applied on the recording medium 7. By heating the system ink, evaporation of the solvent component contained in the solvent ink can be promoted.

  Next, the configuration of the head unit will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the head unit. As shown in FIG. 2, in the head unit 20, a first ejection head 540 that ejects ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 510 that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and a first ink that ejects solvent-based ink as droplets. A two-ejection head 550 is mounted. In the moving direction in which the head unit 20 and the recording medium 7 move relative to each other (in the + X-axis direction in this embodiment), the first ejection is performed upstream of the moving direction in which the head unit 20 moves with respect to the recording medium 7. The head 540 is disposed, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510 is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540, and the second ejection head 550 is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510.

  The ultraviolet irradiation unit 510 has a light source that emits ultraviolet rays. As the light source, for example, various light sources such as LED, LD, mercury lamp, metal halide lamp, xenon lamp, and excimer lamp can be applied. Then, the curing of the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium 7 can be promoted by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510.

  Next, the configuration of the ejection head will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ejection head. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the first ejection head 540 will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 3, the first ejection head 540 includes a nozzle plate 30. A nozzle 31 is formed on the nozzle plate 30. A cavity 32 communicating with the nozzle 31 is formed at a position above the nozzle plate 30 and facing the nozzle 31. Each ink is supplied from the ink set 50 to the cavity 32 of the first ejection head 540.

  Above the cavity 32, a vibration plate 34 that vibrates in the vertical direction (Z direction: longitudinal vibration) and expands and contracts the volume in the cavity 32, and a pressurizing unit that expands and contracts in the vertical direction to vibrate the vibration plate 34. The piezoelectric element 35 is disposed. When the piezoelectric element 35 receives the drive signal, the piezoelectric element 35 expands and the diaphragm 34 reduces the volume in the cavity 32. As a result, the reduced volume of ink is ejected as droplets D from the nozzles 31 of the first ejection head 540. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal vibration type piezoelectric element 35 is used as the pressurizing means. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, for example, a flexural deformation in which a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode are stacked. A type of piezoelectric element may be used. Further, as the pressure generating means, a so-called electrostatic actuator that generates static electricity between the diaphragm and the electrode, deforms the diaphragm by electrostatic force, and discharges a droplet from the nozzle may be used. Furthermore, an ejection head having a configuration in which bubbles are generated in the nozzle using a heating element and ink is ejected as droplets by the bubbles may be used. Note that the configuration of the second ejection head 550 is the same as the configuration of the first ejection head 540, and a description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an operation method of the ink jet printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a process diagram showing an operation method of the ink jet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as the ink set 50, an ultraviolet curable metallic ink as an ultraviolet curable ink for forming the first image layer and a solvent-based metallic as a solvent ink for forming the second image layer. A case where ink is loaded will be described. Further, a case where an image is formed on the recording medium 7 having liquid absorbency will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4A, an ultraviolet curable metallic ink is applied to a predetermined area Ar1 on the recording medium 7. Specifically, the ultraviolet curable metallic ink is ejected as droplets D from the first ejection head 540 while further moving the head unit 20 in the + X-axis direction, and the ink dots of the ultraviolet curable metallic ink are formed on the recording medium 7. 110a is deposited.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the ink dots 110a applied on the recording medium 7 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Specifically, the head unit 20 is moved in the + X-axis direction, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the ink dots 110a from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510 disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540 in the + X-axis direction. Thereby, the ink dots 110a discharged from the first discharge head 540 and applied to the recording medium 7 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the ink dots 110a can be efficiently cured. And the 1st image layer 200 which has the uneven | corrugated | grooved part 101 is formed with the pigment and resin component which are contained in ultraviolet curable metallic ink. Further, in the predetermined area Ar2, the ultraviolet curable metallic ink is ejected as droplets D from the first ejection head 540 moved in the + X-axis direction, and the ink dots 110a of the ultraviolet curable metallic ink are attached on the recording medium 7. Let

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, solvent-based ink is applied to the predetermined area Ar3. Specifically, the head unit 20 is further moved in the + X-axis direction, and the ink dots 110a applied to the predetermined area Ar2 from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510 disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540 in the + X-axis direction. The first image layer 200 having the concavo-convex portion 101 is formed by irradiating with ultraviolet rays toward the region Ar3 in the recording medium 7 other than the regions Ar1 and Ar2 where the first image layer 200 is formed. The solvent-based metallic ink is discharged as droplets D from the second discharge head 550 disposed on the downstream side of the irradiation unit 510, and the solvent-based metallic ink 120 a is applied onto the recording medium 7. The solvent-based metallic ink 120a applied on the recording medium 7 wets and spreads in the area Ar3 defined by the first image layer 200.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the solvent-based metallic ink 120a applied on the recording medium 7 is heated. In the present embodiment, the heater 19 as a heating unit built in the stage 4 on which the recording medium 7 is placed is driven to heat the solvent-based metallic ink 120a. Thereby, the solvent component contained in the solvent-based metallic ink 120a is evaporated, and the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 is formed. In detail, the second image layer 300 is an image layer having a flat surface compared to the first image layer 200. Accordingly, the recording medium 7, the first image layer 200 having the concavo-convex portion 101 formed on the recording medium 7 by the ultraviolet curable metallic ink, and the area Ar1 where the first image layer 200 is formed on the recording medium 7. , And a second image layer 300 having a flat portion 151 formed of a solvent-based metallic ink in a region Ar3 other than Ar2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the head unit 20, a first ejection head 540 that ejects ultraviolet curable metallic ink is disposed on the upstream side in the movement direction that moves in the + X-axis direction with respect to the recording medium 7, and ultraviolet light is disposed downstream of the first ejection head 540. An irradiation unit 510 is disposed, and a second ejection head 550 that ejects solvent-based metallic ink is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510. Then, while moving the head unit 20 in the + X-axis direction, the first discharge head 540, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510, and the second discharge head 550 arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side are operated in this order, so that the same A printed material 1000 having a different texture can be formed on the recording medium 7, which includes the first image layer 200 having the concavo-convex portion 101 and the glittering feeling, and the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 and the shiny feeling.

  In the first embodiment, the ultraviolet curable metallic ink is used as the ultraviolet curable ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultraviolet curable color ink may be used as the ultraviolet curable ink. Further, although the solvent-based metallic ink is used as the solvent-based ink, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a solvent-based color ink may be used as the solvent-based ink. However, these inks may be combined. In the above case, it is only necessary to mount a desired ink on the ink set 50 and to include an ejection head corresponding to each ink. In this way, it is possible to form a printed material 1000 that is further rich in color variations.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. An inkjet printing apparatus includes a first ejection head that ejects ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and a second ejection head that ejects solvent-based ink as droplets, and a recording medium The ultraviolet curable ink is discharged toward the surface, and the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to form a first image layer having a concavo-convex portion, whereby the first image layer on the recording medium is formed. The apparatus includes a control unit that ejects solvent-based ink to an area other than the area. Further, the image forming apparatus further includes a third discharge head that discharges the ultraviolet curable ink that does not include the pigment as droplets, and the control unit performs the first image on the recording medium before discharging the solvent-based ink onto the recording medium. A base layer is formed by ejecting UV curable ink that does not contain a pigment to a region other than the region where the layer is formed, and irradiating UV curable ink that does not contain a pigment applied on a recording medium with ultraviolet rays. It is a device that ejects solvent-based ink onto the formation. This will be specifically described below.

  Note that the configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted, and a different part, that is, the head unit structure will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the head unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the head unit 21 of the present embodiment includes a first ejection head 540 that ejects ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, ultraviolet irradiation units 510 a and 510 b that irradiate ultraviolet rays, and solvent-based ink. A second discharge head 550 that discharges as droplets and a third discharge head 541 that discharges ultraviolet curable ink not containing pigment as droplets are mounted. A third ejection head 541 is disposed between the first ejection head 540 and the second ejection head 550 in the head unit 21, and between the first ejection head 540 and the third ejection head 541, and Between the three ejection heads 541 and the second ejection head 550, ultraviolet irradiation units 510a and 510b are arranged, respectively.

  More specifically, in the movement direction in which the head unit 21 and the recording medium 7 move relatively (in the present embodiment, the + X axis direction), the upstream side of the movement direction in which the head unit 21 moves relative to the recording medium 7. The first ejection head 540 is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540, the third ejection head 541 is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, and the third ejection head 541 is disposed. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b is disposed on the downstream side, and the second ejection head 550 is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b.

  The ultraviolet irradiation units 510a and 510b have light sources that emit ultraviolet rays. As the light source, for example, various light sources such as LED, LD, mercury lamp, metal halide lamp, xenon lamp, and excimer lamp can be applied. Then, curing of the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium 7 can be promoted by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation units 510a and 510b. Note that the configurations of the first ejection head 540, the second ejection head 550, and the third ejection head 541 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an operation method of the ink jet printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing an operation method of the ink jet printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, as the ink set 50, an ultraviolet curable metallic ink as an ultraviolet curable ink for forming the first image layer and a solvent-based metallic as a solvent ink for forming the second image layer. A case will be described in which an ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable clear ink) that does not contain an ink and a pigment for forming a base layer is mounted. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a case where printing is performed on a non-liquid-absorbing recording medium 7 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6A, an ultraviolet curable metallic ink is applied to a predetermined area Ar1 on the recording medium 7. Specifically, while the head unit 21 is moved in the + X-axis direction, ultraviolet curable metallic ink is ejected as droplets D from the first ejection head 540, and ultraviolet curable metallic ink ink dots 110 a are formed on the recording medium 7. To attach.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the ink dots 110a applied on the recording medium 7 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Specifically, the head unit 21 is further moved in the + X-axis direction, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the ink dots 110a from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540 in the + X-axis direction. As a result, the ink dots 110a ejected from the first ejection head 540 and applied to the recording medium 7 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays to efficiently cure the ink dots 110a, and the pigments and resins contained in the ultraviolet curable metallic ink. The first image layer 200 having the uneven portion 101 is formed by the component. Further, in the predetermined area Ar2, the ultraviolet curable metallic ink is ejected as droplets D from the first ejection head 540 moved in the + X-axis direction, and the ink dots 110a of the ultraviolet curable metallic ink are attached on the recording medium 7. Thereafter, the head unit 21 is further moved in the + X-axis direction, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the ink dots 110a from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a arranged on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540 in the + X-axis direction. Thereby, the 1st image layer 200 which has the uneven | corrugated | grooved part 101 is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, an ultraviolet curable clear ink as an ultraviolet curable ink that does not contain a pigment is applied to a predetermined area Ar <b> 3 on the recording medium 7. Specifically, the ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a is ejected as droplets D from the third ejection head 541 while moving the head unit 21 further in the + X-axis direction, and the ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a is ejected onto the recording medium 7. Apply. The ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a applied on the recording medium 7 wets and spreads in the area Ar3 defined by the first image layer 200.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6D, the applied ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Specifically, the head unit 21 is further moved in the + X axis direction, and ultraviolet rays are emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b disposed on the downstream side of the third ejection head 541 in the + X axis direction toward the ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a. Irradiate. Thereby, the curing of the ultraviolet curable clear ink 130a is promoted, and the transparent underlayer 130 made of the ultraviolet curable clear ink is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, solvent-based ink is applied on the foundation layer 130 formed in the region Ar3. Specifically, the head unit 21 is further moved in the + X-axis direction, and solvent-based metallic ink is discharged as droplets D from the second discharge head 550 disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b in the + X-axis direction. Then, the solvent-based metallic ink 120a is applied on the base layer 130. At this time, the solvent-based metallic ink 120 a applied on the underlayer 130 wets and spreads over the surface of the underlayer 130.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6F, the solvent-based metallic ink 120a applied on the recording medium 7 is heated. In the present embodiment, the heater 19 as a heating unit built in the stage 4 on which the recording medium 7 is placed is driven to heat the solvent-based metallic ink 120a. Thereby, the solvent component contained in the solvent-based metallic ink 120a is evaporated, and the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 is formed. In detail, the second image layer 300 is an image layer having a flat surface compared to the first image layer 200. Accordingly, the non-liquid-absorbing recording medium 7, the first image layer 200 having the uneven portion 101 formed on the recording medium 7 by the ultraviolet curable metallic ink, and the first image layer on the recording medium 7. A pigment is included between the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 formed of the solvent-based metallic ink in the region Ar3 other than the regions Ar1 and Ar2 where the 200 is formed, and the recording medium 7 and the second image layer 300. A printed matter 1100 is formed that includes a transparent undercoat layer 130 formed of a non-ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable clear ink).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the head unit 21, a first ejection head 540 that ejects ultraviolet curable metallic ink is disposed on the upstream side in the movement direction that moves in the + X axis direction with respect to the recording medium 7, and ultraviolet light is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540. The irradiation unit 510a is disposed, and further, a third ejection head 541 for ejecting ultraviolet curable clear ink is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b is disposed downstream of the third ejection head 541. Furthermore, a second ejection head 550 that ejects solvent-based metallic ink is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b. Then, while moving the head unit 21 in the + X-axis direction, the first ejection head 540, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, the third ejection head 541, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b, and the second ejection are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side. By operating in the order of the head 550, the first image layer 200 having the uneven portion 101 and the glittering feeling on the same recording medium 7 and the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 and the shiny feeling can be easily obtained. A printed material 1100 having a different texture can be formed.

  Then, the base layer 130 was formed on the non-liquid-absorbing recording medium 7, and the second image layer 300 was formed on the base layer 130. As a result, the solvent-based metallic ink that is the material of the second image layer 300 can be wetted and spread on the base layer 130 without causing the second image layer 300 to be formed reliably. In addition, since the underlayer 130 is formed from an ultraviolet curable clear ink that does not contain a pigment, it is formed without flipping the surface of the recording medium 7. Thereby, the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 can be formed on the base layer 130. Further, by interposing the base layer 130 between the recording medium 7 and the second image layer 300, the adhesion between the second image layer 300 and the recording medium 7 can be improved and the abrasion resistance can be improved. Can be improved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below.

  (Modification 1) In the head units 20 and 21 according to the first and second embodiments, the first ejection head 540, the second ejection head 550, the third ejection head 541, and the ultraviolet rays when moved in the + X-axis direction. Although the arrangement of the irradiation units 510, 510a, and 510b is defined, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the head unit may be configured in consideration of movement in the −X axis direction in addition to the + X axis direction. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a head unit according to the deformability 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the head unit 22 according to Modification 1 includes two first ejection heads 540a and 540b that eject ultraviolet curable ink as droplets, and ultraviolet irradiation units 510a and 510b that irradiate ultraviolet rays. 510c and 510d, a second ejection head 550 that ejects solvent-based ink as droplets, and two third ejection heads 541a and 541b that eject UV-curable ink not containing pigment as droplets are mounted.

  More specifically, in the moving direction in which the head unit 22 and the recording medium 7 move relative to each other (in this embodiment, the + X axis direction), the upstream side of the moving direction in which the head unit 22 moves relative to the recording medium 7. The first ejection head 540a is disposed on the downstream side of the first ejection head 540a, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, and the third ejection head 541a is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a. An ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b is disposed on the downstream side of 541a, and a second ejection head 550 is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b. Further, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 510c is disposed downstream of the second ejection head 550, a third ejection head 541b is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510c, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed downstream of the third ejection head 541b. 510d is disposed, and a first ejection head 540b is disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510d.

  In other words, in the head unit 22 according to the first modification, the second ejection head 550 is disposed in the center in the movement direction (+ X axis direction and −X axis direction) of the head unit 22, and the second ejection head 550. The ultraviolet irradiation units 510b and 510c are arranged to sandwich the ultraviolet irradiation unit, the third ejection heads 541a and 541b are arranged to sandwich the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b and 510c, and the ultraviolet irradiation is performed to sandwich the third ejection heads 541a and 541b. The first ejection heads 540a and 540b are disposed so as to sandwich the ultraviolet irradiation units 510a and 510d.

  As an operation method of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 equipped with the head unit 22, for example, when moving in the + X-axis direction, the first ejection head 540a, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, the third ejection head 541a, the ultraviolet irradiation The unit 510b and the second ejection head 550 are driven. On the other hand, when moving in the −X axis direction, the first ejection head 540b, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510d, the third ejection head 541b, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510c, and the second ejection head 550 are driven.

  In this way, the first image layer 200 having the concavo-convex portion 101 on the same recording medium 7 easily regardless of whether the head unit 22 is moved in the + X-axis direction or the −X-axis direction. A printed material including the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151 and the underlayer 130 between the recording medium 7 and the second image layer 300 can be formed. In the first modification, for example, when an image is formed on the recording medium 7 having liquid absorption, the third ejection heads 541a and 541b may be omitted or controlled so as not to be driven. Also good.

  (Modification 2) In the head units 20 and 21 according to the first and second embodiments, the first ejection head 540, the second ejection head 550, and the third ejection head 541 when moved to the head units 20 and 21. Although the arrangement of the ultraviolet irradiation units 510, 510a, and 510b is defined, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first ejection head 540, the second ejection head 550, the third ejection head 541, and the ultraviolet irradiation units 510, 510a, and 510b may be arranged with respect to the Y axis direction that intersects the X axis direction.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram (plan view) showing the configuration of the head unit according to the deformability 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the first ejection head 540, the ultraviolet irradiation units 510 a and 510 b, and the second ejection head 550 are mounted on the head unit 23, and the first movement direction in which the head unit 23 moves ( As the second movement direction in which the head unit 23 moves relative to the recording medium 7 in the second movement direction (Y-axis direction) in which the head unit 23 and the recording medium 7 move relative to each other across the X-axis direction) The first ejection head 540 and the ultraviolet irradiation units 510 a and 510 b are disposed upstream of the −Y axis direction, and the second ejection head 550 is disposed downstream of the first ejection head 540. In this modification, the first ejection head 540 and the second ejection head are arranged in parallel to the first ejection head 540 in the first movement direction (X-axis direction) or in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Further, a third ejection head 541 and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b may be disposed between the second discharge head 550 and the second discharge head 550.

  Even in this case, while moving the head unit 23 in the + X-axis direction and moving the recording medium 7 in the Y-axis direction, the first ejection head 540, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510a, the second ejection head 550, and the first By driving the three-ejection head 541 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 510b, the first image layer 200 having the concavo-convex portion 101, the second image layer 300 having the flat portion 151, and the recording medium 7 can be easily formed on the same recording medium 7. A printed material including the underlayer 130 may be formed between the first image layer 300 and the second image layer 300. In the first modification, for example, when an image is formed on the recording medium 7 having liquid absorption, the third ejection heads 541a and 541b may be omitted or controlled so as not to be driven. Also good.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet printing apparatus, 4 ... Stage, 19 ... Heater as heating part, 20, 21, 22, 23 ... Head unit, 101 ... Irregularity part, 130 ... Underlayer, 151 ... Flat part, 200 ... 1st image layer , 300 ... second image layer, 510, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d ... ultraviolet irradiation section, 540, 540a, 540b ... first ejection head, 541, 541a, 541b ... third ejection head, 550 ... second ejection head. , 1000, 1100 ... printed matter.

Claims (8)

A first ejection head that ejects ultraviolet curable ink as droplets;
An ultraviolet irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet rays;
A second ejection head that ejects solvent-based ink as droplets,
In the recording medium, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected toward the recording medium, and the ultraviolet curable ink applied on the recording medium is irradiated with the ultraviolet light to form a first image layer having a concavo-convex portion. An ink jet printing apparatus comprising: a control unit that discharges the solvent-based ink to a region other than the region where the first image layer is formed. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A third ejection head for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink containing no pigment as droplets;
In the control unit,
Before the solvent-based ink is ejected to the recording medium, ultraviolet curable ink not containing the pigment is ejected in a region other than the region where the first image layer is formed on the recording medium, and the recording medium An inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the ultraviolet ray curable ink that does not contain the pigment applied thereon is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays to form a base layer, and the solvent-based ink is ejected onto the base layer. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A head unit on which the first ejection head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second ejection head are mounted;
In the moving direction in which the head unit and the recording medium move relative to each other, the first discharge head is disposed upstream of the moving direction in which the head unit moves with respect to the recording medium. An inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed on the downstream side of the head, and the second ejection head is disposed on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit. In the inkjet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The third ejection head is disposed between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the second ejection head in the head unit, and further, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed between the third ejection head and the second ejection head. An inkjet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
The ultraviolet irradiation unit is further arranged on the downstream side of the second ejection head, and the third ejection head is further arranged on the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit arranged on the downstream side of the second ejection head. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is further disposed downstream of the third ejection head disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit disposed downstream of the third ejection head. An ink jet printing apparatus, further comprising the first discharge head disposed downstream. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A head unit on which the first ejection head, the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the second ejection head are mounted;
The second movement in which the head unit moves relative to the recording medium in a second movement direction in which the head unit and the recording medium move relative to each other across the first movement direction in which the head unit moves. An inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the first ejection head and the ultraviolet irradiation unit are disposed upstream in the direction, and the second ejection head is disposed downstream of the first ejection head. In the inkjet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 6,
Parallel to the first ejection head with respect to the first movement direction, or between the first ejection head and the second ejection head with respect to the second direction, the third ejection head and the An inkjet printing apparatus comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit. In the ink jet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An ink jet printing apparatus comprising: a heating unit that heats the solvent-based ink applied to the recording medium.

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