JP2018089919A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device that can readily and smoothly perform test printing even when a recording medium is a fabric, and to provide a printing method.SOLUTION: A printing device includes: a printing part 13 for printing by discharging ink to a recording medium W; a transportation belt 53 having a placing part 17 on which a test medium on which test printing is conducted by discharging ink thereto prior to printing is placed; and an opening part 181 for a cover 18, which serves as a guide part for guiding the test medium to the placing part when the test medium is placed on the placing part. The test medium preferably has stiffness that is higher than a recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printing apparatuses that print by applying ink on a recording medium have been used (for example, see Patent Document 1). A printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium, and a number of nozzles that eject ink onto the transported recording medium while reciprocating along a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium. And a printing unit.

  In such a printing apparatus, prior to printing on the recording medium, test printing is performed on the test medium, and the ejection position of each nozzle is corrected based on the result of the test printing.

  However, conventionally, a medium made of the same material as the recording medium is used as the test medium, and it has been difficult to perform operations such as loading and unloading the test medium from the apparatus during test printing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-20408 JP 2013-193303 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of easily and smoothly performing test printing and capable of accurately adjusting the ejection position even when the recording medium is a fabric. .

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a recording medium;
A conveying belt having a placement portion on which a test medium on which the ink is ejected and test printing is performed prior to performing the printing is placed;
When the test medium is placed on the placement section, a guide section for guiding the test medium to the placement section is provided.

  Accordingly, the test medium can be easily and smoothly placed on the placement portion by the guide portion. Therefore, test printing can be performed easily and smoothly.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, a cover for covering the transport belt and the printing unit is provided,
The guide portion is preferably an opening provided in the cover member.

  Accordingly, the test medium can be easily and smoothly placed on the placement portion through the opening.

  In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the opening is provided upstream of the printing unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium.

  Generally, each member is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the printing unit. By providing the opening on the upstream side in the transport direction, when the test medium is placed on the placement part via the opening, it is possible to prevent each part from inhibiting the operation. When the fabric is set, the test medium is set on the margin of the fabric or on the belt where the fabric is not applied. However, if the fabric is set from the downstream side, the belt must be reversed. In other words, the already printed part may come into contact with the belt before washing again and become dirty. By providing it on the upstream side, such a situation is prevented.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the guide portion is supported by the support member in the transport belt and has a flat portion wider than the test medium.
Thereby, it is possible to easily and accurately place the test medium on the placement unit.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, it has a support portion for supporting the transport belt from the inside,
It is preferable that the part supported by the said support part among the said conveyance belts functions as said mounting part.

  Thereby, the operation of placing the test medium on the placement unit and the operation of detaching the test medium from the placement unit can be easily and stably performed.

  In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the support portion has a plate shape having higher rigidity than the conveyance belt.

  Thereby, the operation of placing the test medium on the placement unit and the operation of detaching the test medium from the placement unit can be performed more easily and stably.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the conveyor belt is wound around two rotating rollers,
During the test printing, the test medium is preferably located between the rollers in a plan view of the transport belt.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent tension from being applied to the test medium. Therefore, test printing can be performed with higher accuracy.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the printing apparatus further includes a scanner that is provided downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction of the recording medium and reads the test medium on which the ink has been ejected as an image.

  Thereby, after the test printing is completed, the process of reading with the scanner can be automatically performed.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the test medium has higher rigidity than the recording medium.

  As a result, the test medium can be made more difficult to deform than the recording medium, and test printing can be performed more accurately than printing on the recording medium. Moreover, since there is little deformation when measuring and observing after test printing, it can be measured and observed more accurately. In particular, when the conveyance belt has adhesiveness, deformation at the time of peeling can be prevented.

The printing method of the present invention includes a conveyance belt that conveys a recording medium, a printing unit that performs printing by discharging ink to the recording medium, and a printing unit that is provided on the conveyance belt and performs the printing prior to the printing. A printing apparatus comprising: a placement unit on which a test medium having flexibility is placed; and a guide unit that guides the test medium to the placement unit when the test medium is placed on the placement unit. A printing method for printing using
It has a test printing process for performing test printing using a medium having higher rigidity than the recording medium as the test medium.
Thereby, test printing can be performed easily and smoothly.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a printing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test medium is placed on the placement unit. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which test printing is completed. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test medium is removed from the placement unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a carriage unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a carriage unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the head included in the carriage unit illustrated in FIG. 7 forms a test print pattern on the forward path. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the head included in the carriage unit illustrated in FIG. 7 forms a test print pattern on the return path. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a part of an image obtained by reading a ruled line in a test print pattern. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the test medium, showing the center coordinates of the ruled lines. FIG. 15 is a table showing the correction amount of the ejection position of the head in the first correction and the second correction. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test print pattern.

  Hereinafter, a printing apparatus and a printing method according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a printing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test medium is placed on the placement unit. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which test printing is completed. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is performing test printing, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test medium is removed from the placement unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a carriage unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a carriage unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the head included in the carriage unit illustrated in FIG. 7 forms a test print pattern on the forward path. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the head included in the carriage unit illustrated in FIG. 7 forms a test print pattern on the return path. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a test print pattern is formed on the test medium. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a part of an image obtained by reading a ruled line in a test print pattern. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the test medium, showing the center coordinates of the ruled lines. FIG. 15 is a table showing the correction amount of the ejection position of the head in the first correction and the second correction. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit included in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, the depth direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as “X direction”, the left-right direction as “Y direction”, and the up-down direction as “Z direction”. The direction in which the arrow in each direction is directed is called “positive”, and the opposite direction is called “negative”. Also, the coordinate axes in FIGS. 3 to 12 and 14 (the same applies to FIG. 17) correspond to the coordinate axes in FIG.

  The printing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 includes a printing unit 13 that performs printing by ejecting ink 100 onto a work W serving as a recording medium, and a test in which ink 100 is ejected prior to printing. When placing the test medium 200 on the placement unit 17 and the transport unit 12 as the transport belt having the placement unit 17 on which the test medium 200 to be printed is placed, the test medium 200 is placed on the placement unit 17. And an opening 181 as a guide for guiding.

  Thereby, the test medium 200 can be easily and smoothly placed on the placement portion 17 by the opening 181. Therefore, test printing can be performed easily and smoothly.

  In addition, the printing method of the present invention includes a conveyance unit 12 as a conveyance belt that conveys a work W as a recording medium, a printing unit 13 that performs printing by discharging ink 100 to the work W, and a conveyance unit 12. The placement unit 17 on which the flexible test medium 200 is placed prior to printing, and the test is performed on the placement unit 17 when the test medium 200 is placed on the placement unit 17. A printing method in which printing is performed using a printing apparatus 1 including an opening 181 as a guide for guiding a medium 200, and test printing is performed using a medium having higher rigidity than the workpiece W as the test medium 200. A test printing process to be performed;

  Thereby, compared with the case where the medium of the same material as the workpiece | work W is used as a test medium like before, the test medium 200 can be mounted on the mounting part 17 easily and smoothly. Therefore, test printing can be performed easily and smoothly.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 1 executes the printing method of the present invention, and includes a machine base 11, a transport unit (transport belt) 12 that transports a work W as a recording medium, A printing unit (recording unit) 13 that applies ink 100 on the workpiece W to perform printing, a drying unit 2 that dries the ink 100 on the workpiece W, and an elevating mechanism 14 are provided.

  In this embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction for conveying the workpiece W is the x-axis direction, the direction parallel to the conveyance direction is the y-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction is the z-axis direction. Yes.

  The transport unit 12 is disposed on the feeding device 3 that feeds out the long workpiece W wound in a roll shape, the winding device 4 that winds up the printed workpiece W, and the machine base 11. And a support device 5 that supports the workpiece W.

  The feeding device 3 is disposed upstream of the machine base 11 in the feed direction (y-axis direction) of the workpiece W. The feeding device 3 includes a feeding roller (feeding reel) 31 that feeds the workpiece W in a roll shape, and a tensioner 32 that tensions the workpiece W between the feeding roller 31 and the support device 5. And have. A motor (not shown) is connected to the delivery roller 31 and can be rotated by the operation of the motor.

  Further, as the workpiece W, a material to be printed can be used. The material to be printed refers to fabrics, clothes, and other clothing products to be printed. Examples of the fabric include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool, chemical fibers such as nylon, and woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and nonwoven fabrics made by mixing these. In addition, clothes and other clothing products include post-sewing T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, handbags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, and other types of furniture, as well as pre-sewing conditions. The cloth before and after the cutting that exists as a part of is included.

  As the workpiece W, in addition to the material to be printed, a dedicated paper for inkjet recording such as plain paper, high-quality paper, and glossy paper can be used. In addition, as the workpiece W, for example, a plastic film that is not subjected to surface treatment for inkjet printing (that is, an ink absorbing layer is not formed), and a substrate such as paper coated with plastic, A film to which a plastic film is bonded can also be used. The plastic is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

  The winding device 4 is disposed on the downstream side in the feed direction (y-axis direction) of the workpiece W with respect to the feeding device 3 from the machine base 11. The winding device 4 includes a winding roller (winding reel) 41 that winds the workpiece W in a roll shape, and tensioners 42 and 44 that tension the workpiece W between the winding roller 41 and the support device 5. doing. A motor (not shown) is connected to the winding roller 41 and can be rotated by the operation of the motor. The tensioners 42 and 44 are arranged at intervals in this order in the direction away from the winding roller 41.

  The support device 5 is disposed between the feeding device 3 and the winding device 4. The support device 5 is spanned between the main driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52 that are arranged apart from each other in the y-axis direction, and the main driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52, and supports the work W on the upper surface (support surface). A belt 53 and a pressure roller 54 that presses and fixes the workpiece W against the belt are provided.

  A motor (not shown) is connected to the main driving roller 51 and can be rotated by the operation of the motor. Further, the rotational force of the main driving roller 51 is transmitted to the driven roller 52 via the endless belt 53, and the driven roller 52 can rotate in conjunction with the main driving roller 51.

  The endless belt 53 is a belt in which an adhesive layer having adhesiveness is formed on the front surface thereof. A part of the workpiece W is adhesively fixed to the adhesive layer and conveyed in the y-axis direction. During this conveyance, the work W is printed. Further, after printing is performed, the workpiece W is peeled from the endless belt 53.

  The printing unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a carriage unit 130 that performs recording by printing by ejecting ink 100 onto a work W.

  6 and 7, the carriage unit 130 includes a head unit 131B that ejects black (B) ink 100, a head unit 131C that ejects cyan (C) ink 100, and magenta (M). The head unit 131M that ejects the ink 100 and the head unit 131Y that ejects the yellow (Y) ink 100 are provided. The head unit 131B, the head unit 131C, the head unit 131M, and the head unit 131Y are arranged in this order from the positive side in the x-axis direction.

  Since the head unit 131B, the head unit 131C, the head unit 131M, and the head unit 131Y have the same configuration except that the color of the ink 100 to be ejected is different, the head unit 131B will be representatively described below.

  The head unit 131B has a large number (16 in this embodiment) of heads 132. Each head 132 has a large number of nozzles 133, and each nozzle 133 is aligned in the y-axis direction (in one direction) (see FIG. 8).

  The head unit 131B is provided with a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric body) corresponding to each ejection nozzle. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the ink 100 is ejected from each nozzle 133 as a droplet.

  The carriage unit 130 stands by at a position (standby position) that is out of the workpiece W (endless belt 53) when viewed from the z-axis direction when the ink 100 is not ejected.

  In the printing apparatus 1, the workpiece W fed by the feeding device 3 is intermittently fed (sub-scanned) in the y-axis direction in a fixed state in which the workpiece W is adhesively fixed by the endless belt 53, and the carriage unit 130 is moved to the fixed workpiece W. Ink 100 is ejected from the carriage unit 130 while reciprocating (main scanning) in the x-axis direction. This can be performed until printing is completed and an image pattern is formed on the workpiece W. The image pattern may be based on multicolor printing (color printing) or may be based on single color printing.

  The ink 100 includes, for example, four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (B) containing a dye or pigment as a colorant in water as a solvent. Then, each color ink 100 is ejected independently from the head 132.

  The elevating mechanism 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can adjust the height of the carriage unit 130. For example, the elevating mechanism 14 may include a motor, a ball screw, and a linear guide. The motor has a built-in encoder. The height of the carriage unit 130 can be detected based on the rotation amount detected by the encoder. Such a lifting mechanism 14 is also electrically connected to the control unit 15.

  As described above, the distance between the carriage unit 130 and the workpiece W can be changed by the elevating mechanism 14. Therefore, good printing can be performed according to the material of the workpiece W. Further, when the test medium 200 having a thickness different from that of the workpiece W is used, the distance between the test medium 200 and the head 132 is adjusted to be equal to the distance between the workpiece W and the head 132 during test printing. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drying unit 2 is disposed downstream of the printing unit 13 in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W and is disposed between the support device 5 and the winding roller 41 of the winding device 4.

  The drying unit 2 includes a chamber 21 and a coil 22 disposed in the chamber 21. The coil 22 is made of, for example, a nichrome wire, and is a heating element that generates heat when electric power is supplied. The ink 100 on the work W passing through the chamber 21 can be dried by the heat generated by the coil 22.

  A support portion 16 that supports the endless belt 53 (conveyance belt) from the inside is provided on the inner side of the endless belt 53 and on the upstream side of the printing unit 13 in the conveyance direction. For this reason, a portion of the endless belt 53 (belt) supported by the support portion 16 functions as the placement portion 17. Thereby, the test medium 200 described later can be stably placed on the placement portion 17.

  The support portion 16 is an iron plate installed inside the endless belt 53 and has a plate shape with higher rigidity than the endless belt 53 (conveying belt). When the test medium 200 is placed, even if the test medium 200 is pressed from above, the belt 53 can be supported and its deformation can be prevented. Further, the support portion 16 has a size that can sufficiently contain the test medium 200 in a plan view. Thereby, the test medium 200 to be described later can be more stably placed on the placement unit 17, and deformation of the test medium 200 is also prevented, so that the test pattern can be printed with higher accuracy. In addition, the flat part supported by the support part 16 among the endless belts 53 can also be called a guide part.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit (adjustment unit) 15 is electrically connected to the drying unit 2, the transport unit 12, the printing unit 13, and the lifting mechanism 14, and has a function of controlling these operations. doing. The control unit 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151 and a storage unit 152.
The CPU 151 executes programs for various processes such as the print process as described above.

  The storage unit 152 includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) which is a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and can store various programs.

  Such a printing apparatus 1 is covered with a cover 18. The cover 18 covers at least the transport unit 12 and the printing unit 13. Thereby, the conveyance unit 12 and the printing unit 13 can be protected.

  The cover 18 is provided with an opening 181 penetrating in the thickness direction. The opening 181 is provided upstream of the printing unit 13 in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W. The test medium 200 can be placed on the placement unit 17 from the opening 181.

  In the printing apparatus 1 described above, prior to printing on the workpiece W, test printing is performed using the test medium 200 as shown in FIGS. Then, the test medium 200 on which the test printing has been performed is read as an image using a scanner, and the ejection position of each head 131 is corrected based on the image. By performing such test printing and correction of the ejection position, it is possible to perform printing with high accuracy on the workpiece W.

  First, the test medium 200 will be described prior to describing test printing and ejection position correction. The test medium 200 has a rectangular sheet shape with a length of about 400 mm and a width of about 250 mm. The test medium 200 is paper having higher rigidity than the work W (recording medium). As a result, the test medium 200 can be made more difficult to deform than the workpiece W, and the test printing can be performed more accurately than printing on the workpiece W. Since the test medium 200 is read by a scanner, a size smaller than this size is preferable. On the other hand, considering the adjustment of all the heads 132, it is desirable that the size is larger than the carriage on which all the heads 132 are mounted. When the carriage is larger than this size as in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the test print pattern is divided and used by a method described later in order to adjust all the heads 132.

Next, test printing will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, the test medium 200 is placed on the placement unit 17. At this time, the test medium 200 can be placed by putting a hand into the cover 18 from the outside through the opening 181 of the cover 18. That is, the opening 181 provided in the cover (cover member) 18 functions as a guide unit that guides the test medium 200 to the mounting unit 17 when the test medium 200 is mounted on the mounting unit 17. Thereby, the test medium 200 can be easily placed on the placement unit 17.

  Further, the opening 181 is provided on the upstream side of the printing unit 13 in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W (recording medium). Accordingly, the test medium 200 can be easily placed on the placement unit 17 on the placement unit 17 provided on the upstream side in the transport direction from the printing unit 13.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a test print pattern (to be described later) is printed while the main driving roller 51 is rotated in the direction of the arrow α51 in FIG. 4 and the test medium 200 is conveyed to the y-axis positive side. At that time, the test medium 200 is conveyed by the endless belt 53, but does not reach the main driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52. The main driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52 are arranged at a sufficient interval. For this reason, the flat portion of the endless belt 53 has such a length that the test medium 200 does not reach either the main driving roller 51 or the driven roller 52 during the test printing. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the test medium 200 from being deformed following the main driving roller 51 or the driven roller 52 during the test printing, and applying tension to the test medium 200. Therefore, test printing can be performed with higher accuracy.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the main driving roller 51 is rotated in the direction of the arrow α <b> 51 ′ in FIG. 5, and the test medium 200 is conveyed to the y-axis negative side until the test medium 200 is positioned on the placement unit 17. . Then, the test medium 200 is taken out through the opening 181.

  After performing test printing as described above, the image is read as an image using a scanner, and the ejection position of each head 132 is corrected based on the image. Hereinafter, correction of the ejection position of each head 132 will be described.

  In this correction, as shown in FIG. 7, the carriage unit 130 is considered to be grouped into three first groups G1, second groups G2, and third groups G3. Since this grouping is the same in the head unit 131B, the head unit 131C, the head unit 131M, and the head unit 131Y, the head unit 131B will be described below representatively. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 and FIG. 14, the test medium 200 is provided with reference lines for reading with a scanner in the vertical and horizontal directions in the drawing. Thereby, reading can be performed accurately.

  In the head unit 131B, as described above, the 16 heads 132 are arranged side by side. 6 and 7, the heads 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, 132e, 132f, 132f, 132h, 132h, 132i, 132j, 132x, and 132k are sequentially arranged from the lower side in FIGS. 132L, head 132m, head 132n, head 132o, and head 132p.

  Among these heads 132, the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, and the head 132f are defined as a first group G1. Further, among the heads 132, the head 132f, the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, and the head 132k are set as the second group G2. Further, among the heads 132, the head 132k, the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, the head 132o, and the head 132p are defined as a third group G3.

  Thus, the first group G1 and the second group G2 share one head 132f, the shared head 132f is the first reference head, and the second group G2 and the third group G3 are one The head 132k is shared, and the shared head 132k is set as a second reference head.

  The head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, and the head 132e are first correction target heads, and the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, and the head 132j are second correction target heads, and the head 132L and the head 132m. The head 132n, the head 132o, and the head 132p are third correction target heads.

  After grouping in this way, test printing, that is, a test printing process (printing process) is performed. Hereinafter, the test print pattern P printed in the test print will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the test medium 200 and shows a part of the test print pattern P printed on the test medium 200. In FIG. 8, the head 132 f is representatively illustrated among the heads 132.

First, the printing as shown in FIG. 8, in the forward path, i.e., by moving the head unit 131B in the arrow alpha ₁₃₀ direction during 8, using the head 132f of the head unit 131B 2 ruled lines L and (B) To do. These two ruled lines L (B) are printed side by side along the y-axis direction. Each ruled line L (B) is printed by ejecting ink 100 from the nozzles 133 at positions corresponding to the two ruled lines L (B) among the many nozzles 133 of the head 132f of the head unit 131B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, one ruled line L (B) is printed using the head 132f of the head unit 131B on a double path, that is, while moving the head unit 131B in the direction of arrow α ₁₃₀ ′ in FIG. To do. This one ruled line L (B) is printed between the two ruled lines L (B) printed as described above.

  In this way, three ruled lines L (B) are formed by one reciprocation. Each head may form three ruled lines L (B) in the order of the forward path, the backward path, and the forward path along the Y-axis direction, or in the order of the backward path, the forward path, and the backward path. These two patterns may be mixed. If the heads 132 are misaligned so as to rotate around the Z axis, if the two patterns are mixed, the tilt error can be reduced. However, as in this embodiment, all heads In 132, even if the three ruled lines L (B) are formed in the order of the forward path, the backward path, and the forward path along the Y-axis direction, the inclination can be reduced. This is because by using three ruled lines, the positional deviation of the center of each ruled line is reduced compared to the case of two ruled lines.

  Although not shown, the head 132f of the head unit 131C also has three ruled lines L (C) on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the ruled line L (B) in the same manner as the head 132f of the head unit 131B. Print.

  Although not shown, the head 132f of the head unit 131M also has three ruled lines L (M) on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the ruled line L (C) in the same manner as the head 132f of the head unit 131B. Print.

  Although not shown, the head 132f of the head unit 131Y also has three ruled lines L (Y) on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the ruled line L (M) in the same manner as the head 132f of the head unit 131B. Print.

  Note that the ruled line L (C), the ruled line L (M), and the ruled line L (Y) are printed in the same pass as that for printing the ruled line L (B), that is, printed in one round trip.

  In the above description, the head 132f has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 10, in the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, and the head 132e, the ink 100 is ejected at the same time as each ruled line is printed by the head 132f. To form. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a test print pattern P1 is formed on the test medium 200 by the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, and the head 132f.

  Then, after moving the test medium 200 to the downstream side in the transport direction, as shown in FIG. 11, using the head 132f, the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, and the head 132k, the same as the test print pattern P1 Thus, the test print pattern P2 is printed. The test print pattern P2 is formed on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the test print pattern P1.

  Then, after the test medium 200 is further moved downstream in the transport direction, as shown in FIG. 12, the test print pattern P1 is used by using the head 132k, the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, the head 132o, and the head 132p. The test print pattern P3 is printed in the same manner as the test print pattern P2. The test print pattern P3 is formed on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the test print pattern P2.

  As described above, the test print pattern P including the test print pattern P1, the test print pattern P2, and the test print pattern P3 is printed.

  The ruled line printed by the head 132f is the first reference print pattern, the ruled line printed by the head 132k is the second reference print pattern, and the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, and the head 132e are printed. The ruled line is the first correction target pattern, the ruled line printed by the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, and the head 132j is the second correction target pattern, and the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, the head 132o, and the head 132p are printed. The ruled line thus obtained becomes the third correction target pattern.

  As described above, each of the first reference print pattern, the second reference print pattern, the first correction target pattern, the second correction target pattern, and the third correction target pattern is a straight line along the y-axis direction (in one direction). It has a shape. Thereby, the center of each ruled line can be easily detected.

  Next, the control operation of the control unit in the ejection position correction using the test medium 200 on which such a test print pattern P is printed will be described. Hereinafter, this correction will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S101, the test print pattern P is read as an image using a scanner. In the following steps, correction is performed based on the read image.

  Next, in step S102, the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, the head 132f, the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, the head 132k, the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, and the head 132o. And the center coordinates of the head 132p in the x-axis direction of the ruled line L (B), ruled line L (C), ruled line L (M), and ruled line L (Y) in the forward path are calculated.

  Hereinafter, calculation of the center coordinates will be described, but the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f will be described as a representative.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, a coordinate Xmax located on the most positive side in the x-axis direction among the ruled lines L (B) is detected, and a coordinate Xmin located on the most negative side in the x-axis direction is detected. Then, a center point in the x-axis direction between the coordinates Xmax and the coordinates Xmin is calculated. That is, (Xmax + Xmin) / 2 is calculated. Let this calculation result be a center coordinate.

  In step S102, the central coordinates of the ruled line L (C), the ruled line L (M), and the ruled line L (Y) in all forward paths are calculated in the same manner as the ruled line L (B).

  In FIG. 14, the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, the head 132f, the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, the head 132k, the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, and the head 132o. The ruled lines L (B), the ruled lines L (C), the ruled lines L (M), and the ruled lines L (Y) of the head 132p have the same reference numerals, so that the reference numerals of the ruled lines L (B) are representatively illustrated. Yes.

  Next, in step S103, the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, the head 132f, the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, the head 132k, the head 132L, the head 132m, the head 132n, and the head 132o. And the center coordinates in the x-axis direction of the ruled line L (B), ruled line L (C), ruled line L (M), and ruled line L (Y) on the return path of the head 132p are calculated.

  In step S103, the central coordinates are calculated in the same manner as in step S102.

  Next, in step S104, the correction amount of the ejection position of each head 132 is calculated. In this step, correction is performed for each of the first group G1, the second group G2, and the third group G3 described above. Hereinafter, this correction will be described based on the table shown in FIG. Since the ruled line L (B), the ruled line L (C), the ruled line L (M), and the ruled line L (Y) are corrected in the same manner, the ruled line L (B) will be representatively described below. Further, the ruled line L (B) is also representatively shown in the table shown in FIG.

  In the following, as shown in FIG. 14, the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132a is X1, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the forward path of the head 132b is X2, and the forward path of the head 132c. The center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132d is set to X3, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the forward path of the head 132d is set to X4, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the forward path of the head 132e is set to X5, The center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) is X6, the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132g is X7, the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132h is X8, and the head 132i. The center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132j is X9, the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132j is X10, the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132k is X11, and the head 13 The center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of L is X12, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the forward path of the head 132m is X13, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the forward path of the head 132n is X14, The center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132o is X15, and the center coordinate of the forward ruled line L (B) of the head 132p is X16.

  First, correction of the ejection position of the head 132 of the first group G1, that is, the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, the head 132e, and the head 132f will be described.

  The correction amount for the forward path of the head 132a is a value obtained by subtracting the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f from the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132a, that is, X1-X6.

  Similarly, the forward path correction amount of the head 132b is X2-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132c is X3-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132d is X4-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132e is X5-X6. Note that the forward path correction amount of the head 132f is X6-X6, that is, the head 132f is the first reference, and thus the ejection position is not corrected.

  In this way, the correction amount of the ejection position of the head 132a, the head 132b, the head 132c, the head 132d, and the head 132e is set with reference to the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f, which is the first correction target print pattern. calculate.

Next, correction of the head 132 of the second group G2 will be described.
The correction of the head 132 of the second group G2 is performed on the basis of the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f of the test print pattern P2 printed as the second group G2.

  The correction amount of the head 132f is X6-X6, that is, the head 132f is the first reference, and thus the ejection position is not corrected. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132g is X7-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132h is X8-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132i is X9-X6. The correction amount of the forward path of the head 132j is X10-X6. The correction amount for the forward path of the head 132k is X11-X6. As described above, the correction amount of the ejection position of the head 132g, the head 132h, the head 132i, the head 132j, and the head 132k is set with reference to the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f, which is the first correction target print pattern. calculate.

  Here, in general, the range that can be read once by the scanner is the length in the Y-axis direction of the test print pattern P1 (the same applies to the test print pattern P2 and the test print pattern P3). The correction of the head 132 of the group G2 is performed with reference to the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f of the test print pattern P2 printed as the second group G2, so that the same accuracy as the head of the first group G1 is obtained. Thus, the printing of the head 132 of the second group G2 can be performed. That is, even if the first group G1 and the second group G2 are corrected as different read images instead of one read image, the same accuracy as when correction is performed with one read image can be obtained.

Next, correction of the head 132 of the third group G3 will be described.
The correction of the head 132 of the third group G3 is performed based on the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f that is the first reference print pattern and the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k that is the second reference print pattern.

  The correction of the head 132L is performed with reference to the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f and the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k.

  The correction amount of the head 132L is (X12−X11) + (X11−X6). That is, in the correction of the head 132L, first, the amount of deviation between the center coordinate X12 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132L and the center coordinate X11 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k is calculated, and the calculated value is The shift amount between the center coordinate X11 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k and the center coordinate X6 of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f is added.

  Similarly, the correction amount of the head 132m is (X13−X11) + (X11−X6). The correction amount of the head 132n is (X14−X11) + (X11−X6). The correction amount of the head 132o is (X15−X11) + (X11−X6). The correction amount of the head 132p is (X16−X11) + (X11−X6).

  The correction amount of the head 132k is (X11−X11) + (X11−X6), that is, the correction of the head 132k is performed with reference to the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f.

  In particular, as described above, the range that can be read once by the scanner is the length in the Y-axis direction of the test print pattern P1 (the same applies to the test print pattern P2 and the test print pattern P3). Even if the ejection position of the G132 head 132 is corrected based on the ruled line L (B) of the first group G1 head 132f, it is difficult to correct the ejection position accurately. In particular, in the third group G3, since the head 132 of the third group G3 is located at a position relatively away from the head 132f, it is difficult to correct the ejection position more accurately than the correction of the second group D2. However, as described above, the correction of the head 132 of the third group G3 is performed by adjusting the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f that is the first reference print pattern and the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k that is the second reference print pattern. Thus, even if the first group G1, the second group G2, and the third group G3 are corrected as different read images instead of one read image, the correction is performed with one read image. The accuracy equivalent to the case can be obtained.

  Further, the correction of the discharge position on the return path is performed in the same manner as the correction of the discharge position on the forward path. This will be described below.

  In the following description, the center coordinates of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132a are set to X1 ′, the center coordinates of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132b are set to X2 ′, and the ruled line L (B of the return path of the head 132c is set. ) Is X3 ', the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132d is X4', the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132e is X5 ', and the center of the return path of the head 132f is The center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) is X6 ′, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) on the return path of the head 132g is X7 ′, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) on the return path of the head 132h is X8 ′, and the head The center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path 132i is X9 ′, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132j is X10 ′, and the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132k is X11. 'And head 1 The center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the 2L return path is X12 ′, the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132m is X13 ′, and the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) of the return path of the head 132n is X14. ', The center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) on the return path of the head 132o is X15', and the center coordinate of the ruled line L (B) on the return path of the head 132p is X16 '.

  The correction amount of the return path of the head 132a is X1'-X6. The correction amount of the return path of the head 132b is X2'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132c is X3'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132d is X4'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132e is X5'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132f is X6'-X6. The correction amount for the return path of the head 132g is X7'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132h is X8'-X6. The return correction amount of the head 132i is X9'-X6. The correction amount of the return path of the head 132j is X10'-X6. The correction amount of the return path of the head 132k is X11'-X6.

  The correction amount of the return path of the head 132k is (X11'-X11) + (X11-X6). The correction amount of the return path of the head 132L is (X12′−X11) + (X11−X6). The correction amount of the return path of the head 132m is (X13'-X11) + (X11-X6). The correction amount of the return path of the head 132n is (X14'-X11) + (X11-X6). The correction amount of the return path of the head 132o is (X15'-X11) + (X11-X6). The correction amount of the return path of the head 132p is (X16'-X11) + (X11-X6).

  Thus, also in the return path, the ejection positions of the heads 132 of the first group G1 and the second group G2 are corrected based on the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f, and the ejection positions of the third group G3 are corrected. , Based on the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f and the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k. That is, the first correction and the second correction are performed in both the forward path and the return path. As a result, similarly to the correction of the discharge position in the forward path, the discharge position can be accurately corrected in the return path.

  Further, in both the forward path and the backward path, the ejection position is corrected with reference to the ruled line L (B) of the head 132f in the forward path or the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k in the forward path, whereby ink in the forward path and the return path is determined. 100 landing positions can be matched and the control operation can be simplified.

  In step S105, the main printing is performed while correcting the ejection position of each head based on the correction amount calculated in step S104. Thereby, clear printing can be performed.

  Correction of the ejection position is performed based on an integer obtained by dividing by the minimum resolution of the printing apparatus 1 and calculating the integer. As a result, the ejection position can be corrected more accurately.

  As described above, in the test printing process (printing process), the center coordinates (center) of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k as the first reference printing pattern and the head 132 of the first group G1 which is the first correction target head. Changes the ejection position by the amount of deviation from the center coordinate (center) of the ruled line L (B), which is the first correction target pattern printed, and the ruled line L (B of the head 132f as the first reference print pattern ) And the center coordinates (center) of the ruled line L (B), which is the second correction target pattern printed by the head 132 as the second correction target head, and the discharge position. The first correction to be changed is performed. Thereby, the ejection position of the first correction target head can be accurately corrected.

  In the test printing process (printing process), the center coordinates (center) of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k as the second reference print pattern and the head 132 of the third group G3 that is the third correction target head are printed. The amount of deviation from the center coordinate (center) of the ruled line L (B) that is the third correction target pattern, the center coordinate (center) of the ruled line L (B) that is the first reference print pattern, and the second reference Correction (second correction) for changing the ejection position is performed by adding the amount of deviation from the center coordinate (center) of the ruled line L (B) of the head 132k, which is a print pattern. Thereby, it is possible to accurately correct the ejection position of the heads of the third group G3 located at a position away from the first reference head.

  The printing apparatus 1 has a plurality of head units that eject inks 100 having different colors, and performs a first correction and a second correction for each head unit in a test printing process (printing process). As a result, the ejection position can be corrected accurately for each head unit, and the ejection positions of all the heads can be corrected accurately.

  In addition, this printing process is a test printing process that is performed prior to printing on the workpiece W as a recording medium. Accordingly, the first correction and the second correction described above can be performed prior to printing on the workpiece W, and printing on the workpiece W can be performed accurately.

  The correction described above is performed by peeling the test medium 200 from the belt 53 and reading the test medium 200 as an image by the scanner after printing the test medium 200 on the belt 53. Therefore, when the test medium 200 is peeled off from the belt, or after the test medium 200 is deformed, the test medium 200 is deformed to have a shape different from that on the belt. Since the shape of the test print pattern P is also changed, correct correction cannot be performed. In the present embodiment, the test medium 200 is paper or the like and is a member that is more difficult to deform than the work W, which is a fabric. Therefore, deformation of the test medium can be suppressed and correct correction can be performed. Furthermore, since the portion on which the test medium 200 is placed is supported by a member that is wider than the test medium 200 and is less likely to deform than the belt 53, the test medium is used when the test medium is attached to the belt or peeled off. Deformation can be suppressed, and more correct correction can be performed.

  Further, when printing the test print patterns P1, P2, and P3, the test medium 200 is moved in the transport direction. However, the test medium 200 does not reach the main and driven roller portions of the belt 53. Since the test medium 200 is not deformed, test printing can be performed with high accuracy.

  Such test printing is usually performed prior to printing on the workpiece W. However, if there is a possibility that the landing position is displaced or nozzles are clogged during printing, printing on the workpiece W should be interrupted. There is. In such a case, the test medium 200 is placed in the vicinity of the workpiece W. However, if the width of the workpiece W is wide and the portion on the belt 53 where the workpiece W is not applied is narrow, the test medium 200 is being printed. Sometimes placed on top. In addition, when the workpiece W is sufficiently thin, the test medium 200 may be placed on the belt 53 and the workpiece W. In this case, the elevating mechanism 14 adjusts the test medium 200 so that the interval between the heads 132 is equal to the interval between the work W and the heads 132 when printing on the work W.

  The test print pattern P1, the test print pattern P2, and the test print pattern P3 are arranged in a line in the y-axis direction for each color. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, A plurality of colors may be mixed for each column (see FIG. 18). Thereby, the above correction between the heads 132 for each color can also be performed.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the formation position of the guide portion is different.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, the opening 181 is provided on the downstream side of the printing unit 13 in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W (recording medium). Accordingly, the test medium 200 can be easily placed on the placement unit 17 on the placement unit 17 provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the printing unit 13.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner 19. The scanner 19 is provided downstream of the printing unit 13 in the recording medium conveyance direction. The scanner 19 reads the test medium 200 on which the ink 100 is ejected as an image. As a result, after the test printing is completed, the step of taking out the test medium 200 and separately reading it with a scanner can be omitted as in the first embodiment. That is, the test printing process and the scanning process can be automatically performed.

  As mentioned above, although the printing apparatus and printing method of this invention were demonstrated about embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this. In addition, each unit constituting the printing apparatus can be replaced with any component that can exhibit the same function. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  In addition, the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

  In addition, the ink colors used in the printing apparatus are four colors in each of the embodiments described above, but are not limited thereto, and may be, for example, two colors, three colors, or five colors or more.

  In addition, the transport unit has an endless belt that fixes the workpiece by adhesion in each of the embodiments described above, but is not limited thereto, and has, for example, a platen (stage) that fixes the workpiece by suction. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus, 2 ... Drying part, 3 ... Feeding apparatus, 4 ... Winding apparatus, 5 ... Support apparatus, 11 ... Machine stand, 12 ... Conveyance part, 13 ... Printing part, 14 ... Lifting mechanism, 15 ... Control part , 16 ... support part, 17 ... mounting part, 18 ... cover, 19 ... scanner, 21 ... chamber, 22 ... coil, 31 ... delivery roller, 32 ... tensioner, 41 ... take-up roller, 42 ... tensioner, 44 ... Tensioner, 51 ... main driving roller, 52 ... driven roller, 53 ... endless belt, 54 ... pressure roller, 100 ... ink, 130 ... carriage unit, 131 ... head, 131B ... head unit, 131C ... head unit, 131M ... head unit 131Y: Head unit, 132: Head, 132a: Head, 132b: Head, 132c: Head, 132d: Head, 1 2e ... head, 132f ... head, 132g ... head, 132h ... head, 132i ... head, 132j ... head, 132k ... head, 132L ... head, 132m ... head, 132n ... head, 132o ... head, 132p ... head, 133 ... Nozzle, 151 ... CPU, 152 ... memory, 181 ... opening, 200 ... test medium, G1 ... first group, G2 ... second group, G3 ... third group, L ... ruled line, P ... test print pattern, P1 ... test print pattern, P2 ... test print pattern, P3 ... test print pattern, S101 ... step, S102 ... step, S103 ... step, S104 ... step, S105 ... step, W ... work, X1 ... center coordinate, X2 ... center coordinate , X3 ... center coordinates, X4 ... center coordinates, X5 ... center coordinates, X6 Center coordinates, X7 ... center coordinates, X8 ... center coordinates, X9 ... center coordinates, X10 ... center coordinates, X11 ... center coordinates, X12 ... center coordinates, X13 ... center coordinates, X14 ... center coordinates, X15 ... center coordinates, X16 ... Center coordinates, X1 '... center coordinates, X2' ... center coordinates, X3 '... center coordinates, X4' ... center coordinates, X5 '... center coordinates, X6' ... center coordinates, X7 '... center coordinates, X8' ... center coordinates , X9 '... center coordinates, X10' ... center coordinates, X11 '... center coordinates, X12' ... center coordinates, X13 '... center coordinates, X14' ... center coordinates, X15 '... center coordinates, X16' ... center coordinates, Xmax ... coordinate, Xmin ... coordinate, α ₅₁ ... arrow, α ₅₁ '... arrow, α ₁₃₀ ... arrow, α ₁₃₀ ' ... arrow

Claims (10)

A printing unit that performs printing by discharging ink onto a recording medium;
A conveying belt having a placement portion on which a test medium on which the ink is ejected and test printing is performed prior to performing the printing is placed;
A printing apparatus comprising: a guide unit that guides the test medium to the placement unit when the test medium is placed on the placement unit. A cover covering the conveyor belt and the printing unit;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is an opening provided in the cover.   The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening is provided upstream of the printing unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit is supported by the support member in the conveyance belt and has a flat surface portion wider than the test medium. 5. A support portion for supporting the conveyor belt from the inside;
5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the transport belt supported by the support portion functions as the placement portion.   The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support portion has a plate shape having higher rigidity than the conveyance belt. The conveyor belt is wound around two rotating rollers,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test medium is positioned between the rollers in a plan view of the conveyance belt during the test printing.   8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner that is provided downstream of the printing unit in a conveyance direction of the recording medium and reads the test medium on which the ink is ejected as an image.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test medium has higher rigidity than the recording medium. A conveyance belt that conveys a recording medium, a printing unit that performs printing by discharging ink to the recording medium, and a test medium that is provided on the conveyance belt and has flexibility before performing the printing Printing using a printing apparatus comprising: a placement unit on which the test medium is placed; and a guide unit that guides the test medium to the placement unit when the test medium is placed on the placement unit. A method,
A printing method comprising a test printing step of performing test printing using a medium having higher rigidity than the recording medium as the test medium.

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