JP2020111027A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve workability and the like at the time of supplying decorative materials, which are hard for an inkjet head to discharge, to media.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: ink discharging means that can change a positional relation with media relatively and discharges ink toward the media; decorative powder supply means that can change a positional relation with the media relatively and supplies decorative powder toward the media; ink discharging control means that controls the ink discharging means so that the means discharges ink to prescribed positions to be decorated on the media; and decorative powder supplying control means that controls the decorative powder supply means so that the means supplies decorative powder to regions including the prescribed positions on the media, after the ink discharging control means discharges ink onto the media.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method suitable for use when performing decorative printing on a medium (print medium).

In the present specification and claims, the "media" includes not only various recording media such as plain paper but also polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (media). Various media including resin materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), plate materials made of acrylic resin or ABS resin, woven fabrics, cloths, various materials such as aluminum, iron, wood, and the like are included.

2. Description of the Related Art As a printing apparatus, an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink from an ink head (inkjet head) onto a medium by an inkjet method has been known.

In the present specification and claims, the "ink jet method" includes various continuous methods such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, and various on-demand methods such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric element method. It means a printing method using an inkjet technique according to various conventionally known methods.

By the way, in general, even if an inkjet printer is used to perform decorative printing on a medium, the lame material and the light-storing material used for the decoration have a large particle size. There was a problem that it was difficult to eject.

Therefore, for example, various methods have been proposed for performing printing using a decorative material such as a lame material or a luminous material, such as the printing method disclosed in JP-A-2015-51422.

The printing method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-51422 is to perform decorative printing by the following procedure.

That is, first, after applying the phosphorescent paint to the entire area of the print surface of the medium by using a spray or the like, an inkjet printer or the like is applied only on a predetermined position in the entire area of the print surface to which the phosphorescent paint is applied. Use to apply clear ink and cure. Then, the alcohol-based solvent or the like in which the phosphorescent paint dissolves and the clear ink after curing does not dissolve is applied to the medium to wash it away to remove the phosphorescent paint not coated with the clear ink.

According to the printing method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-51422, it is possible to perform decorative printing by selectively forming a portion that emits light with the phosphorescent paint at a desired position on the printing surface of the medium. Like

However, the following problems have been pointed out regarding the conventional printing method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-51422.

Problem 1: When supplying the phosphorescent paint (decorative material) to the media, it is not easy to apply the phosphorescent paint (decorative material) uniformly to the entire area of the print surface depending on the shape of the print surface of the media. Workability is poor.

Problem 2: Since the phosphorescent paint (decorative material) is applied to the entire area of the printing surface of the medium, wasteful consumption of the phosphorescent paint (decorative material) that will be discarded without being used for decoration Increase.

Problem 3: Since the phosphorescent paint is directly applied to the print surface of the medium, the fixability of the phosphorescent paint (decorative material) is poor depending on the state of the print surface.

Problem 4: Since it is necessary to use a spray, an inkjet printer, or the like, and further, it is necessary to perform a washing process with an alcohol solvent, etc., it is difficult to complete the decorated printing process in a single device. It is inferior in workability.

Problem 5: When a decorating material that is repelled by ink and hardly penetrates is used for decorating, it is difficult to reliably fix such decorating material on the medium.

JP, 2005-51422, A

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned various problems of the conventional technique, and an object of the present invention is to perform printing with improved workability in supplying a decorating material to a medium. An apparatus and a printing method are provided.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of suppressing wasteful consumption of the decorative material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of improving the fixing property of a decorative material on a medium.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of completing a decorated printing process in a single apparatus and improving workability. ..

Further, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to reliably fix such a decorating material on a medium even when a decorating material which is repelled by ink and hardly penetrates is used for decorating. The present invention aims to provide a printing device and a printing method.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus and the printing method according to the present invention use a decoration powder which is a powdered decoration material as a decoration material, and after applying ink at a predetermined position on the medium. The decorative powder is supplied onto the medium before the ink is fixed, and then the ink is fixed, and the decorative powder is fixed on the medium together with the ink.

Therefore, according to the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention, the decorative powder is fixed only at the predetermined position on the medium where the ink is applied, so that the decorative powder can be uniformly supplied on the medium. The workability in supplying the decorative material (decorative powder) to the medium is improved without much consideration of the property.

Further, according to the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention, since the decorative powder is fixed only on the predetermined position on the medium where the ink is applied, it is supplied onto the medium and fixed on the medium. Since it is possible to easily collect the undecorated decoration powder and reuse the collected decoration powder, the decoration material (decoration powder) will be discarded without being used for decoration. It is possible to significantly reduce the wasteful consumption of).

Further, according to the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention, since the decoration powder is fixed to the medium together with the ink, the fixing property of the decoration material (decoration powder) on the medium is improved.

Further, according to the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention, it is possible to easily supply the decorative powder onto the medium by natural drop or the like, and therefore, for example, ink supply such as an ink head for supplying ink to the medium. Means and the decoration powder supply means for supplying the decoration powder onto the medium by natural drop or the like can be easily provided in the single device, so that the printing process decorated in the single device is completed. It is possible to improve workability.

That is, the printing apparatus according to the present invention can relatively change the positional relationship with the medium, and can relatively change the positional relationship between the medium and the ink ejecting unit that ejects ink toward the medium. In addition, the decoration powder supply means for supplying the decoration powder toward the medium, and the ink for controlling the ink ejection means to eject the ink at a predetermined position on the medium for decoration. After the ink is ejected onto the medium by the ejection control means and the ink ejection control means, the decoration powder is supplied from the decoration powder supply means to a region including the predetermined position on the medium. The decorative powder supply control means for controlling the ink is attached to the ink ejected to the predetermined position on the medium, and the ink is fixed after the decorative powder is attached to the ink.

Further, the printing apparatus according to the present invention further includes, in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, a collecting unit that collects the decorative powder that has not adhered to the ink ejected at the predetermined position on the medium. I have it.

Further, the printing apparatus according to the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the present invention, further including an ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the ultraviolet rays, wherein the ink is an ultraviolet curable ink and the predetermined amount on the medium. The decoration powder is attached to the ink ejected at the position, and the ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the ultraviolet ray irradiation means to cure the ink.

The printing apparatus according to the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the present invention described above, wherein the ink is a clear ink.

Further, the printing method according to the present invention includes a first step of applying ink to a predetermined position on the medium for decoration, and a second step of supplying the decoration powder to a region including the predetermined position on the medium. And the third step of fixing the ink to which the decorative powder is attached.

In addition, the printing method according to the present invention is the printing method according to the present invention, further including a fourth step of applying the ink onto the ink on which the decorative powder is adhered and fixed. It is the one.

The printing method according to the present invention is the printing method according to the present invention, further including a fifth step of collecting the decorative powder that has not adhered to the ink.

The printing method according to the present invention is the same as the printing method according to the present invention, wherein the ink is an ultraviolet curable ink and is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the ink.

The printing method according to the present invention is the printing method according to the present invention, wherein the ink is a clear ink.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has an excellent effect that workability in supplying a decorating material to a medium can be improved.

Further, the present invention has an excellent effect that wasteful consumption of the decorative material can be suppressed.

Further, the present invention has an excellent effect that the fixing property of the decorative material on the medium can be improved.

Further, the present invention has an excellent effect that it is possible to complete the decorated printing process in a single device and improve workability.

In addition, the present invention has an excellent effect that even when a decorative material that ink is repelled and hardly penetrates is used for decoration, the decorative material can be reliably fixed to the medium. It is a thing.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration perspective explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of an inkjet printer as a printing apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration explanatory view taken in the direction of arrow A, schematically showing the configuration of the inkjet printer shown in FIG. 1 with the front cover member opened. 3 is a schematic configuration perspective explanatory view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the main body of the inkjet printer shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration perspective explanatory diagram schematically and transparently showing the configuration inside the carriage. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the decorating material supply device. FIG. 5A is a perspective explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the decorating material supply device. FIG. 5B is an explanatory view seen from an arrow B showing the configuration and operation of the shutter mechanism in the decoration material supply device. FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram showing the functional configuration of the microcomputer related to the implementation of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing routine of the printing processing executed by the microcomputer in connection with the implementation of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a printing method according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a printing method according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a printing method according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the printing method according to the example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the printing method according to the example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the printing method according to the example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the printing method according to the example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of kinds and particle diameters of decorative powder applicable to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a schematic configuration schematically showing another example of the configuration of the carriage in a transparent and simplified manner.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a printing apparatus and a printing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Here, FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration perspective explanatory view schematically showing a configuration of an inkjet printer as a printing apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

In addition, FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration explanatory view as seen from an arrow A, which schematically shows the configuration of the inkjet printer shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the front cover member is opened.

Further, FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration perspective explanatory view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the main body of the inkjet printer shown in FIG.

An inkjet printer 10 as a printing apparatus according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 uses a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer for a medium 14 placed on a table 12. .) in accordance with a signal of image data output from the normal printing control unit 16b (described later) of the microcomputer 16 (in the present specification and claims, "normal printing" is referred to as "normal printing"). Means a conventionally well-known printing in which decoration is not performed), and the decoration printing control unit 16c (described later) of the microcomputer 16 controls the decoration printing (this specification and the present claims). In the above range, "decorative printing" means printing that is different from normal printing.

Here, the image data used for the decorative printing can also be the image data of the known format used for the conventional known printing, but in the present embodiment, the decoration of the medium 14 is performed. Clear ink (clear ink is a transparent ink. As will be described later, the clear ink functions as an adhesive for fixing the decoration powder on the medium 14) in the area (predetermined position). Is set to.

In such an inkjet printer 10, a main body 22 made of various mechanisms including the above-described table 12 is arranged in a housing 20 having a front cover member 18 that can be opened and closed on the front surface.

An operation panel 24 is provided at one end of the housing 20 of the inkjet printer 10.

The main body 22 has a linear rail 28 that serves as a guide when the carriage 26 is moved in the main scanning direction that is the first direction (the left-right direction that is the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). I have it.

As will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the carriage 26 includes, as color inks, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, white ink, and transparent clear ink (which will be described later) that are ultraviolet curable inks. As described above, the clear ink also functions as an adhesive in the present invention.), and the ultraviolet curing ink ejected from the inkjet head 100 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be cured (fixed). An ultraviolet irradiation device 102 for accelerating the above is installed, and a decoration powder supply device 104 for supplying the decoration powder, which is a powder-shaped decoration material, onto the medium 14.

In the present embodiment, the cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink are collectively referred to as “process color ink” as appropriate.

The carriage 26 is moved along a linear motion rail 28 extending in the main scanning direction by a motor (not shown) via a wire.

Further, in the main body portion 22, a blower 30 having an air discharge port 30 a extending parallel to the linear motion rail 28 is disposed adjacent to a position below the linear motion rail 28.

The table 12 on which the medium 14 is placed is movably arranged in the sub-scanning direction (the front-back direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 1) that is the second direction orthogonal to the main-scanning direction. It is fixed on the upper side, and the leg portion 32 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by driving a motor (not shown).

In the main body portion 22, the carriage 26 moves in the main scanning direction and the table 12 moves in the sub scanning direction, so that the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, the decorative powder supply device 104, and the medium 14 are relatively moved. Position relationship changes.

Further, at the bottom of the main body 22, a collection tank 34 for collecting the decorative powder that has not been used in the decorative printing is arranged. The upper part of the recovery tank 34 is formed as an opening 34a opened to the outside.

Further, an ink cartridge 36 that stores the ultraviolet curable ink to be supplied to the inkjet head 100 is disposed at the lower left portion of the main body portion 22.

The ink cartridge 36 stores a cyan ink cartridge 36a that stores cyan ink, a magenta ink cartridge 36b that stores magenta ink, a yellow ink cartridge 36c that stores yellow ink, a black ink cartridge 36d that stores black ink, and a white ink. It is composed of a white ink cartridge 36e and a clear ink cartridge 36f that stores clear ink.

The operation panel 24 has various operations including an operation mode selection operator 24b for selecting one of the normal print mode and the decorative print mode as an operation mode, in addition to the display section 24a for displaying the operation state. An operator or the like for giving the instruction of is provided.

The inkjet printer 10 is equipped with a microcomputer 16 that controls the overall operation of the inkjet printer 10 in order to perform operations in accordance with instructions from various operators such as the operation mode selection operator 24b.

Here, FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration perspective explanatory view schematically and transparently and diagrammatically showing the internal configuration of the carriage 26.

In addition, FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the decorative material supply device 104. Note that FIG. 5A is a perspective explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the decorative material supply device 104, and FIG. 5B shows the configuration and operation of the shutter mechanism in the decorative material supply device 104. The explanatory view seen from the arrow B is shown.

As described above, the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the decoration powder supply device 104 are mounted in the carriage 26.

The inkjet head 100 includes a cyan inkjet head 100a that ejects cyan ink supplied from a cyan ink cartridge 36a and a magenta inkjet head that ejects magenta ink supplied from a magenta ink cartridge 36b from the left side to the right side. The head 100b, the yellow inkjet head 100c that ejects the yellow ink supplied from the yellow ink cartridge 36c, the black inkjet head 100d that ejects the black ink supplied from the black ink cartridge 36d, and the white ink cartridge 36e. A white inkjet head 100e that ejects white ink and a clear inkjet head 100f that ejects the clear ink supplied from the clear ink cartridge 36f are sequentially arranged.

The ultraviolet irradiation device 102 is arranged on the left end side of the inkjet head 100, that is, adjacent to the cyan inkjet head 100a. By irradiating the ultraviolet curable ink ejected onto the medium 14 with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, curing of the ultraviolet curable ink can be promoted.

The decorative material supply device 104 is arranged adjacent to the left end side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 102. The decorating material supply device 104 is configured to include a main body 104a having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a shutter mechanism 104b arranged at the bottom of the main body 104a.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the shutter mechanism 104b can change the size of the opening 104c located at the bottom of the main body 104a to a preset size. Specifically, the shutter mechanism 104b has a state in which the opening 104c is maximum opened ((i) in FIG. 5B) and an arbitrary size preset from the state in which the opening 104c is maximum opened. During the state transition between the state in which the opening 104c is completely closed ((ii) in FIG. 5(b)) and the state in which the opening 104c is completely closed ((iii) in FIG. 5(b)). The opening of can be changed to any size.

Further, the shutter mechanism 104b is provided with an edge portion 104d at an outer diameter portion in contact with the bottom portion of the main body portion 104a.

In the present embodiment, the decoration powder is stored in the cartridge, and when the decoration powder cartridge 200, which is a cartridge storing the decoration powder, is inserted into the main body portion 104a, the decoration powder cartridge 200 is changed to the edge portion 104d. The decoration material supply device 104 and the decoration powder cartridge 200 are dimensioned so as to come into contact with and be positioned and arranged in the main body 104a.

When the decorative powder cartridge 200 is inserted into the main body portion 104a and the decorative powder cartridge 200 is positioned and arranged in the decorative material supply device 104, the lower end portion of the decorative powder cartridge 200 is opened and the decorative powder cartridge 200 is opened. The decorative powder in the cartridge 200 is configured to be supplied to the shutter mechanism 104b side of the decorative material supply device 104.

Here, FIG. 15 shows a table showing an example of kinds and particle sizes of the decoration powder applicable to the present invention.

In the decorative powder cartridge 200, the decorative powder as shown in FIG. 15 is appropriately selected and stored. Then, in the decoration material supply device 104, the shutter mechanism 104b is operated according to the particle size of the decoration powder stored in the decoration powder cartridge 200 to adjust the size of the opening 104c, and the decoration powder is supplied. The decoration powder stored in the cartridge 200 is set so that it can be naturally dropped from the opening 104c.

Next, FIG. 6 shows a block configuration explanatory view showing a functional configuration of the microcomputer 16 related to the implementation of the present invention.

The microcomputer 16 is configured to have an operation mode determination unit 16a, a normal print control unit 16b, and a decorative print control unit 16c as a functional configuration related to the implementation of the present invention.

The operation mode determination unit 16a determines which of the normal print mode and the decorative print mode is selected as the operation mode by the operation mode selection operator 24b of the operation panel 24.

When the operation mode determination unit 16a determines that the normal print mode is selected, the normal print control unit 16b controls the main body unit 22 to print an image without decoration according to the image data signal. To do.

Regarding the processing itself for printing an image that is not decorated according to the signal of the image data, a conventionally known technique is applied, and the inkjet head 100 is moved in the main scanning direction according to the signal of the image data. In addition, by moving the table 12 in the width scanning direction, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the inkjet head 100 onto the medium 14 while changing the relative positional relationship between the inkjet head 100 and the medium 14. Since the ultraviolet ray irradiating device 102 irradiates the ultraviolet ray curable ink ejected onto the medium 14 with the ultraviolet ray to cure the ultraviolet ray curable ink, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the operation mode determination unit 16a determines that the decorative print mode is selected, the decorative print control unit 16c controls the main body unit 22 to perform the decorative print according to the signal of the image data.

That is, the decorative printing control unit 16c controls the main body unit 22 to perform printing for decorating an image printed by the normal printing, in addition to the above-described normal printing, as described later.

With the above configuration, the operation of the inkjet printer 10 relating to the implementation of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

Here, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing a processing routine of a printing process executed by the microcomputer in connection with the implementation of the present invention.

When the inkjet printer 10 is powered on, the processing routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is started, and in the processing of step S702, the operation mode determination unit 16a monitors the operation state of the operation mode selection operator 24b, and the operation mode It is determined which of the normal print mode and the decorative print mode has been selected.

When it is determined in the determination process of step S702 that the normal print mode has been selected as the operation mode, the process proceeds to step S704, and the normal print control unit 16b controls the main body unit 22 to generate an image data signal. Accordingly, normal printing, which is printing of an image without decoration, is performed, and when the printing is completed, the process returns to step S702.

More specifically, in the normal printing process in step S704, the inkjet head 100 is moved in the main scanning direction and the table 12 is moved in the width scanning direction in accordance with the signal of the image data. While changing the relative positional relationship between the head 100 and the medium 14, the inkjet heads of the respective colors forming the inkjet head 100, that is, the cyan inkjet head 100a, the magenta inkjet head 100b, the yellow inkjet head 100c, the black inkjet head 100d, The white ink jet head 100e and the clear ink jet head 100f eject the process color ink, the white ink or the ultraviolet curable ink of the clear ink onto the medium 14 according to the signal of the image data, and the process color ink ejected onto the medium 14. UV light is irradiated onto the UV curable ink of white ink or clear ink by the UV irradiation device 102, thereby curing the process color ink, white ink or UV curable ink of clear ink to form a coating film. By repeating the operation, the coating film of the image corresponding to the signal of the image data is formed.

In addition, in the above-described normal printing process, the opening 104c of the decoration material supply device 104 is completely closed by the shutter mechanism 104b (see (iii) in FIG. 5B). ).

On the other hand, in the determination process of step S702, when it is determined that the decorative print mode is selected as the operation mode, the process proceeds to step S706, and the decorative print control unit 16c controls the main body unit 22 to perform normal operation. After printing, printing for decorating the image printed by the normal printing is performed, and when the printing is completed, the process returns to step S702.

Here, FIGS. 8 to 14 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the printing method executed in the decorative printing process in step S706. The printing method of the decorative printing process in step S702 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14.

In the decorative printing process in step S702, first, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the same process as the normal printing process is performed on the medium 14.

That is, the relative positional relationship between the inkjet head 100 and the medium 14 is changed by moving the inkjet head 100 in the main scanning direction and moving the table 12 in the width scanning direction according to the signal of the image data. While, the image data of the respective color ink jet heads constituting the ink jet head 100, that is, the cyan ink jet head 100a, the magenta ink jet head 100b, the yellow ink jet head 100c, the black ink jet head 100d, the white ink jet head 100e, and the clear ink jet head 100f, In accordance with the signal, the process color ink, the white ink, or the clear ink, which is the ultraviolet curing ink P, is ejected onto the medium 14 (see FIG. 8), and the process color ink, the white ink, or the clear ink ejected onto the medium 14 is ejected. The UV curable ink P of the ink is irradiated with UV UV by the UV irradiation device 102 (see FIG. 9) to cure the UV curable ink P of the process color ink, the white ink or the clear ink. The operation of forming a coating film is repeated to form a coating film 300 of an image according to the signal of the image data.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the inkjet head 100 is moved in the main scanning direction and the table 12 is moved in the width scanning direction in accordance with a signal of image data, so that the inkjet head 100 and the medium 14 are separated from each other. The clear ink CL is ejected from the clear inkjet head 100f to the area (predetermined position) to be decorated on the medium 14 (coating 300) according to the signal of the image data while changing the relative positional relationship of the clear ink CL. To control.

In the process described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the opening 104c of the decorating material supply device 104 is completely closed by the shutter mechanism 104b (FIG. 5). See (iii) in (b).

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the shutter mechanism 104 b is operated according to the particle size of the decorative powder stored in the decorative powder cartridge 200, and the size of the opening 104 c of the decorative material supply device 104 is increased. To a preset size (see (i) and (ii) in FIG. 5B), the inkjet head 100 is moved in the main scanning direction, and the table 12 is moved in the width scanning direction. Accordingly, by changing the relative positional relationship between the inkjet head 100 and the medium 14, the decoration on the medium 14 (coating film 300) from which the opening 104c of the decorative material supply device 104 ejects the clear ink CL. It is controlled to pass over the area including the area (predetermined position) where

As a result, from the opening 104c of the decorating material supply device 104, the decorating powder cartridge 200 is provided in a region including a region (predetermined position) for decorating on the medium 14 (coating film 300) on which the clear ink CL is ejected. The decorative powder D stored in is naturally dropped and supplied, and the decorative powder D adheres onto the uncured clear ink CL.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the shutter mechanism 104b completely closes the opening 104c of the decorative material supply device 104 (see (iii) in FIG. 5B), and the inkjet head. 100 is moved in the main scanning direction, and the table 12 is moved in the width scanning direction to change the relative positional relationship between the inkjet head 100 and the medium 14, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 102 irradiates ultraviolet UV. Then, the clear ink CL is cured thereby, and the decoration powder D is fixed to the clear ink CL.

That is, when the clear ink CL is cured by ultraviolet UV after the decorative powder D is naturally dropped on the clear ink CL, the decorative powder D is fixed on the coating film 300 together with the clear ink CL. Therefore, the clear ink CL functions as an adhesive for fixing the decorative powder D on the coating film 300.

After that, as shown in FIG. 13, the blower 30 is operated to blow air from the air outlet 30a, and the decorative powder D not adhering to the clear ink CL is accommodated in the recovery tank 34 through the opening 34a. to recover. The decorative powder collected in the collection tank 34 can be reused for the decorative printing process.

By the above decorative printing process, the decorative printing process can be completed using only the inkjet printer 10 which is a single device, and the result as a result of performing the decorative printing on the medium 14 is can get.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, in order to protect the decorative powder D fixed on the coating film 300 by the clear ink CL, the clear ink CL is further fixed on the clear ink CL on which the decorative powder D is fixed. It may be applied. This makes it possible to prevent the decorative powder D from peeling off even if the operator accidentally rubs the clear ink CL to which the decorative powder D has been fixed.

The clear ink CL for protecting the decorative powder D may be applied to all areas of the clear ink CL to which the decorative powder D is fixed, or may be applied only to a part thereof. Good. Further, it goes without saying that the coating film 300 may be protected by applying it to a region other than the clear ink CL on which the decorative powder D is fixed, that is, a region where the coating film 300 is exposed.

As described above, according to the inkjet printer 10 as the printing device according to the example of the embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to supply the decoration powder only to the position to be decorated, and the entire printing surface is provided. Since it is not necessary to uniformly supply the decoration powder, workability in supplying the decoration powder can be improved.

Further, according to the inkjet printer 10, the decorative powder that has not been used for the decorative printing can be collected and reused, and wasteful consumption of the decorative powder can be suppressed.

Further, according to the inkjet printer 10, since the decorative powder is fixed by the clear ink, the fixing property of the decorative powder can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the ink jet printer 10, the decorative printing process can be completed in a single device, so that the workability of the decorative printing process can be significantly improved.

Here, in the inkjet printer 10, the shutter mechanism 104b appropriately sets the size of the opening 104c of the decorating material supply device 104 to, for example, 30 μm or more, so that the inkjet head cannot handle it. It is possible to perform decoration printing using a decoration powder (see FIG. 15) having a large particle size such as a particle size exceeding 30 μm.

Further, if the opening diameter of the opening 104c of the decorating material supply device 104 is set to a large diameter of, for example, about 5 mm, as shown in the chart of FIG. You can print with decoration.

On the other hand, if the opening 104c of the decoration material supply device 104 has an opening diameter of, for example, about 1 mm, as shown in the chart of FIG. 15, decoration is performed using decoration powder such as lame or hologram. Printing can be performed.

For this reason, it is convenient for use that the diameter of the opening 104c can be varied within the range of preferably 3 μm to 15 mm, more preferably 10 μm to 5 mm, and further preferably 10 μm to 3 mm.

Further, according to the inkjet printer 10, since the decoration powder is used as it is as the decoration material, it is not necessary to mix the solvent and the decoration material (decoration powder) like ink or paint, and therefore, in the solvent. It is not necessary to confirm whether or not the decoration material (decoration powder) is uniformly dispersed.

Further, according to the inkjet printer 10, the clear ink used in the conventionally known normal printing can be used as the adhesive used for fixing the decoration powder, so that the workability is good.

In addition, according to the inkjet printer 10, even when the decoration powder D is used as a decoration material and is hard to penetrate due to the ink being repelled, the clear ink CL is applied from above the decoration powder D. Then, since the decoration powder D is fixed to the medium 14, it is possible to reliably fix the decoration powder D to the medium 14 where the ink is repelled and hardly penetrates.

The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented in various other modes. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (16).

(1) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a case where the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the decorative powder supply device 104 are sequentially mounted from right to left in the carriage 26 will be described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the ultraviolet irradiation devices 102 may be arranged on both the left and right sides of the inkjet head 100, and the ultraviolet irradiation devices 102 may be arranged in any desired number. Further, the order of arranging the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the decorative powder supply device 104 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and for example, as shown in FIG. You may make it arrange|position the decoration powder supply apparatus 104 between the ultraviolet irradiation device 102. Further, the shape of the decorative powder supply device 104 is not limited to the substantially cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 5, and for example, as shown in FIG. 16, it has a box shape (hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape). The decorative powder supplying device 104 may have any shape.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the case where one decorative powder supply device 104 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the decorative powder supply device 104 is optional. May be provided. When a plurality of decoration powder supply devices 104 are arranged, if different kinds of decoration powders are supplied to the respective decoration powder supply devices 104, the decoration powders supplied to the decoration powder supply device 104. It is possible to perform decorative printing with a plurality of types of decorative powders without changing the type.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, white ink, and clear ink are ejected from the inkjet head 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. Is. The color of the ink ejected from the inkjet head 100 may be appropriately selected, and monochromatic printing may be performed instead of color printing.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the decorative powder supply device 104 are arranged on the carriage 26, and the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the irradiation device 102 are added as the carriage 26 moves. Although the decoration powder supply device 104 is configured to move integrally, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any one or all of the inkjet head 100, the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and the decorative powder supply device 104 are separately arranged, and the separately arranged parts can be individually moved. You may

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the case of adopting the cartridge system of the decorated powder cartridge 200 when supplying the decorated powder to the decorated powder supply device 104 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course. For example, the decoration powder may be supplied to the decoration powder supply device 104 by directly filling the decoration powder supply device 104 with the decoration powder.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the detailed description of the configuration of the shutter mechanism 104b of the decorated powder supply device 104 is omitted, but the shutter mechanism 104b has been publicly known since the opening diameter can be changed. Various shutter mechanism configurations can be used.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, decoration is performed during the supply of the decoration powder from the decoration powder supply device 104 to the medium 14 side and during the curing of the clear ink to which the supplied decoration powder adheres with ultraviolet rays. The distance (height direction distance) in the Z-axis direction between the powder supply device 104 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 102 and the table 12 is set to be wider than the distance in the Z-axis direction when the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the inkjet head 100. Good. For example, by lowering the height of the table 12 from the height of the table 12 when ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink from the inkjet head 100, the decoration powder supply device 104 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 102 and the table 12 in the Z-axis direction. The interval (distance in the height direction) can be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the decorative powder having a large particle diameter from rubbing the inkjet nozzle located on the lower surface of the inkjet head 100. For example, in the case of using a decoration powder having a particle diameter of 1 mm, the table 12 is lowered by about 1 mm after the clear ink that functions as an adhesive is ejected, and then the decoration powder is supplied and further irradiated with ultraviolet rays to serve as an adhesive. Harden the functioning clear ink. Here, in the ink jet printer 10, when the particle size of the decorative powder supplied to the decorative powder supply device 104 is set first, the shutter mechanism 104b causes the opening portion 104c to move according to the set particle size. The size may be automatically set, and the table 12 may be automatically moved downward during the supply of the decoration powder and the curing of the clear ink that functions as an adhesive by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. Note that the table 12 is moved downward also when the clear ink is applied to protect the decorative powder (see FIG. 14).

(8) In the above-described embodiment, as the decorative printing process, the same printing as the normal printing (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is performed, and then the printing for decoration (FIGS. 10 to 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only printing for decoration (see FIG. 10 to FIG. 12) may be performed on a medium printed by a printing device different from the inkjet printer 10, or, Alternatively, only the printing for decoration (see FIGS. 10 to 12) may be performed on the unprinted medium.

(9) In the above embodiment, clear ink was used as the ink that functions as an adhesive, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this. The ink that functions as an adhesive may be, for example, a process color ink or a white ink, and any color ink may be used. In addition, when decorating a medium on which an image or the like is printed, it is preferable to use clear ink so as not to affect the color of the image or the like printed on the medium.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the ultraviolet curable ink is used as the ink ejected from the inkjet head 100, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this. As the ink ejected from the inkjet head 100, for example, solvent ink or water-based ink may be used. When a solvent ink or a water-based ink is used as the ink ejected from the inkjet head 100 without using the ultraviolet curable ink, it is not necessary to provide the inkjet head 100 with the ultraviolet irradiation device 102, and it is possible to dry naturally or heat. The solvent ink, water-based ink, or the like may be fixed by.

(11) In the above-described embodiment, a so-called flatbed type inkjet printer that performs printing without moving the medium on the table has been described as the printing apparatus according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course not. The printing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as a so-called paper move type inkjet printer that performs printing while moving a medium.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, the decorative powder supply device 104 includes the shutter mechanism 104b, and the decorative powder is naturally dropped by the opening/closing operation of the shutter mechanism 104b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course not. For example, the decoration powder supply device may be configured as a sprayer equipped with a spray nozzle, and the decoration powder may be sprayed with the air flow by the spray nozzle. The opening diameter of the spray nozzle is preferably larger than 30 μm, for example.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, the shutter mechanism 104b of the decorative powder supply device 104 is configured to close to the inner diameter side, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shutter mechanism may be configured to open from the outer diameter side, or a slide member capable of blocking the opening may be provided and the size of the opening may be changed depending on the position of the slide member. Good.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the unnecessary decoration powder is stored in the recovery tank 34 by the air flow from the blower 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a suction device may be provided instead of the blower 30, and unnecessary decorative powder may be collected in the collection tank by the suction force of the suction device. Alternatively, when the table 12 is tilted, unnecessary decoration powder may be naturally dropped into the collection tank, or a brush device that is movable on the table may be provided to eliminate unnecessary decoration powder. The decorative powder may be swept into the collection tank.

(15) In the above-described embodiment, the decorative powder is supplied after the clear ink that functions as an adhesive is applied to cure the clear ink that functions as an adhesive, and then the decorative powder is protected. Although the clear ink is applied and cured, the invention is not limited to this. For example, after applying the clear ink that functions as an adhesive, supply the decorating powder, then apply the clear ink that protects the decorating powder, and then protect the clear ink and the decorating powder that function as the adhesive. The clear ink for doing so may be cured at once.

(16) It goes without saying that the above-described embodiment and the various modifications described in (1) to (15) may be appropriately combined.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized when decorating a medium by printing using various decorating materials.

10 inkjet printer 12 table 14 media 16 microcomputer (ink ejection control means, decoration powder supply control means)
16a Operation mode determination unit 16b Normal printing control unit 16c Decorative printing control unit (ink ejection control unit, decoration powder supply control unit)
18 Front Cover Member 20 Housing 22 Main Body 24 Operation Panel 24a Display 24b Operation Mode Selection Operator 26 Carriage 28 Direct Rail 30 Blower (Recovery Means)
30a Air outlet (collection means)
32 legs 34 collection tank (collection means)
34a Opening (collection means)
36 ink cartridge 36a cyan ink cartridge 36b magenta ink cartridge 36c yellow ink cartridge 36d black ink cartridge 36e white ink cartridge 36f clear ink cartridge 100 inkjet head (ink ejection means)
100a Cyan inkjet head 100b Magenta inkjet head 100c Yellow inkjet head 100d Black inkjet head 100e White inkjet head 100f Clear inkjet head (ink ejection means)
102 UV irradiation device (UV irradiation means)
104 Decorative powder supply device (decorative powder supply means)
104a Main body (decorative powder supply means)
104b Shutter mechanism (decorative powder supply means)
104c Opening (decorative powder supply means)
104d edge (decorative powder supply means)
200 Decorative powder cartridge (decorative powder supply means)
Coating of 300 images UV UV CL Clear ink D Decorative powder

Claims (9)

An ink ejecting unit capable of relatively changing the positional relationship with the medium and ejecting ink toward the medium;
Decorative powder supply means capable of relatively changing the positional relationship with the medium, and supplying decorative powder toward the medium,
Ink discharge control means for controlling the ink discharge means to discharge the ink to a predetermined position on the medium for decoration,
After the ink is ejected onto the medium by the ink ejection control means, the decoration is controlled so as to supply the decoration powder from the decoration powder supply means to a region including the predetermined position on the medium. And powder supply control means,
A printing apparatus, wherein the decoration powder is attached to the ink ejected at the predetermined position on the medium, and then the ink is fixed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A collecting unit that collects the decorative powder that has not adhered to the ink ejected at the predetermined position on the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the ultraviolet light,
The ink is an ultraviolet curable ink,
A printing apparatus, wherein the decoration powder is adhered to the ink ejected at the predetermined position on the medium, and the ultraviolet ray is irradiated by the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit to cure the ink. The printing device according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
A printing apparatus, wherein the ink is clear ink. A first step of applying ink to a predetermined position on the medium for decoration,
A second step of supplying decorative powder to a region including the predetermined position on the medium;
A third step of fixing the ink to which the decoration powder is attached, the printing method comprising: The printing method according to claim 5, further comprising:
A fourth step of applying the ink onto the ink on which the decoration powder is adhered and fixed, and a fourth step. The printing method according to claim 5, further comprising:
A fifth step of collecting the decorative powder that has not adhered to the ink. The printing method according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 7,
The printing method is characterized in that the ink is an ultraviolet curable ink, and the ink is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The printing method according to any one of claims 5, 6, 7 and 8,
The printing method, wherein the ink is a clear ink.