JP2020015283A - Ink discharge device and printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To print a high-density image on a recording medium, such as a fabric material, with high image quality without color unevenness.SOLUTION: An ink discharge device includes: an intermediate transfer body; and a head for discharging ink to the intermediate transfer body and cause the ink to adhere to the intermediate transfer body. The intermediate transfer body forms a transfer nip between the intermediate transfer body and a transfer belt for transferring a recording medium of a transfer device, and moves an adhesion region of ink discharged from the head to a formation position of the transfer nip, thereby transferring the ink discharged from the head to the recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink ejection device that performs printing on a recording medium and a printing device.

  Conventionally, printing is sometimes performed on a cloth material as a recording medium. When printing on a cloth material, ink is applied to the cloth material. After the ink is applied to the cloth material, the ink is fixed.

  Here, an ink jet printer may be used for printing on a cloth material. A technique for printing on a cloth material using an ink jet printing machine is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873.

JP-T 2007-525339

  When printing on a cloth material using an ink jet printer, there is an advantage that a detailed image is easily printed as compared with the case where printing is performed on a cloth material using a plate. Even if the number of colors is large, it is not necessary to prepare many plates.

  On the other hand, inkjet printers also have disadvantages. The ink jet printing machine prints an image on a cloth material by spraying minute ink (droplets) on the cloth material. For this reason, the concentration tends to hardly come out. Further, when printing in a certain area (printing a solid image) at the same density, color unevenness may occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an ink ejection apparatus and a printing apparatus capable of printing a high-density image on a recording medium such as a cloth material with high image quality without color unevenness. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the ink discharge device according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a plate device that performs printing using a plate, and is added to a transport line of a recording medium transported by a transport device. A removable intermediate transfer body, and a head for ejecting and attaching ink to the intermediate transfer body, wherein the intermediate transfer body is transferred between a transfer belt for transferring a recording medium of a transfer device. A nip is formed, and the ink ejected from the head is transferred to a recording medium by moving an area where the ink ejected from the head is attached to a transfer nip forming position.

  In addition, the ink discharge device according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with a plate device for performing printing using a plate, and is fixed with respect to a transport line of a recording medium transported by the transport device. And a head for ejecting and attaching ink to the intermediate transfer body, wherein the intermediate transfer body forms a transfer nip with a transport belt for transporting a recording medium of a transport device, and is ejected from the head. The ink ejected from the head is transferred to a recording medium by moving the ink attachment area to the transfer nip forming position.

  In addition, a printing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the ink ejection device, a conveyance device that conveys a recording medium on which printing is performed by the ink ejection device, and a plate device that performs printing using a plate on the recording medium. , Is provided.

  With the configuration of the present invention, a high-density image can be printed on a recording medium such as a cloth material with high image quality and without color unevenness.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printing device including the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printing device including the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printing device including the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an installation position of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a head of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a head of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a moving mechanism of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing ink transfer performed by a transfer mechanism of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an installation position of a maintenance device of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing print data input to the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a feed amount of a cloth on which the ink discharge device according to the first embodiment performs printing. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a capping process performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a movement path of a head of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a flushing process performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a position of a head when the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment performs a flushing process. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a wiping process performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a position of a head when the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment performs a wiping process. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing definition data stored in the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image type selection screen displayed on the operation panel of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing movement control of the head in the Z-axis direction performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing ink ejection amount data stored in the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing cloth imaging performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an automatic image addition mode of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a copy mode of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a space regulating member is installed on a head of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a space regulating member installed on a head of the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing movement control of the head in the Z-axis direction performed by the ink ejection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus including an ink ejection apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a moving mechanism of an ink ejection device according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus including an ink ejection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink ejection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a maintenance device for an ink ejection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a maintenance process performed by a maintenance device for an ink ejection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus including an ink ejection apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a moving mechanism of an ink ejection device according to a modification of the second embodiment.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a printing apparatus 100 including the ink ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the printing apparatus 100 further includes a printing apparatus 2 that is a textile printing apparatus. The ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2 perform printing on a recording medium.

  In the following description, the case where the cloth 7 is used as a recording medium is taken as an example, but the type of the recording medium is not particularly limited. What can be printed by both the ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2 can be a recording medium. For example, the recording medium may be paper.

  In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cloth 7 is conveyed when the printing surface 71 of the cloth 7 as a recording medium is the front is referred to as the X-axis direction. A direction parallel to the transport direction of the cloth 7 when the printing surface 71 of the cloth 7 is set to the front is referred to as a Y-axis direction. The height direction (vertical direction) when the printing surface 71 of the cloth 7 is set to the front is referred to as a Z-axis direction.

(Overall configuration of printing device)
First, the overall configuration of the printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the printing apparatus 100 includes the ink discharge device 1 and the plate device 2, it can execute both digital printing (ink-jet printing) and analog printing (printing using a plate). That is, it can be said that the printing apparatus 100 is a hybrid printing system. The printing device 100 further includes a transport device 3 in addition to the ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2. The printing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 4, a supply device 5, a fixing device 6a, and a cleaning device 6b.

  The transport device 3 transports the cloth 7. The plate device 2 is provided on a transport line of the cloth 7 transported by the transport device 3. The ink ejection device 1 can be added to and removed from the transport line of the cloth 7. For example, the ink ejection device 1 can be added to an existing transport line (a transport line on which the plate device 2 has already been installed). When a plurality of plate devices 2 are installed on an existing transport line, one of the plate devices 2 can be removed, and the ink ejection device 1 can be installed instead. Further, the ink ejection device 1 installed on the existing transport line can be removed. That is, the ink ejection device 1 is detachable from the printing device 100 (the transport device 3). Therefore, only the ink ejection device 1 can be supplied to the market.

  Further, the ink ejection device 1 may be fixed to a transport line of the cloth 7 transported by the transport device 3. That is, the ink ejection device 1 does not have to be removed from the transport line of the cloth 7. In this case, the ink discharge device 1 is sold together with the plate device 2 and the transport device 3 (the ink discharge device 1, the plate device 2 and the transport device 3 are sold as one set).

  The control device 4 controls the ink discharge device 1, the plate device 2, the transport device 3, the supply device 5, the fixing device 6a, and the cleaning device 6b. The cloth 7 wound in a tubular shape is set in the cloth feeding device 5. The feeding device 5 includes a feeding roller 51 that feeds the cloth 7 and a feeding motor 52 that rotates the feeding roller 51. For example, a plurality of feeding rollers 51 are provided. The control device 4 controls the feeding motor 52 to rotate the feeding roller 51. The supply roller 51 supplies the cloth 7 by rotating.

  The transport device 3 includes a transport belt 31, a plurality of transport rollers 32 (including a transfer roller 33), and a transport motor. The transport belt 31 is wrapped around a plurality of transport rollers 32. The cloth 7 supplied by the cloth feeding device 5 is stretched on the transport belt 31 (the cloth 7 contacts the transport belt 31). The transport motor 34 is a motor for rotating the transport roller 32. Further, the transport device 3 includes a transport control unit 30. The transport control unit 30 is a substrate including a control circuit (for example, a CPU).

  The transport control unit 30 receives an instruction from the control device 4 and controls the transport motor 34. That is, the transport control unit 30 rotates the transport roller 32 appropriately. As the transport roller 32 rotates, the transport belt 31 rotates (circulates). Thereby, the cloth 7 on the transport belt 31 is transported. Printing by the ink ejection device 1 and printing by the plate device 2 are performed on the cloth 7 (the cloth 7 on the conveying belt 31) conveyed by the conveying apparatus 3.

  The fixing device 6a carries in the printed cloth 7 from the transport device 3. The fixing device 6a includes a fixing conveyance roller 61, a fixing conveyance motor 62, and a heater 63. The control device 4 controls the fixing / conveying motor 62 to rotate the fixing / conveying roller 61 when printing is performed. The cloth 7 is conveyed in the fixing device 6a by the rotation of the fixing conveyance roller 61. The control device 4 supplies electric power to the heater 63 when printing is performed. Thereby, the heater 63 generates heat, and the ink is fixed on the cloth 7 by the heat generated from the heater 63.

  The cleaning device 6b carries in the cloth 7 after fixing from the fixing device 6a. The cleaning device 6b includes a cleaning transport roller 64, a cleaning transport motor 65, and a cleaning machine 66. The control device 4 controls the cleaning / conveying motor 65 to rotate the cleaning / conveying roller 64 when printing is performed. The cloth 7 is transported in the cleaning device 6b by the rotation of the cleaning transport roller 64. At this time, the control device 4 causes the cleaning machine 66 to clean the cloth 7. The washing machine 66 sprays water on the cloth 7. As a result, excess ink (unfixed ink) and color paste attached to the cloth 7 are removed. The washed cloth 7 is discharged out of the machine and stored in the storage container 67.

  The ink ejection device 1 performs printing on the cloth 7 by ejecting ink to an intermediate transfer body 131 described later. In other words, the ink ejection device 1 performs printing on the cloth 7 by transferring the ink attached to the intermediate transfer body 131 to the cloth 7. The ink ejection device 1 is a type of an ink jet printer.

  Here, the ink ejection device 1 of the first embodiment includes a serial head type head 8. That is, the head 8 is movable in the X-axis direction. Further, the head 8 is also movable in the Z-axis direction. Since the head 8 is movable in the Z-axis direction, the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted before printing starts, after printing is completed, and during printing is being performed. Details will be described later.

  The plate device 2 performs printing using a plate on the cloth 7. During printing by the plate device 2, the plate moves from above the cloth 7 toward the cloth 7 (the plate moves from one side in the Z-axis direction to the other side). As a result, the plate is pressed against the cloth 7. Then, printing is performed in that state. That is, the cloth 7 conveyed by the conveying device 3 passes below the plate (the other side in the Z-axis direction).

  In printing by the plate device 2, one plate device 2 can print an image of one color (such as a design). When printing an image of a plurality of colors, the printing apparatus 2 for a plurality of colors (a plurality of printing apparatuses 2) is incorporated in the printing apparatus 100. That is, the number of the plate devices 2 is not limited to one. For example, the number of plate devices 2 is plural. Hereinafter, the configuration of one plate device 2 among the plurality of plate devices 2 will be described. However, since the configurations of the plurality of plate devices 2 are the same, the description of the configuration of the other plate devices 2 is omitted.

  The plate device 2 includes a mold 21, a screen plate 22 (corresponding to a “plate”), a squeegee 23, a squeegee moving device 24, and a lifting device 25. The mold 21 holds the screen plate 22. The mold 21 is formed such that its outer shape is rectangular. The screen plate 22 is arranged in the frame of the mold 21. A color paste is placed on the upper surface of the screen plate 22. The screen plate 22 is made of fiber, resin, metal, and the like. The screen plate 22 has an ink transmitting portion (portion for extruding the ink toward the cloth 7) through which the ink passes. The squeegee 23 is formed in the shape of a spatula, and is arranged so that the lower end portion thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the screen plate 22. The squeegee moving device 24 includes a motor, and moves the squeegee 23 along the upper surface of the screen plate 22. The squeegee 23 and the squeegee moving device 24 are installed on the formwork 21. The lifting device 25 raises and lowers the formwork 21.

  The type of the plate device 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the plate device 2 may be a rotary screen printing machine. Further, the plate device 2 may be a roller printing machine.

(Installation location of ink ejection device)
Next, the installation position of the ink ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the printing apparatus 100 (the transport apparatus 3) as viewed from above. FIG. 4 illustrates the cloth 7 being conveyed by the conveying device 3.

  The ink ejection device 1 and the plurality of plate devices 2 are provided on a transport belt 31 of a transport device 3. As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 4, the ink ejection device 1 may be installed upstream of the installation area of the plurality of plate devices 2 in the Y-axis direction (transport direction). In addition, as shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 4, the ink ejection device 1 may be installed downstream of each installation region of the plurality of plate devices 2 in the Y-axis direction (transport direction). Further, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, the ink discharge device 1 is provided in the Y-axis direction (conveying direction) with the installation area of a certain plate device 2 and another plate device 2 among a plurality of plate devices 2. It may be installed between.

  By adding the ink ejection device 1 to the existing printing equipment, it is possible to realize the printing device 100 having the advantages of the ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2. Here, the installation position of the ink ejection device 1 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can be realized without significantly modifying existing printing equipment.

(Configuration of ink ejection device)
Next, the overall configuration of the ink ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The ink ejection device 1 includes a control unit 101 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 101 controls the operation of the ink ejection device 1. The control unit 101 is a substrate including a control circuit 101a (for example, a CPU) and an image processing circuit 101b. The control circuit 101a performs processing based on a control program and control data. The image processing circuit 101b performs image processing on image data D2 (to be described in detail later) used for printing. Storage unit 11 includes a non-volatile storage device (eg, ROM, HDD, flash ROM, etc.) and a volatile storage device (eg, RAM, etc.). The storage unit 11 stores a control program and control data.

  The head 8 of the ink ejection device 1 includes a plurality of nozzles 8N (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The head 8 discharges a plurality of colors of ink. For example, ink of each color of black, yellow, cyan and magenta is ejected from the head 8. Thereby, color printing can be performed.

  In addition, the ink ejection device 1 includes a plurality of ink tanks 13T that store inks of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, respectively. FIG. 5 shows only one ink tank 13T for convenience. Each color ink is supplied to the head 8 from the plurality of ink tanks 13T. For example, ink supply to the head 8 is performed using a head difference.

  When printing is performed, the control unit 101 causes the head 8 to eject ink toward an intermediate transfer body 131 described later. The ink discharged from the head 8 adheres to the intermediate transfer member 131. The ink attached to the intermediate transfer member 131 is transferred to the printing surface 71 of the cloth 7. Thus, the image is printed on the printing surface 71.

  Here, the ink ejection device 1 of the first embodiment includes a moving mechanism 12A that moves the head 8 in two axial directions. The moving mechanism 12A includes a Z-axis moving mechanism 121 and an X-axis moving mechanism 122. The Z-axis moving mechanism 121 is a mechanism for moving the head 8 in the Z-axis direction. The X-axis moving mechanism 122 is a mechanism for moving the head 8 in the X-axis direction.

  The control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 12A to move the head 8 appropriately. That is, the control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction and the position in the X-axis direction. The control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction by controlling the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 before printing starts, after printing is completed, during printing, or the like. When printing is performed, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 to move the head 8 in the X-axis direction (reciprocate the head 8 in the X-axis direction).

  Further, the ink discharge device 1 of the first embodiment includes a transfer mechanism 13 (see FIG. 9). The transfer mechanism 13 is installed above the transport belt 31 (one side in the Z-axis direction). The head 8 is installed above the transfer mechanism 13 (one side in the Z-axis direction). That is, the transfer mechanism 13 is installed between the head 8 and the transport belt 31.

  The ink ejection device 1 includes a maintenance device 9. The maintenance device 9 performs a maintenance process for maintaining the nozzle 8N of the head 8 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) in a normal state. By using the maintenance device 9, the occurrence of clogging of the nozzle 8N can be suppressed, and even if clogging of the nozzle 8N occurs, the generated clogging can be eliminated.

  Further, the ink ejection device 1 includes an operation panel 15. Operation panel 15 includes a display panel 15a and a touch panel 15b. The display panel 15a displays a setting screen and information. The display panel 15a displays an operation image such as a software button. The touch panel 15b detects a touch operation on the display panel 15a. The control unit 101 recognizes a touch operation performed by the user (an operation image having received the touch operation) based on the output of the touch panel 15b.

  Further, the ink ejection device 1 includes a timing sensor 16. The timing sensor 16 is a sensor for measuring a print start timing. The timing sensor 16 detects that the leading portion on the downstream side in the Y-axis direction (transport direction) of the cloth 7 has reached a predetermined point. The control unit 101 measures a print start timing (a timing at which ink is started to be ejected to the intermediate transfer body 131 described later) based on the output of the timing sensor 16.

  Further, the ink ejection device 1 includes a communication unit 19. The communication unit 19 communicates with the computer 200. The computer 200 is, for example, a personal computer or a server. The communication unit 19 receives the print data D1 (details will be described later) from the computer 200. The control unit 101 moves the head 8 based on the print data D1 (image data D2 included in the print data D1) and discharges ink from the head 8.

(Structure of head)
Next, the configuration of the head 8 installed in the ink ejection device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The head 8 includes a plurality of (four colors) nozzle rows 8R respectively corresponding to each color of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. Each nozzle row 8R is formed by arranging a plurality of nozzles 8N in a row. The number of nozzles 8N included in each nozzle row 8R is the same. Each nozzle row 8R discharges the ink of the corresponding color (the color of the ink discharged by each nozzle row 8R is different from each other). The plurality of nozzles 8N of each nozzle row 8R are arranged in the Y-axis direction (the row direction of each nozzle row 8R is parallel to the Y-axis direction). The plurality of nozzles 8N in each nozzle row 8R are formed so that the distance between the adjacent nozzles 8N in the Y-axis direction is equal.

  The head 8 includes a driving element 83. One drive element 83 is provided for one nozzle 8N. The driving element 83 is a piezoelectric element (for example, a piezo element).

  The head 8 includes a driver circuit 82. One driver circuit 82 is provided for one nozzle row 8R. The driver circuit 82 controls ON / OFF of voltage application to the drive element 83 (controls ink ejection). The control unit 101 supplies the driver circuit 82 with the image data D2 (data indicating the nozzle 8N from which ink is to be ejected). The driver circuit 82 applies a pulse voltage to the driving element 83 of the nozzle 8N from which ink is to be ejected. The driving element 83 that has received the voltage is deformed. The pressure generated by the deformation of the drive element 83 is applied to the ink supply flow path (not shown) to the nozzle 8N. Thus, ink is ejected from the nozzle 8N corresponding to the driving element 83 to which the voltage has been applied. The driver circuit 82 does not apply a voltage to the driving element 83 corresponding to the nozzle 8N that does not discharge ink.

  The head 8 includes a voltage generation circuit 84. One voltage generation circuit 84 is provided for one driver circuit 82. The voltage generation circuit 84 generates a plurality of types of voltages having different magnitudes. The driver circuit 82 applies the voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 84 to the driving element 83. The greater the voltage applied to the drive element 83, the greater the deformation of the drive element 83 and the greater the amount of ink ejected. The smaller the voltage applied to the drive element 83, the smaller the deformation of the drive element 83 and the smaller the amount of ink discharged. This makes it possible to adjust the ink ejection amount.

  The control unit 101 includes a drive signal generation circuit 101c. The drive signal generation circuit 101c generates a drive signal S1. The drive signal S1 is a signal for driving the head 8 (driver circuit 82). The drive signal generation circuit 101c generates, for example, a clock signal. The head 8 ejects ink every time the drive signal S1 rises once. The reference cycle of ink ejection is determined in advance. The control unit 101 causes the drive signal generation circuit 101c to generate the drive signal S1 so that the ink is ejected at the reference cycle.

(Structure of moving mechanism)
Next, the configuration of the moving mechanism 12A (the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 and the X-axis moving mechanism 122) installed in the ink ejection device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The Z-axis moving mechanism 121 includes a Z-axis arm 121a. The Z-axis arm 121a is a quadrangular prism-shaped member. The Z-axis arm 121a includes a Z-axis motor 121b, a Z-axis moving member 121c, and a Z-axis moving body 121d. The Z-axis motor 121b is, for example, a stepping motor. The Z-axis motor 121b can rotate forward and backward. The control unit 101 controls the Z-axis motor 121b. The Z-axis motor 121b rotates the Z-axis moving member 121c. The Z-axis moving member 121c is, for example, a ball screw including a nut. The Z-axis moving body 121d is attached to a nut of a ball screw. When the Z-axis motor 121b is driven, the Z-axis moving body 121d moves in the Z-axis direction. That is, the rotational motion of the Z-axis motor 121b is converted to a linear motion. The Z-axis arm 121a guides the movement of the Z-axis moving body 121d in the Z-axis direction.

  The X-axis moving mechanism 122 includes an X-axis arm 122a. The X-axis arm 122a is a quadrangular prism-shaped member. The X-axis arm 122a incorporates an X-axis motor 122b, an X-axis moving member 122c, and an X-axis moving body 122d. The X-axis motor 122b is, for example, a stepping motor. The X-axis motor 122b can rotate forward and backward. The control unit 101 controls the X-axis motor 122b. The X-axis motor 122b rotates the X-axis moving member 122c. X-axis moving member 122c is, for example, a ball screw including a nut. The X-axis moving body 122d is attached to a nut of a ball screw. When the X-axis motor 122b is driven, the X-axis moving body 122d moves in the X-axis direction. That is, the rotational movement of the X-axis motor 122b is converted to a linear movement. The X-axis arm 122a guides the movement of the X-axis moving body 122d in the X-axis direction.

  The Z-axis moving body 121d is connected to a part of the X-axis moving mechanism 122. For example, a Z-axis moving body 121d is connected to an end of the X-axis arm 122a. Accordingly, the X-axis arm 122a moves in the Z-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the Z-axis moving body 121d. The control section 101 changes the position of the X-axis arm 122a in the Z-axis direction by controlling the Z-axis motor 121b.

  The head 8 is attached to the X-axis moving body 122d such that the row direction of each nozzle row 8R is parallel to the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the head 8 is held by a carriage 8a (see FIG. 10). Then, the carriage 8a is attached to the X-axis moving body 122d. Thus, the head 8 moves in the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the X-axis moving body 122d.

  The control unit 101 controls the Z-axis motor 121b to move the Z-axis moving body 121d in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the head 8 (X-axis arm 122a) moves in the Z-axis direction together with the Z-axis moving body 121d. The control unit 101 controls the X-axis motor 122b to move the X-axis moving body 122d in the X-axis direction. Thus, the head 8 moves in the X-axis direction together with the X-axis moving body 122d.

  When printing is performed, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis motor 122b to perform scanning for moving the head 8 in the X-axis direction. The control unit 101 causes the head 8 to eject ink while the head 8 is scanning.

  The control unit 101 controls the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction by controlling the Z-axis motor 121b. This makes it possible to change the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 to be described later and the nozzle surface of the head 8 (the surface on which the nozzle 8N is formed).

  Note that the carriage 8a may be movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the X-axis moving mechanism 122 (X-axis arm 122a). Further, the head 8 may be movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the carriage 8a.

(Configuration of transfer mechanism)
Next, the configuration of the transfer mechanism 13 installed in the ink ejection device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Although only one plate device 2 is shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of plate devices 2 are actually installed (see FIG. 3).

  The transfer mechanism 13 includes an intermediate transfer member 131. The intermediate transfer member 131 is an endless belt formed in a ring shape, and is stretched (supported) rotatably (rotatably) by a plurality of rollers 132. Further, the intermediate transfer member 131 is pressed against the transport belt 31 from above to below the transport belt 31 (from one side in the Z-axis direction to the other side).

  The intermediate transfer member 131 is pressed against the transport belt 31 to form a transfer nip N with the transport belt 31. For example, the intermediate transfer body 131 and the transport belt 31 are sandwiched between any of the rollers 132 (the roller 132 located on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the cloth 7) that stretches the intermediate transfer body 131 and the transfer roller 33. Further, since the intermediate transfer member 131 is in pressure contact with the transport belt 31, when the transport belt 31 rotates, the intermediate transfer member 31 also rotates following the transport belt 31. A motor (not shown) may be connected to one of the rollers 132 on which the intermediate transfer member 131 is stretched, and the intermediate transfer member 131 may be rotated by rotating the roller 132 with the power of the motor.

  The head 8 is installed above the transfer mechanism 13 (one side in the Z-axis direction) such that the nozzle surface on which the nozzle 8N is formed faces downward (the other side in the Z-axis direction). The nozzle surface of the head 8 is substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface (front surface) of the intermediate transfer body 131. That is, the nozzle surface of the head 8 faces substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131.

  When the ink is ejected from the head 8, the ink ejected from the head 8 adheres to the intermediate transfer member 131. Here, the area of the intermediate transfer member 131 to which the ink has adhered is referred to as an adhesion area, and is denoted by reference numeral 130.

  At this time, if the cloth 7 is being conveyed by the conveyor belt 31 (if the conveyor belt 31 is rotating), the intermediate transfer body 131 is also rotated, so that the adhesion area 130 moves to the position where the transfer nip N is formed. I do. That is, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 9 changes to the state shown in the middle part of FIG. When the attachment area 130 moves to the transfer nip formation position, the ink (ink ejected from the head 8) in the attachment area 130 comes into contact with the cloth 7. Therefore, the ink in the attachment area 130 is transferred to the cloth 7.

  After the transfer of the ink from the intermediate transfer member 131 to the cloth 7, if the cloth 7 is continuously transported, the transferred area 70 to which the ink of the cloth 7 has been transferred moves to the installation position of the plate device 2 (the lower part of FIG. 9). See figure). Thereby, printing can be performed by the plate device 2 on the transferred area 70 of the cloth 7.

  By installing such a transfer mechanism 13 in the ink discharge device 1, printing on the cloth 7 by the ink discharge device 1 can be performed without directly discharging ink from the head 8 to the cloth 7. That is, it is not necessary to bring the nozzle surface of the head 8 close to the transport belt 31 (the cloth 7 on the transport belt 31).

  The transfer mechanism 13 includes a cleaning member 133 for cleaning the intermediate transfer member 131. The cleaning member 133 is, for example, a blade. The cleaning member 133 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 and scrapes off dust and dirt (such as residual ink) attached to the intermediate transfer member 131. The cleaning member 133 is installed at a position on the downstream side in the transport direction of the cloth 7 from the position where the transfer nip N is formed.

(Configuration of maintenance device)
Next, a configuration of the maintenance device 9 installed in the ink ejection device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The maintenance device 9 includes a cap 91. The cap 91 is formed in a shape capable of fitting the nozzle surface (lower surface) of the head 8 on which the nozzle 8N is formed. For example, the cap 91 is a member formed by coating a sheet metal with rubber, and is formed in a concave shape. The nozzle face of the head 8 is sealed by fitting the nozzle face of the head 8 into the cap 91.

  The maintenance device 9 further includes a cleaning member 92 and a cleaning unit 93 (see FIG. 5). The cleaning member 92 is an elastically deformable plate-shaped member (wiper). For example, the cleaning member 92 is formed of a rubber material such as EPDM. The cleaning member 92 is movable in the Y-axis direction. By moving the head 8 to the installation area of the cleaning member 92, the nozzle surface of the head 8 can be brought into contact with the cleaning member 92. The cleaning unit 93 supplies (sprays) the cleaning liquid to the cleaning member 92.

  The maintenance device 9 is provided with an opening 95. The opening 95 is wider than the nozzle surface of the head 8. The opening 95 is connected to the waste liquid tank 94 (see FIG. 5).

  Here, guides 35 are provided at both ends in the X-axis direction of the transport device 3. The transport belt 31 is disposed between the pair of guides 35. That is, the cloth 7 transported by the transport device 3 advances between the pair of guides 35. The pair of guides 35 is a member for preventing the cloth 7 from coming off the transfer device 3.

  Then, the maintenance device 9 is within the movable range R1 of the head 8 in the X-axis direction and outside the range R2 between the guides between both ends (a pair of guides 35) of the transport device 3 in the X-axis direction. Installed in In addition, the maintenance device 9 is installed at a position lower than each end position of the pair of guides 35 in the Z-axis direction.

  The position of the intermediate transfer member 131 in the Z-axis direction is lower than the position of each end (upper end) of the pair of guides 35 in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, when printing is performed, the nozzle surface (lower surface) of the head 8 is maintained at a position lower than each of the tip positions of the pair of guides 35 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the maintenance process is performed on the head 8, the position of the nozzle surface of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction is adjusted. FIG. 10 illustrates the position of the nozzle surface of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction when printing is performed.

(Print data including image data)
Next, the print data D1 including the image data D2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The computer 200 inputs the print data D1 to the communication unit 19 of the ink ejection device 1. The computer 200 can be considered as a part of the printing apparatus 100. The computer 200 includes a processing unit 201, a computer storage unit 202, an input device 205, a display device 206, and a computer communication unit 207. The processing unit 201 is a substrate including a processing circuit (for example, a CPU). Computer storage unit 202 includes a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. The computer storage unit 202 stores driver software 203 for generating the print data D1. Further, the computer storage unit 202 stores image editing software 204 for editing the image data D2 used for printing. The input device 205 is an input device such as a hardware keyboard and a pointing device. The user edits the image data D2 using the input device 205 and inputs a print command. The display device 206 is a display. The computer communication unit 207 is an interface that communicates with the printing device 100 and other devices.

  When a print command is input, the processing unit 201 activates the driver software 203. The processing unit 201 causes the display device 206 to display a setting screen for accepting print settings from a user based on the driver software 203. The input device 205 receives print settings from a user. For example, the input device 205 receives a setting of an image print position, a print resolution, an image type, and a discharge time interval (details will be described later) in a unit print range E1 (details will be described later). For example, one of a plurality of resolutions printable by the head 8 can be selectively set.

  The processing unit 201 generates the print data D1 based on the driver software 203. The print data D1 includes image data D2 and print setting information D3. The processing unit 201 generates image data D2 having a resolution set by the user (resolution specified by the user). Further, the processing unit 201 includes the setting content of the print setting set by the user in the print setting information D3. For example, the processing unit 201 includes the print position, print resolution, image type, and ejection time interval in the print setting information D3. When printing a plurality of types of images in one unit print range E1, the processing unit 201 includes a plurality of image data D2 respectively corresponding to the plurality of types of images in the print data D1, and also corresponds to the plurality of types of images. The setting contents of a plurality of print settings to be performed are included in the print data D1.

  Then, the processing unit 201 transmits the print data D1 to the ink ejection device 1 using the computer communication unit 207. As a result, the print data D1 is input to the ink ejection device 1. The storage unit 11 of the ink ejection device 1 stores the print data D1. Note that only the image data D2 may be input to the ink ejection device 1. In this case, the operation panel 15 of the ink ejection device 1 receives a print setting from the user. Then, the control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 generates the print data D1.

(Conveying cloth and printing on cloth)
Next, conveyance of the cloth 7 and printing on the cloth 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The conveying device 3 conveys the cloth 7 in the Y-axis direction by repeating a feeding operation of feeding the conveying belt 31 together with the cloth 7 in the Y-axis direction (conveying direction) and stopping the feeding operation. That is, the transport device 3 sends the transport belt 31 (cloth 7) in the Y-axis direction by a fixed amount. In the following description, the operation of repeating the feeding operation and the stopping of the feeding operation (the operation performed when the conveying device 3 conveys the cloth 7) is referred to as a conveying operation, and is distinguished from the feeding operation.

  Note that the intermediate transfer member 131 is in pressure contact with the transport belt 31. Therefore, the intermediate transfer member 131 rotates in conjunction with the transport operation by the transport device 3. That is, during the carrying operation of the carrying device 3, the intermediate transfer member 131 starts rotating when the carrying device 3 starts the feeding operation, and stops rotating when the carrying device 3 stops the carrying operation.

  In printing by the printing apparatus 100 (the ink ejection apparatus 1 and the plurality of plate apparatuses 2), the cloth 7 to be printed is divided into a plurality of unit printing ranges E1. In FIG. 12, the unit print range E1 is surrounded by a two-dot chain line. The length of the unit print range E1 in the Y-axis direction is the same as the length of the screen plate 22 of the plate device 2 in the Y-axis direction. In the following description, the length of the unit print range E1 in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a specified length F1. The length of the unit print range E1 in the X-axis direction is the same as the length of the cloth 7 in the X-axis direction. When a plurality of plate devices 2 are installed in the printing device 100, the interval in the Y-axis direction between the screen plates 22 of the plate devices 2 adjacent in the Y-axis direction is set to a specified length F1.

  At the time of printing, the transport device 3 feeds the cloth 7 in the Y-axis direction by an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1 (repeat the feed operation and stop the feed operation). When the transport device 3 performs the feeding operation once, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 12 changes to the state shown in the lower part of FIG.

  For example, the control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 sets a predetermined length G1 (a feed amount of one feed operation by the transport device 3). When setting the predetermined length G1, the control unit 101 recognizes a user-specified resolution included in the print setting information D3 of the print data D1 received from the computer 200. Then, the control unit 101 sets the predetermined length G1 based on the resolution specified by the user.

  Here, the number of nozzles 8N per unit length (per inch) included in each nozzle row 8R of the head 8 of the ink discharge device 1 is determined by the number of dots per unit length (per inch) with a settable resolution. Less than or equal to the number. The predetermined length G1 is shorter than the length of each nozzle row 8R in the Y-axis direction.

  Therefore, the length of the nozzle row 8R in the Y-axis direction is A, the resolution specified by the user (the resolution of printing by the ink ejection device 1) is B, and the number of nozzles 8N per unit length included in the nozzle row 8R is C. In this case, the control unit 101 sets the predetermined length G1 to (A ÷ (B ÷ C)) + 1 dots.

  As an example, assume that each nozzle row 8R includes 600 nozzles 8N. Further, it is assumed that the resolution B specified by the user is 600 dpi, and the number C of nozzles 8N per unit length included in each nozzle row 8R is 150 (150 dpi). The unit length is 1 inch according to the resolution. In this case, the length A of the nozzle row 8R in the Y-axis direction is about 4 inches (= 600 ÷ 150), and (A ÷ (B ÷ C)) = 4 ÷ (600 ÷ 150) = 1. Therefore, when the resolution specified by the user is 600 dpi, the predetermined length G1 is 1 inch + 1 dot.

  As another example, assume that each nozzle row 8R includes 600 nozzles 8N. It is also assumed that the resolution B specified by the user is 300 dpi, and the number C of nozzles 8N per unit length included in each nozzle row 8R is 150 (150 dpi). The unit length is 1 inch according to the resolution. In this case, the length A of the nozzle row 8R in the Y-axis direction is about 4 inches (600 ÷ 150), and (A ÷ (B ÷ C)) = 4 ÷ (300 ÷ 150) = 2. Therefore, when the resolution specified by the user is 300 dpi, the predetermined length G1 is 2 inches + 1 dot.

  The control unit 101 transmits information indicating the predetermined length G1 corresponding to the resolution specified by the user to the control device 4 as transport control information. The control device 4 transmits the transport control information to the transport device 3. The transfer control unit 30 of the transfer device 3 recognizes the predetermined length G1 indicated by the transfer control information. The transport control unit 30 sets an amount corresponding to the recognized predetermined length G1 as a feed amount of a feed operation performed when printing is performed. Then, at the time of executing printing, the transport device 3 sends the cloth 7 by a feed amount according to the resolution specified by the user (the feed amount of one feed operation by the transport device 3 becomes an amount according to the resolution specified by the user. ). That is, the transport device 3 changes the feed amount of the cloth 7 to be sent in one feed operation according to the printing resolution of the ink ejection device 1.

  The ink discharge device 1 performs printing on the cloth 7 while the transport device 3 is performing the transport operation (the operation of repeating the feed operation and the stop of the feed operation). That is, the ink ejection device 1 (head 8) ejects ink to the intermediate transfer body 131. The printing range of one time of the ink discharge device 1 is the unit printing range E1, which is the same as the printing range of one time of each screen plate 22 of the plurality of plate devices 2.

  The ink ejection device 1 prints an image on a portion of the unit printing range E1 that is not printed by the plate device 2. For example, among the images to be printed on the cloth 7, printing of an image including a plurality of colors or an image including gradation is performed by the ink ejection device 1. The cloth 7 is divided into a plurality of unit print ranges E1, and the same image is printed in the plurality of unit print ranges E1.

  During the execution of the transport operation by the transport device 3 (when the transport device 3 is transporting the cloth 7), the control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 controls the feeding operation by the transport device 3 from the stop to the restart. In the meantime, the X-axis moving mechanism 122 is controlled to perform scanning for moving the head 8 in the X-axis direction. During scanning of the head 8 (when the head 8 is moved from the scan start position to the scan end position), the control unit 101 controls the head 8 based on the print data D1 (image data D2 included in the print data D1). Eject ink from the. After the completion of one scan (after moving the head 8 from the scan start position to the scan end position), the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 to move the head 8 from the scan end position to the scan start position. return. The ejection cycle of the ink ejected from the head 8 is determined in advance. The moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction is set based on the printing resolution and the ink ejection cycle. The control unit 101 sets the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction so that the head 8 moves by one dot in one ejection cycle.

  Note that the reference cycle of ink ejection and the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction may be changed according to the transport speed of the cloth 7 transported by the transport device 3 (the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer member 131). As the transport speed of the cloth 7 increases, the time interval from the start of the feed operation by the transport device 3 to the start of the next feed operation becomes shorter. Therefore, when the transport speed of the cloth 7 is changed to be faster, the controller 101 of the ink ejection device 1 shortens the cycle of the drive signal S1 and increases the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction. That is, the cycle of the drive signal S1 and the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction are adjusted such that the ink is ejected once from the head 8 each time the head 8 moves by one dot in the X-axis direction. .

  The shorter the cycle of the drive signal S1 and the faster the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction, the larger the ink discharge amount per unit time. The longer the cycle of the drive signal S1 and the slower the moving speed of the head 8 in the X-axis direction, the smaller the ink ejection amount per unit time. When the ink ejection amount per unit time is small, the density of the image printed on the cloth 7 may be increased by increasing the ink ejection amount.

  When one scan is completed, the transport control unit 30 of the transport device 3 again performs a feed operation for feeding the cloth 7 in the Y-axis direction and stops the feed operation. At this time, the cloth 7 is fed by an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1. When the cloth 7 is fed in the Y-axis direction by an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1 after the completion of one scan, the control unit 101 of the ink ejection apparatus 1 performs the scanning (ink ejection) of the head 8 again. Then, the head 8 is returned from the scanning end position to the scanning end position.

  In this manner, the ink ejection device 1 performs the scanning (ink ejection) of the head 8 once each time the transport device 3 performs the feeding operation once. Each time one scan is completed, the transport device 3 performs a feed operation of feeding the cloth 7 by an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1 once. That is, after the completion of one scan, the cloth 7 is fed by an amount (an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1) according to the printing resolution (resolution specified by the user) by the ink discharge device 1.

  For example, when the resolution specified by the user is 600 dpi, the transport device 3 sends the cloth 7 by an amount corresponding to 1 inch + 1 dot in one feeding operation. When the resolution specified by the user is 300 dpi, the transport device 3 sends the cloth 7 by an amount corresponding to 2 inches + 1 dot in one feeding operation.

  Accordingly, even if the number of nozzles 8N per unit length included in each nozzle row 8R of the head 8 of the ink ejection device 1 is less than the number of dots per unit length of the resolution specified by the user, the unit of the cloth 7 The number of ink droplets per area (per inch square) can be made equal to the number of dots per unit area based on the resolution specified by the user.

  In addition, the transport device 3 changes the feed amount of the cloth 7 to be sent in one feed operation according to the resolution specified by the user. Thus, printing can be performed at a resolution specified by the user.

  Each of the plurality of plate devices 2 performs printing on the cloth 7 while the transport operation by the transport device 3 (the operation of repeating the feed operation and the stop of the feed operation) is temporarily stopped. The printing range for one printing of each screen plate 22 of the plurality of printing devices 2 (hereinafter, referred to as the screen printing range) is a unit printing range E1, which is the same as the printing range of one printing of the ink discharge device 1.

  The plurality of plate devices 2 print an image on a portion of the unit print range E1 that is not printed by the ink ejection device 1. For example, printing of a solid image among images to be printed on the cloth 7 is performed by the plurality of plate devices 2. Each of the plurality of plate devices 2 prints an image of a corresponding color in the unit print range E1. Hereinafter, the flow of printing performed by a certain plate device 2 among the plurality of plate devices 2 will be described. However, it is assumed that printing is performed by the same flow for other plate devices 2.

  When the unit printing range E1 of the cloth 7 enters the screen printing range of the plate device 2, the transport control unit 30 of the transporting device 3 temporarily stops the transporting operation. The temporary stop of the transport operation by the transport device 3 is continued until the printing of the cloth 7 in the unit print range E1 by the plate device 2 is completed. The fact that a certain unit printing range E1 of the cloth 7 is included in the screen printing range of a certain plate device 2 means that another unit printing range E1 of the cloth 7 is included in the screen printing range of another plate device 2. That is.

  When the transport operation by the transport device 3 is temporarily stopped, the ink ejection device 1 performs the scanning (ink ejection) of the head 8 only once. Even when the scanning is completed, the transport device 3 does not perform the feeding operation to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing on the cloth 7. That is, the temporary stop of the transport operation by the transport device 3 is continued. Therefore, the ink ejection device 1 enters a standby state.

  When the transport operation by the transport device 3 is temporarily stopped, the control device 4 performs a process for causing the plate device 2 to perform printing. At this time, the control device 4 controls the elevating device 25 to move the mold 21 in the direction toward the cloth 7 until the lower surface of the screen plate 22 contacts the cloth 7. Thereafter, the control device 4 controls the squeegee moving device 24 to reciprocate the squeegee 23 in the X-axis direction within the frame of the mold 21.

  The squeegee 23 reciprocates in the X-axis direction while being in contact with the upper surface of the screen plate 22. In other words, the squeegee 23 rubs the upper surface of the screen plate 22. At this time, since the color paste is placed on the upper surface of the screen plate 22, the color paste is pushed out from the ink transmitting portion of the screen plate 22 toward the cloth 7. Thereby, an image is printed on the cloth 7.

  After that, the control device 4 controls the elevating device 25 to move the mold 21 in a direction away from the cloth 7. Thereby, the lower surface of the screen plate 22 and the cloth 7 are separated. In the printing of the cloth 7 in the unit print range E1 by the plate device 2, the processing up to this point is performed as one set.

  After the printing device 2 completes the printing of the cloth 7 in the unit printing range E1 by the plate device 2, the conveyance device 3 restarts the conveyance operation and conveys the cloth 7 in the Y-axis direction (the conveyance direction). That is, the transport device 3 repeats the feeding operation and the stopping of the feeding operation. The ink discharge device 1 scans the head 8 (discharges ink) when the transport operation by the transport device 3 is restarted and the cloth 7 is fed by an amount corresponding to the predetermined length G1. The control device 4 makes the plate device 2 stand by until the screen print range of the plate device 2 next enters the unit print range E1.

  The transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation every time the unit print range E1 enters the screen print range of the plate device 2. That is, the transfer device 3 repeats the transfer operation and the temporary stop of the transfer operation. The control device 4 causes the plate device 2 to perform printing each time the transport operation by the transport device 3 is temporarily stopped (each time the unit print range E1 enters the screen printing range of the plate device 2).

  For example, the ink ejection device 1 is installed on the upstream side of the installation areas of the plurality of plate devices 2 in the Y-axis direction (transport direction). In this configuration, the timing of completing the printing of the final unit printing range E1 of the plurality of unit printing ranges E1 of the cloth 7 is earlier in the ink discharge device 1 than in the plurality of plate devices 2. Therefore, in printing on the cloth 7 for one roll, a period occurs in which printing is not performed by the ink ejection device 1 (a period in which printing is performed only by the plurality of plate devices 2).

  When printing by the ink ejection device 1 is not performed, it is not necessary to adjust the feed amount of one feed operation performed by the transport device 3 to the resolution specified by the user. That is, even if the feed amount of the cloth 7 to be sent in one feeding operation is increased (even if the conveying speed of the cloth 7 is increased), the image quality is not affected.

  Therefore, the transfer control unit 30 of the transfer device 3 determines whether or not printing by the ink discharge device 1 has been completed after all the prints to be handled by the ink discharge device 1 are completed (only printing by the plurality of plate devices 2 is performed). Is performed), the feed amount of the cloth 7 to be fed in one feed operation is changed. For example, when all the printings to be handled by the ink ejection device 1 are completed, a notification indicating the completion is transmitted from the control device 4 to the transport device 3. Based on the notification, the transport control unit 30 determines whether to change the feed amount of one feed operation.

  When printing by the ink discharge device 1 is not performed, the transport control unit 30 changes the feed amount of one feed operation to an amount corresponding to the length of the screen plate 22 of the plate device 2 in the Y-axis direction. In this case, when the printing apparatus 2 completes the printing of the cloth 7 in the unit printing range E1 by the printing apparatus 2, the conveying apparatus 3 immediately transfers the cloth 7 by an amount corresponding to the length of the screen plate 22 of the printing apparatus 2 in the Y axis direction. send. The control device 4 sets the interval from the time when the plate device 2 performs printing to the time when the next printing is performed to be shorter than the initial interval.

  As a result, printing to be performed by the plurality of plate devices 2 is promptly completed. As a result, productivity can be improved.

  Note that, depending on the image to be printed on the cloth 7, there is a case where printing by the ink discharge device 1 is not performed on the cloth 7 for one roll at all. In this case, from the start of printing on the cloth 7 for one roll, the feed amount of one feed operation by the transport device 3 is set to an amount corresponding to the length of the screen plate 22 of the plate device 2 in the Y-axis direction. Can be set.

(Head capping process)
Next, the capping process of the head 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  If the nozzle 8N of the head 8 is left exposed, the ink in the nozzle 8N dries and the viscosity of the ink in the nozzle 8N increases. As the drying of the ink in the nozzle 8N further proceeds, the ink in the nozzle 8N solidifies. As a result, clogging of the nozzle 8N easily occurs. When the nozzle 8N is clogged, no ink is ejected from the nozzle 8N even if a voltage is applied to the drive element 83. As a result, a disadvantage that the image quality is reduced occurs.

  To suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience, the control unit 101 performs a capping process on the head 8. By performing the capping process, the nozzle surface of the head 8 is fitted into the cap 91. Thereby, the occurrence of clogging of the nozzle 8N can be suppressed. The capping process is one of the maintenance processes for maintaining the nozzle 8N in a normal state.

  The control unit 101 fits the nozzle surface of the head 8 into the cap 91 by performing processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is started when the control unit 101 determines that a predetermined capping condition is satisfied.

  For example, when the operation panel 15 receives a capping instruction from a user, the control unit 101 determines that the capping condition is satisfied. When the transport line of the printing apparatus 100 breaks down and printing cannot be performed for a long time, the user issues a capping instruction via the operation panel 15.

  Further, when the capping time set by the user comes, the control unit 101 determines that the capping condition is satisfied. The user can arbitrarily set the capping time. The setting of the capping time is received by the operation panel 15 from the user. The start time or the end time of the lunch break can be set as the capping time. The capping time is stored in the storage unit 11.

  Further, when the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed, the control unit 101 may determine that the capping condition is satisfied. Even before all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed, if the printing to be performed by the ink ejection device 1 has been completed, the control unit 101 may determine that the capping condition is satisfied.

  Note that a flushing process described later may be performed prior to the capping process. Prior to the capping process, a wiping process described later may be performed. Prior to the capping process, both the flushing process and the wiping process may be performed. In this case, when the capping condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 performs at least one of the flushing process and the wiping process, and then performs the capping process.

  In any case, the control unit 101 performs the capping process when the printing by the head 8 is not performed. For example, there is a case where only printing by the plate device 2 is performed and printing by the ink ejection device 1 is not performed. In this case, a capping process may be performed.

  When determining that the capping condition is satisfied, first, control unit 101 checks the capping position (step # 11). The capping position is stored in the storage unit 11. The capping position is a position where the cap 91 is installed, and is a position where the nozzle surface of the head 8 can be fitted into the cap 91. The storage unit 11 stores the position (coordinates) of the cap 91 in the X-axis direction and the position (coordinates) of the cap 91 in the Z-axis direction as capping positions. The position of the capping position in the Z-axis direction corresponds to a “maintenance position”.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 to move the head 8 in the X-axis direction until the head 8 reaches a predetermined position (Step # 12). The predetermined position is set in the movable range R1 of the head 8 (see FIG. 10), within the range R2 between the guides (see FIG. 10), and at a position near the guide 35 on the installation area side of the maintenance device 9. Is done. The predetermined position is stored in the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 stores the coordinates of the predetermined position in the X-axis direction. The head 8 moved to the predetermined position is shown in the upper part of FIG.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 13). That is, the control unit 101 raises the head 8.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 in a state where the nozzle surface of the head 8 is moved to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction. The head 8 is moved in the X-axis direction until reaching the position in the X-axis direction (Step # 14). That is, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 toward the installation area (capping position) of the maintenance device 9. Thus, the head 8 is placed at the position in the X-axis direction of the capping position.

  Here, the head 8 that moves in the X-axis direction toward the capping position crosses the guide 35. At this time, the position of the nozzle surface of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction is higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the head 8 and the guide 35 do not come into contact with each other. That is, the head 8 moving in the X-axis direction toward the capping position gets over the guide 35. The state when the head 8 gets over the guide 35 is shown in the middle diagram of FIG.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position lower than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 15). That is, the control unit 101 lowers the head 8.

  At this time, the control unit 101 moves (down) the head 8 in the Z-axis direction until the nozzle surface of the head 8 reaches the position of the capping position in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the nozzle surface of the head 8 is fitted into the cap 91. A state in which the nozzle surface of the head 8 is fitted into the cap 91 is shown in the lower part of FIG.

  When printing is performed after the nozzle surface of the head 8 is fitted into the cap 91, the control unit 101 moves (rises) the nozzle surface of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction. The control unit 101 guides the head 8 by moving the head 8 in the X-axis direction while moving the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction. It falls within the range of the interval R2 (see FIG. 10). Then, the control unit 101 moves (down) the head 8 in the Z-axis direction until the position of the nozzle surface of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction reaches a printable position (a position where printing on the cloth 7 is possible).

(Head flushing process)
Next, the flushing process of the head 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The viscosity of the ink in the nozzles 8N of the head 8 from which the number of times of ink ejection is small increases with time. Thus, clogging of the nozzle 8N occurs. As a result, a disadvantage that the image quality is reduced occurs.

  To suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience, the control unit 101 performs a flushing process on the head 8. In the flushing process, the ink accumulated in the nozzles 8N is ejected (the ink is ejected from the head 8 as in the case of executing the normal printing). The control unit 101 sets all the nozzles 8N of the head 8 as a processing target of the flushing process (ink is ejected from all the nozzles 8N). Thereby, the occurrence of clogging of the nozzle 8N can be suppressed. The flushing process is one of the maintenance processes for maintaining the nozzle 8N in a normal state.

  The control unit 101 discharges the ink accumulated in the nozzle 8N by performing the processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 starts when the control unit 101 determines that a predetermined flushing condition is satisfied.

  The control unit 101 determines that the flushing condition is satisfied when the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation (the operation of repeating the feed operation and the stop of the feed operation) in order to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing on the cloth 7. Judge and perform the flushing process. The control unit 101 determines that the flushing condition is satisfied each time the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation. That is, the control unit 101 performs the flushing process every time the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation (the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 15 starts).

  When the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation, the control unit 101 scans the head 8. Then, after one scan is completed (after moving the head 8 from the scan start position to the scan end position), the control unit 101 subsequently performs a flushing process.

  When the operation panel 15 receives a flushing instruction from the user, the control unit 101 may determine that the flushing condition is satisfied. Further, when all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed, the control unit 101 may determine that the flushing condition is satisfied. The controller 101 may determine that the flushing condition has been satisfied when the printing to be performed by the ink ejecting apparatus 1 is completed, even before all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed.

  Further, when the capping condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 may determine that the flushing condition is satisfied. That is, the flushing condition may be the same as the capping condition. In this case, after the flushing process is performed, the capping process is performed.

  When determining that the capping condition is satisfied, first, the control unit 101 checks a flushing position (step # 21). The flushing position is stored in the storage unit 11. The flushing position is a position where all the nozzles 8N of the head 8 face the opening 95. That is, the flushing position is set above the opening 95 (in the X-axis direction). The storage unit 11 stores the position (coordinate) of the flushing position in the X-axis direction and the position (coordinate) of the flushing position in the Z-axis direction. The position of the flushing position in the Z-axis direction corresponds to a “maintenance position”.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 to move the head 8 in the X-axis direction until the head 8 reaches a predetermined position (Step # 22). The process in step # 22 is the same as the process in step # 12 shown in FIG. That is, when the head 8 is moved to the predetermined position, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 is obtained.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 23). That is, the control unit 101 raises the head 8.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 while moving the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction, and moves the head 8 to the flushing position. The head 8 is moved in the X-axis direction until reaching the position in the X-axis direction (Step # 24). That is, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 toward the installation area (flushing position) of the maintenance device 9. Thus, the head 8 is arranged at the flushing position in the X-axis direction, and all the nozzles 8N of the head 8 face the opening 95.

  When the head 8 crosses the guide 35, the head 8 gets over the guide 35. That is, the head 8 and the guide 35 do not come into contact with each other as in the case where the head 8 is moved to the capping position (see the middle diagram in FIG. 14).

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position lower than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 25). That is, the control unit 101 lowers the head 8.

  At this time, the control unit 101 moves (downs) the head 8 in the Z-axis direction until the nozzle surface of the head 8 reaches the flushing position in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the nozzle surface of the nozzle 8 is located at the flushing position in the Z-axis direction.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs a flushing process in the state shown in FIG. 16 (Step # 26). Thus, ink accumulated in the nozzles 8N is ejected from all the nozzles 8N of the head 8. The ink discharged from the head 8 flows into the waste liquid tank 94 through the opening 95.

  When the flushing process ends, the control unit 101 returns the head 8 to the scanning start position. At this time, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 in the X-axis direction while moving the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction. It falls within the range of the inter-guide range R2 (see FIG. 10). Thus, when returning the head 8 to the scanning start position after the flushing process, the head 8 and the guide 35 do not come into contact with each other.

(Head wiping process)
Next, the wiping process of the head 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When dust or dust adheres to the nozzle surface of the head 8, the dust or dust enters the nozzle 8N. Further, the viscosity of the ink accumulated in the nozzle 8N increases with time. Due to these factors, clogging of the nozzle 8N occurs. As a result, a disadvantage that the image quality is reduced occurs.

  In order to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience, the control unit 101 performs a wiping process on the head 8. In the wiping process, the nozzle surface of the head 8 is cleaned. Before the wiping process, a purge process is performed. In the purging process, the ink in the head 8 is forcibly pushed out from the nozzle 8N. Thereby, the occurrence of clogging of the nozzle 8N can be suppressed. The wiping process (including the purging process) is one of maintenance processes for maintaining the nozzle 8N in a normal state.

  The control unit 101 cleans the nozzle surface of the head 8 by performing processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 17 starts when the control unit 101 determines that a predetermined wiping condition is satisfied.

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not the wiping condition is satisfied. In order to cause the printing apparatus 2 to perform printing on the cloth 7, the transport apparatus 3 performs the transport operation (the operation of repeating the feed operation and the stop of the feed operation). ) Is counted. The count value of the number of stops is stored in the storage unit 11. The control unit 101 resets the count value of the number of stops each time the number of stops reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, several to several tens).

  The control unit 101 determines that the wiping condition is satisfied each time the number of stops reaches the predetermined number. That is, the control unit 101 performs the wiping process every time the number of stops reaches the predetermined number (the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 17 starts).

  For example, the predetermined number is three times. In this case, when the number of stops reaches three, the control unit 101 determines that the wiping condition is satisfied, and performs the wiping process. That is, the control unit 101 performs the wiping process once every three times printing by the plate device 2 is performed. By setting the predetermined number of times to one, the wiping process of the head 8 can be performed every time the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation in order to cause the plate device 2 to print on the cloth 7. . In any case, the control unit 101 performs the wiping process when the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing on the cloth 7.

  The controller 101 scans the head 8 when the number of stops reaches a predetermined number. Then, after one scan is completed (after moving the head 8 from the scan start position to the scan end position), the control unit 101 subsequently performs a wiping process.

  Note that when the operation panel 15 receives a wiping instruction from the user, the control unit 101 may determine that the wiping condition is satisfied. When printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed, the control unit 101 may determine that the wiping condition is satisfied. The controller 101 may determine that the wiping condition is satisfied when the printing to be performed by the ink ejection device 1 is completed, even before all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed.

  When the capping condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 may determine that the wiping condition is satisfied. That is, the capping condition and the wiping condition may be the same. In this case, after the wiping process is performed, the capping process is performed.

  When determining that the wiping condition is satisfied, first, the control unit 101 checks the wiping position (step # 31). The wiping position is stored in the storage unit 11. The wiping position is a position where the nozzle surface of the head 8 contacts the cleaning member 92. The storage unit 11 stores the position (coordinate) of the wiping position in the X-axis direction and the position (coordinate) of the wiping position in the Z-axis direction. The position of the wiping position in the Z-axis direction corresponds to a “maintenance position”.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 to move the head 8 in the X-axis direction until the head 8 reaches a predetermined position (Step # 32). The processing in step # 32 is the same as the processing in step # 12 shown in FIG. That is, when the head 8 is moved to the predetermined position, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 is obtained.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 33). That is, the control unit 101 raises the head 8.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the X-axis moving mechanism 122 in a state where the nozzle surface of the head 8 is moved to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction, and the head 8 is moved to the wiping position. The head 8 is moved in the X-axis direction until reaching the position in the X-axis direction (step # 34). That is, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 toward the installation area (wiping position) of the maintenance device 9. Thus, the head 8 is placed at the position in the X-axis direction of the wiping position.

  When the head 8 crosses the guide 35, the head 8 gets over the guide 35. That is, the head 8 and the guide 35 do not come into contact with each other as in the case where the head 8 is moved to the capping position (see the middle diagram in FIG. 14).

  Next, the control section 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position lower than the tip position of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction (Step # 35). That is, the control unit 101 lowers the head 8.

  At this time, the control unit 101 moves (down) the head 8 in the Z-axis direction until the nozzle surface of the head 8 reaches the wiping position in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the nozzle surface of the head 8 comes into contact with the cleaning member 92. FIG. 18 shows a state where the nozzle surface of the head 8 is located at the wiping position in the Z-axis direction.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs a purge process in the state shown in FIG. 18 (Step # 36). Here, the ink ejection device 1 is provided with a pressure application unit 85 (see FIG. 6). For example, the pressure applying unit 85 is a pump. The pressure applying unit 85 is provided in a supply path of ink from the ink tank 13T to the head 8.

  When performing the purging process, the control unit 101 operates the pressure applying unit 85 to apply pressure to the ink flow path in the head 8. Thereby, the ink in the head 8 is forcibly pushed out from the nozzle 8N. The control unit 101 supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning member 92 using the cleaning unit 93.

  In this state, the control unit 101 performs a wiping process using the cleaning member 92 (Step # 37). The control unit 101 performs a process of moving the cleaning member 92 in the Y-axis direction as a wiping process. Note that the cleaning member 92 may be reciprocated in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the cleaning member 92 is in contact with the nozzle surface of the head 8. Therefore, by moving the cleaning member 92 in the Y-axis direction, dirt (such as ink) attached to the nozzle surface of the head 8 can be wiped off. The ink or cleaning liquid attached to the cleaning member 92 flows down the cleaning member 92 and is stored in the waste liquid tank 94.

  When the wiping process ends, the control unit 101 returns the head 8 to the scanning start position. At this time, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 in the X-axis direction while moving the nozzle surface of the head 8 to a position higher than the position of the tip of the guide 35 in the Z-axis direction. It falls within the range of the inter-guide range R2 (see FIG. 10). Thus, when the head 8 is returned to the scanning start position after the wiping process, the head 8 does not come into contact with the guide 35.

(Setting of discharge time interval)
Next, the setting of the ejection time interval will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The ink ejection device 1 includes a Z-axis moving mechanism 121. Therefore, the head 8 can be moved in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the distance between the nozzle surface (nozzle 8N) of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 can be adjusted.

  The control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 sets an ejection time interval according to an image to be printed on the cloth 7. The ejection time interval is the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 when the head 8 ejects ink to the intermediate transfer body 131 (during printing). The control unit 101 sets the ejection interval and controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 so that the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 becomes the set ejection interval. Is moved in the Z-axis direction. A plurality of ejection time interval setting methods are prepared.

1. Setting of ejection time interval based on print setting information D3 The control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 can set the ejection time interval based on the print setting information D3. The print setting information D3 is included in the print data D1. The print setting information D3 is associated with the image data D2.

  The print setting information D3 includes information set by the driver software 203 of the computer 200. When the print setting information D3 includes information indicating the type of the image, the control unit 101 can set the ejection time interval based on the type of the image defined by the print setting information D3.

  In order to set the ejection time interval based on the type of the image, the storage unit 11 stores the definition data D4 in a nonvolatile manner (see FIG. 11). The definition data D4 is data defining an ejection time interval for each type of image. FIG. 19 shows an example of the definition data D4.

  In the definition data D4 shown in FIG. 19, if the type of image is a symbol string, the definition is that the ejection time interval is 5 mm. The symbols forming the symbol string are letters, numbers, and the like. The symbol string is mainly composed of letters and numbers, and is a string of letters and numbers. The symbol string includes a company name, a mail address, a telephone number, date and time, and the like.

  Further, in the definition data D4 shown in FIG. 19, if the type of image is a two-dimensional code (such as QR code (registered trademark)) or a design (pattern), the ejection interval is set to 1 mm. . Further, the definition data D4 shown in FIG. 19 defines that if the image type is a one-dimensional code (such as a barcode), the ejection time interval is 3 mm.

  Here, the longer the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131, the longer the time from the ejection of ink by the head 8 to the landing of ink on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131. The longer the time from the ejection of ink to the landing of ink, the more easily the ink droplets are affected by gravity and the flow of air. Therefore, as the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is larger, the ink landing position on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is more likely to be shifted from a target position. On the other hand, as the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is smaller, a more precise image can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131.

  Therefore, the definition data D4 may be set such that the ejection time interval becomes narrower for an image to be formed more precisely. For example, a two-dimensional code includes a dot (block), and information included in the two-dimensional code is read based on the size of the dot. If the boundaries between the dots of the two-dimensional code are unclear or if the size of the dots of the two-dimensional code is inappropriate, information contained in the two-dimensional code may not be correctly read. Therefore, when the type of image is a two-dimensional code, the definition data D4 is defined so that the ejection time interval is at the minimum level. In addition, since it is preferable that the design is also printed in detail and precision, the definition data D4 is defined so that the ejection time interval becomes the minimum level even when the type of the image is a design.

  If the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is small, the intermediate transfer member 131 may collide with the head 8. If the collision of the intermediate transfer member 131 with the head 8 is repeated, the head 8 (nozzle 8N) may fail. From the viewpoint of preventing contact between the head 8 and the intermediate transfer member 131, it is preferable to increase the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131.

  Therefore, the definition data D4 may be set so that the ejection time interval becomes wider as the image need not be precisely formed. For example, a symbol string (character string) has many solid portions. Therefore, there is no problem even if the landing positions of the ink are slightly shifted. In addition, there is a case where color unevenness hardly occurs due to an appropriate variation in the ink landing position. Therefore, when the type of image is a symbol string, the ejection time interval is set wider.

  Meanwhile, the one-dimensional code is scanned. Therefore, the one-dimensional code needs to be printed to some degree of precision. However, the one-dimensional code need not be formed as precisely as the two-dimensional code. Therefore, when the type of image is a one-dimensional code, the ejection time interval is set to be narrower than the symbol string and wider than the two-dimensional code.

  The print setting information D3 may include information (value) indicating the ejection time interval. In this case, the input device 205 of the computer 200 receives the input of the ejection time interval (value). The processing unit 201 of the computer 200 generates print setting information D3 (print data D1) including the input ejection time interval based on the driver software 203. When the print setting information D3 associated with the image data D2 includes information indicating the value of the ejection time interval, the control unit 101 of the ink ejection apparatus 1 determines the ejection time interval based on the value included in the print setting information D3. Set.

2. Setting of ejection time interval based on image data D2 The control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 1 can set the ejection time interval based on the image data D2. When setting the ejection time interval based on the image data D2, the control unit 101 analyzes the image data D2 and determines the type of the image included in the image data D2. Then, the control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval based on the determined image type and the definition data D4. When a plurality of image data D2 are used for printing on one cloth 7, the control unit 101 determines the type of image for each image data D2, and sets the ejection time interval for each image data D2.

  When determining the type of the image included in the image data D2, the control unit 101 checks whether or not the image in the image data D2 is a two-dimensional code image. For example, the control unit 101 checks whether or not a graphic that is indispensable in the two-dimensional code standard is included in the image data D2. When the graphic is included, the control unit 101 determines that the type of the image is a two-dimensional code.

  Further, the control unit 101 checks whether the image in the image data D2 is a one-dimensional code image. For example, the control unit 101 checks whether or not the number of straight lines (a plurality of straight lines parallel to each other) defined by the one-dimensional code standard is included in the image data D2. If the number of straight lines is included, the control unit 101 determines that the type of the image is a one-dimensional code.

  Further, the control unit 101 checks whether or not the image in the image data D2 is a symbol string (character string). For example, the control unit 101 checks whether or not an alphabet is included in the image data D2. If an alphabet is included, the control unit 101 determines that the type of the image is a symbol string.

  The control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval based on the determined image type and the definition data D4. For example, when neither the two-dimensional code, the one-dimensional code nor the symbol string is included in the image data D2, the control unit 101 determines that the type of the image is a symbol. When two or more types of images among the two-dimensional codes, one-dimensional codes, symbol strings, and symbols are included in the image data D2, the control unit 101 sets the minimum or the minimum one of the ejection time intervals according to the types of images. Apply the maximum dispense time.

3. Setting of Ejection Time Interval Using Operation Panel 15 The operation panel 15 of the ink ejection apparatus 1 receives selection of a type of an image to be printed on the cloth 7 from a user. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 15, the control unit 101 displays an image type selection screen 151 as shown in FIG. 20 on the display panel 15a. The user performs a touch operation on the image type selection screen 151 to select an image type.

  On the image type selection screen 151, one of four types of images can be selected. On the image type selection screen 151, a first selection button B1, a second selection button B2, a third selection button B3, and a fourth selection button B4 are displayed. When the image to be printed on the cloth 7 (the image formed by discharging ink on the intermediate transfer body 131) is a symbol string, the user operates the first selection button B1. When the image to be printed on the cloth 7 is a one-dimensional code, the user operates the second selection button B2. When the image to be printed on the cloth 7 is a two-dimensional code, the user operates the third selection button B3. When the image to be printed on the cloth 7 is a design, the user operates the fourth selection button B4.

  The control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval based on the type of image selected by the user and the definition data D4. A type of image different from a symbol string, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and a design may be made selectable. When a symbol string is selected, the control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval to a first interval. When the one-dimensional code is selected, the control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval to a second interval narrower than the first interval. When a two-dimensional code or a symbol is selected, the control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval to a third interval smaller than the second interval. The first interval may be other than 5 mm as long as the relationship of first interval> second interval> third interval is maintained. Similarly, the second interval may be other than 3 mm. The third interval may be other than 1 mm.

(Motion control of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction)
Next, the movement control of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction will be described with reference to FIG.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 21 starts when the ink ejection device 1 starts printing (when the ink ejection to the intermediate transfer body 131 starts). At the start of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21, print data D1 (image data D2 and print setting information D3) has been input to the ink ejection device 1.

  First, control unit 101 recognizes image data D2 used for printing (step # 61). At this time, the control unit 101 recognizes the print setting information D3 associated with the image data D2. Then, the control unit 101 sets a discharge time interval. In the following description, the ejection time interval set by the control unit 101 may be referred to as a target ejection time interval.

  Note that, when the user has made a selection on the image type selection screen 151, the control unit 101 sets an ejection time interval based on the selection result (priority is given to the user's selection). The control unit 101 determines the type of the image corresponding to the button selected from the image type selection screen 151 (one of the first selection button B1, the second selection button B2, the third selection button B3, and the fourth selection button B4). The discharge time interval is set based on this.

  When the selection on the image type selection screen 151 has not been performed, the control unit 101 sets the ejection time interval based on the print setting information D3. That is, even when the operation on the operation panel 15 is not performed, the control unit 101 automatically sets the ejection time interval. If the print setting information D3 does not include the information indicating the type of the image or the value indicating the ejection interval, the control unit 101 analyzes the image data D2 and sets the ejection interval.

  Next, control unit 101 starts an interval recognition process for recognizing the interval between the nozzle surface of head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of intermediate transfer body 131 based on the output of interval sensor 17 (see FIG. 5) (step # 62). ). The interval sensor 17 is provided on the head 8.

  Next, control section 101 performs a positioning process before starting printing (step # 63). When performing the alignment process, the control unit 101 controls the head 8 so that the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 (the interval detected by the interval sensor 17) becomes the target ejection time interval. Move in the Z-axis direction.

  Next, control unit 101 starts printing by head 8 (step # 64). After printing by the head 8 is started, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 along the Z-axis as necessary so that the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is kept constant. (Step # 65). As a result, the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 is maintained at the target ejection time interval.

  The control unit 101 controls the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 based on the output of the interval sensor 17 to maintain the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 at the target ejection time interval. When the detected distance deviates from the target ejection time interval, the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction is adjusted, and the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is adjusted. The interval is returned to the target ejection time interval.

(Adjustment of ink ejection amount)
Next, adjustment of the ink ejection amount will be described with reference to FIG.

  The ink ejection device 1 includes a Z-axis moving mechanism 121. Therefore, the head 8 can be moved in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 can be arbitrarily changed. That is, the discharge time interval can be adjusted.

  The narrower the ejection interval, the easier the ink lands at the target position. On the other hand, the wider the ejection time interval, the more likely the ink landing position is shifted from the target position. For example, ink may land on uncolored dots on the image data D2. If the ink landing position deviates from a target position, the density of an image printed on the cloth 7 (an image formed by ejecting ink onto the intermediate transfer member 131) may be reduced.

  In order to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience, the control unit 101 of the ink ejection apparatus 1 controls the ink ejection amount of the head 8 (when ejecting ink from the head 8) when performing printing by the head 8 (when ejecting ink from the head 8). Ink ejection amount). The control unit 101 reduces the ink ejection amount per dot as the ejection time interval is smaller, and increases the ink ejection amount per dot as the ejection time interval is wider.

  The voltage generation circuit 84 of the head 8 can generate a plurality of types of voltages. Further, a voltage applied to the driving element 83 can be selected from among a plurality of types of voltages generated by the voltage generation circuit 84. That is, the voltage applied to the driving element 83 can be changed.

  The amount of deformation of the driving element 83 changes according to the magnitude of the voltage applied to the driving element 83. The pressure applied to the ink supply flow path to the nozzle 8N changes according to the amount of deformation of the drive element 83. The pressure increases as the amount of deformation of the drive element 83 increases. Therefore, by selecting the magnitude of the voltage to be applied to the drive element 83, the ink ejection amount of the head 8 (the ink ejection amount per dot) can be changed.

  In order to cause the control unit 101 to adjust the ink ejection amount of the head 8, the storage unit 11 stores the ink ejection amount data D5 in a nonvolatile manner (see FIG. 11). The control unit 101 adjusts the ink ejection amount of the head 8 based on the ink ejection amount data D5.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the ink ejection amount data D5. The ink ejection amount data D5 is defined such that the smaller the ejection time interval, the smaller the ink ejection amount per dot. The ink ejection data D5 is defined such that the larger the ejection time interval, the larger the ink ejection amount per dot.

  In the ink ejection amount data D5 shown in FIG. 22, the ejection time intervals are classified into three ranges. In addition, the number of classifications of the ejection time interval is not particularly limited. The applied voltages V1, V2, and V3 are voltages applied to the drive element 83, and have a relationship of first voltage V1 <second voltage V2 <third voltage V3. The range of the ejection interval W corresponding to the first voltage V1 is 0 mm <W ≦ 2 mm. The range of the ejection interval W corresponding to the second voltage V2 is 2 mm <W ≦ 4 mm. The range of the ejection interval W corresponding to the third voltage V3 is 4 mm <W.

  The ejection amounts a1, a2, and a3 are the ink ejection amounts of the head 8. When the applied voltage is the first voltage V1, the ink ejection amount is a1, when the applied voltage is the second voltage V2, the ink ejection amount is a2, and when the applied voltage is the third voltage V3, the ink ejection amount is a1. Becomes a3. Since the larger the applied voltage, the larger the ink discharge amount, the relationship of the first discharge amount a1 <the second discharge amount a2 <the third discharge amount a3 is established.

  The control unit 101 selects the magnitude of the voltage applied to the driving element 83 based on the ink ejection amount data D5 and the ejection time interval. That is, the control unit 101 sets the ink ejection amount of the head 8 (ink ejection amount per dot).

  According to the ink ejection amount data D5 shown in FIG. 22, when the ejection time interval is 1 mm, the control unit 101 applies the voltage V1 to the driving element 83. That is, the control unit 101 sets the amount of ink per dot ejected from the nozzle 8N to the first ejection amount a1. When the ejection time interval is 3 mm, the control unit 101 applies the voltage V2 to the drive element 83. That is, the control unit 101 sets the amount of ink per dot ejected from the nozzle 8N to the second ejection amount a2. When the ejection time interval is 5 mm, the control unit 101 applies the voltage V3 to the drive element 83. That is, the control unit 101 sets the amount of ink per dot ejected from the nozzle 8N to the third ejection amount a3.

  The ink ejection amount of the head 8 may be adjusted using another method. As an example, the ejection timing (number of times) of ink ejected for one dot may be changed according to the ejection time interval. In this case, for example, when the ejection time interval is 0 mm <W ≦ 2 mm, the control unit 101 ejects ink twice for one dot. When the ejection interval is 2 mm <W ≦ 4 mm, the control unit 101 ejects ink three times for one dot. When the ejection time interval is 4 mm <W, the control unit 101 ejects ink four times for one dot. In order to eject ink at high speed, the frequency of the drive signal S1 may be increased as the ejection time interval is increased.

(Printing based on photographing cloth)
Next, printing based on photographing of the cloth 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The ink ejection device 1 includes a reading device 18 (camera) as shown in FIG. The reading device 18 reads the printing surface 71 of the cloth 7. The reading device 18 may be provided separately from the ink ejection device 1. The reading device 18 images the cloth 7 conveyed by the conveyance device 3.

  The reading device 18 includes a lens 18a, an image sensor 18b, and a camera module 18c. The camera module 18c generates photographing data D7 based on the image signal output from the image sensor 18b. The reading device 18 transmits the photographing data D7 to the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 stores the photographing data D7.

  The ink ejection apparatus 1 has an automatic image addition mode and a copy mode as print modes based on photographing. The operation panel 15 receives from the user a selection of printing in the automatic image addition mode or printing in the copy mode.

1. Automatic image addition mode The automatic image addition mode is a mode in which an image associated with a specific image is automatically printed on the cloth 7 based on the specific image attached to the cloth 7. The automatic image addition mode is a mode in which an image associated with a specific mark is automatically printed on the cloth 7 based on the specific mark on the cloth 7. When the specific image or the specific mark is attached to the cloth 7, the control unit 101 automatically prints the specific image or the image linked to the specific mark (discharges the ink to the intermediate transfer body 131). 8 The specific image or the specific mark may be printed directly on the cloth 7, or a seal on which the specific image or the specific mark is printed may be attached to the cloth 7.

  For example, when an image indicating the language used is attached to the cloth 7 as a specific image, the ink ejection device 1 automatically prints a character string in the corresponding language on the cloth 7. Even when the destination of the printed cloth 7 is different, a character string matching the destination can be automatically printed on the cloth 7. As a result, it is not necessary to specify the language to be used and the character string to be used every time on the computer 200 or the operation panel 15.

  Further, for example, when a mark corresponding to a certain destination (country, region, etc.) is attached as a specific mark, the ink ejection device 1 automatically displays an image indicating that the product is in the destination. Print on cloth 7. As a result, the computer 200 or the operation panel 15 does not have to specify the image indicating the destination every time.

  The control unit 101 performs processing according to the flow shown in FIG. 24 in the automatic image addition mode. The start of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 24 is, for example, when the operation panel 15 receives an instruction to execute printing in the automatic image addition mode.

  First, control unit 101 causes reading device 18 to start photographing (step # 71). The reading device 18 photographs the cloth 7. The cloth 7 being transported may be photographed, or the cloth 7 being transported stopped may be photographed.

  Here, the storage unit 11 stores the determination data D8 (see FIG. 23). The determination data D8 is data for determining whether or not the specific image or the specific mark is attached to the cloth 7. When there are a plurality of specific images, the determination data D8 is prepared for each specific image. When there are a plurality of specific marks, the determination data D8 is prepared for each specific mark. The control unit 101 confirms whether or not the specific image or the specific mark is attached to the cloth 7 based on the determination data D8.

  The determination data D8 includes the determination image data D9. For example, when the specific image is a number indicating the model number, the image data for determination D9 indicating the model number (the number indicating the model number) is included in the determination data D8. Further, the determination data D8 includes the automatic print image data D10.

  The determination data D8 includes the automatic print information D11. The automatic print information D11 includes information on the automatic print image data D10. The information on the automatic print image data D10 includes information indicating a print start position in the unit print range E1, information indicating a print resolution, and information indicating an ejection time interval. The automatic print information D11 can be set on the computer 200 or the operation panel 15.

  Control unit 101 determines whether or not the specific image or the specific mark is included in photographing data D7 (step # 72). For example, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the specific image or the specific mark is included in the captured data D7 by performing pattern matching between the determination image data D9 and the captured data D7.

  When the control unit 101 determines that the specific image and the specific mark are not included in the photographing data D7 (No in step # 72), the flow returns to step # 71. When determining that the specific image or the specific mark is included in the photographing data D7 (Yes in step # 72), the control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 8 based on the print start position defined in the automatic print information D11. Is performed (step # 73).

  Next, control unit 101 causes head 8 to print an image corresponding to the specific image or an image corresponding to the specific mark on cloth 7 (ejection of ink to intermediate transfer body 131) (step # 74). The control unit 101 causes the head 8 to perform printing based on the automatic print image data D10 corresponding to the specific image. Alternatively, the control unit 101 causes the head 8 to perform printing based on the automatic print image data D10 corresponding to the specific mark. Thereby, the image linked to the specific image or the image linked to the specific mark is automatically printed on the cloth 7. Thereafter, the flow returns to step # 71.

2. Copy Mode The copy mode is a mode in which a sample is photographed and an image similar to the sample is automatically printed on the cloth 7. By using the copy mode, an image similar to the sample can be printed on the cloth 7 without editing the image data D2 by the computer 200.

  When in the copy mode, the control unit 101 performs processing according to the flow shown in FIG. The start of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 25 is, for example, when the operation panel 15 receives an instruction to execute printing in the copy mode.

  First, the control unit 101 causes the reading device 18 to photograph a sample (step # 81). The user sets the sample in the shooting range of the reading device 18 so that the entire sample is shot. After setting the sample, the user operates the shooting button on the operation panel 15. At this time, the control unit 101 causes the reading device 18 to shoot a sample.

  Reading device 18 generates photographing data D7 of the photographed sample (step # 82). Storage unit 11 stores sample photographing data D7 (step # 83). Control unit 101 generates image data D2 used for printing based on sample photographing data D7 (step # 84). Control unit 101 generates print setting information D3 for each generated image data D2 (step # 85). Further, the control unit 101 determines an ejection time interval according to the type of the image data D2.

  Transporting device 3 receives the instruction from control device 4 and starts transporting (transporting operation) of cloth 7 (step # 86). Control unit 101 causes head 8 to perform printing on cloth 7 (ejection of ink onto intermediate transfer body 131) based on the generated image data D2 and print setting information D3 (step # 87).

(Position adjustment using a gap regulating member)
Next, an example in which the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction is adjusted using the space regulating member 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this example, the interval sensor 17 is not provided in the ink ejection device 1 (head 8), and an interval regulating member 110 is provided instead. The space regulating member 110 is a member for keeping the space between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 constant. The distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is a reference. It is a member for preventing the distance from becoming smaller than the interval. The reference interval is set as appropriate. For example, the reference interval is set within a range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

  The space regulating member 110 is attached to a side surface of the head 8 as shown in FIG. The space regulating member 110 may be attached to the nozzle surface instead of the side surface of the head 8. The space regulating member 110 protrudes from the nozzle surface (nozzle 8N) of the head 8 in a direction (downward) toward the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131. The space regulating member 110 projects downward (the other side in the Z-axis direction) by the length of the reference space. Thus, when the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 approaches the nozzle surface of the head 8, the intermediate transfer member 131 contacts the space regulating member 110, but does not contact the head 8.

  In addition, the interval regulating member 110 is formed of a roller or a ball. As a result, when the intermediate transfer member 131 comes into contact with the interval regulating member 110 while the intermediate transfer member 131 is rotating (while the cloth 7 is being conveyed), the interval regulating member 110 rotates. For this reason, even if the intermediate transfer member 131 contacts the gap regulating member 110, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 from being damaged. Further, even if the intermediate transfer member 131 comes into contact with the space regulating member 110, the rotation of the intermediate transfer member 131 is not hindered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the gap regulating member 110 includes a contact sensor 111 for detecting that the gap regulating member 110 and the intermediate transfer member 131 have come into contact with each other. For example, the contact sensor 111 is a pressure-sensitive sensor. The contact sensor 111 outputs a voltage at the time of contact when the interval regulating member 110 and the intermediate transfer member 131 are in contact with each other. On the other hand, the contact sensor 111 outputs a non-contact level voltage when the interval regulating member 110 and the intermediate transfer member 131 are not in contact with each other. The control unit 101 recognizes whether or not the interval regulating member 110 is in contact with the intermediate transfer body 131 based on the output of the contact sensor 111.

  When the head 8 is provided with the space regulating member 110, the control unit 101 performs processing according to the flow shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 28 starts when the ink discharge device 1 starts printing (when the ink discharge to the intermediate transfer body 131 starts).

  First, control unit 101 performs a pressing process (step # 91). The control unit 101 performs a process of moving (falling) the head 8 in the X-axis direction as the pressing process until the output of the contact sensor 111 changes from the non-contact level to the contact level. In other words, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 closer to the intermediate transfer member 131. Thus, the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 becomes the reference interval.

  Next, control unit 101 starts printing (ejection of ink onto intermediate transfer body 131) by head 8 (step # 92). After printing by the head 8 is started, the control unit 101 moves the head 8 along the Z-axis as necessary so that the distance between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 131 is kept constant. (Step # 93). For example, it is assumed that the output of the contact sensor 111 has changed from the contact level to the non-contact level. At this time, the control unit 101 lowers the head 8 until the output of the contact sensor 111 changes from the non-contact level to the contact level. Thereby, the interval between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 is maintained at the reference interval. Since the head 8 is provided with the space regulating member 110, the space between the nozzle surface of the head 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 131 does not become smaller than the reference space.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the printing apparatus 100 is configured by the ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2. Thus, it is possible to provide the printing apparatus 100 having both the advantages of digital printing and the advantages of analog printing. For example, a fine image or gradation image composed of a plurality of colors can be printed by the ink ejection device 1. On the other hand, when printing is performed by the ink discharge device 1, a solid image or the like in which the density is easily reduced and color unevenness easily occurs can be printed by the plate device 2. As a result, a high-density image can be printed on the cloth 7 with high image quality and without color unevenness.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the ink ejection device 1 is detachable from the printing device 100. This makes it possible to easily attach (add) the ink ejection device 1 to the printing device 100 as needed. In addition, when the ink ejection device 1 becomes unnecessary or when the plate device 2 needs to be added, the ink ejection device 1 can be easily removed from the printing device 100.

  In addition, the plate device 2 can be detached from the printing device 100, and the ink ejection device 1 can be mounted at the place where the detached plate device 2 was installed. It is also possible to remove the ink ejection device 1 from the printing device 100 and attach the plate device 2 to the place where the detached ink ejection device 1 was installed. Thereby, the installation positions of the ink ejection device 1 and the plate device 2 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, depending on the image to be printed on the cloth 7, the ink ejection device 1 may be installed upstream of the plate device 2 in the Y-axis direction (transport direction), or may be downstream of the plate device 2 in the Y-axis direction (transport direction). The ink ejection device 1 can be installed on the side.

  Furthermore, since one ink ejection device 1 can print images of a plurality of colors, only one ink ejection device 1 can be added to the printing device 100, and a plurality of plate devices 2 can be omitted. .

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the transport device 3 is configured to be able to change the feed amount of the cloth 7 to be sent in one feed operation. Thereby, the feed amount of the cloth 7 can be changed according to the printing resolution (resolution specified by the user) by the ink ejection device 1. When the resolution specified by the user is high, printing by the ink ejection device 1 can be performed at the resolution specified by the user by reducing the feed amount of the cloth 7.

  When the resolution specified by the user is low, the productivity can be improved by increasing the feed amount of the cloth 7. When printing by the ink discharge device 1 is not performed, the productivity can be further improved by changing the feed amount to an amount corresponding to the length of the screen plate 22 in the Y-axis direction.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the ink discharge device 1 performs the flushing process when the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation (when the plate device 2 is performing printing). Thereby, image quality can be improved while suppressing a decrease in productivity. Further, since the flushing process is performed each time the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation, the nozzle 8N is less likely to be clogged. Further, the flushing process is automatically performed without operating the ink ejection device 1 (operation panel 15), which is convenient for the user.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the ink discharge device 1 performs the wiping process when the transport device 3 temporarily stops the transport operation (when the plate device 2 is performing printing). Thereby, image quality can be improved while suppressing a decrease in productivity. Further, the wiping process is automatically performed without operating the ink ejection device 1 (operation panel 15), which is convenient for the user. Here, the time required for the wiping process is longer than the time required for the flushing process. For this reason, it is preferable to make the execution frequency of the wiping process lower than the execution frequency of the flushing process.

  When performing the wiping process, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning member 92. Thereby, the nozzle surface of the head 8 can be cleaned better. Further, when performing the wiping process, a purge process is performed. By performing the purge process, even if the nozzle 8N is clogged, the clogging can be eliminated.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, when printing is not performed by the ink ejection device 1, the cap 91 is fitted to the nozzle surface of the head 8. Accordingly, even when printing by the ink discharge device 1 is not performed for a long time, drying of the nozzle surface of the head 8 (ink in the nozzle 8N) can be suppressed. Further, the capping process is automatically performed without operating the ink ejection device 1 (operation panel 15), which is convenient for the user.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the ink ejection device 1 is a serial head system, but the head 8 is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted. For example, the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction can be set to an appropriate position according to an image to be printed on the cloth 7. Thereby, the image quality can be further improved.

  Further, the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction can be set to an appropriate position according to the type of image to be printed on the cloth 7. When printing an image requiring fine printing (such as a two-dimensional code image) on the cloth 7, the head 8 can be moved closer to the intermediate transfer member 131. When printing an image that does not require fine printing on the cloth 7, the head 8 can be moved away from the intermediate transfer member 131.

  Further, by configuring the head 8 to be movable in the Z-axis direction, even if the maintenance device 9 is installed outside the inter-guide range R2 (see FIG. 10), the head 8 is moved to the installation area of the maintenance device 9. Sometimes, the head 8 and the guide 35 do not come into contact with each other. Thereby, the degree of freedom of the installation position of the maintenance device 9 increases.

  Here, the viscosity of the ink used in the ink ejection device 1 is relatively low. This is because the use of high-viscosity ink tends to cause clogging of the nozzle 8N. Use of a low-viscosity ink can suppress the occurrence of clogging of the nozzle 8N. However, in the case of using low-viscosity ink, if the ink is directly ejected from the head 8 to the cloth 7, the ink penetrates into the cloth 7 and the density is hardly obtained.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the ink from the head 8 is attached to the intermediate transfer member 131, and the ink attached to the intermediate transfer member 131 is transferred to the cloth 7. That is, the ink is not directly ejected from the head 8 to the cloth 7.

  In this configuration, the ink on the intermediate transfer member 131 dries to some extent until the ink on the intermediate transfer member 131 is transferred to the cloth 7. Thereby, even if low-viscosity ink is used, it is possible to suppress a decrease in density due to the penetration of the ink into the cloth 7. As a result, the effect that a high-density image can be printed on the cloth 7 with high quality and without color unevenness becomes more remarkable.

  In this configuration, the nozzle surface of the head 8 does not have to be close to the cloth 7. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the cloth 7 from colliding with the head 8.

<Modification of First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. The basic configuration of the modification of the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. For this reason, in the following description, the same components and components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same names and the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the modified example of the first embodiment, a moving mechanism 12B that moves the head 8 in three axial directions is installed in the ink ejection device 1 instead of the moving mechanism 12A that moves the head 8 in two axial directions. The moving mechanism 12B further includes a Y-axis moving mechanism 123 in addition to the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 and the X-axis moving mechanism 122. The Y-axis moving mechanism 123 is a mechanism for moving the head 8 in the Y-axis direction. The control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 12B to move the head 8 appropriately. The control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 8 in the Y-axis direction in addition to the position of the head 8 in the Z-axis direction and the position in the X-axis direction.

  The Y-axis moving mechanism 123 includes a Y-axis arm 123a. The Y-axis arm 123a is a quadrangular prism-shaped member. The Y-axis arm 123a incorporates a Y-axis motor 123b, a Y-axis moving member 123c, and a Y-axis moving body 123d. The Y-axis motor 123b is, for example, a stepping motor. The Y-axis motor 123b can rotate forward and backward. The control unit 101 controls the Y-axis motor 123b. The Y-axis motor 123b rotates the Y-axis moving member 123c. The Y-axis moving member 123c is, for example, a ball screw including a nut. The Y-axis moving body 123d is attached to a nut of a ball screw. When the Y-axis motor 123b is driven, the Y-axis moving body 123d moves in the Y-axis direction. That is, the rotational movement of the Y-axis motor 123b is converted to a linear movement. The Y-axis arm 123a guides the movement of the Y-axis moving body 123d in the Y-axis direction.

  The X-axis moving body 122d is connected to a part of the Y-axis moving mechanism 123. For example, the X-axis moving body 122d is connected to the Y-axis arm 123a. Thereby, the Y-axis arm 123a moves in the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the X-axis moving body 122d. The control unit 101 changes the position of the Y-axis arm 123a in the X-axis direction by controlling the X-axis motor 122b.

  The head 8 is attached to the Y-axis moving body 123d. The control unit 101 controls the Z-axis motor 121b to move the Z-axis moving body 121d in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the head 8 (X-axis arm 122a) moves in the Z-axis direction together with the Z-axis moving body 121d. The control unit 101 controls the X-axis motor 122b to move the X-axis moving body 122d in the X-axis direction. Thus, the head 8 (Y-axis arm 123a) moves in the X-axis direction together with the X-axis moving body 122d. Further, the control unit 101 controls the Y-axis motor 123b to move the Y-axis moving body 123d in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the head 8 moves in the Y-axis direction together with the Y-axis moving body 123d.

  In the modification of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the modification of the first embodiment, the head 8 can be moved not only in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction but also in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the transport device 3 has stopped transporting the cloth 7 in order to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing (while the transport operation by the transport device 3 is temporarily stopped), that is, the intermediate transfer body 131 stops rotating. The image to be printed (transferred) on the cloth 7 can be formed on the intermediate transfer body 131.

  When an image is formed while the transport operation by the transport device 3 is stopped, the control unit 101 repeats the movement of the head 8 in the Y-axis direction and the stop of the movement. The control unit 101 moves the head 8 in the Y-axis direction by a distance corresponding to the predetermined length G1. Each time the control unit 101 stops moving the head 8 in the Y-axis direction, the control unit 101 causes the head 8 to eject ink (scans) while moving the head 8 in the X-axis direction.

<Second embodiment>
Hereinafter, an ink ejection apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall configuration of ink ejection device)
As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the ink ejection device 10 of the second embodiment includes a line head type head 80 instead of the serial head type head 8. Further, the ink ejection device 10 includes a moving mechanism 12C instead of the moving mechanism 12A. Further, the ink ejection device 10 includes a maintenance device 90 instead of the maintenance device 9 (the maintenance device 90 is not shown in FIG. 31 for convenience). Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same names and the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The moving mechanism 12C is a mechanism for moving the head 80 in the Z-axis direction, and includes only the Z-axis moving mechanism 121. The configuration of the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 of the moving mechanism 12C is the same as that of the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 of the moving mechanism 12A. The control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 12C to move the head 80 appropriately. The control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 80 in the Z-axis direction.

  The head 80 is attached to the Z-axis moving body 121d via the connecting member 210. The control unit 101 controls the Z-axis motor 121b to move the Z-axis moving body 121d in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the head 80 moves in the Z-axis direction together with the Z-axis moving body 121d.

  The maintenance device 90 performs a maintenance process for maintaining the nozzle 8N of the head 80 in a normal state. The maintenance device 90 performs the same maintenance processing as the maintenance device 9.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the maintenance device 90 includes a capping unit 910, a flushing unit 920, and a wiping unit 930. The maintenance device 90 is installed above the transport belt 31 of the transport device 3 (one side in the Z-axis direction) and at a position downstream of the installation position of the head 80 in the transport direction of the cloth 7.

  The capping unit 910 is a unit for performing a capping process, and has a cap (not shown) into which the nozzle surface of the head 80 is fitted. The flushing unit 920 is a unit for performing a flushing process, and has a liquid absorbing member (not shown) that absorbs ink ejected from the head 80. For example, a sponge can be used as the liquid absorbing member. The wiping unit 930 is a unit for performing a wiping process, and has a cleaning member (not shown) such as a wiper for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head 80. The cleaning member is supported movably in the X-axis direction.

  The capping unit 910, the flushing unit 920, and the wiping unit 930 are movable in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. Although not shown, the maintenance device 90 is provided with a unit moving mechanism for moving each unit in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

  For example, the unit moving mechanism includes a mechanism for circulating the capping unit 910, the flushing unit 920, and the wiping unit 930 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the capping unit 910, the flushing unit 920, and the wiping unit 930 circulate in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. In addition, the unit moving mechanism moves a unit at a predetermined position MP (maintenance position) in the Z-axis direction among the capping unit 910, the flushing unit 920, and the wiping unit 930 in the Y-axis direction (direction toward the head 80). Including a mechanism to move to.

(Conveying cloth and printing on cloth)
The ejection cycle of the ink ejected from the head 80 is predetermined and stored in the storage unit 11 of the ink ejection device 10 as a reference cycle. The control unit 101 of the ink ejection device 10 drives the head 80 so that ink is ejected from the head 80 at a reference cycle. Therefore, the transport controller 30 of the transport device 3 rotates the transport belt 31 so that the cloth 7 advances in the Y-axis direction (transport direction) by one dot (one line width) in one ejection cycle. The intermediate transfer member 131 rotates following the conveyance belt 131.

  When the transport device 3 is transporting the cloth 7, the control unit 101 discharges ink from the head 80 at a reference cycle. As a result, ink adheres to the intermediate transfer member 131 line by line. That is, an image to be printed on the cloth 7 is formed on the intermediate transfer body 131. The image forming area moves to the transfer nip N and is transferred (printed) to the cloth 7.

  On the other hand, the control unit 101 does not perform printing by the head 80 (discharge of ink from the head 80) when the transport device 3 stops transporting the cloth 7 in order to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing. When one printing operation by the plate device 2 is completed and the transport device 3 resumes transporting the cloth 7, the control unit 101 resumes printing by the head 80 (discharge of ink from the head 80). Also at this time, the control unit 101 performs the ejection of the ink from the head 80 at the reference cycle.

(Head maintenance)
The control unit 101 causes the maintenance device 90 to perform a maintenance process. The maintenance processing performed by the maintenance device 90 includes capping processing, flushing processing, and wiping processing. Of the capping process, the flushing process, and the wiping process, all the processes may be performed in one maintenance process, or only one of the processes may be performed in one maintenance process.

  The maintenance processing by the maintenance device 90 may be automatically performed when all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed. Further, when the printing to be performed by the ink discharge device 10 is completed, the maintenance process by the maintenance device 90 may be automatically performed even before all the printing of the cloth 7 for one roll is completed. When the transport device 3 stops transporting the cloth 7 so that the plate device 2 performs printing, the maintenance process by the maintenance device 90 may be automatically performed. When the operation panel 15 receives a maintenance process execution instruction from a user, the maintenance device 90 may perform the maintenance process.

  When causing the maintenance device 90 to perform the maintenance process, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the head 80 above the maintenance position MP (a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction) (in the Z-axis direction). To one side). The state when the head 80 has moved above the maintenance position MP is shown in the upper part of FIG.

  Further, the control unit 101 recognizes a process to be executed this time (hereinafter, referred to as a target process) among the capping process, the flushing process, and the wiping process. Then, the control unit 101 controls the unit moving mechanism of the maintenance device 90, and among the capping unit 910, the flushing unit 920, and the wiping unit 930, a unit corresponding to the target processing (here, referred to as a target unit and denoted by reference numeral 900 Is moved to the maintenance position MP. As an example, it is assumed that the capping unit 910 is the target unit 900. The state when the target unit 900 has moved to the maintenance position MP is shown in the upper part of FIG.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the unit moving mechanism of the maintenance device 90, and holds the target unit 900 in the Z-axis direction at the maintenance position MP while the target unit 900 is below the head 80 (in the Z-axis direction). The target unit 900 is moved in the Y-axis direction until reaching the other side). The state when the target unit 900 has moved below the head 80 is shown in the middle diagram of FIG.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 121 to move the head 80 downward (the other side in the Z-axis direction) until the nozzle surface of the head 80 reaches the maintenance position MP. Thus, when the target unit 900 is the cap unit 910, the nozzle surface of the head 80 is fitted into the cap of the cap unit 910. The state at this time is shown in the lower diagram of FIG.

  When the target unit 900 is the flushing unit 920, a series of processing shown in FIG. 34 is performed so that the nozzle surface of the head 80 and the liquid absorbing member of the flushing unit 920 face each other at a predetermined interval. It will be in the state of having done. Then, in this state, ink is ejected from the head 80. Since the ink discharged from the head 80 is absorbed by the liquid absorbing member, the ink does not scatter.

  When the target unit 900 is the wiping unit 930, a series of processes shown in FIG. 34 is performed, so that the nozzle surface of the head 80 and the cleaning member of the wiping unit 930 come into contact with each other. Then, in this state, the cleaning member moves in the X-axis direction. As a result, dirt attached to the nozzle surface of the head 80 is scraped off by the cleaning member.

  In the configuration of the second embodiment, even when the line head type head 80 is used, a high-density image can be printed on the cloth 7 with high image quality and no color unevenness, similarly to the first embodiment. The effect is obtained.

  Further, even when the line head type head 80 is used, the head 80 can be moved in the Z-axis direction, so that the maintenance of the head 80 can be easily performed.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36. The basic configuration of the modification of the second embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same components and components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same names and the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In the modification of the second embodiment, instead of the moving mechanism 12C that moves the head 80 only in the Z-axis direction, a moving mechanism 12D that moves the head 80 in two axial directions, the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, is used. It is installed in the device 10. The moving mechanism 12D further includes a Y-axis moving mechanism 123 in addition to the Z-axis moving mechanism 121. The configuration of the Y-axis moving mechanism 123 of the moving mechanism 12D is the same as that of the Y-axis moving mechanism 123 of the moving mechanism 12B. The control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 12D to move the head 80 appropriately. The control unit 101 adjusts the position of the head 80 in the Y-axis direction in addition to the position of the head 80 in the Z-axis direction.

  The Z-axis moving body 121d is connected to a part of the Y-axis moving mechanism 123 via the connecting member 220. For example, a Z-axis moving body 121d is connected to the Y-axis arm 123a. Accordingly, the Y-axis arm 123a moves in the Z-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the Z-axis moving body 121d. The control unit 101 changes the position of the Y-axis arm 123a in the Z-axis direction by controlling the Z-axis motor 121b.

  The head 80 is attached to the Y-axis moving body 123d. The control unit 101 controls the Z-axis motor 121b to move the Z-axis moving body 121d in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the head 8 (Y-axis arm 123a) moves in the Z-axis direction together with the Z-axis moving body 121d. Further, the control unit 101 controls the Y-axis motor 123b to move the Y-axis moving body 123d in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the head 80 moves in the Y-axis direction together with the Y-axis moving body 123d.

  In the modification of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the modification of the second embodiment, the head 80 can be moved not only in the Z-axis direction but also in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the transport device 3 has stopped transporting the cloth 7 in order to cause the plate device 2 to perform printing (while the transport operation by the transport device 3 is temporarily stopped), that is, the intermediate transfer body 131 stops rotating. The image to be printed (transferred) on the cloth 7 can be formed on the intermediate transfer body 131.

  When forming an image while the transport operation by the transport device 3 is stopped, the control unit 101 repeats the movement of the head 80 in the Y-axis direction and the stop of the movement. The control unit 101 causes the head 80 to discharge ink every time the movement of the head 80 in the Y-axis direction is stopped.

  The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the above embodiments and modifications, and further includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, an ink ejection apparatus that forms an image in four colors has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an ink ejection apparatus that forms an image in a single color.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink ejection device 2 Plate device 3 Transport device 7 Cloth (recording medium)
8, 80 Head 9, 90 Maintenance device 22 Screen version (version)
31 Conveyor Belt 100 Printing Device 101 Controller 121 Z-Axis Moving Mechanism 122 X-Axis Moving Mechanism 123 Y-Axis Moving Mechanism 131 Intermediate Transfer Body 132 Roller 133 Cleaning Member

Claims (11)

A plate device that performs printing using the plate is installed, and can be added to and removed from a transport line of a recording medium transported by the transport device,
An intermediate transfer member,
A head for ejecting and attaching ink to the intermediate transfer body,
The intermediate transfer member forms a transfer nip between the intermediate transfer member and a transfer belt for transferring the recording medium of the transfer device, and moves an adhesion area of ink ejected from the head to a position where the transfer nip is formed. An ink discharge device that transfers the ink discharged from the head to the recording medium. A plate device that performs printing using the plate is installed, and is fixed with respect to a conveyance line of a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance device,
An intermediate transfer member,
A head for ejecting and attaching ink to the intermediate transfer body,
The intermediate transfer member forms a transfer nip between the intermediate transfer member and a transfer belt for transferring the recording medium of the transfer device, and moves an adhesion area of ink ejected from the head to a position where the transfer nip is formed. An ink discharge device that transfers the ink discharged from the head to the recording medium. The intermediate transfer member is an endless belt,
A roller for rotatably stretching the intermediate transfer body,
The ink ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer body rotates to move the attachment area to a position where the transfer nip is formed. A cleaning member for cleaning the intermediate transfer member,
4. The ink ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is provided at a position downstream of the transfer nip forming position in the transport direction of the recording medium. 5. An X-axis moving mechanism for moving the head in an X-axis direction that is a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the recording medium when the printing surface of the recording medium is facing the front,
The head is a serial head type head, and ejects ink to the intermediate transfer body while moving in the X-axis direction when the transport device is transporting the recording medium. The ink discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An X-axis moving mechanism for moving the head in an X-axis direction that is a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording medium when the printing surface of the recording medium is facing the front,
A Y-axis moving mechanism for moving the head in a Y-axis direction that is a direction parallel to a transport direction of the recording medium when the printing surface of the recording medium is facing the front,
The head is a serial head type head, and moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction when the transport device stops transporting the recording medium in order to cause the plate device to perform printing. The ink ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the ink is ejected onto the intermediate transfer body while the ink is ejected.   5. The head according to claim 1, wherein the head is a line head type head, and ejects ink to the intermediate transfer body when the transport device is transporting the recording medium. 6. 3. The ink ejection device according to claim 1. A Y-axis moving mechanism for moving the head in a Y-axis direction that is a direction parallel to a transport direction of the recording medium when the printing surface of the recording medium is facing the front,
The head is a head of a line head system, and the intermediate transfer member moves in the Y-axis direction when the transport device stops transporting the recording medium in order to cause the plate device to perform printing. The ink discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ink is discharged to the ink jet head.   The Z-axis moving mechanism for moving the head in a Z-axis direction, which is a height direction when a printing surface of the recording medium faces the front, is provided. The ink ejection device according to claim 1. A maintenance device that performs maintenance processing on the head at a maintenance position that is a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction;
10. The ink ejection device according to claim 9, wherein the head moves to the maintenance position when the maintenance process is performed. An ink ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A transport device that transports a recording medium on which printing is performed by the ink ejection device,
A printing apparatus that performs printing using a printing plate on the recording medium.