JP2018008389A - Post-treatment agent application control device, image formation apparatus, image formation system, printed matter production method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent ink friction when cutting a sheet.SOLUTION: A post-treatment agent application control device (host device 71) which controls application of a post-treatment agent to a roll sheet Md by post-treatment liquid application means 50 includes a RIP device 200 which sets the application amount of the post-treatment agent so that the application amount of the post-treatment agent in a previously-set cutting region 105 containing a cutting line 103 for cutting the roll sheet Md becomes larger than the application amount of the post-treatment agent in the image formation region 107 adjacent to the inner side of the cutting line 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-treatment agent application control device, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a printed matter production method, and a program.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus used for outputting digitized information or used for copying a document has become an indispensable device. Among such image forming apparatuses, there is known an image forming apparatus that applies a post-treatment agent to a printing surface of a printed material after printing.

  However, in such an image forming apparatus, in order to reduce the cost per page (CPP: Cost Per Page) and to improve the drying property, it is necessary to reduce the application amount of the post-processing agent. Therefore, a technique for applying a post-treatment agent only to the printing unit is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-176997 (Patent Document 1).

 In this technique, a pretreatment liquid adhering step for adhering a pretreatment liquid on a recording medium before image formation, an image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium, and a posttreatment liquid adhering on a recording medium after image formation are performed. In the image forming method including the treatment liquid adhesion step, the adhesion area of the post-treatment liquid to the recording medium is smaller as the adhesion area of the post-treatment liquid is smaller than the area of the portion where the image is formed and the printing speed is higher The amount of post-processing liquid adhering to the recording medium is increased as the printing speed is lower.

  When the post-treatment agent is applied only to the printing part, the consumption of the post-treatment liquid is reduced compared to the method of applying the post-treatment liquid to the entire surface of the paper including the non-printing part. That is. However, in a cutting process in which the non-application area of the post-treatment liquid having a high friction coefficient is in contact with the printing section and high pressure and shearing force are generated, ink is rubbed in the cutting section, causing ink transfer. It was.

  Therefore, a problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent ink rubbing when cutting a recording medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present invention provides a post-processing agent application control device that controls application of a post-processing agent to a recording medium by the post-processing agent application device. The post-treatment agent application amount is set so that the post-treatment agent application amount in the pre-set area including the image forming region is larger than the post-treatment agent application amount adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. A setting means is provided.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, ink rubbing when cutting a recording medium can be prevented. Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified in the following description of embodiments.

1 is an overall view (schematic side view) illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a droplet discharge head of an image forming unit and a post-processing liquid applying unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which 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. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 and a host device. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 4. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the data management part of the control means in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the image output part in FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the provision process and cutting process of the post-processing liquid by the post-processing liquid provision means in FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of a roll paper showing a cutting register mark on which an image is formed by the image forming unit in FIG. 1. It is a principal part front view of the roll paper which shows an example of the post-processing liquid provision area | region of the cutting part in embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part front view of the roll paper which shows the other example of the post-processing liquid provision area | region of the cutting part in embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part front view of the roll paper which shows an example of the area | region of a printing part in FIG. 11, and a post-processing liquid provision area | region. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the plate production | generation of the RIP apparatus which performs application | coating control of the post-processing liquid in embodiment of this invention.

  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 and 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 applied has an ejection head corresponding to green (G), red (R), light cyan (LC) and / or other colors, or only black (K). And the like having a discharge head. Here, the symbols given the subscripts K, C, M, and Y correspond to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively.

  In this embodiment, continuous paper wound in a roll shape (hereinafter referred to as “roll paper Md”) is used as the recording medium. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can form an image. The medium 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 films and those capable of forming an image with ink or the like on the surface.

  Here, the roll paper is a continuous paper longer than a standard size. The roll paper includes continuous paper in which severable perforations are formed at predetermined intervals, and continuous paper in which perforations are not formed. In a continuous form in which perforations are formed, a page (page) is an area sandwiched between perforations at a predetermined interval, for example.

(1. Configuration of image forming apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a carry-in means 10, a pretreatment liquid application means 20, a pretreatment liquid drying means 31, an image formation means 40, and a posttreatment liquid application means. (Post-treatment agent application device) 50, permeation means 55, post-treatment liquid drying means 32, and carry-out means 60 are provided. The carrying-in means 10 carries in the roll paper Md (recording medium). The pretreatment means (pretreatment liquid applying means) 20 applies the pretreatment liquid to the carried roll paper Md (performs pretreatment). The pretreatment liquid drying means 31 in the drying means 30 dries the pretreated roll paper Md. The image forming unit 40 forms an image on the surface of the roll paper Md. The post-processing means (post-processing liquid applying means) 50 applies a post-processing liquid, which is a kind of post-processing agent, to the roll paper Md on which the image is formed (post-processing). The infiltration means 55 infiltrates the droplets on the roll paper Md. The post-processing liquid drying means 32 dries the droplets (ink and post-processing liquid) on the roll paper. The carry-out means 60 carries out (rolls or discharges) the post-processed roll paper Md. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 70 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 as will be described later. In this embodiment, the post-treatment agent is a liquid ejected as droplets from the ejection head shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described. In addition, the image forming apparatus may be configured not to include any one or more of a pretreatment liquid application unit 20, a drying unit 30 (31, 32), a permeation unit 55, and the like, which will be described later.

(2. Configuration of import means)
The carry-in means 10 is a means for transporting the recording medium to the pretreatment liquid applying 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 wound around the paper feed roll of the paper feed unit 11 using the transport roller 12 and transports it to the pretreatment liquid application means 20 described later.

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

  Here, the pretreatment is a treatment for uniformly applying a pretreatment liquid (described later) having a function of aggregating ink to the surface of the roll paper Md (recording medium). As a result, even when the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording medium other than the inkjet-type dedicated paper, the image forming apparatus 100 applies the pretreatment liquid applying unit 20 to the surface of the recording medium, thereby applying the recording medium to the recording medium. When the image is formed, the ink can be aggregated.

(4. Configuration of pretreatment liquid drying means)
The drying means 30 is means for drying the recording medium by heating or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the drying unit 30 includes, as the drying unit 30, a pretreatment liquid drying unit 31 that dries the roll paper Md that has been pretreated by the pretreatment liquid application unit 20, and a posttreatment liquid. And post-processing liquid drying means 32 for drying the roll paper Md post-processed by the applying means 50.

  In the pretreatment liquid drying means 31, the plurality of heat rollers are heated to, for example, 80 to 100 ° C., and the back surface of the roll paper Md is brought into contact with the heat roller. You may add the warm air mechanism (warm air heater) shown to the trapezoid shape of the upper part of FIG. Thereby, the pretreatment liquid drying means 31 can evaporate the moisture (solvent) of the pretreatment liquid and dry the roll paper Md.

(5. 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 (ink) onto the roll paper Md dried by the pretreatment liquid drying unit 31.

  An example of the outer shape of the image forming unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view showing 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. 2B is a schematic plan view showing an example of a main part of the image forming unit 40 (black (K) ejection head 40K).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, in this embodiment, the image forming unit 40 is a full-line head, and black (K), cyan (C), magenta from the upstream side in the conveyance direction Xm of the recording medium. Four ejection heads 40K, 40C, 40M and 40Y corresponding to (M) and yellow (Y) are 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). 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. 2B, in this embodiment, the head unit 40K-1 has a plurality of nozzles (discharge ports, prints) on the nozzle surface (the outer surface of the nozzle plate 43 in FIG. 3A described later). Nozzle) 40N. Here, the plurality of nozzles 40N is a single-pass ink jet system having nozzle rows in the main scanning direction, which are arranged in one row in the longitudinal direction of the head unit 40K-1. The head unit 40K-1 may include a plurality of nozzle rows.

  In FIG. 3A, the ejection head (40K, etc.) of the image forming means 40 is joined to the flow path plate 41 that forms the path of the ink to be ejected and the lower surface of the flow path plate 41 (inner direction of the ejection head). The vibration plate 42, the nozzle plate 43 joined to the upper surface of the flow path plate 41 (outward direction of the ejection head), and a frame member 44 that holds the peripheral portion of the vibration plate 42. Further, the ejection head has a pressure generating means (actuator means) 45 for deforming the diaphragm 42.

  The discharge head according to the present embodiment includes a nozzle communication path 40R that is a flow path communicating with a nozzle (discharge port) 40N and a liquid chamber by stacking a flow path plate 41, a vibration plate 42, and a nozzle plate 43. 40F is formed. Further, the discharge head further forms a common liquid chamber 40L for supplying ink to the liquid chamber 40F, an ink inlet 40S for supplying ink to the liquid chamber 40F, and the like by further laminating the frame member 44.

  In the present embodiment, the frame member 44 has an accommodating portion for storing the pressure generating means 45, a recess serving as the common liquid chamber 40L, and an ink supply port for supplying ink from the outside of the ejection head to the common liquid chamber 40L. 40IN is formed.

  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 unit 45 includes an FPC cable 45C for connecting the piezoelectric element 45P to a drive circuit (drive IC).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the piezoelectric element 45P is a stacked piezoelectric element (PZT) in which piezoelectric materials 45Pp and internal electrodes 45Pe are alternately stacked. The internal electrode 45Pe has a plurality of individual electrodes 45Pei and a plurality of common electrodes 45Pec. In this embodiment, the internal electrode 45Pe connects the individual electrode 45Pei or the common electrode 45Pec alternately to the end face of the piezoelectric material 45Pp.

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

  In the ejection head, first, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 45P (pressure generating means 45) is lowered from the reference potential, and the piezoelectric element 45P is reduced in the stacking direction. Further, the ejection head bends 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 bending deformation of the vibration plate 42. By this operation, ink is caused to flow into the liquid chamber 40F from the common liquid chamber 40L in the ejection head.

  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 40 </ b> F by the deformation of the vibration plate 42. By this operation, the ejection head applies pressure to the ink in the liquid chamber 40F. Further, the ejection head ejects ink from the nozzles 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 discharge head depressurizes the liquid chamber 40F by the expansion of the liquid chamber 40F, and fills (replenishes) ink from the common liquid chamber 40L 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.

  As described above, the ejection head deforms (bends and deforms) the diaphragm 42 using the pressure generating means 45. As a result, the ejection head changes the volume (volume) of the liquid chamber 40F and changes the pressure acting on the ink in the liquid chamber 40F. As a result, the ejection head ejects ink from the nozzles 40N.

  The ejection head driving method to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the above example (pull-push). For example, the ejection head may be driven by striking or pushing by controlling the voltage (drive waveform) applied to the piezoelectric element 45P. Further, the pressure generating means 45 is a thermal type that generates heat bubbles by heating ink in the liquid chamber 40F using a heating resistor, or a vibration plate and an electrode that are opposed to each other on the wall surface of the liquid chamber 40F. An electrostatic type that deforms the diaphragm by an electrostatic force generated between the electrode and the electrode may be used.

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

(6. Configuration of post-treatment liquid applying means)
The post-processing liquid application unit (post-processing liquid application device) 50 is a unit that processes the recording medium after the image is formed. The post-processing liquid application unit 50 post-processes the surface of the roll paper Md on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 40 with the post-processing liquid. As shown in FIG. 2A, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 40 in the recording medium conveyance direction Xm. Further, similarly to the image forming unit 40, the post-processing liquid applying unit 50 has the discharge heads 50 </ b> H (discharge units) arranged in a staggered manner in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction Xm of the roll paper Md.

  Further, the post-treatment liquid application unit 50 controls the discharge amount of the post-treatment liquid by controlling the drive waveform input to the ejection head 50H. Accordingly, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 uses the ejection head 50H to apply the post-processing liquid to the entire width direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) of the image forming area (printing area) of the roll paper Md (recording medium). Can be discharged. Note that the configuration of the ejection head 50H is the same as the configuration of the image forming unit 40 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Here, the post-processing is processing for discharging (depositing) the post-processing liquid onto the roll paper Md. By this processing, the recording medium on which the image is formed is peeled off (peeled) from the image (ink) on the recording medium by rubbing the surface of the recording medium on which the image is formed with another object (for example, another recording medium). In other words, the scratch resistance (scratch resistance) is improved. Furthermore, glossiness, storage stability (water resistance, light resistance, gas resistance, etc.) and the like can be improved.

(7. Structure of penetration means)
The penetrating means 55 is means for penetrating the solvent in the ink into the recording medium. The permeating means 55 gains time for the solvent to permeate by increasing the transport distance of the roll paper Md as a recording medium. Further, the recording medium and the ink are heated by the heating means 56 shown in FIG. 1 and set to an ambient temperature of 30 to 100 ° C. (water does not evaporate), so that the aqueous solution containing the high-boiling solvent in the ink remains. Reduce viscosity and accelerate penetration rate.

(8. Configuration of post-processing drying means)
In the post-processing liquid drying means 32 shown in FIG. 1, several heat rollers are heated to, for example, 80 to 100 ° C., and the back surface of the roll paper Md is brought into contact with the heat roller. You may add the warm air mechanism (warm air heater) shown to the trapezoid shape of the upper part of FIG. Thereby, the post-processing liquid drying means 32 can evaporate the water in the ink and the post-processing liquid and dry the roll paper Md.

(9. 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 carry-out means 60 includes a storage unit 61 and a plurality of transport rollers 62. 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 means which dries roll paper Md further just before taking.

(10. Configuration of control means)
The control unit 70 is a unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The control means 70 instructs each component of the image forming apparatus 100 to operate and controls the operation. The control means 70 according to this 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 includes a plurality of devices, for example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) device and a printer device. The RIP device is a device that controls the print order of print data and converts the print data into raster image data. The printer device is a control device for a printing operation based on the converted raster image data.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 (control unit 70) 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 (the control unit 70) can increase the printing speed by separating the apparatuses such as the RIP apparatus and the printer apparatus and distributing the processes in a system having a long processing time like the workflow. And The entire image forming system has a control device (RIPS device).

  FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram of an example of an image forming system in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a host device.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a host device (RIP device, DFE: Digital Front End) 71 that performs RIP processing, print processing, and the like. And a printer device 72 for performing the above. Here, the host device 71 and the printer device 72 are connected by a plurality of data lines 70LD and control lines 70LC.

<High-level device>
The host device 71 of the image forming apparatus 100 (control unit 70) 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 a host device. That is, the host device 71 according to the present embodiment creates print image data corresponding to each color based on the print job data. Here, the print image data further includes “image data related to post-processing” related to the discharge of the post-processing liquid discharged by the post-processing liquid applying unit 50.

  Further, the upper level apparatus 71 creates control information data for controlling the printing operation based on the print job data and the host apparatus information. Here, the control information data includes, as printing conditions, printing form, printing type, paper supply / discharge information, printing surface order, printing paper size, data size of printing image data, resolution, paper type information, gradation, color information. And data on the number of pages to be printed. The control information data further includes post-treatment liquid control data relating to the discharge of the post-treatment liquid discharged by the post-treatment liquid application unit 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, 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 Disk 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, respectively, so that the host device 71 can transmit and receive the CPU 71a and the like to 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 stored in (stored in) the ROM 71b and / or the HDD 71d, a post-treatment agent application control program, and the like.

  The ROM 71b, RAM 71c, and HDD 71d are storage means for storing data and the like. In the ROM 71b and / or the HDD 71d, a control program for controlling the CPU 71a is stored in advance. 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 (transmission / reception) of control information data. The image data I / F 71g controls communication (transmission / reception) of print image data.

<Printer device>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. The printer device 72 in 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. The printer device 72 includes a printer controller 72C and a printer engine 72E.

  The printer controller 72C controls the operation of the printer engine 72E. 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. Further, the printer controller 72C controls the printer engine 72E based on the control information data, and executes printing according to the control information data including the type of recording medium, the printing speed, the volume of droplets to be ejected, and the like. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printer controller 72C includes a CPU 72Cp and a print control unit 72Cc. 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 71b (FIG. 4B). 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. The print control unit 72Cc controls 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 the print image data input from the host device 71 and the control information data input from the printer controller 72C. The printer engine 72E controls the post-processing operation based on the print image data and post-processing ejection pattern data input from the host apparatus 71 and the control information data and post-processing control data input from the printer controller 72C. Device.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printer engine 72E is connected to a plurality of data lines 70LD (70LDY, 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. Thereby, the printer engine 72E can perform the printing operation and post-processing operation for each color based on the received print image data.

  The printer engine 72E has a plurality of data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK, and 72EP. The printer engine 72E includes an image output unit (for example, a head module) 72Ei to which print image data and the like are input from the data management unit 72EC and the like, and a conveyance control unit 72Ec that controls conveyance of the recording medium. Furthermore, the printer engine 72E has a post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep to which image data related to post-processing is input from a data management unit (post-processing control means) 72EP.

  The printer engine 72E may further include or be connected to a post-processing drying control unit, a pre-processing liquid application control unit, a pre-processing post-drying control unit, a permeation control unit 73, a pre-winding drying control unit, and the like. .

  Here, the configuration of the data management unit 72EP related to post-processing will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the data management unit 72EP includes a logic circuit 72EPl and a memory 72EPm. The data management unit 72EP (logic circuit 72EPl) is connected to the host device 71 through the data line 70LD-P. The data management unit 72EP (logic circuit 72EPl) is connected to the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc) via the control line 72LP.

  The logic circuit 72EPl (control means) stores (stores) the image data related to post-processing output from the host apparatus 71 in the memory 72EPm based on the control signal output from the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc).

  The memory 72EPm stores print image data output from the host device 71 based on a control signal output from the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc).

  The logic circuit 72ECl reads print image data (drive waveform) Ic corresponding to cyan (C) from the memory 72ECm based on a control signal output from the printer controller 72C (print control unit 72Cc), and outputs an image output unit. To 72Ei.

  Furthermore, the logic circuit 72EPl receives from the print control unit (control unit) 72Cc, which is a control unit of the entire image forming system, the resolution of the image to be created, the droplet configuration (the type of recording medium, the total amount regulation value of ink, the printing speed, etc.). Receives information (hereinafter referred to as “operation parameter information”), such as binary values of large droplets, non-droplet droplets, four values of large droplets, medium droplets, small droplets, non-droplet droplets, etc.

  Note that the recommended value for the total amount restriction value of ink is determined by the type of recording medium, the printing speed, and the resolution of the image to be created. For this reason, the logic circuit 72EPl does not need to receive from the print control unit (control means) 72Cc when the recommended value is set for the total ink amount regulation value, and creates the type of recording medium, the printing speed, and the like. The recommended value may be determined from the resolution of the image.

  Based on the information received from the host device 71 (or the print control unit Cc), the logic circuit 72EPl applies a droplet ejection amount (droplet ejection density) per unit area of the post-treatment liquid (hereinafter referred to as “amount of post-treatment liquid applied”). ”).

  The logic circuit 72EPl outputs a drive waveform corresponding to the post-processing discharge pattern (specific discharge pattern) Ip corresponding to the applied amount of the post-processing liquid determined as described above to the post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep, or Temporarily, the post-processing liquid discharge pattern Ip is stored in the memory 72EPm, and is output to the post-processing liquid output unit 72Ep according to the control signal.

  Here, the data management unit 72EP may use a hardware logic circuit configured by a combination of logic circuits and the like.

  The configuration of the image output unit 72Ei will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the image output unit (head module) 72Ei includes an output control unit 72Eic and the ejection heads 40C, 40M, 40Y, and 40K. The output control unit 72Eic outputs a print image pattern (drive waveform) based on the print image data (image information) corresponding to each color to the ejection heads 40C, 40M, 40Y and 40K (FIG. 4) corresponding to each color. Thereby, the output control unit 72Eic can control the operation of the ejection head 40C and the like based on the print image data.

  Specifically, the drive waveforms corresponding to the image formation patterns (Ic, Im, Iy, Ik) created by the logic circuits of the data management units 72EC, 72EM, 72EY, 72EK are controlled by the output control unit 72Eic. Then, it is applied to the piezoelectric element 45P which is the pressure generating means of the ejection heads 40C, 40M, 40Y and 40K. When the drive waveform is applied, the piezoelectric element 45P expands and contracts. A stretching force acts on the ink in the liquid chamber 40F from the piezoelectric element 45P through the vibration plate 42, and a pressure change is generated in the liquid chamber 40F, whereby ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 40N. As described above, the output control unit 72Eic can control the operation of the ejection head 40C and the like based on the print image patterns (drive waveforms) Ic to Ik.

  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. 5). Furthermore, the output control unit 72Eic may control the ejection head 40C and the like based on a control signal input from the control device. 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. 7, the post-processing liquid output unit (head module) 72Ep includes an output control unit 72ep and an ejection head 50H. The output control unit outputs the post-processing liquid discharge pattern Ip to the discharge head 50H (FIG. 2). Specifically, a drive waveform created by the logic circuit 72ECl of the data management unit 72EP and corresponding to the post-processing liquid discharge pattern Ip is applied to the piezoelectric element 45P of the discharge head 50H while the timing is controlled by the output control unit. An ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle 50N due to a pressure change generated in the liquid chamber 40F via the vibration plate 42. The output controller 72ep can control the operation of the ejection head 50H based on the post-processing liquid ejection pattern (drive waveform) Ip.

  As described above, the printer device 72 can control the image formation of each color independently of each other. Further, the printer device 72 may change the configuration of the printer engine 72E according to the number of colors of the print image data (C, M, Y and K, or only K colors, etc.) or the number of ejection heads.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the permeation control unit and the post-processing liquid drying control unit connected to the print control unit 72 </ b> Cc, and uses the type of recording medium and the amount of ink and post-processing liquid applied. Thus, the drying means 30 and the permeation means 55 are controlled.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 appropriately controls the preprocessing operation of the preprocessing control unit and the preprocessing drying control unit connected to the print control unit 72Cc according to the type of the recording medium and the image data.

(11. Control of post-processing liquid discharge pattern)
The operation when the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment forms an image. Each unit in the image forming apparatus 100 performs an image forming operation according to the following steps.

  The image forming apparatus 100 starts image formation (or printing) based on print job data, operation parameter information, and the like input from the outside (S801). The image forming apparatus 100 stores (sets) the input print job data, operation parameter information, and the like in storage means (ROM 71b, RAM 71c, HDD 71d, etc.) above the control means 70 (S802).

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the control unit 70 to generate print image data, control information data, and the like based on the contents stored in the storage unit (ROM 71b, RAM 71c, HDD 71d) (S803).

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the control unit 70 to determine the application amount of the pretreatment liquid and the drying strength of the pretreatment liquid in S808 based on the generated control information data (S804).

  The image forming apparatus 100 determines the application amount of the post-processing liquid and the drying strength of the post-processing liquid in S812 based on the set operation parameter information using the control unit 70 (S805). That is, in this embodiment, the control means 70 functions as a post-treatment agent application control device. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to perform the processing of S805 using the host apparatus 71. That is, the host device 71 may be configured to function alone as a post-treatment agent application control device. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to perform the processing of S805 using the printer device 72. That is, the printer device 72 may be configured to function alone as a post-treatment agent application control device. A method for determining the amount of post-treatment liquid applied in S805 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the carry-in means 10 to start carrying (conveying) the recording medium to the pretreatment liquid applying means 20 or the like (S806). Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may perform S806 immediately after the start of image formation in S801.

  The image forming apparatus 100 performs pre-processing using the pre-processing liquid application unit 20 and applies the pre-processing liquid (S807). Here, the pretreatment liquid drying means 31 applies the pretreatment liquid based on the application amount of the pretreatment liquid determined in S804.

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the pretreatment liquid drying unit 31 to dry the recording medium (S808). Here, the pretreatment liquid drying means 31 dries the recording medium based on the pretreatment liquid dry strength determined in S804.

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the image forming unit 40 to form an image on the surface of the recording medium based on the print image data generated in S803 (S809).

  Here, the image forming means 40 can form an image by further using the type of recording medium and the like and the resolution of the image to be formed. The image forming unit 40 can control the operation of forming an image by controlling the voltage (drive voltage) applied to the piezoelectric element.

  The image forming apparatus 100 post-processes the recording medium using the post-processing liquid application unit 50 (S810). Here, the post-treatment liquid application unit 50 applies the post-treatment liquid based on the application amount of the post-treatment liquid determined in S805.

  The image forming apparatus 100 causes the ink and the post-treatment liquid to permeate the recording medium using the permeation unit 55 (S811).

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the post-processing liquid drying unit 32 to dry the recording medium (S812). Here, the post-processing liquid drying means 32 dries the recording medium based on the drying strength determined in S805.

  The recording medium is unloaded (discharged) using the unloading means 60 (S813). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to END in the drawing, and ends the operation for forming an image.

(12. Application of post-treatment liquid and cutting process)
The post-treatment liquid application process and the cutting process performed by the post-process liquid application unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the post-treatment liquid application process and the cutting process performed by the post-process liquid application unit 50.

  In the present embodiment, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 is configured to apply a post-processing agent to the printed surface of the printed material after printing in order to improve the fixability (scratch resistance) of the printing unit. At this time, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 is configured to apply the post-processing liquid only to the printing unit 107. This is because it is necessary to reduce the applied amount of the post-treatment liquid in order to reduce the cost per page (CPP) and improve the drying property.

  In the case where the post-processing liquid is applied only to the printing unit 107, the post-processing liquid may be applied to a position shifted from the printing unit 107 depending on the printing accuracy, the post-processing liquid application accuracy, and the recording medium conveyance accuracy. Therefore, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 applies the post-processing liquid to a wider area than the printing unit 107 in consideration of the accuracy.

  However, when an image is formed on the roll paper Md, usually, the continuous paper is cut into a predetermined paper size, separated one by one, and the separated paper (cut paper) is bound, or one sheet as it is. Used as paper on which an image is formed. Although the paper has been described as a recording medium including the roll paper Md, the following description will be made more specifically on the roll paper Md and the paper (cut paper) P.

  For this reason, the roll paper Md taken up by the carry-out means 60 is cut according to the print size and sent to the cutting process. In the cutting process, the sheet is cut into a predetermined size by a cutting machine. When the paper P is cut by the cutting machine, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are stacked, and the operator uses the cutting marks (corner marks) printed at the four corners of the paper P at the time of image formation in advance as a mark by the operator. Is cut along a cutting line (virtual line) set by the cutting registration mark.

  FIG. 10 is a front view of an essential part of the roll paper Md showing the cutting register mark 101 on which an image is formed (printed) by the image forming means 40. The cutting registration marks 101 are printed at four locations corresponding to the corners of the paper P to be cut as also called corner registration marks. When the image is printed on the roll paper Md, the print control unit 72Cc instructs the image forming unit 40 to simultaneously print the cutting registration marks 101 at the four positions corresponding to the corners. At that time, it is also instructed which version of Y, M, C, K is used for printing. Note that the print control unit 72Cc executes the instruction based on the instruction input from the host apparatus 71.

  When printing an image on the entire surface of the paper, the cutting registration mark 101 takes into account the accuracy of the cutting position, and two lines indicating the inner and outer regions at each corner (inner cutting registration mark 101a and outer cutting registration mark 101b). The image is normally printed up to the position of the outer trimming registration mark 101b so that the image may be trimmed at any position in the meantime.

  FIG. 11 is a front view of an essential part of the roll paper Md showing an example of a post-treatment liquid application region of the cutting unit in the present embodiment. In other words, it is a view showing the post-processing liquid application region 105 for cutting provided so as to include the cutting line 103 defined by the cutting registration mark 101 (inner cutting registration mark 101a) in FIG. In FIG. 11, inside and outside the line connecting the inner cutting register mark 101 a and the outer cutting register mark 101 b at each corner so as to include the cutting area indicated by the inner cutting register mark 101 a and the outer cutting register mark 101 b shown in FIG. 10. Also, the application area of the post-treatment liquid is widened. In the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting, the post-processing liquid is applied so that the amount of adhesion (application) of the post-processing liquid is larger than that of the printing unit 107 inside the line connecting the inner cutting registration marks 101a at each corner. Yes.

  The amount (applied) of the post-treatment liquid is defined by the dot density output from the post-treatment liquid output unit 72Ep. That is, when the amount of adhesion (application) is large, the dot density is high, and when the amount of adhesion (application) is small, the dot density is low.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the post-processing liquid application unit 50 applies the post-processing liquid only to the printing unit 107. For this reason, when the cutting line 103 is positioned at a non-printing portion, even if the cutting is performed by the cutting machine, the ink applied due to the pressure applied from the cutting blade or the deviation of the sheet bundle, and the image transfer due to the ink friction do not occur. .

  In FIG. 9, the printing unit 107 is only the central portion of the paper P, but the image printed on the printing unit 107 includes a line 103 a (virtual line: FIG. 12) connecting the inner cutting registration marks 101 a and an outer cutting registration mark 101 b. Often printed to the outside of the connecting line 103b (virtual line: FIG. 12). In such a case, when the paper is cut along the cutting line 103, the stacked sheets may be displaced due to the pressure of the cutting blade, and ink rubbing and image transfer may occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cutting post-treatment liquid application region 105 shown in FIG. 17 is set along the cutting line 103, and the application amount larger than the post-treatment liquid application amount applied to the printing unit 107 in this region ( The post-treatment liquid was applied at a dot density).

  As a result, even if the sheet is cut along the cutting line 103 by the cutting machine, the post-treatment liquid protective layer is formed at a higher dot density than the printing unit 107 at the cutting part. Ink rubbing due to ink and image transfer due to ink rubbing do not occur. Thus, when the application amount of the post-processing agent is set by the dot density on the paper P, the application amount can be set by the dot density in the same manner as the image formation (printing) density. In particular, when an ink jet type print head is employed, post-treatment agent application control can be performed by the same control as the print control.

Therefore, when the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting is set in the cutting area and the post-processing liquid is applied to the image forming area and the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting,
(1) forming an image in the image forming area of the roll paper Md (S809);
(2) applying a post-treatment agent to a predetermined area including the image forming area of the recording medium and a cutting position for cutting the recording medium (S810);
Carried out
(3) In the step (S810) of applying the post-processing agent to the predetermined area including the cutting position (S810), the application amount of the post-processing agent in the predetermined area including the cutting position (the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting) is The printed material may be produced by applying the post-treatment agent so as to be larger than the application amount of the post-treatment agent in the image forming region adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. The post-treatment agent is applied as a protective liquid described later. The image forming area is a printing area, and printing is performed in the area. Accordingly, the printing is set in the image forming area, but the actual image is determined by the image data. Therefore, the actually printed image is included in the image forming area as shown in FIG. There may be a case where it exists inside an area indicated by the inner cutting registration mark 101a. Accordingly, the printing unit 107 may cover the entire image forming area or only a part of the image forming area. For example, the latter is the printing unit 107a shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the inner side and the outer side of the line connecting the inner cutting register mark 101a and the outer cutting register mark 101b so that the cutting post-treatment liquid application area 105 includes a cutting area indicated by the inner cutting register mark 101a and the outer cutting register mark 101b. Has also spread. In this way, it is advantageous in terms of protecting the image that the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting is widened and an area having a predetermined width including an area indicated by a line connecting the inner cutting registration mark 101a and the outer cutting registration mark 101b. is there. However, it is disadvantageous in terms of reducing the cost by reducing the amount of post-treatment liquid applied.

  In view of reducing the application amount of the post-processing liquid, it is understood that the post-processing liquid should be applied to a portion where the sheet is displaced by the cutting pressure when cutting with the cutting blade of the cutting machine. . The printing unit 107 is set up to at least a line 103a (virtual line) connecting the inner cutting registration marks 101a, and is usually set up to a line 103b connecting the outer cutting registration marks 101b. Therefore, an area between the line 103a connecting the inner cutting registration mark 101a and the line 103b connecting the outer cutting registration mark 101b is set as the cutting post-treatment liquid application area 105, and the post-treatment liquid may be applied to this area.

  However, when the line 103a connecting the inner cutting registration marks 101a is the cutting line 103, the paper P positioned on the printing unit 107 inside the line 103a may be bent and misaligned during cutting. Therefore, in order to deal with this, an area that is slightly inside the line 103a may be set as the post-treatment liquid application area 105 for cutting, and the post-treatment liquid may be applied. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the post-cutting treatment liquid application region 105 set in this way. In this way, after reducing the amount of applied post-processing liquid, to prevent ink rubbing or image transfer, a position along the cutting line 103 that is cut with a cutting blade and an area that is slightly inside the position are provided. The post-treatment liquid may be applied by setting it in the post-treatment liquid application region 105 for cutting.

  With this setting, ink rubbing or image transfer occurs on the paper portion that is cut and discarded, and does not affect the remaining printing unit 107 side. Therefore, the object can be achieved at the lowest cost. . However, it is necessary to consider errors due to the positional accuracy of the cutting blade when cutting along the cutting line 103, the mechanical accuracy of the cutting machine itself, the positional accuracy when the sheets P are superimposed, and the like. Therefore, when the amount of post-processing liquid in the cutting portion is reduced to prevent ink rubbing or image transfer, the post-processing liquid is applied to the cutting post-processing liquid application region 105 shown in FIG. 12 as a minimum. It is desirable to configure.

  Note that the printing unit 107 does not necessarily exist in all the areas up to the cutting position as shown in FIG. 13, and an image may not be printed. In this case, the cutting area is set to be the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting when the vertical and horizontal maximum positions of the printing unit 107a are affected by the cutting. With this setting, the portion to be cut at the portion where the image is printed is included in the post-processing liquid application region 105 for cutting, and the portion not printed does not cause ink rubbing in the first place. The surface is protected and no ink rubbing or image transfer occurs.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of plate generation of the RIP device that performs post-treatment liquid application control. In FIG. 5, the RIP apparatus 200 creates data of the C plate 203, M plate 205, Y plate 207, and K plate 209 from the RGB data 201 as shown in FIG. Data of the post-treatment liquid application layer plate 213 is created. The amount of the post-processing liquid applied and the area of the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting are subjected to RIP (Raster Image Processing) by the DFE of the host apparatus 71 to obtain the C plate 203, the M plate 205, the Y plate 207, and the K plate 209. Determined when creating data.

  When the user inputs a print instruction for the cutting registration mark 101 from the input device of the host apparatus 71, one position of the cutting registration mark 101 set in advance according to the paper size is determined based on the operation input. In this embodiment, an instruction “put a registration mark” 215 in 14 is converted into data when the K version 209 is created. On the other hand, the instruction “insert register mark” 215 is converted into data in the RIP apparatus 200 when the post-processing liquid application layer plate 213 is created. In the RIP device 200, the post-processing liquid application layer plate 213 is created based on the data acquired from the post-processing liquid application layer data 211. The post-processing liquid application layer plate 213 includes data of the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting and the application amount of the post-processing liquid based on the determined position of the cutting registration mark 101.

  In this embodiment, the data of the cutting register mark 101 is stored in the K plate 209, but may be stored in any of the C plate 203, the M plate 205, and the Y plate 207. In addition, all may be printed in full color, but processing is usually performed so as to be included in the K plate 209 in the sense that it is easy to see and eliminates the trouble of plate generation. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the host device 71 is provided separately from the printer device 72, but the host device (RIP device 200: FIG. 19, DFE) 71. May be included in the printer device 72 as a control unit. Specifically, it is incorporated in a printer controller 72C that controls the entire printer device 72, or is provided separately from the printer controller 72C. As a result, it is possible to provide a printer device 72 that is integrally provided with the host device 71 in the main body.

(13. Composition of ink and protective liquid)
The ink contains a colorant, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a surfactant, and further contains other components as necessary.

  As the colorant, a pigment, a self-dispersing pigment, or a resin-coated pigment can be used. As the pigment, either an organic pigment or an inorganic pigment may be used.

Examples of organic pigments include azo, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, quinacridone, dioxazine, indigo, thioindigo, perylene, isoindolenone, aniline black, azomethine, rhodamine B lake pigment, carbon black, etc. Is mentioned.

Examples of the inorganic pigment include iron oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, barium yellow, bitumen, cadmium red, chrome yellow, and metal powder.

Examples of black pigments include No. 2300, no. 900, MCF88, No.
40, no. 52, MA7, MA8, no. 2200B (Made by Mitsubishi Kasei), RAV
EN1255 (Colombia), REGAL400R, REGAL660R, MOGU
LL (above, manufactured by Cabot Corporation), Color Black FW1, Color Bl
ack FW18, Color Black S170, Color Black S15
0, Printex 35, Printex U (manufactured by Degussa) and the like.

The content of the colorant is preferably 2% by mass to 12% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink, and 4% by mass.
-8 mass% is more preferable. When the content is less than 2% by mass, the image density may be lowered due to a decrease in coloring power, or feathering and bleeding may be deteriorated due to a decrease in viscosity.
If it exceeds 2% by mass, the ink in the nozzle tends to increase in viscosity when the ink jet recording apparatus is left unattended, resulting in a non-ejection phenomenon or a decrease in permeability due to excessively high viscosity. Or because the dots do not spread, the image density may decrease or the image may become blurred.

The water-soluble organic solvent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol 1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-
Butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, glycerin,
1,2,6-hexanetriol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 1,2,4
Polyhydric alcohols such as butanetriol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, and petriol; ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
Polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers such as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; Polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers such as ethylene glycol monophenyl ether and ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether Class; N
-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone,
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone and ε-caprolactam; amides such as formamide, N-methylformamide and N, N-dimethylformamide; monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethylamine And amines such as diethylamine and triethylamine; sulfur-containing compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfolane and thiodiethanol; propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and γ-butyrolactone. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 5% by mass to 80% by mass and more preferably 10% by mass to 20% by mass with respect to the total amount of the pretreatment liquid. When the content is less than 80% by mass, the drying property of the recording material to which the protective liquid is applied may be lowered depending on the type of the water-soluble organic solvent, and the addition amount of the flocculant in the protective liquid may be reduced. There is a possibility that the coagulation ability of the protective liquid is greatly reduced. On the other hand, when the content is less than 5% by mass, the water contained in the protective liquid is easily vaporized, and when the water is vaporized, the viscosity of the protective liquid increases, which may cause problems in the protective liquid application process. There is sex.

The penetrant is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether,
Ethylene glycol monoallyl ether, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether,
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether,
Examples include alkyl and aryl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as tetraethylene glycol chlorophenyl ether; lower alcohols such as ethanol and 2-propanol. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. The content of the penetrant is preferably 0.1% by mass to 20% by mass, and more preferably 0.5% by mass to 10% by mass with respect to the total amount of the protective liquid.

Examples of the surfactant include an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a fluorine surfactant, and a silicone surfactant. The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.01% by mass to 3.0% by mass and more preferably 0.5% by mass to 2% by mass with respect to the total amount of the protective liquid.

When the content is less than 0.01% by mass, the effect of adding the surfactant may not be obtained. When the content exceeds 3.0% by mass, the permeability to the recording medium is unnecessarily high. As a result, a decrease in image density or a back-through may occur.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as another component, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, antiseptic / antifungal agent, a rust preventive agent, a pH adjuster etc. are mentioned.

Examples of antiseptic / antifungal agents include sodium dehydroacetate, sodium sorbate, 2-
Examples thereof include sodium pyridinethiol-1-oxide, isothiazoline-based compounds, sodium benzoate, and sodium pentachlorophenol. The content of antiseptic / antifungal agent is
0.01 mass%-3.0 mass% are preferable with respect to the protective liquid whole quantity, and 0.5 mass%-2 mass% are more preferable.

Examples of the rust preventive include benzotriazole, acidic sulfite, sodium thiosulfate,
Examples include ammonium thiodiglycolate, diisopropylammonium nitrite, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and dicyclohexylammonium nitrite. The content of the rust inhibitor is preferably 0.01% by mass to 3.0% by mass, and 0.5% by mass with respect to the total amount of the protective liquid.
-2 mass% is more preferable.

Examples of pH adjusters include hydroxides of alkali metal elements such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, quaternary ammonium hydroxide, quaternary phosphonium hydroxide, and carbonate. Alkali metal carbonates such as lithium, sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, amines such as diethanolamine and triethanolamine, boric acid, hydrochloric acid,
Examples include nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and acetic acid. The content of the pH adjusting agent is 0.
01 mass%-3.0 mass% are preferable, and 0.5 mass%-2 mass% are more preferable.

  In the image formation in S809, stimulation (energy) is applied to the ink, and the ink is ejected onto the surface of the recording material having the coating layer to form an image on the non-recording material. The inkjet recording method can be applied, and examples thereof include an inkjet recording method in which a head is scanned, and an inkjet recording method in which an image is formed on a recording object using a lined head.

There is no particular limitation on the driving method of the recording head that is the ink flying means in the image forming process, and it can be selected appropriately according to the purpose. For example, a piezoelectric element actuator using PZT or the like, a method of applying thermal energy In addition, an on-demand type head using an actuator using electrostatic force can be used, or recording can be performed with a continuous ejection type charge control type head.

The protective liquid applying step is a step of applying a protective liquid to the image forming unit, and is performed by a protective liquid applying unit. The purpose of the protective liquid application step is to prevent transfer contamination of the recorded image during conveyance and to prevent the recording material from blocking.

  The protective liquid contains a water-dispersible resin, a water-soluble organic solvent, a penetrating agent, a surfactant, and water, and preferably contains a wax and a polyether-modified silicone oil, and further contains other components as necessary. It contains.

  The protective liquid varies depending on the method of coating or flying, but it is a component that is polymerized by UV irradiation in order to give the image portion glossiness or to protect the image portion with a resin layer (improve glossiness and fixability). A resin composition and a thermoplastic resin are preferred. In particular, a thermoplastic resin emulsion (also referred to as a water-dispersible resin) is preferable for the purpose of improving glossiness and fixing property. In the case where the protective liquid is ejected by the ink jet recording apparatus, it is preferable to contain an appropriate amount of the water-soluble organic solvent (wetting agent) used in the ink jet ink.

As the water dispersible resin, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is preferably −30 ° C. or higher, and −2
0 degreeC-100 degreeC is more preferable. If the glass transition temperature (Tg) is less than −30 ° C., it may be tacky like a pressure-sensitive adhesive even after evaporation of moisture, and it may be difficult to actually use it. The glass transition temperature of the water dispersible resin can be measured by, for example, a TMA method, a DSC method, or a DMA method (tensile method).

The minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) of the water-dispersible resin is preferably 50 ° C. or lower, and more preferably 35 ° C. or lower. When the minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) exceeds 50 ° C., the film cannot be formed in a short time even by using a drying means such as a heater or warm air, so that actual use may be difficult. The minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) of the water-dispersible resin can be measured by, for example, a minimum film-forming temperature measuring device (MFT type).

Examples of the water dispersible resin include acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic resin, urethane resin, acrylic-silicone resin, and fluorine resin. As these water-dispersible resins, those similar to the water-dispersible resin used in the ink can be appropriately selected and used.

The content of the water-dispersible resin in the protective liquid is preferably 1% by mass to 50% by mass, and more preferably 1% by mass to 30% by mass in terms of solid content. If the content exceeds 50% by mass, the viscosity may increase. If the content is less than 1% by mass, the film-forming property is lowered, and much energy for moisture evaporation is required.

  The volume average particle diameter of the water-dispersible resin is related to the viscosity of the protective liquid. For the same composition, the viscosity at the same solid content increases as the particle diameter decreases. The volume average particle diameter of the water-dispersible resin is preferably 50 nm or more so that the viscosity is not excessively high when the protective liquid is used. Further, when the particle diameter is several tens of μm, it is not preferable because it becomes larger than the nozzle opening of the head of the ink jet recording apparatus that causes the protective liquid to fly. If particles having a large particle diameter are present in the protective liquid even though they are smaller than the nozzle opening, the dischargeability is deteriorated. Therefore, the volume average particle diameter of the protective liquid is more preferably 200 nm or less, and even more preferably 150 nm or less, in order not to inhibit the ink ejection properties.

  By aligning the wax on the surface of the image, the friction resistance and blocking resistance of the image can be improved.

Any wax can be used as long as it can be dispersed in water. The wax is preferably a polyethylene wax emulsion having a melting point of 120 ° C. or higher and 140 ° C. or lower. When the melting point is less than 120 ° C., the storage stability of the protective liquid may be reduced due to aggregation with the resin fine particles, and when it exceeds 140 ° C., the slip effect is lowered and the image friction resistance is lowered. There is. The particle diameter of the polyethylene wax emulsion is preferably 0.2 μm or less.

Examples of the polyethylene wax emulsion include AQUACER-515 (manufactured by Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), Polylon P-502 (manufactured by Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd.) and the like.

The content of wax depends on the wax used and the purpose of use.
1 mass%-10 mass% are preferable, 1 mass%-7 mass% are more preferable, 1 mass%-5 mass% are more preferable.

The protective liquid preferably has a slip property and contains a polyether-modified silicone oil for improving the scratch resistance and blocking resistance of an image.

  The polyether-modified silicone oil is one in which polyether groups are introduced into the side chain, terminal and both of the silicone oil. Moreover, silicone oil is comprised by the linear polymer which consists of a siloxane bond. Examples of the linear polymer composed of siloxane bonds include those in which all of the side chain and both ends are methyl groups. The average degree of polymerization of the linear polymer composed of siloxane bonds is preferably 45 to 230.

Commercially available products can be used as both-end polyether-modified silicone oil having a polydimethylsiloxane main chain, and specifically, BYK-333, BYK-UV3500 (both manufactured by Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.) and the like. Can be mentioned.

The content of the polyether-modified silicone oil is from 0.1% by mass to the total amount of the protective liquid.
5 mass% is preferable, 0.5 mass%-3 mass% is more preferable, 1 mass%-1.5 mass%
Is more preferable.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as another component, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, antiseptic / antifungal agent, a rust preventive agent, a pH adjuster etc. are mentioned. As the water-soluble organic solvent, the surfactant, the antiseptic / antifungal agent, the rust inhibitor, and the pH adjuster in the protective liquid, the same ones as described above can be used.

The protective liquid may be attached to the entire image surface of the recording material or may be attached only to a specific portion of the image surface. The method for applying the protective liquid is not particularly limited, and various methods can be appropriately selected depending on the type of the protective liquid, but a method similar to the method for causing ink to fly is suitable.

The dry adhesion amount of the protective liquid is preferably 0.5 g / m 2 to 10 g / m 2 and 2 g / m 2 to 8 g.
/ M2 is more preferable. If the adhesion amount is less than 0.5 g / m 2, the image quality (image density, saturation, glossiness and fixability) is hardly improved, and if it exceeds 10 g / m 2, the drying property of the protective layer decreases. Further, since the effect of improving the image quality is saturated, it is economically disadvantageous.

It is preferable to adjust the viscosity and the surface tension of the protective liquid so that the spread of dots after landing is increased. The protective liquid preferably has a static surface tension at 25 ° C. of 10 mN / m to 35 mN / m, more preferably 15 mN / m to 30 mN / m or less. Static surface tension is 35mN / m
If it exceeds 1, it may not spread on the image and the blocking resistance may be lowered, and the drying time may be prolonged.

The viscosity of the protective liquid is preferably 1.2 mPa · s or more and 15 mPa · s or less, more preferably 1.5 mPa · s or more and less than 10 mPa · s, further preferably 1.8 mPa · s or more and less than 8 mPa · s. is there. When the viscosity exceeds 15 mPa · s, it is difficult to spread on the image and the blocking resistance may be lowered, and when it is less than 1.2 mPa · s, the ejection stability may be lowered.

  As described above, if the present invention is adapted to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the following description, each component in the claims corresponds to each part of the present embodiment, and when the terms are different, the latter is shown in parentheses, and a corresponding reference symbol is attached. The relationship between the two was clarified.

  1. In the post-processing agent application control device (upper device 71) that controls the application of the post-processing agent to the recording medium (roll paper Md) by the post-processing agent application device (post-processing liquid application means 50), the recording medium (roll paper) Md) is an image forming area in which the amount of the post-treatment agent in a preset area (cutting post-treatment liquid application area 105) including a cutting position (cutting line 103) for cutting is adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. According to the present embodiment including the setting unit (RIP device 200) for setting the application amount of the post-processing agent so as to be larger than the application amount of the post-processing agent (printing unit 107), the image forming area (printing) Since the post-treatment agent is also applied to the post-processing liquid application region 105 for cutting along the cutting position in addition to the portion 107), the paper bundle is bent or displaced by the pressing force of the cutting blade when cutting. As well as later Management agent does not occur rubbing and image transfer ink from functioning as a protective layer.

  2. According to the present embodiment in which the preset area includes an area having a predetermined width at least inside the cutting position (the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting), it is assumed that the sheet bundle is bent or displaced during cutting. However, since the protective layer is formed on the inner side of the paper P, ink rubbing and image transfer do not occur on the image printed on the inner side of the paper P.

  3. According to this embodiment in which the preset area includes areas having a predetermined width inside and outside the cutting position (the post-processing liquid application area 105 for cutting), the sheet bundle is bent or displaced during cutting. However, since the protective layer is formed in the region having the predetermined width, the ink printed on the image printed on the paper P and image transfer do not occur.

  4). In this embodiment, the amount of the post-treatment agent applied in the region (the post-processing liquid application region 105 for cutting) is equal to or greater than the maximum amount of the post-treatment agent applied in the image forming region (corresponding to the printing unit 107). According to the embodiment, the maximum protection effect can be obtained for the printed image.

  5. According to the present embodiment in which the cutting position is printed as a mark (cutting registration mark 101) on the recording medium (roll paper Md), the cutting position is marked in advance on the recording medium (roll paper Md) (cutting registration mark 101). Therefore, the operator can confirm the mark (cutting registration mark 101) and cut the sheet bundle.

  6). This embodiment includes the post-treatment agent application control device (upper device 71) according to any one of 1 to 5 above in a control unit of an image forming apparatus (printer device 72) that forms an image on a recording medium (roll paper Md). According to the image forming apparatus according to the aspect, it is possible to perform the post-treatment agent application control by incorporating the host apparatus 71 integrally in the image forming apparatus. The control unit is provided, for example, in the printer controller 72C or separately from the printer controller 72C.

  7). An image forming apparatus (image forming means 40) for forming an image on a recording medium (roll paper Md), a post-processing agent applying apparatus (post-processing liquid applying means 50) for applying a post-processing agent on the recording medium, According to the image forming system according to the present embodiment including the post-processing agent application control device (the host device 71) according to any one of 1 to 6, the image formation that exhibits the effects described in 1 to 5 above is achieved. A system can be constructed.

  8). A printed matter production method for producing a printed matter by forming an image on a recording medium (rolled paper Md) and applying a post-treatment agent, wherein the image is formed on an image forming area (printing portion 107) of the recording medium (rolled paper Md). And a cutting position (cutting line 103) for cutting the image forming area (printing unit 107) and the recording medium (roll paper Md) of the recording medium (roll paper MD). Applying the post-treatment agent to a predetermined region including the post-processing liquid application region 105 for cutting (post-processing agent application processing S810), and including the post-processing agent in the predetermined region including the cutting position. The post-treatment agent is applied so that the application amount is larger than the application amount of the post-treatment agent adjacent to the inside of the cutting position (corresponding to the printing unit 107). Blade push Even resulting deflection or displacement in the sheet bundle by the force, it is possible to post-treatment agent to produce prints without ink rubbing or image transfer from functioning as a protective layer occurs.

  9. Application of post-processing agent to a computer (CPU 71a, ROM 71b, RAM 71c) in a preset area (cutting post-treatment liquid application area 105) including a cutting position (cutting line 103) for cutting the recording medium (roll paper Md) In order to execute a procedure for setting the application amount of the post-processing agent so that the amount is larger than the adhesion amount of the post-processing agent in an image forming area (corresponding to the printing unit 107) adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. The post-treatment agent functions as a protective layer even if the sheet bundle is bent or displaced by the pressing force of the cutting blade when cutting by installing the program and causing the computer to execute the program. Therefore, control can be performed so that ink rubbing and image transfer do not occur.

  The program may be stored in a recording medium. In that case, the program can be installed in the computer using the recording medium. The recording medium may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be used.

  In the present embodiment, an inkjet image forming apparatus that applies a post-processing liquid to a recording medium has been described. However, the present invention applies post-processing toner, which is a kind of post-processing agent, to a recording medium. The present invention can be similarly applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and all the technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are all included. The subject of the present invention. The above embodiment shows a preferable example, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, and improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, These are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

40 Image forming means (image forming apparatus)
50 Post-treatment liquid application means (post-treatment liquid application device)
50L post-treatment liquid 71 Host device (post-treatment agent application control device)
72 Printer apparatus 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Cutting registration mark (mark)
103 Cutting line (cutting position)
105 Post-treatment liquid application area for cutting (pre-set area)
107, 107a Printing unit 200 RIP device (setting means)
CPU 71a (computer)
Md roll paper (recording medium)
P paper ROM 71b (computer)
RAM 71c (computer)

JP 2014-176997 A

Claims (9)

A post-treatment agent application control device that controls the application of the post-treatment agent to the recording medium by the post-treatment agent application device,
The application amount of the post-processing agent in a preset area including a cutting position for cutting the recording medium is larger than the application amount of the post-processing agent in an image forming area adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. A post-treatment agent application control device comprising setting means for setting the application amount of the post-treatment agent. The post-treatment agent application control device according to claim 1,
The post-treatment agent application control device, wherein the preset area includes an area having a predetermined width at least inside the cutting position. The post-treatment agent application control device according to claim 1,
The post-treatment agent application control device, wherein the preset area includes areas of a predetermined width inside and outside the cutting position. The post-treatment agent application control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The post-treatment agent application control device in which the application amount of the post-treatment agent in the region is larger than the maximum application amount of the post-treatment agent in the printing unit in the image forming region. The post-treatment agent application control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A post-treatment agent application control device in which the cutting position is printed as a mark on the recording medium.   6. An image forming apparatus, wherein the post-treatment agent application control apparatus according to claim 1 is included in a control unit of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium;
A post-treatment agent application device for applying the post-treatment agent on the recording medium;
The post-treatment agent application control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming system. A printed matter production method for producing a printed matter by forming an image on a recording medium and applying a post-treatment agent,
Forming an image in an image forming area of the recording medium;
Applying a post-treatment agent to a predetermined area including the image forming area of the recording medium and a cutting position for cutting the recording medium;
The post-processing agent is applied so that the amount of the post-processing agent applied in a predetermined region including the cutting position is larger than the amount of the post-processing agent applied to the image forming region adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. A method for producing printed matter. On the computer,
The post-processing agent application amount in a preset area including a cutting position for cutting the recording medium is larger than the post-processing agent application amount in an image forming area adjacent to the inside of the cutting position. A program for executing a procedure for setting the amount of treatment agent applied.