JP2016055627A - Image forming apparatus, ejection inspection method of transparent droplet and ejection inspection program of transparent droplet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the visibility of a pattern by means of transparent droplets ejected from a number of nozzles.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 includes: first ejection means 40 which ejects colored droplets onto a recording medium to form an image while being relatively moved for a recording medium Md; and second ejection means 50 which is provided with a nozzle array for ejecting transparent droplets onto the recording medium formed of the image while being relatively moved in the first direction for the recording medium and arranges a plurality of nozzles in a second direction vertical to the first direction on the nozzle array. Therein, when inspection of an ejection movement of the second ejection means is performed, a prescribed image is formed by means of the colored droplets, thereafter, respective nozzles elect the transparent droplets and m lines of pattern arrays in which a plurality of patterns are arranged at (m-1) intervals in the second direction are formed on the recording medium in the first direction (m is a natural number of 2 or more).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a transparent droplet ejection inspection method, and a transparent droplet ejection inspection program.

  Conventionally, a pattern formed with transparent droplets has a problem that it is difficult to visually check, unlike a pattern formed with colored ink droplets.

  In the prior art, when a transparent droplet is overlaid on colored ink and printed, the recording position of the transparent droplet is detected by the detecting means using the fact that the color is different from that when the colored ink is printed alone, and the registration adjustment is performed. There is a technique to perform (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  However, it has been difficult to visually detect nozzle omission and ejection bending from a large number of patterns formed by transparent droplets discharged from a large number of nozzles.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the visibility of a pattern by transparent droplets discharged from a large number of nozzles.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first discharge unit that discharges colored droplets onto a recording medium while moving relative to the recording medium; On the recording medium on which an image of the liquid droplets is formed, a nozzle row that discharges transparent liquid droplets while moving relative to the recording medium is provided, and the nozzle row has the relative movement direction. A second ejection unit in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to a certain first direction. When the inspection of the ejection operation of the second ejection unit is performed, a predetermined image is formed by the colored droplets ejected by the first ejection unit, and then the second ejection unit performs the second ejection. The nozzles arranged in the direction of the nozzles eject the transparent liquid droplets, so that a plurality of patterns arranged in the second direction in the first direction are m (m: 2). (Natural number above) Formed on the recording medium, the plurality of patterns are formed such that the patterns are arranged at intervals of (m−1) in each of the m pattern rows.

  According to one aspect, it is possible to improve the visibility of a pattern by transparent droplets discharged from a large number of nozzles.

1 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a preprocessing unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a schematic block diagram explaining an example of the drying means of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a line type head is used as an example of an image forming unit and a post-processing liquid discharge unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming unit and a post-processing liquid discharge unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a recording medium after an image is formed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the image formation means and post-processing liquid discharge means which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the maintenance recovery operation | movement of the image forming means and post-processing liquid discharge means which concern on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an image forming unit, a post-processing liquid discharge unit, and a maintenance recovery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a function of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a data management unit of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an image output unit of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the test pattern for the discharge inspection which concerns on an image forming means. It is a figure explaining an example of the test pattern for the discharge inspection of the post-processing means which concerns on Example 1-1 of this invention. FIG. 16 is an example of a driving waveform of an image forming unit of a test pattern for ejection inspection in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is an example of a drive waveform of post-processing means for the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG. 15; It is a flowchart figure of the process of discharge inspection of the transparent droplet of the post-processing means concerning Example 1-1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the test pattern for the discharge inspection of the post-processing means which concerns on Example 1-2 of this invention. FIG. 20 is an example of a drive waveform of post-processing means for the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG. 19. FIG. It is a flowchart figure of the process of the discharge test | inspection of the transparent droplet of the post-processing means which concerns on Example 1-2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the test pattern for the discharge inspection of the post-processing means concerning Example 1-3 of the present invention. It is an example of the drive waveform of the post-processing means of the test pattern for discharge inspection of FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the test pattern for the discharge inspection of the post-processing means which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the discharge head of the post-processing means which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern for discharge inspection using the discharge head of FIG. 25. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a serial head is used as an example of post-processing liquid discharge means of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern for discharge inspection of a post-processing liquid discharge unit using the discharge head of FIG. 27.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
An image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus having four color ejection heads (recording head, ink head) of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) will be described. The image forming apparatus to which the invention can be applied is not limited to those having these discharge heads. That is, the image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be used has an ejection head corresponding to green (G), red (R), light cyan (LC) and / or other colors, or black (K). Including those having only a discharge head. Here, in the following description, the symbols given the subscripts K, C, M, and Y correspond to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, continuous paper wound in a roll shape (hereinafter referred to as “roll paper Md”) is used as the recording medium. However, the recording medium on which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can form an image. Is not limited to roll paper. That is, the recording medium on which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can form an image may be a cut sheet. The recording medium on which an image can be formed using the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes plain paper, fine paper, thin paper, cardboard, recording paper and roll paper, and an OHP sheet, a synthetic resin film, a metal Including thin film and other surface capable of forming an image with ink or the like. Here, the roll paper is continuous paper (continuous form paper, continuous form) in which cuttable perforations are formed at a predetermined interval. Further, a page (page) on the roll paper is, for example, an area sandwiched between perforations at a predetermined interval.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a carry-in unit 10 that carries in a roll paper Md (recording medium), and a pre-processing unit 20 that pre-processes the roll paper Md that is carried in. And a drying means 30 for drying the pretreated roll paper Md. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an image forming unit 40 that forms an image on the surface of the roll paper Md, a post-processing unit 50 that post-processes the roll paper Md on which the image is formed, and the post-processed roll paper Md. And unloading means 60 for unloading. The image forming unit 40, the post-processing unit 50, and the maintenance / recovery units 90A and 90B are disposed on the casing 74 of the printer engine 72E. Here, the casing 74 which is an ink jet printer main body includes a transport unit 80 having a transport belt 81 and the like. The image forming unit 40, the post-processing unit 50, the maintenance / recovery units 90A and 90B, the casings 73 and 74, and the post-processing liquid drying unit 32 correspond to a printer engine 72E described later. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 70 (see FIG. 11) that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the roll paper Md is carried in by the carry-in means 10, and the surface of the roll paper Md is pretreated and dried by the pretreatment means 20 and the drying means 30. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the surface of the roll paper Md after the preprocessing and drying by the image forming unit 40. Further, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 performs post-processing on the roll paper Md on which the image is formed by the post-processing unit 50. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 takes up (discharges or carries out) the roll paper Md by the carry-out means 60.

  Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described. Note that an image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be used can be configured so as not to include any one or a plurality of preprocessing means 20 and the like described later, depending on the type of recording medium on which an image is formed. .

(Structure of import means)
The carry-in means 10 is a means for conveying the recording medium to the preprocessing means 20 or the like. In the present embodiment, the carry-in means 10 includes a paper feed unit 11 and a plurality of transport rollers 12. The carry-in means 10 carries in (moves) the roll paper Md that is wound around the paper feed roll of the paper feed unit 11 using the transport roller 12 or the like, and uses a platen or the like to the pre-processing means 20 that will be described later. Transport.

(Configuration of pre-processing means)
The preprocessing unit 20 is a unit that processes the recording medium before the image is formed. In the present embodiment, the pretreatment means 20 pretreats the surface of the roll paper Md carried in by the carry-in means 10 with a pretreatment liquid.

  Here, the pretreatment is a treatment for uniformly applying a pretreatment liquid (described later) having a function of aggregating ink onto the surface of the roll paper Md (recording medium). As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 agglomerates ink using the preprocessing unit 20 before forming an image on the recording medium in the case of forming an image on the recording medium other than the exclusive paper of the inkjet method or the dedicated paper. A pretreatment liquid having a function can be applied to the surface of the recording medium.

  For this reason, the image forming apparatus 100 can reduce the occurrence of quality problems such as bleeding, density, color tone, and show-through of the formed image, as well as problems related to water resistance, weather resistance, and other image fastness. it can. Therefore, the quality of the image formed thereafter can be improved.

  An example using a roll coating method as the pretreatment means 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the pretreatment means 20 is stored on the surface of the roll paper Md carried (conveyed) into the pretreatment means 20 by the carry-in means 10 (FIG. 1). A treatment liquid 20L is applied.

  Specifically, the pretreatment means 20 first transfers (transfers) the pretreatment liquid 20 </ b> L to the surface of the application roller 23 in a thin film form by the stirring (supply) roller 21 and the thinning (transfer) roller 22. Next, the pretreatment means 20 presses the application roller 23 against the rotating platen roller 24 to rotate the application roller 23. At this time, the pretreatment means 20 can apply the pretreatment liquid 20L to the surface of the roll paper Md by conveying the roll paper Md to the gap between the application roller 23 and the platen roller 24.

  Further, the pretreatment means 20 uses the pressure adjusting device 25 to control the nip pressure (pressure acting on the position where the application roller 23 and the platen roller 24 are in contact) when applying the pretreatment liquid. And / or the pretreatment means 20 controls the rotation speed of the application roller 23 and the platen roller 24. Thereby, the pre-processing means 20 changes the rotational speed of the application roller 23 or the like. Thus, the pretreatment means 20 controls (changes) the application amount (film thickness, liquid amount, adhesion amount, dry adhesion amount, etc.) of the pretreatment liquid 20L by changing the nip pressure using the pressure adjusting device 25. can do. Accordingly, the pretreatment liquid 20L can be applied to the surface of the roll paper Md (recording medium) with a coating amount suitable for subsequent image formation and post-processing.

(Structure of drying means)
The drying means 30 is means for drying the recording medium by heating or the like. In this embodiment, the drying means 30 is a pretreatment drying means 31 for drying the roll paper Md pretreated by the pretreatment means 20 and a posttreatment for drying the roll paper Md posttreated by the posttreatment means 50. And drying means 32 for use.

  The case of a drying means using a heat roller will be described below. In order to enhance the drying effect, this heat roller is preferably provided with multiple heat rollers 311 to 316 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the pretreatment drying means 31 heats the surface of the roll paper Md coated with the pretreatment liquid by the heat rollers 311 to 316 to evaporate the water in the pretreatment liquid, and the roll paper Md (pretreatment liquid) Can be dried. In such a configuration, when the drying strength is weakened, the heat roller temperature is lowered. For example, the temperature is about 40 to 80 ° C. Further, for example, only the heat rollers 311 and 312 are heated, and the other heat rollers 313 to 316 are not heated. On the other hand, it is possible to increase the drying strength by increasing the number used or increasing the heat roller temperature.

  In addition, although the example which controls a heat roller temperature and the number of heat rollers used was demonstrated here, it can also control only in any one. As described above, the drying strength can be controlled by a combination of the heat roller temperature and / or the number of heat rollers used.

  The pretreatment drying unit 31 is not limited to a heat roller as a drying means. That is, the pretreatment drying unit 31 can use infrared drying, microwave drying, warm air drying, and other drying methods. The pretreatment drying means 31 may use a drying method in which a plurality of drying methods are combined. Further, the pretreatment drying means 31 may heat the roll paper Md (recording medium) before the pretreatment means 20 applies the pretreatment liquid (preheating step).

  The configuration of the post-processing drying unit 32 is the same as the configuration of the pre-processing drying unit 31, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of image forming means)
The image forming unit 40 is a unit that forms an image on a recording medium. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on the surface of the roll paper Md by discharging droplets (hereinafter referred to as “ink”) onto the roll paper Md dried by the drying unit 30.

  An example of the outer shape of the image forming unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the image forming unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a main part of the image forming unit 40 (black (K) ejection head 40K).

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the image forming unit 40 can use a full line type head in this embodiment. That is, the image forming unit 40 includes four ejection heads 40K, 40C, 40M corresponding to black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) from the upstream side in the recording medium conveyance direction Xm. 40Y is arranged.

  In this embodiment, the black (K) ejection head 40K includes four head units 40K-1, 40K-2, 40K-3, and 40K-4 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction Xm of the roll paper Md. Arranged in a staggered pattern. As a result, the image forming unit 40 can form an image in the entire width direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) of the image forming area (printing area) of the roll paper Md (recording medium). Here, since the recording medium Md is conveyed in the Xm direction by the conveying belt 81, the head unit 40K moves relative to the recording medium (the direction opposite to the recording medium conveying direction). The other ejection heads 40C, 40M, and 40Y have the same configuration as that of the black (K) ejection head 40K, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  An enlarged plan view of the head unit 40K-1 of the black (K) discharge head 40K of the image forming means 40 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the present embodiment, the head unit 40K-1 has a plurality of discharge ports (nozzles, prints) on the nozzle surface (the outer surface of the nozzle plate 43 in FIG. 5A described later). Nozzle) 40N. Here, the plurality of discharge ports 40N are arranged in one row in the longitudinal direction of the head unit 40K-1, and constitute a nozzle row. The head unit 40K-1 may include a plurality of nozzle rows. In the example of FIG. 4, a head having two nozzle rows and ejecting liquid droplets for one line by two adjacent head units is configured, but a head having another shape may be used. For example, the head may be configured by connecting a plurality of head units and arranging them in a line. Alternatively, one head unit in which one line extending in the width direction of the recording medium becomes one nozzle may correspond to one head.

  The heads 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y mounted on the carriage 46 (see FIG. 7) serve as a first ejection unit that ejects ink (colored droplets).

  The sectional shape of the ejection head of the image forming unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a flow path (a cross section in the longitudinal direction of the liquid chamber 40F) of the image forming unit 40. FIG. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section (SC1 in FIG. 5A) of the discharge port 40N of the image forming unit 40 (cross section in the short direction of the liquid chamber 40F (alignment direction of the discharge ports)). .

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the ejection head (40K, etc.) of the image forming means 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in this embodiment, a flow path plate 41 that forms a path for ejected ink, A diaphragm 42 joined to the lower surface of the passage plate 41 (inner direction of the ejection head), a nozzle plate 43 joined to the upper surface of the flow path plate 41 (outer direction of the ejection head), and a peripheral portion of the diaphragm 42 And a holding frame member 44. Further, the ejection head has a pressure generating means (actuator means) 45 for deforming the diaphragm 42.

  The discharge head (40K, etc.) according to the present embodiment is a nozzle communication path that is a flow path communicating with the discharge port (nozzle) 40N by stacking the flow path plate 41, the vibration plate 42, and the nozzle plate 43. 40R and the liquid chamber 40F can be formed. Further, the ejection head can form the ink inlet 40S for supplying ink to the liquid chamber 40F, the common liquid chamber 40C for supplying ink to the liquid chamber 40F, and the like by further stacking the frame members 44. .

  Further, the ejection head can deform (bend deformation) the diaphragm 42 using the pressure generating means 45. Accordingly, the ejection head can change the volume (volume) of the liquid chamber 40F and change the pressure acting on the ink in the liquid chamber 40F. As a result, the ejection head can eject ink from the ejection port 40N.

  Further, in this embodiment, the frame member 44 includes an accommodating portion for accommodating the pressure generating means 45, a recess serving as the common liquid chamber 40C, and an ink supply port 40IN for supplying ink from the outside of the ejection head to the common liquid chamber 40C. Is formed.

  As the pressure generating means 45, an electromechanical conversion element can be used. In the present embodiment, the pressure generating unit 45 includes a piezoelectric element 45P that is an electromechanical conversion element, a base substrate 45B that bonds and fixes the piezoelectric element 45P, and a column portion that is disposed in a gap between adjacent piezoelectric elements 45P. ing. The pressure generating means 45 includes an FPC cable 45C for connecting the piezoelectric element 45P to a drive circuit (drive IC) (not shown).

Here, as the piezoelectric element 45P, as shown in FIG. 5B, a stacked piezoelectric element (PZT) in which piezoelectric materials 45Pp and internal electrodes 45Pe are alternately stacked can be used. The internal electrode 45Pe has a plurality of individual electrodes 45Pei and a plurality of common electrodes 45Pec. In the present embodiment, the internal electrodes 45Pe connect the individual electrodes 45Pei or the common electrodes 45Pec alternately to the end faces of the piezoelectric elements 45Pp.
In the embodiment, the piezoelectric element 45P uses the d33 direction as the piezoelectric direction of the piezoelectric element 45Pp. Thereby, the pressure generating means 45 can pressurize or depressurize the ink in the liquid chamber 40F using the piezoelectric effect (displacement in the d33 direction) of the piezoelectric element 45P. The pressure generating means 45 may pressurize or depressurize the ink in the liquid chamber 40F using the displacement of the piezoelectric element 45P in the d31 direction. Further, the pressure generating means 45 may arrange one row of piezoelectric elements for one discharge port 40N. In addition, you may form a support | pillar part simultaneously with the piezoelectric element 45P by dividing | segmenting a piezoelectric element member (piezoelectric element 45P). That is, the ejection head can use the piezoelectric element member as a support portion by applying no voltage to the piezoelectric element.

  The pressure generating means 45 that can use the present invention is not limited to the above example (piezoelectric element 45P). That is, the pressure generating means 45 uses a method of generating bubbles by heating ink in the liquid chamber 40F using a heating resistor (see, for example, JP-A-61-59911). May be. Further, the pressure generating means 45 is a method (so-called electrostatic type) in which the diaphragm and the electrode are arranged opposite to each other on the wall surface of the liquid chamber 40F, and the diaphragm is deformed by the electrostatic force generated between the diaphragm and the electrode. (For example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-71882) may be used.

(Configuration of post-processing means)
The post-processing unit 50 is a unit that processes the recording medium after the image is formed. In this embodiment, the post-processing unit 50 post-processes the surface of the roll paper Md on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 40 with a post-processing liquid.

  Here, the post-processing is processing for discharging (depositing) a post-processing liquid (described later) on the roll paper Md (recording medium). The post-treatment liquid is formed in a shape such as a spot shape or a stripe shape. Thereby, the recording medium on which the image is formed can improve scratch resistance and glossiness, storage stability (water resistance, light resistance, gas resistance, etc.) and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, at the start of post-processing of the post-processing means 50, the roll paper Md is coated with a pre-processing liquid 20L on its surface, and ink 40Ink for forming an image is further discharged. The post-processing unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a process of ejecting (depositing) the post-processing liquid 50L on the roll paper Md on which an image has been formed as post-processing.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a predetermined section of the recording medium. Here, the post-treatment liquid 50L is discharged (deposited) over at least an area smaller than that of the pre-treatment liquid 20L. Further, in this cross section, the ink 40Ink is ejected over the entire surface, and the post-treatment liquid 50L is ejected (deposited) in an area smaller than that area.

  In FIG. 6, the post-treatment liquid 50 </ b> L appears to be formed on spots, but may have a striped shape in a direction orthogonal to the cross section.

  The post-treatment liquid 50L may be discharged (deposited) to an area smaller than the surface area on which the image is formed, at least in the portion where the image of the recording medium is formed, and in the portion where the image is not formed. May or may not be discharged.

  Here, as a post-processing method, it is preferable to deposit (discharge) the post-processing liquid only on a specific portion of the region where the image of the roll paper Md is formed. The post-processing means 50 is based on the type of recording medium, permeability, glossiness and / or resolution, and / or the application amount (liquid amount) of the pre-processing liquid applied by the pre-processing means 20. It is more preferable to change the discharge amount (application amount) and the discharge (application) method.

  Further, the post-processing unit 50 according to the present embodiment uses a discharge head similar to the image forming unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 to a desired discharge amount (a desired spot shape) in an arbitrary region (arbitrary place). Alternatively, the post-treatment liquid can be discharged in a desired stripe shape.

  Specifically, the post-processing unit 50 (1) discharges to the entire area of the roll paper Md where an image can be formed; (2) discharges to the area where the image is formed; 3) It is possible to select to discharge only to the area of the image forming portion (dot discharge portion); Further, the post-processing unit 50 selects (4) ejection to an area wider than the image forming portion of the roll paper Md (recording medium) (+1 dot or 2 dots or more with respect to the outer edge of the image forming portion). be able to. Further, the post-processing means 50 can discharge the post-processing liquid in an n% region (a spot shape or a striped shape) with respect to the selected region for discharging the post-processing liquid. Here, n% can be 5 to 50%. Further, n% can be a value determined in advance by experiment or numerical calculation.

  Further, the post-processing means 50 according to the present embodiment, as a method of discharging the post-processing liquid 50L, (1) discharging based on the print duty, (2) based on the droplet amount of the post-processing liquid 50L to be discharged. It is possible to select discharge. At this time, the post-processing unit 50 calculates the print duty and the droplet amount of the post-processing liquid 50L from the input information (print image data and the like), and determines a method of discharging based on the calculated print duty and the like. Also good.

  Thereby, according to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an image is formed by using the post-processing unit 50 as compared with the case where the post-processing liquid is applied (discharged) to the entire surface of the recording medium. The post-treatment liquid can be deposited (discharged) only on a specific part of the region. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required for post-processing, particularly the time required for drying the post-processing liquid. In addition, the amount of post-treatment liquid required for the post-treatment can be reduced. Therefore, the cost required for post-processing can be reduced.

  The post-processing method of the post-processing means 50 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the type of post-processing liquid. As the post-processing method of the post-processing unit 50, it is more preferable to use a method similar to the method of ejecting ink of the image forming unit 40 from the viewpoint of downsizing of the apparatus and storage stability of the post-processing liquid. Accordingly, with the same configuration, referring to FIG. 4A, the post-processing liquid discharge means has a plurality of discharge ports (nozzles, nozzles) on the nozzle surface (the outer surface of the nozzle plate 53 in FIG. 5A described later). Printing nozzle) 50N. The head 50 including the nozzle plate 53 as post-processing liquid discharge means is mounted on a carriage 56 (see FIG. 7), and the head 50 serves as second discharge means for discharging the post-processing liquid (transparent liquid droplets).

Here, when discharging the post-treatment liquid, it is preferable to contain an appropriate amount of a water-soluble organic solvent (wetting agent) used in the method of discharging the ink of the image forming unit 40.
Moreover, the post-processing unit 50 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the dry coverage of post-treatment liquid and ^{0.5g / m 2 ~10g / m 2} .

  The post-processing means 50 according to the present embodiment can use a processing liquid containing a component capable of forming a transparent protective layer on the roll paper Md (recording medium) as the post-processing liquid. The treatment liquid containing a component capable of forming a transparent protective layer is, for example, a water-dispersible resin (resin), a water-soluble organic solvent (wetting agent), a penetrating agent, a surfactant, water, and / or as necessary. And a treatment liquid containing other components. Further, the post-treatment liquid may be a resin composition and / or a thermoplastic resin containing a component that is polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation. Further, the post-treatment liquid is preferably a thermoplastic resin emulsion in order to improve glossiness and fixability. Accordingly, the post-processing unit 50 increases the gloss of the surface of the roll paper Md on which the image is formed, or protects the surface of the roll paper Md with the resin layer according to a method of discharging (coating). be able to.

  By using such a post-processing device, the image (ink) on the recording medium is peeled (stripped) when the surface of the recording medium Md on which the image is formed rubs against another object (for example, another recording medium). That is, it is possible to improve the scratch resistance (scratch resistance). Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of quality problems such as bleeding, density, color tone, gloss and show-through of the formed image, and problems related to water resistance, weather resistance and other image fastness.

(Maintenance and Recovery Department)
The maintenance / recovery means 90A and 90B are means for performing maintenance / recovery of the image forming means 40 and the post-processing means 50. If the image forming unit and the post-processing unit using the head (see FIG. 4A) as described above are used for a long time, the head and the post-processing liquid may be clogged. Accordingly, it is desirable to perform (maintenance / recovery operation (cleaning / maintenance)) at times other than printing, for example, before printing. Here, FIG. 7 to FIG. An example of the maintenance / recovery means 90A and 90B when used is shown.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory schematic diagram of a liquid discharge head, a post-processing liquid output unit, and a maintenance / recovery unit thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, an image forming unit (ink head) 40 and a post-processing unit (post-processing liquid output unit, head) 50 are arranged to face a conveyance belt 81 as a conveyance unit. The conveyance belt 81 conveys the recording medium Md in the direction of the arrow Xm. Maintenance recovery means (maintenance means) 90A and 90B are provided upstream (right side in FIG. 7) and downstream (left side in FIG. 7) of the recording medium Md from the image forming means and the post-processing process section. The maintenance / recovery units 90A and 90B perform maintenance / recovery of the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 each formed of a line-type head.

  The heads of the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 are configured to be movable up and down. Here, the respective color heads (first discharge means) 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y, which are image forming means, are installed on the carriage 46 and discharge a post-processing liquid (second discharge means). Reference numeral 50 denotes a carriage 56.

  The carriages 46 and 56 move up and down to be close to the transport unit 80 shown in FIG. 7, that is, a recording position that is a printing position for discharging liquid (ink and post-processing liquid), and FIG. As described above, it is possible to move between a separation position that is a position separated from the transport unit 80. This separation position is a maintenance position in which both the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 are maintained by the maintenance / recovery units 90A and 90B, a standby position for waiting until the next operation, and a recovery position in which maintenance is performed. .

  In order to perform this vertical movement, for example, carriages 46 and 56 are supported by carriage position moving means 47 and 57. By moving the carriage position moving means 47 and 57, the positions of the carriages 46 and 56 move up and down with respect to the casing 74 of the printer engine 72E provided with the transport belt 81. For example, in FIG. 7, the carriage position moving means 47 and 57 are indicated by arrows, but a moving mechanism combining a rail and a roller may be used as the carriage position moving means 47 and 57, or an arm or the like may be used. You may lift it.

  In the transport unit 80, the transport belt 81 is looped around a drive roller 83 and a driven roller 82 that are rotated by a motor, and the recording medium Md is supported by the support member 84. It is conveyed by circular movement. Here, the support member 84 may include a suction unit or an electrostatic chuck unit in order to suck the sheet during conveyance.

  Further, the maintenance / recovery means 90A includes an engaging portion 91A and a cleaning unit 95A. The maintenance / recovery means 90B includes an engaging portion 91B and a cleaning unit 95B.

  When the maintenance is performed, the engaging portion 91A reciprocates back to a facing area facing the heads 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y as image forming means located at the separated position (dotted line portion in FIG. 7) and the head. Selectively engages 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y. When the maintenance is performed, the engaging portion 91B reciprocates back to a facing region facing the head 50 as a post-processing step portion at a separation position (dotted line portion in FIG. 7) and engages with the head 50.

  The maintenance / recovery means 90A and 90B are the same except for the number of cap parts and the received liquid (ink / post-treatment liquid), and therefore the same configuration is used for the post-treatment means 50 to be controlled by the present invention. The maintenance / recovery means 90B will be described, and the description of 90A will be omitted. The same structure will be described with the ending symbol omitted.

  The engaging portion 91 includes a cap portion 92, a wiper 93, and a fixing member 94 that fixes the cap portion 92 and the wiper 93. The cap portion 92B engages with the head 50 that occupies the separated position, and seals and caps the nozzle 50N of the head 50. During maintenance, the head 50 performs so-called idle discharge in which the post-processing liquid is discharged with the cap portion 92 engaged, and the cap portion 92 discharges the post-processing liquid discharged from the head 50 by this empty discharge. Acts as a receiver. The wiper 93 cleans (wipes) the head 50 by wiping the post-treatment liquid that has flowed out of the head 50 at the separated position.

  The cleaning unit 95 cleans the cap portion 92, the wiper 93, and the like in a state where the engaging portion 91 returns to the home position after the engaging portion 91 reciprocates during maintenance. In addition, the cleaning of the engaging portion 91 by the cleaning unit 95 may be performed periodically after a predetermined number of images are formed.

  The maintenance / recovery means 90 also serves as a suction means for sucking the post-treatment liquid inside the head 50 with the cap portion 92 engaged with the head 50 in the separated position and causing the post-treatment liquid to flow out of the head 50. The pump 96 is provided. The maintenance / recovery means 90 further connects the cap portion 92 and the pump 96 to discharge the post-processing liquid to the outside of the head 50, and the liquid (ink / post-processing liquid that is connected to the discharging path and flows out of the head 50). ) Are respectively stored in the liquid storage section.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the maintenance / recovery unit 90A includes cap units 92K, 92C, 92M, and 92Y corresponding to the head units as the image forming unit 40 in the direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction. The recording medium 90B includes a cap portion 92B.

  Further, the maintenance / recovery means 90 includes a moving means for moving the engaging portion 91. As a moving means of the engaging portion 91, a reciprocating means (97, 98, 99) for reciprocating the engaging portion 91 to the heads 40, 50, a cap integrally supporting the engaging portion 91 and supporting the reciprocating means. And vertical movement means (75) for driving the portion 92 up and down.

  The reciprocating means has a fixing member 94 integral with the engaging portion 91, an endless belt 97 partly fixing the fixing member 94, and two pulleys 98 around which the belt 97 is wound. . The reciprocating means also includes a position sensor 99 (99K, 99C, 99M, 99Y and 99B) for detecting that the reciprocating means is located immediately below the heads 40 and 50 and located at the home position (position where the reciprocating motion is started). Have. The reciprocating means also has a support base that supports the engaging portion 91 so as to reciprocate as described above from below, and a motor as a driving means for driving the pulley 98 to rotate.

  On the other hand, a support portion including the belt 97 is mounted thereon as a vertical movement means, and includes a base member 75 that is disposed and fixed upward from the upper surface of the housing 74 with the paper movement space interposed therebetween. The base members 75A and 75B are connected to, for example, a shaft as a drive shaft whose lower surface is screwed and a plurality of gears fixed to the other end of the shaft and rotating integrally with the shaft. It is connected to a stepping motor that rotates the gear.

  Therefore, the engagement portion 91 can be reciprocated by driving the motor as the reciprocating means and rotating the belt 98 to move the belt 97 around. At this time, by driving the motor so that any of the position sensors 99 detects the fixing member 94, the caps 92K, 92C, 92M, and 92Y or 92B are moved to the heads 40K, 40C, 40M, and It is possible to accurately position either 40Y or a position facing 50 or a home position.

  Further, with the cap portions 92K, 92C, 92M, and 92Y and 92B positioned at positions facing 40K, 40C, 40M, or 40Y or 50 by the position sensor 99, the stepping motor is set to a predetermined amount, that is, By driving at a predetermined number of pulses, the base portions 75A and 75B are moved upward. As a result, the engaging portions 91A, 91B are moved upward by a predetermined amount, and any of the heads 40K, 40C, 40M, 40Y occupying the separated positions where the cap portions 92K, 92C, 92M, and 92Y or 92B are opposed to each other. Or it can be engaged with 50. Instead of the stepping motor, a combination of a sensor and a motor for detecting the position of the cap portion 92 in the vertical direction may be used.

  When the maintenance / recovery operation is performed using such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 move upward to be in the separated positions, and the engagement of the maintenance / recovery units 90A and 90B. The part stops just below each head in the separated position and engages.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, before performing maintenance and recovery, a test pattern to be described later is formed, and the test pattern printed on the recording medium is visually confirmed by the user, administrator, or service person. . The following maintenance and recovery operations are performed only when it is determined by visual confirmation that maintenance (cleaning, etc.) is necessary. Further, only the necessary head portion is subjected to maintenance according to the visual result of the test pattern.

  Specifically, according to the visual result of the test pattern, the maintenance / recovery operation is performed only on the cap portions 92K, 92C, 92M, and 92Y or 92B that require maintenance. Furthermore, in each cap part, for example, the cap part 92B corresponding to the post-processing, only the part corresponding to the specific nozzle (50N) in the corresponding head part can perform the maintenance recovery operation.

  As the maintenance and recovery operation, the nozzle surfaces 40N and 50N of the heads of the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 are capped by the discharge cap unit 92, and the ink and the post-processing liquid in the head are removed by the discharge pump 92 through the cap unit 92. Suction is performed from the nozzles 40N and 50N.

  Then, after the nozzle suction as the maintenance and recovery operation is completed, after the engaging portions 91A and 91B return to the home position, the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 also move downward again, and the upper part of the transport unit 80 The printer returns to the print position and becomes ready for printing.

  7 to 9, the discharge heads 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y of the image forming unit and the discharge head 50 of the post-processing step unit are mounted on independent carriages 46 and 56, respectively. Yes. This makes it possible to maintain the image forming unit and the post-processing unit at different times.

  However, the image forming unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 may be integrated and mounted on the same carriage. In this configuration, the maintenance and recovery means 90A and 90B are also integrated, so that the moving mechanism is simplified and the cap portions 92A and 92B are also simplified. In this case, the integrated engaging portion 91 caps the heads 40K, 40C, 40M and 40Y and 50 together to perform maintenance and recovery. Accordingly, the maintenance / recovery unit can be collectively arranged upstream or downstream of the image forming unit 40 or the post-processing unit 50 in the sheet conveyance direction.

(Configuration of unloading means)
The carry-out means 60 is means for carrying out (ejecting) the recording medium on which an image is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the carrying-out means 60 is comprised by the storage part 61, several conveyance roller 62 grade | etc., In this embodiment. The carry-out means 60 winds and stores the roll paper Md on which the image is formed on the storage roll of the storage unit 61 using the transport roller 62 or the like.

  Note that, when the roll paper Md is wound around the storage roll of the storage unit 61 and the pressure acting on the roll paper Md becomes large, in order to prevent another image from being transferred to the back surface of the roll paper Md, the winding is performed. You may provide the drying part which dries the roll paper Md further just before taking.

(Configuration of control means)
The control unit 70 is a unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 instructs each component of the image forming apparatus 100 to operate, and controls the operation. The control means 70 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may use production printing as a printing system. Here, with production printing, it is possible to print a large amount of printed matter (image forming medium, printed matter) in a short time (image formation, printing) by efficiently performing job management, print data management, and the like. It is a manufacturing system. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment separates RIP processing for controlling a printing operation such as bitmap data and printing processing based on bitmap data controlled by the RIP processing, etc. Means).

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 (control unit 70) according to the present embodiment constructs a workflow system that performs management from creation of print data to distribution of printed matter. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 (control unit 70) according to the present embodiment increases the printing speed by separating an apparatus that performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing that requires processing time and an apparatus that performs printing processing. Make it possible.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the control means 70 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a host device (DFE: Digital Front End) 71 that performs RIP processing and the like, and a printer that performs printing processing and the like. Device 72. Here, the host device 71 and the printer device 72 are connected by a plurality of data lines 70LD and control lines 70LC.

  Hereinafter, the host device 71 and the printer device 72 of the control means 70 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described.

(Host device)
The host device 71 of the control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device that performs RIP processing based on print job data (job data, print data) output from the host device. That is, the host device 71 according to the present embodiment creates bitmap data (hereinafter referred to as “print image data”) corresponding to each color based on the print job data. Here, in the present embodiment, the print image data further includes data relating to ejection of the post-treatment liquid ejected by the post-processing means 50 (hereinafter referred to as “image data relating to post-processing”).

  Further, the upper level apparatus 71 according to the present embodiment creates data for controlling the printing operation (hereinafter referred to as “control information data”) based on the print job data and the host apparatus information. Here, the control information data refers to printing conditions (printing type, printing type, feeding / discharging information, printing surface order, printing paper size, data size of printing image data, resolution, paper type information, gradation, color information, and the like. Data on the number of pages to be printed). In the present embodiment, the control information data further includes data related to the discharge of the post-processing liquid discharged by the post-processing unit 50 (hereinafter referred to as “control data related to post-processing”).

  In addition, information detected by visual inspection at the time of maintenance and recovery is input to the upper apparatus 71 by a user, an administrator, a service person, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, in the present embodiment, the host device 71 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 71b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 71c, and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). 71d. The host device 71 includes an external I / F 71e, a control information I / F 71f, and an image data I / F 71g. Furthermore, the host device 71 includes a bus 71h that connects the CPU 71a and the like. That is, the host device 71 is configured to allow the CPUs 71a and the like to transmit and receive each other via the bus 71h.

  The CPU 71a controls the overall operation of the host device 71. The CPU 71a controls the operation of the host device 71 using a control program or the like stored (stored) in the ROM 71b and / or the HHD 71d.

  The ROM 71b, RAM 71c, and HDD 71d store data and the like. The ROM 71b and / or HDD 71d stores a control program for controlling the CPU 71a in advance, and the RAM 71c is used as a work memory for the CPU 71a.

  The external I / F 71e controls communication (transmission / reception) with the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 (host device or the like). The control information I / F 71f controls communication of control information data. The image data I / F 71g controls communication of print image data. In the present embodiment, the image data I / F 71g has a plurality of channels (described later) corresponding to the respective colors of the print image data.

  The host device 71 of the control means 70 according to the present embodiment receives print job data transmitted from the host device by the external I / F 71e and stores it in the HDD 71d using the CPU 71a. Further, the host device 71 reads out print job data from the HDD 71d using the CPU 71a. Further, the host device 71 uses the CPU 71a to generate bitmap data of each color (yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K)) based on the read print job data. The generated bitmap data for each color is stored in the RAM 71c. Here, as the RIP process, the host device 71 (CPU 71a) can render, for example, PDL (Page Description Language) to generate bitmap data of each color, and write it to the RAM 71c.

  Next, the host device 71 compresses and encodes the bitmap data of each color written in the RAM 71c, and temporarily stores it in the HDD 71d.

  Thereafter, when the printer device 72 starts a printing operation, the host device 71 (CPU 71a) reads out the bitmap data of each color encoded from the HDD 71d, decodes it, and writes the bitmap data of each color into the RAM 71c. . Next, the host device 71 reads out the bitmap data of each color from the RAM 71c and outputs it as print image data of each color to the printer device 72 (printer engine 72E described later) via each channel of the image data I / F 71g. . Here, the host device 71 uses the printer device 72 via each data line 70LD (70LD-Y, 70LD-C, 70LD-M and 70LD-K) shown in FIG. 10 as each channel of the image data I / F 71g. Can output print image data.

  Further, the host device 71 according to the present embodiment uses the CPU 71a to send a control information I / F 71f (control line 70LC) to the printer controller 72C of the printer device 72 using the CPU 71a according to the progress of the printing operation. The control information data is transmitted and received through the network.

  Furthermore, when the post-processing means 50 starts post-processing, the host device 71 according to the present embodiment uses the CPU 71a to read out image data relating to post-processing encoded from the HDD 71d, and the above bitmap data In the same manner as described above, the data is output to the printer engine 72E via the data line 70LD-P (FIG. 10).

(Printer device)
The printer device 72 of the control means 70 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention controls the operation of forming an image on a recording medium based on the print image data and control information data input from the host device 71. Device. In the present embodiment, the printer device 72 includes a printer controller 72C and a printer engine 72E. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the printer engine 72E includes a housing (for conveyance) 73, a housing (ink jet printer main body) 74, an image forming means (head) 40, a post-processing means (head) 50, and a maintenance and recovery means. 90A, 90B and post-processing drying means 32 are provided.

  The printer controller 72C controls the operation of a printer engine 72E described later. The printer controller 72C transmits and receives control information data and the like to and from the host device 71 via the control line 70LC. Further, the printer controller 72C transmits / receives control information data and the like to / from the printer engine 72E via the control line 72LC. As a result, the printer controller 72C can write printing information such as various printing conditions included in the control information data and data relating to the test pattern for ejection into the register of the printing control unit 72Cc and store the printing conditions. The printer controller 72C can control the printer engine 72E based on the control information data, and can execute printing according to the print job data (control information data).

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the printer controller 72C includes a CPU 72Cp and a print control unit 72Cc in the present embodiment. In addition, the printer controller 72C connects the CPU 72Cp and the print control unit 72Cc via a bus 72Cb so that they can transmit and receive each other. Here, the bus 72Cb is connected to the control line 70LC via the communication I / F.

  The CPU 72Cp controls the operation of the entire printer device 72 using a control program stored in the ROM. The print control unit 72Cc transmits and receives commands and status information to and from the printer engine 72E based on the control information data transmitted from the host device 71. Accordingly, the print control unit 72Cc can control the operation of the printer engine 72E.

  The printer engine 72E is a device that controls the operation of forming an image on a recording medium based on print image data input from the host device 71 and control information data input from the printer controller 72C. The printer engine 72E performs post-processing based on print image data (image data related to post-processing) input from the host device 71 and control information data (control data related to post-processing) input from the printer controller 72C. It is a device that controls.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the printer engine 72E is connected to a plurality of data lines 70LD (70LD-Y, 70LD-C, 70LD-M, 70LD-K, and 70LD-P). The printer engine 72E receives print image data from the host device 71 via a plurality of data lines 70LD-C and the like. Accordingly, the printer engine 72E can perform the printing operation of each color and the post-processing of the post-processing liquid based on the received print image data.

  In this embodiment, the printer engine 72E includes a plurality of data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK, and 72EP. The printer engine 72E includes an image output unit 72Ei that receives print image data and the like from the data management unit 72EC and the like, and a conveyance control unit 72Ec that controls conveyance of the recording medium. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer engine 72E is a post-processing post-drying that controls the operation of the post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep that receives image data related to post-processing from the data management unit 72EP and the drying means 30 (FIG. 1). And a control unit 72Epb. In this embodiment, the printer engine 72E includes a maintenance / recovery control unit 72Er that controls the operation of the maintenance / recovery mechanism (maintenance / recovery means 90A and 90B and position moving means 47 and 57 of the carriages 46 and 56 shown in FIG. 7). Also have.

  In the present embodiment, a test pattern used in a maintenance / recovery operation to be described later is included as image data in addition to normal printing. The printer engine 72E may further include a pretreatment liquid application controller, a pretreatment drying controller, a prewinding drying controller, and the like.

  The configuration of the data management unit 72EC will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the other data management units 72EM, 72EY, 72EK, and 72EP is the same as the configuration of the data management unit 72EC, and a description thereof will be omitted. The data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK used for image formation function as a first drive waveform generation unit. The data management unit 72EP related to the discharge of the post-processing liquid functions as a second drive waveform generation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the data management unit 72EC includes a logic circuit 72ECl and a memory unit 72ECm. The data management unit 72EC (logic circuit 72ECl) is connected to the host device 71 via the data line 70LD-C. The data management unit 72EC (logic circuit 72ECl) is connected to the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc) via the control line 72LC.

  In the present embodiment, the memory 72ECm stores print image data output from the upper apparatus 71 based on a control signal output from the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc).

  Further, the logic circuit 72ECl reads print image data (drive waveform) Ic (FIG. 10) corresponding to cyan (C) from the memory 72ECm based on the control signal output from the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc). And output to the image output unit 72Ei.

  Specifically, the logic circuit 72ECl of the data management unit 72EC generates drive waveform data based on the image data received from the host device 71 and the print control unit 72Cc, D / A converts the created drive waveform data, Voltage amplification and current amplification are performed to generate a drive waveform.

  Regarding the post-processing, in the case of the logic circuit 72ECp (data management unit 72EP), post-processing liquid discharge data Ip (FIG. 11) regarding post-processing and data for controlling the discharge position of the test pattern for discharge inspection are It outputs to the post-processing liquid output part 72Ep.

  The logic circuit of the data management unit 72EP generates drive waveform data based on the post-treatment liquid test pattern received from the host device 71 and the test pattern control information received from the print control unit 72Cc, and the generated drive waveform Data is D / A converted, voltage amplification and current amplification are performed to generate a drive waveform.

  Here, the memory unit 72ECm can have a capacity capable of storing print image data for at least three pages. The print image data for three pages includes, for example, print image data corresponding to a page being transferred (received) from the host device 71, print image data corresponding to a page being output to the image output unit 72Ei, and the next page Is print image data corresponding to.

  Note that the data management unit 72EC may use a hardware logic circuit configured by a combination of logic circuits and the like. As a result, the data management unit 72EC can realize faster processing. In addition, the data management unit 72EC may perform logic determination on a control signal based on, for example, a bit string by using the logic circuit 72ECl, and may determine processing to be executed.

  The configuration of the image output unit 72Ei will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep is basically the same as the configuration of the image output unit 72Ei, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the image output unit 72Ei includes an output control unit 72Eic. The output control unit 72Eic outputs print image data corresponding to each color to the ejection heads 40C, 40M, 40Y, and 40K (FIG. 4) corresponding to each color. Specifically, the drive waveforms created by the logic circuits of the data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, and 72EK are controlled by the output control unit 72Ec while the ejection heads (second ejection means) 40C, 40M, and 40Y are controlled. , 40K, which is applied to the piezoelectric element 45P which is a pressure generating means. When the drive waveform is applied, the piezoelectric element 45P expands and contracts. The expansion and contraction force acts on the ink in the pressure chamber 40R from the piezoelectric element 45P through the vibration plate 30, and a pressure change is generated in the pressure chamber 40R, whereby ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 40N. Thus, the output control unit 72Eic can control the operation of the ejection head 40C and the like based on the print image data (drive waveform).

  Specifically, the output control unit 72Eic individually controls the plurality of ejection heads 40C and the like. Further, the output control unit 72Eic may simultaneously control the plurality of ejection heads 40C and the like using the input print image data (for example, Ic in FIG. 13). Further, the output control unit 72Eic may control the ejection head 40C and the like based on a control signal input from a control device (not shown). The output control unit 72Eic may control the ejection head 40C and the like based on, for example, a user operation input.

  Similarly to FIG. 13, the post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep includes an output control unit. The output control unit outputs post-treatment liquid data to the ejection head 50 (FIG. 4, second ejection means). Specifically, the drive waveform created by the logic circuit of the data management unit 72P is applied to the piezoelectric element 45P of the ejection head 50 while the timing is controlled by the output control unit, and is generated in the pressure chamber 40R via the diaphragm 42. An ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle 50N due to the pressure change. The output control unit can control the operation of the ejection head 50 based on the post-processing liquid ejection data (drive waveform).

  Further, as described above, as part of the position movement recovery operation, the image forming means (image output unit) 40 and the post-processing means are used for the maintenance recovery by the position moving means at a time different from the time of printing. Position information is input and controlled so that the (post-processing output unit) 50 moves up and down.

  As described above, the printer device 72 according to the present embodiment uses the data management unit 72EC and the output control unit 72Eic to input print image data output from the host device 71 to the plurality of ejection heads 40C and the like. At this time, the printer device 72 can control the print image data of each color independently of each other. Further, the printer device 72 can easily change the configuration of the printer engine 72E according to the number of colors (C, M, Y and K, or only K colors) of the print image data or the number of ejection heads. It is. That is, by mounting only the necessary data management unit 72EC and the like and the ejection head 40C and the like, there are advantageous effects in terms of downsizing and cost reduction of the apparatus.

  For example, when the printer device 72 according to the present embodiment performs full-color printing with four colors K, C, M, and Y, for example, the printer engine 72E can be provided with all the data management units 72EC and the like. Accordingly, the printer device 72 can connect each output of the data management unit 72EC and the like to the ejection head 40C and the like using the output control unit 72Eic.

  Further, for example, when printing with one color of K, the printer device 72 can be provided with only one data management unit 72EK and the ejection head 40K as a device cost priority. Accordingly, the printer device 72 can connect the output of the data management unit 72EK to the ejection head 40K using the output control unit 72Eic.

  Alternatively, for example, when printing is performed with one color of K, one data management unit 72EK and four ejection heads may be provided as a priority for the printing speed. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 100 can connect the output of the data management unit 72EK to each of the four ejection heads using the output control unit 72Eic. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 can print (superimpose) the same color (K) a plurality of times, so that the image forming apparatus 100 is four times as compared with the case where an image is formed with one ejection head, for example. High-speed printing (image formation) can be realized.

<Example 1-1>
Next, specific examples of the present invention in the image forming apparatus will be described. In a specific example, the ink 40Ink and the post-treatment liquid 50L are applied by droplet flight by a droplet discharge head. Before starting printing to form an image on a medium by this droplet flying method, check for abnormal ejection such as non-ejection or bending of ink droplets ejected by each color inkjet head, as shown in FIG. Such a test pattern for ejection inspection is printed on the medium Md. This test pattern can be visually inspected by forming an image by ejecting ink 40Ink, which is a colored droplet, from each nozzle 40N onto the recording medium Md. However, in the case of a post-treatment liquid that is a transparent liquid droplet (transparent ink), if a test pattern for ejection inspection is printed on the medium by the same method, visual inspection becomes difficult because it is transparent.

  Therefore, in order to inspect the discharge (discharge operation) of the post-processing liquid, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, first, a colored portion is first printed on the recording medium Md on the peripheral portion where the test pattern of the post-processing liquid is printed. It is necessary to print a portion (solid portion) 40Ink painted with a single color using ink. By printing a test pattern of the post-treatment liquid 50L on the solid portion, it becomes easy to recognize even with human eyes.

  This test utilizes an illusion phenomenon in human color recognition. Specifically, by printing the post-treatment liquid on a single-colored portion (solid portion) using colored ink, the lightness contrast, saturation contrast, and color relative ratio change the appearance depending on the surrounding colors. Such a color contrast phenomenon occurs. Therefore, it is easy to visually recognize the test pattern of the post-treatment liquid by using an illusion phenomenon of human color recognition.

  In addition, when printing an ink image with ink on a medium and printing a test pattern for post-treatment liquid ejection inspection on the image, the ink image is preferably a solid color image (solid image). It becomes easy to visually discriminate a test pattern for processing liquid discharge inspection. This is because, in the case of an image that is filled with multiple colors and has a pattern or shading, the colored image is more noticeable to the human eye, and the illusion phenomenon is less likely to occur, and the test pattern of the post-treatment liquid that is a transparent droplet This is because the image is difficult to recognize.

  The single color is not limited to one using only one of the colored inks, and a single color filled image (solid image) may be printed using a plurality of colors of ink. This single color is preferably selected in advance so that the color and the density at that time are examined in advance so that visual inspection can be easily performed on the recording medium.

  Here, the operation of the ejection head ejecting ink from the nozzles 40N (drawing-pushing operation) will be specifically described.

  In the present embodiment, first, the discharge head lowers the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 45P (pressure generating means 45) from the reference potential, and reduces the piezoelectric element 45P in the stacking direction. Further, the ejection head flexes and deforms the diaphragm 42 by reducing the piezoelectric element 45P. At this time, the ejection head expands (expands) the volume (volume) of the liquid chamber 40 </ b> F by the deformation of the vibration plate 42. As a result, the ejection head can cause ink to flow into the liquid chamber 40F from the common liquid chamber 40C.

  Next, the ejection head increases the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 45P, and extends the piezoelectric element 45P in the stacking direction. Further, the ejection head deforms the diaphragm 42 in the direction of the nozzle 40N by the extension of the piezoelectric element 45P. At this time, the ejection head reduces (contracts) the volume (volume) of the liquid chamber (pressure chamber) 40 </ b> F by deformation of the vibration plate 42. Thereby, the ejection head can apply pressure to the ink in the liquid chamber 40F. The ejection head can eject (eject) ink from the ejection port 40N by pressurizing the ink.

  Thereafter, the ejection head returns the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 45P to the reference potential, and returns (restores) the diaphragm 42 to the initial position. At this time, the ejection head depressurizes the liquid chamber 40F due to the expansion of the liquid chamber 40F, and fills (replenishes) ink from the common liquid chamber 40C to the liquid chamber 40F. Next, after the vibration of the meniscus surface of the nozzle 40N is attenuated (stable), the ejection head shifts to an operation for ejecting the next ink and repeats the above operation.

  The ejection head driving method in which the present invention can be used is not limited to the above example (pull-push). That is, the ejection head driving method can perform striking or pushing by controlling the voltage (driving waveform) applied to the piezoelectric element 45P.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment uses the image forming unit 40 (the four ejection heads 40K, 40C, 40M, and 40Y) to perform a recording medium (roll paper Md) transport operation once. A black and white or full color image can be formed over the entire image forming area.

  Further, a test pattern is created at a time other than printing, for example, before printing, in order to determine whether maintenance is necessary. As test patterns, a test pattern for detecting ejection clogging of the heads of the respective colors of the image forming unit 40 and a test pattern for detecting ejection clogging of the heads of the post-processing unit 50 are created. In order to detect ejection clogging of the post-processing unit 50, for example, the image forming unit 40 preferably forms any one single color solid image.

  In order to check the ejection clogging of the head of the post-processing means 50, one of the data management units (first drive waveform generation units) 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK has a drive waveform for continuously discharging droplet dots. By applying to a plurality of piezoelectric elements in a plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row of the image forming means 40, a predetermined image is formed by colored droplets ejected by the image forming means 40.

  Here, FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern for ejection inspection of the post-processing unit according to Example 1-1 of the invention. In the test pattern for inspection of the post-processing means 50 shown in FIG. 15, since the test pattern discharged from the image forming means 40 is a solid image, the data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK for image formation (see FIG. 11) The drive waveform created by either of them is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows drive waveforms of the image forming means when forming the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, a large droplet waveform for large dots is continuously applied in order to create a solid portion that is a region to be filled by forming ink dots side by side. It should be noted that the drive waveforms applied to the adjacent nozzles may be ejected out of phase so that no gap is formed in the solid portion.

  Further, in the test pattern for inspection of the post-processing unit 50 shown in FIG. 15, the pattern discharged from the post-processing unit 50 is linear, and the drive waveform created by the data management unit 72EP for post-processing liquid output is For example, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is an example of a drive waveform of the post-processing means for the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG. In FIG. 17, the drive waveform falls from the reference potential four times, and the liquid chamber 40F is expanded and contracted by the rise to eject four drops of dots. The rising and falling waveforms of the drive waveform from the last set reference also serve as the vibration suppression waveform, and stabilize the ink meniscus.

  Specifically, when the ejection operation of the post-processing unit 50 is inspected, the following waveform control is performed after a predetermined image is formed by colored droplets by the image forming unit as described above.

  The data management unit (second drive waveform generation unit) generates a plurality of second drive waveforms for discharging a predetermined number of transparent droplets at intervals of (m−1) in the nozzle row 50 of the post-processing means 50. Is applied to the plurality of second piezoelectric elements 45P at an interval of (m−1) facing the nozzle 50N (a), thereby forming a first pattern row in which a plurality of dots are connected.

  Further, after forming the single-sided pattern (immediately after), a second driving waveform for discharging the predetermined number of transparent liquid droplets is set next to the nozzles 50N at the (m-1) intervals. A second pattern row is formed by applying the voltage to each second piezoelectric element 45P facing the nozzle.

  In this way, by applying the second drive waveform m times in order after the second drive waveform is applied to the adjacent nozzle (the piezoelectric element facing to it), as shown in FIG. M pattern rows are formed in a first direction which is a typical moving direction.

  The flow of the post-processing liquid discharge inspection process when the above method is used will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows a flow of a post-treatment liquid discharge inspection process. First, a test pattern creation instruction is input before printing (S1). Then, a solid image (predetermined image) is printed (image formation) with colored ink on the recording medium Md (S2). Subsequently, a discharge pattern (pattern) by the post-processing liquid is formed on the formed solid image and printed (S3).

  Here, the head that is the post-processing means 50 includes a nozzle row that discharges transparent liquid droplets on a recording medium on which a solid image is formed while moving relative to the recording medium. A plurality of nozzles 50N are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, which is a typical moving direction.

  When forming the discharge pattern in S3, the post-processing unit 50, which is a discharge unit, discharges the post-processing liquid (transparent liquid droplets) from the nozzles 50N of the nozzle row arranged in the second direction, thereby forming a plurality of patterns. Are arranged in the second direction on the recording medium in the first direction (m is a natural number of 2 or more), and the plurality of patterns are each of the m pattern rows. The patterns are formed so as to be arranged at intervals of (m−1). For example, in FIG. 15, there are 8 pattern rows m, and they are arranged at intervals of 7 in the pattern row.

  Then, the printed test pattern is visually inspected (S4), and the presence or absence of ejection abnormality such as non-ejection or bending of the post-processing liquid is checked (S5).

  When the ejection abnormality is confirmed (S5, Yes), the head 50 is cleaned by the maintenance / recovery means 90B shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 (S6). Then, this flow is repeated again. This flow is repeated until these ejection abnormalities are eliminated. If no discharge abnormality is confirmed (S5, No), the discharge inspection is terminated.

  By performing such control, even if it is a colorless and transparent post-treatment liquid, an image is printed on the medium with colored ink, and a test pattern for discharging the transparent post-treatment liquid is printed on the image. As a result, the discharge inspection can be easily performed visually. Note that the control of the discharge inspection process may be performed by the print control unit 72Cc (computer).

  By this method, the abnormal discharge of the post-treatment liquid is eliminated, and the recording medium image scratch resistance and glossiness due to non-ejection of the post-treatment liquid, and storage stability (water resistance, light resistance, gas resistance) Etc.) or image (ink) peeling can be prevented. Therefore, by applying an image forming apparatus using this post-processing liquid discharge inspection method, a highly reliable image forming apparatus can be provided.

  When printing a solid image with colored ink on a recording medium, the higher the ink density, the easier the illusion phenomenon occurs in the test pattern printed with the post-treatment liquid printed thereon, so that visual recognition is not possible. It becomes easy. However, in order to increase the ink density, the amount of ink ejected onto the recording medium is increased. For this reason, it will have a big influence also on subsequent drying conditions. Thus, it was found that if the relative printing density with the recording medium is 2.0 or less, it can be sufficiently dried and transfer during transportation can be prevented.

  On the other hand, in order to dry the ink so as to transport the recording medium on which the test pattern is printed, it is preferable that the amount of ink consumed by the colored ink is small. Further, if the discharge amount of the colored ink is reduced, the cost can be further reduced. It has been found that in order to be able to visually discriminate the test pattern image of the post-treatment liquid, it is sufficient that the relative print density between the filled image (solid image) and the recording medium has a difference of 0.2 or more.

  Therefore, by setting the image density of the colored ink image to be printed on the medium in the image forming process to be 0.2 or more and 2.0 or less, the amount of colored ink used can be reduced while generating an illusion phenomenon, so that it is cheaply ejected. Inspection can be performed.

<Example 1-2>
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern for ejection inspection of the post-processing unit according to the embodiment 1-2 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dot diameter is set to be larger by increasing the amount of ejected droplets.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the drive waveform of the post-processing means for the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG.
In FIG. 20, compared with the drive waveform of Example 1-1 of FIG. 17, by increasing the voltage fluctuation range of the drive waveform, that is, increasing the decrease width and the increase width (peak value) of the applied voltage. As a result, the pressure fluctuation in the liquid chamber increases. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of ejected droplets.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the transparent droplet discharge inspection process of the post-processing unit according to the embodiment 1-2 of the present invention.

  First, a test pattern creation instruction is input before printing, and the test pattern of Example 1-1 is first selected (S1). Then, a solid image (predetermined image) is printed (image formation) with colored ink on the recording medium Md (S2).

  Subsequently, a discharge pattern (pattern) by the post-processing liquid is formed on the formed solid image and printed (S3).

  Then, the printed test pattern is visually inspected (S4) to check whether the pattern can be determined (S5).

  If the pattern can be determined (S5, Yes), as in the case of FIG. 18 described above, it is checked whether there is a discharge abnormality such as non-discharge or bending of the post-processing liquid (S6).

  When the ejection abnormality is confirmed (S6, Yes), the head 50 is cleaned by the maintenance and recovery means 90B shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 (S7).

  On the other hand, when the pattern is visually confirmed in S4, if the visibility is poor due to the type of paper and cannot be determined (S5, No), the process proceeds to S8.

  In S8, an increase test pattern creation instruction is input, and a test pattern of Example 1-2 (or Example 1-3 described later) is selected. Then, as in S2, a solid image (predetermined image) is printed (image formation) with colored ink on the recording medium Md).

  Subsequently, an increase test pattern using a post-processing liquid is formed on the formed solid image and printed (S10).

  Then, the printed test pattern whose visibility is improved by increasing the amount is visually inspected (S11), and the presence or absence of ejection abnormality such as non-ejection or bending of the post-processing liquid is checked (S12).

  If a discharge abnormality is confirmed (S12, Yes), the process proceeds to S7, and the head 50 is cleaned by the maintenance / recovery means 90B (S7).

  Then, this flow is repeated again. This flow is repeated until these ejection abnormalities are eliminated.

  When no discharge abnormality is confirmed (S6, S12, No), the discharge inspection is terminated.

  By performing such control, even if it is a colorless and transparent post-treatment liquid, an image is printed on the medium with colored ink, and a test pattern for discharging the transparent post-treatment liquid is printed on the image. This makes it possible to perform the ejection inspection more easily even visually. Note that the control of the discharge inspection process may be performed by the print control unit 72Cc (computer).

<Example 1-3>
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern for ejection inspection of the post-processing unit according to the embodiment 1-3 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dot density is set to be increased by increasing the number of droplets to be ejected per cycle.

FIG. 23 is an example of a drive waveform of the post-processing means for the ejection inspection test pattern of FIG.
In FIG. 23, it is possible to increase the number of droplets ejected per unit time by increasing the frequency (ejection frequency) of the drive waveform. By increasing the number of ejection pulses per unit time with respect to the conventional waveform, the number of ejected droplets can be increased.

  When the number of droplets is increased and landed on the paper in this way, the dot density increases and the visibility can be improved as compared with the example of Example 1-1.

<Example 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 shows a test pattern of the post-treatment liquid 50L. First, a solid portion is formed in a single color using colored ink 40Ink on the peripheral portion where the pattern of the post-treatment liquid 50L is printed on the recording medium Md. Another example of the recording medium Md that ejects the pattern of the post-treatment liquid 50L is shown.

  Here, when the post-treatment liquid 50L is applied onto the solid image of the recording medium Md, the post-treatment liquid 50L is ejected from a plurality of nozzles every n (n is a natural number of 0 or more) from the nozzle array of the ejection head. A group of images (blocks) is created and printed. In this nozzle row, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction (in this embodiment, the recording medium conveyance direction Xm) that is a relative movement direction with respect to the recording medium. Each block is in a state where the post-treatment liquid is regularly arranged in a line. If there is a bend or omission in this regularly arranged linear block, it will be noticeable to the human eye.

  When the interval n = 0, the solid image of the post-treatment liquid is printed. In this case, the non-ejection nozzle appears as a streak and can be visually judged as abnormal ejection.

  24A to 24C show an example of the interval n = 0 to n = 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a portion (colored ink is used to fill in a single color) A solid portion) (40 Ink) may be selected as appropriate according to the color and density, and a combination that is most easily recognized may be performed.

  As in this embodiment, a test pattern for ejection inspection of the post-processing liquid is ejected from a plurality of nozzles (n is a natural number of 0 or more) from the nozzle array of ejection heads (block). ), It is possible to confirm the occurrence of ejection failure in a short time.

  In consideration of the ease of specifying the nozzle position of the ejection failure visually, it is preferable that the interval is large (interval n = 1 or more). For example, in the example of FIG. 24B, two pattern rows in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in the second direction (lateral direction in FIG. 24) are arranged in the first direction (vertical direction in FIG. 24) (m = 2), It is formed on a recording medium. Here, in each of the two pattern rows, a plurality of patterns are formed so as to be arranged at one (number of pattern rows m−1 = n) intervals (horizontal direction). In the example of FIG. 24C, three (m = 3) pattern rows in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in the second direction in the first direction (vertical direction in FIG. 24) are formed on the recording medium. To do. Here, in each of the three pattern rows, a plurality of patterns are formed so as to be arranged at intervals of two (the horizontal direction in FIG. 24).

  In the present embodiment, the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-1 has been described, but the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-2 or 1-3 may be applied.

<Example 3>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The discharge head for the post-treatment liquid of this embodiment shown in FIG. 25A has a plurality of discharge ports (nozzles, print nozzles) on the outer surface of the nozzle plate 53 in order to increase the density and size of the ink discharge nozzles. ) 50N. Here, the plurality of discharge ports 50N are arranged in four rows in the longitudinal direction of the discharge head, and constitute four nozzle rows. When forming a plurality of nozzle rows, the piezoelectric elements 55P and the frame member 50R are also formed corresponding to the four rows of nozzle openings 50N. In these nozzle arrays, the nozzles are arranged at regular intervals, for example, in a 600 dpi array, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 shows a test pattern printed on a portion (solid portion, predetermined image) (denoted by 40 Ink) painted with a single color using colored ink by discharging the post-treatment liquid from the discharge head of this example. (Nozzle row L = pattern row m = 4, interval n = 3). In the case of n = 3, the group (block) formed by discharging from the nozzles is a linear array in which the discharges from the discharge ports (nozzles, printing nozzles) 50N in the same row are regularly arranged at 4/600 inch intervals. A block is formed.

  That is, the discharge head of the post-processing liquid has m nozzle rows arranged in the first direction, and the plurality of nozzles included in the nozzle rows are all the second nozzles. Are arranged at different positions in the direction of.

  The m nozzle rows correspond to the same number of the pattern rows (four in FIG. 25). Each nozzle in the nozzle row ejects the transparent liquid droplets so as to form each pattern in the pattern row corresponding to the nozzle row. The formed patterns are arranged at intervals of (m−1) in the pattern row (three in FIG. 26), and all of the patterns formed in any one of the pattern rows are the first pattern. Are formed at different positions in the direction (Xm) and the second direction.

  As a result, when a non-ejection nozzle is generated, if there is a bend or omission in the block, it can be clearly recognized by human eyes. Moreover, since this block is the same nozzle row in the ejection head, the non-ejection nozzle row can be easily recognized.

  That is, assuming that the interval n = the number of nozzle rows L−1, that is, the nozzle row L is the interval n + 1 (L = n + 1), the test pattern group (block) of the post-processing liquid is ejected from the ejection ports 50N of the same row. Therefore, it becomes possible to more easily and clearly specify the non-ejection nozzle and the nozzle row.

  Furthermore, if a non-ejection nozzle can be identified, the ejection recovery operation (maintenance) only needs to be performed for a specific nozzle in a predetermined nozzle row, so the amount of ink and post-treatment liquid used for this operation can be reduced. Will be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-1 has been described, but the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-2 or 1-3 may be applied.

<Example 4, serial type head>
In the above description, the case of using a line-type head as shown in FIG. 4A has been described as a method for depositing the post-treatment liquid (transparent liquid droplets). A head may be used.

  FIG. 27A is a diagram for explaining the carriage 460 having the nozzles of the serial head and the conveyance direction of the recording medium. In this embodiment, the carriage 460 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium is conveyed, and ink and post-treatment liquid are applied.

  Here, the nozzle rows of the image forming unit 400 and the post-processing unit 500 which are recording heads in the carriage 460 extend in the recording medium conveyance direction, and the carriage 460 is movable in the main scanning direction. That is, the heads of the ejection heads 40K to 40Y (first ejection unit) and the post-processing unit (second ejection unit) 500 as image forming units move relative to the carriage 460 and the recording medium. (Perpendicular to recording medium conveyance direction). In this embodiment, an example in which the image forming unit and the post-processing liquid discharge unit are integrated with a serial head will be described. However, in the serial type head, the image forming unit and the post-processing liquid discharge unit are provided in separate carriages. May be configured.

  FIG. 27B shows a configuration around the carriage of the serial type head shown in FIG. A guide rod 470 which is a main guide member horizontally mounted on the main side plates 740A and 740B constituting the apparatus main body frame member and a sub guide member (guide rod, guide stay, etc.) move the carriage 460 in the main scanning direction (the length of the guide rod). Direction). The carriage 460 includes a main scanning motor, a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a timing belt. The carriage 460 is disposed in the vicinity of the carriage driving unit 461, and is moved and scanned in the main scanning direction by a main scanning mechanism that drives the carriage driving unit 461. Is done.

  The carriage 460 includes four sub-tank integrated types including liquid discharge heads as image forming means for discharging ink droplets of each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). The recording head 400 and the discharge head 500 for discharging the post-treatment liquid are mounted. The recording head 400 and the ejection head 500 are arranged such that a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles is arranged in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (relative movement direction) and the droplet ejection direction is directed downward.

  On the other hand, below the carriage 460, a transport belt 810 is disposed as a transport unit that transports the recording medium Md such as paper in the sub-scanning direction. The transport belt 810 is an endless belt, is stretched between a transport roller 820 and a tension roller 830 that are rotatably held between the sub-side plates, and the transport roller 820 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor. As a result, it is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow (belt conveyance direction). With this configuration, the carriage 460 can move in the conveyance belt movement direction, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction (main scanning direction, first direction).

  A maintenance / recovery unit 900 is disposed at one end of the carriage 460 outside the print area in the main scanning direction. FIG. 27B shows an example in which the maintenance / recovery means 900 is provided at one end, but maintenance / recovery means corresponding to the application may be provided on both sides outside the print area. .

  FIG. 28 shows a pattern for ejection inspection when the control example of the third embodiment is applied to a serial type head. As the serial type head, the configuration shown in FIG. 26 as Example 3 described above is used, and the nozzle arrangement direction (second direction) is the same as the recording medium conveyance direction. 26 differs from FIG. 26 in that the carriage on which the head is mounted can move in the main scanning direction.

  Even in the case of a serial head, a plurality of discharge ports (nozzles, print nozzles) 50N are provided on the outer surface of the nozzle plate 53 in order to increase the density and size of the ink discharge nozzles. In this nozzle row, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (the carriage movement direction in this embodiment), which is the relative movement direction with respect to the recording medium.

  Here, the plurality of ejection ports 50N are arranged in four rows in the longitudinal direction of the head unit 50-1 that is the post-processing means 50, and constitutes four nozzle rows. In these nozzle arrays, the nozzles are arranged as shown in FIG. 25B so as to be arranged at regular intervals, for example, 600 dpi, in the recording medium conveyance direction.

  Also in this configuration example, a test pattern is printed by ejecting the post-treatment liquid from the ejection head of the present example on a portion (solid portion) (40 Ink) painted with a single color using colored ink, as shown in FIG. (when n = 3). In the case of n = 3, the group (block) formed by discharging from the nozzles is a linear array in which the discharges from the discharge ports (nozzles, printing nozzles) 50N in the same row are regularly arranged at 4/600 inch intervals. A block is formed. As a result, when a non-ejection nozzle is generated, if there is a bend or omission in the block, it can be clearly recognized by human eyes. Moreover, since this block is the same nozzle row in the ejection head, the non-ejection nozzle row can be easily recognized.

  That is, by setting the interval n = the number of nozzle rows L−1, that is, the nozzle row L is set to the interval n + 1 (L = n + 1), the test pattern group (block) of the post-processing liquid is discharged from the discharge ports 50N of the same row. Therefore, the non-ejection nozzle and its nozzle row can be easily identified. Furthermore, if a non-ejection nozzle can be identified, the ejection recovery operation (maintenance) only needs to be performed for a specific nozzle in a predetermined nozzle row, so that the amount of ink and post-processing liquid used for this operation can be reduced. Will be able to.

  In this description, the example in which the control of the third embodiment in which a plurality of nozzle rows are formed is applied to the serial head has been described. However, the control in the first and second embodiments in which one nozzle is formed is controlled by the serial head. May apply.

  In the present embodiment, the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-1 has been described, but the pattern string having the shape of Example 1-2 or 1-3 may be applied.

  When using a serial type head, the head can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction, so that ink droplets are not used on the entire surface in the recording medium width direction, which is the head movement direction, but are used to detect ejection abnormalities. You may form an image only in the part to do.

  In the above-described embodiment and a plurality of examples, the image forming apparatus includes the carry-in means 10, the pre-processing means 20, the pre-processing drying means 31, the image forming means 40, the post-processing means 50, the maintenance / recovery means 90A and 90B, and the back The processing solution drying means 32 and the carry-out means 60 were provided. However, each unit may be a separate device, and these devices may be combined to form a system. For example, the image forming system includes an independent pre-processing device, a pre-processing liquid drying device, an image forming device unit, a post-processing device, a maintenance and recovery device, a post-processing liquid drying device, and a carry-out device that are operatively connected. May be.

  Although the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. The present invention can be variously modified or changed in light of the appended claims.

  For example, according to the present invention, in addition to an image forming apparatus, in a printer, a scanner, a subject machine, a plotter, a facsimile, or the like, a droplet (ink, etc.) is discharged from an ejector (discharge head, ink head, recording head, ink jet, etc.). Any device can be used as long as it discharges and forms an image on the surface of the recording medium (or printing, printing, printing, recording, etc.).

100 Image forming apparatus (image forming system)
10 Carry-in means (carry-in device)
20 Pretreatment liquid application means (Pretreatment liquid application unit)
20L Pretreatment liquid 30 Drying means 31 Pretreatment liquid drying means 32 Posttreatment liquid drying means 40, 400 Image forming means (image forming apparatus section, recording head)
40K, 40C, 40M, 40Y Discharge head (first discharge means)
40F liquid chamber (pressure chamber)
45 Piezoelectric element 43 Nozzle plate 40 Ink Ink 46, 460 Carriage 47, 57 Carriage position moving means 50, 500 Post-processing liquid means (post-processing device section, discharge head, second discharge means)
53 Nozzle plate 56 Carriage 50L Post-treatment liquid (transparent droplet)
60 Unloading means (unloading device)
70 Control means (control device)
72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK Data management unit (first drive waveform generation unit)
72EP data management unit (second drive waveform generation unit)
72EP Post-processing control means (data management unit)
74 Housing 80 Transport unit 90A, 90B, 900 Maintenance / recovery means 91 Engaging portion 92K, 92C, 92M, 92Y Cap portion (for ink)
92B Cap (for post-treatment liquid)
Md roll paper (recording medium)
L Number of nozzle rows
m Number of pattern rows n Pattern row spacing Xm Recording medium transport direction

JP 2012-035466 A JP 2000-141624 A

Claims (13)

A first discharge means for discharging colored droplets onto the recording medium while moving relative to the recording medium;
A nozzle row that discharges transparent droplets while moving relatively to the recording medium is provided on the recording medium on which an image of the colored droplets is formed, and the relative movement is performed in the nozzle row. A plurality of nozzles arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the second ejection means, and an image forming apparatus comprising:
When the inspection of the discharge operation of the second discharge unit is performed, after a predetermined image is formed by the colored droplets discharged by the first discharge unit,
Each nozzle of the nozzle row arranged in the second direction of the second ejection means ejects the transparent liquid droplet, so that a pattern row in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in the second direction is M in the direction of 1 (m: a natural number of 2 or more) formed on the recording medium,
The plurality of patterns are formed such that the plurality of patterns are arranged at an interval of (m−1) in each of the m pattern rows.
Image forming apparatus. In the second ejection unit, m nozzle rows are arranged in the first direction,
All of the plurality of nozzles included in the nozzle row are arranged at different positions in the second direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The m nozzle rows correspond to the same number of the pattern rows,
Each nozzle of the nozzle row ejects the transparent liquid droplets so as to form each pattern in the pattern row corresponding to the nozzle row,
The formed patterns are arranged at an interval of (m−1) in the pattern row, and all the patterns formed in any one of the pattern rows are in the first direction and the second direction. Formed at different positions in the direction of
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The predetermined image formed by the colored droplets ejected by the first ejection unit is a solid image formed on a portion where the pattern row of the transparent droplets is formed and a peripheral portion thereof. is there,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined image formed by the colored liquid droplets ejected by the first ejection means is a monochrome image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined image formed by the colored droplets ejected by the first ejection means has an image density of 0.2 or more and 2.0 or less.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus includes:
Based on the pattern formed by the transparent liquid droplets ejected by the second ejection means, when there is an abnormal ejection of the transparent liquid droplet, maintenance and recovery of the nozzle corresponding to the abnormal ejection is performed. Having maintenance and recovery means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Based on information input from a user who visually confirms the pattern, the ejection abnormality of the transparent droplet is determined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A plurality of first pressure chambers communicating with each nozzle of the nozzle row; and a plurality of first pressure chambers that pressurize a colored liquid in the first pressure chamber to discharge colored droplets. A plurality of first piezoelectric elements respectively facing the nozzle,
The second ejection means is configured to press a plurality of second pressure chambers communicating with the respective nozzles of the nozzle row, and to eject the transparent liquid by pressurizing the transparent liquid in the second pressure chambers. A plurality of second piezoelectric elements respectively facing the nozzle,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A first drive waveform generation unit configured to generate a first drive waveform and apply the first drive waveform to the first piezoelectric element;
A second drive waveform generation unit that generates a second drive waveform and applies the second drive waveform to the second piezoelectric element,
When carrying out an inspection of the discharge operation of the second discharge means,
The first drive waveform generation unit applies a drive waveform for continuously discharging droplet dots to the plurality of first piezoelectric elements in the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row of the first discharge unit. Thus, after a predetermined image is formed by the colored droplets discharged by the first discharge unit,
The second drive waveform generation unit generates a second drive waveform for discharging a predetermined number of transparent liquid droplets in the nozzle row of the second discharge means, with a plurality of nozzles having an interval of (m−1). Is applied to a plurality of second piezoelectric elements at an interval of (m−1) to form a first pattern row in which a plurality of dots are continuous,
In the nozzle row of the second ejection means, at a timing different from the timing applied to the plurality of second piezoelectric elements at the (m−1) interval facing the plurality of nozzles at the (m−1) interval, A drive waveform for ejecting the predetermined number of transparent droplets m times in order is applied to each second piezoelectric element facing the nozzle adjacent to the plurality of nozzles at the (m−1) interval. By forming pattern rows in order, m pattern rows are formed in the first direction which is the relative movement direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the pattern row of m transparent droplets formed on the predetermined image by the colored droplets,
In the inspection of the discharge operation of the second discharge unit, the second drive waveform generation unit increases the amplitude of the second drive waveform and increases the dot diameter of the transparent droplet for discharge. The image forming apparatus according to 9. When it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the pattern row of m transparent droplets formed on the predetermined image by the colored droplets,
In the inspection of the ejection operation of the second ejection unit, the second drive waveform generation unit increases the frequency of the second drive waveform, and more dots than the predetermined number within the drive time. Create pattern rows with continuous diameters and discharge them.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. A plurality of first pressure chambers communicating with each nozzle of the nozzle row, and a plurality of first pressure chambers facing each of the nozzles, which pressurize the colored liquid in the first pressure chamber and discharge colored droplets. A first ejection unit that ejects colored droplets onto the recording medium while moving relative to the recording medium;
A plurality of second pressure chambers communicating with each nozzle of the nozzle row, and a plurality of second pressure chambers facing each of the nozzles that pressurize the transparent liquid in the second pressure chamber to discharge transparent droplets. A nozzle array for ejecting transparent liquid droplets while moving relative to the recording medium on the recording medium on which an image of the colored liquid droplets is formed. In a row, a transparent droplet discharge inspection in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of nozzles arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction as the relative movement direction, and a second discharge unit A method,
By applying a first drive waveform for continuously discharging droplet dots to the plurality of first piezoelectric elements in the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle row of the first discharge means, A step of forming a predetermined image by the colored droplets discharged by the discharge means;
After forming a predetermined image with the colored droplets, a second drive waveform for discharging a predetermined number of transparent droplets is applied to the nozzle row of the second discharge means at an interval of (m−1). Forming a first pattern row in which a plurality of dots are connected to each other by applying to a plurality of second piezoelectric elements at an interval of (m−1) facing the plurality of nozzles; and In the nozzle row, the predetermined number of times is m times in sequence at a timing different from the timing applied to the plurality of second piezoelectric elements having the (m−1) interval facing the plurality of nozzles having the (m−1) interval. Applying a drive waveform for ejecting a number of transparent droplets to each of the second piezoelectric elements facing the nozzles adjacent to the plurality of nozzles at the (m−1) interval to sequentially form the pattern row. And the relative moving direction And a step of forming the pattern sequence of: (a natural number of 2 or more m), a, m present on certain said first direction
Transparent droplet discharge inspection method.   The program which makes a computer perform the discharge inspection method of Claim 12.

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